bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing Health Literacy Through Sustainable Digital Healthcare Solutions: System Development and Usage Perspectives
Authors: Goienetxea Ainhoa , Karlsen Anniken , Larsen Anne Strand Alfredsen , Melseth Synnøve Opsahl , Sørbø Marie Flem
Published: September 2024

This chapter summarises findings from an empirical study investigating how digital healthcare solutions should be developed to satisfy individual demands for understanding and managing healthcare information and activities. Despite the quick development of new digital healthcare services to accomplish service efficiency and cost-effectiveness, and at the same time supporting the achievement of a wide range of sustainable development goals, some users perceive challenges due to different age-related, physical, and cognitive starting points. The chapter offers a broad view of the development of digital healthcare solutions and considers literature and the perspectives of technologists, caregivers, and users through a qualitative approach using interviews and autoethnography. A main finding is that the development of digital healthcare solutions that enhance health literacy needs a comprehensive strategy, in which users, healthcare providers, family members, and other stakeholders should participate.
Patient Experience Following Lumbar Spinal Stenosis and Surgical Treatment
Authors: Bakke Liv , Kvangarsnes Marit , Husby Vigdis Schnell , Sagen-Major Anne Lise , Hermansen Erland
Published: September 2024

The aim of the study was to gain insight into patient experiences following lumbar spinal stenosis and surgical treatment. Lumbar spinal stenosis is one of the most common diagnoses for surgical treatment worldwide, and the incidence is increasing. The most common symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis are pain, reduced function, and reduced quality of life. The diagnosis has great costs for society and for the good health and well-being of both patients and their relatives. The study has a qualitative design. Purposive sampling was used, and nine in-depth interviews with open-ended questions were conducted in central Norway in 2018. The interviews were analysed according to Giorgi’s phenomenological method. Four themes related to different phases of the clinical pathway were identified. The first and second themes express the way in which patients experienced their life situation before surgical treatment; the third and fourth themes describe their experiences after treatment. The study found that patients had been in pain for many years and had experienced reduced participation in work and social life before the operation. Patients experienced a fresh start after the operation with full and productive employment. Achieving productive employment and decent work was experienced as important for good health and well-being (SDG 3 and SDG 8). The knowledge from this study is important for both patients and health personnel for creating health-literate individuals and organization for facilitating good health and well-being (SDG3). Knowledge about patient experience following lumbar spinal stenosis and surgical treatment should be included as a topic in the education of health personnel. Healthcare providers should offer the patients education programmes ahead of surgery ensuring environmental support and health-literate patients in the clinical pathway (SDG4).
vLead-OrgaCheck – Identifikation von Stellschrauben zur Verbesserung der digitalen Zusammenarbeit
Authors: Antoni Conny H. , Niesen A. T.
Published: September 2024

Ob ein Unternehmen gut für die digitale Zusammenarbeit aufgestellt ist, hängt vom Zusammenspiel unterschiedlicher Faktoren ab. In diesem Beitrag wird das Online-Befragungs- und Feedback-Instrument OrgaCheck vorgestellt (orgacheck.vlead.de), das wir in Kooperation mit einem Unternehmen aus dem IT-Bereich entwickelt haben und das die relevantesten Faktoren für eine erfolgreiche Digitalisierung auf den Ebenen Technik, Organisation und Personal und deren Auswirkungen auf die digitale Zusammenarbeit aus Sicht von Führungskräften und Mitarbeitenden erfasst. Unternehmen können individuelle Schwerpunkte in der Befragung setzen, indem sie Aspekte aus- oder abwählen. Die Befragungsergebnisse werden durch das Tool automatisiert ausgewertet und in Berichten für das Gesamtunternehmen und für einzelne Abteilungen automatisiert zusammengefasst. Die Unternehmen erhalten zusammen mit dem Feedback zugleich Handlungshinweise für die jeweiligen Faktoren mit auffälligen Ergebnissen und können dadurch an den für sie entscheidenden Stellschrauben drehen. In dem Beitrag erläutern wir zunächst unsere theoretischen Überlegungen, die dem OrgCheck zugrunde liegen, stellen unsere eigenen Studienergebnisse vor und beschreiben dann im Detail das Instrument und seine Funktionalitäten. Im Anschluss werden erste Evaluationsergebnisse aus vier Unternehmen zu den Einsatzmöglichkeiten vorgestellt, die den Mehrwert des Umfragetools aufzeigen. Der Beitrag schließt mit einem Ausblick auf die Einsatzmöglichkeiten und den Nutzen des OrgaChecks insbesondere für kleine und mittlere Unternehmen.
vLead-TeamCheck – ein Analysetool zur Unterstützung von Teamreflexionen
Authors: Antoni Conny H. , Müller Rebecca , Quinten Matthias
Published: September 2024

Digitale Teamarbeit ermöglicht es flexibel synchron und asynchron zusammenzuarbeiten. Bereits bei synchroner digitaler Zusammenarbeit, z. B. in Audio- oder Videokonferenzen, fehlen wichtige nonverbale Signale, was den Informationsaustausch erschweren kann. Asynchrone Zusammenarbeit kann zu zeitaufwendiger Informationssuche führen, wenn unklar ist, welche Informationen in welchem Medium dokumentiert sind. Zur Lösung dieser Probleme haben wir den Teamcheck entwickelt, der in diesem Beitrag vorgestellt wird. Ziel des Teamchecks ist es Informationsbedarfe und Missverständnisse, z. B. zur Aufgaben- und Rollenverteilung im Team, Stimmungsbilder und die Auslastung der Teammitglieder transparent machen zu können, um die Effizienz virtueller Meetings zu verbessern. Mit dem TeamCheck (teamcheck.vlead.de) können Führungskräfte kurze online Umfragen im Team browserbasiert anhand optionaler Fragemodule einfach erstellen. Die Ergebnisse werden unmittelbar nach der Umfrage automatisiert ausgewertet und im Tool dargestellt. Die Fragenmodule umfassen die Vorstellungen der Teammitglieder zu Aufgaben und Rollen, aktuellen Anforderungen, Zeitplanung und Mediennutzung im Team, zu Aspekten von Teamprozessen, wie Vertrauen, Offenheit der Kommunikation, Lernprozesse und Teamsteuerung, sowie eine Einschätzung der Arbeitsbelastung und der Teameffektivität. Ferner erhalten die Teams und die Teamleitung einen Ergebnisbericht als PDF-Datei zum download, der wissenschaftlich fundierte und aufbereitete Hinweise zur Gestaltung virtueller Meetings und der digitalen Zusammenarbeit im Team and Anregungen für die gemeinsame Reflexion zur Verbesserung der Teamprozesse gibt.
Operative Führungskräfte in virtuellen Kontexten stärken und gesund erhalten
Authors: Latniak Erich , Schäfer Jennifer
Published: September 2024

Der Einsatz moderner Informations- und Kommunikationstechnologien (IKT) bringt spezifische Anforderungen, Bedingungen und Auswirkungen für die Beschäftigten mit sich. Während für die Beschäftigten hierzu Forschungsergebnisse vorliegen, fehlen diese insbesondere für die operativen Führungskräfte in virtuellen Teams weitgehend, sodass es auch schwierig ist, Empfehlungen für die Gestaltung der Arbeit und Unterstützung der operativen Führungskräfte virtueller Teams zu geben. In diesem Beitrag wird daher die Ressourcen- und Belastungssituation operativer Führungskräfte in virtuellen Teams analysiert und Ansätze zu deren Unterstützung vorgestellt, um diese in virtuellen Kontexten zu stärken und gesund zu erhalten. Dazu erläutern wir zunächst den konzeptionellen Hintergrund unseres Vorgehens und das dafür entwickelte Feedback- und Reflexionstool. Anschließend stellen wir die explorativen Befunde zur Ressourcen- und Belastungssituation der teilnehmenden operativen Führungskräfte in virtuellen Arbeitskontexten sowie die daraus abgeleiteten Handlungsempfehlungen zur Gestaltung und Regulierung der Arbeitssituation vor, die zu einem verbesserten Ressourcenmanagement der operativen Führungskräfte beitragen sollen. Zur Abschätzung des Nutzens der eingesetzten Instrumente sowie der möglichen Wirkungen der Empfehlungen aus den Feedbackgesprächen haben eine Nachbefragung der teilnehmenden operativen Führungskräfte durchgeführt, deren Ergebnisse und weitere Hinweise zur Nutzung und Anwendung des entwickelten Feedback- und Reflexionstools abschließend dargestellt werden.
Transport von schwer verletzten Traumapatienten im Rettungswagen mit und ohne starre Halsorthese: vergleichende biomechanische Messungen
Authors: Kieninger Martin , Schneider Corinna , Auer Simon , Reinker Lukas , Adler Ina , Dendorfer Sebastian , Rosenberger Johanna , Popp Daniel , Eissnert Christoph , Ludsteck Dominik , Cyrus Christopher , Hoffmann Johannes , Morag Sarah , Graf Bernhard , Kieninger Bärbel
Published: September 2024

Hintergrund

Der tatsächliche Stellenwert der prähospitalen Immobilisation der Halswirbelsäule (HWS) bei schwer verletzten Traumapatienten ist weiterhin unklar. In Anbetracht möglicher negativer Implikationen durch das Anbringen einer starren HWS-Orthese muss deren Anwendung während der gesamten prähospitalen Phase kritisch hinterfragt werden.

Ziel der Arbeit

Es sollten vergleichende biomechanische Messungen zur Beweglichkeit der HWS bei Immobilisation mittels Vakuummatratze mit und ohne zusätzliches Anbringen einer starren HWS-Orthese nach Lagerung auf der Trage durchgeführt werden.

Material und Methoden

Die Bewegungen der HWS beim Ein- und Ausladeprozess in einen modernen RTW sowie während der Fahrt entlang eines vordefinierten Parkours wurden mit einem Motion-Capture-System aufgezeichnet. Die Probandin, an der die Messungen durchgeführt wurden, wurde auf einer Vakuummatratze mit der Möglichkeit zur seitlichen Fixierung des Kopfes sowie Kinn- und Stirngurt auf einer elektrohydraulischen Fahrtrage immobilisiert. Bei der einen Hälfte der Versuche erfolgte die zusätzliche Immobilisation der HWS mittels starrer Orthese, bei der anderen wurde auf die Anwendung einer HWS-Orthese verzichtet.

Ergebnisse

Statistisch signifikante Unterschiede ergaben sich nur bei einigen biomechanischen Parametern in der sagittalen Ebene (Flexion und Extension). Für die anderen Bewegungsrichtungen (axiale Rotation, laterale Beugung) wurden keine signifikanten Unterschiede für die gemessenen Parameter ermittelt. Generell wurden sowohl bei den Versuchen mit HWS-Orthese als auch ohne HWS-Orthese nur sehr geringe Winkelauslenkungen (im Mittel bei axialer Rotation und Flexion/Extension im Bereich von einem bis 2 Grad, bei der lateralen Beugung höchstens 3 Grad) gemessen.

Schlussfolgerung

Bei einer korrekt durchgeführten Immobilisation mittels einer Vakuummatratze mit der Möglichkeit zur seitlichen Stabilisierung des Kopfes sowie Kinn- und Stirngurt auf einer elektrohydraulischen Fahrtrage mit Beladesystem ergeben sich für den Ein- und Ausladeprozess sowie während der Fahrt in einem modernen RTW mit luftgefederter Tragenlagerung und Luftfederung der Hinterachse keine relevanten Vorteile bezüglich der Einschränkung der Bewegung der HWS durch die zusätzliche Verwendung einer starren HWS-Orthese.
Hepatotoxizität durch Albendazol: sichere Alternativen bei Echinokokkosetherapie
Authors: Muana Wilhelm Laura , Bachmann Joschka , Cornberg Markus , Wedemeyer Heiner , Heinrich Bernd
Published: September 2024

Die Infektion mit Echinococcus multilocularis führt zum Krankheitsbild der alveolären Echinokokkose. Diese ist gekennzeichnet durch Ausbildung von alveolären Lebertumoren, welche im Verlauf meist nekrotisch zerfallen. Es kommt zur Ausbildung von Pseudozysten. Vor allem in frühen Stadien wird die kurative Resektion mit anschließender Langzeitbehandlung mit Albendazol empfohlen. Eine nicht seltene Komplikation unter Albendazoltherapie ist die Entwicklung einer Hepatitis. Wir präsentieren den seltenen Fall einer albendazolassoziierten Hepatitis bei nicht operabler Echinococcus-multilocularis-Infektion mit günstigem Verlauf durch Umstellung der Therapie auf Mebendazol.
Moore interval subtraction and interval solutions for TU-games
Authors: Gök S. Zeynep Alparslan , Brink René van den , Palancı Osman
Published: September 2024

Standard solutions for cooperative transferable utility (TU-) games assign to every player in a TU-game a real number representing the player’s payoff. In this paper, we introduce interval solutions for TU-games which assign to every player in a game a payoff interval. Even when the worths of coalitions are known, it might be that the individual payoff of a player is not known. According to an interval solution, every player knows at least a lower- and upper bound for its individual payoff. Therefore, interval solutions are useful when there is uncertainty about the payoff allocation even when the worths that can be earned by coalitions are known. Specifically, we consider two interval generalizations of the famous Shapley value that are based on marginal contributions in terms of intervals. To determine these marginal interval contributions, we apply the subtraction operator of Moore. We provide axiomatizations for the class of totally positive TU-games. We also show how these axiomatizations can be used to extend any linear TU-game solution to an interval solution. Finally, we illustrate these interval solutions by applying them to sequencing games.
The Quest for Sentience: from Crustaceans to Plants
Authors: Marques da Silva Jorge
Published: September 2024

Although the use of the term “sentience” in philosophy dates to the 17th century, its use expanded particularly in the second half of the 20th century, with the emergence of non-anthropocentric ethics. A search for sentience in the animal kingdom began, which required the identification of a set of evidential sources. The difficulty in establishing, beyond any reasonable doubt, the existence of sentience in animals more distantly related to humans, and the consequences that the matter has for the legislation on animal protection, led to the proposal to apply the precautionary principle in animal welfare policy. This principle establishes that the fulfilment of minimum criteria is enough for the existence of sentience to be admitted. This led to the attribution of sentience to invertebrates, namely molluscs, insects, and crustaceans. As a result, the possibility of including decapod crustaceans into animal legislation is currently discussed. In this article, we will perform the comparative exercise of applying a framework of minimum criteria of sentience, previously applied to crustaceans of the order Decapoda, to vascular plants. The framework is composed of eight independent criteria and the likelihood of plants meeting each of them will be assessed and discussed in the light of the existing empirical evidence.
The biological function of extracellular vesicles in prostate cancer and their clinical application as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers
Authors: Limonta Patrizia , Marchesi Sara , Giannitti Gaia , Casati Lavinia , Fontana Fabrizio
Published: September 2024

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most commonly diagnosed malignancies and main causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. It is characterized by high heterogeneity, ranging from slow-growing tumor to metastatic disease. Since both therapy selection and outcome strongly rely on appropriate patient stratification, it is crucial to differentiate benign from more aggressive conditions using new and improved diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-coated particles carrying a specific biological cargo composed of nucleic acids, proteins, and metabolites. Here, we provide an overview of the role of EVs in PCa, focusing on both their biological function and clinical value. Specifically, we summarize the oncogenic role of EVs in mediating the interactions with PCa microenvironment as well as the horizontal transfer of metastatic traits and drug resistance between PCa cells. Furthermore, we discuss the potential usage of EVs as innovative tools for PCa diagnosis and prognosis.
Effects of Glacial Isostatic Adjustment on Fault Reactivation and Its Consequences on Radionuclide Migration in Crystalline Host Rocks
Authors: Kern Dominik , Magri Fabien , Malkovsky Victor , Steffen Holger , Nagel Thomas
Published: September 2024

To assess the robustness of a safety case for a deep geological repository (DGR), it is necessary to analyze a range of scenarios covering likely, less likely, and hypothetical future developments. Crystalline rock can, under ideal conditions, provide a suitable hydrogeologic barrier due to its extremely low matrix permeability. However, this host rock is often fractured, which can compromise its hydro-mechanical (HM) barrier function. We quantify how faults that are prone to reactivation during glacial events can affect radionuclide migration around a DGR in a crystalline host rock. We extend a previously developed finite element model of coupled fluid flow and radionuclide transport to numerically solve the component transport problem before and after fault reactivation. Assuming that fault reactivation is triggered by changes in mechanical boundary conditions, we derive heterogeneous permeability distributions in the reactivated faults by evaluating the Coulomb failure stress criterion of finite element solutions of a complementary hydro-mechanical problem. Specifically, we evaluate the consequences of glacial isostatic adjustment (GIA) during a glacial cycle. We find that the increased permeability in the reactivated faults accelerates the migration of radionuclides along the fault by channeling the flow, while it is reduced in the direction perpendicular to the fault. The channeling observed is also a result of heterogeneous permeability enhancement, and the flow fields differ from those of the previous model which postulated a homogeneous permeability enhancement. Although the proposed numerical workflow has been applied to the case of GIA, it is adaptable to study hydro-mechanical processes induced by seismic events or by hydrofracking in enhanced geothermal systems.
Thermodynamic prediction and experimental verification of phase transformation kinetics in 3Mn steel with Ti and V microadditions
Authors: Wojtacha Anna , Kozłowska Aleksandra , Morawiec Mateusz , Opiela Marek
Published: September 2024

In this work, the phase transformation kinetics and precipitation processes were studied using thermodynamic calculations and a dilatometric method to determine the optimal chemical composition of medium-Mn steel and its initial parameters of heat treatment. The investigated steel is intended for forgings with the microstructure composed of bainitic matrix and retained austenite (RA). An influence of Al and Si on the Ms temperature was characterized to obtain the best chemical composition in terms of RA stabilization. Theoretical continuous cooling transformation (CCT) and time–temperature transformation (TTT) diagrams were determined and compared with dilatometric results. Microstructural observations were compared with the dilatometric results. The hardenability of steel was high due to increased Mn and Mo additions. A very small fraction of cementite is expected in the microstructure due to Al and Si additions. The shortest time to start and finish the bainitic transformation was noted for the isothermal heat treatment at 420 °C. The completion of the bainitic transformation took about 25 min and is acceptable from the industrial point of view. The obtained results constitute a good basis for designing thermomechanical processing routes of bainitic steels with RA.
On intermediate exceptional series
Authors: Lee Kimyeong , Sun Kaiwen , Wang Haowu
Published: September 2024

The Freudenthal–Tits magic square $$\mathfrak {m}(\mathbb {A}_1,\mathbb {A}_2)$$

m
(

A
1

,

A
2

)

for $$\mathbb {A}=\mathbb {R},\mathbb {C},\mathbb {H},\mathbb {O}$$

A
=
R
,
C
,
H
,
O

of semi-simple Lie algebras can be extended by including the sextonions $$\mathbb {S}$$
S
. A series of non-reductive Lie algebras naturally appear in the new row associated with the sextonions, which we will call the intermediate exceptional series, with the largest one as the intermediate Lie algebra $$E_{7+1/2}$$

E

7
+
1
/
2

constructed by Landsberg–Manivel. We study various aspects of the intermediate vertex operator (super)algebras associated with the intermediate exceptional series, including rationality, coset constructions, irreducible modules, (super)characters and modular linear differential equations. For all $$\mathfrak {g}_I$$

g
I

belonging to the intermediate exceptional series, the intermediate VOA $$L_1(\mathfrak {g}_I)$$

L
1

(

g
I

)

has characters of irreducible modules coinciding with those of the simple rational $$C_2$$

C
2

-cofinite W-algebra $$W_{-h^\vee /6}(\mathfrak {g},f_\theta )$$

W

-

h
∨

/
6

(
g
,

f
θ

)

studied by Kawasetsu, with $$\mathfrak {g} $$
g
belonging to the Cvitanović–Deligne exceptional series. We propose some new intermediate VOA $$L_k(\mathfrak {g}_I)$$

L
k

(

g
I

)

with integer level k and investigate their properties. For example, for the intermediate Lie algebra $$D_{6+1/2}$$

D

6
+
1
/
2

between $$D_6$$

D
6

and $$E_7$$

E
7

in the subexceptional series and also in Vogel’s projective plane, we find that the intermediate VOA $$L_2(D_{6+1/2})$$

L
2

(

D

6
+
1
/
2

)

has a simple current extension to a SVOA with four irreducible Neveu–Schwarz modules, and the supercharacters can be realized by a fermionic Hecke operator on the $$N=1$$

N
=
1

Virasoro minimal model $$L(c_{16,2},0)$$

L
(

c

16
,
2

,
0
)

. We also provide some (super) coset constructions such as $$L_2(E_7)/L_2(D_{6+1/2})$$

L
2

(

E
7

)

/

L
2

(

D

6
+
1
/
2

)

and $$L_1(D_{6+1/2})^{\otimes 2}\!/L_2(D_{6+1/2})$$

L
1

(

D

6
+
1
/
2

)

⊗
2

/

L
2

(

D

6
+
1
/
2

)

. In the end, we find that the theta blocks associated with the intermediate exceptional series produce some new holomorphic Jacobi forms of critical weight and lattice index.
Influence of Cobalt and Cobalt–Manganese Oxide Coating Thickness Deposited by DLI-MOCVD as a Barrier Against Cr Diffusion for SOC Interconnect
Authors: Chanson R. , Bouvier M. , Miserque F. , Rouillard F. , Schuster F.
Published: September 2024

The influence of cobalt and cobalt–manganese oxide coating thickness on its ability to be a good diffusion barrier against Cr outward diffusion was investigated for stainless steel interconnects (AISI 441) of a solid oxide cell (SOC). The coatings were all synthesized using a DLI-MOCVD (Direct Liquid Injection-Metal Oxide Chemical Vapor Deposition) hot wall reactor. The study shows that a minimum cobalt oxide thickness of 300 nm was needed to be a good diffusion barrier against Cr for the 500-h exposure test. This observation was linked to the Mn concentration reached in the cobalt spinel during exposure. Indeed, during exposure at high temperature, Mn diffused from the substrate into the cobalt coating and transformed cobalt spinel into Co-Mn spinel. Whereas pure cobalt spinel was a good Cr diffusion barrier, cobalt-manganese spinel, Co3-xMnxO4, was not when x > 2. The thickness of the cobalt coatings must be chosen so that the Mn quantity coming into it from diffusion from the substrate does not degrade the protectiveness of the coating.
Assessing the effectiveness of performic acid disinfection on effluents: focusing on bacterial abundance and diversity
Authors: Bagagnan Sadia , Jusselme My Dung , Alphonse Vanessa , Guerin-Rechdaoui Sabrina , Marconi Anthony , Rocher Vincent , Moilleron Regis
Published: September 2024

Poorly-treated wastewater harbors harmful microorganisms, posing risks to both the environment and public health. To mitigate this, it is essential to implement robust disinfection techniques in wastewater treatment plants. The use of performic acid (PFA) oxidation has emerged as a promising alternative, due to its powerful disinfection properties and minimal environmental footprint. While PFA has been used to inactivate certain microbial indicators, its potential to tackle the entire microbial community in effluents, particularly resistant bacterial strains, remains largely unexplored. The present study evaluates the efficacy of PFA disinfection on the microbial communities of a WWTP effluent, through microbial resistance mechanisms due to their membrane structure. The effluent microbiome was quantified and identified. The results showed that the number of damaged cells increases with CT, reaching a maximum for CT = 240 mg/L•min and plateauing around 60 mg/L•min, highlighting the optimal conditions for PFA-disinfection against microbial viability. A low PFA level with a 10-min contact time significantly affected the microbial composition. It is worth noting the sensitivity of several bacterial genera such as Flavobacterium, Pedobacter, Massilia, Exiguobacterium, and Sphingorhabdus to PFA, while others, Acinetobacter, Leucobacter, Thiothrix, Paracoccus, and Cloacibacterium, showed resistance. The results detail the resistance and sensitivity of bacterial groups to PFA, correlated with their Gram-positive or Gram-negative membrane structure. These results underline PFA effectiveness in reducing microbial levels and remodeling bacterial composition, even with minimal concentrations and short contact times, demonstrating its suitability for widespread application in WWTPs.
Top-Management in der Organisationsentwicklung – Zur Rolle und Einbindung von hierarchischen Spitzenpositionen in Change Prozesse
Authors: Kunert Sebastian
Published: September 2024

Dieser Artikel widmet sich der Einbindung von Menschen an der Spitze einer Hierarchie in Organisationsentwicklungsprojekte. Im Mittelpunkt stehen Überlegungen zur inneren Distanz dieser Personengruppe gegenüber ihren Institutionen, was mit einer Reihe von Implikationen einhergeht. Mehrere Paradoxien, die in der Rolle als Top-Management angelegt sind, verhindern eine aktive Beteiligung. Zugleich ermöglicht ihre Position es ihnen, sich dem Wandelprozess zu entziehen. Der Beitrag schließt mit einer Reihe von Hinweisen zum beraterischen Umgang mit solchen Personen.
Reward and Inhibitory Control as Mechanisms and Treatment Targets for Binge Eating Disorder
Authors: Pasquale Ellen K. , Boyar Allison M. , Boutelle Kerri N.
Published: September 2024

Purpose of Review

Recent research has highlighted alterations in reward and inhibitory control among individuals with binge eating disorder, identifying both constructs as potential targets for treatment. Treatments targeting reward and inhibitory control for binge eating disorder are emerging. This review aims to summarize the recent literature evaluating reward and inhibitory control in binge eating disorder compared to weight-matched controls using behavioral paradigms and neuroimaging. This review also aims to summarize recent literature evaluating treatments for binge eating targeting these mechanisms and highlights additional work needed in these areas.

Recent Findings

Reward hypersensitivity and impaired inhibitory control are mechanisms underlying binge eating disorder. Individuals with binge eating disorder experience higher initial reward to food, and later, higher anticipatory reward but lower experienced food reward which maintains binge eating behavior. Treatments targeting reward and inhibitory control for binge eating include behavioral, computerized trainings, pharmacological, and neuromodulation treatments. The majority of trials are small but demonstrate promise in reducing binge eating and targeting theorized mechanisms. Larger, randomized trials are needed.

Changes in reward and inhibitory control are present in individuals with binge eating disorder and treatments targeting these mechanisms demonstrate initial promise. Greater research is needed evaluating reward and inhibitory control simultaneously and with weight-matched comparison groups, as well as larger randomized trials that target both processes simultaneously.
Mesoscale Brain Mapping: Bridging Scales and Modalities in Neuroimaging – A Symposium Review
Authors: Marchant Joshua K. , Ferris Natalie G. , Grass Diana , Allen Magdelena S. , Gopalakrishnan Vivek , Olchanyi Mark , Sehgal Devang , Sheft Maxina , Strom Amelia , Bilgic Berkin , Edlow Brian , Hillman Elizabeth M. C. , Juttukonda Meher R. , Lewis Laura , Nasr Shahin , Nummenmaa Aapo , Polimeni Jonathan R. , Tootell Roger B. H. , Wald Lawrence L. , Wang Hui , Yendiki Anastasia , Huang Susie Y. , Rosen Bruce R. , Gollub Randy L.
Published: September 2024

Advances in the spatiotemporal resolution and field-of-view of neuroimaging tools are driving mesoscale studies for translational neuroscience. On October 10, 2023, the Center for Mesoscale Mapping (CMM) at the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Health Sciences Technology based Neuroimaging Training Program (NTP) hosted a symposium exploring the state-of-the-art in this rapidly growing area of research. “Mesoscale Brain Mapping: Bridging Scales and Modalities in Neuroimaging” brought together researchers who use a broad range of imaging techniques to study brain structure and function at the convergence of the microscopic and macroscopic scales. The day-long event centered on areas in which the CMM has established expertise, including the development of emerging technologies and their application to clinical translational needs and basic neuroscience questions. The in-person symposium welcomed more than 150 attendees, including 57 faculty members, 61 postdoctoral fellows, 35 students, and four industry professionals, who represented institutions at the local, regional, and international levels. The symposium also served the training goals of both the CMM and the NTP. The event content, organization, and format were planned collaboratively by the faculty and trainees. Many CMM faculty presented or participated in a panel discussion, thus contributing to the dissemination of both the technologies they have developed under the auspices of the CMM and the findings they have obtained using those technologies. NTP trainees who benefited from the symposium included those who helped to organize the symposium and/or presented posters and gave “flash” oral presentations. In addition to gaining experience from presenting their work, they had opportunities throughout the day to engage in one-on-one discussions with visiting scientists and other faculty, potentially opening the door to future collaborations. The symposium presentations provided a deep exploration of the many technological advances enabling progress in structural and functional mesoscale brain imaging. Finally, students worked closely with the presenting faculty to develop this report summarizing the content of the symposium and putting it in the broader context of the current state of the field to share with the scientific community. We note that the references cited here include conference abstracts corresponding to the symposium poster presentations.
Body Shame and Sexual Attractiveness: A Grounded Theory Research Among Iranian Women
Authors: Barzoki Meysam Haddadi , Alamdar Fateme S.
Published: September 2024

Although numerous studies have been conducted on sexual objectification in Western countries, few have focused on this topic among Muslim women. This study aimed to explore and understand the main sources of body shame among middle-aged Iranian women. Using in-depth interviews within a grounded theory framework, 18 middle-aged Iranian women participated in this study. The findings showed that many participants reported not feeling a strong sense of body shame in daily life, which was deeply ingrained in their perceived social expectations in daily interactions. Concerns about not meeting societal standards of sexual attractiveness were narrated as a significant contributor to body shame. Physical self-concept and past intimate relationships were key components in shaping the perception of sexual attractiveness. Furthermore, social identity emerged as a crucial contextual factor, influencing both the need for sexual attractiveness and the level of body shame experienced when exposed to sexually objectifying messages. The multifaceted nature of body shame and its intricate interplay with societal expectations were discussed within the context of this study.
Identification and validation of diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in prostate cancer based on WGCNA
Authors: Xiao Xi , Qing Liangliang , Li Zonglin , Ye Fuxiang , Dong Yajia , Mi Jun , Tian Junqiang
Published: September 2024

Background

Prostate cancer (PCa) represents a significant health challenge for men, and the advancement of the disease often results in a grave prognosis for patients. Therefore, the identification of biomarkers associated with the diagnosis and prognosis of PCa holds paramount importance in patient health management.

Methods

The datasets pertaining to PCa were retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was conducted to investigate the modules specifically associated with the diagnosis of PCa. The hub genes were identified using the LASSO regression analysis. The expression levels of these hub genes were further validated by qRT-PCR experiments. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and nomograms were employed as evaluative measures for assessing the diagnostic value.

Results

The blue module identified by WGCNA exhibited a strong association with PCa. Six hub genes (SLC14A1, COL4A6, MYOF, FLRT3, KRT15, and LAMB3) were identified by LASSO regression analysis. Further verification confirmed that these six genes were significantly downregulated in tumor tissues and cells. The six hub genes and the nomogram demonstrated substantial diagnostic value, with area under the curve (AUC) values ranging from 0.754 to 0.961. Moreover, patients with low expression levels of these six genes exhibited elevated T/N pathological stage and Gleason score, implying a more advanced disease state. Meanwhile, their progression-free survival (PFS) was observed to be potentially poorer. Finally, a significant association could be observed between the expression of these genes and the dysregulation of immune cells, along with drug sensitivity.

Conclusions

In summary, our study identified six hub genes, namely SLC14A1, COL4A6, MYOF, FLRT3, KRT15, and LAMB3, which can be utilized to establish a diagnostic model for PCa. The discovery may offer potential molecular targets for clinical diagnosis and treatment of PCa.
Knowledge-based model generation for aircraft cabin noise prediction from pre-design data
Authors: Hesse Christian , Allebrodt Pia , Teschner Mark , Biedermann Jörn
Published: September 2024

The climate targets set out in the “European Green Deal” call for the consideration and implementation of climate-friendly propulsion concepts and sustainable fuels in future aircraft configurations. This puts the use of very efficient propeller engines into the focus of aircraft design. However, these pose major challenges, especially to cabin acoustics, due to high, tonal sound pressure levels on the fuselage. The design of noise control measures requires the competence to predict the resulting interior noise as early as possible in the design process of the vehicle. This requires a high level of geometric and structural detail regarding the fuselage structure and cabin components. With increasing frequency range, the necessary structural details also increase, which have to be resolved in the simulation models due to the associated decreasing structural wavelength. Especially in the context of aircraft pre-design, there is usually not enough information available for a detailed vibro-acoustic modeling of the fuselage and cabin components, which allows a meaningful prediction of the vibrations and thus the cabin noise. Therefore, the knowledge-based tool Fuselage Geometry Assembler (FUGA) is developed for the targeted enrichment of preliminary design data with knowledge for detailed numerical analyses. This paper describes the knowledge-based geometry and model generation in FUGA, which can consider the necessary (increasing) level of detail for the vibro-acoustic prediction already in the preliminary design. For this purpose, aircraft data sets in the preliminary design data format Common Parametric Aircraft Configuration Schema (CPACS) form the modeling basis. Originating from the aircraft preliminary design, these initially describe the outer shell of the vehicle and are extended by detailed structural information that defines the geometric boundary conditions for component placement in cabin design. For the cabin components, the open-source geometry kernel Open Cascade Technology (OCCT) is used to provide geometries at the level of detail required for subsequent analyses. The geometry models are then discretized in open source (e.g. Gmsh) or commercial meshers and further used for numerical analysis. Finally, the prediction of cabin noise is demonstrated as a Proof of Concept using the example of a short-haul propeller-driven aircraft and the feasibility of the proposed method is indicated by investigating the sensitivity of resulting simulation models to the fuselage skin thickness.
Identification of molecules from tomato plant residues using sustainable green chemicals
Authors: Drescher Adrian , Schwingshackl Lisa , Kienberger Marlene
Published: September 2024

High quantities of biomass produced in greenhouses create environmental problems as this side stream, and its downgraded products are not further used in the production cycle. The aim of our research was the identification and semi-quantification of molecules extracted from vegetative tomato plant residues with sustainable green alternative solvents using vacuum-assisted soxhlet and solid–liquid extraction to evaluate the possibilities for high-value applications for the first time. To identify compounds, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis and the Folin–Ciocalteau method were used. In sum, 285 different compounds have been assigned to 383 detected peaks using GC–MS analysis. The solvents 2-methyltetrahydrofuran (2-MTHF) and ethyl acetate, compared with ethanol and hexane, provided better results with a maximum number of 99 ± 8.83 compounds, a maximum total concentration of 5894.82 ± 586.48 and 3363.02 ± 71.14 mg naphthalene equivalent (NEQ) kgdw−1, and a total phenolic content of 2143.25 ± 155.17 and 1605.92 ± 66.46 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE) kgdw−1, respectively. With 781.2 ± 112.66 and 718.25 ± 54.89 mg NEQ kgdw−1, the compound neophytadiene was the most common terpene in ethyl acetate and 2-MTHF extracts, respectively. It can be concluded that vegetative tomato plant residues contain a large variety of bioactive molecules. Green solvents, such as 2-MTHF and ethyl acetate, enhance the extraction of these molecules from the solid matrix.

Graphical abstract
Entwicklung eines Fragebogens zur Messung der Anerkennungserfahrung von Schüler*innen der Sekundarstufe 1
Authors: Barth Maximilian , Lüke Timo
Published: September 2024

Anerkennung ist ein Ziel schulischer Inklusion. Aufgrund von fehlenden Instrumenten gibt es jedoch wenige empirische Forschungsarbeiten zu Anerkennungserfahrungen in der Schule. Ziele der Arbeit sind demnach die Konstruktion und erste Evaluation eines Fragebogens zur Messung der Anerkennungserfahrung von Schüler*innen der Sekundarstufe 1. Eine Itemanalyse sowie die Überprüfung der Reliabilität und Validität wurden mit 454 Schüler*innen der Sekundarstufe 1 vorgenommen. Ein einfaktorielles Modell mit 16 Items zeigte den besten Modellfit. Die interne Konsistenz des Fragebogens ist zufriedenstellend (ω = 0,91). Zur Beurteilung der Konstruktvalidität wurden der Perceptions of Inclusion Questionnaire sowie die Subskala Selbstwert des Self Description Questionnaire I eingesetzt. Die Anerkennungserfahrung korrelierte mit konstruktnahen Variablen (soziale Integration, Selbstwert) stärker als mit konstruktfernen Variablen (Wohlbefinden in der Schule, akademisches Selbstkonzept, Zeugnisnoten). Die Ergebnisse deuten darauf hin, dass der Fragebogen übliche Qualitätsanforderungen erfüllt. Die Überprüfung der psychometrischen Eigenschaften an unabhängigen Stichproben steht jedoch noch aus.
Unlocking Teacher Agency for Professional Learning Through Connection-Building: Evidence from a Professional Development Program on China’s Standards of English Language Ability
Authors: Zhang Jie , Peng Yue
Published: September 2024

This study explores how teachers construct and enact agency in professional learning from an activity theory perspective. Through a qualitative case study of three language teachers’ experiences within a professional development (PD) program focusing on China’s Standards of English Language Ability (CSE), this research identifies agency construction as a triadic connection-building process among teachers (subjects), the CSE learning target (tool) and teachers’ professional development goals (objects). The findings suggest that PD programs can be designed to assist teachers in building these connections by understanding their broader professional needs, guiding them to identify specific learning objectives relevant to their professional practices and supporting their application of the CSE to achieve these objectives. This study contributes to the literature on teacher professional learning by offering a nuanced understanding of teacher agency construction and proposing an agency-oriented approach to PD program design and implementation in facilitating teachers’ engagement with new tools like the CSE to support sustainable professional growth.
The Association Between Vitamin D Deficiency and Diabetes in Adult African Americans and Whites: An NHANES Study
Authors: Hadgu Alula , Yan Fengxia , Mayberry Robert
Published: September 2024

Objective

The primary objective of this cross-sectional study is to investigate the association between vitamin D deficiency (VDD) and diabetes and see if this association is the same for adult (age ≥ 20) African Americans (AAs) and Whites. The secondary objective is to examine the distribution of the 25-hydroxyvitamin D test among AAs and Whites and to evaluate the appropriateness of using the same cut-off point for both groups to diagnose VDD.

Methods

Our analysis is based on the 2011–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES). We used two common propensity score adjustment methods to analyze the data—propensity score matching (PSM) and the inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW).

Results

The prevalence of diabetes for AAs and Whites was 12.27% (95% CI, 10.47–14.07%) and 7.24% (95% CI, 6.35–8.13%), respectively. The prevalence of VDD for AAs and Whites was 65.29% (95% CI, 62.01–68.58%) and 19.49% (95% CI, 16.53–22.45%), respectively. Under PSM, the odds ratios for the diabetes-VDD association for AAs and Whites were 0.94 (95% CI, 0.70–1.27) and 2.16 (95% CI, 1.49–3.13), respectively. Under IPTW, the VDD-diabetes odds ratios for AAs and Whites were 0.83 (95% CI, 0.64–1.10) and 2.35 (95% CI, 1.67–3.30), respectively. Our results further demonstrate that the 25-hydroxyvitamin D measurements are significantly different for AAs and Whites across the general population, as well as the vitamin D–sufficient and vitamin D–deficient populations.

Conclusion

The prevalence of VDD and diabetes was higher for AAs compared to Whites. However, VDD was associated with increased diabetes risk for Whites but not for AAs. Though more research is needed to explain why this is the case, a reason for this may be that the 25-hydroxyvitamin D test or its associated cut-off point for defining VDD may not accurately reflect the vitamin D status among AAs.
Work Happiness of PhD Graduates Across Different Employment Sectors
Authors: Spronken-Smith Rachel , Brown Kim , Cameron Claire
Published: September 2024

Given a lack of knowledge about the work happiness of PhD graduates across a range of jobs, we explored which employment sectors graduates were entering, their work happiness and what factors influenced their happiness.  We surveyed PhD graduates from two US and one New Zealand university. Analysis of 120 graduate responses revealed that nearly 60% were employed in higher education, mostly in precarious positions. Eighteen percent were employed in government and 18% in the private sector (for-profit), with the remainder in private sector (not-for-profit) and teaching. Approximately 82% were happy with their work, with no significant difference between those inside or outside academia. Qualitative analysis revealed the main factors influencing work happiness were having fulfilling work, a good and supportive work environment, work security, a match between the work, their skillset and career expectation, and a desirable location. The study identifies implications for doctoral training and employers of PhD graduates.
Effect of the addition of Ni and Cu on solidification microstructure evolution of Al-5Si-0.5Mg alloys
Authors: Vončina Maja , Balaško Tilen , Petrič Mitja , Medved Jožef , Modrijan Ožbej , Li Jiehua
Published: September 2024

To develop new high-performance hypoeutectic Al–Si–Mg alloys at elevated temperatures, it is often necessary to add alloying elements of Cu and Ni. The high-temperature strength of the most used Al–Si–Mg–Cu–Ni alloy depends on a load transfer from the α-Al matrix to the intermetallic compounds. However, there is still a lack of detailed investigation on the effects of the combined addition of Ni and Cu on the solidification microstructure evolution of Al–Si–Mg base alloys with a lower Si concentration. This investigation specifically addresses the effects of the addition of Cu or Cu and Ni on the solidification microstructure evolution of the Al–5Si–0.5Mg alloy. It was found that when Al–5Si–0.5Mg is alloyed with Cu or Cu and Ni, the solidus temperature decreases, while the freezing range of the Al–5Si–0.5Mg alloy increases. With the addition of Cu and even small amounts of Ni, the phases Al7Cu4Ni and Al5Cu2Mg8Si6 were predicted by TC simulations and also observed by SEM. With a higher Ni content, Al3Ni and Al3Ni2 also solidify. More importantly, the presence of Cu and Ni can partition into the α-AlSiFeMn phase and change the size and morphology of the α-AlSiFeMn phase. This investigation provides a helpful hint to the development of the high-performance Al–Si–Mg–Cu–Ni alloys with a simultaneous improvement of the thermal conductivity and mechanical properties.
A Surface Determination Technique for Dimensional and Geometrical Analysis in Industrial X-ray Computed Tomography
Authors: Pirillo Federico , Shao Huan , Petrò Stefano , Moroni Giovanni
Published: September 2024

Industrial X-ray computed tomography (XCT) is a nondestructive technique that can measure workpieces with non-accessible internal features or multimaterial components and assess the dimensional properties of assemblies in assembled states. Surface determination is one of its most crucial steps, which consists of determining boundary surfaces between a solid material and the surrounding air or between different solid materials. It allows for extracting surface points and assessing different features of the object from the data acquired through XCT scans. This task is particularly complex because of challenges associated with material properties, artefacts and noise. The main objective of this work is to assess not just the dimensional but also the geometric characteristics of industrial parts, which requires a more accurate definition of surface points. Therefore, we propose a new surface determination technique (SDT) in XCT to achieve subvoxel accuracy in determining surface points. We demonstrated the effectiveness and stability of our method by comparing it with other SDTs documented in the literature or with results from commercial software. The validation involved measuring various attributes, such as diameter, cylindricity and flatness, of a multi-stepped aluminium part calibrated by a coordinate measuring machine.