bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sustainability, Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation: Building from the Bottom Up – A South African Perspective from the Small-scale Fisheries Sector
Authors: Sowman Merle , Rebelo Xavier
Published: October 2021

This chapter explores the vulnerability context of coastal fishing communities, including the various factors that shape their capacity to cope with and adapt in the face of poverty and increasing threats associated with climate change and natural and human-induced disasters through the lens of small-scale fisheries (SSFs) in South Africa. South Africa has developed a suite of policies, strategies and laws to deal with commitments to sustainable development and address and manage climate change challenges and disaster risks. These national policies, however, are not well aligned or implemented in a coordinated and integrated manner. Nor are they attuned to the realities facing local communities. This chapter reports on work in coastal communities in South Africa that reveals the lack of policy alignment and limited coordination across government departments at all levels charged with oversight responsibilities for these endeavours. Findings suggest that incorporating local knowledge into local development and sector plans, as well as into sustainable development and sector-specific policies, strategies and plans at the national level, would enhance understanding of the realities on the ground and lead to policies, strategies and plans that are more harmonised and more likely to be supported and implemented. How this knowledge gets integrated both vertically and horizontally into formal government planning and decision-making processes, however, and leads to implementation of projects and plans that yield tangible results, remains a challenge.
Adapting to Climate Change Through Disaster Risk Reduction in the Caribbean: Lessons from the Global South in Tackling the Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Jerez Columbié Yairen
Published: October 2021

Developing resilience in conditions of extreme geographic and economic vulnerability, Small Island Developing States (SIDS) have learned to share what works for adaptation on the ground through transnational Disaster Risk Reduction initiatives that address the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This chapter focuses on South-South Cooperation between Caribbean SIDS on Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Management, as well as triangulation with the European Union and international organisations through the African, Caribbean and Pacific-European Union Natural Disaster Risk Reduction (ACP-EU NDRR) Program. It critically analyses collaborations between regional platforms to show evidence of successful transferable adaptation strategies and tools that have emerged from disaster risk management experiences. Acknowledging the SIDS’ contribution to climate change adaptation is key for advancing both research and action. The examples of South-South cooperation between SIDS and triangulation with Europe and international organisations addressed in this chapter show that a coherent and effective theoretical framework for impactful adaptation research and global climate action should bring forward participatory, transdisciplinary and translocal perspectives informed by the experiences of early adaptors in the Global South.
Prediabetes and risk of mortality, diabetes-related complications and comorbidities: umbrella review of meta-analyses of prospective studies
Authors: Schlesinger Sabrina , Neuenschwander Manuela , Barbaresko Janett , Lang Alexander , Maalmi Haifa , Rathmann Wolfgang , Roden Michael , Herder Christian
Published: October 2021

Aims/hypothesis

The term prediabetes is used for individuals who have impaired glucose metabolism whose glucose or HbA1c levels are not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. Prediabetes may already be associated with an increased risk of chronic ‘diabetes-related’ complications. This umbrella review aimed to provide a systematic overview of the available evidence from meta-analyses of prospective observational studies on the associations between prediabetes and incident diabetes-related complications in adults and to evaluate their strength and certainty.

Methods

For this umbrella review, systematic reviews with meta-analyses reporting summary risk estimates for the associations between prediabetes (based on fasting or 2 h postload glucose or on HbA1c) and incidence of diabetes-related complications, comorbidities and mortality risk were included. PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library and Epistemonikos were searched up to 17 June 2021. Summary risk estimates were recalculated using a random effects model. The certainty of evidence was evaluated by applying the GRADE tool. This study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42020153227.

Results

Ninety-five meta-analyses from 16 publications were identified. In the general population, prediabetes was associated with a 6–101% increased risk for all-cause mortality and the incidence of cardiovascular outcomes, CHD, stroke, heart failure, atrial fibrillation and chronic kidney disease, as well as total cancer, total liver cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, breast cancer and all-cause dementia with moderate certainty of evidence. No associations between prediabetes and incident depressive symptoms and cognitive impairment were observed (with low or very low certainty of evidence). The association with all-cause mortality was stronger for prediabetes defined by impaired glucose tolerance than for prediabetes defined by HbA1c.

Conclusions/interpretation

Prediabetes was positively associated with risk of all-cause mortality and the incidence of cardiovascular outcomes, CHD, stroke, chronic kidney disease, cancer and dementia. Further high-quality studies, particularly on HbA1c-defined prediabetes and other relevant health outcomes (e. g. neuropathy) are required to support the evidence.

Graphical abstract
Defects-per-unit control chart for assembled products based on defect prediction models
Authors: Verna Elisa , Genta Gianfranco , Galetto Maurizio , Franceschini Fiorenzo
Published: October 2021

Typically, monitoring quality characteristics of very personalized products is a difficult task due to the lack of experimental data. This is the typical case of processes where the production volume continues to shrink due to the growing complexity and customization of products, thus requiring low-volume productions. This paper presents a novel approach to statistically monitor defects-per-unit (DPU) of assembled products based on the use of defect prediction models. The innovative aspect of such DPU-chart is that, unlike conventional SPC charts requiring preliminary experimental data to estimate the control limits (phase I), it is constructed using a predictive model based on a priori knowledge of DPU. This defect prediction model is based on the structural complexity of the assembled product. By avoiding phase I, the novel approach may be of interest to researchers and practitioners to speed up the chart’s construction phase, especially in low-volume productions. The description of the method is supported by a real industrial case study in the electromechanical field.
Comparison of continuous and pulsed wave lasers in keyhole welding of stainless-steel to aluminium
Authors: Coroado Julio , Ganguly Supriyo , Williams Stewart , Suder Wojciech , Meco Sonia , Pardal Goncalo
Published: October 2021

A continuous wave (CW) and a nanosecond pulsed wave (PW) lasers were used to join 1-mm thick sheets of SS304L (SS) austenitic stainless-steel to AA5251 (Al) aluminium alloy in an overlap joint configuration. The weld shape (penetration depth and width), intermetallic compounds concentration, weld quality (cracking and porosity) and mechanical strength were correlated with the process energy and compared between each laser temporal mode. Successful CW joints were produced with the SS sheet on top of the Al, but the opposite configuration revealed to be impossible for the range of parameters tested. The PW joints were successful with the Al sheet on top of SS, but all the joints cracked at the interface when the opposite configuration was used. The mechanical tests showed that even though it is possible to achieve higher tensile shear load in CW welds due to the larger bonding area, the tensile shear strength revealed to be almost 5 × higher for PW welds at similar applied energy.
MR imaging characteristics of uveal melanoma with histopathological validation
Authors: Ferreira Teresa A. , Jaarsma-Coes Myriam G. , Marinkovic Marina , Verbist Berit , Verdijk Robert M. , Jager Martine J. , Luyten Gregorius P. M. , Beenakker Jan-Willem M.
Published: October 2021

Purpose

To evaluate the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics of uveal melanoma (UM), to compare them with fundoscopy and ultrasound (US), and to validate them with histopathology.

Methods

MR images from 42 UM were compared with US and fundoscopy, and on 14 enucleated cases with histopathology.

Results

A significant relationship between the signal intensity on T1 and pigmentation on histopathology was found (p=0.024). T1 hyperintense UM were always moderately or strongly pigmented on histopathology, while T1-hypointense UM were either pigmented or non-pigmented. Mean apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of the UM was 1.16 ± 0.26 × 10−3mm2/s. Two-thirds of the UM had a wash-out and the remaining a plateau perfusion time-intensity curve (TIC). MRI was limited in evaluating the basal diameter of flat tumors. US tends to show larger tumor prominence (0.5mm larger,p=0.008) and largest basal diameter (1.4mm larger,p<0.001). MRI was good in diagnosing ciliary body involvement, extrascleral extension, and optic nerve invasion, but limited on identifying scleral invasion. An increase of tumor prominence was associated with lower ADC values (p=0.030) and favored a wash-out TIC (p=0.028). An increase of tumor ADC correlated with a plateau TIC (p=0.011).

Conclusions

The anatomical and functional MRI characteristics of UM were comprehensively assessed. Knowing the MRI characteristics of UM is important in order to confirm the diagnosis and to differentiate UM from other intra-ocular lesions and because it has implications for treatment planning. MRI is a good technique to evaluate UM, being only limited in case of flat tumors or on identifying scleral invasion.
The radiological interpretation of possible microbleeds after moderate or severe traumatic brain injury: a longitudinal study
Authors: van der Eerden Anke W. , van den Heuvel Thomas L. A. , Maas Marnix C. , Vart Priya , Vos Pieter E. , Platel Bram , Góraj Bozena M. , Manniesing Rashindra
Published: October 2021

Introduction

In order to augment the certainty of the radiological interpretation of “possible microbleeds” after traumatic brain injury (TBI), we assessed their longitudinal evolution on 3-T SWI in patients with moderate/severe TBI.

Methods

Standardized 3-T SWI and T1-weighted imaging were obtained 3 and 26 weeks after TBI in 31 patients. Their microbleeds were computer-aided detected and classified by a neuroradiologist as no, possible, or definite at baseline and follow-up, separately (single-scan evaluation). Thereafter, the classifications were re-evaluated after comparison between the time-points (post-comparison evaluation). We selected the possible microbleeds at baseline at single-scan evaluation and recorded their post-comparison classification at follow-up.

Results

Of the 1038 microbleeds at baseline, 173 were possible microbleeds. Of these, 53.8% corresponded to no microbleed at follow-up. At follow-up, 30.6% were possible and 15.6% were definite. Of the 120 differences between baseline and follow-up, 10% showed evidence of a pathophysiological change over time. Proximity to extra-axial injury and proximity to definite microbleeds were independently predictive of becoming a definite microbleed at follow-up. The reclassification level differed between anatomical locations.

Conclusions

Our findings support disregarding possible microbleeds in the absence of clinical consequences. In selected cases, however, a follow-up SWI-scan could be considered to exclude evolution into a definite microbleed.
Impact of previous macrolide use on invasive pneumococcal disease due to erythromycin-resistant serotypes in adults over 59 years of age
Authors: Chávez Abelardo Claudio Fernández , Comas Luis García , Espinosa Luis Manzano , Lobo Jose Yuste , de Provens Octavio Corral Pazos , Andrés Jesús María Aranaz
Published: October 2021

The major goals of the study were to describe the invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) cases due to erythromycin-resistant serotypes and to evaluate the association between these cases and recent macrolide use in individuals aged over 59 years. We selected cases of IPD reported between 2007 and 2016 in persons aged over 59 years living in the Community of Madrid (CM). We followed the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST). The explanatory variables (age, sex, year of onset of symptoms, clinical presentation, serotypes, vaccination status) were taken from the Mandatory Notification System for Infectious Diseases System and from the Vaccination Information System. The cases were classified as either included in the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) or not (nonPCV13). Associations between cases due to erythromycin-resistant serotypes and previous macrolide use (total, long and short-term) were adjusted with a logistic regression multivariate analysis. A total of 1,831 cases were identified, of whom 408 were erythromycin-resistant serotypes. PCV13 cases were associated with previous macrolide use (OR: 5.07), particularly long-acting types (OR: 8.61). NonPCV13 cases were associated with the use of total macrolides (OR: 3.48) and long-acting macrolides (OR: 4.26) suggesting that PCV13 did not reduce the IPD cases in patients with previous use of macrolides. Our results confirmed that previous macrolide consumption was associated with the presence of IPD due to erythromycin-resistant serotypes. The risk was higher with the use of long-term macrolides.
Deliberation Without Democracy in Multi-stakeholder Initiatives: A Pragmatic Way Forward
Authors: Barlow Rob
Published: October 2021

Political CSR scholars argue that multi-stakeholder initiatives (MSIs) should be designed to facilitate deliberation among corporations, civil society groups, and others affected by corporate conduct for their decisions to be considered democratically legitimate. However, critics argue that decisions reached within deliberative MSIs will lack democratic legitimacy so long as corporations are granted a role in helping to make them. If the critics are correct, it leads to a paradox. Corporations must be excluded from holding decision-making authority within MSIs if they are to function as democratically legitimate regulatory institutions at a global level. However, this risks severely diminishing the incentive of corporations to support and participate within MSIs, which often depend heavily for their success on the visibility provided them by corporate participants. In this paper, I argue that this apparent paradox should be considered irrelevant to the future study of MSIs since it is both unnecessary and impractical for researchers to focus on establishing democratically legitimate systems of governance within them. Instead, I recommend an approach informed by three touchstones of pragmatic philosophy to guide their future study—a criterion of usefulness, wariness of category disputes and commitment to experimentalism. I conclude by drawing on research in political science and social psychology that demonstrates an important practical role for deliberation within such organizations, arguing that researchers must zero in on the role that inclusive deliberation can play in bolstering their effectiveness as regulatory instruments.
The Current Status of the World’s Primates: Mapping Threats to Understand Priorities for Primate Conservation
Authors: Fernández David , Kerhoas Daphne , Dempsey Andrea , Billany Josephine , McCabe Gráinne , Argirova Elitsa
Published: October 2021

Over the past decades, primate populations have been declining. Four years ago, >60% of species were listed as threatened. As the rate of loss accelerates and new IUCN assessments are being published, we used IUCN Red List assessments and peer-reviewed literature published within the last 5 yr to evaluate the status of primates globally, by region and by taxonomic group. We also examined the main factors affecting a species’ conservation status to determine if we could predict the status of understudied species. We found that 65% of species are in the top three IUCN Red List categories (Vulnerable, Endangered, Critically Endangered). Globally, the main threats to primates are Biological Resource Use, including Hunting & Logging, and Agriculture. The impact of these threats varied by region and taxon. Our model showed that Malagasy and Asian primates, and those affected by Agriculture, Human Disturbance, and Climate Change were more likely to be considered at risk of extinction. The model’s predictive probability, however, was low. Our literature analysis showed that some threats, especially climate change and disease, affected more species than indicated by the IUCN Red List. As we move into the next decade, we must continue tackling hunting and agricultural expansion but also be vigilant about emerging threats. We must also aim to regularly test the effectiveness of mitigation strategies, evaluating their long-term adoption and their impact on primates; as well as to increase communication between researchers and applied conservationists to ensure IUCN assessments include current and emerging threats.
Study on low-frequency dielectric behavior of the carbon black/polymer nanocomposite
Authors: Shivashankar H. , Mathias Kevin Amith , Sondar Pavankumar R. , Shrishail M. H. , Kulkarni S. M.
Published: October 2021

Recently, polymer-based dielectric materials have become one of the key materials to play an essential role in clean energy production, energy transformation, and energy storage applications. The end usage is the energy storage capability because it is a trade-off between dielectric permittivity, dielectric loss, and dissipation factor. Hence, it is of prime importance to study the dielectric properties of polymer materials by adding filler material at a low-frequency range. In the present study, polydimethylsiloxane/carbon black nanocomposites are prepared using the solution cast method. The dielectric properties, such as dielectric constant, dielectric loss, and dissipation factors due to the concentration of filler particles and low-frequency effect on the nanocomposites, are examined. Also, different empirical models are used to estimate the dielectric permittivity of polymer nanocomposites. The low-frequency range of 100 Hz to 1 MHz and the effect of varying volume fractions of carbon black show a significant change in the dielectric properties. It is found that the nanocomposites have a higher dielectric permittivity than the base polymer material. It is also observed that an increase in filler concentration increases the dielectric permittivity, which is confirmed with an empirical model.
MicroRNA-506 modulates insulin resistance in human adipocytes by targeting S6K1 and altering the IRS1/PI3K/AKT insulin signaling pathway
Authors: Zhong Feng-Yu , Li Jing , Wang Yu-Mei , Chen Yao , Song Jia , Yang Zi , Zhang Lin , Tian Tian , Hu You-Fang , Qin Zhen-Ying
Published: October 2021

The incidence of obesity has increased rapidly, becoming a worldwide public health issue that involves insulin resistance. A growing number of recent studies have demonstrated that microRNAs play a significant role in controlling the insulin signaling network. For example, miR-506-3p expression has been demonstrated to correlate with insulin sensitivity; however, the underlying mechanism remains unknown. In this study, we found that miR-506-3p enhanced glucose uptake by 2-deoxy-D-glucose uptake assays and regulated the protein expression of key genes involved in the PI3K/AKT insulin signaling pathway including IRS1, PI3K, AKT, and GlUT4. We next predicted ribosomal protein S6 kinase B1 (S6K1) to be a candidate target of miR-506-3p by bioinformatics analysis and confirmed using dual-luciferase assays that miR-506-3p regulated S6K1 expression by binding to its 3′-UTR. Moreover, modulating S6K1 expression counteracted the effects of miR-506-3p on glucose uptake and PI3K/AKT pathway activation. In conclusion, miR-506-3p altered IR in adipocytes by regulating S6K1-mediated PI3K/AKT pathway activation. Taken together, these findings provide novel insights and potential targets for IR therapy.
Enhanced TOA Estimation Using OFDM over Wide-Band Transmission Based on a Simulated Model
Authors: Obeidat Huthaifa A. , Ahmad Imran , Rawashdeh Mohammad R. , Abdullah Ali A. , Shuaieb Wafa S. , Obeidat Omar A. , Abdallhameed Raed A.
Published: October 2021

This paper presents the advantages of using a wideband spectrum adopting multi-carrier to improve targets localization within a simulated indoor environment using the Time of Arrival (TOA) technique. The study investigates the effect of using various spectrum bandwidths and a different number of carriers on localization accuracy. Also, the paper considers the influence of the transmitters’ positions in line-of-sight (LOS) and non-LOS propagation scenarios. It was found that the accuracy of the proposed method depends on the number of sub-carriers, the allocated bandwidth (BW), and the number of access points (AP). In the case of using large BW with a large number of subcarriers, the algorithm was effective to reduce localization errors compared to the conventional TOA technique. The performance degrades and becomes similar to the conventional TOA technique while using a small BW and a low number of subcarriers.
Novel semi-decentralised mobile system for the sanitization and dehydration of septic sludge: a pilot-scale evaluation in the Jordan Valley
Authors: Kocbek Eva , Garcia Hector A. , Hooijmans Christine M. , Mijatović Ivan , Al-Addous Mohammad , Dalala Zakariya , Brdjanovic Damir
Published: October 2021

The provision of effective sanitation strategies has a significant impact on public health. However, the treatment of septic sludge still presents some challenges worldwide. Consequently, innovative technologies capable of an effective and efficient sludge treatment, mostly at a decentralized level, are in high demand to improve sanitation provision. To address this problem, this study evaluates a novel semi-decentralised mobile faecal sludge treatment system, the pilot-system for which consists of a combination of several individual processes including mechanical dewatering (MD), microwave (MW) drying, and membrane filtration (ultrafiltration [UF] and reverse osmosis [RO]). The system evaluation was carried out by treating raw, partially digested faecal sludge (FS) from septic tanks—hence, septic sludge (SS)—in the Jordan Valley, Jordan. The pilot-scale system exhibited an effective and flexible treatment performance for (i) sanitizing faecal sludge and related liquid streams (MW and UF); (ii) reducing the treated sludge mass (and sludge volume) (MD and MW); and (iii) producing a high-quality treated liquid stream ideal for water reclamation applications (UF and RO). The MD process removed approximately 99% of the initial SS water content. The MW drying system completely removed E. coli and dehydrated the dewatered sludge at low energy expenditures of 0.75 MJ kg−1 and 5.5 MJ kg−1, respectively. Such energy expenditures can be further reduced by approximately 40% by recovering energy in the condensate and burning the dried sludge, which can then be reused inland applications. The membrane filtration system (UF and RO) was able to produce high-quality treated water that is ideal for the water reuse applications that irrigation requires, as well as meeting the Jordanian standard 893/2006. In addition, the system can also be powered by renewable energy sources, such as photovoltaic energy. Therefore, this research demonstrates that the evaluated semi-decentralised mobile system is technically feasible for the in situ treatment of SS (sanitization and dehydration), while also being effective for simultaneously recovering valuable resources, such as energy, water, and nutrients.
Criminal Law Exceptionalism as an Affirmative Ideology, and its Expansionist Discontents
Authors: Burchard Christoph
Published: October 2021

Criminal law exceptionalism, or so I suggest, has turned into an ideology in German and Continental criminal law theory. It rests on interrelated claims about the (ideal or real) extraordinary qualities and properties of the criminal law and has led to exceptional doctrines in constitutional criminal law and criminal law theory. It prima facie paradoxically perpetuates and conserves the criminal law, and all too often leads to ideological thoughtlessness, which may blind us to the dark sides of criminal laws in action.
Analyzing browsing across websites by machine learning methods
Authors: Falke Andreas , Hruschka Harald
Published: October 2021

The increasing importance of online distribution channels is paralleled by a rising interest in gaining insights into the customer journey and browsing behavior. We evaluate several machine learning methods (latent Dirichlet allocation, correlated topic model, structural topic model, replicated softmax model) with respect to their ability to reproduce the browsing behavior of households across websites. In addition, we compare these machine learning methods to a related classical technique, singular value decomposition. In our study, the replicated softmax model outperforms latent Dirichlet allocation, but the correlated topic model attains the overall best performance. Compared to singular value decomposition both the correlated topic model and the replicated softmax model lead to a more efficient compression of web browsing data. On the other hand, singular value decomposition surpasses latent Dirichlet allocation. We interpret results of the correlated topic model and the replicated softmax model by determining combinations of topics or hidden variables that are heterogeneous with respect to visited websites. We show that decision makers should not rely on bivariate measures of site visits, as these do not agree with measures of interdependences between sites that can be inferred from the correlated topic model or the replicated softmax model. We investigate how well topics or hidden variables measured by these methods predict yearly household expenditures. The correlated topic model leads to the best predictive performance, followed by the replicated softmax model. We also discuss how the replicated softmax model can be used to support online marketing decisions of websites.
Reversibly photochromic wood constructed by depositing microencapsulated/polydimethylsiloxane composite coating
Authors: Jia Zhen , Bao Wenhui , Tao Chengyun , Song Wenlong
Published: October 2021

Photochromic wood was fabricated by coating microencapsulated photochromic material (MP)/polydimethylsiloxane composites onto wood using a simple drop-coating method. Urea-melamine–formaldehyde resin was used to microencapsulate the photochromic material (PM) via in situ polymerization. The concentration of the MP affected the photochromic property of the wood surface. The total color change (ΔE*) reached 82.2 when the concentration of the composite coating is 8%. Adhesion tests confirmed that the composite coating adhered firmly to the wood. This method is potentially useful for the production of functional wooden products, such as anti-counterfeiting materials and aesthetic wood.
Possible harm from glucocorticoid drugs misuse in the early phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection: a narrative review of the evidence
Authors: Sarzani Riccardo , Spannella Francesco , Giulietti Federico , Di Pentima Chiara , Giordano Piero , Giacometti Andrea
Published: October 2021

Since the publication of the RECOVERY trial, the use of glucocorticoid drugs (GC) has spread for the treatment of severe COVID-19 worldwide. However, the benefit of dexamethasone was largest in patients who received mechanical ventilation or supplemental oxygen therapy, while no benefit was found among patients without hypoxemia. In addition, a positive outcome was found in patients who received dexamethasone after several days of symptoms, while possible harm could exist if administered early. The right time interval for GC administration is still a matter of debate. Previous studies showed that an early GC use during the first phase of the disease, when viral replication peaks, may negatively affect the innate immune response through several mechanisms, such as the inhibition of pro-inflammatory and antiviral cytokine production and signaling pathway, including type I interferon, that is fundamental to counteract the virus and that was found to be impaired in several patients with life-threatening COVID-19. The GC misuse can lead to a more severe disease even in patients who do not have the established risk factors, such as obesity and cardiovascular diseases. In our focused review, we describe the role of immune response in viral infections, especially SARS-CoV-2, and discuss the potential harms of GC misuse in COVID-19.
Timed to save: the added value of accounting for hourly incidence of electricity savings from residential space-conditioning measures
Authors: Murphy Sean , Deason Jeff , Satchwell Andrew
Published: October 2021

Previous research has recognized that the value of measures that reduce electricity usage depends upon the timing of the savings generated, but the lack of hourly savings shapes has limited the demonstration of this concept. We develop empirical hourly savings shapes for residential space-conditioning measures from nearly 18,000 efficiency projects in California and show how they combine with the diurnal and seasonal variation in electricity system costs. We find that these measures (cooling replacements; windows, doors, and skylights; and other envelope measures) tend to save electricity when system costs are highest and that the hourly savings account for 1.4–1.5 times as much value as non-time-sensitive estimates of efficiency would predict. We present these impact multipliers for each measure to quantify the additional value revealed by the time-sensitive approach. We show that this additional value is similar in an evolving electricity grid with storage, rather than natural gas generation, as the marginal resource.
Psychological distance towards COVID-19: Geographical and hypothetical distance predict attitudes and mediate knowledge
Authors: Blauza Simon , Heuckmann Benedikt , Kremer Kerstin , Büssing Alexander Georg
Published: October 2021

While different antecedents have been examined to explain peoples’ reactions towards COVID-19, there is only scarce understanding about the role of the subjective closeness and distance to the pandemic. Within the current study, we applied the concept of psychological distance to understand the distance towards COVID-19 and investigated its (1) connection with preventive attitudes and proactive behaviors, (2) context-specific antecedents, and its (3) mediating effect of knowledge on attitudes. Using an online sample from a German quantitative cross-sectional study (N = 395, M = 32.2 years, SD = 13.9 years, 64.3% female) in July 2020, a time with a general low incidence of people infected with Sars-CoV2, we measured relevant socio-psychological constructs addressing COVID-19 and included further information from external sources. Based on a path model, we found geographical distance as a significant predictor of cognitive attitudes towards COVID-19. Furthermore, hypothetical distance (i.e., feeling to be likely affected by COVID-19) predicted not only participants’ affective, cognitive, and behavioral attitudes, but also the installation of a corona warning-app. While several variables affected the different dimensions of psychological distance, hypothetical and geographical distance mediated the effect of knowledge on attitudes. These results underline the role of geographical and hypothetical distance for health-related behaviors and education. For example, people will only comply with preventive measures if they feel geographically concerned by the disease, which is particularly challenging for fast-spreading global diseases such as COVID-19. Therefore, there is a need to clearly communicate the personal risks of diseases and address peoples’ hypothetical distance.
Cybervictimisation and depressive symptoms among adolescents: A moderated mediation model
Authors: Chamizo-Nieto María Teresa , Rey Lourdes
Published: October 2021

Recently, there has been an increase in the problem of cyberbullying all over the world, which implies important negative consequences for adolescent victims’ mental health, such as depression. There are few research studies that analyse the role of gratitude and cognitive coping strategies for the consequences of cybervictimisation. To date, there are few studies examining the influence of both these resources in a cyberbullying context. Therefore, the objectives of this research were to analyse the mediating role of maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies (CERS) in the relationship between cybervictimisation and depressive symptoms, and to explore the potential moderating role of gratitude among the study variables. A sample of 1156 students between 12 and 18 years (54.33% females) filled out self-report questionnaires measuring cybervictimisation (ECIPQ), cognitive coping strategies (CERQ-SA), depressive symptoms (DASS-21) and gratitude (GQ-5). The outcomes showed that maladaptive CERS partially mediated the relation between cybervictimisation and depressive symptoms. Furthermore, gratitude buffered the relation between maladaptive CERS and depressive symptoms. These findings provide evidence for the buffering role of gratitude in a more frequent use of maladaptive CERS and depressive symptoms in cybervictimisation. The limitations and implications of the study are discussed.
In situ alloying: investigation of the melt pool stability during powder bed fusion of metals using a laser beam in a novel experimental set-up
Authors: Wimmer Andreas , Hofstaetter Fabian , Jugert Constantin , Wudy Katrin , Zaeh Michael F.
Published: October 2021

The limited access to materials for the Powder Bed Fusion of Metals using a Laser Beam (PBF-LB/M) is compensated by in situ alloying. Individual melt pool characteristics can be specifically influenced to improve the mechanical properties of the final part. However, conventional PBF-LB/M machines allow only limited access for detailed observation of the process zone and, in particular, the melt pool. This paper presents a methodology for systematically analyzing the melt pool in the cross section to determine the in situ variation of the melt pool depth. A custom PBF-LB/M test bench was devised to enable investigation of the process zone using high-speed infrared cameras. The image data were processed automatically using a dedicated algorithm. The methodology was applied to analyze the effect of additives on the melt pool stability. Stainless steel 316L powder was blended with the aluminum alloy AlSi10Mg by up to 20 wt.%. It was found that the blended powder significantly reduced the variation of the melt pool depth.
Defining Smart Glasses: A Rapid Review of State-of-the-Art Perspectives and Future Challenges From a Social Sciences’ Perspective
Authors: Zuidhof Niek , Ben Allouch Somaya , Peters Oscar , Verbeek Peter-Paul
Published: October 2021

Over recent decades smart glasses have gained increased attention in both the research arena and recently also in the consumer market, even though there is not yet a clear definition of what exactly smart glasses entail and underexposed perspectives are not represented. This study used a rapid review to assess the current understanding of smart glasses with the aim of defining them. Searches were performed across six databases, followed-up by a content-based evaluation of title and abstract. A total set of 14 relevant publications was identified to help arrive at a definition and characteristics of smart glasses. As a result, it was observed in both the research literature and in the public domain that many different names are used for smart glasses, and that in some cases there is unclarity about what constitute smart glasses. Therefore, an adapted definition of smart glasses is developed based on the existing original rationale of ubiquitous computing and taking the current state-of-the-art knowledge into account. This article provides an overview of and suggestion for defining smart glasses from a social sciences’ perspective to better inform researchers, developers, designers and companies who are involved in the design, development, research of smart glasses.
The Role of an Intense Jet in the Tsugaru Strait in the Formation of the Outflow Gyre Revealed Using High‐Frequency Radar Data
Authors: Kaneko H. , Sasaki K. , Abe H. , Tanaka T. , Wakita M. , Watanabe S. , Okunishi T. , Sato Y. , Tatamisashi S.
Published: October 2021

The seasonal features of the eastward jet through the Tsugaru Strait was investigated using surface velocity data between 2014 and 2019 obtained from high‐frequency radar located in the eastern part of the strait, as well as data obtained from repeated shipboard observations from 2009 to 2019. The potential‐vorticity‐front‐model was used, and the volume transport of low potential vorticity (PV) water and the intensity of the PV gap at the front in the eastern part of the strait were estimated from these data. The influence of these parameters on the seasonal flow pattern of the Tsugaru Warm Current out to the Pacific Ocean (the summer/autumn “gyre mode” or winter/spring “coastal mode”) was examined. The distribution of the parameters was consistent with the theoretical understanding, showing that in addition to the volume transport, an increase in the local PV gap can also contribute to the development of the gyre.
Discovery of new genetic loci for male sexual orientation in Han population
Authors: Hu Shao-Hua , Li Hai-mei , Yu Hao , Liu Yan , Liu Chen-Xing , Zuo Xian-bo , Lu Jing , Jiang Jia-Jun , Xi Cai-Xi , Huang Bo-Chao , Xu Hu-Ji , Hu Jian-Bo , Lai Jian-Bo , Huang Man-Li , Liu Jian-Ning , Xu Dan-Ge , Guo Xi-Chao , Wu Wei , Wu Xin , Jiang Lei , Li Meng , Zhang Guang-Ping , Huang Jin-Wen , Wei Ning , Lv Wen , Duan Jin-Feng , Qi Hong-Li , Hu Chan-Chan , Chen Jing-Kai , Zhou Wei-Hua , Xu Wei-Juan , Liu Chen-Feng , Liang Hai-Yong , Du Jing , Zheng Shu-Fa , Lu Qiao-Ling , Zheng Lin , Hu Xiao-Wei , Chen Feng-Xiang , Chen Peng , Zhu Biao , Xu Li-Jun , Ni Zhi-Min , Fang Ye-Zhen , Yang Zuo-Kai , Shan Xin-Ren , Zheng En-de , Zhang Fan , Zhou Qing-qing , Rao Yi , Swaab Dick , Yue Wei-Hua , Xu Yi
Published: October 2021

Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that the genetic factors partly influence the development of same-sex sexual behavior, but most genetic studies have focused on people of primarily European ancestry, potentially missing important biological insights. Here, we performed a two-stage genome-wide association study (GWAS) with a total sample of 1478 homosexual males and 3313 heterosexual males in Han Chinese populations and identified two genetic loci (rs17320865, Xq27.3, FMR1NB, Pmeta = 8.36 × 10−8, OR = 1.29; rs7259428, 19q12, ZNF536, Pmeta = 7.58 × 10−8, OR = 0.75) showing consistent association with male sexual orientation. A fixed-effect meta-analysis including individuals of Han Chinese (n = 4791) and European ancestries (n = 408,995) revealed 3 genome-wide significant loci of same-sex sexual behavior (rs9677294, 2p22.1, SLC8A1, Pmeta = 1.95 × 10−8; rs2414487, 15q21.3, LOC145783, Pmeta = 4.53 × 10−9; rs2106525, 7q31.1, MDFIC, Pmeta = 6.24 × 10−9). These findings may provide new insights into the genetic basis of male sexual orientation from a wider population scope. Furthermore, we defined the average ZNF536-immunoreactivity (ZNF536-ir) concentration in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) as lower in homosexual individuals than in heterosexual individuals (0.011 ± 0.001 vs 0.021 ± 0.004, P = 0.013) in a postmortem study. In addition, compared with heterosexuals, the percentage of ZNF536 stained area in the SCN was also smaller in the homosexuals (0.075 ± 0.040 vs 0.137 ± 0.103, P = 0.043). More homosexual preference was observed in FMR1NB-knockout mice and we also found significant differences in the expression of serotonin, dopamine, and inflammation pathways that were reported to be related to sexual orientation when comparing CRISPR-mediated FMR1NB knockout mice to matched wild-type target C57 male mice.
Fabrication of recyclable reduced graphene oxide/graphitic carbon nitride quantum dot aerogel hybrids with enhanced photocatalytic activity
Authors: Zhao Ping , Jin Bo , Yan Jing , Peng Rufang
Published: October 2021

Recyclable photocatalysts that can efficiently respond to visible light must be developed for practical application.
Palladium nanoparticles immobilized on polyethylenimine-derivatized gold surfaces for catalysis of Suzuki reactions: development and application in a lab-on-a-chip context
Authors: Anaspure Prasad , Suriyanarayanan Subramanian , Nicholls Ian A.
Published: October 2021

Gold surface-bound hyperbranched polyethyleneimine (PEI) films decorated with palladium nanoparticles have been used as efficient catalysts for a series of Suzuki reactions in a lab-on-a-chip format.
Polyfluoroalkylated antipyrines in Pd-catalyzed transformations
Authors: Shchegolkov Evgeny V. , Burgart Yanina V. , Matsneva Daria A. , Borisevich Sophia S. , Kadyrova Renata A. , Orshanskaya Iana R. , Zarubaev Vladimir V. , Saloutin Victor I.
Published: October 2021

Peculiarities of heterocyclic systems with electron-withdrawing groups (polyfluoroalkyl-containing antipyrines) in Pd-catalyzed C–H arylation and cross-coupling reactions.
Sodium iodide-mediated synthesis of vinyl sulfides and vinyl sulfones with solvent-controlled chemical selectivity
Authors: Liu Congrong , Xu Jin , Wu Gongde
Published: October 2021

Solvent-controlled selectivity of the elimination/coupling reaction was realized for divergent synthesis of vinyl sulfides and vinyl sulfones. The described protocol is more convenient for the preparation of vinyl sulfide and vinyl sulfone related skeletons.
Measurement placement in electric power transmission and distribution grids: Review of concepts, methods, and research needs
Authors: Netto Marcos , Krishnan Venkat , Zhang Yingchen , Mili Lamine
Published: October 2021

Sensing and measurement systems are quintessential to the safe and reliable operation of electric power grids. Their strategic placement is of ultimate importance because it is not economically viable to install measurement systems on every node and branch of a power grid, though they need to be monitored. An overwhelming number of strategies have been developed to meet oftentimes multiple conflicting objectives. The prime challenge in formulating the problem lies in developing a heuristic or an optimisation model that, though mathematically tractable and constrained in cost, leads to trustworthy technical solutions. Further, large‐scale, long‐term deployments pose additional challenges because the boundary conditions change as technologies evolve. For instance, the advent of new technologies in sensing and measurement, as well as in communications and networking, might impact the cost and performance of available solutions and shift initially set conditions. Also, the placement strategies developed for transmission grids might not be suitable for distribution grids, and vice versa, because of unique characteristics; therefore, the strategies need to be flexible, to a certain extent, because no two power grids are alike. Despite the extensive literature on the present topic, the focus of published works tends to be on a specific subject, such as the optimal placement of measurements to ensure observability in transmission grids. There is a dearth of work providing a comprehensive picture for developing optimal placement strategies. Because of the ongoing efforts on the modernisation of electric power grids, there is a need to consolidate the status quo while exposing its limitations to inform policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers on the research‐and‐development needs to push the boundaries for innovation. Accordingly, this paper first reviews the state‐of‐the‐art considering both transmission and distribution grids. Then, it consolidates the key factors to be considered in the problem formulation. Finally, it provides a set of perspectives on the measurement placement problem, and it concludes with future research directions.
Anemia in Acute Coronary Syndrome: An Overview
Authors: Satpathy Chhabi , Mohanty Nirmal Kumar
Published: October 2021

Anemia is very common in patients with cardiovascular diseases. It has been shown that anemia is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events in general population and in patients of heart failure and acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Various randomized trials have shown prevalence of anemia to be 10 to 43% in patients with ACS. The cardiac remodeling in ACS patients results in left ventricular dilation, which further increases myocardial wall stress. In the presence of anemia, this exacerbates ischemia and enhances myocardial necrosis and fibrosis and ultimately the prognosis. At present, modality of treatment of anemia in ACS patients is less established except blood transfusion. Anemia at admission may have both short- and long-term worse prognosis. Restrictive strategy of blood transfusion, as shown by REALITY trial, may have at least short-term beneficial effect. Due attention should also be given to hospital-acquired anemia (HAA) and anemia developing later, that is, after discharge from hospital. Intravenous iron therapy may be the future therapeutic option, as evidenced by its beneficial effect in treatment of heart failure with anemia.