bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Core‐shell Structured Nano CuO@CER Composites for the Photoelectrocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue
Authors: Liang Guanyu , Wang Ying , Dong Xinyu , Xu Fen
Published: November 2024

The composite material of nano CuO loaded on ion exchange resin (CuO@CER) as the carrier was prepared successfully by constant temperature oscillation and hydrothermal synthesis methods. It was applied to the photoelectrocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) as an organic pollutant, and further to explore the optimal conditions for CuO@CER photoelectrocatalytic degradation of MB. The results showed that the composite material had a typical core‐shell structure, and the nano CuO loaded on the ion exchange resin had good crystallinity and high purity. CuO@CER exhibited excellent photocatalytic and photoelectrocatalytic performance towards MB, with degradation rates of 92.02% and 95.20% in 70 min under their respective optimal reaction conditions. Furthermore, the photoelectrocatalytic stability of CuO@CER was good relatively, and the degradation rates of MB exceeded 96% after 5 cycles of photoelectrocatalytic experiments. Free radical quenching experiments indicated that superoxide radicals were the main active groups during the photoelectrocatalysis. Additionally, the mechanism of photocatalytic degradation for MB under the electric field was briefly analyzed. This study will provide technical support for the photoelectrocatalytic degradation of organic dye wastewater.
Heat Treatment of PTFE/PDMS/Nano‐silica Deposited Layer for Preparation of Superhydrophobic Coating with Anti‐corrosion, Anti‐scaling, and Anti‐fouling Properties
Authors: Yin Zichao , Sun Zhenhua , Li Junyi , Zhou Haigang , Qi Jingjing , Wang Weidong
Published: November 2024

PTFE‐based superhydrophobic coatings have received increasing research and the fabricated coatings exhibited excellent anti‐corrosion, anti‐scaling, anti‐fouling, and anti‐icing properties. In order to further enhance the hydrophobicity of PTFE coating, a PTFE‐based coating consisted of nano‐silica and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) was fabricated by deposition coating and annealing treatment. The water contact angle and sliding angle of the coating achieved 160.65° and 3.02°, respectively, demonstrating it possessed superhydrophobic property. Due to its excellent surface feature, the coating exhibited resistance to milk, coffee, and mud water, and could be easily cleaned by water flow. Besides, the water droplet on the coating had a longer freezing time and the ice droplet could be easily removed from the coating. Ascribed to the abundant nonpolar groups and the air cushion formed under water, the prepared coating had outstanding anti‐scaling and anti‐corrosion properties. The electrochemical impedance of the steel plate with the coating (above 9000 Ω·cm2) increased by two orders of magnitude compared with the non‐coating one (78.2 Ω·cm2), and the anti‐scaling rates of the coating towards BaSO4 and SrSO4 were all above 80%. It is promising that the coating will be a competitive candidate in many application fields.
Synthesis of Oxazolines using Aldol/Cyclization Cascade Reactions Employing 1,1‐Diaminobenzalazine as Organocatalyst
Authors: Mehta Kriti , Wani Aabid A. , Sahoo Subhash C. , Bharatam Prasad V.
Published: November 2024

1,1‐Diaminobenzalazine has been recently reported to catalyze different types of Michael addition reactions; this organic molecule has unique characteristic features for bifunctional organocatalysis. Organocatalysts were shown to be useful in different aldol/cyclization cascade reactions, it is important to establish whether 1,1‐diaminobenzalazine can be employed in the aldol/cyclization cascade reactions. In this work, the synthesis of oxazolines with the help of organocatalyst, 1,1‐diaminobenzalazine, has been reported. This method is relatively more efficient, cost‐effective, and environmentally safe as it avoids the use of metal oxides as co‐catalysts.
Self‐Standing Biohybrid Xerogels Incorporating Nanotubular Clays for Sustainable Removal of Pollutants
Authors: Caruso Maria Rita , Calvino Martina Maria , Šiler Pavel , Cába Ladislav , Milioto Stefana , Lisuzzo Lorenzo , Lazzara Giuseppe , Cavallaro Giuseppe
Published: November 2024

In this work, it is reported a scalable and systematic protocol for the preparation of xerogels based on the use of green, highly available, and low‐cost materials, i.e. halloysite nanoclay and chitosan, without the need for any expensive equipment or operational/energetic demands. Starting from colloidal dispersions, rheological studies demonstrate the formation of hydrogels with zero‐shear viscosities enhanced by ≈9 orders of magnitude and higher storage moduli. Hence, the corresponding self‐standing xerogels are prepared by a simple solvent casting method and their properties depend on the concentration of halloysite, possessing enhanced thermal stability and outstanding mechanical performances (elastic modulus and ultimate elongation of 165 MPa and 43%, respectively). The resulting biohybrid materials can be exploited for environmental remediation. High removal efficiencies are reached for the capture of organic molecules from aqueous media and the CO2 capture from the atmosphere is also investigated. Most importantly, the presence of an inorganic skeleton within the xerogels prevents the structure from collapsing upon drying and it allows for the control over their morphology and shape. Therefore, taking advantage of the overall features, the designed xerogels offer an attractive strategy for sustainably tackling pollution and for environmental remediation in a plethora of different domains.
Disintegration of Thin Liquid Metal Films Engendered by Aluminum Corrosion
Authors: Wu Wangyan , Chai Guangyu , Luo Wei
Published: November 2024

Liquid metals (LMs) illustrate a fantastic future. Thus, great endeavors are made to earn a comprehensive understanding of this fluid and carve it into a niche. Herein, by revisiting the combination of Ga‐based LMs and aluminum (Al), a new phenomenon, namely the disintegration of LM films on encountering water, is identified. Deviating from previous investigations where the LM generally took the form of bulk puddles, the LM‐Al slurry is spread as thin films here. In this case, Al debris embedded in the LM matrix hydrolyzes and therefore can exert disjoining pressure strong enough to split the thin film into countless tiny LM droplets. Based on this mechanism, transient circuits independent of substrate decomposition are realized. Furthermore, taking advantage of the portfolio strategy of pure LM and the LM‐Al slurry, novel concepts of flood warning and information storage and encryption are demonstrated. Integrating these functions all in one demonstrates the versatility of the disintegration of thin LM films engendered by Al corrosion, which provides a scientific insight into ephemeral art and makes the Ga─Al combination more illuminating.
The Key Role of N/S Codoped Carbon Dots in Efficient Capture and Conversion of Lithium Polysulfides
Authors: Fu Lichao , Liu Dapeng , Zuo Xintao , Qiu Yanhui , You Tingting , Zhang Yu
Published: November 2024

The dissolution and shuttle of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) should be primarily responsible for rapid capacity decay in lithium‐sulfur batteries (LSBs), which severely limits sulfur utilization. Introduction of cathode additives that can immobilize and rapidly convert LiPSs has been identified as effective in alleviating the shuttle effect. In this study, N/S codoped carbon dots (NSCDs) have been synthesized via a typical hydrothermal method, whose surfaces are rich in polar functional groups (─COOH, ─OH, ─SO3, and ─NH2) to capture LiPSs and effectively modulate the deposition behavior of Li2S. NSCDs as an additive of cathode significantly improve the battery discharge capacity and cycle life that it could deliver a reversible specific capacity of 1207.2 mAh g−1 at a current density of 0.2 C and stably operate for over 400 cycles at 1 and 2 C current densities. This work provides valuable insights into the application of 0D carbon nanomaterials in the field of LSBs.
Reconstruction of Hole Transport Layer via Co‐Self‐Assembled Molecules for High‐Performance Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Liu Weihong , Zang Yue , Tu Yibo , Wang Yida , Zhu Zhikang , Zhu Chenyang , Yan Wensheng
Published: November 2024

Adjusting the hole transport layer (HTL) to optimize its interface with perovskite is crucial for minimizing interface recombination, enhancing carrier extraction, and achieving efficient and stable inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, as a commonly used HTL, the self‐assemble layer (SAM) of [2‐(3,6‐dimethoxy‐9H‐carbazol‐9‐yl)ethyl] phosphonic acid (MeO‐2PACz) tends to form clusters and micelles during the deposition process, leading to inadequate coverage of the ITO substrate. Here, a Co‐SAM strategy is employed by incorporating 4‐mercaptobenzoic acid (SBA) and 4‐trifluoromethyl benzoic acid (TBA) as additives into MeO‐2PACz to fabricate a Co‐SAM‐based HTL. The introduced additive can interact with MeO‐2PACz, facilitating cluster dispersion and thereby enabling better deposition on ITO for improved HTL coverage. Moreover, Co‐SAM exhibits superior energy level alignment with perovskite to enhance interfacial contact and improve carrier extraction efficiency as well as promote growth of bottom perovskite grains. As a result, an impressive increase of the power conversion efficiency (PCE) from 21.34% to 23.31% is achieved in the inverted device based on the Co‐SAM HTL of MeO‐2PACz+TBA while maintaining ≈90% of its initial efficiency under continuous operation at 1‐sun.
Change in p53 nuclear localization in response to extracellular matrix stiffness
Authors: Zu Yan , Du Jing , Xu Yipu , Niu Mengying , Hong Canlin , Yang Chun
Published: November 2024

Chondrocytes are commonly applied in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. Thus, the discovery of optimal culture conditions to obtain cells with good properties and behavior for transplantation is important. In addition to biochemical cues, physical and biomechanical changes can affect the proliferation and protein expression of chondrocytes. Here we investigated the effect of extracellular matrix stiffness on mouse articular chondrocyte phenotype, growth, and subcellular p53 localization. Chondrocytes were seeded on collagen‐coated substrates varying in elasticity: 0.5 and 100 kPa. Immunocytochemical staining and immunoblotting showed that a softer substrate significantly increased p53 nuclear localization in chondrocytes. Furthermore, we identified microRNA‐532 (miR‐532) as a potential p53 target gene to influence cell function, indicating a new target for tissue engineering. These findings provide insight into the influence of physical cues on cell phenotype maintenance and could help improve understanding of cartilage‐related pathologies such as osteoarthritis.
Investigating Extracellular Vesicles in Viscous Formulations: Interplay of Nanoparticle Tracking and Nanorheology via Interferometric Light Microscopy
Authors: Alexandre Lucile , Dubrova Anastasiia , Kunduru Aruna , Surply Estelle , Ribes Christopher , Boucenna Imane , Gazeau Florence , Silva Amanda K. A. , Mangenot Stéphanie , Aubertin Kelly
Published: November 2024

While extracellular vesicles (EVs) demonstrate growing potential as innovative cell‐derived nanobiotherapies in diverse medical contexts, their physical properties (size, integrity, transport, etc.) in drug product formulation remain a critical concern poorly addressed so far. Herein, a methodology that relies on nanoparticle tracking analysis by interferometric light microscopy (ILM) for analyzing the concentration and size distribution of nanoparticles as well as their interactions with their local environment through a nanorheological approach is introduced. The analysis of interference patterns enables nanoparticles tracking not only in aqueous solutions but also in complex media with high‐viscosity or non‐Newtonian behavior, particularly pertinent for characterizing EV formulations. A proof of concept for in situ tracking of EVs suspended in Poloxamer‐407 as drug delivery system is presented. The ILM‐based analysis enables to 1) measure the viscosity at the nanoscale for Newtonian and non‐Newtonian fluids via calibration beads; 2) analyze data to determine the size distribution of EVs in non‐Newtonian complex fluid such as poloxamer formulation, and 3) analyze the interactions of EVs with poloxamer‐407. The proposed approach represents a valuable tool to understand the nanorheological behavior of EVs in viscoelastic media in situ as well as a quality control test for EV formulations intended to clinical use.
Application of a Size Measurement Standard for Data Warehouse Projects
Authors: Ünlü Hüseyin , Yürüm Ozan Raşit , Yıldız Ali , Demirörs Onur
Published: November 2024

Methodology

In this research, we conducted a case study to establish a foundation for size measurement and effort estimation in DWH projects. We first applied a productivity‐based estimation approach using linear regression with the ISBSG repository to assist organizations without historical data. We then evaluated various machine learning algorithms to improve estimation accuracy. Finally, we tested a combined model that integrates both approaches for estimating effort in external projects.

Results

Using the ISBSG dataset, linear regression models based on productivity achieved a Mean Magnitude of Relative Error (MMRE) of 0.285. Machine learning algorithms improved accuracy by 22.81%, reducing the MMRE to 0.220. The final model, applied to external projects, yielded MRE values between 0.010 and 0.245.

Conclusion

The ISBSG repository is a valuable resource for effort estimation in DWH projects. Combining productivity‐based estimation with machine learning enhances accuracy and predictive performance, making it a more reliable approach than traditional models.
Evolutionary trends of caviomorph rodents as elucidated using their oldest foot anatomy
Authors: Candela Adriana M. , Muñoz Nahuel A. , García Esponda César M. , Vizcaíno Sergio F.
Published: November 2024

Extant caviomorph rodents exhibit a wide array of locomotor types and substrate preferences, which are reflected in their foot morphology. It is not known when these patterns were established or how they evolved in this taxonomically and ecologically diverse clade. We studied the anatomy of the earliest preserved feet of caviomorphs represented by the late Oligocene stem octodontoid Platypittamys and the Early Miocene cavioid Neoreomys, stem octodontoid Sciamys and erethizontoid Steiromys. Integrating information provided by extant species, we performed qualitative and geometric morphometric analyses, reconstructing ancestral morphologies to interpret the evolution of the foot of caviomorphs through a time‐scaled phylogeny, and infer locomotor behaviours. We identified an important morphological disparity in these early genera that is explained by the presence of different locomotor adaptations and phylogenetic signal at different taxonomic levels. Neoreomys was probably generalized ambulatory, Steiromys possibly scansorial, Platypittamys possibly ambulatory with digging abilities, and Sciamys was probably agile ambulatory–scansorial. Our study indicated that several foot features can distinguish higher taxonomic groups of caviomorphs, at least since the Early Miocene. Early in their history, morphological constraints would have limited the capacity of evolutionary change more markedly in Cavioidea and Chinchillidae. In Cavioidea, at least two evolutionary trends were detected. Among octodontoids, extant octodontids and Platypittamys showed convergent anatomical patterns. Erethizontoidea retained a foot essentially unchanged since the Early Miocene after acquiring a noteworthy evolutionary innovation. In sum, the earliest foot morphologies of caviomorphs are very important in identifying evolutionary tendencies and the origin of their postcranial disparity.
Effect of CaO/SiO2 and Al2O3/SiO2 Mass Ratios on Structure and Viscosity of Mold Flux for Continuous Casting High‐Mn High‐Al Steel
Authors: Liu Qiang , Wang Wei , Gao Ming , Du Shen , Yin Yanbin , Zhang Jiongming
Published: November 2024

During continuous casting process of high‐Mn high‐Al steel, soluble Al in the steel typically reacts with SiO2 in the mold flux, resulting in a decrease in SiO2 content and an increase in Al2O3 contents in the flux. The structure of slags with varying CaO/SiO2 and Al2O3/SiO2 mass ratio is investigated using Raman spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. In the deconvolution results of Raman and NMR spectra, it is shown that the relative fractions of and significantly increase, while and gradually decrease with an increase in the CaO/SiO2 mass ratio from 0.52 to 1.02, resulting in depolymerization of the bridge oxygen structure. The silicon–oxygen tetrahedron transforms into aluminum–oxygen tetrahedron when the Al2O3/SiO2 mass ratio increased from 0.05 to 1.01. The viscosity of the slags with varying composition from 1573 to 1373 K is investigated. In the results, it is shown that with an increase in the CaO/SiO2 mass ratio, the viscosity decreases, and the complex SiO network structure is depolymerized. The viscosity decreases first as the Al2O3/SiO2 mass ratio increases from 0.05 to 0.24 and then increases as the mass ratio from 0.24 to 1.01, with the network formers transfer from SiO to SiAlO structures.
A Functional Linear Regression for High‐Resolution 3D Faces
Authors: Kang Hyun Bin , Reimherr Matthew , Shriver Mark , Claes Peter
Published: November 2024

Many scientific disciplines are faced with the challenge of extracting meaningful information from large, complex and highly structured datasets. A significant portion of contemporary statistical research is dedicated to developing tools for handling such data. This paper introduces a functional linear regression model specifically designed for 3D facial shapes, which are viewed as manifolds. We propose a comprehensive framework that includes converting 3D facial data into functional objects, employing a functional principal component analysis method and utilising a function‐on‐scalar regression model. This framework facilitates computation for high‐dimensional data and is employed to investigate how individual traits, such as age and genetic ancestry, impact the diversity of human facial features.
Content and language integrated learning in Cambodia's higher education: A study of an Introduction to ASEAN course
Authors: Chap Vikrant , Wright Wayne E.
Published: November 2024

Content and language integrated learning (CLIL) is a European bilingual education model that focuses on the use of an additional language to enable simultaneous learning of content and language. This study used CLIL as a framework to examine educational stakeholders' perspectives and practices in an Introduction to ASEAN course taught as part of a Bachelor of English degree program at the World Language Institute (WLI) in Cambodia. Data were collected through classroom observations, semi‐structured interviews, and a focus group. The findings revealed three key themes: integrating disciplinary knowledge into a language subject, balancing and supporting content and language learning, and developing academic and subject literacies. The discussion focuses on the issue of content and language integration from CLIL standpoints and the conceptualization of integration with pedagogical implications. The article concludes with implications for teaching to help administrators, teachers, and students systematically approach content and language learning with keen attention to disciplinary knowledge and language mastery.
Which Strategic Control Suits Wine Family Companies to Improve Control? A Proposal Through the Balanced Scorecard in a Tuscany Wine Company of Michele Satta
Authors: Iannone Barbara , Anceschi Alice
Published: November 2024

In the last few years, growth and increased market and organizational complexity, including the effects of the pandemic era, require family firm members to develop managerial strategies to improve their businesses. This study pays attention to the study of strategic performance measurement systems, as important tools that, if well applied, positively influence business management, being directly linked to critical success factors. First, particular attention is on The Tuscany Region, in the area of Bolgheri. Second, to carry out the empirical study of this research, the first implementation of the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) will be realized with the collaboration of one company in the same Region. This article sheds useful insights for practitioners on the effective implementation of accounting and strategic innovations and it encourages wine companies to seriously weigh investing in developing strategic performance management systems.
Evaluation of Ruthenium Oxide Nanoparticles as Photocatalysts: Efficiency in Organic Dye Degradation and Environmental Impact Studies
Authors: Arunachalam S. , Siranjeevi R. , Pillai M. Velayutham , Murphy M.
Published: November 2024

One of the most promising nanoscale materials for photodegradation is ruthenium oxide nanoparticles, which are abbreviated as RuO2 nanoparticles. Ruthenium oxide nanoparticles (RuO2 NPs) are promising nanomaterials for photodegradation. Several research methods have examined their size, phase study, and shape. We also examined RuO2 nanoparticle photocatalysis in rhodamine‐B (RhB) and acridine orange (AO) dyes degradation. We discovered that these nanoparticles were highly photocatalytic when exposed to UV light. This non‐toxic method uses no solvents. Analyzing synthesized RuO2 nanoparticles required FESEM, XRD, XPS (x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy), FTIR (Fourier transform infrared), and UV‐visible spectroscopy. The newly synthesized nanoparticles were evaluated for catalytic activity by degrading RhB and AO dyes. After the first‐order reaction, kinetics determined the photocatalytic efficiency against RhB and AO dyes, which degraded at 84% and 82%, respectively. A tamarind plant study found no phytotoxicity in treated effluents. RuO2 catalysts degrade organic dyes in industrial wastewater efficiently and inexpensively. The study shows RuO2 nanoparticles as very effective photocatalysts for degrading organic dyes, exhibiting better performance than conventional materials. In addition, it assesses the phytotoxicity of RuO2 nanoparticles, offering valuable information about their environmental consequences and safety for prospective widespread application.
Persistent elevation of parathyroid hormone after curative parathyroidectomy: A risk factor for recurrent hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Dream Sophie , Kim Gi Yoon , Doffek Kara , Yen Tina WF , Carroll Ty , Shaker Joseph , Evans Douglas B. , Wang Tracy S.
Published: November 2024

Background

Up to 45% of patients may have persistently elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels after curative parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), although the clinical significance is unclear. We aimed to assess the long‐term clinical significance of persistently elevated PTH early after parathyroidectomy.

Methods

A prospectively collected institutional database was queried for patients who underwent parathyroidectomy for sporadic PHPT between 12/99 and 6/22 and had normal serum calcium levels at 6 months postoperatively. Demographic and clinical data were collected, including diagnoses associated with secondary HPT (gastrointestinal malabsorptive diseases, kidney disease, and vitamin D deficiency). Patients were divided into two groups: normal PTH or elevated PTH at 6 months postoperatively. The rate of persistently elevated PTH, average time to PTH normalization, and time to recurrence were determined.

Results

The final cohort included 1146 patients; 849 (91%) had normal PTH levels and 194 (17%) had early postoperative normocalcemia with elevated PTH at 6 months postoperatively. Among 194 patients (mean follow‐up: 50 ± 53 months), 14 (7.2%) developed recurrent pHPT and 86 (44.3%) had normalization of PTH levels (median time to normalization: 12 months) (IQR: 9 and 15). There was no difference in the presence of diagnoses associated with secondary HPT between patients who had recurrent PHPT, normalization of PTH levels, or remained normocalcemic with persistently elevated PTH levels. The median time to recurrence was 22 months (IQR: 11 and 48) for the 7.2% of patients who developed recurrent PHPT compared to 2.4% in the 849 patients with normal calcium and PTH levels at 6 months (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Following curative parathyroidectomy, persistent elevation of PTH levels is not uncommon. Although most patients have a durable cure, it may be an early sign of persistent/recurrent PHPT. Long‐term surveillance for recurrence is necessary.
Maximum Likelihood Estimation of Subgrid Flows from Tracer Image Sequences
Authors: Resseguier Valentin
Published: November 2024

From a sequence of tracer satellite images, several methods (e.g. optical flow) exist to successfully estimate the main advecting current. Yet, this estimate is limited in resolution. To go beyond, we propose a new parametric estimation method to estimate second-order statistics of the residual small-scale velocity. We first express stochastic transport in a discrete setting to apply standard MLE techniques. Then we propose an efficient method to solve the MLE optimization problem through a fast log-likelihood gradient evaluation algorithm.
Transport Noise Defined from Wavelet Transform for Model-based Stochastic Ocean Models
Authors: Tucciarone Francesco L. , Li Long , Mémin Etienne , Thiry Louis
Published: November 2024

The simulation of planetary flows at all the scales that have a significant impact on the climate system is unachievable with nowadays computational resources. Parametrization of the scales smaller than the simulation resolution is thus crucial to correctly resolve the ocean dynamics. In this work, a novel parametrization of the subgrid scales by means of the wavelet transform is introduced in the shallow water and primitive models within the so-called Location Uncertainty framework.
Average Dissipation for Stochastic Transport Equations with Lévy Noise
Authors: Flandoli Franco , Papini Andrea , Rehmeier Marco
Published: November 2024

We show that, in one spatial and arbitrary jump dimension, the averaged solution of a Marcus-type SPDE with pure jump Lévy transport noise satisfies a dissipative deterministic equation involving a fractional Laplace-type operator. To this end, we identify the correct associated Lévy measure for the driving noise. We consider this a first step in the direction of a non-local version of enhanced dissipation, a phenomenon recently proven to occur for Brownian transport noise and the associated local parabolic PDE by the first author. Moreover, we present numerical simulations, supporting the fact that dissipation occurs for the averaged solution, with a behavior akin to the diffusion due to a fractional Laplacian, but not in a pathwise sense.
General Solution Theory for the Stochastic Navier-Stokes Equations
Authors: Goodair Daniel
Published: November 2024

We demonstrate how solutions to the incompressible Navier-Stokes Equations with transport and advection noise can be recovered through recent developments in the solution theory for stochastic partial differential equations (SPDEs). Local-in-time and global-in-time results are presented. Applications to the Stochastic Navier-Stokes Equations posed on the torus and a smooth bounded domain are detailed; in the latter case, both the no-slip and Navier boundary conditions are considered. Martingale weak solutions in 3D and weak solutions in 2D are proven in all cases. In 2D, strong solutions for the torus and Navier boundary are shown, whilst local strong solutions on the torus in 3D are also retrieved.
Unterstützung wirksamer Führung durch personaldiagnostisch gestütztes (Business-)Coaching
Authors: Ettl Kerstin , Roßdeutscher Axel
Published: November 2024

Im vorliegenden Beitrag geht es um die Frage, wie personaldiagnostisch gestütztes (Business-)Coaching zur Entwicklung von Führungskompetenzen und Unterstützung wirksamer Führung eingesetzt werden kann. Nach einer kurzen Einführung in aktuelle Herausforderungen und zukünftige Anforderungen an wirksame Führung werden zunächst Grundlagen der Potenzialentwicklung von Führungskräften durch Coaching diskutiert. Neben der Definition und Abgrenzung von Coaching werden hierzu Coachinganlässe und daraus resultierende Anforderungen an die Coaches betrachtet, Wirkmechanismen im Coaching aufgezeigt und grundlegende Einsatzfelder und -möglichkeiten personaldiagnostischer Instrumente im Coaching erläutert. Als Anwendungsbeispiel aus der Praxis wird anschließend der RAUEN Analyzer® als personaldiagnostisches Instrument im Führungskräftecoaching vorgestellt. Neben der wissenschaftlichen Fundierung des Instruments werden exemplarische Ansatzpunkte, die das Instrument zur Unterstützung wirksamer Führung liefert, an zwei Fallbeispielen dargestellt und diskutiert und so Möglichkeiten, aber auch Grenzen eines personaldiagnostisch gestützten Coachings im Führungskontext aufgezeigt.
Extreme ultra-short-term changes in air temperature in January in southern Poland (the example of Sosnowiec) against the background of atmospheric circulation conditions
Authors: Falarz Małgorzata
Published: November 2024

Large short-term changes in air temperature affect the functioning of living organisms in the environment and human activities. For this reason, a study of extreme positive and negative 10 min temperature changes and their causes related to atmospheric circulation was undertaken. Air temperature data for January in the period 2001–2017 in southern Poland (Sosnowiec) were analysed. Extreme ultra-short-term temperature changes were considered to be values less than or equal to 0.1 percentile (extreme temperature drops) and greater than or equal to 99.9 percentile (extreme temperature increases). The extreme ultra-short-term negative air temperature change was − 7.2°C/10 min, while the positive change was + 3.5 °C/10 min. Extreme ultra-short-term negative air temperature changes in southern Poland in January occur most frequently with the advection of air from the west (43% of cases), the inflow of maritime Polar old (transformed) air over Poland (25% of cases), western cyclonic (Wc) and north-western cyclonic (NWc) situations, a total of 34% of cases), the passage of the atmospheric front over southern Poland (59% of cases), especially a cold front (68% of cases with a front). Extreme ultra-short-term positive changes of air temperature in southern Poland in January occur most frequently with the advection of air from the south-west (43% of cases), the inflow of continental Polar air (42% of cases), anticyclonic situations (72% of cases), the occurrence of a high-pressure wedge over southern Poland (26% of cases), situations without atmospheric front (80% of cases). The direction of advection plays a secondary role in determining the values of extreme short-term changes in air temperature. More important is the speed of the influx of this air mass. Extreme ultra-short-term temperature changes are partly explained by circulation conditions. Rapid temperature changes can also occur as a result of small-scale processes in the atmosphere.
The Delay of Recanalisation of Acutely Thrombosed Dialysis Arteriovenous Access Until the Next Workday has No Negative Impact on Clinical Outcome
Authors: Hellwig Konstantin , Zicha Stefan , Kopp Christoph , Rother Ulrich , Papatheodorou Nikolaos , Uder Michael , Schmid Axel
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The necessity of providing endovascular recanalization of acutely thrombosed arteriovenous access (AV access) during weekend is questionable, since hemodialysis can alternatively be achieved by temporarily placed non-tunneled central venous catheters (CVC). Interventional therapy of acutely thrombosed AV access is provided only on weekdays in the study center. This study aimed to compare outcomes in patients admitted on weekdays and on the weekend.

Methods

A total of 355 endovascular procedures for thrombosed AV access performed in a single tertiary center from 2007 to 2017 were retrospectively analyzed for technical and clinical success, complications, rate of CVC and length of hospitalization. Technical success was defined as adequate blood flow with less than 30% residual stenosis, clinical success was defined as at least one successful hemodialysis after recanalization. There were two groups: patients who had to wait at least 2 days for recanalization due to admission at the weekend (n = 59, at-the-weekend group, ATW group) and patients receiving therapy no later than the day after admission (n = 296, on a working day group, OAW group).

Results

The technical/clinical success rate was 96.6%/88.1% in the ATW and 89.1%/84.6% in the OAW group (p > .05). Complications did not differ among groups (p > .05). Despite a higher rate of CVC, no attributed additional adverse events or complications were observed in the ATW group (p > .05).

Conclusion

Despite a longer time until treatment and a higher rate of short-term CVC, it seems to be justified to provide recanalization of dialysis shunts only during weekdays.

Graphical Abstract
Interspecific competition among anemonefishes: pink anemonefish engage in hostile takeovers of sea anemones occupied by clown anemonefish
Authors: Rueger T. , Barbasch T. A. , Versteeg M. , Campbell A. , Buston P. M.
Published: November 2024

Understanding drivers of species co-existence on coral reefs is important to predict community responses to environmental change. Here, we present, for the first time, observations of takeovers of anemones occupied by one species, Amphiprion percula, by another species, A. perideraion, and ask if habitat characteristics, fish characteristics, or environmental conditions predict these occurrences. Comparing survey data from multiple years, we find that takeovers occur at a frequency of 0.48–6.84 per 100 groups/year and that this does not depend on disturbances (anemone bleaching) in the population. Takeovers are not predicted by depth, anemone size, A. percula rank 1 size or the number of A. percula in the original group. Instead, we hypothesize that proximity of the A. percula group to the A. perideraion group is a key predictor. Our study demonstrates how long-term observations of tagged individuals and groups could reveal the drivers and consequences of interspecific conflicts on coral reefs.
Dispersion phenomena in EIS and DIS spectra of porous materials and their representation as transmission line bases ‘diffusion’ elements– part II - a case study of proton conductors
Authors: Ryś Piotr , Kowalczyk Jacek , Mroczkowska-Szerszeń Maja , Kaczkan Marcin , Majewska Karolina , Moszczyński Piotr , Pudełko Wojciech , Siekierski Maciej
Published: November 2024

Porosity of materials, understood as an overall averaged parameter or as the pore-size distribution related data is an important quality of numerous functional materials including proton conductive glasses. While most of the existing techniques applied for its assessment cannot be used to monitor the behaviour of ‘live’ systems in operando conditions, it is possible to use Electrochemical Immittance Spectroscopy (EIS) for this purpose. Nevertheless, analysis of these systems still requires an approximation made using transmission lines based models, which can be equated to specific diffusion elements parameters, which can in turn be related to qualities of the porous material investigated. The changes of these parameters can be correlated with various processes– such as dehydration and phase transitions or to the material’s processing history. In this part of the material we present a case study of highly grinded, mechanochemically processed powder-pressed proton conductors: phosphate-silicate glass and two uranyl based compounds– hydroxy phosphate (HUP) and hydroxy arsenate, delivering proof that the dispersive properties of proton transporting materials can be correlated with their dehydration processes, which were followed by means of FT-IR and terahertz time domain spectroscopies.
Ambulatory management of acute uncomplicated diverticulitis (AmbUDiv study): a multicentre, propensity score matching study
Authors: Mohamedahmed Ali Yasen , Hamid Mohammed , Issa Mohamed , Albendary Mohamed , Sultana Emiko , Zaman Shafquat , Bhandari Santosh , Sarma Diwakar , Ball William , Thomas Pradeep , Husain Najam
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Recent studies have suggested that ambulatory management is feasible for acute uncomplicated diverticulitis (AUD); however, there is still no consensus regarding the most appropriate management settings. This study presents a multi-centre experience of managing patients presenting with AUD, specifically focusing on clinical outcomes and comparing ambulatory treatment with in-patient management.

Methods

A retrospective multi-centre study was conducted across four hospitals in the UK and included all adult patients with computed tomography (CT) confirmed (Hinchey grade 1a) acute diverticulitis over a 12-month period (January – December 2022). Patient medical records were followed up for 1-year post-index episode, and outcomes were compared between those treated through the ambulatory pathway versus inpatient treatment using 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM). All statistical analysis was performed using the R Foundation for Statistical Computing, version 4.4.

Results

A total of 348 patients with Hinchey 1a acute diverticulitis were included (260 in-patients; 88 ambulatory pathway), of which nearly a third (31.3%) had a recurrent disease. Inpatient management was dominant (74.7%), with a median of 3 days of hospital stay. PSM resulted in 172 patients equally divided between the two care settings. Ambulatory management was associated with a lower readmission rate (P = 0.02 before PSM, P = 0.08 after PSM), comparable surgical (P = 0.57 before PSM, 0% in both groups after PSM) and radiological interventions (P = 0.99 before and after PSM) within one year. In both matched and non-matched groups, a strong association between readmissions and inpatient management was noted in univariate analysis (P = 0.03 before PSM, P = 0.04 after PSM) and multivariate analysis (P = 0.02 before PSM, P = 0.03 after PSM).

Conclusion

Our study supports the safety and efficacy of managing patients with AUD through a well-designed ambulatory care pathway. In particular, hospital re-admission rates are lower and other outcomes are non-inferior to in-patient treatment. This has implications for substantial cost-savings and better utilisation of limited healthcare resources.
Delirium after cardiac arrest: incidence, risk factors, and association with neurologic outcome—insights from the Freiburg Delirium Registry
Authors: Staudacher Dawid Leander , Heine Laura , Maier Alexander , Kaier Klaus , Heidenreich Adrian , Rilinger Jonathan , Rottmann Felix Arne , Biever Paul Marc , Supady Alexander , Wengenmayer Tobias , Westermann Dirk , Jäckel Markus
Published: November 2024

Aim

Delirium in patients treated in the intensive care unit (ICU) is linked to adverse outcome, according to previous observations. However, data on patients recovering after cardiac arrest are sparse. The aim of this study was to assess incidence, risk factors, and outcome of patients with delirium after cardiac arrest in the Freiburg Delirium Registry (FDR).

Methods

In this retrospective registry study, all patients after cardiac arrest treated in the Freiburg University Medical Center medical ICU between 08/2016 and 03/2021 were included. Delirium was diagnosed using the Nursing Delirium screening scale (NuDesc), assessed three times daily. Favorable neurological outcome was defined as cerebral performance category (CPC) score at ICU discharge ≤ 2.

Results

Two hundred seventeen patients were included and among them, delirium was detected in one hundred ninety-nine (91.7%) patients. Age was independently associated with the incidence of delirium (p = 0.003), and inversely associated with the number of delirium-free days (p < 0.001). Favorable neurological outcome was present in 145/199 (72.9%) with, and 17/18 (94.4%) patients without delirium (p = 0.048). While the incidence of delirium was not independently associated with a favorable neurologic outcome, the number of delirium-free days strongly predicted the primary endpoint [OR 2.14 (1.73–2.64), p > 0.001].

Conclusion

Delirium complicated the ICU course in almost all patients after cardiac arrest. The number of delirium-free days was associated with favorable outcome while incidence of delirium itself was not.

Graphical abstract
Eruption style and dynamics of the ~ 87 ka Baricha peralkaline rhyolite eruption in Ethiopia
Authors: Tadesse Amdemichael Zafu , Fontijn Karen , Wallace Paul A. , Gurioli Lucia , Laha Priya , Terryn Herman , Ayalew Dereje
Published: November 2024

Peralkaline rhyolites are a rare magma type, typically associated with continental rift settings, and characterised by excess alkalis relative to alumina and a moderate-low viscosity compared to calc-alkaline equivalents. Despite their prevalence in extensional rift settings, such as the Main Ethiopian Rift, eruption dynamics of peralkaline magmas are poorly understood and have never been directly observed. To address the knowledge gap, this study investigates the style and dynamics of the ~ 87 ka explosive eruption at Baricha volcano as a case study. This eruption deposited widespread pumice lapilli fall and pyroclastic density currents, which provide valuable information on pre- and syn-eruptive magmatic processes. By examining the physical and textural features of the eruption products at different stratigraphic levels, we reconstruct eruption dynamics over time. Our analysis reveals that the eruption had three distinct phases, each characterised by different types of tephra fall deposits and associated with different plume and vent conditions. Specifically, deposits of phases 1 and 3 were characterised by massive and well-sorted tephra falls indicative of sustained plume behaviour, while phase 2 deposits were bedded, lithic-rich (i.e. non-juvenile fragments) tephra falls, and pyroclastic density current deposit associated with an unsteady plume and vent-widening phase. The pumice (8–16 mm size fraction) from this eruption is microlite-free, with a bulk density of 400–700 kg m−3 and > 60% total vesicularity. The vesicle size distribution is polymodal, with the most frequent size ranging from 0.001 to 2.4 mm and an estimated vesicle number density of 0.07*107 to 1.6*107 mm−3. The textural observations suggest rapid nucleation occurred during the late phases of magma ascent. Calculated decompression rates of the ascending magma were 0.07–5.6 MPa/s and show a variation between the eruption phases. We conclude that the shift in eruption dynamics alternating between steady to unsteady plume behaviour during the eruption was likely driven by changes in conduit geometry, lithic abundance of the eruptive mixture, decompression rate, and fresh magma injection.
Sign language interpretation using machine learning and artificial intelligence
Authors: Najib Fatma M.
Published: November 2024

Sign language is the only way for deaf and mute people to represent their needs and feelings. Most of non-deaf-mute people do not understand sign language, which leads to many difficulties for deaf-mutes' communication in their social life. Sign language interpretation systems and applications get a lot of attention in the recent years. In this paper, we review sign language recognition and interpretation studies based on machine learning, image processing, artificial intelligence, and animation tools. The two reverse processes for sign language interpretation are illustrated. This study discusses the recent research on sign language translation to text and speech with the help of hand gestures, facial expressions interpretation, and lip reading. Also, state of the art in speech to sign language translation is discussed. In addition, some of the popular and highly rated Android and Apple mobile applications that facilitate disabled people communication are presented. This paper clarifies and highlights the recent research and real used applications for deaf-mute people help. This paper tries to provide a link between research proposals and real applications. This link can help covering any gap or non-handled functionalities in the real used applications. Based on our study, we introduce a proposal involves set of functionalities/options that separately introduced and discussed by the recent research studies. These recent research directions should be integrated for achieving more real help. Also, a set of non-addressed research directions are suggested for future focus.
Deep Encodings vs. Linguistic Features in Lexical Complexity Prediction
Authors: Ortiz-Zambrano Jenny A. , Espín-Riofrío César H. , Montejo-Ráez Arturo
Published: November 2024

In this work, we present a novel approach to lexical complexity prediction (LCP) that combines diverse linguistic features with encodings from deep neural networks. We explore the integration of 23 handcrafted linguistic features with embeddings from two well-known language models: BERT and XLM-RoBERTa. Our method concatenates these features before inputting them into various machine learning algorithms, including SVM, Random Forest, and fine-tuned transformer models. We evaluate our approach using two datasets: CompLex for English (a high-resource language) and CLexIS2 for Spanish (a relatively low-resource language in ), allowing us to study performance issues from a cross-lingual perspective. Our experiments involve different combinations of linguistic features with encodings from pretrained deep learning models, testing both token-based and sequence-related encodings. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of our hybrid approach. For the English CompLex corpus, our best model achieved a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.0683, representing a 29.2% improvement over using linguistic features alone (MAE 0.0965). On the Spanish CLexIS2 corpus, we achieved an MAE of 0.1323, a 19.4. These findings show that handcrafted linguistic features play a fundamental role in achieving higher performance, particularly when combined with deep learning approaches. Our work suggests that hybrid approaches should be considered over full end-to-end solutions for LCP tasks, especially in multilingual contexts.
Zervixkarzinom – Immuntherapie beim lokal fortgeschrittenen und metastasierten Zervixkarzinom: Status quo und neue Therapieoptionen
Authors: Schubert M. , Bauerschlag D. O. , Alkatout I.
Published: November 2024

Das Zervixkarzinom stellt weiterhin weltweit betrachtet das zweithäufigste gynäkologische Karzinom der Frau dar und ist im Falle einer späten Diagnosestellung mit einer hohen Mortalität verbunden. In den entwickelten Ländern ist der Rückgang der Inzidenz vor allem durch die Früherkennungsuntersuchungen (Papanicolaou-Test (Pap-Test), Humaner Papillomavirus-Test (HPV-Test)) zu erklären, wodurch die Zervixdyplasien und Frühstadien des Zervixkarzinoms rechtzeitig erkannt und erfolgreich behandelt werden können. Einen weiteren Faktor stellt die HPV-Impfung dar, wodurch die Inzidenz- und Mortalitätsraten zukünftig weiter sinken werden. Im frühen Zervixkarzinomstadium steht die operative Therapie im Vordergrund, wohingegen im fortgeschrittenen Stadium die primäre Radiochemotherapie die bevorzugte Therapie darstellt. Die metastasierte Situation wird durch die Chemotherapie in Kombination mit der Immuntherapie dominiert. Immunonkologika haben zunehmend einen essenziellen Stellenwert in der gynäkologischen Onkologie und haben in den letzten Jahren ebenso ihren Einzug in die Therapie des Zervixkarzinoms gefunden, bei der gerade in der metastasierten Situation die Therapieoptionen oftmals sehr limitiert sind. Durch verschiedenste bedeutende klinische Studien konnten hier neue Behandlungsparadigmen für das persistierende, rezidivierende sowie das metastasierende Zervixkarzinom geschaffen werden. Ebenso zeigten sich erstmalig positive Ergebnisse in der Erstlinientherapie des lokal fortgeschrittenen Zervixkarzinoms durch die Kombination des Immuncheckpointinhibitors Pembrolizumab mit der standardisierten Radiochemotherapie.