bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Specification for interoperability testing of contactless fingerprint acquisition devices
Authors: Libert John , Orandi Shahram , Grantham John , Bandini Bruce , Ko Kenneth , Stafford Christopher , Staymates Matthew , Watson Craig
Published: June 2022

This guidance specifies a protocol and associated metrics for the evaluation of contactless fingerprint acquisition device, and their interoperability with legacy devices. This protocol enables contactless fingerprint developers seeking certification of their devices to perform an integral role in the collection of measurements by which their device will be evaluated by the certifying authority or other stakeholders. The NIST Fingerprint Registration and Comparison Tool (NFRaCT) enables interested parties seeking testing for certification to collect fingerprint images and performance measurements using the NFRaCT and provide those measurements to the certifying authority for analysis and evaluation without requiring the exchange of any underlying fingerprint images. The protocol provides flexibility in that device performance can be evaluated and validated using live fingerprint impressions or three-dimensional (3D) fingerprint target artifacts.
¿Qué nos apostamos? Apuntes para otra mirada al Festival de Eurovisión (y a otros eventos masivos)
Authors:   Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, Roig Antoni
Published: June 2022

Eurovisión es un evento televisivo que, guste más o guste menos, resulta fascinante precisamente por ser contradictorio y multifacético: a la vez profundamente representativo de los tiempos que vivimos y en muchos aspectos una reliquia del pasado. En este artículo hago un apunte sobre el Festival de Eurovisión 2022 desde un punto de vista algo distinto a la inundación mediática que le suele rodear, porque el evento lo permite como pocos. Lo haré desde la perspectiva de los datos y las apuestas, que forman una parte poco visible pero fundamental de los eventos globales competitivos.
Tax instruments in the system of factors of the state's impact on inequality
Authors: Pugachev Andrei Aleksandrovich
Published: June 2022

Monetary inequality is a serious socio-economic problem both for Russia and for many countries. The implementation of tools for smoothing inequality today becomes a condition for ensuring Russia's national security and sustainable development around the world. The level of inequality and poverty in Russia is at a very high level. The degree of inequality has not been reduced for 30 years, that is, in fact, since the beginning of the period of market reforms and privatization, despite the measures taken by the government. And even in the current very difficult financial and economic conditions, the task of reducing inequality remains a key direction of socio-economic policy. This task has been set today at the highest state level. The above makes it urgent to develop and implement a set of measures to influence the state on inequality. The subject of the study is the socio-economic relations of the state and citizens regarding the smoothing of monetary inequality in terms of determining the configuration of factors of state influence. Within the framework of the study, the factors of the state's impact on inequality are systematized and classified. As such, the following are considered: income, property and indirect taxation of citizens, state social transfers (pensions, benefits, social programs), monetary policy, labor market regulation, macroeconomic policy to ensure growth. It is shown that the main state instrument in the field of smoothing inequality in Russia are state social transfers. The potential of personal income tax is practically not realized, despite the fact that the world experience of smoothing inequality is focused primarily on income taxation. The prospects of development in the impact of the state on inequality are determined. Advantages and disadvantages of tax instruments are noted. The directions of improving income, indirect, and property taxation of citizens to reduce inequality are proposed.
Modelling the Passenger Choice Behaviour of Buying High-Speed Railway Tickets
Authors: YAN Zhenying , JIAN Meiying , LI Xiaojuan , CAO Jinxin
Published: June 2022

Passenger choice behaviour of buying tickets has a great impact on the high-speed rail (HSR) revenue management. It is very critical to find out the sensitive factors that prevent passengers with high willingness to pay for a ticket from buying low-price tickets. The literature on passenger choice behaviour mainly focuses on travel mode choice, choice between a conventional train and a high-speed train and choice among high-speed trains. To extend the literature and serve revenue management, this paper investigates passenger choice behaviour of buying high-speed railway tickets. The data were collected by the stated preference (SP) survey based on Beijing-Hohhot high-speed railway. The conditional logit model was established to analyse influencing factors for business travel and non-business travel. The results show that: business passengers have the higher inherent preference for full-price tickets, while non-business passengers have the higher inherent preference for discount tickets; the number of days booked in advance and frequent passenger points have a significant impact on the ticket choice of business travellers, but not on non-business travellers; passengers are unwilling to buy tickets that depart after 16:00 for non-business travel; factors have different effects on the passengers' choice in business travel and non-business travel. The results can provide parameters for revenue management models and references for the ticket-product design.
Segunda semana de Lingüística y Filología
Authors:   Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
Published: June 2022

No presenta resumen
Knowledge and Anxiety of Pregnant Women towards COVID-19 Pandemic in the Prevaccination Phase
Authors: Singh Bharti , Devalla Anusha , Pushpalatha Kameshwarachari , Gautam Namita , Dabar Deepti
Published: June 2022

Introduction: Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to devastating and unprecedented health crises especially in the vulnerable population, ever since its origin in 2019. COVID-19 management in pregnant women had been a matter of controversy before the introduction of the standard protocols by the various international bodies. A lot of concern still prevails around the adverse foeto-maternal outcomes such as preterm birth, stillbirth, increased caesarean rates, maternal morbidity and mortality. Furthermore, uncertainty about the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic had also increased anxiety among pregnant women, particularly during the first wave. Aim: To find out the knowledge and beliefs of pregnant women towards the COVID-19 infection in first wave and to know whether it had increased anxiety among non infected pregnant women before the advent of the COVID-19 vaccination. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on the 280 asymptomatic pregnant women attending the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India, over four months (10th October 2020 to 10th February 2021). These women were provided with a questionnaire and a Generalised Anxiety Disorder Score-7 (GAD-7) chart. Statistical analysis was performed using the Pearson Chi-square analyses with p<0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The total number of participants were 280. Majority of them were in their 20s and were primigravida. The mean GAD-7 score for the study population was 4.642 and the overall prevalence of anxiety in this study was 34.3% (n=96). GAD-7 score chart showed 65.7% (n=184) had 0-4 levels (minimal) while severe scores ≥15 were noted in 2.9% (n=8). In the current study, greater anxiety scores were found in the homemakers. A high prevalence of anxiety was seen in primigravida and during the third trimester. About 37.5% of the participants believed that COVID-19 could transmit to the foetus-in-utero, if infected and 50.36% felt being pregnant could increase the risk of contracting COVID-19 infection. Conclusion: The present findings suggest that pregnant women showed a lot of concerns and significant anxiety due to COVID19 during the study period.
Comparison of Effect of Clonidine and Magnesium Sulphate on Attenuation of Haemodynamic Response to CO2 Pneumoperitoneum in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic SurgeriesA Randomised Clinical Study
Authors: Bagle Aparna , Shah Krusha Suresh , Pujari Spoorti , Gulia Tanya , Singh Chandrakala
Published: June 2022

Introduction: Laparoscopy, a minimally invasive technique causes several physiological fluctuations. There can be deleterious sympathetic responses during carbon dioxide insufflation, which is done to create a pneumoperitoneum. Aim: To assess the impact of clonidine and magnesium sulphate on sympathetic response to carbon dioxide insufflation in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgeries. Materials and Methods: A double-blinded randomised clinical study was conducted in Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune, Maharshtra, India, from June 2020 to September 2021, included 52 patients, posted for elective laparoscopic surgeries. Patients were randomized into two groups i.e, group M (n=26) received 30 mg/kg of magnesium sulphate and group C (n=26) received 1 μg/kg of clonidine after premedication. The vital parameters like heart rate, systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressure, end tidal carbon dioxide, saturation were observed and noted at predetermined interval in perioperative period. Also, Visual Analogue Score (VAS) and sedation score were recorded in the recovery room. The statistical software SPSS version 16 was used. The p-value <0.05 was considered as significant. Results: The mean age in group C and group M was 35.46± 8.5 years and 35.38±9.02 years (p-value=0.751). Both groups were compared for change in heart rate, systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressure changes after pneumoperitoneum and showed no significant variations in both groups at different time intervals (p-value >0.05). Also, both groups showed less than 20% variation from the baseline parameters, thus, effectively attenuating the pressor response. The VAS and sedation score were comparable in both the groups and showed no significant variations in both groups at different time intervals. Conclusion: Intravenous administration of clonidine 1 μg/kg, or magnesium sulfate 30 mg/kg prior to pneumoperitoneum was effective in suppressing the pressor response during laparoscopic procedures. At the above used dosages, groups C and M showed insignificant difference in the measured parameters, thus proving to be equally effective in blunting the pressor response.
Assessing the of Effect of Risk Assessment on Detection and Prevention of Fraud in Banking Sector in Kenya
Authors: Golicha Kabale Jimale , Onsiro Martin
Published: June 2022

The banking sector in different parts of the world have challenges in detecting and preventing frauds due to weak controls. However, an effective system if well implemented an organization is capable of preventing and detecting fraudulent activities. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of internal control system on detection and prevention of frauds in banking sector in Kenya a case of Consolidated Bank of Kenya Ltd. This study was anchored under Attribution theory. The study adopted qualitative and quantitative methods, which assisted in collecting and analysing the data. This study also adopted a descriptive research design to investigate the study variables. Mean, percentages, frequencies and standard deviation were used in descriptive statistics analysis and inferential regression such as multiple regression and correlation were applied to analyse the relationship between the study variable and the significant of the variables respectively. The study targeted a population of 130 staff grouped in 4 subgroups. The outcomes of the research demonstrated that risk assessment had a positive and substantial link with fraud detection and prevention. According to the report, new techniques of improving fraud detection and prevention should be devised, and government rules should be reviewed. Additional study should be done using a cross-sectional research design that includes a questionnaire, an interview, and a secondary data schedule.
Reading Modules Using Marungko Approach of Grade One Pupils in the Elementary Schools of Zambales, Philippines
Authors: Balgua Agafe M. , Fabunan Shirley H. , Farin Elizabeth N.
Published: June 2022

The study determined the effectiveness of reading modules using the Marungko approach for grade one pupils in selected elementary schools in Zambales, Philippines, during the school year 2020-2021. The study revealed that the pupil-participant is a typical male young pre-schooler, whose parent is a housekeeper and living in the inner town proper. The pupils in the controlled and experimental groups were assessed under frustration level in decoding of words, reading speed and reading comprehension in the first pre-test assessment. The pupils-participant in the controlled and experimental groups were assessed under frustration level in decoding of words, reading speed and reading comprehension in the second pre-test assessment. The pupil-participant in the first post-test assessment, the controlled group were assessed "Instructional level" in decoding of words, slow in reading speed and frustration in the reading comprehension. For the experimental groups assessed independent is decoding of words, fast in speed of reading and independent in reading comprehension.  The pupil-participant in the second post-test assessment, the controlled group were assessed "Instructional level" in decoding of words, slow in reading speed and frustration in the reading comprehension. For the experimental groups assessed independent is decoding of words, average in speed of reading and independent in the reading comprehension. The academic performance of the pupil-participants was "Satisfactory".  There is significant difference on the results between pre-test and post-test assessment in the experimental group after being expose to Marungko Approach. No significant difference was found out in the use of the traditional approach. There is moderate relationship between the academic performance and the post-test assessment. The researcher recommended that for better reading competence and academic performance, Marungko approach is high recommended as intervention program; that the use of Marungko approach is best intervention for decoding of words, develop speed in reading and enhance reading comprehension; that an in-service training for teachers to be familiarized with the application and integratio  of Marungko Approach in the teaching and learning process is highly encouraged; and finally to conduct a parallel study with in-depth and wider in scope so as to validate the findings obtained in the study.
Necrotizing Sialometaplasia in a Medically Compromised Patient—A Potential Diagnostic Pitfall
Authors: da Rocha Espírito Gustavo , Tonetto Marques Galves Vanessa , Costa Mariana Andrade , Chahud Fernando , de Macedo Leandro Dorigan , Alencar Ramos Innocentini Lara Maria , Fragoso Motta Ana Carolina
Published: June 2022

This case report describes a woman in her 50s with type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and hypertensive kidney disease who presented with oral lesions with a duration of 1 month and was subsequently diagnosed with necrotizing sialometaplasia.
Recurrent and Recalcitrant Salivary Gland Swelling in a Woman
Authors: Brady Rebecca G. , Perez Angel J. , Nelson Brenda
Published: June 2022

A 32-year-old woman presented with a 1-year history of facial swelling and pruritus; histologic examination revealed periductal inflammatory infiltrate with eosinophils. What is your diagnosis?
Through a changed lens: Resilience and innovation during times of crises
Authors: Wlodarsky Rachel L. , Hansman Catherine A.
Published: June 2022

This article highlights the multiple crises experienced since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020 that have encouraged adult educators to rethink and revitalize their professional practices to respond to learners with understanding and care as they work through their own challenges. The reflections and perspectives shared inform our own practices as adult educators, giving us renewed sustenance to continue our work with adult learners. We conclude the article with last thoughts about supporting adult educators and learners during times of trauma and crises and ideas for future research and practice.
CAR‐T Therapy in Clinical Practice: Technical Advances and Current Challenges
Authors: Ren Ping , Zhang Chuyue , Li Wenping , Wang Xian , Liang Aibing , Yang Guang , Xu Hongtao , Ma Peixiang
Published: June 2022

Chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) redirect T cells to specifically recognize and eliminate tumor cells. CAR‐T therapy has achieved successful clinical outcomes, and it has been transformed into commercially available products to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia and B cell lymphoma. These breakthroughs have motivated hundreds of CAR‐T clinical trials initiated each year, with ≈900 cases registered on the ClinicalTrials website till 2021. Accumulating clinical experiences have highlighted some limitations of this strategy, e.g., relapse after complete response, poor efficacy in solid tumors, on‐target off‐tumor toxicities, lack of persistence, and tumor resistance. These challenges limit the therapeutic application of CAR‐T cells. Multidisciplinary approaches are actively investigated to address these issues. In this review, the antigens, CAR designs, and cell sources are summarized in clinical trials from 2020 to 2021. The innovative modular and programmable designs in CAR‐T cells, including advances in signaling domains, antigen‐recognition domains, T cell engineering, and cell resources, are further discussed. Integrative genetic and chemical engineering strategies are promising to improve the versatility, antitumor efficacy, persistence, and safety of CAR‐T cells. In the future, the next generation of CAR‐T cell therapies will offer more options for patients who are refractory to standard tumor therapies.
Continual Learning Electrical Conduction in Resistive‐Switching‐Memory Materials
Authors: Go Shao‐Xiang , Wang Qiang , Wang Bo , Jiang Yu , Bajalovic Natasa , Loke Desmond K.
Published: June 2022

The authors apply the concept of continual learning to modeling conductive‐filament growth in resistive‐switching materials (RSM). The approach permits computation of compliance current without knowing the geometries of conductive filaments and switching behaviors. This avoids the need to retrain the entire dataset when additional compliance currents are considered and is thus ideal for resistive switching (RS) thin films, doped layers, and other material systems. Computation of compliance current is consistent with experimental data for a wide range of parameters and learning tasks and demonstrates switching behavior not captured by traditional models. Lesion calculations elucidate the brain‐inspired‐modification‐facilitated increase in compliance‐current‐computation‐accuracy. A state‐of‐the‐art performance on challenging compliance‐current learning tasks without storing data is achieved (“brain inspired replay (BIR) – gating based on internal context (Gat)” method, ≈89%; above a benchmark of ≈50% for synaptic‐intelligence (SI)/elastic‐weight‐consolidation (EWC) methods), and it provides a novel model for computing compliance current based on replay of the brain. This intuitive approach combined with a simple solver tool, allows researchers with little computation experience to perform realistic and accurate modeling.
Dynamically Responsive Scaffolds from Microfluidic 3D Printing for Skin Flap Regeneration
Authors: Wang Xiaocheng , Yu Yunru , Yang Chaoyu , Shang Luoran , Zhao Yuanjin , Shen Xian
Published: June 2022

Biological scaffolds hold promising perspectives for random skin flap regeneration, while the practical application is greatly limited by their insufficient vascularization ability and the lack of responsiveness during the dynamical healing process. Herein, a novel MXene‐incorporated hollow fibrous (MX‐HF) scaffold with dynamically responsive channels is presented for promoting vascularization and skin flap regeneration by using a microfluidic‐assisted 3D printing strategy. Benefiting from the photothermal conversion capacity of the MXene nanosheets and temperature‐responsive ability of poly(NIPAM) hydrogels in the MX‐HF scaffolds, they display a near‐infrared (NIR)‐responsive shrinkage/swelling behavior, which facilitates the cell penetration into the scaffold channels from the surrounding environment. Moreover, by incorporating vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) into the hydrogel matrix for controllable delivery, the MX‐HF scaffolds can achieve promoted proliferation, migration, and proangiogenic effects of endothelial cells under NIR irradiation. It is further demonstrated in vivo that the NIR‐responsive VEGF@MX‐HF scaffolds can effectively improve skin flap survival by promoting angiogenesis, decreasing inflammation, and attenuating apoptosis in skin flaps. Thus, it is believed that such responsive MX‐HF scaffolds are promising candidates for clinical random skin flap regeneration as well as other diverse tissue engineering applications.
Immunogenic Cell Death Activates the Tumor Immune Microenvironment to Boost the Immunotherapy Efficiency
Authors: Li Zhilin , Lai Xiaoqin , Fu Shiqin , Ren Long , Cai Hao , Zhang Hu , Gu Zhongwei , Ma Xuelei , Luo Kui
Published: June 2022

Tumor immunotherapy is only effective in a fraction of patients due to a low response rate and severe side effects, and these challenges of immunotherapy in clinics can be addressed through induction of immunogenic cell death (ICD). ICD is elicited from many antitumor therapies to release danger associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and tumor‐associated antigens to facilitate maturation of dendritic cells (DCs) and infiltration of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). The process can reverse the tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment to improve the sensitivity of immunotherapy. Nanostructure‐based drug delivery systems (NDDSs) are explored to induce ICD by incorporating therapeutic molecules for chemotherapy, photosensitizers (PSs) for photodynamic therapy (PDT), photothermal conversion agents for photothermal therapy (PTT), and radiosensitizers for radiotherapy (RT). These NDDSs can release loaded agents at a right dose in the right place at the right time, resulting in greater effectiveness and lower toxicity. Immunotherapeutic agents can also be combined with these NDDSs to achieve the synergic antitumor effect in a multi‐modality therapeutic approach. In this review, NDDSs are harnessed to load multiple agents to induce ICD by chemotherapy, PDT, PTT, and RT in combination of immunotherapy to promote the therapeutic effect and reduce side effects associated with cancer treatment.
Sustainable agricultural production, income, and eco‐labeling: What can be learned from a modern Ricardian approach?
Authors: Heerman Kari E. R. , Sheldon Ian M.
Published: June 2022

In this article, trade‐in sustainably produced agricultural products with eco‐labeling are modeled using a modern Ricardian framework. Based on this approach, expressions are derived for the share of products importers purchase from specific exporters for low‐cost unsustainable and high‐cost sustainable production technologies, assuming consumers have non‐homothetic preferences. The consumer and sustainability gains from eco‐labeling are also analyzed, along with a discussion and comparison of the effects of mutual recognition versus harmonization of countries' eco‐labeling regimes.
Few‐Copy Entanglement Detection in the Presence of Noise
Authors: Saggio Valeria , Walther Philip
Published: June 2022

Although the realization of useful quantum computers poses significant challenges, swift progress in emerging quantum technologies is making this goal realistically approachable. In this context, one of the essential resources is quantum entanglement, which allows for quantum computations outperforming their classical counterparts. However, the task of entanglement detection is not always straightforward for several reasons. One of the main challenges is that standard methods rapidly become unfeasible when dealing with quantum states containing more than a few qubits. Typically, this is due to the fact that a vast number of measurements are needed on many copies of the state. Generally, it is not unusual to deal with a very limited number of state copies in experimental settings—in fact, this may be the case for many large quantum systems. In this article, an overview is provided of a probabilistic approach that enables high‐confidence genuine multipartite entanglement detection using an exceptionally low number of state copies. Additionally, a study is presented that shows that this protocol remains efficient also in the presence of noise, thus confirming the practicality of the method for near‐term quantum devices and its suitability for complex experimental settings.
In situ encapsulation of ZrQ in UiO‐66 (Zr‐BDC) for pore size control to enhance detection of a nerve agent simulant dimethyl methyl phosphonate
Authors: Wong Danny , Kim Seonghwan , Abuzalat Osama
Published: June 2022

Chemical warfare agents are toxic chemicals that require rapid, easy‐to‐use, sensitive, and selective sensors to countermeasure. Simulants, such as dimethyl methyl phosphonate (DMMP), are used to test the effectiveness of sensors toward nerve agents. Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) offer large surface area and selective accessibility to active sites making them appealing for chemical sensing applications. In this work, we propose a fast, facile, direct synthesis method for manufacturing fluorescent MOFs with high sensitivity and selectivity. Zr‐BDC is synthesized with 1, 4‐benzenedicarboxylic acid (BDC) as an organic ligand and zirconium (Zr) metal. Fluorescent materials are then encapsulated in a novel and rapid in situ approach with strong solvents. X‐ray diffraction, UV–visible spectroscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy are used to verify the successful formation of fluorescent MOFs. Compared to other methods, the gel synthesis method helps to control crystal growth leading to higher BET surface areas of ~1150 m2 g−1 for Zr‐BDC and 850 m2 g−1 for ZrQ@Zr‐BDC. Titration experiments show the sensitivity of the material to DMMP down to 8.3 nM with a highly linear response. Enhanced fluorescence and occupation of mesopores by ZrQ enable lower limit of detection than those of comparable works in literature. The encapsulation mechanism also prevents substantial defects that would otherwise lead to water adsorption.
Influences of fiber fibrillation degree on mechanical and tribological performances of aramid fiber/nitrile rubber composites
Authors: Zhang Rui , Lu Lizhou , Yuan Xinna , Li Zhuo , Sun Ruijun , Zhang Baihui
Published: June 2022

Three types of aramid fibers (AFs) with various surface fibrillation degrees were introduced into nitrile rubber (NBR) matrix to prepare the AF/NBR composites, respectively. Their impacts on the mechanical and tribological performances of the NBR composites were mainly studied. The results showed that, as the fiber content increased, the tensile strength of the AF/NBR composites increased after initially decreased, and the turning point moved toward the direction of lower AF content with the fiber fibrillation degree increase. In addition, when the AF content was low, the tensile strength decreased as the fibrillation degree increased, but the opposite trend was observed when the AF content became high. In addition, the tear strength increased with the increase of the fiber content and fibrillation degree. With the fiber fibrillation degree increase, the tan δmaxof the composites decreased, indicating a stronger restriction on the NBR molecular chains. Furthermore, the surface fibrillation degree increase slightly decreased the friction coefficient (COF). The wear performance of the AF/NBR composites improved with the fiber content increase. The fibrillation degree increase further improved the wear resistance. It should be due to the tear strength increase and the enhanced interfacial interaction between the fiber and rubber matrix.
Physical, mechanical, and sliding wear behavior of micro‐sized Linz‐Donawintz slag filled epoxy composites
Authors: Lohiya Priyank , Agrawal Alka Bani , Agrawal Alok , Purohit Abhilash
Published: June 2022

Linz‐Donawintz (LD) slag is a solid waste produced during the basic oxygen furnace process of steel making and is more often disposed of on nearby land causing a disturbance in vegetation and human health. Hence, judicial management of LD slag is a need for an hour. For this purpose, the usability of LD slags as a reinforcement material in epoxy composites was investigated in the present work. In this investigation, the physical properties (density, void content, water absorption rate), mechanical properties (tensile properties, flexural properties, compressive strength, hardness), and tribological properties (sliding wear behavior) are reported. From the experimental investigation, it is found that the density, void content, and water intake capacity increase with LD slag loading. The maximum voids present in the composite is 1.92% for epoxy/40 wt. % LD slag composite. Similarly, maximum water uptake of only 0.6% is observed for composite with maximum filler content and for maximum immersion time. Further, it is observed that the strength of composite under tensile and flexural loading was compromised slightly. At 40 wt. % of LD slag, the measured tensile and flexural strength are 20.8 MPa and 28.78 MPa respectively. The strength of composites under compressive loading increases with filler content and reaches a maximum of 108 MPa for epoxy/40 wt. % LD slag composite. The high hardness of filler assists in increasing the hardness of the composites. The hardness of neat epoxy is Shore‐D number 75 which increases to Shore‐D number 84. With increased hardness, ultimately the specific wear rate under dry sliding conditions reduces. Taguchi's L25 orthogonal array having four factors, each at five different levels is implemented to conduct the sliding wear tests. A forecast model is built on an artificial neural network (ANN) which successfully envisages the sliding wear performance of the composite under investigation inside and outside the experimental domain.
Predictive factors of academic success in neuromusculoskeletal anatomy among doctor of physical therapy students
Authors: Harmon Derek J. , Attardi Stefanie M. , Waite Jordan G. , Topp Kimberly S. , Smoot Betty J. , Farkas Gary J.
Published: June 2022

Predictors of academic success in anatomy have been studied, but not in Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students. The objectives of this study were to (1) explore predictors of academic success in a DPT anatomy course, (2) evaluate sex‐based differences in the predictors of academic success and their influence on anatomy course grade, and (3) investigate the influence of the DPT anatomy course on visual–spatial ability. Forty‐nine DPT students completed a demographic questionnaire, Learning and Study Strategies Inventory (LASSI), and Mental Rotations Test (MRT) before the ten‐week anatomy course (MRT‐1) and repeated the MRT at the end of the course (MRT‐2). Anatomy course grade was determined based on quizzes and written and practical examinations. Multiple regression analysis showed significant associations between the predictor variables age (p = 0.010) and the LASSI anxiety subscale (p = 0.017), which measures anxiety coping, with the anatomy course grade. On the MRT‐1, male DPT students attempted and correctly answered more questions than females (both, p < 0.0001). Female students had higher LASSI self‐regulation and use of academic resources subscale scores (both, p < 0.05). In the 44 DPT students that completed the MRT‐2, the number of correct and attempted responses increased following the anatomy course (p < 0.0001). Age and anxiety coping, but not sex, are predictors of anatomy course grades in DPT students. Mental rotations test scores improved following the anatomy course. The LASSI should be used in other cohorts to identify students with low anxiety subscale scores in order to provide targeted support.
Prognostic differences among Grade Group 4 subgroups in robotic‐assisted radical prostatectomy
Authors: Sasaki Takeshi , Ebara Shin , Tatenuma Tomoyuki , Ikehata Yoshinori , Nakayama Akinori , Kato Daiki , Toide Masahiro , Yoneda Tatsuaki , Sakaguchi Kazushige , Teishima Jun , Makiyama Kazuhide , Kitamura Hiroshi , Saito Kazutaka , Koie Takuya , Koga Fumitaka , Urakami Shinji , Inoue Takahiro
Published: June 2022

Objectives

To investigate whether the International Society of Urological Pathology Grade Group 4 (GG 4) subgroups have different oncological outcomes in Japanese prostate cancer (PCa) patients undergoing robotic‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP).

Patients and Methods

We conducted a retrospective multicentre cohort study in PCa patients undergoing RARP at 10 institutions in Japan. Pre‐ and post‐operative variables were collected from enrolled patients. We evaluated biochemical recurrence and clinical and pathological variables in the different GG 4 subgroups.

Results

A total of 3195 patients were enrolled in the study. Among them, 298 patients with GG 4 tumours (pathological Gleason scores [GSs] of 3 + 5 [N = 37], 4 + 4 [N = 257] and 5 + 3 [N = 4]) based on RARP specimens were analysed. The median follow‐up period was 25.2 months. The 3‐year biochemical recurrence (BCR)‐free survival (BCRFS) rate in the overall population was 74.5%. The 3‐year BCRFS rates in the pathological GS 3 + 5, GS 4 + 4 and GS 5 + 3 subgroups were 93.8%, 71.9% and 50.0%, respectively (P = 0.01). In multivariate analysis, pathological GS based on RARP specimens, PSA levels at surgery, pathological T stage, pathological N stage and surgical margins were independent risk factors significantly associated with BCRFS. In particular, patients with pathological GSs 4 + 4 and 5 + 3 were at higher risk of BCR than patients with pathological GS 3 + 5 (hazard ratio 4.54, P = 0.03 and hazard ratio 11.2, P = 0.01, respectively). The study limitations include the lack of central pathological specimen evaluation.

Conclusions

For patients with localized PCa undergoing RARP, pathological GS 4 + 4 and GS 5 + 3 were significantly associated with worse BCRFS than pathological GS 3 + 5. Pathological GS 3 + 5 may be overrated in GG 4. This observation emphasizes that primary and secondary GS should be considered to accurately stratify the risk of BCR after RARP.
Development of targeted gene delivery system based on liposome and PAMAM dendrimer functionalized with hyaluronic acid and TAT peptide: In vitro and in vivo studies
Authors: Ebrahimian Mahboubeh , Hashemi Maryam , Farzadnia Mahdi , Zarei‐Ghanavati Siamak , Malaekeh‐Nikouei Bizhan
Published: June 2022

The development of gene delivery systems is essential to improve their transfection efficiency and cytotoxicity. Combination of lipid and polymeric nanoparticles with the characteristics of both systems have been considered as a next‐generation gene delivery platform. In the current study, we designed a novel and efficient targeted gene delivery system based on liposome and PAMAM dendrimer in cancer cells. Two polymeric formulations containing polyamidoamine‐TAT (PAMAM‐TAT) and PAMAM‐TAT‐Hyaluronic acid (HA) and two lipopolymeric carriers including PAMAM‐TAT‐Liposome and PAMAM‐TAT‐HA‐Liposome were complexed with the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) plasmid and then evaluated in terms of physicochemical characteristics. The cytotoxicity and transfection efficiency of these synthetized carriers were accomplished against murine colon carcinoma cell line (C26). The biodistribution of polyplexes and lipoployplexes was also evaluated in the C26 tumor bearing mice. The results showed no significant toxicity for all designed nanoparticles (NPs) in C/P4. The highest gene expression was observed using lipopolyplex PAMAM‐TAT‐HA‐Liposome in C/P4 (ratio polymer/DNA; wt/wt). Biodistribution study demonstrated more aggregation of targeted lipopolyplex in tumor cells than other nanoparticles (NPs). It could be concluded that the developed targeted lipopolymeric complex could serve as promising nanotherapeutic system for gene therapy.
Comparing reflective and supportive scaffolding in 3D computer‐aided design course: Engineering students' metacognitive strategies, spatial ability self‐efficacy, and spatial anxiety
Authors: Atman Uslu Nilüfer , Yildiz Durak Hatice , AY Gökçe Mehmet
Published: June 2022

Three‐dimensional (3D) modeling provides a suitable context for the improvement of students' higher order thinking skills as it involves challenging and complex learning tasks. For students to succeed in difficult learning tasks, it is necessary to determine the effects of the scaffolding type given to the students in the learning process. This study asserts that reflective and supportive scaffolding has a critical effect on the dependent variables. Reflective scaffolding enables students to explain their reflective processes and clarify their reflective behavior, using personal reflection as a learning tool. Supportive scaffolding provides a process to develop knowledge and guidance on what participants should consider. This study compares the effects of different scaffolding types (reflective or supportive), students' prior knowledge on students' use of metacognitive strategies, spatial ability self‐efficacy, and spatial anxiety in the 3D computer‐aided design course. A pretest and posttest 2 x 2 x 2 factorial quasi‐experimental model was used in the study. This study was carried out with 118 undergraduate mechanical engineering students. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used in the analysis of the data. The results showed that the supportive scaffolding group scored higher in the metacognitive strategies variable than the reflective scaffolding group. The supportive scaffolding group showed higher spatial ability than the reflective scaffolding group. This study provides engineering educators with an overview of the use of scaffolding types, their effects on the effectiveness of learning environments, and the design of these environments.
Virtual reconstruction of the ancient city of Karakorum
Authors: Khorloo Oyundolgor , Ulambayar Erdenebat , Altantsetseg Enkhbayar
Published: June 2022

Ruins of ancient cities hold valuable information for historians and archeologists and it allows them to learn about the society and culture of these cities. This paper explores the first attempt to virtually rebuild the historic city of Karakorum based on ruins and archeological findings from the 13th century AD. Further, the analytical and practical methods used to discover its unique urban planning and architectural form by reconstructing the city using various resources from archeological documents to historical science documents are introduced. We explore a digitized version of Karakorum city in an immersive and embodied manner because of the latest technological advances in virtual reality, and this allows us to conserve and visualize its cultural heritage. The research objectives of this study are to (1) create a three‐dimensional visual model of the Karakorum city as close as possible to its real counterpart, and (2) use a game engine as a development platform for integration and interactive visualization.
CNT modified by mesoporous carbon anchored by Ni nanoparticles for CO2 electrochemical reduction
Authors: Du Juan , Chen Aibing , Hou Senlin , Guan Jing
Published: June 2022

The design of novel catalysts for efficient electroreduction of CO2 into value‐added chemicals is a promising approach to alleviate the energy crisis. Herein, we successfully modify the carbon nanotube by a layer of mesoporous carbon shell anchored by nickel (Ni) nanoparticles. Ni species effectively enable carbon deposition derived from pyrolysis of surfactant 1‐hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide to form a mesoporous carbon shell. At the same time, Ni nanoparticles can be embedded in the mesoporous carbon shell due to the confinement effect. Owing to the dispersive Ni nanoparticles and N‐doping active sites of mesoporous carbon, the as‐prepared electrocatalyst exhibits exciting catalytic performance for the selective reduction of CO2 to carbon monoxide (CO) with a maximum Faradaic efficiency of 98% at a moderate overpotential of −0.81 V (vs. reversible hydrogen electrode) and a high partial current density of 60 mA cm−2 in H‐cell with an aqueous electrolyte.
Localized‐domains staging structure and evolution in lithiated graphite
Authors: Weng Suting , Wu Siyuan , Liu Zepeng , Yang Gaojing , Liu Xiaozhi , Zhang Xiao , Zhang Chu , Liu Qiuyan , Huang Yao , Li Yejing , Ateş Mehmet N. , Su Dong , Gu Lin , Li Hong , Chen Liquan , Xiao Ruijuan , Wang Zhaoxiang , Wang Xuefeng
Published: June 2022

Intercalation provides to the host materials a means for controlled variation of many physical/chemical properties and dominates the reactions in metal‐ion batteries. Of particular interest is the graphite intercalation compounds with intriguing staging structures, which however are still unclear, especially in their nanostructure and dynamic transition mechanism. Herein, the nature of the staging structure and evolution of the lithium (Li)‐intercalated graphite was revealed by cryogenic‐transmission electron microscopy and other methods at the nanoscale. The intercalated Li‐ions distribute unevenly, generating local stress and dislocations in the graphitic structure. Each staging compound is found macroscopically ordered but microscopically inhomogeneous, exhibiting a localized‐domains structural model. Our findings uncover the correlation between the long‐range ordered structure and short‐range domains, refresh the insights on the staging structure and transition of Li‐intercalated/deintercalated graphite, and provide effective ways to enhance the reaction kinetic in rechargeable batteries by defect engineering.
Amino‐Acid‐Induced Circular Polarized Luminescence in One‐Dimensional Manganese(II) Halide Hybrid
Authors: Xuan Hong‐Li , Sang Yu‐Feng , Xu Liang‐Jin , Zheng Da‐Sheng , Shi Cui‐Mi , Chen Zhong‐Ning
Published: June 2022

Circular polarized luminescence (CPL)‐active materials attract great attentions owing to their widely applications in 3D optical displays and encrypted transmission. Inspired by the strategies adopted in perovskite based CPL materials, herein, CPL‐active hybrids (D)‐ and (L)‐(tert‐butyl prolinate)MnCl3 were successfully prepared by assembling chiral D/L tert‐butyl prolinate with manganese (II) chloride. Single crystal structures show the as‐formed hybrids possess one‐dimensional (1D) structure containing linear chains of face‐sharing MnCl6 octahedral surrounded by prolinate cations. The 1D Mn(II) hybrids display strong red emission peaked at 646 nm with PLQY of 67.1 % and 57.2 % for d‐type and l‐type, respectively, representing the highest PLQY for 1D MnII hybrids. Interestingly, the 1D Mn(II) hybrids exhibit prominent circular dichroism (CD) signals and remarkable CPL activity with the dissymmetry factor g of 6.1*10−3 and −6.3*10−3 from 550 to 800 nm for (D)‐ and (L)‐(tert‐butyl prolinate)MnCl3, respectively, owing to the existence of chiral cations. It is worthy noted the obtained g represents the highest value for non‐lead organic–inorganic hybrids.
Overview of recent advances in Vero cells genomic characterization and engineering for high‐throughput vaccine manufacturing
Authors: Sène Marie‐Angélique , Xia Yu , Kamen Amine Abdelkader
Published: June 2022

Background

The Vero cell line is the most used continuous cell line for viral vaccine manufacturing with more than 30 years of accumulated experience in the vaccine industry. Nonetheless, virus production yield with Vero cells remains limited. Therefore, given Vero cell line infection susceptibility to a wide range of viruses, alleviating limitations of viral replication and increasing production kinetics in Vero cells could significantly reduce vaccine production time and cost.

Here we review the literature on the development of Vero cells as the most effective manufacturing platform for viral vaccines. Whereas various bioprocess development strategies were proposed to improve the production, this review focuses on the genomic characterization and genetic engineering aspects of Vero cells. Rational design of production cell line emerged as a state‐of‐the‐art approach to significantly enhance Vero cell viral production yield and adaptation to suspension culture which aligns with the global preparedness efforts to accelerate and intensify vaccine production capacity to better respond to pandemic situations and epidemic outbreaks.

Conclusion

Until recently, the lack of a reference genome for the Vero cell line has limited the understanding of Vero cells behavior in defined culture conditions as well as host‐virus interactions underlying the affinity of the Vero cell line with emerging and re‐emerging pathogens. Importantly this limited our ability to re‐design high‐yield vaccine production processes using Vero genome editing.
Learn how to help provide support to students at risk of self‐harm during the pandemic
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: June 2022

The COVID‐19 pandemic has been characterized by profound disruptions in almost every area of students’ lives, including their academics.
Salvage surgery in recurrent sinonasal cancers: Proposal for a prognostic model based on clinicopathologic and treatment‐related parameters
Authors: Mattavelli Davide , Tomasoni Michele , Ferrari Marco , Compagnoni Alessandra , Schreiber Alberto , Taboni Stefano , Rampinelli Vittorio , Marazzi Elisa , Raffetti Elena , Redaelli de Zinis Luca Oscar , Deganello Alberto , Maroldi Roberto , Bossi Paolo , Piazza Cesare , Nicolai Piero
Published: June 2022

Background

Evidence on survival and major prognosticators after salvage surgery in recurrent sinonasal cancers (SNC) is limited.

Methods

A retrospective, single‐center study of recurrent SNC treated with salvage surgery between 1997 and 2019 was conducted. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to define a prognostic score for overall survival (OS).

Results

One hundred and eighteen patients were included. Recurrent SNC originated mostly in the naso‐ethmoidal box (67.8%) and were mainly epithelial (76.2%), high‐grade (49.2%), and locally advanced (rpT4, 60.1%) malignancies. Negative margins were achieved in 56.6% of cases. Two‐ and 5‐year OS were 71.7% and 56%, respectively. The prognostic model included treatment modality for primary tumor, histology, rpT class, margin status, perineural invasion, and adjuvant radiotherapy and stratified patients into three prognostic groups (5‐year OS: 84.4%, 44.9%, and 0%, respectively).

Conclusions

Treatment of recurrent SNC can result in good long‐term survival estimates with limited morbidity. Our score can provide excellent prognostic stratification.