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Does instructional language matter in CLIL? A study of learner proficiency and affective factors
Full text linkThis study examines the English language proficiency and affective factors of Japanese university students enrolled in medical programs taught in English (CLIL) (n = 44) and those taught in Japanese (L1-supported CLIL, n = 61). Pre- and post-study questionnaires, administered over a 14-week semester, measured speaking and writing proficiency, L2 speaking and writing anxiety, language learning enjoyment, international posture and willingness to communicate. The results show that both CLIL and L1-supported CLIL students experienced gains in speaking proficiency and a reduction in L2 speaking anxiety.The CLIL group demonstrated a decrease in L2 writing anxiety and an increase in willingness to communicate, while the L1-supported CLIL group showed an increase in international posture. This study reveals that L1 instruction in certain aspects of the first year of the CLIL curriculum appears to provide a supportive environment for lower-proficiency students to develop L2 proficiency and an international posture. Pedagogical implications are discussed in relation to the importance of selecting instructional language according to students’ L2 proficiency levels when designing CLIL programmes
Loss and gain of motor protein function cause microtubule bundle damage in Drosophila axons
Full text linkNeurodegeneration often starts by atrophy of the cable-like nerve fibers (axons) that wire nervous systems. Maintaining axons requires supply via motor-protein-driven transport along uninterrupted bundles of microtubules. Functional loss of motor proteins, but surprisingly also their hyperactivation, links to conditions of axonal atrophy; in both cases the underlying mechanisms are little understood. To bridge this important knowledge gap, we carried out systematic studies using 40 different genetic tools to manipulate 19 context-related genes in one standardized Drosophila primary neuron system. Starting with transport motors, we found that downregulation in at least three of them—dynein heavy chain, the kinesin family member 5 (KIF5) ortholog kinesin heavy chain (Khc), and KIF1A ortholog Unc-104—caused disintegration of axonal microtubule bundles, which we refer to as “microtubule-curling”; this damages the essential highways for life-sustaining axonal transport. To understand this phenomenon, we focused on Khc’s various subfunctions. We found that abolishing Khc-mediated mitochondrial and lysosomal transport affects the homeostasis of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which in turn triggers microtubule-curling in fly and mouse neurons alike. Taking the opposite approach by using conditions where Khc is hyperactive, we observed comparable microtubule-curling, triggered by an ROS-independent mechanism likely involving excessive mechanical force generation. To assess wider relevance of our findings, we studied Unc-104, its binding partner KIF-binding protein (KIFBP), and human KIF5A. These studies suggest that functional loss and hyperactivation of other transport motors also cause ROS-dependent and -independent microtubule-curling, which could therefore represent two fundamental pathways that link transport motors to microtubule bundle decay and neurodegeneration
Comments about Davey et al. [1] A two-experiment approach to hydraulic jump scaling
Full text linkThese Comments address the paper by K. Davey, A. Al-Tarmoom, H. Sadeghi, A two-experiment approach to hydraulic jump scaling, Eur. J. Mech. B Fluids, 111(3) (2025) 215–228 [1], from the perspective of practical hydraulics. The modelling and scaling of complex fluid flows at reduced size, including hydraulic jumps, are explained in more detail. Particular attention is given to the Froude scaling laws, which correspond to some of the scaling relations derived in Ref. [1]. The discussion then extends to alternative theoretical and empirical approaches to address scale effects in hydraulics, in addition to the finite similitude scaling theory [1]. These include precise Froude scaling, one-parameter Lie group point-scaling transformations, Reynolds number invariance, numerical quantification of scale effects and the scale series method. Finally, possible future research paths, building upon the work in Ref. [1], are outlined
The global extent of the grassland biome and implications for the terrestrial carbon sink
Full text linkLand cover data are commonly used to model the terrestrial carbon (C) sink, yet these data have wide margins of error that significantly alter estimates of global C storage. Here we demonstrate this data vulnerability in grasslands, which are critical to C cycling but whose estimated distribution has varied by >50 million km2 (3.5-42% of the Earth's terrestrial surface). Comparing multiple high-resolution land cover products with expertly annotated grassland data from six continents, we show sources of mapping error and discuss C implications based on 2023 United Nations (UN) FAO estimates. Past misidentification arose from inconsistent definitions on grassland identity and classification flaws especially relating to woody plant cover. Correcting these errors adjusted grassland coverage to 22.8% of the terrestrial land base (30.1 million km2), elevating UN projections of soil C stocks to 155.02 Pg (0-30 cm depth). These findings underscore the challenges of biome mapping for ecosystem accounting and policy, when lacking field-validated remotely sensed data
Retrospective study examining complications and iatrogenic cycle: identification of an 'early neutering window' in bitches
Full text linkIntroduction - Neutering in the anoestrus period is most commonly recommended for bitches due to reduced risk of intraoperative bleeding and iatrogenic pseudopregnancy. However, there is a possible second period for neutering, commencing after oestrus until the time when prolactin concentrations increase. Methods - This retrospective study compared reports of intraoperative bleeding (categorised in two ways: excluding and including bleeds from the skin and subcutaneous tissue/fat) and cases of pseudopregnancy between bitches neutered during an ‘early’ period (EP bitches, neutered from the end of oestrus until day 43 after ovulation, n=319), during a ‘conventional’ period (CP bitches, neutered 90 or more days from estimated ovulation date, n=1,993) and bitches neutered in an ‘at greatest risk’ period (GRP bitches, neutered between 44 and 89 days from estimated ovulation date, n=231). Data for pseudopregnancy post-neutering were gathered using two methods 1) clinical indicators from electronic health records and 2) routinely collected behavioural data for behaviours that have been associated with pseudopregnancy.Results - There was no association between neuter period and the presence of an intraoperative bleed, either when excluding or including bleeding from the skin and subcutaneous tissue/fat (3.8-4.4% EP, 5.8-8.8% CP, and 7.4-11.3% GRP bitches). Only six cases of pseudopregnancy after neutering were identified in clinical records: two EP bitches (0.6%), one CP bitch (0.05%) and three GRP bitches (1.3%); associations were not evaluated statistically due to the small number of cases. Examinations of behavioural data found no association between neuter period and trait scores for ‘General Anxiety’, ‘Body Sensitivity’ and ‘Separation-related behaviours’ from dog behaviour questionnaires. However, EP (4.1%) and CP bitches (11.7%) had reduced odds of having a behaviour incident and/or development plan related to fear or anxiety and/or aggression post-neutering compared to GRP bitches (20.8%). Conclusion - The results suggest that neutering bitches during the ‘early’ period may be a suitable alternative to the ‘conventional’ period. Additionally, the results support the generally well-accepted advice to avoid neutering bitches during the period of greatest risk
Enhancement of Inpatient Mortality Prognostication With Machine Learning in a Prospective Global Cohort of Patients With Cirrhosis With External Validation
No full textBackground & Aims: Cirrhosis is a major global burden requiring frequent hospitalizations and has high inpatient mortality. Traditional prognostic tools focused on inpatient mortality are affected by global disparities, which impacts timely management. We aimed to deploy machine learning (ML) approaches to enhance inpatient mortality prognostication. Methods: Using the prospective Chronic Liver Disease Evolution and Registry for Events and Decompensation (CLEARED) cohort, which enrolled inpatients with cirrhosis globally, we used admission-day data to predict inpatient mortality with ML approaches vs logistic regression. Internal validation (75/25 split) and subdivision using World Bank income status (low/low-middle-income countries, upper-middle income countries, and high-income countries) were performed. The ML model with the best area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was externally validated in a US veteran inpatient population with cirrhosis. Results: The CLEARED cohort included 7239 inpatients with cirrhosis (64% were men; mean [SD] age, 56 [13] years; median Model for End-Stage Liver Disease-Sodium score = 25) from 115 centers globally; 22.5% were from low/low-middle-income countries, 41% were from upper-middle-income countries, and 34% were from high-income countries; 11.1% of patients (n = 808) died in the hospital. Random forest (RF) showed the best AUROC (0.815) with high calibration, which was significantly better vs parametric logistic regression and LASSO models (AUROC, 0.774; P < .001 and AUROC, 0.787; P = .004, respectively). RF was the ML method with the highest AUROC and remained better than logistic regression, regardless of country income level (high-income countries: AUROC, 0.806; upper middle-income countries: AUROC, 0.867; and low/low-middle-income countries: AUROC, 0.768). External validation was performed in 28,670 veterans (96% were men, mean [SD] age, 67.8 [10.3] years, median Model for End-Stage Liver Disease-Sodium score = 15) with 4% (n = 1158) inpatient mortality. The AUROC using the CLEARED-derived RF model was 0.859. Conclusions: RF analysis trained on a global prospective cirrhosis cohort enhances mortality prediction over traditional methods, was consistent across country income levels, and was successfully validated externally in a US veteran population
An On-Line Self-Calibration Method for DSP-Based Resolver-to-Digital Converters
Full text linkIn software-based resolver-to-digital converters (RDCs), parameter deviations of detected envelope signals (amplitude imbalance, DC offset, and non-orthogonal phase shifts) can introduce periodic rotor position estimation errors, leading to significant degradation of control performance of a permanent magnet synchronous machine (PMSM). To address this issue, an on-line self-calibration method is proposed in the study. First, a self-calibration framework based on certainty equivalence principle is designed, and the effect of resolver parameter deviations on the harmonic components of envelope signals is analyzed. Then, the correlated harmonic components are separated to estimate parameter deviations. The rotor position estimation error is self-calibrated in the parameter deviations estimation process. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by simulation and experimental results
Optical diagnostic study on the combustion and soot formation process of nanobubble diesel
No full textNanobubbles possess unique physicochemical properties that hold great potential for enhancing fuel combustion efficiency and reducing pollutant emissions. However, the influence mechanism of nanobubbles on combustion and soot formation process remains unclear. In order to reveal the influence mechanism of nanobubbles on combustion process, the effects of varying nanobubble concentrations and injection timings on the engine combustion and soot formation process are investigated in this study using two-colour method based on an optical engine test platform. The results show that, compared with ordinary diesel, nanobubble diesel exhibits a reduced ignition delay (ID), a shortened flame lift-off length and an increased flame area. This confirms the effectiveness of nanobubbles in improving fuel atomisation and facilitating the formation of an activated in-cylinder atmosphere. Compared with ordinary diesel, low-concentration nanobubble diesel (NB-L) and high-concentration nanobubble diesel (NB-H) increase the indicated thermal efficiency (ITE) by 0.5% and 2.4%, while their maximum percentage of the flame area rises by 172.7% and 415% and their maximum spatially integrated natural luminosity (SINL) rises by 232.5% and 626.3%. The incorporation of nanobubbles intensifies diffusion combustion in diesel, leading to an increase in SINL, an expansion of the high-temperature region and an enhancement in instantaneous soot formation. Adjustment of the injection timing shows that both the flame area and SINL initially increase and then decrease as the injection timing is delayed. Proper adjustment of injection timing helps maintain the nanobubble-induced improvements in atomisation and combustion, while reducing the area of high-temperature regions and soot formation
Do Health Care Professionals Trust Parents? A Team Ethnography of Childhood Vaccine Hesitancy from Seven European Countries
Full text linkSocial-scientific scholarship on vaccination has often stressed the importance of trust. Vaccine hesitancy has commonly been viewed as determined by the degree of trust that parents have in expert knowledge, health care authorities, and health care professionals (HCPs). Focusing primarily on parents as trustors, the bilateral nature of trust and HCPs’ trust in parents have seldom been considered. This article systematically explores these commonly overlooked aspects of trust-building. Drawing on a team ethnography in seven European countries consisting of 466 hours of observations, 167 in-depth interviews with vaccine-hesitant parents, and 171 in-depth interviews with HCPs, this article explores the levels, expressions, and outcomes of trust in the vaccination context. We suggest that trustful relationships are influenced by interpersonal and generalized trust and expressed through both the affective and cognitive dimensions. We further explore interactions where HCPs’ (dis)trust may mitigate vaccine hesitancy. We conclude by providing policy implications for education, campaigns, and interventions
Effectiveness of a screening protocol employed at a UK rescue centre to prevent introduction of strangles
Full text linkBackground: Infection with Streptococcus equi subspecies equi ( S. equi) is characterised by acute disease with about 10% of infected animals entering a carrier state. Clinically, infection with S. equi cannot readily be distinguished from infection caused by other respiratory pathogens including Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus ( S. zooepidemicus), equine influenza virus and equine herpes virus. Screening protocols, with appropriate quarantining facilities, are important to detect carriers of S. equi and avoid strangles outbreaks. Objectives: Evaluate the effectiveness of the screening process implemented at a UK welfare centre to prevent introduction of strangles. Study design: Retrospective cross-sectional study. Methods: Clinical records of 626 equids admitted to a UK welfare centre between 2017 and 2021 and from horses that developed respiratory signs after admission were reviewed. Results: The screening protocol, which included a clinical examination, paired serology samples (iELISA) taken 6 weeks apart, and bilateral guttural pouch endoscopy to identify abnormalities such as chondroids with lavage for quantitative PCR and culture analysis for S. equi (and often S. zooepidemicus) detected 34 potential carriers of S. equi or S. zooepidemicus. Of these, 24 (3.8%) were PCR-positive for S. equi, 8 were PCR/culture positive for S. zooepidemicus and 2 were PCR/culture negative but had chondroids. Bilateral guttural pouch endoscopy, with PCR analysis of lavage material, was the most cost-effective method of detecting S. equi carriers. There were no cases of strangles within the general herd after screening and admission of new horses. Main limitations: Variation in the level of detail of clinical records. Conclusions: The screening process resulted in the identification of carriers and maintained a strangles-free herd. Further research is required to elucidate the significance of S. zooepidemicus infection in the guttural pouch
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