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Upper limb amputations are frequently the result of traumatic events, often associated with car accidents or incidents involving industrial machinery. The development of prosthetic technologies is essential to provide physical assistance to amputees and offer psychological support. In such circumstances, cosmetic gloves can be utilized to improve personal and social comfort by enhancing visual characteristics similar to those of a biological hand. In this work, we developed formulations based on natural rubber latex (NRL) with antibacterial properties by the incorporation of an additive consisting of zinc oxide coated with silver nanoparticles to manufacture cosmetic gloves designed for upper limb prostheses. The dispersion efficiency of the additive was investigated by microscopic techniques. Tensile and tear strength tests, Shore A hardness measurements, swelling indices, hydrophobicity and inhibition of bacterial growth were also conducted to ascertain the suitability and adaptability of the developed material for integration into the daily activities of patients. Moreover, processing parameters for the immersion molding production of cosmetic gloves were assessed and validated, highlighting the crucial relationship between manufacturing techniques and material properties. Overall, the results indicated that the combination of the additive with a high crosslinking density of NRL effectively improved the material mechanical properties, resulting in a tensile strength of up to 20.7 MPa and a tear strength of approximately 40 kN m−1. In addition, and according to the antibacterial tests, the gloves exhibited bacteriostatic effects against Staphylococcus aureus and bactericidal effects against Escherichia coli. As a conclusion, the dataset indicates that the manufactured cosmetic gloves can be used to covering upper limb prostheses. Additionally, it underscores the considerable potential for the cosmetic glove manufacturing industry through the use of appropriate formulations and processing techniques for NRL.

Secondary school teachers in Tanzania have been attempting to implement the inquiry-based science curriculum since 2005. This study is descriptive and was designed within the realms of a Type IV case-study design (Yin, R. K. 2014. "Case study research: Design and methods" 5th ed. SAGE) to investigate their concerns in dealing with this curriculum. It employed the Concern-Based Adoption Model (CBAM) as its lens and collected data using the Stage of Concern (SoC) questionnaire. In addition, the study used background information of the participants themselves and their context collected using one-on-one interviews to enrich the interpretation of revealed concerns. The findings revealed variations in the nature and intensities of concerns amongst science teachers in the case-study schools. These variations were partly due to the differences in contextual and background characteristics of staff of the three case-study schools. The implications of these findings for both policy and practice are discussed.

Abstract The Manawatu region experiences deep tremor and long‐term slow slip events (SSEs); however, tremor is adjacent to, and not co‐located with, long‐term SSEs. Observations of episodic tremor and slip (ETS) elsewhere suggest it is possible smaller short‐term SSEs below the current detection threshold occur where tremor is observed. Therefore, we sought to determine if small SSEs occurred with Manawatu tremor. We decomposed GNSS data using times of tremor to assess average surface displacements and performed a static slip inversion to model the displacement during tremor. The slip inversion suggested small slow slip partially coincided with tremor and long‐term SSEs may influence these small SSEs by increasing slip rates. We suggest that the interface below deep long‐term SSEs may slip often, in small ETS‐like SSEs that are not individually detectable geodetically. The question remains as to the nature of the strong variability in SSE behavior with depth and duration in the southern Hikurangi margin.

We introduce the $\textit{resource marginal problems}$, which concern the possibility of having a resource-free target subsystem compatible with a $given$ collection of marginal density matrices. By identifying an appropriate choice of resource R and target subsystem T, our problems reduce, respectively, to the well-known $\textit{marginal problems}$ for quantum states and the problem of determining if a given quantum system is a resource. More generally, we say that a set of marginal states is $\textit{resource-free incompatible}$ with a target subsystem T if all global states compatible with this set must result in a resourceful state in T of type R. We show that this incompatibility $induces$ a resource theory that can be quantified by a monotone and obtain necessary and sufficient conditions for this monotone to be computable as a conic program with finite optimum. We further show, via the corresponding witnesses, that (1) resource-free incompatibility is equivalent to an operational advantage in some channel-discrimination tasks, and (2) some specific cases of such tasks fully characterize the convertibility between marginal density matrices exhibiting resource-free incompatibility. Through our framework, one sees a clear connection between any marginal problem – which implicitly involves some notion of incompatibility – for quantum states and a resource theory for quantum states. We also establish a close connection between the physical relevance of resource marginal problems and the ground state properties of certain many-body Hamiltonians. In terms of application, the universality of our framework leads, for example, to a further quantitative understanding of the incompatibility associated with the recently-proposed entanglement marginal problems and entanglement transitivity problems.

Abstract A plethora of AI-based techniques now exists to conduct de novo molecule generation that can devise molecules conditioned towards a particular endpoint in the context of drug design. One popular approach is using reinforcement learning to update a recurrent neural network or language-based de novo molecule generator. However, reinforcement learning can be inefficient, sometimes requiring up to 105 molecules to be sampled to optimize more complex objectives, which poses a limitation when using computationally expensive scoring functions like docking or computer-aided synthesis planning models. In this work, we propose a reinforcement learning strategy called Augmented Hill-Climb based on a simple, hypothesis-driven hybrid between REINVENT and Hill-Climb that improves sample-efficiency by addressing the limitations of both currently used strategies. We compare its ability to optimize several docking tasks with REINVENT and benchmark this strategy against other commonly used reinforcement learning strategies including REINFORCE, REINVENT (version 1 and 2), Hill-Climb and best agent reminder. We find that optimization ability is improved ~ 1.5-fold and sample-efficiency is improved ~ 45-fold compared to REINVENT while still delivering appealing chemistry as output. Diversity filters were used, and their parameters were tuned to overcome observed failure modes that take advantage of certain diversity filter configurations. We find that Augmented Hill-Climb outperforms the other reinforcement learning strategies used on six tasks, especially in the early stages of training or for more difficult objectives. Lastly, we show improved performance not only on recurrent neural networks but also on a reinforcement learning stabilized transformer architecture. Overall, we show that Augmented Hill-Climb improves sample-efficiency for language-based de novo molecule generation conditioning via reinforcement learning, compared to the current state-of-the-art. This makes more computationally expensive scoring functions, such as docking, more accessible on a relevant timescale.

Abstract One of the goals of science is to understand the relation between a whole and its parts, as exemplified by the problem of certifying the entanglement of a system from the knowledge of its reduced states. Here, we focus on a different but related question: can a collection of marginal information reveal new marginal information? We answer this affirmatively and show that (non-) entangled marginal states may exhibit (meta)transitivity of entanglement, i.e., implying that a different target marginal must be entangled. By showing that the global n-qubit state compatible with certain two-qubit marginals in a tree form is unique, we prove that transitivity exists for a system involving an arbitrarily large number of qubits. We also completely characterize—in the sense of providing both the necessary and sufficient conditions—when (meta)transitivity can occur in a tripartite scenario when the two-qudit marginals given are either the Werner states or the isotropic states. Our numerical results suggest that in the tripartite scenario, entanglement transitivity is generic among the marginals derived from pure states.

Undergraduate business students (N = 307) reported their learning preferences from a list of 18 instructional methods commonly used by college of business educators. Data were also collected on academic and demographic characteristics. Exploratory factor analysis of student preferences for instructional methods identified five learning styles: "social learning, independent learning, experiential learning, traditional learning, and gaming." A "k"-means clustering procedure used the five factors to create a typology of five student groups: "hands-on learners, open-minded learners, resistant learners, interactive gamers, and conventional learners." When profiled using other student characteristics, the results help provide educators with insights into student's instructional method preferences.

By examining on-course pedagogical practices, recent research has sought to inform the development of National Governing Body (NGB) coach education courses. Coach education programmes are, however, social constructs, and are influenced by policies and socio-economic factors. To inform future provision, there is a need to understand the construction of policy and the influences affecting course design. This study examined how the English Football Association (FA) redeveloped their coach education policy in 2016. The 2016 changes are pertinent because calls for educational provision to be informed by social constructivism have been made. The FA's coach education policy (2016) claim to be informed by such a philosophical stance. This study, therefore, reports on what policy was created, and how it had been disseminated within the organisation. Twenty-eight interviews were conducted with 14 participants (staff members with different roles within the FA) across two separate points in time, 12 months apart. A thematic analysis identified three key themes: (1) Three Elements of Curriculum/Course Design (A learning strategy informed by social constructivism; a body of content for courses; a coaching competency framework and qualification specification); (2) Recontextualisation of the policy and some confusion during dissemination; and (3) A restricted code when disseminating policy. The significance of these findings extends beyond the case presented and policy makers who seek to inform course design with learning theory may wish to offer elaboration throughout the workforce via text and discourse. Future research should build on these findings and consider how knowledge is selected and legitimised by policy makers, and how coach developers implement recontextualised policies.

Introduction HIV infection is an established risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases. Although increasing evidence implicates a higher prevalence of myocardial fibrosis (MF) among patients living with HIV (PLWH) compared with the HIV-negative population, there is a paucity of knowledge regarding its determinants and factors associated with higher odds of MF development. We aim to perform a systematic review to estimate the prevalence of MF among PLWH. Additionally, we will determine the factors associated with higher odds of MF among PLWH compared with the HIV-negative population.Methods A systematic review will be performed by consulting the Cochrane handbook for systematic reviews of interventional studies reporting a confirmed diagnosis of MF among PLWH. Articles will be eligible if they provide the prevalence of MF among PLWH and HIV-negative populations or the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of MF development in relation to HIV. Depending on the quality of the data and the heterogeneity among the included studies, a random-effects or fixed-effects model will be used to pool and compare the ORs of MF among PLWH and HIV-negative population. Factors associated with higher odds of MF in relation to HIV will also be determined.Ethics and dissemination Ethical approval and obtaining informed consent are not required for this systematic review as it does not use individual patients’ data. Results of this study will be published in a peer-reviewed medical journal.

ABSTRACT Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), including Mycobacterium avium, are clinically important pathogens in cystic fibrosis (CF). The innate immune response to M. avium remains incompletely understood. We evaluated the role of complement opsonization in neutrophil-mediated killing of M. avium. Killing assays were performed using neutrophils from healthy donors (HDs) and persons with CF (pwCF). Clinical isolates of M. avium were opsonized with plasma from HDs or pwCF, which was intact or heat-treated to inactivate complement. HD neutrophils had killing activity against M. avium opsonized with intact HD plasma and killing was significantly reduced when M. avium was opsonized with heat-inactivated HD plasma. When opsonized with HD plasma, CF neutrophils had killing activity against M. avium that was not different than HD neutrophils. When opsonized with intact plasma from pwCF, HD neutrophil killing of M. avium was significantly reduced. Opsonization of M. avium with C3-depleted serum or IgM-depleted plasma resulted in significantly reduced killing. Plasma C3 levels were elevated in pwCF with NTM infection compared to pwCF without NTM infection. These studies demonstrate that human neutrophils efficiently kill M. avium when opsonized in the presence of plasma factors from HD that include C3 and IgM. Killing efficiency is significantly lower when the bacteria are opsonized with plasma from pwCF. This indicates a novel role for opsonization in neutrophil killing of M. avium and a deficiency in complement opsonization as a mechanism of impaired M. avium killing in CF. IMPORTANCE Mycobacterium avium is a member of a group of bacterial species termed nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) that cause lung disease in certain populations, including persons with cystic fibrosis (CF). NTM infections are challenging to diagnose and can be even more difficult to treat. This study investigated how the immune system responds to M. avium infection in CF. We found that neutrophils, the most abundant immune cell in the lungs in CF, can effectively kill M. avium in individuals both with and without CF. Another component of the immune response called the complement system is also required for this process. Levels of complement proteins are altered in persons with CF who have a history of NTM compared to those without a history of NTM infection. These results add to our understanding of how the immune system responds to M. avium, which can help pave the way toward better diagnostic and treatment strategies.

The meniscus is a fibrocartilaginous tissue that plays an essential role in load transmission, lubrication, and stabilization of the knee. Loss of meniscus function, through degeneration or trauma, can lead to osteoarthritis in the underlying articular cartilage. To perform its crucial function, the meniscus extracellular matrix has a particular organization, including collagen fiber bundles running circumferentially, allowing the tissue to withstand tensile hoop stresses developed during axial loading. Given its critical role in preserving the health of the knee, better understanding structure-function relations of the biomechanical properties of the meniscus is critical. The main objective of this study was to measure the compressive modulus of porcine meniscus using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM); the effects of three key factors were investigated: direction (axial, circumferential), compartment (medial, lateral) and region (inner, outer). Porcine menisci were prepared in 8 groups (= 2 directions x 2 compartments x 2 regions) with n = 9 per group. A custom AFM was used to obtain force-indentation curves, which were then curve-fit with the Hertz model to determine the tissue's compressive modulus. The compressive modulus ranged from 0.75 to 4.00 MPa across the 8 groups, with an averaged value of 2.04±0.86MPa. Only direction had a significant effect on meniscus compressive modulus (circumferential > axial, p = 0.024), in agreement with earlier studies demonstrating that mechanical properties in the tissue are anisotropic. This behavior is likely the result of the particular collagen fiber arrangement in the tissue and plays a key role in load transmission capability. This study provides important information on the micromechanical properties of the meniscus, which is crucial for understanding tissue pathophysiology, as well as for developing novel treatments for tissue repair.

The mechanisms by which early microbial colonizers of the neonate influence gut development are poorly understood. Bacterial bile salt hydrolase (BSH) acts as a putative colonization factor that influences bile acid signatures and microbe-host signaling pathways and we considered whether this activity can influence infant gut development. In silico analysis of the human neonatal gut metagenome confirmed that BSH enzyme sequences are present as early as one day postpartum. Gastrointestinal delivery of cloned BSH to immature gnotobiotic mice accelerated shortening of the colon and regularized gene expression profiles, with monocolonised mice more closely resembling conventionally raised animals. In situ expression of BSH decreased markers of cell proliferation (Ki67, Hes2 and Ascl2) and strongly increased expression of ALPI, a marker of cell differentiation and barrier function. These data suggest an evolutionary paradigm whereby microbial BSH activity potentially influences bacterial colonization and in-turn benefits host gastrointestinal maturation.

Self-concept and utility-values are thought to influence differences in choices, participation and performance in schools-careers between students of different genders and ages. This study was investigating existence of gender differences in such constructs regarding science. Further, the study investigated whether development of such constructs is still influenced by how children feel their parents perceive them in relation to sciences. Using a 30-item, Likert-type questionnaire, data were collected from a random sample of 184 second and third graders. Results showed that, students' self perceptions and those of parents regarding science are positively related. Further, self-concept and utility-values were higher among boys than girls. Based on the result, it was concluded that, parents' gender-based perceptions regarding science that are still communicated at home might be the reason for the development of children's gender-based self-perceptions regarding sciences.

COVID-19 remains a pressing global health disaster, and pregnant women and their unborn child/ren continue to be extremely at risk. In the Philippines, a developing country in Southeast Asia, pregnant women were generally excluded from initial vaccination drives to avoid adverse effects in their offspring, amidst findings from animal studies and post-trial monitoring on the vaccines' safety. In August 2021, the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society (POGS) and the Department of Health (DOH) released guidelines for the vaccination of pregnant women due to the eventual increase in their mortality during outbreaks of the Delta variant. This perspective presents various forms of scientific communication on COVID-19 vaccination to Filipino pregnant women and forwards recommendations to improve communication in various settings. First, we present three modalities on how information on COVID-19 vaccination is disseminated to pregnant women in the Philippines and discuss their potential impacts on knowledge promotion and actual vaccination uptake, taking into account the Filipino cultural value of “pakikipagkapwa”. These include government and doctor-led initiatives, social media posts and comments, and experiences of one of the authors in vaccination drives in rural and remote communities. Findings are used to develop the BAKUNANAYS guidelines, comprised of 10 recommendations for healthcare workers, health agencies, and doctors vaccinating pregnant women in the Philippines and other developing countries, especially those with a similar socio-economic profile and cultural values.

Fluency in both the construction and interpretation of molecular structures is a critical learning objective in the second-year organic chemistry curriculum. With the introduction of PerkinElmer's ChemDraw structure drawing tool into undergraduate laboratory courses, students are challenged to develop fundamental molecular drawing skills using authentic, industry-standard software and to incorporate their submissions into a number of digital lab report assignments. Consistent exposure to ChemDraw throughout the organic laboratory curriculum augments student comprehension of organic structures as well as hones their technical skills through increasingly sophisticated assignments. By expanding their use of the program to reinforce foundational ideas of structure and reactivity, students further strengthen their knowledge of concepts such as intermolecular forces, states of matter, chromatographic principles, and reaction mechanisms. Students reported favorable experiences in their use of the program throughout the curriculum.