A Microservice Infrastructure for Distributed Communities of Practice

Non-formal learning in Communities of Practice (CoPs) makes up a significant portion of today’s knowledge gain. However, only little technological support is tailored specifically towards CoPs and their particular strengths and challenges. Even worse, CoPs often do not possess the resources to host or even develop a software ecosystem to support their activities. In this paper, we describe a distributed, microservice-based Web infrastructure for non-formal learning in CoPs. It mitigates the need for central infrastructures, coordination or facilitation and takes into account the constant change of these communities. As a real use case, we implement an inquiry-based learning application on-top of our infrastructure. Our evaluation results indicate the usefulness of this learning application, which shows promise for future work in the domain of community-hosted, microservice-based Web infrastructures for learning outside of formal settings

Portable HEPA Filtration Successfully Augments Natural-Ventilation-Mediated Airborne Particle Clearance in a Legacy Design Hospital Ward

As the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 pandemic has proceeded, ventilation has been recognized increasingly as an important tool in infection control. Many hospitals in Ireland and the UK do not have mechanical ventilation and depend on natural ventilation. The effectiveness of natural ventilation varies with atmospheric conditions and building design. In a challenge test of a legacy design ward, this study showed that portable air filtration significantly increased the clearance of pollutant aerosols of respirable size compared with natural ventilation, and reduced spatial variation in particle persistence. A combination of natural ventilation and portable air filtration is significantly more effective for particle clearance than either intervention alone

The CDS information hub

The Centre de Donnees astronomiques de Strasbourg (CDS) provides homogeneousaccess to heterogeneous information of various origins: information aboutastronomical objects in Simbad; catalogs and observation logs in VizieR and inthe catalogue service; reference images and overlays in Aladin; nomenclature inthe Dictionary of Nomenclature; Yellow Page services; the AstroGLU resourcediscovery tool; mirror copies of other reference services; and documentation.With the implementation of links between the CDS services, and with otheron--line reference information, CDS has become a major hub in the rapidlyevolving world of information retrieval in astronomy, developing efficienttools to help astronomers to navigate in the world-wide `Virtual Observatory'under construction, from data in the observatory archives to results publishedin journals. The WWW interface to the CDS services is available at:http://cdsweb.u-strasbg.fr

A comparison of the Milky Way's recent star formation revealed by dust thermal emission and high-mass stars

We present a comparison of the Milky Way's star formation rate (SFR) surface density ($\Sigma_{\rm SFR}$) obtained with two independent state-of-the-art observational methods. The first method infers $\Sigma_{\rm SFR}$ from the observations of the dust thermal emission from interstellar dust grains in far infrared wavelengths registered in the Herschel Infrared Galactic Plane Survey (Hi-GAL), as presented in Elia et al. (2022). The second method obtains $\Sigma_{\rm SFR}$ by modeling the current population of O-, B-, and A-type stars in a 6 kpc $\times$ 6 kpc area around the Sun, as presented in Zari et al. (2023). We found an agreement between the two methods within a factor of two for the mean SFRs and the SFR surface density profiles. Given the broad differences between the observational techniques and the independent assumptions in the methods to compute the SFRs, this agreement constitutes a significant advance in our understanding of the star formation of our Galaxy and implies that the local SFR has been roughly constant over the past 10 Myr.Comment: Submitted to A&A (31JUL2023). 8 pages, 7 figures. Comments are welcom

Probing the Wave Nature of Light-Matter Interaction

The wave-particle duality of light is a controversial topic in modern physics. In this context, this work highlights the ability of the wave-nature of light on its own to account for the conservation of energy in light-matter interaction. Two simple fundamental properties of light as wave are involved: its period and its power P. The power P depends only on the amplitude of the wave’s electric and magnetic fields (Poynting’s vector), and can easily be measured with a power sensor for visible and infrared lasers. The advantage of such a wave-based approach is that it unveils unexpected effects of light’s power P capable of explaining numerous results published in current scientific literature, of correlating phenomena otherwise considered as disjointed, and of making predictions on ways to employ the electromagnetic (EM) waves which so far are unexplored. In this framework, this work focuses on determining the magnitude of the time interval that, coupled with light’s power P, establishes the energy conserved in the exchange of energy between light and matter. To reach this goal, capacitors were excited with visible and IR lasers at variable average power P. As the result of combining experimental measurements and simulations based on the law of conservation of energy, it was found that the product of the period of the light by its power P fixes the magnitude of the energy conserved in light’s interaction with the capacitors. This finding highlights that the energy exchanged is defined in the time interval equal to the period of the light’s wave. The validity of the finding is shown to hold in light’s interaction with matter in general, e.g. in the photoelectric effect with x-rays, in the transfer of electrons between energy levels in semiconducting interfaces of field effect transistors, in the activation of photosynthetic reactions, and in the generation of action potentials in retinal ganglion cells to enable vision in vertebrates. Finally, the validity of the finding is investigated in the low frequency spectrum of the EM waves by exploring possible consequences in microwave technology, and in harvesting through capacitors the radio waves dispersed in the environment after being used in telecommunications as a source of usable electricity

Experiences of the Flipped Classroom method Does it make students more motivated?

The aim of this paper is to highlight use of the flipped classroom method, and how teachers perceive this teaching practice. More specific the research focus on whether the teachers’ experience that the model leads to increased motivation in the students learning process. The background for the research is generated from qualitative interviews with teachers, and the empirical data obtained is from semi-structured interviews with these informants. The results show that the flipped classroom method in fact did increase participation and cooperation, which in turn generated motivation and willing students. The teachers got more time for guidance of each student, which provided more solid knowledge on each student’s academic level

The inhibitor of differentiation-2 promotes synovial fibroblast-dependent osteoclastogenesis in rheumatoid arthritis

Objectives: Despite indirect evidence suggesting that low oxygen levels might occur in the rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovium, direct proof of the presence of hypoxia in the arthritic synovium as well as the relevance of low oxygen levels for joint destruction is lacking. The aim of this study was to analyse the distribution of hypoxia in arthritic joints and to evaluate the molecular effects of the hypoxic environment on the phenotype of RA synovial fibroblasts (SF).<p></p> Methods: The hypoxia marker EF-5 was applied in mice with the collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). Expression profile analysis with hypoxic and normoxic SF was performed using subtractive hybridization and microarray. The expression of the inhibitor of differentiation-2 (Id-2), CD68 (macrophage marker) and prolyl hydroxylase (fibroblast marker) was evaluated by immunohistochemistry on synovial tissues from RA, osteoarthritis patients and CIA mice. To evaluate the function of Id-2 in SF, cells were transfected with the pcDNA3.1 containing cDNA for Id-2 or Id-2-specific siRNA or mock controls. The expression of Id-2 and genes regulated by Id-2 in transfected SF was evaluated by SYBR Green real-time PCR and western blot. SF stably transfected with Id-2 were cocultured with bone marrow cells in a transwell system. The expression of the receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin were measured by real-time PCR. The development of osteoclasts was evaluated by visualization of the activity of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase.<p></p> Results: Using the hypoxia marker EF-5 we found that in mice with CIA, synovial cells invading bone and cartilage are exposed to reduced oxygen levels. Expression profile studies identified Id-2 as being upregulated under low oxygen conditions. In addition, IL-1beta stimulation increased the expression of Id-2 in these cells. Histological studies of RA synovium and CIA synovium showed strong expression of Id-2 in SF at sites of synovial invasion into bone. Overproduction of Id-2 in SF by stable transfection triggered the expression of several genes promoting osteoclastogenesis, including BMP-2, PTHrP, Wnt5a and vascular endothelial growth factor. Conversely, the suppression of endogenous Id-2 led to the downregulation of the expression of these molecules. Consistent with these findings coculture of Id-2 transfected SF with bone marrow cells increased the expression of the osteoclast differentiation factor RANKL, and decreased the expression of the osteoclast inhibitory factor osteoprotegerin in bone marrow stromal cells, which was followed by an increase in the number of osteoclasts.<p></p> Conclusion: Taken together, our data provide evidence that hypoxia is present at sites of synovial invasion in RA and that Id-2 induced by hypoxia contributes at these sites to joint destruction by promoting SF-dependent osteoclastogenesis

Theorising interprofessional pedagogic evaluation: framework for evaluating the impact of interprofessional CPD on practice change

This paper outlines the development of a conceptual framework to guide the evaluation of the impact of the pedagogy employed in continuing professional development for professionals in education, health and social care. The work is developed as part of the Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning: Interprofessional Learning across the Public Sector (CETL: IPPS) at the University of Southampton. The paper briefly outlines the field for pedagogic research and comments on the underpinning theories that have so far been used to guide research into interprofessional learning (IPL). It maps out the development of interprofessional CPD in its specific context as part of the CETL: IPPS with its links to a local authority undergoing service reorganisation and the role of the continuing professional development (CPD) in effecting change. It then brings together a theoretical framework with the potential toexplore, explain and evaluate the essential features of the model of pedagogy used in interprofessional CPD, in which professionals from education have for the first time been included alongside those from health and social care. The framework draws upon elements of situated learning theory, Activity Theory and Dreier’s work (2002, 1999) on trajectories of participation, particularly Personal Action Potency. By combining the resulting analytic framework with an adapted version of an established evaluation model, a theoretically-driven, practicable evaluation matrix is developed. The matrix has potential use in evaluating the impact of pedagogic input on practice change. The paper models a process for developing a conceptual framework to steer pedagogic evaluation. Such a process and the resulting matrix may be of use to other researchers who are similarly developing pedagogic evaluation

Хірургічна тактика при поєднаному стенотично-оклюзивному ураженні екстракраніальних артерій та аорто/клубово-стегнової зони

The aim of the work: to prevent the development of neurological complications in the surgical treatment of combined atherosclerotic lesions of the extracranial arteries and the aorto/ilio-femoral zone. Materials and Methods. A total of 133 patients with combined stenotic-occlusive lesions of the extracranial arteries (ECA) and the aorto/iliac-femoral segment (AIFS) were examined and operated on. 102 patients were diagnosed with various options for atherosclerotic occlusion of AIFS. Problem lower extremity in the indicated group of patients in 64 cases was characterized by III-IV stages. Chronic critical lower limb ischemia (CCLLI) in 33 – stage IIIA in 7 – stage IIB, chronic arterial insufficiency (CAI) (according to the classification of Fontaine R. taking into account the criteria of the European working group 1992), contralateral lower extremity – stage IIB CAI. 29 patients were diagnosed with various variants of atherosclerotic occlusion of the ilio-femoral arterial bed. The lower limb with occlusion of the ileal-femoral segment in 15 observations was characterized by stage IIB CAI, in 16 – stage IIIA CAI, contralateral lower extremity – stage IIA CAI. In 133 patients, the ECA occlusive stenotic process was diagnosed. Isolated lesion of the internal femoral artery (IFA) was diagnosed in 94 cases, common femoral artery (CFA) – in 25 patients. In 81 of them, it was combined with the stenotic process at the level of 22 – 34 % of contralateral IFA. The occlusive-stenotic process in the BCS and the bifurcation of the OCA and the ICA are diagnosed in 12 cases. In two patients, OCA bifurcation stenosis was combined with PKA occlusion. In 51 (38.4 %) the compensated stage of cerebral circulatory failure was established, in 82 (61.7 %) observations – the stage of relative compensation. Results and Discussion. When conducting reconstructive surgery with simultaneous occlusive-stenotic lesions of ECA and A/IFS, surgical tactics were applied in which simultaneous surgical intervention is performed on both arterial zones, taking into account the dominant lesion of one of the arterial system and possible postoperative transformation of central hemodynamics When performing reconstructive restorative operations with simultaneous occlusive-stenotic lesion of ECA and A/IFS, the early postoperative period was characterized by the development of transient ischaemic attack (TIA) in 12 (9.2 %) cases, rhythm and conduction disturbance of the heart muscle – in 10 (7.5 %) cases, transient renal failure – in 11 (8.3 %) cases and interstitial pulmonary edema – in 2 (1.5 %).Цель работы: предупредить развитие неврологических осложнений при хирургическом лечении сочетанного атеросклеротического поражения экстракраниальных артерий и аорто/подвздошно-бедренной зоны. Материалы и методы. Обследовано и прооперировано 133 пациента с сочетанным стенотически-окклюзионным поражением экст­ракраниальных артерий (ЭКА) и аорто/подвздошно-бедренного сегмента (АПБС). В 102 пациентов диагностированы различные варианты атеросклеротической окклюзии АПБС. Проблемная нижняя конечность в указанной группе пациентов в 64 наблюдениях характеризовалась IIIБ-IV ст. хронической критической ишемии нижней конечности (ХКИНК), в 33 – ІІІА ст., в 7 – IIБ ст. хронической артериальной недостаточности (ХАН) (по классификации Fontaine R. с учетом критериев Европейской рабочей группы 1992), контрлатеральная нижняя конечность – IIБ ст. ХАН. У 29 пациентов диагностированы различные варианты атеросклеротической окклюзии подвздошно-бедренного артериального русла. Нижняя конечность с окклюзией подвздошно-бедренного сегмента в 15 наблюдениях характеризовалась IIБ ст. ХАН, в 16 – ІІІА ст. ХАН, контрлатеральная нижняя конечность – ІІА ст. ХАН. В 133 пациентов диагностирован окклюзионно-стенотический процесс ЭКА. Изолированное поражение внутренней бедренной артерии (ВБА) диагностировано у 94 наблюдениях, общей бедренной артерии (ОБА) – у 25 больных. В 81 оно сочеталось с стенотическим процессом на уровне 22 – 34 % контрлатеральной ВБА. Распространенный окклюзивно-стенотический процесс в БЦС и бифуркация ВБА и ОБА – диагностировано в 12 наблюдениях. У двух пациентов стеноз бифуркации ОБА сочетался с окклюзией ПкА. В 51 (38,4 %) установлено компенсированную стадию недостаточности мозгового кровообращения, в 82 (61,7 %) наблюдениях – стадию относительной компенсации. Результаты исследований и их обсуждение. При проведении реконструктивно-восстановительных операций при одновременном окклюзионно-стенотическом поражении ЭКА и А/ПБС применили хирургическую тактику, при которой осуществляется одномоментное хирургическое вмешательство на обеих артериальных зонах с учетом доминирующего поражения одного из артериальных бассейнов и возможной послеоперационной трансформацией центральной гемодинамики. При проведении реконструктивно-восстановительных операций при одновременном окклюзионно-стенозирующем поражении ЭКА и А/ПБС ранний послеоперационный период характеризовался развитием транзиторной ишемической атаки (ТИА) у 12 (9,2 %) наблюдениях, нарушением ритма и проводимости сердечной мышцы – у 10 (7,5 %) наблюдениях, преходящей почечной недостаточностью – у 11 (8,3 %) наблюдениях и интерстициальным отеком легких – в 2 (1,5 %).Мета роботи: попередити розвиток неврологічних ускладнень при хірургічному лікуванні поєднаного атеросклеротичного ураження екстракраніальних артерій та аорто/клубово-стегнової зони. Матеріали і методи. Обстежено та прооперовано 133 пацієнти із поєднаним стенотично-оклюзивним ураженням екстракраніальних артерій (ЕКА) та аорто/клубово-стегнового сегмента (АКСС). У 102 пацієнтів діагностовано різні варіанти атеросклеротичної оклюзії АКСС. Проблемна нижня кінцівка у вказаної групи пацієнтів у 64 спостереженнях характеризувалась ІІІБ-ІV ст. хронічної критичної ішемії нижньої кінцівки (ХКІНК), у 33 – ІІІА ст., у 7 – ІІБ ст. хронічної артеріальної недостатності (ХАН) (за класифікацією Fontaine R. з врахуванням критеріїв Європейської робочої групи 1992), контрлатеральна нижня кінцівка – ІІБ ст. ХАН. У 29 пацієнтів діагностовано різні варіанти атеросклеротичної оклюзії клубово-стегнового артеріального русла. Нижня кінцівка із оклюзією клубово-стегнового сегмента у 15 спостереженнях характеризувалась ІІБ ст. ХАН, у 16 – ІІІА ст. ХАН, контрлатеральна нижня кінцівка – ІІА ст. ХАН. У 133 пацієнтів діагностовано оклюзійно-стенотичний процес ЕКА. Ізольоване ураження внутрішньої стегнової артерії (ВСА) діагностовано у 94 спостереженнях, зовнішньої стегнової артерії (ЗСА) – у 25 хворих. У 81 хворого воно поєднувалось із стенотичним процесом на рівні 22–34 % контрлатеральної ВСА. Поширений оклюзивно-стенотичний процес у БЦС та біфуркація ЗСА і ВСА – діагностовано в 12 спостереженнях. У двох пацієнтів стеноз біфуркации ЗСА поєднувався із оклюзією ПкА. У 51 (38,4 %) встановлено компенсовану стадію недостатності мозкового кровообігу, у 82 (61,7 %) спостереженнях – стадію відносної компенсації. Результати досліджень та їх обговорення. При проведенні реконструктивно-відновних операцій при поєднаному оклюзивно-стенотичному ураженні ЕКА та А/КСС застосували хірургічну тактику, при якій здійснюється одномоментне хірургічне втручання на обох артеріальних зонах із врахуванням домінуючого ураження одного із артеріальних басейнів та можливої післяопераційної трансформації центральної гемодинаміки. При проведенні реконструктивно-відновних операцій при поєднаному оклюзивно-стенозуючому ураженні ЕКА та А/КСС ранній післяопераційний період характеризувався розвитком транзиторної ішемічної атаки (ТІА) у 12 (9,2 %) спостереженнях, порушенням ритму і провідності серцевого м’яза – у 10 (7,5 %) спостереженнях, минущою нирковою недостатністю – у 11 (8,3 %) спостереженнях та інтерстиціальним набряком легень – у 2 (1,5 %)