bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
More than mothers: changing intimacies and relationships among low-income women in Chile
Authors: Murray Marjorie , Tizzoni Constanza , Herraz Pablo , Tapia Daniela , Valdivieso Sofía
Published: April 2023

In Chile, low-income women who are mothers are confronted daily with a normative ideal that exacerbates them as caregivers, together with public demands and social policies that value their hyper-rationality and hyper-austerity in the management of their families. This emphasis on their reproductive roles obliterates their emerging sense of intimacy and significant relations. Based on three case studies, in this article, we reflect on urban low-income women’s sense of and desire for intimacy that exceeds but does not exclude their maternal self. We present our findings based on three heuristic aspects of intimacy: rooted strategies for a renovated desire for intimacy; the desire to enjoy; and life outside the house and the desire for meaningful relations. We observe that these women’s efforts in their search for intimacy require them to orchestrate various strategies involving time and space management, money and relationships while resisting the normative pressures that place them mainly as caregivers.
Label-free and dynamic monitoring of cell evolutions using wavelength-multiplexing surface plasmon resonance holographic microscopy
Authors: Dai Siqing , Mi Jingyu , Dou Jiazhen , Shi Wenpu , Zhang Jiwei , Zhao Jianlin
Published: April 2023

Dynamic characterizations of intracellular variations and cell-substrate interactions under different external environments are critical to study cell behaviors and exploring biological applications. However, techniques that are capable of dynamically and simultaneously measuring multiple parameters of living cells in a wide-field manner have rarely been reported. Here, we present a wavelength-multiplexing surface plasmon resonance holographic microscopy which allows wide-field, simultaneous, and dynamic measurements of cell parameters, including cell-substrate distance and cytoplasm refractive index (RI). We use two lasers of 632.8 nm and 690 nm as light sources. Two beam splitters are employed in the optical setup to separately adjust the incident angle of two light beams. Then, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) can be excited for each wavelength under SPR angles. We demonstrate the advances of the proposed apparatus by systematically studying the cell responses to osmotic pressure stimuli from the environmental medium at the cell-substrate interface. The SPR phase distributions of the cell are firstly mapped at two wavelengths, then the cell-substrate distance and cytoplasm RI are retrieved using a demodulation method. Based on phase response differences between two wavelengths and monotonic changes of SPR phase with cell parameters, cell-substrate distance, and cytoplasm RI can be determined simultaneously using an inverse algorithm. This work affords a new optical measurement technique to dynamically characterize cell evolutions and investigate cell properties in various cellular activities. It may become a useful tool in the bio-medical and bio-monitoring areas.
Wideband reflective half- and quarter-wave plate metasurface based on multi-plasmon resonances
Authors: Ahmad Munzza , Liu Juan , Rahman Qureshi Ubaid Ur
Published: April 2023

In this article, a single-layer reflective anisotropic metasurface (MS) is proposed, which presents both half- and quarter-wave plate operation in different microwave frequency regimes. The unit cell of the proposed metasurface consists of a tilted rectangular plane with triangular ends accompanied by an equidistant-filled triangle on both sides. The unit cell is printed on a dielectric substrate backed by a metallic plane. The proposed meta-plate transforms horizontal polarization into vertical and vice versa in two wide frequency bands, 7.1-15.3 GHz and 19.8-21.7 GHz. Similarly, a linearly polarized (LP) wave is transformed into a circularly polarized (CP) wave and vice versa at 7.9 GHz and 21.8 GHz. The wide bandwidth is acquired through three plasmonic resonances occurring at 8.2 GHz, 12.7 GHz and 20.8 GHz, where the cross-polarization conversion ratio reaches almost 100%. Moreover, quarter and half-wave plate operations occurring at 7.9 GHz and 7.1-15.3 GHz, respectively, are robust to changes in oblique incidence angle (up to 45°) both for transverse-electric (TE) and transverse-magnetic (TM) polarizations. The physical mechanism behind polarization conversion is also explained through surface current distribution. The proposed meta-plate structure is fabricated and validated through experimental measurements. The wide bandwidth, high efficiency, angular stability, and simple structure make the proposed metastructure incredible for numerous microwave applications such as antennas, radars, and satellite communication.
Sex specific differences in HIV status disclosure and care engagement among people living with HIV in rural communities in Kenya and Uganda
Authors: Okorie Chinomnso N. , Gutin Sarah A. , Getahun Monica , Lebu Sarah A. , Okiring Jaffer , Neilands Torsten B. , Ssali Sarah , Cohen Craig R. , Maeri Irene , Eyul Patrick , Bukusi Elizabeth A. , Charlebois Edwin D. , Camlin Carol S.
Published: April 2023

Non-disclosure of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status can hinder optimal health outcomes for people living with HIV (PLHIV). We sought to explore experiences with and correlates of disclosure among PLHIV participating in a study of population mobility. Survey data were collected from 1081 PLHIV from 2015–16 in 12 communities in Kenya and Uganda participating in a test-and-treat trial (SEARCH, NCT#01864603). Pooled and sex-stratified multiple logistic regression models examined associations of disclosure with risk behaviors controlling for covariates and community clustering. At baseline, 91.0% (n = 984) of PLHIV had disclosed their serostatus. Amongst those who had never disclosed, 31% feared abandonment (47.4% men vs. 15.0% women; p = 0.005). Non-disclosure was associated with no condom use in the past 6 months (aOR = 2.44; 95%CI, 1.40–4.25) and with lower odds of receiving care (aOR = 0.8; 95%CI, 0.04–0.17). Unmarried versus married men had higher odds of non- disclosure (aOR = 4.65, 95%CI, 1.32–16.35) and no condom use in the past 6 months (aOR = 4.80, 95%CI, 1.74–13.20), as well as lower odds of receiving HIV care (aOR = 0.15; 95%CI, 0.04–50 0.49). Unmarried versus married women had higher odds of non-disclosure (aOR = 3.14, 95%CI, 1.47–6.73) and lower odds of receiving HIV care if they had never disclosed (aOR = 0.05, 95%CI, 0.02–0.14). Findings highlight gender differences in barriers to HIV disclosure, use of condoms, and engagement in HIV care. Interventions focused on differing disclosure support needs for women and men are needed and may help facilitate better care engagement for men and women and improve condom use in men.
The roles and experiences of informal carers providing care to people with advanced cancer in Africa—A systematic review and critical interpretive analysis
Authors: Gambe Rutendo G. , Clark Joseph , Meddick-Dyson Stephanie A. , Ukoha-Kalu Blessing O. , Nyaaba Gertrude N. , Murtagh Fliss E. M.
Published: April 2023

There is an increasing prevalence of cancer in Africa with approximately 80% of cancers diagnosed at an advanced stage. High out-of-pocket healthcare costs and overstretched health systems lead to heavy reliance on informal carers for cancer care. This study aims to explore the roles and experiences of informal carers including the impact of cancer care on individuals and communities and support available for carers. We carried out a systematic review following PRISMA reporting guidelines and used critical interpretative synthesis to identify themes and develop an informal carers’ experience framework. We searched nine databases and screened 8,123 articles from which 31 studies were included in the review. Most studies were from Sub-Saharan Africa (29/31, 94%), particularly Uganda (9, 29%). Carers were mostly women, aged 30–40 years, and siblings, spouses, or children. Caring roles included care coordination, fundraising, and emotional support. Caring was time-consuming with some carers reporting 121 hours/week of caring, associated with the inability to pursue paid work and depression. Four themes demonstrated carers’ experiences: 1) intrapersonal factors: strong sense of familial obligation, and grappling with gender roles, 2) interpersonal factors: impact of a cancer diagnosis on households, changing social and sexual relationships, 3) community factors: navigating cultural norms on nature and location of care, and 4) health system influences: barriers to accessing healthcare services, and tensions between traditional and biomedical medicine. These themes aligned with Bronfenbrenner’s social ecological model which aided our development of a framework for understanding informal carers’ experiences’. Our review highlights multifaceted roles and experiences of informal carers in Africa, amidst cultural and community impacts. Carers experience a strong obligation and willingly undertake the role of carer, but at the expense of their social, economic, and psychological wellbeing. Support for carers, including flexible working hours/ carers’ allowance, should be incorporated as part of universal health coverage.
Lockdown and psychological stress in Wuhan, China
Authors: Li Mengying , Wang Wenjing , Zhu Boya , Chen Qi , Zhang Yubin , Peng Shuzhen , Zhang Ling , Tan Xiaodong
Published: April 2023

Background

Wuhan was the epicenter of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), outbreak in China. We aimed at surveying the general public in China to better understand their levels of psychological state and its influencing factors after the Wuhan shutdown on January 23.

Methods

The cross-sectional survey was conducted online and 4,701 respondents participated in this survey. Of them, 3,803 respondents were considered for final analysis. Data on subjective indicators of daily life changes were collected, and individual scores on changes in anxiety, depression, and stress were tested by 8-item, 11-item, and 6-item questionnaires, respectively.

Results

Multivariable regression analyses showed that living in the rural areas, living in the other regions except Hubei, and higher education were independent correlates of less negative emotions. Besides, the level of attention, self-assessed infection risk, impact on the daily life and mental health help-seeking tended to be positively associated with the scores of anxiety, depression, and stress.

Conclusions

City of residence, education, marital status, monthly income, level of attention, self-assessed infection risk, impact on daily life and mental health help-seeking were important correlates of anxiety, depression, and stress scores.
Acetylcholinesterase, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and association of ACHE SNP rs 17228602 with male infertility
Authors: Sadia Khulah , Leonel Javeres Mbah Ntepe , Tahir Faheem , Shah Syed Tahir Abbas , Habib Rabia , Muneer Zahid , Hussain Sabir , Nurulain Syed Muhammad
Published: April 2023

Male infertility is a complex and polygenic reproductive disease. 10–15% of the males are affected by idiopathic infertility conditions. Acetylcholine (ACh), a major neurotransmitter has been reported to play a non-neuronal role as well. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is the primary ACh hydrolyzing enzyme whose over or lower expression influence the availability of ACh for physiological roles. The purpose of the study was to find the possible impact and association of acetylcholinesterase,ACHEgene variant rs 17228602, and pro-inflammatory cytokines in clinically diagnosed infertile males. The study includes clinically diagnosed fifty non-infertile (control) and forty-five infertile males. Whole blood AChE enzymatic activity was measured. Genotyping of rs17228602 was carried out from peripheral blood by standard molecular methods. Pro-inflammatory cytokines were determined by the ELISA method. AChE enzyme was found to be significantly elevated in infertile than non-infertile males.ACHESNP rs17228602 had shown significant association in dominant model (odd ratio = 0.378, 95% CI = 0.157–0.911, p-value 0.046). Pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β was notably increased with statistical significance (p ≤0.05) in male infertile patients. The study concludes and speculates that AChE plays role in the pathogenesis of male infertility through the modulation of inflammatory pathways. Further studies in this direction may resolve the idiopathic cases of male infertility. Other variants ofACHEand the association of miRNA for the regulation of AChE in male infertility are suggested for further insight.
Factors associated with low childhood immunization coverage among Rohingya refugee parents in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh
Authors: Ahmed Nawshin , Ishtiak A. S. M. , Rozars Md. Faisal Kabir , Bonna Atia Sharmin , Alam K. M. Pritam , Hossan Md. Elias , Das Rajib , Khan Joyeeta , Mishu Tahmina Zerin , Afrin Sadia , Sultana Naima , Rubel Md. Reza Al Mamun , Khan Md. Abdullah Saeed , Kakoly Nadira Sultana
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Immunization campaigns and Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) were launched by Government of Bangladesh (GoB) in collaboration with WHO and other Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) to tackle the increased risk of vaccine preventable disease outbreak in the Rohingya refugee camps. Immunization coverage was found to be lower than expected. However, a few studies explored the factors behind low vaccine uptake among Refugee children. Therefore, this study was aimed.

Methods

A cross sectional study was carried out among Rohingya parents living in registered camps and makeshift settlements located in Teknaf and Ukhiya upazilla of Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. A total of 224 Rohingya parents were conveniently selected (122 parents from each type of camps). Data was collected using a pretested interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire with the help of bilingual volunteers who understand Rohingya dialect. All statistical analyses were carried out in IBM SPSS Version 26 (New York, USA).

Results

Total 63.1% of Rohingya parents had good practice regarding childhood immunization (completed EPI vaccination) as per schedule. Of all, 74.6% had good knowledge and 94.7% had positive attitude towards EPI vaccination. Good practice regarding vaccination was significantly more common among parents living in registered camps (77%) than those living in makeshift settlements (49.2%, p<0.001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that living in registered camps (Adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR]: 2.99; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.41–6.32) and good knowledge level (aOR: 2.88; 95%CI: 1.32–15.82) were independent determinants of good practice. A separate analysis in both type of camps revealed that in registered camps, good knowledge level (aOR: 3.62; 95%CI: 1.45–9.04) and having >2 children (aOR: 3.71; 95%CI: 1.34–10.27), and in makeshift settlements, father’s employment (aOR: 2.33; 95%CI: 1.34–6.72), father’s education (aOR: 3.00; 95%CI: 1.34–6.72) and presence of any electronic device (e.g., radio, television, mobile phone) (aOR: 4.01; 95%CI: 0.96–16.84) were significant determinants of good childhood immunization practice.

Conclusion

Health education and promotion strategies should be implemented to increase knowledge and awareness about EPI immunization benefits among Rohingya parents to ensure greater coverage.
Salivary aquaporin-3 as a screening biomarker for xerostomia in patients with periodontal disease and the effects of xerostomia on oral health-related quality of life
Authors: Atif Saira , Abdul Wahab Norsila , Ghafoor Sarah , Azlina Ahmad , Tauseef Ambreen , Rana Sadia , Saeed Muhammad Qasim
Published: April 2023

Xerostomia is a subjective condition of dryness of the oral cavity that may lead to several oral problems deteriorating oral health-related quality of life. This study aimed to (1) determine the prevalence of xerostomia, (2) compare the general health status, unstimulated salivary flow rate, and oral health-related quality of life in xerostomics and non-xerostomics, and (3) investigate the potential of salivary aquaporin-3 (AQP-3) as a screening biomarker for xerostomia in patients with periodontal disease. Demographics and systemic health data were collected from 109 healthy participants, 20 to 55 years old, with Community Periodontal Index (CPI) score ≥ 3. For subjective assessment of xerostomia, Shortened Xerostomia Inventory (SXI) was used. For objective assessment of xerostomia, unstimulated salivary flow rate was measured. Shortened Oral Health Impact Profile (S-OHIP) was utilized for oral health-related quality of life assessment. The collected saliva samples were processed and stored at −80°C. Quantification of salivary AQP-3 protein was done with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Xerostomia was reported in 78% of the subjects based on SXI score. Median concentration of AQP-3 was significantly higher in xerostomics compared to non-xerostomics, p = 0.001. Moreover, oral health-related quality of life was significantly poor in xerostomics compared to non-xerostomics, p = 0.002. Furthermore, there were significant correlations between AQP-3 and SXI (r = 0.21, p = 0.025), AQP-3 and S-OHIP (r = 0.2, p = 0.042), S-OHIP and SXI (r = 0.37, p < 0.001), unstimulated salivary flow rate and random blood glucose level (r = 0.32, p = 0.001), and body mass index and mean arterial pressure (r = 0.44, p < 0.001). Regression analysis showed that body mass index, CPI score 3, and salivary AQP-3 were suitable predictors for presence of xerostomia. AQP-3 could be a potential screening biomarker for xerostomia in patients with periodontal disease for its early identification may help improve oral health-related quality of life of the individuals.
Differences in arousal and valence on the Korean phoneme of artificial voice between Korean and Chinese women
Authors: Lee Kwang Jin , Lee Gi-Eun , Lee San Ho , Lee Jang-Han
Published: April 2023

Background

Although active research is in progress in the fields of psychology and linguistics on the emotional characteristics of the symbol and meaning of sound itself, since the systematic emotional model is not applied, each researcher uses a subjective concept and acts as an obstacle to the expansion of research. There is a limitation in that it cannot be confirmed whether the sound symbol has universality regardless of cultural differences between different languages.

Methods

In this study, the difference between the arousal and valence of emotions felt toward Hangul phonemes was explored according to consonant and vowel through comparison between Korean and Chinese women. 38 Korean women and 32 Chinese women were recruited, and an online experiment was conducted in which arousal and valence were reported for 42 Hangeul phoneme sound stimuli.

Results

As a result of comparing the arousal and valence of each group, Koreans showed significantly higher arousal scores than Chinese, and these results showed different differences according to consonant and vowel. In valence, there was a difference between nationalities only according to consonant indicating that Koreans showed lower positivity toward aspirated sounds than Chinese. Through these results, it was confirmed that the emotional meaning of the sound symbol between different languages is different, which can be affected by consonant and vowels.

Conclusion

This study identified differences in emotional perception between cultures by using two dimensions of emotions, arousal, and valence, which are systematized for sound symbols, and suggests implications for the relationship between sound symbol and emotions and cultural differences in the future.
Drug-related problems in hypertension and gestational diabetes mellitus: A hospital cohort
Authors: Vale Bezerra Priscilla Karilline , Chaves Cavalcanti Jéssica Escorel , Carlete Filho Solimar Ribeiro , Medeiros Sarah Dantas Viana , Oliveira Antonio Gouveia , Martins Rand Randall
Published: April 2023

Objective

To characterize the drug-related problems (DRPs) in high-risk pregnant women with hypertension and gestational diabetes mellitus according to frequency, type, cause, and factors associated with their occurrence in the hospital setting.

Methodology

This is an observational, longitudinal, prospective study that included 571 hospitalized pregnant women with hypertension and gestational diabetes mellitus using at least one medication. DRPs were classified according to theClassification for Drug-Related Problems(PCNE V9.00). In addition to descriptive statistics, a univariate and multivariate logistic regression model was employed to determine the factors associated with the DRPs.

Results

A total of 873 DRPs were identified. The most frequent DRPs were related to therapeutic ineffectiveness (72.2%) and occurrence of adverse events (27.0%) and the main drugs involved were insulins and methyldopa. These were followed in the first five days of treatment by: the ineffectiveness of insulin (24.6%), associated with underdosage (12.9%) or insufficient frequency of administration (9.5%) and methyldopa associated with the occurrence of adverse reactions (40.2%) in the first 48h. Lower maternal age (OR 0.966, 95% CI 0.938–0.995, p = 0.022), lower gestational age (OR 0.966, 95% CI 0.938–0.996, p = 0.026), report of drug hypersensitivity (OR 2.295, 95% CI 1.220–4.317, p = 0.010), longer treatment time (OR 1.237, 95% CI: 1.147–1.333, p = 0.001) and number of prescribed medications (OR 1.211, 95% CI: 0.240–5.476, p = 0.001) were risk factors for occurrence of DRPs.

Conclusion

DRPs are frequent in pregnant women with hypertension and gestational diabetes mellitus, and they are mainly related to therapeutic ineffectiveness and the occurrence of adverse events.
Impact of temperature on Downs herring (Clupea harengus) embryonic stages: First insights from an experimental approach
Authors: Toomey Lola , Giraldo Carolina , Loots Christophe , Mahé Kélig , Marchal Paul , MacKenzie Kirsteen
Published: April 2023

Among all human-induced pressures, ocean warming is expected to be one of the major drivers of change in marine ecosystems. Fish species are particularly vulnerable during embryogenesis. Here, the impact of temperature was assessed on embryonic stages of Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus), a species of high socio-economic interest, with a particular focus on the under-studied eastern English Channel winter-spawning component (Downs herring). Key traits linked to growth and development were experimentally evaluated at three temperatures (8°C, 10°C and 14°C), from fertilization to hatching, in standardized controlled conditions. Overall negative impacts of increased temperature were observed on fertilization rate, mean egg diameter at eyed stage, hatching rate and yolk sac volume. A faster developmental rate and a change in development stage frequency of newly hatched larvae were also observed at higher temperature. Potential parental effects were detected for four key traits (i.e. fertilization rate, eyed survival rate, mean egg diameter and hatching rate), despite a limited number of families. For instance, a large variability among families was shown in survival rate at eyed stage (between 0 and 63%). Potential relationships between maternal characteristics and embryo traits were therefore explored. We show that a substantial proportion of variance (between 31 and 70%) could be explained by the female attributes considered. More particularly, age, traits linked to life history (i.e. asymptotic average length and Brody growth rate coefficient), condition and length were important predictors of embryonic key traits. Overall, this study constitutes a stepping-stone to investigate potential consequences of warming on Downs herring recruitment and provides first insights on potential parental effects.
The taming of the weed: Developmental plasticity facilitated plant domestication
Authors: Mueller Natalie G. , Horton Elizabeth T. , Belcher Megan E. , Kistler Logan
Published: April 2023

Our experiments with crop progenitors have demonstrated that these species exhibit dramatic plasticity in key traits that are affected by domestication, including seed and fruit morphology. These traits can be altered by cultivating crop progenitors for a single season, in the absence of any selection for domesticated phenotypes. We hypothesize that cultivation caused environmental shifts that led to immediate phenotypic changes in crop progenitors via developmental plasticity, similar to tameness in animals. Here we focus on the loss or reduction of germination inhibitors in an annual seed crop because seeds with high dormancy are undesirable in crops, and also present a serious barrier to selective pressures that arise from seed-saving and planting by humans. Data from four seasons of observation of the crop progenitor Polygonum erectum L. suggest that the low plant density conditions of an agroecosystem trigger a phenotypic response that reduces germination inhibitors, eliminating a key barrier to further selection. The timing of the harvest can also be used to manipulate the germinability of seed stock. These observations suggest that genetic assimilation may have played a role in the domestication of this plant. More experimental work with crop progenitors is needed to understand whether or not this phenomenon played a part in the domestication of other plants, and to accurately interpret the significance of ancient plant phenotypes in the archaeological record.
A neural network analysis of the effect of high and low frailty index indicators on predicting elective surgery discharge destinations
Authors: Walczak Steven , Velanovich Vic
Published: April 2023

Background

Frailty is frequently used by clinicians to help determine surgical outcomes. The frailty index, which represents the frequency of frailty indicators present in an individual, is one method for evaluating patient frailty to predict surgical outcomes. However, the frailty index treats all indicators of frailty that are used in the index as equivalent. Our hypothesis is that frailty indicators may be divided into groups of high and low-impact indicators and this separation will improve surgical discharge outcome prediction accuracy.

Data and methods

Population data for inpatient elective operations was collected from the 2018 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Participant Use Files. Artificial neural network (ANN) models trained using backpropagation are used to evaluate the relative accuracy for predicting surgical outcome of discharge destination using a traditional modified frailty index (mFI) or a new joint mFI that separates high-impact and low-impact indicators into distinct groups as input variables. Predictions are made across nine possible discharge destinations. A leave-one-out method is used to indicate the relative contribution of high and low-impact variables.

Results

Except for the surgical specialty of cardiac surgery, the ANN model using distinct high and low-impact mFI indexes uniformly outperformed the ANN models using a single traditional mFI. Prediction accuracy improved from 3.4% to 28.1%. The leave-one-out experiment shows that except for the case of otolaryngology operations, the high-impact index indicators provided more support when determining surgical discharge destination outcomes.

Conclusion

Frailty indicators are not uniformly similar and should be treated differently in clinical outcome prediction systems.
The effects of instructors’ conditional negative regard on students’ agentic engagement in Chinese colleges: Focusing on the mediating effect of basic psychological needs
Authors: Ling Tianye , Jang Hyungshim
Published: April 2023

Instructors’ conditional negative regard (CNR) is a psychological control as a punitive withdrawal of affection and approval when the learners fail to meet the expected learning standards or outcomes. Drawing on basic psychological needs theory, the present study tested how perceived college instructors’ CNR influence Chinese undergraduate students’ agentic engagement mediated by basic psychological needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness. In doing so, we hypothesized that perceived instructors’ CNR would negatively predict basic psychological needs, and in turn agentic engagement. 245 undergraduate students (male: 179, female: 66) residing in Guangdong Province, China, participated in the present study. The results of the structural equation modeling analysis first showed that the perceived
instructors’ CNR had a negative influence on undergraduate students’ psychological needs (i.e., autonomy, competence, and relatedness). However, while competence need and relatedness need negatively predicted the learner’s agentic engagement, autonomy did not. Overall, the results supported the harmful effects of college instructors’ CNR on undergraduate students’ agentic engagement, mediated by
competence and relatedness need. Finally, the present study discusses the role of college instructors’ CNR on Chinese undergraduate students’ learning experience through basic psychological needs followed by agentic engagement.
Human system patterns for interaction and cooperation of automated vehicles and humans
Authors: Flemisch Frank , Usai Marcel , Wessel Gina , Herzberger Nicolas
Published: April 2023

As the first automated driving functions are now finding their way into serial production vehicles, the focus of research and development has shifted from purely automated capabilities to cooperative systems, i.e. cooperation between vehicles, and vehicle automation with drivers. Especially in partially and highly automated cooperative driving the driver should be able to take over the driving task or adapt the driving behavior. This paper presents the pattern approach to cooperation as a method to recognize and solve reoccurring problems. As an example, the pattern approach is applied to the use case of a takeover request on a highway. The concept of Confidence Horizons, which balance the capabilities of the driver and the automation based on cooperative interaction patterns, is introduced. To estimate the human capabilities for this Confidence Horizon, a Diagnostic Takeover Request is used, in which the automation analyzes the driver’s orientation reaction to a takeover request. This allows the early detection of potentially unsafe takeovers reducing possible transitions to a Minimum Risk Maneuver (MRM).
Optimizing the channel resource usage for sensor data sharing with V2X communications
Authors: Delooz Quentin , Vinel Alexey , Festag Andreas
Published: April 2023

Sensor data sharing in V2X communication enables vehicles to exchange locally perceived sensor data with each other to increase their environmental awareness. It relies on the periodic exchange of selected, safety-relevant objects. Object selection is used to reduce channel resource usage. Additionally, vehicles use congestion control mechanisms to avoid overloading the channel. Currently, both object selection and congestion control mechanisms operate independently. We study a congestion-aware object filtering approach combining both and improving the performance of sensor data sharing.
Robot indoor navigation point cloud map generation algorithm based on visual sensing
Authors: Zhang Qin , Liu Xiushan
Published: April 2023

At present, low-cost Red Green Blue Depth (RGB-D) sensors are mainly used in indoor robot environment perception, but the depth information obtained by RGB-D cameras has problems such as poor accuracy and high noise, and the generated 3D color point cloud map has low accuracy. In order to solve these problems, this article proposes a vision sensor-based point cloud map generation algorithm for robot indoor navigation. The aim is to obtain a more accurate point cloud map through visual SLAM and Kalman filtering visual-inertial navigation attitude fusion algorithm. The results show that in the positioning speed test data of the fusion algorithm in this study, the average time-consuming of camera tracking is 23.4 ms, which can meet the processing speed requirement of 42 frames per second. The yaw angle error of the fusion algorithm is the smallest, and the ATE test values of the algorithm are smaller than those of the Inertial measurement unit and Simultaneous-Localization-and-Mapping algorithms. This research algorithm can make the mapping process more stable and robust. It can use visual sensors to make more accurate route planning, and this algorithm improves the indoor positioning accuracy of the robot. In addition, the research algorithm can also obtain a dense point cloud map in real time, which provides a more comprehensive idea for the research of robot indoor navigation point cloud map generation.
Evolution of the microstructure and reflectance of the surface scattering layer on melting, level Arctic sea ice
Authors: Macfarlane Amy R. , Dadic Ruzica , Smith Madison M. , Light Bonnie , Nicolaus Marcel , Henna-Reetta Hannula , Webster Melinda , Linhardt Felix , Hämmerle Stefan , Schneebeli Martin
Published: April 2023

The microstructure of the uppermost portions of a melting Arctic sea ice cover has a disproportionately large influence on how incident sunlight is reflected and absorbed in the ice/ocean system. The surface scattering layer (SSL) effectively backscatters solar radiation and keeps the surface albedo of melting ice relatively high compared to ice with the SSL manually removed. Measurements of albedo provide information on how incoming shortwave radiation is partitioned by the SSL and have been pivotal to improving climate model parameterizations. However, the relationship between the physical and optical properties of the SSL is still poorly constrained. Until now, radiative transfer models have been the only way to infer the microstructure of the SSL. During the MOSAiC expedition of 2019–2020, we took samples and, for the first time, directly measured the microstructure of the SSL on bare sea ice using X-ray micro-computed tomography. We show that the SSL has a highly anisotropic, coarse, and porous structure, with a small optical diameter and density at the surface, increasing with depth. As the melting surface ablates, the SSL regenerates, maintaining some aspects of its microstructure throughout the melt season. We used the microstructure measurements with a radiative transfer model to improve our understanding of the relationship between physical properties and optical properties at 850 nm wavelength. When the microstructure is used as model input, we see a 10–15% overestimation of the reflectance at 850 nm. This comparison suggests that either a) spatial variability at the meter scale is important for the two in situ optical measurements and therefore a larger sample size is needed to represent the microstructure or b) future work should investigate either i) using a ray-tracing approach instead of explicitly solving the radiative transfer equation or ii) using a more appropriate radiative transfer model.
Untangling the influence of Antarctic and Southern Ocean life on clouds
Authors: Mallet Marc D. , Humphries Ruhi S. , Fiddes Sonya L. , Alexander Simon P. , Altieri Katye , Angot Hélène , Anilkumar N. , Bartels-Rausch Thorsten , Creamean Jessie , Dall’Osto Manuel , Dommergue Aurélien , Frey Markus , Henning Silvia , Lannuzel Delphine , Lapere Rémy , Mace Gerald G. , Mahajan Anoop S. , McFarquhar Greg M. , Meiners Klaus M. , Miljevic Branka , Peeken Ilka , Protat Alain , Schmale Julia , Steiner Nadja , Sellegri Karine , Simó Rafel , Thomas Jennie L. , Willis Megan D. , Winton V. Holly L. , Woodhouse Matthew T.
Published: April 2023

Polar environments are among the fastest changing regions on the planet. It is a crucial time to make significant improvements in our understanding of how ocean and ice biogeochemical processes are linked with the atmosphere. This is especially true over Antarctica and the Southern Ocean where observations are severely limited and the environment is far from anthropogenic influences. In this commentary, we outline major gaps in our knowledge, emerging research priorities, and upcoming opportunities and needs. We then give an overview of the large-scale measurement campaigns planned across Antarctica and the Southern Ocean in the next 5 years that will address the key issues. Until we do this, climate models will likely continue to exhibit biases in the simulated energy balance over this delicate region. Addressing these issues will require an international and interdisciplinary approach which we hope to foster and facilitate with ongoing community activities and collaborations.
Preparation of water-in-oil microemulsion-based lacquer wax isopropyl ester and its UVA and UVB protection characteristics
Authors: Ma Yu-Lu , Zhou Hao , Zhang Chang-Wei , Wang Cheng-Zhang
Published: April 2023

Lacquer wax represents a significant resource derived from the berries of Toxicodendron vernicifluum in China. The main chemical component of lacquer wax is fatty acid. The fatty acid isopropyl ester prepared from this acid has played a role in enhancing skin penetration and spreading properties, which makes it suitable for use as an important material in washing, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. In this study, the isopropyl ester of lacquer wax was synthesized by lipase-catalyzed transesterification for the first time ever. In addition, microemulsion of lacquer wax-based isopropyl ester (LW-IPE) was prepared by adding surfactant, co-surfactant, and water to solve the flocculation phenomenon of LW-IPE. The microemulsion was characterized by its stability, conductivity, viscosity, and particle size, which confirmed the formula of water-in-oil (W/O) microemulsion. The W/O microemulsion demonstrated an excellent thermodynamic stability in the temperature range between 20 °C and 40 °C and was stabilized with the addition of NaCl. In vitro evaluation of protection against ultraviolet light (UVA and UVB) demonstrated that arbutin in W/O microemulsion is capable to protect against UVA. This study is believed as providing valuable information on the performance of microemulsion systems suitable for use in the cosmetics and pharmaceuticals industries.
Effect of pulp properties, drying technology, and sustainability on bath tissue performance and shelf price
Authors: Wang Yuhan , Zambrano Franklin , Venditti Richard , Dasmohapatra Sudipta , De Assis Tiago , Reisinger Lee , Pawlak Joel , Gonzalez Ronalds
Published: April 2023

The relationship between the types of pulp, the tissue making technologies, and shelf price of bath tissue was evaluated for the North American market. Twenty-four market tissue samples (representing approximately 80% of the current market offering) were sourced and analyzed along with their nationwide price information. Pulp composition, drying technologies, market share, sustainability advertising, and tissue properties were evaluated. Tissue properties, including softness, ball burst strength, water absorbency, density, tensile strength, and tensile modulus were measured. Among all the drying technologies, creped through-air dry (CTAD) and creped through-air dry belt (CTADB) seemed to improve tissue softness most. The UCTAD maximized tissue bulk by drying the tissue web solely using a through-air (TAD) cylinder. Tissue samples with freeness between 575 to 650 mL seemed to have their properties improved more significantly through advanced drying technologies. It was found that the retail prices of these bath tissues were directly related to softness, bulkiness, water absorbency, and basis weight. A mathematical model was conducted to predict the retail price of bath tissue (based on product performance and attributes). This paper also identified the effect of “sustainability” on the retail price.
Application of corrosion-resistant Corning advanced-flow reactors for multiphase Bunsen reaction - Part two: investigation on multiphase reaction
Authors: Wang Hui , Monir Armin , Wu Xinjun (Eric)
Published: April 2023

Bunsen reaction ( 2 H 2 O + I 2 + S O 2 → H 2 S O 4 + 2 H I ) is a key step for hydrogen production from either the H2S splitting cycle or the sulfur-iodine (S-I) cycle of water splitting. As pointed out in part one, when engineering this reaction, many challenges such as side reactions and corrosion impede scaling up this process. Using iodine-toluene solution to provide flowing iodine below the melting point of iodine renders the Bunsen reaction to be conducted at ambient temperature such that these challenges can be either overcome or eased. However, using toluene as the iodine solvent makes the Bunsen reaction a multiphase reaction system which includes gas, aqueous, and organic phases. Glass-made Corning® advanced-flowTM reactors (AFRs) can be used for Bunsen reaction because they are good at resisting corrosion, improving mixing efficiency of multiphase fluids, and allowing seamless scaling up. Part one has studied the absorption behavior of SO2 gas in the liquids used for Bunsen reaction (water, toluene and water-toluene mixture). Part two (this work) mainly studies the Bunsen reaction using the Corning® microscale (LF) and milliscale (G1) AFRs. When I2 was dissolved in toluene, the Bunsen reaction was conducted by feeding SO2 gas, water, and I2/toluene solution into the AFRs. SO2 and I2 were used as the limiting reactants in turn, and the effects of operating conditions such as gas and liquid flow rates, water to toluene ratio, and temperature in the range (22-80 oC) on the absorption rates of SO2 and the I2 reaction rate were studied. The results confirm the seamless scaling-up capability of the Corning reactors when the flow rates were increased twenty times from AFR-LF to AFR-G1.
Case report: a rare presentation of nasal septal perforation due to pyoderma gangrenosum
Authors: Al-Tayyar Mohammed, , Toma Abbad
Published: April 2023

Background: Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare dermatologic non-infectious neutrophilic disease that classically affects the lower extremities and is associated with inflammatory bowel disease. Rarely, it could affect the nasal septum, causing nasal septal perforation. Methods: We reviewed the case of a 52-year-old male patient known to have PG with ongoing nasal septal perforation and reviewed his blood tests, computed tomography scan findings and histologic results. Results: A diagnosis of nasal septal perforation due to PG was confirmed after exclusion of other common aetiologies. This was further supported by the presence of extensive ulceration of the nasal squamous mucosa with inflamed granulation tissue and abscess-like areas. These findings were consistent with the diagnosis of PG based on the histology report. Conclusion: Although nasal septal perforation secondary to PG is considered rare, this presentation should still be kept in mind, especially when other possible causes of nasal septal perforation have been excluded and PG has been already well established.
Positional variation and localization of the mental foramen
Authors: Nanayakkara Deepthi , Sampath Harshana , Manawaratne Ruwanthi , Peiris Roshan , Vadysinghe Amal , Arambawatte Kapila , Disanayake Jayampathi
Published: April 2023

Objectives: The anatomical position of the mental foramen (MF) is variable and the knowledge of its exact location is clinically relevant. Method: Fifty two mental foramina in twenty six dry mandibles were analyzed to ascertain the shape, size, direction, presence of accessory foramina, position in relation to anatomical landmarks in an adult Sri Lankan population. Results: The MF was predominantly oval in shape (96.1 % and 92.3% on the right and left side, respectively) and situated on the longitudinal axis of the mandibular 2nd premolar tooth (63.6% and 45.4% on the right and left side, respectively). The mental foramina were located at a mean distance of 13.34±1.79mm and 12.89±1.56mm, vertically above the lower border of the mandible on the right and left side, respectively, and 13.23±2.69mm and 13.47±3.06mm vertically below the alveolar margin on the right and left side, respectively. The mean distance from the MF to the mandibular midline was 25.65±1.75 and 25.5±1.57 on the right and left side, respectively; the mean distance from the MF to the posterior border of the ramus of mandible was 65.01±5.05 and 64.58±4.38 on the right and left side, respectively. Conclusion: The observations made in this study will be useful for surgeons to localize the mental neurovasculature when planning the mental nerve block or surgery around the mental foramen.
Application of the primary investigations on the anatomical features of the male reproductive system of Dasyprocta species: a mini review
Authors: Mollineau William
Published: April 2023

This mini review examines the major articles published on the anatomy of the male reproductive system of three Dasyprocta species., namely Dasyprocta aguti, Dasyprocta leporine and Dasyprocta prymnolopha. The paper reviews major investigations on the topic and highlights additional research (collection and processing of agouti semen) which used this foundational knowledge set as its catalyst. Future scientific works are recommended based on the existing literature.
Anatomical study of the clavicular branch of the thoracoacromial artery
Authors: Ma Nyemb Philippe Manyacka , Fontaine Christian , Martinot Véronique Duquennoy , Demondion Xavier
Published: April 2023

Introduction: The etiology and the complexity of losses of substances from the chest wall cause technical difficulties during their reconstruction. In order to obtain the best possible functional and morphological results, it is important to appreciate the lesions. When considering soft tissue reconstruction, the dimensions, location and shape of losses of substances, as well as the reliability and the arc of rotation of the chosen flap, must be taken into account. The perforator flap of the thoracoacromial artery and its vascular anatomical bases have been recently studied, concerning the pectoral and deltoid branches. The clavicular branch has only been rarely studied. We propose to study anatomically the clavicular branch of the thoracoacromial artery, in terms of constancy, dimensions and direction, in order to give to practitioners an additional option in the surgery of perforator flaps of the cervical region. Material and methods: We carried out a direct and selective injection of 24 thoracoacromial arteries, on corpses preserved in a low-formalin solution rich in glycerin. The injected solution was made from a mixture of methylene blue and gelatin. Cadaveric dissection was then used to study the location, frequency, and path of the clavicular branch of the thoracoacromial artery. Results: The clavicular branch was absent in more than half of the dissections. The length of its extrafascial pedicle varied between 0.5 and 2.5cm. The length of the pedicle after transmuscular dissection varied between 3 and 6cm. The general direction of this clavicular branch was ascending and medial. Conclusion: Our work shows that when it is present the clavicular branch of the thoracoacromial artery has an extrafascial pedicle which measures 0.5 to 2.5cm, and a transmuscular pedicle from 3 to 6cm. And that its vascular skin territory projects slightly below the clavicle.
The nature of gamma-ray bursts in the framework of the byuon theory
Authors: YA Baurov , IF Malov
Published: April 2023

Two models of gamma-ray bursts using the theory of byuons (TB) are considered. This theory describes a “life’ of special unobservable discrete objects from which the surrounding space and the world of ultimate particles are formed. Basic axioms and some conclusions of this theory are discussed. The results of experimental investigations of new non-gauge interaction (using high current magnets, torsion and piezo resonance balances, and changes in the rate of β - decay of radioactive elements etc.) are described. It is shown that basic problems with nature of gamma-ray bursts can be solved in the framework of this theory not only for bursts connected with supernova explosions but also for those without explosions. The conditions for ejection of matter during a SN explosion due to the non-gauge force action are shown.