bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fusarium mycotoxins: The major food contaminants
Authors: Qu Zheng , Ren Xianfeng , Du Zhaolin , Hou Jie , Li Ye , Yao Yanpo , An Yi
Published: May 2024

Mycotoxins, which are secondary metabolites produced by toxicogenic fungi, are natural food toxins that cause acute and chronic adverse reactions in humans and animals. The genus Fusarium is one of three major genera of mycotoxin‐producing fungi. Trichothecenes, fumonisins, and zearalenone are the major Fusarium mycotoxins that occur worldwide. Fusarium mycotoxins have the potential to infiltrate the human food chain via contamination during crop production and food processing, eventually threatening human health. The occurrence and development of Fusarium mycotoxin contamination will change with climate change, especially with variations in temperature, precipitation, and carbon dioxide concentration. To address these challenges, researchers have built a series of effective models to forecast the occurrence of Fusarium mycotoxins and provide guidance for crop production. Fusarium mycotoxins frequently exist in food products at extremely low levels, thus necessitating the development of highly sensitive and reliable detection techniques. Numerous successful detection methods have been developed to meet the requirements of various situations, and an increasing number of methods are moving toward high‐throughput features. Although Fusarium mycotoxins cannot be completely eliminated, numerous agronomic, chemical, physical, and biological methods can lower Fusarium mycotoxin contamination to safe levels during the preharvest and postharvest stages. These theoretical innovations and technological advances have the potential to facilitate the development of comprehensive strategies for effectively managing Fusarium mycotoxin contamination in the future.
Pathogenic mechanisms and etiologic aspects of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis as an infectious cause of cutaneous melanoma
Authors: Pierce Ellen S. , Jindal Charulata , Choi Yuk Ming , Cassidy Kaitlin , Efird Jimmy T.
Published: May 2024

Infectious etiologies have previously been proposed as causes of both melanoma and non‐melanoma skin cancer. This exploratory overview explains and presents the evidence for the hypothesis that a microorganism excreted in infected ruminant animal feces, Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP), is the cause of some cases of cutaneous melanoma (CM). Occupational, residential, and recreational contact with MAP‐contaminated feces, soil, sand, and natural bodies of water may confer a higher rate of CM. Included in our hypothesis are possible reasons for the differing rates and locations of CM in persons with white versus nonwhite skin, why CM develops underneath nails and in vulvar skin, why canine melanoma is an excellent model for human melanoma, and why the Bacille Calmette‐Guérin (BCG) vaccine has demonstrated efficacy in the prevention and treatment of CM. The pathogenic mechanisms and etiologic aspects of MAP, as a transmittable agent underlying CM risk, are carefully deliberated in this paper. Imbalances in gut and skin bacteria, genetic risk factors, and vaccine prevention/therapy are also discussed, while acknowledging that the evidence for a causal association between MAP exposure and CM remains circumstantial.
Postoperative Cosmetic Scores and Revision Rates After Nasal Mohs Reconstructive Surgery
Authors: Sharma Rahul K. , DeSisto Nicole G. , Longino Elizabeth S. , Stephan Scott J. , Patel Priyesh N. , Yang Shiayin F.
Published: May 2024

Objective

Few studies have examined the impact of preoperative and surgical factors on the change in cosmetic survey scores after nasal Mohs reconstruction using a subset of the 10‐item Standardized Cosmesis and Health Nasal Outcomes Survey‐Cosmesis (SCHNOS‐C). We aim to determine preoperative and surgical factors that impact cosmetic outcomes following Mohs nasal reconstruction.

Study Design

Retrospective analysis.

Setting

Nasal Mohs reconstruction patients at a tertiary medical center.

Methods

All patients receiving Mohs reconstruction of any nasal subunit at a tertiary medical center were analyzed. Variables collected included demographic and Mohs defect/reconstruction characteristics. Primary outcomes were changes in cosmetic (SCHNOS‐C) scores and revision rates. Multivariable analysis was used to identify independent predictors of cosmetic scores/revision.

Results

We included 296 patients for analysis. On multivariable logistic regression, factors contributing to better final cosmetic scores were receiving a skin/composite graft (odds ratio [OR]: 0.22, 95% confidence interval: 0.06‐0.68, P = .014) compared to a local flaps. Women were more likely to have worsening cosmetic scores (OR: 2.27, 1.06‐4.99, P = .037). Only initial cosmetic scores independently predicted receiving any revision (OR: 1.11, 1.03‐1.20, P = .006).

Conclusion

Average SCHNOS‐C scores after nasal reconstruction of Mohs defects are low. Only worse patient reported SCHNOS‐C scores predicted revision. It is important to understand preoperative and surgical factors that affect cosmetic outcomes to optimize patient counseling and reconstructive planning. Patient perception is a key factor in predicting revisions.
A short banana fiber—PLA filament for 3D printing: Development and characterization
Authors: P.P Mohamed Shafeer , Pitchaimani Jeyaraj , Doddamani Mrityunjay
Published: May 2024

This study aims to develop a 3D printable composite filament using short banana fiber and polylactic acid (PLA). The filament was acquired through a single screw extruder, employing various blending techniques. Various fiber loadings were examined, impacting PLA's mechanical, thermal, and printability properties. The results revealed altered mechanical characteristics, with reduced tensile and flexural properties compared with pure PLA. However, these values are at an acceptable level for non‐structural applications. Compared with previous works, the filament developed in the present work is found out to be second strongest among the cellulose fiber‐reinforced PLA filaments. 3D printing with the composite filament encountered no significant issues. A modified mixing method improved mechanical characteristics, although 3D‐printed samples showed deteriorated mechanical characteristics due to poor interfacial bonding. This research introduces an environmentally viable strategy for advancing 3D printing technology by integrating banana fibers into PLA filament. The proposed strategy can be effectively utilized in making cellulose/PLA filaments for 3D printing applications. This innovative approach preserves PLA's natural biodegradability while carefully managing the integration of banana fibers and their potential effects on mechanical properties.

Highlights

Fiber loading influences mechanical, with minimal impact on thermal properties.

Solution casting improved fiber/matrix bonding and filler homogeneity.

Plasticizing effect reduces the tensile strength.

Modified mixing resulted in even filament diameter and improved tensile properties.
Experimental design approach for the quantitative analysis of multicomponents by single marker and HPLC fingerprinting of Thunbergia laurifolia aqueous extract
Authors: Onsawang Thanapat , Suwanvecho Chaweewan , Sithisarn Pongtip , Phechkrajang Chutima , Rojsanga Piyanuch
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Thunbergia laurifolia is used in traditional Thai medicine to reduce fever and treat mouth ulcers. However, the quantitative analysis of chemical markers has not yet been officially defined.

Objective

The objective of this study is to develop a high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method using a design of experiment (DoE) for the quantitative analysis of multicomponents by single marker (QAMS) and fingerprinting of the T. laurifolia aqueous extract.

Materials and Methods

Critical variables were screened using a two‐level fractional factorial design, followed by the optimization of the selected variables using a central composite design. The validated method was applied for quality assessment based on QAMS and fingerprinting of the extract.

Results

Optimum conditions of DoE for the analysis of caffeic acid, vicenin‐2, and rosmarinic acid were determined. The relative correction factors for caffeic acid and vicenin‐2 were calculated using rosmarinic acid as an internal reference standard, and their contents in 30 samples were determined. The differences between the external standard method (ESM) and QAMS were compared. No significant difference was observed in the quantitative determination, proving the consistency QAMS and ESM. HPLC fingerprints of T. laurifolia were established with 8 of 12 characteristic peaks that were structurally characterized using HPLC‐diode array detection‐electrospray ionization/tandem mass spectrometry. The similarity of the fingerprints in all samples was ≥0.74, and the pattern recognition of the characteristic peaks was satisfied.

Conclusion

The proposed method efficiently detected multiple components of the T. laurifolia extract. Thus, the method is beneficial in providing references for enhancing the quality control of other herbal medicines.
Investigation of the influence of nano ZnO particle doping in electrode membrane on the output characteristics of biomimetic artificial muscles
Authors: Ji Yingxin , Wang Keyi , Zhao Gang
Published: May 2024

Biomimetic artificial muscles (BMAMs) aim to imitate the movement and capabilities of natural muscles, drawing inspiration from their structure and function. This research utilized multiwalled carbon nanotubes to increase the conductivity of the electrode membrane and replaced traditional electroactive polymers with sodium alginate to improve the output performance of BMAMs. To further strengthen the output force of the electrode membrane, nanoscale ZnO was chosen as the doping material. Various composite electrode membranes were created during the experiments, each containing varying amounts of ZnO nanoparticles. The membranes' surface morphology was extensively examined with scanning electron microscopy, and the composite electrode membranes were fully assessed on an electrochemical workstation. Electrochemical testing showed that adding nanoscale ZnO particles greatly boosted the specific capacitance of the electrode membrane, which was directly linked to the performance of BMAMs. Impedance spectroscopy test results indicated a minimal impact of nanoscale ZnO particle doping on the internal resistance of the electrode membrane.

Highlights

Sodium alginate replaces electroactive polymers, easing environmental impact.

Nano ZnO doping boosts electrode membrane's capacitance for stronger muscles.

ZnO doping shows minimal effect on electrode membrane's resistance.
(Thermo)mechanical and chemical characteristics of photochemically crosslinked acrylates from bio‐ and fossil‐based origin
Authors: Samyn Pieter , Adeel Muhammad , Pazdur Lukasz , Billen Pieter
Published: May 2024

The acrylates with oligomers and monomers from (partially) bio‐based feedstock become available at (semi‐)industrial scale, which can be processed through photochemical crosslinking for applications in coatings, additive manufacturing, electronics, or inks. Although fossil‐ and bio‐based acrylates may have a similar chemical composition, it requires good understanding of processing and structure–property relationships as minor changes in microstructure may strongly alter the performance. A comparative study on mechanical properties and chemical structure of bio‐ and fossil‐based acrylates with different functionalities and backbone structures reveals higher ductility of bio‐based acrylates, in relation with a more complex organization of the intrinsic molecular structure. The latter is confirmed by mechanical testing and visco‐elastic characteristics (dynamic mechanical analysis) yielding lower stiffness and higher dampening of bio‐based acrylates, in parallel with a lower glass transition temperature (differential scanning calorimetry). The complex molecular arrangements include a nanoscale morphology with ordered structure (X‐ray diffraction), conformational changes (infrared spectroscopy), and a residual high‐molecular weight fraction (size exclusion chromatography). The visco‐elastic calculations indicate only 4% to 5% lower crosslinking density and around 10% higher mean molar mass of the polymer chains segments between chemical crosslinks and trapped chain entanglements, which explain the unique structure and performance of bio‐based acrylates.
Trinitroethyl hydrazides of dicarbonic acids – Energetic compounds with high oxygen and nitrogen content
Authors: Klapötke Thomas M. , Krumm Burkhard , Riedelsheimer Christian
Published: May 2024

Many currently used energetic materials need to be replaced with new compounds due to toxicity or other drawbacks. Among these is the oxidizer ammonium perchlorate, often used in solid state propellants, which itself, as well as its combustion products, poses health and environmental issues. Herein, three new polynitro energetic compounds are presented containing trinitroethyl moieties. Starting from easily available starting materials, such as malonic acid ethylester, diglycolic and diaminodiacetic acid, simple and straightforward syntheses were performed to obtain first the corresponding hydrazides and subsequently the trinitroethyl hydrazides in good yields and high purity. These compounds have a positive oxygen balance (assuming to the formation of CO), a high oxygen and nitrogen content and moderate densities. Full characterization was performed by NMR spectroscopy, vibrational analysis and elemental analysis. By using the Gaussian program package, the heats of formation were calculated and the energetic parameters were estimated utilizing the EXPLO5 computer code.
Research on the thermal runaway characteristics and risks of square soft lithium‐ion batteries nail penetration
Authors: Wang Jun , Wang Le , Pan Renming , Zhou Xia
Published: May 2024

To conduct a comprehensive investigation into the nail penetration thermal runaway (TR) characteristics of 16 Ah/5 Ah lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) and their modules. The study aims to analyze the burst characteristics and examine the variations in TR behavior under specific conditions, with the goal of improving early warning and protection against LIB TR incidents. The research findings demonstrate that mechanical nail penetration can rapidly trigger TR, resulting in the highest temperature 522.3°C within 51.9 s, and the fastest is 20 s. In the case of LIB modules, a secondary temperature rise occurs, exhibiting an increased rate of up to 77%. Notably, when the battery bulges, there is a release of high‐temperature two‐phase heat flow accompanied by a significant discharge of combustible gases. This escalation increases the risk of further explosions. Moreover, the study observes repeated spray fires and the generation of a considerable amount of smoke. Additionally, the study highlights the role of sudden rise in temperature and the release of H2 as early indicators of TR. These findings provide valuable theoretical insights into the characteristics and risks of square soft LIBs, enhance safety measures, and contribute to the development of early warning systems for LIBs.
Front Cover Image
Authors: Peirce Erika S , Evers Byron , Winn Zachary J , Raupp W John , Guttieri Mary , Fritz Allan K , Poland Jesse , Akhunov Eduard , Haley Scott , Mason Esten , Nachappa Punya
Published: May 2024

The cover image is based on the Research Article Identifying novel sources of resistance to wheat stem sawfly in five wild wheat species by Erika S Peirce et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.8008.

image
Heat stress‐induced oviposition behavioral change correlates with sperm damage in the pine sawyer beetle, Monochamus alternatus
Authors: Li Hui , Li Shouyin , Chen Jin , Tan Yushan , Ye Jianren , Hao Dejun
Published: May 2024

Background

Global climate change is causing an increase in extreme high temperatures (EHTs), which subject insects to unprecedented stress. Behavior plasticity in response to EHTs, particularly oviposition behavior, is important for the persistence and outbreak of insect populations. Investigating the plasticity of oviposition behavior and its underlying mechanisms has theoretical importance to pest management, but knowledge gaps still remain.

Results

Herein, we characterized the reproductive traits of Monochamus alternatus, a dominant insect vector of the destructive pine wilt disease, including oviposition behavioral patterns, fecundity, offspring fitness and sperm viability, under simulated heatwave conditions in the laboratory. The results showed that (i) EHTs induced a novel oviposition behavior, whereby females deposited multiple eggs into a single groove rather than laying one egg per groove under normal condition; (ii) EHTs exerted stage‐ and sex‐specific effects on fecundity, offspring fitness and sperm viability; and (iii) there was a significant correlation between frequency of the novel oviposition strategy and sperm viability.

Conclusion

We hypothesized that this beetle pest has the ability to flexibly shift towards a low‐cost oviposition strategy to counteract the fitness costs caused by heat stress. Taken together, these findings provide a theoretical foundation for personalized pest management strategies in the context of climate change. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Educators' invisible labour: A systematic review
Authors: Staudt Willet K. Bret , He Dan
Published: May 2024

The hidden or overlooked nature of many of educators' professional activities complicates the already difficult task of supporting educators' labour—in both K‐12 and higher education settings. These efforts can be understood as types of invisible labour. Following PRISMA standards, we conducted a systematic literature review to answer a single research question: How have scholars framed educators' professional activities in terms of invisible labour? This systematic review searched 10 educational databases and identified 16 peer‐reviewed journal articles spanning 2011–2021. From thematic analysis of these studies, we developed a model of five types of invisibility that intersect and mask educators' professional efforts: background, care, precarious, identity and remote labour. The review also showed several overall themes related to educators' invisible labour, which we discuss in connection to the literature: effort is often semivisible, invisibility is subjective, effort by marginalised educators is often overlooked, labour in unexpected places often means effort is overlooked, and there are layers of factors masking effort. We then discuss implications for practice, starting with five invisible labour questions to prompt reflection, then how to apply invisible labour as an improvement lens for identifying needs, allocating resources, analysing jobs and tasks, and evaluating performance.
Bulk Photovoltaic Effect Induced by Non‐Covalent Interactions in Bilayered Hybrid Perovskite for Efficient Passive X‐Ray Detection
Authors: Fu Dongying , Zhang Yue , Chen Zhuo , Pan Lin , He Yueyue , Luo Junhua
Published: May 2024

Hydrogen bonding as a multifunctional tool has always influenced the structure of hybrid perovskites. Compared with the research on hydrogen bonding, the study of halogen‐halogen interactions on the structure and properties of hybrid perovskites is still in its early stages. Herein, a polar bilayered hybrid perovskite (IEA)2FAPb2I7 (IEA+ is 2‐iodoethyl‐1‐ammonium, FA is formamidinium) with iodine‐substituted spacer is successfully constructed by changing the configuration of interlayer cations and regulating non‐covalent interactions at the organic–inorganic interface, which shows a shorter interlayer spacing and higher density (ρ = 3.862 g cm−3). The generation of structure polarity in (IEA)2FAPb2I7 is caused by the synergistic effect of hydrogen bonding and halogen‐halogen interactions. Especially, as the length of the carbon chain in organic cations decreases, the I‐‐‐I interaction in the system gradually strengthens, which may be the main reason for the symmetry‐breaking. Polarity‐induced bulk photovoltaics (Voc = 1.0 V) and higher density endow the device based on (I‐EA)2FAPb2I7 exhibit a high sensitivity of 175.6 µC Gy−1 cm−2 and an ultralow detection limit of 60.4 nGy s−1 at 0 V bias under X‐ray irradiation. The results present a facile approach for designing polar multifunctional hybrid perovskites, also providing useful assistance for future research on halogen‐halogen interactions.
Alleviating the Angular Dependence of Perovskite Solar Cells via Light‐Harvesting Nanostructure
Authors: Chen Hanyue , Liu Gang , Ke Lili , Liu Guidong , Zhou Conghua , Li Hongxing
Published: May 2024

Over the past decade, perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have witnessed a remarkable surge in power conversion efficiency (PCE). However, the electrical output performance of PSCs is dependent on the incident angle of solar radiation, and energy loss occurs during photovoltaic conversion when light impinges at angles. Herein, a perovskite‐light‐absorbed layer with inverse opal structure is used to fabricate PSCs and reduce the angular dependence of the performance. In the results, it is demonstrated that ordered periodic perovskite inverse opal (PVSK–IO) not only exhibits a remarkable slow‐photon effect for enhancing the absorption of sunlight near the photonic bandgap (PBG), but also promotes the carrier transfer by expanding the contact area with hole‐transport layer. Moreover, the slow‐photon region of PBG can be intentionally tuned by changing the direction of sunlight illumination, thereby more intuitively delaying and storing light in the PVSK–IO layer. As a consequence, the slow‐photon effect originated from the PVSK–IO structure efficiently improves the short‐circuit current density, resulting in a higher PCE than that of planar devices under the irradiation from different incident angles. In this research, a rational strategy is offered for enhancing the performance of PSCs while alleviating their angular dependence.
Extensive intraocular melanoma with secondary glaucoma in a 15‐month‐old Thoroughbred filly
Authors: Pereira Regina , Gillespie Stephanie , Rapezzano Giulia , Withers Jonathan , Duz Marco , Foote Alastair
Published: May 2024

A 15‐month‐old, grey, Thoroughbred filly presented for investigation of a 6‐week history of corneal oedema and blepharospasm on the right eye (OD). The filly was otherwise healthy. Following ophthalmic examination, glaucoma on the OD was diagnosed. A space occupying mass within the anterior chamber was documented on transpalpebral ultrasonographic examination. This mass obliterated most of the anterior intraocular structures on the peripheral nasal side (corneal endothelium and drainage angle), leading to secondary glaucoma. After systemic and topical treatment addressing secondary glaucoma, the corneal oedema reduced. The mass was visualised as an irregularly rounded brown structure associated with the iris on the peripheral nasal side of the anterior chamber. Given the filly's signalment, location and appearance of the mass, a tentative diagnosis of intraocular melanoma was made and enucleation was performed. Histopathological evaluation of the globe revealed solid sheets of heavily pigmented melanocytic cells, disrupting the normal ciliary body architecture and extending into the iris and subretinal. The cells were pleomorphic, polyhedral to round with occasional spindle‐shaped cells, and contained moderate to large amounts of granular black‐brown pigment (melanin). The iridal component expanded into the anterior chamber, with cells directly opposed to Descemet's membrane, with loss of the endothelium and expanding and occluding the filtration angle in this area. The lesion infiltrated locally into the edge of the sclera, but did not extend through the sclera, though occasional perivascular clusters of melanophages were observed within the scleral stroma adjacent to the optic nerve. Diagnosis of a uveal melanocytic neoplasm was confirmed, with characteristics similar to only one reported case . This is a unique case of a rapidly growing, invasive, uveal melanoma in a young horse. Intraocular melanoma should be considered as a differential diagnoses for glaucoma in grey horses, regardless of the age and absence of melanocytic skin lesions.
Polyvinylpyrrolidone‐functionalized graphene oxide as a nanocarrier for dual‐drug delivery of quercetin and curcumin against HeLa cancer cells
Authors: Rana Anita , Matiyani Monika , Negi Pushpa Bhakuni , Tiwari Himani , Garwal Kamal , Basak Souvik , Sahoo Nanda Gopal
Published: May 2024

This study is to develop a nanocarrier based on polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)‐functionalized graphene oxide (GO–PVP), loaded with both curcumin (CUR) and quercetin (QSR), and then its performance compared with nanocarriers carrying the drugs separately. The study also aimed to investigate the cytotoxic effects of these nanocarriers on HeLa cancer cells. To achieve this, GO was synthesized using a modified version of Hummer's method and subsequently functionalized with PVP. Drug loading onto the GO and GO–PVP nanocarriers was achieved through hydrophobic interactions. Furthermore, the ability of the nanocarriers to accommodate a single drug or a combination of drugs was examined. In our study, combined system shows higher drug loading, that is, 28.1% of QSR and 24.34% of CUR onto GO–PVP–QSR–CUR nanocarrier in comparison to single drug nanocarrier systems GO–PVP–QSR and GO–PVP–CUR which loaded 22.5% of QSR and 18.73% of CUR, respectively. Notably, the synthesized nanocarrier exhibited a pH‐sensitive drug release pattern. These results collectively suggest that GO–PVP–CUR–QSR displayed significantly higher cytotoxicity against HeLa cancer cells compared to both single‐drug nanocarrier systems at the specified concentrations. In addition, future pre‐clinical and clinical studies to evaluate the safety and efficacy of GO–PVP–CUR–QSR for cancer treatment are strongly recommended.

Highlights

Developed nanocarrier based on polyvinylpyrrolidone functionalized GO (GO–PVP).

The GO–PVP nanocarrier was loaded with both curcumin (CUR) and quercetin (QSR).

GO–PVP displays a higher loading capacity for both QSR and CUR compared to GO.

QSR‐ and CUR‐loaded GO–PVP nanocarriers exhibited higher cytotoxic effects.
Effect of medical mask on voice in patients with dysphonia
Authors: Su Jing‐Lin , Kang Jing , Ren Qin‐Yi , Zhu Zhi‐Xian , Zhang Si‐Yi , Ge Ping‐Jiang
Published: May 2024

Objective

Medical masks have been shown to significantly influence speech communication in healthy people. The effect of mask‐wearing on phonatory capability and daily communication exchanges in patients with voice disorders remains unclear. To evaluate the effect of the medical mask on acoustic parameters in patients with a voice disorder, we measured the voice frequency, quality, and intensity.

Methods

Thirty‐three healthy and 44 voice disorder patients were involved in this study, including 27 patients with vocal‐fold lesions and 17 with primary functional dysphonia. Perceptual evaluation and acoustic parameters, including F0 (fundamental frequency), jitter, shimmer, and maximum vocal intensity, were analyzed without and with medical masks.

Results

With medical mask‐wearing, the maximum vocal intensity significantly decreased in all patients with voice disorders (p < 0.05), especially in patients with lesions of vocal folds (p < 0.05) and functional dysphonia (p < 0.05). The perceptual evaluation roughness scales also increased in patients with lesions of vocal folds (p < 0.05) and functional dysphonia (p < 0.05) with mask‐wearing. There were no significant effects of mask‐wearing on acoustic parameters for healthy participants.

Conclusions

The intensity was influenced when wearing medical masks in patients with disordered voices. The voice perceptual roughness scales also significantly increased compared to those without medical masks.
Breaking the spell: Changes in the behavior of two zoo‐kept tigers (Panthera tigris) after exposure to a distinct feast‐and‐fast feeding regime
Authors: Seyrling Isabel , Clauss Marcus , Dierkes Paul Wilhelm , Burger‐Schulz Anna Lena
Published: May 2024

The behavior of zoo carnivores has received intense attention due to their propensity for locomotor stereotypies. We observed two adult male tiger (Panthera tigris) siblings kept together for the duration of 104 days by round‐the‐clock video observation. The period consisted of three baseline periods with the zoo's regular feeding regime of five feeding days per week interrupted by two individual fasting days, with feeding occurring in the evening (B1–B3 of 14 days each). These periods were interrupted by two intervention periods (I1: randomized feeding times, 28 days; I2: gorge‐feeding with three 10‐day fasting periods, 34 days). As expected, day and night‐time behavior was different, with the majority of sleep occurring at night. Pacing, which was mainly considered anticipatory, significantly decreased from 88 ± 132 min/day during B1 to 20 ± 33 min/day during B3. Pacing did not increase during the fasting days of I2. Over the course of whole study, lying time decreased and nonpacing locomotion increased. A major difference was observed between gorge‐feeding and the subsequent first fasting days: during gorge‐feeding, tigers spent a large part of the day feeding and locomoting (and less sleeping); on the subsequent day, they locomoted about 4.5 h less and slept about 4.3 h more. We suggest that interrupting routines by fasting periods of several days may be effective for reducing regular anticipatory behavior and creates an across‐day structure that may correspond to the evolved psychological disposition of large carnivores.
Deliberating the Conditions for Implementing the Barnahus Model: Knowledge Drawn from an Institutional Analysis
Authors: Bakketeig Elisiv , Johansson Susanna , Kaldal Anna , Stefansen Kari
Published: May 2024

Referring to the PROMISE network’s European Barnahus quality standards, this concluding chapter further explores the institutional tensions identified in the previous chapters. Although these standards are important for securing the Barnahus model’s authenticity in the ongoing diffusion, they do not sufficiently address the possible tensions and dilemmas involved. We argue that if the Barnahus model is to reach its full potential, challenges must be identified in order to develop ways to solve them in relation to the various national systems where the model is implemented. Otherwise, the Barnahus model may not reach its full potential within different national contexts, since governments may use the model mainly as a symbol that something is being done instead of a source for more fundamental systemic changes.
Cultures of Appropriation: Rock Art Ownership, Indigenous Intellectual Property, and Decolonisation
Authors: Hampson Jamie , Challis Sam
Published: May 2024

Both on and off the rocks, it is clear that many pictographs and petroglyphs are powerful cultural and social ‘tools’ as well as sacred beings. Indeed, in certain regions of many countries, cultural and socio-political identity is shaped, manipulated, and presented through rock paintings and engravings. In this chapter, we focus on re-contextualised and appropriated Indigenous heritage and rock art motifs, in commercial settings, in sports team mascots, and as integral components of political and national symbols—there are illuminating similarities (as well as differences) that span the globe. Case studies include instances where descendants of the original artists have re-imagined and adapted the meanings and uses of motifs, and also where non-Indigenous/non-descendant groups have appropriated rock art imagery—often without consultation with or permission from Traditional Owners and heritage managers. We offer results from fieldwork and study in North America, northern Australia, and southern Africa.
Slow Science But Fast Forward: The Political Economy of Rock Art Research in A Globalized World
Authors: Conkey Margaret W.
Published: May 2024

There is no doubt that the past decades have brought exciting and novel understandings about geographic distributions, chronologies and analytical methods to the studies of rock art. Even from the lurch into the twenty-first century, this has been a fast forward: increasing confirmations of early image-making in Australia and other places; successful application of a new dating method to reveal previously unimagined figurative images in very deep time in Borneo; a proliferation of rock art knowledge and research; and expanded and inter-connected communities of researchers are just a few among many examples of fast-breaking news for the field. But at the same time, some of the practices that are decried by the arena of “slow science” are still with us and have, perhaps, precisely as part of the “globalization” of rock art research, become more entrenched by those who consider the field to be more competitive than collaborative, still motivated by the pull of “origins” research and claims, and the lack of retractions when, indeed, a need for such is at hand and for the betterment of the field. Slow science promotes time to think, rather than haste to get out the big next “scoop”; it promotes the reminder that we are enmeshed more than ever in broader social interests, human experiences and human needs, and for a more lasting and even an ethical science, racing ahead is deeply problematic. This chapter will explore the issues implicated by the fast-moving world with its dampening of local knowledges and alienations of non-experts as is situated in rock art research and the benefits/mandates of what slow science can bring to the field. In fact, I will suggest that rock art research is an ideal field for advancing the benefits and the power of slow science.
Societal Transformation: Transformation Research, Transformational Research, Research Transformation: A Novel Framework from RWTH Aachen University
Authors: Letmathe Peter , Paegert Maren , Roll Christine , Balleer Almut , Böschen Stefan , Breuer Wolfgang , Förster Agnes , Gramelsberger Gabriele , Greiff Kathrin , Häußling Roger , Lemme Max , Leuchner Michael , Piller Frank , Seefried Elke , Wahlbrink Thorsten
Published: May 2024

The global environmental crisis, technological developments, the COVID-19 pandemic, and ongoing economic and political globalization are just a few of the developments that are massively increasing the pressure for transformation on regions, companies, and society as a whole. In addition, the digital age is accelerating transformation processes that are already underway. This introductory article addresses these developments and presents a new framework for transformation research and practice that has been developed and already validated by researchers of the RWTH Aachen University. The RWTH way includes inter- and transdisciplinary approaches from many disciplines, looking at technological and societal change from different perspectives. A distinction is made between analysis, i.e. research on understanding societal transformation processes, impact, i.e. transformational research that aims at real-world impacts, and research transformation, i.e. paradigm changes in research methods and processes that increase the degree of innovation and the impact of research.
Transdisciplinary Development of Neuromorphic Computing Hardware for Artificial Intelligence Applications: Technological, Economic, Societal, and Environmental Dimensions of Transformation in the NeuroSys Cluster4Future
Authors: Smolka Mareike , Stoepel Lennart , Quill Jasmin , Wahlbrink Thorsten , Floehr Julia , Böschen Stefan , Letmathe Peter , Lemme Max
Published: May 2024

Artificial Intelligence (AI) promises economic growth and solutions to global problems but also raises societal concerns. Training AI models has a big carbon footprint due to data processing in fossil-fuel-reliant data centers. If the data centers are outside the European legal space, data processing incurs privacy risks. Besides, reliance on AI aggravates Europe’s dependence on non-European chipmakers, whose supply chains can be disrupted. To address such concerns, NeuroSys develops energy-efficient neuromorphic hardware tailored to AI applications that protect privacy by processing data locally. NeuroSys aims to build a chip plant near Aachen in Germany to support Europe’s technological sovereignty. This depends on an innovation ecosystem where socio-technical transformations emerge in transdisciplinary collaboration. This chapter introduces NeuroSys as a testbed for studying how transformation research can contribute to the sustainability and trustworthiness of AI Made in Europe.
Organizational Transformation: A Management Research Perspective
Authors: Christou Ester , Piller Frank
Published: May 2024

Organizational transformation is a complex and multifaceted process that involves a fundamental change in the way an organization operates and delivers value to its stakeholders. It can be triggered by a variety of internal and external forces, such as technological change, shifts in the competitive landscape, or changes in market demand. To successfully manage organizational change, organizations must be able to adapt and respond to changing circumstances in a proactive and strategic manner. This chapter reviews important concepts and theories of organizational change from the perspective of management research and examines selected theories and frameworks that have been developed to understand and manage organizational change. Overall, this chapter provides insights and lessons for practitioners and researchers alike. It aims to help readers understand the complexities and challenges of organizational transformation, but also to provide an overview of strategies and approaches to successfully navigate a transformation process.
Sustainability, the Green Transition, and Greenwashing: An Overview for Research and Practice
Authors: Breuer Wolfgang , Hass Manuel , Knetsch Andreas , Seefried Elke
Published: May 2024

Against the backdrop of increasing regulatory and societal pressure on firms to transition their activities toward more ecological sustainability, our contribution examines the role of greenwashing in corporate communication. We introduce the reader to current regulations, developments, and practices in the area of sustainability reporting. We also provide guidance for practitioners and researchers on how to detect greenwashing in single instances of communication as well as in large samples of firm-level observations. We then go on to summarize the existing evidence that greenwashing holds predominantly negative consequences for firms. We also explore potential motives behind the practice of greenwashing. Finally, we provide guidelines for firms on their communication strategies and how to avoid unintentionally misleading their stakeholders and being accused of greenwashing. Transparency along a firm’s entire supply chain is key in this regard, and digital innovations—such as blockchain—might prove to be integral tools for combatting the practice of greenwashing.
Corporate Social Responsibility—Conscious Investing and Green Transformation
Authors: Breuer Wolfgang , Knetsch Andreas , Ostojic Suzana , Traverso Marzia , Uddin Sami
Published: May 2024

In the first part of this chapter, we introduce the reader to the concept of corporate social responsibility. We outline different underlying motivations of CSR for a firm. Furthermore, we elaborate on different channels through which CSR is linked to the maximization of firm value. Specifically, we examine the impact of CSR on firm valuation through future cash flows and the required expected rates of returns. In the second part, we introduce the EU taxonomy as a possible solution towards the problem of evaluating firms’ CSR performance. The EU taxonomy is aimed to channel investments towards sustainable opportunities by ensuring transparency about firms’ environmental performance. We also explain its practical relevance, limitations, and future developments. Overall, we emphasize the role of unified efforts in green transformation.
Transformation Towards a Sustainable Regional Bioeconomy—A Monitoring Approach
Authors: Venghaus Sandra , Stark Sascha , Hilgert Pia
Published: May 2024

The concept of the sustainable bioeconomy aims to ensure the well-being of both current and future generations while staying within environmental boundaries. However, achieving this goal will require significant changes to existing resource systems, business models, governance systems, and more. Current approaches to monitoring the transformation towards a sustainable bioeconomy lack a regional perspective that incorporates all three sustainability dimensions. To address this gap, we aim to provide an integrated evaluative framework for assessing regional transformation processes towards a bioeconomy. The recent decision to phase-out coal power in Germany presents a unique opportunity to understand the socio-technical dynamics and implementation options for the transformation to a sustainable bioeconomy region in the current lignite-mining region “Rheinisches Revier”.
Wreck Sites as Systems Disrupted by Trawling
Authors: Majcher Jan , Quinn Rory , Andersen Gert Normann , Gregory David
Published: May 2024

This chapter examines the effects of bottom trawling on shipwreck sites, conceptualising them as process-response systems that achieve a quasi-equilibrium state over time. Disruptions to this state by bottom-contact fishing gear are analysed through examples from recent geophysical surveys in the Irish, Baltic, and North Seas. The study highlights the capabilities and limitations of modern geophysical methods in detecting changes at underwater archaeological sites caused by bottom trawling. Specifically, it addresses the challenges of identifying evidence of disturbance on dynamic seabeds and suggests that detailed analysis of wreck distribution might provide indirect proxies of structural damage due to trawling activities. Furthermore, it emphasises the potential of these disturbances to mobilise hazardous materials, such as unexploded ordnance and fuel from modern shipwrecks, posing an added environmental risk. Acknowledging existing knowledge gaps in the understanding of trawling impacts on underwater cultural heritage and the marine environment, the authors call for more case study research .
Underwater Cultural Heritage and Fishing Communities: Safeguarding Heritage and Safeguarding Fishers
Authors: Ferrari Benjamin , Firth Antony , Gregory David , Sanger Louise
Published: May 2024

This paper proposes that three elements are required in order to develop a fit-for purpose management regime to protect underwater cultural heritage (UCH) from negative impacts caused by some fishing gear: evidence-based characterisation of impacts; understanding of the pressures and constraints acting upon fishing communities; and commitment to engagement with fishers and industry associations. In addition, strategies for protection of UCH from fishing and other hazards cannot be developed in isolation from existing marine management regimes. This challenge of integration and alignment with broader stewardship of complex marine systems is set to grow more difficult as industrial activity grows, competition for resources intensifies, and governments and agencies seek to exert new levels of control over larger areas of ocean.
Probing the interactions of axion-like particles with electroweak bosons and the Higgs boson in the high energy regime at LHC
Authors: Biswas Tisa
Published: May 2024

Abstract

We study the interactions of axion-like particles (ALPs) with the Standard Model particles, aiming to probe their phenomenology via non-resonant searches at the LHC. These interactions are mediated by higher dimensional effective operators within two possible frameworks of linearly and non-linearly realised electroweak symmetry breaking. We consider the ALPs to be light enough to be produced on-shell and exploit their derivative couplings with the SM Higgs boson and the gauge bosons. We will use the high momentum transfer processes, namely hZ, Zγ, WW and WWγ production from pp collisions. We derive upper limits on the gauge-invariant interactions of ALPs with the electroweak bosons and/or Higgs boson that contribute to these processes, from the re-interpretation of the latest Run 2 available LHC data. The constraints we obtain are strong for ALP masses below 100 GeV. These allowed effective interactions in the ALP parameter space yield better significance at HL-LHC and thus, offer promising avenues for subsequent studies. Furthermore, we augment our cut-based analysis with gradient-boosted decision trees, which improve the statistical significance distinctly across these interaction channels. We briefly compare the results with the complementary probe of these couplings via direct production of ALPs in association with the Higgs boson or a vector boson.
Probing dark photons from a light scalar at Belle II
Authors: Cheung Kingman , Kim Yongkyu , Kwon Youngjoon , Ouseph C. J. , Soffer Abner , Wang Zeren Simon
Published: May 2024

Abstract

In the minimal U(1) extension of the Standard Model (SM), a new gauge boson referred to as “dark photon” is predicted. The dark-photon mass can be generated from an additional Higgs mechanism associated with a dark scalar boson. At B-factories such as Belle II, large numbers of B-mesons are produced and can decay to a kaon plus the dark scalar via the latter’s mixing with the SM Higgs boson. We evaluate the sensitivity of Belle II for the case in which the dark scalar decays exclusively into a pair of dark photons via the new U(1) gauge coupling, and the dark photons are long lived owing to a small kinetic mixing ϵ. We study the experimental signature in which each dark photon decays into a pair of charged leptons, pions, or kaons, resulting in a pair of displaced vertices, and argue that the search is essentially background-free. We perform detailed Monte-Carlo simulations to determine the expected number of signal events at Belle II with an integrated luminosity of 50 ab−1, taking into account the efficiencies for both final-state-particle identification and displaced tracking. We find that for experimentally allowed values of the scalar mixing angle and kinematically allowed dark-photon and dark-scalar masses, the proposed search is uniquely sensitive to the medium-ϵ regime, which is currently mostly unexcluded by experiments.
Singlet-doublet fermion Dark Matter with Dirac neutrino mass, (g − 2)μ and ∆Neff
Authors: Borah Debasish , Mahapatra Satyabrata , Nanda Dibyendu , Sahoo Sujit Kumar , Sahu Narendra
Published: May 2024

Abstract

We study the possibility of generating light Dirac neutrino mass via scotogenic mechanism where singlet-doublet fermion Dark Matter (DM) plays non-trivial role in generating one-loop neutrino mass, anomalous magnetic moment of muon: (g − 2)μ as well as additional relativistic degrees of freedom ∆Neff within reach of cosmic microwave background (CMB) experiments. We show that the Dirac nature of neutrinos can bring interesting correlations within the parameter space satisfying the (g − 2)μ, DM relic density and the effective relativistic degrees of freedom ∆Neff. While we stick to thermal singlet-doublet DM with promising detection prospects, both thermal and non-thermal origin of ∆Neff have been explored. In addition to detection prospects of the model at DM, (g − 2)μ and other particle physics experiments, it remains verifiable at future CMB experiments like CMB-S4 and SPT-3G.