bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Einsatz eines virtuellen Kollaborators in analogen & digitalen Workshops im organisationalen Kontext
Authors: Debowski Nicole , Tavanapour Navid , Bittner Eva A. C.
Published: May 2021

In dieser Studie stellen wir Unterschiede und Gemeinsamkeiten in der analogen sowie digitalen Zusammenarbeit hinsichtlich eines virtuellen Kollaborators (VK) dar. Konkret beobachten wir eine Kreativeinheit in einem Industrieunternehmen sowohl in der analogen als auch in der digitalen Durchführung kollaborativer Workshops. Aus den daraus resultierenden Herausforderungen und Anforderungen, die wir anhand von Interviews erheben, leiten wir Designprinzipien an einen VK ab und ziehen einen Vergleich. Gemeinsamkeiten bestehen darin, den Teilnehmenden zusätzliche Informationen und kreativen Input aus internetbasierten Quellen zu liefern. Unterschiede bestehen in der administrativen Vor- und Nachbereitung der jeweiligen Workshops sowie in der Art der Beeinflussung kollaborativer Arbeit. Während bei der digitalen Durchführung eher die Perspektiverweiterung im Vordergrund steht, ist es bei der analogen Durchführung die Ausbalancierung der Redebeiträge. Spezifika stellen sich darüber hinaus für die digitale Durchführung bei der Vernetzung der Teilnehmenden sowie beim Umgang mit digitalen Werkzeugen.
Mass strandings of seven toothed and baleen whale species in Northern Norway in March 2020 call for further investigation
Authors: Aniceto A. S. , Tassara L. , Rikardsen A. , Blévin P.
Published: May 2021

Monitoring whale strandings are a key aspect of ecosystem management as stranded animals can provide indications on ecosystem health, pollution and adverse effects due to anthropogenic activities. Most mass mortality events are reported for toothed whales and rarely involve baleen whales. In the course of one month in spring 2020, 17 whales belonging to seven different species, stranded on the shores of Northern Norway, above the Arctic circle. This multi-species event included humpback (Megaptera novaeangliae), fin (Balaenoptera physalus)and sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus), that were accompanied by northern bottlenose whales (Hyperoodon ampullatus), a white-beaked dolphin (Lagenorhynchus albirostris), a long-finned pilot whale (Globicephala melas) and a harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena). We discuss some potential causes of death based on the previous literature and available information for the area, highlighting the need for further investigation on cetacean strandings at high latitudes. Ultimately, the reasons for the stranding could only be identified by a thorough examination of all the animals, which was unfortunately not conducted. As the threats to polar ecosystems and access to local shores are likely to increase, reports of cetacean mortality are also expected to surge, particularly in high latitude regions where climate variations and anthropogenic activities are increasing. This study makes recommendations for future steps and considerations for monitoring networks and standardized sampling methods for future marine mammal stranding events. Finally, we suggest that national and international efforts based on the collaborative relationships are implemented, considering the multiple facets of animal ecology and health as an achievable step in the near future.
Aqueous carbon black dispersions stabilized by sodium lignosulfonates
Authors: Subramanian Sreedhar , Øye Gisle
Published: May 2021

Six different sodium lignosulfonates with varying degrees of sulfonation (0.14–1.29 sulfonate groups per phenylpropane unit) and molecular weights (Mw= 6000–330,000 g/mol) were evaluated for their ability to disperse carbon black in aqueous media. Rheological and particle size measurements of carbon black dispersions indicated that lignosulfonates with low degree of sulfonation function as good carbon black dispersants. The dispersion efficiency did not correspond directly to the amount of lignosulfonate adsorbed on the surface of carbon black. The lignosulfonates have an ability to enhance the colloidal stability by electrostatic repulsion, and the likely mechanism of stabilization is a combination of electrostatic repulsion and steric hindrance.

Graphical abstract
Dismembered porcine limbs as a proxy for postmortem muscle protein degradation
Authors: Geissenberger J. , Ehrenfellner B. , Monticelli F. C. , Pittner Stefan , Steinbacher Peter
Published: May 2021

The estimation of the postmortem interval (PMI) is of critical importance in forensic routine. The most frequently applied methods, however, are all restricted to specific time periods or must be excluded under certain circumstances. In the last years it has been shown that the analysis of muscle protein degradation has the potential to contribute to according delimitations in practice. In particular, upon biochemical analysis, the specific time points of degradation events provide reasonable markers for PMI delimitation. Nevertheless, considerable research is yet required to increase the understanding of protein decomposition and how it is affected by individual and environmental influencing factors. This is best investigated under standardized conditions, however, a considerate selection of proxies, regarding costs, effort, and expected outcome is required. Here, we use pigs to compare muscle protein decomposition in whole bodies and dismembered body parts (amputated hind limbs). Not only do experiments on body parts reduce the costs and allow easier handling in basic research, but also they aid to investigate the practical application of PMI estimation in dismembered body parts, or other extensive injuries, which are not unusual scenarios in crime investigation. Specifically, we investigated whether there are differences in the degradation rates of selected muscle proteins, sampled from dismembered legs and from hind limbs attached to whole pig bodies. Our results show distinct time-dependent degradation patterns of muscle proteins in a predictable manner regardless of sample origin. We are able to demonstrate that amputated hind limbs are suitable proxies for the analysis of muscle protein degradation, especially to investigate certain influencing factors and establish according standardized models.
Patient, nurse, and physician preferences: final results of the CONVENIENCE study evaluating pegfilgrastim prophylaxis via pre-filled syringe or on-body injector in cancer patients
Authors: Metz Michael , Semsek Dieter , Rogmans Gunther , Hutzschenreuter Ulrich , Fietz Thomas , Harde Johanna , Zacharias Stefan , Hielscher Carsten , Lorenz Andreas , Zahn Mark-Oliver , Guth Dagmar , Liebers Steffen , Berghorn Michael , Grebhardt Sina , Matillon Christiane D. , Egerer Gerlinde , Potthoff Karin
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The on-body injector (OBI) automatically delivers pegfilgrastim the day after chemotherapy (CTx), thus eliminating the need of return visits to the medical office for guideline-compliant pegfilgrastim administration. The CONVENIENCE study aimed to evaluate patient, nurse, and physician preferences as well as health economics for pegfilgrastim administration either with OBI or manually using a pre-filled syringe (PS).

Methods

Patients with early breast cancer, receiving two or three weekly anthracycline/cyclophosphamide or three weekly taxane-based CTx, and patients with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) receiving first-line R-CHOP-14 or -21 were randomized 1:1 to receive both pegfilgrastim application forms for four consecutive CTx cycles in an alternating sequence starting either with OBI or PS. Primary endpoint was patient preference, assessed by questionnaires.

Results

A total of 308 patients were evaluable in the per-protocol analysis. Patients slightly preferred OBI over PS (OBI, n = 133, 43.2%; vs. PS, n = 111, 36.0%; p-value = 0.159), while study nurses slightly preferred PS (n = 19, 46.3%) over OBI (n = 18, 43.9%) and physicians clearly preferred PS (n = 24, 58.8%) over OBI (n = 15, 36.6%). Among patients with preference for OBI, saving of time was their major reason for preference (53.4%). Pegfilgrastim was administered 24–72 h after each CTx cycle in 97.6% of OBI and 63.1% of PS applications.

Conclusion

The OBI was slightly preferred by patients and saving time was the major reason for their preference. PS was physicians’ most preferable choice and slightly preferred by nurses. Using OBI, pegfilgrastim was almost always administered within the time period recommended by current guidelines, while it was often not applied as specified using PS.

Trial registration

No: ClinicalTrials.gov No. NCT03619993. Registered on June 25, 2018
Applications designed to successfully implant in challenging left atrial appendage occlusion cases: a new tool for the interventional cardiologist
Authors: López-Mínguez José Ramón , Martínez-Cáceres Ginés , González-Fernández Reyes , Nogales-Asensio Juan Manuel , Millán-Núñez Victoria
Published: May 2021

An 85-year-old patient with permanent atrial fibrillation with a DDD pacemaker, and with indication for left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO). Sent for LAAO due to recurrent gastrointestinal bleedings even on apixaban and with a CHA 2 DS 2 VASc and HAS-BLED scores of 4 and 3 respectively.
Pre-service secondary teachers’ pedagogical content knowledge for the teaching of mathematical modelling
Authors: Greefrath Gilbert , Siller Hans-Stefan , Klock Heiner , Wess Raphael
Published: May 2021

The article deals with the pedagogical content knowledge of mathematical modelling as part of the professional competence of pre-service teachers. With the help of a test developed for this purpose from a conceptual model, we examine whether this pedagogical content knowledge can be promoted in its different facets—especially knowledge about modelling tasks and about interventions—by suitable university seminars. For this purpose, the test was administered to three groups in a seminar for the teaching of mathematical modelling: (1) to those respondents who created their own modelling tasks for use with students, (2) to those trained to intervene in mathematical modelling processes, and (3) participating students who are not required to address mathematical modelling. The findings of the study—based on variance analysis—indicate that certain facets (knowledge of modelling tasks, modelling processes, and interventions) have increased significantly in both experimental groups but to varying degrees. By contrast, pre-service teachers in the control group demonstrated no significant change to their level of pedagogical content knowledge.
Historical Moral Responsibility and Manipulation via Deletion
Authors: De Marco Gabriel
Published: May 2021

In discussions on moral responsibility for actions, a commonly discussed case is one in which an agent is manipulated into performing some action. On some views, such agents lack responsibility for those actions partly because they issue from attitudes that were acquired in an inappropriate way. In this paper, it is argued that such views are in need of revision. After introducing a new problematic case of a manipulated agent, revisions are offered for specific views. The paper concludes with a discussion of the views in a broader context, as well as some potential implications of the revisions.
Group B Streptococcus chimeric capsular polysaccharides as novel multivalent vaccine candidates
Authors: Campisi Edmondo , Rosini Roberto , Romano Maria Rosaria , Balducci Evita , Pinto Vittoria , Brogioni Barbara , De Ricco Riccardo , Fabbrini Monica , Spagnuolo Angela , Chiarot Emiliano , Berti Francesco , Margarit Immaculada
Published: May 2021

The capsular polysaccharide of the human pathogen Group B Streptococcus is a key virulence factor and vaccine candidate that induces protective antibodies when conjugated to carrier proteins. It consists of long polymeric chains of oligosaccharide repeating units, and each of the ten capsular serotypes described so far presents a unique chemical structure with distinct antigenic properties; therefore, broad protection against this pathogen could be achieved by a combination of ten glycoconjugates. Capsular polysaccharide biosynthesis and assembly follow a polymerase-dependent pathway that is widespread in encapsulated bacteria and is encoded by a polycistronic operon. Here we exploited the sequence similarity between the capsule operons of types V and IX to generate hybrid polysaccharides incorporating epitopes of both serotypes in a single molecule, by co-expressing their specific CpsM, O, I glycosyltransferases in a single isolate. Physicochemical and immunochemical methods confirmed that an engineered strain produced a high molecular weight chimeric polysaccharide, combining antigenic specificities of both type V and IX. By optimizing the copy number of key glycosyltransferase genes, we were able to modulate the ratio between type-specific epitopes. Finally, vaccination with chimeric glycoconjugates significantly decreased the incidence of disease in pups born from immunized mice challenged with either serotype. This study provides proof of concept for a new generation of glycoconjugate vaccines that combine the antigenic specificity of different polysaccharide variants in a single molecule, eliciting a protective immune response against multiple serotype variants.
Teachers’ Skills and Knowledge in Mathematics Education for Braille Readers
Authors: van Leendert Annemiek , Doorman Michiel , Drijvers Paul , Pel Johan , van der Steen Johannes
Published: May 2021

Braille readers use a braille display and text-to-speech synthesizer while reading and comprehending mathematical expressions and equations. Teachers need to have technological, pedagogical and content (TPACK) knowledge and skills for exploiting the potential of these devices in mathematics education. They have to understand how the use of assistive technology influences the teaching and learning of mathematics. Therefore, the aim of the current study is to support teachers to better understand the dynamic relation between the different TPACK domains. That is why a professional development course was developed in which five mathematics teachers of braille readers in special secondary education participated. The development of the teachers’ TPACK knowledge was analyzed, and course characteristics that helped to develop this knowledge were identified. The results show an increased awareness of the importance of assistive devices, but only a small positive effect in TPACK knowledge and skills. Course activities related to the braille display, the mathematical braille notation and mathematical vocabulary helped to develop TPACK knowledge. However, course activities related to the text-to-speech synthesizer and working in heterogeneous groups did not work out so well. A better understanding of what teaching mathematics to braille readers means is expected to improve their learning.
Exploring Adaptation in Socially-Shared Regulation of Learning Using Video and Heart Rate Data
Authors: Sobocinski Márta , Malmberg Jonna , Järvelä Sanna
Published: May 2021

Abstracts

In socially shared regulation of learning, adaptation is a key process for overcoming collaborative learning challenges. Monitoring the learning process allows learners to recognize the situations that require a need to change, revise, or optimize the current learning process. This can be done through adapting their strategies, task perception, goals, or standards for monitoring their progress. This process is called small-scale adaptation. It is not yet clear how shared monitoring in groups activates small-scale adaptation “on the fly” or how this phenomenon can be detected using multimodal data. The aim of this study is to explore how small-scale adaptation emerges during collaboration. Video and heart rate data were collected from four groups of three high-school students (age 16–17) who worked together during six 75-min advanced physics lessons. The results show small-scale adaptation occurs most often when groups switch from enacting tasks to defining them. Physiological synchrony occurred throughout the collaboration and was not significantly more prevalent before or after adaptation occurred. The opportunities and challenges of combining video observation to identify monitoring and adaptation events, and physiological synchrony as a possible indicator of “sharedness,” are discussed, contributing to the literature about using multimodal data to study learning processes.
Trehalose/sodium hyaluronate eye drops in post-cataract ocular surface disorders
Authors: Cagini Carlo , Torroni Giovanni , Mariniello Marco , Di Lascio Giampiero , Martone Gianluca , Balestrazzi Angelo
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Prospective, randomised, open-label, comparative study to evaluate efficacy of trehalose/sodium hyaluronate eye drops for post-operative discomfort and tear film stability in patients undergoing cataract surgery.

Methods

Patients with healthy ocular surface, subclinical, or mild dry eye were enrolled. Tear breakup time (TBUT), Schirmer test, dry eye symptoms, corneal fluorescein staining (CFS), and ocular surface disease (OSDI) evaluation were performed pre-operatively and at two and four weeks after surgery. Patients were assigned to receive trehalose/sodium hyaluronate eye drops b.i.d (Group A), or 0.9% unpreserved sodium chloride eye drops b.i.d for 4 weeks (Group B).

Results

One hundred and thirty-five patients were randomised, 66 patients in Group A (73.2 ± 4.5 years) and 69 patients in Group B (74.3 ± 3.8 years), 60.8% females. Fifteen patients (8 Group A) were lost at follow-up. Pre-operatively, no between-group differences were observed, and TBUT increased in Group A between the pre-operative and 2 and 4 week evaluations and was higher in group A than in Group B at 4 weeks. Schirmer test and CFS showed an improvement only in Group A four weeks post-operatively. In Group A an improvement was observed after two and four weeks in foreign body and puncture sensation, whilst a difference in blinking discomfort was observed after four weeks. In Group B we observed an improvement in puncture sensation two and four weeks after surgery. Mean OSDI scores differences between the two groups were significant at four weeks.

Conclusions

Trehalose/sodium hyaluronate eye drops were effective in reducing signs and symptoms of dry eye and improving tear film stability
Characterizing Social Functioning in School-Age Children with Sensory Processing Abnormalities
Authors: John T. St. , Estes A. , Begay K. K. , Munson J. , Reiter M. A. , Dager S. R. , Kleinhans N.
Published: May 2021

Children with sensory abnormalities (SAs) have a variety of social problems resulting in poorer social functioning than children with typical development (TD). We describe the relationship between SAs and social functioning in school-age children with SAs, children with TD and a clinical comparison sample of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Children with SAs demonstrated impaired social functioning on standardized measures. Children with SAs demonstrated worse social functioning than children with TD and equivalent social functioning to children with ASD. Increased SAs were associated with poorer social functioning across all groups. The results suggest that children with SAs experience clinically significant problems with social functioning and future research is needed to develop interventions to support social functioning in this population.
Housing circumstances and quality of life among local and immigrant population in Norwegian neighbourhoods
Authors: Llopis Alvarez Ana , Müller-Eie Daniela
Published: May 2021

This paper explores the relationship between the concept of quality of life (QoL) and housing circumstances among the immigrant and local population of two neighbourhoods in Norway: Storhaug in Stavanger and Grünerløkka in Oslo. Objective data regarding housing circumstances, e.g., type of residence, dimension or overcrowding, is collected through spatial analysis and desktop-research. Inhabitants of these neighbourhoods are interviewed with the help of map-based questionnaires to collect both objective data regarding these housing circumstances as well as subjective data, e.g. reason of location and personal satisfaction with housing and QoL. The objective and subjective data is analysed geographically and statistically. This study finds that the immigrant group has less favourable housing circumstances than the local population. Circumstances such as type of residence, the reason of location and satisfaction with the residence are predictors for satisfaction with QoL between both groups. Being local or immigrant, as well as the study area, Storhaug and Grünerløkka, or the type of ownership were not significant predictors of satisfaction with QoL in this specific study. These findings provide a base for understanding the importance of housing circumstances for QoL. Due to the high percentage of the immigrant population and its projection in Norway, these investigations are expected to help practitioners identify housing features and design aspects that can impact on the overall satisfaction with QoL of both host and immigrant society.
The role of electricity mix and production efficiency improvements on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of building components and future refurbishment measures
Authors: Potrč Obrecht Tajda , Jordan Sabina , Legat Andraž , Passer Alexander
Published: May 2021

Purpose

An estimation of the environmental impact of buildings by means of a life cycle assessment (LCA) raises uncertainty related to the parameters that are subject to major changes over longer time spans. The main aim of the present study is to evaluate the influence of modifications in the electricity mix and the production efficiency in the chosen reference year on the embodied impacts (i.e., greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions) of building materials and components and the possible impact of this on future refurbishment measures.

Methods

A new LCA methodological approach was developed and implemented that can have a significant impact on the way in which existing buildings are assessed at the end of their service lives. The electricity mixes of different reference years were collected and assessed, and the main datasets and sub-datasets were modified according to the predefined substitution criteria. The influence of the electricity-mix modification and production efficiency were illustrated on a selected existing reference building, built in 1970. The relative contribution of the electricity mix to the embodied impact of the production phase was calculated for four different electricity mixes, with this comprising the electricity mix from 1970, the current electricity mix and two possible future electricity-mix scenarios for 2050. The residual value of the building was also estimated.

Results and discussion

In the case presented, the relative share of the electricity mix GHG emission towards the total value was as high as 20% for separate building components. If this electricity mix is replaced with an electricity mix having greater environmental emissions, the relative contribution of the electricity mix to the total emissions can be even higher. When, by contrast, the modified electricity mix is almost decarbonized, the relative contribution to the total emissions may well be reduced to a point where it becomes negligible. The modification of the electricity mix can also influence the residual value of a building. In the observed case, the differences due to different electricity mixes were in the range of 10%.

Conclusions

It was found that those parameters that are subject to a major change during the reference service period of the building should be treated dynamically in order to obtain reliable results. Future research is foreseen to provide additional knowledge concerning the influence of dynamic parameters on both the use phase and the end-of-life phase of buildings, and these findings will also be important when planning future refurbishment measures.
Multidisciplinary practice guidelines for the diagnosis, genetic counseling and treatment of pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas
Authors: Garcia-Carbonero R. , Matute Teresa F. , Mercader-Cidoncha E. , Mitjavila-Casanovas M. , Robledo M. , Tena I. , Alvarez-Escola C. , Arístegui M. , Bella-Cueto M. R. , Ferrer-Albiach C. , Hanzu F. A.
Published: May 2021

Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) are rare neuroendocrine tumors that arise from chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla and the sympathetic/parasympathetic neural ganglia, respectively. The heterogeneity in its etiology makes PPGL diagnosis and treatment very complex. The aim of this article was to provide practical clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of PPGLs from a multidisciplinary perspective, with the involvement of the Spanish Societies of Endocrinology and Nutrition (SEEN), Medical Oncology (SEOM), Medical Radiology (SERAM), Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SEMNIM), Otorhinolaryngology (SEORL), Pathology (SEAP), Radiation Oncology (SEOR), Surgery (AEC) and the Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO). We will review the following topics: epidemiology; anatomy, pathology and molecular pathways; clinical presentation; hereditary predisposition syndromes and genetic counseling and testing; diagnostic procedures, including biochemical testing and imaging studies; treatment including catecholamine blockade, surgery, radiotherapy and radiometabolic therapy, systemic therapy, local ablative therapy and supportive care. Finally, we will provide follow-up recommendations.
Radiography Students’ Learning During Clinical Placements: Developing Professional Knowing in Practice
Authors: Lundvall Lise-Lott , Dahlström Nils , Dahlgren Madeleine Abrandt
Published: May 2021

Radiographers work with image production in medical imaging, a professional field that is undergoing rapid technical development. There is a need to understand how students in radiography education learn within this evolving practice. The aim of this paper is to investigate how radiography students learn professional knowledge in practice during clinical placements. Data collection was through qualitative design using observations and individual interviews. The theoretical framework for the study was a practice-orientated approach. Three themes describing the learning in practice of radiography students emerged as the final result.1) Attuning to practice: Learning through listening and observingshowed how students reconstruct prior knowledge into practical knowing and learn the situated practice.2) Embodied knowing: Learning through acting in practiceillustrated how students reconstructed prior embodied knowledge through their own acting in practice.3) Dealing with the unexpected: Learning from breakdownsexplains how students learn in situations in which unexpected things happen with materiality or relations. On these occasions, relationships with other people were important for developing the students’ knowing about the relationship between materiality, actions and people practicing radiography. This study it gives insight into radiography students’ learning during clinical placement, which can be useful for planning curricula, as well as clinical learning in radiography education.
Stories of change in nutrition from Africa and Asia: an introduction to a special series in Food Security
Authors: Gillespie Stuart , Harris Jody , Nisbett Nicholas , van den Bold Mara
Published: May 2021

Malnutrition in all its forms continues to be a massive global challenge, and the past decade has seen a growing political attention to addressing malnutrition in different contexts. What has been largely missing so far, and is in growing demand from countries, is tangible, practical and rigorous insights and lessons (from other countries or contexts) on how to translate this burgeoning political momentum into effective policies and programme implementation strategies – and ultimately impact on the ground. This new climate of learning from experience and evidence led to the launch in 2015 of the Stories of Change initiative. This series presents a second wave of studies from six countries (Tanzania, Rwanda, Vietnam, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Nigeria,) and three Indian states (Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu). These provide clear evidence combined with compelling narratives on what drives success in addressing all forms of malnutrition – evidence that is necessary for turning global momentum into actual results on the ground. This introductory Opinion is published with the first set of papers. It will be followed by a thorough synthesis of papers as a conclusion of the Series. We hope that the lessons embedded in these Stories of Change will inform and inspire the deliberations and outcomes of the UN Food Systems Summit and the second Nutrition for Growth Summit to be held this year, and the actions of those in the global food and nutrition system working for positive change.
Hydrogen effect on the mechanical behaviour and microstructural features of a Fe-Mn-C twinning induced plasticity steel
Authors: Guo Xiaofei , Zaefferer Stefan , Archie Fady , Bleck Wolfgang
Published: May 2021

The influences of hydrogen on the mechanical properties and the fracture behaviour of Fe-22Mn-0.6C twinning induced plasticity steel have been investigated by slow strain rate tests and fractographic analysis. The steel showed high susceptibility to hydrogen embrittlement, which led to 62.9% and 74.2% reduction in engineering strain with 3.1 and 14.4 ppm diffusive hydrogen, respectively. The fracture surfaces revealed a transition from ductile to brittle dominated fracture modes with the rising hydrogen contents. The underlying deformation and fracture mechanisms were further exploited by examining the hydrogen effects on the dislocation substructure, stacking fault probability, and twinning behaviour in pre-strained slow strain rate test specimens and notched tensile specimens using coupled electron channelling contrast imaging and electron backscatter diffraction techniques. The results reveal that the addition of hydrogen promotes planar dislocation structures, earlier nucleation of stacking faults, and deformation twinning within those grains which have tensile axis orientations close to <111>//rolling direction and <112gt;//rolling direction. The developed twin lamellae result in strain localization and micro-voids at grain boundaries and eventually lead to grain boundary decohesion.
Did carbon emission trading system reduce emissions in China? An integrated approach to support policy modeling and implementation
Authors: Aihua Lin , Miglietta Pier Paolo , Toma Pierluigi
Published: May 2021

As the highest carbon emission country in the world, it is particularly important to investigate the implementation effect of China’s carbon emission trading (CET) system. Because of the complexity to figure out the counterfactual effect when a single unit is treated, the counterfactual and causal effects of the CET system on the carbon emissions are seldom identified. In order to overcome the weakness that counterfactual effect is difficult to be verified and policy persistence is difficult to be estimated, Synthetic Control Method (SCM) and Regression Discontinuity (RD) are combined to better understand and evaluate the impact of CET system in China. Through the analysis, it is found that CET system is effective in China, but the effect is driven by economic development, energy consumption, FDI and other variables. Because of the differences in economic, geographical, technological and environmental conditions in various areas, each Chinese provincial government should formulate a targeted policy according to local conditions, ensuring an economic and environmentally sustainable growth in the future.
Innovative, sustainable, and circular agricultural systems for the future
Authors: Rahmann Gerold , Azim Khalid , Brányiková Irena , Chander Mahesh , David Wahyudi , Erisman Jan Willem , Grimm Daniel , Hammermeister Andrew , Ji Li , Kuenz Anja , Løes Anne-Kristin , Wan-Mohtar Wan Abd Al Qadr Imad , Neuhoff Daniel , Niassy Saliou , Olowe Victor , Schoeber Mia , Shade Jessica , Ullmann Jörg , van Huis Arnold
Published: May 2021

This special issue presents the outcomes from “Designing sustainable and circular agricultural systems for the year 2100,” the joint scientific workshop of ISOFAR, the Thünen-Institute, and INRA-Morocco, which was held from November 14 to 16, 2019 in Marrakesh, Morocco. Nineteen scientists from a broad array of background and nationalities came together with the understanding that food security globally is at risk, especially in the post-2050 timeframe. Current concepts, strategies, measures, and scientific efforts carried out by governments, NGOs, businesses, and societies do not deliver satisfying solutions for how to sustainably produce enough healthy and affordable food to support the global population. With the economic and social impact of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, it became even more evident that food security is a challenge. This workshop took an innovative approach to addressing the challenges of future agriculture by considering sustainable, circular agricultural systems. Participants presented research results on algae-based food, edible insects, mushrooms, novel concepts for nutrient management, bioreactor-based farming, sustainable food culture, as well as sensor- and remote-controlled automatic food production. This special issue presents the papers contributed to the workshop and the results of the discussions.
Effect of heating rate on the pyrolysis of camel manure
Authors: Parthasarathy Prakash , Al-Ansari Tareq , Mackey Hamish R. , McKay Gordon
Published: May 2021

Information on the pyrolysis degradation kinetics of feedstock is critical for the design and fabrication of pyrolysis reactors. In this study, the pyrolytic behaviour of a novel biomass, camel manure, has been studied in a non-isothermal thermogravimetric analyser. The thermal analyses were performed from room temperature to 950 °C at different heating rates (10, 20, and 50°C/min) in an N2 environment (100 ml/min). The kinetic parameters of the manure components are determined using an Arrhenius model equation, and the influence of heating rate on the pyrolytic characteristics and kinetic parameters of the manure components has been examined. The results indicated that the increase in heating rates increased the starting and ending temperatures (decomposition) of manure components. The increase in heating rates shifted the ignition, peak, and burnout temperatures to higher temperatures. At the same time, the increase in heating rates improved the char yield from 22.50 to 31.51%. However, the increase in heating rates showed an insignificant effect on the kinetic parameters of the camel manure components.
Perspektiven auf Schul- und Lebenswelten in Schüler/innen-Narrationen während der Corona-Krise im Frühjahr 2020
Authors: Baros Wassilios , Greiner Ulrike , Ivanova Mishela , Delic Aida
Published: May 2021

Ziel der internationalen Studie „Futures Literacy – Krisennarrationen von Kindern als Räume von Utopien der Solidarität“ ist es, über Krisennarrationen von Schüler/innen Einblicke in ihre Schulsituation und (Lebens‑)Welt in Zeiten der Corona-Krise zu gewinnen. Die Datenerhebung erfolgt auf der Basis eines im Rahmen von Schulaufgaben gegebenen Schreibauftrages an die Schüler/innen, bei dem diese darstellen sollten, wie sie in der fiktiven Zukunft (in 60 Jahren) in der Rolle der Großeltern ihren Enkelkindern von der Zeit der Corona-Krise erzählen. Angelehnt ist diese Vorgehensweise an das Konzept der Futures Literacy, welches Möglichkeiten eröffnet, mittels der Imagination von Zukunft Gegenwart besser zu verstehen und Handlungsoptionen zu entwickeln. Die besondere Schreibaufgabe soll helfen, herauszufinden, wie Schüler/innen aus verschiedenen europäischen Ländern mit der Corona-Krise umgehen, wie sie diese mit Blick auf Schule und häusliche Umwelt erleben und kognitiv und emotional verarbeiten und welche „Post-Corona“ Zukunftsperspektiven sie entwickeln. Die Auswertung erfolgt auf Basis einer Latent Class Analyse von 237 von den Schüler/innen produzierten Texte. Sie legt typische narrative und argumentative Textmuster offen, die zu bestimmten Narrationsstilen führen, aus denen sich die verschiedenen Perspektiven der Schüler/innen auf die Institution Schule, den Covid-19 bedingten Fernunterricht und den Lebensalltag rekonstruieren lassen, und die in spezifischen Zusammenhangskonstellationen mit ihrem Lebens- und Familienalltag sowie subjektiven Zukunftsbildern angesichts der Krise stehen.
Magnetic resonance imaging in mood disorders: a bibliometric analysis from 1999 to 2020
Authors: Gao Mingzhou , Sun Hui , Cheng Xunshu , Gao Dongmei , Qiao Mingqi
Published: May 2021

Objective

Globally, mood disorders are highly prevalent, and are associated with increased morbidity and mortalities. Magnetic resonance imaging is widely used in the study of mood disorders. However, bibliometric analyses of the state of this field are lacking.

Methods

A literature search in the web of science core collection (WoSCC) for the period between 1945 and 2020 returned 3073 results. Data extracted from these publications include, publication year, journal names, countries of origin, institutions, author names and research areas. The bibliometric method, CiteSpace V and key words analysis were used to visualize the collaboration network and identify research trends, respectively.

Results

Since it was first reported in 1999, the use of magnetic resonance imaging in studies on mood disorders has been increasing. Biological psychiatry is the core journal that has extensively published on this topic, while the UNIV PITTSBURGH, USA, has the highest published papers on this topic. Keyword analysis indicated that studies on depression, bipolar disorders, and schizophrenia, with a focus on specific brain regions, including amygdala, prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex are key research topics.

Conclusion

Brain structure and network, sex differences, and treatment-associated brain changes are key topics of future research.
The surface of Gauss double points
Authors: Corvaja Pietro , Zucconi Francesco
Published: May 2021

We study the surface of Gauss double points associated to a very general quartic surface and the natural morphisms associated to it.
Experimental and Numerical Dynamic Properties of Two Timber Footbridges Including Seasonal Effects
Authors: Neilson John Hallak , Ibisevic Aida , Ugur Hasanhüseyin , Battini Jean-Marc , Crocetti Roberto , Pacoste Costin , Martinez-Rodrigo Maria D.
Published: May 2021

This paper deals with experimental and numerical dynamic analyses of two timber footbridges. Both bridges have a span of 35 m and consist of a timber deck supported by two timber arches. The main purpose is to investigate if the dynamic properties of the bridges are season dependent. To this end, experimental tests are performed during a cold day in winter and a warm day in spring in Sweden. The first bending and transverse mode frequencies increase 22% and 44%, respectively, due to temperature effects in the case of Vega Bridge. In the case of Hägernäs bridge, the corresponding values are 5% and 26%. For both bridges, the measured damping coefficients are similar in winter and spring. However, the damping coefficients for the first bending and transverse modes are different for both footbridges: about 1% for the Hägernäs bridge and 3% for the Vega bridge. Finite-element models are also implemented. Both numerical and experimental results show good correspondence. From the analyses performed, it is concluded that the connections between the different components of the bridges have a significant influence on the dynamic properties. In addition, the variation of the stiffness for the asphalt layer can explain the differences found in the natural frequencies between spring and winter. However, due to the uncertainties in the modelling of the asphalt layer, this conclusion must be taken with caution.
Rationale Klimapolitik – ökonomische Anforderungen und politische Hindernisse
Authors: Pritzl Rupert , Söllner Fritz
Published: May 2021

In der klimapolitischen Debatte stehen meist einzelne Instrumente und Maßnahmen im Vordergrund, wohingegen die Frage der ökonomischen Rationalität der Klimapolitik als solcher häufig vernachlässigt wird. Eine Klimapolitik wäre dann ökonomisch rational, wenn politisch vorgegebene Klimaziele mit geringstmöglichen Kosten realisiert werden würden. Notwendig hierfür ist eine umfassende und einheitliche Bepreisung der Treibhausgasemissionen. Dieser rationalen Klimapolitik wird die aktuelle deutsche und europäische Politik gegenübergestellt, die sich als ineffektiv und ineffizient erweist. Ursächlich hierfür sind die Anreize, denen die politischen Akteure unterliegen und die zu einem Widerspruch zwischen ökonomischer Rationalität und politischer Opportunität führen.
Classification and Change Detection in Mobile Mapping LiDAR Point Clouds
Authors: Voelsen Mirjana , Schachtschneider Julia , Brenner Claus
Published: May 2021

Creating 3D models of the static environment is an important task for the advancement of driver assistance systems and autonomous driving. In this work, a static reference map is created from a Mobile Mapping “light detection and ranging” (LiDAR) dataset. The data was obtained in 14 measurement runs from March to October 2017 in Hannover and consists in total of about 15 billion points. The point cloud data are first segmented by region growing and then processed by a random forest classification, which divides the segments into the five static classes (“facade”, “pole”, “fence”, “traffic sign”, and “vegetation”) and three dynamic classes (“vehicle”, “bicycle”, “person”) with an overall accuracy of 94%. All static objects are entered into a voxel grid, to compare different measurement epochs directly. In the next step, the classified voxels are combined with the result of a visibility analysis. Therefore, we use a ray tracing algorithm to detect traversed voxels and differentiate between empty space and occlusion. Each voxel is classified as suitable for the static reference map or not by its object class and its occupation state during different epochs. Thereby, we avoid to eliminate static voxels which were occluded in some of the measurement runs (e.g. parts of a building occluded by a tree). However, segments that are only temporarily present and connected to static objects, such as scaffolds or awnings on buildings, are not included in the reference map. Overall, the combination of the classification with the subsequent entry of the classes into a voxel grid provides good and useful results that can be updated by including new measurement data.
The potential of photoacoustic techniques in inflammatory arthritis: what can it do to assist conventional imaging methods?
Authors: Zhao Chenyang , Zhang Rui , Zhu Qinli , Wang Ming , Yang Meng , Jiang Yuxin
Published: May 2021

To make comprehensive assessments of some rheumatoid diseases, a more reliable imaging method for evaluating joint lesions is required. Photoacoustic imaging (PAI) is a state-of-the-art imaging technique, providing new options for diagnosing joint disease. In light of the recent preclinical studies, detailed morphological structures and micro-vessels of small joints, especially the finger joints, could be visualized by PAI with high spatial resolution and optical contrast using different PA implementations. By measuring the signals of oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin through dual-wavelength PAI, oxygenation of local tissues can be identified, thus enabling functional PA imaging. Notably, among various PA systems, the co-registration of PAI into high-end commercial US units with a special-designed handheld PA/US probe can be of great value in further clinical application. Molecular PAI of small joints can also be performed using exogenous PA chromophores. In this article, we aim to inform readers of this new technique in joint imaging and its potential use, to impart a deeper understanding of medical imaging in this field.
Smooth surface induced glossy appearance of freestanding multiwall carbon nanotube sheet
Authors: Susantyoko Rahmat Agung , Aldarmaki Noura , Karam Zainab , Mustafa Ibrahim , Almheiri Saif
Published: May 2021

Carbon nanotube (CNT) structures reported in the literature often have a black color with low reflectance and matt surface appearance. Only a few papers reported the high reflectance and glossy appearance of the CNT surface on a substrate. To our knowledge, no one has reported the glossy appearance of freestanding CNT. Herein, we have successfully fabricated a freestanding multi-walled CNT sheet with a glossy or mirror-like surface appearance. Raman spectroscopy confirmed that both matt and glossy freestanding CNT sheets have the same chemical composition. We found that the glossy freestanding CNT sheet has a relatively flat surface morphology compared to matt freestanding CNT sheet, as seen in the atomic force microscopy results. We attributed the glossy appearance due to a relatively flat surface morphology of the freestanding CNT sheet.
Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy and Other Novel Treatment Approaches for Premature Ovarian Insufficiency
Authors: Ulin Mara , Cetin Esra , Hobeika Elie , Chugh Rishi Man , Park Hang-Soo , Esfandyari Sahar , Al-Hendy Ayman
Published: May 2021

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a condition characterized by amenorrhea, hypergonadotropic hypogonadism, estrogen deficiency, and reduced follicle counts leading to infertility under the age of 40. POI occurs in approximately 1-3% of women in the general population. Evaluation is warranted when the diagnosis of POI is made to rule out underlying etiologies, which could be multifactorial. This review serves to cover the novel treatment approaches reported in the literature.
Learning from the experiences of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) university students who withdraw from their undergraduate degree
Authors: Kauser Sophia , Yaqoob S. , Cook A. , O’Hara M. , Mantzios M. , Egan H.
Published: May 2021

Students from a Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) background are more likely to withdraw from their undergraduate degree in the United Kingdom (UK). It is therefore important to explore withdrawal experiences and perspectives that relate to this population of students to increase both student retention and success. Thirteen UK-domiciled, full-time undergraduate, first-degree entrants from a BAME background, who had withdrawn from a post-1992 university in the West Midlands, took part in a semi-structured interview. The present study explored BAME student experiences of withdrawal which covered personal, academic and social concerns. Using a thematic analysis approach, five themes were developed: (a) academic issues, (b) does anybody even care? (c) balancing part-time employment alongside HE, (d) family perception and pressure and (e) the importance of social integration. Participants often discussed withdrawal as a holistic experience whereby although certain aspects were more prominently spoken about, generally withdrawal was a materialisation of more than one problematic area. There is a need for institutions to further understand the challenges faced by BAME students in order to provide more localised support and intervention to improve BAME retention, success and experiences within higher education (HE).