bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flipped Learning
Authors: Lee Jihyun
Published: January 2023

Flipped learning (FL) began as a local trial strategy in a US high school in 2012 and in less than 10 years has exploded in popularity, among both educational practitioners and researchers, and has now been extensively recognized and implemented at all levels of education across the world. This chapter will discuss what is known from current FL literature, what the practical implications are from this literature, what gaps exist within FL research and between FL research and practices, and how those gaps should be addressed. This chapter begins with the definition and continues discussing history and supporting theories of flipped learning and its effectiveness, affecting factors, challenges, and possible solutions from current literature. In addition, as a modified version of traditional flipped learning, a fully online flipped learning model, bichronous online learning, and HyFlex learning are introduced. This chapter concludes with future research directions.
Student Engagement in Open, Distance, and Digital Education
Authors: Bond Melissa , Bergdahl Nina
Published: January 2023

Engaging students in their learning, and within their learning community, is a key goal of educators. However, ongoing discussions about its nature, conceptualization, and measurement have led to a diffusion of the concept’s understanding, and ability to apply it within both research and practice. This chapter draws on theoretical and empirical primary and secondary ODDE research, and provides an overview of student engagement and disengagement, particularly as they relate to educational technology. The four dimensions of behavioral, affective/emotional, cognitive, and social (dis-)engagement are presented, alongside example indicators. In addition, a bioecological model of student engagement is explored with explicit links to digital learning. The chapter concludes by providing open questions and directions for future research, including further emphasis and exploration needed on the role of social engagement in ODDE contexts, as well as disengagement as a separate construct.
Informal Learning in Digital Contexts
Authors: Dron Jon , Anderson Terry
Published: January 2023

Governments, business leaders, educators, students, and parents realize the need to inculcate a culture of lifelong learning – learning that spans geography, time, and lifespan. This learning has both formal and informal components. In this chapter, we examine the conceptual basis upon which informal learning is defined and some of the tools and techniques used to support informal learning. We overview the rapid development in information and communications technologies that not only creates opportunities for learners, teachers, and researchers but also challenges us to create equitable and culturally appropriate tools and contexts in which high-quality, continuous learning is available to all.
Introduction to Infrastructure, Quality Assurance, and Support Systems of ODDE
Authors: Belawati Tian
Published: January 2023

Distance education (DE) has evolved over numerous generations, from correspondence study to the most recent online education, which is classified as open, distance, and digital education (ODDE). DE advances in line with technological advancements, and DE generations often correspond to the pre- and post-Internet eras. This classification also affects and prescribes the learning environment required to ensure the educational and learning process’ effectiveness.

The pre-Internet period of DE was marked by a vast physical infrastructure, including a physical network of regional, local offices, and learning centers, as was widely implemented by distance teaching universities. Soft infrastructure, such as a digital learning environment, characterizes the ODDE in the Internet era. Despite the differences in ODDE infrastructure before and after the Internet, library services and a quality assurance system have always been essential components of the ODDE system. The global open movement has had an impact on ODDE practice, expanding learning resources beyond those generated by ODDE providers. The open education movement has given ODDE more supporting infrastructures, allowing it to become more powerful and cost-effective. Finally, the burgeoning metaverse appears to be destined to become the future ODDE platform, elevating ODDE practice to new heights. This chapter discusses some trends and debates about the nature of institutional infrastructure before and after the Internet era, a cross-generational supporting infrastructure related to quality assurance, as well as learning resources particularly those related to the open educational resources (OER) and open licenses, and some thoughts on the metaverse as an emerging trend in education.
Introduction to Learners, Teachers, Media, and Technology in ODDE
Authors: Dennen Vanessa P.
Published: January 2023

This chapter provides an overview of the 13 chapters in Section 6 of The Handbook of Open Distance and Digital Education (ODDE), which focus on learners, teachers, media, and technology. Through these chapters, which explore the characteristics, competencies, skills, and roles that people need in ODDE contexts and the ways that media and technology support them, it becomes clear that all four areas work together systemically in the pursuit of learning. Three themes can be cultivated from the chapters: learners and instructors share common needs in online learning settings; the field has an ethical obligation to consider how technology-mediated and technology-based learning interventions affect learners and instructors; and the ongoing presence of a tension between human tasks and technology tasks in increasingly automated learning environments.
Introduction to Design, Delivery, and Assessment in ODDE
Authors: West Richard E.
Published: January 2023

This chapter overviews the 14 chapters in Part 7 of thehandbook,which are focused on the design, delivery, and assessment of open, online, and digital learning. While the chapters address a wide variety of factors relevant to ODDE, I discuss several common themes, including evidence for the effectiveness of ODDE, standards to guide effective ODDE design, assessment and credentialing of ODDE learning, and the need for future research to move beyond studying individual factors (micro level) in higher education. Finally, I conclude with a call to how we can design the future of ODDE, including first, seeking to understand systemic nature of learning; second, embracing the sociocultural nature of learning, and third, utilizing the full repertoire of diverse scholarship methods to develop knowledge in our field.
The Interplay of Race, Religion and Royalty in Contemporary Malaysian Politics
Authors: Abdul Hamid Ahmad Fauzi , Zawawi Noorulhafidzah
Published: January 2023

The lengthy years of the Perikatan (Alliance) and its successor Barisan Nasional (BN) administrations (1957–2018) gave Malaysia the opportunity to construct and mould the practice of democracy. Democracy is reflected through the existence of various political parties, the holding of regular elections under closely administered electoral processes, the upholding of rights and freedoms of the people to participate in party politics and civil society, the heated interactions among multi-ethnic citizens over mainstream and social media and the limited avenues provided by the law for the populace to express and display dissent. In Peninsular Malaysian politics, fault lines along the divisive racial and religious lines appear to dominate the discursive scene, with related issues over the role of Malay royalty trailing not too distantly behind. The past decade or so has seen political fortunes of the opposition, defined here as parties that oppose BN whether separately or together in coalitions during general elections, progressively improving, culminating in Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) trouncing of BN in the fourteenth general elections (GE14) in 2018. However, in Malaysian politics, elected politicians do not by themselves fill all political gaps. In uncertain times, as have prevailed in Malaysia since Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia’s (PPBM) betrayal of PH in February 2020, the Malay monarchy has become more important than ever in deciding who and which political coalition gets to form the country’s executive branch. This chapter presents an overview of how race, religion and royalty are routinely encountered in the country’s politics, particularly over the last decade.
The impact of neutrino-nucleus interaction modeling on new physics searches
Authors: Coyle Nina M. , Li Shirley Weishi , Machado Pedro A. N.
Published: December 2022

Abstract

Accurate neutrino-nucleus interaction modeling is an essential requirement for the success of the accelerator-based neutrino program. As no satisfactory description of cross sections exists, experiments tune neutrino-nucleus interactions to data to mitigate mis-modeling. In this work, we study how the interplay between near detector tuning and cross section mis-modeling affects new physics searches. We perform a realistic simulation of neutrino events and closely follow NOvA’s tuning, the first published of such procedures in a neutrino experiment. We analyze two illustrative new physics scenarios, sterile neutrinos and light neutrinophilic scalars, presenting the relevant experimental signatures and the sensitivity regions with and without tuning. While the tuning does not wash out sterile neutrino oscillation patterns, cross section mis-modeling can bias the experimental sensitivity. In the case of light neutrinophilic scalars, variations in cross section models completely dominate the sensitivity regardless of any tuning. Our findings reveal the critical need to improve our theoretical understanding of neutrino-nucleus interactions, and to estimate the impact of tuning on new physics searches. We urge neutrino experiments to follow NOvA’s example and publish the details of their tuning procedure, and to develop strategies to more robustly account for cross section uncertainties, which will expand the scope of their physics program.
A new self-assessment tool following shoulder stabilization surgery, the auto-Walch and auto-Rowe questionnaires
Authors: Lazrek Omar , Karam Karam Mark , Bouché Pierre-Alban , Billaud Anselme , Pourchot Auriane , Godeneche Arnaud , Freaud Olivier , Kany Jean , Métais Pierre , Werthel Jean-David , Bohu Yoann , Gerometta Antoine , Hardy Alexandre
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMS) are increasingly used for patient evaluation, as well as for scientific research. Few are used for practical purposes in the clinical setting, and few are reliable enough to allow proper feedback to physicians. Two of the most commonly used assessment tools in shoulder instability are the Walch–Duplay and the Rowe scores. The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity of self-administered versions of the Walch–Duplay and Rowe scores following shoulder stabilization procedure.

Methods

Between the months of May and December 2021, all patients who were followed in one of six institutions for shoulder instability were included. Patients were required to anonymously fill a self-administered version of Walch–Duplay and Rowe score. The classic scores were measured by the surgeon. Correlations between self-assessment and physician-assessment were then recorded.

Results

A total of 106 patients were evaluated during the study period. Using the Spearman coefficient for correlation, a strong correlation (r > 0.5) was found between the results of the self-administered questionnaire and the surgeon-measured score. The difference between surgeon- and patient-administered questionnaires was non-significant.

Conclusion

The self-administered version of the Walch–Duplay and Rowe questionnaires can reliably be used in the clinical setting for post-operative follow-up of patients undergoing shoulder stabilization procedures.

Level of evidence

Level II.
Regularity results in 2D fluid–structure interaction
Authors: Breit Dominic
Published: December 2022

We study the interaction of an incompressible fluid in two dimensions with an elastic structure yielding the moving boundary of the physical domain. The displacement of the structure is described by a linear viscoelastic beam equation. Our main result is the existence of a unique global strong solution. Previously, only the ideal case of a flat reference geometry was considered such that the structure can only move in vertical direction. We allow for a general geometric set-up, where the structure can even occupy the complete boundary. Our main tool—being of independent interest—is a maximal regularity estimate for the steady Stokes system in domains with minimal boundary regularity. In particular, we can control the velocity field in $$W^{2,2}$$

W

2
,
2

in terms of a forcing in $$L^2$$

L
2

provided the boundary belongs roughly to $$W^{3/2,2}.$$

W

3
/
2
,
2

.

This is applied to the momentum equation in the moving domain (for a fixed time) with the material derivative as right-hand side. Since the moving boundary belongs a priori only to the class $$W^{2,2},$$

W

2
,
2

,

known results do not apply here as they require a $$C^2$$

C
2

-boundary.
Determination of E 472b emulsifiers in foamed food formulations by high-performance thin-layer chromatography‒fluorescence detection
Authors: Schuster Katharina , Blankart Max , Wagner Melanie , Tritschler Daniel , Hinrichs Jörg , Granvogl Michael , Oellig Claudia
Published: December 2022

E 472b emulsifiers, defined as lactic acid esters of mono- and diacylglycerides, are food emulsifiers widely used in foamed food formulations. So far, only qualitative methods for analyzing E 472b emulsifiers have been published. Thus, a new method was developed for determining E 472b in different foamed food formulations by high-performance thin-layer chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPTLC‒FLD). The proposed method allows simple and fast E 472b emulsifier extraction from the food matrix and points out an analytical approach for quantifying these emulsifiers using a commercial E 472b emulsifier as the reference standard. Limits of decision with 56‒59 ng of E 472b emulsifier/zone and limits of quantification with 172‒179 ng of E 472b emulsifier/zone in three foamed model food formulations, respectively, as well as satisfactory repeatability (n = 6) and reproducibility (n = 6) exposed by low relative standard deviation < 8% proved the method suitable for the sensitive and reliable determination of E 472b emulsifiers. Recoveries between 96 and 109.3% were obtained for all investigated model systems. In commercial foamed food formulations from the German market, the E 472b emulsifier content ranged between 0.1 and 0.6 g/100 g.
Synthesis of N-isopropyl acrylamide copolymerized acrylic acid caped with Dibenzo-18-crown-6 composite for selective separation of Co-60 radioisotope from radioactive liquid waste containing Cs-137
Authors: Hassan Reham S. , Rizk Soad Elsayed , Hamed Mahmoud G.
Published: December 2022

A new selective polymeric composite capped with crown ether was successfully synthesized using N-isopropyl acrylamide copolymerized acrylic acid paired with Dibenzo-18-crown-6, P(NIPAm-Co-AA-DB 18C-6), by Gamma irradiation and ultrasonic homogenizer polymerization. Scanner electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and dynamic light scattering were used to characterize the selected polymeric composite's chemical and physical constitution. SEM shows a rough irregular surface, and FTIR spectra confirmed the function groups of P(NIPAm-Co-AA-DB 18C-6). Moreover, a systematic study of monomer and crown ether concentration was investigated to enhance the composite's performance. The behavior of the synthetic composite toward the selective separation of Co-60 from Cs-137 in a binary system was evaluated. Effects of pH, contact time, and initial ion concentration were investigated in a batch mode and the maximum capacity reached 108.0 mg/g for Co-60 and 82.0 mg/g for Cs-137. Four Kinetic models were investigated (pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, Elovich, and Intra-particle diffusion). Regarding the calculated parameters, pseudo-second-order and Elovich models are the most describing the sorption process, indicating the chemisorptions process. Six adsorption isotherms were examined, two-parameter models (Langmuir, and Freundlich) and three-parameter models (Redlich-Peterson, Khan, Sips, and Hills). The best-fitted isotherm was identified using three error methodological approaches: the correlation coefficient (R2), the chi-square test (χ2), and the root-mean-square error. Isotherm models fit the experimental values in the following sequence: Khan > Rdlish-Peterson > Hills > Sips. Finally, an application for column separation was conducted, and Co-60 was completely separated from Cs-137 by 0.1 M HNO3. These findings indicate promising applications in the successive separation of Co-60 from radioactive liquid waste containing Cs-137 from Egyptian reactors.

Graphical abstract
Assessment and application of optical flow in background-oriented schlieren for compressible flows
Authors: Cakir Bora O. , Lavagnoli Sergio , Saracoglu Bayindir H. , Fureby Christer
Published: December 2022

Optical flow provides an opportunity to elevate the resolution and sensitivity of deflection sensing in background-oriented schlieren (BOS). Despite extensive relevant literature within the field of computer vision, there is a lack of proper quantification of its abilities and limitations with regard to the state-of-the-art BOS experiments. Thus, this study performs an assessment of accuracy and resolution limits in different flow field scenarios utilizing background patterns generated with random dot and wavelet noise distributions. Accordingly, a synthetic assessment over a theoretically generated Prandtl–Meyer expansion fan is conducted with variations introduced in the background patterns and operational parameters of optical flow. A clear superiority of accuracy and resolvable range of density gradient amplitudes over cross-correlation is demonstrated. Moreover, an experimental assessment of supersonic flow features over multiple wind tunnel models is performed. The influence of experimental constraints, limitations and uncertainties related to the application of optical flow in BOS and its comparative performance against the block-matching counterpart is characterized.

Graphical abstract
Robust Design of 3D-Printed W-Band Bandpass Filters Using Gap Waveguide Technology
Authors: Santiago David , Tamayo-Domínguez Adrián , Laso Miguel A. G. , Lopetegi Txema , Fernández-González José-Manuel , Martínez Ramón , Arregui Iván
Published: December 2022

In this paper, a W-band 3D-printed bandpass filter is proposed. The use of higher-order TE10n modes in groove gap waveguide (GGW) technology is evaluated in order to alleviate the manufacturing requirements. In addition to the use of higher-order modes, the coupling between them is analyzed in detail to improve the overall fabrication robustness of the component. This allows the implementation of narrow-band filters operating at millimeter-wave frequency bands (or above), which usually demand complex manufacturing techniques to provide the high accuracy required for this kind of devices. In order to show the applicability of the proposed method, a narrow-band 5th-order Chebyshev bandpass filter centered at 94 GHz, which can be easily fabricated by state-of-the-art stereolithographic (SLA) 3D-printing techniques followed by silver coating, is shown. Excellent measured performance has been obtained.
Cyclooxygenase-2 activates EGFR–ERK1/2 pathway via PGE2-mediated ADAM-17 signaling in testosterone-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Abo-El Fetoh Mohammed E. , Abdel-Fattah Maha M. , Mohamed Wafaa R. , Ramadan Laila A. A. , Afify Hassan
Published: December 2022

Objective and design

Prostatic inflammation is the driving force in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This work investigated the potential modulatory effect of COX-2 inhibition on ADAM-17/EGFR/ERK1/2 axis.

Materials or subjects

Adult male Wistar rats were used.

Treatment

Celecoxib (10 and 20 mg/kg; i.p.) was injected i.p. daily for three weeks. Testosterone (TST) (3 mg/kg; s.c.) was used to induce BPH.

Methods

Prostatic inflammation and hyperplasia were assessed by organ weight and histopathology. Inflammatory mediators were measured using ELISA technique. Protein analysis was performed using western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Gene expression analysis was performed using qRT-PCR. Statistical analyses included one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s multiple comparison test.

Results

Testosterone-treated rats had a marked increase in COX-2, prostate weight, and index. Moreover, TST-induced COX-2 was inferred from cytoskeletal changes and was attributable to the overexpression of PGE2, NF-κB (p65), and IL-6. COX-2-derived PGE2 increased the activity of ADAM-17, TGF-α, and TNF-α. Consequently, EGFR–ERK1/2 pathway was over-activated, disrupting anti-apoptotic Bcl-2, cyclin D1, and pro-apoptotic Bax. Celecoxib reversed these effects.

Conclusion

COX-2 stimulates the ERK1/2 pathway via PGE2–ADAM-17-catalyzed shedding of TGF-α in testosterone-induced BPH. The results indicate a functional correlation between inflammation and hyperplasia in BPH.
Interlocking metasurfaces
Authors: Bolmin Ophelia , Young Benjamin , Leathe Nicholas , Noell Philip J. , Boyce Brad L.
Published: January 2023

Interlocking metasurfaces (ILMs) are architected arrays of mating features that enable joining of two bodies. Complementary to traditional joining technologies such as bolts, adhesives, and welds, ILMs combine ease of assembly, removal, and reassembly with robust mechanical properties. Structural in nature, they act in a quasi-continuous manner across a surface and enable joining of complex surfaces, e.g., lattices. In this perspective, we define an ILM, begin exploring the design domain and illustrate its breath, and pragmatically evaluate mechanical performance and manufacturability. ILMs will find applications in various fields from aerospace to micro-robotics, civil engineering, and prosthetics.
Influence of PBS, PBAT and TPS content on tensile and processing properties of PLA-based polymeric blends at different temperatures
Authors: Dmitruk Anna , Ludwiczak Joanna , Skwarski Mateusz , Makuła Piotr , Kaczyński Paweł
Published: January 2023

PLA-based blends were prepared with different ratios of PBS, PBAT and TPS additives to adjust their mechanical and processing properties in various temperatures ( − 20 °C, 0 °C, 20 °C, 40 °C). Biodegradable polymeric specimens were obtained by preliminary extrusion and subsequent injection molding. Tensile properties, e.g., tensile strength, elongation at break, Young’s modulus and yield strength were evaluated. Next, melt flow and melt volume ratios were established. Softening, glass transition, cold crystallization and crystallization temperatures were determined with the use of the DSC method. Heat Deflection Temperatures for 1.8 MPa (HDT A) and 8 MPa (HDT C), as well as Vicat Softening Temperatures at 10 N (VST A) and 50 N (VST B), were examined. The manufacturing method was intentionally simplified to eliminate the need for additional mixture’s modification with compatibilizers. Each of the ductile compounds enhanced the deformability of PLA—most significantly in the case of PBAT and TPS, while at the same time reducing its tensile strength. The effect of the test conditions (strain rate and temperature) on the specimens was evaluated in order to determine the stability of the manufactured blends in dependence on these parameters.
Recent trends on biomaterials for tissue regeneration applications: review
Authors: Farag Mohammad M.
Published: January 2023

Tissue engineering is approach of replacing or regeneration of biological functions of tissues or organs by using combination of biomaterials, biomolecules and cells. Tissue engineering mainly depends scaffold biomaterials and scaffold fabrication methods. Therefore, there have been progressive investigation and development of new biomaterials with different formulations to help and achieve necessary requirements in the tissue engineering applications. This review is briefly representing necessary features associated with biomaterial type and design required for tissue regeneration applications, and presenting earlier research in tissue engineering field and new trends for future implementation. It is mainly focusing on generations of biomaterials and discovery tissue engineering field. As well as, different types of biomaterials, such as bioceramics, bioactive glasses, synthetic and natural polymers and their derived composites, used in fabrication of scaffolds (as a main part of tissue engineering) are demonstrated in this review. Scaffold fabrication methods are also reviewed here. Moreover, it is showing the recent achievements in tissue engineering field for bone, skin, cartilage, neural, and cardiac regeneration as a pre-clinical procedure for repair of injured and diseased tissues and organs. Finally, recent trends and challenges of biomaterials for tissue regeneration are presented also in this review.

Graphical abstract
Thermal volatilisation analysis of graphite intercalation compound fire retardants
Authors: Muir Kellie , Liggat John J. , O’Keeffe Luke
Published: January 2023

Thermally expandable graphites are becoming increasingly popular as intumescent fire retardants for polymeric systems due to their excellent thermal and barrier properties. Therefore, it is important to understand their thermal degradation pathways and monitor products for any that may be toxic or affect the stability of the polymer. Here, two commercially available thermally expandable graphites with different intercalated acids have been analyzed using thermal volatilisation analysis—sub-ambient distillation (TVA-SAD), mass spectrometry (MS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Results confirm the presence of three principal thermal events relating to the expansion of graphite nitrate and graphite bisulfate. Isothermal analyses provide a deeper understanding of the processes and decomposition products released from each stage. For both graphites, desorption of migrating gases and volatilisation of water occur in the first instance. Graphite bisulfate releases CO2, CO, and water upon expansion and releases a significant volume of SO2 subsequently. Graphite nitrate expansion proceeds with the release of NO2, NO, CO and water. Additionally, the release of non-condensable species and carbonyl-derived fragments suggests that the exfoliation process occurs by multiple different degradation processes. For expansion to occur, sufficient pressure must be produced in the graphite interlayer spacing; this is achieved by volatilisation of intercalated species and by the decomposition of functional groups on the outer edges and basal planes created from the oxidation of graphite.
Metal tolerance gene family in barley: an in silico comprehensive analysis
Authors: Tanwar Umesh Kumar , Stolarska Ewelina , Rudy Elżbieta , Paluch-Lubawa Ewelina , Grabsztunowicz Magda , Arasimowicz-Jelonek Magdalena , Sobieszczuk-Nowicka Ewa
Published: December 2022

Metal-tolerance proteins (MTPs) are divalent cation transporters that play critical roles in metal tolerance and ion homeostasis in plants. However, a comprehensive study of MTPs is still lacking in crop plants. The current study aimed to comprehensively identify and characterize the MTP gene family in barley (Hordeum vulgare, Hv), an important crop. In total, 12 HvMTPs were identified in the barley genome in this study. They were divided into three phylogenetic groups (Zn-cation diffusion facilitator proteins [CDFs], Fe/Zn-CDFs, and Mn-CDFs) and further subdivided into seven groups (G1, G5, G6, G7, G8, G9, and G12). The majority of MTPs were hydrophobic proteins found in the vacuolar membrane. Gene duplication analysis of HvMTPs revealed one pair of segmental-like duplications in the barley genome. Evolutionary analysis suggested that barley MTPs underwent purifying natural selection. Additionally, the HvMTPs were analyzed in the pan-genome sequences of barley (20 accessions), which suggests that HvMTPs are highly conserved in barley evolution. Cis-acting regulatory elements, microRNA target sites, and protein–protein interaction analysis indicated the role of HvMTPs in a variety of biological processes. Expression profiling suggests that HvMTPs play an active role in maintaining barley nutrient homeostasis throughout its life cycle, and their expression levels were not significantly altered by abiotic stresses like cold, drought, or heat. The expression of barley HvMTP genes in the presence of heavy metals such as Zn2+, Cu2+, As3+, and Cd2+ revealed that these MTPs were induced by at least one metal ion, implying their involvement in metal tolerance or transportation. The identification and comprehensive investigation of MTP gene family members will provide important gene resources for the genetic improvement of crops for metal tolerance, bioremediation, or biofortification of staple crops.
On multivariable Plancherel–Pólya inequality and truncation error upper bounds in irregular sampling
Authors: Pogány Tibor K.
Published: December 2022

In the note is shown that for thed-dimensional Bernstein functions class$$B_{\varvec{\sigma },d}^p,\, p>0$$Bσ,dp,p>0the Plancherel–Pólya inequality holds with the constant which equals to the product of the constants occuring in the one-dimensional cases. Related truncation error upper bounds are precised in the irregular sampling restoration of functions in several variables.
Deep ultraviolet hydrogel based on 2D cobalt-doped titanate
Authors: Xu Youan , Ding Baofu , Huang Ziyang , Dai Lixin , Liu Peng , Li Bing , Cai Wei , Cheng Hui-Ming , Liu Bilu
Published: January 2023

Birefringent optical elements that work in deep ultraviolet (DUV) region become increasingly important these years. However, most of the DUV optical elements have fixed birefringence which is hard to be tuned. Here, we invent a birefringence-tunable optical hydrogel with mechano-birefringence effect in the DUV region, based on two-dimensional (2D) low-cobalt-doped titanate. This 2D oxide material has an optical anisotropy factor of 1.5 × 10–11 C2 J−1 m−1, larger than maximum value obtained previously, leading to an extremely large specific magneto-optical Cotton-Mouton coefficient of 3.9 × 106 T−2 m−1. The extremely large coefficient enables the fabrication of birefringent hydrogel in a small magnetic field with an ultra-low concentration of 2D oxide material. The hydrogel can stably and continuously modulate 303 nm DUV light with large phase tunability by varying the strain (compression or stretching) from 0 to 50%. Our work opens the door to design and fabricate new proof-of-concept DUV birefringence-tunable element, as demonstrated by optical hydrogels capable of DUV modulation by mechanical stimuli.
Light People: Professor Guangcan Guo
Authors: Wang Hui
Published: January 2023

Editorial

The Nobel Prize in Physics 2022 was awarded to French physicist Alain Aspect, American physicist John F. Clauser, and Austrian physicist Anton Zeilinger, in recognition of their contributions to the research of quantum information, a clear indication that we are entering the era of quantum information.

In China, a scientist has played herald in quantum research since as early as the 1980s. He introduced quantum optics and quantum informatics to China, a virgin land in terms of quantum research back then. That scientist is Academician Guangcan Guo.

Out of personal interests and his good sense as a scientist, Prof. Guo took it upon himself to take on quantum optics when little was known about it in China. He trained many students and launched China’s first academic conference on quantum optics, which helped to accelerate the development of quantum optics in China.

In the early 1990s, he took on another challenge, shifting his research focus to the emerging subject of quantum informatics. His work helped to establish China’s current leading position in this interdisciplinary field. Today, China leads the world in quantum USB drives and quantum chips.

Now in his 1980s, Prof. Guo is still working tirelessly at the front line of scientific research, doing science popularization, and teaching students. He is ready for the third big challenge of his life—to reveal the mysteries of the classical world and the quantum world.

Next, please follow “Light People” into the mysterious “quantum world”, and feel the beauty of science.
Dose-dependent biological toxicity of green synthesized silver nanoparticles in rat’s brain
Authors: Tareq Mai , Khadrawy Yasser A. , Rageh Monira M. , Mohammed Haitham S.
Published: December 2022

Metal nanoparticles, in general, and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), in particular, have been the focus of numerous studies over the last two decades. Recently, the green synthesis of metal nanoparticles has been favored over chemical synthesis due to its low toxicity and easy preparation. The present study aims to investigate the dose-dependent toxicity of green synthesized AgNPs on rats’ brains. Thirty-four Wistar male rats were divided into four groups. The first, second, and third groups were administered for 14 days with three different doses (0.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg) of AgNPs, respectively. The fourth group, which served as a control group, was given normal saline for the same period. The toxicity of the green synthesized AgNPs on the cortical and hippocampal levels of the oxidative stress markers (MDA, NO, and GSH) as well as the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AchE) and the monoamine neurotransmitters (DA, NE, and 5H-T) were investigated. AgNPs showed minimal oxidative stress in the cortex and hippocampus for the administered doses. However, AgNPs showed an inhibitory effect on AchE activity in a dose-dependent manner and a decrease in the 5H-T and NE levels. The green synthesized AgNPs showed an ultrastructural change in the cellular membranes of the neurons. The green synthesis of AgNPs has reduced their cytotoxic oxidative effects due to their capping with biologically compatible and boosting molecules such as flavonoids. However, another neurotoxicity was observed in a dose-dependent manner.
Effects of paraprobiotic as replacements for antibiotic on performance, immunity, gut health and carcass characteristics in broiler chickens
Authors: Tukaram Nampalle Mukesh , Biswas Avishek , Deo Chandra , Laxman Agashe Jayanti , Monika Madheshwaran , Tiwari Ashok Kumar
Published: December 2022

This study sought to determine the effects of dietary paraprobiotic (PPB) on broiler chicken performance, immunity, gut health, and carcass traits. A total of 240 day-old CARIBRO Vishal commercial broiler chicks of identical body weight randomly divided into six treatment groups, each with five replicates and eight chicks in each replicate. Six dietary treatments were preapared: T1 = (control diet), T2 = T1 + 0.02% (w/v) chlortetracycline (CTC), T3 = T1 + 0.2% (w/v) PPB, T4 = T1 + 0.4% (w/v) PPB, T5 = T1 + 0.6% (w/v) PPB and T6 = T1 + 0.8% (w/v) PPB, respectively. Body weight gain (BWG) significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased in the T5 (0.6% PPB) and T6 (0.8% PPB) group. At the same time the feed intake significantly (P ≤ 0.05) decreased and the feed conversion ratio (FCR) significantly (P ≤ 0.05) improved in T5 and T6 group. There was a significant (P ≤ 0.05) increase in cell-mediated immunity and haem-agglutination titre (HA titre) in the 0.6% and 0.8% PPB supplemented groups compare to the control group (T1). The percentage of carcass traits and organ weights did not significantly differ between the PPB-supplemented and control groups, but the percentage of live weight in cut up parts showed a significant improvement (P ≤ 0.05) in the PPB-supplemented group. At 42 days, villus height, width, and crypt depth all significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased in the groups supplemented with 0.6 and 0.8% para-probiotics (T5 and T6). The results show that para-probiotics can be added to broiler diets at a rate of 0.6% (w/v) to enhance performance, immunity, gut health, and breast yield. The para-probiotic may therefore be a useful substitution for antibiotic growth promoters in the diet of chickens.
Identification and analysis of odorant receptors expressed in the two main olfactory organs, antennae and palps, of Schistocerca americana
Authors: Boronat-Garcia Alejandra , Iben James , Dominguez-Martin Eunice , Stopfer Mark
Published: December 2022

Locusts depend upon their sense of smell and provide useful models for understanding olfaction. Extending this understanding requires knowledge of the molecular and structural organization of the olfactory system. Odor sensing begins with olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs), which express odorant receptors (ORs). In insects, ORNs are housed, in varying numbers, in olfactory sensilla. Because the organization of ORs within sensilla affects their function, it is essential to identify the ORs they contain. Here, using RNA sequencing, we identified 179 putative ORs in the transcriptomes of the two main olfactory organs, antenna and palp, of the locust Schistocerca americana. Quantitative expression analysis showed most putative ORs (140) are expressed in antennae while only 31 are in the palps. Further, our analysis identified one OR detected only in the palps and seven ORs that are expressed differentially by sex. An in situ analysis of OR expression suggested ORs are organized in non-random combinations within antennal sensilla. A phylogenetic comparison of OR predicted protein sequences revealed homologous relationships among two other Acrididae species. Our results provide a foundation for understanding the organization of the first stage of the olfactory system in S. americana, a well-studied model for olfactory processing.
Design and analysis of welding inspection robot
Authors: Zhang Pengyu , Wang Ji , Zhang Feng , Xu Peiquan , Li Leijun , Li Baoming
Published: December 2022

Periodic inspection, commonly performed by a technician, of weld seam quality is important for assessing equipment reliability. To save labor costs and improve efficiency, an autonomous navigation and inspection robot is developed. The development process involves the design of chassis damping, target detection mechanism, control system, and algorithms. For performing weld inspection in complex, outdoor, environments, an algorithm is developed for the robot to avoid any obstacles. This algorithm for planning the inspection route is based on an improved timed-elastic-band (TEB) algorithm. The developed robot is capable of conducting inspection tasks in complex and dangerous environments efficiently and autonomously.
Artificial Intelligence for Indication of Invasive Assessment of Calcifications in Mammography Screening
Authors: Weigel Stefanie , Brehl Anne-Kathrin , Heindel Walter , Kerschke Laura
Published: January 2023

Purpose Lesion-related evaluation of the diagnostic performance of an individual artificial intelligence (AI) system to assess mamographically detected and histologically proven calcifications.

Materials and Methods This retrospective study included 634 women of one screening unit (July 2012 – June 2018) who completed the invasive assessment of calcifications. For each leasion, the AI-system calculated a score between 0 and 98. Lesions scored > 0 were classified as AI-positive. The performance of the system was evaluated based on its positive predictive value of invasive assessment (PPV3), the false-negative rate and the true-negative rate.

Results The PPV3 increased across the categories (readers: 4a: 21.2 %, 4b: 57.7 %, 5: 100 %, overall 30.3 %; AI: 4a: 20.8 %, 4b: 57.8 %, 5: 100 %, overall: 30.7 %). The AI system yielded a false-negative rate of 7.2 % (95 %-CI: 4.3 %: 11.4 %) and a true-negative rate of 9.1 % (95 %-CI: 6.6 %; 11.9 %). These rates were highest in category 4a, 12.5 % and 10.4 % retrospectively. The lowest median AI score was observed for benign lesions (61, interquartile range (IQR): 45–74). Invasive cancers yielded the highest median AI score (81, IQR: 64–86). Median AI scores for ductal carcinoma in situ were: 74 (IQR: 63–84) for low grade, 70 (IQR: 52–79) for intermediate grade and 74 (IQR: 66–83) for high grade.

Conclusion At the lowest threshold, the AI system yielded calcification-related PPV3 values that increased across categories, similar as seen in human evaluation. The strongest loss in AI-based breast cancer detection was observed for invasively assessed calcifications with the lowest suspicion of malignancy, yet with a comparable decrease in the false-positive rate. An AI-score based stratification of malignant lesions could not be determined.

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Luffa cylindrica (Linn. M. J. Roem) Reduces Oxidative Stress In Vivo in Plasmodium berghei-Infected Albino Mice
Authors: Saliu Aduke Oluremi , Akanji Adewumi Musbau , Idowu Ayodeji Oluwafemi
Published: December 2022

Background Malaria is endemic in sub-Saharan Africa, and oxidative stress has been implicated in malaria disease. Luffa cylindrica is an ethnomedicinal plant used to treat various diseases, including malaria. The oxidative stress-reducing potential of L. cylindrica in malaria-disease state of Plasmodium berghei NK-65 parasite-infected mice was carried out in vivo.

Materials and Methods Mice were infected with P. berghei NK-65, and the effect of administration of methanolic leaves extract (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg b.w) of L. cylindrica on percentage parasitemia in blood smear, antioxidant enzymes (catalase CAT, superoxide dismutase SOD, glutathione-s-transferase GST), non-enzymatic antioxidant (reduced glutathione GSH) and malondialdehyde concentration in tissues (plasma, liver, kidneys, and spleen) of mice was investigated and compared to chloroquine and artesunate as reference antimalarial drugs. Phytochemical constituents of the extract were determined by standard methods.

Results Saponins, tannins, terpenes, phenolics, flavonoids, alkaloids, and glycosides were the phytochemical constituents identified in the extract. The extract at three doses (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg b.w.) investigated caused a significant reduction (p < 0.05) of parasite growth with over 90% reduction in parasitemia level in mice infected with the parasite. The extract also ameliorated oxidative stress in mice by significantly (p < 0.05) increasing the activities of CAT, SOD, and GST in the studied tissues of mice. The level of malondialdehyde, a marker of oxidative stress in mice, was also significantly (p < 0.05) reduced by the extract. The results were comparable with chloroquine- and artesunate-treated groups.

Conclusion The study concludes that L. cylindrica is an effective therapy for treating malaria and for the management of its oxidative stress-related complications due to its antioxidant properties.
Endovascular Management of Two Uncommon Cases of Acute Upper Limb Ischemia in Young
Authors: Utagi Basavaraj , Kumar Ruhi , Bhagavan K.R.
Published: December 2022

Acute upper limb ischemia accounts for less than 5% of all cases of limb ischemia. The etiology in young individuals are usually traumatic. Other non-traumatic causes are rarely seen and here we present two such cases in young, presenting with acute upper limb ischemia. The choice between a surgical or a minimally invasive endovascular approach remains unclear. Endovascular approach to management, although based on expertise, offers good post procedural outcome, comparable to post-surgical outcomes. Here we present two cases of thrombotic occlusion of the upper extremity following trauma and arterial thoracic outlet syndrome respectively managed successfully with endovascular approach.
Building Confident Smiles Using Aesthetic Crown Lengthening Procedures with Gingivectomy: A Report of Two Cases
Authors: Meghana Ivaturi Sri Sai , Bhat Amitha Ramesh , Thomas Biju , Bhandary Rahul , Shenoy Nina
Published: December 2022

We live in a society that appreciates beauty. More than just restoring the teeth, naturally attractive, confident smiles mean restoring and increasing overall quality of life. Making efforts to improve one's physical appearance is now regarded as an investment in one's health and well-being. Superior periodontal health is the cornerstone for an individual's aesthetic regeneration. As an outcome, perio-aesthetics is a comprehensive strategy that improves the appearance of the smile while maintaining long-term dental health. Hence, getting the ideal aesthetic effect is both difficult and gratifying. Crown lengthening is a feasible option for improving aesthetic appearance or aiding restorative therapy. Yet, before planning a crown lengthening operation, the patient's overall periodontal status and cleanliness habits should be assessed. Furthermore, for enhanced, conservative, and predictable results in aesthetic areas, a precise diagnostic and interdisciplinary strategy is essential. This article attempts to discuss guidelines for treating individuals with excessive gingival display, as well as treatment options, using two case reports as examples.
A stormy life in atmospheric science
Authors: Turner Roger
Published: January 2023

First Woman: Joanne Simpson and the Tropical Atmosphere, James Rodger Fleming, Oxford U. Press, 2020, $36.95
Enceladus erupts
Authors: Manga Michael , Rudolph Maxwell
Published: January 2023

In the frozen reaches of the outer solar system, one Saturnian moon hosts rich geological activity, sustained by liquid water.
Hydrochemical and environmental isotopes characteristic of groundwater and controlling factors for waters’ chemical composition in the iron–copper mine area of Elazığ, SE Turkey
Authors: Öztürk Metin , Dişli Erkan
Published: December 2022

Environmental context Predicting the hydrodynamic structure of water resources based on water chemistry and isotope results is important for understanding their transport and effects on the hydrogeological system. According to the results of this study, hydrogeological characteristics of ground and surface water resources in the Zeryan Stream sub-basin in the iron–copper mining area and their geochemical evolution are mainly controlled by the weathering of silicate and carbonate minerals, and ion exchange. Rationale and hypothesis Groundwater is generally the most important water resource in mine areas, and its circulation processes need to be studied in detail for rational resource exploitation. This work tested the hypothesis that the evolution of groundwater chemistry and recharge by using hydrogeochemical indicators and isotope tracers together are affected by the hydrogeochemical processes that may have taken place during the water-rock interactions in the Zeryan Stream Sub-basin, where the Iron-Copper mine is located. Methodology It used approaches such as hydrochemistry, Piper diagrams, saturation index, ionic ratios, and environmental isotopes to analyze groundwater origin and hydrochemical processes affecting water chemistry. Fifty-seven water samples were collected from 19 points during wet and dry periods. Results Results indicated that the dominance of cations and anions in the mine water follows the trend Mg2+ > Ca2+ > Na+ > K+ and SO42− > HCO3− > Cl−,  and most of the water samples are Mg-Ca-HCO3-SO4, Mg-Ca-SO4-HCO3, and Ca-HCO3. Discussion Evaluation of analyzed groundwater chemical data showed that dissolution or precipitation of silicate minerals dominated in the hydrochemical evolution of groundwater, dissolution of carbonate minerals was a secondary process and to a lesser extent, ion exchange processes played a role.  The δD and δ18O isotopic contents indicated that the water samples were controlled by local atmospheric precipitation, and affected by secondary evaporation during the recharge process. Tritium levels indicated some well waters are recharged from older groundwater resources from water-rock interaction and residence time. Findings The findings of this study were provided to decision-makers in order to design sustainable implications for groundwater utilization based on the sub-basin.