bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Time delays and economic profit in fractional differential‐algebraic predator–prey model
Authors: Zhang Daoxiang , Wang Xinmei
Published: July 2023

In this paper, we formulate a fractional differential‐algebraic model with two discrete delays and double linear species harvesting. One of the delays denotes the time taken for digestion of the prey, and the other reflects the negative feedback of the predator's density. Taking into account of the economic profit, linear predator harvesting and prey harvesting have been incorporated into the proposed predator–prey system. From the biological viewpoint, we discuss the sufficient conditions for the existence of nontrivial positive equilibrium point. By jointly using the stability theory of fractional differential‐algebraic equations and the bifurcation theory, we study the delay‐induced instability and Hopf bifurcations. Finally, the correctness of the theoretical analysis is verified by numerical simulations, and the effects of delays, economic profit, and fractional exponents on the stability of the system are explored.
Neuromuscular ultrasound protocols: First steps, future challenges
Authors: Goedee H. Stephan , Lieba‐Samal Doris
Published: July 2023

See article on pages 375–379 in this issue.
Development and psychometric evaluation of the nurses' Work Values Scale
Authors: Hara Yukari , Asakura Kyoko , Yamada Masako , Takada Nozomu , Sugiyama Shoko
Published: July 2023

Aim

This study aimed to develop the nurses' Work Values Scale (WVS) to determine how important certain values are for nurses and to psychometrically test the scale.

Design

Instrument development and validation study.

Method

A two‐phase scale development process comprising item generation, scale improvement and psychometric property evaluation was used. In the first phase, scale items were identified. In the second phase, item and exploratory factor analyses were performed in Study 1, and confirmatory factor analysis, validity verification and reliability verification of the nurses' WVS were performed in Study 2.

Results

As a result of the analysis, a scale of 30 items with four subdomains was developed. In convergent validity and reliability verification, it was shown that the nurses' WVS has acceptable validity and reliability.

No Patient or Public Contribution

Patients or members of the public were not involved in this study.
Functional Brain Regions Linked to Tinnitus Pathology and Compensation During Task Performance: A Systematic Review
Authors: Jimoh Zaharadeen , Marouf Azmi , Zenke Julianna , Leung Ada W.S. , Gomaa Nahla A.
Published: July 2023

Objective

To systematically search the literature and organize relevant advancements in the connection between tinnitus and the activity of different functional brain regions using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).

Data Sources

MEDLINE (OVID), EMBASE (OVID), CINAHL (EBSCO), Web of Science, ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and PROSPERO from inception to April 2022.

Review Methods

Studies with adult human subjects who suffer from tinnitus and underwent fMRI to relate specific regions of interest to tinnitus pathology or compensation were included. In addition, fMRI had to be performed with a paradigm of stimuli that would stimulate auditory brain activity. Exclusion criteria included non‐English studies, animal studies, and studies that utilized a resting state magnetic resonance imaging or other imaging modalities.

Results

The auditory cortex may work to dampen the effects of central gain. Results from different studies show variable changes in the Heschl's gyrus (HG), with some showing increased activity and others showing inhibition and volume loss. After controlling for hyperacusis and other confounders, tinnitus does not seem to influence the inferior colliculus (IC) activation. However, there is decreased connectivity between the auditory cortex and IC. The cochlear nucleus (CN) generally shows increased activation in tinnitus patients. fMRI evidence indicates significant inhibition of thalamic gating. Activating the thalamus may be of important therapeutic potential.

Conclusion

Patients with tinnitus have significantly altered neuronal firing patterns, especially within the auditory network, when compared to individuals without tinnitus. Tinnitus and hyperacusis commonly coexist, making differentiation of the effects of these 2 phenomena frequently difficult.
Theoretical solutions of short glass fiber/polyurethane composite beams based on Hamiltonian principle
Authors: Zhao Fei , Zhou Bo , Zhu Xiuxing , Wang Haijing
Published: July 2023

Shape memory polymers (SMP) and its composites (SMPC) have gained popularity for their potential in intelligent structures fields. Developing a reliable mechanical model to accurately describe mechanical behavior of its intelligent structures is important for both theory and practice. This paper presents a novel mechanical model for describing the mechanical behavior of short glass fiber/polyurethane (GF/PU) composite beams, based on a constitutive model of SMP and incorporating principles from composite mechanics theory, the Hamiltonian principle and Euler–Bernoulli beam theory. The model includes kinematic equations and material parameter equations. Based on the constitutive equations of SMP, coupled with Euler–Bernoulli beam theory and Hamilton's principle, the kinematic equations of GF/PU composite beam are established. Additionally, a correction factor was proposed and employed to modify the material parameter equation of SMP, which was then combined with the mechanics theory of composite materials to establish a material parameter equation for composite beams. Taking a simply supported beam as an example, we solve the model using Fourier method and simulate and analyze the material parameters properties, static and viscous mechanical behaviors properties, and shape memory behavior properties of the GF/PU composite beam. The results show that the GF volume fraction, temperature correction coefficient, regularization parameter, and contact parameter have a significant impact on the material parameters of GF/PU composite materials and the material parameters of composite beams have important effects on their mechanical properties. By adjusting material parameters, ideal mechanical properties can be obtained for the GF/PU composite beam. This study provides a theoretical foundation for intelligent beam design and analysis based on SMP and SMPC.

Highlights

A novel viscoelastic mechanical model for GF/PU composite beam is proposed.

Effect of composite components on GF/PU composite is studied.

Kinematic equations based on Hamiltonian principle is established.

Material parameter equation including corrected parameter is established.
Integrating conversations about disordered eating in children and young people into routine type 1 diabetes care: a practical guide
Authors: Wakelin Katherine E , Read Rebecca K , O’Donnell Nicola , Baker Marisa , Satherley Rose‐Marie , Stewart Rose , Jones Christina J
Published: July 2023

A higher proportion of children and young people (CYP) with type 1 diabetes (T1D) present with disordered eating compared to CYP without T1D. Due to the complexities of T1D management in addition to eating disorder treatment, it is essential to discuss T1D and Disordered Eating (T1DE) with families to screen early and frequently. This enables those most vulnerable to be identified and treated early.

The aim of this paper was to: (1) identify the barriers for health care professionals (HCPs) communicating with families about T1DE; and (2) identify practical ways to overcome these barriers. This paper discusses qualitative data from interviews with 10 parents about how they would like conversations about T1DE to be facilitated by HCPs. All parents had a child aged 11–14 with T1D and were recruited through the PRIORITY trial.

Four main barriers to communicating about T1DE were identified. These were: (1) parents fearing that conversation about T1DE will increase the likelihood of T1DE developing; (2) psychology not being integrated into routine care; (3) concerns about sensitive communication around the topic of weight; and (4) parents feeling overwhelmed. Practical suggestions for ways in which HCPs can overcome these barriers are discussed.

The paper provides a practical guide for HCPs to help them facilitate conversations about T1DE with families in order to allow earlier detection, prevention and intervention of disordered eating within this population. Copyright © 2023 John Wiley & Sons.
An overview of PHA templates and checklists developed for a refining system and lessons learned
Authors: Wolbers Joshua
Published: July 2023

The Chevron Refining organization has completed a multi‐year effort to create process hazard analysis (PHA) templates and checklists to improve the consistency and quality of PHAs. The goal of this study is to provide an overview of the content, development process, and lessons learned. The lessons learned included the following. Members of PHA teams and SMEs have differing experiences and perspectives on the risk of loss of containment, necessitating a standardized method for developing consequences and modifiers. Typical PHA teams (e.g., facilitator, process and/or design engineer, and operator) will have differing levels of engineering and operating experience, making a thorough understanding of the various types of equipment and processes in a typical refining unit impractical. PHA teams cannot realistically bring in SMEs on an as needed basis to aid with the analysis. Concerns that templated solutions might cause PHA teams to lose their creativity and focus only on the templates, and that templates might omit or incorrectly assess a hazard, have been outweighed by the benefits of the templates.
Improving process safety culture through developing and maintaining the sense of vulnerability at all levels in the organization
Authors: Subbarao N. V. , Senthilraja M. , Sangeetha B.
Published: July 2023

In Chola MS Risk Services, we differentiate between safety culture and process safety culture to improve the sense of vulnerability toward anticipating incidents with high severity, called process incidents. Culture is termed how employees are following safety even when no one is watching. In building a risk‐conscious organization, the attribute of maintaining a sense of vulnerability plays a major role. This article will share the experience of the Chola MS Risk Services gained through the implementation of process safety management (PSM) in various sectors across the country to the level of sense of vulnerability that exists in the organization with field‐related examples and challenges faced by the Indian industries in improving the same. This article will also highlight that the sense of vulnerability also brings in the sense of vigilance over various parameters even in apparently steady‐state, smooth operations. Even slight changes in critical parameters will “ring a cautionary bell” where there is a sense of vulnerability.
Developing a suicide prevention action plan in Kisumu County, Kenya
Authors: Ouma Sarah Atieno , Frey Florina , Ganda Gregory , Arogo Beryl Annie , Otieno Douglas Onyango , Andrä Paul , Wolthusen Rick Peter Fritz
Published: July 2023

Suicide prevention is a complex and context‐dependent challenge. About 75% of deaths by suicide occur in low‐ and middle‐income countries; yet, most current suicide prevention strategies build upon data from high‐income countries (HIC). The Kisumu County Government (KCG) in Kenya recognized the need for a suicide prevention action plan. In the absence of a Kenyan national suicide strategy, it also did not solely depend on recommendations from HIC. The KCG therefore convened a multidisciplinary workgroup with stakeholders from various sectors that led the development of the Kisumu County Suicide Prevention Action Plan (KCSPAP). The team utilized a mixed‐method approach (literature review, a desk review of mental health indicators and death certificates, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews) identifying the following: (a) magnitude and variations of suicide cases (higher number of suicide completions compared to attempts; the leading method was organophosphate poisoning though the suicide method often was not specified); (b) protective and risk factors (male gender, being between 19 and 45 years of age, and being married); (c) community perceptions of suicide (taboo topic; associated with negative spirits; community members were divided on suicide decriminalization); (d) potential solutions (need for data collection, awareness creation; scale‐up of traditional and nontraditional mental health approaches). Given the importance of a public health perspective on suicide prevention, the data in the KCSPAP are organized in a public health prevention framework that builds on a data collection framework. The KCSPAP was handed over to the KCG in mid‐2020; different recommendations have been implemented since. The KCSPAP is an example of policymaking based on local knowledge. This homegrown policymaking approach has multiple benefits and can be used by stakeholders locally and in other countries.
Further revealing reaction mechanism on the oxidative behavior of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural
Authors: Du Xia , Yao Tingyu , Zhang Hui , Shang Yan , Jing Liquan , Hu Jinguang
Published: July 2023

Solar energy‐driven biomass refinery to produce high value‐added chemicals is attracting more and more attention. However, precisely modulating for selective oxidation of biomass‐derived platform chemical is still challenging. Further mechanism study on this oxidation process is highly desirable. In this work, theoretical study on the oxidation of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to 2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) at the atomic and molecular level is completed by density functional theory, oxidative reaction mechanism is further revealed. The two oxidation reaction pathways were identified, one is the hydroxymethyl group of HMF is oxidized to obtain 2,5‐diformylfuran (DFF) and continue oxidized to form 5‐formyl‐2‐furancarboxylic acid (FFCA) and finally FFCA is oxidized to obtain FDCA, the other is the aldehyde group of HMF is oxidized to form 5‐hydroxymethyl‐2‐furancarboxylic acid (HMFCA), and then oxidized to form FFCA and FDCA. The potential energy surface information of the 24 possible reaction channels at the B3LYP/6‐311 + G(d,p) level was obtained, including geometry structure optimization and frequency calculation of the stationary point. Results showed that hydroxymethyl group is easier to be oxidized to form DFF with the lower reaction energy barrier, this is consisted with most of the experimental results. Compared with O2, the H‐abstract reaction initiated by peroxy radicals of aldehyde or hydroxymethyl group is kinetically favorable. The new findings of two oxidation reaction processes of HMF (alcohol oxidation and aldehyde oxidation) in detail are of great significance for further utilizing and development of HMF.
Subcritical monotone cellular automata
Authors: Balister Paul , Bollobás Béla , Morris Robert , Smith Paul
Published: July 2023

We study monotone cellular automata (also known as ‐bootstrap percolation) in with random initial configurations. Confirming a conjecture of Balister, Bollobás, Przykucki and Smith, who proved the corresponding result in two dimensions, we show that the critical probability is non‐zero for all subcritical models.
Engineered Extracellular Vesicles for Delivery of an IL‐1 Receptor Antagonist Promote Targeted Repair of Retinal Degeneration
Authors: Liu Yizong , Xia Peng , Yan Feiyue , Yuan Man , Yuan Haitao , Du Yuxin , Yan Jiangbo , Song Qiulin , Zhang Tianlu , Hu Danping , Shen Yin
Published: July 2023

Retinal degeneration (RD) is an irreversible blinding disease that seriously affects patients’ daily activities and mental health. Targeting hyperactivated microglia and regulating polarization are promising strategies for treating the disease. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation is proven to be an effective treatment due to its immunomodulatory and regenerative properties. However, the low efficiency of cell migration and integration of MSCs remains a major obstacle to clinical use. The goal of this study is to develop a nanodelivery system that targets hyperactivated microglia and inhibits their release of proinflammatory factors, to achieve durable neuroprotection. This approach is to engineer extracellular vesicles (EVs) isolated from MSC, modify them with a cyclic RGD (cRGD) peptide on their surface, and load them with an antagonist of the IL‐1 receptor, anakinra. Comparing with non‐engineered EVs, it is observed that engineered cRGD‐EVs exhibit an increased targeting efficiency against hyperactivated microglia and strongly protected photoreceptors in experimental RD cells and animal models. This study provides a strategy to improve drug delivery to degenerated retinas and offers a promising approach to improve the treatment of RD through targeted modulation of the immune microenvironment via engineered cRGD‐EVs.
Understanding Hierarchical Structure Construction Strategies and Biomimetic Design Principles: A Review
Authors: Jia Shengzhe , Tao Tiantian , Sun Jie , Du Jing , Xie Yujiang , Yu Liuyang , Tang Weiwei , Wang Jingkang , Gong Junbo
Published: July 2023

Organisms use gene and cell engineering to tailor the mineralization process and synthesize structure composites with special functions and favorable properties. This spurs scientists to design functional materials based on learning from nature. Herein, a systematic review of the biomimetic synthesis and hierarchical structure design of calcium carbonate–based minerals is presented. First, biomimetic synthesis strategies, including additive‐induced, template‐oriented, and gel‐mediated routes to direct the construction of the hierarchical structure, are reviewed. The molecular‐recognition technique and directional assembly pathway are then summarized to precisely describe the interactions between inorganic minerals and organic matter, and direct the mineral growth. Next, the underlying mineralization mechanisms governing the evolution of the complex morphology and structure are discussed. Nonclassical pathways that control mineral growth, including the theories of the amorphous phase, oriented attachment, mesocrystal formation, and liquid precursor, are concluded. Finally, herein, the applications of calcium carbonate–based minerals are discussed. Unique hierarchical structure endows minerals with special functions, including optical performance, biomedical applications, and environmental and ecological restoration. Overall, in this report, the biomimetic synthesis of calcium carbonate–based minerals is reviewed, covering the fundamental principles, construction of the hierarchical structure, underlying mechanisms of mineral growth, and functional designs.
Pollution by microplastic in highly crowded sandy beaches in Lima, Peru
Authors: Santillán Luis , Dioses‐Salinas Diana C. , Pretell Victor , Ramos Williams , De‐la‐Torre Gabriel E.
Published: July 2023

Plastic accumulation in coastal areas is a worldwide concern and Peruvian beaches are not exceptions. We visited three sandy beaches in Lima, Peru in spring 2019 and summer 2020, those were San Pedro, Costa Azul, and Las Conchitas. We collected sand to test microplastics (MP) occurrence and characterization. Fragments and fibers were the most common particle, FTIR spectrometry indicated evidence of polypropylene and polyethylene of low and high‐density. The abundance of MP was not the same in the three beaches; San Pedro presented the lowest abundance and Costa Azul the highest. MP occurred in both seasons, however, there was a decrease in summer, among the three beaches, the reduction in Costa Azul was not significant. MP decrease in summer is vinculated by cleaning campaigns to welcome visitors for the summer season. However, that procedure seems not relevant in Costa Azul because maintained a high pollution level. Synergy with other human activities occurs, like fisheries in San Pedro and Las Conchitas and informal dumps in Costa Azul. Our research describes the pollution of microplastics in three important and crowded beaches during summer. Our information provides a baseline about the beach condition mainly related to microplastic pollution and the effectiveness of environmental measures like cleaning campaigns.
Effects of oral or parenteral iron supplementation on haematological parameters, blood iron status and growth in newborn calves fed milk replacer
Authors: Golbeck Lennart , Cohrs Imke , Humann‐Ziehank Esther , Grünberg Walter
Published: July 2023

Background

This study aimed to assess the influence of early life iron supplementation on the haematological parameters of calves fed milk replacer on a high plane of nutrition.

Methods

Thirty calves were allocated to receive either a sham treatment (CON), injection of 1000 mg Fe3+ (INJ) or oral administration of 1050 mg Fe3+ (ORAL), all administered less than 1 hour after birth. Blood was obtained before treatment, on days 1, 3, 5 and 7 of life and once weekly until week 9. Samples were analysed for haemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV) and estimated transferrin saturation (%TSAT).

Results

The Hb and PCV of calves in the INJ and ORAL groups were above the values of those in the CON group throughout the study. Hb and PCV of the CON group remained within the reference range for calves. The %TSAT exceeded reported ranges in the ORAL group in the first week. Values for the CON group were below the INJ and ORAL groups throughout the entire study. Average daily gain did not differ between treatments.

Limitations

The sample size was insufficient to assess the influence of iron supplementation on disease development. Furthermore, the study was set in a controlled environment and not performed under field conditions.

Conclusions

Oral and subcutaneous iron administration had similar effects on haematological development but resulted in numerically different transferrin saturation. Control animals showed lower Hb and PCV but did not develop overt anaemia.
The photon energy spectrum in B → Xsγ at N3LL′
Authors: Dehnadi Bahman , Novikov Ivan , Tackmann Frank J.
Published: July 2023

Abstract

We present predictions for the photon energy spectrum in inclusive B → Xsγ decays mediated by the electromagnetic penguin operator O7 to N3LL′. We use soft-collinear effective theory (SCET) to resum the singular contributions in the peak region at large photon energy. In the tail region the resummed predictions are matched to fixed order at N3LO, where we include the known fixed-order contributions for O7 up to $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
($$ {\alpha}_s^2 $$

α
s
2

). We develop a method to suitably parametrize the still unknown $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
($$ {\alpha}_s^3 $$

α
s
3

) nonsingular corrections in terms of theory nuisance parameters, whose variations provide an estimate of the associated theory uncertainty. In this context, we also study different ways to treat higher-order cross terms in the matching. Another important aspect of our analysis is the short-distance scheme used for the b-quark mass mb. We find that in the present context, the 1S mass scheme, which was previously used up to 2-loop order, fails to work at 3-loop order, because the mass scheme enters at a soft scale much smaller than mb here, for which the 1S scheme was not devised. Using instead the MSR mass scheme with R ~ 1 GeV, we obtain stable results with good perturbative convergence up to N3LL′.
Rapid Quantification of Alcohol Content in Intact Bottles of Wine Using Scalar-Coupled Spectroscopy at Low Field
Authors: Webb Andrew , Najac Chloe , Ronen Itamar
Published: July 2023

Direct spectroscopic quantification of small molecules using low cost, low field (< 0.1 T) large bore portable magnets is not possible using conventional techniques due the presence of strong homonuclear coupling which results in complicated spectral patterns with resonances separated by much less than the achievable spectral linewidth. In contrast, a method using the signals from a Carr–Purcell–Meiboom–Gill (CPMG) train, in which the data are Fourier transformed in this indirect dimension, can produce so-called J-spectra in which several distinct spectral features can be distinguished. In this work, we evaluate this technique to quantify the amount of alcohol (ethanol) in intact bottles of wines or spirits.
Investigation of sound and vibration behavior of cylindrical gears
Authors: Beinstingel A. , Haringer F. , Sigmund W. , Heider M. , Pinnekamp B. , Marburg S.
Published: July 2023

As technology progresses, the demands placed on drive trains are continuously increasing. This also includes the vibration behavior and the acoustic performance of gearboxes. Especially when electric motors are used for propulsion and thus masking by an internal combustion engine or a similar driving machine vanishes, the optimization of the noise characteristics contribute as an important aspect to a successful gear design. Since the main noise originates from the characteristic power transmission process of the mating gear teeth, the transfer path of the structure-borne sound is a complex composition of gear mesh, shafts, bearings and housing. As a result, the acoustic performance depends on various influencing factors and hence a deep understanding of the dynamic interactions in a gearbox is required for optimization purposes. A suitable calculation strategy highly supports production development by identifying key influencing factors. In this context, the investigation of the dynamic behavior of a gearbox concept with respect to its acoustic performance is presented in this article.
The persistence of precarity: youth livelihood struggles and aspirations in the context of truncated agrarian change, South Sulawesi, Indonesia
Authors: Griffin Christina , Sirimorok Nurhady , Dressler Wolfram H. , Sahide Muhammad Alif K. , Fisher Micah R. , Faturachmat Fatwa , Muin Andi Vika Faradiba , Andary Pamula Mita , Batiran Karno B. , Rahmat  , Rizaldi Muhammad , Toumbourou Tessa , Suwarso Reni , Salim Wilmar , Utomo Ariane , Akhmad Fandi , Clendenning Jessica
Published: July 2023

Processes of rapid and truncated agrarian change—driven through expanding urbanisation, infrastructure development, extractive industries, and commodity crops—are shaping the livelihood opportunities and aspirations of Indonesia’s rural youth. This study describes the everyday experiences of youth as they navigate the changing character of agriculture, aquaculture, and fishing livelihoods across gender, class, and generation. Drawing on qualitative field research conducted in the Maros District of South Sulawesi, we examine young people’s experiences of agrarian change in a landscape of entangled rural, coastal and increasingly urbanised spaces. We find that young people aspire to secure, modern, and salary-based work, while continuing to seek and sustain intergenerational farming or aquaculture-based livelihoods. Youth take advantage of increased connectivity to diversify their incomes, yet their dependence on mobility also introduces new forms of gendered and class based precarity such as insecure working arrangements, disruption to education and violence (especially for young unskilled women and youth from financially insecure households). Our study highlights the persistent conditions of precarity that many young people encounter in both rural and urban settings, while challenging assumptions that youth are uninterested in rural futures.
Altruism in coalition formation games
Authors: Kerkmann Anna Maria , Cramer Simon , Rothe Jörg
Published: July 2023

Nguyen et al. (2016) introduced altruistic hedonic games in which agents’ utilities depend not only on their own preferences but also on those of their friends in the same coalition. We propose to extend their model to coalition formation games in general, considering also the friends in other coalitions. Comparing our model to altruistic hedonic games, we argue that excluding some friends from the altruistic behavior of an agent is a major disadvantage that comes with the restriction to hedonic games. After introducing our model and showing some desirable properties, we additionally study some common stability notions and provide a computational analysis of the associated verification and existence problems.
Acaricidal and repellent activities of ethanol extracts of nine chinese medicinal herbs against Rhipicephalus microplus (Acari: Ixodidae)
Authors: Li Donglinag , Lu Shunli , Jian Yichen , Cheng Shuqi , Zhao Qianming , Yuan Huizhen , Wang Nanhao , Liu Yufeng , Zhang Sumei , Zhang Longxian , Wang Rongjun , Jian Fuchun
Published: July 2023

Rhipicephalus microplus is a major threat to the cattle industry worldwide. The intensive use of acaricides and repellents has resulted in drug resistance. Hence, effective and eco-friendly pest control alternatives are urgently needed, especially from natural plant resources. In this study, the acaricidal and repellent activities of nine herbs against the larvae and eggs of R. microplus were evaluated. The results showed that ethanol extracts of star anise (Illicium verum), chaulmoogra (Hydnocarpus anthelmintica), motherwart (Leonurus artemisia), mandarin orange peel (citri reticulatae pericarpium, i.e., peel of Citrus reticulata fruit), and stemona (Stemona sessilifolia) had good contact acaricidal activities of 100, 98, 94, 88 and 86%, respectively, whereas star anise and clove (Syzygium aromaticum) had good fumigant acaricidal activities of 98 and 96%, respectively. The hatching inhibition rate of star anise against R. microplus eggs was 100%. All nine herbs had good real-time repellent rates, but only castor bean and star anise had repellent effects after 48 h (81.3 and 79.6%, respectively). This is the first report of the acaricidal and repellent activities of these medicinal herbs against R. microplus. Ethanol extracts of these herbs might be considered as potential alternatives to chemical acaricides for control of R. microplus.
EFL learners’ motivation in a gamified formative assessment: The case of Quizizz
Authors: Zhang Zhihui , Crawford Jenifer
Published: July 2023

Over the past few years, the world’s attention has been focused on gaming systems and their application in education through gamification, incorporating game features into learning tools. Against this backdrop, this study aims to investigate the motivation of EFL learners in a Gamified Formative Assessment (GFA). Theoretical insights from self-determination theory (SDT) are synthesized in the context of motivation analysis and internalization. Data from interviews and questionnaires are collected, and pair-t-tests and basic linear regression, CiteSpace, are utilized for data evaluation and literature review. Paired t-tests for the control group (CG) and the experimental group (EG) in the first and second stages, as well as the EG’s first and second stages, show a strong positive correlation between CG’s scores in stages one and two and EG’s scores in both stages (r1 = 0.930, r2 = 0.851, r3 = 0.953,p < 0.001). It is found that Quizizz, as an example of GFA, can enhance EFL learners’ internalization at a higher level during their learning process. Furthermore, our findings also suggest that gamification enables most EFL learners to recognize the value and benefits of assessment as motivation for identified regulation. Additionally, the overall accuracy of the students in the EG, which is 89.05%, is higher compared to the CG’s accuracy of 74.01%. It is interesting to note that their motivation level correlates with their performance and engagement. With these findings, we contribute to the literature by validating that gamified formative assessment fosters the internalization of EFL at the elementary level, thereby enhancing students’ engagement and language proficiency. Therefore, as one of the studies on gamification and motivation, this research holds unique value in analyzing EFL instruction at the primary school level.
A comparative study of different methods for the determination of cadmium in various tissues of ramie (Boehmeria nivea L.)
Authors: Chen Kunmei , Mou Pan , Zhu Aiguo , Chen Ping , Chen Jikang , Gao Gang , Wang Xiaofei , Feng Xinkang , Yu Chunming
Published: July 2023

Remediation of cadmium (Cd) pollution is one of the priorities of global environmental governance and accurate detection of Cd content is a key link in remediation of Cd pollution. This study aimed to compare three methods (inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and graphite furnace-atomic absorption spectrometry (GF-AAS)) for the determination of Cd with different tissues of various ramie varieties, and distinguish the advantage and disadvantage of each method. In total, 162 samples of ramie (Boehmeria nivea L.), which is an ideal plant for heavy metal remediation, were detected and the results showed that the three methods were all suitable for the de-termination of Cd content in ramie. ICP-OES and ICP-MS were simpler, faster, and more sensitive than GF-AAS. ICP-MS could be recommended for the determination of samples with various concentrations of Cd. ICP-OES could be used for measurement of samples with > 100 mg/kg Cd content, while GF-AAS was suitable for the detection of samples with very high (> 550 mg/kg) or very low (< 10 mg/kg) Cd content. Overall, considering the accuracy, stability, and the cost of measurement, ICP-MS was the most suitable method for determination of Cd content. This study provides significant reference information for the research in the field of Cd pollution remediation.
Concise outlines for a complex logic: a proof outline checker for TaDA
Authors: Wolf Felix A. , Schwerhoff Malte , Müller Peter
Published: July 2023

Modern separation logics allow one to prove rich properties of intricate code, e.g., functional correctness and linearizability of non-blocking concurrent code. However, this expressiveness leads to a complexity that makes these logics difficult to apply. Manual proofs or proofs in interactive theorem provers consist of a large number of steps, often with subtle side conditions. On the other hand, automation with dedicated verifiers typically requires sophisticated proof search algorithms that are specific to the given program logic, resulting in limited tool support that makes it difficult to experiment with program logics, e.g., when learning, improving, or comparing them. Proof outline checkers fill this gap. Their input is a program annotated with the most essential proof steps, just like the proof outlines typically presented in papers. The tool then checks automatically that this outline represents a valid proof in the program logic. In this paper, we systematically develop a proof outline checker for the TaDA logic, which reduces the checking to a simpler verification problem, for which automated tools exist. Our approach leads to proof outline checkers that provide substantially more automation than interactive provers, but are much simpler to develop than custom automatic verifiers.
Determination of the Corrosion–Oxidation Turning Point at the Field’s Metal/Chromium Interface by Electrical Contact Resistance Measurement
Authors: Micallef A. , Stiewe C. , Müller E.
Published: July 2023

The correlation of the electrical contact resistance measurement and microanalysis of the Field’s metal (FM)/Cr interface was used to determine the temperature-dependent reactions at the interface. Oxidation of Cr by oxygen contained in FM was identified through a sharp increase of the contact resistance around a certain temperature, above which the following resistance decrease was associated to a corrosion process. The corrosion–oxidation turning point was observed around 390 ± 1.7 °C. Cr saturation in FM combined with complete consumption of the oxygen contained in the FM induced a stabilization of the interface giving a specific contact resistance of about 30 µΩ·cm2.
Uphill in Reaction-Diffusion Multi-species Interacting Particles Systems
Authors: Casini Francesco , Giardinà Cristian , Vernia Cecilia
Published: July 2023

We study reaction-diffusion processes with multi-species particles and hard-core interaction. We add boundary driving to the system by means of external reservoirs which inject and remove particles, thus creating stationary currents. We consider the condition that the time evolution of the average occupation evolves as the discretized version of a system of coupled diffusive equations with linear reactions. In particular, we identify a specific one-parameter family of such linear reaction-diffusion systems where the hydrodynamic limit behaviour can obtained by means of a dual process. We show that partial uphill diffusion is possible for the discrete particle systems on the lattice, whereas it is lost in the hydrodynamic limit.
Improving the understanding of web user behaviors through machine learning analysis of eye-tracking data
Authors: Castilla Diana , Del Tejo Catalá Omar , Pons Patricia , Signol François , Rey Beatriz , Suso-Ribera Carlos , Perez-Cortes Juan-Carlos
Published: July 2023

Eye-tracking techniques are widely used to analyze user behavior. While eye-trackers collect valuable quantitative data, the results are often described in a qualitative manner due to the lack of a model that interprets the gaze trajectories generated by routine tasks, such as reading or comparing two products. The aim of this work is to propose a new quantitative way to analyze gaze trajectories (scanpaths) using machine learning. We conducted a within-subjects study (N = 30) testing six different tasks that simulated specific user behaviors in web sites (attentional, comparing two images, reading in different contexts, and free surfing). We evaluated the scanpath results with three different classifiers (long short-term memory recurrent neural network—LSTM, random forest, and multilayer perceptron neural network—MLP) to discriminate between tasks. The results revealed that it is possible to classify and distinguish between the 6 different web behaviors proposed in this study based on the user’s scanpath. The classifier that achieved the best results was the LSTM, with a 95.7% accuracy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to provide insight about MLP and LSTM classifiers to discriminate between tasks. In the discussion, we propose practical implications of the study results.
MicroRNA Cargo in Wharton’s Jelly MSC Small Extracellular Vesicles: Key Functionality to In Vitro Prevention and Treatment of Premature White Matter Injury
Authors: Tscherrig Vera , Cottagnoud Sophie , Haesler Valérie , Renz Patricia , Surbek Daniel , Schoeberlein Andreina , Joerger-Messerli Marianne Simone
Published: July 2023

Preterm birth is the leading cause of childhood morbidity and mortality and can result in white matter injury (WMI), leading to long-term neurological disabilities with global health burden. Mesenchymal stromal cell-derived small extracellular vesicles (MSC-sEV) are a promising therapeutic agent for treating perinatal neurological injury. They carry microRNAs (miRNAs) predicted to be involved in the onset of premature WMI. We hypothesize that miRNAs have a key function in the beneficial effects of MSC-sEV. We isolated MSC from umbilical cord tissue, the Wharton’s jelly (WJ), and purified small extracellular vesicles (sEV) from WJ-MSC culture supernatant by ultracentrifugation and size exclusion chromatography. The miRNA content was quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction. A luciferase gene assay validated silencing of TP53 and TAOK1, which we previously identified as predicted target genes of MSC-sEV miRNAs by Next Generation Sequencing and pathway enrichment analysis. The impact of sEV miRNAs on oligodendroglial maturation and neuronal apoptosis was evaluated using an in vitro oxygen-glucose deprivation model (OGD/R) by knocking-down DROSHA in WJ-MSC, which initiates miRNA processing. WJ-MSC-sEV contained miRNAs involved in WMI, namely hsa-miR-22-3p, hsa-miR-21-5p, hsa-miR-27b-3p, and the hsa-let-7 family. The luciferase assay strongly indicated an inhibitory effect of sEV miRNAs on the gene expression of TP53 and TAOK1. Small EV initiated oligodendrocyte maturation and reduced OGD/R-mediated neuronal apoptosis. Knocking-down DROSHA in WJ-MSC reduced the expression of sEV miRNAs and led to the loss of their beneficial effects. Our in vitro study strongly indicates the key function of miRNAs in the therapeutic potential of WJ-MSC-sEV in premature WMI.
A Novel Weighted Averaging Operator of Linguistic Interval-Valued Intuitionistic Fuzzy Numbers for Cognitively Inspired Decision-Making
Authors: Qin Yuchu , Qi Qunfen , Shi Peizhi , Scott Paul J. , Jiang Xiangqian
Published: July 2023

An aggregation operator of linguistic interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy numbers (LIVIFNs) is an important tool for solving cognitively inspired decision-making problems with LIVIFNs. So far, many aggregation operators of LIVIFNs have been presented. Each of these operators works well in its specific context. But they are not always monotone because their operational rules are not always invariant and persistent. Dempster-Shafer evidence theory, a general framework for modelling epistemic uncertainty, was found to provide the capability for operational rules of fuzzy numbers to overcome these limitations. In this paper, a weighted averaging operator of LIVIFNs based on Dempster-Shafer evidence theory for cognitively inspired decision-making is proposed. Firstly, Dempster-Shafer evidence theory is introduced into linguistic interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy environment and a definition of LIVIFNs under this theory is given. Based on this, four novel operational rules of LIVIFNs are developed and proved to be always invariant and persistent. Using the developed operational rules, a new weighted averaging operator of LIVIFNs is constructed and proved to be always monotone. Based on the constructed operator, a method for solving cognitively inspired decision-making problems with LIVIFNs is presented. The application of the presented method is illustrated via a numerical example. The effectiveness and advantage of the method are demonstrated via quantitative comparisons with several existing methods. For the numerical example, the best alternative determined by the presented method is exactly the same as that determined by other comparison methods. For some specific problems, only the presented method can generate intuitive ranking results. The demonstration results suggest that the presented method is effective in solving cognitively inspired decision-making problems with LIVIFNs. Furthermore, the method will not produce counterintuitive ranking results since its operational rules are always invariant and persistent and its aggregation operator is always monotone.
Notbetreuung zur Abwendung einer möglichen Kindeswohlgefährdung
Authors: Sperger Sylvia , Witte Susanne
Published: July 2023

Hintergrund: Mit Beginn der Kontaktbeschränkungen und Schließung sämtlicher Kinderbetreuungseinrichtungen im März 2020 kamen Bedenken auf, ob die Maßnahmen zur Eindämmung der Pandemie in Bezug auf Kinder gerechtfertigt sind. Durch die eingeschränkte Betreuung stellte sich die Frage, ob Fälle von Kindeswohlgefährdung möglicherweise übersehen wurden und die Notbetreuung in ihrer Ausgestaltung zur Abwendung einer Kindeswohlgefährdung beitragen konnte.

Studiendesign: Es wurden Telefoninterviews mit Leitungskräften des Allgemeinen Sozialen Dienstes (ASD) aus 40 Jugendämtern in Deutschland zu zwei Erhebungszeitpunkten durchgeführt. Im Rahmen der Ausgestaltung und Zusammenarbeit mit Einrichtungen der Notbetreuung werden im vorliegenden Beitrag Herausforderungen und Veränderungen herausgearbeitet.

Ergebnisse: Es zeigt sich, dass bereits in den ersten Wochen der Pandemie Notbetreuungsplätze für Kinder aus belasteten Familien zur Verfügung gestellt werden konnten. Herausforderungen zu Beginn waren, dass ausschließlich für Eltern in systemrelevanten Berufen Notbetreuungsplätze vorbehalten wurden, diese aber auch für Eltern aus nichtsystemrelevanten Berufen oder berufstätige Eltern nötig gewesen wären, die durch die fehlende Kinderbetreuung an ihre Belastungsgrenzen gerieten. Auch die mit der erweiterten Notbetreuung fortbestehenden begrenzten Kapazitäten aufgrund von Infektionsschutzmaßnahmen der Einrichtungen stellten die Fachkräfte vor die Aufgabe einer sorgfältigen Prüfung jener Fallkonstellationen, für die ein Notbetreuungsplatz bereitgestellt werden konnte, um den Kinderschutz weiterhin gewährleisten zu können.

Diskussion: Fachkräfte konnten vor allem für Kinder in kritischen Lebenslagen und ungünstigen Entwicklungsbedingungen einen Notbetreuungsplatz zur Verfügung stellen, was zum Schutz der Kinder vor einer Kindeswohlgefährdung beitrug. Dennoch kamen Befürchtungen vor einer weiteren Infektionswelle auf, da sich die Situation negativ auf die Familien auswirken könnte. Insgesamt ist festzuhalten, dass es im Rahmen der Pandemie, zu einer veränderten Bedeutungszuschreibung von Kindertageseinrichtungen und Schulen kam.
Are phonological skills as crucial for literacy acquisition in Japanese as in English as well as in accounting for developmental dyslexia in English and in Japanese?
Authors: Wydell Taeko N.
Published: July 2023

Extensive research has shown that phonological awareness including phoneme awareness skills are vital when children acquire literacy skills in alphabetic languages especially in English. Furthermore, research on developmental dyslexia (DD) especially in English has been conducted with research-informed/well-established definitions of DD. This is because compared to other languages, the prevalence of DD in English is high, and thus children with DD form a large minority group. These dyslexia research encompasses cognitive-behavioural, neuroimaging, behavioural and molecular-genetic studies. There seems to be a consensus amongst these researchers that DD manifests itself as a phonological deficit, and thus the phonological deficit hypothesis (as well as naming disfluency) for DD has become prominent in the alphabetic languages, especially in English. This is because print-to-sound or sound-to-print mappings in English are not always one-to-one and thus opaque/inconsistent. Now important questions arise in discussing how children acquire reading skills in non-alphabetic languages especially in Japanese where logographic Kanji and 2-forms of syllabic Kana are used: (i) are phonological awareness skills vital when children learn to read in Japanese? (ii) can the phonological deficit hypothesis explain DD in Japanese? These questions will be addressed in this paper by comparing the behavioural and some neuroimaging studies in alphabetic languages and Japanese Kanji and Kana as well as Chinese, another non-alphabetic languag. It seems that phonological awareness may not be as important for non-alphabetic languages such as Chinese or Japanese at the start of literacy acquisition. Phonological awareness become important skills in Chinese and Japanese only when children are older. Instead of phonological awareness other metalinguistic awareness skills are important for acquisition of reading in Chinese and Japanese such as orthographic or morphological awareness (Chinese), vocabulary size (Japanese), visuo-spatial processing (Chinese and Japanese) and visual-motor integration (Chinese and Japanese) skills. Also available neuroimaging studies will be used to uncover the behavioural dissociation and the neural unity in an English-Japanese bilingual adolescent boy with monolingual dyslexia in English.