bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
aPIE: an angle calibration algorithm for reflection ptychography
Authors: de Beurs Anne , Loetgering Lars , Herczog Milan , Du Mengqi , Eikema Kjeld S. E. , Witte Stefan
Published: March 2022

Reflection ptychography is a lensfree microscopy technique particularly promising in regions of the electromagnetic spectrum where imaging optics are inefficient or not available. This is the case in tabletop extreme ultraviolet microscopy and grazing incidence small angle x ray scattering experiments. Combining such experimental configurations with ptychography requires accurate knowledge of the relative tilt between the sample and the detector in non-coplanar scattering geometries. Here, we describe an algorithm for tilt estimation in reflection ptychography. The method is verified experimentally, enabling sample tilt determination within a fraction of a degree. Furthermore, the angle-estimation uncertainty and reconstruction quality are studied for both smooth and highly structured beams.
A bio-mimetic miniature drone for real-time audio based short-range tracking
Authors: Zigelman Roei , Eitan Ofri , Mazar Omer , Weiss Anthony , Yovel Yossi
Published: March 2022

One of the most difficult sensorimotor behaviors exhibited by flying animals is the ability to track another flying animal based on its sound emissions. From insects to mammals, animals display this ability in order to localize and track conspecifics, mate or prey. The pursuing individual must overcome multiple non-trivial challenges including the detection of the sounds emitted by the target, matching the input received by its (mostly) two sensors, localizing the direction of the sound target in real time and then pursuing it. All this has to be done rapidly as the target is constantly moving. In this project, we set to mimic this ability using a physical bio-mimetic autonomous drone. We equipped a miniature commercial drone with our in-house 2D sound localization electronic circuit which uses two microphones (mimicking biological ears) to localize sound signals in real-time and steer the drone in the horizontal plane accordingly. We focus on bat signals because bats are known to eavesdrop on conspecifics and follow them, but our approach could be generalized to other biological signals and other man-made signals. Using two different experiments, we show that our fully autonomous aviator can track the position of a moving sound emitting target and pursue it in real-time. Building an actual robotic-agent, forced us to deal with real-life difficulties which also challenge animals. We thus discuss the similarities and differences between our and the biological approach.
COMplex mental health PAThways (COMPAT) Study: A mixed methods study to inform an evidence-based service delivery model for people with complex needs: Study protocol
Authors: Saini Pooja , Martin Antony , McIntyre Jason , Balmer Anna , Burton Sam , Roks Hana , Sambrook Laura , Shetty Amrith , Nathan Rajan
Published: March 2022

Background

Mental health services for adults, as they are currently configured, have been designed to provide predominantly community-based interventions. It has long been recognised that some patients have such significant clinical and/or risk needs that those needs cannot be adequately met within standard service delivery models, resulting in a pressing need to consider the best models for this group of people. This paper shares a protocol for a mixed methods study that aims to understand: the profile and history of service users described as having complex needs; the decision-making processes by clinicians that lead to complex needs categorisation; service users and carers experience of service use; and, associated economic impact. This protocol describes a comprehensive evaluation that aims to inform an evidence-based service delivery model for people with complex needs.

Methods

We will use a mixed methods design, combining quantitative and qualitative methods using in-depth descriptive and inferential analysis of patient records, written medical notes and in-depth interviews with service users, carers, and clinicians. The study will include five components: (1) a quantitative description and analysis of the demographic clinical characteristics of the patient group; (2) an economic evaluation of alternative patient pathways; (3) semi-structured interviews about service user and carer experiences; (4) using data from components 1–3 to co-produce vignettes jointly with relevant stakeholders involved in the care of service users with complex mental health needs; and, (5) semi-structured interviews about clinical decision-making by clinicians in relation to this patient group, using the vignettes as example case studies.

Discussion

The study’s key outcomes will be to: examine the resource use and cost-impact associated with alternative care pathways to the NHS and other sectors of the economy (including social care); explore patient health and non-health outcomes associated with alternative care pathways; and, gain an understanding of a complex service user group and how treatment decisions are made to inform consistent and person-centred future service delivery.
Genomic miscellany and allelic frequencies of Plasmodium falciparum msp-1, msp-2 and glurp in parasite isolates
Authors: Ullah Ibrar , Khan Asifullah , Israr Muhammad , Shah Mohibullah , Shams Sulaiman , Khan Waliullah , Shah Muzafar , Siraj Muhammad , Akbar Kehkashan , Naz Tahira , Afridi Sahib Gul
Published: March 2022

Introduction

The genomic miscellany of malaria parasites can help inform the intensity of malaria transmission and identify potential deficiencies in malaria control programs. This study was aimed at investigating the genomic miscellany, allele frequencies, and MOI of P. falciparum infection.

Methods

A total of 85 P. falciparum confirmed isolates out of 100 were included in this study that were collected from P. falciparum patients aged 4 months to 60 years in nine districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province. Parasite DNA was extracted from 200µL whole blood samples using the Qiagen DNA extraction kit following the manufacturer’s instructions. The polymorphic regions of msp-1, msp-2 and glurp loci were genotyped using nested PCR followed by gel electrophoresis for amplified fragments identification and subsequent data analysis.

Results

Out of 85 P. falciparum infections detected, 30 were msp-1 and 32 were msp-2 alleles specific. Successful amplification occurred in 88.23% (75/85) isolates for msp-1, 78.9% (67/85) for msp-2 and 70% (60/85) for glurp gene. In msp-1, the K1 allelic family was predominantly prevalent as 66.66% (50/75), followed by RO33 and MAD20. The frequency of samples with single infection having only K1, MAD20 and RO33 were 21.34% (16/75), 8% (6/75), and 10.67% (8/75), respectively. In msp-2, both the FC27 and 3D7 allelic families revealed almost the same frequencies as 70.14% (47/67) and 67.16% (45/67), respectively. Nine glurp RII region alleles were identified in 60 isolates. The overall mean multiplicity of infection for msp genes was 1.6 with 1.8 for msp-1 and 1.4 for msp-2, while for glurp the MOI was 1.03. There was no significant association between multiplicity of infection and age groups (Spearman’s rank coefficient = 0.050; P = 0.6) while MOI and parasite density correlated for only msp-2 allelic marker.

Conclusions

The study showed high genetic diversity and allelic frequency with multiple clones of msp-1, msp-2 and glurp in P. falciparum isolates in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. In the present study the genotype data may provide valuable information essential for monitoring the impact of malaria eradication efforts in this region.
Potential health benefits of eliminating traffic emissions in urban areas
Authors: Heydari Shahram , Asgharian Masoud , Kelly Frank J. , Goel Rahul
Published: March 2022

Traffic is one of the major contributors to PM2.5 in cities worldwide. Quantifying the role of traffic is an important step towards understanding the impact of transport policies on the possibilities to achieve cleaner air and accompanying health benefits. With the aim of estimating potential health benefits of eliminating traffic emissions, we carried out a meta-analysis using the World Health Organisation (WHO) database of source apportionment studies of PM2.5 concentrations. Specifically, we used a Bayesian meta-regression approach, modelling both overall and traffic-related (tailpipe and non-tailpipe) concentrations simultaneously. We obtained the distributions of expected PM2.5 concentrations (posterior densities) of different types for 117 cities worldwide. Using the non-linear Integrated Exposure Response (IER) function of PM2.5, we estimated percent reduction in different disease endpoints for a scenario with complete removal of traffic emissions. We found that eliminating traffic emissions results in achieving the WHO-recommended concentration of PM2.5 only for a handful of cities that already have low concentrations of pollution. The percentage reduction in premature mortality due to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases increases up to a point (30–40 ug/m3), and above this concentration, it flattens off. For diabetes-related mortality, the percentage reduction in mortality decreases with increasing concentrations—a trend that is opposite to other outcomes. For cities with high concentrations of pollution, the results highlight the need for multi-sectoral strategies to reduce pollution. The IER functions of PM2.5 result in diminishing returns of health benefits at high concentrations, and in case of diabetes, there are even negative returns. The results show the significant effect of the shape of IER functions on health benefits. Overall, despite the diminishing results, a significant burden of deaths can be prevented by policies that aim to reduce traffic emissions even at high concentrations of pollution.
COVID-19 pandemic decreased the ophthalmic outpatient numbers and altered the diagnosis distribution in a community hospital in Taiwan: An observational study
Authors: Yen Chu-Yu , Fang I-Mo , Tang Huei-Fen , Lee Hsin-Jui , Yang Shang-Hsien
Published: March 2022

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on ophthalmic outpatient numbers and ophthalmic diagnosis distribution in a community hospital (Taipei City Hospital Zhongxiao Branch) in Taiwan. The COVID-19 pandemic period in Taiwan was defined as May 1 to July 31, 2021. Demographic data, including age, gender, and top 10 diagnoses from ophthalmic outpatients during this period, were collected. A corresponding control group from the same time in 2020 was also collected. The distribution of different diagnoses was analyzed, and the data of 10 most prominent diagnoses with decreased percentage of case numbers during the COVID-19 pandemic period were obtained. The number of cases during the COVID-19 pandemic decreased by 46.9% compared to the control group. The top three most common diagnoses were dry eye syndrome, glaucoma, and macular diseases. The 10 most prominent diagnoses with decreased number of cases during the COVID-19 pandemic were cataract, refraction & accommodation, macular degeneration, conjunctivitis, retinal detachment, vitreous body disorders, ophthalmic complications of diabetes mellitus, glaucoma, dry eye, and retinal vein occlusion. Identifying and treating these patients as scheduled may yield the highest cost-benefit effect in preventing visual loss during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Relationships between maximum tongue pressure and second formant transition in speakers with different types of dysarthria
Authors: Tamura Toshiaki , Tanaka Yasuhiro , Watanabe Yoshihiro , Sato Katsuro
Published: March 2022

The effects of muscle weakness on speech are currently not fully known. We investigated the relationships between maximum tongue pressure and second formant transition in adults with different types of dysarthria. It focused on the slope in the second formant transition because it reflects the tongue velocity during articulation. Sixty-three Japanese speakers with dysarthria (median age, 68 years; interquartile range, 58–77 years; 44 men and 19 women) admitted to acute and convalescent hospitals were included. Thirty neurologically normal speakers aged 19–85 years (median age, 22 years; interquartile range, 21.0–23.8 years; 14 men and 16 women) were also included. The relationship between the maximum tongue pressure and speech function was evaluated using correlation analysis in the dysarthria group. Speech intelligibility, the oral diadochokinesis rate, and the second formant slope were based on the impaired speech index. More than half of the speakers had mild to moderate dysarthria. Speakers with dysarthria showed significantly lower maximum tongue pressure, speech intelligibility, oral diadochokinesis rate, and second formant slope than neurologically normal speakers. Only the second formant slope was significantly correlated with the maximum tongue pressure (r = 0.368, p = 0.003). The relationship between the second formant slope and maximum tongue pressure showed a similar correlation in the analysis of subgroups divided by sex. The oral diadochokinesis rate, which is related to the speed of articulation, is affected by voice on/off, mandibular opening/closing, and range of motion. In contrast, the second formant slope was less affected by these factors. These results suggest that the maximum isometric tongue strength is associated with tongue movement speed during articulation.
Cardiac specific knock-down of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor α prevents fasting-induced cardiac lipid accumulation and reduces perilipin 2
Authors: Fillmore Natasha , Hou Vincent , Sun Junhui , Springer Danielle , Murphy Elizabeth
Published: March 2022

While fatty acid metabolism is altered under physiological conditions, alterations can also be maladaptive in diseases such as diabetes and heart failure. Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor α (PPARα) is a transcription factor that regulates fat metabolism but its role in regulating lipid storage in the heart is unclear. The aim of this study is to improve our understanding of how cardiac PPARα regulates cardiac health and lipid accumulation. To study the role of cardiac PPARα, tamoxifen inducible cardiac-specific PPARα knockout mouse (cPPAR-/-) were treated for 5 days with tamoxifen and then studied after 1–2 months. Under baseline conditions, cPPAR-/- mice appear healthy with normal body weight and mortality is not altered. Importantly, cardiac hypertrophy or reduced cardiac function was also not observed at baseline. Mice were fasted to elevate circulating fatty acids and induce cardiac lipid accumulation. After fasting, cPPAR-/- mice had dramatically lower cardiac triglyceride levels than control mice. Interestingly, cPPAR-/- hearts also had reduced Plin2, a key protein involved in lipid accumulation and lipid droplet regulation, which may contribute to the reduction in cardiac lipid accumulation. Overall, this suggests that a decline in cardiac PPARα may blunt cardiac lipid accumulation by decreasing Plin2 and that independent of differences in systemic metabolism a decline in cardiac PPARα does not seem to drive pathological changes in the heart.
Community health workers experiences and perceptions of working during the COVID-19 pandemic in Lagos, Nigeria—A qualitative study
Authors: Olateju Zahra , Olufunlayo Tolulope , MacArthur Christine , Leung Charlotte , Taylor Beck
Published: March 2022

Background

Community Health Workers are globally recognised as crucial members of healthcare systems in low and middle-income countries, but their role and experience during COVID-19 is not well-understood. This study aimed to explore factors that influence CHWs’ ability and willingness to work in the COVID-19 pandemic in Lagos.

Design

A generic qualitative study exploring Community Health Workers experiences and perceptions of working during the COVID-19 pandemic in Lagos, Nigeria.

Methods

15 semi-structured, in-depth, video interviews were conducted with Community Health Workers purposively sampled across seven of Lagos’ Local Government Areas with the highest COVID-19 burden. Interviews explored Community Health Workers’ attitudes towards COVID-19, its management, and their experiences working in Lagos. Data was analysed thematically using the framework method.

Results

Three main themes were identified. 1. Influences on ability to undertake COVID-19 Role: Trust and COVID-19 knowledge were found to aid Community Health Workers in their work. However, challenges included exhaustion due to an increased workload, public misconceptions about COVID-19, stigmatisation of COVID-19 patients, delayed access to care and lack of transportation. 2. Influences on willingness to work in COVID-19 Role: Community Health Workers’ perceptions of COVID-19, attitudes towards responsibility for COVID-19 risk at work, commitment and faith appeared to increase willingness to work. 3. Suggested Improvements: Financial incentives, provision of adequate personal protective equipment, transportation, and increasing staff numbers were seen as potential strategies to address many of the challenges faced.

Conclusion

Despite Community Health Workers being committed to their role, they have faced many challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria. Changes to their working environment may make their role during disease outbreaks more fulfilling and sustainable. International input is required to enhance Nigeria’s policies and infrastructure to better support Community Health Workers during both current and future outbreaks.
Widening participation in community-based disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation in Japan
Authors: Kitagawa Kaori , Samaddar Subhajyoti
Published: March 2022

This paper discusses community participation drawing on ongoing disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation projects in the communities affected by the Heavy Rain Event of 2018 in western Japan. By ‘DRR’, the paper supports the perspective of ‘DRR including CCA’. ‘Participatory’ approaches have become a mainstream methodology for community-based DRR as advocated in the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. The existing participation literature addresses either the types of participation or ‘success’ factors for participation. The paper proposes there is also a challenge of ‘widening participation’, particularly in the initiatives that are already recognised as ‘good practices’. Originally widening participation was a higher education policy in the UK aiming to broaden the demographic composition of the student base. Borrowing
this notion, the paper identifies how each project encourages non-participants to get involved in the project activities. The paper also draws on
machizukuri [community development], which has increasingly become an overarching social policy integrating health, welfare, education and DRR. Participation is emphasised as a requisite of
machizukuri in developing a resilient and sustainable community and ultimately, a democratic society.
Discordant parameters of insulin-like growth factor 1 and growth hormone in the diagnosis and monitoring of acromegaly
Authors: Sakhnova E. E. , Przhiyalkovskaya E. G. , Belaya Zh. E. , Melnichenko G. A.
Published: March 2022

Acromegaly is a rare endocrine disorder associated with multiple complications and increased mortality. Timely diagnosis and adequate treatment can bring the life expectancy of patients with acromegaly closer to the general population level. The tests for the diagnosis of acromegaly are measurement of both serum GH, and GH after oral glucose administration; serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). However, in clinical practice, up to 39% of patients with discordant results are found. The patients with discordant GH and IGF-1levels, are the most difficult to manage. This review discusses the prevalence of discordant GH and IGF-1 outcomes in patients with acromegaly; factors causing this discrepancy; the impact of hormone levels on treatment outcomes. Although endocrinologists are used to dealing with this discrepancy in clinical practice for many years, discordant patients’outcome remains uncertain and undefined The optimal treatment should be individually tailored for each patient, taking into account all clinical parameters.
Adipocytokines: modern definition, classification and physiological role
Authors: Markova T. N. , Mishchenko N. K. , Petina D. V.
Published: March 2022

Adipose tissue is an endocrine organ which produces a large number of secretory bioactive substances also known as adipocytokines affecting directly insulin resistance (IR), glucose and lipid metabolism, angiogenesis and inflammation. The studies show a close connection between the imbalance of adipocytokines formed as a result of excessive deposit of adipose tissue in the course of the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases. In the present review, we summarize current data on the effect of the adipocytokines on the liver, skeletal muscles, adipose tissue, endothelial cells and inflammatory processes, as well as attempt to define the term «adipocytokines» and classify adipocytokines according to their influence on metabolic processes and pro-inflammatory status. Some of adipocytokines (adiponectin, omentin, leptin, resistin, tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6) are divided into two groups: adipocytokines reducing IR, and adipocytokines increasing IR.
Histoire - Guillaume Mazeau, 2020
Authors: Prévot Cédric
Published: March 2022

Recensé : Guillaume Mazeau, Histoire, Paris, Anamosa, 2020 (« Collection Le mot est faible »), 104 p.
Examining racial discourse in equity reports: Florida’s public Hispanic serving institutions
Authors: Casellas Connors Ishara
Published: March 2022

Public Hispanic serving institutions (HSIs) play a prominent role in educating racially minoritized students, thus making them valuable sites for examining higher education increased attention to state and institution-level diversity policy and plans. Institutional diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) plans, serve as public statements regarding institutional priorities, illuminate how racial equity is centered or decentered. This research engages 10 Equity Reports at public two-year and four-year HSIs in Florida. Through the lens of critical race theory and LatCrit, the analysis foregrounds patterns regarding institutional discourse, in response to state policy mandates, considering the intersection of HSI designation and institutional type. The findings illustrate how the Equity Reports decenter racial equity, reflect a sparse substantive mention of Latinx students, and only superficially engages with the HSIs designation. The findings expand the analysis of HSIs to a new sociopolitical context, providing a broader view of HSIs, and provide policymakers and implementers with tools to consider racial equity through DEI policy.
Lectotipificaciones de nombres ligados a Galianthe (Rubiaceae) para la flora argentina
Authors: Florentín Javier E. , Cabral Elsa L. , Salas Roberto M.
Published: March 2022

During the preparation of the taxonomic treatment of the genus Galianthe for the Flora of Argentina, several names were found in need of typification. For this reason, 11 lectotypes are designated here, hence contributing to the nomenclatural clarification of these names. Additionally, we provide comments about the distribution and habitat of Galianthe species in Argentina.
Lifelong Learning Tendencies of Prospective Teachers: Investigation of Self-directed Learning, Thinking Styles, ICT Usage Status and Demographic Variables as Predictors
Authors: SARITEPECİ Mustafa , ORAK Cihan
Published: March 2022

This study has sought to examine the predicting effect of self-directed learning, thinking styles, ICT usage status and demographic variables on lifelong learning tendencies of prospective teachers. A total of 143 prospective teachers were recruited in this study. This study adopted a relational screening research model. Several instruments including lifelong learning tendencies, self-directed learning, thinking styles and a personal information form developed by the researchers were employed to obtain data. Hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis was used to investigate into the predicting effect of independent variables on the dependent variable. Five models related to lifelong learning were formed in the study and it was found that all of them were statistically significant. In this sense, all hypotheses were accepted in the study. The findings clearly indicate that the most important model that explains the lifelong learning tendencies of prospective teachers is the model 3, in which the number of trainings for personal and professional development were included in hierarchical regression. Additionally, it was found that the most significant predictors of lifelong learning tendencies of prospective teachers were the number of trainings for personal and professional development, daily internet usage time for educational purposes, self-directed learning, gender and department.
An Investigation of Preservice Teachers’ Levels of Metacognitive Awareness in Terms of Certain Variables
Authors: EKİCİ Funda , ULUTAŞ Burcu , ATASOY Basri
Published: March 2022

This
study focuses on metacognition and has two main purposes: (1) to determine
preservice teachers’ levels of metacognitive awareness and (2) to determine how
they relate to the variables of academic achievement, gender, grade level and
department. The participants were biology, physics and chemistry preservice
teachers (N=367). The Metacognitive Awareness Inventory (MAI) was used as a
data collection tool for determining the preservice teachers’ metacognitive
awareness. This is an associational survey study. Pearson’s correlation
analysis, the independent samples t-test and one-way ANOVA were used to analyze
the data. The results indicated a significant relationship between preservice
teachers’ metacognitive awareness and academic achievement. Their metacognitive
awareness also significantly varied by their grade level. However, no
significant relationships were found between the preservice teachers’
metacognitive awareness and gender or department.
Determination of In-Class Trust Levels of Secondary Education Students
Authors: ÖZÇETİN Serdar
Published: March 2022

The purpose of this research is to determine students' in-class trust levels and compare them according to some variables. In the research, survey, one of the quantitative research methods, was adopted. The population of the research consists of the secondary school students participating in the central districts of Antalya in the 2019-2020 academic year. The sample consists of 271 secondary school students determined by simple random (probabilistic) sampling method. In the study, the "In-Class Confidence Scale" was used as a data collection tool. The data collection tool is a 5-point Likert-type scale consisting of 3 sub-dimensions and 34 items [Basic Trust (25 items), Freedom of Expression (5 items) and Threat Perception (4 items)]. In this study, the Cronbach alpha reliability coefficient was found to be .80 for the whole in-class confidence scale. Frequency, percentage, arithmetic mean, standard deviation, t-test for independent samples and One-Way ANOVA analyzes were used to analyze the data. As a result of the research, it was found that the students' in-class confidence levels were at medium levels. As a result of the comparison made according to gender, a significant difference was found in all dimensions of in-class confidence, and it is seen that the averages of males are higher than females in all dimensions. In the comparison made according to the classes of the students, it was observed that the sense of basic trust of the 11th grades is higher than the other classes; the freedom of expression was higher in the 9th graders compared to the 10th graders, and the 10th graders compared to the 11th grades. It was concluded that the threat perception of 11th grade students was higher than the 9th and 10th grade students.
An Investigation of Middle School 8th Grade Students' Metaphoric Perceptions Regarding Historical Empathy
Authors: ELBAY Sezgin
Published: March 2022

The main focus of research and studies in the field of historical empathy is to understand and analyze historical events in line with the contextual conditions of the era, without adapting them to today's logic. When the subject is viewed from this point of view, it comes to the fore how students who have historical empathy perceive / liken the concept of historical empathy. In this context, the aim of the study is to determine the perceptions of middle school 8th grade students regarding the concept of historical empathy through metaphors. For this purpose, descriptive model was used in the research. The participants of the study consisted of 50 students at the 8th grade of middle school. The research data were collected through the metaphor form. Content analysis was made on the data. When the mentioned metaphors were examined, it was seen that the students expressed the concept of historical empathy with different metaphors and explanations of these metaphors. Among the 19 metaphors, it was determined that the metaphors most expressed by students regarding the concept of historical empathy were listed as “Hot Pepper, Tornado, History and Video”. When these metaphors are evaluated together; it has been concluded that through historical empathy, students can be intensely drawn to historical events.
Preanalytical quality improvement – an interdisciplinary journey
Authors: Cadamuro Janne , Baird Geoffrey , Baumann Gabriele , Bolenius Karin , Cornes Michael , Ibarz Mercedes , Lewis Tom , Lima-Oliveira Gabriel , Lippi Giuseppe , Plebani Mario , Simundic Ana-Maria , von Meyer Alexander
Published: March 2022

Since the beginning of laboratory medicine, the main focus was to provide high quality analytics. Over time the importance of the extra-analytical phases and their contribution to the overall quality became evident. However, as the initial preanalytical processes take place outside of the laboratory and mostly without its supervision, all professions participating in these process steps, from test selection to sample collection and transport, need to engage accordingly. Focusing solely on intra-laboratory processes will not be sufficient to achieve the best possible preanalytical quality. The Working Group for the Preanalytical Phase (WG-PRE) of the European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EFLM) has provided several recommendations, opinion papers and scientific evidence over the past years, aiming to standardize the preanalytical phase across Europe. One of its strategies to reach this goal are educational efforts. As such, the WG-PRE has organized five conferences in the past decade with the sole focus on preanalytical quality. This year’s conference mainly aims to depict the views of different professions on preanalytical processes in order to acquire common ground as basis for further improvements. This article summarizes the content of this 6th preanalytical conference.
The effects of imagery training on free-throw accuracy among young basketball players
Authors: Slančo Matúš
Published: March 2022

Objectives

The influence of mental imagery training on the performance of adolescent basketball players in free-throw task was examined using an experimental design and the results revealed significantly better improvement among players who practiced using mental imagery compared to the control group.

Methods

The training program was based on adjusted MIIMS imagery model, and 81 basketball players (aged 13–17) from five junior competition-level teams were divided into two groups: an experimental group and a control group, where players practiced free throws only physically. Players from both groups underwent a total of 14 training sessions at the end of practices during a 7-week period. Their performance in a free-throw task was measured pre- and post-intervention along with multiple factors that could influence changes in performance.

Results

Comparison of groups with both parametric and non-parametric tests revealed a significant improvement in the experimental group and non-significant improvement in the control group. Furthermore, correlation and regression analyses discovered several statistically significant factors that might influence the performance change.

Conclusions

The findings not only help in understanding the role of imagery in training routines of young athletes, but they also reveal several methodological implications for future research.
Effect of Re and Ru additions on morphology and long-term stability of gamma prime particles in new modified superalloys prepared by a vacuum arc melting process
Authors: Tapalad Weerachai , Kiatwisarnkij Napat , Rojhirunsakool Tanaporn , Nisaratanaporn Ekasit , Lothongkum Gobboon , Wangyao Panyawat
Published: March 2022

This research investigated the effects of adding rhenium and ruthenium with various contents to new modified nickel-based superalloys, which were prepared and cast using a vacuum arc melting process. Heat treatment processes were then carried out. The size, circularity and the area fraction of the gamma prime phase were characterized via scanning electron microscopy after solution treatment, precipitation aging and long-term heating processes. The addition of ruthenium seems to provide a stronger effect than adding rhenium by increasing the area fraction of the gamma prime phase after precipitation aging. Furthermore, rhenium and/or ruthenium additions maintain the precipitation of the gamma prime particles in a cubic shape. For phase stability analyses, the alloys were subsequently heated at 1173 K in intervals up to 1080 ks. The study showed that the coarsening rate of γ′ particles can be significantly retarded with the addition of rhenium and/or ruthenium, and topologically close-packed phase can occur with excessive rhenium addition. In addition, the highest addition of ruthenium content in this study strongly exhibited high gamma prime phase stability. Thus, increasing the content of ruthenium and decreasing the content of rhenium can inhibit the formation of the topologically close-packed phase.
Mechanical behavior of a friction welded AA6013/AA7075 beam
Authors: Kocar Oguz , Yetmez Mehmet , Baysal Erhan , Ozyigit Hamdi Alper
Published: March 2022

In this study, mechanical responses of a friction welded AA6013/AA7075 aluminum alloy beam are investigated. For this purpose, the experimental study is conducted with two different friction welding parameters (i.e., rotational speed and welding pressure) and two constant friction welding parameters (i.e., friction pressure and contact time). Microstructural and mechanical performance analyses (i.e., macrohardness and tensile measurements) are considered to determine the weld quality. Effects of speed and welding pressure on the vibration characteristics/structural performances are also examined experimentally. Advantages of using vibration analysis are discussed to understand the effects of different weld parameters. Results are given in tabular and graphical forms.
The critical incident negotiation process of public librarians in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Pierson Cameron M.
Published: March 2022

This paper reports findings from interviews with practicing public librarians in Aotearoa New Zealand. It details respondent understanding of influences on perception and behaviour, and critical incidents as they relate to librarian professional identity. In-depth semi-structed interviews were conducted with forty practicing public librarians. Interviews were analysed with an inductive approach. Findings report on sample tendencies of dominant influences on practitioners’ perception and behaviour, impacting professional identity development over time. Dominant influences are respondent understanding of the strongest aspect they understand to influence their professional identity for both their individual perception of their professional identity and social factors influencing their professional behaviour. Findings also report on the identity negotiation process prompted by critical incidents, whose criticality is reliant on individual perception of incident in relation to professional identity. This process outlines affective response to the critical incident as a gateway to identity negotiations, leading to a discovery and/or growth of an identity facet, which will either affirm or undermine identity understanding. This process may be iterative, as meaning ascribed to the incident may change over time. Three theoretical propositions are presented articulating the role of dominant influences and critical incidents on identity negotiations of public librarian professional identity.
Microstructural and Impact Considerations of Heat Affected Zone in Gas Tungsten Arc Welding of Armor Steel
Authors: Akca Cem , Karaaslan Ahmet
Published: March 2022

Gas tungsten arc welding is a preferred welding process due to its excellent heat control which provides high quality joinings of various metals. Welded armor steels are widely used in armored vehicles for the ease of production. Thus, characterization of gas tungsten arc welding of armor steels reveals important data on both present applications and potential uses of gas tungsten arc welding in future. In this study, microstructural and mechanical properties of welded armor steel were investigated. Optimal welding parameters depending on a previous research were used to eliminate welding defects. The results have shown that application of pre-heating and/or multi-pass welding on armor steel could provide fine and homogeneously dispersed carbides in heat affected zone.
An overview of quinoxaline synthesis by green methods: recent reports
Authors: Yadavalli Venkata Durga Nageswar , Katla Ramesh
Published: March 2022

Quinoxalines and their derivatives belong to an important class of bicyclic aromatic heterocyclic system, also known as benzopyrazines, containing a benzene ring and a pyrazine ring. They have attracted considerable attention over the years due to their potential biological and pharmaceutical properties. A wide range of synthetic strategies is reported in this significant area of research. The present review showcases recent research advances in the synthesis of quinoxaline derivatives following environmentally benign approaches.
Dariusz Leszczynski responds to comments of Maël Dieudonné on Leszczynski’s review of the scientific evidence on the individual sensitivity to electromagnetic fields (EHS)
Authors: Leszczynski Dariusz
Published: March 2022

While Dieudonné has praised thoroughness of Leszczynski’s review of EHS studies, he was critical of the final conclusions. Leszczynski strongly disagrees with argumentation of Dieudonné that EHS issue is settled and that biomarker research is unnecessary because it is expensive and might produce false positives. Leszczynski’s opinion is that his review has demonstrated how very poor scientifically and inadequate statistically is the to-date executed research on EHS. Dieudonné’s approach of using such poor science to justify claim that EHS issue is settled and there is no causality link between EHS and EMF exposures, is completely unjustified and simply false.
Systematische Diversifikation
Authors: Schuh Günther , Graw Myron
Published: March 2022

Technologische Kompetenzen umfassend zu nutzen heißt neue Geschäftsfelder zu erschließen und nachhaltiges Wachstum zu generieren. Jedoch sind heutige Wettbewerbsarenen zunehmend dynamisch und die Entwicklung von Märkten ist mit großer Unsicherheit behaftet. In vielen Fällen wird daher versucht, sinkenden Absätzen in ursprünglich rentablen Kernmärkten durch Diversifikation zu begegnen. Allerdings werden Diversifikationsbestrebungen zumeist auf Grund inkonsistenter Ziele, fehlender Informationsquellen oder mangelnder Orientierung in neuen Märkten oftmals nicht erfolgreich umgesetzt. Die nicht exakt vorhersagbare Entwicklung von Märkten und Technologien wird auch weiterhin als bedeutende Rahmenbedingungen im Diversifikationsprozess bestehen bleiben. Dennoch kann durch ein systematisches Vorgehen einem Teil dieser Unsicherheiten begegnet und so ein besseres Endergebnis erzielt werden.
Produzieren in Hochlohnländern
Authors: Scherrer-Rathje Maike , Deflorin Patricia
Published: March 2022

Standorte in Hochlohnländern können in guter, wie auch in angespannter Wirtschaftslage erfolgreich agieren. Während in einer guten Wirtschaftslage Strategien verfolgt werden, welche die Adressierung mehrerer Differenzierungsfaktoren beinhalten, werden in einer angespannten Wirtschaftslage klare strategische Fokussierung gelegt. Beiden Wirtschaftslagen ist gemeinsam, dass Maßnahmen und Fähigkeiten auf die anvisierte Strategie abzustimmen sind.
Anforderungen an intralogistische Anlagen
Authors: Riekhof Florian , Bielefeld Ovidiu , Esser Christian , Winzer Petra
Published: March 2022

Der Forderung nach hoher Zuverlässigkeit intralogistischer Anlagen wird oft durch Überdimensionierung von Antrieben und Bauteilen Folge geleistet, was in höheren Anschaffungs- und Betriebskosten resultiert. Eine Alternative zu Systemen wie Rollenförderern können Linearantriebe darstellen. Um diese anforderungsgerecht auszulegen und Kenntnis über Komponenten, deren Entwicklung und Problemen hierbei zu gewinnen, wurden in einer Industriebefragung Anforderungen von Herstellern und Nutzern intralogistischer Anlagen erhoben und analysiert.*
Prozessgestützte Umsetzung einer Instandhaltungsstrategie
Authors: Huber Thomas , Loos Manuel Norbert
Published: March 2022

Prozessuale und systemtechnische Veränderungen müssen von Beginn an professionell angeleitet werden, um die Umstellung zum Erfolg zu führen. Im Rahmen einer neuen Instandhaltungsstrategie wird bei der AUDI AG in einem stufenweisen Rollout ein neues Prozessmodell zusammen mit einer IT-Lösung in der Instandhaltung eingeführt. Die Abwicklung des Projekts wurde dabei von Anfang an unter den Gesichtspunkten des Change Managements durchgeführt. Die Vorgehensweise und Umsetzung werden in diesem Beitrag beschrieben.
Störungsmanagement in einer Baustellenmontage
Authors: Hund Eric , Bohlmann Sebastian , Ullmann Georg
Published: March 2022

Störungen, wie z. B. ein defektes Werkzeug, führen häufig im Ablauf einer Baustellenmontage zu Verzögerungen und dazu, dass die Montagesteuerung kurzfristig einen neuen Montageablauf festlegen muss, um negative Folgen zu vermeiden. In diesem Beitrag wird ein Forschungsprojekt vorgestellt, welches die Entwicklung einer Methode zum Ziel hat, in der Online-Simulation eingesetzt wird, um schnell günstige Alternativpläne zu identifizieren und anhand unternehmensindividueller Zielgrößen zu bewerten.*
Energieeffiziente Produktionsplanung und -regelung
Authors: Hering Niklas , Brandenburg Ulrich , Kropp Sebastian
Published: March 2022

Gegenstand des Beitrags ist ein Ansatz für eine energieeffiziente Produktionsplanung und -regelung. Dieser überträgt kybernetische Planungslogiken auf die Produktionsplanungs- und ‑steuerung für energieeffiziente Produktionssysteme. Notwendige Voraussetzung hierfür ist die echtzeitnahe Verarbeitung von Shop Floor-Daten. Durch die Verknüpfung einer ereignisorientierten Architektur mit kybernetischen Planungslogiken kann somit ein anpassungsfähiges, adaptives Produktionssystem realisiert werden, welches den Anforderungen volatiler Energiemärkte gerecht wird.
Nomophobia and relationships with latent classes of solitude
Authors: Lu Xurong , Liu Tour , Liu Xiaorui , Yang Haibo , Elhai Jon D.
Published: March 2022

Recently, nomophobia (separation anxiety from mobile phone) has become a common phenomenon. The authors’ main purpose was to explore latent classes of solitude behaviors and how they are related to nomophobia. Chinese versions of the Nomophobia Scale and the Solitude Behaviour Scale were used in a sample of college students (351 female and 327 male). Latent class analysis, analysis of variance, and regression analysis were employed to classify solitude behaviors and explore the relationship between solitude and nomophobia. A six-class model best fit the data (BIC = 60086.49). Significant differences among the classes were found on nomophobia. Loneliness, social avoidance, and eccentricity significantly predicted nomophobia. Solitude behaviors of college students can be divided into six latent classes. The classes with a high response preference for solitude scored higher on nomophobia, especially the fear of losing an Internet connection. Not self-determined solitude and negative-solitude had a positive effect on nomophobia.
Grit predicts less severe hoarding symptoms among patients seeking treatment at an anxiety disorders clinic
Authors: Siev Jedidiah , Darst-Campbell Maya , Rouder Ivy C. , Schlaudt Victoria A.
Published: March 2022

Grit is associated with positive outcomes in nonclinical samples. However, no studies have examined grit in relation to psychopathology in patients with clinical mood or anxiety disorders. Research and clinical experience suggest that individuals who hoard struggle with characteristics associated with grit, such as task persistence, impulsivity, and self-control. The authors tested the hypothesis that hoarding symptoms are associated with less grit in a sample of individuals (N = 72) presenting for treatment to an anxiety disorders clinic. After covarying symptoms of the four mood and anxiety disorders most commonly comorbid with hoarding disorder (viz. depression, generalized anxiety, social anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder), the authors found that hoarding symptoms were associated with less grit, and the effects were medium-to-large. These results indicate that grit is worthy of investigation in individuals with hoarding disorder using methodologies that permit inferences about causality, and with attention to clinical implications for prevention or treatment.