bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multimodal Learning
Authors: Bouchey Bettyjo , Castek Jill , Thygeson John
Published: March 2021

The widespread use of technology in the digital age continually shapes how individuals consume knowledge and learn. In the digital age, ideas are shared and represented in multiple formats and through the integration of multiple modes. Technological advances, coupled with considerations of the changing needs of today’s learners, call for exploring new directions for multimodal teaching and learning. Yet, society’s increasing reliance on, and use of, technologies for communication and learning has introduced expanded forms of meaning-making. Information and communication technologies (ICTs) and the online networks that are facilitated by their use encourage educators to transform the way education is delivered. Learning environments are in need of becoming transformed so students are able to use immersive technologies to expand their learning opportunities. This chapter explores emerging trends and pedagogies in multimodal learning that seek to take advantage of the digital tools, texts, and learning approaches that are continually shaping the ways learning occurs inside and outside of higher education.

This chapter is outlined to highlight what is found in the literature on multimodal instruction, what findings were realized at eXploring the Future of Innovative Learning Environments (X-FILEs) workshops, and lastly how multimodal instruction can be used to transform the classroom of the future. Throughout this chapter, readers will get to know a student of the future, Juan Delgado. He attends a 4-year university in Dallas, Texas, and is majoring in Mechanical Engineering taking his Introduction to the Fundamentals of Science course. Each aspect of the learning process as it relates to multimodal instruction in 2023 is outlined through the experiences of Juan to situate the impact to learners.
Emergent Guiding Principles for STEM Education
Authors: Ragan Lawrence C. , Ramirez Villarin Lorraine J.
Published: March 2021

This chapter highlights a series of guiding principles that emerged from the information collected and collated following the X-FILEs Workshop. The guiding principles were developed from themes that appeared in multiple formats and across most or all technology categories. These propositions can inform and serve as the foundation for the design and development of future STEM education. These nine guiding principles, divided into four clusters, emphasize a learning environment that is student-engaged, flexible, and fluid, provides equitable access and accessibility to all, and is personalized to the learner, co-contributed and multiply-sourced, safe and secure, and ethical.
Older Adults in Hospitals: Health Promotion When Hospitalized
Authors: Helvik Anne-S.
Published: March 2021

The population of older adults (≥60 years) is currently growing. Thus, in the years to come it is expected that a high proportion of patients hospitalized will be in the older age range. In western countries, the proportion of older inpatients is about 40% in the medical and surgical hospitals units. Older people with illness is vulnerable to both physical and cognitive impairments as well as depression. Therefore, a health-promoting perspective and approach are highly warranted in clinical nursing care of older adults in medical hospitals. This chapter focuses on health promotion related to depressive symptoms, impairment in activities of daily living, and cognitive impairment in older hospitalized adults.
Sense of Coherence
Authors: Moksnes Unni Karin
Published: March 2021

This chapter introduces the concept of sense of coherence which is a core concept in the salutogenic model defined by Aron Antonovsky. The salutogenic model posits that sense of coherence is a global orientation, where life is understood as more or less comprehensible, meaningful, and manageable. A strong sense of coherence helps the individual to mobilize resources to cope with stressors and manage tension successfully with the help of identification and use of generalized and specific resistance resources. Through this mechanism, the sense of coherence helps determine one’s movement on the health ease/dis-ease continuum. Antonovsky developed an instrument named Orientation to Life Questionnaire to measure the sense of coherence which exists in two original versions: a 29-item and a 13-item version. This chapter presents the measurement of the sense of coherence and the validity and reliability of the 13-item scale. It gives a brief overview of empirical research of the role of sense of coherence in association with mental health and quality of life and also on sense of coherence in different patient groups including nursing home residents, patients with coronary heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and mental health problems. It also briefly discusses the implications of using salutogenesis in health care services and the importance of implementing this perspective in meeting with different patient groups. The salutogenic approach may promote a healthy orientation toward helping the patient to cope with everyday stressors and integrate the effort regarding how to help the patient manage to live with disease and illness and promote quality of life.
Self-Transcendence: A Salutogenic Process for Well-Being
Authors: Reed Pamela G. , Haugan Gørill
Published: March 2021

Self-transcendence is a concept relevant to understanding how human beings attain or maintain well-being. Not surprisingly, it is similar to other concepts that are in some way linked to human well-being. The purpose of this chapter is to discuss self-transcendence particularly for its empirical support and practical relevance in promoting well-being across the health continuum. Increasing understanding and generating new ideas about self-transcendence may also facilitate continued research into self-transcendence and identification of health-promoting interventions and practices that foster well-being, particularly in difficult life situations.
Handlungsfelder der Landnutzung
Authors: Baum Sarah , Elsasser Peter , Goetzke Roland , Henseler Martin , Hoymann Jana , Kreins Peter
Published: March 2021

Mit welchen Maßnahmen eine angepasste Landnutzung zum Klimaschutz beitragen kann, wird anhand von Handlungsfeldern im Siedlungswesen, in der landwirtschaftlichen Landnutzung und forstlichen Handlungsoptionen sektoral veranschaulicht. Es werden die Maßnahmen beschrieben und ihre jeweilige Relevanz hergeleitet. Ferner wird spezifiziert, welche Maßnahmen konkret analysiert werden.
Polynomial identities related to special Schubert varieties
Authors: Cioffi Francesca , Franco Davide , Sessa Carmine
Published: March 2021

Let $$\mathcal S$$
S
be a single condition Schubert variety with an arbitrary number of strata. Recently, an explicit description of the summands involved in the decomposition theorem applied to such a variety has been obtained in a paper of the second author. Starting from this result, we provide an explicit description of the Poincaré polynomial of the intersection cohomology of $$\mathcal S$$
S
by means of the Poincaré polynomials of its strata, obtaining interesting polynomial identities relating Poincaré polynomials of several Grassmannians, both by a local and by a global point of view. We also present a symbolic study of a particular case of these identities.
Odour-active compounds in liquid malt extracts for the baking industry
Authors: Rögner Nadine S. , Mall Veronika , Steinhaus Martin
Published: March 2021

An odorant screening by gas chromatography–olfactometry (GC–O) and a crude aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA) applied to the volatiles isolated from a light and a dark liquid malt extract (LME) by solvent extraction and solvent-assisted flavour evaporation (SAFE) identified 28 odorants. Fifteen major odorants were subsequently quantitated and odour activity values (OAVs) were calculated as ratio of the concentration to the respective odour threshold value (OTV). Important odorants in the light LME included 3-(methylsulfanyl)propanal (OAV 1500), (E)-β-damascenone (OAV 430), and 4-ethenyl-2-methoxyphenol (OAV 91). In the dark LME, sotolon (OAV 780), 3-(methylsulfanyl)propanal (OAV 550), (E)-β-damascenone (OAV 410), acetic acid (OAV 160), and maltol (OAV 120) were of particular importance. To get an insight into the changes during malt extract production, the quantitations were extended to the malt used as the starting material for both LMEs. Addition of a minor amount of water to malt before volatile extraction was shown to be effective to cover the free as well as the bound malt odorants. Results showed that some LME odorants originated from the starting material whereas others were formed during processing. Important process-induced LME odorants included (E)-β-damascenone and 4-ethenyl-2-methoxyphenol in the light LME as well as maltol, sotolon, (E)-β-damascenone, and 2-methoxyphenol in the dark LME. In summary, the odorant formation during LME production was shown to be more important than the transfer of odorants from the malt.
Training physicians in India to interpret pediatric chest radiographs according to World Health Organization research methodology
Authors: McCollum Eric D. , Higdon Melissa M. , Fancourt Nicholas S. S. , Sternal Jack , Checkley William , De Campo John , Shet Anita
Published: March 2021

Background

Chest radiography is the standard for diagnosing pediatric lower respiratory infections in low-income and middle-income countries. A method for interpreting pediatric chest radiographs for research endpoints was recently updated by the World Health Organization (WHO) Chest Radiography in Epidemiological Studies project. Research in India required training local physicians to interpret chest radiographs following the WHO method.

Objective

To describe the methodology for training Indian physicians and evaluate the training’s effectiveness.

Materials and methods

Twenty-nine physicians (15 radiologists and 14 pediatricians) from India were trained by two WHO Chest Radiography in Epidemiological Studies members over 3 days in May 2019. Training materials were adapted from WHO Chest Radiography in Epidemiological Studies resources. Participants followed WHO methodology to interpret 60 unique chest radiographs before and after the training. Participants needed to correctly classify ≥80% of radiographs for primary endpoint pneumonia on the post-training test to be certified to interpret research images. We analyzed participant performance on both examinations.

Results

Twenty-six of 29 participants (89.7%) completed both examinations. The average score increased by 9.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 5.0–14.1%) between examinations (P<0.001). Participants correctly classifying ≥80% of images for primary endpoint pneumonia increased from 69.2% (18/26) on the pretraining to 92.3% (24/26) on the post-training examination (P=0.003). The mean scores of radiologists and pediatricians on the post-training examination were not statistically different (P=0.43).

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate this training approach using revised WHO definitions and tools was successful, and that non-radiologists can learn to apply these methods as effectively as radiologists. Such capacity strengthening is important for enabling research to support national policy decision-making in these settings. We recommend future research incorporating WHO chest radiograph methodology to consider modelling trainings after this approach.
Effects of lenalidomide on the bone marrow microenvironment in acute myeloid leukemia: Translational analysis of the HOVON103 AML/SAKK30/10 Swiss trial cohort
Authors:   on behalf of the Dutch-Belgian Hemato-Oncology Cooperative Group (HOVON) and Swiss Group for Clinical Cancer Research (SAKK), Brune Magdalena M. , Stüssi Georg , Lundberg Pontus , Vela Visar , Heim Dominik , Manz Markus G. , Haralambieva Eugenia , Pabst Thomas , Banz Yara , Bargetzi Mario , Grobholz Rainer , Fehr Martin , Cogliatti Sergio , Ossenkoppele Gert J. , Löwenberg Bob , Rudolf Christina Biaggi , Li Qiyu , Passweg Jakob , Mazzuchelli Luca , Medinger Michael , Tzankov Alexandar
Published: March 2021

This translational study aimed at gaining insight into the effects of lenalidomide in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Forty-one AML patients aged 66 or older of the Swiss cohort of the HOVON-103 AML/SAKK30/10 study were included. After randomization, they received standard induction chemotherapy with or without lenalidomide. Bone marrow biopsies at diagnosis and before the 2nd induction cycle were obtained to assess the therapeutic impact on leukemic blasts and microenvironment. Increased bone marrow angiogenesis, as assessed by microvessel density (MVD), was found at AML diagnosis and differed significantly between the WHO categories. Morphological analysis revealed a higher initial MVD in AML with myelodysplasia-related changes (AML-MRC) and a more substantial decrease of microvascularization after lenalidomide exposure. A slight increase of T-bet-positive TH1-equivalents was identifiable under lenalidomide. In the subgroup of patients with AML-MRC, the progression-free survival differed between the two treatment regimens, showing a potential but not significant benefit of lenalidomide. We found no correlation between the cereblon genotype (the target of lenalidomide) and treatment response or prognosis. In conclusion, addition of lenalidomide may be beneficial to elderly patients suffering from AML-MRC, where it leads to a reduction of microvascularization and, probably, to an intensified specific T cell-driven anti-leukemic response.
Acute kidney injury adversely affects the clinical course of acute myeloid leukemia patients undergoing induction chemotherapy
Authors: Ballo Olivier , Eladly Fagr , Büttner Stefan , Stratmann Jan Alexander , Rudolf Sarah , Brunnberg Uta , Kreisel Eva-Maria , Steffen Björn , Wagner Sebastian , Finkelmeier Fabian , Serve Hubert , Brandts Christian H.
Published: March 2021

Acute kidney injury (AKI) complicates the clinical course of hospitalized patients by increasing need for intensive care treatment and mortality. There is only little data about its impact on AML patients undergoing intensive induction chemotherapy. In this study, we analyzed the incidence as well as risk factors for AKI development and its impact on the clinical course of AML patients undergoing induction chemotherapy. We retrospectively analyzed data from 401 AML patients undergoing induction chemotherapy between 2007 and 2019. AKI was defined and stratified according to KIDGO criteria by referring to a defined baseline serum creatinine measured on day 1 of induction chemotherapy. Seventy-two of 401 (18%) AML patients suffered from AKI during induction chemotherapy. AML patients with AKI had more days with fever (7 vs. 5, p = 0.028) and were more often treated on intensive care unit (45.8% vs. 10.6%, p < 0.001). AML patients with AKI had a significantly lower complete remission rate after induction chemotherapy and, with 402 days, a significantly shorter median overall survival (OS) (median OS for AML patients without AKI not reached). In this study, we demonstrate that the KIDGO classification allows mortality risk stratification for AML patients undergoing induction chemotherapy. Relatively mild AKI episodes have impact on the clinical course of these patients and can lead to chronic impairment of kidney function. Therefore, we recommend incorporating risk factors for AKI in decision-making considering nutrition, fluid management, as well as the choice of potentially nephrotoxic medication in order to decrease the incidence of AKI.
Patientensicherheit in der Rheumatherapie
Authors: Sierocinski Elizabeth , Angelow Aniela , Mainz Armin , Walker Jochen , Chenot Jean-François
Published: March 2021

Hintergrund

Methotrexat (MTX) ist das das am häufigsten verordnete krankheitsmodifizierende Antirheumatikum. Ein regelmäßiges Labormonitoring wird empfohlen, um Nebenwirkungen wie Hepatotoxizität und Myelotoxizität sowie MTX-Toxizität-begünstigende Zustände wie eingeschränkte Nierenfunktion früh zu erkennen. Zudem wird eine prophylaktische Folsäuregabe empfohlen. Diese Arbeit untersucht, ob die empfohlene Kontrolluntersuchungen und Folsäureverordnungen während der MTX-Therapie durchgeführt werden.

Material und Methoden

Abrechnungsdaten der gesetzlichen Krankenkassen vom 01.01.2009 bis 31.12.2013 wurden analysiert. Aus der Forschungsdatenbank des InGef (Institut für angewandte Gesundheitsforschung Berlin, früher Health Risk Institute) wurden 40.087 Erwachsene mit einer kodierten rheumatischen Erkrankung (ICD-10-Codes M05–M18), ohne Karzinomdiagnose und ohne MTX-Verordnung ≥ 12 Monate vor Erstverordnung extrahiert. Es wurde analysiert, ob Laborkontrollen entsprechend den Handlungsempfehlungen, eine jährliche rheumatologische Betreuung sowie die Verordnung von Folsäure erfolgten.

Ergebnisse

Es begannen 12.451 Patienten eine neue MTX-Therapie im Beobachtungszeitraum. Das Blutbild, die Leberwerte und die Nierenfunktion wurden bei 42–46 % und der Urinstatus bei 14 % der Patienten wie empfohlen untersucht; 84 % befanden sich in regelmäßiger rheumatologischer Betreuung, und 74 % bekamen eine Folsäureprophylaxe. Möglicherweise MTX-assoziierte schwerwiegende Komplikationen wurden in 0,7 bis 3,5 Fällen/1000 Personenjahre beobachtet.

Diskussion

Kontrolluntersuchungen bei MTX-Therapie werden seltener als empfohlen durchgeführt. Möglicherweise MTX-assoziierte Komplikationen sind aus der Praxisperspektive sehr selten. Einerseits sind Maßnahmen für die bessere Koordination der Kontrolluntersuchungen erforderlich. Andererseits müssen der Nutzen des Monitorings und die Abstände der Monitoringintervalle durch empirische Untersuchungen besser belegt werden.
Implementing fast-track in total hip arthroplasty: rapid mobilization with low need for pain medication and low pain values
Authors: Götz Julia Sabrina , Leiss Franziska , Maderbacher Günther , Meyer Matthias , Reinhard Jan , Zeman Florian , Grifka Joachim , Greimel Felix
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is reported to be one of the most painful surgical procedures. Perioperative management and rehabilitation patterns are of great importance for the success of the procedure. The aim of this cohort study was the evaluation of function, mobilization and pain scores during the inpatient stay (6 days postoperatively) and 4 weeks after fast-track THA.

Materials and methods

A total of 102 consecutive patients were included in this retrospective cohort trial after minimally invasive cementless total hip arthroplasty under spinal anesthesia in a fast-track setup. The extent of mobilization under full-weight-bearing with crutches (walking distance in meters and necessity of nurse aid) and pain values using a numerical rating scale (NRS) were measured. Function was evaluated measuring the range of motion (ROM) and the ability of sitting on a chair, walking and personal hygiene. Furthermore, circumferences of thighs were measured to evaluate the extent of postoperative swelling. The widespread Harris Hip Score (HHS) was used to compare results pre- and 4 weeks postoperatively.

Results

Evaluation of pain scores in the postoperative course showed a constant decrease in the first postoperative week (days 1–6 postoperatively). The pain scores before surgery were significantly higher than surgery (day 6), during mobilization (p < 0.001), at rest (p < 0.001) and at night (p < 0.001). All patients were able to mobilize on the day of surgery. In addition, there was a significant improvement in independent activities within the first 6 days postoperatively: sitting on a chair (p < 0.001), walking (p < 0.001) and personal hygiene (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the measured preoperative and postoperative (day 6 after surgery) thigh circumferences above the knee joint. Compared to preoperatively, there was a significant (p < 0.001) improvement of the HHS 4 weeks after surgery. In 100% of the cases, the operation was reported to be successful and all of the treated patients would choose a fast-track setup again.

Conclusion

Application of a fast-track scheme is effective regarding function and mobilization of patients. Low pain values and rapid improvement of walking distance confirms the success of the fast-track concept in the immediate postoperative course. Future prospective studies have to confirm the results comparing a conventional and a fast-track pathway.
Eye movement alterations in presymptomatic C9orf72 expansion gene carriers
Authors: Behler Anna , Knehr Antje , Finsel Julia , Kunz Martin S. , Lang Christina , Müller Kathrin , Müller Hans-Peter , Pinkhardt Elmar H. , Ludolph Albert C. , Lulé Dorothée , Kassubek Jan
Published: March 2021

Objective

The clinical manifestation of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by motor neuron degeneration, whereas frontotemporal dementia (FTD) patients show alterations of behavior and cognition. Both share repeat expansions inC9orf72as the most prevalent genetic cause. Before disease-defining symptoms onset, structural and functional changes at cortical level may emerge inC9orf72carriers. Here, we characterized oculomotor parameters and their association to neuropsychological domains in apparently asymptomatic individuals with mutations in ALS/FTD genes.

Patients and methods

Forty-eight carriers of ALS genes, without any clinical symptoms underwent video-oculographic examination, including 22 subjects withC9orf72mutation, 17 withSOD1, and 9 with other ALS associated gene mutations (n = 3KIF5A;n = 3FUS/FUS + TBK1;n = 1NEK1;n = 1SETX;n = 1TDP43). A total of 17 subjects underwent a follow-up measurement. Data were compared to 54 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. Additionally, mutation carriers performed a neuropsychological assessment.

Results

In comparison to controls, the presymptomatic subjects performed significantly worse in executive oculomotor tasks such as the ability to perform correct anti-saccades. A gene mutation subgroup analysis showed that dysfunctions inC9orf72carriers were much more pronounced than inSOD1carriers. The anti-saccade error rate of ALS mutation carriers was associated with cognitive deficits: this correlation was increased in subjects withC9orf72mutation, whereasSOD1carriers showed no associations.

Conclusion

InC9orf72carriers, executive eye movement dysfunctions, especially the increased anti-saccade error rate, were associated with cognitive impairment and unrelated to time. These oculomotor impairments are in support of developmental deficits in these mutations, especially in prefrontal areas.
High-throughput STELA provides a rapid test for the diagnosis of telomere biology disorders
Authors: Norris Kevin , Walne Amanda J. , Ponsford Mark J. , Cleal Kez , Grimstead Julia W. , Ellison Alicia , Alnajar Jenna , Dokal Inderjeet , Vulliamy Tom , Baird Duncan M.
Published: March 2021

Telomere biology disorders are complex clinical conditions that arise due to mutations in genes required for telomere maintenance. Telomere length has been utilised as part of the diagnostic work-up of patients with these diseases; here, we have tested the utility of high-throughput STELA (HT-STELA) for this purpose. HT-STELA was applied to a cohort of unaffected individuals (n = 171) and a retrospective cohort of mutation carriers (n = 172). HT-STELA displayed a low measurement error with inter- and intra-assay coefficient of variance of 2.3% and 1.8%, respectively. Whilst telomere length in unaffected individuals declined as a function of age, telomere length in mutation carriers appeared to increase due to a preponderance of shorter telomeres detected in younger individuals (< 20 years of age). These individuals were more severely affected, and age-adjusted telomere length differentials could be used to stratify the cohort for overall survival (Hazard Ratio = 5.6 (1.5–20.5); p < 0.0001). Telomere lengths of asymptomatic mutation carriers were shorter than controls (p < 0.0001), but longer than symptomatic mutation carriers (p < 0.0001) and telomere length heterogeneity was dependent on the diagnosis and mutational status. Our data show that the ability of HT-STELA to detect short telomere lengths, that are not readily detected with other methods, means it can provide powerful diagnostic discrimination and prognostic information. The rapid format, with a low measurement error, demonstrates that HT-STELA is a new high-quality laboratory test for the clinical diagnosis of an underlying telomeropathy.
Psychosocial impact of COVID-19 on cancer patients, survivors, and carers in Australia: a real-time assessment of cancer support services
Authors: Edge Rhiannon , Mazariego Carolyn , Li Zhicheng , Canfell Karen , Miller Annie , Koczwara Bogda , Shaw Joanne , Taylor Natalie
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This study aimed to explore the psychosocial impacts of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic on cancer patients, survivors, and carers in Australia.

Methods

Using real-time insights from two Cancer Council NSW services—131120 Information and Support Line and Online Community (CCOC) forums—we assessed service demand trends, distress levels (using the distress thermometer), and content from 131120 calls and online posts between 01 December 2019 and 31 May 2020. Emergent themes were identified through an inductive conventional content analysis with 131120 call notes, followed by a deductive directed content analysis on CCOC posts.

Results

In total, 688 COVID-19-related 131120 calls (n = 496) and online posts (n = 192) were analysed. Service demand peaked in March 2020 and self-reported distress peaked in May 2020 at an average of 8/10 [Mean = 7.5; SD = 0.9]. Five themes emerged from the qualitative analysis: psychological distress and fear of virus susceptibility, practical issues, cancer service disruptions, information needs, and carer Issues.

Conclusions

The psychosocial impacts of COVID-19 on people affected by cancer are multifaceted and likely to have long-lasting consequences. Our findings drove the development of six recommendations across three domains of support, information, and access. Cancer patients, survivors, and carers already face stressful challenges dealing with a cancer diagnosis or survivorship. The added complexity of restrictions and uncertainty associated with the pandemic may compound this. It is important that healthcare providers are equipped to provide patient-centred care during and after this crisis. Our recommendations provide points of consideration to ensure care is tailored and patient oriented.
Sonic Hedgehog modulates the inflammatory response and improves functional recovery after spinal cord injury in a thoracic contusion–compression model
Authors: Zhang Hao , Younsi Alexander , Zheng Guoli , Tail Mohamed , Harms Anna-Kathrin , Roth Judith , Hatami Maryam , Skutella Thomas , Unterberg Andreas , Zweckberger Klaus
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) pathway has been associated with a protective role after injury to the central nervous system (CNS). We, therefore, investigated the effects of intrathecal Shh-administration in the subacute phase after thoracic spinal cord injury (SCI) on secondary injury processes in rats.

Methods

Twenty-one Wistar rats were subjected to thoracic clip-contusion/compression SCI at T9. Animals were randomized into three treatment groups (Shh, Vehicle, Sham). Seven days after SCI, osmotic pumps were implanted for seven-day continuous intrathecal administration of Shh. Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan (BBB) score, Gridwalk test and bodyweight were weekly assessed. Animals were sacrificed six weeks after SCI and immunohistological analyses were conducted. The results were compared between groups and statistical analysis was performed (p < 0.05 was considered significant).

Results

The intrathecal administration of Shh led to significantly increased polarization of macrophages toward the anti-inflammatory M2-phenotype, significantly decreased T-lymphocytic invasion and significantly reduced resident microglia six weeks after the injury. Reactive astrogliosis was also significantly reduced while changes in size of the posttraumatic cyst as well as the overall macrophagic infiltration, although reduced, remained insignificant. Finally, with the administration of Shh, gain of bodyweight (216.6 ± 3.65 g vs. 230.4 ± 5.477 g; p = 0.0111) and BBB score (8.2 ± 0.2 vs. 5.9 ± 0.7 points; p = 0.0365) were significantly improved compared to untreated animals six weeks after SCI as well.

Conclusion

Intrathecal Shh-administration showed neuroprotective effects with attenuated neuroinflammation, reduced astrogliosis and improved functional recovery six weeks after severe contusion/compression SCI.
Lipschitz classification of self-similar sets with overlaps
Authors: Wang Lian , Xiong Dong-Hong
Published: March 2021

In Rao et al. (Comptes Rendus Acad Sci Paris Ser I(342):191–196, 2006), Rao–Ruan–Xi solved an open question posed by David and Semmes and gave a complete Lipschitz classification of self-similar sets on$$\mathbb R$$Rwith touching structure. In this short note, by applying a matrix rearrangeable condition introduced in Luo (J Lond Math Soc 99(2):428–446, 2019), we generalize their result onto the self-similar sets with overlapping structure.
High-level laser therapy versus scalpel surgery in the treatment of oral lichen planus: a randomized control trial
Authors: Tarasenko Svetlana , Stepanov Mikhail , Morozova Elena , Unkovskiy Alexey
Published: March 2021

Objective

To compare the clinical effectiveness of various types of high-level laser therapy (HLLT) toward scalpel excision for the surgical treatment of erosive oral lichen planus (OLP).

Materials and methods

The total number of 128 individuals were enrolled in the study. The 35 did not meet the inclusion criteria due to malignancy signs and presence of diabetes mellitus. In total, 8 were lost to follow-up, and 10 were excluded from the analysis, due to analgesics intake. This way 75 patients with the erosive form of OLP were analyzed in three intervention groups (Er:YAG, n = 19; Nd:YAG, n = 15; Er:YAG + Nd:YAG combination, n = 20) and one control group with scalpel excision (n = 21). The therapy effectiveness has been assessed based on the comparison of salivary interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and interferon (IFN)-γ preoperative levels to 14, 30 days, and 2 years postoperation, as well as pain level and time of epithelization.

Results

All HLLT groups demonstrated a significantly (p > 0.05) higher IL-1β, IL-6, IFNγ and pain level reduction and quicker epithelization toward the control group on the 30th day, except Nd:YAG in case of IFNγ level. The highest IL-1β, IFNγ and pain level reduction and quicker epithelization on the 30th day was observed in Er:YAG group, followed by Er:YAG + Nd:YAG combination, Nd:YAG respectively. However no significant difference was observed between the HLLT groups with regard to IL-6 level reduction. After a 2-year follow-up, no significant difference was observed between all study groups with regard to all variables.

Conclusion

HLLT yields a superior clinical outcome compared to the scalpel excision for the surgical treatment of oral lichen planus, whereby the Er:YAG has been proposed as the most effective laser type at the end of the first postoperative month.

Clinical relevance

For the surgical treatment of erosive OLP the Er:YAG laser may be a preferable treatment option compared to Nd:YAG and scalpel surgery.

Trial registration

The present trial was registered retrospectively in the German Clinical Trials Register, as a member of WHO international clinical trials registry platform, on the 18.03.2020 with the following number: DRKS00020986
Dyslipidemia and rupture risk of intracranial aneurysms—a systematic review
Authors: Løvik Katja , Laupsa-Borge Johnny , Logallo Nicola , Helland Christian A.
Published: March 2021

Dyslipidemia is a well-established risk factor for coronary artery disease. However, the effect on cerebral artery disease, and more specifically the rupture risk of intracranial aneurysms, is unclear and has not yet been reviewed. We therefore performed a systematic review to investigate associations between different types of dyslipidemia and incidence of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). We used the MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science databases to identify clinical trials that compared the rupture risk among SAH patients with or without dyslipidemia. The risk of bias in each included study was evaluated using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP). Of 149 unique citations from the initial literature search, five clinical trials with a case-control design met our eligibility criteria. These studies compared aSAH patients to patients with unruptured aneurysms and found an overall inverse relationship between hypercholesterolemia and rupture risk of intracranial aneurysms. The quality assessment classified all included studies as high risk of bias. The evidence indicates that hypercholesterolemia is associated with a reduced rupture risk of intracranial aneurysms. However, it is not clear whether this relation is due to the dyslipidemic condition itself or the use of antihyperlipidemic medication.
South American fish species suitable for aquaponics: a review
Authors: Pinho Sara M. , David Luiz H. , Garcia Fabiana , Keesman Karel J. , Portella Maria Célia , Goddek Simon
Published: March 2021

Tilapia and catfish are the most popular fish species in aquaponics. However, they are not well-accepted in all markets, and finding alternative species is important in order to increase the variety of food products and meet market demands. South America has several potential fish species for aquaponics systems. Encouraging the implementation of integrated aquaculture systems by providing information about the production of South American species can help to increase the supply of high-quality food and aquaculture diversification. Thus, data for five South American fish species with potential for aquaponics were compared with existing data for the main traditional warm water species in this system, tilapia and catfish. Moreover, the degree of suitability of the novel species for these systems in terms of zootechnical performance, tolerance to water quality and nutritional composition of fish flesh were discussed. The South American species considered were jundia or silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen), yellowtail lambari (Astyanax lacustris), pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus), tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) and snook (Centropomusspp.). Their description and the tabular comparison with the most traditional aquaponic-cultured species show they are suited for this production system. How suitable they are will depend on the system design, as well as the regional characteristics of the market where they will be produced.
Who Coaches the Coaches? The Development of a Coaching Model for Experiential Learning
Authors: Heinrich William F. , Louson Eleanor , Blommel Caroline , Green Aalayna R.
Published: March 2021

This study explores a case of coaching deployed in experiential, interdisciplinary, and project-based courses. This study follows coaching in two courses that operated on a high-impact practice framework. In these courses, coaching was experienced by both students and faculty as a critical feature of the success of the courses. Students showed that coaching impacted their sense of the gravity of course content, their ownership of student-designed work, their relationships with faculty, and their experience of place-based learning. Faculty indicated that the coaching promoted transdisciplinary course planning, while their teaching benefited student engagement. We recommend practices for coaching that can support gains for students and faculty in experiential, project-based, interdisciplinary courses.
Evaluating the Impact of Intensive Case Management for Severe Vocational Injuries on Work Incapacity and Costs
Authors: Leiva Rolando , Rochaix Lise , Kiefer Noémie , Dupont Jean-Claude K.
Published: March 2021

Purpose This study investigates the impact of an intensive case management program on sick leave days, permanent work incapacity levels and treatment costs for severe vocational injuries set up by the French National Insurance Fund in five health insurance districts. Methods The method employed relies on a four-step matching procedure combining Coarsened Exact Matching and Propensity Score Matching, based on an original administrative dataset. Average Treatment effects on the Treated were estimated using a parametric model with a large set of covariates. Results After one-year follow-up, workers in the treatment group had higher sickness absence rates, with 22 extra days, and the program led to 2.7 (95% CI 2.3–3.1) times more diagnoses of permanent work incapacity in the treatment group. With an estimated yearly operational cost of 2,722 € per treated worker, the average total extra treatment cost was 4,569 € for treated workers, which corresponds to a cost increase of 29.2% for the insurance fund. Conclusions The higher costs found for the treatment group are mainly due to longer sick leave duration for the moderate severity group, implying higher cash transfers in the form of one-off indemnities. Even though workers in the treated group have more diagnoses of permanent work incapacity, the difference of severity between groups is small. Our results on longer sick leave duration are partly to be explained by interactions between the case managers and the occupational physicians that encouraged patients to stay longer off-work for better recovery, despite the higher costs that this represented for the insurance fund and the well-documented adverse side effects of longer periods off-work.
Determinants of Declining School Belonging 2000–2018: The Case of Sweden
Authors: Högberg Björn , Petersen Solveig , Strandh Mattias , Johansson Klara
Published: March 2021

Students’ sense of belonging at school has declined across the world in recent decades, and more so in Sweden than in almost any other high-income country. However, we do not know the characteristics or causes of these worldwide trends. Using data on Swedish students aged 15–16 years from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) between 2000 and 2018, we show that the decline in school belonging in Sweden was driven by a disproportionately large decline at the bottom part of the distribution, and was greatest for foreign-born students, students from disadvantaged social backgrounds, and for low-achieving students. The decline cannot be accounted for by changes in student demographics or observable characteristics related to the school environment. The decline did, however, coincide with a major education reform, characterized by an increased use of summative evaluation, and an overall stronger performance-orientation.
Towards an attestation architecture for blockchain networks
Authors: Hardjono Thomas , Smith Ned
Published: March 2021

If blockchain networks are to become the building blocks of the infrastructure for the future digital economy, then several challenges related to the resiliency and survivability of blockchain networks need to be addressed. The survivability of a blockchain network is influenced by the diversity of its nodes. Trustworthy device-levelattestationspermits nodes in a blockchain network to provide truthful evidence regarding their current configuration, operational state, keying material and other system attributes. In the current work we review the recent developments towards a standard attestation architecture and evidence conveyance protocols. We explore the applicability and benefits of a standard attestation architecture to blockchain networks. Finally, we discuss a number of open challenges related to node attestations that has arisen due to changing model of blockchain network deployments, such as the use of virtualization and containerization technologies for nodes in cloud infrastructures.
Centrifuge modelling of rainfall-induced slope failure in variably saturated soil
Authors: Wang Shun , Idinger Gregor , Wu Wei
Published: March 2021

This paper presents the results of centrifuge tests on rainfall-induced instabilities in variably saturated slopes. The roles of rainfall intensity and initial conditions, such as slope angle, porosity and degree of saturation of the soil, in the failure initiation and postfailure kinematics are considered. The failure patterns, infiltration profile and deformation at prefailure and postfailure stages are characterized. The results indicate that rainfall-induced slope failures usually follow one of the following two failure modes, i.e. slide-to-flow and flowslide failure modes. The former pattern is characterized by soil mass flow after initial failure along a continuous shear surface, while the latter is more relevant to the rapid increase in the saturation at the slope surface, resulting in surface erosion channels followed by the acceleration of the soil mass. The flowslide failure pattern usually gives rise to several superficial shear surfaces and longer run-out distances. The rainfall intensity and profiles of the degree of saturation play the key roles in initiating the slope failure at the prefailure stage and subsequently in mobilizing the soil mass at the postfailure stage. Our test data, together with the data from the literature, are presented in two threshold curves to define the critical condition of slope failure under rainfall infiltration.
Studienerfolg von Fachstudierenden im Anfangsstudium der Biologie
Authors: Binder Torsten , Waldeyer Julia , Schmiemann Philipp
Published: March 2021

Besonders in den naturwissenschaftlichen Studiengängen brechen viele Studierende ihr Studium ab. Bislang war ein Studium der Biologie davon eher weniger betroffen. In den letzten Jahren zeichnet sich für Deutschland auch im Bachelorstudium Biologie der Trend einer steigenden Studienabbruchsquote ab. Empirisch begründete Studienberatungen und fundierte Unterstützungsangebote könnten hier geeignete Maßnahmen sein. Die individuellen Voraussetzungen wie Noten, soziodemographische und motivationale Faktoren, Fachwissen, sowie die Lebens- und Studienbedingungen und das Studier- und Lernverhalten (z. B. Lernstrategien und -motivation) sind relevante Faktoren für den Studienerfolg. Bislang fehlen für das Biologiestudium in Deutschland allerdings weitgehend Untersuchungen hierzu. Daher prüft diese Studie schulisches und universitäres Wissen sowie Lernstrategien als Erfolgsprädiktoren für den Studienerfolg im biologiebezogenen Anfangsstudium, da diese geeignet erscheinen in der kritischen Phase des Studienbeginns mögliche Präventionsmaßnahmen abzuleiten. Die Ergebnisse legen nahe, dass auch über den üblicherweise starken Prädiktor der Abiturnote hinaus universitäres Fachwissen, Zeitmanagement und Anstrengung den Studienerfolg in Biologie vorhersagen. Auf Basis dieser Ergebnisse lassen sich universitäre Maßnahmen ableiten, die potenziell zu einer Reduzierung des Studienabbruchs beitragen könnten.
Characteristics of leaching of heavy metals from low-sulfur coal gangue under different conditions
Authors: Li Chang , Zheng Liugen , Jiang Chunlu , Chen Xing , Ding Shuaishuai
Published: March 2021

Coal gangue is the main pollution source of mining areas. When coal gangue is stacked and recycled, the heavy metal elements contained in it are released by natural weathering and leaching, which causes damage to the surrounding ecological environment. In this study, the leaching and precipitation characteristics of heavy metals in low-sulfur coal gangue under different environmental conditions were simulated by indoor dynamic leaching experiments, which provided a theoretical basis for environmental restoration of the mining area. The conclusions are as follows: higher heavy metal content in low-sulfur coal gangue is associated with greater, leaching of heavy metals; acidic conditions promote the release of heavy metals in low-sulfur coal gangue; and more precipitation is associated with better release of heavy metals from the low-sulfur coal gangue.
Daily Routine Recognition for Hearing Aid Personalization
Authors: Kuebert Thomas , Puder Henning , Koeppl Heinz
Published: March 2021

This work focuses on daily routine recognition to personalize the hearing aid (HA) configuration for each user. So far, there is only one public data set containing the data of two acceleration sensors taken under unconstrained real-life conditions of one person. Therefore, we create a realistic and extensive data set with seven subjects and a total length of 63449 min. For the recordings, the HA streams the acceleration and audio data to a mobile phone, where the user simultaneously annotates it. This builds the grounds for our comprehensive simulations, where we train a set of classifiers in an offline and online manner to analyze the model generalization abilities across subjects for high-level activities. To achieve this, we build a feature representation, which describes the recurring daily situations and environments well. For the offline classification, the deep neural network, multi-layer perceptron (MLP), and random forest (RF) trained in a person-dependent manner show the significantly best F-measure performance of 86.6%, 87.1%, and 87.3%, respectively. We confirm that for high-level activities the person-dependent model outperforms the independent one. In our online experiments, we personalize a model that was pretrained in a person-independent manner by daily updates. Thereby, multiple incremental learners and an online RF are tested. We demonstrate that MLP and RF improve the F-measure compared to the offline baselines.
A new measurement system to determine stiffness distribution in machine tool workspace
Authors: Pawełko Piotr , Jastrzębski Daniel , Parus Arkadiusz , Jastrzębska Joanna
Published: March 2021

This paper presents an innovative system determining machine tool quasi-static stiffness in machining space, so-called Stiffness Workspace System (SWS). The system allows for the assessment of the accuracy of a machine which has become a vital aspect over past years for machine tool manufacturers and users. Since machine tools static stiffness is one of the main criteria using to evaluate the machines' quality, it is crucial to highlight the relevance of experimental and analytical stiffness determination methods. Therefore, the proposed method is applied to estimate the spatial variation of static stiffness in the machine tool workspace. This paper describes the SWS system—its design, working principle, mounting conditions and signal processing. The major advantage of the system is the capability to apply forces of controlled magnitude and orientation as well as simultaneously measure the resulting displacements. The obtained results give possibility to estimate and evaluate static stiffness coefficients depending on the position and direction under loaded conditions. The results confirm the validity of the analyses of spatial stiffness distribution in the machine workspace.
How to Prepare Your Team for an Emergency
Authors: Eifling Kurt P.
Published: March 2021

Any field team, regardless of the professionalism of the leadership, will eventually experience a critical event. Some events will result in a subtle degradation of the team's work; others will cause emergent threats to the safety of the team. A team's sustained performance during a field season depends partly on such chance events and partly with the team's ability to plan for and respond to the dynamic environment of the field. The duty of a field leader is to conduct clear-eyed conversations and ensure that solid preparations are laid for both the group as a whole and the individual team members. Some of these plans need to be manifested by material preparations, some of which require months of forethought. This article walks readers through a two-hour exercise, giving them frameworks from business continuity and military field doctrines to understand risk. Readers will conduct a SWOT analysis, define emergencies within their organizations, and then apply risk management practices of qualitative risk assessment and all-hazards planning to develop planning priorities. By the end, readers will have built specific action plans for improving field season readiness.