bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How the Cobalt Position in the Keggin Anion Impacts the Activity of Tungstate Catalysts in the Furfural Acetalization with Alkyl Alcohols
Authors: da Silva Marcio José , de Andrade da Silva Pedro Henrique , Ferreira Sukarno Olavo , da Silva Rene Chagas , Brusiquezi Carlos Giovani Oliveira
Published: January 2022

Keggin heteropolyacids (HPAs) comprise a class of versatile catalysts, which have properties that can be easily adjusted through modification in their structure, such as the protons exchange, the removal or one or more MO unity (i. e., W or Mo) followed by doping with transition metals, or even less frequently, the substitution of heteroatom (i. e., P or Si). In this work, these effects were assessed by modifying the structure of silicotungstic acid (i. e., H4SiW12O40) with Co2+ cations. A series of Cobalt‐polyoxometalates (i. e., Co2SiW12O40, K6CoW12O40, K8SiW11O39, K6SiCoW11O39, K8CoW11CoO39) were synthesized and catalytically evaluated in furfural acetalization with alkyl alcohols. Spectroscopy analyses (i. e., UV‐Vis, FT‐IR, EDS), powder X‐ray diffraction patterns, scan electronic microscopy images, surface area, porosity, and thermal analyses provided the main physicochemical properties of the synthesized salts. Acidity properties were assessed by potentiometric titration and adsorbed Py‐FT‐IR spectroscopy. The impact of temperature, nature, and catalyst loading, and type of alcohol were investigated. The K6CoW12O40 salt was the most active and selective catalyst. We paid special attention to correlating the catalyst activity with its composition and properties.
Recent Advances in the Synthesis of Coumarin and Its Derivatives by Using Aryl Propiolates
Authors: Sharma Deepika , Dhayalan Vasudevan , Chatterjee Rana , Khatravath Mahender , Dandela Rambabu
Published: January 2022

Coumarins (2H‐1‐benzopyran‐2‐one) are a class of natural products extracted from plant with a broad range of biological activities like antitubercular, anti‐inflammatory, anticancer, anticonvulsant, neuroprotective, antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial, antihyperglycemic, anticoagulant, antihypertensive, antiadipogenic, and antioxidant, effects. Therefore, the synthesis of coumarin and its derivatives has become amongst the most attractive compounds over the last two decades in the growth of improved synthetic methods to form various coumarins derivatives. Amongst the reported methods for the construction of coumarins, the pendant arylpropiolate scaffolds served as a highly appealing precursor for coumarins in a single step. This review article describes recent updates on the construction of coumarins using arylpropiolate as substrates.
Synthesis of Tricyclic Methyl Cyclopentapyridopyrimidin‐6‐carboxylates and Cyclopentaimidazopyridin‐6‐carboxylates from Genipin
Authors: Chiang Chia‐Yin , Zeng Wei‐Zheng , Chung Cheng‐Yen , Tseng Ching‐Chun , Li Sin‐Min , Hu Yu‐Pei , Huang Guan‐Jhong , Tsai Shuo‐En , Wong Fung Fuh
Published: January 2022

An effective one‐pot reaction was successfully developed for the synthesis of tricyclic methyl cyclopentapyridopyrimidin‐6‐carboxylates and cyclopentaimidazopyridin‐6‐carboxylates from genipin with a variety of diamines, including aliphatic, sterically hindered substituted and N‐substituted diamines, and cyclohexane‐1,2‐diamine under nitrogen atmosphere. The tricyclic and tetracyclic methyl cyclopentapyridopyrimidin‐6‐carboxylate or cyclopentaimidazopyridin‐6‐carboxylate were successfully afforded in good to excellent yields. This facile and efficient one‐pot reaction involved N‐substitution reaction, cyclization, sequential dehydration, and final N‐substitution reaction in four‐step reactions. The reactivity tendency of diamines was also determined from the isolated yields of products in this work. On the other hands, we also evaluated genipin with amines and diamines under air atmosphere to determine the potential colour variation range areas. Fortunately, we firstly isolated the unstable methyl dihydro‐2H‐cyclopenta[c]pyridine‐4‐carboxylate intermediates 3 a–b and assigned by simple spectrum analysis technique.
Four Phosphonium‐based Ionic Liquids. Synthesis, Characterization and Electrochemical Performance as Electrolytes for Silicon Anodes
Authors: Sánchez‐Ramírez Nedher , Monje Ivonne E. , Martins Vitor L. , Bélanger Daniel , Camargo Pedro H. C. , Torresi Roberto M.
Published: January 2022

Herein, we describe the synthesis, characterization and electrochemical performance of four phosphonium‐based ionic liquids (ILs) as electrolytes, Physicochemical properties such as viscosity, density, ionic conductivity, and thermal stability of ILs and conventional organic solvent ethylene carbonate (EC)/diethyl carbonate (DEC) were experimentally determined at different temperatures. All ILs showed thermal stability greater than 300 °C, surpassing the stability of the conventional organic solvent, whose flash points were 145 and 23 °C for EC and DEC, respectively. Nevertheless, at room temperature, all ILs are much more viscous than EC/DEC. The composite Si ‐[P2224][FSI] (triethyl‐n‐butylphosphonium bis(fluoromethylsulfonyl)imide) and Si‐EC/DEC anodes exhibit initial specific capacities at 0.15 A/g of 2409 and 2631 mAh/g, respectively. This demonstrates that despite the inferior transport properties of ILs, short alkyl‐substituted phosphonium ILs like [P2224][FSI] are potentially competitive for the new generation of electrolytes for LIBs. NMR, DSC, TGA, and galvanostatic discharged/charged were used as characterization techniques.
Fabrication of Biomaterials and Biostructures Based On Microfluidic Manipulation
Authors: Zheng Wenchen , Xie Ruoxiao , Liang Xiaoping , Liang Qionglin
Published: January 2022

Biofabrication technologies are of importance for the construction of organ models and functional tissue replacements. Microfluidic manipulation, a promising biofabrication technique with micro‐scale resolution, can not only help to realize the fabrication of specific microsized structures but also build biomimetic microenvironments for biofabricated tissues. Therefore, microfluidic manipulation has attracted attention from researchers in the manipulation of particles and cells, biochemical analysis, tissue engineering, disease diagnostics, and drug discovery. Herein, biofabrication based on microfluidic manipulation technology is reviewed. The application of microfluidic manipulation technology in the manufacturing of biomaterials and biostructures with different dimensions and the control of the microenvironment is summarized. Finally, current challenges are discussed and a prospect of microfluidic manipulation technology is given. The authors hope this review can provide an overview of microfluidic manipulation technologies used in biofabrication and thus steer the current efforts in this field.
Epitaxial Growth of High‐Energy Copper Facets for Promoting Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Ji Li‐Ping , Feng Yi , Cheng Chuan‐Qi , Li Zhe , Guan Wei , He Bin , Liu Zhe , Mao Jing , Zheng Shi‐Jian , Dong Cun‐Ku , Zhang Yang‐Yang , Liu Hui , Cui Lei , Du Xi‐Wen
Published: January 2022

Copper is known as a conductive metal but an inert catalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction due to its inappropriate electronic structure. In this work, an active copper catalyst is prepared with high‐energy surfaces by adopting the friction stir welding (FSW) technique. FSW can mix the immiscible Fe and Cu materials homogenously and heat them to a high temperature. Resultantly, α‐Fe transforms into γ‐Fe, and low‐energy γ‐Fe (100) and (110) surfaces induce the epitaxial growth of high‐energy Cu (110) and (100) planes, respectively. After the removal of γ‐Fe by acid etching, the copper electrode exposes high‐energy surface and exhibits excellent acidic HER activity, even being superior to Pt foil at high current densities (>66 mA cm−2). Density functional theory calculation reveals that the high‐energy surface favors the adsorption of hydrogen intermediate, thus accelerating the hydrogen evolution reaction. The epitaxial growth induced by FSW opens a new avenue toward engineering high‐performance catalysts. In addition, FSW makes it possible to massively fabricate low‐cost catalyst, which is advantageous to industrial application.
The causal effect of free trade agreements on the trade margins: Product‐level evidence from geographically distant partners
Authors: Cho Sang‐Wook (Stanley) , Choi Hansoo , Díaz Julián P.
Published: January 2022

We estimate the causal effects of free trade agreements (FTAs) on the trade margins by focusing on recent agreements involving geographically distant partners. Using border‐sharing countries as controls, our product‐level difference‐in‐differences estimates reveal that FTAs had positive and significant effects, with the extensive margin accounting for around half of the export growth. In terms of timing, the intensive margin effects preceded those of the extensive margin. At the sectoral level, our results indicate that the extensive margin drove export growth in sectors with differentiated products, whereas export growth in sectors with homogeneous products was due to the intensive margin.
Effect of Ball‐Milled Rice Starch and Other Functional Ingredients on Quality Attributes of Rice‐Based Dough and Noodles
Authors: González Luciana Carla , Loubes Maria Ana , Tolaba Marcela Patricia
Published: January 2022

Rice starch is modified by planetary ball milling. Its application as a functional ingredient in gluten‐free noodles is studied. Ten formulations based on rice flour, ball‐milled rice starch (BMRS), whole egg powder (E), and guar gum (G) are proposed to study the effect of mixture design on the technological aptitude of dough as well as on the mechanical and cooking performance of noodles. The technological quality of dough is favored by the addition of BMRS, since it confers cohesiveness. All doughs containing gum meet all the required technological attributes. The mechanical performance of cooked pasta is improved largely when guar gum and egg are incorporated into the formulation. Strength and extension values remain acceptable when the replacement of rice flour by modified starch is within 6.25–12.5%. Water absorption (WA) increase significantly (values greater than 100%) when noodles contain egg. However, the addition of egg also increase the cooking loss (CL). In contrast, guar gum allows obtaining minimum cooking loss values. The best cooking parameters are obtained with the combination of egg, gum, and modified starch (up to 12.5% of substitution), a mixture that also meet the technological and texture requirements.
Our journey of developing dual‐emitting metal‐organic framework‐based fluorescent sensors
Authors: Xia Tifeng , Zhang Jun
Published: January 2022

Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) provide broad prospects for the development of various types of luminescence sensors due to their versatile structures and tunable luminescence characteristics. In order to overcome the main drawbacks of single‐emission luminescence sensors, such as being susceptible to the fluctuation of probe concentration and interference from external conditions, the ratiometric luminescent sensors utilizing the ratio between the intensity of two emssions within the same luminescent material, have been widely developed in recent years. We are committed to designing and developing luminescent ratiometric MOF‐based sensors toward a wide range of targeted functional species. In this mini‐review article, after the general description of ratiometric luminescent sensors, we have summarized our recent advances in the strategies for synthesizing dual‐emitting MOFs and their applications for ratiometric sensing of temperature, pH, biomarkers and water, as well as the related sensing mechanisms.
Mapping Global Industrial Value Added
Authors: Song Wei , Zhu Huiyi , Li Han , Xue Qian , Liu Yuanzhe
Published: January 2022

In the research of identifying the impact of climate change on the industrial economic system, the core step is to overlay climate data and industrial economic data with the same spatiotemporal resolution and perform spatial analysis (Zhao et al. 2017).
Mapping Global GDP Exposure to Drought
Authors: Sun Fubao , Wang Tingting , Wang Hong
Published: January 2022

Accumulative evidences have shown that anthropogenic climatic changes are already influencing the frequency, magnitude, and duration of droughts.
Some Results About the Structure of Primitivity Domains for Linear Partial Differential Operators with Constant Coefficients
Authors: Delladio S.
Published: January 2022

Let G(D) be a linear partial differential operator on $${\mathbb {R}}^n$$

R

n

, with constant coefficients. Moreover let $$\Omega \subset {\mathbb {R}}^n$$

Ω
⊂

R

n

be open and $$F\in L^1_{\text {loc}} (\Omega , {\mathbb {C}}^N)$$

F
∈

L
loc
1

(
Ω
,

C

N

)

. Then any set of the form $$\begin{aligned} A_{f,F}:= \{ x\in \Omega \, \vert \, (G(D)f)(x)=F(x)\}, \text { with }f\in W^{g,1}_{\text {loc}}(\Omega , {\mathbb {C}}^k) \end{aligned}$$

A

f
,
F

:
=

{
x
∈
Ω

|

(
G

(
D
)

f
)

(
x
)

=
F

(
x
)

}

,

with

f
∈

W
loc

g
,
1

(
Ω
,

C

k

)

is said to be a G-primitivity domain of F. We provide some results about the structure of G-primitivity domains of F at the points of the (suitably defined) G-nonintegrability set of F. A Lusin type theorem for G(D) is also provided. Finally, we give applications to the Maxwell type system and to the multivariate Cauchy-Riemann system.
Notfall-Neuropädiatrie – Der arteriell ischämische Schlaganfall als einer der zeitkritischsten Notfälle bei Kindern und Jugendlichen
Authors: Gerstl Lucia , Olivieri M. , Heinen F. , Bidlingmaier C. , Schroeder A. S. , Reiter K. , Hoffmann F. , Kurnik K. , Liebig T. , Trumm C. G. , Haas N. A. , Jakob A. , Borggraefe I.
Published: January 2022

Der arteriell ischämische Schlaganfall im Kindes- und Jugendalter gehört zu den zeitkritischsten Notfällen in der Pädiatrie. Dennoch wird er häufig mit einer oft prognostisch relevanten Zeitverzögerung diagnostiziert. Gründe dafür liegen neben der geringen Awareness auch in der zuweilen unspezifischen klinischen Präsentation mit einer herausfordernden Breite kritischer Differenzialdiagnosen sowie in der Fläche noch wenig verzahnter Akutversorgungsstrukturen. Gleichwohl zeigen grundsätzlich die beim Erwachsenen etablierten Revaskularisationsstrategien auch beim Kind ihre möglichen, zum Teil spektakulären Erfolge. Es gilt also, diese nach Möglichkeit auch den betroffenen Kindern zur Verfügung zu stellen, auch wenn hier derzeit ein nicht annähernd vergleichbarer Grad an Evidenz erreicht ist. Postakut ist die ätiologische Aufarbeitung durch die größere Bandbreite zu bedenkender Risikofaktoren besonders komplex, muss aber in der Lage sein, das individuelle Risikoprofil mit Sekundärprophylaxe, Rezidivrisiko und Outcome präzise zu identifizieren. Die Langzeitbetreuung im multiprofessionellen, interdisziplinären Team muss die biopsychosozialen Aspekte des Kindes in seiner jeweiligen Entwicklungsphase berücksichtigen und damit eine bestmögliche Integration des Kindes in sein soziales und schulisches, später berufliches Umfeld realisieren.
Analytical model for predicting tool wear in orthogonal machining of unidirectional carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP)
Authors: Seeholzer Lukas , Krammer Thomas , Saeedi Parvaneh , Wegener Konrad
Published: January 2022

Progressive tool wear due to abrasive carbon fibres is one of the main issues in machining of CFRP and responsible for the short tool life. Because of occurring wear during machining, the tool’s micro-geometry changes continuously resulting in higher process forces and an increasing risk for workpiece damages. In this paper, a novel analytical model is presented in order to predict the wear-related change of the micro-geometry in orthogonal machining of CFRP depending on the fibre orientation and the initial tool geometry. For this purpose, a concept called the wear rate distribution is introduced which represents a measure to quantify the wear rate along the active micro-geometry. Based on experimental investigation, it is shown that the shape of an arbitrary wear rate distribution between two closely spaced wear states can be approximated and parameterised with a “line - curve - line” approach. Using the authors’ previously published analytical force model, the wear rate distribution can be calculated as function of five wear parameters that are used to parameterise the active micro-geometry of an arbitrary wear state. Based on an iterative solver, this is used to simulate the tool wear progression during machining. For model validation, the simulation is compared to experimental data in terms of the cutting edge profiles, the amount of worn tool material and the process forces. Accordingly, the wear model is capable to reproduce the most important wear characteristics, e.g. the cutting edge rounding, the decreasing clearance angle and the increasing contact length at the flank face.
Augmented classification for electrical coil winding defects
Authors: Farnsworth Michael , Tiwari Divya , Zhang Ze , Jewell Geraint W. , Tiwari Ashutosh
Published: January 2022

A green revolution has accelerated over the recent decades with a look to replace existing transportation power solutions through the adoption of greener electrical alternatives. In parallel the digitisation of manufacturing has enabled progress in the tracking and traceability of processes and improvements in fault detection and classification. This paper explores electrical machine manufacture and the challenges faced in identifying failures modes during this life cycle through the demonstration of state-of-the-art machine vision methods for the classification of electrical coil winding defects. We demonstrate how recent generative adversarial networks can be used to augment training of these models to further improve their accuracy for this challenging task. Our approach utilises pre-processing and dimensionality reduction to boost performance of the model from a standard convolutional neural network (CNN) leading to a significant increase in accuracy.
Cost-effectiveness of 12 months of capecitabine as adjuvant chemotherapy for stage III colon cancer: preplanned cost-effectiveness analysis of the JFMC37-0801 study
Authors: Shibahara Hidetoshi , Shiroiwa Takeru , Ishiguro Megumi , Nakamura Masato , Hasegawa Junichi , Yamaguchi Shigeki , Masuda Yuriko , Sakamoto Junichi , Tomita Naohiro , Fukuda Takashi
Published: January 2022

Objectives

We evaluated the cost-effectiveness of a 12-month regimen of oral capecitabine versus a standard 6-month regimen as postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy for stage III colon cancer.

Methods

We utilized patient-level data from a multi-institutional randomized controlled trial (JFMC37-0801) that investigated prolonged oral fluoropyrimidine monotherapy. The analysis considered three health states: stable disease, post-metastasis, and death. A parametric statistical model with a cure model was used to estimate the survival curve. The analysis was conducted from the Japanese public healthcare payer’s perspective, considering only direct medical costs. A lifetime horizon was used, with a discount rate of 2% for both cost and health outcomes. Health outcomes were evaluated in terms of quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs).

Results

The estimated cure rates for colon cancer were 0.726 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.676–0.776] and 0.694 (95% CI 0.655–0.733) with the 12- and 6-month regimens, respectively; and the estimated 5-year relapse-free survival rates were 74.4% and 69.8%, respectively. The estimated lifetime cost for 12 months of capecitabine was JPY 3.365 million (USD 31,159), compared with JPY 3.376 million (USD 31,262) for 6 months. The estimated QALY were 12.48 and 11.77 for the 12- and 6-month regimens, respectively. Thus, the 12-month capecitabine regimen was dominant. Using a willingness-to-pay threshold of JPY 5 million per QALY, we determined a 97.4% probability that the 12-month capecitabine regimen is more cost-effective than the 6-month regimen.

Conclusions

Twelve months of capecitabine is the favorable option for postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy for stage III colon cancer from the perspective of cost-effectiveness.
Promoting the effect of microbubble-enhanced ultrasound on hyperthermia in rabbit liver
Authors: Yang Yuwen , Luo Huanqian , Zhao Yang , Li Lu , He Yan , Xi Fen , Jin Hai , Gao Ruru , Luo Qiong , Liu Jianhua
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The heat-sink effect is one reason for the insufficient temperature increase in hyperthermia (HT) treatment for cancer. Microbubbles (MBs) nucleate inertial cavitation under therapeutic ultrasound (TUS) exposure, which form microbubble-enhanced ultrasound (MEUS), which results in blocking blood perfusion in the targeted liver tissues. This study aimed to determine if synergistic effects exist during HT in the liver when combined with MEUS.

Methods

Forty rabbits with surgically exposed livers were randomly divided into TUS + MB + HT, MB + HT, normal saline + HT, and MB + sham groups (n = 10 in each group). Liver perfusion was evaluated using contrast-enhanced ultrasound. The temperatures of the liver tissues were monitored using thermocouples. Pathological changes were determined by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Serum hepatic transaminases were evaluated.

Results

MEUS pretreatment almost completely blocked the perfusion of targeted areas. The TUS + MB + HT and MB + HT groups showed significantly higher temperatures in treated areas than those in the other groups. However, the TUS + MB + HT group exhibited a more stable and regular increase in temperatures in the fitting curves compared with the MB + HT group. H&E staining revealed swelling hepatocytes, hemorrhage, and thrombosis in the portal area in the TUS + MB + HT group.

Conclusion

MEUS reduced the blood perfusion in the targeted liver tissues, and, therefore, overcame the heat-sink effect during the HT procedure in rabbits. MEUS pretreatment might have the potential to enhance the therapeutic effect of HT.
Numerical Investigation of Multi-scale Characteristics of Single and Multi-layered Woven Structures
Authors: Alotaibi Hatim , Jabbari Masoud , Abeykoon Chamil , Soutis Constantinos
Published: January 2022

Resin flow through multi-ply woven fabrics is affected by the fibre orientation and laminate stacking sequence during the impregnation process. This is characterised by permeability, which measures the ability of transferring fluids within a 2D or 3D layered woven fibre architecture (i.e., through a porous medium). The work aims to investigate the feasibility of characterising macro-scale flow permeability via the micro-meso-scale (dual-scale) permeability across and along woven yarns, with different structures of yarn nesting, non-shifting, and ply orientation. The permeability characterisation is performed using Ansys-Fluent software package where textile architectures and resin flow in porous media are simulated. The results show that in- and out-plane permeability of the nested, non-shifted and oriented single-ply woven preforms are different than that corresponding to multi-layered plates, making them only applicable for dual-scale permeabilities. However, with a number of plies in the multi-ply woven fabrics — e.g., 9-ply and 5-ply, for in- and out-of-plane flows, respectively — the dual-scale permeabilities can be extended to macro-flow making them applicable at all scales (multi-scale flow). The calculated in-plane multi-scale permeabilities are then used in the 2D simulations and compared with the analytical solution of the Darcy’s equation, which resulted in a very good agreement.
Analysis of Some Major Limitations of Analytical Top-Down Wind-Farm Models
Authors: Emeis Stefan
Published: January 2022

Analytical top-down and bottom-up wind-farm models have become major tools for quick assessment of yields from larger wind farms and the extension and properties of their wakes and have proven their principal applicability from recently obtained in situ observations. We review some of the limitations of top-down wind-farm models, partly in light of basic atmospheric boundary-layer findings which have been coined by the late Sergej Zilitinkevich. Essentially, for the applicability of such analytical models, the wind-farm turbine hub height should be small compared to the atmospheric boundary-layer height, and very small compared to the horizontal extension of the farm and the distance to the nearest surface inhomogeneities. Possibilities and options to include recently discovered blockage effects are also discussed.
Effects of fluvial instability on the bed morphology in vegetated channels
Authors: Penna Nadia , Coscarella Francesco , D’Ippolito Antonino , Gaudio Roberto
Published: January 2022

Flume experiments are conducted to investigate the effect of streambed instability in channels with randomly-distributed vegetation, varying vegetation density and flow conditions, in the absence of upstream sediment supply. The bed morphology is captured with the photogrammetry technique and a Laser Scanner, and its changes with the vegetation and flow conditions are investigated. The results demonstrate that the presence of vegetation contributes in promoting the stability of the streambed and the formation of multiple bars. In runs with low vegetation density, the trajectory of sediment transport is predominantly in the longitudinal direction. However, a slight lateral dispersion of sediments is observed in the run with low flow discharge. By increasing the vegetation density, the bed structures become shorter, with a lower wavelength, than before, but with a similar trend. The analysis of the energy spectra and the high-order generalized structure functions of bed elevation fluctuations demonstrates that the bed surfaces are monofractals and can be described by a single exponent. However, the runs affected also by a lateral dispersion of sediments during the sediment transport phase are characterized by multifractality, which implies that a complex bed morphology at small spatial lags occurs at the end of these runs. The study of the two-dimensional (2D) second-order structure functions demonstrates that the bed is characterized by an anisotropic behavior, with flow-aligned bed structures that reflect the way in which the bed was formed.

Article Highlights

Vegetation contributes in promoting the stability of the streambed

Multiple bars are formed in vegetated channels with different wavelengths, depending on the flow and the vegetation density conditions

Bed surfaces in the presence of vegetation are monofractals, except those in which lateral sediment transport occurs
Barriers and Facilitators to the Implementation of a Community Doula Program for Black and Pacific Islander Pregnant People in San Francisco: Findings from a Partnered Process Evaluation
Authors: Marshall Cassondra , Arteaga Stephanie , Arcara Jennet , Cuentos Alli , Armstead Marna , Jackson Andrea , Manchikanti Gómez Anu
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Increasingly, community-based models of doula care are receiving attention as possible interventions to address racial inequities in maternal health care experiences and outcomes. In 2018, community-based organization SisterWeb launched to provide free culturally congruent community doula care to advance birth equity for Black and Pacific Islander pregnant people, with funding from the San Francisco Department of Public Health. We conducted a process evaluation of SisterWeb’s first 1.5 years of existence to identify multilevel barriers and facilitators to implementation of their programs.

Methods

Guided by the Equitable Evaluation Framework™, we conducted 46 in-depth interviews with individuals from 5 groups: SisterWeb leadership, doulas, doula mentors, and clients, and external stakeholders.

Results

Barriers included having diverse clientele groups with unique needs, an ineffective payment model, and simultaneously building an organization and developing and implementing programs. Facilitators included the presence of established strategic partnerships, positive reception of services due to an unmet need for culturally and linguistically congruent pregnancy and birth support among SisterWeb’s clients, a clear organizational vision and mission, and a unique doula cohort model.

Discussion

Our findings suggest developing community doula programs pay close attention to the difference between launching aprogramversus anorganization, including the required resources of each, the sustainability of payment models for community doulas, and the provision of culturally relevant, needed services within priority communities. Furthermore, strategic partnerships with maternal health stakeholders in birthing sites, particularly hospitals, are vital to the success of a community doula program.
The impact of loneliness and social isolation on health state utility values: a systematic literature review
Authors: Majmudar Ishani K. , Mihalopoulos Cathrine , Brijnath Bianca , Lim Michelle H. , Hall Natasha Yvonne , Engel Lidia
Published: January 2022

Background

Loneliness and social isolation are recognised as social problems and denote a significant health burden. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic literature review to explore the health state utility values (HSUVs) associated with loneliness and/or social isolation.

Method

Peer-reviewed journals published in English language that reported both HSUVs along with loneliness and/or social isolation scores were identified through five databases. No restrictions were made relating to the population, study design or utility estimation method used.

Results

In total, 19 papers were included; 12 included a measure of loneliness, four studies included a measure of social isolation and three studies considered both loneliness and social isolation. All studies focused on individuals with pre-existing health conditions—where the EQ-5D-3L instrument was most frequently used to assess HSUVs. HSUVs ranged from 0.5 to 0.95 in those who reported not being lonely, 0.42 to 0.97 in those who experienced some level of loneliness, 0.3 to 0.87 in those who were socially isolated and 0.63 to 0.94 in those who were not socially isolated.

Conclusion

There was significant variation in HSUVs complicated by the presence of co-morbidities, population heterogeneity, variations in methods used to derive utility scores and differences in the measurement of loneliness and/or social isolation. Nevertheless, the lower HSUVs observed should be considered to significantly impact quality of life, though we also note the need for further research to explore the unique impact of loneliness and social isolation on HSUVs that can be used in the future economic evaluations.
School beyond stratification: Internal goods, alienation, and an expanded sociology of education
Authors: Guhin Jeffrey , Klett Joseph
Published: January 2022

Sociologists of education often emphasize goods that result from a practice (external goods) rather than goods intrinsic to a practice (internal goods). The authors draw from John Dewey and Alasdair MacIntyre to describe how the same practice can be understood as producing “skills” that center external goods or as producing habits (Dewey) or virtues (MacIntyre), both of which center internal goods. The authors situate these concepts within sociology of education’s stratification paradigm and a renewed interest in the concept of alienation, contrasting the concepts of skills, habits, and virtues to capital, credentials, and habitus. They close by connecting the argument to broader critiques of procedural liberalism and the ideology of meritocracy, then giving suggestions for an expanded sociology of education beyond the stratification paradigm.
Comparative Na and K Mercury and Moon Exospheres
Authors: Leblanc F. , Schmidt C. , Mangano V. , Mura A. , Cremonese G. , Raines J. M. , Jasinski J. M. , Sarantos M. , Milillo A. , Killen R. M. , Massetti S. , Cassidy T. , Vervack R. J. , Kameda S. , Capria M. T. , Horanyi M. , Janches D. , Berezhnoy A. , Christou A. , Hirai T. , Lierle P. , Morgenthaler J.
Published: January 2022

Sodium and, in a lesser way, potassium atomic components of surface-bounded exospheres are among the brightest elements that can be observed from the Earth in our Solar System. Both species have been intensively observed around Mercury, the Moon and the Galilean Moons. During the last decade, new observations have been obtained thanks to space missions carrying remote and in situ instrumentation that provide a completely original view of these species in the exospheres of Mercury and the Moon. They challenged our understanding and modelling of these exospheres and opened new directions of research by suggesting the need to better take into account the relationship between the surface-exosphere and the magnetosphere. In this paper, we first review the large set of observations of Mercury and the Moon Sodium and Potassium exospheres. In the second part, we list what it tells us on the sources and sinks of these exospheres focusing in particular on the role of their magnetospheres of these objects and then discuss, in a third section, how these observations help us to understand and identify the key drivers of these exospheres.
Der Algorithmus, meine Arbeit und Ich – Einfluss von Algorithmen auf Content Creator:innen der Video Plattform YouTube
Authors: Albiez Milena
Published: January 2022

Dieser Beitrag in der Zeitschrift „Gruppe. Interaktion. Organisation. (GIO)“ nimmt auf den Einfluss von Algorithmen der Video-Plattform YouTube auf den Arbeitsalltag von Content-Creator:innen Bezug. Für den Aufbau eines erfolgreichen, also Abonnent:innen-starken Kanals und einer beruflichen Tätigkeit als Content-Creator:in, müssen YouTuber:innen sich der Wirkweisen der eingesetzten Algorithmen bewusst sein. Es wird dargestellt, welchen Einfluss Spracherkennungs- und Analysealgorithmen auf die Sprache und das Verhalten vor der Kamera haben und welcher Logik die von YouTube eingesetzten Algorithmen zu folgen scheinen. Haupt- und nebenberufliche YouTuber:innen sind von YouTube, Änderungen in den Wirkweisen der Algorithmen und technischen Störungen in gewisser Weise abhängig. Diese Abhängigkeit und gefühlte Machtlosigkeit kann unter bestimmten Umständen zu einer übermäßigen beruflichen Belastung führen und eine Ursache für einen Burnout sein. Im Widerspruch zur Abhängigkeit wird die Tätigkeit als Content Creator:in gleichzeitig auch als große Freiheit wahrgenommen.
Impact of clean cooking fuel adoption on women’s welfare in India: the mediating role of women’s autonomy
Authors: Akter Sonia , Pratap Chitra
Published: January 2022

While the health and environmental benefits of adopting clean cooking fuel are widely documented in the literature, the immediate and direct benefit—women’s time-saving for fuel collection/preparation and cooking—has received little or no attention. Using panel data from 6 energy-poor Indian states involving about 9000 households, we test whether liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) adoption enhances women’s welfare by reducing fuel collection/preparation and cooking time and improving the overall cooking experience through a convenient and efficient cooking arrangement. We also explore the association between women’s participation in decision-making and the likelihood of LPG adoption and refill. The findings reveal that LPG adopters save time by collecting firewood less frequently and preparing fewer pieces of dung cake than non-adopters. Additionally, LPG adopters save 15 min of cooking time per day than non-adopters. Finally, LPG adoption makes the cooking experience more convenient and simpler than traditional cooking fuel. Women’s sole or joint decision-making power is positively correlated with LPG adoption and refilling LPG cylinders. These findings imply that the true social benefit of clean cooking fuel adoption is much greater than the welfare gain accrued through greenhouse gas mitigation and health benefits from cleaner air. However, these positive externalities are less likely to be internalized in fuel choice decisions in households where women do not participate in important household decision-making.
Abscisic acid is involved in several processes associated with root system architecture in maize
Authors: Friero Iván , Alarcón M. Victoria , Gordillo Lucía , Salguero Julio
Published: January 2022

Studies concerning abscisic acid (ABA) involvement in root system architecture (RSA) and the interaction of ABA with auxin have reported contrasting results. In this study, the effects of exogenous ABA application and withdrawal as well as a combined treatment of ABA with the synthetic auxin 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) were thoroughly investigated in maize. The results showed that ABA reduced both the primary root (PR) elongation and the lateral root density (LRD), whereas NAA inhibited PR elongation but increased LRD. The combined treatment involving ABA and NAA inhibited PR elongation. Regarding ABA withdrawal, PR elongation was restored when ABA was removed from the growth media, but LRD was not restored after ABA withdrawal. However, the results of the combined treatment showed that auxin can reverse the inhibitory effect of ABA on LRD. A more in-depth analysis revealed that the inhibitory effect of ABA on lateral root (LR) formation depends on the stage of development. Exogenously added ABA blocked the development of lateral root primordia (LRPs) in the early stages, but was unable to inhibit the elongation of developed LRPs. These results suggest that ABA arrests the formation of LRPs rather than the growth and emergence of LRPs and their subsequent elongation.
Colesevelam ameliorates non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and obesity in mice
Authors: Hartmann Phillipp , Duan Yi , Miyamoto Yukiko , Demir Münevver , Lang Sonja , Hasa Elda , Stern Patrick , Yamashita Dennis , Conrad Mary , Eckmann Lars , Schnabl Bernd
Published: January 2022

Background

Obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its more advanced form non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are important causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Bile acid dysregulation is a pivotal part in their pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the bile acid sequestrant colesevelam in a microbiome-humanized mouse model of diet-induced obesity and steatohepatitis.

Methods

Germ-free C57BL/6 mice were associated with stool from patients with NASH and subjected to 20 weeks of Western diet feeding with and without colesevelam.

Results

Colesevelam reduced Western diet-induced body and liver weight gain in microbiome-humanized mice compared with controls. It ameliorated Western diet-induced hepatic inflammation, steatosis, fibrosis and insulin resistance. Colesevelam increased de novo bile acid synthesis and decreased hepatic cholesterol content in microbiome-humanized mice fed a Western diet. It further induced the gene expression of the antimicrobials Reg3g and Reg3b in the distal small intestine and decreased plasma levels of LPS.

Conclusions

Colesevelam ameliorates Western diet-induced steatohepatitis and obesity in microbiome-humanized mice.
Transition from School to Work – Explaining Persistence Intention in Vocational Education and Training in Switzerland
Authors: Findeisen Stefanie , Jüttler Andreas , Neuenschwander Markus P. , Schumann Stephan
Published: January 2022

Vocational education and training (VET) programs are typically regarded as the means to enable successful school-to-work transitions. However, high rates of premature contract terminations in VET programs suggest that adolescents face difficulties during this transition. This paper aims to examine the determinants of persistence intention, claiming that persistence intention is a crucial indicator of imminent dropout decisions. The analysis is based on a longitudinal data set of trainees in dual VET programs in Switzerland (n = 1,163) containing two measurement points (before and after the transition from school to VET). Drawing on Social Cognitive Career Theory (Lent & Brown, 2008, 2013), we are interested in the effects of work adjustment indicators, selected characteristics of the vocational choice process, and environmental support before and after the transition on trainees’ persistence intention. We use structural equation modeling to analyze both direct and indirect effects of different predictor variables on persistence intention. The results show significantly positive effects of both occupational self-efficacy and perceived person-vocation fit during the training program on trainees’ persistence intention. Moreover, there are only indirect effects of anticipated person-vocation fit and occupational self-efficacy at the end of compulsory education. Trainees’ relationship with the trainer also has an indirect effect on persistence intention. Social integration in the workplace is both directly and indirectly linked to persistence intention. Overall, the model explains 48% of the variance in persistence intention. Implications for VET programs and future research are discussed.
Now or never? Temporal framing in risk messages and the moderating effect of comparative optimism
Authors: Praxmarer-Carus Sandra , Wieluch Marina I.
Published: January 2022

Risk messages inform consumers about relevant risks and typically recommend preventive behaviors such as being more physically active or taking out occupational disability insurance. Often, the appeals include some form of time reference, such as “find out about disability insurance this month” or “find out about disability insurance this year”. In general, the effects of such proximal compared to distal time references on compliance intention may be positive or negative, and we examine how the effects depend on consumers’ comparative optimism. In two studies in the context of occupational disability insurance, proximal temporal framing proved more effective than distal framing among comparative optimists but not among nonoptimists. We recommend that when targeting comparative optimists, risk message designers should use proximal temporal framing in their recommendations.
Digitalisierung und Nachhaltigkeit – rechtliche Herausforderungen für den Versicherungssektor, insbesondere beim Einsatz von Künstlicher Intelligenz
Authors: Armbrüster Christian
Published: January 2022

Digitalisierung und Nachhaltigkeit sind zwei aktuelle und für die Versicherungswirtschaft bedeutsame Themenfelder, die auf den ersten Blick wenig miteinander zu tun haben. Indessen gibt es eine ganze Reihe von inhaltlichen Bezügen und Querverbindungen. Der Beitrag behandelt unter diesem Blickwinkel die rechtlichen Herausforderungen, welche sich aus der Digitalisierung im Versicherungssektor und insbesondere aus dem Einsatz von KI-Systemen ergeben.
The Iliotibial Band: A Complex Structure with Versatile Functions
Authors: Hutchinson L. A. , Lichtwark G. A. , Willy R. W. , Kelly L. A.
Published: January 2022

The development of a pronounced iliotibial band (ITB) is an anatomically distinct evolution of humans. The mechanical behaviour of this “new” structure is still poorly understood and hotly debated in current literature. Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) is one of the leading causes of lateral knee pain injuries in runners. We currently lack a comprehensive understanding of the healthy behaviour of the ITB, and this is necessary prior to further investigating the aetiology of pathologies like ITBS. Therefore, the purpose of this narrative review was to collate the anatomical, biomechanical and clinical literature to understand how the mechanical function of the ITB is influenced by anatomical variation, posture and muscle activation. The complexity of understanding the mechanical function of the ITB is due, in part, to the presence of its two in-series muscles: gluteus maximus (GMAX) and tensor fascia latae (TFL). At present, we lack a fundamental understanding of how GMAX and TFL transmit force through the ITB and what mechanical role the ITB plays for movements like walking or running. While there is a range of proposed ITBS treatment strategies, robust evidence for effective treatments is still lacking. Interventions that directly target the running biomechanics suspected to increase either ITB strain or compression of lateral knee structures may have promise, but clinical randomised controlled trials are still required.
Mechanised Harvesting of Broadleaved Tree Species in Europe
Authors: Mederski Piotr S. , Schweier Janine , Đuka Andreja , Tsioras Petros , Bont Leo G. , Bembenek Mariusz
Published: January 2022

Purpose of the Review

The application of cut-to-length (CTL) technology for harvesting and processing timber from broadleaved tree species is a challenging process, due to thick branches, stem sweep, forks and high wood density. The objective of this review was to describe the current state of harvester use and characterise the effectiveness of mechanised forest operations for broadleaved and mixed forest stands in Europe, paying particular attention to productivity and product quality aspects. An additional aim was to identify the greatest difficulties associated with harvesting broadleaved tree species today and to indicate future challenges and areas for improvement.

Recent Findings

An interest in wider harvester use for broadleaved tree species started after the storm Lothar in France in 1999. Early experiences demonstrated that lower productivity is common when harvesting broadleaved tree species, due to limitations in delimbing and the high frequency of sweep. Initially, modifications were made to harvester heads, while a newly designed head (CTL 40 HW) was later developed within a European project in 2005–2007. Using various heads, very high productivity was achieved in some cases, but log recovery was unsatisfactory, with large tree tops left without delimbing. The delimbing was of lower quality and log length inaccuracy was observed, as well as economic losses due to damage to plywood caused by feed rollers. These issues resulted in a change in harvester head construction, including work on a patent for a head designed specifically for harvesting broadleaved tree species.

The harvester heads that have been developed to date for broadleaved tree species have mainly been used within Central Europe, where the high incidence of broadleaved tree species and their particular morphological features (thick branches and sweep) are a major challenge for CTL technology. There have been many research projects related to this issue: in the last 15 years, there were a few larger initiatives leading to the design and development of harvester heads for broadleaved tree species, with participation from institutions and universities in France, Germany and Poland. There are currently no ongoing initiatives, but the formation of new ones is strongly recommended because today’s forests have a growing share of broadleaved tree species and are being managed to an increasing extent with CTL technology.
On the motion of billiards in ellipses
Authors: Stachel Hellmuth
Published: January 2022

For billiards in an ellipse e with an ellipse as caustic, there exist canonical coordinates on e such that the billiard transformation from vertex to vertex is equivalent to a shift of coordinates. A kinematic analysis of billiard motions offers a new approach to canonical parametrizations of billiards and associated Poncelet grids. This parametrization uses Jacobian elliptic functions with the modulus equal to the numerical eccentricity of the caustic and is the basis for proving a few invariants of periodic billiards.