'Worldmindedness' and Development Education: A Teacher Voice

This research demonstrates that a teacher’s ‘worldmindedness’ influences both the significance teachers give development education teaching in the classroom and the idea of the future they are preparing the children for. It also highlights the current challenges that worldmindedness brings to primary school teachers in an inner-city, multicultural setting. The changing relationship between the local and the global has implications for the realities of both the children’s and the teachers’ ideas of community and also for their personal ideas of the future. With no official guidance on how to address these complex issues in school, there is much inconsistency amongst teachers’ practice. This research suggests that guidance and training, through continued professional development, is necessary to amend this and to create a more consistent idea of what development education in the 21st century should look like

Balancing and model reduction for discrete-time nonlinear systems based on Hankel singular value analysis

This paper is concerned with balanced realization and model reduction for discrete-time nonlinear systems. Singular perturbation type balanced truncation method is proposed. In this procedure, the Hankel singular values and the related controllability and observability properties are preserved, which is a natural generalization of both the linear discrete-time case and the nonlinear continuous-time case.

Discretization of linear fractional representations of LPV systems

Commonly, controllers for Linear Parameter- Varying (LPV) systems are designed in continuous-time using a Linear Fractional Representation (LFR) of the plant. However, the resulting controllers are implemented on digital hardware. Furthermore, discrete-time LPV synthesis approaches require a discrete-time model of the plant which is often derived from continuous-time first-principle models. Existing discretization approaches for LFRs suffer from disadvantages like alternation of dynamics, complexity, etc. To overcome the disadvantages, novel discretization methods are derived. These approaches are compared to existing techniques and analyzed in terms of approximation error, considering ideal zero-order hold actuation and sampling

Delineation of the healthy rabbit tonsil by immunohistochemistry - A short communication

Situated in the oral cavity, the rabbit palatine tonsils are part of the mucosal immune system and help to defend the body against foreign pathogens. Expressed as two oval protrusions in the wall of the oropharynx, the rabbit palatine tonsils are characterized by excretory ducts and trabeculae. We here compare paraffin embedded and cryosections of the healthy rabbit tonsils. This analysis centers on evaluating the differential outcomes resulting from the application of these fixation methodologies in conjunction with immunohistochemical assays targeting collagen I, collagen III, fibronectin, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and ki67. Subsequent recommendations are provided based on our findings. Furthermore, we demonstrate the advantage of an antigen retrieval step in immunohistochemical labeling of paraffin sections. Basic classical histological stainings as HE, GT and elastin were also performed. Comparison of different stainings and labelings was furthermore performed in serial sections, showing that adjacent to the excretory ducts, the tonsillar tissue was particularly composed of collagen I and fibronectin, while the vessel walls were predominantly α-SMA positive. Moreover, PAR-2 immunohistochemical staining was performed, where a small fraction of the cells found in the tonsillar connective tissue were PAR-2 positive (probably a subpopulation of mast cells), as well as the lumen of some excretory ducts and trabeculae. Collagen III on the other hand was only weakly expressed in the tonsils. Proliferating ki67 positive cells were rare. This endeavor serves to furnish the scientific community with reference imagery pertinent to researchers opting for the rabbit palatine tonsil model. The diversity of staining techniques employed herein establishes a foundational repository of images, primed for comparative analysis against pathological conditions. Furthermore, these images hold the potential to illustrate inter-species variations. For instance, they can be juxtaposed against murine or rodent tonsils, or even offer insights into the human context

Delineation of the healthy rabbit kidney by immunohistochemistry - A technical note.

Pre-clinical animal models are needed to investigate and study kidney injuries and diseases. The rabbit kidney model is frequently used because various important parameters can be assessed with it. For example, histology and immunohistochemistry are indispensable as tissue morphology and composition can be investigated qualitatively as well as quantitatively. Here, different histological and immunohistochemical stainings were performed in the rabbit healthy naïve kidney tissue. First, overnight formalin fixation followed by paraffin embedding and cryopreservation with a subsequent 10-minute formalin fixation prior to staining were compared. Cryosections showed a more pronounced staining pattern, with clear borders at low magnifications, but blurred borders at higher magnifications. Then, antigen retrieval (AR) for paraffin embedded sections resulted in more prominent corresponding signals compared to stainings without AR. Moreover, several advantages and disadvantages of chromogenic versus immunofluorescence stainings were considered. Chromogenic staining was advantageous compared to immunofluorescence for collagen I and III, and to a minor degree for fibronectin. Finally, distinct structures, such as the pelvis, the calices, the glomeruli and tubuli, were stained in serial sections with diverse immunohistochemical stainings in order to delineate their composition. The following stainings were performed: standard Haematoxylin&Eosin and Elastica van Gieson staining, collagen I, collagen III, fibronectin, α-SMA, ki-67 and protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR-2). While chromogenic stainings of collagen I and collagen III were particularly useful to depict kidney structures in paraffin sections compared with cryosections, cryosections immunofluorescently stained for α-SMA were superior to paraffin sections, particularly at higher magnifications. With regard to specific structures, we found renal vessel walls positive for fibronectin and α-SMA, while the Bowman's capsule was only positive for fibronectin and α-SMA showed only tiny spots. The mesangial cells of the glomeruli and the distal tubuli were PAR-2 positive, while the proximal tubuli were PAR-2 negative

Impacted maxillary canines and root resorptions of neighbouring teeth: a radiographic analysis using cone-beam computed tomography

The study analyses the location of impacted maxillary canines and factors influencing root resorptions of adjacent teeth using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). In addition, the interrater reliability between observers of two different dental specialties for radiographic parameters will be evaluated. CBCT images of patients who were referred for radiographic localization of impacted maxillary canines and/or suspicion of root resorptions of adjacent teeth were included. The study analysed the exact three-dimensional location of the impacted canines in the anterior maxilla, frequency and extent of root resorptions, and potential influencing factors. To assess interrater agreement, Cohen's correlation parameters were calculated. This study comprises 113 patients with CBCT scans, and 134 impacted canines were analysed retrospectively. In the patients evaluated, 69 impacted canines were located palatally (51.49 per cent), 41 labially (30.60 per cent), and 24 (17.91 per cent) in the middle of the alveolar process. Root resorptions were found in 34 lateral incisors (25.37 per cent), 7 central incisors (5.22 per cent), 6 first premolars (4.48 per cent), and 1 second premolar (0.75 per cent). There was a significant correlation between root resorptions on adjacent teeth and localization of the impacted canine in relation to the bone, as well as vertical localization of the canine. Interrater agreement showed values of 0.546-0.877. CBCT provides accurate information about location of the impacted canine and prevalence and degree of root resorption of neighbouring teeth with high interrater correlation. This information is of great importance for surgeons and orthodontists for accurate diagnostics and interdisciplinary treatment plannin

Current Perspectives on Synthetic Compartments for Biomedical Applications

Nano- and micrometer-sized compartments composed of synthetic polymers are designed to mimic spatial and temporal divisions found in nature. Self-assembly of polymers into compartments such as polymersomes, giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs), layer-by-layer (LbL) capsules, capsosomes, or polyion complex vesicles (PICsomes) allows for the separation of defined environments from the exterior. These compartments can be further engineered through the incorporation of (bio)molecules within the lumen or into the membrane, while the membrane can be decorated with functional moieties to produce catalytic compartments with defined structures and functions. Nanometer-sized compartments are used for imaging, theranostic, and therapeutic applications as a more mechanically stable alternative to liposomes, and through the encapsulation of catalytic molecules, i.e., enzymes, catalytic compartments can localize and act in vivo. On the micrometer scale, such biohybrid systems are used to encapsulate model proteins and form multicompartmentalized structures through the combination of multiple compartments, reaching closer to the creation of artificial organelles and cells. Significant progress in therapeutic applications and modeling strategies has been achieved through both the creation of polymers with tailored properties and functionalizations and novel techniques for their assembly

Strong Public Health Recommendations from Weak Evidence? Lessons Learned in Developing Guidance on the Public Health Management of Meningococcal Disease.

The evidence underpinning public health policy is often of low quality, leading to inconsistencies in recommended interventions. One example is the divergence in national policies across Europe for managing contacts of invasive meningococcal disease. Aiming to develop consistent guidance at the European level, a group of experts reviewed the literature and formulated recommendations. The group defined eight priority research questions, searched the literature, and formulated recommendations using GRADE methodology. Five of the research questions are discussed in this paper. After taking into account quality of evidence, benefit, harm, value, preference, burden on patient of the intervention, and resource implications, we made four strong recommendations and five weak recommendations for intervention. Strong recommendations related not only to one question with very low quality of evidence as well as to two questions with moderate to high quality of evidence. The weak recommendations related to two questions with low and very low quality of evidence but also to one question with moderate quality of evidence. GRADE methodology ensures a transparent process and explicit recognition of additional factors that should be considered when making recommendations for policy. This approach can be usefully applied to many areas of public health policy where evidence quality is often low

Impacted maxillary canines and root resorptions of neighbouring teeth: a radiographic analysis using cone-beam computed tomography

The study analyses the location of impacted maxillary canines and factors influencing root resorptions of adjacent teeth using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). In addition, the interrater reliability between observers of two different dental specialties for radiographic parameters will be evaluated. CBCT images of patients who were referred for radiographic localization of impacted maxillary canines and/or suspicion of root resorptions of adjacent teeth were included. The study analysed the exact three-dimensional location of the impacted canines in the anterior maxilla, frequency and extent of root resorptions, and potential influencing factors. To assess interrater agreement, Cohen's correlation parameters were calculated. This study comprises 113 patients with CBCT scans, and 134 impacted canines were analysed retrospectively. In the patients evaluated, 69 impacted canines were located palatally (51.49 per cent), 41 labially (30.60 per cent), and 24 (17.91 per cent) in the middle of the alveolar process. Root resorptions were found in 34 lateral incisors (25.37 per cent), 7 central incisors (5.22 per cent), 6 first premolars (4.48 per cent), and 1 second premolar (0.75 per cent). There was a significant correlation between root resorptions on adjacent teeth and localization of the impacted canine in relation to the bone, as well as vertical localization of the canine. Interrater agreement showed values of 0.546-0.877. CBCT provides accurate information about location of the impacted canine and prevalence and degree of root resorption of neighbouring teeth with high interrater correlation. This information is of great importance for surgeons and orthodontists for accurate diagnostics and interdisciplinary treatment planning

Strong Public Health Recommendations from Weak Evidence? Lessons Learned in Developing Guidance on the Public Health Management of Meningococcal Disease

The evidence underpinning public health policy is often of low quality, leading to inconsistencies in recommended interventions. One example is the divergence in national policies across Europe for managing contacts of invasive meningococcal disease. Aiming to develop consistent guidance at the European level, a group of experts reviewed the literature and formulated recommendations. The group defined eight priority research questions, searched the literature, and formulated recommendations using GRADE methodology. Five of the research questions are discussed in this paper. After taking into account quality of evidence, benefit, harm, value, preference, burden on patient of the intervention, and resource implications, we made four strong recommendations and five weak recommendations for intervention. Strong recommendations related not only to one question with very low quality of evidence as well as to two questions with moderate to high quality of evidence. The weak recommendations related to two questions with low and very low quality of evidence but also to one question with moderate quality of evidence. GRADE methodology ensures a transparent process and explicit recognition of additional factors that should be considered when making recommendations for policy. This approach can be usefully applied to many areas of public health policy where evidence quality is often low