bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Avaliação de competências dos Residentes de Pediatria em uma instituição de saúde pública da Amazônia com método de múltiplas fontes
Authors: Mendonça Kamylly Reina Carneiro de , Mendonça Leonardo Teixeira de , Moia Lizomar de Jesus Maues Pereira , Franco Mariane Cordeiro Alves , Chermont Aurimery Gomes
Published: March 2023

Objetivo: Validar e introduzir um método de avaliação de competências em Pediatria para os Residentes do Programa de Residência Médica em Pediatria de uma Instituição de Saúde Pública da Amazônia. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal e analítico com abordagem quali-quantitativa com docentes, preceptores, residentes de pediatria, enfermeiros e familiares dos pacientes em três setores do Programa de Residência Médica de Pediatria, entre abril e julho de 2018. Resultados: Foi realizado a validação dos instrumentos por sete juízes com média de 15 anos de vínculo na docência; obteve-se 139 avaliações de 26 residentes, majoritariamente mulheres (80,8%) e primeiro ano de treinamento (R1); 33,8% feitas por docentes/preceptores e enfermeiros (instrumento Mini-CEX), 38,2% por familiares e 28% por residentes através de autoavaliação e/ou interpares. Ao feedback, não houve registro no mini-CEX e, entre os familiares, houve predominância de elogios, assim como nas autoavaliações/ interpares. Melhores avaliações ocorreram pelos pares em relação as autoavaliações nos tópicos: aspectos psicossociais da doença e conhecimento médico (R1); e manejo no atendimento ambulatorial, manejo de múltiplos problemas complexos e manejo de pacientes hospitalizado (R2). Na avaliação dos familiares, resultado superior em dois itens pelos R2 em relação aos R1: fala tudo sobre sua doença; quanto ao mini-CEX, os R2 obtiveram desempenho nas habilidades clínicas, raciocínio clínico, anamnese e exame físico. Confiabilidade nos três instrumentos, com coeficiente alfa de Cronbach: autoavaliação/interpares (0,72), miniCex (0.9) e avaliação dos familiares (0.86). Conclusão: Utilização do método permitiu observar qualidades no contexto individual e coletivo desse grupo de profissionais.
Oral Corticosteroids for Patients with Eosinophilic Diseases: An Expert Panel View on Use, Overuse, and Strategies to Reduce Use
Authors: Roberts Eleanor
Published: March 2023

Severe asthma (SA), chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) are three conditions driven by IL-5 and eosinophilic inflammation. As these conditions have high use of healthcare services, as well as lifestyle and psychological burdens, safe treatment to achieve optimal control is key. In all three conditions, as for many other eosinophilic diseases (ED), oral corticosteroids (OCS) are often used for both acute and maintenance treatment where disease activity is high. While, in general, OCS are very effective, their use is limited by a well-recognised high potential for adverse effects (AE). Moreover, cumulative exposure to OCS may not be acknowledged in many patients, especially for those predominantly treated in primary care, exposing patients to potentially damaging long-term OCS-related AEs. To discuss the use of OCS for these eosinophilic diseases, as well as to provide guidance on how to help limit their use, a board of European experts within each field was gathered. The experts completed questionnaires regarding treatment and referral pathways for patients with SA, CRSwNP, or EGPA; then, in an online meeting, discussed a number of issues in regard to OCS use. Here, the authors present the key recommendations from the expert advisory panel alongside some background to these conditions regarding treatment with OCS.
Heated Tobacco Products and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Narrative Review of Peer-Reviewed Publications
Authors: Popp Wolfgang , Reese Lindsay , Scotti Elena
Published: March 2023

An estimated 65 million people worldwide have moderate or severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), an umbrella term used to describe a group of progressive lung diseases that obstruct airflow such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Smoking contributes to an estimated 90% of COPD cases, as the harmful chemicals produced during tobacco combustion damage the lungs and airways. Although smoking cessation is the only intervention shown to improve COPD prognosis in smokers, many patients who try to quit continue to smoke. The continued use of conventional cigarettes exacerbates COPD symptoms, and globally more than 3 million people die from the disease every year. The last two decades have seen the introduction of combustion-free nicotine delivery alternatives that produce significantly lower levels of the harmful components in cigarette smoke, and researchers have begun to assess the impact of switching from cigarettes to these products. Several studies have examined how patients with COPD use e-cigarettes as assistance for quitting, but few have examined how heated tobacco products (HTP) may reduce risk. This narrative review summarises results from pre-clinical, clinical, and real-world evidence studies showing possible harm reduction benefits for patients with COPD who switch to HTPs rather than continuing to smoke cigarettes. Epidemiological studies, real-world data analyses, and randomised clinical trials must be conducted to determine whether switching from cigarettes to HTPs can improve health outcomes in patients with COPD who would otherwise continue to smoke combustible cigarettes.
Coils for the Treatment of Advanced Emphysema: A Growing Body of Evidence and Routine Experience
Authors: Fellrath Jean-Marc
Published: March 2023

Endoscopic lung volume reduction (ELVR) mainly comprises endobronchial valves (EBV) and endobronchial coil (EBC) implants. EBV aims to occlude the most diseased and/or hyperinflated lobe thus inducing complete atelectasis. EBC therapy was developed a few years ago and is applicable independently of collateral flow and in patients presenting with disease dispersed throughout the upper and lower lobes. Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction with EBC is feasible in a wider range of patients (irrespective of collateral flow or disease homo/heterogeneity) than for EBV, and provides clinical benefits in the short-term, associated to an acceptable safety profile. The growing clinical and commercial experience of ELVR with nitinol coils will be reviewed in this article.
Stability Analysis of Microgrid with Load Shedding Scheme using RTDS
Authors: Sreedevi J. , Vishal Kaushik S. , Vimalraj
Published: March 2023

A microgrid system was simulated using the powerful RTDS simulator, the modelling was done on the RSCAD software, and the microgrid comprised of a diesel generator, a photovoltaic (PV) system and a Doubly-Fed Induction Generator (DFIG) wind turbine system as DERs. The paper comprises the study on stability analysis of the microgrid in grid-connected and islanded modes of operation, along with a successful load shedding scheme which was implemented based on the loads distinguished as low priority and high priority loads in order to keep the system balanced during faults.
“La Casa De Bernarda Alba” and Revelations Concerning Spanish Culture and the Spanish Civil War
Authors: Shao Danny
Published: March 2023

Federico García Lorca was a Spanish poet most famous for the play “La Casa de Bernarda Alba” centered around a matriarch by the name of Bernarda Alba. This play is set during this period of mourning and delves into themes of Bernarda Alba’s oppression as an extremely conservative and strict matriarch. The puzzle that this paper is seeking to answer is how this play culturally critiques Spain. This play is unique in that it was written during the buildup and start of the Spanish Civil War, meaning that this is the only Lorca literary work that combines themes of repression from conventional Spanish culture as well as the Spanish Civil War. “To what extent did Federico Garcia Lorca utilize literary techniques in the play “La Casa de Bernarda Alba” to emphasize the theme of repression to contextualize and critique both Spanish culture and the Spanish civil war.”
Protocolo de investigación del proyecto “Violencia filioparental en la adolescencia: detección, perfiles psicosociales y estrategias de actuación”
Authors: Lorence Lara Bárbara , Hidalgo Victoria , Arias-Rivera Shirley , Pérez-Padilla Javier , Maya Jesús , Lago-Urbano Rocío , Baena-Medina Sofia , Rodríguez-Carrasco Carmen , Sales Celia
Published: March 2023

Se presenta el Protocolo de investigación del proyecto “Violencia filioparental (VFP) en la adolescencia: detección, perfiles psicosociales y estrategias de actuación” (Plan Estatal 2021-2023). El primer objetivo general del proyecto es estudiar las características psicosociales que contribuyen a la aparición de conductas de VFP en la adolescencia. Se plantea un estudio empírico transversal de metodología mixta y multiinformante en el que colaborarán distintos centros educativos nacionales para la selección aleatorizada de las familias. Con el segundo objetivo se pretende contribuir a la optimización de la práctica profesional en el trabajo con familias en situación de VFP. Se planea la identificación y caracterización de intervenciones familiares que abordan la VFP en España. Se constituirá un panel de expertos/as para el trabajo de mejora de las prácticas profesionales con estas familias. Este proyecto espera que sus conclusiones permitan comprender aún mejor la VFP, así como mejore las políticas de apoyo familiar existentes.
"Aprender y no olvidar. Reflexiones acerca de los desastres". Revuelta, F. y Calvo Poyato, J. (2022).
Authors: Gomez Baya Diego
Published: March 2023

Revuelta, F., y Calvo Poyato, J. (2022). Aprender y no olvidar. Reflexiones acerca de los desastres. Editorial Tecnos.
Osteochondrogenesis by TGF-β3, BMP-2 and noggin growth factor combinations in an ex vivo muscle tissue model: Temporal function changes affecting tissue morphogenesis
Authors: Liu Heng , Müller Peter E. , Aszódi Attila , Klar Roland M.
Published: March 2023

In the absence of clear molecular insight, the biological mechanism behind the use of growth factors applied in osteochondral regeneration is still unresolved. The present study aimed to resolve whether multiple growth factors applied to muscle tissue in vitro, such as TGF-β3, BMP-2 and Noggin, can lead to appropriate tissue morphogenesis with a specific osteochondrogenic nature, thereby revealing the underlying molecular interaction mechanisms during the differentiation process. Interestingly, although the results showed the typical modulatory effect of BMP-2 and TGF-β3 on the osteochondral process, and Noggin seemingly downregulated specific signals such as BMP-2 activity, we also discovered a synergistic effect between TGF-β3 and Noggin that positively influenced tissue morphogenesis. Noggin was observed to upregulate BMP-2 and OCN at specific time windows of culture in the presence of TGF-β3, suggesting a temporal time switch causing functional changes in the signaling protein. This implies that signals change their functions throughout the process of new tissue formation, which may depend on the presence or absence of specific singular or multiple signaling cues. If this is the case, the signaling cascade is far more intricate and complex than originally believed, warranting intensive future investigations so that regenerative therapies of a critical clinical nature can function properly.
Efficient synthesis of furfurylamine from biomass via a hybrid strategy in an EaCl:Gly–water medium
Authors: He Wei , He Yu-Cai , Ye Jianren
Published: March 2023

The objective of this work was to develop an efficient approach for chemoenzymatically transforming biomass to furfurylamine by bridging chemocatalysis and biocatalysis in a deep eutectic solvent of EaCl:Gly–water. Using hydroxyapatite (HAP) as support, heterogeneous catalyst SO42−/SnO2–HAP was synthesized for transforming lignocellulosic biomass into furfural using organic acid as a co-catalyst. The turnover frequency (TOF) was correlated with the pKa value of the used organic acid. Corncob was transformed by oxalic acid (pKa = 1.25) (0.4 wt%) plus SO42−/SnO2–HAP (2.0 wt%) to produce furfural with a yield of 48.2% and a TOF of 6.33 h-1 in water. In deep eutectic solvent EaCl:Gly–water (1:2, v/v), co-catalysis with SO42−/SnO2–HAP and oxalic acid was utilized to transform corncob, rice straw, reed leaf, and sugarcane bagasse for the production of furfural with the yield of 42.4%–59.3% (based on the xylan content) at 180°C after 10 min. The formed furfural could be efficiently aminated to furfurylamine with E. coli CCZU-XLS160 cells in the presence of NH4Cl (as an amine donor). As a result of the biological amination of furfural derived from corncob, rice straw, reed leaf, and sugarcane bagasse for 24 h, the yields of furfurylamine reached >99%, with a productivity of 0.31–0.43 g furfurylamine per g xylan. In EaCl:Gly–water, an efficient chemoenzymatic catalysis strategy was employed to valorize lignocellulosic biomass into valuable furan chemicals.
Bone metastases do not affect the measurement uncertainties of a global digital volume correlation algorithm
Authors: Cavazzoni Giulia , Cristofolini Luca , Dall’Ara Enrico , Palanca Marco
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Measurement uncertainties of Digital Volume Correlation (DVC) are influenced by several factors, like input images quality, correlation algorithm, bone type, etc. However, it is still unknown if highly heterogeneous trabecular microstructures, typical of lytic and blastic metastases, affect the precision of DVC measurements.

Methods: Fifteen metastatic and nine healthy vertebral bodies were scanned twice in zero-strain conditions with a micro-computed tomography (isotropic voxel size = 39 μm). The bone microstructural parameters (Bone Volume Fraction, Structure Thickness, Structure Separation, Structure Number) were calculated. Displacements and strains were evaluated through a global DVC approach (BoneDVC). The relationship between the standard deviation of the error (SDER) and the microstructural parameters was investigated in the entire vertebrae. To evaluate to what extent the measurement uncertainty is influenced by the microstructure, similar relationships were assessed within sub-regions of interest.

Results: Higher variability in the SDER was found for metastatic vertebrae compared to the healthy ones (range 91-1030 με versus 222–599 με). A weak correlation was found between the SDER and the Structure Separation in metastatic vertebrae and in the sub-regions of interest, highlighting that the heterogenous trabecular microstructure only weakly affects the measurement uncertainties of BoneDVC. No correlation was found for the other microstructural parameters. The spatial distribution of the strain measurement uncertainties seemed to be associated with regions with reduced greyscale gradient variation in the microCT images.

Discussion: Measurement uncertainties cannot be taken for granted but need to be assessed in each single application of the DVC to consider the minimum unavoidable measurement uncertainty when interpreting the results.
Clinical implications of inflammation in atheroma formation and novel therapies in cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Barungi Shivan , Hernández-Camarero Pablo , Moreno-Terribas Gerardo , Villalba-Montoro Rafael , Marchal Juan Antonio , López-Ruiz Elena , Perán Macarena
Published: March 2023

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading causes of death and disability in the world. Among all CVD, the most common is coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD results from the complications promoted by atherosclerosis, which is characterized by the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques that limit and block the blood flow of the arteries involved in heart oxygenation. Atherosclerotic disease is usually treated by stents implantation and angioplasty, but these surgical interventions also favour thrombosis and restenosis which often lead to device failure. Hence, efficient and long-lasting therapeutic options that are easily accessible to patients are in high demand. Advanced technologies including nanotechnology or vascular tissue engineering may provide promising solutions for CVD. Moreover, advances in the understanding of the biological processes underlying atherosclerosis can lead to a significant improvement in the management of CVD and even to the development of novel efficient drugs. To note, over the last years, the observation that inflammation leads to atherosclerosis has gained interest providing a link between atheroma formation and oncogenesis. Here, we have focused on the description of the available therapy for atherosclerosis, including surgical treatment and experimental treatment, the mechanisms of atheroma formation, and possible novel therapeutic candidates such as the use of anti-inflammatory treatments to reduce CVD.
Flame retardant properties and mechanism of PLA/P-PPD -Ph /ECE conjugated flame retardant composites
Authors: Tan Yanyan , Zhang Daohai , Xue Yu , Zhan Xiao , Tan Fang , Qin Shuhao
Published: March 2023

In this article, 4, 4'-{1'',4''-phenylene-bis[amido-(10'' ''-oxo-10'''-hydro-9'''-oxa-10'''λ5-phosphafi-10'''-yl)-methyl]}-diphenol (P-PPD-Ph) was synthesized by a two-step synthesis, followed by the addition of various levels of epoxy chain extender (ECE) with 5 wt% of P-PPD-Ph The PLA/P-PPD-Ph/ECE conjugated flame retardant composites were produced by co-extrusion into poly(lactic acid) (PLA). The chemical structure of P-PPD-Ph was characterized by FTIR, 1H NMR and 31P NMR tests, demonstrating the successful synthesis of the phosphorus heterophilic flame retardant P-PPD-Ph. The structural, thermal, flame retardant and mechanical properties of the PLA/P-PPD-Ph/ECE conjugated flame retardant composites were characterised using FTIR, thermogravimetric analysis (TG), vertical combustion testing (UL-94), limiting oxygen index (LOI), cone calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), elemental energy spectroscopy (EDS) and mechanical properties testing. The structural, thermal, flame retardant and mechanical properties of PLA/P-PPD-Ph/ECE conjugated flame retardant composites were characterised. The results showed that with the increase of ECE content, the residual carbon rate of the composites increased from 1.6% to 3.3%, and the LOI value increased from 29.8% to 32.6%. The cross-linking reaction between P-PPD-Ph and PLA and the increase of reaction sites led to the generation of more phosphorus-containing radicals on the PLA molecular chain, which strengthened the cohesive phase flame retardant effect of PLA flame retardant composites, and The bending strength, tensile strength and impact strength were all improved.
Application study of curcumin fluorescent complex coated with pharmaceutical excipients for cell imaging
Authors: Shao Chen , Zhang Xiaoli , Shao Shihe , Jin Feng
Published: March 2023

Taking curcumin as the starting point, β-cyclodextrin was introduced on both sides, and lipid-soluble curcumin was coated by acrylic resin using oil-in-water strategy. Four different types of curcumin fluorescent complexes EPO-Curcumin (EPO-Cur), L100-55-Curcumin (L100-55-Cur), EPO -Curcumin-β-cyclodextrin (EPO-Cur-β-cd) and L100-55-Curcumin-β-cyclodextrin (L100-55-Cur-β-cd) were prepared to solve their own solubility and biocompatibility issues. The prepared curcumin fluorescent complexes were characterized and tested by spectroscopy. The characteristic peaks of 3446 cm−1 (hydroxyl group), 1735cm−1(carbonyl group) and 1455 cm−1 (aromatic group) were determined in the infrared spectrum. In the fluorescence emission spectrum, it was found that the emission intensity of different curcumin fluorescent complexes in polar solvents reached hundreds of times. Through the transmission electron microscopy shows that acrylic resin tightly coats curcumin into rods or clusters. In order to observe their compatibility with tumor cells more directly, live cell fluorescence imaging was carried out, and it was found that all four kinds of curcumin fluorescence complexes had good biocompatibility. In particular, the effect of EPO-Cur-β-cd and L100-55-Cur-β-cd is better than that of EPO-Cur and L100-55-Cur.
Monoclonal antibody-based localization of major diagnostic antigens in metacestode tissue, excretory/secretory products, and extracellular vesicles of Echinococcus species
Authors: Kronenberg Philipp A. , Reinehr Michael , Eichenberger Ramon Marc , Hasler Sina , Laurimäe Teivi , Weber Achim , Deibel Ansgar , Müllhaupt Beat , Gottstein Bruno , Müller Norbert , Hemphill Andrew , Deplazes Peter
Published: March 2023

Alveolar (AE) and cystic echinococcosis (CE) are severe parasitic zoonoses caused by the larval stages of Echinococcus multilocularis and E. granulosus sensu lato, respectively. A panel of 7 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) was selected against major diagnostic epitopes of both species. The binding capacity of the mAbs to Echinococcus spp. excretory/secretory products (ESP) was analyzed by sandwich-ELISA, where mAb Em2G11 and mAb EmG3 detected in vitro extravesicular ESP of both E. multilocularis and E. granulosus s.s. These findings were subsequently confirmed by the detection of circulating ESP in a subset of serum samples from infected hosts including humans. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) were purified, and the binding to mAbs was analyzed by sandwich-ELISA. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to confirm the binding of mAb EmG3 to EVs from intravesicular fluid of Echinococcus spp. vesicles. The specificity of the mAbs in ELISA corresponded to the immunohistochemical staining (IHC-S) patterns performed on human AE and CE liver sections. Antigenic small particles designated as ‘‘spems’’ for E. multilocularis and ‘‘spegs’’ for E. granulosus s.l. were stained by the mAb EmG3IgM, mAb EmG3IgG1, mAb AgB, and mAb 2B2, while mAb Em2G11 reacted with spems and mAb Eg2 with spegs only. The laminated layer (LL) of both species was strongly visualized by using mAb EmG3IgM, mAb EmG3IgG1, mAb AgB, and mAb 2B2. The LL was specifically stained by mAb Em2G11 in E. multilocularis and by mAb Eg2 in E. granulosus s.l. In the germinal layer (GL), including the protoscoleces, a wide staining pattern with all structures of both species was observed with mAb EmG3IgG1, mAb EmG3IgM, mAb AgB, mAb 2B2, and mAb Em18. In the GL and protoscoleces, the mAb Eg2 displayed a strong E. granulosus s.l. specific binding, while mAb Em2G11 exhibited a weak granular E. multilocularis specific reaction. The most notable staining pattern in IHC-S was found with mAb Em18, which solely bound to the GL and protoscoleces of Echinococcus species and potentially to primary cells. To conclude, mAbs represent valuable tools for the visualization of major antigens in the most important Echinococcus species, as well as providing insights into parasite-host interactions and pathogenesis.
Obstacle-avoidance trajectory planning and sliding mode-based tracking control of an omnidirectional mobile robot
Authors: Sun Zhe , Hu Shujie , Miao Xinan , Chen Bo , Zheng Jinchuan , Man Zhihong , Wang Tian
Published: March 2023

Trajectory planning and tracking control play a vital role in the development of autonomous mobile robots. To fulfill the tasks of trajectory planning and tracking control of a Mecanum-wheeled omnidirectional mobile robot, this paper proposes an artificial potential field-based trajectory-planning scheme and a discrete integral terminal sliding mode-based trajectory-tracking control strategy. This paper proposes a trajectory-planning scheme and a trajectory-tracking control strategy for a Mecanum-wheeled omnidirectional mobile robot by using artificial potential field and discrete integral terminal sliding mode, respectively. First, a discrete kinematic-and-dynamic model is established for the Mecanum-wheeled omnidirectional mobile robot. Then, according to the positions of the robot, target, and obstacles, a reference an obstacle-avoidance trajectory is planned and updated iteratively by utilizing artificial potential field functions. Afterward, a discrete integral terminal sliding mode control algorithm is designed for the omnidirectional mobile robot such that the robot can track the planned trajectory accurately. Meanwhile, the stability of the control system is analyzed and guaranteed proved in the sense of Lyapunov. Last, simulations are executed in the scenarios of static obstacles and dynamic obstacles. The simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness and merits of the presented methods.
Change in extreme precipitation events: Exposure and vulnerability in the Poyang Lake Basin, China
Authors: Zhan Mingjin , Wu Qiong , Zhan Longfei , Xin Jiajie
Published: March 2023

On the basis of daily observations data from 1984 to 2020, the spatiotemporal characteristics of extreme precipitation events in the Poyang Lake Basin (China) were analyzed using the intensity–area–duration method. With consideration of spatially distributed data on gross domestic product (GDP), population, and disaster losses related to historical extreme precipitation events, the exposure and vulnerability of the population and GDP of the study area to extreme precipitation events were systematically assessed. The results revealed the following. 1) The intensity and frequency of extreme precipitation, as well as the area affected, showed trends of increase, especially in the northeast of the basin. 2) Population exposure in the basin showed a trend of increase of 2.43 million/a. Change in population exposure was greatest in the most recent 10 years, with an average increase of 6.64 million/a. Change in extreme precipitation was the primary driver of the rapid increase in population exposure. 3) The average annual GDP exposure of the basin was ¥5.43 billion, and economic exposure has increased substantially at an average rate of ¥0.56 billion/a. Unlike population exposure, the increase in economic exposure was driven mainly by rapid economic growth. 4) By constructing vulnerability curves of economic losses in different decades, the trend of economic vulnerability was found to have clearly declined, i.e., economic vulnerability in 2010 was 13.3 (4.1) times lower than that in the 1990s (2000s). Effective disaster prevention and reduction measures should urgently be adopted in the study area to mitigate the effects of increase in extreme precipitation events.
The unexpected emotional cost of teaching chemistry in a pandemic
Authors: Jones Rebecca M.
Published: March 2023

In the past 2.5 years, STEM faculty around the world have faced unprecedent challenges, complete upheaval of routine, and staggering loss. Managing these new realities has required significant emotional labor. This paper offers one perspective on the emotional reality of teaching collegiate chemistry at a large public research university in the United States. Considering and describing emotions such as frustration, grief, anger and hope, I share a hidden reality of being faculty during a pandemic. I also discuss how we might learn from the path traveled and more deftly navigate the road ahead.
Preservice teachers’ science learning and self-efficacy to teach with robotics-based activities: Investigating a scaffolded and a self-guided approach
Authors: Jaipal-Jamani Kamini
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Robotics is viewed as a viable pedagogical strategy for STEM learning because it is characterized by many practices common to the STEM disciplines such as engineering design. With many national curricular calling for STEM integration in K-12 formal educational settings, there is a need for empirical evidence about the effectiveness of different pedagogical approaches to teach with robotics-based activities to promote curriculum learning outcomes and teaching practice. This exploratory study investigated the effectiveness of a scaffolded robotics intervention and a self-guided robotics intervention on pre-service teacher knowledge (PST) of science concepts related to gears and on PST self-efficacy to teach with the robotics-based activities.

Methods

A quasi-experimental, pre-post intervention study was implemented with two non-equivalent groups of elementary preservice teachers (PSTs) in a Bachelor of Education program. PSTs in the self-guided group (n = 11) worked with robotics kits in the library at their own pace. PSTs in the scaffolded intervention group (n = 16) were guided through the activity by the author with instructional scaffolds. IBM SPSS Statistics 27 was used to analyze the data.

Results

The relationship between intervention type and gains in science knowledge was not statistically significant for the self-guided group but was statistically significant for the scaffolded group suggesting that scaffolding supported PST’s learning of the science concepts. With respect to PST self-efficacy to teach with the robotics-based activity, both intervention types revealed statistically significant gains from pre to post tests, however effect sizes indicated that the scaffolded intervention resulted in greater gains in PST self-efficacy to teach with the robotics-based activities.

Discussion

The results provide exploratory evidence that the scaffolded robotics approach, modelled for and experienced by the pre-service teachers in this study, was effective for their learning of science curricular concepts related to gears and for developing their self-efficacy for teaching the robotics-based activities. It should be noted that findings may not be generalizable due to the small sample sizes, especially of the self-guided group. Nevertheless, the findings do provide insights for teacher educators incorporating robotics-based activities into curricular courses such as science methods as it provides specific examples of scaffolds that were effective for science learning and for developing PST self-efficacy. The study also contributes to the literature on instructional strategies that promote robotics adoption in K-12 schools to support development of STEM knowledge and skills.
Assessing public perception and willingness to pay for renewable energy in Pakistan through the theory of planned behavior
Authors: Ud Din Shahab , Wimalasiri Ruminda , Ehsan Muhsan , Liang Xue , Ning Fulong , Guo Dongdong , Manzoor Zaira , Abu-Alam Tamer , Abioui Mohamed
Published: March 2023

With growing urbanization and increasing world population, energy demand also increases. A significant portion of the world’s energy comes from fossil fuels, and these sources of energy are declining rapidly at the current consumption rate. There are also growing environmental concerns on the use of fossil fuels increasing greenhouse gas emissions. In this regard, renewable energy (RE) shows promising solutions which are both sustainable and environmentally friendly. Developed countries and leading organizations are investing heavily in the RE sector. However, the developing world has anxieties over social acceptability and people’s willingness to pay for renewable energy. This study is conducted in Pakistan to understand the public perception and willingness to pay. The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) was utilized with background factors such as awareness, perceived advantages, perceived challenges, and moral obligations to examine its influence on people’s willingness to pay. In addition to this, the study also assessed the indirect effects of background factors (awareness, perceived advantages, and perceived challenges) on willingness to pay through public attitude. Furthermore, the indirect relationship between background factors (awareness and moral obligation) and willingness to pay through subjective norms was also examined. A total of 512 samples were gathered from participants and were analyzed through partial least square–structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and SPSS. The study findings are very interesting and back up our hypotheses that the background factors (awareness, perceived advantages, and perceived challenges) are positively associated with public attitude and have an indirect effect on willingness to pay through public attitude. Similarly, variables such as awareness and moral obligation are negatively and positively associated with subjective norms, respectively. However, the variables, awareness and moral obligation, have no indirect relationship with willingness to pay through subjective norms. Additionally, the study reveals that the components (attitude and perceived behavior control) of TPB have a significantly positive effect on willingness to pay. The study also concludes that the participants having formal education and knowledge about climate change and renewable energy are inclined toward green energy and are willing to pay, and they are hardly influenced by others' opinions. Furthermore, the study also provides insights for policymakers, suggestions, and recommendations for the future.
Photovoltaic power prediction based on sliced bidirectional long short term memory and attention mechanism
Authors: Chen Wengang , He Hongying , Liu Jianguo , Yang Jinbiao , Zhang Ke , Luo Diansheng
Published: March 2023

Solar photovoltaic power generation has the characteristics of intermittence and randomness, which makes it a challenge to accurately predict solar power generation power, and it is difficult to achieve the desired effect. Therefore, by fully considering the relationship between power generation data and climate factors, a new prediction method is proposed based on sliced bidirectional long short term memory and the attention mechanism. The prediction results show that the presented model has higher accuracy than the common prediction models multi-layer perceptron, convolution neural network, long short term memory and bidirectional long short term memory. The presented sliced bidirectional cyclic network has high prediction accuracy by low root mean square error and mean absolute error of 1.999 and 1.159 respectively. The time cost is only 24.32% of that of long short term memory network and 13.76% of that of bidirectional long short term memory network.
Dynamic identification and automatic counting of the number of passing fish species based on the improved DeepSORT algorithm
Authors: Wu Bilang , Liu Chunna , Jiang Furen , Li Jianyuan , Yang Zuobin
Published: March 2023

In this paper, based on the improved DeepSORT algorithm, four target species of passing fish (Schizothorax o’connori, Schizothorax waltoni, Oxygymnocypris stewartii and Schizopygopsis younghusbandi) from a fishway project in the middle reaches of the Y River were used to achieve dynamic identification and automatic counting of passing fish species using fishways monitoring video. This method used the YOLOv5 model as the target detection model. In view of the large deformation by fish body twisting, the network structure of the re-identification (ReID) model was deepened to strengthen the feature extraction ability of the model. It was proposed to identify and track fish that cross the line by setting a virtual baseline to achieve the dynamic identification of fish species passing and the automatic counting of upward and downward quantities. The results showed that 1) among the five models, YOLOv5n, YOLOv5s, YOLOv5m, YOLOv5l, and YOLOv5x, the highest value of mean average precision (mAP) was 92.8% achieved by the YOLOv5x model. Specifically, recognition accuracies of 96.95%, 94.95%, 88.79%, and 91.93% were recorded for Schizothorax o’connori, S. waltoni, S. younghusbandi and O. stewartii, respectively. 2) The error rate of the improved ReID model was 20.3%, which was 20% lower than that before the improvement, making it easier for the model to obtain target features. 3) The average accuracy of the improved DeepSORT algorithm for counting four target fishes was 75.5%, among which the accuracy of Schizothorax o’connori, S. waltoni, S. younghusbandi and O. stewartii were 83.6%, 71.1%, 68.1%, and 79.3%, respectively. Meanwhile, the running speed was 44.6 fps, which met the real-time monitoring. This method is the first to implement intelligent identification of the target passing fish in fishways projects, which can accumulate long series monitoring data for fishways operation and management and provide a technical solution and reference for the work related to the realization of intelligent and informative passing fish monitoring.
Modeling global habitat suitability and environmental predictor of distribution of a Near Threatened avian scavenger at a high spatial resolution
Authors: Yousefi Masoud , Mohammadi Saeed , Kafash Anooshe
Published: March 2023

Vultures are among the most vulnerable birds in the world. The bearded vulture (Gypaetus barbatus) is among the threatened species of vultures and listed as Near Threatened. The species is widely distributed across the Palearctic, Afrotropical, and Indomalayan regions. The species faces several threats such as poisoning, direct persecution, habitat degradation, and collisions with powerlines and wind power farms. Thus, knowing the global habitat suitability of the species and environmental predictors of the species distribution can facilitate the species conservation. In this study, we applied a maximum entropy approach, 10,585 distribution records, and 10 environmental variables to model the bearded vulture's global habitat suitability at high spatial resolution [30-arc-second (1 km)]. We also estimated protected area coverage for the species' suitable habitats. We identified 8,117,231 km2 of suitable habitat for the species across its global range in Europe, Asia, and Africa. The results showed that topographic diversity is the most important predictor of the species distribution across its distribution range. Results of estimating the area of suitable habitats of the bearded vulture within protected areas revealed that only 16.26% of the species' suitable habitats are protected. The areas that were identified to have the highest suitability for the species have high priority for the conservation of this iconic species thus these areas should be included in the network of protected areas.
Effects of fertilization on soil nematode communities in an alpine meadow of Qinghai-Tibet plateau
Authors: Qi Yanwen , Sun Xinhang , Peng Sichen , Tan Xiaodan , Zhou Shurong
Published: March 2023

Nitrogen and phosphorus are important nutrient elements for plants and underground organisms. The nematode is an important part of the soil food web. Although many studies have explored the effects of fertilization on soil nematode community structure, little is known about the response mechanism of the nematode community to fertilization. In this study, we investigated the diversity and functional diversity of soil nematode communities, as well as soil physicochemical properties, root functional traits, and plant richness. We explored the response mechanism of soil nematode communities to nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer. Nitrogen fertilizer increased the abundance and richness of bacterivorous nematodes, while phosphorus fertilizer decreased the total abundance of bacterivorous nematodes. Meanwhile, the diversity of the nematode community was significantly affected by soil physicochemical properties and plant root functional traits. Therefore, our study revealed the effects of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer on soil nematode community diversity and functional diversity. Exploring the response mechanism of soil nematode communities to fertilization interference provides further evidence for the role of nematodes in maintaining the function of subsurface ecosystems.
Strict forest protection: A meaningful contribution to Climate-Smart Forestry? An evaluation of temporal trends in the carbon balance of unmanaged forests in Germany
Authors: Nagel Rouven , Meyer Peter , Blaschke Markus , Feldmann Eike
Published: March 2023

The role of unmanaged forests is discussed controversially in the context of climate change. One of the key questions is, whether they can contribute to the mitigation of climate change as a carbon sink and storage. However, carbon dynamics of forests after the cessation of management are not well understood. We analyzed a set of 64 forest sites, covering wide gradients of time since abandonment (0–68 years) and stand age (65–261 years) in even-aged, unmanaged beech forests. Five sites that were unmanaged for >100 years complemented the main dataset. We compiled site-specific carbon balances, distinguishing six carbon-compartments: Carbon in aboveground living and dead biomass, carbon in belowground living and dead biomass, and carbon in the organic layer and the mineral topsoil (0–30 cm). We found positive effects of increasing TSA on the carbon stock in living biomass and aboveground dead biomass for up to 50 years after management ceased. The average increase of the total carbon stock over 50 years of TSA was ≈ 80 Mg C ha–1. The effect of stand age on aboveground living biomass showed a convex relation. Aboveground dead biomass increased logistically with TSA, while belowground dead biomass decreased. On average, the five sites unmanaged for >100 years held lower total carbon stocks compared to the observed biomass peak around 50 years of TSA. However, they contained considerably higher amounts of deadwood. Carbon in the mineral soil did neither change with TSA nor with stand age and was driven by pH. Carbon stocks in newly unmanaged forests increased almost linearly for approximately 50 years after cessation of management. Subsequently, a stabilization or medium-term decrease in carbon stock was observed, likely due to the initiating transition from even-aged to multi-aged structures. We conclude that, besides their value for biodiversity and ecosystem functions, the potential of naturally developing forests as a medium-term carbon sink and long-term stable carbon storage should be considered as a valuable contribution to Climate-Smart Forestry.
Cell-to-cell spread inhibiting antibodies constitute a correlate of protection against herpes simplex virus type 1 reactivations: A retrospective study
Authors: Alt Mira , Wolf Susanne , van de Sand Lukas , Dittrich Robin , Tertel Tobias , Brochhagen Leonie , Dirks Miriam , Aufderhorst Ulrich Wilhelm , Thümmler Laura , Otte Mona , Rainer Kordula , Dittmer Ulf , Giebel Bernd , Trilling Mirko , Silke Heilingloh Christiane , Lotfi Ramin , Roggendorf Michael , Witzke Oliver , Krawczyk Adalbert
Published: March 2023

Background

Herpes simplex viruses (HSV) cause ubiquitous human infections. For vaccine development, knowledge concerning correlates of protection is essential. Therefore, we investigated (I) if humans are in principle capable producing cell-to-cell spread inhibiting antibodies against HSV and (II) whether this capacity is associated with a reduced HSV-1 reactivation risk.

Methods

We established a high-throughput HSV-1-ΔgE-GFP reporter virus-based assay and evaluated 2,496 human plasma samples for HSV-1 glycoprotein E (gE) independent cell-to-cell spread inhibiting antibodies. Subsequently, we conducted a retrospective survey among the blood donors to analyze the correlation between the presence of cell-to-cell spread inhibiting antibodies in plasma and the frequency of HSV reactivations.

Results

In total, 128 of the 2,496 blood donors (5.1%) exhibited high levels of HSV-1 gE independent cell-to-cell spread inhibiting antibodies in the plasma. None of the 147 HSV-1 seronegative plasmas exhibited partial or complete cell-to-cell spread inhibition, demonstrating the specificity of our assay. Individuals with cell-to-cell spread inhibiting antibodies showed a significantly lower frequency of HSV reactivations compared to subjects without sufficient levels of such antibodies.

Conclusion

This study contains two important findings: (I) upon natural HSV infection, some humans produce cell-to-cell spread inhibiting antibodies and (II) such antibodies correlate with protection against recurrent HSV-1. Moreover, these elite neutralizers may provide promising material for immunoglobulin therapy and information for the design of a protective vaccine against HSV-1.
Dichlorodifluoromethane-carbon dioxide: A dielectric mixture as a sustainable alternative to SF6 in high voltage applications
Authors: Khan Sajjad Ali , Habib Salman , Khan Muhammad Yasir Ali , Chauhdary Sohaib Tahir , Ali Abdar , Kamel Salah , Elnaggar Mohamed F.
Published: March 2023

Sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) gas is the frequently consumed gas in High Voltage (HV) applications due to its high dielectric permittivity and arc-quenching property. However, due to its long Atmospheric Lifetime (AL), high Global Warming Potential (GWP), and other environmental concerns there is a need for a new sustainable gas as an alternative to SF6. Therefore, in this research, we present dichlorodifluoromethane (R-12) in conjunction with carbon dioxide (CO2) as an alternative. Compared to SF6, R-12 has 3,100 years shorter atmospheric lifetime and 15,400 less GWP. Moreover, CO2 is mixed with R-12 as a gas carrier to achieve a low boiling point as that of SF6. High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC), High Voltage Alternating Current (HVAC), and self-recoverability tests were conducted under varying concentrations of gas ratios at different pressures and a standard constant temperature. Comparison analysis showed that R-12 dielectric strength is close to that of SF6, and its mixture with CO2 possessed increased dielectric strength compared to a nitrogen and air mixture beyond 206.84 kPa. For HVAC and HVDC, a mixture of 50% R-12% and 50% CO2 establishes an unimpeachable ratio for HV applications. The mixture has self-recoverability properties and possesses positive synergism, which leads to the conclusion that the mixture of R-12 with CO2 enhances the dielectric strength compared to pure gases, as well as reduces costs.
Characteristics of eye-related emergency visits and triage differences by nurses and ophthalmologists: Perspective from a single eye center in southern China
Authors: Chen Juan , Chen Chen-Mei , Zheng Yongxin , Zhong Liuxueying
Published: March 2023

Purpose

To describe characteristics of eye-related emergency department (ED) visits and investigate differences in priorities assigned to patients by triage nurses and ophthalmologists.

Methods

A prospective survey was conducted at the ED of Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center from January 1, 2021, to May 31, 2021. Clinical data from patients with acute ophthalmic conditions lasting less than 7 days were collected via a standard questionnaire and the urgency levels assigned by nurses and physicians were also recorded. Binary logistic regression was performed to identify characteristics associated with truly emergency conditions and up- or down-triage.

Results

A total of 1907 patients were enrolled, with 582 (30.5%) classified as “non-emergency.” Red eye (69.7%), eye pain (53.0%), ocular trauma (44.1%), tearing (43.6%), and blurred vision (43.1%) were the most common complaints. Truly emergency tended to be male (OR 2.019, p < 0.001) and with unilateral eye involvement (OR 2.992, p < 0.001). Nurses prioritized conjunctival, scleral, closed ocular trauma and eyelid diseases over doctors while giving less priority to open ocular trauma, cornea, uveitis, and vitreoretinal diseases (p < 0.05). Overemphasis on mild blurred vision (OR 3.718, p = 0.001) and insufficient understanding of conjunctival diseases without red eye (OR 0.254, p = 0.001) were associated with conjunctival disease “up-triage.” Insufficient awareness of moderate and severe blurred vision was associated with “down-triage” for ocular trauma (OR 3.475, p = 0.001 and OR 2.422, p = 0.020, respectively).

Conclusion

Ophthalmic EDs are typically flooded with patients suffering from acute ocular problems, with a considerable portion for non-emergency conditions. The identification of characteristics associated with truly emergency cases and nurses’ triage preferences is valuable in providing target guidance for future ED practice and facilitating the proper allocation of emergency resources.