bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparing didactic approaches for practical skills learning in Scandinavian nursing simulation centres: A qualitative comparative study
Authors: Reierson Inger Åse , Ravik Monika , Blomberg Karin , Bjørk Ida Torunn , Bölenius Karin , Vesterager Stenholt Britta , Husebø Sissel Eikeland
Published: April 2024

Aim

To explore and compare the didactic approaches to practical skills learning at simulation centres in Scandinavian universities and university colleges.

Background

Academic simulation centres are an important arena for learning practical nursing skills which are essential to ensure competent performance regarding patient safety and quality of care. Knowledge of didactic approaches to enhance learning is essential in promoting the provision and retention of students' practical nursing skills. However, research on didactical approaches to practical nursing skills learning is lacking.

Design

A qualitative comparative design was used.

Methods

During November and December 2019, interviews were conducted with a total of 37 simulation centre directors or assistant directors, each of whom possessed in‐depth knowledge of practical skills in teaching and learning. They represented bachelor nursing education in Denmark, Norway and Sweden. A qualitative deductive content analysis was conducted.

Results

The results revealed all five predetermined didactical components derived from the didactical relationship model. Twenty‐two corresponding categories that described a variation in didactic approaches to practical skills learning in Scandinavian nursing simulation centres were identified. The didactical components of Learning process revealed mostly similarities, Setting mostly differences and Assessment showed only differences in didactic approaches.

Conclusion

Although various didactic approaches were described across the countries, no common approach was found. Nursing educational institutions are encouraged to cooperate in developing a shared understanding of how didactic approaches can enhance practical skills learning.

Implications for Profession and/or Patient Care

Cross‐country comparisons of practical nursing skills learning in Scandinavian countries highlight the importance of educator awareness concerning the impact diverse didactic approaches may have on competent performance in nursing education. Competent performance is pivotal for ensuring patient safety and the provision of high‐quality care.

Patient or Public Contribution

No Patient or Public Contribution.

Reporting Method

This study followed the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research reporting guidelines.
Social connections and innovation in diversified conglomerates
Authors: Jandik Tomas , Salikhova Tatiana
Published: March 2024

We study the effect of social connections between divisional managers and CEO on the scale and success of innovation activities in US diversified conglomerates. Divisional managers who previously worked or studied with the CEO file a greater number of patents during their tenure at the segment. These patents receive more citations in the future and represent a greater scientific and economic value. To provide causal support for our findings, we exploit plausibly exogenous variation in connections caused by CEO nonperformance‐related retirements. The difference‐in‐differences estimation shows that after the CEO leaves the office, connected segments experience a drop in the quantity and quality of innovation activities. The effect of connections to the CEO on innovation outcomes is stronger in firms with high internal information asymmetry. These findings can imply that social connections help to mitigate adverse selection problems associated with risky R&D investments.
Fabrication, characterization and antioxidant activities of pectin and gelatin based edible film loaded with Citrus reticulata L. essential oil
Authors: Bhatia Saurabh , Al‐Harrasi Ahmed , Ullah Sana , Shah Yasir Abbas , Al‐Azri Mohammed Said , Jawad Muhammad , Anwer Md Khalid , Aldawsari Mohammed F. , Al‐Jassasi Mohammed Sulaiyam , Koca Esra , Aydemir Levent Yurdaer
Published: April 2024

In the present work, pectin and gelatin‐based edible films (EFs) loaded with Citrus reticulata L. (tangerine) essential oil were fabricated and evaluated for their potential application in food packaging. GC–MS analysis and physiochemical, mechanical, and antioxidant analysis of the synthesized edible films and oil extract were carried out. GC–MS analysis of the tangerine essential oil revealed the presence of around 40 different chemical constituents, and among them, limonene (43.85%), linalyl acetate (19.16%), linalool (18.38%), and beta‐Myrcene (3.41%) were found as the major constituent. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed the interaction between the functional groups of the film components. Mechanical parameter assessment showed that the tensile strength of the edible film increases and elongation at break values decreases with oil addition. The thickness of the EFs increased with oil addition, while water solubility, water vapor permeability, and transparency decreased. In antioxidant potential assessment assays, maximum activity (DPPH• and ABTS•+ reducing potential) was reported for edible film samples containing a maximum amount (60 μL) of tangerine oil. We found that pectin and gelatin‐based edible films loaded with tangerine essential oil exhibit better characteristics and could be used as a food packaging material.

Practical Applications

This study presents a potentially effective method for producing edible films using pectin and gelatin composite, that have been incorporated with tangerine essential oil. These films demonstrate superior properties and may serve as an effective choice for food packaging material.
Fluorescence microscopic investigation of PCE superplasticiser adsorption in calcined clay blended cement
Authors: Kosenko D. , Wetzel A. , Middendorf B.
Published: April 2024

Global efforts to minimise carbon dioxide emissions are also leading to attempts to use calcined clays (CC) as a partial substitute for cement in concrete. While the hydration mechanism of such CC blended cements is now well understood, the range of effective admixtures like polycarboxylate ethers (PCE) is limited. There are PCE types that promise relatively high effectiveness, but the mechanisms of action are not yet sufficiently understood. For a detailed understanding of the adsorption of such PCEs, spatially resolved studies of the binder were performed using a combination of fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy. In a comparison of two superplasticisers, the investigations have shown different sites of preferred adsorption in a CC blended system and the results can be correlated with flow tests and setting behaviour. The investigations have shown that a certain PCE type has a higher adsorption on CC and other components of a blended system in comparison to other types.
The Term Structure of Covered Interest Rate Parity Violations
Authors: AUGUSTIN PATRICK , CHERNOV MIKHAIL , SCHMID LUKAS , SONG DONGHO
Published: April 2024

We quantify the impact of risk‐based and nonrisk‐based intermediary constraints (IC) on the term structure of covered interest rate parity (CIP) violations. Using a stochastic discount factor (SDF) inferred from interest rate swaps, we value currency derivatives. The wedge between model‐implied and observed derivative prices reflects the impact of nonrisk‐based IC because our SDF incorporates risk‐based IC. There is no wedge at short horizons, while the wedge accounts for 40% of long‐term CIP violations. Consistent with IC theory, the wedge correlates with the shadow cost of intermediary capital, and the SDF‐implied interest rate is a weighted average of collateralized and uncollateralized interest rates.
Barriers and facilitators to guideline concordant dental antibiotic prescribing in the United States: A qualitative study of the National DentalPBRN
Authors: Ramanathan Swetha , Yan Connie , Suda Katie J. , Evans Charlesnika T. , Khouja Tumader , Hershow Ronald C. , Rowan Susan A. , Gross Alan E. , Sharp Lisa K. ,   National Dental PBRN Collaborative Group
Published: April 2024

Objectives

While factors contributing to dental antibiotic overprescribing have previously been described, previous work has lacked any theoretical behavior change framework that could guide future intervention development. The purpose of this study was to use an evidence‐based conceptual model to identify barriers and facilitators of appropriate antibiotic prescribing by dentists as a guide for future interventions aimed at modifying antibiotic prescribing.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with dentists from the National Dental Practice Based Research Network (PBRN) exploring patient and practice factors perceived to impact antibiotic prescribing. Audio‐recorded telephone interviews were transcribed and independently coded by three researchers. Themes were organized around the COM‐B model to inform prospective interventions.

Results

73 of 104 dentists (70.1%) were interviewed. Most were general dentists (86.3%), male (65.7%), and white (69.9%). Coding identified three broad targets to support appropriate dental antibiotic prescribing among dentists: (1) increasing visibility and accessibility of guidelines, (2) providing additional guidance on antibiotic prescribing in dental scenarios without clear guidelines, and (3) education and communication skills‐building focused on discussing appropriate antibiotic use with patients and physicians.

Conclusions

The findings from our study are consistent with other studies focusing on antibiotic prescribing behavior in dentists. Understanding facilitators and barriers to dental antibiotic prescribing is necessary to inform targeted interventions to improve appropriate antibiotic prescribing. Future interventions should focus on implementing multimodal strategies to provide the necessary support for dentists to judiciously prescribe antibiotics.
Emplacement of shergottites in the Martian crust inferred from three‐dimensional petrofabric and crystal size distribution analyses
Authors: Eckley S. A. , Ketcham R. A. , Liu Y. , Gross J. , McCubbin F. M.
Published: April 2024

Shergottites are mafic to ultramafic igneous rocks that represent the majority of known Martian meteorites. They are subdivided into gabbroic, poikilitic, basaltic, and olivine–phyric categories based on differences in mineralogy and textures. Their geologic contexts are unknown, so analyses of crystal sizes and preferred orientations have commonly been used to infer where shergottites solidified. Such environments range from subsurface cumulates to shallow intrusives to extrusive lava flows, which all have contrasting implications for interactions with crustal material, cooling histories, and potential in situ exposure at the surface. In this study, we present a novel three‐dimensional (3‐D) approach to better understand the solidification environments of these samples and improve our knowledge of shergottites' geologic contexts. Shape preferred orientations of most phases and crystal size distributions of late‐forming minerals were measured in 3‐D using X‐ray computed tomography (CT) on eight shergottites representing the gabbroic, poikilitic, basaltic, and olivine–phyric categories. Our analyses show that highly anisotropic, rod‐like pyroxene crystals are strongly foliated in the gabbroic samples but have a weaker foliation and a mild lineation in the basaltic sample, indicating a directional flow component in the latter. Star volume distribution analyses revealed that most phases (maskelynite, pyroxene, olivine, and oxides/sulfides) preserve a foliated texture with variable strengths, and that the phases within individual samples are strongly to moderately aligned with respect to one another. In combination with relative cooling rates during the final stages of crystallization determined from interstitial oxide/sulfide crystal size distribution analyses, these results indicate that the olivine–phyric samples were emplaced as shallow intrusives (e.g., dikes/sills) and that the gabbroic, poikilitic, and basaltic samples were emplaced in deeper subsurface environments.
Environmental DNA unveils deep phylogeographic structure of a freshwater fish
Authors: Yatsuyanagi Tetsu , Kanbe Takashi , Fujii Kazuya , Inoue Shouko , Araki Hitoshi
Published: April 2024

Phylogeography bears an important part in ecology and evolution. However, current phylogeographic studies are largely constrained by limited numbers of individual samples. Using an environmental DNA (eDNA) assay for phylogeographic analyses, this study provides detailed information regarding the history of Siberian stone loach Barbatula toni, a primary freshwater fish across the whole range of Hokkaido, Japan. Based on an eDNA metabarcoding on 293 river water samples, we detected eDNA from B. toni in 189 rivers. A total of 51 samples, representing the entire island, were then selected from the B. toni eDNA‐positive sample set for the subsequent analyses. To elucidate the phylogeographic structure of B. toni, newly developed eDNA metabarcoding primers (Barba‐cytb‐F/R) were applied to these samples, specifically targeting their haplotypic variation in cytochrome b. After a bioinformatic processing to mitigate haplotypic false positives, a total of 50 eDNA haplotypes were identified. Two regionally restricted, genetically distinct lineages of the species were revealed as a result of phylogeographic analyses on the haplotypes and tissue‐derived DNA from B. toni. According to a molecular clock analysis, they have been genetically isolated for at least 1.5 million years, suggesting their ancient origin and colonisation of Hokkaido, presumably in the glacial periods. These results demonstrate how freshwater fishes can alter their distributions over evolutionary timescales and how eDNA assay can deepen our understanding of phylogeography.
A response‐compatible ground motion generation method using physics‐guided neural networks
Authors: Miao Youshui , Kang Hao , Hou Wei , Liu Yang , Zhang Yixin , Wang Cheng
Published: April 2024

Selecting or generating ground motions (GMs) that elicit seismic responses matching specific standards or expected benchmarks for nonlinear time‐history analysis (NLTHA) is crucial for ensuring the rationality of structural seismic design and analysis. Typical GM inputs for NLTHA, either natural or artificial, are normally spectrum‐compatible, which may produce significant variations in analysis results, even using multiple GMs. This paper introduces a response‐compatible ground motion generation (RCGMG) method for generating GMs that are tailored to be response‐compatible. NLTHA results using only a few of these artificial GMs can closely approximate the mean responses from a large set of natural spectrum‐compatible GMs or target responses. The RCGMG method adopts the response diagram in the time domain (RDTD) to characterize the nonstationary features of GMs and their impacts on structural dynamic responses. A physics‐guided conditional generative adversarial network is developed to produce artificial RDTDs with features and impacts of RDTDs of natural GMs. These generated RDTDs are then mapped into response‐compatible GMs through a feedforward neural network. To verify the effectiveness of RCGMG, NLTHA of different structure models under various site conditions and target spectra is conducted. Seismic responses of NLTHA using RCGMG‐generated GMs are compared with responses from spectrum‐compatible natural GMs. The results demonstrate that responses from RCGMG GMs are closer to the target responses, with fewer GM inputs and robust generalization performance.
Resurrection plants revisited: bridging the gap between bryophytes and angiosperms to decode desiccation tolerance
Authors: Marks Rose A.
Published: March 2024

This article is a Commentary on Zhang et al. (2024), 243: 981–996.
Multi‐UniFocality (MUF), in contrast to multifocality, in thyroid lesions: Relation to lymphocytic thyroiditis
Authors: Aydemirli Mehtap Derya , Morreau Hans
Published: April 2024

Whereas multifocality typically concerns papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) without specification of intrathyroidal metastatic or independent nature of tumor foci, the designation of the latter as Multi‐UniFocal (MUF) may be relevant for select cases. A case series involving multifocal thyroid lesions with divergent histopathological morphology and/or molecular profile, with molecular evaluation of multiple individual tumor foci per patient based on a next‐generation sequencing approach, was retrospectively reviewed. Twenty‐five patient cases with multifocal thyroid lesions suggestive of MUF, with 2–6 (median 3) tumor foci per patient, were described. Tumor lesions comprised diverse histopathology, including PTC, (E)FVPTC, NIFTP, FA, FTC, and oncocytic. Morphologically similar and/or diverse tumor foci harbored different molecular alterations (suggestive of non‐shared clonality); with(out) coexistent similar foci harboring identical molecular alterations; or (partly) shared molecular alterations. MUF was associated with chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis in almost half of the cases. The recognition of MUF may justify the independent clinical consideration per individual tumor focus; as separate lesions albeit within a multifocal context. The potential clinical relevance and prognostic value of MUF remain to be further established.
Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand position statement: The safe clinical use of sputum induction for bio‐sampling of the lower airways in children and adults
Authors: Schultz André , Balaguruswamy Sathya , Dentice Ruth , Dobler Claudia C. , Geake James , Gibson Peter , Goulter Patricia , Jayaram Lata , Laird Pamela J. , Middleton Peter G. , Seale Helen
Published: April 2024

Sputum induction is widely used in clinical settings for collection of biological samples from the lower airways. However, in recent years sputum induction has been associated with serious adverse events and even death. This position statement was commissioned by the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand to address major adverse events of two deaths associated with sputum induction that have occurred in Australia in 2021, and outlines best practice for the safe use of sputum induction. The statement resulted from systematic literature searches by a multi‐disciplinary group including respiratory physicians, nurses and physiotherapists (paediatric and adults focused). Consumers had input to an advanced draft of the position statement. The position statement covers indications for sputum induction, informed consent, scope of practice of personnel administering the procedure, infection control considerations, details about the sputum induction procedure, safety considerations and risk assessment in clinical settings.

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Influence of Breath-Mimicking Ventilated Incubation on Three-Dimensional Bioprinted Respiratory Tissue Scaffolds
Authors: Zimmerling Amanda , Boire Jim , Zhou Yan , Chen Xiongbiao
Published: April 2024

Development of respiratory tissue constructs is challenging due to the complex structure of native respiratory tissue and the unique biomechanical conditions induced by breathing. While studies have shown that the inclusion of biomechanical stimulus mimicking physiological conditions greatly benefits the development of engineered tissues, to our knowledge no studies investigating the influence of biomechanical stimulus on the development of respiratory tissue models produced through three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting have been reported. This paper presents a study on the utilization of a novel breath-mimicking ventilated incubator to impart biomechanical stimulus during the culture of 3D respiratory bioprinted constructs. Constructs were bioprinted using an alginate/collagen hydrogel containing human primary pulmonary fibroblasts with further seeding of human primary bronchial epithelial cells. Biomechanical stimulus was then applied via a novel ventilated incubator capable of mimicking the pressure and airflow conditions of multiple breathing conditions: standard incubation, shallow breathing, normal breathing, and heavy breathing, over a two-week time period. At time points between 1 and 14 days, constructs were characterized in terms of mechanical properties, cell proliferation, and morphology. The results illustrated that incubation conditions mimicking normal and heavy breathing led to greater and more continuous cell proliferation and further indicated a more physiologically relevant respiratory tissue model.
A Novel Physics-Based Model for Predicting Melt Pool Dimensions in Laser Powder Bed Fusion Process
Authors: Parsazadeh Mohammad , Ebrahimi Hadiseh , Shahzamanian Sichani Mohammadmehdi , Dahotre Narendra
Published: April 2024

This paper employed a scaling analysis to represent the processing parameters, affecting the melting process in the dimensionless numbers, identify the relationships of these dimensionless numbers, and develop semi-empirical correlations to predict the width and depth of the melt pool. To develop the correlations, Ti-6Al-4V powder was used to print 38 tracks at various processing conditions. The correlations were then fit into this experimental data using python code to find the constants of the correlations. The correlations were then used to predict the depth and width of the melt pools. It was found that the mean discrepancy between the predicted melt pool dimensions and the experiment is 7%. To evaluate the accuracy of the correlation in predicting the melt pool dimensions of the materials never used during the development of the correlations, the melt pool depth of some tracks made out of stainless steel 316L printed at various conditions was predicted using the model, and it was found that the mean discrepancy between the predicted melt pool depth and experiment is 11%.
Series Clutched Actuation for Collision-Tolerant High-Speed Robots
Authors: Ostyn Frederik , Vanderborght Bram , Crevecoeur Guillaume
Published: April 2024

Collisions at high-speed can severely damage robots with non-backdrivable drivetrains. Adding an overload clutch in series can improve the robot’s collision tolerance without compromising its high dynamic performance. This paper aims at determining the speed above which overload clutches are required in a two-link manipulator arm. Furthermore, the optimal clutch topology as function of the impact velocity is investigated. Third, it is evaluated if adding clutches can lower the impact force on the arm. Finally, the maximum speed is identified below which impact-aware robot control is possible. The latter requires that none of the clutches decouple during an intentional collision with the environment. These answers are obtained through collision simulations and experiments with a custom build two-link arm. It was found that adding a clutch reduces the torque experienced by the drivetrain by an order of magnitude and below the limit momentary peak torque of the strain wave gears that are used. Adding a clutch to the elbow joint of the two-link arm was effective in protecting the shoulder as well if the impact occurred at the tool center point. With respect to a rigid elbow joint, the clutched elbow joint reduced the collision force at the tool by only 8%. To demonstrate that the arm is impact-aware, a box of 8 kg is approached, impacted, and pushed at 1 m/s without decoupling a clutch, nor damaging the robot’s hardware.
Speech perception as information processing
Authors: Redford Melissa A.
Published: April 2024

The Reflections series takes a look back on historical articles from The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America that have had a significant impact on the science and practice of acoustics.
REVIEWS OF ACOUSTICAL PATENTS
Authors: Fulop Sean A.
Published: April 2024

The purpose of these acoustical patent reviews is to provide enough information for a Journal reader to decide whether to seek more information from the patent itself. Any opinions expressed here are those of the reviewers as individuals and are not legal opinions. Patents are available via the internet at the USPTO website.
Reduced complexity for sound zones with subband block adaptive filters and a loudspeaker line array
Authors: Møller Martin B. , Martinez Jorge , Østergaard Jan
Published: April 2024

Sound zones are used to reproduce individual audio content to multiple people in a room using a set of loudspeakers with controllable input signals. To allow the reproduction of individual audio to dynamically change, e.g., due to moving listeners, changes in the number of listeners, or changing room transfer functions, an adaptive formulation is proposed. This formulation is based on frequency domain block adaptive filters and given room transfer functions. To reduce computational complexity, the system is extended to subband processing without cross-adaptive filters. The computational savings come from recognizing that sound zones consist of part-solutions which are inherently band limited, hence, several subbands can be ignored. To validate the theoretical findings, a 27-channel loudspeaker array was constructed, and measurements were performed in anechoic and reflective environments. The results show that the subband solution performs identically to a full-rate solution but at a reduced computational complexity.
Shear wave speeds in a nearly incompressible fibrous material with two unequal fiber families
Authors: Wang Shuaihu , Okamoto Ruth J. , McGarry Matthew D. J. , Bayly Philip V.
Published: April 2024

The mechanical properties of soft biological tissues can be characterized non-invasively by magnetic resonance elastography (MRE). In MRE, shear wave fields are induced by vibration, imaged by magnetic resonance imaging, and inverted to estimate tissue properties in terms of the parameters of an underlying material model. Most MRE studies assume an isotropic material model; however, biological tissue is often anisotropic with a fibrous structure, and some tissues contain two or more families of fibers—each with different orientations and properties. Motivated by the prospect of using MRE to characterize such tissues, this paper describes the propagation of shear waves in soft fibrous material with two unequal fiber families. Shear wave speeds are expressed in terms of material parameters, and the effect of each parameter on the shear wave speeds is investigated. Analytical expressions of wave speeds are confirmed by finite element simulations of shear wave transmission with various polarization directions. This study supports the feasibility of estimating parameters of soft fibrous tissues with two unequal fiber families in vivo from local shear wave speeds and advances the prospects for the mechanical characterization of such biological tissues by MRE.
Absorptive nature of scattering coefficients in stress-energy tensor formalism for room acoustics
Authors: Polack Jean-Dominique , Dujourdy Hugo , Badeau Roland
Published: April 2024

In the stress-energy tensor formalism, the symmetry between absorption and scattering coefficients, as proven by measurements combined with simulations, is counterintuitive. By introducing the wall admittance, we show that the scattering coefficient is partly created by the real part of the wall admittance combined with the active intensity, that is, is partly due to absorption. However, for curved surfaces or finite source distances, it also depends on the imaginary part of the wall admittance in combination with the reactive intensity, which confers its genuine scattering properties inversely proportional to the distances to the sources. Thus, for plane waves impinging on plane boundaries, or purely real admittances, scattering reduces to absorption.
The Influence of Blind Tennis on Subjective Inclusion Experiences—An Ableism-Critical Analysis
Authors: Oldörp Felix , Giese Martin , Grenier Michelle
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we analyze the subjective inclusion experiences of visually impaired (VI) adult tennis players from an ableism-critical perspective. The primary focus of this research is the inclusive potential of blind tennis from the perspective of VI individuals. Episodic interviews were conducted to capture subjective perspectives. A qualitative text analysis revealed that the interviewees were confronted with multiple ability assumptions by sighted people in their everyday lives. Deficit notions on the performance of VI people included sports, work, and general activities. Participation in blind tennis helped the interviewees build a “competent identity” and acquire various skills useful for their everyday lives as participation in blind tennis was a pathway for competence in sports. Further research is needed to identify exclusion experiences from the perspective of disabled people to recognize the potential of different sports in reducing barriers to participation.
A novel phage putative depolymerase, Depo16, has specific activity against K1 capsular-type
Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Zhao Rihong , Jiang Shanshan , Ren Siyu , Yang Li , Han Wenyu , Guo Zhimin , Gu Jingmin
Published: March 2024

Klebsiella pneumoniae
, especially hypervirulent
K. pneumoniae
(hvKP), is a common opportunistic pathogen that often causes hospital- and community-acquired infections. Capsular polysaccharide (CPS) is an important virulence factor of
K. pneumoniae
. Some phages encode depolymerases that can recognize and degrade bacterial polysaccharides. In this study, the lytic bacteriophage vB_KpnP_ZK1 (abbreviated as ZK1) was isolated using serotype K1 hvKP as the host. Although amino acid sequence BLAST analysis indicated that the tail fiber protein Depo16 of phage ZK1 showed no significant similarity to any reported phage depolymerases, it displayed enzymatic activities that are characteristic of phage depolymerases. After expression and purification, Depo16 could efficiently remove the capsular polysaccharide layer that surrounds the surface of serotype K1
K. pneumoniae
. Although no bactericidal activity was detected, Depo16 makes serotype K1
K. pneumoniae
sensitive to peritoneal macrophages (PMs). In addition, in a mouse bacteremia model of serotype K1
K. pneumoniae
, 25 µg of Depo16 was effective in significantly prolonging survival. Depo16 treatment can reduce the bacterial load in blood and major tissues and alleviate tissue damage in mice. This indicates that the putative depolymerase Depo16 is a potential antibacterial agent against serotype K1
K. pneumoniae
infections.

IMPORTANCE

Klebsiella pneumoniae
often causes hospital-acquired infections and community-acquired infections. Capsular polysaccharide (CPS) is one of the crucial virulence factors of
K. pneumoniae
. K1 and K2 capsular-type
K. pneumoniae
strains are the most prevalent serotypes of hypervirulent
K. pneumoniae
(hvKP). In this study, a novel
K. pneumoniae
phage named vB_KpnP_ZK1 was isolated, and its putative depolymerase Depo16 showed low homology with other reported phage depolymerases. Depo16 can specifically degrade the
K. pneumoniae
K1 capsule making this serotype sensitive to peritoneal macrophages. More importantly, Depo16 showed a significant therapeutic effect in a mouse bacteremia model caused by serotype K1
K. pneumoniae
. Thus, Depo16 is a potential antibacterial agent to combat serotype K1
K. pneumoniae
infections.
IL-22-dependent responses and their role during
Citrobacter rodentium
infection
Authors: Melchior Karine , Gerner Romana R. , Hossain Suzana , Nuccio Sean-Paul , Moreira Cristiano Gallina , Raffatellu Manuela
Published: April 2024

The mouse pathogen
Citrobacter rodentium
is utilized as a model organism for studying infections caused by the human pathogens enteropathogenic
Escherichia coli
(EPEC) and enterohemorrhagic
E. coli
(EHEC) and to elucidate mechanisms of mucosal immunity. In response to
C. rodentium
infection, innate lymphoid cells and T cells secrete interleukin (IL)-22, a cytokine that promotes mucosal barrier function. IL-22 plays a pivotal role in enabling mice to survive and recover from
C. rodentium
infection, although the exact mechanisms involved remain incompletely understood. Here, we investigated whether particular components of the host response downstream of IL-22 contribute to the cytokine’s protective effects during
C. rodentium
infection. In line with previous research, mice lacking the IL-22 gene (
Il22
−/−
mice) were highly susceptible to
C. rodentium
infection. To elucidate the role of specific antimicrobial proteins modulated by IL-22, we infected the following knockout mice:
S100A9
−/−
(calprotectin),
Lcn2
−/−
(lipocalin-2),
Reg3b
−/−
(Reg3β),
Reg3g
−/−
(Reg3γ), and
C3
−/−
(C3). All knockout mice tested displayed a considerable level of resistance to
C. rodentium
infection, and none phenocopied the lethality observed in
Il22
−/−
mice. By investigating another arm of the IL-22 response, we observed that
C. rodentium
-infected

Il22
−/

−
mice exhibited an overall decrease in gene expression related to intestinal barrier integrity as well as significantly elevated colonic inflammation, gut permeability, and pathogen levels in the spleen. Taken together, these results indicate that host resistance to lethal
C. rodentium
infection may depend on multiple antimicrobial responses acting in concert, or that other IL-22-regulated processes, such as tissue repair and maintenance of epithelial integrity, play crucial roles in host defense to attaching and effacing pathogens.
Recommendations for the reporting and interpretation of isotope dilution U-Pb geochronological information
Authors: Condon Dan , Schoene Blair , Schmitz Mark , Schaltegger Urs , Ickert Ryan B. , Amelin Yuri , Augland Lars E. , Chamberlain Kevin R. , Coleman Drew S. , Connelly James N. , Corfu Fernando , Crowley James L. , Davies Joshua H.F.L. , Denyszyn Steven W. , Eddy Michael P. , Gaynor Sean P. , Heaman Larry M. , Huyskens Magdalena H. , Kamo Sandra , Kasbohm Jennifer , Keller C. Brenhin , MacLennan Scott A. , McLean Noah M. , Noble Stephen , Ovtcharova Maria , Paul André , Ramezani Jahandar , Rioux Matt , Sahy Diana , Scoates James S. , Szymanowski Dawid , Tapster Simon , Tichomirowa Marion , Wall Corey J. , Wotzlaw Jörn-Frederik , Yang Chuan , Yin Qing-Zhu
Published: April 2024

U-Pb geochronology by isotope dilution–thermal ionization mass spectrometry (ID-TIMS) has the potential to be the most precise and accurate of the deep time chronometers, especially when applied to high-U minerals such as zircon. Continued analytical improvements have made this technique capable of regularly achieving better than 0.1% precision and accuracy of dates from commonly occurring high-U minerals across a wide range of geological ages and settings. To help maximize the long-term utility of published results, we present and discuss some recommendations for reporting ID-TIMS U-Pb geochronological data and associated metadata in accordance with accepted principles of data management. Further, given that the accuracy of reported ages typically depends on the interpretation applied to a set of individual dates, we discuss strategies for data interpretation. We anticipate that this paper will serve as an instructive guide for geologists who are publishing ID-TIMS U-Pb data, for laboratories generating the data, the wider geoscience community who use such data, and also editors of journals who wish to be informed about community standards. Combined, our recommendations should increase the utility, veracity, versatility, and “half-life” of ID-TIMS U-Pb geochronological data.
Optical Trapping and Moving of Microparticles by the Near Field of Bloch Surface Waves in Polymer Waveguides
Authors: Bessonov V. O. , Rozanov A. D. , Fedyanin A. A.
Published: April 2024

Trapping and movement of microparticles using the near field of waveguide modes enables the realization of stable and compact integrated optical platforms for manipulating, sorting, and studying single microobjects. In this work, the possibility of optical manipulation via Bloch surface waves propagating in polymer waveguides on the surface of a one-dimensional photonic crystal and localizing light at the waveguide surface is studied. Numerical simulation of optical forces acting on a spherical particle from the fundamental waveguide mode of the Bloch surface wave is performed. Using two-photon laser lithography, SU-8 polymer waveguides are fabricated on the surface of a one-dimensional photonic crystal. The movement of a polystyrene microparticle along the waveguide when the Bloch surface wave is excited in it is experimentally demonstrated.
Self-sampling with oral rinse to detect oropharyngeal
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
among men who have sex with men: results from an exploratory study in Belgium (the SSONG Study)
Authors: Vanbaelen Thibaut , van Petersen Lida , van Frankenhuijsen Maartje , Cuylaerts Vicky , Van den Bossche Dorien , Kenyon Chris , De Baetselier Irith
Published: March 2024

Objectives

We aimed to assess whether a self-collected oral rinse was non-inferior to clinician-collected oropharyngeal swabs to detect
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
(Ng) using culture and nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT) among men who have sex with men (MSM), and whether Ng may still be detected in oral rinses for a minimum of 5 days after collection.

Methods

MSM with a positive Ng result in an oropharyngeal or pooled sample (oropharynx, urethra and anorectum) were approached. Clinician-collected oropharyngeal swabs and oral rinses (15 mL sterile water) were taken. Ng culture and NAAT (Abbott 2000m RealTime System CT/NG assay and in-house PCR) were performed. Diagnostic accuracy was assessed using sensitivity and specificity, and agreement between both techniques using Cohen’s kappa statistic. Aliquots of positive oral rinses were left at room temperature for a minimum of 5 days and reanalysed using NAAT. Lastly, participants filled in a questionnaire to explore perceptions of both methods.

Results

We included 100 participants between June 2022 and October 2023. 45 individuals (45 of 100) had a positive Ng result in either the oral rinses (42 of 45, 93%) or the swabs (36 of 45, 80%). Sensitivity was higher for oral rinses than swabs (sensitivity=0.93/0.80, specificity=1.0/1.0, respectively) and agreement between both techniques was good (kappa=0.75, p<0.001). Of the 42 positive oral rinses, 37 remained positive after a minimum of 5 days (88.1%). Using culture, 18 individuals had a positive Ng result in either the oral rinses (8 of 18, 44%) or the swabs (16 of 18, 88%). Most participants found the oral rinse easy or very easy to use and would be willing to use the oral rinse for home-based sampling.

Conclusion

We detected more oropharyngeal Ng infections via NAAT using oral rinses than swab samples. However, swabs were better than oral rinses for culturing Ng. Oral rinses might allow for home-based self-sampling to detect oropharyngeal Ng.
GoodIT
Authors: Goldweber Mikey
Published: April 2024

The Third ACM International Conference on Information Technology for Social good (GoodIT) was held September 6--8, 2023, in Lisbon, Portugal. GoodIT is one of the primary conferences sponsored by ACM SIGCAS. GoodIT began in 2021 by a small cadre of mostly Italian-based academics. In just two years, GoodIT has attracted paper submissions and attendees from not only across Europe, but Africa, North America, and Asia. This year's conference was attended by approximately 100 delegates.
Talking About Visualising Sustainability to Enrich Computing: 1. Taking D'Amato to the Beach
Authors: Mann Samuel , Myers Ruth
Published: April 2024

In this series we take a significant contribution to the visual representation of sustainability, and probe it for insights for computing. In a post-structuralist approach, we present this as a dialogue.
Comparison of Rationales and Approaches of Artificial Intelligence Regulatory Policies in the U.S, EU and China Draws Recommendations on a 'Fit for Purpose' Global AI Governance Mechanism
Authors: Wu Ao Kongiyue , Wu Weiyue , Liu Shaoshan
Published: April 2024

With the rapid development of AI technologies, our society is facing a global AI regulatory dilemma [1]., with a wide spectrum of AI regulatory rules not only confusing but also incurring very high costs for the participants of the AI industry [2].
Creative Coding as Method and Goal in a Gender Diverse First-Year Seminar
Authors: Gulley Paige
Published: April 2024

FIERCE (Fostering Inclusion by Engaging in Real-world Computing Education) is a first-year academic program for gender diverse students entering UMass's computer science or informatics degree program. In response to feedback that students wanted to be exposed to more actual programming prompts in addition to the more theoretical content which was the focus of the previous year's seminar, this year's seminar is focused on Creative Coding.
Project Unplug - A Personal Reflection on Rediscovering the Joy in Being Online
Authors: Heron Michael James
Published: April 2024

In 2021 I realised that large swathes of the Internet were making me sad. I resolved to do something about it.

The result was a focused, intense process of finding the mechanisms by which I could optimise my relationship with the online world. I resolved to focus on those things that brought me sustained happiness, as opposed to those things that merely offered transient pleasure. I ripped toxic websites out of my life, and limited my exposure to those I regarded as merely hazardous. The result was a battle to regain joy I once experienced in my online leisure activities - to regain my focus on electronic common ground, as opposed to digital battle grounds.

Few technologies have reached so deeply into our lives - and into our sense of self - as the modern Internet. Social and psychological defence mechanisms that evolved for the context of a tribe simply do not survive at Internet scale. For all that social media is designed to link us together, in many ways it only serves to push us apart.

This paper is a personal, autoethnographic reflection of how 'Project Unplug' was conceptualised, prepared, and executed over 2022. The specific combination of online vectors that were the cause of my unhappiness are unique to me.

This paper though outlines a hopefully valuable approach to creating our own digital rituals and rites so as to create strong, inviolable limits on the extent to which the Internet might erode our personal happiness
The Use of Acartia tonsa Nauplii during the First Days of Feeding on the Ontogeny of the Digestive System of Greater Amberjack (Seriola dumerili Risso, 1810)
Authors: Loufi Katerina , Papadakis Ioannis E. , Makridis Pavlos
Published: April 2024

The effect of feeding greater amberjack with copepod nauplii (Acartia tonsa) on the ontogeny of the digestive system was observed until 40 days after hatching (DAH). Copepods are part of the diet of fish larvae in nature, and they are rich in highly unsaturated fatty acids and free amino acids that enhance the digestive capacity of the fish. In a marine hatchery, four cylindroconical tanks of 2,700 L were stocked with about 150 × 103 greater amberjack larvae (Seriola dumerili) in each. The larvae were initially fed from 3 to 17 DAH in two tanks with copepod nauplii and rotifers (Brachionus sp.; Copepods group), while in the other two tanks, they were fed only with rotifers (Control group) during the same period. All the tanks were fed with rotifers (3–27 DAH), Artemia nauplii (12–22 DAH), enriched Artemia metanauplii (20–30 DAH), and formulated diet (25–40 DAH). Fish samples were taken regularly (every 2 or 4 days) for histological analysis and every day for the measurement of total length (TL). The TL was 3.7, 4.5 ± 0.1, 6.1, 11, 17.3 ± 0.1 and 20.3 ± 2.3 mm at 4, 10, 16, 22, 30, and 40 DAH, respectively. Copepod‐fed fish showed higher TL in the last 2 days of the trial (p  < 0.05), while mortality rates were lower in the beginning of the trial 10–17 DAH, (p  < 0.05). In addition, copepods‐fed fish had less skeletal deformities (p  < 0.05). Pyloric caeca appeared earlier in the Copepods group compared with the Control, while the length and surface of the villi, the abundance of goblet cells/100 μm of intestine length, and the area covered with lipid vacuoles in the liver were significantly higher in the Copepods group (p  < 0.05). We can conclude that the use of copepods in the diet of the greater amberjack larvae can improve the ontogeny of the digestive system.
Thinking Twice about the Cervical Mass: A Case Report of Primary Vaginal Leiomyosarcoma and Review of the Literature
Authors: Davitt Caroline C. , Zhang Yingao , Costales Anthony B.
Published: April 2024

Primary vaginal leiomyosarcoma (LMS) is an unusual cause of aggressive gynecologic cancer which requires prompt surgical treatment for favorable outcomes. Definitive diagnosis and treatment render unique challenges to clinicians based on vague presentation and limited evidence for management. Here, we describe a case of vaginal LMS in a middle-aged woman with a history of cervical dysplasia found to have a proximal vaginal mass after presenting with vaginal discharge and cramping pain. The patient was diagnosed on pathologic surgical specimen and subsequently underwent definitive surgical treatment. She remains with no evidence of disease 20 months later. In our report, we emphasize the nuances of surgical management including localized source control in those desiring future fertility. Ultimately, we make recommendations for surgical treatment and surveillance based on the available published literature.
Critical Care Nurses’ Perception of Medication Administration Errors in Kelantan, Malaysia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Ishak Muhammad Solehuddin , Ibrahim Mohd Ismail
Published: April 2024

Background. The study investigates critical care nurses’ perceptions of medication administration errors (MAEs) in a tertiary hospital in Kelantan, Malaysia, within the unique sociocultural context of East-Coast Malaysia. The research aims to understand the causes and underreporting of MAEs and assess the proportion of reported incidents according to MAE types. Methods. A cross-sectional study involving 424 critical care nurses from Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab II (HRPZII), Hospital Sultan Ismail Petra (HSIP), and Hospital Tanah Merah (HTM) was conducted. Nurses in administrative roles or unavailable during the survey period were excluded. The study utilized a validated Medication Administration Errors Survey questionnaire to gauge nurses’ perceptions on the causes of MAEs, reasons for underreporting, and the percentage of reported incidents based on MAE types. Results. Results indicate that illegible medication orders from doctors were identified as the primary cause of MAEs, while a lack of 24-hour pharmacist availability received the lowest score. The most common reason for not reporting MAEs was identified as the nursing administration’s focus on individuals rather than systemic issues when errors occur. The majority of MAEs were non-intravenous, with incorrect timing of administration being the leading cause. Conclusion. The study sheds light on critical care nurses’ perspectives on MAEs in a Malaysian hospital setting, highlighting key factors contributing to these errors and barriers to their reporting. Understanding these perceptions is crucial for developing strategies to mitigate MAEs and enhance patient safety in critical care environments.