bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Coping Strategies on Entrepreneurs' Psychological Well‐Being Under Uncertainty
Authors: Baldacchino Leonie , Sassetti Sara
Published: December 2024

Self‐employment and business ownership require high personal commitment and emotional involvement, often accompanied by significant risk and uncertainty. Entrepreneurs need effective coping strategies to manage stress and anxiety, which, if unmanaged, can harm their well‐being and impair decision‐making. Given entrepreneurs' crucial roles in generating employment, innovation, and economic growth, understanding how they cope with adversity is vital. Despite its importance, research on coping strategies and entrepreneurial outcomes has yielded inconsistent results, with limited focus on entrepreneurs' psychological well‐being (PWB). This study addresses these gaps by investigating which coping strategies enhanced entrepreneurs' PWB under the uncertainty of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Drawing on theories of coping and PWB, we propose and test a conceptual model using data from an anonymous online survey of 179 self‐employed individuals and business owner‐managers in Malta (EU). Findings reveal that task‐based and avoidance‐based coping strategies positively influence PWB under uncertainty, whereas emotion‐based coping negatively impacts PWB. This research contributes to the literature on entrepreneurial coping and well‐being by elucidating the effects of different coping strategies during times of high adversity. This has important practical implications as entrepreneurs who effectively cope with uncertainty and maintain higher PWB are better equipped to make sound decisions and implement successful strategies.
Impact of plasma‐treated nano‐alumina on the thermal and electrical properties of epoxy resin at elevated temperatures
Authors: Dai Chao , Liu Nailong , Xing Zheng , Han Kaidi , Ding Man , Ashish Paramane
Published: December 2024

In this study, to ramp up the thermal stability and insulation characteristics of epoxy resin (EP), the plasma‐treated EP/alumina composites with a mass fraction of 1 wt% were fabricated. The variations of functional groups in the EP composites with/without plasma treatment were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and the glass transition temperature of the specimens was analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis. The space charge distributions, the electrical conductivity and DC breakdown strength of the specimens were measured at 90°C. Moreover, the results were further analyzed in depth. The results indicated that the nanocomposites prepared with plasma‐treated nano‐alumina exhibited a higher concentration of OH and CO groups. At 90°C, the plasma‐treated alumina nanoparticles significantly increased the charge injection threshold of EP from about 26 nC (untreated) to 19 nC (treated); reduced the internal electric field distortion, decreased the charge accumulation and dissipation, and increased the breakdown strength from about 104 kV/mm (untreated) to 115 kV/mm (treated), and the conductivity from about 5.1 × 10−14 S/m (untreated) to 3.1 × 10−14 S/m (treated). In summary, it was elucidated that plasma‐treated nano‐alumina particles could effectively reduce deep trap density, trapped charges, charge injection and transportation and reinforce composites' insulation performance at high temperatures.

Highlights

The DBD plasma treatment is environmentally friendly with high efficiency.

The testing adopted advanced characterization and analysis techniques.

Plasma treatment of alumina nanoparticles enhanced the thermal stability.

The treated nano‐alumina reinforced insulation performance of EP nanocomposites.

The plasma treatment raised the space charge injection threshold and barrier.
Mortality trends in suicide among pediatric and adolescent patients aged 15–24 years in Mississippi, 2012–2022
Authors: Jones Elizabeth
Published: December 2024

Due to the lack of studies examining suicide trends and its implications on pediatric populations, this study aimed to address the gap in research and to identify the magnitude and the impact of suicide by exploring trends in suicide among Mississippians from 2012 to 2022. The study uses data from the Mississippi Statistically Automated Health Resource System, which is an online database with data collected from vital statistics. Joinpoint regression models were used to calculate annual percentage change (APC) and average annual percentage change (AAPC) as an indicator of trends. The overall age‐adjusted suicide rate increased from 9.4 deaths per 100,000 in 2012 to 10.8 deaths per 100,000 in 2022 for pediatric and adolescent patients aged 15–24 years (14.9% increase). There are upward trends for females (AAPC, 6.33%, 95% CI, −0.82%–16.82%), Blacks (AAPC, 7.72%, 95% CI, 2.19%–16.47%), and other races (AAPC, 7.59%, 95% CI, −0.83%–21.47%). Males had a downward trend from 2015 to 2022 (APC, −1.46%, 95 CI, −14.05%–1.35%). Whites also had a downward trend from 2017 to 2022 (APC, 4.74%, 95% CI, −15.42% to −0.96%). This study identified an overall increase in suicide. However, trends varied by gender, race, and age. Based on the findings, Mississippi needs more initiatives aimed toward equitable prevention of suicide among youth and the implementation of gun control policies. By implementing these measures, Mississippi could tremendously benefit and improve mental health outcomes and reduce suicide within the state.
Design, synthesis and antifungal activity of novel vanillin derivatives containing thiazole and acylhydrazone moieties
Authors: Li Ding , Yao Xiaofang , Wang Wei‐Wei , Wang Yu , Wu Wenjun , Hu Zhaonong
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND

The potential application of vanillin as a fungicide has garnered significant attention in the agricultural product market and food industries. Consequently, a novel series of vanillin derivatives containing thiazole and hydrazone fragments were strategically designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their antifungal activity against six representative plant phytopathogenic fungi.

RESULTS

In the in vitro antifungal assay, some title vanillin derivatives showed good antifungal activity against Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium solani, and Magnaporthe grisea. Significantly, compound 4a exhibited remarkable broad‐spectrum fungistatic potency and displayed the most potent antifungal activity against B. cinerea and F. solani, with half maximal effective concentration (EC50) values of 1.07 and 0.78 μg/mL, respectively, substantially surpassing the efficacy of the commercial fungicide hymexazol and comparable to carbendazim. In addition, compound 4k selectively inhibited M. grisea with the lowest EC50 value of 7.77 μg/mL. The in vivo antifungal assay revealed that compound 4a exhibited superior protective efficacy against B. cinerea compared to carbendazim. At the same time, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and fluorescent dye staining showed compound 4a exerted its fungicidal activity by damaging the cell wall, cell membrane and mitochondria of B. cinerea.

CONCLUSION

Modification of vanillin through electron‐withdrawing group substitution and hydrophobic substitution, followed by condensation with thiazole‐4‐carbohydrazide, could result in highly active antifungal derivatives. Among them, compound 4a, which exhibited excellent inhibitory activities in vitro and in vivo, could potentially serve as a lead compound. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Accelerating virtual patient generation with a Bayesian optimization and machine learning surrogate model
Authors: Iwata Hiroaki , Saito Ryuta
Published: December 2024

The pharmaceutical industry has increasingly adopted model‐informed drug discovery and development (MID3) to enhance productivity in drug discovery and development. Quantitative systems pharmacology (QSP), which integrates drug action mechanisms and disease complexities to predict clinical endpoints and biomarkers is central to MID3. QSP modeling has proven successful in metabolic and cardiovascular diseases and has expanded into oncology, immunotherapy, and infectious diseases. Despite its benefits, QSP model validation through clinical trial simulations using virtual patients (VPs) is challenging because of parameter variability and high computational costs. To address these challenges, this study proposes a hybrid method that combines Bayesian optimization with machine learning for efficient parameter screening. Our approach achieved an acceptance rate of 27.5% in QSP simulations, which is in sharp contrast with the 2.5% rate of conventional random search methods, indicating more than 10‐fold improvement in efficiency. By facilitating faster and more diverse VPs generation, this method promises to advance clinical trial simulations and accelerate drug development in pharmaceutical research.
Metastable Changes in the Dark Conductivity of Undoped and Carbon‐Doped β‐Ga2O3
Authors: Nickel Norbert H. , Mignani Niccolò , Rappich Jörg
Published: December 2024

Measurements of the electrical dark conductivity σD of undoped and carbon‐doped β‐Ga2O3 thin films reveal a metastable increase upon illumination with sub‐bandgap light. In the relaxed state, σD shows activated behavior for T > 250 K with an activation energy of 0.68 and 0.63 eV for undoped and C‐doped β‐Ga2O3, respectively. For T < 250 K, σD approaches a constant value of ≈6 × 10−12 Ω−1 cm−1. Illumination with sub‐bandgap light results in an increase of the dark conductivity by up to 6 orders of magnitude. This state is metastable and relaxes with time. The data indicate the presence of a broad distribution of localized states in the bandgap. The time and temperature dependence of the relaxation is investigated for doped and undoped samples. The data can be described by a sum of two and three stretched exponential decays for undoped and carbon‐doped β‐Ga2O3, respectively. From the time constants of the decays, the energetic depth of the localized defect states is estimated.
Real Effect or Bias? Good Practices for Evaluating the Robustness of Evidence From Comparative Observational Studies Through Quantitative Sensitivity Analysis for Unmeasured Confounding
Authors: Faries Douglas , Gao Chenyin , Zhang Xiang , Hazlett Chad , Stamey James , Yang Shu , Ding Peng , Shan Mingyang , Sheffield Kristin , Dreyer Nancy
Published: December 2024

The assumption of “no unmeasured confounders” is a critical but unverifiable assumption required for causal inference yet quantitative sensitivity analyses to assess robustness of real‐world evidence remains under‐utilized. The lack of use is likely in part due to complexity of implementation and often specific and restrictive data requirements for application of each method. With the advent of methods that are broadly applicable in that they do not require identification of a specific unmeasured confounder—along with publicly available code for implementation—roadblocks toward broader use of sensitivity analyses are decreasing. To spur greater application, here we offer a good practice guidance to address the potential for unmeasured confounding at both the design and analysis stages, including framing questions and an analytic toolbox for researchers. The questions at the design stage guide the researcher through steps evaluating the potential robustness of the design while encouraging gathering of additional data to reduce uncertainty due to potential confounding. At the analysis stage, the questions guide quantifying the robustness of the observed result and providing researchers with a clearer indication of the strength of their conclusions. We demonstrate the application of this guidance using simulated data based on an observational fibromyalgia study, applying multiple methods from our analytic toolbox for illustration purposes.
Using action research to examine multi‐tiered systems of support in an elementary school in a post‐COVID era
Authors: Taylor Dalena Dillman , Frank Alexandra M. , Frawley Caitlin
Published: December 2024

The COVID‐19 pandemic presented unprecedented learning loss for all students. Although researchers have indicated negative impacts across all age and demographic groups, learning loss is most pronounced in elementary school‐aged students and those from low SES backgrounds. Given the disproportionate impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic, the authors utilise multi‐tiered systems of support to provide targeted support to identified elementary students in an urban school in the south‐east United States. This study explores the efficacy of the tiered intervention (Tier I: social–emotional learning instruction, Tier II: Mentoring, and Tier III: Play Therapy) using third‐person action research design and the authors explore a quantitative analysis of pre‐ and post‐achievement data, as measured by state achievement reading and maths scores. Finally, the authors describe future directions for researchers interested in applying a similar tiered intervention to respond to learning deficits resulting from the COVID‐19 pandemic.
A Nonparametric Regression Calibration for the Accelerated Failure Time Model With Measurement Error
Authors: Huang Yih‐Huei , Wu Chien‐Ying
Published: December 2024

Accelerated failure time models are appealing due to their intuitive interpretation. However, when covariates are subject to measurement errors, naive estimation becomes severely biased. To address this issue, the regression calibration (RC) approach is a widely applicable and effective method. Traditionally, the RC method requires a good predictor for the true covariate, which can be obtained through parametric distribution assumptions or validation datasets. Consequently, the performance of the estimator depends on the plausibility of these assumptions. In this work, we propose a novel method that utilizes error augmentation to duplicate covariates, facilitating nonparametric estimation. Our approach does not require a validation set or parametric distribution assumptions for the true covariate. Through simulation studies, we demonstrate that our approach is more robust and less impacted by heavy censoring rates compared to conventional analyses. Additionally, an analysis of a subset of a real dataset suggests that the conventional RC method may have a tendency to overcorrect the attenuation effect of measurement error.
Synthesis, DFT, In Silico ADME, and Antimicrobial Study of New 2‐(aryl)‐5‐(3‐(difluoromethyl)‐1‐methyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐4‐yl)‐1,3,4‐Oxadiazoles
Authors: Dhonnar Sunil L. , Buchude Samadhan S. , Sargade Vaibhav N. , Adole Vishnu A. , Sadgir Nutan V.
Published: December 2024

The rise of drug‐resistant infections highlights the critical need to discover novel drugs to combat them. In this study, we present the synthesis of a novel 2‐(aryl)‐5‐(3‐(difluoromethyl)‐1‐methyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐4‐yl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole compounds (3a–b) using benzohydrazide (1a–b) and 3‐(difluoromethyl)‐1‐methyl‐1H‐pyrazole‐4‐carboxylic acid (2). The structures of compounds were confirmed by FT‐IR, 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, and HRMS characterizations. DFT calculations were performed using B3LYP/6–311G(d,p) method. The HOMO‐LUMO energy gap, reactivity parameters, and Mulliken atomic charges were determined and discussed. The electrostatic potential surface was mapped to identify active sites in compounds. The electronic absorption spectra were obtained in a chloroform solvent, and the Uv‐vis band assignments were discussed through TD‐DFT simulations. The results obtained from the experiment correspond well with the theoretical DFT analysis. The assessment of synthesized compounds (3a–b) antimicrobial properties is another aspect of the current investigation. Compound 3a was equally efficient as chloramphenicol against E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and S. pyogenes. However, limited antifungal activity was observed for both compounds. The Molinspiration ADME online tool examines drugs likeness properties.
Corrosion Inhibition of Mild Steel by Plumeria rubra Flower Extract: Electrochemical and Computational Study
Authors: Kotupalli Mastan Rao , Sahini Mtabazi Geofrey , Pulapa Venkata Kanaka Rao , Elisadiki Joyce
Published: December 2024

The corrosion inhibition efficiency of Plumeria rubra flower extract (PRFE) on 5LX70 mild steel in 4% NaCl aqueous medium was studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), potentiodynamic polarization (PDP), and density functional theory (DFT). The PRFE was analyzed by FTIR for the confirmation of functional groups in the extract molecules. EIS and PDP methods indicated that the corrosion inhibition was increased with an increase in the concentration of inhibitor, with a surface area coverage of 90.12%. Polarization results revealed that PRFE is a mixed‐type inhibitor. A maximum corrosion inhibition of 90.98% was achieved at 120 ppm of extract concentration. Quantum chemical parameters of the inhibitor molecules were calculated using the DFT method to ascertain the relation between the parameters and inhibition efficiency. Molecular descriptors like HOMO, LUMO, energy gap, absolute electronegativity, electrostatic surface potential, and so on, were determined, and found that the inhibitor molecules favorably formed a protective layer on the metal surface. The Mulliken charge analysis of the constituent atoms of selected PRFE molecules further supported in identifying the active sites for binding with the mild steel surface. Experimental results have confirmed that PRFE is a good corrosion inhibitor for mild steel which was further affirmed by the computational study.
Anticancer Potential of Quinazoline Derivatives Modified with Hydrazones and Triazoles Against MG‐63 Cancer Cell Line
Authors: Kumar Ravinder , Kumar Ashish , Kamal Raj , Kumar Ajay , Kaur Satwinderjeet
Published: December 2024

Antiproliferative potential of quinazoline flanked bis‐hydrazones and quinazoline fused bis‐triazoles against human bone cancer cell line (MG‐63) have been described in the present work. A series of 2,4‐bis(2‐(E)‐arylidenehydrazinyl)quinazolines 5a–5n have been synthesized by refluxing 2,4‐dihydrazinylquinazoline with respective benzaldehyde derivatives. Thereafter, these bis‐hydrazone derivatives 5a–5n have been cyclized to corresponding 3,7‐diarylbis([1,2,4]triazolo)[4,3‐a][4′,3′‐c]quinazolines 6a–6n by using bis(trifluoroacetoxy)iodobenzene (PIFA) as oxidant. All the synthesized bis‐hydrazones 5a–5n and bis‐triazoles 6a–6n were tested for their in vitro anticancer potential against human bone cancer cell line, i.e., MG‐63. These compounds demonstrated moderate to significant cytotoxic activities against the tested cancer cell line comparable to camptothecin as a standard. However, the bis‐hydrazones, 5i and 5n displayed potent antiproliferative properties with GI50 values of 114.31 µM and 136.95 µM, respectively and bis‐triazoles, 6i and 6k may be considered as potent antiproliferative agents with their GI50 values 137.69 µM and 124.26 µM, respectively.
Adjusting Interface Action and Spacing for Control of Particle Potential
Authors: Qin Mian , Ren Jiangsong , Cheng Jiamin , Gao Ruisi , Li Linli , Wang Yao , Bai Pengfei , Li Hao , Zhou Guofu
Published: December 2024

As the core issue of physical chemistry, how to acquire, control, even adjust surface charging of colloidal particle is far from being completely understood. So poly(lauryl methacrylate) (PLMA) is first introduced with different chain lengths onto crude anatase titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (150–200 nm) through two‐step surface modification. Along with rising basic nonionic polyisobutylene succinimide (PIBS) concentration, those modified TiO2 nanoparticles (TiO2‐NH‐PLMA) with the low grafting amount (0.33–4.86 wt.%) and the short chain of the grafted PLMA fragments (layer thickness: 3.0–6.9 nm) underwent charge reversal from being positively to negatively charged in nonpolar isododecane solution. And the more modified ones (PLMA grafting amount: 11.10%; layer thickness: 9.5 nm) remained original electropositivity under same conditions. Based on molecular dynamics simulation, once the repeating unit number exceeds 12, these long grafted PLMA chains will bring about strong steric hindrance to increase interface spacing and weaken interface action against PIBS absorption. This may propose a unique strategy for adjusting or stabilizing surface potential of colloid particles by grafted polymer chains. It is anticipated to provide a facile, precise, and promising control to electronic ink for electrophoretic display.
Coeliac artery compression syndrome as a rare cause of recurrent abdominal pain
Authors: Tan Ming
Published: December 2024

Coeliac artery compression syndrome is a rare cause of recurrent abdominal pain. This article describes two cases of coeliac artery compression syndrome that initially diagnosed on ultrasound. Follow by the subsequence CT or MRI angiography that confirmed the diagnosis. This article also discussed the ultrasound diagnosis criteria, and treatment options of coeliac artery compression syndrome. With additional knowledge of the clinical symptoms and ultrasound presentations of coeliac artery compression syndrome can help sonographers to diagnose this condition in the clinical settings.
The Complementarity of Programme Logic and Critical Systems Heuristics: Critical Systems Practice for the Evaluation of Emergency Relief in Australia
Authors: McKenna Patrick
Published: December 2024

The research aim was to improve the outcomes of Australia's Emergency Relief programme by applying the multiperspective multimethodological critical systems thinking and practice. Emergency Relief was designed as a short‐term intervention to assist people facing a financial crisis; however, it was evident and considered problematic that many beneficiaries had an ongoing reliance on the programme. The application of programme logic, the prevailing best practice approach to social services design and evaluation in Australia, demonstrated its strength by revealing opportunities to improve service delivery models through staff training, referral systems, colocation and case management. The application of critical systems heuristics revealed that unintended adverse consequences could result from ‘payment by outcomes’ commissioning and welfare conditionality. The research makes a methodological contribution to systems and evaluation literature by demonstrating the complementarity of programme logic and critical systems heuristics, and the strength in the multiperspective multimethodological approach of critical systems thinking and practice.
The Effect of Bake Hardening on Quenched and Partitioned AISI 420 Stainless Steel
Authors: Raami Lassi , Wendler Marco , Volkova Olena , Peura Pasi
Published: December 2024

Bake hardening (BH) is a static strain aging phenomenon, where the yield strength of steel increases during industrial paint baking. In this study, the effect of standard BH treatment on the mechanical properties of a quenched and partitioned (Q&P) AISI 420 stainless steel is investigated. The parameters for the Q&P treatment are selected based on numerical simulations, dilatometry, X‐ray diffraction, and tensile tests, and the results are compared to conventional quenching and tempering (Q&T) treatment. It is shown that, in comparison with Q&T, Q&P can slightly increase the strength of the steel without sacrificing elongation. Heat‐treated samples are then subjected to a paint baking treatment with and without prestrain. It is indicated that the mechanical properties of the heat‐treated steel are not affected by paint baking without prestrain, whereas after a 2% prestrain the yield strength is drastically increased up to 1800 MPa, resulting in BH index exceeding 100 MPa. However, this increase in yield strength is instantly followed by necking and reduced post‐uniform elongation. The results suggest that the effect of industrial paint baking is a considerable practical aspect in the design of Q&P components if the steel is subjected to deformation before painting.
Extraordinary Mechanical Properties of a Field‐Assisted Sintering Technique/Spark Plasma Sintering Consolidated Stainless Steel with High Copper Content of 9 wt%
Authors: Hauser Michael , Radajewski Markus , Biermann Horst , Krüger Lutz , Volkova Olena , Wendler Marco
Published: December 2024

The solidification behavior of a novel X1CrCuNiN 18‐9‐6 (concentrations in wt%) stainless steel is studied by thermodynamic calculations and corresponding microstructure investigations. The thermodynamic calculations of the X1CrCuNiN 18‐9‐6 steel predict a metastable austenitic structure, which is verified by microstructural analyses. In the as‐cast state before heat treatment, a few copper precipitates, mostly over 50 μm in size, are visible, which are located exclusively in the interdendritic regions. The electrode inert gas atomization process is applied to produce a steel powder using a pre‐material in as‐cast state with significantly increased Cu content of 9 wt%. After atomization, despite the rapid cooling, micrometer‐sized copper precipitates form again, which are homogeneously distributed in the microstructure, but are mostly less than 10 μm in size and thus much finer than in the initial cast state. The short processing times during field‐assisted sintering technique/spark plasma sintering makes it possible to produce a bulk material with a porosity of less than 1%. Miniature samples produced from the as‐sintered material exhibit uniform elongation values of 30%–40% with a tensile strength of about 640 MPa under tensile loading conditions.
Strength‐Ductility Synergy in an Austenitic Stainless Steel Processed by Warm Rolling and Subsequent Cryogenic Treatment
Authors: Zhan Liu , Yanhui Guo , Mingzhe Cui , Linghuan Pang , Xin Liu , Bin Fu
Published: December 2024

The austenitic stainless steel undergo warm rolling, followed by cryogenic treatment. The warm‐rolled and cryogenically treated (WR‐CT) sample exhibits superior strength and ductility compared to the warm‐rolled (WR) sample, achieving a yield strength of 949 MPa and an elongation of ≈56.2%. The enhanced strength is attributed to the higher dislocation density, additional grain refinement, and the presence of martensite in the WR‐CT sample. The WR and WR‐CT samples exhibit similar deformation mechanisms. In the initial stage, dislocation slip predominantly governs the deformation. During the intermediate stage, the transformation‐induced plasticity (TRIP) effect dominates the deformation mechanism. In the final stage, nearly all austenite transforms into martensite, and deformation mainly occurs via dislocation slip within the martensite phase. However, in the WR‐CT sample, the TRIP effect is delayed during the stable processing stage (≈8–23%) due to the higher mechanical stability of austenite, resulting from further grain refinement and higher dislocation density. Additionally, the coordinated deformation of strain‐induced martensite with varying orientations contributes to delayed necking, achieving an optimal balance between strength and ductility.
On the Role of Aurophilic Interactions in Determining Geometries in [Pn(AuL)4]+ Complexes (Pn = N, P, as)
Authors: Coburger Peter , Hadlington Terrance John
Published: December 2024

The nature of Au···Au interactions in poly‐gold complexes has been a fervent field of research since the term “aurophilicity” was coined by H. Schmidbaur in the late 1980s. Herein, the importance of such interactions is addressed in defining the solid‐state geometries of discreet gold–pnictonium clusters [Pn(Au·PMe3)4]+ (Pn = N–As), using in‐depth computational methods such as energy decomposition analysis and electron localization functions. It is found that predicted geometries of simplified congeners of known tetrahedral N and square‐planar As derivatives align with those reported structures, while the as‐yet unknown square‐pyramidal geometry is predicted for P. The tetrahedral to square‐pyramidal switch arises from shorter Au···Au contacts in the latter geometry, which allows for increased metal–metal dispersion interactions, i.e., aurophilic interactions, which overcome the high electrostatic interactions predicted for the same species in the tetrahedral conformation.
Globalization, Climate Change, and Compound Health Risks in the Era of COVID-19 Pandemic: The Case of the GCC
Authors: Belaïd Fateh , Amine Razan
Published: December 2024

COVID-19 served as a stark reminder of the economic devastation caused by poor preparedness for systemic risks. This lack of preparation triggered a domino effect, leading to an economic downturn, soaring debt, and supply chain disruption. The unprecedented global scale of this pandemic has accentuated multiple challenges with risk reduction and capacity to respond, both in the developed world and in the least developed countries. This chapter delves into the interconnectedness of globalization, public health risks, and climate change. First, we review the relationship between globalization and health risks. Subsequently, we explore the potential link between climate change and pandemics. Then, leveraging this understanding of interconnected global challenges, we analyze the response of GCC countries to the COVID-19 pandemic. The analyses show that the COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented test of policymakers’ ability to handle composite risks as climate uncertainties disrupt global epidemic responses. Although short-term measures can play a role in minimizing climate-induced loss of life, climate adaptation necessitates a long-term strategy toward pandemic preparedness as well. In the wake of the pandemic, leading economies should shift their focus away from short-term economic benefits that could undermine ecosystems and their services to society. On the contrary, this pandemic can serve as a starting point for a transformation to achieve sustainable development that merges environmental, economic, and social considerations.
A Review Approach to Understanding the Current Status of Port Resilience: Lessons Learned for GCC Ports
Authors: Anwar A. H. M. Mehbub , Nezamuddin Nora N.
Published: December 2024

Seaborne trade is responsible for the majority of global commerce by volume, and key logistics trade centers are typically located near coastal areas. Ports are fundamental agents of the maritime transportation system, serving as the point of entry and exit for most imported and exported goods. Ports play an important role as key nodes in multimodal transportation systems, making the connection between maritime and hinterland networks. Today, the resilience of ports is increasingly challenged by disruptive and extreme events such as geopolitical strife, adverse weather, pandemics, changing patterns of trade and sea routes, and the rise in sea levels. Achieving resiliency is an important factor for the greater attractiveness of maritime services and port sustainability, which requires infrastructure investments and the adoption of innovative and flexible practices. Currently, the literature surrounding the impacts of extreme events and unforeseen disruptions on maritime transport and ports remains novel. This body of work seeks to contribute to the understanding of resilient ports by reviewing the existing literature and gathering insights on how port resiliency can be applied in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region by identifying gaps of knowledge that can be explored.
Building Resilient Cities with Integrated Resiliency Analyses
Authors: Hummel John R. , Schneider Jennifer L. , Lewis L. Paul
Published: December 2024

From a regional development perspective, making our communities and regions more resilient to disruptions, whether from natural or human-induced events, is imperative, not only to preserve our way of life, and life itself, but also to limit our long-term global expenditures related to climate change–related disasters, both slow-moving and sudden. There is concern over the potential for more frequent and more intense weather-related disruptions; however, our ability to assess our current state and our potential to increase our long-term resilience capability is critical to attaining and maintaining community resilience.

In this chapter, we present a general discussion of the foundational characteristics of community resilience and why a systems-level view of resilience is required to study, model, and assess community resilience. We also explore interconnections and dependencies among community systems, how a change in one component can have cascading impacts, and the importance of including the populations who are ultimately impacted by these issues in the discussion. We discuss how resilience can be assessed and present case examples for emergency response systems assessment. Finally, we frame the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) regional pandemic experience and then pose specific COVID-19 local pandemic case studies focused on the United States and explore how similar methodologies may be applied to assess capacity of communities in the GCC.
Resilient Urban Transport Systems: The Role of Transit-Oriented Development in the GCC Cities
Authors: Arora Anvita , Oakil Toasin , Alhosain Nourah
Published: December 2024

An effective and resilient transport system is a crucial component of urban infrastructure. Its resilience has far-reaching implications, including facilitating economic growth, encouraging equity, ensuring sustainability, and mitigating the adverse impacts of climate change. Resilient transport systems can endure and recover from various sources of disruption, whether anticipated, such as natural disasters and extreme weather events, or unexpected incidents like accidents and other factors. However, the discussion on resilience in transportation systems is often limited to their ability to enable evacuation in extreme weather events overlooking the potential of transition toward more energy-efficient cities as a tool to create resilience. This chapter focuses on embedding resilience in the design of city systems using transit-oriented development (TOD) a concept that supports dense, mixed-use development around public transit stations. From a transport climate resilience perspective, TOD helps mitigate adverse environmental consequences as it increases energy efficiency and reduces greenhouse gas emissions in the city by reducing car use and increasing the use of energy-efficient transit ridership combined with walking and cycling. With increasing investment in Public Transit, the fast-urbanizing cities in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region can embed resilience by design in the city infrastructure. Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar have initiated national TOD strategies that Synergize with the operational mass transport systems in Dubai and Doha, and close to completion in Riyadh. Furthermore, other major cities in the GCC have similar large-scale initiatives in various stages of planning and implementation.
Kontamination von Haufwerk durch Sprengmittel und Dieselmotoremissionen
Authors: Hauzinger Elisabeth , Galler Robert , Ganster Mark
Published: December 2024

Das Thema der Verwendung von Tunnelausbruchmaterial als Zuschlagsstoffe oder alternative Baustoffe auf oder abseits der Baustelle ist in Zeiten des Klimawandels, Ressourcenknappheit, Kreislaufwirtschaft und Maßnahmen zur CO2 Reduktion ein wichtiges Thema. Jedoch wird die Verwendung von Aushubmaterialen durch ihre gesetzliche Definition als Abfallprodukte erschwert. Dies macht die umfassende Analyse nach Deponieverordnung 2008 sowie Bundesabfallwirtschaftsplan 2023 erforderlich, welche auch die Prüfung der Parameter Ammonium (NH4+), Nitrat (NO3−) und Nitrit (NO2−) vorschreibt. Die Kontamination des Ausbruchmaterials durch diese Stoffe wurden bislang ausschließlich Sprengmittel sowie deren Umsatzprodukten zugeschrieben, welche sich aus den Sprengschwaden auf das Haufwerk absetzt. Neuere Erkenntnisse lassen jedoch vermuten, dass auch Dieselmotoremissionen der untertägig eingesetzten Baugeräte maßgeblich zu diesen Verunreinigungen führen. Um diesen Umstand näher zu beleuchten, wurden Proben vom Haufwerk aus Baustellen mit konventionellem Vortrieb als auch untertägigen Bergbauen genommen und analysiert.
Locally-Verifiable Sufficient Conditions for Exactness of the Hierarchical B-spline Discrete de Rham Complex in $$\mathbb {R}^n$$
Authors: Shepherd Kendrick , Toshniwal Deepesh
Published: December 2024

Given a domain $$\Omega \subset \mathbb {R}^n$$

Ω
⊂

R

n

, the de Rham complex of differential forms arises naturally in the study of problems in electromagnetism and fluid mechanics defined on $$\Omega $$
Ω
, and its discretization helps build stable numerical methods for such problems. For constructing such stable methods, one critical requirement is ensuring that the discrete subcomplex is cohomologically equivalent to the continuous complex. When $$\Omega $$
Ω
is a hypercube, we thus require that the discrete subcomplex be exact. Focusing on such $$\Omega $$
Ω
, we theoretically analyze the discrete de Rham complex built from hierarchical B-spline differential forms, i.e., the discrete differential forms are smooth splines and support adaptive refinements—these properties are key to enabling accurate and efficient numerical simulations. We provide locally-verifiable sufficient conditions that ensure that the discrete spline complex is exact. Numerical tests are presented to support the theoretical results, and the examples discussed include complexes that satisfy our prescribed conditions as well as those that violate them.
The IPCC in the hybrid public sphere: divergent responses to climate mitigation solutions in mainstream and social media
Authors: Wetts Rachel , Painter James , Loy Loredana
Published: December 2024

In April 2022 the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) published its report on the mitigation of climate change, which included detailed discussion of the wide range of solutions at the personal, societal and governmental level needed to reduce emissions. The report generated extensive societal debate and interest in mainstream and social media. Using manual text analysis, we examined 66 articles on more than 20 popular English-language online news sites in the UK and USA and the 56 most shared posts or tweets on Facebook and Twitter about the report. First, we found that the mainstream media faithfully reported the IPCC’s priority messages, and often included the IPCC’s own critique of some solutions, such as Carbon Dioxide Removal, as compared to critiques from other sources. The coverage represented a sharp break with the historical tradition of focusing on the negative, disaster-focused impacts of climate change in favor of more positive, solutions-based reporting. Secondly, in sharp contrast, many of the most widely-shared social media posts did not closely follow the IPCC’s main messages. Less than a quarter of the posts contained the summary message of the report, and about half mentioned no solutions at all. Instead they focused on the direness of the situation and the urgency with which action needs to be taken. Finally, there was a very low presence of voices from the organized climate countermovement, who often question the need to take far-reaching and rapid mitigation action. We discuss the significance of our results for future research and for practical action.
A Qualitative Analysis of Trialogues Between People with Lived Experience, Their Relatives, and Mental Health Professionals
Authors: Eiroa-Orosa Francisco José , Incera-Rosas María
Published: December 2024

Trialogue meetings, aligned with the Recovery model in mental healthcare, foster the development of a shared language and mutual understanding among persons with lived experience, their relatives, and professionals. This study analysed the first mental health trialogue experience in Barcelona, involving six meetings with thirteen voluntary participants over three months. Using qualitative methods for data collection and reflexive thematic analysis, three main themes emerged: Recovery process, Interaction with mental health services, and Trialogue dynamics. Benefits included open dialogues in a safe space, learning from diverse perspectives, and sharing expertise. The meetings created an environment of empathy and respect while promoting open communication. This approach holds substantial potential for transforming mental healthcare systems, suggesting trialogues can be an effective tool for enhancing communication within community-based mental health initiatives. The findings provide a comprehensive picture of the trialogue process, highlighting its potential to foster mutual understanding among participants.
Skills Required of Academics to Use Digital Technologies in Open Distance Learning Institutions
Authors: Enakrire Rexwhite Tega , Fombad Madeleine C. , Morodi Lebogang
Published: December 2024

In this paper, we discuss the skills required for academics to effectively utilize digital technologies within open distance learning institutions in South Africa. The growing prevalence of activities within these institutions has led to shifts in academic skill requirements, particularly as academics increasingly work remotely from home or in distant areas. Core academic responsibilities such as teaching and learning, research, academic citizenship, and community engagement have undergone various transformations. Drawing from the practical experiences and insights of the authors, who have extensive backgrounds in open distance learning, it becomes evident that many academics encounter challenges in adapting to and adopting digital technologies for their work. We utilized both quantitative and qualitative research methods in this study. We found out that key skills of adaptability in workplace learning, proficiency in innovative technologies, development of new module strategies, and effective time management are fundamental for academics working in open distance learning institutions. Various digital tools such as learning management systems, iPads, computers, audio/video conferencing, multimedia, online learning platforms, web-based management systems, webinars, and applications like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and WhatsApp are prevalently used, with emerging technologies like Augmented Reality, Artificial Intelligence, and machine learning gaining influence. These technologies have significantly enhanced teaching, research, and social networking within academic contexts. The study recommends the importance of reskilling among academics to ensure proficiency in utilizing contemporary digital tools for improved service delivery.
Democratic Constitutionalism Against the Paradoxes of Neoliberal, Populist, and Post-Socialist Entanglements
Authors: van der Westhuizen Christi
Published: December 2024

As South Africa’s governing party between 1994 and 2024, the African National Congress (ANC) was in poll position to use the powers of state to effect the imaginary of the 1996 Constitution. This imaginary provides for the overturning of colonial and apartheid legacies to actualise the human potential of those previously excluded on the basis of race, gender, class, and sexuality. Due to a failure of political imagination, merely the top echelons of economic relations of power were deracialised. Most of the population, and therefore most black people, remain mired in poverty. This failure opened the door to a discourse of anti-constitutionalism aimed at securing impunity for a predatory power elite. Instead of constitutional failure, as anti-constitutionalist detractors would have it, the lack of substantive change should be ascribed to the ANC’s policy decision to embrace a neoliberal form of capitalism, while paradoxically continuing with post-socialist adherences. These are identified as the ‘two-stage theory’ of historical change, which is unpacked along with the related ‘national democratic revolution’ and ‘colonialism of a special type’. How the post-socialist imaginary gave succour to clashing ANC factions is shown–and how it created a political culture at best ambivalent to substantive democracy as envisaged in the 1996 Constitution, and at worst authoritarian. Lubricated by an ethno-racial populism akin to that seen elsewhere on the globe, anti-constitutionalism found policy expression in the new uMkhonto weSizwe Party, founded by former president of the ANC and of South Africa, Jacob Zuma, the main accused in South Africa’s grand corruption known as state capture.
Wood-living beetle diversity is enriched by surrounding broadleaf forest in a conifer forestry landscape
Authors: Gran Oskar
Published: December 2024

Context

Humans have drastically changed many of the world’s forests since the industrial revolution, with northern European forests among the most affected. Research is needed on consequent effects on forest biodiversity. Here I focus on the conservation-relevant wood-living beetles. Whilst previous studies have examined the effect of local stand characteristics on beetle diversity, the influence of the surrounding landscape on alpha diversity may potentially be more important.

Objectives

The aim of this study is to judge the influence and scale of effect of four landscape variables (broadleaf forest volume, area of mature forest, area of conservation forest, area of clear-cut) on alpha diversity of wood-living beetles as a whole, and ecological groups reflecting potentially differing dispersal ecologies (fungivores, wood consumers, predators, red-listed species).

Methods

The landscape variables were analyzed at three scales (within 250, 1250 and 2500 m radius) and related to wood-living beetle diversity sampled using flight interception traps in 73 managed and unmanaged forest stands in the conifer forestry dominated hemiboreal landscape of south-central Sweden.

Results

Wood-living beetle diversity as a whole was positively associated with broadleaf volume at the 2500 m scale, with a weaker association for fungivore diversity at a varying scale. Surprisingly, both predator diversity (varying scale) and red-listed diversity (2500 m scale) was weakly negatively associated with mature forest.

Conclusions

The results highlight the importance of broadleaf trees for the diversity of saproxylic beetles in conifer-dominated forestry landscapes. Further, research and management should more closely consider contrasting responses between species with potentially differing dispersal ecologies, and at different scales.
Limonene oxide isomerization: a broad study of acid catalyst effects
Authors: Rejzková Anna , Vyskočilová Eliška
Published: December 2024

In this work, a broad screening of possible catalysts for limonene oxide isomerization was performed. The catalysts included both Brønsted and Lewis acids as homogeneous or heterogeneous catalysts. The aim was to show the efficiency of different catalysts in the studied reaction and use one homogeneous (methanesulfonic acid) and two heterogeneous (zeolite beta-25, montmorillonite K10) catalysts to evaluate the influence of the acid site type on the selectivity. When the selected catalysts were used, almost total conversion up to 1 h was observed (2?50% of the catalyst was based on type, 80 °C, and 16.6 V% of the solution was limonene oxide in toluene). The strength of the acid/acid catalyst influenced the composition of the products. When a strong acid (methanesulfonic acid) was used, the products formed by dehydration (p-cymene) and isomerization of the double bond (carvenone) were detected in large amounts. Using the majority of catalysts, the main products were cis- and trans-dihydrocarvone, and the minor products were carveols and carvone. The water content of the acid catalyst strongly affected the selectivity. Limonene diol was formed as a hydration product, which decreased the selectivity for the desired products. We have described a wide spectrum of possible catalysts for limonene isomerization. Moreover, our study enables the simple choice of catalyst on the basis of the desired composition of the products.