bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Addressing Physical Inactivity in Mexican Children: The Role of Parents and Their Physical Literacy
Authors: Eisenburger Nina , Jáuregui Ulloa Edtna , Villegas Balderrama Cinthia Veronica , Villegas Balderrama Karen Janeth , Muñoz Rodríguez Sayra Nataly , Calderón Escalante Alicia , López Alonso Salvador Jesús , Orona Escápite Alejandra , Flores Olivares Luis Alberto , Muñoz De la Riva Marisol , Kunde Tobias‐Jorge , Tolo Antonia , Vollmer Sebastian
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Childhood obesity and physical inactivity rates in Mexico are among the highest in the world. While parenting is a key factor in shaping children's physical activity behavior, there is a lack of research in this area, particularly in Mexico.

Objective

This qualitative study aims to better understand aspects of parenting relevant to children's physical engagement, including what parents understand by physical activity, how engaged they are and how important they find it, that is, their physical literacy.

Methods

Seven focus group discussions were conducted with 43 caregivers of overweight primary school children. Inquiry topics included components of physical literacy (i.e., motivation, confidence, physical competence, knowledge and understanding, engagement in physical activity), parenting practices, role modeling, perception of children's physical activity, parental self‐efficacy and general parenting style.

Results

Although many participants stated that they were aware of their child's health problems and that they did not set a good example themselves, most could not overcome personal obstacles to exercise such as lack of time and energy. Most participants showed a knowledge gap about appropriate levels of physical activity or underestimated its importance. Several reported increased motivation after participating in the focus group discussion and developed their own ideas to deal with barriers or to support their children, such as engaging in physical activity together and introducing family routines.

Conclusion

Following a participatory approach, future studies should use these ideas to develop context‐sensitive group interventions. Empowering parents by considering their physical literacy in children's weight management could be a valuable addition to theory‐based strategies in research and practice.
Graphene Quantum Dots‐Based Materials as an Emerging Nanoplatform in Disease Diagnosis and Therapy
Authors: Bhatt Shalini , Pathak Rakshit , Punetha Vinay Deep , Punetha Mayank
Published: December 2024

Graphene quantum dots are a subclass of graphene‐based materials that exhibit unique properties due to their nanoscale size and quantum confinement effects. Discovered in the early 21st century, these zero‐dimensional carbon nanomaterials have rapidly become important in nanotechnology research due to their diverse applications. In recent years, the medical community has been greatly benefited from these materials, significantly enhancing human health and well‐being with theranostic approaches. The present review explores various applications of graphene quantum dots in diagnostic and therapeutic, unraveling their potential contributions to advancing healthcare. Furthermore, this review elucidates the synthesis methods utilized for graphene quantum dots, encompassing a range of top‐down and bottom‐up approaches. Next, the unique fundamental properties including structural, optical, and electrical that make them a potent nanomaterial for use in healthcare have been elucidated for enhanced reader comprehension. Additionally, the review explores the opportunities and challenges ahead, offering valuable insights to help the scientific community strategically expand the potential of graphene quantum dot‐based materials for advanced theranostic healthcare applications.
How sensitive are protein hydration shells to electrolyte concentration and protein composition?
Authors: Geraili Daronkola H. , Moussa Bashar , Millet Óscar , Krenczyk Oktavian , Ortega‐Quintanilla Gabriel , Petersen Poul B. , Vila Verde Ana
Published: December 2024

Proteins of obligate halophilic organisms have an unusually high number of acidic amino acids, thought to enable them to function in multimolar KCl environments. Clarifying the molecular scale mechanisms by which this occurs is relevant for biotechnology, to enable enzymatic synthesis of economically important small molecules in salty environments and other environments with low water activity. Previous studies have suggested that acidic amino acids are necessary at high salt concentration to keep the proteins hydrated by competing with the ions in solution for available water (the “solvent‐only” model). We use a combination of solvation shell spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations for in total 13 proteins, at high and low KCl concentration, to investigate this scenario. We show that the solvation shells of halophilic and mesophilic proteins of widely different amino acid compositions, net charges, sizes, and structure respond similarly, in terms of composition and of hydrogen bond network, to changes in KCl concentration. The results do not support the solvent‐only model, and point to other mechanisms behind the acidity of halophilic proteins. Excess acidic amino acids may ensure protein solubility by the combined effects of having particularly favorable electrostatic interactions with the solvent, ensuring very short range protein–protein repulsion, and having smaller hydrophobic solvent accessible surface area than other charged amino acids. Also possible is that highly acidic proteins are well‐tolerated—but not necessarily indispensable—in terms of stability and solubility.
Quantum Network Infrastructure
Authors: Wörner Lisa , Bongs Kai , Bremer Stefanie , Kleinpaß Philipp , Moll Florian , Orsucci Davide , Meister Jaspar , Mol Jan‐Michael
Published: December 2024

Global quantum state distribution has applications in many areas, one of which is global key distribution for secure communications in an era of the threat of quantum computing. Long‐distance quantum key distribution requires a global network of optical relay stations, ground stations, and quantum memories. In this study, why quantum memories should be operated in space as untrusted nodes is presented. In addition to quantum key distribution, quantum memories in space are an enabling technology for distributed quantum sensor systems. The requirements for distributed sensors are outlined and the current technology readiness level of relevant systems is referenced. Finally, the possibility of an emerging quantum internet, enabling the coherent combination of quantum computers around the world, is addressed.
Qoolchain: A QUBO Preprocessing Toolchain for Enhancing Quantum Optimization
Authors: Orlandi Giacomo , Volpe Deborah , Graziano Mariagrazia , Turvani Giovanna
Published: December 2024

Solving combinatorial optimization problems is crucial in research and industry but still challenging since these problems are usually NP‐hard or NP‐complete. Classical solvers struggle with their non‐polynomial complexity. Although heuristic algorithms are widely used, they often fall short in execution time and accuracy, increasing the interest in quantum computing alternatives using Quadratic Unconstrained Binary Optimization (QUBO) formulations. However, current Noisy Intermediate‐Scale Quantum (NISQ) computers and future early fault‐tolerant quantum devices face limitations in qubit availability and circuit depth, necessitating preprocessing to reduce problem complexity. This study introduces Qoolchain, a QUBO preprocessing toolchain designed to reduce problem size and enhance solver performance. Developed in Cython, Qoolchain is compatible with major quantum frameworks and optimized for the Grover Adaptive Search (GAS) algorithm. It includes steps like persistency identification, decomposition, and probing to estimate function bounds, all with polynomial complexity. Qoolchain also proposes using the Grover Search algorithm for problem segments whose optimal value is known a priori from graph theory and Shannon decomposition to reduce QUBO problem complexity further. Evaluated against the D‐Wave preprocessing toolchain on various problems, Qoolchain demonstrates higher efficiency and accuracy. It represents a significant advancement in enabling practical quantum solvers, addressing hardware limitations, and solving complex industry‐relevant problems.
Hybrid of Gradient Descent and Semidefinite Programming for Certifying Multipartite Entanglement Structure
Authors: Wu Kai , Chen Zhihua , Xu Zhen‐Peng , Ma Zhihao , Fei Shao‐Ming
Published: December 2024

Multipartite entanglement is a crucial resource for a wide range of quantum information processing tasks, including quantum metrology, quantum computing, and quantum communication. The verification of multipartite entanglement, along with an understanding of its intrinsic structure, is of fundamental importance, both for the foundations of quantum mechanics and for the practical applications of quantum information technologies. Nonetheless, detecting entanglement structures remains a significant challenge, particularly for general states and large‐scale quantum systems. To address this issue, an efficient algorithm that combines semidefinite programming with a gradient descent method is developed. This algorithm is designed to explore the entanglement structure by examining the inner polytope of the convex set that encompasses all states sharing the same entanglement properties. Through detailed examples, it is demonstrated that the superior performance of this approach compared to many of the best‐known methods available today. This method not only improves entanglement detection but also provides deeper insights into the complex structures of many‐body quantum systems, which is essential for advancing quantum technologies.
Establishment of a Mass Spectrometric Fingerprint of the Most Common Phytocannabinoids in Electrospray Ionization in Positive Ion Mode
Authors: Mahmoud Radwa , Khajavinia Amir , Barzegar Sedigheh , Purves Randy W. , Laprairie Robert B. , El‐Aneed Anas
Published: December 2024

Background

Analysis of the phytocannabinoids holds significant importance because of their various pharmacological properties and potential therapeutic applications. Tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) coupled with electrospray ionization in positive ion mode is employed in this study to describe the collision‐induced dissociation (CID) behavior of a series of common phytocannabinoids with the aim of establishing a generalized MS/MS fingerprint.

Materials and Methods

Eight phytocannabinoids, namely, ∆9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabigerol (CBG), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), 11‐hydroxy‐Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (11‐OH‐THC), 6‐hydroxy‐cannabidiol (6‐OH‐CBD), and 7‐hydroxy‐cannabidiol (7‐OH‐CBD), were studied. A Quadrupole‐Orbitrap mass spectrometer equipped with a heated electrospray ionization (HESI‐Q Orbitrap) is used to provide accurate mass measurement data for single‐stage and MS/MS analysis. In addition, a triple quadrupole‐linear ion trap mass spectrometer was used to perform MS/MS and second‐generation MS/MS (MS3) analyses.

Results

An abundant, singly charged [M + H]+ species during single‐stage MS analysis was observed for all phytocannabinoids, with mass accuracies less than 5 ppm. Because of their structural similarities, all compounds showed some common fragmentation behavior in their MS/MS analysis. By comparing the fragmentation patterns and identifying diagnostic ions, a universal MS/MS fragmentation pattern was established. The structures of the various product ions proposed in the fragmentation pathway were confirmed with exact mass measurements and MS3 experiments.

Conclusions

The evaluated compounds contain varying functional groups, resulting in unique product ions, specific to each structure. The MS/MS fingerprints will be utilized in the future for the identification of new structures as well as the development of targeted quantification methods.
Neighboring Mode‐Dependent Dynamic Event‐Triggered Control for Markov Jump Interconnected Systems With Unknown Interconnections
Authors: Li Li‐Wei , Lv Huifang , Shen Jie , Shen Mouquan
Published: December 2024

This work is absorbed in the neighboring mode‐dependent event‐triggered control scheme for Markov jump systems with unknown interconnections. To save communication resources and reduce cost, a dynamic event‐triggered scheme relies on neighboring modes information is proposed. Then, the state feedback controllers are designed based on neighboring mode–dependent dynamic event‐triggered approach to assure the stability of the system. Distinguished from existing results, the proposed method does not need to access the operation modes of all sub‐systems. The cyclic‐small‐gain criterion is used to tackle the unknown interconnections, thereby a novel stability criteria are obtained for the closed‐loop systems with performance. Finally, two simulation results are given to reveal the validity of the obtained results.
Workers to capitalists: Repositioning Berlin's middle class
Authors: Weiss Hadas
Published: December 2024

In the late 1920s, Siegfried Kracauer studied the then new middle class in Berlin, asking why they were not more disruptive of the structures that bore down on them. I ask the same about insecure professionals in contemporary Berlin, using Kracauer's book Die Angestellten as foil. Kracauer demonstrated that, in the 1920s, they still perceived themselves as workers, albeit white‐collar and salaried workers. Berlin's professionals today perceive themselves and most everyone else as autonomous individuals possessing human capital that can appreciate or depreciate as the result of their actions. Work is but one of the sites in which a classless, self‐formed identity can be cultivated and calibrated in all aspects of life. I show how this perception plays out in professionals' attitudes toward their work lives and after‐work activities.
Augmented and Cloud Computing With Chemical Process Simulators
Authors: Cowart Samuel V. , Yuk Simuck F. , James Corey M. , Nagelli Enoch A. , Biaglow Andrew I.
Published: December 2024

Methodology

Mathematica provides unique symbolic and machine learning tools for developing and solving mathematical models that make it attractive for engineering applications. Chemical engineers frequently have a need to update process design software with custom unit operation models. This paper shows two new methods to connect Mathematica to chemical process simulators, including a local PC‐based connection and a cloud‐based connection. Both methods are discussed in detail using an illustrative example of a membrane separation process. We also demonstrate how the connection between Mathematica and Excel facilitates spreadsheet calculations while enabling the connection with the process simulator software. Furthermore, all methods shown here are model‐independent and can be implemented with any equation‐based model or with machine‐learning models when adequate training data is available.

Results

Our results show that Mathematica can be connected to chemical process simulators such as CHEMCAD or Aspen Plus. The performance of the methods was evaluated by direct comparison to standard models that already exist in the literature and in the process simulator software. To date, we have experimented with multicomponent flash, well‐mixed membrane calculations and machine‐learning models. However, any model that can be functionalized in Mathematica can be connected to the process simulator.

Conclusion

This paper demonstrates that Mathematica can be connected to chemical process simulators such as CHEMCAD and Aspen Plus. This is important because of the symbolic mathematics and machine‐learning tools available in Mathematica. The software can be connected using a local connect with Mathematica Link for Excel, or a cloud‐based connection using Wolfram Cloud Connector. Both methods are relatively easy to implement and are particularly exciting for research and design of new process models, or if one wishes to use CHEMCAD with proprietary models.
Microstructure and Hot Oxidation Resistance of Wrought and Wire Arc Additive Manufactured Austenitic Stainless Steel 347
Authors: Rajesh Kannan Arasappan , Rajkumar Vasu , Durgaprasad Channabasavaiah , Shanmugam Nallathambi Siva , Rajkumar Vijayakumar , Yoon Jonghun
Published: December 2024

Boiler steels in gas turbines and waste‐to‐energy recovery units undergo severe damage due to oxidation. The hot oxidation behavior of wire arc additive manufactured austenitic stainless steel 347 (WAAM 347) and wrought alloy AISI 347 are examined at 700 °C for 50 cycles in a hot still environment. The microstructural characteristics and oxidation species are evaluated. In comparison with the wrought AISI 347, the WAAM 347 wall with equiaxed and large columnar dendrites along with lower residual ferrite and niobium carbide aids in better oxidation resistance despite having an identical oxide layer comprising of an inner oxidation zone rich in Cr and Fe, and an exterior oxide layer rich in Fe. The overall weight gain in WAAM 347 specimens ranges between 0.83 and 0.90 mg cm−2 with a lower oxidation rate and is less than that in AISI 347 (3.29 mg cm−2). X‐ray diffraction analysis reveals the presence of Fe2O3, FeCr2O4, NiO, and Cr2O3 along with NiCr2O4 spinel phases. The higher wt% of Cr and the formation of oxidation species such as NiO, NiCr2O4, and Cr2O3 are attributed to the reduced oxidation rate in WAAM 347. The research findings indicate that WAAM can fabricate customized components with comparable hot oxidation performance.
Kreislauf‐Wohnhaus in Stahl‐Hybrid‐Leichtbau
Authors: Fischli‐Boson Patric , Graser Jürg
Published: December 2024

Das Kreislauf‐Wohnhaus in Zürich‐Oerlikon ersetzt zwei bisherige, rd. 100‐jährige Wohngebäude, vergrößert deren Fläche und erlaubt Wohnraum für mehr Personen. Infolge steigender Ressourcenknappheit und der Bemühung, die Emissionen zu reduzieren, werden neue Konzepte benötigt, um dies in der Baubranche zu erfüllen. Das in einer Stahlverbund‐Hybridkonstruktion verwirklichte Projekt erlaubt aufgrund seiner Montier‐ und Demontierbarkeit diese Vorgehensweise. Das Tragwerk wurde 2023 mit dem Prix Acier des Stahlbau Zentrums Schweiz (SZS) ausgezeichnet und soll an dieser Stelle näher vorgestellt werden. Dabei soll neben architektonischen Aspekten auf die besonderen Herausforderungen der Ausbildung der Anschlüsse und des Brandschutzes eingegangen werden.
A GIS‐Based Decision Support System to Study the Impact of Land Use Policies on Water‐Related Ecosystem Services—A Case Study of Kozhikode, Kerala
Authors: Nazer Nishan , Puthuvayi Bimal , Kurukkanari Chithra
Published: December 2024

This study tries to review the land use policies from the perspective of their impact on the ecosystem and identify significant negative LULC changes and their spatial distribution. The study proposes a decision support system to evaluate land‐use policies based on the coupling coordination degree (CCD) of LULC and water‐related ecosystem service (WES) changes. By studying the nature of the interaction, changes in the intensity and significance of land use and land cover (LULC) changes with negative WES changes, the implications of the government LULC policies and schemes are assessed. Unlike general LULC‐WES studies that focus on the influence of the LULC on WES in a cross‐section of time, this study focuses on the changes in the WES due to changes in LULC over the longitudinal section of time at pixel‐level resolution. For illustration, one of the fastest urbanizing districts in Kerala, Kozhikode, was selected. From 2003 to 2013, LULC‐driven WES changes were highest in municipal areas and the western coast, shifting to midlands and urban centers in 2013–2022. Critical land use changes included the conversion of plantations and farms to built‐up areas (2003‐2013), and plantations to farms and barren lands (2013–2022). The 2018 Kerala Forest Policy effectively reduced forest conversion, while several agricultural and conservation policies proved ineffective. Key ecological concerns include farm‐to‐urban conversion and plantation abandonment in urbanizing areas. The study emphasizes the need for targeted, ecologically informed agricultural policies to address these issues and improve WES management. The spatial mapping of LULC changes hotspots that are detrimental to WES and assists urban decision‐makers in the formulation of decentralized, participatory, and spatially targeted land use controls.
Tidal Current‐Driven Coliform Bacteria Distribution in Pekalongan Waters and Estuaries, Indonesia
Authors: Ismanto Aris , Zainuri Muhammad , Sugianto Denny Nugroho , Rochaddi Baskoro , Widada Sugeng , Atmodjo Warsito , Satriadi Alfi , Siagian Hendry , Ridarto Arij Kemala Yasmin , Anindita Malya Asoka , Sibero Mada Triandala , Hadibarata Tony
Published: December 2024

The Banger River, bordered by settlements, industrial sites, and agricultural land, has faced critical pollution challenges due to waste generated by surrounding activities. This contamination has led to a significant decline in both the quality and quantity of available clean water, a situation further exacerbated by rapid population growth. For years, the presence and severity of fecal pollution in natural water bodies have been monitored through the measurement of coliform bacteria, serving as a vital indicator. In this study, numerical simulation models were utilized to assess the distribution of total coliforms in the waters of Pekalongan. The findings indicated that the distribution of total coliforms was significantly affected by tidal currents, which predominantly flowed westward along the coastline. The coliforms were sourced from various runoff pathways throughout the Banger River, with concentrations increasing up to 65,693 CFU/mL as one moves further west. In the coastal area of Pekalongan, coliform concentrations range between 15,252 and 62,332 CFU/mL. These results underscore the urgent need for effective water management strategies to mitigate fecal contamination and protect public health in the region.
A new measure of professional caregiver coping in long‐term care: The LTC COPE
Authors: Sloane Philip D. , Zimmerman Sheryl , Efird‐Green Lea , Travers Jasmine L. , Perreira Krista M. , Bluth Karen , Lathren Christine , Reed David
Published: December 2024

INTRODUCTION

The professional caregiver workforce (nursing assistants and personal care aides) is critical to quality of care and quality of life in nursing home (NH) and assisted living (AL) settings. The work is highly stressful, so improving responses to stress in this workforce could contribute to satisfaction and retention. This research developed a coping measure appropriate for the diverse professional caregiver workforce.

METHODS

A multistage process identified and refined existing and new items. Ten racially and ethnically diverse professional caregivers advised on item selection and refinement. Subsequently, using an online QR code‐accessed questionnaire, data were collected from 391 professional caregivers from 10 NHs and 3 AL communities in three states, yielding a sample that was 87% female, widely distributed in age and experience, and racially/ethnically diverse (42% Black, non‐Hispanic/Latinx; 25% White, non‐Hispanic/Latinx; 20% Hispanic/Latinx; 7% Asian, non‐Hispanic/Latinx; and 21% born outside the United States). Analyses examined psychometric properties and principal components analysis identified factors within which items and scales aggregated.

RESULTS

The final instrument, named the Long‐Term Care Cope (LTC Cope), includes 26 items aggregated into six factors, which explained 60% of the variance: avoidance (five items, loadings 0.58–0.76); adaptive psychological strategies (six items, loadings 0.33–0.89); active engagement (five items, 0.47–0.89); maladaptive psychological strategies (three items, loadings 0.90–0.93); actions to minimize emotional impact (four items, loadings 0.28–0.74); and substance use (three items, loadings 0.61–0.88). Respondents often reported using multiple items within multiple factors when responding to stressful situations at work.

DISCUSSION

The coping strategies of professional caregivers are highly individual, with caregivers tending to utilize multiple strategies. The LTC Cope instrument and its component subscales are promising for future research to improve understanding of stress‐related coping in this diverse workforce and inform and evaluate interventions.

Highlights

A new measure was developed to help us better understand how professional caregivers (nursing assistants and personal care aides) deal with work‐related stress.

Professional caregivers in nursing homes and assisted living tend to use multiple approaches to deal with job stress.

Ways professional caregivers cope with stress vary widely—some address problems directly, some try to deal with the emotional toll of the work, and others involve avoiding the problems or their emotional consequences.
Application of the revised criteria for diagnosis and staging of Alzheimer's disease: Drug development and clinical practice
Authors: Jack Clifford R. , Graf Ana , Burnham Samantha C. , Doty Erin G , Moebius Hans J. , Montenigro Philip , Siemers Eric , Sink Kaycee M. , Shaw Leslie M. , Hansen Charlotte Thim , Wildsmith Kristin R. , Mahinrad Simin , Carrillo Maria C. , Weber Christopher J.
Published: December 2024

The newly proposed revised criteria for diagnosis and staging of Alzheimer's disease (AD) by the Alzheimer's Association (AA) Workgroup represent a significant milestone in the field. These criteria offer objective measures for diagnosing and staging biological AD, bridging the gap between research and clinical care. Although implementation feasibility may vary across regions and settings, improving the availability and accuracy of biomarkers, especially plasma biomarkers, is expected to enhance the applicability of these criteria in clinical practice. The Fall 2023 Alzheimer's Association Research Roundtable (AARR) meeting served as a forum for gathering industry perspectives and feedback on these revised criteria, ensuring that the new criteria inform research, clinical trial design, and clinical care. In this article, we outline a summary of the newly proposed “Revised Criteria for Diagnosis and Staging of AD: AA Workgroup” and provide highlights from the AARR meeting in fall 2023.

Highlights

The Alzheimer's Association Research Roundtable (AARR) convened leaders from industry, academia, and government, to review the Revised Criteria for Diagnosis and Staging of AD: AA Workgroup, and gather industry perspectives and feedback on these revised criteria before its publication.

The newly proposed revised criteria for diagnosis and staging of Alzheimer's disease (AD) by the AA's Workgroup represent a significant milestone, offering objective measures for the biological and staging of AD and bridging the gap between research and clinical care.

Improving the availability and accuracy of biomarkers, especially blood‐based biomarkers (BBMs) is expected to improve clinical research and enhance the applicability of these criteria in clinical practice.
Trends and determinants of choline alfoscerate use in newly diagnosed Alzheimer's disease patients in Korea
Authors: Kim Yeon Hee , Jeon Nakyung , Je Nam Kyung
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND

Choline alfoscerate, a cholinergic precursor, is widely used in Korea for dementia‐related symptoms and is covered by national health insurance (NHI). This study investigates the utilization trends and factors influencing choline alfoscerate prescription in newly diagnosed Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients using real‐world data.

METHODS

We analyzed data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA) for patients aged 60 years and older who were newly diagnosed with AD between 2012 and 2019. Patients with prescriptions for acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) or memantine within 60 days of diagnosis were included. Choline alfoscerate utilization was defined as prescriptions within 60 days of initial diagnosis. Factors influencing its use were identified through multiple logistic regression analyses, and trends over time were assessed using the Cochran–Armitage Trend test.

RESULTS

Among the 330,326 study participants, 99,845 (33.08%) were prescribed choline alfoscerate, with usage increasing from 15.96% in 2012 to 47.65% in 2019. Factors positively associated with its use included male sex, MedAid insurance, and osteoarthritis. Conversely, usage decreased with comorbidities such as hypertension, congestive heart failure, stroke/transient ischemic attack, chronic kidney disease, and depression.

CONCLUSION

Choline alfoscerate usage in Korea has significantly increased, partly due to its national insurance coverage and the absence of disease‐modifying therapies for AD. Given the uncertain efficacy and potential risks of choline alfoscerate, continuous monitoring and rigorous evaluation of its long‐term benefits and safety are essential. Further research is necessary to establish definitive evidence for its effectiveness and guide its therapeutic use in AD management.

Highlights

Choline alfoscerate usage among newly diagnosed AD patients in Korea increased from 15.96% in 2012 to 47.65% in 2019.

Male sex (OR = 1.05) and MedAid insurance coverage (OR = 1.07) were associated with higher odds of choline alfoscerate usage.

Usage was more likely in patients with osteoarthritis (OR = 1.05) and less likely among those with hypertension (OR = 0.96), stroke/TIA (OR = 0.80), chronic kidney disease (OR = 0.80), and depression (OR = 0.93).

Patients in rural areas had higher odds of using choline alfoscerate (OR = 1.28) compared to those in metropolitan areas (OR = 1.00).

Despite limited evidence of efficacy, the extensive use of choline alfoscerate highlights the need for continuous monitoring and rigorous evaluation to ensure its safety and therapeutic value in AD management.
Chemical constituents of the leaves of Sarcosperma angustifolium Gagnep
Authors: Vuong Nguyen Quoc , Nam Nguyen Hoang , Van Trinh Thi Thanh , Van Nam Vu , Van Hieu Tran , Van Cuong Pham , Tai Bui Huu , Van Kiem Phan
Published: December 2024

One new triterpene saponin (1) and ten known compounds (2–11) were isolated from the leaves of Sarcosperma angustifolium Gagnep by various chromatography methods. The structures of 1–11 were determined to be 3‐O‐β‐D‐apiofuranosyl‐(1→2)‐β‐D‐glucuropyranosyl‐oleanolic acid 28‐O‐β‐D‐apiofuranosyl‐(1→6)‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside (1), 3′′′‐O‐de‐β‐D‐apiofuranosylisoarganin F (2), ehretioside B (3), methyl benzoate 2‐O‐α‐L‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1→6)‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside (4), icariside E3 (5), 1‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐2‐{2,6‐dimethoxy‐4‐[1‐(E)‐propen‐3‐ol]phenoxyl}propan‐3‐ol (6), (7S,8S)‐threo‐4,7,9‐trihydroxy‐3,3′‐dimethoxy‐8‐O‐4′‐neolignan‐9′‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside (7), icariside F2 (8), (6S,9S)‐roseoside (9), (+)‐epicatechin (10), and syringic acid (11). Compounds 3 and 4 showed NO production inhibitory activity in LPS stimulated RAW 264.7 cells with IC50 values of 86.7 and 82.3 µm, respectively.
Controversial Intangible Heritage in Indonesia
Authors: Kieven Lydia , Antweiler Christoph
Published: December 2024

This article documents and discusses intangible cultural heritage in Indonesia. Dealing with intangible cultural heritage in Indonesia must be seen in the context of a long period of colonization, extremely high cultural diversity and a still young nation. In Indonesia today, intangible heritage exists in a diverse political context of cultural policy, museum policy and religious policy. It also plays a role in national art debates and as an economic resource, for example for tourism. Controversies arise from conflicting local, regional and national interests. The current debates are strongly influenced by the postcolonial relationship between Indonesia and the Netherlands as a former colonial power and revolve heavily around repatriation.
On Reaching a Consensus: A Paradigm for the Inscription of Elements on the UNESCO Lists of Intangible Cultural Heritage
Authors: Kuminková Eva , Voľanská Ľubica , Andrade Pérez Martín
Published: December 2024

In the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage framework, consensus works like a magic word, an incantation. Why is a collaborative decision-making process so important in this context and how is it expressed? The authors of this paper have followed the Convention for more than ten years. They discovered that consensus building is a crucial concept used across all levels of governance. It is a paradigm that everybody relies on and calls for when diverging opinions appear. The paper examines how the 2003 Convention uses consensual decision-making as a collaborative process that involves the views of all stakeholders to reach a joint decision. It requires that all available options are discussed, their advantages and disadvantages are considered and that the final decision addresses everybody’s concerns. How does this process work in reality? And does it always bring the desired results?

Based on concrete examples from the official and accompanying documents related to the Convention, ethnographic participant observation during the meetings and interviews with various stakeholders, as well as from the authors’ own experience, this chapter explores the variable use and expressions of consensus in relation to the 2003 Convention on three different levels. Firstly, on the national and international level, during inventorying intangible cultural heritage according to Articles 11 and 12 of the Convention and drafting nomination files to UNESCO’s lists of intangible cultural heritage. Secondly, on the expert level, through the example of the Evaluation Body, which analyses the nomination files and has to find a single voice to transmit its recommendations to the Intergovernmental Committee. The third level of consensus critical for sound governance of the Convention is diplomatic, represented by the Intergovernmental Committee.
Valleys Low, Mountains High: Embedding the 2003 Convention in Switzerland
Authors: Koslowski Stefan , Vuilleumier Julien
Published: December 2024

From a cultural-political perspective, the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage is a global winner. It is one of the most successful international agreements in the field of culture. Nonetheless, the authors believe that this convention—at least in Switzerland—is often undervalued in the cultural policy arena and, in particular, is still not applied adequately. As a result, the strengths and dynamics coming from the convention’s fundamentally bottom-up approach remain largely untapped. In their analysis, the authors will refer to various key decisions made in the past regarding implementation of the convention in Switzerland. There will be particular emphasis on the formation of the inventory and UNESCO applications, the inclusion of tradition bearers as well as measures taken to safeguard intangible cultural heritage.
Expanding Cultural Participation Through the 2003 UNESCO Convention in Germany’s Multi-level Governance System
Authors: Hanke Benjamin
Published: December 2024

When Germany became a State Party to the 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2013, a participatory system to draw up inventories of the cultural expressions was introduced. The procedure, with multiple steps and the involvement of many parties, proved successful in integrating new actors in the policy field and in guaranteeing at the same time a largely harmonious cooperation of all those involved on different levels of cultural governance. However, the policy goals on national level were left open. Even though not necessarily intended, one of the major effects was perhaps an increase in cultural participation in larger parts of the population in Germany.
Making Sense—and Talking About Smell: Dynamics of the Implementation of the 2003 UNESCO Convention in The Netherlands
Authors: Elpers Sophie
Published: December 2024

This article deals with the dynamics of the implementation of the 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Netherlands. It describes and analyses these dynamics against the background of current developments and provides insights into related research. Particular attention is paid to a research project on the significance of smells and smelling in intangible cultural heritage. The article underscores efforts to find suitable strategies for implementing the convention in the Netherlands and explore new topics. A constant reflection on how to make sense.
The Special Way of Intangible Cultural Heritage Safeguarding in China and Some New Practices and Concepts
Authors: Chen Anying
Published: December 2024

This paper discusses the changes in the knowledge base and practical modes of ICH safeguarding in China in recent years. The changes in the knowledge base are mainly reflected in the shift from the folkloristics to the arts studies; the new trends are mainly reflected in regional integral revitalization and cross-regional links of ICH items. The paper explains these changes from a macro-historical perspective. In addition, new trends in the safeguarding of ICH are viewed from the perspective of art theories. For example, the classification of ICH is viewed in terms of artistic classification, the Comprehensive Regional Protection of ICH is viewed in terms of the theory of gathering of arts, and cross-regional joint conservation of one ICH item is viewed in terms of the transcendence of art forms.
Living Heritage—A Contribution from UNESCO
Authors: Schnüttgen Susanne
Published: December 2024

This article offers insights into the evolving awareness of the role of intangible cultural heritage in addressing contemporary and planetary challenges. It focuses on the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (hereinafter ‘the Convention’), a landmark UNESCO international standard-setting instrument that celebrated its twentieth anniversary in 2023. It starts with examining the link between safeguarding intangible cultural heritage and sustainable development in the text of the Convention and then highlights key achievements and milestones, that underscore the role of safeguarding intangible cultural heritage for sustainable development and the wellbeing of the communities, groups and individuals that create, practice and transmit their living heritage. It concludes by outlining future directions for safeguarding intangible cultural heritage for sustainable development and peace, drawing on reflections undertaken during the twentieth anniversary year of the Convention.
The Glocal Self: Cultural Policy Concepts Between Heritage and Future Using the Example of Berlin’s Humboldt Forum
Authors: Heinicke Julius
Published: December 2024

This article identifies cultural policy concepts to understand cultural heritage, both as a frame of reference for cultural histories and traditional narratives, and to create links to current processes of change. All too often, current concepts view cultural heritage as a strong foundation. This may indeed provide societies with a firm footing, but it seems to lack the flexibility that is required to tackle the challenges of today. The concept of a glocal self links the experience of cultural heritage with forms of cultural mediation and arts education that have a postcolonial orientation. It is a proposal for how cultural heritage sites could bring together these two aspects—a firm foundation and also flexibility. This article uses the example of the Berlin Palace (Stadtschloss), which has been reconstructed in the form of the Humboldt Forum. It faces a dual challenge: to remind us of the history of Prussia and its colonial past through its architecture, while at the same time acting as a place of reference and reflection on cultural diversity.
Deeply Entangled, Never Alone: Intangible Cultural Heritage Practices in Post-digital and Digital Culture
Authors: Jörissen Benjamin , Klepacki Leopold
Published: December 2024

This paper examines the convergence of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) with digital and post-digital cultures, using the digital game ‘Kisima Inŋitchuŋa/Never Alone’ as a case study. The analysis begins by exploring the game’s role in translating and sustaining ICH in digital formats. Drawing on Karen Barad’s Agential Realism, it interprets ICH within techno-human networks as part of ‘Apparatuses for the Agential Emergence’ of cultural knowledge. This study challenges traditional views of cultural memory and heritage transmission, advocating for a recontextualized understanding of ICH as a performative and evolving phenomenon, deeply embedded in medial and (post-)digital-cultural interrelations.
Threats to the Transmission of Living Heritage Among Children and Youth: Social Media Use, Reflections and Suggestions from a Decade of Capacity-Building
Authors: Ogge Suzanne
Published: December 2024

Concerns regarding the impact of social media and digital platforms on children and youth’s interest in their living heritage have been a recurrent topic in capacity-building workshops for the UNESCO 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. While UNESCO’s Living Heritage Entity and other organizations and stakeholders dedicated to safeguarding intangible cultural heritage acknowledge this threat, efforts to mitigate it concentrate primarily on leveraging the opportunities offered by digitalization to integrate living heritage into programmes aimed at enriching young people’s engagement with living heritage (such as education or awareness-raising programmes). Insufficient attention is given to the more harmful ways in which children and youth utilize digital platforms within their family, homes, community or other ‘micro-environments’, in ways that detract from the intergenerational transmission of living heritage. This paper emphasizes the necessity of examining and understanding how social media use and digital platforms impact children and youth within these more intimate environments in which they grow up, and of defining ways to mitigate negative impacts. Drawing from the author’s observations during capacity-building workshops across the Asia-Pacific region over the past decade, this paper raises questions and proposes strategies for addressing the problematic use of social media and digital platforms by the younger generations, drawing on tools provided by the 2003 Convention. It also hopes to contribute to understanding of the wider socio-cultural spheres of the Anthropocene, with its focus on contemporary technology and media, and how they are shaping the living heritage of future generations.
Metaphors for the Study of Digital Heritage Cultures
Authors: Arora Payal
Published: December 2024

This essay explores the profound connection between intangible cultural heritage and the digital realm, using metaphors to highlight the value attributed to heritage spaces and practices. It discusses how the metaphor of urban parks illustrates the public and global nature of cultural heritage and its ability to foster cultural hybridity and legacy. The digital realm, much like urban parks, offers opportunities for the preservation and revitalization of intangible cultural heritage, nurturing community building and a sense of collective identity. However, the essay also acknowledges the potential for the digital space to be a catalyst for political action, challenging the notion of uncontested and seamless reproduction and regurgitation of leisure-oriented digital cultures. It emphasizes the importance of resisting the freezing of cultural heritage and emphasizing its role in the common good.
Giving a Voice to the People: Intangible Cultural Heritage in Transformation and Structural Change
Authors: Meissner Marlen
Published: December 2024

Intangible cultural heritage (ICH) is well-suited for designing bottom-up policies which are the prerequisites for successful structural change. First, the article provides definitions of transformation and structural change, including their success factors. Second, it provides examples of the beneficial role of culture and cultural heritage in such strategies, showing that cultural heritage has been either ignored as a promoter of structural change or was integrated in a top-down approach, which meant that its potential was not fully harnessed. Finally, the article shows how ICH fosters participation, intra- and intergenerational cooperation, regional networking, territorial intermediation, and how it may support the reinterpretation and revaluation of identities as necessary components of structural change.
World Heritage and Intangible Heritage—What Connects it and What Differentiates It?
Authors: Albert Marie-Theres
Published: December 2024

Heritage creates and shapes identity while providing security and contributing to sustainability. In this context, the world’s diverse tangible and intangible heritage is recognized as the result of human creativity, which should be used for sustainable development. Protecting humankind’s heritage is, therefore, a challenge for civil society and the international community’s responsibility. In response to this challenge, the international community have adopted and implemented the “Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage” on the one hand and the “Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage” on the other. This article discusses and reflects on how, despite their distinct goals and objectives, these conventions converge in their overarching potential for building and protecting identity and fostering sustainability.
Africa’s Response to Intangible Cultural Heritage Convention
Authors: Omolewa Michael , Eregare Emmanuel Orihentare , Ebohon Rose Eyefujinrin
Published: December 2024

Intangible culture is at the very heart of development in Africa. Greetings and salutations are therapeutic, as considerable energy is invested into greetings and questions about an individual’s welfare. Dress carries a message from the person wearing it, as it demonstrates the state of the mind of the person. Music features prominently at every stage of the life of the individual: there is music when a woman conceives, music at the birth of a child, music at wedding and music at death and funeral celebrations. The Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage was an answer to the prayers of Africans for the protection and preservation of the important and yet intangible cultural heritage with immense impact on the individual, community and people in general. Embraced with enthusiasm, the convention dominated discourse was well received. Urbanization, competition with the tangible cultural heritage, poverty and sometimes differences between political leaders and policy makers have adversely affected the performance of Africans in the implementation of the 2003 Convention, as demonstrated in this paper.
Threats and Approaches to the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage: A View from the United States
Authors: Stefano Michelle L.
Published: December 2024

In this third decade of the twenty-first century, we face an array of interconnected challenges that threaten not only the sustainability of intangible cultural heritage, but the livelihoods and wellbeing of those who give it life. And while communities across the world continue to safeguard and innovate their living cultural traditions, practices, and expressions, reinforcement of their efforts by heritage professionals may be needed more than ever. In this chapter, I explore these challenges from historical, economic, political, ecological, and technological perspectives, examining how they ought to shape collaborative safeguarding approaches that are guided by ethics and equity. I draw on examples from the U.S., including from the discipline of public folklore, and stress the need for a reprioritization of heritage resources in striving for a more just and livable tomorrow by rooting out the very real problems of today.