bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-Major Students’ Perception on the Application of Gamification and Simulation in Electrical and Electronics Engineering Courses at Universities in Malaysia
Authors: Saris Nur Najahatul Huda , Md Sapari Norazliani
Published: May 2023

In the field of electrical and electronics (E&E) technology that is evolving rapidly, the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia emphasizes universities to ensure that the expected non-major E&E engineering graduates are fully equipped with the skills to fulfil market needs. However, it is challenging for non-major students to understand the topics taught to them through the methods as they are conventionally being delivered. Therefore, gamification and simulation such as Kahoot, Quizizz, Multisim and CircuitMod have been applied in the university to facilitate formative assessment in order to enhance interest and understanding, and also accomplish learning more effectively among non-major students. Hence, this research aims to examine the non-major students’ perception of the implementation of gamification and simulation in class for face-to-face and online settings. To achieve this, a set of questionnaires was adapted with some modifications for the purpose of data collection. It was distributed to the students from random public universities in Malaysia who are currently enrolled in E&E engineering courses at their respective universities which majority of them are from a mechanical engineering background. Research questions concentrate on the advantages and students’ perceptions of gamification and simulation in E&E engineering courses. The collected data has been analyzed using descriptive statistical analysis. Based on the perceptions of the participating non-major E&E engineering students, the majority of the respondents agreed that gamification and simulation provide a better learning experience with the highest score mean of 4.22.  Moreover, gamification and simulation boost students' ability to learn, motivate them, increase their understanding, promote their well-being, and increase their achievement academically. Students hold a positive perception with 4.20 mean score, stating that it is suitable for application in the learning process as it is easy to use, fun, motivating, and more efficient. The results provided would encourage educators in Malaysian universities to better meet the needs of teaching non-major students with their lessons.
Augmenting workload drives T‐tubule assembly in developing cardiomyocytes
Authors: Manfra Ornella , Louey Samantha , Jonker Sonnet S. , Perdreau‐Dahl Harmonie , Frisk Michael , Giraud George D. , Thornburg Kent L. , Louch William E.
Published: May 2023

Contraction of cardiomyocytes is initiated at subcellular elements called dyads, where L‐type Ca2+ channels in t‐tubules are located within close proximity to ryanodine receptors in the sarcoplasmic reticulum. While evidence from small rodents indicates that dyads are assembled gradually in the developing heart, it is unclear how this process occurs in large mammals. We presently examined dyadic formation in fetal and newborn sheep (Ovis aries), and the regulation of this process by fetal cardiac workload. By employing advanced imaging methods, we demonstrated that t‐tubule growth and dyadic assembly proceed gradually during fetal sheep development, from 93 days of gestational age until birth (147 days). This process parallels progressive increases in fetal systolic blood pressure, and includes step‐wise colocalization of L‐type Ca2+ channels and the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger with ryanodine receptors. These proteins are upregulated together with the dyadic anchor junctophilin‐2 during development, alongside changes in the expression of amphiphysin‐2 (BIN1) and its partner proteins myotubularin and dynamin‐2. Increasing fetal systolic load by infusing plasma or occluding the post‐ductal aorta accelerated t‐tubule growth. Conversely, reducing fetal systolic load with infusion of enalaprilat, an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, blunted t‐tubule formation. Interestingly, altered t‐tubule densities did not relate to changes in dyadic junctions, or marked changes in the expression of dyadic regulatory proteins, indicating that distinct signals are responsible for maturation of the sarcoplasmic reticulum. In conclusion, augmenting blood pressure and workload during normal fetal development critically promotes t‐tubule growth, while additional signals contribute to dyadic assembly.

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Key points

T‐tubule growth and dyadic assembly proceed gradually in cardiomyocytes during fetal sheep development, from 93 days of gestational age until the post‐natal stage.

Increasing fetal systolic load by infusing plasma or occluding the post‐ductal aorta accelerated t‐tubule growth and hypertrophy.

In contrast, reducing fetal systolic load by enalaprilat infusion slowed t‐tubule development and decreased cardiomyocyte size.

Load‐dependent modulation of t‐tubule maturation was linked to altered expression patterns of the t‐tubule regulatory proteins junctophilin‐2 and amphiphysin‐2 (BIN1) and its protein partners.

Altered t‐tubule densities did not influence dyadic formation, indicating that distinct signals are responsible for maturation of the sarcoplasmic reticulum.
Design and fabrication of color-generating nitride based thin-film optical filters for photovoltaic applications
Authors: Bhattacharyya Paramita , Ahammou Brahim , Azmi Fahmida , Kleiman Rafael , Mascher Peter
Published: May 2023

In this paper, we present the design and fabrication of a 11-layer notch filter for photovoltaic applications. Thickness modulation has been done on a starting quarter-wave design to obtain a 11-layer final structure. For our design parameters, we considered materials with indices of 2.09 and 1.51 as high and low refractive index materials, respectively. Since this filter aims for photovoltaic applications, we defined the substrate as silicon. The design shows a reflection peak of around 73% from 350 to 467 nm with a FWHM of 79 nm along with less than 10% reflection for longer wavelengths of the remaining high transmission region of 300–1200 nm. For fabrication, we used silicon nitride and silicon oxynitride as alternating high and low refractive index materials on a silicon substrate. Layers of silicon nitride and oxynitride were deposited with an electron cyclotron resonance plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition reactor and characterized with variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometry and spectrophotometry.
Numerical investigation of the blocking effect of a short duct on propeller noise
Authors: Jiang Hanbo , Zhou Teng , Guo Jingwen , Chen Wangqiao
Published: May 2023

Electric vertical and takeoff/landing vehicles for urban aerial mobility have attracted considerable attention in recent years. Some of these vehicles are equipped with ducted propellers to improve power efficiency, but the duct may also affect propeller noise generation and radiation. This work presents thorough numerical investigations to assess the importance of a short duct on propeller noise radiation. An analytical model is employed to predict noise emission from an isolated propeller, and the boundary element method is adopted to account for acoustic scattering effects. Additionally, an efficient data-clustering method is proposed to accelerate the overall noise prediction process. Parametric studies concerning geometries and the propeller's installation location are performed to exploit the duct's feasibility for low-noise vehicle development. Results suggest that the blocking effect can significantly benefit noise control for different rotating speeds, and installing the propeller at the symmetric plane of the duct can achieve the most noise reduction.
Why is the perceptual octave stretched? An account based on mismatched time constants within the auditory brainstem
Authors: de Cheveigné Alain
Published: May 2023

This paper suggests an explanation for listeners' greater tolerance to positive than negative mistuning of the higher tone within an octave pair. It hypothesizes a neural circuit tuned to cancel the lower tone that also cancels the higher tone if that tone is in tune. Imperfect cancellation is the cue to mistuning of the octave. The circuit involves two neural pathways, one delayed with respect to the other, that feed a coincidence-sensitive neuron via excitatory and inhibitory synapses. A mismatch between the time constants of these two synapses results in an asymmetry in sensitivity to mismatch. Specifically, if the time constant of the delayed pathway is greater than that of the direct pathway, there is a greater tolerance to positive mistuning than to negative mistuning. The model is directly applicable to the harmonic octave (concurrent tones) but extending it to the melodic octave (successive tones) requires additional assumptions that are discussed. The paper reviews evidence from auditory psychophysics and physiology in favor—or against—this explanation.
The effect of stimulus type and testing method on talker discrimination of school-age children
Authors: Zaltz Yael
Published: May 2023

Efficient talker discrimination (TD) improves speech understanding under multi-talker conditions. So far, TD of children has been assessed using various testing parameters, making it difficult to draw comparative conclusions. This study explored the effects of the stimulus type and variability on children's TD. Thirty-two children (7–10 years old) underwent eight TD assessments with fundamental frequency + formant changes using an adaptive procedure. Stimuli included consonant-vowel-consonant words or three-word sentences and were either fixed by run or by trial (changing throughout the run). Cognitive skills were also assessed. Thirty-one adults (18–35 years old) served as controls. The results showed (1) poorer TD for the fixed-by-trial than the fixed-by-run method, with both stimulus types for the adults but only with the words for the children; (2) poorer TD for the words than the sentences with the fixed-by-trial method only for the children; and (3) significant correlations between the children's age and TD. These results support a developmental trajectory in the use of perceptual anchoring for TD and in its reliance on comprehensive acoustic and linguistic information. The finding that the testing parameters may influence the top-down and bottom-up processing for TD should be considered when comparing data across studies or when planning new TD experiments.
Stressing the gut-brain axis
Authors: Foley John F.
Published: May 2023

Stress-induced changes in gut microbiota cause γδ T cell migration to the meninges, where they affect behavior in mice.
Phyllodes tumour initially diagnosed as keloid
Authors: Ibrahimpur Sanjana Shivalingappa , Phulpagar Mayura , Jatale Ashish , Pandya Jayashri Sanjay
Published: May 2023

It is unusual to find a breast tumour in a keloid, as the management of both is distinct. In this case, a young woman was operated on 4 years ago, for a right chest wall swelling, situated near the inframammary fold. The histopathological report revealed a granuloma, for which anti-tuberculosis treatment was given. However, the swelling recurred and progressed in size over the next 3 years. Then, she consulted the dermatology department, where the swelling was managed as a keloid. There was no remission. Consequently, the possibility of a breast tumour was suspected, and the patient was referred to breast services (subdivision of the surgery department).

Triple assessment of the breast lump was suggestive of a phyllodes tumour (PT). Surgical excision of the tumour was done, which showed a malignant PT. Radiotherapy was given and delayed breast reconstruction was planned.
Pseudoaneurysm of the subclavian artery as a delayed complication of a clavicle fracture
Authors: Cogburn Jennifer , Gilens Joshua F , Khodaee Morteza
Published: May 2023

Vascular complications are relatively rare following surgical fixation of midshaft clavicle fractures. Here, we report a case of a woman in her 30s presenting 10 years after right clavicular open reduction and internal fixation with revision 6 years prior with sudden and rapidly progressive neck swelling. Physical examination revealed a soft pulsating mass in her right supraclavicular fossa. Ultrasound and CT angiography of the head and neck showed a pseudoaneurysm of her right subclavian artery with a surrounding haematoma. She was admitted to the vascular surgery team for endovascular repair with stenting. Postoperatively, she developed arterial thrombi requiring thrombectomy (twice) and is now on lifelong anticoagulation. It is crucial to be aware of complications that can develop in patients with a history of clavicular fracture managed non-operatively or operatively even years later and highlights the importance of risk and benefit discussions and counselling.
Ureteric stent associated spondylodiscitis
Authors: Baron Daniel , Giona Simone , Chetwood Andrew
Published: May 2023

This case report describes a clinical presentation of spondylodiscitis, following an emergency ureteric stent placement for an infected and obstructed kidney in a woman in her late 70s who presented with right flank pain, raised inflammatory markers and an acute kidney injury. Non-contrast CT kidney, ureters and bladder (KUB) revealed a 9 mm obstructing stone and prompt decompression with a JJ stent was performed. Although the urine culture showed no growth at first, an extended spectrum beta-lactamaseEscherichia coliwas found in a subsequent urine culture after discharge. Postoperatively, the patient described a novel, worsening lower back pain and had persistently elevated inflammatory markers. An MRI revealed spondylodiscitis of L5/S1, for which she was treated with a 6-week course of antibiotics, and she has made a good but slow recovery. This case shows the unusual finding of spondylodiscitis postureteric stent placement and clinicians should be aware of this rare complication.
Spontaneous secondary pneumothorax with concomitant malignant pericardial effusion in the context of metastatic synovial sarcoma
Authors: Karapanos Lewis , Cheah Jonathan
Published: May 2023

Synovial sarcoma is a rare malignancy that commonly metastasises to the lungs, lymph nodes and more infrequently to the heart. It is associated with an elevated risk of pneumothorax. In this case, we report a case of dual pathology in a metastatic synovial sarcoma patient. The patient not only presented with a pericardial effusion but also with a secondary pneumothorax. A bedside echocardiogram was performed quickly, and the pericardial effusion was diagnosed early. Diagnosing the pneumothorax was delayed as the chest X-ray was not expedited but the patient was treated with an intercostal catheter before complications ensued. In the context of chest pain in patients with metastatic synovial sarcoma, we argue that conducting an early bedside echocardiogram and chest X-ray is paramount to avoid potential life-threatening complications. Concurrent lung disease and recent chemotherapy administration should also raise the clinician’s suspicion of pneumothorax in such cases.
Challenges of anaesthetising a child with Bow Hunter’s syndrome and dilated cardiomyopathy for occipitocervical fusion
Authors: Renthlei Lalrinhlui , Mariappan Ramamani , Raju Krishnaprabhu , Joseph Jeena
Published: May 2023

Paediatric Bow Hunter’s syndrome (BHS), or rotational vertebral artery syndrome, is a rare cause of posterior circulation insufficiency in children. It results from mechanical obstruction of the vertebral artery by the transverse process of cervical vertebrae resulting in vertebrobasilar insufficiency during the neck rotation to the sides. Paediatric dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a rare myocardial disease that presents with ventricular dilatation and cardiac dysfunction. This case report describes the successful anaesthetic management of an boy with BHS due to atlantoaxial dislocation and DCM. The child was anaesthetised by keeping the following anaesthetic goals in mind such as maintenance of the heart rate, rhythm, preload, afterload and contractility close to the baseline for both DCM and BHS. Haemodynamic management with optimal fluids, inotrope and a vasopressor and titrating its volume and doses using multimodal haemodynamic monitoring while keeping both cardio and neuroprotective strategies, and the multimodal analgesia techniques helped the child for faster recovery.
Spontaneous, simultaneous bilateral osteonecrosis of the femoral heads in a patient with sideroblastic anaemia with B-cell immunodeficiency, periodic fever and developmental delay syndrome
Authors: Cai George , Jayaraman Dev
Published: May 2023

Sideroblastic anaemia with B-cell immunodeficiency, periodic fever and developmental delay is a recently described, rare syndrome characterised by numerous manifestations underpinned by mutations in transfer RNA nucleotidyltransferase. The pathogenesis arises from mitochondrial dysfunction, with impaired intracellular stress response, deficient metabolism and cellular and systemic inflammation. This yields multiorgan dysfunction and early death in many patients with survivors suffering significant disability and morbidity. New cases, often youths, are still being described, expanding the horizon of recognisable phenotypes. We present a mature patient with spontaneous bilateral hip osteonecrosis that likely arises from the impaired RNA quality control and inflammation caused by this syndrome.
Corneal squamous neoplasia: masquerades and management outcomes at a rural eyecare centre
Authors: Agarwal Ayushi , Kaliki Swathi , Murthy Somasheila I
Published: May 2023

The authors describe two cases of corneal ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN), presenting at our rural eyecare centre, which were initially misdiagnosed as viral epithelial keratitis and corneal pannus with focal limbal stem cell deficiency. Both the cases were refractory to initial treatment and corneal OSSN was suspected. Anterior segment-optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) revealed a thickened, hyper-reflective epithelium with abrupt transition and an underlying cleavage plane, features typical of OSSN. Topical 1% 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) therapy was initiated and in two cycles (first case) to three cycles (second case), complete resolution was noted both clinically and on AS-OCT, with no significant side effects. Both patients are currently free of tumour at the 2-month follow-up period. The authors report the rare, atypical presentations of corneal OSSN, discuss the masquerades and highlight the role of primary topical 5-FU in managing corneal OSSN in limited resource settings.
Serological intermolecular epitope spreading in a patient with primary Sjögren’s syndrome
Authors: Lee Adrian Y S , Lin Ming Wei
Published: May 2023

Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) is one of the prototypic systemic autoimmune diseases characterised by autoreactive T and B cells, sicca symptoms and various extraglandular manifestations. SS is characterised by autoantibodies (anti-Ro52/tripartite motif containing-21 [TRIM21], anti-Ro60 and anti-La) that are important diagnostic biomarkers. Patients have typically stable serostatus; that is, patients who are positive for one or more of these autoantibodies tend to remain thus and vice versa. We describe a rare instance where a woman in her 50s was diagnosed with primary SS and developed new autoantibodies subsequently through serological epitope spreading. She demonstrated primarily glandular features only and clinical stability despite serological evolution. In this case report, we discuss the significance of this molecular feature and the clinical implications for our understanding of autoimmunity.
Gastroparesis: an under-recognised manifestation of systemic amyloidosis
Authors: Abdullah Khaled M , Alsuraimi Anas , Kagbo-Kue Suaka , Vela Marcelo
Published: May 2023

Gastrointestinal (GI) amyloidosis can be acquired or genetic and is commonly caused by chronic inflammatory illnesses (AA amyloidosis), haematological malignancies (AL amyloidosis) and end-stage renal disease (beta-2 microglobulin amyloidosis). The accumulation of these aberrant proteins disrupts the structures and functions of many organs; the least common of which is the GI tract. GI presentations depend on the type, location and amount of amyloid deposition. Symptoms can range from nausea and vomiting to fatal GI bleeds. Pathological examination of the involved tissue with characteristic green birefringence under polarised light is used to confirm the diagnosis. Patients should be considered for further evaluation to rule out additional organ involvement, notably cardiac and renal. We present a patient with amyloidosis-induced gastroparesis, an under-recognised presentation of systemic amyloidosis in the gastroenterology system.
Unusual presentation of a rare catecholamine-secreting sinonasal paraganglioma
Authors: Tan Jian Li , Toh Pei Yinn , Ling Shane
Published: May 2023

Our patient is a man in his mid-20s with an atypical presentation of a catecholamine-secreting sinonasal paraganglioma. He was referred to our tertiary otolaryngology unit for persistent right infraorbital numbness. A nasoendoscopic examination demonstrated a smooth mass arising from the posterior aspect of the right middle meatus. There was also right infraorbital paraesthesia. Imaging revealed a lesion in the right pterygopalatine fossa. Blood investigations revealed significantly elevated serum normetanephrine levels. The lesion was demonstrated to be octreotide-avid with no other lesions detected. The presumptive diagnosis of a catecholamine-secreting paraganglioma was made, and an endoscopic resection of the tumour was performed. Histopathology of the tumour demonstrated a ‘zellballen’ growth pattern consistent with a paraganglioma. Catecholamine-secreting sinonasal paragangliomas are exceedingly rare with multifaceted challenges. More studies are required to improve our knowledge of this condition.
Structural and social determinants of mental health inequities among collegiate athletes during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Kroshus Emily , Bell Lydia , Gurganus-Wright Kelsey , Hainline Brian
Published: May 2023

Objectives

To characterise psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic among collegiate athletes and assess whether racial and ethnic differences in psychological distress are attenuated when accounting for inequitable exposure to structural and social determinants of health.

Methods

Participants were collegiate athletes on teams competing in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (n=24 246). An electronic questionnaire was distributed by email, open for completion 6 October to 2 November 2020. Multivariable linear regression models were used to assess the cross-sectional associations between meeting basic needs, death or hospitalisation due to COVID-19 of a close contact, race and ethnicity, and psychological distress.

Results

Athletes racialised as Black had higher levels of psychological distress than their white peers (B=0.36, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.64). Psychological distress was higher among athletes who had more difficulties meeting basic needs, and who had a close contact die or be hospitalised with COVID-19. After adjusting for these structural and social factors, Black athletes experienced less psychological distress than white peers (B=−0.27, 95% CI −0.54 to −0.01).

Conclusions

The present findings provide further evidence of how inequitable structural and social exposures are associated with racial and ethnic differences in mental health outcomes. Sports organisations should ensure the mental health services available for their athletes are appropriate for meeting the needs of individuals experiencing complex and traumatic stressors. Sports organisations should also consider whether there are opportunities to screen for social needs (eg, related to food or housing insecurity), and to connect athletes with resources to help meet those needs.
Thematic reviews of patient safety incidents as a tool for systems thinking: a quality improvement report
Authors: Machen Samantha
Published: May 2023

Ensuring organisations learn from patient safety incidents is a key aim for healthcare organisations. The role that human factors and systems thinking can have to enable organisations learn from incidents is well acknowledged. A systems approach can help organisations focus less on individual fallibility and more on setting up resilient and safe systems. Investigation of incidents has previously been rooted in reductionist methodologies, for example, seeking to find the ‘root cause’ to individual incidents. While healthcare has embraced, in some contexts, the option for system-based methodologies—for example, SEIPS and Accimaps—these methodologies and frameworks still operate from a single incident perspective. It has long been acknowledged that healthcare organisations should focus on near misses and low harms with the same emphasis as incidents resulting in high harm. However, logistically, investigating all incidents in the same way is difficult. This paper puts forward an argument for themed reviews of patient safety incidents and provides an illustrative template for theming incidents using a human factors classification tool. This allows groups of incidents relating to the same portfolio, for example, medication errors, falls, pressure ulcer, diagnostic error, to be analysed at the same time and result in recommendations based on a larger sample size of incidents and based on a systems approach. This paper will present extracts of the themed review template trialled and argues that thematic reviews, in this context, allowed for a better understanding of the system of safety around the mismanagement of the deteriorating patient.
Ethics of ‘Counting Me In’: framing the implications of direct-to-patient genomics research
Authors: Zhang Tenny R
Published: May 2023

Count Me In (CMI) was launched in 2015 as a patient-driven research initiative aimed at accelerating the study of cancer genomics through direct participant engagement, electronic consent and open-access data sharing. It is an example of a large-scale direct-to-patient (DTP) research project which has since enrolled thousands of individuals. Within the broad scope of ‘citizen science’, DTP genomics research is defined here as a specific form of ‘top-down’ research endeavour developed and overseen by institutions within the traditional human subjects research context; in novel ways, it engages and recruits patients with defined diseases, consents them for medical information and biospecimens sharing, and stores and disseminates genomic information. Importantly, these projects simultaneously aim to empower participants in the research process while increasing sample size, particularly in rare disease states. Using CMI as a case study, this paper discusses how DTP genomics research raises new questions in the context of traditional human subjects research ethics, including issues surrounding participant selection, remote consent, privacy and return of results. It aims to demonstrate how current research ethics frameworks may be insufficient in this context, and that institutions, institutional review boards and investigators should be aware of these gaps and their role in ensuring the conduct of ethical, novel forms of research together with participants. Ultimately, a broader question is raised of whether the rhetoric of participatory genomics research advocates for an ethic of personal and social duty for contributing to the advancement of generalisable knowledge about health and disease.
Facies-related diagenesis of Jurassic sandstones, central Junggar Basin, NW China: implications for reservoir quality evolution
Authors: Zhang Penghui , Lee Yong Il
Published: May 2023

Hydrocarbon exploration in China has recently expanded to deep tight oil and gas from the Lower Jurassic sandstone reservoirs in the central Junggar Basin. These deeply buried sandstones (>4.5 km) have generally been overpressured due to hydrocarbon saturation, but have not been intensively investigated in terms of diagenesis and reservoir quality. The Lower Jurassic sandstones are feldspathic litharenites (average Q
28
F
29
R
43
) and were deposited in the lacustrine–deltaic environments of the high-palaeolatitude continental basin under warm, humid climatic conditions. Progressive burial with only slight uplift of the strata led to a relatively stable burial–thermal regime, resulting in minor diagenetic changes consisting of compaction, cementation by carbonates, quartz and clay minerals, and partial dissolution of feldspars and rock fragments. Despite generally similar diagenetic histories, the studied sandstones reveal considerable variations in the development of pore systems, porosity and permeability. The best reservoirs are represented by medium- to coarse-grained depositional facies with higher porosity (average 8.43%) and permeability (average 0.59 mD). All the evidence suggests that integrated consideration of the roles of depositional settings and diagenesis, linked with burial–thermal history and overpressure evolution conditions, provides a helpful means of predicting reservoir quality.
Training the creation, visualization and interpretation of fault maps for the subsurface – using tectonic geomorphology
Authors: Butler Robert W. H.
Published: May 2023

Fault mapping is essential for understanding subsurface geological structure. However, effective training of students in developing and understanding fault patterns in 3D seismic imagery is impeded by the time-investment needed to acquire competence using software and then creating depth-structure maps of stratal horizons. Here an exercise is laid out that can achieve the desired experience – using the young fault systems of Afar (Djibouti), where former land-surface-defining basalt flows are offset by arrays of normal faults. The top-basalt surface, displayed on GoogleEarth, is in effect a depth-structure map and the gaps (‘fault-loss’) in this surface approximate to exposed fault surfaces. The mapping exercise is described and illustrated here step-wise. The fault system is gradually mapped out to reveal examples of long-continuous faults, branching patterns, relaying faults and isolated fault segments. Alternative criteria for identifying faults can be examined, with analogies in seismic interpretation. This can inform discussion of the approaches and uncertainties inherent in mapping faults in the subsurface. The study may be extended to consider the pattern of early–syn-rift depositional systems. Collectively these tasks can be progressed within an hour or so, providing effective insights into the structure of normal fault systems that cannot be replicated by conventional fieldwork.
14 Years of Self-Tracking Technology for mHealth—Literature Review: Lessons Learned and the PAST SELF Framework
Authors: Yfantidou Sofia , Sermpezis Pavlos , Vakali Athena
Published: May 2023

In today’s connected society, many people rely on mHealth and self-tracking (ST) technology to help them adopt healthier habits with a focus on breaking their sedentary lifestyle and staying fit. However, there is scarce evidence of such technological interventions’ effectiveness, and there are no standardized methods to evaluate their impact on people’s physical activity and health. This work aims to help ST practitioners and researchers by empowering them with systematic guidelines and a framework for designing and evaluating technological interventions to facilitate health behavior change and user engagement, focusing on increasing physical activity and decreasing sedentariness. To this end, we conduct a literature review of 129 papers between 2008 and 2022, which identifies the core ST design principles and their efficacy, as well as the most comprehensive list to date of user engagement evaluation metrics for ST. Based on the review’s findings, we propose PAST SELF, a framework to guide the design and evaluation of ST technology that has potential applications in industrial and scientific settings. Finally, to facilitate researchers and practitioners, we complement this article with an open corpus and an online, adaptive exploration tool for the PAST SELF data.
Electrochemical Evaluation of Free Radical Scavenging Activity of Sesamol
Authors: Smarzewska Sylwia , Guziejewski Dariusz , Ullah Nabi , Koszelska Kamila
Published: May 2023

In this paper the evaluation of free radical scavenging activity of sesamol using a purine sensor was performed. The sensor was constructed via electro-immobilization of the guanine (Gua) on the surface of glassy carbon electrode. Guanine damage was induced by the hydroxyl radicals generated during Fenton-type reaction. Sesamol (Ses) which is an efficient antioxidant, well−known for its health−promoting properties was used in the present evaluation as a free radical scavenger. The interaction, carried out between the immobilized guanine and the free radicals, in the presence and absence of Ses was evaluated through changes in the Gua anodic peak. Under optimized conditions, the proposed sensor showed linear response in the sesamol concentration range from 0.1 to 0.6 mg l−1, the LOD value was equal to 0.02 mg l−1. The results clearly demonstrated that Ses has ability to scavenge the hydroxyl radical and protect the immobilized guanine.
Review—Ion Interference and Elimination in Electrochemical Detection of Heavy Metals Using Anodic Stripping Voltammetry
Authors: Yang Yixuan , Huang Yilu , Luo Huili , Zhao Jia , Bi Junping , Wu Genyi
Published: May 2023

Anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV) is a widely used electrochemical analysis method in rapid detection of heavy metals. But the interference in complex samples will influence the accuracy and sensitivity of electrochemical detection, which further limits ASV on-site application. In this article, main ion interferences, interference mechanisms and available elimination measures in ASV detection of heavy metals are analyzed and summarized. Metal ions, the main disturbances, generally interfere with detection by competing active sites, forming intermetallic compounds or coating on electrode surface. Elimination methods include adding masking agents, adjusting electrolyte composition, changing deposition potentials and using modified electrode. More researches about ion interference appear in electrochemical detection method, the effect verification of electrode materials and adding test rather than actual detection. Furthermore, reliable solution of the interferences in simultaneous detection of multiple components will be the direction of future in-depth research.
Application of a Gold /Poly(Congo Red) Modified Electrochemical Sensor Toward Fast and Reliable Detection of the Oxazolidinone Fungicide Famoxadone in Vegetables
Authors: Benhawy Abdelaziz H. , Fahmy Hussein M. , El Dien Faten A. Nour , El Nashar Rasha M.
Published: May 2023

In this work, the synthesis and optimization of an electrochemical sensor based on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs)/ conducting poly Congo red dye (poly(CR)) nanocomposite is reported and applied for detection of the Oxazolidinone fungicide famoxadone (FAM), which is considered as an environmentally hazardous material on excessive uncontrolled application. The modified sensor was characterized electrochemically using Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) to investigate the nature of charge transfer upon modification. Also, the topography of the sensor was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Two linear ranges 0.001–1 μM (0.37–374.40) μg l−1 and 3–100 μM (1.12–37.44) mg l−1 were recorded using AuNPs/poly (Congo Red)/GCE sensor for FAM with limit of detection (LOD) of 0.17 nM (0.06 μg l−1) and limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.48 nM (0.18 μg l−1). The tested sensor showed good stability, reproducibility, and repeatability, in addition, sufficient selectivity towards FAM in presence of other tested pesticides. Finally, the fabricated sensor was applied for the determination of FAM in vegetable and formulation samples, with recovery range 98.9%–105.4% and RSD 0.70%–4.46%. ). Thus, this approach can be efficiently applied in regulatory authorization for tracing the Fam concentration, being very simple, portable, cost effective and easy to operate compared to chromatographic detection, thus allows fast decisions for regulatory authorities.
Surface-Related Factors Affecting the Photocatalytic Process of Semiconductor Oxides: Ceria and Titania
Authors: Mamedov D. , Karazhanov S. Zh. , Alonso-Vante N.
Published: May 2023

Nanoparticles of CeO2, with rod-, and cubic-morphology, were synthesized by hydrothermal method and compared with commercial polyhedral ceria particles. Comparison of the synthesized CeO2 with the commercial powder revealed the influence of its defectivity with the absorption edge energy. The defectivity of CeO2 has also been determined in correlation with the photocatalytic performance of CeO2 per unit particles area, under narrow band UV-light (LED) condition. Analysis of the photocatalytic performance of the synthesized and commercial CeO2, as well as the reference TiO2 powder, revealed an enhancement in the decolorization of methylene blue dye (MB) with pH. The improvement in photocatalysis was associated with the surface charge condition of CeO2 particles, which controls the adsorption of molecules during the process. Furthermore, it was observed that the highly negative surface charge of cubic-morphology CeO2 favored the decolorization of MB, despite the low BET surface area. The photoelectrochemical study of ceria electrodes revealed a low photopotential compared to that of TiO2, the impact of which leads to a worse photocatalytic performance of CeO2 compared to TiO2.
Anode Process on Platinum in Low Temperature KF-AlF3-Al2O3 Based Melts: An Update
Authors: Suzdaltsev Andrey , Zaikov Yuriy
Published: May 2023

The present paper is devoted to obtaining new fundamental data on the electrochemical behavior of oxygen-evolving anodes in fluoride-oxide melts. In this work, the function of platinum and basics of its anode behavior as an ideal oxygen-releasing anode during electrolysis of the low temperature KF-AlF3-Al2O3 based melt were studied by potentiometric, cyclic voltammetric, and chronopotentiometric methods. The influence of the electrolyte composition, temperature, atmosphere, potential sweep rate, current density on the kinetics of the anode process was investigated. In order to clarify the mechanism of the process under study, electrolysis testing was carried out to inform an analysis of platinum oxidation products. Based on the experimental results, the validity of an earlier proposed scheme of the anode process on platinum when carrying out electrolysis of low temperature KF-AlF3-Al2O3 based melts was confirmed. Results will be used for theoretical modeling and studying the kinetics of the anode process on an over oxygen-evolving anodes in the fluoride-oxide melts.
Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Skeletal Muscles of Myogenin and Myostatin Genes of the Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)
Authors: Jawanjal Namrata Rambhau , Zhang Hanchen , Chae Jun Young , Yoo ByungHwa , Kwon Min Sun , Lee Hyung Ho
Published: May 2023

The present study was conducted on the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and screened for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the muscle hormone genes myogenin (MyoG) and myostatin (MSTN). Samples were collected from the JangHang fish farm and categorized by body weight and sex. The average total weight was 1.02 kg for the 82 males and 0.63 kg for the 70 females. A body weight in the range of the average weight ±10% was considered as normal weight. Target regions of each gene were categorized, such as the promoter region, 5′-untranslated region (5′UTR) and 3′UTR. Genomic deoxyribonucleic acid (gDNA) was extracted, amplified, sequenced, aligned, and screened for the presence of nucleotide variations. Three SNPs, 1,875T>A, 1,892C>T, and 1,946A>G, and one insertion (TGA​CAT​ATT​TCC​CTC​ACA) at 2,138–2,145 were detected in the 3′UTR of the MyoG gene. However, within the MSTN gene, one insertion at 450 (T) and two SNPs at 536 (G>A and A>A) were found in the 5′UTR. In addition, four insertions at 1,278–1,279 (GT, T, TGT, and G) and one short tandem repeat (STR) at 1,129 (TG) in Exon 1, two SNPs at 4,438 (3′UTR; A>C and C>C), and two SNPs at 4,514 (3′UTR; G>A and A>A) were identified. Principal component analysis (PCA) and statistical analyses were performed to evaluate the relationships between the SNPs and body weight, forming 6 and 41 genotype blocks in the MyoG and MSTN genes, respectively. We found significant correlations between the SNPs and body weight traits for the effective genotype blocks GBG-1, GBG-3, and GBG-4 of MyoG and GBN-1, GBN-2, GBN-3, GBN-4, GBN-13, GBN-22, and GBN-24 of MSTN. These outcomes would be significant for fish breeding and may help obtain data for use in genetic marker kits. In some instances, genetic marker kits have a distinct advantage for improvement in genetics, parentage control, identification of species, and enhancing breeding stock and its applications in aquaculture.
Complicated Acute Pericarditis and Peripheral Venous Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infection Caused by Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus after Influenza B Virus Infection: A Case Report
Authors: Ochi Fumihiro , Tauchi Hisamichi , Miura Hiromitsu , Moritani Tomozo , Chisaka Toshiyuki , Higaki Takashi , Eguchi Mariko
Published: May 2023

Background. In this study, we report the case of a 14-month-old female patient transferred from another hospital to our hospital with a 9-day history of fever and worsening dyspnea. Case Report. The patient tested positive for influenza type B virus 7 days before being transferred to our hospital but was never treated. The physical examination performed at presentation revealed redness and swelling of the skin at the site of the peripheral venous catheter insertion performed at the previous hospital. Her electrocardiogram revealed ST segment elevations in leads II, III, aVF, and V2–V6. An emergent transthoracic echocardiogram revealed pericardial effusion. As ventricular dysfunction due to pericardial effusion was not present, pericardiocentesis was not performed. Furthermore, blood culture revealed methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Thus, a diagnosis of acute pericarditis complicated with sepsis and peripheral venous catheter-related bloodstream infection (PVC-BSI) due to MRSA was made. Frequent bedside ultrasound examinations were performed to evaluate the outcomes of the treatment. After administering vancomycin, aspirin, and colchicine, the patient’s general condition stabilized. Conclusions. In children, it is crucial to identify the causative organism and provide appropriate targeted therapy to prevent worsening of the condition and mortality due to acute pericarditis. Moreover, it is important to carefully monitor the clinical course for the progression of acute pericarditis to cardiac tamponade and evaluate the treatment outcomes.
A Network Key Node Identification Method Based on Improved Multiattribute Fusion
Authors: Chen Bo , Tong Rui , Chen Yufeng , Jiang Panling , Gao Xiue , Tao Hang
Published: May 2023

Considering the shortcomings of the existing network key node identification methods based on multiattribute fusion, which have single evaluation methods and low decision accuracy, combined with the advantages of the high accuracy of TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution) algorithm and the applicability of grey relational analysis method for incomplete information evaluation, the concept of relative closeness is proposed, and nodes are ranked in importance based on the relative closeness; a key node identification method algorithm based on improved multiattribute fusion is designed. First, the identification problem of key nodes is transformed into multiattribute decision-making method, and the decision matrix is obtained. Second, the weighting matrix is obtained by weighting them in both subjective and objective dimensions, the relative closeness is calculated for the weighting matrix. Finally, sort the network nodes by relative closeness, and network performance simulation experiments are designed using various combinations of evaluation methods and key node identification methods. The simulation results show that this method is more adaptable and improves the identification accuracy of the network key nodes.
Assessment of the Psychometric Properties of the Danish VISA-P
Authors: Agergaard Anne-Sofie , Comins Jonathan D. , Siersma Volkert , Malmgaard-Clausen Nikolaj M. , Couppe Christian , Hjortshoej Mikkel H. , Olesen Jens L. , Magnusson S. Peter
Published: May 2023

Purpose. The objective of the current study was to conduct a rigorous assessment of the psychometric properties of the Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment-patellar tendinopathy (VISA-P). Methods. Rasch analysis, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and multivariable linear regression were used to assess the psychometric properties of the VISA-P questionnaire in 184 Danish patients with patellar tendinopathy who had symptoms ranging from under 3 months to over 1 year. A group of 100 healthy Danish persons was included as a reference for known-group validation. Results. The analyses revealed that the 8-item VISA-P did not fit a unidimensional model, yielded at best a 3-factor model, and exhibited differential item functioning (DIF) across healthy subjects versus people with patellar tendinopathy. Conclusion. VISA-P in its present form does not satisfy a measurement model and is not a robust scale for measuring patellar tendinopathy. A new PROM for patellar tendinopathy should be developed and appropriately validated, and meanwhile, simple pain scoring (e.g., numeric rating scales) and functional tests are suggested as more appropriate outcome measures for studies of patellar tendinopathy.
Kernel‐Free Nonlinear Support Vector Machines for Multiview Binary Classification Problems
Authors: Chen Rongda , Yang Zhixia , Ye Junyou
Published: May 2023

Multiview learning (MVL) frequently uses support vector machine‐ (SVM‐) based models, but it can be difficult to select appropriate kernel functions and corresponding parameters. Then, by introducing kernel‐free tricks, two multiview classifiers are proposed, called C‐multiview kernel‐free nonlinear support vector machine (C‐MKNSVM) and its ν‐version, namely, ν‐MKNSVM. They try to find a quadratic hypersurface under each view to classify the sample points and employ a consistency constraint to fuse the sample points from two views. Both the primal and dual problems of C‐MKNSVM and ν‐MKNSVM do not involve kernel functions; thus, they are allowed to be solved directly. In addition, the relationship of solutions between the primal and dual problems is discussed in each classifier. For the C‐version and ν‐version of MKNSVM, the meanings of their parameters and the relationship between them are analyzed in detail. The experimental results of artificial and benchmark datasets show that our methods are superior to some traditional MVL classifiers like SVM‐2K, PSVM‐2V, and MvTSVM, especially ν‐MKNSVM.