bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of coastal vulnerability to flooding: comparison of two different methodologies adopted by the Emilia-Romagna Region (Italy)
Authors: Perini L. , Calabrese L. , Salerno G. , Ciavola P. , Armaroli C.
Published: July 2015

Abstract. This paper aims at presenting and comparing two methodologies adopted by the Emilia-Romagna Region, northern Italy, to evaluate coastal vulnerability and to produce hazard and risk maps for coastal floods, in the framework of the EU Floods Directive. The first approach was adopted before the Directive had been issued. Three scenarios of damage were designed (1, 10, 100-year return periods), produced by the concurrent happening of a storm, high surge levels and high water spring tidal levels. Wave heights were used to calculate run-up values along 187 equally spaced profiles and these were added to the tidal and atmospheric water level contributions. The result is a list of ten vulnerability typologies. To satisfy the requests of the Directive, the Geological, Seismic and Soil Service (SGSS) recently implement a different methodology that considers three scenarios (10, 100 and > 100-year return periods) in terms of set-up (not including run-up) plus the contribution of surge levels as well as the High Water Springs. The flooded area extension is determined by a series of computations that are part of a model built into ArcGIS®. The model uses as input a high resolution Lidar DEM that is then processed using the Cost-Distance tool of ArcGIS®. Inundation maps are then overlapped to land use maps to produce risk maps. The qualitative validation and the comparison between the two methods are also presented, showing a positive agreement.
El otro en el espejo: "Amour" de Michael Haneke
Authors: García Guillem Sergio
Published: July 2015

El último largometraje de Michael Haneke, Amour (2012), nos brinda una poética lúcida y desesperada de esa última estación humana que supone la vejez y la descomposición corpórea, pero también un bello y triste relato sobre ese fenómeno tan paradoxal que resulta el amor entre dos individuos. A través de un minucioso análisis del aparato cinematográfico, junto a la crítica psicoanalítica —en este caso a través del binomio Heimlich/Unheimlich freudiano—, intentaremos ofrecer una posible y nueva interpretación del film hanekiano.
Ficción y no ficción en "Adolfo Suárez, el Presidente"
Authors: Bellido Acevedo Gema
Published: July 2015

La tendencia de la ficción televisiva a representar hechos o personajes reales es una constante en au­mento en las pantallas españolas de los últimos años. El caso de las miniseries, quizás sea paradigmático. Adolfo Suárez, el Presidente (Antena 3, 2009) representa la vida del político de la Transición española. Este artículo analiza desde el prisma de la ficción/no ficción, qué recursos propios del documental o del reportaje y qué recursos propios de la ficción incorpora en su relato la miniserie. La metodología utiliza­da para la investigación se basa en el análisis textual del relato de ficción, enriquecido con entrevistas a los autores de la miniserie: Juan Carlos Rubio (guionista) y Emiliano de Pedraza (productor).
¿Se ha vuelto Disney feminista? Un nuevo modelo de princesas empoderadas
Authors: Aguado Peláez Delicia , Martinez Garcia Patricia
Published: July 2015

El modelo femenino ofrecido por la factoría Disney está cambiando. Sus princesas han vivido un proce­so de empoderamiento acorde con los cambios sociales experimentados por las mujeres en los últimos años. De una tríada sumisa y adscrita al ámbito privado –Blancanieves, Cenicienta y Aurora– se pasa a unos personajes femeninos incorporados al espacio público, independientes y decididas –Rapunzel, Mé­rida, Anna y Elsa–. Son justamente las transformaciones en el papel femenino protagonizado por estas últimas jóvenes las que justifican este artículo. Pero, ¿cómo ha sido la evolución? ¿Qué variaciones ha habido en sus actitudes y apariencias? ¿En qué se fundamenta su adquisición de poder? Las respuestas se buscan a través de un análisis de contenido cualitativo de las doce películas sobre princesas con base en varias categorías: aspecto físico; personalidad; roles; y relaciones con el entorno. Todo ello bajo el pa­raguas del feminismo crítico, que se esfuerza en erradicar conductas sexistas y un androcentrismo que también se ve reflejado en el ámbito cultural. En este sentido, Disney es fuente de valores y comporta­mientos en la población infantil, de manera que sus mensajes son interiorizados por la ciudadanía del futuro. Toda una industria cultural que influye en la construcción de espacios, roles y estereotipos de hombres y mujeres en función del género. Así, el fin de esta investigación es analizar las características adscritas a las protagonistas femeninas y su evolución a lo largo de los años. Además de atestiguar si hay una progresión real hacia patrones más igualitarios respecto a los mensajes conservadores que han im­pregnado tradicionalmente sus productos audiovisuales. ¿Una expresión de un disfraz sutil del patriar­cado o un cambio real hacia una educación equitativa respecto al género?
Las asociaciones "marca producto" y "marca ciudad" como estrategia de "city branding". Una aproximación a los casos de Nueva York, París y Londres
Authors: Heredero Díaz Olga , Chaves Martín Miguel-Ángel
Published: July 2015

En los últimos años, las asociaciones entre marca producto y marca ciudad han tenido un creciente pro­tagonismo, tanto en el lanzamiento de nuevos productos por parte de las empresas, como en las estrate­gias de gestión urbana. En el contexto socioeconómico actual, en el que las ciudades se han convertido al igual que las em­presas e instituciones públicas y privadas en parte de un mercado globalizado, todas ellas buscan a través de sus marcas, un elemento de diferenciación que les provea de una ventaja competitiva. Es por ello que las asociaciones entre las marcas producto y sus ciudades de origen se incluyen en el proceso de bran­dificación de estas últimas como una nueva fórmula para superar la incertidumbre derivada de la crisis financiera mundial. Un modo de actuar que se adivina exitoso siempre y cuando dichas uniones sean concebidas como alianzas estratégicas a largo plazo, y no como meras acciones de naming en las que el nombre de la ciudad y la marca del producto figuren juntos sin más. No obstante, apenas hay trabajos que analicen la justificación de dichas asociaciones, así como de los beneficios y ventajas que su utilización supone, tanto para las marcas producto como para las marcas ciudad. En este sentido, el presente artículo resume las principales teorías que justifican el porqué de dichas uniones desde la perspectiva del comportamiento del consumidor, así como las estrategias a las que responden, a la par que analiza la consolidación de las marcas Nueva York, París y Londres a través del uso de un estilo de vida propio y diferenciado como reclamo para la creación de asociaciones entre marca producto y marca ciudad.
La incidencia de los valores culturales en el voluntariado: el caso de Europa
Authors: Ariza Montes Antonio , Fernández Rodríguez Vicente , Tirado Valencia Pilar
Published: July 2015

La realidad del voluntariado es sumamente compleja hasta el punto de que resulta complicado definir y caracterizar el trabajo voluntario, dada la gran variedad de interpretaciones, motivaciones, variables sociodemográficas y aspectos culturales que configuran el perfil de los voluntarios. El objetivo de este trabajo es analizar la influencia conjunta de algunas variables sociodemográficas, así como de los valores culturales de índole secular o tradicional, sobre el perfil de los voluntarios en Europa. Además, se investiga qué variables orientan a los voluntarios hacia un determinado tipo de voluntariado u otro. Para ello se ha aplicado principalmente una metodología de regresión logística a partir de la información disponible en la European Value Study. Los resultados obtenidos ayudan a establecer una caracterización del voluntariado en Europa, y confirman la influencia de los valores culturales, en primer lugar, en la realización o no de trabajos de voluntariado, y en segundo lugar, en la elección que hacen estas personas del tipo de actividad con la que están comprometidos. Al analizar dos tipos de voluntariado de motivación supuestamente muy diferente, se concluye que existe un grupo de valores que influyen en ambos, aunque el sentido y la intensidad en la que lo hacen sea diferente; por otra parte, algunos valores tienen influencia o no en la realización de trabajos de voluntariado, dependiendo del tipo específico al que nos refiramos.
Editorial
Authors: Orozco Miguel
Published: July 2015

Revista Universidad y Ciencia. Año 2013 Vol. 7 No. 10. Enero-Junio DOI: http://dx/doi.org/10.5377/uyc.v7i10.1960
Comportamiento de muertes neonatales ocurridas en el Nuevo Hospital Monte España, del 1 de enero 2010 al 31 de diciembre 2011
Authors: Benjamín Pichardo Mejía Léster
Published: July 2015

El presente estudio, tiene como objetivo determinar el comportamiento de las muertes neonatales ocurridas en el NUEVO HOSPITAL MONTE ESPAÑA del 1 de enero 2010 al 31 diciembre 2011. Entre los principales resultados obtenidos, tenemos que en el año 2010 hubo 13 muertes neonatales de las cuales 10 eran neonatales temprana, mientras que en el año 2011 ocurrieron 9 muertes neonatales perteneciendo 7 al grupo de mortalidad neonatal. En cuanto al grupo etáreo más frecuente de las madres en que se presentaron los casos de mortalidad neonatal temprana fue el de 20 a 34 años con 96% de los casos. Los antecedentes personales patológicos y no patológicos fueron negativos en el 100% de las pacientes en estudio. Con respecto a los factores de riesgo maternos de los recién nacido que sufrieron mortalidad neonatal temprana el 41.2% eran Bigestas, el 23.5% Primigestas, con un período intergenésico mayor de 2 años en el 52.9% de los casos, se captaron la mayoría en el I trimestre con 58.8%, se realizaron 4 o más controles en un 70.6% de los casos y todas las pacientes se clasificaron como Embarazos de Alto Riesgo Obstétrico (ARO). Los recién nacidos en estudio predominaron en el grupo gestacional de 27 a 36.6SG con 64.7%, seguido del grupo de 37 a 41.6SG con 23.5% y el grupo de 20 a 26.6SG con 11.8%. El sexo predominante de los neonatos en estudio predominaron los masculinos con 70.6. La vía de nacimiento que predominó fue la abdominal con 52.9%. El Apgar al minuto de nacido en la mayoría de los neonatos es de 4-7 con 47.1%, seguido de 8-10pts con 35.3%, y de 0-3pts con 17.6%. A los 5 minutos la mayoría obtuvo un puntaje de 8-10pts con 70.6%, seguido de 4-7pts con 17.6% y 0-3pts con 11.8%.Revista Universidad y Ciencia. Año 2013 Vol. 7 No. 10. Enero-Junio pp.49-55 DOI: http://dx/doi.org/10.5377/uyc.v7i10.1967
Applying quality improvement principles to improve accident and emergency department overcrowding and flow in Rwanda: a case study
Authors: Claude Byiringiro Jean , Wong Rex , Davis Caroline , Williams Jeffery , Becker Joseph , Novik Joseph , Uwineza Christine , Delphine Mukakamali Chance , Hategekimana Theobald , Nyundo Martin
Published: July 2015

Few case studies exist related to hospital accident and emergency department (A&E) quality improvement efforts in lowerresourced settings. We sought to report the impact of quality improvement principles applied to A&E overcrowding and flow in the largest referral and teaching hospital in Rwanda. A pre- and post-intervention study was conducted. A linked set of strategies included reallocating room space based on patient/visitor demand and flow, redirecting traffic, establishing a patient triage system and installing white boards to facilitate communication. Two months post-implementation, the average number of patients boarding in the A&E hallways significantly decreased from 28 (pre-intervention) to zero (post-intervention), p < .001. Foot traffic per dayshift hour significantly decreased from 221 people to 160 people (28%, p < .001), and non-A&E related foot traffic decreased from 81.4% to 36.3% (45% decrease, p < .001). One hundred percent of the A&E patients have been formally triaged since the implementation of the newly established triage system. Our project used quality improvement principles to reduce the number of patients boarding in the hallways and to decrease unnecessary foot traffic in the A&E department with little investment from the hospital. Key success factors included a collaborative multidisciplinary project team, strong internal champions, data-driven analysis, evidence-based interventions, senior leadership support, and rapid application of initial implementation learnings. Results to date show the application of quality improvement principles can help hospitals in resource-limited settings improve quality of care at relatively low cost.
Hof van Justitie erkent meestbegunstigingsverplichting in het EU-recht: de zaak Sopora
Authors: Schaper M.G.H. , Niesten H.
Published: July 2015

Het Hof van Justitie heeft in zijn arrest Sopora geoordeeld dat een verschillende behandeling van twee buitenlanders discriminatoir kan zijn. Daarmee heeft het Hof van Justitie effectief een verdragsrechtelijke verplichting tot meestbegunstiging geschapen. De reikwijdte van deze verplichting is echter onzeker wanneer deze wordt bezien in het licht van ’s Hofs eerder gewezen jurisprudentie in directe belastingzaken.

HvJ 24 februari 2015, zaak C-512/13, Sopora, ECLI:EU:C:2015:108
Een Amerikaanse dienstweigeraar in Europa
Authors: den  Heijer M.
Published: July 2015

Aan de orde is de vraag of een Amerikaanse dienstweigeraar recht op asiel in Duitsland heeft. Hij wenst niet deel te nemen aan oorlogsmisdrijven die volgens hem door Amerikaanse troepen in Irak worden gepleegd. De verwijzende rechter wil weten of de Duitse autoriteiten een oordeel moeten vellen over mogelijke Amerikaanse schendingen van het oorlogsrecht in Irak. Het Hof van Justitie antwoordt dat het Europese asielrecht (de Definitierichtlijn) inderdaad kan verplichten tot een dergelijk onderzoek. Maar het lijkt onwaarschijnlijk dat de Duitse rechter dat onderzoek moet verrichten, nu de dienstweigeraar eerdere mogelijkheden om uit het Amerikaanse leger te treden onbenut heeft gelaten. Bovendien is een voorwaarde voor asielverlening dat de Verenigde Staten niet effectief optreden tegen oorlogsmisdrijven.

HvJ 26 februari 2015, zaak C-472/13, Andre Lawrence Shepherd/Bundesrepublik Deutschland, ECLI:EU:C:2015:117
La Conférence de Rio sur le développement durable (Conférence de Rio + 20) : révolution ou évolution de la gouvernance internationale de l’environnement ?
Authors: Lavallée Sophie , Woitrin Pierre
Published: July 2015

Toute réflexion sur la gouvernance internationale de l’environnement et sur l’opportunité de créer une organisation internationale de l’environnement ne peut se résumer à un débat sur l’institution en tant que telle. Ce serait oublier les enjeux les plus déterminants du débat, lesquels portent davantage sur la façon d’assurer l’efficacité des accords et de renforcer leur légitimité et leur prise en considération dans les autres compétences de l’Organisation des Nations Unies (ONU), mais également dans l’ensemble du système économique mondial. Quelles sont les réformes institutionnelles les mieux à même d’assurer l’efficacité de l’action collective dans la résolution des problèmes environnementaux globaux ? On sait que le passage du General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) à une Organisation mondiale du commerce (OMC) a permis de réformer l’organe de règlement des différends, ce qui a eu un effet déterminant sur l’efficacité et le respect des accords commerciaux. Peut-on réfléchir de la même manière pour ce qui est de la création d’une organisation internationale de l’environnement ? Dans quelle mesure et quelles conditions une telle organisation pourrait-elle renforcer les accords multilatéraux sur l’environnement (AME) et, partant, l’engagement des États vers un développement durable ? En convoquant la Conférence de Rio + 20, qui avait non seulement pour thème l’économie verte, mais également le cadre institutionnel du développement durable, l’Assemblée générale des Nations Unies voulait susciter un engagement politique renouvelé en faveur du développement durable. Au regard des faiblesses de la gouvernance internationale de l’environnement sur le plan de la coordination, du renforcement des capacités des pays en développement (PED), de la légitimité et de l’autorité des institutions qui participent à cette gouvernance, la déclaration diplomatique finale de la Conférence de Rio + 20, intitulée « L’avenir que nous voulons », contient-elle des engagements politiques susceptibles d’insuffler des améliorations notables à la gouvernance internationale de l’environnement ? Porte-t-elle en germe des avancées vers la création d’une organisation internationale de l’environnement ?
Age-Related Changes of Posterior Tibial Slope and Its Roles in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury
Authors: Sun Ying-hua , Chen Lian-xu , Jiao Zhao-de , Wang Li , Zhang Rui-ming , Fang Jun , Li Jian-min
Published: July 2015

Nearly all previous studies in posterior tibial slope (PTS) and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries ignored age-related changes, and the published data are inconsistent. The objective of this study was to reveal age-related changes of PTS and its roles in ACL injury. Data for 2618 lower limbs were included initially based on the availability of lateral X-rays and a suitable femorotibial angle. The final 1431 subjects were analyzed according to age, sex, side, and injury status. Student t-tests, 1-way analysis of variance, and curve fitting were used to analyze data. The PTS in males was greater than that in females in the 0–9 and 30–39-year-old groups, but this pattern was reversed in the 40–49, 60–69, 70–79, and 80–89-year-old groups. The PTS was greater on the left side than on the right side in the 0–9, 10–19, 50–59, 60–69, and 80–89-year-old groups. The curve fitting for PTS demonstrated a trend of first decreasing and then increasing with aging. The PTS values differed significantly between knees with an ACL injury and those without in the 20–29, 30–39, and 40–49-year-old groups but not in the 50–59-year-old group. The PTS follows a trend of first decreasing and then increasing, and its role in ACL injury changes with advancing age. The higher PTS is only unrelated to the risk of ACL injury in age groups with a lower mean PTS value.
Patient Assistance Programs—A New Era of Law and Policy
Authors: Daval C. Joseph Ross , Kesselheim Aaron S.
Published: August 2024

This Viewpoint from authors at PORTAL discusses the importance of patient assistance programs in covering the cost of prescription drugs, highlights 2 recent rulings that illustrate the substantial barriers to regulating these programs, and calls for continued evaluation of these programs’ effectiveness and costs.
Postexercise Cardiac Asystole
Authors: Zhao Yun-Tao , Wei Xiu-Hong , Wang Lei
Published: August 2024

This case report describes a patient in their 40s with hypertension who exhibited presyncopal symptoms following an exercise test.
Health Insurance Enrollment Among US Veterans, 2010-2021
Authors: Wagner Todd H. , Schmidt Anna , Belli Forest , Aouad Marion , Gehlert Elizabeth , Desai Malav , Graham Laura , Rose Liam
Published: August 2024

Importance

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care spending has increased in the past decade, in part due to legislative changes that expanded access to VA-purchased care.

Objective

To understand how insurance coverage and enrollment in VA has changed between 2010 and 2021.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study used data from surveys conducted from 2010 to 2021. Participants were respondents across 4 national surveys who reported being a US veteran and reported on health insurance enrollment. Data were analyzed from October 2023 to June 2024.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Self-reported health insurance coverage, reliance on VA insurance, and self-reported health.

Results

Among a total of 3 644 614 survey respondents (mean [SE] age, 60 [0.04] years; 91.3% [95% CI, 91.2%-91.5%] male) included, 52.2% (95% CI, 52.0%-52.4%) were out of the labor market and 63.1% (95% CI, 62.9%-63.3%) were married. In 2010, 94% of all veterans and 94% of veterans younger than age 65 years reported having health insurance coverage on the American Community Survey. Insurance enrollment increased over time, and by 2020, 97% of all veterans and 95% of veterans younger than 65 years reported having health insurance coverage on the American Community Survey. Insurance enrollment estimates were similar across the surveys. Approximately one-third of veterans reported being enrolled in VA health coverage. Of those who enrolled in VA insurance, more than 75% had more than 1 form of coverage, with Medicare and private insurance being the most common second insurance sources. VA insurance enrollment was negatively associated with income and health status. Veterans without insurance tended to be unemployed and younger.

Conclusions and Relevance

This study of veterans who responded to 4 national surveys found that veterans enrolled in VA health coverage had high rates of dual coverage. Further legislative efforts to increase access without recognizing the high rates of dual coverage may yield unintended consequences, such payer shifting.
Paid Family Leave and Prevention of Acute Respiratory Infections in Young Infants
Authors: Ahrens Katherine A. , Janevic Teresa , Strumpf Erin C. , Nandi Arijit , Ortiz Justin R. , Hutcheon Jennifer A.
Published: August 2024

Importance

Acute respiratory tract infections are the leading cause of emergency department visits and hospitalizations in US children, with highest risks in the first 2 months after birth. Out-of-home childcare settings increase the spread of respiratory tract infections. The study team hypothesized that access to state-paid family leave could reduce acute care encounters (hospital admissions or emergency department visits) for respiratory tract infections in young infants by reducing out-of-home childcare transmissions.

Objective

To determine if the 2018 introduction of paid family leave in New York state reduced acute care encounters for respiratory tract infections in infants 8 weeks or younger.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This population-based study of acute care encounters took place in New York state and New England control states (Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont) from October 2015 through February 2020. Participants included infants aged 8 weeks or younger. Controlled time series analysis using Poisson regression was used to estimate the impact of paid family leave on acute care encounters for respiratory tract infections, comparing observed counts during respiratory virus season (October through March) with those predicted in the absence of the policy. Acute care encounters for respiratory tract infections in 1-year-olds (who would not be expected to benefit as directly from the policy) were modeled as a placebo test.

Intervention

New York State Paid Family Leave policy, introduced on January 1, 2018, providing 8 weeks of paid leave for eligible parents.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Emergency department visits or hospitalizations with International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision (ICD) codes for upper or lower respiratory tract infections or associated symptoms (ie, fever, cough), excluding newborn hospitalizations. The secondary outcome was acute care encounters for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis.

Results

There were 52 943 acute care encounters for respiratory infection among infants 8 weeks or younger. There were 15 932 encounters that were hospitalizations (30%) and 33 304 of the encounters were paid for by Medicaid (63%). Encounters were 18% lower than predicted (relative percentage change = −17.9; 95% CI, −20.3 to −15.7) after the introduction of paid family leave. RSV encounters were 27.0% lower (95% CI, −30.9 to −23.5) than predicted. Similar reductions were not observed in 1-year-olds (relative percentage change = −1.5; 95% CI, −2.5 to −0.6).

Conclusions

New York state’s paid family leave policy was associated with reduced acute care encounters for respiratory tract infections in young infants. These findings may be useful for informing implementation of paid family leave federally and in the states that have not enacted paid family leave policies.
Low‐Cost Tin Oxide Transparent Conductive Films for Silicon Heterojunction Solar Cells
Authors: Guo Jiacheng , Li Shuhan , Cui Yuhan , Zhou Yurong , Guo Wanwu , Hu Yan , Xing Yansi , Zhou Yuqin , Liu Fengzhen
Published: August 2024

Indium‐based transparent conductive oxide (TCO) films are widely used in various photoelectric devices including silicon heterojunction (SHJ) solar cells. However, high cost of indium‐based TCO films is not conducive to mass production of the SHJ solar cells. A variety of indium‐free or indium‐less TCOs are explored and utilized presently. Here, SnOx films are deposited by reactive plasma deposition (RPD) with metal tin as the evaporation source. The metal‐reaction deposited SnOx films feature low resistivity (<2 × 10−3 Ω cm), high mobility (35.93 cm2 V−1 S−1), and wide optical bandgap (3.64 eV). A power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 25.33% is achieved on the champion SHJ solar cell using the metal‐reaction deposited SnOx as the back TCO layer, which indicates the application potential of the metal‐reaction‐deposited SnOx as a low‐cost substitute for In‐based TCOs in SHJ solar cells and other photoelectric devices.
Perovskite Light‐Emitting Diodes with Quantum Wires and Nanorods
Authors: Zhang Qianpeng , Zhang Daquan , Liao Zebing , Cao Yang Bryan , Kumar Mallem , Poddar Swapnadeep , Han Junchao , Hu Ying , Lv Hualiang , Mo Xiaoliang , Srivastava Abhishek Kumar , Fan Zhiyong
Published: August 2024

Perovskite materials, celebrated for their exceptional optoelectronic properties, have seen extensive application in the field of light‐emitting diodes (LEDs), where research is as abundant as the proverbial “carloads of books.” In this review, the research of perovskite materials is delved into from a dimensional perspective, with a focus on the exemplary performance of low‐dimensional perovskite materials in LEDs. This discussion predominantly revolves around perovskite quantum wires and perovskite nanorods. Perovskite quantum wires are versatile in their growth, compatible with both solution‐based and vapor‐phase growth, and can be deposited over large areas—even on spherical substrates—to achieve commendable electroluminescence (EL). Perovskite nanorods, on the other hand, boast a suite of superior characteristics, such as polarization properties and tunability of the transition dipole moment, endowing them with the great potential to enhance light extraction efficiency. Furthermore, zero‐dimensional (0D) perovskite materials like nanocrystals (NCs) are also the subject of widespread research and application. This review reflects on and synthesizes the unique qualities of the aforementioned materials while exploring their vital roles in the development of high‐efficiency perovskite LEDs (PeLEDs).
Achieving Near‐Infrared Phosphorescence Supramolecular Hydrogel Based on Amphiphilic Bromonaphthalimide Pyridinium Hierarchical Assembly
Authors: Song Qi , Liu Zhenliang , Li Jinwei , Sun Yongbin , Ge Yanqing , Dai Xian‐Yin
Published: August 2024

Phosphorescent supramolecular hydrogels are currently a prevalent topic for their great promise in various photonic applications. Herein, an efficient near‐infrared (NIR) phosphorescence supramolecular hydrogel is reported via the hierarchical assembly strategy in aqueous solution, which is fabricated from amphiphilic bromonaphthalimide pyridinium derivative (G), exfoliated Laponite (LP) nanosheets, and polymeric polyacrylamide (PAAm). Initially, G spontaneously self‐aggregates into spherical nanoparticles covered with positively charged pyridinium units and emits single fluorescence at 410 nm. Driven by electrostatic interactions with negatively charged nanosheets, the nanoparticles subsequently function as the cross‐linked binders and coassemble with LP into supramolecular hydrogels with an engendered red room‐temperature phosphorescence (RTP) up to 620 nm. Benefiting from hydrogen‐bonding interactions‐mediated physical cross‐linkage, the further introduction of PAAm not only significantly elevates the mechanical strength of the hydrogels showing fast self‐healing capability, but also increases phosphorescence lifetime from 2.49 to 4.20 ms, especially generating phosphorescence at even higher temperature (τ
363 K = 2.46 ms). Additionally, efficient RTP energy transfer occurs after doping a small amount of organic dye heptamethine cyanine (IR780) as an acceptor into hydrogels, resulting in a long‐lived NIR emission at 823 nm with a high donor/acceptor ratio, which is successfully applied for cell labeling in the NIR window.
Estimation and determinants of transient and persistent efficiency of rice production in Spain
Authors: Monje Juan Hernán Cabas , Sepulveda Ricardo‐Andrés Troncoso , Guesmi Bouali , Taghouti Ibtissem , Gil José María
Published: August 2024

Rice is a basic component in the diet of more than half of the world's population, with 95% of its production destined for human consumption. Spain is the second rice producer in the European Union (EU), geographically located in four autonomous communities contributing to the local economy. This study aims at assessing the productive efficiency of rice farms in this country. To our knowledge, no previous work has dealt with the performance of rice framers in the EU in general and in Spain in particular. We used the Generalized True Ramdom‐effects model to estimate the persistent and transient efficiency levels of farms and identifying the production risk factors using a sample of 158 rice farms over the period 2014–2017. Empirical findings reveal an overall efficiency level of 0.81 on average, mainly explained by the long‐term efficiency component. Moreover, results show an important room for efficiency improvement at the short‐term to enhance productive management skills of farmers. Finally, labor, fertilizer, water and insurance spending are likely to be risk‐decreasing factors. [EconLit Citations: C13, D22, Q12].
Isofunctional but Structurally Different Methyltransferases for Dithiolopyrrolone Diversification
Authors: Su Li , Huber Eva M. , Westphalen Margaretha , Gellner Jonas , Bode Edna , Köbel Tania , Grün Peter , Alanjary Mohammad M. , Glatter Timo , Cirnski Katarina , Müller Rolf , Schindler Daniel , Groll Michael , Bode Helge B.
Published: August 2024

Dithiolopyrrolone (DTP) natural products are produced by several different bacteria and have potent antibacterial, antifungal and anticancer activities. While the amide of their DTP core can be methylated to fine‐tune bioactivity, the enzyme responsible for the amide N‐methylation has remained elusive in most taxa. Here, we identified the amide methyltransferase XrdM that is responsible for xenorhabdin (XRD) methylation in Xenorhabdus doucetiae but encoded outside of the XRD gene cluster. XrdM turned out to be isofunctional with the recently reported methyltransferase DtpM, that is involved in the biosynthesis of the DTP thiolutin, although its X‐ray structure is unrelated to that of DtpM. To investigate the structural basis for ligand binding in both enzymes, we used X‐ray crystallography, modeling, site‐directed mutagenesis, and kinetic activity assays. Our study expands the limited knowledge of post‐non‐ribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) amide methylation in DTP biosynthesis and reveals an example of convergent evolution of two structurally completely different enzymes for the same reaction in different organisms.
Oligo‐Adenine Derived Secondary Nucleic Acid Frameworks: From Structural Characteristics to Applications
Authors: Hu Yuwei , Willner Itamar
Published: August 2024

Oligo‐adenine (polyA) is primarily known for its critical role in mRNA stability, translational status, and gene regulation. Beyond its biological functions, extensive research has unveiled the diverse applications of polyA. In response to environmental stimuli, single polyA strands undergo distinctive structural transitions into diverse secondary configurations, which are reversible upon the introduction of appropriate counter‐triggers. In this review, we systematically summarize recent advances of noncanonical structures derived from polyA, including A‐motif duplex, A‐cyanuric acid triplex, A‐coralyne‐A duplex, and T ⋅ A‐T triplex. The structural characteristics and mechanisms underlying these conformations under specific external stimuli are addressed, followed by examples of their applications in stimuli‐responsive DNA hydrogels, supramolecular fibre assembly, molecular electronics and switches, biosensing and bioengineering, payloads encapsulation and release, and others. A detailed comparison of these polyA‐derived noncanonical structures is provided, highlighting their distinctive features. Furthermore, by integrating their stimuli‐responsiveness and conformational characteristics, advanced material development, such as pH‐cascaded DNA hydrogels and supramolecular fibres exhibiting dynamic structural transitions adapting environmental cues, are introduced. An outlook for future developments is also discussed. These polyA derived, stimuli‐responsive, noncanonical structures enrich the arsenal of DNA “toolbox”, offering dynamic DNA frameworks for diverse future applications.
Experimental Observation of a Terminal Borylene‐Dinitrogen Adduct via Cleavage of a 1,2,3,4,5‐Diboratriazoline
Authors: Jayaraman Arumugam , Ritschel Benedikt , Arrowsmith Merle , Markl Christian , Jürgensen Malte , Halkić Anel , Konrad Yannick , Stoy Andreas , Radacki Krzysztof , Braunschweig Holger
Published: August 2024

While azides do not react with simple alkenes except under harsh conditions, a diboron alkene analogue, the doubly cyclic alkyl(amino)carbene (CAAC)‐stabilized dicyanodiborene 1, reacts spontaneously with organic azides (7–10 equiv.) at room temperature to yield two equivalents of stable CAAC‐imino(cyano)boranes (2‐R). NMR‐spectroscopic monitoring of the reaction mixtures shows the initial formation of a 1 : 1 mixture of 2‐R and a relatively long‐lived intermediate (Int), which in the presence of excess azide is converted into a second equivalent of 2‐R. In the absence of excess azide, however, Int decomposes to 3, the product of an intramolecular C−H activation by a putative dicoordinate borylene intermediate “(CAAC)B(CN)”. Mechanistic insights from trapping experiments, NMR‐spectroscopic and high‐resolution mass spectrometry data, as well as DFT computations reveal that Int is the terminal borylene end‐on‐dinitrogen adduct [(CAAC)B(CN)(η1‐N2)]. The formation of the iminoboranes 2‐R from diborene 1 and RN3 proceeds via an azide‐diborene Huisgen‐type [3+2] cycloaddition reaction, followed by a retro‐[3+2] cycloaddition, yielding 2‐R and [(CAAC)B(CN)(η1‐N2)]. The latter then undergoes either N2 extrusion and intramolecular C−H activation to generate 3, or a Staudinger‐type reaction with a second equivalent of azide to generate a second equivalent of the iminoborane 2‐R.
3D printing cross‐scale mold for manufacturing micromixers
Authors: Li Kai , Wang Yexin , Li Mingzhen , Du Fan , Wang Chao , Fang Junyang , Sun Long , Wang Xiaoying , Ruan Dianbo , Shi Jun , Li Jinbang
Published: August 2024

Nowadays, the methods of manufacturing microfluidic mixers were not flexible enough to customize and manufacture special sizes. Hence, a novel electrohydrodynamic jet printing method was proposed to fabricate cross‐scale mold for manufacturing micromixers in one step. Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)/polycaprolactone (PCL) composite ink was prepared, and various printing parameters were investigated for fabricating varieties of 2D structures and 3D regular molds. A cross‐scale spiral mixer was successfully printed, various diameter ratio of 5.6, aspect ratio of 7.2. The PVP/PCL lines were direct printed, size of 66 nm deep and 743 nm wide. The circles were size of 564 nm deep and 7.02 μm wide. The mixing conditions of micromixers with different width ratios were simulated and analyzed; and the better mixing effect of micromixers with width ratio of 2:1 was proved, improved the mixing efficiency by 15.6% compared with micromixer without cross‐scale channels. The cross‐scale micromixers are promising for skin chip sensor and drug metabolite analysis, and the printing method proposed in this paper has great application potential in micro‐electro‐mechanical systems (MEMS).
Histological comparison of shark dermis across various ecomorphologies
Authors: Schuitema Olivia , Motta Phillip J. , Gelsleichter James , Horton Mackenzie , Habegger Maria Laura
Published: August 2024

The integument plays essential roles in the structural support, protection, and hydrodynamic capability among fishes. Most research on shark skin has focused on the external epidermal layer, while the larger dermis anchoring the dermal denticles has been mostly ignored. Shark dermis is composed of two layers, the upper stratum laxum and the lower stratum compactum, holding supportive collagen and elastic fibers. There may be morphological and compositional differences in the dermis across various species of sharks that could relate to their different swimming modes and ecologies. The goal of this study was to characterize and describe the dermis among three shark species, Ginglymostoma cirratum, Sphyrna mokarran, and Isurus oxyrinchus, each representing a different swimming mode. Histological characterizations were performed at 16 locations along the body of each shark; variables such as dermal thickness, abundance of collagen and elastic fibers, and fiber size were quantified. Results showed G. cirratum has the thickest skin overall, and the largest fiber size for both collagen and elastic fibers, with overall patterns of increased amounts of collagen fibers and decreased amount of elastic fibers. At the opposite end of the spectrum, I. oxyrinchus showed the thinnest dermis along the flank region, with overall patterns of increased elastic fibers and decreased collagen fibers. These findings may challenge our original assumptions of a rigid body in fast moving sharks and a more flexible body in slower moving sharks and highlight the diversity of the shark integument.
Increase in polyunsaturated fatty acids and carotenoid accumulation in the microalga Golenkinia brevispicula (Chlorophyceae) by manipulating spectral irradiance and salinity
Authors: Rearte T. A. , Celis‐Pla P. S. M. , Abdala‐Díaz R. , Castro‐Varela P. , Marsili S. N. , García C. , Cerón‐García M. C. , Figueroa F. L.
Published: August 2024

Microalgal biotechnology offers a promising platform for the sustainable production of diverse renewable bioactive compounds. The key distinction from other microbial bioprocesses lies in the critical role that light plays in cultures, as it serves as a source of environmental information to control metabolic processes. Therefore, we can use these criteria to design a bioprocess that aims to stimulate the accumulation of target molecules by controlling light exposure. We study the effect on biochemical and photobiological responses of Golenkinia brevispicula FAUBA‐3 to the exposition of different spectral irradiances (specifically, high‐fluence PAR of narrow yellow spectrum complemented with low intensity of monochromatic radiations of red, blue, and UV‐A) under prestress and salinity stress conditions. High light (HL) intensity coupled to salinity stress affected the photosynthetic activity and photoprotection mechanisms as shown by maximal quantum yield (Fv/Fm) and non‐photochemical quenching (NPQmax) reduction, respectively. HL treatments combined with the proper dose of UV‐A radiation under salinity stress induced the highest carotenoid content (2.75 mg g dry weight [DW]−1) composed mainly of lutein and β‐carotene, and the highest lipid accumulation (35.3% DW) with the highest polyunsaturated fatty acid content (alpha‐linolenic acid (C18:3) and linoleic acid (C18:2)). Our study can guide the strategies for commercial indoor production of G. brevispicula for high‐value metabolites.
Analysis of barriers to adopting Industry 4.0 to achieve agri‐food supply chain sustainability: A group‐based fuzzy analytic hierarchy process
Authors: Zhao Guoqing , Ye Chenhui , Dennehy Denis , Liu Shaofeng , Harfouche Antoine , Olan Femi
Published: August 2024

Agri‐food supply chains (AFSCs) need to become more sustainable, and Industry 4.0 (I4.0) is a crucial enabler. However, various barriers make adopting I4.0 technologies to achieve AFSC sustainability challenging. Few previous studies have examined China's agri‐food industry. Through a literature review and consultation of Chinese experts, we identify 27 barriers in six categories and prioritize these using a group‐based fuzzy analytic hierarchy process to produce novel results. First, we identify six new I4.0 adoption barriers closely linked with China's economic, social and cultural environments, including acquisition of intelligent agricultural equipment subsidies based on guanxi. Second, our prioritization of barriers reveals that the key challenges to applying I4.0 are the increased cost of terminal logistics, acquisition of intelligent agricultural equipment subsidies based on guanxi, low compatibility of I4.0 technologies with existing agricultural equipment, and problems with the government subsidy model. These results have managerial implications for governments and knowledge dissemination organizations.
On the Stability of an Atomically‐Dispersed Fe−N−C ORR Catalyst: An In Situ XAS Study in a PEMFC
Authors: Menga Davide , Li Yan‐Sheng , Damjanović Ana Marija , Proux Olivier , Wagner Friedrich E. , Fellinger Tim‐Patrick , Gasteiger Hubert A. , Piana Michele
Published: August 2024

The stability of Fe−N−C oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalysts has been considered a primary challenge for their practical application in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). While several studies have attempted to reveal the possible degradation mechanism of Fe−N−C ORR catalysts, there are few research results reporting on their stability as well as the possible Fe species formed under different voltages in real PEMFC operation. In this work, we employ in‐situ X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure (XANES) to monitor the active‐site degradation byproducts of an atomically dispersed Fe−N−C ORR catalyst under a H2/O2‐operating PEMFC at 90 % relative humidity and 80 °C. For this, stability tests were carried out at two constant cell voltages, namely 0.4 and at 0.8 V. Even though the ORR activity of the Fe−N−C catalyst decreased significantly and was almost identical at the end of the tests for the two voltages employed, the analysis of the XANES recorded under H2/N2 configuration at 0.6 and 0.9 V within the stability test suggests that two different degradation mechanisms occur. They are demetalation of iron cations followed by their precipitation into Fe oxides upon operation at 0.8 V, versus a chemical carbon oxidation close to the active sites, likely triggered by reactive oxygen species (ROS) originated from the H2O2 formation, during the operation at 0.4 V.
Enhancing the electrochemical performance of semicoke‐based hard carbon anode through oxidation‐crosslinking strategy for low‐cost sodium‐ion batteries
Authors: Ma Huizhen , Tang Yakun , Tang Bin , Zhang Yue , Deng Limin , Liu Lang , Dong Sen , Cao Yuliang
Published: August 2024

Semicoke, a coal pyrolysis product, is a cost‐effective and high‐yield precursor for hard carbon used as anode in sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs). However, as a thermoplastic precursor, semicoke inevitably graphitizes during high‐temperature carbonization, so it is not easy to form the hard carbon structure. Herein, we propose an oxidation‐crosslinking strategy to realize fusion‐to‐solid‐state pyrolysis of semicoke. The semicoke is first preoxidized using a modified alkali‐oxygen oxidation method to enrich its surface with carboxyl groups, which are localization points and the cross‐linking reactions occur with citric acid to build the semicoke precursor with homogeneous and abundant ‐C‐(O)–O‐ groups (up to 21 at% oxygen content). The ‐C‐(O)–O‐ groups effectively prevent the rearrangement of carbon microcrystals in semicoke during carbonization, resulting in the formation of an abundant pseudographite structure with larger carbon interlayer spacing and micropores. The optimized semicoke‐based hard carbon shows both a high initial Coulombic efficiency of 81% and a specific capacity of 307 mAh g−1, with low‐voltage plateau capacity increased to 2.5 times, compared to that of the unmodified semicoke carbon. By the combination of detailed discharge curves and in situ X‐ray diffraction analysis, the plateau capacity of semicoke‐based hard carbon is mainly derived from interlayer intercalation of Na+ ion. The proposed oxidation‐crosslinking strategy can contribute to the usage of low‐cost and high‐performance hard carbons in advanced SIBs.
Determining Ion‐Pair Binding Affinities of Heteroditopic Receptor Systems
Authors: Docker Andrew , Min Tay Hui
Published: August 2024

Determining ion‐pair affinities in heteroditopic receptor systems presents a persistent and significant challenge. The plethora of technical and experimental problems implicated in measuring ion‐pair affinities have encouraged the use of several expedient experimental practices as a means of characterising ion‐pair recognition behaviour. Exploiting a model heteroditopic receptor system, we interrogate the reliability of these methods and demonstrate that these commonly used techniques can be highly questionable and without extreme care can lead to incorrect conclusions.
Facts and Fictions About Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction to C2+ Products
Authors: Li Pengyan , Liu Yumin , Yan Dongpeng
Published: August 2024

In response to carbon neutrality, photocatalytic reduction of CO2 has been the subject of growing interest for researchers over the past few years. Multi‐carbon products (C2+) with higher energy density and larger market value produced from photocatalytic reduction of CO2 are still very limited owing to the low photocatalytic productivity and poor selectivity of products. This review focuses on the recent progress on photocatalytic reduction of CO2 towards C2+ products from the perspective of performance evaluation and mechanistic understanding. We first provide a systematic description of the entire fundamental procedures of photocatalytic reduction of CO2. An in‐depth strategy analysis for improving the selectivity of photocatalytic reduction of CO2 to C2+ products is then addressed. Then the focus was on summarizing the ways to improve C2+ selectivity. The intrinsic mechanisms of photocatalytic reduction of CO2 to C2+ products are summarized in the final. Combining the foundation of photocatalysis with promising catalyst strategies, this review will offer valuable guidance for the development of efficient photocatalytic systems for the synthesis of C2+ products.