bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing volunteers capacity in all‐volunteer nonprofit organizations: The role of volunteer leaders' reliance on effective management processes and (de)motivating leadership
Authors: De Clerck Tom , Aelterman Nathalie , Haerens Leen , Willem Annick
Published: September 2020

All‐volunteer nonprofit organizations rely solely on the commitment of volunteers to support their operations. As such, it is important that leaders of these organizations, even though they are volunteers themselves, rely on professional skills in order to optimize their organization's volunteers capacity. In the present study, we investigated how volunteer leaders' reliance on effective management processes and a (de)motivating leadership style related to volunteers capacity. To this end, we relied on the Competing Values Framework (CVF) and Self‐Determination Theory (SDT), respectively. Results revealed a positive (unique) association between (the sum score of) the management processes of the CVF models, as well as (the sum score of) the motivating leadership styles and volunteers capacity. Bivariate analyses indicated that the management processes of each CVF model (i.e., human relations model, internal process model, open system model, and rational goal model) and each motivating leadership style (i.e., an autonomy‐supportive and a structuring leadership style) related positively to volunteers capacity. These findings have important practical implications as they revealed that it is crucial for volunteer leaders to implement effective management processes, while adopting a motivating leadership style.
Visible light‐induced photodeoxygenation of polycyclic selenophene Se‐oxides
Authors: Chintala Satyanarayana M. , Throgmorton John C. , Maness Peter F. , McCulla Ryan D.
Published: September 2020

Photodeoxygenation of dibenzothiophene S‐oxide (DBTO) is believed to produce ground‐state atomic oxygen [O(3P)] in solution. Compared with other reactive oxygen species (ROS), O(3P) is a unique oxidant as it is potent and selective. Derivatives of DBTO have been used as O(3P)‐precursors to oxidize variety of molecules, including plasmid DNA, proteins, lipids, thiols, and other small organic molecules. Unfortunately, the photodeoxygenation of DBTO requires ultraviolet irradiation, which is not an ideal wavelength range for biological systems, and has a low quantum yield of approximately 0.003. In this work, benzo[b]naphtho[1,2‐d]selenophene Se‐oxide, benzo[b]naphtho[2,1‐d]selenophene Se‐oxide, dinaphtho[2,3‐b:2’,3’‐d]selenophene Se‐oxide, and perylo[1,12‐b,c,d]selenophene Se‐oxide were synthesized, and their ability to utilize visible light for generating O(3P) was interrogated. Benzo[b]naphtho[1,2‐d]selenophene Se‐oxide produces O(3P) upon irradiation centered at 420 nm. Additionally, benzo[b]naphtho[1,2‐d]selenophene Se‐oxide, benzo[b]naphtho[2,1‐d]selenophene Se‐oxide, and dinaphtho[2,3‐b:2’,3’‐d]selenophene Se‐oxide produce O(3P) when irradiated with UVA light and have quantum yields of photodeoxygenation ranging from 0.009 to 0.33. This work increases the utility of photodeoxygenation by extending the range of wavelengths that can be used to generate O(3P) in solution.
“It's important to me”: A qualitative analysis on shared decision‐making and patient preferences in older adults with early‐stage breast cancer
Authors: Lawhon Valerie M. , England Rebecca E. , Wallace Audrey S. , Williams Courtney P. , Williams Beverly R. , Niranjan Soumya J. , Ingram Stacey A. , Rocque Gabrielle B.
Published: September 2020

Objective

Shared decision‐making (SDM) occurs when physicians and patients jointly select treatment that aligns with patient care goals. Incorporating patient preferences into the decision‐making process is integral to successful decision‐making. This study explores factors influencing treatment selection in older patients with early‐stage breast cancer (EBC).

Methods

This qualitative study included women age ≥65 years with EBC. To understand role preferences, patients completed the Control Preferences Scale. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted to explore patients' treatment selection rationale. Interview transcripts were analyzed using a constant comparative method identifying major themes related to treatment selection.

Results

Of 33 patients, the majority (48%) desired shared responsibility in treatment decision‐making. Interviews revealed that EBC treatment incorporated three domains: Intrinsic and extrinsic influences, clinical characteristics, and patient values. Patients considered 19 treatment selection themes, the most prioritized including physician trust and physical side effects.

Conclusions

Because preferences and approach to treatment selection varied widely in this sample of older, EBC patients, more research is needed to determine best practices for preference incorporation to optimize SDM at the time of treatment decisions.
New indicators for optimal lung recruitment during high frequency oscillator ventilation
Authors: Rodríguez Sánchez de la Blanca Ana , Sánchez Luna Manuel , González Pacheco Noelia , Ramos Navarro Cristina , Santos González Martín , Tendillo Cortijo Francisco
Published: September 2020

Previous research has demonstrated the potential benefit derived from the combination of high frequency oscillatory ventilation and volume guarantee mode (HFOV‐VG), a procedure that allows us to explore and control very low tidal volumes. We hypothesized that secondary spontaneous change in oscillation pressure amplitude (∆Phf), while increasing the mean airway pressure (MAP) using HFOV‐VG can target the lung recruitment.

Methods

A two‐step animal distress model study was designed; in the first‐step (ex vivo model), the animal's lungs were isolated to visually check lung recruitment and, in the second one (in vivo model), they were checked through arterial oxygen partial pressure improvement. Baseline measurements were performed, ventilation was set for 10 min and followed by bronchoalveolar lavage with isotonic saline to induce depletion of surfactant and thereby achieve a low compliance lung model. The high‐frequency tidal volume and frequency remained constant and the MAP was increased by 2 cmH2O (ex vivo) and 3 cmH2O steps (in vivo) every 2 min. Changes in ΔPhf to achieve the fixed volume were recorded at the end of each interval to describe the maximum drop point as the recruitment point.

Results

Fourteen Wistar Han rats were included, seven on each sub‐study described. After gradual MAP increments, a progressive decrease in ΔPhf related to recruited lung regions was visually demonstrated. In the in vivo model we detected a significant comparative decrease of ΔPhf, when measured against the previous value, after reaching a MAP of 11 cmH2O up to 17 cmH2O, correlating with a significant improvement in oxygenation.

Conclusion

The changes in ∆Phf, linked to a progressive increase in MAP during HFOV‐VG, might identify optimal lung recruitment and could potentially be used as an additional lung recruitment marker.
Availability of secondary healthcare data for conducting pharmacoepidemiology studies in Colombia: A systematic review
Authors: Franco Juan‐Sebastian , Vizcaya David
Published: September 2020

Real‐world evidence (RWE) is emerging as a fundamental component of the post‐marketing evaluation of medicinal products. Even though the focus on RWE studies has increased in Colombia, the availability of secondary data sources to perform this type of research is not well documented. Thus, we aimed at identifying and characterizing secondary data sources available in Colombia. We performed a systematic literature review on PubMed, EMBASE, and VHL using a combination of controlled vocabulary and keywords for the concepts of electronic health records, epidemiologic studies and Colombia. A total of 323 publications were included. These comprised 123 identified secondary data sources including pharmacy dispensing databases, government datasets, disease registries, insurance databases, and electronic heath records, among others. These data sources were mostly used for cross‐sectional studies focused on disease epidemiology in a specific population. Almost all databases (95%) contained demographic information, followed by pharmacological treatment (44%) and diagnostic tests (39%). Even though the database owner was identifiable in 94%, access information was only available in 44% of the articles. Only a pharmacy‐dispensing database, local cancer registries, and government databases included a description regarding the quality of the information available. The diversity of databases identified shows that Colombia has a high potential to continue enhancing its RWE strategy. Greater efforts are required to improve data quality and accessibility. The linkage between databases will expand data pooling and integration to boost the translational potential of RWE.
Aframomum melegueta secondary metabolites exhibit polypharmacology against SARS‐CoV‐2 drug targets: in vitro validation of furin inhibition
Authors: Omotuyi I. Olaposi , Nash Oyekanmi , Ajiboye Basiru O. , Olumekun Victor O. , Oyinloye Babatunji E. , Osuntokun Oludare T. , Olonisakin Adebisi , Ajayi A. Olajide , Olusanya Olasehinde , Akomolafe Funmilola S. , Adelakun Niyi
Published: September 2020

COVID‐19 pandemic is currently decimating the world's most advanced technologies and largest economies and making its way to the continent of Africa. Weak medical infrastructure and over‐reliance on medical aids may eventually predict worse outcomes in Africa. To reverse this trend, Africa must re‐evaluate the only area with strategic advantage; phytotherapy. One of the many plants with previous antiviral potency is against RNA viruses is Aframomum melegueta. In this study, one hundred (100) A. melegueta secondary metabolites have been mined and computational evaluated for inhibition of host furin, and SARS‐COV‐2 targets including 3C‐like proteinase (Mpro/3CLpro), 2′‐O‐ribose methyltransferase (nsp16) and surface glycoprotein/ACE2 receptor interface. Silica‐gel column partitioning of A. melegueta fruit/seed resulted in 6 fractions tested against furin activity. Diarylheptanoid (Letestuianin A), phenylpropanoid (4‐Cinnamoyl‐3‐hydroxy‐spiro[furan‐5,2′‐(1′H)‐indene]‐1′,2,3′(2′H,5H)‐trione), flavonoids (Quercetin, Apigenin and Tectochrysin) have been identified as high‐binding compounds to SARS‐COV‐2 targets in a polypharmacology manner. Di‐ethyl‐ether (IC50 = 0.03 mg/L), acetone (IC50 = 1.564 mg/L), ethyl‐acetate (IC50 = 0.382 mg/L) and methanol (IC50 = 0.438 mg/L) fractions demonstrated the best inhibition in kinetic assay while DEF, ASF and MEF completely inhibited furin‐recognition sequence containing Ebola virus‐pre‐glycoprotein. In conclusion, A. melegueta and its secondary metabolites have potential for addressing the therapeutic needs of African population during the COVID‐19 pandemic.
A compound optimality criterion for D‐efficient and separation‐robust designs for the logistic regression model
Authors: Park Anson R. , Mancenido Michelle V. , Montgomery Douglas C.
Published: September 2020

The ‐criterion is proposed to generate optimal designs for the logistic regression model with reduced separation probabilities. This compound criterion has two components: (a) the ‐efficiency of the candidate design and (b) a penalty term that captures the average distance of the candidate design's support points from the region of maximum prediction variance (MPV). A ‐optimal design maximizes the ‐criterion. The aim is to obtain compromise experimental designs with high ‐efficiencies that are more robust to separation than a ‐optimal design of equal size. This paper presents the ‐criterion and demonstrates examples of its potential use as a means of mitigating separation in the design phase of a binary response experiment. For the examples presented, the local ‐optimal designs offer a 20‐30% reduction in separation probability over the local ‐optimal designs while maintaining ‐efficiencies over 93%. A robust design methodology is also demonstrated, where a robust ‐optimal design is compared to a Bayesian ‐optimal design and shown to have comparable ‐efficiencies across a range of randomly drawn parameter values while offering a mean reduction in separation probability of 23.9%.
Focused ultrasound robotic system for very small bore magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Damianou Christakis , Giannakou Marinos , Evripidou Nikolas , Kegel Stefan , Huber Peter , Jenne Juergen
Published: September 2020

Background

A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compatible robotic system for focused ultrasound was developed for small animal like mice or rats that fits into a 9.4 T MRI scanner (Bruker Biospec 9420, Bruker Biospin, Ettlingen, Germany). The robotic system includes two computer‐controlled linear stages.

Materials and Methods

The robotic system was evaluated in a mouse‐shaped, real‐size agar‐based mimicking material, which has similar acoustical properties as soft tissues. The agar content was 6% weight per volume (w/v), 4% w/v silica while the rest was degassed water. The transducer used has a diameter of 4 cm, operates with 2.6 MHz and focuses energy at 5 cm.

Results

The MRI compatibility of the robotic system was evaluated in a 9.4 T small animal scanner. The efficacy of the ultrasonic transducer was evaluated in the mimicking material using temperature measurements.

Conclusions

The proposed robotic system can be utilized in a 9.4 T small animal MRI scanner. The proposed system is functional, compact and simple thus providing a useful tool for preclinical research in mice and rats.
Event‐triggered distributed model predictive control for resilient voltage control of an islanded microgrid
Authors: Ge Pudong , Chen Boli , Teng Fei
Published: September 2020

This article addresses the problem of distributed secondary voltage control of an islanded microgrid (MG) from a cyber‐physical perspective. An event‐triggered distributed model predictive control (DMPC) scheme is designed to regulate the voltage magnitude of each distributed generators (DGs) in order to achieve a better trade‐off between the control performance and communication and computation burdens. By using two novel event triggering conditions that can be easily embedded into the DMPC for the application of MG control, the computation and communication burdens are significantly reduced with negligible compromise of control performance. In addition, to reduce the sensor cost and to eliminate the negative effects of nonlinearity, an adaptive nonasymptotic observer is utilized to estimate the internal and output signals of each DG. Thanks to the deadbeat observation property, the observer can be applied periodically to cooperate with the DMPC‐based voltage regulator. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed control method has been tested on a simple configuration with four DGs and the modified IEEE‐13 test system through several representative scenarios.
Viral pandemic preparedness: A pluripotent stem cell-based machine-learning platform for simulating SARS-CoV-2 infection to enable drug discovery and repurposing
Authors: Esmail Sally , Danter Wayne
Published: September 2020

Infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus has rapidly become a global pandemic for which we were not prepared. Several clinical trials using previously approved drugs and drug combinations are urgently under way to improve the current situation. A vaccine option has only recently become available, but worldwide distribution is still a challenge. It is imperative that, for future viral pandemic preparedness, we have a rapid screening technology for drug discovery and repurposing. The primary purpose of this research project was to evaluate the DeepNEU stem-cell based platform by creating and validating computer simulations of artificial lung cells infected with SARS-CoV-2 to enable the rapid identification of antiviral therapeutic targets and drug repurposing. The data generated from this project indicate that (a) human alveolar type lung cells can be simulated by DeepNEU (v5.0), (b) these simulated cells can then be infected with simulated SARS-CoV-2 virus, (c) the unsupervised learning system performed well in all simulations based on available published wet lab data, and (d) the platform identified potentially effective anti-SARS-CoV2 combinations of known drugs for urgent clinical study. The data also suggest that DeepNEU can identify potential therapeutic targets for expedited vaccine development. We conclude that based on published data plus current DeepNEU results, continued development of the DeepNEU platform will improve our preparedness for and response to future viral outbreaks. This can be achieved through rapid identification of potential therapeutic options for clinical testing as soon as the viral genome has been confirmed.
Estimation of band alignment at CdS/Cu2ZnSnS4 hetero‐interface by direct XPS measurements
Authors: Tamin Charif , Chaumont Denis , Heintz Olivier , Adnane Mohamed
Published: September 2020

This paper aims to estimate the band alignment to CdS/CZTS hetero‐interface by direct X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements. XPS was used to determinate the valence‐band offset (VBO) directly by determining the valence band positions at the hetero‐interface. The conduction band offset (CBO) value was estimated based on the band gap measurements by UV/Visible spectroscopy and VBO measurements. The position of valence band (VB) changes close to the CdS‐CZTS interface and the CBO is cliff‐like. The band alignment diagram indicates that the CdS‐CZTS interface heterojunction is type II.
Tumor heterogeneity estimation for radiomics in cancer
Authors: Eloyan Ani , Yue Mun Sang , Khachatryan Davit
Published: September 2020

Radiomics is an emerging field of medical image analysis research where quantitative measurements are obtained from radiological images that can be utilized to predict patient outcomes and inform treatment decisions. Cancer patients routinely undergo radiological evaluations when images of various modalities including computed tomography, positron emission tomography, and magnetic resonance images are collected for diagnosis and for evaluation of disease progression. Tumor characteristics, often referred to as measures oftumor heterogeneity, can be computed using these clinical images and used as predictors of disease progression and patient survival. Several approaches for quantifying tumor heterogeneity have been proposed, including intensity histogram‐based measures, shape and volume‐based features, and texture analysis. Taking into account the topology of the tumors we propose a statistical framework for estimating tumor heterogeneity using clustering based on Markov random field theory. We model the voxel intensities using a Gaussian mixture model using a Gibbs prior to incorporate voxel neighborhood information. We propose a novel approach to choosing the number of mixture components. Subsequently, we show that the proposed procedure outperforms the existing approaches when predicting lung cancer survival.
A Quick Responsive Chitosan‐Oxine Based Thin Film to Recognize and Remove Zn2+ Ions from Potable Water
Authors: Kumar Mundayaliyath Mundayat Akhil , Biju Valsala Madhavan Nair
Published: September 2020

Through the functionalization of chitosan (CS) with an oxine derivative, 8‐hydroxy‐2‐methyl‐quinoline5,7‐ sulfonyl chloride (HQSC), a thin film was prepared (CS‐HQSC). The film can recognize and adsorb Zn2+ ions from the aqueous samples. The sensor performances were characterized by UV‐Visible and fluorescence spectroscopic analysis. The weakly fluorescent thin film becomes highly fluorescent in the presence of Zn2+ ions. The solution‐phase study of the functionalized material shows a 30‐fold fluorescence enhancement in the presence of Zn2+ ions. The chelation of Zn2+ ions with CS‐HQSC could be the reason for the fluorescence enhancement. The chelation restricts the excited‐state proton transfer in the quinoline ring and facilitates chelation enhanced fluorescence. The sensor showed a linear detection of Zn2+ ions from 0.2 to 2 ppm, with the lowest detection limit of 0.08 ppm. The practical applicability studies of the sensor prove that the sensor film is quick responsive (30 seconds) and recyclable in acid solution. Also, the functionalized material CS‐HQSC shows 96 % removal of Zn2+ ions from the water samples.
Selective Functionalization of Benzo‐Fused N‐Heterocycles by Using In Situ Trapping Metalations
Authors: Nishimura Rodolfo H. V. , Murie Valter E. , Vessecchi Ricardo , Clososki Giuliano C.
Published: September 2020

We have prepared some benzo‐fused N‐heterocycles derivatives by regioselective metalation of quinoline, isoquinoline, quinoxaline, and quinazoline with LiTMP in the presence of zinc chloride. Applying this strategy to synthesize an analog of the antitumor verubulin illustrates its relevance for medicinal chemistry. Computational calculations of the pKa values of the aromatic hydrogens have helped us to rationalize substrate reactivity and metalation regioselectivity by the complex‐induced proximity effect concept.
Evaluation of Antibacterial and Antioxidant Activities of Silver‐Decorated TiO2 Nanoparticles
Authors: Boudghene‐Guerriche Amina , Chaker Hanane , Aissaoui Mohammed , Chikhi Ilyas , Saidi‐Bendahou Karima , Moukhtari‐Soulimane Nassima , Fourmentin Sophie
Published: September 2020

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) at different amounts have successfully been deposited, by simple impregnation on the titanium dioxide (TiO2) developed by the hydrothermal method. A textural and structural study of prepared materials was conducted using different analysis techniques, namely X‐Ray Diffraction (XRD), Diffuse Reflectance UV‐Vis (DR/UV‐Vis) spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, in addition to the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) method.

The nanostructured prepared materials were tested for their antibacterial activity on four strains, i. e. two Gram‐negative (G−) bacteria, namely Escherichia coli ATCC 8739 and A. baumanni ATCC 19606, and two Gram positive (G+) bacteria, i. e. S.aureus ATCC 6538 and E.cloacae ATCC 13047. The antioxidant effect was also tested on the reference radical DPPH° (2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyle). AgNPs supported on TiO2 showed good antibacterial activity against the four selected strains. In addition, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was observed in the case of the low‐grade silver‐doped catalyst (0.1 % Ag/TiO2). Differently from the antibacterial activity, the antioxidant effect of the prepared materials was found to be pronounced in the cases of materials with high silver contents for which there was degradation of the radical in comparison with the one of the reference acid.
Magnetic Properties of Metal Clusters Coordinated with (Nitronyl Nitroxide)‐Substituted Amidinate Ligands
Authors: Tanimoto Ryu , Suzuki Shuichi , Kozaki Masatoshi , Kanzaki Yuki , Shiomi Daisuke , Sato Kazunobu , Takui Takeji , Tanaka Rika , Okada Keiji
Published: September 2020

We prepared dicopper, disilver, and tetragold clusters ligated with (nitronyl nitroxide)‐substituted amidinate (NN‐amidinate). NN‐substituted amidine was prepared from N,N′‐diphenylcarbodiimide via a nucleophilic reaction with nitronyl nitroxide as a radical anion. The NN‐amidinate ligand was generated by treatment with an appropriate base, and subsequent addition of copper(I), silver(I), or gold(I) sources gave the respective metal cluster systems of Cu2‐(NN‐amidinate)2, Ag2‐(NN‐amidinate)2, or Au4‐(NN‐amidinate)4. These radical‐metal clusters exhibited excellent stability, even in solution under aerated conditions, making them easy to handle. Single crystals were obtained by recrystallization from suitable solvent systems. The spin structures of the cluster systems were investigated by ESR spectroscopy and magnetic susceptibility measurements, which indicated the existence of weak intramolecular, spin‐spin interactions between the NN moieties.
Recent Advances in Metal‐Catalyzed Carbonylation Reactions by Using Formic Acid as CO Surrogate
Authors: Hussain Nazar , Chhalodia Anuj Kumar , Ahmed Ajaz , Mukherjee Debaraj
Published: September 2020

Carbonylation reactions under transition metal catalysis have emerged as one of the most important strategies for the construction of CO inserted molecules having both industrial and material applications. Hence the most widely used protocol for the insertion of CO is by the utilization of CO (gas) but this method limits its applicability in industrial‐scale carbonylation due to toxic and explosive nature. To use more cheaper and environmentally benign methods the chemistry of CO surrogates gained considerable attention with the emergence of newer methods and CO surrogates. Aldehydes, formate esters, formamides, and metal carbonyls are the some of the CO surrogates that have been extensively utilized in recent times for the synthesis of industrial bulk chemicals as well in small scale synthesis of pharmacological building blocks. In this review, we have summarized the recent development in carbonylation reactions by utilization of formic acid as CO surrogate.
Electrochemical Charging Effect on the Optical Properties of InP/ZnSe/ZnS Quantum Dots
Authors: Park Jumi , Won Yu‐Ho , Kim Taehyung , Jang Eunjoo , Kim Dongho
Published: September 2020

Semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) are spotlighted as a key type of emissive material for the next generation of light‐emitting diodes (LEDs). This work presents the investigation of the electrochemical charging effect on the absorption and emission of the InP/ZnSe/ZnS QDs with different mid‐shell thicknesses. The excitonic peak is gradually bleached during electrochemical charging, which is caused by 1Se (or 1Sh) state filling when the electron (or hole) is injected into the InP core. Additional charges also lead to photoluminescence (PL) intensity reduction, however, it is greatly mitigated as the mid‐shell thickness increases. Various PL measurements reveal that the PL reduction under electrochemical charging is attributed to the acoustic phonon‐assisted Auger recombination. Here, the Auger recombination in QDs with a thick mid‐shell is reduced under the electrochemically charged condition, indicating that QDs with larger volume are more stable emitters in charge‐injecting devices such as LEDs. Furthermore, the negative and positive trion Auger recombination rate constants are estimated, respectively, via electrochemical charging. The negative trion Auger rate constants decrease with an increase in the mid‐shell thickness increases, whereas the positive trion Auger rate constants are not heavily reliant on the mid‐shell thickness.
Fusiform‐Shaped g‐C3N4 Capsules with Superior Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Jiang Zhixiang , Zhang Xiao , Chen Hsueh‐Shih , Yang Ping , Jiang San Ping
Published: September 2020

Carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) nanostructure rebuilding is an effective means to modify its photocatalytic properties, especially the hollow micron‐nanostructure. The increased scattering in the body effectively improves the light utilization efficiency and improves catalytic properties. In this work, fusiform‐shaped g‐C3N4 capsules are created by controlling the nucleation kinetics of supramolecular assemblies. The fusiform‐shaped capsule micron‐nanostructure is synthesized with ultrathin wall thickness and adjusted carbon/nitride ratios which decrease the recombination rate of photo‐generated carriers. The hollow nanostructure and relatively higher specific surface area of the fusiform‐shaped capsule effectively enhance light scattering inside body and lead to an enhanced carrier utilization efficiency. Moreover, the decrease of bandgap and relatively negative conduction band position affect the response of hollow fusiform‐shaped g‐C3N4 capsules (Hf‐g‐C3N4) in visible light region and improve the photo‐reducing performance. In term of H2 evolution property, Hf‐g‐C3N4 has been improved to 7052 µmol g−1 h−1, which is 10.9 times higher compared with bulk structure. More importantly, Hf‐g‐C3N4 can produce CH4 at the rate of 1.63 µmol g−1 h−1 without help of co‐catalyst and hole sacrificial agent in the photocatalytic reduction reaction of CO2 to CH4. At same time, the selective photocatalytic reduction of CO2 is another advantage of Hf‐g‐C3N4.
Surfactant Sodium Dodecyl Benzene Sulfonate Improves the Efficiency and Stability of Air‐Processed Perovskite Solar Cells with Negligible Hysteresis
Authors: Zhang Wenyuan , He Lang , Tang Dongyan , Li Xin
Published: September 2020

The device performance of organic–inorganic hybrid halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is highly dependent on the quality of perovskite layer. Herein, a multifunctional chemical additive strategy is reported to simultaneously improve the efficiency and stability of fully air‐processed PSCs. The planner methylammonium lead trihalide (MAPbI3)‐based PSCs incorporating sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS) exhibit a champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 19.20% and negligible hysteresis, which is one of the top efficiencies of MAPbI3‐based PSCs made in air. The increased efficiency is due to the reduction of defects and inhibition of ion migration in the perovskite films. Furthermore, the enhancement of device performance and stability can also be ascribed to highly preferred and efficient perovskite crystals protecting the perovskite films from humidity. The corresponding unencapsulated device retains 92.34% of its initial efficiency after 90 days (>2100 h) storage in air and maintains 85.20% of its original PCE after being exposed to 85 °C for 27 h. The results indicate that SDBS is a promising chemical additive to enhance the performance of air‐processed PSCs for future applications.
Perovskite Solar Cells: Stable under Space Conditions
Authors: Pérez-del-Rey Daniel , Dreessen Chris , Igual-Muñoz Ana M. , van den Hengel Lennart , Gélvez-Rueda María C. , Savenije Tom J. , Grozema Ferdinand C. , Zimmermann Claus , Bolink Henk J.
Published: September 2020

Metal halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are of interest for high altitude and space applications due to their lightweight and versatile form factor. However, their resilience toward the particle spectrum encountered in space is still of concern. For space cells, the effect of these particles is condensed into an equivalent 1 MeV electron fluence. The effect of high doses of 1 MeV e‐beam radiation up to an accumulated fluence to 1016 e− cm−2 on methylammonium lead iodide perovskite thin films and solar cells is probed. By using substrate and encapsulation materials that are stable under the high energy e‐beam radiation, its net effect on the perovskite film and solar cells can be studied. The quartz substrate‐based PSCs are stable under the high doses of 1 MeV e‐beam irradiation. Time‐resolved microwave conductivity analysis on pristine and irradiated films indicates that there is a small reduction in the charge carrier diffusion length upon irradiation. Nevertheless, this diffusion length remains larger than the perovskite film thickness used in the solar cells, even for the highest accumulated fluence of 1016 e− cm−2. This demonstrates that PSCs are promising candidates for space applications.
Erectile dysfunction: is the NHS men's health friendly?
Authors: Hackett Geoffrey , Kirby Michael , Ramachandran Sudarshan
Published: September 2020

Inconsistencies in CCG guidance on prescribing for erectile dysfunction leave many out of step with current guidelines and recommendations, which the authors argue ‘has made it virtually impossible to deliver evidence‐based compassionate, personalised care’.
Fetal endoscopic tracheal occlusion reverses the natural history of right‐sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia: European multicenter experience
Authors: Russo F. M. , Cordier A.‐G. , Basurto D. , Salazar L. , Litwinska E. , Gomez O. , Debeer A. , Nevoux J. , Patel S. , Lewi L. , Pertierra A. , Aertsen M. , Gratacos E. , Nicolaides K. H. , Benachi A. , Deprest J.
Published: September 2020

Objective

To evaluate the neonatal outcome of fetuses with isolated right‐sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia (iRCDH) based on prenatal severity indicators and antenatal management.

Methods

This was a retrospective review of prospectively collected data on consecutive cases diagnosed with iRCDH before 30 weeks' gestation in four fetal therapy centers, between January 2008 and December 2018. Data on prenatal severity assessment, antenatal management and perinatal outcome were retrieved. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to identify predictors of survival at discharge and early neonatal morbidity.

Results

Of 265 patients assessed during the study period, we excluded 40 (15%) who underwent termination of pregnancy, two cases of unexplained fetal death, two that were lost to follow‐up, one for which antenatal assessment of lung hypoplasia was not available and six cases which were found to have major associated anomalies or syndromes after birth. Of the 214 fetuses with iRCDH included in the neonatal outcome analysis, 86 were managed expectantly during pregnancy and 128 underwent fetal endoscopic tracheal occlusion (FETO) with a balloon. In the expectant‐management group, lung size measured by ultrasound or by magnetic resonance imaging was the only independent predictor of survival (observed‐to‐expected lung‐to‐head ratio (o/e‐LHR) odds ratio (OR), 1.06 (95% CI, 1.02–1.11); P = 0.003). Until now, stratification for severe lung hypoplasia has been based on an o/e‐LHR cut‐off of 45%. In cases managed expectantly, the survival rate was 15% (4/27) in those with o/e‐LHR ≤ 45% and 61% (36/59) for o/e‐LHR > 45% (P = 0.001). However, the best o/e‐LHR cut‐off for the prediction of survival at discharge was 50%, with a sensitivity of 78% and specificity of 72%. In the expectantly managed group, survivors with severe pulmonary hypoplasia stayed longer in the neonatal intensive care unit than did those with mildly hypoplastic lungs. In fetuses with an o/e‐LHR ≤ 45% treated with FETO, survival rate was higher than in those with similar lung size managed expectantly (49/120 (41%) vs 4/27 (15%); P = 0.014), despite higher prematurity rates (gestational age at birth: 34.4 ± 2.7 weeks vs 36.8 ± 3.0 weeks; P < 0.0001). In fetuses treated with FETO, gestational age at birth was the only predictor of survival (OR, 1.25 (95% CI, 1.04–1.50); P = 0.02).

Conclusions

Antenatal measurement of lung size can predict survival in iRCDH. In fetuses with severe lung hypoplasia, FETO was associated with a significant increase in survival without an associated increase in neonatal morbidity. © 2020 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Thiamine deficiency in a dog associated with exclusive consumption of boiled sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas): Serial changes in clinical findings, magnetic resonance imaging findings and blood lactate and thiamine concentrations
Authors: Song Joong‐Hyun , Jung Dong‐In
Published: September 2020

Thiamine (vitamin B1) is an essential nutrient that significantly influences ATP production in the body. It needs to be supplemented consistently through an exogenous source to prevent deficiency; however, it is easily affected by a variety of mitigating factors. Additionally, thiamine requirements can be influenced by an individual's dietary composition. The nervous system is particularly vulnerable to thiamine deficiency due to its high metabolic demand. Thiamine deficiency is typically diagnosed based on clinical signs, dietary history and response to thiamine administration. A 5‐year‐old neutered male Maltese Terrier dog presented with an acute onset of seizures and generalized ataxia. The dog was exclusively fed boiled sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) as a primary diet source for 4 weeks. MR findings and hyperlactatemic conditions were consistent with thiamine deficiency, and the diagnosis was confirmed by measuring thiamine concentrations in blood using high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Appropriate thiamine supplementation and diet changes resulted in a rapid improvement in neurological signs. Repeated MR imaging 2 weeks after starting the treatment completely resolved the previously identified abnormalities, and repeated measurements of blood lactate and thiamine levels revealed complete recovery of the thiamine‐deficient status.
Glacio‐hydrological model calibration and evaluation
Authors: van Tiel Marit , Stahl Kerstin , Freudiger Daphné , Seibert Jan
Published: September 2020

Glaciers are essential for downstream water resources. Hydrological modeling is necessary for a better understanding and for future projections of the water resources in these rapidly changing systems, but modeling glacierized catchments is especially challenging. Here we review a wealth of glacio‐hydrological modeling studies (145 publications) in catchments around the world. Major model challenges include a high uncertainty in the input data, mainly precipitation, due to scarce observations. Consequently, the risk of wrongly compensating input with model errors in competing snow and ice accumulation and melt process parameterization is particularly high. Modelers have used a range of calibration and validation approaches to address this issue. The review revealed that while a large part (~35%) of the reviewed studies used only streamflow data to evaluate model performances, most studies (~50%) have used additional data related to snow and glaciers to constrain model parameters. These data were employed in a variety of calibration strategies, including stepwise and multi‐signal calibration. Although the primary aim of glacio‐hydrological modeling studies is to assess future climate change impacts, long‐term changes have rarely been taken into account in model performance evaluations. Overall, a more precise description of which data are used how for model evaluation would facilitate the interpretation of the simulation results and their uncertainty, which in turn would support water resources management. Moreover, there is a need for systematic analyses of calibration approaches to disentangle what works best and why. Addressing this need will improve our system understanding and model simulations of glacierized catchments.

This article is categorized under:

Science of Water > Hydrological Processes

Science of Water > Methods
Conservation medicine and One Health in zoos: Scope, obstacles, and unrecognized potential
Authors: Sulzner Kate , Fiorello Christine , Ridgley Frank , Garelle Della , Deem Sharon L.
Published: September 2020

Zoo veterinarians and allied professionals have been contributing to conservation medicine (CM) and One Health (OH) activities for more than two decades. Although the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) considers conservation a key part of its mission, little published material exists about the extent of AZA work in CM/OH or the challenges and opportunities associated with these endeavors. To better understand the current scope of CM/OH in zoos, we surveyed 53 AZA‐accredited institutions from April through October of 2016. We obtained information on CM/OH infrastructure, support for expansion in this area, and strategies to overcome perceived obstacles hindering CM/OH from becoming a core AZA activity. Survey results revealed that while most zoos favor greater investment in CM/OH programs, awareness, and understanding of CM/OH across the broader zoo community and public is lacking. The majority of respondents stated that overcoming this challenge is paramount to attaining support for CM/OH initiatives. In spite of these obstacles, survey respondents highlighted many positive developments in CM/OH. We found that 84% of zoos surveyed are actively engaged in CM/OH activities, and 12% house formal CM/OH programs. Another 8% of respondents said their institutions were developing CM/OH programs. Perhaps most noteworthy, we found that zoo size did not have a significant bearing on the financial amount allocated toward an institution's CM/OH activities. This suggests that all zoos, regardless of size, can make meaningful contributions to the growing movement of CM/OH and help redefine the role of zoos within this movement.
Correction to: Reflections and Outlook on Targeting HSP90, HSP70 and HSF1 in Cancer: A Personal Perspective
Authors: Workman Paul
Published: September 2020

The original version of the book was revised: Chapter 11 is now available open access under a CC BY 4.0 license and the copyright holder has been changed to ‘The Author(s)’.
An Approach for Software-Intensive Business Innovation Based on Experimentation in Non-software-Intensive Companies
Authors: Silva Kelson , Guerra Eduardo , Melegati Jorge
Published: September 2020

Several companies whose businesses are not centered on technology might fail to innovate and get advantages over their competitors. For them, meaningful innovations are not necessarily related to the usage of new technologies but the optimization of some business process. In the literature, experimentation is described as an essential aspect of the innovation process. Although software engineering studies have explored experimentation, none has focused on software-intensive innovative projects in non-software-intensive companies, which consists of a contrast between the fast-changing environment in software-intensive to rigid structures in consolidated businesses. This paper proposes an experiment-oriented process to identify and implement innovation in this kind of company, including the roles involved in such processes. It has steps to identify business bottlenecks, search for solution alternatives, implement a fast and functional software proof of concept, create a plan for evolution, and migrate to a regular project to continue that idea. This paper also presents an evaluation of this process in a company focused on outsourced services, such as cleaning and maintenance. As a result, several internal procedures in a year were improved and received software support.
A Systematic Approach to Agile Development in Highly Regulated Environments
Authors: Poth Alexander , Jacobsen Jan , Riel Andreas
Published: September 2020

For established domains within highly regulated environments, a systematic approach is needed to scale agile methods and assure compliance with regulatory requirements. The presented approach works adequately in small agile teams – independently of the underlying method such as Scrum, Kanban, etc. – and is scalable to more and bigger teams or even entire subsidiaries. It is based on a compliance and a quality risk dimension respectively. Both dimensions are needed to fit regulatory requirements in our finance example with more than 100 developers in one subsidiary.
Dependencies of Agile Teams – An Analysis of the Scaled Agile Framework
Authors: Theobald Sven , Schmitt Anna
Published: September 2020

Context: Agile teams are small teams with 3 to 9 members. In complex development endeavors such as systems engineering, an agile team has many dependencies, since it is not possible to incorporate all specialist skills into one team. Frameworks like the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) describe how agile teams operate in a larger setting. Objective: The aim of this study is to analyze how agile teams collaborate with their organizational environment. Method: We analyzed SAFe to investigate how much guidance it provides concerning the collaboration between agile teams and their environment. Results: The results show that many different organizational parts exist with which agile teams have to collaborate. SAFe mentions concepts like shared services, system teams, or business teams, but there is no further guidance on collaboration with the agile team. Conclusion: We motivate future research into guidelines for efficient collaboration of agile teams with their organizational environment.
COVID-19’s Influence on the Future of Agile
Authors: Mancl Dennis , Fraser Steven D.
Published: September 2020

As a result of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the way the world works, collaborates, and plays has changed. Commerce has stalled with travel, hospitality, education, retail, and health sectors particularly affected. This paper is based on an XP 2020 panel organized by Steven Fraser and featuring Aino Corry, Steve McConnell, and Rachel Reinitz. The panel discussed the impact of COVID-19 on knowledge workers, the acceleration of digital workplace transformation, and anticipated long term effects from the pandemic in the context of agile practices. Four key observations emerged from the discussion: First, virtual collaboration between those working from home is enabled by a variety of communication tools – substituting for face-to-face interactions. Second, agile work practices are harder to perform given the virtual nature of meetings and interactions. Third, communication tools are not always adequate for high-bandwidth or informal interactions, such as brainstorming, side discussions, or hallway conversations. Fourth, forming new teams and onboarding staff is challenging in a virtual work environment.
Product Roadmap Alignment – Achieving the Vision Together: A Grey Literature Review
Authors: Trieflinger Stefan , Münch Jürgen , Bogazköy Emre , Eißler Patrick , Schneider Jan , Roling Bastian
Published: September 2020

Context: A product roadmap is an important tool in product development. It sets the strategic direction in which the product is to be developed to achieve the company’s vision. However, for product roadmaps to be successful, it is essential that all stakeholders agree with the company’s vision and objectives and are aligned and committed to a common product plan. Objective: In order to gain a better understanding of product roadmap alignment, this paper aims at identifying measures, activities and techniques in order to align the different stakeholders around the product roadmap. Method: We conducted a grey literature review according the guidelines to Garousi et al. Results: Several approaches to gain alignment were identified such as defining and communicating clear objectives based on the product vision, conducting cross-functional workshops, shuttle diplomacy, and mission briefing. In addition, our review identified the “Behavioural Change Stairway Model” that suggests five steps to gain alignment by building empathy and a trustful relationship.
Transitioning from a First Generation to Second Generation Large-Scale Agile Development Method: Towards Understanding Implications for Coordination
Authors: Bjørnson Finn Olav , Dingsøyr Torgeir
Published: September 2020

This paper reports our initial findings from a longitudinal case study within a large development project in a public organization in Scandinavia. We focus on changes in coordination practices as the development project moved from a 1st to a 2nd generation large-scale agile development methodology. Building on four theories of coordination from different fields, we investigate how each theory illuminates our case and what insight they might provide. We find that two of the theories are well suited to characterizing each phase, providing answer to how coordination was done. While two other theories can provide answers to why these changes occurred.