bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correction of moderate to high refractive astigmatism with extended range toric soft contact lenses in patients with different patterns of astigmatism
Authors: Harbiyeli Ibrahim Inan , Gul Olke Kubra , Erdem Elif , Yagmur Meltem
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the visual performance of extended range, toric soft contact lenses (TSCLs) in patients with keratoconus and moderate to high astigmatism with different astigmatic patterns.

Methods

This was a retrospective, cross‐sectional clinical study. Extended range TSCL users with astigmatism ≥3.0 D were included. Cases were categorised into three subgroups, namely regular, irregular (non‐keratoconus) and keratoconic based on the topographic pattern of astigmatism. In addition, subjects were subdivided based on the degree of astigmatism.

Results

Fifty five patients (82 eyes) were enrolled, of whom 28 (51%) were female. The mean age was 24.2 ± 7.5 (range: 8–41 years) years. Thirty‐six eyes with regular astigmatism (43.9%), 34 eyes with irregular astigmatism (41.5%) and 12 eyes with keratoconus (14.6%) were included. The percentage improvement in visual acuity (VA) was significantly higher with contact lenses compared with spectacles in all groups (p < 0.001), with the highest improvement in subjects with keratoconus (p = 0.03). Twenty six (31.7%), 30 (36.6%) and 26 eyes (31.7%) had moderate (−3.0 to −4.24 D), moderate/high (−4.25 to −5.99 D) and high (≤−6.0 D) astigmatism, respectively. The percentage improvement in VA with contact lenses was statistically significantly higher than for spectacle wear in all groups (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that satisfactory visual outcomes can be obtained with extended range TSCLs in patients having moderate to high astigmatism with different astigmatic patterns.
Alveolar osteitis: A qualitative and readability assessment of patient information on the Internet
Authors: Meade Maurice J. , Dreyer Craig W.
Published: March 2022

Background

Data regarding the quality of online information regarding alveolar osteitis (AO) are lacking.

Objective

To assess the quality of online information regarding AO.

Materials and Methods

Two search terms (“alveolar osteitis” and “dry socket”) were entered separately into three search engines. A qualitative assessment of the websites that satisfied inclusion/exclusion criteria was carried out using the QUality Evaluation Scoring Tool (QUEST), the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmarks, and via the presence of the Health on the Net (HON)code seal. Website readability was evaluated using the Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG) and Flesch Reading Ease Score tools. Statistical analyses were performed by GraphPad Software® (GraphPad Software Inc., La Jolla, CA, U.S.).

Results

Most of the 31 assessed websites were from the United States (41.93%). The mean QUEST score was 14.10 out of a maximum 28 (SD = 4.63; 95% CI: 11.80–16.39). Eight (25.8%) websites scored three or all four JAMA benchmarks and four (12.9%) scored zero. Five (16.12%) displayed the HONcode seal. Higher QUEST scores were recorded for websites that satisfied at least three out of JAMA criteria (p < 0.01; 95% CI: −13.13 to −5.215) and for websites that contained the HONcode seal (p < 0.01; 95% CI: −15.000 to −5.00) compared to those that did not. The mean SMOG readability score was 8.95 (SD: 8.68; 95% CI: 8.46–9.43).

Conclusions

The online information regarding AO varies considerably. The readability scores exceed the recommended levels for written health information. The dental profession should consider the development of online resources that address the highlighted shortcomings.
Geometric analysis of macronutrient selection and balancing in the superworm, Zophobas atratus
Authors: Choi Yongsoo , Lee Kwang Pum
Published: March 2022

The larvae of Zophobas atratus F. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) are a promising source of dietary protein for animal feed. However, there has been no detailed investigation on macronutrient selection and requirement in Z. atratus larvae. Here, we used the geometric framework to explore the behavioural and physiological regulation of protein and carbohydrate in Z. atratus larvae. When provided with pairs of nutritionally imbalanced but complementary foods (choice experiment), Z. atratus larvae self‐composed a diet with a protein‐to‐carbohydrate (P:C) ratio of 1.47:1 or 1.19:1 throughout the experimental period. Across different choice combinations, the intake of carbohydrate was more tightly regulated than that of protein. When confined to one of six foods imbalanced with respect to P:C ratio (no‐choice experiment), Z. atratus larvae regulated their protein–carbohydrate intake to form linear intake arrays across nutrient space in a manner similar to those previously described for other nutritional generalists. The negative slope of the linear intake arrays was shallow (−0.67 to −0.54), suggesting that protein was over‐consumed by Z. atratus larvae to a greater extent than carbohydrates. The nutritional landscapes fitted for larval performance traits exhibited that the performance of Z. atratus larvae was maximized at the P:C ratio of 2:1 and fell rapidly as the P:C ratio decreased below 1:1. There was evidence for post‐ingestive regulation for body nutrient growth through adjusting the utilization efficiencies of ingested protein and carbohydrate. Our results represent the most comprehensive analysis of macronutrient regulation in Z. atratus and have implications for designing an optimal diet for this beneficial insect.
Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) in the hidden half: Role in root growth, stress signalling and rhizospheric interactions
Authors: Mathur P. , Roy S. , Nasir Khan M. , Mukherjee S.
Published: March 2022

Apart from nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen sulphide (H2S) has emerged as a potential gasotransmitter that has regulatory roles in root differentiation, proliferation and stress signalling. H2S metabolism in plants exhibits spatio‐temporal differences that are intimately associated with sulphide signalling in the cytosol and other subcellular components, e.g. chloroplast and mitochondria. H2S biosynthesis in plant organs uses both enzymatic and non‐enzymatic pathways. H2S generation in roots and aerial organs is modulated by developmental phase and changes in environmental stimuli. H2S has an influential role in root development and in the nodulation process. Studies have revealed that H2S is a part of the auxin and NO signalling pathways in roots, which induce lateral root formation. At the molecular level, exogenous application of H2S regulates expression of several transcription factors, viz. LBD (Lateral organ Boundaries Domain), MYB (myeloblastosis) and AP2/ERF (Apetala 2/ Ethylene Response Factor), which stimulate upregulation of PpLBD16 (Lateral organ boundaries domain 16), thereby significantly increasing the number of lateral roots. Concomitantly, H2S acts as a crucial signalling molecule in roots during various abiotic stresses, e.g. drought, salinity heavy metals (HMs), etc., and augments stress tolerance in plants. Interestingly, extensive crosstalk exists between H2S, NO, ABA, calcium and ethylene during stress, which escalate plant defence and regulate plant growth and productivity. Hence, the present review will elaborate the role of H2S in root development, stress alleviation, legume–Rhizobium symbiosis and rhizosphere signalling. The review also examines the mechanism of H2S‐mediated abiotic stress mitigation and cross‐talk with other signaling molecules.
Australia Day or Invasion Day? Perspectives on the Continuing Impact of Colonialism Underlies Public Contestations Around Australia's National Day
Authors: Selvanathan Hema Preya , Jetten Jolanda , Crimston Charlie R.
Published: March 2022

The ways in which collective memories are constructed in the present is important in explaining how people choose to commemorate their nation's history. The present research focused on the context of Australia Day, a controversial national holiday that falls on January 26, which is a date that marks the beginning of colonization. We conducted field surveys of community members participating in an Invasion Day protest pushing for Indigenous rights (n = 219) and community members enjoying the public holiday in a public park (n = 174). We found that greater recognition of colonial history explained protesters' (vs. nonprotesters') greater support for changing the date of Australia Day. Further, protesters' lower levels of perceived continuity and higher levels of desired continuity of First Australian culture was linked to greater support for changing the date of Australia Day compared to the nonprotesters. These findings suggest that creating consensus over contested collective memories of a nation's history requires greater recognition of the ongoing impact of past atrocities.
Animals in the study of public administration
Authors: Mitchell Jerry
Published: March 2022

The human‐animal experience has eluded the study of public administration. The evidence shows the field's top journals and textbooks have paid little attention to animals, public affairs degree programs are mostly without animal‐focused courses, and professional associations have failed to include, for the most part, animals as stakeholders whose interests should be considered. This lack of attention is out of step with a world confronting such wicked problems as animal cruelty, species extinction, and zoonosis. Practical ways are proposed for incorporating animal topics into scholarship, education, and the overall posture of the discipline. The expectation is that a focus on non‐human species can shapeshift the field toward a biocentric outlook and a truly authentic understanding of public affairs.
Latest update on predictive indicators, risk factors and ‘Omic’ technologies research of retained placenta in dairy cattle – A review
Authors: Amin Yahia A. , Hussein Hassan A.
Published: March 2022

Retained placenta is a pathological condition defined as failure to expel foetal membranes within 12–24 h after parturition. It instigates important financial losses to the dairy industry causing considerable economic loss. It is a multifactorial disorder. Although different hypotheses have been proposed, contradictory results and no single factor explains the development of the disease. This indicates that there are overall significant gaps in our knowledge about the various factors affecting the aetiopathology and pathobiology of the retained placenta. Thus, it will be of great interest to investigate the potential contributing factors that influence the occurrence of RP which provide us with the mechanisms to avoid the occurrence of the disease. In addition, different predictive indicators of RP should be a part of our research, thus providing the essential procedures applied to deal with the disease and the development of novel therapeutic and prophylactic strategies in its management. Furthermore, lately, the molecular role takes attention to understanding its effect in the occurrence of the disease. Such information might help dairy scientists in the future to design better management and preventive practices for RP in dairy cows.
Sociodemographic factors affect the quality of life and burden of caregivers in special care in dentistry
Authors: Magalhães Iana Aragão , Dantas Thinali Sousa , de Paulo João Paulo Mota , Marçal Felipe Franco , Viana Thales Salles Angelim , Sousa Fabrício Bitu , Barros Silva Paulo Goberlânio de
Published: March 2022

Aims

To analyze the epidemiological profile and quality of life (QoL) of patients with special needs and overload their caregivers.

Methods and results

Health‐related QoL was assessed in a quantitative, observational, cross‐sectional study of prospective characteristics using the WHOQOL‐BREF and ZARIT‐22 questionnaires. This study included 122 patients were included; they were divided into patients without caregiver assistance (n = 63) who answered WHOQOL‐BREF, 49 caregivers (n = 49) who responded to ZARIT‐22, and 10 patients were secondarily caregivers of their parents and answered the ZARIT‐22 + WHOQOL‐BREF questionnaires. The WHOQOL‐BREF general score was 71.94 ± 10.58, and patients born in urban areas and married had positive correlations (p < .05) with the QoL scores in the physical and social domains. ZARIT‐22 scores showed an average of 58.63 ± 14.07. Data cross‐checking revealed that patients of white races (p = .030) and who lived in urban regions (p = .003) generated less overload to caregivers.

Conclusion

In the WHOQOL‐BREF analysis, family income was a factor with direct impact, and all caregivers referred to moderate‐to‐high overload, with an increase in prevalence as far away from the service the patient resides.
Defiant scholarship: Dismantling coloniality in contemporary African geographies
Authors: Daley Patricia O. , Murrey Amber
Published: March 2022

Colonial epistemes persist in studies of African geographies. We argue that colonial continuities are revealed in (a) the status of human geography within African higher education; (b) the marginalization of Africa (particularly beyond Southern Africa) within the discipline of human geography; and (c) erasures of the functions of racialization in African societies. These are compounded by the relative marginalization of African knowledge within decolonial thought, including decolonial geographies and the disunities between the subfields of black geographies and African geographies. To challenge some of these dynamics, we introduce the concept of defiant scholarship in Africa, a form of scholarship that seeks to work against and outside of dominant grammars and prevailing registers and which draws from a powerful and extensive intellectual tradition across the African continent. Working from Walter Rodney's ‘guerrilla intellectuals’ and drawing on Walter Mignolo's ‘epistemic disobedience’, defiant scholarship cultivates those ways of thinking and those practices that are external to, in opposition to, and/or unconventional to the coloniality of knowledge. We ask what it means for our scholarship to be disobedient to colonial and capitalist epistemes, and, in so doing, we sketch the contours of an African geographies subdiscipline that is anti‐racist, decolonial, and in active conversation with black geographies. The result of our engagement is a call for a reinvigoration of African geographies as we currently know and practice them.
Awareness isn’t saving lives: An experimental exploration of suicide risk reduction methods for emerging adults
Authors: Pashak Travis J. , Percy Carly S. , Trierweiler Emma J. , Bradley Sophia M. , Conley McCall A. , Weaver Joseph S.
Published: March 2022

Objective

Suicide prevention campaigns commonly employ brief informational materials aimed at emerging adults. Are such programs helpful, and do design characteristics yield differences in user outcomes? Literature is reviewed from the interpersonal theory of suicide, escape theory, and terror management theory, to inform our experimental design.

Method

Participants (n = 977 MTurk emerging adults) reported demographics and suicide histories and were randomized to one of nine experimental cells with varying video and journaling conditions to approximate suicide prevention materials. Participants were surveyed on perceptions of the materials’ risk reduction effectiveness, indicated their suicidality risk factors (e.g., hopelessness, depressiveness, purposelessness, and non‐belongingness), and conducted an implicit association test of suicidality.

Results

Suicide risk factors did not differ between experimental and control conditions, but certain conditions were rated as more effective (i.e., essay conditions prompting reflection, and the video condition featuring a personal/affective narrative). While there was no actual comparative reduction of risk, there was a perception that certain designs were more helpful.

Conclusion

Real‐world suicide prevention campaigns often feel justified despite lacking impact. Effective suicide risk reduction requires greater time investment and deeper personal connection than brief campaigns can offer, as well as systemic changes from a public health policy perspective.
Time to return to full training and recurrence of rectus femoris injuries in elite track and field athletes 2010–2019; a 9‐year study using the British Athletics Muscle Injury Classification
Authors: McAleer Stephen , Macdonald Ben , Lee Justin , Zhu Wilbur , Giakoumis Michael , Maric Tanya , Kelly Shane , Brown James , Pollock Noel
Published: March 2022

Rectus femoris (RF) injuries are common in sports requiring maximal acceleration and sprinting. The British Athletics Muscle Injury Classification (BAMIC) describes acute muscle injury based on the anatomical site of injury and has been associated with return to play in hamstring and calf muscle injury. The aim of this study was to describe and compare the time to return to full training (TRFT) and injury recurrence for BAMIC‐classified RF injuries sustained by elite track and field (T&F) athletes over a 9‐year period. All rectus femoris injuries sustained by elite T&F athletes on the British Athletics World Class Program between September 2010 and September 2019 that were investigated with an MRI within 7 days of acute onset anterior thigh pain were included. Injuries were graded from the MRI by a specialist musculoskeletal radiologist using the BAMIC, and TRFT and injury recurrence were determined by evaluation of the Electronic Medical Record. Athlete demographics and World Athletics event discipline were recorded. Specific injury details including mechanism, location of injury, and whether surgical or rehabilitation management was undertaken were recorded. There were 38 RF injuries in 27 athletes (24.7 ± 2.3 years; 10 male, 17 female). Average TRFT for rehabilitation managed cases was 20.4 ± 14.8 days. Grade 1 injuries had significantly shorter TRFT compared with grades 2 (p = 0.04) and 3 (p = 0.01). Intratendinous (c) and surgically managed RF injuries each had significantly longer TRFT compared with other injury classes (p < 0.001). Myofascial (a) injuries had reduced repeat injury rates compared with b or c classes (p = 0.048). Grade 3 injuries had an increased repeat injury rate compared with other grades (p = 0.02). There were 4 complete (4c) proximal free tendon injuries sustained during sprinting and all in female athletes. The average TRFT for RF injuries in elite T&F is similar to that previously identified in elite football and Australian Rules. Similar to previous research in hamstring and calf injury, RF injuries extending into the tendon (BAMIC class c) had delayed TRFT which may reflect the longer duration required for tendon healing and adaptation. Grade 3 injuries had in increased repeat injury rate compared with grades 1 and 2. The BAMIC diagnostic framework may provide useful information for clinicians managing rectus femoris injuries in T&F.
Women's health for a primary care workforce
Authors: McClintock Adelaide H. , Starks Helene , Williams Meagan
Published: March 2022

Background

Primary care training should include competencies to provide reproductive health services. In the United Sates, primary care is often provided by general internal medicine physicians. Longitudinal training experiences for internal medicine residents in women's health increase knowledge, skills and retention in careers in women's health, but very little literature describes their implementation. The purpose of this paper is to describe the implementation and evaluation of a 2‐year women's health training pathway in Internal Medicine.

Approach

Using the Context, Input, Process, Product (CIPP) model, we describe the salient features of a complex, longitudinal educational intervention at the development, planning and evaluation stages within a large academic medical centre.

Evaluation

In 2019, we conducted interviews with the pathway participants (N = 6) in the first 3 years of the programme and used the CIPP framework and Kirkpatrick's Model as an a priori codebook for analysis. Participants reported high fidelity and that the training was relevant and appropriate to meet their needs. Practicing clinicians similarly reported that training was relevant and useful and met desired goals for knowledge and integrated approaches to care. Trainees reported unexpected benefits of identity formation and a community of practice.

Implications

These results suggest that longitudinal training pathways are an effective way to train Internal Medicine residents to provide comprehensive care to women. This study has broader applications for health professions education, providing a model for implementation and evaluation of complex educational interventions in large organisations. Future research should focus on dissemination to train a workforce prepared to offer evidence‐based care to women throughout their lifespan.
Geography of Participation: Deepening the Understanding of the Participation Process in Time and Space
Authors: Awuh Harrison Esam
Published: March 2022

Recent studies explain how participatory mechanisms create opportunities for the inclusion. However, sufficient attention has not been paid to how participation can be transformed into inclusive practice within a sound methodological approach. In response, this paper advances a framework for more inclusive participation based on: theory (time‐space geography), experimentation with different methods (rapid appraisal, online surveys, photovoice and public deliberation), and empirical findings. These converging trajectories provide an opportunity for advancing dialogue on inclusion in participation. The research was conducted in the Dutch city of Almere in the reclaimed province of Flevoland (The Netherlands). The findings reveal how time and space (from the time‐space geography framework) enable and constrain participation. By stimulating reflections on the ‘making’ of participation (through different combinations of time and space in research methodology), this approach contributes to deeper understandings on when and how participation can have the capacity to be more inclusive.
Values and preferences of the general population in Indonesia in relation to rapid COVID‐19 antigen self‐tests: A cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Thomas Caroline , Shilton Sonjelle , Thomas Catherine , Batheja Deepshikha , Goel Srishti , Mone Iye Claudius , Ivanova Elena , Martínez‐Pérez Guillermo Z.
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Home diagnostics are essential to assist members of the general population become active agents of case detection. In Indonesia, a country with an over‐burdened healthcare system, individuals could use rapid SARS‐CoV‐2 antigen tests to self‐detect COVID‐19. To assess the general population's values and attitudes towards SARS‐CoV‐2 self‐testing, a survey was conducted in mid‐2021 in Jakarta and the provinces of Banten and North Sulawesi.

Methods

This was a quantitative survey that approached respondents in >600 randomly selected street‐points in the three study geographies in July–August 2021. A 35‐item questionnaire was used to collect data on key variables, such as likelihood to use a SARS‐CoV‐2 self‐test, willingness to pay for a self‐test device, and likely actions following a positive self‐test result. Bivariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed.

Results

Of 630 respondents (318 were female), 15.53% knew about COVID‐19 self‐testing, while 62.70% agreed with the idea of people being able to self‐test at home, unassisted, for COVID‐19. If self‐tests were available in Indonesia, >60% of respondents would use them if they felt it necessary and would undertake regular self‐testing for example weekly if recommended. Upon receiving a positive self‐test result, most respondents would communicate it (86.03%), request post‐test counselling (80.79%), self‐isolate (97.46%), and/or warn their close contacts (90.48%).

Conclusions

The use of rapid SARS‐CoV‐2 antigen detection tests for self‐testing appears acceptable to a majority of the Indonesian public, to learn whether they have COVID‐19. Self‐testing should be prioritised to complement to an over‐burdened healthcare system by helping the public, asymptomatic individuals included, become agents of change in epidemiological surveillance of SARS‐CoV‐2 in their communities.
Impact of restrictive red blood cell transfusion strategy on thrombosis‐related events: A meta‐analysis and systematic review
Authors: Maimaitiming Mairehaba , Zhang Chenxiao , Xie Jingui , Zheng Zhichao , Luo Haidong , Ooi Oon Cheong
Published: March 2022

Background and Objectives

There is an ongoing controversy regarding the risks of restrictive and liberal red blood cell (RBC) transfusion strategies. This meta‐analysis assessed whether transfusion at a lower threshold was superior to transfusion at a higher threshold, with regard to thrombosis‐related events, that is, whether these outcomes can benefit from a restrictive transfusion strategy is debated.

Materials and Methods

We searched PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Scopus from inception up to 31 July 2021. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in any clinical setting that evaluated the effects of restrictive versus liberal RBC transfusion in adults. We used random‐effects models to calculate the risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) based on pooled data.

Results

Thirty RCTs involving 17,334 participants were included. The pooled RR for thromboembolic events was 0.65 (95% CI 0.44–0.94; p = 0.020; I2 = 0.0%, very low‐quality evidence), favouring the restrictive strategy. There were no significant differences in cerebrovascular accidents (RR = 0.83; 95% CI 0.64–1.09; p = 0.180; I2 = 0.0%, very low‐quality evidence) or myocardial infarction (RR = 1.05; 95% CI 0.87–1.26; p = 0.620; I2 = 0.0%, low‐quality evidence). Subgroup analyses showed that a restrictive (relative to liberal) strategy reduced (1) thromboembolic events in RCTs conducted in North America and (2) myocardial infarctions in the subgroup of RCTs where the restrictive transfusion threshold was 7 g/dl but not in the 8 g/dl subgroup (with a liberal transfusion threshold of 10 g/dl in both subgroups).

Conclusions

A restrictive (relative to liberal) transfusion strategy may be effective in reducing venous thrombosis but not arterial thrombosis.
Influencia potencial de artículos de empresas latinoamericanas en Wikipedia
Authors: Llano Aristizábal Sergio Alberto , López Ospina Héctor And´rés , González Alarcón Luis Edgardo
Published: March 2022

Los artículos sobre marcas, empresas y organizaciones en Wikipedia son abundantes. Investigaciones realizadas en el contexto norteamericano y europeo reclaman su valor para la comunicación corporativa, en especial a nivel de la reputación. Este artículo se centra en la influencia potencial de este tipo de contenidos en el caso de empresas latinoamericanas. Datos estadísticos de acceso abierto, de los que se identificaron los picos de tráfico más sobresalientes, fueron asociados a hechos noticiosos con el fin de profundizar en dicha influencia. Los hallazgos evidencian que el acceso a los artículos corporativos es afectado de forma considerable por acontecimientos de interés público que involucran a las empresas.
Conventional and Advanced Exergy and Exergoeconomic Assessment of an Optimized System Consisting of Kalina and Organic Rankine Cycles for Waste Heat Recovery
Authors: Sohrabi Arvin , Behbahaninia Ali
Published: March 2022

The use of different technologies to recover the waste heat from various sources is receiving a wide currency worldwide. The current study proposes a Kalina-organic Rankine cycle (ORC)-based system in order to make use of the exhaust gas and the jacket cooling water of an existing diesel engine. First, the system is optimized to generate maximum power. Then, the optimum system is subjected to both conventional and advanced analyses investigating its exergy and exergoeconomic aspects. Hence, the real sources of inefficiency and chances of enhancement are revealed. The system can produce 69.7 kW power with energy and exergy efficiencies of 22.3% and 59.2%, respectively. The Kalina steam generator has the most irreversibility share in the system; however, when it comes to the real potential of improvement, the Kalina turbine ranks the first that can benefit the entire system. Moreover, the results of both conventional and advanced exergoeconomic analyses indicate the Kalina turbine is the most highlighted component that both needs and can be improved in terms of cost rates. In the end, a comparison between the different results and approaches is made to summarize the results.
Electrical Reliability of Flexible Silicon Package Integrated on Polymer Substrate During Repeated Bending Deformations
Authors: Kim Tae-Wook , Kim Jae-Min , Yun Hyeon-Ji , Lee Jong-Sung , Lee Jae-Hak , Song Jun-Yeob , Joo Young-Chang , Lee Won-Jun , Kim Byoung-Joon
Published: March 2022

Although the reliability of flexible electronics during bending deformation is of great interest nowadays, the mechanical reliability that has mainly been investigated is of single electronic components or simple devices, such as metal interconnect, transparent conductive electrode, or thin-film devices, rather than that of the real package sample having complex structure and various materials. This study systematically investigated the mechanical reliability of flexible Si package sample consisting of Si die, polymer bump, and polymer substrate, by using individual resistance monitoring of the metal line, bump array, and total interconnect. For the bending test, the sample consisting of only Si die and polymer substrate shows abrupt electrical resistance increase below a bending radius of 3 mm, due to cracking of the Si die. For the bending fatigue test, the electrical resistance increases after 2000 cycles in 5 mm bending radius, due to fatigue failure of the metal line and bump array. Both the maximum bendability and fatigue lifetime can be significantly improved by covering with the molding layer. Finite element method simulation is conducted to analyze the mechanical stress distribution of the flexible package with and without molding layer during bending deformation. This study based on experimental results and simulation analysis can provide helpful guidelines for the design of highly reliable flexible packages.
Computational Study of the Effects of Ignition Parameters Changes on a Spark Ignition Engine Fueled With Syngas
Authors: Pérez Gordillo David Sebastian , Mantilla González Juan Miguel
Published: March 2022

This article presents the development of a geometric model for the full-cycle simulation of a spark ignition engine fueled with a biomass-derived syngas. The engine simulations are carried out in KIVA 4, using a global reaction mechanism. This model aims to predict the parameters that stipulate the engine performance and NO emissions. The domain undergoes a convergence process to select the appropriate mesh size for the simulations. Then, in order to assess the veracity of the results obtained in the simulations, a comparison is made with experimental data reported in the literature. In this way, it was concluded that the developed model successfully predicts the mixing process, the combustion of the gas, the indicated parameters, and the NO emissions of the real engine, presenting admissible differences regarding the experimental results. Finally, with the validated model, simulations are carried out, modifying different ignition parameters, seeking to evidence the engine operation as a function of these variables. The results demonstrate that it is possible to obtain improvements in the engine performance and its polluting emissions, altering the ignition energy, ignition timing, or spark location.
A Simple Moment of Inertia Measurement
Authors: Hinrichsen Peter F.
Published: March 2022

Modern MEMs gyros/accelerometers allow the angular velocity of pendula to be precisely measured and the angular acceleration to be calculated. For a compound pendulum, Ipθ¨=−mgasinθ, where a is the distance of the center of mass from the pivot, so the moment of inertia Ip of the compound pendulum about the pivot can be simply derived as Ip=−mga/θ¨(θ=π/2) from measurements of the angular acceleration θ¨(θ=π/2) when the pendulum is horizontal. Then mga can be determined by measuring the force and lever arm required to maintain the pendulum in a horizontal position.
Get dizzy: A kinesthetic lab on angular speed
Authors: Lincoln James
Published: March 2022

When we begin our unit on rotational dynamics, should we expect students to understand angular speed and angular acceleration without any prior experience or intuition? In this article, I describe a lab in which students are instructed to spin with different angular speeds, or angular frequencies, and in different units such as rad/s, rpms, and Hz or cps. I have found that after having students perform these spins, they have a better grasp of radians per second as a unit of angular speed and how it compares with Hz or rpms. Going further, this article also includes tips for using mobile phone apps to get more accurate measurements.
Our Shifting Understandings of Culturally Relevant Pedagogy in Physics
Authors: Mathis Clausell , Southerland Sherry
Published: March 2022

In this paper, we describe the work of a teacher (Sarah) as she attempted to use culturally relevant pedagogy in her physics classroom. Culturally relevant pedagogy (CRP) is an approach to teaching developed by Gloria Ladson-Billings, with the goal of encouraging learning through drawing on students’ cultural capital as a centerpiece of their instruction. CRP meets the academic and cultural needs of diverse students through recognizing and building upon their cultural backgrounds, experiences, and interests in instruction. We describe how our experience working with Sarah broadened and honed our original understanding of CRP as we documented Sarah’s instructional successes, as well as the challenges, she encountered in her physics teaching. Based on our work with Sarah, we provide recommendations to inform other physics teachers as they attempt to employ CRP.
Robust Triboelectric Charging of Identical Balloons of Different Radii
Authors: Vera Francisco , Rivera Rodrigo , Ortiz Manuel , Horta-Rangel Francisco Antonio
Published: March 2022

Electrification by rubbing different materials is a well-known phenomenon with a history that began more than five centuries B.C. ago. However, simple experiments can lead to contradictory or inconsistent results, and the history of this phenomena is plagued with non-intuitive results. For example, triboelectric charging by rubbing identical materials is possible. In this work we want to highlight some historical aspects of triboelectricity that could enrich the discussion of electrostatics in an undergraduate physics course. We will focus on the effect of strain on the triboelectric properties of a sample, which we think is not well known to physics teachers. We will show that it is possible to obtain robust polarities by rubbing identical rubber balloons of different radii and we will also show that this charging method can be very useful in introductory physics courses.
Effects of crystalline anisotropy on resonant acoustic loss of torsional quartz viscometers
Authors: Heyliger Paul R. , Junker Clemens , Meier Karsten , Johnson Ward L.
Published: March 2022

Vibrational modes of unrestrained elastic cylinders of trigonal crystals are studied using Ritz-based polynomial approximations for displacements formulated in rectangular Cartesian coordinates. The selected orientation of the threefold trigonal axis is perpendicular to the cylinder axis, corresponding to the configuration employed in torsional quartz viscometry (TQV) for characterizing Newtonian fluids. A revised working equation for TQV is derived, incorporating effects of crystalline anisotropy, and Ritz results are used to numerically quantify effects of acoustic radiation from surface-normal displacements and viscous loss from nontorsional surface-parallel displacements of resonant modes corresponding to the purely torsional modes of isotropic cylinders traditionally employed as an approximation in TQV analysis. For a cylinder typical of TQV, with 3 mm diameter and 50 mm length, the anisotropy-related correction to the extracted fluid viscosity is a positive shift of 36 ppm relative to the isotropic approximation, if radiative losses are neglected. This contribution is independent of fluid properties. Radiative losses depend on the properties of the fluid and reduce the extracted viscosity. The total magnitude of corrections varies between several tens of parts per million for low density gases to values on the order of 0.01% for normal liquids near atmospheric pressure and 0.06% for superfluid helium.
Swiss-Ski Power Test Results in Youth Competitive Alpine Skiers Are Associated With Biological Maturation and Skiing Performance
Authors: Javet Marie , Fröhlich Stefan , Bruhin Björn , Frey Walter O. , Romann Michael , Spörri Jörg
Published: March 2022

Purpose: To explore reasonable application purposes and potential confounders of the Swiss-Ski Power Test (SSPT) that is, since 2004, annually performed by all youth competitive alpine skiers of the under-16-years age category in Switzerland. Methods: Preseason SSPT results (8 individual tests on anaerobic and aerobic capacity, muscle strength, and speed and coordination) of 144 skiers (57 female and 87 male) age 14.5 (0.7) years were analyzed along with anthropometry and biological age. Skiing performance was quantified as the actual performance points according to the Swiss national ranking. After the SSPT tests, skiers were prospectively monitored over 12 months using the Oslo Trauma Research Center questionnaire. Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of variance, Pearson correlations, and multiple linear/binary logistic regression models. Results: Biological maturation and SSPT results differed between sexes and age (P < .05). For males, SSPT results in the subdisciplines Swiss Cross, 1-leg 5-hop, and standing long jump were correlated to maturity offset, while for females only the obstacle run was related. High box jump and Swiss Cross scores were associated with skiing performance (P < .05). However, none of the SSPT subdisciplines was related to traumatic and overuse injuries (P < .05). Conclusions: The SSPT is a broadly implementable and cost-effective field test providing a general fitness profile of youth skiers. Around the growth spurt, differences in biological maturation should be considered. While SSPT results showed association with skiing performance, the test in its current form is limited for identifying injury-relevant physical deficiencies. Consequently, more specific tests may be required.
Active Relative to Passive Ischemic Preconditioning Enhances Intense Endurance Performance in Well-Trained Men
Authors: Christiansen Danny , Olsen Casper B.L. , Kehler Frederik , Hansen Anders P. , Jessen Søren , Christensen Peter M. , Bangsbo Jens
Published: March 2022

Purpose: This study tested the hypothesis of whether ischemic exercise preconditioning (IPC-Ex) elicits a better intense endurance exercise performance than traditional ischemic preconditioning at rest (IPC-rest) and a SHAM procedure. Methods: Twelve men (average ∼61 mL·kg−1·min−1) performed 3 trials on separate days, each consisting of either IPC-Ex (3 × 2-min cycling at ∼40 W with a bilateral-leg cuff pressure of ∼180 mm Hg), IPC-rest (4 × 5-min supine rest at 220 mm Hg), or SHAM (4 × 5-min supine rest at <10 mm Hg) followed by a standardized warm-up and a 4-minute maximal cycling performance test. Power output, blood lactate, potassium, pH, rating of perceived exertion, oxygen uptake, and gross efficiency were assessed. Results: Mean power during the performance test was higher in IPC-Ex versus IPC-rest (+4%; P = .002; 95% CI, +5 to 18 W). No difference was found between IPC-rest and SHAM (−2%; P = .10; 95% CI, −12 to 1 W) or between IPC-Ex and SHAM (+2%; P = .09; 95% CI, −1 to 13 W). The rating of perceived exertion increased following the IPC-procedure in IPC-Ex versus IPC-rest and SHAM (P < .001). During warm-up, IPC-Ex elevated blood pH versus IPC-rest and SHAM (P ≤ .027), with no trial differences for blood potassium (P > .09) or cycling efficiency (P ≥ .24). Eight subjects anticipated IPC-Ex to be best for their performance. Four subjects favored SHAM. Conclusions: Performance in a 4-minute maximal test was better following IPC-Ex than IPC-rest and tended to be better than SHAM. The IPC procedures did not affect blood potassium, while pH was transiently elevated only by IPC-Ex. The performance-enhancing effect of IPC-Ex versus IPC-rest may be attributed to a placebo effect, improved pH regulation, and/or a change in the perception of effort.
Gene losses in the common vampire bat illuminate molecular adaptations to blood feeding
Authors: Blumer Moritz , Brown Tom , Freitas Mariella Bontempo , Destro Ana Luiza , Oliveira Juraci A. , Morales Ariadna E. , Schell Tilman , Greve Carola , Pippel Martin , Jebb David , Hecker Nikolai , Ahmed Alexis-Walid , Kirilenko Bogdan M. , Foote Maddy , Janke Axel , Lim Burton K. , Hiller Michael
Published: March 2022

Vampire bats are the only mammals that feed exclusively on blood. To uncover genomic changes associated with this dietary adaptation, we generated a haplotype-resolved genome of the common vampire bat and screened 27 bat species for genes that were specifically lost in the vampire bat lineage. We found previously unknown gene losses that relate to reduced insulin secretion (
FFAR1
and
SLC30A8
), limited glycogen stores (
PPP1R3E
), and a unique gastric physiology (
CTSE
). Other gene losses likely reflect the biased nutrient composition (
ERN2
and
CTRL
) and distinct pathogen diversity of blood (
RNASE7
) and predict the complete lack of cone-based vision in these strictly nocturnal bats (
PDE6H
and
PDE6C
). Notably,
REP15
loss likely helped vampire bats adapt to high dietary iron levels by enhancing iron excretion, and the loss of
CYP39A1
could have contributed to their exceptional cognitive abilities. These findings enhance our understanding of vampire bat biology and the genomic underpinnings of adaptations to blood feeding.
PRP4KA phosphorylates SERRATE for degradation via 20
S
proteasome to fine-tune miRNA production in
Arabidopsis
Authors: Wang Lin , Yan Xingxing , Li Yanjun , Wang Zhiye , Chhajed Shweta , Shang Baoshuan , Wang Zhen , Choi Suk Won , Zhao Hongwei , Chen Sixue , Zhang Xiuren
Published: March 2022

Phosphorylation can quickly switch on/off protein functions. Here, we reported pre-mRNA processing 4 kinase A (PRP4KA), and its paralogs interact with Serrate (SE), a key factor in RNA processing. PRP4KA phosphorylates at least five residues of SE in vitro and in vivo. Hypophosphorylated, but not hyperphosphorylated, SE variants could readily rescue
se
phenotypes in vivo. Moreover, hypophosphorylated SE variants had stronger binding affinity to microprocessor component HYL1 and were more resistant to degradation by 20
S
proteasome than hyperphosphorylated counterparts. Knockdown of the kinases enhanced the accumulation of hypophosphorylated SE. However, the excessive SE interfered with the assembly and function of SE-scaffolded macromolecule complexes, causing the
se
-like defects in the mutant and wild-type backgrounds. Thus, phosphorylation of SE via PRP4KA can quickly clear accumulated SE to secure its proper amount. This study provides new insight into how protein phosphorylation regulates miRNA metabolism through controlling homeostasis of SE accumulation in plants.
Caspase-8 has dual roles in regulatory T cell homeostasis balancing immunity to infection and collateral inflammatory damage
Authors: Teh Charis E. , Preston Simon P. , Robbins Alissa K. , Stutz Michael D. , Cooney James , Clark Michelle P. , Policheni Antonia N. , Allison Cody C. , Mackiewicz Liana , Arandjelovic Philip , Ebert Gregor , Doerflinger Marcel , Tan Tania , Rankin Lucille C. , Teh Peggy P. , Belz Gabrielle T. , Kallies Axel , Strasser Andreas , Pellegrini Marc , Gray Daniel H. D.
Published: March 2022

Targeting the potent immunosuppressive properties of FOXP3
+
regulatory T cells (T
regs
) has substantial therapeutic potential for treating autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Yet, the molecular mechanisms controlling T
reg
homeostasis, particularly during inflammation, remain unclear. We report that caspase-8 is a central regulator of T
reg
homeostasis in a context-specific manner that is decisive during immune responses. In mouse genetic models, targeting caspase-8 in T
regs
led to accumulation of effector T
regs
resistant to apoptotic cell death. Conversely, inflammation induced the MLKL-dependent necroptosis of caspase-8–deficient lymphoid and tissue T
regs
, which enhanced immunity to a variety of chronic infections to promote clearance of viral or parasitic pathogens. However, improved immunity came at the risk of lethal inflammation in overwhelming infections. Caspase-8 inhibition using a clinical-stage compound revealed that human T
regs
have heightened sensitivity to necroptosis compared with conventional T cells. These findings reveal a fundamental mechanism in T
regs
that could be targeted to manipulate the balance between immune tolerance versus response for therapeutic benefit.
Prognostic Impact of Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Galactomannan and Aspergillus Culture Results on Survival in COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit Patients: a
Post Hoc
Analysis from the European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM) COVID-19-Associated Pulmonary Aspergillosis Study
Authors: Giacobbe Daniele Roberto , Prattes Juergen , Wauters Joost , Dettori Silvia , Signori Alessio , Salmanton-García Jon , Maertens Johan , Bourgeois Marc , Reynders Marijke , Rutsaert Lynn , Van Regenmortel Niels , Lormans Piet , Feys Simon , Klimko Nikolay , Shadrivova Olga , Cornely Oliver A. , Rautemaa-Richardson Riina , Koehler Philipp , Lagrou Katrien , Bassetti Matteo , Hoenigl Martin
Published: March 2022

Critically ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may develop COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA), which impacts their chances of survival. Whether positive bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) mycological tests can be used as a survival proxy remains unknown.
Early versus delayed lengthening exercises for acute hamstring injury in male athletes: a randomised controlled clinical trial
Authors: Vermeulen Robin , Whiteley Rod , van der Made Anne D , van Dyk Nicol , Almusa Emad , Geertsema Celeste , Targett Stephen , Farooq Abdulaziz , Bahr Roald , Tol Johannes L , Wangensteen Arnlaug
Published: March 2022

Background

To evaluate the efficacy of early versus delayed introduction of lengthening (ie, eccentric strengthening) exercises in addition to an established rehabilitation programme on return to sport duration for acute hamstring injuries in a randomised controlled superiority trial.

Methods

90 male participants (age: 18–36 years, median 26 years) with an MRI-confirmed acute hamstring injury were randomised into an early lengthening (at day 1 of rehabilitation) group or a delayed lengthening (after being able to run at 70% of maximal speed) group. Both groups received an established rehabilitation programme. The primary outcome was time to return to sport (ie, time from injury to full unrestricted training and/or match play). The secondary outcome was reinjury rate within 12 months after return to sport. Other outcomes at return to sport included the Askling H-test, hamstring strength, clinical examination and readiness questions.

Results

The return to sport in the early lengthening group was 23 (IQR 16–35) days and 33 (IQR 23–40) days in the delayed lengthening group. For return to sport (in days), the adjusted HR for the early lengthening group compared with the delayed lengthening group was 0.95 (95% CI 0.56 to 1.60, p=0.84). There was no significant difference between groups for reinjury rates within 2 months (OR=0.94, 95% CI 0.18 to 5.0, p=0.94), from 2 to 6 months (OR=2.00, 95% CI 0.17 to 23.3, p=0.58), and 6 to 12 months (OR=0.57, 95% CI 0.05 to 6.6, p=0.66).

Conclusion

Accelerating the introduction of lengthening exercises in the rehabilitation of hamstring injury in male athletes did not improve the time to return to sport nor the risk of reinjury.