bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Students’ Conceptions of 21st Century Education in Zimbabwe
Authors: Muyambo-Goto Ottilia , Naidoo Devika , Kennedy Kerry J.
Published: November 2022

The 21st century has ushered in accelerated new technologies, new knowledge and new information and the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) – causing rapid changes in the way humans live and work and resulting in an outcry for educational reforms globally. Many frameworks and debates centred on rethinking and reshaping the curriculum including what knowledge, skills, values and attitudes should be taught to prepare learners to thrive in the 21st century, have been developed. This study examined the students’ conceptions of 21st century education in four diverse schools in Zimbabwe. The study is framed by the powerful theory and the complexity theory. The study used a quantitative non-experimental correlation design to collect data from four secondary schools, three of which follow the ZIMSEC syllabus and the other, a private school that follows a Cambridge syllabus. The questionnaire was adapted from the Partnership for 21st century framework (P21) and (Ravitz, 2014) to fit the Zimbabwean context. A total of 236 students and 93 took part. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and ANOVA were used to analyse the data.

The results showed that the students’ conception of 21st century skills is defined by three factors: the learning of self-management, learning skills and values and learning process. Students most strongly endorsed self-management.

It is envisaged that the proposed model of Zimbabwean students’ conceptions of 21st century skills will act as a baseline for theory, policymakers, head teachers, teachers and teacher education colleges to realign the current teaching to fit the 21st century curricula.
Combinatorial and topological aspects of path posets, and multipath cohomology
Authors: Caputi Luigi , Collari Carlo , Di Trani Sabino
Published: November 2022

Multipath cohomology is a cohomology theory for directed graphs, which is defined using the path poset. The aim of this paper is to investigate combinatorial properties of path posets and to provide computational tools for multipath cohomology. In particular, we develop acyclicity criteria and provide computations of multipath cohomology groups of oriented linear graphs. We further interpret the path poset as the face poset of a simplicial complex, and we investigate realisability problems.
Identifying a sublingual triangle as the ideal site for assessment of sublingual microcirculation
Authors: Uz Zühre , Dilken Olcay , Milstein Dan M. J. , Hilty Matthias Peter , de Haan David , Ince Yasin , Shen Lucinda , Houtzager Julia , Franken Lotte C. , van Gulik Thomas M. , Ince Can
Published: November 2022

The sublingual mucosa is a commonly used intraoral location for identifying microcirculatory alterations using handheld vital microscopes (HVMs). The anatomic description of the sublingual cave and its related training have not been adequately introduced. The aim of this study was to introduce anatomy guided sublingual microcirculatory assessment. Measurements were acquired from the floor of the mouth using incident dark-field (IDF) imaging before (T0) and after (T1) sublingual cave anatomy instructed training. Instructions consists of examining a specific region of interested identified through observable anatomical structures adjacent and bilaterally to the lingual frenulum which is next to the sublingual papilla. The anatomical location called the sublingual triangle, was identified as stationed between the lingual frenulum, the sublingual fold and ventrally to the tongue. Small, large, and total vessel density datasets (SVD, LVD and TVD respectively) obtained by non-instructed and instructed measurements (NIN (T0) and IM (T1) respectively) were compared. Microvascular structures were analyzed, and the presence of salivary duct-related microcirculation was identified. A total of 72 video clips were used for analysis in which TVD, but not LVD and SVD, was higher in IM compared to NIM (NIM vs. IM, 25 ± 2 vs. 27 ± 3 mm/mm2 (p = 0.044), LVD NIM vs. IM: 7 ± 1 vs. 8 ± 1mm/mm2 (p = 0.092), SVD NIM vs. IM: 18 ± 2 vs. 20 ± 3 mm/mm2 (p = 0.103)). IM resulted in microcirculatory assessments which included morphological properties such as capillaries, venules and arterioles, without salivary duct-associated microcirculation. The sublingual triangle identified in this study showed consistent network-based microcirculation, without interference from microcirculation associated with specialized anatomic structures. These findings suggest that the sublingual triangle, an anatomy guided location, yielded sublingual based measurements that conforms with international guidelines. IM showed higher TVD values, and future studies are needed with larger sample sizes to prove differences in microcirculatory parameters.
A Phenomenography Study of STEM Teachers’ Conceptions of Using Three-Dimensional Modeling and Printing (3DMP) in Teaching
Authors: Anđić Branko , Ulbrich Eva , Dana-Picard Thierry , Cvjetićanin Stanko , Petrović Filip , Lavicza Zsolt , Maričić Mirjana
Published: November 2022

There is a large amount of research that indicates that the use of 3DMP in STEM education improves students’ knowledge, motivation, and participation in the learning process. Nevertheless, despite the existing attempts to market 3DMP in education, its adoption in schools remains low. A number of studies with teachers in secondary schools and colleges indicate that teachers’ perceptions of 3DMP are one of the key factors for its successful use. However, to our best knowledge, there is no research that examined STEM upper primary school teachers’ perception on 3DMP. Through phenomenographic approach, this study is seeking to address the existing gaps. Four conceptions of 3DMP teaching emerged: (1) 3DMP as tools for classroom modernization; (2) 3DMP technical and software characteristics’ impact on implementation; (3) 3DMP as a tool for learning and improvement in teaching; (4) 3DMP and students’ professional orientation, teachers’ professional development. These four categories are connected by five key aspects of variation: impact on students, impact on teachers, classroom activity management, authenticity, subject-curriculum matters. The results of our study indicate that the mathematics and science teachers have a more sophisticated opinion on 3DMP than teachers of technical education, engineering, and informatics who mostly require additional training when it comes to using 3DMP in STEM education. Comparatively, science and mathematics teachers need support with implementation of software and 3D printers as a technical tool. Considering that this study’s teachers were early adopters of 3DMP, any future research should explore conceptions of experienced users.
Challenging the Rule of Law Universalism: Why Marxist Legal Thought Still Matters
Authors: Piekarska Anna
Published: November 2022

The primary aim of this article is to present the rule of law universalism as a relevant theoretical and socio-political issue that critical legal thought needs to contend with. In order to do so, this issue is described through a Marxist theoretical framework, which aids in identifying the consequences of this universalism. Furthermore, the Marxist theoretical framework is suggested as a countermeasure that allows for going beyond it. The rule of law universalism is analysed as a process connected to establishing hegemony and status quo that affects both the way the law is thought of and practiced. The post-communist context serves in fleshing out some of these consequences. Although the transition is not the main subject of inquiry, it is a starting point to a set of philosophical questions directed towards the rule of law universalism, mainly regarding historical embeddedness and socio-political dependency of the rule of law. The transitional context illustrates the tension between the rule of law treated as a generalized blueprint and the reality it is introduced to. The method of approach to this tension argued for in this paper is Marxian theorization of concept as an interplay between concrete and abstract that underlies historical materialism. This movement within concept is juxtaposed to the universalism. The philosophical investigations are followed by findings from Marxist legal theory that pinpoint the importance of concrete interventions into the legal theory that abate its ever-growing abstractness. In particular, the import of knowledges and practices divorced from the capitalist system is brought into focus. The paper concludes with a brief assessment of the possibility of overturning the rule of law universalism and a discussion on the emancipatory potential of law.
Moderately hypofractionated versus conventionally fractionated radiation therapy with temozolomide for young and fit patients with glioblastoma: an institutional experience and meta-analysis of literature
Authors: Chidley Phoebe , Shanker Mihir , Phillips Claire , Haghighi Neda , Pinkham Mark B. , Whittle James R. , Sia Joseph
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Shorter hypofractionated radiation therapy (HF-RT) schedules may have radiobiological, patient convenience and healthcare resource advantages over conventionally fractionated radiation therapy (CF-RT) in glioblastoma (GBM). We report outcomes of young, fit GBM patients treated with HF-RT and CF-RT during the COVID-19 pandemic, and a meta-analysis of HF-RT literature in this patient subgroup.

Methods

Hospital records of patients with IDH-wildtype GBM treated with HF-RT (50 Gy/20 fractions) and CF-RT (60 Gy/30 fractions) between January 2020 and September 2021 were reviewed. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariable analysis was performed using Cox regression analysis. A systematic search and meta-analysis of studies from January 2000 to January 2022 was performed.

Results

41 patients were treated (HF-RT:15, CF-RT:26). For both HF-RT and CF-RT groups, median age was 58 years and 80–90% were ECOG 0–1. There were more methylated tumours in the HF-RT group. All patients received concurrent/adjuvant temozolomide. At 19.2 months median follow-up, median OS was 19.8 months and not-reached for HF-RT and CF-RT (p = 0.5), and median PFS was 7.7 and 5.8 months, respectively (p = 0.8). HF-RT or CF-RT did not influence OS/PFS on univariable analysis. Grade 3 radionecrosis rate was 6.7% and 7.7%, respectively. 15 of 1135 studies screened from a systematic search were eligible for meta-analysis. For studies involving temozolomide, pooled median OS and PFS with HF-RT were 17.5 and 9.9 months (927 and 862 patients). Studies using shortened HF-RT schedules reported 0–2% Grade 3 radionecrosis rates.

Conclusion

HF-RT may offer equivalent outcomes and reduce treatment burden compared to CF-RT in young, fit GBM patients.
Transforming East Asia: Regional Integration in a Trade War Era
Authors: Jackson Karen , Shepotylo Oleksandr
Published: November 2022

This paper evaluates the trade and welfare implications of further East Asian trade integration, through the signing of the China-Japan-Korea FTA, and continued trade tensions between the US and China. Our analysis uses a structural gravity approach to explore the effects of these cooperative and non-cooperative trade policies. Our key findings are: (i) for China, the FTA can compensate for continued trade tensions (ii) in terms of the FTA and for the members involved, reductions in tariffs are expected to lead to larger welfare gains compared to those from lower NTBs (iii) for the members involved, a deeper agreement will be more welfare enhancing. Overall, East Asian integration appears to be a more appealing prospect in light of tensions with the US.
Were ride-hailing fares affected by the COVID-19 pandemic? Empirical analyses in Atlanta and Boston
Authors: Silveira-Santos Tulio , González Ana Belén Rodríguez , Rangel Thais , Pozo Rubén Fernández , Vassallo Jose Manuel , Díaz Juan José Vinagre
Published: November 2022

Ride-hailing services such as Lyft, Uber, and Cabify operate through smartphone apps and are a popular and growing mobility option in cities around the world. These companies can adjust their fares in real time using dynamic algorithms to balance the needs of drivers and riders, but it is still scarcely known how prices evolve at any given time. This research analyzes ride-hailing fares before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on applications of time series forecasting and machine learning models that may be useful for transport policy purposes. The Lyft Application Programming Interface was used to collect data on Lyft ride supply in Atlanta and Boston over 2 years (2019 and 2020). The Facebook Prophet model was used for long-term prediction to analyze the trends and global evolution of Lyft fares, while the Random Forest model was used for short-term prediction of ride-hailing fares. The results indicate that ride-hailing fares are affected during the COVID-19 pandemic, with values in the year 2020 being lower than those predicted by the models. The effects of fare peaks, uncontrollable events, and the impact of COVID-19 cases are also investigated. This study comes up with crucial policy recommendations for the ride-hailing market to better understand, regulate and integrate these services.
Spatial variability of soil properties, nitrogen balance and nitrate leaching using digital methods on heterogeneous arable fields in southern Germany
Authors: Schuster Johannes , Mittermayer Martin , Maidl Franz-Xaver , Nätscher Ludwig , Hülsbergen Kurt-Jürgen
Published: November 2022

In this study, the spatial variability of nitrogen (N) balances and potential nitrate leaching were determined in heterogeneous arable fields in southern Germany using digital methods (tractor-mounted multispectral sensor, satellite data, vegetation indices and models) and measurements of nitrate stocks in deeper zones (1−2.5 m soil depth) with deep drilling. The aim of this study was to achieve precise localisation of N losses at high spatial resolution (sub field level; 10 × 10 m grid). The spatial variability of plant parameters within uniformly fertilised fields (crop yield, N uptake) was determined for the calculation of the N balances. The spatial variability of soil properties (e.g. soil organic carbon content, soil total nitrogen content) were determined to identify the causes of high or low N surpluses and nitrate leaching in sub-fields. N surplus determined using different digital methods and measured nitrate stocks showed similar spatial patterns. Site-specific N balancing identified zones with high N loss potential (N surplus up to 86 kg ha−1). Deep drilling showed zones with high nitrate loss (nitrate N up to 94 kg ha−1). N surplus and nitrate loss correlated with r = 0.49. This relationship could be impacted by many other soil and management factors. Soil properties showed considerable spatial variation within the fields. Soil organic carbon (SOC) and soil total nitrogen (TN) content were closely correlated in all fields (up to r = 0.96) and were most closely positively correlated with crop yield and N uptake (up to r = 0.74) and negatively correlated with N surplus (up to r = − 0.73). The sensor data and satellite data (crop yield, N uptake, N surplus) showed similar distribution patterns. Based on these results, digital technologies are suitable for the calculation of site-specific N surplus and estimation of nitrate leaching risk. Satellite or sensor based site-specific and yield-oriented fertilization is one approach to reduce N surplus on sub fields with low yield potential and high nitrate leaching risk.
Interpolating log-determinant and trace of the powers of matrix $$\textbf{A} + t\textbf{B}$$
Authors: Ameli Siavash , Shadden Shawn C.
Published: November 2022

We develop heuristic interpolation methods for the functions$$t\mapsto \log \det \left( \textbf{A} + t\textbf{B} \right) $$t↦logdetA+tBand$$t\mapsto {{\,\textrm{trace}\,}}\left( (\textbf{A} + t\textbf{B})^{p} \right) $$t↦trace(A+tB)pwhere the matrices$$\textbf{A}$$Aand$$\textbf{B}$$Bare Hermitian and positive (semi) definite and$$p$$pand$$t$$tare real variables. These functions are featured in many applications in statistics, machine learning, and computational physics. The presented interpolation functions are based on the modification of sharp bounds for these functions. We demonstrate the accuracy and performance of the proposed method with numerical examples, namely, the marginal maximum likelihood estimation for Gaussian process regression and the estimation of the regularization parameter of ridge regression with the generalized cross-validation method.
Are Women’s Empowerment and Income Inequality Associated with Excess Weight in Latin American Cities?
Authors: Tumas Natalia , Rodríguez López Santiago , Mazariegos Mónica , Ortigoza Ana , Anza Ramírez Cecilia , Pérez Ferrer Carolina , Moore Kari , Yamada Goro , Menezes Mariana Carvalho , Sarmiento Olga L. , Pericàs Juan M. , Belvis Costes Francesc , Lazo Mariana , Benach Joan
Published: November 2022

While income gradients and gender inequalities in excess weight have been noted elsewhere, data from Latin American cities is lacking. We analyzed gender-specific associations between city-level women’s empowerment and income inequality with individual-level overweight/obesity, assessing how these associations vary by individual education or living conditions within cities in Latin America. Data came from national surveys and censuses, and was compiled by the SALURBAL project (Urban Health in Latin America). The sample included 79,422 individuals (58.0% women), living in 538 sub-cities, 187 cities, and 8 countries. We used gender-stratified Poisson multilevel models to estimate the Prevalence Rate Ratios (PRR) for overweight/obesity (body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2) per a unit change in city-level women’s empowerment (proxied by a score that measures gender inequalities in employment and education) and income inequality (proxied by income-based Gini coefficient). We also tested whether individual education or sub-city living conditions modified such associations. Higher city labor women’s empowerment (in women) and higher city Gini coefficient (in men) were associated with a lower prevalence of overweight/obesity (PRR = 0.97 (95%CI 0.94, 0.99) and PRR = 0.94 (95%CI 0.90, 0.97), respectively). The associations varied by individual education and sub-city living conditions. For labor women’s empowerment, we observed weakened associations towards the null effect in women with lower education and in residents of sub-cities with worse living conditions (men and women). For the Gini coefficient, the association was stronger among men with primary education, and a negative association was observed in women with primary education. Our findings highlight the need for promoting equity-based policies and interventions to tackle the high prevalence of excess weight in Latin American cities.
Sozioökonomische und einstellungsbezogene Ursachen für Wanderungen von CDU/CSU- und SPD-Wähler*innen zur AfD bei der Bundestagswahl 2017
Authors: Baron Daniel , Görtz Antonia
Published: November 2022

Längsschnittliche Studien zu den sozioökonomischen und einstellungsbezogenen Ursachen für Wählerwanderungen zur AfD sind bislang rar. Wir schließen diese Lücke auf Basis eines Modells, das Abwanderungen zur AfD bei der Bundestagswahl 2017 unter Berücksichtigung der Änderungen migrationsbezogener und ökonomischer Einstellungen sowie der sozioökonomischen Situation von CDU/CSU- und SPD-Wähler*innen des Jahres 2013 erklärt. Für ein logistisches Regressionsmodell basierend auf zwei Messzeitpunkten ziehen wir Daten des Sozio-oekonomischen Panels (SOEP) heran. Eine Abwanderung zur AfD ist für Wähler*innen der Koalitionsparteien umso wahrscheinlicher, je stärker ihre subjektive Sorge um die Zuwanderung nach Deutschland im Jahr 2013 ausfällt bzw. zwischen den beiden Messzeitpunkten ansteigt. Ein geringes Nettoäquivalenzeinkommen steigert die Wahrscheinlichkeit der Wanderung von CDU/CSU-Wähler*innen zur AfD, nicht aber von der SPD. Hingegen verringert eine Identifikation mit der SPD die Abwanderung. Zukünftig sollten weitere Messzeitpunkte und verfeinerte Veränderungsmessungen auf Basis größerer Samples berücksichtigt werden, um den Aufstieg der AfD bei Parlamentswahlen in Deutschland erklären zu können.
Novel Bionanocomposites Based on Cinnamon Nanoemulsion and TiO2-NPs for Preserving Fresh Chicken Breast Fillets
Authors: Youssef Ahmed M. , El-Sayed Hoda S. , El-Sayed Samah M. , Fouly Mohamed , El-Aziz M. E. Abd
Published: November 2022

In this study, bionanocomposite coating solutions were created using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and chitosan (Cs), with different concentrations of cinnamon essential oil in nanoemulsion (n-CEO; 0%, 5%, 10%, and 20%) and TiO2 nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs). The bionanocomposite was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy with EDX, and mechanical and barrier property assessment. Additionally, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties and total phenols were evaluated. Generally, mechanical and barrier properties were enhanced with increasing n-CEO concentrations with a favorable distribution in film matrix. Moreover, total phenols, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities were also enhanced a broader inhibition pattern against A. flavus, gram-positive, and gram-negative bacteria. The influence of n-CEO and TiO2-NPs blended into bionanocomposite on preservation of fresh chicken breast fillets during 21 days of refrigeration was evaluated. Added n-CEO concentration, especially 20%, and TiO2-NPs enhanced antimicrobial properties and extended preservation time up to 14 days compared to uncoated samples. Furthermore, weight loss was decreased during storage of coated samples. Thus, PVA/Cs/TiO2–NPs with n-CEO bionanocomposites may be useful as a coating for chicken breast fillets to control microbial growth and reduce weight loss during cold storage.
MiR-29a-3p: a potential biomarker and therapeutic target in colorectal cancer
Authors: Mo Wen-Yan , Cao Shi-Qiong
Published: November 2022

Cancer is frequently caused by microRNAs, which control post-transcriptional levels of gene expression by binding to target mRNAs. MiR-29a-3p has recently been shown to play a twofold function in the majority of malignancies, including colorectal cancer (CRC), according to mounting evidence. Here, we not only briefly summarize such connection between miR-29a-3p and cancers, but aslo primarily evaluate the miR-29a-3p expression pattern, clinical applicability, and molecular mechanisms in CRC to provide a guide for future studies. This review established the diagnostic and prognostic value of miR-29a-3p abnormalty in a variety of clinical samples for CRC. Furthermore, current molecular mechanisms of miR-29a-3p for regulating cancerous biological processes such growth, invasion, metastasis, the epithelial-mesenchymal transformation process, and immunomodulation through its upstream regulatory factors and downstream targeted genes were briefly explored. More specifically, miR-29a-3p has been linked to a few medications that have been shown to have anticancer benefits. To sum up, miR-29a-3p is a promising biomarker and prospective therapeutic target for the diagnosis and prognosis of CRC, but further research is still needed to establish a theoretical basis for more practical applications.
Exploring quality of life in Australian adults during a pandemic
Authors: Liddelow Caitlin , Hitchcock Courtney S. , Mullan Barbara A
Published: November 2022

Many aspects of society changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, many individuals experienced the introduction of travel bans and restrictions, COVID-19 related anxiety, greater risk to their health and an increased need for adaptive coping. Research has shown health-related quality of life was negatively affected during the time. However, the influence that these restrictions and experiences had on other various quality of life domains (physical, psychological, environmental, and social) is not yet known. Therefore, we aimed to examine the relationships between COVID-19-related variables, health variables, psychological variables and five domains of quality of life in Australian adults. Data was collected via cross-sectional online surveys from 264 Australian participants (Mage = 29.76 years, SD = 12.40). Five hierarchical multiple regression analyses were conducted. The findings showed better adaptive coping, decreased COVID-19 anxiety, and lower perceived health risk were all associated with better quality of life during this time. Neither having travel plans during 2020–2021 nor engaging in compensatory behaviours were associated with quality of life. During times of uncertainty, such as pandemics, natural disasters or war, providing anxiety-reducing coping strategies may be beneficial for reducing the negative impacts on quality of life. In line with these findings and similar research, we have provided several directions and recommendations for governments and media organisations for when future events, similar to COVID-19, occur.
Sexual offending and barriers to employability: public perceptions of who to hire
Authors: Porter Cody Normitta , Haggar Laura , Harvey Adam Charles
Published: November 2022

Employment can reduce reoffending, yet many employers refrain from hiring candidates with prior convictions, particularly for sexual offences. This study explored employability ratings before and after a disclosure and barring service (DBS) check for a public facing job. The DBS check revealed either (i) rape, (ii) sexual activity with a child, (iii) possession of indecent photographs of children, or (iv) no criminal conviction. We measured ratings of trustworthiness, company value, and role suitability before and after the disclosure. Participants were then invited to keep or reject the candidate. As predicted, individuals with a prior sexual offence were perceived as less trustworthy, valuable, or suitable for employment. Those with contact offences (sexual activity with a child 80%, rape, 57%) received higher rejections than those with possession of photographs of children convictions (49%). Participants provided qualitative responses for their decision making. This data indicates directions for future research for enhancing employment opportunities.
Human-Likeness of Feedback Gestures Affects Decision Processes and Subjective Trust
Authors: Parenti Lorenzo , Lukomski Adam W. , De Tommaso Davide , Belkaid Marwen , Wykowska Agnieszka
Published: November 2022

Trust is fundamental in building meaningful social interactions. With the advance of social robotics in collaborative settings, trust in Human–Robot Interaction (HRI) is gaining more and more scientific attention. Indeed, understanding how different factors may affect users’ trust toward robots is of utmost importance. In this study, we focused on two factors related to the robot’s behavior that could modulate trust. In a two-forced choice task where a virtual robot reacted to participants’ performance, we manipulated the human-likeness of the robot’s motion and the valence of the feedback it provided. To measure participant’s subjective level of trust, we used subjective ratings throughout the task as well as a post-task questionnaire, which distinguishes capacity and moral dimensions of trust. We expected the presence of feedback to improve trust toward the robot and human-likeness to strengthen this effect. Interestingly, we observed that humans equally trust the robot in most conditions but distrust it when it shows no social feedback nor human-like behavior. In addition, we only observed a positive correlation between subjective trust ratings and the moral and capacity dimensions of trust when robot was providing feedback during the task. These findings suggest that the presence and human-likeness of feedback behaviors positively modulate trust in HRI and thereby provide important insights for the development of non-verbal communicative behaviors in social robots.
The Right (Wo)Man for the Job? Exploring the Role of Gender when Challenging Gender Stereotypes with a Social Robot
Authors: Galatolo Alessio , Melsión Gaspar I. , Leite Iolanda , Winkle Katie
Published: November 2022

Recent works have identified both risks and opportunities afforded by robot gendering. Specifically, robot gendering risks the propagation of harmful gender stereotypes, but may positively influence robot acceptance/impact, and/or actually offer a vehicle with which to educate about and challenge traditional gender stereotypes. Our work sits at the intersection of these ideas, to explore whether robot gendering might impact robot credibility and persuasiveness specifically when that robot is being used to try and dispel gender stereotypes and change interactant attitudes. Whilst we demonstrate no universal impact of robot gendering on first impressions of the robot, we demonstrate complex interactions between robot gendering, interactant gender and observer gender which emerge when the robot engages in challenging gender stereotypes. Combined with previous work, our results paint a mixed picture regarding how best to utilise robot gendering when challenging gender stereotypes this way. Specifically, whilst we find some potential evidence in favour of utilising male presenting robots for maximum impact in this context, we question whether this actually reflects the kind of gender biases we actually set out to challenge with this work.
Hydroelastic Investigation on A Pile Breakwater Integrated with A Flexible Tail for Long-Wave Attenuation
Authors: Zhang Chong-wei , Zhuang Qian-ze , Li Jin-xuan , Huang Luo-feng , Ning De-zhi
Published: November 2022

A novel concept of wave attenuator is proposed for the defense of long waves, through integrating a flexible tail to the lee-side surface of a pile breakwater. The flexible tail works as a floating blanket made up of hinged blocks, whose scale and stiffness can be easily adjusted. A two-phase-flow numerical model is established based on the open-source computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code OpenFOAM to investigate its wave attenuation performance. Incompressible Navier—Stokes equations are solved in the fluid domain, where an additional computational solid mechanics (CSM) solver is embedded to describe the elastic deformation of the floating tail. The coupling of fluid dynamics and structural mechanics is solved in a full manner to allow assess of wave variation along the deforming body. The accuracy of the numerical model is validated through comparison with experimental data. Effects of the flexible tail on performance of the pile breakwater are investigated systematically. Dynamic behaviours of the tail are examined, and characteristics of its natural frequency are identified. For safety reasons, the wave loads impacting on the main body of the pile breakwater and the stress distribution over the tail are specially examined. It is found that both the length and stiffness of the tail can affect the wave-attenuation performance of the breakwater. A proper choice of the length and stiffness of the tail can greatly improve the long-wave defending capability of the pile breakwater. The maximum stress over the flexible tail can be restrained through optimising the deformation and stiffness of the tail.
An Improved Time Domain Approach for Analysis of Floating Bridges Based on Dynamic Finite Element Method and State-Space Model
Authors: Xiang Sheng , Cheng Bin , Zhang Feng-yu , Tang Miao
Published: November 2022

The floating bridge bears the dead weight and live load with buoyancy, and has wide application prospect in deep-water transportation infrastructure. The structural analysis of floating bridge is challenging due to the complicated fluid-solid coupling effects of wind and wave. In this research, a novel time domain approach combining dynamic finite element method and state-space model (SSM) is established for the refined analysis of floating bridges. The dynamic coupled effects induced by wave excitation load, radiation load and buffeting load are carefully simulated. High-precision fitted SSMs for pontoons are established to enhance the calculation efficiency of hydrodynamic radiation forces in time domain. The dispersion relation is also introduced in the analysis model to appropriately consider the phase differences of wave loads on pontoons. The proposed approach is then employed to simulate the dynamic responses of a scaled floating bridge model which has been tested under real wind and wave loads in laboratory. The numerical results are found to agree well with the test data regarding the structural responses of floating bridge under the considered environmental conditions. The proposed time domain approach is considered to be accurate and effective in simulating the structural behaviors of floating bridge under typical environmental conditions.
Value of diagnosing immunological phenomena in patients with suspected endocarditis
Authors: van der Vaart Thomas W. , Heerschop Luca L. , Bouma Berto J. , Freudenburg Wieke , Bonten Marc J. M. , Prins Jan M. , van der Meer Jan T. M.
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Immunological phenomena are a minor criteria in the modified Duke Criteria for endocarditis. Given the changes in epidemiology and diagnostics, the added value of determining these phenomena in today’s patients with suspected endocarditis is unknown.

Methods

In a retrospective cohort study of all patients with suspected endocarditis admitted to our hospital and discussed in our endocarditis team, we determined the proportion of patients classified as definite endocarditis because of either positive IgM rheumatoid factor (IgM RF), haematuria, or Roth’s spots on ophthalmology consultation. We also determined diagnostic accuracy of each of these immunological phenomena separately and combined.

Results

Of 285 patients included, 138 (48%) had definite endocarditis and at least one immunological test was performed in 222 patients (78%). Elevated IgM RF was found in 22 of 126 patients tested (17%), haematuria in 78 of 196 tested (40%) and Roth’s spots in six of 120 tested (5%). Eighteen of 138 patients with definite IE (13%) were classified as such because of a positive IgM RF, haematuria or Roth’s spots. Haematuria had the highest sensitivity: 50.5% (95% CI 40.4–60.6) and Roth’s spots the highest specificity: 98.3% (95% CI 90.8–99.9). The diagnostic accuracy results were robust in a sensitivity analysis aimed at avoiding incorporation bias.

Conclusion

Among patients with a clinical suspicion of endocarditis, recommended systematic testing for immunological phenomena helped classify more patients as definite IE and is useful to confirm the diagnosis of endocarditis.
Influence of Thermal Treatment of Moroccan Red Clay on its Physicochemical and Mechanical Behavior
Authors: Harech M. A. , Labbilta T. , Abouliatim Y. , Elhafiane Y. , Benhammou A. , Abourriche A. , Smith A. , Nibou L. , Mesnaoui M.
Published: November 2022

Red clay is considered to be of significant value to the economy in Morocco, particularly in the Safi region, because of its abundance. This raw material has long been known for its quality in the manufacture of clay materials, but its use was limited to traditional ceramics. The red clay raw material was the subject of the current study with the objective of opening new industrial applications that will give added value to the Safi red clay. The physicochemical, mineralogical, and thermal properties of the Moroccan red clay were determined by X-ray fluorescence (XRF), inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), oriented aggregate, and particle-size analyses, powder density by helium pycnometry, carbonate content using the Bernard method, differential thermal analysis (TG–DTA), and the BET surface area. The compacted dry powder particles were calcined at three sintering temperatures: 900, 1000, and 1100°C for 2 h. The effect of sintering temperature on ceramic properties, such as apparent porosity, water adsorption, bulk density, and mechanical strength, was examined. Dense ceramics with lower porosity and greater mechanical resistance (~300%) were produced by increasing the sintering temperature from 900 to 1100°C. The conclusion was that the evolution of physicochemical and thermal properties is related to mineralogical changes, which show that anorthite is the major phase at higher temperatures.
DWDP-Stream: A Dynamic Weight and Density Peaks Clustering Algorithm for Data Stream
Authors: Chen Di , Du Tao , Zhou Jin , Wu Yunzheng , Wang Xingeng
Published: November 2022

Identifying clusters of arbitrary shapes and constantly processing the newly arrived data points are two critical challenges in the study of clustering. This paper proposes a dynamic weight and density peaks clustering algorithm to simultaneously solve these two key issues. An online–offline framework is used, creating and maintaining micro-clusters in the online phase, and treating the micro-clusters as pseudo-points to form the final cluster in the offline phase. In the online phase, when a new data point is merged into the corresponding micro-cluster, a dynamic weight method is proposed to update the weight of the micro-cluster according to the distance between the point and the center of the micro-cluster, so as to more accurately describe the information of the micro-cluster. In the offline phase, the density peak clustering algorithm is improved, natural neighbors are introduced to adaptively obtain the local density of the data point, and the allocation process is improved to reduce the probability of allocation errors. The algorithm is evaluated on different synthetic and real-world datasets using different quality metrics. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm improves the clustering quality in both static and streaming environments.
The factors of enhancing Graduate Teaching Assistants’ Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) performance in engineering curriculum teaching
Authors: Liu Dedi
Published: November 2022

Graduate teaching assistants (GTAs) play important roles in engineering education at the undergraduate level. Since there are lots of technological content knowledge (TCK) in engineering curriculums, the improvements of GTAs’ teaching skills on TCK will help the teaching effectiveness of the curriculums. As the instructor’s knowledge about technology-infused instruction for TCK is the core of the teaching skill, Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) is taken as a framework to measure the extent to which instructor can teach with technology. In this study, an online questionnaires survey covering GTAs’ program coordinator, teacher, graduate student and undergraduate student has done to explore the factors of enhancing GTAs’ TPACK performance. The quantitative analyses through a structural equation modeling approach indicates that the roles of the GTAs should be clearly recognized by the teacher, program coordinators and GTAs themselves. An evaluating procedure for GTAs should be established; The attitude and self-efficacy of GTAs should be improved through the training courses and the field trips while the promising expectation from the undergraduate student on the roles of GTAs can improve the performance of GTAs’ program. Our results will be helpful not only for engineering curriculum, but also for other curriculums.
Alternative Approaches to Human Rights
Authors: Roberts Christopher
Published: November 2022

This book explores the comparative historical evolution of the European, Inter-American and African regional human rights systems. The book devotes attention to various factors that have shaped the systems: the different circumstances in which they were founded; the influence of major states and inter-state politics within their respective regions; gradual processes of institutional evolution; and the impact of human rights advocates and claimants. Throughout, the book devotes careful attention to the impact of institutional and procedural choices on the functioning of human rights systems. Overarchingly, the book explores the contextually-generated differences between the three systems, suggesting that human rights practice is less unitary than it might at times appear. Prescriptively, the book proposes that, contrary to the received wisdom in some quarters, the Inter-American system's dual-track approach may provide the most promising model in regards to future human rights system design.
Christianity and the Contest for Manhood in Late Antiquity
Authors: Howard Nathan D.
Published: November 2022

In this book, Nathan Howard explores gender and identity formation in fourth-century Cappadocia, where pro-Nicene bishops used a rhetoric of contest that aligned with conventions of classical Greek masculinity. Howard demonstrates that epistolary exhibitions served as 'a locus for' asserting manhood in the fourth century. These performances illustrate how a culture of orality that had defined manhood among civic elites was reframed as a contest whereby one accrued status through merits of composition. Howard shows how the Cappadocians' rhetoric also reordered the body and materiality as components of a maleness over which they moderated. He interrogates fourth-century theological conflict as part of a rhetorical battle over claims to manhood that supported the Cappadocians' theology and cast doubt on non-Trinitarian rivals, whom they cast as effeminate and disingenuous. Investigating accounts of pro-Nicene protagonists overcoming struggles, Howard establishes that tropes based on classical standards of gender contributed to the formation of Trinitarian orthodoxy.
Semiconductor Laser Photonics
Authors: Nisoli Mauro
Published: November 2022

This modern text provides detailed coverage of the important physical processes underpinning semiconductor devices. Advanced analysis of the optical properties of semiconductors without the requirement of complex mathematical formalism allows clear physical interpretation of all obtained results. The book describes fundamental aspects of solid-state physics and the quantum mechanics of electron-photon interactions, in addition to discussing in detail the photonic properties of bulk and quantum well semiconductors. The final six chapters focus on the physical properties of several widely-used photonic devices, including distributed feedback lasers, vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers, quantum dot lasers, and quantum cascade lasers. This book is ideal for graduate students in physics and electrical engineering and a useful reference for optical scientists.
Resisting Backsliding
Authors: Gamboa Laura
Published: November 2022

In the past two decades, democratically elected executives across the world have used their popularity to push for legislation that, over time, destroys systems of checks and balances, hinders free and fair elections, and undermines political rights and civil liberties. Using and abusing institutions and institutional reform, some executives have transformed their countries' democracies into competitive authoritarian regimes. Others, however, have failed to erode democracy. What explains these different outcomes? Resisting Backsliding answers this question. With a focus on the cases of Hugo Chávez in Venezuela and Alvaro Uribe in Colombia, the book shows that the strategies and goals of the opposition are key to understanding why some executives successfully erode democracy and others do not. By highlighting the role of the opposition, this book emphasizes the importance of agency for understanding democratic backsliding and shows that even weak oppositions can defeat strong potential autocrats.
Churchill, Chamberlain and Appeasement
Authors: Peden G. C.
Published: November 2022

Was Churchill correct when he claimed the Second World War could easily have been prevented if Chamberlain had not appeased Hitler? How far did Churchill and Chamberlain differ on defence and foreign policy? To what extent was Chamberlain responsible for military defeats in 1940? In this new account of appeasement, G. C. Peden addresses these questions and provides a comparative analysis of Chamberlain and Churchill's views on foreign policy and strategic priorities, explores what deterrence and appeasement meant in the military, economic and political context of the 1930s and where Chamberlain and Churchill agreed and disagreed on how best to deter Germany. Beginning in 1931 when Chamberlain became Chancellor of the Exchequer, this book explores the evolution of British policy towards Germany through to the Munich Agreement and its aftermath within the context of Britain's power to influence international affairs in the 1930s and of contemporary intelligence.
The Lost Paratroopers of Normandy
Authors: Rabe Stephen G.
Published: November 2022

The fateful days surrounding 6 June 1944 have been extensively documented in histories of the Second World War, but less attention has been paid to the tremendous impact of these events on the populations nearby. The Lost Paratroopers of Normandy tells the inspiring yet heartbreaking story of ordinary people who did extraordinary things in defense of liberty and freedom. On D-Day, when transport planes dropped paratroopers from the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions hopelessly off-target into marshy waters in northwestern France, the 900 villagers of Graignes welcomed them with open arms. These villagers provided food, gathered intelligence, and navigated the floods to retrieve the paratroopers' equipment at great risk to themselves. When the attack by German forces on 11 June forced the overwhelmed paratroopers to withdraw, many made it to safety thanks to the help and resistance of the villagers. In this moving book, historian Stephen G. Rabe, son of one of the paratroopers, meticulously documents the forgotten lives of those who participated in this integral part of D-Day history.
Noether Symmetries in Theories of Gravity
Authors: Bajardi Francesco , Capozziello Salvatore
Published: November 2022

This volume summarizes the many alternatives and extensions to Einstein's General Theory of Relativity, and shows how symmetry principles can be applied to identify physically viable models. The first part of the book establishes the foundations of classical field theory, providing an introduction to symmetry groups and the Noether theorems. A quick overview of general relativity is provided, including discussion of its successes and shortcomings, then several theories of gravity are presented and their main features are summarized. In the second part, the 'Noether Symmetry Approach' is applied to theories of gravity to identify those which contain symmetries. In the third part of the book these selected models are tested through comparison with the latest experiments and observations. This constrains the free parameters in the selected models to fit the current data, demonstrating a useful approach that will allow researchers to construct and constrain modified gravity models for further applications.
Moral Responsibility Reconsidered
Authors: Caruso Gregg D. , Pereboom Derk
Published: November 2022

This Element examines the concept of moral responsibility as it is used in contemporary philosophical debates and explores the justifiability of the moral practices associated with it, including moral praise/blame, retributive punishment, and the reactive attitudes of resentment and indignation. After identifying and discussing several different varieties of responsibility-including causal responsibility, take-charge responsibility, role responsibility, liability responsibility, and the kinds of responsibility associated with attributability, answerability, and accountability-it distinguishes between basic and non-basic desert conceptions of moral responsibility and considers a number of skeptical arguments against each. It then outlines an alternative forward-looking account of moral responsibility grounded in non-desert-invoking desiderata such as protection, reconciliation, and moral formation. It concludes by addressing concerns about the practical implications of skepticism about desert-based moral responsibility and explains how optimistic skeptics can preserve most of what we care about when it comes to our interpersonal relationships, morality, and meaning in life.