bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Organizations and the Theory of the Firm
Authors: Kuhn Timothy
Published: January 2023

Theories of the firm are the primary vehicles by which scholars answer questions about firms' existence, internal operations, modes of securing competitive advantage, and location of boundaries. Starting in economics and moving into management, this entry reviews dominant governance and competence approaches to the theory of the firm, exploring the approaches' implications for theorizing organizations. It concludes by engaging with two alternatives that break with the visions of both the firm and aim of theory in this body of thinking.
Organization, Politics of
Authors: Ackroyd Stephen
Published: January 2023

The importance of political relations and political processes in organizations has been remarked on recurrently by researchers and people with experience of organizations. This entry considers the following aspects. First, the politics within organizations and especially that between different groups. This intraorganizational politics is widely reported, and some recurrent patterns have been observed. Second, there are political dimensions to the activities and actions of organizations themselves. Zald long ago identified “social movement organizations” that embody the aspirations of particular social groups, but almost all organizations share this characteristic to some extent, being the instrument for the advancement of some particular group. This can lead them into collision or collusion with other organizations. Finally how intra‐ and interorganizational politics connects with politics in society is considered. This is potentially the most important area in the field of organizational politics. From this discussion, it seems that there is much about social change that can be better understood through the systematic study of political aspects of organization. Conflict and its resolution (the essence of politics) is one key to understanding social change more adequately, and sociological study in this area has much to contribute to organizational theory.
Poverty
Authors: Iceland John
Published: January 2023

While poverty generally refers to material deprivation, it is a multifaceted experience for those who are struggling to get by. It can certainly involve economic hardship, such as difficulty in paying food bills or living in housing in severe disrepair. For some, poverty means lacking some of the basic consumer items that their neighbors have, such as a car. The term “poverty” can be used to describe a lack of other types of goods, such as education or access to healthcare.
Professors
Authors: Hermanowicz Joseph C.
Published: January 2023

Professors are people with academic appointments at institutions of higher education. Compared to just half a century ago, higher education is differentiated on many counts, including the professorial role. While definitions delimit boundaries, they are sometimes ambiguously drawn. Professors in the US context typically hold advanced terminal degrees in the specialty in which they hold rank as assistant, associate, or full professors, those ranks constituting an ascent in an institutional career. Yet vast numbers of people with academic appointments occupy roles, sometimes without advanced terminal degrees, as lecturers or instructors, or, increasingly, as temporary or part‐time adjuncts or affiliates of a unit within colleges and universities. Thus the application of the term “professor” can be more liberal or restrictive, but this complexity raises core theoretic questions about the very topic of professors in contemporary society: Who are they? What roles do they perform? What is the academic profession to which these individuals purportedly belong? How has the profession changed over time in its form and function? Answers to these questions become even more complex when they are extended across national boundaries, and perhaps explain why little systematic comparative work on higher education faculties has been attempted.
Psychologization
Authors: Walkerdine Valerie
Published: January 2023

Psychologization refers to the use of psychological categories as the means of managing populations. Having been used ever since the emergence of psychology as a science, it became widespread during liberalism and has become particularly pervasive within neoliberal modes of governance.
Popular Culture Icons: Bob Dylan (1941–)
Authors: Beilharz Peter
Published: January 2023

Robert Zimmerman/Bob Dylan was born in Hibbing, Minnesota. Unlike Jimi Hendrix, who peaked and died young, Dylan has become a kind of weathervane, as well as a leader of musical taste since the 1960s. Influences on Dylan include Woody Guthrie, Ramblin' Jack Elliott, John Koerner, Tony Glover, Dave Van Ronk, and the whole folk blues scene in Greenwich Village in that period. Dylan's earliest persona was that of the folk player, the pioneer singer‐songwriter, then poet and protestor, protesting as much against the absurdity of life as anything else and helping to transform lyrics in popular music in the process.
Retirement
Authors: Damman Marleen
Published: January 2023

Retirement broadly refers to older workers' withdrawal from paid working life. Given the demographic development of population aging and its associated societal challenges, the transition from work into retirement is receiving much attention nowadays, both in policy debates and in the scientific literature. This entry provides a brief description of the scientific literature about retirement and discusses topics that are central in sociological retirement research, such as the role of (1) life histories, (2) social stratification, (3) spousal context, and (4) organizational and country context for understanding retirement transitions. Directions for future research are described as well.
Rural Sociology
Authors: Tickamyer Ann R.
Published: January 2023

Rural sociology is the branch of social science that studies rural society in all its manifestations, including rural persons, places, and the rural–urban interface. It originated in the land grant system of public universities in the United States to advance agricultural productivity and address the problems of rural families and communities during a time of rapid urbanization and industrialization. It now has a global perspective and a broad range of issues with particular emphasis on food, agriculture, natural resources, the environment, and social and economic development. While theoretically and methodologically diverse, it uses an engaged and applied perspective in research, teaching, service, and outreach.
Sexualities
Authors: Fox Nick J. , Alldred Pam
Published: January 2023

Sexuality is one of the most regulated and controversial aspects of human behavior and social organization, and has been subject to societal, religious, and cultural norms, taboos, and laws, often addressing male and female sexualities differently. Sociologically, human sexualities are considered both “natural” and “cultural”; as a consequence, they are diverse, labile, and emergent. Sexualities have been studied from interactionist, poststructuralist, feminist, queer, and materialist theoretical perspectives. Studies have addressed the behaviors, subjectivities, orientations, experiences, and cultural transgressions associated with sexual desire, arousal, and pleasure. This research has explored the breadth and diversity of sexualities and sexual subcultures, and documented the ways that – both historically and cross‐culturally – societies and cultures have influenced sexual identities and experiences; how sociocultural forces discriminate against non‐normative sexualities; and how these forces have been resisted and transgressed.
Shushin Koyo
Authors: Shinohara Shugo
Published: January 2023

Shushin koyo
is a Japanese term which can be translated as “lifetime employment.” It refers to the employment practice in which large Japanese firms hire new graduates as regular employees and retain them until retirement. Some scholars find its origin in historical roots while others observe its formation under industrialization. Shushin koyo became more widespread during the Japanese economic miracle and contributed to a low unemployment rate. However, small firms, part‐time workers, and women were largely excluded from this practice. It also led to more competition in education as students competed to enter top universities and later gain lifetime employment. After the long economic recession in the 1990s, shushin koyo was criticized for a lack of flexibility and incentives for employees. However, around 90 percent of Japanese individuals still support shushin koyo. Japanese firms are facing the challenge of balancing the need for flexibility with the demand for stability.
Situationists
Authors: Kennedy Jen
Published: January 2023

The Situationist International (SI) is a group of revolutionary artists, writers, and political theorists that was formed at the United Congress of Free Artists in Cosio di Arroscia in northern Italy in July 1957. Galvanized by the perceived failures of pre‐World War II artistic avant‐gardes and the revolutionary communist movement, the SI developed a sweeping critique of the mechanics and effects of modern consumer capitalism, or what they eventually called the “spectacle‐commodity economy.” As defined in the first issue of their eponymous journal (1958), the term “Situationist” refers not only to members of the SI, but also to the theory and practice of constructing situations, the group's primary strategy for instigating revolution on the level of everyday life.
Social Change, Southeast Asia
Authors: Hirschman Charles , McAuliffe Erin
Published: January 2023

Southeast Asia consists of the 11 countries that lie between the Indian subcontinent and China. On the mainland of Southeast Asia are Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Insular Southeast Asia includes Indonesia, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore, and most recently Timor Leste. The largest part of Malaysia is on the mainland (Peninsular Malaysia), but the country is considered culturally closer to insular Southeast Asia because the majority Malay population shares a common language and religion with Indonesia. The city‐state of Singapore (on an island connected by a mile‐long causeway to Peninsular Malaysia) was historically part of Malaysia, but because of its unique ethnic composition (three quarters of the population is of Chinese origin) it is more similar to East Asia than Southeast Asia. Diversity is the hallmark of the region. Incredible indigenous cultural variation has been overlaid with centuries of contact, trade, migration, and cultural exchange within the region, from other parts of Asia, and for the past 500 years from Europe.
Social Work: Theory and Methods
Authors: Beresford Peter , Croft Suzy
Published: January 2023

Social work is a relatively young helping profession that has been at the forefront of addressing political, social, and cultural changes. Its contested origins and combined control and support roles mean that it continues to have an uncertain status, but it has been a pioneer in developing participatory approaches to theory and methods. It now has a global role and reach and offers insights for understanding and engaging with emerging social issues relating to diversity, equality, empowerment, and coproduction.
Stress and Migration
Authors: Plava Annalisa
Published: January 2023

Stress is an event that occurs when a stimulus (stressor) of any kind occurs and the individual cannot respond immediately and adequately to it. Failure to adapt creates imbalance and interrupts the homeostasis. Since migrating has an ambivalent meaning – constantly changing – the migrant needs to interpret new parameters of behavior, identity recognition, values, laws, and traditions by seeking “iatroglobal” answers. The relationship between stress and migration could put the migrant into crisis. Stress is a natural response and can activate resources to guide us in solving problems. Learning to recognize it is important, as well as learning strategies to prevent being overwhelmed by it.
Schizophrenia
Authors: Cockerham William C.
Published: January 2023

Schizophrenia is a disturbance in an individual's mood, thinking, and behavior, characterized by a distorted sense of reality. DSM‐5 organizes the various types of schizophrenia into a gradient ranging from the mildest form to the most severe that represents a significant impairment of behavior. Sociological interest in schizophrenia is based upon the social factors contributing to its origin and its connection to social class position.
Scientific Elite and Nobel Prizes
Authors: Zuckerman Harriet
Published: January 2023

Political, economic, military, and religious elites have occupied sociological attention almost since the discipline's beginnings. This has not been so for the scientific elite despite its increasing social importance. The scientific enterprise is highly stratified with its elite's high standing determined principally by their contributions to scientific knowledge having been judged important by knowledgeable peers. Entry is determined by achievement, not ascription, and it is generally not passed on from generation to generation. The scientific elite exercises its influence on the access others have to resources for research, for the recognition others receive, and, in important ways, on what is construed as reliable knowledge. Nobel Prizes, the “gold standard” of scientific prizes, are taken by the public and by some scientists as the prime attribute of elite standing but they are imperfect indicators of high standing in science. Limits, for example, on contributions eligible for prizes and the number of prizes available annually have the effect of creating a cadre of “uncrowned laureates” whose scientific work has been as influential as the laureates' and who their peers recognize as Nobelists' equals. This is the case despite the selectors for the prize having made few outright errors.
Taste
Authors: Stewart Simon
Published: January 2023

Bourdieu's research found that tastes bring people together with similar backgrounds and dispositions but they also provide a means of demarcation, highlighting inevitable differences between groups. Taste judgments are not merely subjective indicators of personal preferences. They are also a means of classifying the self and others in accordance with wider power relations. Bourdieu's sociology of taste remains the dominant model in the twenty‐first century but it has faced many criticisms and several alternative perspectives have been put forward. Three of them are considered here. The first, which argues that tastes have become omnivorous, provides a challenge to Bourdieu's perspective while also being to some extent compatible with its general thrust. The second perspective, which is rooted in a new and different sociology of culture, radically challenges Bourdieu's views on taste. The third considers taste in the context of globalization.
Thrift Stores
Authors: Podkalicka Aneta , Duque Melisa
Published: January 2023

Thrift stores, also known as charity or opportunity (op) shops, are important secondhand retail and social welfare hubs. Often run by not‐for‐profit organizations, they provide opportunities for people to volunteer, work, and shop for preloved goods locally and through growing online platforms. In this entry, we recognize the potential of thrift stores to support community and environmental programs – and point out some criticisms and challenges that they face as part of complex local and international secondhand economies. Critiques have focused on increasingly professionalized, profit‐driven store operations and the deployment of a volunteer workforce (older adults) for sorting donations in an unsaleable condition, while challenges include the deteriorating quality of donations. More broadly, the popularity of thrift stores prompts questions about “guilt‐free” shopping, disposal, and unequal south–north trajectories of consumption.
Wollstonecraft, Mary (1759–1797)
Authors: Sapiro Virginia
Published: January 2023

Mary Wollstonecraft (1759–1797) was one of the first major social theorists to examine gender‐based oppression and inequality. Her work, based in early liberal theoretical traditions, did not just focus on the status of and relations between women and men, but placed gender relations in a framework of understanding various bases of inequality and oppression. She developed a political psychology through which we can understand the relationship of oppressor and oppressed to inequality, as well as the challenges of societal transformation. She offers a theory of education and socialization to explain both current problems and likely solutions.
Moderate‐Intensity Exercise Maintains Redox Homeostasis for Cardiovascular Health
Authors: Jiang Jizong , Ni Lingyan , Zhang Xinxin , Gokulnath Priyanka , Vulugundam Gururaja , Li Guoping , Wang Hongyun , Xiao Junjie
Published: January 2023

It is well known that exercise is beneficial for cardiovascular health. Oxidative stress is the common pathological basis of many cardiovascular diseases. The overproduction of free radicals, both reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species, can lead to redox imbalance and exacerbate oxidative damage to the cardiovascular system. Maintaining redox homeostasis and enhancing anti‐oxidative capacity are critical mechanisms by which exercise protects against cardiovascular diseases. Moderate‐intensity exercise is an effective means to maintain cardiovascular redox homeostasis. Moderate‐intensity exercise reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease by improving mitochondrial function and anti‐oxidative capacity. It also attenuates adverse cardiac remodeling and enhances cardiac function. This paper reviews the primary mechanisms of moderate‐intensity exercise‐mediated redox homeostasis in the cardiovascular system. Exploring the role of exercise‐mediated redox homeostasis in the cardiovascular system is of great significance to the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
Dynamically Tunable Optical Cavities with Embedded Nematic Liquid Crystalline Networks
Authors: Zubritskaya Irina , Cichelero Rafael , Faniayeu Ihar , Martella Daniele , Nocentini Sara , Rudquist Per , Wiersma Diederik Sybolt , Brongersma Mark L.
Published: January 2023

Tunable metal–insulator–metal (MIM) Fabry–Pérot (FP) cavities that can dynamically control light enable novel sensing, imaging and display applications. However, the realization of dynamic cavities incorporating stimuli‐responsive materials poses a significant engineering challenge. Current approaches rely on refractive index modulation and suffer from low dynamic tunability, high losses, and limited spectral ranges, and require liquid and hazardous materials for operation. To overcome these challenges, a new tuning mechanism employing reversible mechanical adaptations of a polymer network is proposed, and dynamic tuning of optical resonances is demonstrated. Solid‐state temperature‐responsive optical coatings are developed by preparing a monodomain nematic liquid crystalline network (LCN) and are incorporated between metallic mirrors to form active optical microcavities. LCN microcavities offer large, reversible and highly linear spectral tuning of FP resonances reaching wavelength‐shifts up to 40 nm via thermomechanical actuation while featuring outstanding repeatability and precision over more than 100 heating–cooling cycles. This degree of tunability allows for reversible switching between the reflective and the absorbing states of the device over the entire visible and near‐infrared spectral regions, reaching large changes in reflectance with modulation efficiency ΔR = 79%.
Bubbling of Ferrofluid Droplets via Coupled Magnetic and Sound Fields
Authors: Liu Kangqi , Gao Yuan , Tang Xiuxing , Zhang Yongjian , Bai Xiaojun , Zang Duyang
Published: January 2023

Bubbles play essential roles in many natural and industrial processes because of the unique effects of their films on heat–mass transfer and their soft confined geometry for interfacial assembly or phase transitions. Here, a technique for noncontact bubbling via coupling of sound and magnetic fields in acoustic levitation is reported. An acoustically levitated ferrofluid droplet can be transformed into a closed bubble in a controlled manner. It has been found that the magnetic field pulls the flattened ferrofluid film downward, and making it deviate from its initial levitation position determined by the balance between acoustic radiation force and gravity. This results in variation in acoustic radiation pressure on the film surface and generates an upwards torque on the levitated film, leading to buckling and subsequent bubble transition via acoustic resonance. Moreover, the levitated ferrofluid bubble can remain unburst in the sound field for minutes to enable its complete evaporation; thus, solid hollow shells form. This work provides insight for understanding the coupled effect of sound and magnetic fields on ferrofluid drops and sheds light on evaporation‐driven self‐assembly of ferrofluid particles into shell structures
Electrostatic Induction Nanogenerator Boosted by One‐Dimensional Metastructure: Application to Energy and Information Transmitting Smart Tag System
Authors: Choi Geon‐Ju , Sohn Sang‐Hyun , Park Il‐Kyu
Published: January 2023

The recent application of the internet of things demands the ubiquitous utilization of data and electrical power. Even with the development of a wide variety of energy‐harvesting technologies, few studies have reported a device transporting electrical energy and data simultaneously. This paper reports an electrostatic induction nanogenerator (ESING) consisting of a one‐dimensional metastructure that can modulate the output voltage based on the resonance of ultrasound waves to transmit energy and data simultaneously. The ESING device is fabricated using electronegative poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) membrane using a phase inversion process. The output voltage from the ESING device exhibits periodic resonant peaks as the gap between the PVDF membrane and the Al electrode changes, showing an up to 35‐fold difference between the maximum and minimum output voltages depending on the resonance state. The energy and electrical signal can be transmitted simultaneously in free space because the ESING converts energy from high‐frequency ultrasound waves. This paper provides proof of concept for a data and energy‐transferable smart tag device based on ESING devices exhibiting resonant and non‐resonant states. A device consisting of four ESINGs for a 4‐bit signal is implemented to demonstrate 16 signals.
The Gut Microbiome Dynamically Associates with Host Glucose Metabolism throughout Pregnancy: Longitudinal Findings from a Matched Case‐Control Study of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Sun Zhonghan , Pan Xiong‐Fei , Li Xiao , Jiang Limiao , Hu Ping , Wang Yi , Ye Yi , Wu Ping , Zhao Bin , Xu Jianguo , Kong Mengmeng , Pu Yanni , Zhao Manying , Hu Jianying , Wang Jinfeng , Chen Guo‐Chong , Yuan Changzheng , Yu Yongfu , Gao Xiang , Zhao Fangqing , Pan An , Zheng Yan
Published: January 2023

Though gut microbiome disturbance may be involved in the etiology of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), data on the gut microbiome's dynamic change during pregnancy and associations with gestational glucose metabolism are still inadequate. In this prospective study comprising 120 pairs of GDM patients and matched pregnant controls, a decrease in the diversity of gut microbial species and changes in the microbial community composition with advancing gestation are found in controls, while no such trends are observed in GDM patients. Multivariable analysis identifies 10 GDM‐related species (e.g., Alistipes putredinis), and the integrated associations of these species with glycemic traits are modified by habitual intake of fiber‐rich plant foods. In addition, the microbial metabolic potentials related to fiber fermentation (e.g., mannan degradation pathways) and their key enzymes consistently emerge as associated with both GDM status and glycemic traits. Microbial features especially those involved in fiber fermentation, provide an incremental predictive value in a prediction model with established risk factors of GDM. These data suggest that the gut microbiome remodeling with advancing gestation is different in GDM patients compared with controls, and dietary fiber fermentation contributes to the influence of gut microbiome on gestational glycemic regulation.
Current‐Induced Reversible Split of Elliptically Distorted Skyrmions in Geometrically Confined Fe3Sn2 Nanotrack
Authors: Hou Zhipeng , Wang Qingping , Zhang Qiang , Zhang Senfu , Zhang Chenhui , Zhou Guofu , Gao Xingsen , Zhao Guoping , Zhang Xixiang , Wang Wenhong , Liu Junming
Published: January 2023

Skyrmions are swirling spin textures with topological characters promising for future spintronic applications. Skyrmionic devices typically rely on the electrical manipulation of skyrmions with a circular shape. However, manipulating elliptically distorted skyrmions can lead to numerous exotic magneto‐electrical functions distinct from those of conventional circular skyrmions, significantly broadening the capability to design innovative spintronic devices. Despite the promising potential, its experimental realization so far remains elusive. In this study, the current‐driven dynamics of the elliptically distorted skyrmions in geometrically confined magnet Fe3Sn2 is experimentally explored. This study finds that the elliptical skyrmions can reversibly split into smaller‐sized circular skyrmions at a current density of 3.8 × 1010 A m−2 with the current injected along their minor axis. Combined experiments with micromagnetic simulations reveal that this dynamic behavior originates from a delicate interplay of the spin‐transfer torque, geometrical confinement, and pinning effect, and strongly depends on the ratio of the major axis to the minor axis of the elliptical skyrmions. The results indicate that the morphology is a new degree of freedom for manipulating the current‐driven dynamics of skyrmions, providing a compelling route for the future development of spintronic devices.
Stretchable, Ultratough, and Intrinsically Self‐Extinguishing Elastomers with Desirable Recyclability
Authors: Xue Yijiao , Lin Jinyou , Wan Tao , Luo Yanlong , Ma Zhewen , Zhou Yonghong , Tuten Bryan T. , Zhang Meng , Tao Xinyong , Song Pingan
Published: January 2023

Advanced elastomers are increasingly used in emerging areas, for example, flexible electronics and devices, and these real‐world applications often require elastomers to be stretchable, tough and fire safe. However, to date there are few successes in achieving such a performance portfolio due to their different governing mechanisms. Herein, a stretchable, supertough, and self‐extinguishing polyurethane elastomers by introducing dynamic π–π stacking motifs and phosphorus‐containing moieties are reported. The resultant elastomer shows a large break strain of ≈2260% and a record‐high toughness (ca. 460 MJ m−3), which arises from its dynamic microphase‐separated microstructure resulting in increased entropic elasticity, and strain‐hardening at large strains. The elastomer also exhibits a self‐extinguishing ability thanks to the presence of both phosphorus‐containing units and π–π stacking interactions. Its promising applications as a reliable yet recyclable substrate for strain sensors are demonstrated. The work will help to expedite next‐generation sustainable advanced elastomers for flexible electronics and devices applications.
Incorporating Ethylene Oxide Functionalized Inorganic Particles to Solid Polymer Electrolytes for Enhanced Mechanical Stability and Electrochemical Performance
Authors: Bae Hyo Won , Suk Jungdon , Park Ho Seok , Kim Dong Wook
Published: January 2023

Solid‐state batteries based on polymer electrolytes attract increasing interest owing to their high feasibility of roll‐to‐roll mass production. However, the mechanical strength of polymer electrolytes is not sufficient to suppress the formation of lithium dendrites, leading to early capacity fading. Many researchers have attempted to reinforce polymer electrolytes by adding inorganic particles, but insufficient compatibility between the particles and electrolytes can cause particles to agglomerate, deteriorating the mechanical stability of the resulting hybrid electrolytes. Herein, surface‐functionalized inorganic particles are used to prepare hybrid polymer electrolytes (HPEs). The surface of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) nanoparticles is chemically modified by an organic material containing an ethylene oxide (EO) group. The EO group on the functionalized Al2O3 (F‐Al2O3) enables uniform dispersion of the nanoparticles in the EO polymer electrolytes and improves the ionic conductivity and electrochemical stability. The nanoindentation measurements show that the hybrid polymer electrolytes with F‐Al2O3 (HPE‐F‐Al2O3) have enhanced stiffness. The electrochemical stability and ionic conductivity of the polymer electrolytes also benefit from incorporating F‐Al2O3. As a result, a lithium polymer battery with Li anode, LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 (NCM622) cathode, and HPE‐F‐Al2O3 electrolyte demonstrates stable long‐term cycling with a capacity retention of up to 87% over 100 cycles.
Water absorption in hollow glass microsphere composites under hydrostatic pressure: Mechanisms and influencing parameters
Authors: Loubrieu Gauthier , Gall Maelenn Le , Priour Daniel , Stewart Gregg , Melot Denis , Gac Pierre‐Yves Le
Published: January 2023

Hollow glass microsphere composites, or syntactic foams, are widely used in marine environments due to their buoyancy. However, in service, loss of buoyancy occurs along time. This behavior is attributed to water absorption that leads to a mass increase of the material. This study investigates the water absorption of three types of syntactic foams under hydrostatic pressure with density ranging from 0.59 to 0.74 g. cm−3. Water absorption measurements are performed for a maximal duration of 3 years and under hydrostatic pressure up to 700 bars. Results show that water absorption is much higher than expected and attributed to the filling of microspheres that collapse over time. Based on results presented here, prediction of water absorption syntactic foams is proposed including the impact of applied hydrostatic pressure. This prediction allows estimating the buoyancy loss in hollow glass microsphere composite as a function of time, depth and sample size.
The Future of Reverse Osmosis Optimization, Part 1: Intelligent Water
Authors: Alspach Brent , Abada Bilal , Chellam Shankar
Published: January 2023

Key Takeaways

Desalination is a widely used process in the universal drive to create new water supplies, with systems frequently turning to reverse osmosis (RO) as an affordable treatment technology.

Intelligent water models, which use advanced algorithms to analyze large amounts of diverse data, can work in tandem with membrane forensics to boost RO systems’ efficiency.

Membrane fouling is a prime candidate for the benefits of intelligent water technologies, which could allow for real‐time analysis and control.

Machine learning could gain a foothold in water treatment as its capabilities evolve and applications are understood and accepted.
Drinking Water Emergency Planning and Response in New Hampshire
Authors: Cramton Megan , Berg Sara , Bixler Taler S. , Huang Jingyan , Mo Weiwei
Published: January 2023

Key Takeaways

Eight drinking water industry professionals in New Hampshire were interviewed about their roles and attitudes regarding decision‐making in emergency planning and response.

Among the participants, concerns and priorities differed about frequent, well‐understood emergencies and less likely emergencies that had not been previously experienced.

There was consensus in terms of the importance of networking and knowing other stakeholders’ capabilities as well as the overall benefits of emergency planning and asset management.
BMP‐2/TGF‐β1 gene insertion into ligament‐derived stem cells sheet promotes tendon–bone healing in a mouse
Authors: Wei Bing , Li Zhuang , Lin Yucheng , Hu Xinyue , Xu Li , Wang Shanzheng , Ji Mingliang , Lu Jun
Published: January 2023

Bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2) and transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) reportedly induce the osteogenic and tenogenic differentiation of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)‐derived stem cells (LDSCs), respectively. However, few studies have investigated the effect of BMP‐2/TGF‐β1 on the differentiation of LDSC. We developed a BMP‐2/TGF‐β1 gene insertion into an LDSC cell sheet that promotes tendon–bone healing in a mouse ACL reconstruction (ACLR) model.

CD34+ LDSCs were isolated from human ACL stump tissues, virally transduced to express BMP‐2 or TGF‐β1, and then embedded within cell sheets. All mice underwent ACLR using an autograft wrapped with a cell sheet and were randomly divided into three groups: BMP‐2‐, TGF‐β1‐, and BMP‐2/TGF‐β1‐transduced. At 4 and 8 weeks, tendon–bone healing was evaluated by micro‐CT, biomechanical test, and histological analysis. BMP‐2 and TGF‐β1 promoted the osteogenic and tenogenic differentiation of LDSC in vitro. BMP‐2/TGF‐β1‐transduced LDSC sheet application contributed to early improvement in mean failure load and graft stiffness, accelerated maturation of the tendon–bone junction, and inhibited bone tunnel widening. Furthermore, reduced M1 macrophage infiltration and a higher M2 macrophage percentage were observed in the BMP‐2/TGF‐β1‐transduced LDSC group.

This work demonstrated that BMP‐2 and TGF‐β1 promoted CD34+ LDSCs osteogenic and tenogenic differentiation in vitro and in vivo, which accelerated the tendon–bone healing after ACLR using autografts wrapped with cell sheets in a mouse model.
Cancer‐related knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors among Hispanic/Latino residents of Indiana
Authors: Espinoza‐Gutarra Manuel R. , Rawl Susan M. , Maupome Gerardo , O'Leary Heather A. , Valenzuela Robin E. , Malloy Caeli , Golzarri‐Arroyo Lilian , Parker Erik , Haunert Laura , Haggstrom David A.
Published: January 2023

Background

Cancer is the leading cause of death for Hispanics in the USA. Screening and prevention reduce cancer morbidity and mortality.

Methods

This study administered a cross‐sectional web‐based survey to self‐identified Hispanic residents in the state of Indiana to assess their cancer‐related knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors, as well as to identify what factors might be associated with cancer screening and prevention. Chi‐square and Fisher's exact test were used to compare associations and logistic regression used to develop both univariate and multivariate regression models.

Results

A total of 1520 surveys were completed, median age of respondents was 53, 52% identified as men, 50.9% completed the survey in Spanish, and 60.4% identified the USA as their country of birth. Most were not able to accurately identify ages to begin screening for breast, colorectal, or lung cancer, and there were significant differences in cancer knowledge by education level. US‐born individuals with higher income and education more often believed they were likely to develop cancer and worry about getting cancer. Sixty eight percent of respondents were up‐to‐date with colorectal, 44% with breast, and 61% with cervical cancer screening. Multivariate models showed that higher education, lack of fatalism, older age, lower household income, and unmarried status were associated with cervical cancer screening adherence.

Conclusions

Among a Hispanic population in the state of Indiana, factors associated with cervical cancer screening adherence were similar to the general population, with the exceptions of income and marital status. Younger Hispanic individuals were more likely to be adherent with breast and colorectal cancer screening, and given the higher incidence of cancer among older individuals, these results should guide future research and targeted outreach.
Classification tree analysis to evaluate the most useful magnetic resonance image type in the differentiation between early and progressed hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Ichinohe Fumihito , Komatsu Daisuke , Yamada Akira , Aonuma Takanori , Sakai Ayumi , Shimizu Marika , Kurozumi Masahiro , Shimizu Akira , Soejima Yuji , Uehara Takeshi , Fujinaga Yasunari
Published: January 2023

Aim

Using classification tree analysis, we evaluated the most useful magnetic resonance (MR) image type in the differentiation between early and progressed hepatocellular carcinoma (eHCC and pHCC).

Methods

We included pathologically proven 214 HCCs (28 eHCCs and 186 pHCCs) in 144 patients. The signal intensity of HCCs was assessed on in‐phase (T1in) and opposed‐phase T1‐weighted images (T1op), ultrafast T2‐weighted images (ufT2WI), fat‐saturated T2‐weighted images (fsT2WI), diffusion‐weighted images (DWI), contrast enhanced T1‐weighted images in the arterial phase (AP), portal venous phase (PVP), and the hepatobiliary phase. Fat content and washout were also evaluated. Fisher's exact test was performed to evaluate usefulness for the differentiation. Then, we chose MR images using binary logistic regression analysis and performed classification and regression tree analysis with them. Diagnostic performances of the classification tree were evaluated using a stratified 10‐fold cross‐validation method.

Results

T1in, ufT2WI, fsT2WI, DWI, AP, PVP, fat content, and washout were all useful for the differentiation (p < 0.05), and AP and T1in were finally chosen for creating classification trees (p < 0.05). AP appeared in the first node in the tree. The area under the curve, sensitivity and specificity for eHCC, and balanced accuracy of the classification tree were 0.83 (95% CI 0.74–0.91), 0.64 (18/28, 95% CI 0.46–0.82), 0.94 (174/186, 95% CI 0.90–0.97), and 0.79 (95% CI 0.70–0.87), respectively.

Conclusions

AP is the most useful MR image type and T1in the second in the differentiation between eHCC and pHCC.
Relationships between parental mental illness and/or offending and offspring contact with the police in childhood: Findings from a longitudinal record‐linkage study
Authors: Athanassiou Ulrika , Green Melissa J. , Tzoumakis Stacy , Whitten Tyson , Laurens Kristin R. , Harris Felicity , Carr Vaughan J. , Dean Kimberlie
Published: January 2023

Background

Parental offending and mental illness are associated with an increased risk of criminal behaviour in offspring during adolescence and adulthood, but the impact of such problems on younger children, including children's experiences of victimisation, is less well known.

Aim

To investigate the associations between parental offending and mental illness recorded prior to their offspring's age of 5 years and their offspring's contact with police as a ‘person of interest’, ‘victim’ or ‘witness’ between ages 5 and 13 years.

Methods

Our sample consisted of 72,771 children and their parents drawn from the New South Wales Child Development Study, an Australian longitudinal population‐based record linkage study. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine associations between parental factors and offspring's police contact. Separate models examined the relationships between maternal or paternal offending and mental illness, as well as the combination among either or both parents, as the independent variables, and their child's police contact as the dependent variable.

Results

Parental offending and mental illness were each individually associated with indices of police contact among offspring. Stronger associations were observed when both offending and mental illness were present together (in either parent, or when one parent had both exposures). Stronger associations were evident for mothers with both factors across all offspring police contact types, relative to fathers with both factors, in fully adjusted models; that is, children of mothers with both factors were over four times as likely to have contact with police as a ‘person of interest’ (OR = 4.29; 95% CI = 3.75–4.92) and over three times as likely to have contact as a victim (OR = 3.35; 95% CI = 3.01–3.74) or witness (OR = 3.58; 95% CI = 3.03–4.24), than children whose mothers had no history of offending or mental illness.

Conclusions

Children with a parental history of offending and mental illness in early life are at an increased likelihood of early police contact as young as 5–13 years of age; it is vital that this is taken as a signal to help them and their affected families according to need.
Repairable, Recyclable, and Regenerable Macrocycle Organic Polymer†
Authors: Liu Yifan , Chen Yuanyuan , Wu Huacan , Chen Xiaowei , Wang Donghui , Zhang Xiaocheng , Zheng Shiya , Ling Yao , Liang Baoshuai , Chen Jiamao , Dong Yu , Huang Weiguo
Published: January 2023

Comprehensive Summary

Covalent/metal organic frameworks are highly attractive due to their tunable structure and properties, and broad applications in multiple fields. However, they still suffer from numbers of drawbacks including low solubility, harsh synthesis and fabrication, and low mechanical flexibility. Herein, we report a new organic framework consisting of macrocycles and organic frames in its periodic structure, and denote it as macrocycle organic polymer (MOP). The size‐tunable macrocycles containing peripheral furan units are synthesized by anionic ring‐opening polymerization, which undergo a reversible Diels‐Alde reaction with bismaleimide to generate/degrade MOPs at given temperatures. Relying on above features, MOPs exhibit excellent flexibility, healable ability and recycle ability. Interestingly, owing to the “living” nature of anionic ring‐opening polymerization, MOPs can self‐grow into bigger sizes in the presence of monomer and catalysis, analogs to the living creatures. Moreover, their high porosity and rich thioether structure enable them as good metal ion absorbers and promising applications in wearable electronics.
What my mother taught me about leadership and life
Authors: Hodges Dawn Z.
Published: January 2023

February's column was supposed to be about honoring my mother on the occasion of her 92nd birthday. But she didn't make it to 92. She died, somewhat unexpectedly, in the early morning hours of October 25, mercifully while she slept. I was going to see her the following week. But I don't have any regrets. I spent eight weeks with her during the last year of her life. I'll tell what I learned from her, during those eight weeks and in the 64 years I knew her.
Consumption and mineral profile of Cochlospermum spp. root powder: A traditional food ingredient in Sudanian zone of Benin (West Africa)
Authors: Affonfere Marius , Chadare Flora Josiane , Madode Yann Emeric , Fassinou Finagnon Toyi Kévin , Keding Gudrun B. , Azokpota Paulin
Published: January 2023

Cochlospermum spp. root powder is widely used by local populations in Sudanian zone of Benin as food ingredient. This study aims at documenting the mineral profile of Cochlospermum spp. root powder and the consumption frequencies of foods enriched with this species in the three phytodistricts of Sudanian zone of Benin. A consumption frequency survey was conducted among 449 women of reproductive age and their children (n = 406) aged 6 to 59 months. Processing follow‐up was performed among twelve (12) selected processors per phytodistict and samples were collected for minerals (Ca, Mg, Na, P, Fe, Zn, Cu, and Mn) analysis. Results showed that most (>75%) women and their children consumed foods enriched with Cochlospermum spp. root powder at least two times per day. The mineral contents (expect Ca and P) of Cochlospermum spp. root powder do not vary significantly according to phytodistricts. High mineral content was obtained for iron (54.1 ± 21.5 mg/100 g dry weight) and calcium (573.7 ± 98 and 802.5 ± 49.9 mg/100 g dry weight, respectively in Atacora Chain and Northern Borgou phytodistricts). Cochlospermum spp. root powder could be used to alleviate iron and calcium deficiencies among populations. Further studies should focus on the bioavailability of minerals and anti‐nutrients content of this plant food.
Effect of postmortem pH on the physical, biochemical, and sensory characteristics of bovine longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscle
Authors: Khatri Yunus , Huff‐Lonergan Elisabeth
Published: January 2023

From a large feeding trial study consisting of 299 bulls and steers, 15 carcasses exhibited stress‐related syndromes manifested by atypical color and pH which were then selected for subsequent analysis. Samples of longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscle with postmortem pH in the range of 5.5–6.9 were subjected to a 14‐day aging period at 2°C. Sensory panel tenderness, connective tissue, juiciness, and flavor intensity of high pH (6.4–6.9) meat were significantly different (p < .05) from samples of intermediate pH (6.0–6.1) as well as normal pH (5.5). Muscles at pH 6.0–6.1 were the toughest samples. This was confirmed by Warner–Bratzler shear force (WBSF), residual force, and myofibril fragmentation index. Palatability attributes of normal pH (5.5) samples were significantly different (p < .05) from dark‐cutting beef in terms of tenderness and flavor and at the high pH extreme. The increase in WBSF at pH 6.0–6.1, lack of extensive degradation of muscle proteins, and the decreased sarcomere length resulted in tougher meat than low or high pH muscles. Sodium dodecyl‐sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of meat at the high pH extreme (6.7–6.9) revealed that the breakdown of troponin‐T to 30 kD was complete while at intermediate pH (6.0–6.1) was incomplete. In addition, the appearance of a ‘doublet’ on high‐molecular‐weight resolution gels may also account for the greater tenderness experienced by sensory panelists.
P–N Heterojunction System Eu‐Doped ZnO@GO for Photocatalytic Water Splitting
Authors: Gurbani Neeta , Chouhan Neelu
Published: January 2023

Here, a feather‐like Eu‐doped ZnO (particle size ≈ 34.87 µm and Eg ≈ 3.13 eV) nanoassembly is synthesized by using the capping agent cetyltrimethylammonium bromide‐supported hydrothermal method. The Eu‐doped ZnO is loaded onto the graphene oxide (GO) surface as Eu‐doped ZnO@GO (particle size ≈ 23.07 µm and Eg ≈ 0.79 eV) and applied to measure the photocatalytic water splitting activity in 20% CH3OH under a 300 W Xe light source. Eu‐doped ZnO@GO exhibits the higher hydrogen generation activity of 255.8 µmol h−1 g−1 that is 159 and 1.5 times more than the pristine GO and Eu‐doped ZnO systems, respectively. Eu‐doped ZnO enhances the photocatalytic activity of GO because the p–n junction formed between GO and Eu‐doped ZnO might support the charge‐transfer and suppress charge recombination. The light harvesting power of Eu‐doped ZnO@GO makes the charge transfer smooth through the GO network. Surface photovoltage and electrochemical impedance studies of the Eu‐doped ZnO@GO composite, reveal that GO acts as the p‐type semiconductor and Eu‐doped ZnO works as an n‐type semiconductor and their interface facilitates the p–n junction to ease charge separation and results in enhanced the water‐splitting efficiency.