bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Instructional practices in secondary science: How teachers achieve local and standards‐based success
Authors: Covitt Beth A. , de los Santos Elizabeth Xeng , Lin Qinyun , Morrison Thomas Christie , Anderson Charles W.
Published: June 2023

This article reports on analyses of the instructional practices of six middle‐ and high‐school science teachers in the United States who participated in a research‐practice partnership that aims to support reform science education goals at scale. All six teachers were well qualified, experienced, and locally successful—respected by students, parents, colleagues, and administrators—but they differed in their success in supporting students' three‐dimensional learning. Our goal is to understand how the teachers' instructional practices contributed to their similarities in achieving local success and to differences in enabling students' learning, and to consider the implications of these findings for research‐practice partnerships. Data sources included classroom videos supplemented by interviews with teachers and focus students and examples of student work. We also compared students' learning gains by teacher using pre–post assessments that elicited three‐dimensional performances. Analyses of classroom videos showed how all six teachers achieved local success—they led effectively managed classrooms, covered the curriculum by teaching almost all unit activities, and assessed students' work in fair and efficient ways. There were important differences, however, in how teachers engaged students in science practices. Teachers in classrooms where students achieved lower learning gains followed a pattern of practice we describe as activity‐based teaching, in which students completed investigations and hands‐on activities with few opportunities for sensemaking discussions or three‐dimensional science performances. Teachers whose students achieved higher learning gains combined the social stability characteristic of local classroom success with more demanding instructional practices associated with scientific sensemaking and cognitive apprenticeship. We conclude with a discussion of implications for research‐practice partnerships, highlighting how partnerships need to support all teachers in achieving both local and standards‐based success.
On europium digallides
Authors: Sichevych Olga , Ramlau Reiner , Schmidt Marcus , Schnelle Walter , Grin Yuri
Published: June 2023

The europium gallide Eu1‐xGa2+3x (x is between 0.06 and 0.07) has been synthesized and its crystal structure has been refined from single crystal X‐ray diffraction data. Eu1‐xGa2+3x crystallizes with hexagonal structure related to the AlB2‐type (space group P6/mmm, a=4.354 Å, c=4.485 Å). The structure refinement finished with R(F)=0.015 for 1603 reflections revealing a defect occupation of the Eu position (93 %) and additional Ga position, yielding the non‐integer element ratio. From magnetic susceptibility measurements, EuGa2 and Eu1‐xGa2+3x phases show the 4f 7 (Eu+2) oxidation state. The analysis of effective atomic charges within the Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules reveals the formation of four‐bonded Ga species with low electron demand (in comparison to the three‐bonded in AlB2‐type and four‐bonded in the KHg2‐type structures) and shows, that Eu1‐xGa2+3x represents a new way of stabilizing intermetallic structures formed at valence electron concentration, which does not allow to apply Zintl‐like electron counting.
Development of a System for the Evaluation and Recommendation of Solution Methods for Thermally Induced Errors on Machine Tools
Authors: Gißke Carola , Fickert Axel , Wiemer Hajo
Published: June 2023

Thermally-induced displacements cause large parts of residual machining errors on modern machine tools. Their transient behavior makes it difficult to manufacture with high accuracy. To still increase machining accuracy and to meet the demands of the industry, research offers various solution methods to minimize this error.

Within the Collaborative Research Centre Transregio 96 (CRC/TR96), various solutions have been developed that either try to compensate the heat flow in the machine so that large temperature gradients and resulting displacements are avoided or aim to predict the amount and direction of the thermally induced deviation at the TCP.

In order to make these solutions comparable, they were first consistently classified and analyzed in terms of their implementation effort and risks. Potential benefits were proved by measurements. The benefits and efforts identified in this way were evaluated with the help of a multi-criteria decision analysis method so that the feasibility and implementation effort of the various solutions can be estimated for manufacturers and users of machine tools.

A software-based tool was developed to help interested industrial users to select a suitable process for their individual production scenario from the available processes via an input mask. The tool thus fulfills two aspects. On the one hand, it facilitates the transfer of the developed solutions into industrial applications. On the other hand, it documents the research status of the various solutions, shows potential for improvement, and new methods can be uniformly documented in the future and thus, made comparable.
Smart Pressure Film Sensor for Machine Tool Optimization and Characterization of the Dynamic Pressure Field on Machine Surfaces
Authors: Erben Andreas , Geist Alexander , Voigt Immanuel , Senf Björn , Mäder Thomas , Glänzel Janine , Ihlenfeldt Steffen , Drossel Welf-Guntram
Published: June 2023

Knowledge of thermal interactions with the environment is essential for improving the performance of machine tools. Therefore, it is necessary to detect and quantify the convective heat flows at machine tool surfaces, that occur in the workspace as a result of cutting fluid use or outside the machine due to active air flow. Thin-film sensors made of shape memory alloys with integrated small temperature sensors are suitable for detecting very fine pressure differences and can be used to estimate convective heat transfer. By measuring the pressure differences, the dynamic pressure field at the surface can be determined. Since the pressure field correlates with the flow field, conclusions can be drawn about the flow velocity. This leads to more profound and extended possibilities to match flow fields from CFD simulations with measured data. At the same time, the surface temperature is also recorded by this sensor. Reference measurements of the temperature in the free flow are used to characterize the heat transfer. By knowing the pressures, temperatures and the correlating flow velocity near the wall, the heat transfer coefficient can be determined. Against this background, this paper demonstrates the behavior of shape memory alloys as fluid pressure sensors and addresses the development of such sensors for machine tools. For this purpose, sensor units are to be developed that can be placed as a sensor network (composite of several sensors on one surface) inside and outside the workspace.
Thermally Induced Clamping Force Deviations in a Sensory Chuck for Thin-Walled Workpieces
Authors: Denkena Berend , Klemme Heinrich , Wnendt Eike , Meier Matthias
Published: June 2023

Deviations between nominal and actual tolerances are a challenging problem during turning processes of thin-walled workpieces. One main cause of these deviations is the clamping force applied by the turning chuck to hold the workpiece. Due to the low stiffness of thin-walled workpieces, large workpiece deformations can occur even when clamping forces are low. For this reason, the clamping force needs to be precisely adjusted. A possible approach are chucks with integrated actuators. As a result of the more direct power transmission, these chucks have a potentially higher clamping force accuracy compared to conventional external actuation. However, integrated actuators are additional heart sources resulting in thermal loads and thermally induced deformations of the chuck components. Due to the resulting mechanical distortion of the chuck system, the precise adjustment of clamping forces is not possible. Thus, this paper evaluates the thermally induced clamping force deviations on a novel turning chuck with four integrated electric drives. A test bench is used to analyse both a single drive and the combination of all four drives regarding the temperature effect on the clamping force adjustability. A clamping force deviation of up to 26% is observed. Based on the measured chuck temperature, a compensation method is introduced leading to a clamping force accuracy of 96.9%.
Simulation of cBN Grain Wear During Single Grain Engagement Considering Cleavage Planes
Authors: Bredthauer Marc , Barth Sebastian , Mattfeld Patrick , Bergs Thomas
Published: June 2023

A large part of the energy introduced during grinding is converted into heat. As not all the heat can be dissipated by the cooling lubricant, thermally induced displacements in machine components occur. These displacements have a negative influence on the component quality. Since the grinding wheel topography changes during the grinding process due to wear, the wear mechanisms of grain splintering, grain breakage as well as abrasion were identified and quantified. In addition, their effect on heat generation was investigated. To predict the wear mechanisms, a Finite Element (FE) simulation model was developed that determines the grain shape change considering the cleavage planes in the grain. Three-dimensional real cBN grain geometries were used for the simulation of a single grain engagement in the workpiece of the 100Cr6 steel. In the presented model, the orientation of the cleavage planes is varied and their influence on the wear mechanisms as well as the resulting forces is investigated. In addition, empirical tests were conducted in order to adjust the model. The simulation showed that a cleavage plane variation resulted in stronger crack propagation when the cleavage plane was oriented away from the workpiece and when the distance of the cleavage plane from the point of application of the load was smaller.
Development of a Tool Temperature Simulation During Side Milling
Authors: Helmig Thorsten , Liu Hui , Winter Simon , Bergs Thomas , Kneer Reinhold
Published: June 2023

Current modeling approaches of cutting processes require on the one hand extensive numerical and analytical simulations and further an experienced user in the field of numerical simulations, which makes a large-scale application time-consuming to apply.

Therefore, the goal is to implement existing models into an established side-milling simulation program aiming for a computationally fast and user-friendly simulation approach capable of predicting transient tool temperatures along the cutting edge. Aim of this work is the development of the thermal model, which can later be implemented into existing programs. The model process involves the following two major steps: First, a geometric engagement simulation of the milling process with a parameterizable tool geometry is performed. These results are used to form a database linking the specific cutting force components with the heat flux components. Second, a three-dimensional transient heat conduction model of the cutter is established, applying the calculated heat flux components as boundary conditions in the simulation. Finally, first results of the performed simulation are presented and evaluated, in particular to validate the work flow and user accessibility. Future studies will then focus on further parameter analysis and experimental validation.
Definition of a Non-contact Induction Heating of a Cutting Tool as a Substitute for the Process Heat for the Verification of a Thermal Simulation Model
Authors: Topinka Lukáš , Pruša Radomír , Huzlík Rostislav , Regel Joachim
Published: June 2023

During metal machining, a large amount of heat is generated in the cutting zone, which has a negative impact on machining accuracy due to the thermal expansion of the materials. To reduce the temperature in the cutting zone, liquid coolants are used which increase the costs and can have a negative impact on the environment. This problem is being studied using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to better understand the behavior of the coolant flow in the cutting zone, which will allow optimization of the use of liquid coolants and the development of a correction method for thermal errors, resulting in more accurate machining with reduced resource and environmental footprints. However, due to the complexity of multiphase CFD simulations, the simulation model must be simplified as much as possible. This is particularly important for the process heat generation, as combining flow simulation of coolant flow around the rotating cutting tool with structural simulation of the milling process, including chip formation, would require excessive computational power. In following paper an alternative method of tool heating by electromagnetic induction is presented and the measurement dependencies required to determine the heat flux induced into the cutting tool are described. This can be further applied as a boundary condition for the numerical simulation as a verification method for the coupled Fluid-Structure Interaction FSI simulation model of the thermally induced deformations of the cutting tool and its holder.
Partnerschaftlichkeit und Machtdynamiken in der personellen Zusammenarbeit – Ergebnisse der Feldforschung
Authors: Ruppel Samantha
Published: May 2023

Dieses Kapitel wirft einen kritischen, analytischen Blick auf genau diese Zusammenarbeit und analysiert Herausforderungen, mit denen der ZFD konfrontiert wird. Insbesondere wird diese empirische Analyse deutlich machen, dass Organisationen wie der ZFD die lokalen Akteur*innen in der Zusammenarbeit ernst nehmen wollen und einen (vermeintlich) partnerschaftlichen Ansatz in ihrer Arbeit verfolgen. Sie werden jedoch mit inhärenten Machtstrukturen konfrontiert, die ihre Bemühungen um Partnerschaft, lokale Eigenverantwortung und horizontales Engagement systematisch behindern. Die Ergebnisse werden mit Hilfe von Geschichten aus der teilnehmenden Beobachtung dargestellt. Diese ethnografische, innovative Darstellungsweise ermöglicht es Lesenden die Forschung und die anschließende Reflexion besser nachvollziehen zu können.
Fazit
Authors: Ruppel Samantha
Published: May 2023

Dieses Kapitel fasst die Ergebnisse der Arbeit zusammen und schaut erneut auf die Fragestellung: „Inwiefern liegt im Kontext der Zivilen Konfliktbearbeitung eine gleichberechtige Partnerschaft der Akteur*innen vor? Inwiefern ist die Zusammenarbeit in der Zivilen Konfliktbearbeitung von Machtasymmetrien geprägt?“ Das Kapitel erläutert das „Märchen von der gleichberechtigten Partnerschaft“ und gibt Handlungsempfehlungen für Veränderungen in der Friedensarbeit.
Gauged double field theory, current algebras and heterotic sigma models
Authors: Hatsuda Machiko , Mori Haruka , Sasaki Shin , Yata Masaya
Published: May 2023

Abstract

We study the O(D, D + n) generalized metric and the gauge symmetries in the gauged double field theory (DFT) in view of current algebras and sigma models. We show that the O(D, D + n) generalized metric in the gauged DFT is consistent with the heterotic sigma models at the leading order in the α′-corrections. We then study the non-Abelian gauge symmetries and current algebras of heterotic string theories. We show that the algebras exhibit the correct diffeomorphism, the B-field gauge transformations of the background fields together with the non-Abelian gauge transformations possibly with the appropriate local Lorentz transformations.
Entanglement entropy as an order parameter for strongly coupled nodal line semimetals
Authors: Baggioli Matteo , Liu Yan , Wu Xin-Meng
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Topological semimetals are a class of many-body systems exhibiting novel macroscopic quantum phenomena at the interplay between high energy and condensed matter physics. They display a topological quantum phase transition (TQPT) which evades the standard Landau paradigm. In the case of Weyl semimetals, the anomalous Hall effect is a good non-local order parameter for the TQPT, as it is proportional to the separation between the Weyl nodes in momentum space. On the contrary, for nodal line semimetals (NLSM), the quest for an order parameter is still open. By taking advantage of a recently proposed holographic model for strongly-coupled NLSM, we explicitly show that entanglement entropy (EE) provides an optimal probe for nodal topology. We propose a generalized c-function, constructed from the EE, as an order parameter for the TQPT. Moreover, we find that the derivative of the renormalized EE with respect to the external coupling driving the TQPT diverges at the critical point, signaling the rise of non-local quantum correlations. Finally, we show that these quantum information quantities are able to characterize not only the critical point but also features of the quantum critical region at finite temperature.
Positivity bounds at one-loop level: the Higgs sector
Authors: Li Xu
Published: May 2023

Abstract

In this paper, we promote the convex cone method of positive bounds from tree level to loop level. This method is general and can be applied to obtain leading s2 positivity bounds on the forward scattering process in the standard model effective field theory. To obtain the loop level bounds, the original tree level bounds are modified by loop corrections, which involve low dimensional coefficients. New positivity bounds being valid at one loop level on the four-Higgs scattering have been provided. We study some specific ultraviolet models to check the validity of the new bounds. In addition, the renormalisation group effect on positivity is explored. We point out that as long as the new bounds are satisfied at the cutoff scale Λ, they will also be satisfied at all scales below Λ.
Thermal regularization of t-channel singularities in cosmology and particle physics: the general case
Authors: Iglicki Michał
Published: June 2023

Abstract

This paper presents a way to regularize the t-channel singularity (which appears when a massive, stable t-channel mediator of a given process is allowed to be on-shell, making the cross section infinite) in a general case of particles of any spin $$ \left(0,\frac{1}{2},1\right) $$

0

1
2

1

interacting within a thermal medium. Those interactions result in a finite lifetime of the mediator and allow to introduce an effective momentum- and temperature-dependent width. As a result, the would-be-singular cross section becomes finite. A complete derivation and an analytical result for the width are provided. For an illustration, the method is used to calculate the thermal widths and cross sections within the Vector-Fermion Dark Matter model.
In silico and in vitro studies of novel cyanoacrylamides incorporating pyrazole moiety against breast and prostate carcinomas
Authors: Sroor Farid M. , Mahrous Karima F. , Shafey Heba I. , Eid Nedal R. , Abdelhamid Ismail A. , Ibrahim Nada S.
Published: June 2023

We report novel cyanoacrylamide derivatives bearing the pyrazole moiety. The molecular structures of the prepared cyanoacrylamides were confirmed by the different spectral tools such as NMR, IR, and elemental analyses. The anticancer effect of all the newly prepared cyanoacrylamides was studied against four cancer cell lines (HEPG2, MCF7, PACA2, and PC3) as well as the normal cell line (BJ1). The best cytotoxic effect was shown against PC3, where compounds 5f and 5i revealed promising IC50 values (11.7 and 66.8 µM) respectively compared to doxorubicin (43.8 µM). In addition, the effective compounds were screened against a normal BJ1 cell line, which showed promising selectivity against PC3 and moderate selectivity toward MCF7 cells. The molecular docking study showed the affinities of compounds 5c and 5d toward STAT1 protein and compound 5i toward KRAS with promising energy scores. The subsequent molecular experiments were studied on compounds 5b, 5c, 5d, 5f, and 5i. Quantitative Real-time-PCR revealed that the expression of RBL2 and STAT2 genes were down-regulated in 5c and 5d treated MCF7 cells much lower than the other treated MCF7 samples. Also, the expression level of KRAS and SMAD genes was determined, which revealed the significant down-regulation of them in compounds 5f and 5i treated PC3 cells. The percentages of DNA damage were raised significantly in all treated MCF7 and PC3 samples as compared to the negative control, and the highest percentages were for compounds 5c and 5d treated MCF7 cells.

Graphical Abstract
Systematic Review of Artificial Intelligence for Abnormality Detection in High-volume Neuroimaging and Subgroup Meta-analysis for Intracranial Hemorrhage Detection
Authors: Agarwal Siddharth , Wood David , Grzeda Mariusz , Suresh Chandhini , Din Munaib , Cole James , Modat Marc , Booth Thomas C
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Most studies evaluating artificial intelligence (AI) models that detect abnormalities in neuroimaging are either tested on unrepresentative patient cohorts or are insufficiently well-validated, leading to poor generalisability to real-world tasks. The aim was to determine the diagnostic test accuracy and summarise the evidence supporting the use of AI models performing first-line, high-volume neuroimaging tasks.

Methods

Medline, Embase, Cochrane library and Web of Science were searched until September 2021 for studies that temporally or externally validated AI capable of detecting abnormalities in first-line computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance (MR) neuroimaging. A bivariate random effects model was used for meta-analysis where appropriate. This study was registered on PROSPERO as CRD42021269563.

Results

Out of 42,870 records screened, and 5734 potentially eligible full texts, only 16 studies were eligible for inclusion. Included studies were not compromised by unrepresentative datasets or inadequate validation methodology. Direct comparison with radiologists was available in 4/16 studies and 15/16 had a high risk of bias. Meta-analysis was only suitable for intracranial hemorrhage detection in CT imaging (10/16 studies), where AI systems had a pooled sensitivity and specificity 0.90 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.85–0.94) and 0.90 (95% CI 0.83–0.95), respectively. Other AI studies using CT and MRI detected target conditions other than hemorrhage (2/16), or multiple target conditions (4/16). Only 3/16 studies implemented AI in clinical pathways, either for pre-read triage or as post-read discrepancy identifiers.

Conclusion

The paucity of eligible studies reflects that most abnormality detection AI studies were not adequately validated in representative clinical cohorts. The few studies describing how abnormality detection AI could impact patients and clinicians did not explore the full ramifications of clinical implementation.
Sacral Dural Tears as a Cause of Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension
Authors: Lützen Niklas , Aleman Enrique Barvulsky , El Rahal Amir , Volz Florian , Fung Christian , Beck Jürgen , Urbach Horst
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Dural tears at the level of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine cause spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) in patients with a spinal longitudinal extradural CSF collection (SLEC); however, sacral dural tears have rarely been reported so far. This study focuses on sacral dural tears as a cause of SIH.

Methods

Retrospective data from SIH patients with confirmed sacral dural tears studied between October 2020 and November 2022 were analyzed with respect to demographic, clinical and imaging features. Digital subtraction myelography (DSM) and lumbar epidural blood patch (EBP) were modified by placing the patient in reversed Trendelenburg position.

Results

Of the SIH patients, 9 (all women; mean age, 38.5 years; mean body mass index, BMI, 22.9) out of 149 had a sacral dural leak (6%) that occurred spontaneously in 7/9, while 2/9 were likely associated with minor trauma. None had a sacral fracture. The mean SIH score was 6.8. All patients showed SLEC on heavily T2-weighted MR myelography (T2-MRM), 4/9 exclusively sacral and 5/9 with partial or complete involvement of the remaining spine. 4/9 had none, but 5/9 had meningeal sacral cysts, 2/5 had large cysts/ectasia. Confirmation of the sacral origin of the leak was provided in 4/9 by T2-MRM, in 2/9 by DSM and 3/9 by CT myelography (CTM) whereas 0/9 revealed the exact site of leak within the sacrum.

Conclusion

Sacral dural tears should be considered as a possible cause for SIH. It is concluded to implement T2-MRM covering the entire sacrum in the standard MRI protocol and propose EBP in the reverse Trendelenburg position as a therapeutic approach.
Energy absorbing 4D printed meta-sandwich structures: load cycles and shape recovery
Authors: Gisario Annamaria , Desole Maria Pia , Mehrpouya Mehrshad , Barletta Massimiliano
Published: June 2023

The present study investigates the behavior of solid cellular structures in polylactic acid (PLA) achieved by FDM technology (fusion deposition modelling). The geometries are permanently deformed by compressive stress and then subjected to shape recovery through the application of a thermal stimulus. The structures are submitted to medium–high and medium–low compression stresses, evaluating the mechanical properties and the absorption energy as the number of cycles varies. The study shows that the ability to absorb energy is related to the density of the model, as well as the degree of damage observed, which increases with increasing number of load cycles. The strongest geometry is the lozenge grid, which is the most reliable. It shows no damage with increasing compression cycles and keeps its capability to absorb energy almost constant. The increase in lozenge grid density leads to an improvement in both mechanical strength and absorption energy, as well as a lower incidence of microcracks in the geometry itself due to the repeated load cycles. These results open up a broad spectrum of applications of custom-designed solid cellular structures in the field of energy absorption and damping.
Clinical outcomes with an aspheric monofocal and a new enhanced monofocal intraocular lens with modified optical profile
Authors: Goslings Oege , Veraart Henk , van de Laar-Muskens Janny , Piñero David P.
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate and compare the clinical outcomes obtained after cataract surgery with an aspheric monofocal intraocular lens (IOL) and an enhanced IOL with a modified optical profile.

Methods

Randomised clinical trial enrolling 70 patients (age, 52–87 years) undergoing cataract surgery. Two groups were created according to the type of IOL implanted: Vivinex iSert from Hoya Surgical Optics (Vivinex group, 35 patients) and Tecnis Eyhance ICB00 from Johnson & Johnson Vision (Eyhance group, 35 patients). Uncorrected (UDVA) and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), uncorrected (UIVA) and distance-corrected intermediate visual acuity (DCIVA), refraction, and self-perceived visual function (Catquest-9SF) were evaluated during a 3-month follow-up.

Results

No significant differences were found between IOL groups in UDVA and CDVA (p ≥ 0.093). In contrast, monocular and binocular UIVA and DCIVA were significantly better in the Eyhance group at 1 (p ≤ 0.015) and 3 months postoperatively (p ≤ 0.002). Postoperative DCIVA 20/25 or better was obtained in 71.4% and 20.0% of patients in Eyhance and Vivinex groups, respectively. Differences in postoperative Rasch calibrated Catquest scores between Eyhance and Vivinex groups did not reach statistical significance (p ≥ 0.102). However, significant correlations were only found between the change in UIVA and Catquest scores (0.364 ≤ r ≤ 0.444, p ≤ 0.041) in the Eyhance group.

Conclusions

The modified monofocal IOL evaluated provides better intermediate visual function in comparison with a standard aspheric monofocal IOL, but the impact of this benefit on the self-perceived level of vision achieved after surgery according to the patient seemed to be limited.
Exploring the impact of stimulus–stimulus and stimulus–response conflicts on computer mouse trajectories: continuous flow of information from stimulus encoding to response preparation to motor action
Authors: Tseng Hayley , Damian Markus F.
Published: June 2023

In recent years, mouse tracking (designing experiments in which participants provide responses via dynamic computer mouse movements) has enjoyed increasing experience in experimental psychology. Mouse-tracking studies typically involve some form of stimulus–response (S–R) conflict, and S–R effects emerge in movement trajectories (as well as in latencies). By contrast, it is currently unclear how stimulus–stimulus (S–S) compatibility affects movements. Here, we used a spatial arrow task which allowed us to generate S–R and S–S effects within the same experiment. Experiment 1 clarified in a key press experiment that this manipulation generates clear S–S and S–R effects in latencies. More critically, Experiment 2 demonstrated that both types of conflict impact mouse trajectories with incompatibility emerging as increased ‘curvature’ of responses when compared to congruent responses. We argue that these results are best explained via the assumption of ‘continuous flow’ of information, from stimulus encoding to response preparation and finally into motor action. By contrast, the S–S effect on trajectories contradicts the notion that processing is ‘thresholded’ between stimulus encoding and response preparation.
Jackdaws form categorical prototypes based on experience with category exemplars
Authors: Apostel Aylin , Hahn Lukas Alexander , Rose Jonas
Published: June 2023

Categorization represents one cognitive ability fundamental to animal behavior. Grouping of elements based on perceptual or semantic features helps to reduce processing resources and facilitates appropriate behavior. Corvids master complex categorization, yet the detailed categorization learning strategies are less well understood. We trained two jackdaws on a delayed match to category paradigm using a novel, artificial stimulus type, RUBubbles. Both birds learned to differentiate between two session-unique categories following two distinct learning protocols. Categories were either introduced via central category prototypes (low variability approach) or using a subset of diverse category exemplars from which diagnostic features had to be identified (high variability approach). In both versions, the stimulus similarity relative to a central category prototype explained categorization performance best. Jackdaws consistently used a central prototype to judge category membership, regardless of whether this prototype was used to introduce distinct categories or had to be inferred from multiple exemplars. Reliance on a category prototype occurred already after experiencing only a few trials with different category exemplars. High stimulus set variability prolonged initial learning but showed no consistent beneficial effect on later generalization performance. High numbers of stimuli, their perceptual similarity, and coherent category structure resulted in a prototype-based strategy, reflecting the most adaptive, efficient, and parsimonious way to represent RUBubble categories. Thus, our birds represent a valuable comparative animal model that permits further study of category representations throughout learning in different regions of a brain producing highly cognitive behavior.

Graphical abstract
On the periodicity of an algorithm for p-adic continued fractions
Authors: Murru Nadir , Romeo Giuliano , Santilli Giordano
Published: June 2023

In this paper we study the properties of an algorithm, introduced in Browkin (Math Comput 70:1281–1292, 2000), for generating continued fractions in the field of p-adic numbers $$\mathbb Q_p$$

Q
p

. First of all, we obtain an analogue of the Galois’ Theorem for classical continued fractions. Then, we investigate the length of the preperiod for periodic expansions of square roots. Finally, we prove that there exist infinitely many square roots of integers in $$\mathbb Q_p$$

Q
p

that have a periodic expansion with period of length 4, solving an open problem left by Browkin in (Math Comput 70:1281–1292, 2000).
Diseases of Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica)
Authors: Valldeperes Marta , Yerro Paloma Prieto , López-Olvera Jorge Ramón , Fandos Paulino , Lavín Santiago , Escofet Ramón C. Soriguer , Mentaberre Gregorio , León Francisco Javier Cano-Manuel , Espinosa José , Ráez-Bravo Arián , Pérez Jesús M. , Tampach Stefania , Estruch Josep , Velarde Roser , Granados José Enrique
Published: June 2023

Iberian ibex (Caprapyrenaica) is an ecologically and economically relevant medium-sized emblematic mountain ungulate. Diseases participate in the population dynamics of the species as a regulating agent, but can also threaten the conservation and viability of vulnerable population units. Moreover, Iberian ibex can also be a carrier or even a reservoir of pathogens shared with domestic animals and/or humans, being therefore a concern for livestock and public health. The objective of this review is to compile the currently available knowledge on (1) diseases of Iberian ibex, presented according to their relevance on the health and demography of free-ranging populations; (2) diseases subjected to heath surveillance plans; (3) other diseases reported in the species; and (4) diseases with particular relevance in captive Iberian ibex populations. The systematic review of all the information on diseases affecting the species unveils unpublished reports, scientific communications in meetings, and scientific articles, allowing the first comprehensive compilation of Iberian ibex diseases. This review identifies the gaps in knowledge regarding pathogenesis, immune response, diagnostic methods, treatment, and management of diseases in Iberian ibex, providing a base for future research. Moreover, this challenges wildlife and livestock disease and wildlife population managers to assess the priorities and policies currently implemented in Iberian ibex health surveillance and monitoring and disease management.
Effects of Fuel Concentration Gradient on Stabilization of Oblique Detonation Waves in Kerosene–Air Mixtures
Authors: Wang Bing , Ren Zhaoxin
Published: June 2023

The transition structures and wave stabilization features of the wedge-induced oblique detonation wave (ODW) affect the combustion of the hypersonic air-breathing detonation engine, which is associated with the inhomogeneity of the inflow mixture. This study numerically investigates the influence of inhomogeneous kerosene–air mixtures on the stabilization of ODW for the first time, considering the inter-phase heat and mass transfers and focusing on the flow structure. The multiphase reacting flows are solved by the two-way coupling Eulerian–Lagrangian method. The inhomogeneous degree of fuel–air premixing is represented by the gradient of the liquid fuel equivalence ratio. A new pattern of transition wave structure from the shock-induced deflagration to oblique detonation is found. Under the fuel-rich condition before the shock-induced deflagration wave, a diamond-shaped wave structure is generated due to the large fuel concentration gradients. This flow structure is formed on the wedge without oscillations and is expected for a well-stabilized ODW. The initiation length of ODW is used to value the combustion performance. Its dependence on the inhomogeneous premixing degree displays a W-shaped curve. The chemical heat release influences the initiation length more obviously than the evaporative cooling in the fuel-lean conditions before the shock-induced deflagration. The ODW stabilization is enhanced by the heat released from the fuel-rich chemical reaction. Generally, the two-phase oblique detonation is determined by the competitiveness between the evaporative heat loss and chemical heat release. A uniform fuel–air mixture may not be optimal for detonation initiation based on the results of the present study.
The Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Bempedoic Acid in Patients at Elevated Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials
Authors: Sayed Ahmed , Shazly Omar , Slipczuk Leandro , Krittanawong Chayakrit , Baloch Farhala , Virani Salim S.
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Statins are first-line agents to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and cardiovascular risk, however, they are insufficient and/or intolerable in many patients. To that end, we conducted a meta-analysis of Bempedoic Acid (BA), a novel LDL-C lowering agent.

Methods

We retrieved randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of BA by searching Pubmed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Clinicaltrials.gov. We used the Mantel-Haenszel method to pool estimates. The I2 measure was used to quantify heterogeneity. Treatment effects are provided as relative risks (RR), absolute risk differences (ARD), and number needed to treat/harm (NNTB/H). Analyses were conducted using R, version 4.1.2.

Results

11 trials enrolling 18,496 patients were included. Compared to placebo, BA reduced the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (RR: 0.87; 95% CI: 0.80 to 0.95; ARD: -1.63%; NNT: 62), myocardial infarction (RR: 0.76; 95% CI: 0.66 to 0.89; ARD: -1.03%; NNT: 98), unstable angina hospitalization (RR: 0.70; 95%: CI: 0.55 to 0.89; ARD: -0.57%; NNT: 177), revascularization (RR: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.72 to 0.91; ARD: -1.31%; NNT: 77), and myalgia (RR: 0.85; 95% CI: 0.75 to 0.95; ARD: -0.99%; NNT: 102). BA significantly increased the risk of gout (RR: 1.56; 95% CI: 1.27 to 1.91; ARD: 0.99%; NNH: 101), renal impairment (RR: 1.35; 95% CI: 1.22 to 1.49; ARD: 2.54%; NNH: 40), and cholelithiasis (RR: 1.87; 95% CI: 1.43 to 2.44; ARD: 1.01%; NNH: 100).

Conclusion

BA effectively reduces the risk of cardiovascular events and myalgia but increases the risk of gout, cholelithiasis, and renal impairment.
Global citizenship online in higher education
Authors: Helm Francesca , Baroni Alice , Acconcia Giuseppe
Published: June 2023

Discourses of global education, citizenship and competence have been characterising the higher education literature in recent years. The COVID-19 pandemic has both heightened the relevance of global citizenship education and presented new challenges as educators and students continue to grapple with the lasting impact and implications. This paper presents the findings of a research study which looked at the perceived learning outcomes of a ‘virtual exchange’ project which addressed issues relevant to global citizenship, involving students in European and Southern Mediterranean countries in online dialogue programmes. The study used quantitative and qualitative approaches to the analysis of responses to open survey questions using the quantitative tool IRAMUTEQ (Sbalchiero & Tuzzi, 2016) and focus groups. Participants perceived that their learning was happening above all through their encounters and discussions with people from different backgrounds. They reported learning to listen actively and carefully, to accept and/or respect different opinions and experiences. The findings open up possibilities for how higher education institutions might engage students in online transnational and global learning experiences—which can contribute to thinking about renewing education and societies in a post-pandemic world.
Mechanisms of Techno-Moral Change: A Taxonomy and Overview
Authors: Danaher John , Sætra Henrik Skaug
Published: June 2023

The idea that technologies can change moral beliefs and practices is an old one. But how, exactly, does this happen? This paper builds on an emerging field of inquiry by developing a synoptic taxonomy of the mechanisms of techno-moral change. It argues that technology affects moral beliefs and practices in three main domains: decisional (how we make morally loaded decisions), relational (how we relate to others) and perceptual (how we perceive situations). It argues that across these three domains there are six primary mechanisms of techno-moral change: (i) adding options; (ii) changing decision-making costs; (iii) enabling new relationships; (iv) changing the burdens and expectations within relationships; (v) changing the balance of power in relationships; and (vi) changing perception (information, mental models and metaphors). The paper also discusses the layered, interactive and second-order effects of these mechanisms.
The effect of the age at school entry on educational attainment and field of study: an analysis using the Spanish census
Authors: Valdés Manuel T. , Requena Miguel
Published: May 2023

In countries with a school-entry cutoff date, individuals born right after the cutoff are almost 1 year older than individuals in the same school cohort born right before that date. Abundant research has documented that, as a result of that extra year of maturation and skill accumulation, older students in a cohort outperform their younger peers. It is also well-established that this effect peaks at the initial stages of the educational career and wanes as students grow. However, it remains unclear whether or not the age at school entry affects final educational attainment. In this work, we use Spanish census data to assess whether individuals born right after the school-entry cutoff (January 1) are more likely to complete post-compulsory education, a university degree and post-graduate education. We also assess if the age at school entry affects the probability of completing education in a STEM field of study. Our findings indicate that males born after the cutoff accumulate more years of education than males born before that date, but are less likely to complete their education in a STEM field of study. Interestingly, the effect concentrates among the youngest and oldest students in each cohort, is less intense for higher levels of education and disappears among females.
Teaching Academic Staff to Implement Interactive Graphics for Their Courses
Authors: Liebig Pamela , Filor Viviane , Scheumann Mariana , Buchholz Martina , Jung Klaus
Published: May 2023

Many academic teachers present data as static graphics in their lectures and courses. However, data structures have become more complex in the last decades, especially in the biomedical disciplines, and interactive graphics can provide a better means to communicate the scientific contents to students. Besides, the technological qualifications of academic staff are diverse, and it has been little studied how these teachers can be trained to program and implement interactive graphics for their courses. It is also little known whether interactive graphics will be helpful for teaching and learning. We conducted a pilot online workshop to identify aspects that need to be addressed when teaching academic staff to program interactive graphics in form of Shiny-apps based on the programing language R. The n = 25 participants were academic staff from the fields of medicine or natural sciences. Pre- and post-workshop questionnaires were used to identify which aspects should be considered in future workshops, to query the usefulness of interactive graphics for teachers and students, and to identify the impact of the workshop on the teacher’s opinion towards digital teaching devices and their preparedness to program own interactive graphics. Most participants showed strong interest to use interactive graphics in their courses after the workshop, and interactive graphics were overall rated as very helpful for teachers and students. However, only those with prior programming knowledge intended to implement own graphics. We conclude that an extension of the workshop will be necessary to provide additional training for participants with no background in R programming.
Influences of a Virtual Manipulatives Context on Argumentation About Integers
Authors: Vallejo-Vargas Estela A. , Reid David A.
Published: June 2023

This article presents a case study of two Grade 5 boys’ argumentation concerning addition and subtraction of negative numbers while using an interactive tablet-based application simulating positive and negative tiles. We examine the properties of integers they conjectured, and the kinds of evidence and arguments they used to support their conjectures. The proof-based teaching theory used to develop the tasks, and the features of the virtual manipulative environment, are described. The results show that the tasks, in combination with the virtual manipulative environment, allowed the boys to perform calculations that they had not been able to perform previously, that in one instance one boy used a deductive argument to explain a conjecture they had made, and that a known weakness of the counterbalance model of integers that was used was not a problem in this case.
Oxygen evolution behavior of La1−xSrxFeO3−δ electrodes in LiCl–KCl melt
Authors: Kimura Shunichi , Fukumoto Takashi , Suzuki Yuta , Goto Takuya
Published: June 2023

Electrochemical reduction processes of oxides in molten salt have been proposed as the carbon-free technologies in order to achieve carbon neutrality. The anodic behavior of La1−xSrxFeO3−δ as an O2 evolution anode in LiCl–KCl at 723 K was investigated. The results suggested that at 723 K, the electrical conductivity of La1−xSrxFeO3−δ tended to increase with the Sr doping. The anodic reactions of the La1−xSrxFeO3−δ electrodes were characterized by electrochemical measurements in LiCl–KCl + Li2O at 723 K. Based on the cyclic voltammograms of the La0.7Sr0.3FeO3−δ electrode, O2 evolution has proceeded between 2.7 and 3.6 V. The potential of the La0.7Sr0.3FeO3−δ electrode during galvanostatic electrolysis has conducted at 39 mA cm−2 for 15 h has remained stable at 2.8 V, indicating that the stable evolution of O2 gas was monitored. The corrosion rate was estimated to have the low value of 8.6 × 10−4 g cm−2 h−1. Electrode surface data obtained after electrolysis indicated that the La0.7Sr0.3FeO3−δ electrode exhibited excellent chemical and physical stability in LiCl–KCl at 723 K. This indicates that the La0.7Sr0.3FeO3−δ electrode is promising candidate material as inert anodes for oxide decomposition. As an application of the La0.7Sr0.3FeO3−δ electrode, the electrolytic reduction of CO2 was also successfully achieved.

Graphical Abstract
Performance Analysis of the Multi-connection Tactile Internet Protocol over 5G
Authors: Rico Delia , Grinemmo Karl-Johan , Brunstrom Anna , Merino Pedro
Published: June 2023

Tactile Internet is an Internet network that combines ultra-low latency with extremely high availability and reliability. Since traditional protocols, such as UDP and TCP, cannot support this operation, other transport protocols are required to meet the stringent requirements of the Tactile Internet. This paper evaluates the implementation of the Multi-connection Tactile Internet Protocol (MTIP), a multi-connectivity transport protocol for the Tactile Internet. MTIP uses application and network status information to select network paths intelligently and, in so doing, to improve reliability and latency. The paper studies how different configurations of the MTIP algorithm impact its path selection and the effect on lost and late packets. This evaluation is performed in an emulated environment and in a 4G/5G lab to evaluate the protocol in diverse scenarios. The results show a direct trade-off between higher reliability requirements and the number of duplicate packets.