bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Finding semantic patterns in omics data using concept rule learning with an ontology-based refinement operator
Authors: Malinka František , železný Filip , Kléma Jiří
Published: September 2020

Background

Identification of non-trivial and meaningful patterns in omics data is one of the most important biological tasks. The patterns help to better understand biological systems and interpret experimental outcomes. A well-established method serving to explain such biological data is Gene Set Enrichment Analysis. However, this type of analysis is restricted to a specific type of evaluation. Abstracting from details, the analyst provides a sorted list of genes and ontological annotations of the individual genes; the method outputs a subset of ontological terms enriched in the gene list. Here, in contrary to enrichment analysis, we introduce a new tool/framework that allows for the induction of more complex patterns of 2-dimensional binary omics data. This extension allows to discover and describe semantically coherent biclusters.

Results

We present a new rapid method called sem1R that reveals interpretable hidden rules in omics data. These rules capture semantic differences between two classes: a target class as a collection of positive examples and a non-target class containing negative examples. The method is inspired by the CN2 rule learner and introduces a new refinement operator that exploits prior knowledge in the form of ontologies. In our work this knowledge serves to create accurate and interpretable rules. The novel refinement operator uses two reduction procedures: Redundant Generalization and Redundant Non-potential, both of which help to dramatically prune the rule space and consequently, speed-up the entire process of rule induction in comparison with the traditional refinement operator as is presented in CN2.

Conclusions

Efficiency and effectivity of the novel refinement operator were tested on three real different gene expression datasets. Concretely, the Dresden Ovary Dataset, DISC, and m2816 were employed. The experiments show that the ontology-based refinement operator speeds-up the pattern induction drastically. The algorithm is written in C++ and is published as an R package available athttp://github.com/fmalinka/sem1r.
Open-chest versus closed-chest cardiopulmonary resuscitation in trauma patients with signs of life upon hospital arrival: a retrospective multicenter study
Authors: Endo Akira , Kojima Mitsuaki , Hong Zhi-Jie , Otomo Yasuhiro , Coimbra Raul
Published: September 2020

Background

The effectiveness and indications of open-chest cardiopulmonary resuscitation (OCCPR) have been still debatable. Although current guidelines state that the presence of signs of life (SOL) is an indication for OCCPR, scientific evidence corroborating this recommendation has been scarce. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of OCCPR to closed-chest cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CCCPR) in severe trauma patients with SOL upon arrival at the emergency department (ED).

Methods

A retrospective cohort study analyzing data from the Trauma Quality Improvement Program (TQIP) database, a nationwide trauma registry in the USA, between 2010 and 2016 was conducted. Severe trauma patients who had SOL upon arrival at the hospital and received cardiopulmonary resuscitation within the first 6 h of ED admission were identified. Survival to hospital discharge was evaluated using logistic regression analysis, instrumental variable analysis, and propensity score matching analysis adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

A total of 2682 patients (OCCPR 1032; CCCPR 1650) were evaluated; of those 157 patients (15.2%) in the OCCPR group and 193 patients (11.7%) in the CCCPR group survived. OCCPR was significantly associated with higher survival to hospital discharge in both the logistic regression analysis (adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval] = 1.99 [1.42–2.79], p <  0.001) and the instrumental variable analysis (adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval] = 1.16 [1.02–1.31], p = 0.021). In the propensity score matching analysis, 531 matched pairs were generated, and the OCCPR group still showed significantly higher survival at hospital discharge (89 patients [16.8%] in the OCCPR group vs 58 patients [10.9%] in the CCCPR group; odds ratio [95% confidence interval] = 1.66 [1.13–2.42], p = 0.009).

Conclusions

Compared to CCCPR, OCCPR was associated with significantly higher survival at hospital discharge in severe trauma patients with SOL upon ED arrival. Further studies to confirm these results and to assess long-term neurologic outcomes are needed.
Analyses of the expression, immunohistochemical properties and serodiagnostic potential of Schistosoma japonicum peroxiredoxin-4
Authors: Dang-Trinh Minh-Anh , Angeles Jose Ma. M. , Moendeg Kharleezelle J. , Macalanda Adrian Miki C. , Nguyen Thu-Thuy , Higuchi Luna , Nakagun Shotaro , Kirinoki Masashi , Chigusa Yuichi , Goto Yasuyuki , Kawazu Shin-ichiro
Published: September 2020

Background

Schistosoma japonicum, which inhabits the mesenteric vein of the mammalian hosts for about 20 to 30 years, is subjected to the oxidative stresses from the host defense mechanism during their intra-mammalian stages. To counteract this host immune attack, the parasite utilizes their antioxidant system for survival inside the host. Peroxiredoxins (Prxs), thiol-specific antioxidant proteins, play an essential role for protecting the parasite against oxidative stress by reducing hydrogen peroxide to water. Only three types of 2-Cys Prxs have been previously characterized in S. japonicum whereas a fourth Prx has been identified for Schistosoma mansoni as Prx-4. A sequence coding homologous to this gene in the S. japonicum database was identified, characterized and expressed as recombinant SjPrx-4 protein (rSjPrx-4). Furthermore, rSjPrx-4 was evaluated in this study for its diagnostic potentials in detecting S. japonicum infection in humans.

Results

The gene found in the parasite genome contained 2 active-site cysteines with conserved sequences in the predicted amino acid (AA) sequence and showed 75% identity with that of the previously characterized Prx (TPx-1) of S. japonicum. The gene was expressed in different stages of schistosome life-cycle with highest transcription level in the adult male. The gene was cloned into a plasmid vector and then transfected into Escherichia coli for expression of rSjPrx-4. Anti-rSjPrx-4 mouse sera recognized native SjPrx-4 in egg and adult worm lysate by western blotting. The result of a mixed function oxidation assay in which rSjPrx-4 prevented the nicking of DNA from hydroxyl radicals confirmed its antioxidant activity. Subsequently, immunolocalization analysis showed the localization of SjPrx-4 inside the egg, on the tegument and in the parenchyma of the adult worm. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay results showed that rSjPrx-4 has 83.3% sensitivity and 87.8% specificity. Its diagnostic potential was further evaluated in combination with recombinant SjTPx-1 protein, yielding an improved sensitivity and specificity of 90% and 92.7%, respectively.

Conclusions

These results suggest that SjPrx-4 plays a role as an antioxidant dealing with oxidative stresses of S. japonicum, and its diagnostic potential improved by coupling it with SjTPx-1 is a proof for developing a serological test with better diagnostic performance for human schistosomiasis.
Association of IL-10 and TNF-α polymorphisms with risk and aggressiveness of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with HCV-related cirrhosis
Authors: Saleh Ahmed , Saed Ahmed M. , Mansour Mostafa
Published: September 2020

Background

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a significant risk factor for cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) that carry a high mortality. The study aims to investigate the effect of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-10 polymorphisms on risk and pattern of HCC in patients with HCV-related cirrhosis.

Results

The mean age of the HCC group was 56.21 ± 4.62 years and 54.27 ± 7.63 years for the cirrhotic group. The GG genotype of TNF-ɑ and TT genotype of IL-10 showed a higher incidence of HCC in comparison to the cirrhotic group with P = 0.01 and 0.004. On the calculation of the aggressiveness index (AgI), the TT haplotype was significantly associated with more aggressive tumours in contrast to the other haplotypes with P < 0.001. There is a significant association of portal vein thrombosis, ascites and high AgI with the GG haplotype in contrast to the other haplotypes with P = 0.002, 0.029 and < 0.001, respectively, as regards TNF-α. High AgI (C) was associated with the TT haplotype of IL-10 and GG haplotype of TNF-ɑ.

Conclusion

Our data bring an essential association of IL-10 and TNF polymorphism with the occurrence of HCC in patients with HCV-related liver cirrhosis. The GG haplotype of TNF-ɑ and TT/AT haplotype of IL-10 are associated with the more aggressive pattern of HCC, so those patients must be treated as early as possible.
Testing Effect on High-Level Cognitive Skills
Authors: Jensen Jamie L. , McDaniel Mark A. , Kummer Tyler A. , Godoy Patricia D. D. M. , St. Clair Bryn
Published: September 2020

This authentic classroom application of the testing effect, a robust learning technique, demonstrates that the testing effect applies to high-level items; does not extend to increased low-level content knowledge; and potentially indicates a three-part mechanism, including content, skill, and the ability to make the connection.
Test-Enhanced Learning and Incentives in Biology Education
Authors: St. Clair Bryn , Putnam Paul , Miller Harold L. , Larsen Ross , Jensen Jamie L.
Published: September 2020

This study examined the testing effect in a postsecondary biology course with low- and high-incentive treatments and measured student learning. Although exposure to exams predicted better learning, incentive level did not moderate this effect, an outcome that contradicted recent laboratory findings that higher incentives decreased the testing effect.
Transfer: A Review for Biology and the Life Sciences
Authors: Kaminske Althea N. , Kuepper-Tetzel Carolina E. , Nebel Cynthia L. , Sumeracki Megan A. , Ryan Sean P.
Published: September 2020

Transfer of knowledge from one context to another is crucial in education, but difficult for students to achieve. This review discusses how different factors such as learner abilities, taught material, and lesson characteristics affect transfer performance in biology and life sciences education and offers practical advice for teachers.
Using Students’ Concept-building Tendencies to Better Characterize Average-Performing Student Learning and Problem-Solving Approaches in General Chemistry
Authors: Frey Regina F. , McDaniel Mark A. , Bunce Diane M. , Cahill Michael J. , Perry Martin D.
Published: September 2020

Students’ concept-building approaches (abstraction vs. exemplar), identified a priori with a cognitive-psychology laboratory task, have been extended to learning complex topics in general chemistry. Here, the effect concept-building approaches have on the problem-solving behaviors of average-achieving students was probed via think-aloud interviews.
Advancing the Guidance Debate: Lessons from Educational Psychology and Implications for Biochemistry Learning
Authors: Halmo Stephanie M. , Sensibaugh Cheryl A. , Reinhart Peter , Stogniy Oleksandra , Fiorella Logan , Lemons Paula P.
Published: September 2020

This study compares the impacts on biochemistry student learning for three evidence-based pedagogies—worked examples plus practice, productive failure, and guided inquiry—that differ in the nature and timing of guidance.
Research Committee Update
Authors: Popovici Alexander Mihai
Published: September 2020

Recently I gave each of my five kids a copy of a book that I had been delighted to read, The Curmudgeon's Guide to Getting Ahead by Charles Murray. I identified with the curmudgeon, hence the title of this column. Murray's book had its origins in postings the author made on the internal website of the American Enterprise Institute where he works, with tips for entry-level staff and interns such as:

Excise the word “like” from your spoken English. Don't suck up, meaning don't excessively flatter supervisors. Make strong language count.
Impact of Mirrors on Body Image of Beginning Modern and Ballet Students
Authors: Radell Sally A. , Mandradjieff Mara P. , Adame Daniel D. , Cole Steven P.
Published: September 2020

This mixed methods study compared the impact of studio mirrors on body image in beginning level female collegiate modern dance and ballet students utilizing the Cash 69-item Body Self-Relations Questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. For the overall Body-Areas Satisfaction there
was a statistically significant mirror condition x time interaction (p = 0.029); regardless of dance genre, students' body satisfaction in mirrored classes decreased. Specifically at the mid torso, a statistically significant class type x time interaction (p = 0.012) occurred; ballet dancers
decreased in satisfaction. Interviews reflected that: 1. students in the mirrored classes spent more time discussing specific body parts with objectifying language; and 2. students in the non-mirrored classes spent more time describing their participation in dance in terms of kinesthetic sensations.
These findings suggest that satisfaction with one's body in beginner ballet and modern classes may be compromised by the use of mirrors.
Comparison of Center of Pressure and Kinematic Differences in Grand Plié With and Without the Barre
Authors: Greenwell Rachael , Wilson Margaret , Deckert Jennifer L. , Critchley Meghan , Keener Michaela , Dai Boyi
Published: September 2020

The purpose of this study was to determine what differences exist when performing grand plié with and without the barre. Differences in center of pressure (COP) sway, trunk kinematics, and lower extremity kinematics were used in this analysis for both first (P1) and fifth positions
(P5). It was hypothesized that use of the barre would result in decreased COP sway, but increased asymmetries in trunk and lower extremity kinematics would be seen compared with the same movements performed without the barre in both positions. Sixteen collegiate dancers (1 male, 15 female)
performed three trials of grand plié in P1 and P5 (right leg crossed in front) with or without the barre, for a total of 12 trials. For the barre condition (BC), participants demonstrated less time to complete grand plié, slightly less depth in grand plié, and decreased
anterior-posterior (AP) sway compared to the without barre condition (WBC). The BC condition showed increased peak left trunk rotation, right knee flexion, decreased right and left peak hip flexion, and increased right hip abduction in both P1 and P5. Comparing P1 to P5, there was decreased
AP sway, decreased peak left trunk rotation, decreased peak right and left hip flexion, increased left hip abduction, and decreased right knee flexion in both BC and WBC conditions. For the BC, there was increased right hip abduction in P1 compared to P5. Our results indicate that while use
of the barre provides proprioceptive information, which helps dancers to control balance and learn a motor control strategy, grand plié should also be taught without the barre to challenge the dancer's balance control with different movement patterns in space.
Ultrasound Alpha Angles and Hip Pain and Function in Female Elite Adolescent Ballet Dancers
Authors: Biernacki Jessica L. , d'Hemecourt Pierre A. , Stracciolini Andrea , Owen Michael , Sugimoto Dai
Published: September 2020

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a common anatomical variant in ballet dancers. Cam morphology (a subtype of FAI) and increased alpha angles have been identified as risk factors for hip pain. Ultrasound has recently been used to measure alpha angles in the diagnosis of cam morphology,
but its utility remains understudied. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of ultrasound measured alpha angles on hip pain and function scores in elite female adolescent ballet dancers. The alpha angles of 25 dancers (mean age: 15.9 years) were measured using ultrasound
and calculated with ImageJ Software. Cam morphology was defined by alpha angles of 60° or greater. Participants rated their hip pain and function using the International Hip Outcome Tool 12 (iHOT-12) survey. For normally distributed variables, the independent t-test was performed, and
for abnormally distributed variables, the Mann-Whitney U Test. Along with mean and standard deviation (SD) values, median score, interquartile range (IQR), and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were also analyzed. Significantly lower iHOT-12 scores were found in dancers with alpha angles
≥ 60° (mean ± SD, 74.34 ± 13.01; 95% CIs, 58.18, 90.50, median 67.20; IQR, 18.55), compared to dancers with alpha angles < 60° (mean ± SD, 80.22 ± 15.65; 95% CIs, 72.90, 87.54; median, 81.60; IQR, 16.35; p = 0.001). It is concluded that: 1. elite female
adolescent ballet dancers with alpha angles higher than 60° experienced worse hip pain and function; 2. alpha angles may impact hip pain and function in these dancers; and 3. further studies should use a prospective design to investigate the predictive ability of their findings.
Eatures of Applying the New Revenue Recognition Model Under the IFRS
Authors: Shatunov Eduard
Published: September 2020

Th e article is devoted to topical issues of applying IFRS 15 «Revenue from contracts with customers». The Standard provides a new approach to revenue recognition, consisting of fi ve consecutive steps to analyze the terms of sale in the contract with the buyer. Th e article considers examples of identifi cation of obligations to perform depending on the terms of the contract and the features of the goods and services provided to the buyer.
Analysis of Foreign and Domestic Experience in the Formation of the Structure of Defense and Security Spending
Authors: Zemskov V. , Volkonskiy V.
Published: September 2020

Th e article is devoted to the issues of ensuring national defense and security as a key mechanism for infl uencing threats that have both external and internal sources in relation to the state, the most important component being society. Th e analysis carried out in the framework of the study is focused on identifying key aspects of the formation of the structure of expenditures on defense and security of a number of developed countries, comparing the results with the current structure of expenditures in the Russian Federation, establishing key advantages and disadvantages of the domestic approach, developing recommendations for its improvement.
International Financial Reporting Standards: Going Concern Assumption
Authors: Mislavskaya N.
Published: September 2020

The article analyzes the philosophical foundations of scientific accounting knowledge - assumptions about the continuity of the organization. The relevance, the need for a critical assessment of the modern accounting paradigm in the formation of the information society, in the formation of which a certain role is assigned to accounting and accounting (financial) reporting, is substantiated and proved. The author is convinced of the need to reform the accounting system, taking into account national interests. It is proposed to begin this process by clarifying the underlying accounting assumption.
Asynchronous Schemes for Stochastic and Misspecified Potential Games and Nonconvex Optimization
Authors: Lei Jinlong , Shanbhag Uday V.
Published: September 2020

In “Asynchronous Schemes for Stochastic and Misspecified Potential Games and Nonconvex Optimization,” Lei and Shanbhag consider a class of convex stochastic Nash games, possibly corrupted by parametric misspecification and characterized by a possibly nonconvex potential function. The authors present an asynchronous inexact proximal best-response (BR) scheme in which, at any step, a randomly selected player computes an inexact BR step (via stochastic approximation) and other players keep their strategies invariant. Misspecification is addressed by a simultaneous learning process reliant on an increasing batch size of sampled gradients. Almost-sure convergence guarantees are provided to the set of Nash equilibria, and such claims can be extended to delay-afflicted regimes, generalized potential games (with coupled strategy sets), and weighted potential games. In fact, equilibria of this potential game are stationary points of the potential function and asynchronous inexact BR schemes are, in essence, randomized block-coordinate schemes for a subclass of stochastic nonconvex optimization problems.
Approach of Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques of Land Use and Land Cover Mapping –Patna Municipal Corporation, (PMC) Patna, Bihar, India
Authors: Ahmad Mohammad Yasir , Munim Nikhat Hassan
Published: September 2020

The approach of Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographical Information System (GIS) for the preparation of land use land cover (LULC) mapping is an essential aspect of planning and development activities for earth resource management. This paper investigates land use land cover (LULC) map of Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC), Patna, Bihar, India. The City Patna (PMC) is a fast developing city and emerging economic centre in Bihar. The population of the city (PMC) is growing day by day, and rapid migration from the different parts of the Bihar resulted from rapid urbanization. We offer RS and GIS techniques delineated different LULC of the PMC study area. LULC was done through False Color Composite (FCC) Satellite Image, Resourcesat-2A Linear Imaging Self Scanning Sensor IV (LISS-IV) with 5.8-meter spatial resolution data of the year 2018. The supervised classification and maximum likelihood classification were used to classified LISS IV images. The LULC map was created five different classes identified water bodies, agriculture land, fallow land, wasteland, built-up land, and vegetation of the study area. The advantages of MLC method in which a pixel with the maximum likelihood is classified into the corresponding class based on a probability function determines the variance and covariance of each theme. The LULC result showed that maximum area under PMC was covered with a built-up area of 70.80 Sq. Km. is higher than the others because of the rapidly growing population. Agriculture land, fallow land, and vegetation occupied area of 31.7 Sq.Km., while the wasteland constituted around 11.86 Sq. Km and water bodies covered around 5.8 Sq.Km. The accuracy was done through field verification and Satellite (Google) image.
ANÁLISE COGNITIVA DA CONSTRUÇÃO “# SÓ QUE NÃO” / Cognitive analysis of the “# só que não” construction
Authors: Gervasio Tharlles Lopes
Published: September 2020

Neste artigo, analisamos a construção “#SóQueNão”, empregada como recurso irônico em interações estabelecidas por meio de postagens escritas na muito utilizada rede social Facebook, gênero digital multimodal. Na rede social em questão, podemos notar grande frequência de uso da construção tema de nosso trabalho, principalmente sob a forma das hashtags “#SóQueNão” ou “#SQN”. Tomamos por base pressupostos teóricos ancorados na Linguística Cognitiva, sobretudo, a Gramática de Construções, de Goldberg (1995) e a Mesclagem Conceptual, de Fauconnier e Turner (2002). Busca-se mostrar que as extensões de sentido veiculadoras da ironia – entendida segundo Coulson (2001; 2005) – são fornecidas pragmaticamente, a partir do contexto de uso dessa expressão. A ironia é um recurso linguístico muito utilizado nos mais variados textos da modalidade escrita e oral. Acrescenta‑se, ainda, que ao utilizar tal recurso, o escritor/falante intenta dizer ao leitor/ouvinte o contrário do que diz, contradizendo ou mesmo invectivando, de algum modo, a si próprio ou ao outro. A análise revelou que “#SóQueNão”, além de marcar discursivamente o efeito de ironia, desempenha, nas porções textuais em que figura, o papel de gatilho para oposição das ideias apresentadas. Verficamos, também, que a real compreensão dos efeitos de sentido da construção “#SóQueNão” apenas se torna possível dentro de um dado contexto de uso, o que reitera, desse modo, a importância do cenário comunicativo.
Where we're at
Authors: Allingham Sue
Published: September 2020

While a deficit model of ‘missed learning’ due to Covid-19 has been a constant refrain in the popular press, now is the time to act on what is best for children.
Account for your actions
Authors: Ilcey Jo
Published: September 2020

If Ofsted comes knocking this autumn it is important to be clear on how you have reassessed children's needs and can demonstrate how your actions are linked to meeting EYFS criteria.
In a safe space
Authors: Davis Emma
Published: September 2020

Now is the time for settings to build on their experience of risk assessments and planning post-lockdown to build positive environments that are sustainable in the longer term.
Capturing conversations
Authors: Yates David
Published: September 2020

David Yates explains how his innovative practice creates a two-way flow of information between home and school, supporting practitioners to make strong, authentic links with home learning.
Feeling crushed
Authors: White Hilary
Published: September 2020

Extend children's understanding of recycling by involving them in making paper and experiencing the changes in its properties when it becomes pulped and mushy.
Effect of trunk control training on plantar pressure in patients with lumbar disc herniation
Authors: Battesha Hanan Hosny M , Elhak Reda Kotb Abd Elrazik Gad
Published: September 2020

Background/aims

Chronic spinal disc disease leads to disorders in postural movement coordination. An incorrect asymmetrical movement pattern for lower limb loading impairs proprioception and deteriorates postural stability. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of trunk control training on the redistribution of plantar pressure to reduce the risk of posture sway while standing in patients with sciatica resulting from a herniated lumbar disc.

Methods

This study included 30 male and female patients with sciatica resulting from lumbar disc herniation, their ages ranged from 45–60 years. The patients were randomly assigned to two equal groups. The study group received posture stability training by using the Biodex Balance System in addition to a selected physical therapy programme. The control group received the selected physical therapy programme only.

Results:

The results revealed that in the study group, there was a significant increase of plantar pressure at the right and the left centre of heel, while there was a significant decrease of plantar pressure at the right and the left forefoot post treatment. In the control group, there was no significant difference in plantar pressure at the right and the left centre of the heel and forefoot post treatment.

Conclusions:

Trunk control training, in addition to the selected physical therapy programme, was more effective than only using the selected physical therapy programme to redistribute foot plantar pressure, which can reduce posture sway for patients with sciatica resulting from a herniated lumbar disc.
Arguments for Construct Validity of the Self-Efficacy Beliefs of Interdisciplinary Science Teaching (SElf-ST) Instrument
Authors: Handtke Kevin , Bögeholz Susanne
Published: September 2020

Current research on self-efficacy beliefs of interdisciplinary science teaching indicates shortcomings in facing recent teaching challenges in secondary education and corresponding valid instruments. Thus, we designed the Self-Efficacy Beliefs of Interdisciplinary Science Teaching (SElf-ST) instrument based on a pedagogical content knowledge model for science teaching. We ensured the factorial validity of ten factors. To bring construct validity down to a round figure, we examined convergent and divergent validity in this paper. For answering the overall research question regarding arguments for the convergent and divergent validity of the interpretation of the SElf-ST instrument’s test values (and related hypotheses), we analyzed data of pre-service, trainee, and in-service biology, chemistry, and physics teachers (n = 590) in a cross-sectional study. While the strong latent correlations of the ten SElf-ST factors with self-efficacy beliefs of interdisciplinary science teaching in primary education (r = 0.40 – 0.63, p < 0.01) indicate convergent validity, the rather weak correlations with self-efficacy beliefs of general teaching (r = 0.17 – 0.54, p < 0.01), self-rated content knowledge in science (r = 0.13 – 0.40, p < 0.01), and perceived stress (r = -0.13 – -0.19, p < 0.01) support different divergent validity intensities. Thus, assumed relations within the nomological net surrounding the self-efficacy beliefs of interdisciplinary science teaching construct were confirmed for secondary education. In sum, we shed light on a rarely explored aspect of construct validity in science education research regarding self-efficacy beliefs. Doing so, we gained strong arguments that the SElf-ST instrument’s test values can serve as indicators of self-efficacy beliefs of interdisciplinary science teaching in secondary education.
Living in a virtual world
Authors: Mortensen Neil
Published: September 2020

Meet your new President, at a safe distance.
Resilience and surgeons: train the individual or change the system?
Authors: Bolderston H , Greville-Harris M , Thomas K , Kane A , Turner K
Published: September 2020

We investigate both sides of the coin.
Dissecting the technology of anatomy
Authors: Kerstein Ryan
Published: September 2020

Our resident gadget geek surveys the tech landscape
Multilingual revelations
Authors: Slop Mr
Published: September 2020

As the C word saturates the world's written output, our columnist reflects on his own linguistic memories.
Views of parents and consultants on evening and weekend outpatient clinics for the paediatric population
Authors: Brewer P , Fernandes JA
Published: September 2020

A worthwhile solution or just a means to dilute an already thin workforce?
Stop! Collaborate and listen: trainee-led collaborative research in 2020
Authors: McLean KA , Drake TM
Published: September 2020

Reducing barriers, encouraging involvement and enhancing quality. How a culture of collaboration is improving patient care.
Hospital compound level surgical training quality performance metrics: more than a score?
Authors: Hopkins L , Robinson DBT , Brown C , Abdelrahman T , Powell AGMT , Pollitt MJ , Lewis WG , Egan RJ
Published: September 2020

In the dynamic climate of surgical training, we examine whether hospital units influence variations in attainment.
COVID-19, BAME and surgical training: a status quo?
Authors: Badran A , Mohamed W , Giwa L , Cheruvu MS
Published: September 2020

To achieve equity in healthcare, we must move away from platitudes and deliver tangible actions.
Impact of COVID-19 on training in surgical oncology
Authors: Li E , Mills E
Published: September 2020

The shifting requirements for trainees in the post-pandemic era.
Global surgery: importance, controversy and opportunity
Authors: Aruparayil N , Doe M , Grimes CE
Published: September 2020

Serving those in limited resource settings does not only enhance surgical training, it advances universal access to holistic and affordable care.
A Research on the Performance, Emission and Combustion Parameters of the Hydrogen and Biogas Dual Fuel Engine
Authors: MUTLURI Avinash , GOPIDESI Radha Krishna , VALETI Srinivas Viswanath
Published: September 2020

In the present research a diesel engine has been converted to dual fuel mode, injecting hydrogen and biogas as secondary fuel and the tests were conducted in dual fuel mode to evaluate the performance, emissions and combustion parameters of the engine. Diesel as a pilot fuel, hydrogen and biogas as a secondary fuel were injected from the inlet manifold. The hydrogen and the biogas which is a gaseous fuel were injected at 5 liters per minute (lpm) and the tests were conducted separately. From these tests, it was noted that there is an enhancement of 27.28% in brake thermal efficiency (BTE) and increment of 10.70% in NOX emissions for diesel with 5 lpm hydrogen compared with diesel fuel under single fuel mode. Also, it was noted that the reduction in BTE was around 36.50% and NOX emissions about 15.68 % for diesel with 5 lpm biogas when compared with diesel fuel under single fuel mode.
High concentration hydrogen peroxide for rocket fuel applications
Authors: PELIN George , STOICA Cornel , PELIN Cristina - Elisabeta , BALASA Raluca
Published: September 2020

This paper presents the experimental study of the distillation of hydrogen peroxide to increase the concentration of the solution, in order to use it as rocket fuel in space applications. The process of obtaining the desired concentration required for the operation of the wind tunnel model rocket engine was obtained using the vacuum distillation method. The process consists in removing a calculated value of the water content from the hydrogen peroxide solution with a concentration of 35%, thus increasing its concentration up to the value of 90%. The key factors that contribute in obtaining the desired concentration were evaluated and experimental results were compared with the calculated values.
Mathematical review of the attitude control mechanism for a spacecraft
Authors: CHATURVEDI Sudhir Kumar , BANERJEE Saikat , BASU Sourav , YADAV Monika , ADHIKARY Subhrangshu
Published: September 2020

The issue of inertial pointing for a spacecraft with magnetic actuators is considered and a practical global response to this problem is obtained by static attitude and speed feedback methods. A local solution dependent on dynamic attitude feedback is additionally introduced. The simulation results show the practical applicability of the proposed approach. The issue of attitude regulation of rigid spacecraft, i.e., spacecraft demonstrated by the Euler's conditions and by an appropriate parameterization of the attitude, has been broadly concentrated as of late. As a matter of first importance, it is beyond the realm of imagination by methods for magnetic actuators to give three autonomous control torques at each time instant. Moreover, the conduct of these actuators is characteristically time-varying, as the control instrument relies on the varieties of the Earth magnetic field along the spacecraft orbit. In any case, demeanor adjustment is conceivable in light of the fact that on normal the framework has solid controllability properties for a wide range of orbit inclinations. A lot of work has been devoted as of late to the issues of examination and structure of attractive control laws in the straight case, i.e., nominal operation of a satellite near its equilibrium attitude. Specifically, ostensible and vigorous solidness and execution have been contemplated, utilizing either devices from occasional control hypothesis misusing the (quasi) intermittent conduct of the framework close to an equilibrium or other techniques aiming at developing suitable time-varying controllers.
Experimental Study on Performance, Emissions and Combustion Characteristics of PFI Spark Ignition Engine Fueled with E30 Equivalent Binary and Ternary GEM Blends
Authors: FAROOQ Sk. , VINAY KUMAR D.
Published: September 2020

This work presents the concept of ternary blends of gasoline, ethanol and methanol (GEM) in which stoichiometric air to fuel ratio is controlled to 13.2, same as that of conventional binary E30 (Gasoline 70% + Ethanol 30% (v/v)) fuel blend. The formulated E30 equivalent ternary blends have approximately the same energy density, lower heating value and octane number as target binary E30 blend such that they can be a drop-in alternative to it. The experimental work was performed to investigate the performance, emission and combustion characteristics of PFI SI engine using E30 equivalent GEM blends. The engine tests were conducted at constant load while varying the engine speed from 1700 to 3300 rpm by varying the throttle position. The performance, emission and combustion results were measured and compared with pure gasoline. The results show that formulated GEM blends have similar brake thermal efficiency, in-cylinder pressure and net heat release as binary E30 blend and are improved when compared to pure gasoline. It is also noted that exhaust emissions such as Carbon monoxide (CO), unburned hydrocarbons (HC) show decreased values and increase in Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) for blended fuels compared to pure gasoline due to oxygenated nature of alcohol fuels.
Association between poverty indicators and social relations
Authors: Albert Fruzsina , Hajdu Gábor
Published: September 2020

We analyse the association between poverty indicators and social relations using nationally representative data from Hungary. We focus on four poverty indicators (the three standard indicators of Eurostat and perceived financial problems) and a rich set of social relationship indicators (18 variables). Material deprivation is the most strongly linked to the measures of social ties and social integration, whereas income poverty is associated the least strongly with them. Although income poverty is probably the most widely used poverty indicator, our results suggest that material deprivation and even subjective poverty reflect better the multidimensional nature of poverty and social exclusion.
Turning differently toward learning design, and finding the real gift of slow
Authors: Parkin Nicola
Published: September 2020

This paper turns toward learning design, not as a role, method, skill or even style of thinking, but as something that we are already existentially ‘in’, a lived-and-living part of teaching which is natural and arises from the places of our here-and-now situations. This way of understanding the work of learning design contradicts the prevailing position of learning design as instrumental future-work in which our faces are ever turned towards a time that is always yet-to-come. Our work is not, in the temporal sense, of itself, but always on the way to being something other than itself.  As we strive to transcend our current situation towards a greater measure of fulfilment, we are reaching always away from ourselves. Instead, we might take a stance of ‘slow’: Slow makes a space for us to encounter ourselves in practice and invites us to stay-with rather than race ahead. It begins with the quietly radical act of seeing goodness in slowness, in trusting time. Slow means finding the natural pace of our work, and takes the long-scale view that accepts into itself the many tempos and time scales in the work of learning design – including at times, the need for fast work. This paper invites you to pause and sit, to expand the moment you are already in, and to ponder philosophically, rambling across the page with notions of untangling, opening, loosening, listening, seeing, belonging pondering, sitting with and trusting. Taking time to do so is self-affirming. But perhaps the deepest gift that slow offers is choice: it opens a space for considered thought and action, and calls into question the habits and expectations of speed that we have grown so accustomed to.
Making Space for the Dissertation
Authors: Edwards Bronwen , Haigh David , Hope Max , Horwood Karen , Pusey Andre
Published: September 2020

This paper examines a residential writing retreat for final year human geography and planning students held in a youth hostel in North Yorkshire, considering how it is experienced by students. This is a curriculum innovation for the dissertation module that combines aspects of geography fieldtrip and writing workshop to support the dissertation writing process and build community, applicable to dissertation and other modules on all kinds of courses.

Drawing on the concept of ‘the slow university’ (Berg & Seeber, 2016; O’Neill, 2014) where the ‘slowing down’ and ‘stripping away’ of the usual structures and patterns of teaching and learning create a critical and creative space for thinking and writing, we explore whether and how the Malham retreat makes space for writing. The study is also informed by our spatial approach to the processes and content of research and teaching as geographers (Massey, 2005).

Qualitative focus group evidence was gathered on the student and staff experience and used to evaluate the field trip (Breen, 2006; Krueger & Casey, 2009; Stewart & Shamdasani, 2015). This paper presents the results of this evaluation and it is argued that the retreat made space for writing in three ways:

1. The space of countryside, nature and youth hostel.

2. The formal and informal learning spaces staff and students constructed during the retreat

3. ‘Head space’- the social, psychological and emotional room the retreat made for staff and students
Enhancing The Supervision Of Undergraduate Major Projects
Authors: Pratt-Adams Simon , Longcroft Adam
Published: September 2020

Most undergraduate students are still required to complete a project of some kind, often in their final year of study. However, levels of student satisfaction on project modules and student outcomes are subject to considerable variation. Project modules sometimes detract from rather than add value to the student experience. Published research in the sector focused on best practice in the supervision of undergraduate projects and dissertations is limited. Using a case study approach, this article considers recent academic staff development interventions focused on enhancing supervision practice from a series of workshops and webinars organised by the authors. The analysis draws from existing module evaluation data, an in-session e-voting tool and end of session written evaluations. It considers the nuances of undergraduate supervision, the challenges that stem from cultural differences between disciplines, and the kinds of challenges faced by students and their supervisors. It argues that supervision at UG level constitutes a separate and distinctive aspect of HE pedagogic practice, and involves inducting the student into a different and often ‘alien’ approach to learning. It provides what the authors hope are some useful reflections on practice and proposes opportunities for developing practice of supervision more widely within the sector at undergraduate level.
Reflections on Peer Facilitation of Graduate Teaching Assistant Training
Authors: Bale Richard , Moran Hannah
Published: September 2020

This paper outlines a recently designed programme of training for graduate teaching assistants (GTAs), focusing on peer elements embedded in the programme. In particular, we describe our approach to co-facilitation of training, with sessions facilitated by the GTA programme lead and an experienced Peer GTA. Peer GTAs have at least one year of teaching experience and are able to provide practical, contextualised and discipline-specific input, which helps to address the challenge of balancing generic and discipline-specific training in GTA programmes. We describe a small case study of co-facilitation and reflect on the benefits of this approach for new GTAs and for the Peer GTAs themselves. The paper is co-authored by the GTA programme lead and a Peer GTA, who provides first-hand reflections on her experiences.
The Application Of A Flexible Learning Model To Enhance Engagement With Digital Technologies And Augmented Reality In Language Learning
Authors: Bostock John Raymond
Published: September 2020

Digital Technologies (DT) including Augmented Reality (AR) provide advantages for educational provision in terms of flexible access and enhanced presentation of materials. They also continue to proffer a formidable yet exciting challenge to established teaching and learning practices. In this paper an attempt is made to research the impact of using DT and AR activities on the experiences of students who are learning modern languages generally and Spanish specifically in one tertiary Institution. Didactic methods of teaching have been superseded by the adoption of student centred learning, i.e. a collaborative and interactive learning style where the teacher is the planner, sequencer and facilitator who guides the students in achieving their learning objectives. Teacher centred, or didactic methods may have their advantages particularly when delivering explanations but can be over used and do not generally allow for active student involvement or an opportunity to use the ideas being taught. It is suggested in this study that in order to gain the maximum benefit from the use of DT and AR, there are specific curriculum and pedagogical issues to be addressed. A more focused understanding and approach is enabled by the use of the flexible learning model particularly with regard to how students learn, the role of the lecturer, the planning and development of course materials and the accessibility and reliability of both software and hardware. In addition, a review of the theories of Second Language Acquisition also provides a sound basis for researching language learning and appropriate pedagogies. Language teaching continues to adapt, respond and challenge traditional teaching and learning styles and recommendations for successful integration of DT and AR are suggested.
In search of a personal pedagogy: A Self-Study narrative on the use of Inquiry Based Learning by an early career lecturer
Authors: Sewell Alexandra Louise
Published: September 2020

This paper presents a Self-Study of my quest for a personal pedagogy as a HE lecturer in my first year of teaching. I experimented with the application of Inquiry Based Learning as a teaching method of active learning pedagogy. The influence of the experiences of choice and implementation of Inquiry Based Learning on the development of my academic identity are explored. The paper is theoretically grounded in accounts of academic identity formation put forth by Jenkins (1996), Danielewicz and Yem (2014) and King et al. (2014). Themes of identity, arising from experiences of pedagogical choice and teaching practice, were a need for conformity versus a desire for individualism, theoretical knowledge and paradigm adherence, pragmatic constraints and student – lecturer relationship and confidence. These themes are discussed in relation to existing Inquiry Based Learning research literature. With the publication of the first Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) published in 2017, the paper makes a timely addition to the discourse of new lecturer’s experiences and the often-challenging process of initial academic identity formation. It also offers research into the effects of Inquiry Based Learning for the lecturer, whereas the outcomes for students have been mostly examined by previous literature.
Student Emotions Matter
Authors: White Wendee , Ingram Richard D
Published: September 2020

Increasingly, the taught postgraduate student experience is being recognised as a complex journey influenced by a multiplicity of interconnected factors that are institution-related, discipline specific, and socio-culturally informed. This emergent recognition of the complexity of being a TPG student underpinned the research study reported in this paper; well-being was conceptualised as central to the student experience and interconnected with five facets of the student journey. It was explored through the lens of emotion and as an independent variable. Guided by principles of pragmatism, the study followed an action research approach seeking the perceptions of TPG students engaged in academic study and in turn reports the findings relating to their student experience. This paper reports on findings from year 1 (2017-18 academic year) of a 3-year longitudinal study.  Data were collected in 2 phases using an online survey followed by focus group interviews and then underwent thematic analysis.  Our findings reinforce and further inform the understanding that the TPG student experience is uniquely complex. Through our exploration we have come to understand TPG student experience as an emotionally rich process influenced by three dimensions of the student journey, degree of connectedness; effectiveness of supports; and quality of communication, that elicit threat or challenge appraisals based on perceived demands and coping resources, triggering emotion responses that impact well-being, and learner engagement. 

Keywords: taught postgraduate student experience, well-being, emotion, action research