bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pin‐loaded ultrathin magnetoelectric dipole antenna with unidirectional radiation
Authors: Xu Li‐jie , Jin Xiaoyu , Zhang Congtian , Lu Wen‐Jun
Published: September 2022

A wide‐beam magnetoelectric dipole antenna with an ultralow profile of 0.01λ0 is proposed in this letter. The magnetic dipole (M‐dipole) is formed by placing a turnstile‐shaped patch above a circular ground, establishing the foundation of a thin profile. Then, a pair of crossed strips with one end shorted is introduced, exciting the electric‐dipole without affecting the radiation of M‐dipole and increasing the antenna profile. In that way, stable wide‐beam unilateral radiation in both the E‐ and H‐planes can be achieved. At the same time, a high front‐to‐back (F/B) ratio of 22 dB is obtained for the measured result. Besides, by adjusting the number and position of shorting pins, the proposed antenna shows beam steering capability, which makes it quite promising for future scanning applications.
OLED and Flexible Displays at DW 2022
Authors: Werner Ken
Published: September 2022

From materials developments to products with new architectures and enhanced specifications, OLED sprouts into new areas of growth.
SID/DSCC Annual Business Conference Examines the State of the Industry
Authors: Raikes Bob
Published: September 2022

After a pandemic‐fueled growth in volume and revenue, the panel industry is facing strong headwinds from reduced demand and rising costs.
Are we of one mind about core competencies of nurse preceptors? A nominal group technique study
Authors: Chen Tzu‐Ting , Hsiao Chia‐Chi , Chu Tsui‐Ping , Chen Sue‐Hsien , Liao Mei‐Nan , Hung Chang‐Chiao
Published: September 2022

Aim

This paper explored the differences in perspectives on the core competencies of nurse preceptors among postgraduate‐year nurses, clinical nursing preceptors and head nurses.

Design

Cross‐sectional design with nominal group technique (NGT).

Method

The sample consisted of 32 postgraduate‐year nurses, 42 preceptors and 27 head nurses. Two rounds of NGT were used to collect the group opinions.

Results

While the rank/level of importance varied, three groups all agreed that teaching traits, clinical nursing profession, communication and collaboration, teaching pedagogy, reaction of contingency and consultation of academic writing were important core competencies for nurse preceptors. The three groups disagreed on critical thinking and reflection, as well as lifelong learning. This study clarifies cognitive differences and expectations among three groups and can assist medical institutes in designing preceptor training courses.
Integrating Indigenous and scientific perspectives on environmental changes: Insights from boreal landscapes
Authors: Bélisle Annie Claude , Gauthier Sylvie , Asselin Hugo
Published: September 2022

Major environmental changes affect the health and capacity of ecosystems to sustain Indigenous people's well‐being in boreal landscapes. Collaboration between Indigenous communities and researchers could help assessing and mitigating the consequences of environmental changes.

We used Driver Pressure State Impact (DPSI) conceptual models to compare the perspectives of Indigenous and scientific communities on environmental changes in boreal landscapes of Quebec, Canada.

The Indigenous DPSI model emerged from interviews with local land‐use experts from two Indigenous communities. The scientific model was informed by the publication topics of expert researchers.

We compared the Indigenous and scientific models and exposed convergences and divergences between perspectives. Forestry was identified as a major driver of change in both models. Most issues related to mining, hydro‐power and forest road development were specific to the Indigenous model. Climate change and wildfires were of greater interest in the scientific model.

Convergences between the perspectives of Indigenous and scientific communities are conducive to collaborative research. Divergences could be addressed through reciprocal knowledge transfer activities, which would lead to research that better aligns with the concerns and needs of Indigenous communities.

Read the freePlain Language Summaryfor this article on the Journal blog.
Suicidal ideation in advanced cancer patients without major depressive disorder
Authors: Tang Lili , He Yi , Pang Ying , Su Zhongge , Zhou Yuhe , Wang Yu , Lu Yongkui , Jiang Yu , Han Xinkun , Song Lihua , Wang Liping , Li Zimeng , Lv Xiaojun , Wang Yan , Yao Juntao , Liu Xiaohong , Zhou Xiaoyi , He Shuangzhi , Zhang Yening , Song Lili , Li Jinjiang , Wang Bingmei
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is associated with an increased risk of suicide and suicide attempt among cancer patients. However, we do not know how many cancer patients without MDD have suicidal ideation (SI).

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, characteristics and correlated factors of SI among advanced cancer patients without MDD.

Methods

This is a multi‐center, cross‐sectional study based on an electronic patient‐reported outcome systems in patients who were diagnosed with advanced lung, liver, gastric, esophageal, colorectal or breast cancer, the top six prevalent cancers in China. A total of 2930 advanced cancer patients were recruited from 10 regional representative cancer centers across China from August 2019 to December 2020. Patients completed the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 regarding if they had thoughts of being better off dead or of hurting themselves in some way in the previous 2 weeks. Patients also completed the symptom inventory and quality of life assessment. Generalized estimating equation model was performed to explore the correlated factors associated with SI among the patients without MDD.

Results

The overall prevalence of SI among advanced cancer patients without MDD was 13.1%. The prevalence was higher in older patients. After adjusted for existing conditions, patients with vomiting symptom (p < 0.001), poorer life quality (p < 0.001), and middle education level (p = 0.031) were correlated factors of SI.

Conclusions

The suicidal ideation is common in advanced cancer patients without MDD. Patients with vomiting, poor quality of life, and middle education level should be screened and monitored for suicidal ideation even without MDD.

Clinical Trial Information

ChiCTR1900024957.
Comparison of allosteric signaling in DnaK and BiP using mutual information between simulated residue conformations
Authors: Schneider Markus , Antes Iris
Published: September 2022

The heat shock protein 70 kDa (Hsp70) chaperone system serves as a critical component of protein quality control across a wide range of prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. Divergent evolution and specialization to particular organelles have produced numerous Hsp70 variants which share similarities in structure and general function, but differ substantially in regulatory aspects, including conformational dynamics and activity modulation by cochaperones. The human Hsp70 variant BiP (also known as GRP78 or HSPA5) is of therapeutic interest in the context of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and viral infection, including for treatment of the pandemic virus SARS‐CoV‐2. Due to the complex conformational rearrangements and high sequential variance within the Hsp70 protein family, it is in many cases poorly understood which amino acid mutations are responsible for biochemical differences between protein variants. In this study, we predicted residues associated with conformational regulation of human BiP and Escherichia coli DnaK. Based on protein structure networks obtained from molecular dynamics simulations, we analyzed the shared information between interaction timelines to highlight residue positions with strong conformational coupling to their environment. Our predictions, which focus on the binding processes of the chaperone's substrate and cochaperones, indicate residues filling potential signaling roles specific to either DnaK or BiP. By combining predictions of individual residues into conformationally coupled chains connecting ligand binding sites, we predict a BiP specific secondary signaling pathway associated with substrate binding. Our study sheds light on mechanistic differences in signaling and regulation between Hsp70 variants, which provide insights relevant to therapeutic applications of these proteins.
A small‐group activity to enhance learning of cardiovascular drugs for health science students
Authors: Brandl Katharina , Schneid Stephen , Laiken Nora
Published: September 2022

This small‐group activity provides two cases in cardiovascular pharmacology to engage students in a medical or other health professions curriculum. The goal of this activity is to apply students' basic knowledge of physiology and pharmacology to clinical case scenarios. Students were provided with the cases 1 week in advance and were encouraged to use their lecture notes and/or other references of their choosing to answer as many of the questions as possible and prepare to discuss the answers with their classmates at the session. Facilitators were provided with detailed notes and a video that explain the answers and provide suggestions for engaging and challenging the students. For the 2021 academic year, 201 students (139 first‐year medical students and 62 second‐year pharmacy students) at UC San Diego participated in the small‐group activity. Eighteen facilitators were recruited to lead this 110‐min session. Students' performance was assessed on the final exam of their integrated cardiovascular physiology‐pharmacology course. Students achieved 84% (SD 17.54) on questions related to the small‐group session compared to 78% (SD 15.60) on other cardiovascular pharmacology questions not related to the activity. Student perceptions of the facilitators leading the small‐group activity were very positive (average of 4.7 on a 5‐point Likert Scale). Using this approach, we demonstrate that a small‐group activity with clinical scenarios helps students master the pharmacology content related to cardiovascular drugs. The small‐group activity included constructed response questions to foster conceptual understanding.
A Metal/Solvent/Additive Free Compliant Route to Ullmann‐Type C−N Coupling using Ionic Liquid Entangled Porphyrin Heterogeneous Photocatalyst
Authors: Barange Shital Haribhau , Bhagat Pundlik Rambhau
Published: September 2022

N‐Substituted pyrrole derivatives have been attracted as a prime source of biologically active compounds as therapeutic agents including antimicrobial, analgesic, and familiar antiproliferative agents in cancer treatment. Several metal‐free reports have been documented for photocatalytic C−C/C−N bond formation to facilitate the synthesis of intermediates in pharmaceutical industries. In this protocol, we develop the scope of such methods, creating a green approach to achieve Ullmann‐type C−N coupling. Particularly, we reveal a metal/solvent/additive‐free route, for the synthesis of N‐substituted pyrroles using novel Brønsted acid‐functionalized porphyrin grafted on 1,2,4‐triazole‐based ionic liquid (BAFPcTzIL) comprising donor‐acceptor moiety. This new stable photocatalyst was confirmed by FT‐IR,1HNMR, UV‐Vis spectra to know Hammett acidity and energy bandgap by DR spectra. The optimized protocol was used significantly for reactions of morpholine, indole, pyrazole, imidazole, and benzimidazole with various inactivated aryl halides with good to excellent yields, under irradiations of 5 W LED in a homemade photocatalytic reactor. Moreover, the BAFPcTzIL could be readily separated by simple filtration and reused for 6 consecutive runs with admirable yield. The leaching test confirmed that porphyrin behaved like a perfect heterogeneous photocatalyst for C−N bond formation and might be attracted toward the synthesis of intermediates/scaffolds in the pharma and fine chemical industry.
Pigments, Dyes and the Restoration History of the Painted Figurines of the Tang Dynasty from the Astana Tombs Revealed by Comprehensive Chemical Analysis
Authors: Gao Yumin , Zhao Sihan , Wang Jiakun , Zhou Zhibo , Wan Jie , Yang Jie , Zhang Hui , Zhang Juan
Published: September 2022

Comprehensive micro‐analyses were conducted to identify different pigments and dyes used in painted figurines of the Tang Dynasty unearthed from Astana Tombs, located along the ancient Silk Road. Interestingly, a mixture of lazurite and indigo was first discovered on a painted figurine to create a special blue hue, demonstrating that ancient Gaochang craftsmen were already skilled in using mixed colorants. Moreover, superimposition techniques were as well applied in these painted figurines, such as hematite or cinnabar overlaid on red lead. Despite the lack of unambiguous restoration records in the last century, multiple synthetic organic colorants used for repainting the lokapala figurine were successfully identified by Raman spectroscopy and ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC‐MS/MS), which should be helpful for the retrospective documentation of the restoration history of these artworks. These investigations towards archaeological materials can provide precise historical facts about the artworks and fundamental knowledge for their conservation.
Enhanced Visible‐light Photocatalytic Dye Degradation Ability of CdS/O‐CNTs Nanocomposites
Authors: Wen Xiaorong , Feng Jiaping , Zhang Juan , Fu Hongquan , Gao Hejun , Wang Jinhua , Liao Yunwen
Published: September 2022

The rapid developpment of industrialization and urbanization has caused extensive environmental pollution, especially water pollution. Here, a bud‐like shaped CdS (cadmium sulfide), with O‐CNTs (oxidized multiwalled carbon nanotubes) homogeneously embedde (BCO), were synthesized by a facile hydrothermal process. The surface properties of the composites and the photocatalytic performances were studied systematically. The photocatalytic degrading anionic dye Methyl orange (MO) and cationic dye Rhodamine B (RhB) under visible light (λ≥420 nm) unveiled that BCO nanocomposites exhibited much better photocatalytic decolorization activity than bud‐like shaped CdS. Due to the delaying time of electron recombination to the hole and the participation of holes (h+) and⋅superoxide radicals (⋅O2−) by loading O‐CNTs, BCO‐3 wt% could decolorize 98.5 % RhB in 30 min and 95.5 % MO in 90 min, implying potential applications prospect.
Self‐Assembly and Transport Behaviour of Non‐ionic Fluorinated and Alkylated Amphiphiles for Drug Delivery
Authors: Kumar Anoop , Krishna  , Sharma Antara , Dhankhar Jyoti , Syeda Saima , Shrivastava Anju , Sharma Sunil K.
Published: September 2022

A newer series of AB2 typed non‐ionic amphiphiles have been synthesized using p‐hydroxybenzoate as a central core, which is further functionalized with two hydrophilic units, i. e. D‐lactose/poly(glycerol) dendron [G2.0]/monomethoxy poly(ethyleneglycol) and a hydrophobic alkyl/fluoroalkyl moiety. The aggregation behaviour of the synthesised amphiphiles in aqueous medium was studied using fluorescence spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and were found to form nano‐sized aggregates. The potential of these amphiphiles to act as nanocarrier was studied using model hydrophobic probe Nile red and nimodipine by recording their UV‐visible and fluorescence spectroscopic data. For comparison purpose, analogous AB type amphiphiles were also synthesized and their transport ability analysed. A study of cell viability in HeLa cells revealed that all synthesized amphiphiles are well tolerated at the concentrations studied. The immobilized hydrolase Novozym‐435 was used to release the encapsulated dye from the inner hydrophobic core of micellar structures of synthesized amphiphiles in vitro.
Oxygen Vacancy and Metallic Silver Site Coinjection Associates Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction upon Mesoporous NH2–TiO2 Nanoparticles Assembly
Authors: Xiong Jinyan , Zhu Xueteng , Chen Zhangjing , Ren Yinan , Wang Weiming , Han Chao , Li Weijie , Li Shaozhong , Cheng Gang
Published: September 2022

Solar‐driven CO2 conversion is a promising approach to tackle the issues of increasing greenhouse gases and energy shortage. Herein, a defective amine/silver species‐modified mesoporous TiO2 (NH2–TiO2−x–Ag) nanoparticle assembly for photocatalytic CO2 reduction is reported. In particular, simultaneous oxygen vacancy incorporation and silver species anchoring in the formation of NH2–TiO2 derived from amine‐modified protonated titanate during polyol‐mediated solvothermal treatment are achieved. Indeed, the NH2–TiO2−x–Ag with different amounts of Ag species can enhance photocatalytic CO2 reduction into CH4 and CO. The NH2–TiO2−x–Ag‐0.05 sample has the highest CH4 and CO yields with rates of 6.11 and 0.91 μmol g−1 h−1, respectively, which are about 10.7 and 7 times higher than that of pristine NH2–TiO2. These findings demonstrate that the synergic impact of oxygen vacancies and metallic silver sites embedded into NH2–TiO2 can prevent poor light harvesting, fast recombination of photogenerated electrons and holes, and inadequate surface‐active sites.
Verallgemeinerte Berechnungsmethode für in Beton eingespannte Stahlprofile – Einspanntiefen, Tragfähigkeitsnachweise und Bemessungshilfen
Authors: Kindmann Rolf , Kraus Matthias , Laumann Jörg , Vette Jan
Published: September 2022

Stützen und Träger aus Stahlprofilen können in Fundamente oder Wände aus Stahlbeton einbetoniert werden. Diese Anschlüsse wirken in der Regel wie Einspannungen, die eine ausreichende Einspanntiefe erfordern. Im Folgenden wird eine verallgemeinerte Berechnungsmethode für in Stahlbetonkonstruktionen eingespannte Stahlprofile aus gewalzten I‐Profilen, geschweißten I‐Profilen, runden Hohlprofilen, eckigen Hohlprofilen und einzelligen Kastenquerschnitten vorgestellt. Für Beanspruchungen infolge einachsiger Biegung um die starke und schwache Profilachse werden der profilabhängige Ansatz der Betondruckspannungen im Einspannbereich und die Ermittlung der Einspanntiefe behandelt. Unter Berücksichtigung der Normalkraft werden an den maßgebenden Stellen Tragfähigkeitsnachweise für die Stahlprofile geführt. Als Ergänzung zu den Berechnungsformeln werden Bemessungshilfen zur Verfügung gestellt, die die Wahl der mitwirkenden Breiten und der Einspanntiefen erleichtert.
From evolutionary ecosystem simulations to computational models of human behavior
Authors: Bentley Peter J. , Lim Soo Ling
Published: September 2022

We have a wide breadth of computational tools available today that enable a more ethical approach to the study of human cognition and behavior. We argue that the use of computer models to study evolving ecosystems provides a rich source of inspiration, as they enable the study of complex systems that change over time. Often employing a combination of genetic algorithms and agent‐based models, these methods span theoretical approaches from games to complexification, nature‐inspired methods from studies of self‐replication to the evolution of eyes, and evolutionary ecosystems of humans, from entire economies to the effects of personalities in teamwork. The review of works provided here illustrates the power of evolutionary ecosystem simulations and how they enable new insights for researchers. They also demonstrate a novel methodology of hypothesis exploration: building a computational model that encapsulates a hypothesis of human cognition enables it to be tested under different conditions, with its predictions compared to real data to enable corroboration. Such computational models of human behavior provide us with virtual test labs in which unlimited experiments can be performed.

This article is categorized under:

Computer Science and Robotics > Artificial Intelligence
Non-isometric U-dualities
Authors: Blair Chris D. A.
Published: September 2022

Abstract

I study generalisations of U-duality transformations which do not rely on the existence of isometries. I start by providing more details of a recently proposed generalised U-duality map between solutions of type IIA supergravity of the form M7× S3, with NSNS flux, and solutions of 11-dimensional supergravity, in which the three-sphere is replaced by a four-dimensional geometry which encodes three-algebra structure constants. I then show that when M7 admits two abelian isometries, TsT deformations on the IIA side become six-vector deformations in the 11-dimensional setting. These six-vector deformations involve an action of E6(6) on both isometric and non-isometric directions. I discuss the algebraic interpretation of these deformations, and compare and contrast them with (generalised) Yang-Baxter deformations in supergravity.
Optimal design of functionally graded lattice structures using Hencky bar-grid model and topology optimization
Authors: Zhang Y. P. , Wang C. M. , Challamel N. , Xie Y. M. , Yang J.
Published: September 2022

Presented herein is a novel design framework for obtaining the optimal design of functionally graded lattice (FGL) structures that involve using a physical discrete structural model called the Hencky bar-grid model (HBM) and topology optimization (TO). The continuous FGL structure is discretized by HBM comprising rigid bars, frictionless hinges, frictionless pulleys, elastic primary and secondary axial springs, and torsional springs. A penalty function is introduced to each of the HBM spring’s stiffnesses to model non-uniform material properties. The gradient-based TO method is applied to find the stiffest structure via minimizing the compliance or elastic strain energy by adjusting the HBM spring stiffnesses subjected to prescribed design constraints. The optimal design of FGL structures is constructed based on the optimal spring stiffnesses of the HBM. The proposed design framework is simple to implement and for obtaining optimal FGL structures as it involves a relatively small number of design variables such as the spring stiffnesses of each grid cell. As illustration of the HBM-TO method, some optimization problems of FGL structures are considered and their optimal solutions obtained. The solutions are shown to converge after a small number of iterations. A Python code is given in the Appendix for interested readers who wish to reproduce the results.
Organization of the parallel antennal-lobe tracts in the moth
Authors: Kymre Jonas Hansen , Chu Xi , Ian Elena , Berg Bente Gunnveig
Published: September 2022

The olfactory pathways of the insect brain have been studied comprehensively for more than 40 years, yet the last decade has included a particularly large accumulation of new information relating to this system’s structure. In moths, sharp intracellular recording and staining has been used to elucidate the anatomy and physiology of output neurons from the primary olfactory center, the antennal lobe. This review concentrates on the connection patterns characterizing these projection neurons, which follow six separate antennal-lobe tracts. In addition to highlighting the connections between functionally distinct glomerular clusters and higher-order olfactory neuropils, we discuss how parallel tracts in the male convey distinct features of the social signals released by conspecific and heterospecific females. Finally, we consider the current state of knowledge regarding olfactory processing in the moth’s protocerebrum and make suggestions as to how the information concerning antennal-lobe output may be used to design future studies.
Wem gehört die gebaute Stadt? Eigentumsanalyse als Instrument der Bestandsstadt-Entwicklung
Authors: Musil Robert , Brand Florian , Wonaschütz Maximilian
Published: September 2022

Für die erfolgreiche Umsetzung von partizipativen und co-kreativen Stadtentwicklungsprozessen stellt die Ansprache und die Beteiligung von betroffenen Akteur*innen, insbesondere der Eigentümer*innen, eine zentrale Voraussetzung dar. Umgekehrt ist das Wissen darüber, wem die Stadt eigentlich gehört, häufig nur sehr eingeschränkt in adäquater Form zugänglich. Dieser Beitrag diskutiert anhand der gründerzeitlichen Bestandsstadt in Wien, die durch eine zunehmende Zersplitterung der Eigentumsstrukturen gekennzeichnet ist, die Potenziale, die sich aus einer liegenschaftsgenauen Eigentumsanalyse ergeben. Grundlage bildet eine Datenbank, bei der auf Grundlage der Katastralmappe unterschiedliche Registerdaten, insbesondere das Grundbuch, mit Open-Source-Datenbeständen verschnitten worden sind. Anhand dreier konkreter Anwendungsbeispiele zeigt der Beitrag das große Potenzial dieser auf Individualdaten basierender Stadtraumanalysen für die Planungspraxis. Auf Ebene der Baublöcke erfolgt eine Analyse der Eigentümer*innen-Strukturen und deren Zersplitterung für den gesamten Stadtraum. Auf Liegenschafts- und Gebäudeebene werden in einem ausgewählten gründerzeitlichen Grätzel die Potenziale für Klimaschutz- bzw. Anpassungsstrategien bewertet: einerseits für die Errichtung von Solaranlagen auf Dachflächen sowie andererseits für Fassadenbegrünungen.
On a novel approach for the investigation and approximation of solutions to the systems of higher order nonlinear PDEs
Authors: Marynets Vasyl , Marynets Kateryna , Kohutych Oksana
Published: September 2022

We study a boundary value problem for a system of the third order semi-linear partial differential equations with nonlocal boundary conditions. We establish sufficient conditions of existence, uniqueness, regularity and sign-preserving property of solutions of the studied problem and construct an iterative method for its approximation.
The impact of mental health on outcome after anterior cervical discectomy: cohort study assessing the influence of mental health using predictive modelling
Authors: Goedmakers Caroline M. W. , van Beelen Ilse , Komen Floor , van Zwet Erik W. , Peul Wilco C. , Arts Mark P. , Vleggeert-Lankamp Carmen L. A.
Published: September 2022

Background

Depression and anxiety are common mental disorders among patients with chronic pain. It is hypothesised that patients suffering from these disorders benefit less from cervical spine surgery than mentally healthy patients. Therefore, this study aimed to quantify the effect of mental health status on functional outcome after anterior cervical discectomy in a post hoc analysis on RCT data.

Methods

One hundred eight patients from the NECK trial, with radiculopathy due to a one-level herniated disc, underwent anterior cervical discectomy and were included into this analysis. Functional outcome was quantified using the Neck Disability Index (NDI), and mental health status was measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Score (HADS) questionnaire. NDI differences were assessed using generalised estimated equations (GEE), crude means, a predictive linear mixed model (LMM) using baseline scores and over time with an explanatory LMM.

Results

At baseline, 24% and 32% of patients were respectively depressed and anxious and had statistically significant and clinically relevant higher NDI scores during follow-up. However, in those patients in which the HADS returned to normal during follow-up, NDI values decreased comparably to the non-depression or non-anxiety cases. Those patients that demonstrated persisting high HADS values had convincingly worse NDI scores. A predictive LMM showed that combining baseline NDI and HADS scores was highly predictive of NDI during follow-up. The R shiny application enabled the effective, visual communication of results from the predictive LMM.

Conclusion

This study shows that mental health status and disability are strongly associated and provides insight into the size of the effect, as well as a way to use this relation to improve preoperative patient counselling. These findings give rise to the suggestion that incorporating mental health screening in the preoperative assessment of patients could help to adequately manage patients’ expectations for functional recovery.

Trial registration

Dutch Trial Register Number: NTR1289
Wie stark reagiert der deutsche Wohnungsbau auf steigende Kapitalmarktzinsen?
Authors: Hiller Norbert , Lerbs Oliver
Published: September 2022

Seit Jahresbeginn gerät der deutsche Wohnungsbau neben steigenden Kosten für Baustoffe, Personal und Energie durch stark anziehende Finanzierungskosten unter Druck. In Verbindung mit hohen Inflationsraten im Euroraum sind die Kapitalmarktzinsen und damit auch die Zinsen für Baukredite erheblich gestiegen. Schon 2021 ging die Zahl der fertiggestellten Wohnungen gegenüber dem Vorjahr um gut 4 % zurück. Der Beitrag untersucht, ob und wie stark der deutsche Wohnungsbau historisch auf Veränderungen der Kapitalmarktzinsen reagiert hat. Er zeigt auf, dass ohne wirtschaftspolitische Gegenmaßnahmen ein erheblicher Rückgang der Bauaktivität droht. Eines der zentralen Ziele der Ampelkoalition würde damit in weite Ferne rücken.
Die Zeitenwende erreicht den deutschen Arbeitsmarkt
Authors: Bonin Holger , Rinne Ulf
Published: September 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine war mark a turning point for the German labour market. These crises accelerate transformative forces that have been at work for some time, such as digitalisation and decarbonisation, and are likely to permanently change the international division of labour and mobility. The shortage of skilled workers, which already hampered development ahead of the crisis, has now grown into a broader labour shortage and has also reached the low-wage sector. This article outlines how labour shortages could be countered by concerted action from the supply and demand sides. It shows that coping with the changes in the German labour market requires more efforts from policymakers, firms and the labour force.
Ausbildungsmarkt unter Druck: die aktuelle Entwicklung und deren Antworten darauf
Authors: Lagemann Andreas , Wedemeier Jan
Published: September 2022

The number of new apprenticeship training contracts has been declining for years. The decline can be explained by a variety of factors. It can initially be assumed that the economic development due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated loss of training places offer an explanation. However, the trend is of a longer nature. This article examines proposed solutions, such as the training fund allocation that is currently in discussion, seem more like an expression of futile politics.
Probabilistic Approach to Modelling, Identification and Prediction of Environmental Pollution
Authors: Bogalecka Magdalena
Published: September 2022

The probabilistic general model of environmental pollution process based on the semi-Markov one is developed and presented in the paper. The semi-Markov chain model approach is based on using prior information to predict the characteristic of some systems. Now, the semi-Markov process is used for the environmental pollution assessment. The methods and procedures to estimate the environmental pollution process’s basic parameters such as the vector of initial probabilities and the matrix of probabilities of transition between the process’s states as well as the methods and procedures to identify the process conditional sojourn times’ distributions at the particular environmental pollution states and their mean values are proposed and defined. Next, the formulae to predict the main characteristics of the environmental pollution process such as the limit values of transient probabilities and mean total sojourn times in the particular states in the fixed time interval are given. Finally, the application of the presented model and methods for modelling, identification and prediction of the air environmental pollution process generated by sulphur dioxide within the exemplary industrial agglomeration is proposed.
Phytochemical diversity and pharmacological effects of triterpenes from genus Ziziphus: a comprehensive review
Authors: Sakna Sarah T. , Maghraby Yasmin R. , Abdelfattah Mohamed S. , Farag Mohamed A.
Published: September 2022

The genus Ziziphus is cultivated worldwide mostly for its medicinal purposes aside from its edible fruits due to its diverse phytochemicals. The genus is grown in several world locations to encompass mainly Z. jujuba, Z. xylopyrus, Z. spina-christi, Z. lotus, Z. mauritiana, Z. celata, etc. Folk medicinal uses reported in genus Ziziphus include treating headaches, obesity, common colds, diabetes, hypertension, and infections. Scientific reports published till 2022 on Ziziphus phytochemistry and biological activities are discussed in this review, emphasizing the last 10 years to include a variety of phytochemicals, viz. alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and saponins. Terpenoids and saponins are ubiquitous in the genus Ziziphus, and to account for many of its health benefits. Consequently, this study focused on these two phytoconstituent classes never reviewed before in literature. Reported effects for Ziziphus triterpenes included antioxidant, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory agents. This study presents an up-to-date review of the phytochemistry and biological activities of all Ziziphus species, with recapitulation on triterpenoids/saponins for utilization as therapeutic agents.
Modeling and Energy Efficiency Analysis of the Steelmaking Process in an Electric Arc Furnace
Authors: Hernández Jesús D. , Onofri Luca , Engell Sebastian
Published: September 2022

This paper presents a comprehensive model of an industrial electric arc furnace (EAF) that is based upon several rigorous first-principles submodels of the heat exchange in the EAF and practical experience from an industrial melt shop. The model is suited for process simulation, optimization, and control applications. It assumes that the energy demand of the process is satisfied by six sources, the electric arc, the oxy-fuel burners, the oxygen lances, the combustion of coal, and the oxidation of metal in the liquid and in the solid phase. The energy exchange between the liquid and the solid phase due to liquid metal splashing is also considered. The different mechanisms of heat exchange are represented in the model as follows: (a) the radiative heat exchange from the arc to the other phases is computed using the DC circuit analogy, where the view factors are calculated using exact formulae and Monte-Carlo algorithms. (b) The energy input from the oxy-fuel burner is modeled using simplified geometries for which heat transfer relationships are known. (c) The amount of heat released by the oxidation of solid metal is described by the quadratic corrosion formula. (d) The energy exchange from the bath to the solid phase due to splashing is modeled using relationships and experimental data that are available in the literature. The model contains the melting rates and the efficiency of the oxygen lancing as free parameters; their values were computed by a least squares fit to process data of an industrial Ultra-High-Power EAF. In comparison with existing EAF models, the model presented here describes the dynamic behavior of the melting process more realistically. Based on the model, time-dependent energy efficiency curves for the various contributions and for the overall process are computed and discussed.
Forest Owners’ Perspectives Concerning Non-Timber Forest Products, Everyman’s Rights, and Organic Certification of Forests in Eastern Finland
Authors: Muttilainen Hanna , Hallikainen Ville , Miina Jari , Vornanen Juha , Vanhanen Henri
Published: September 2022

Global trends towards the bioeconomy and multidimensional ecosystem-based approaches are transforming our understanding of forests and expanding access to forest management. The demand for non-timber forest products (NTFPs) is increasing due to the current trends in lifestyle and consumption. Forest owners play a key role in the supply of NTFPs. However, many forest owners are not committed to production or aware of the opportunities for production of their forests. Understanding better the family forest owners’ behaviour and decision making regarding NTFPs is needed to strengthen the role of NTFPs in the Finnish bioeconomy. In this study, forest owners’ perspectives concerning NTFPs, Everyman’s Rights, and organic certification of forests were identified. The survey data were collected by emailing the questionnaire to North Karelian forest owners and analysed by creating forest owner typologies based on their forest ownership motives and perspectives concerning NTFPs. Regarding forest ownership motives, four owner groups of relatively equal size were identified and named as recreationist, conservationists, timber producers, and resigning owners leaving the forest property to the next generation. Regarding their use of NTFPs and interest in producing NTFPs four groups of owners were identified: owners who 1) harvested NTFPs for household use or 2) sale, 3) would allow the harvesting of NTFPs not covered by everyman’s right, and 4) need more information on the joint production of timber and NTFPs not covered by Everyman’s Rights. Most owners were household users. The results can be utilised to promote NTFP production and advocate for the more effective organic certification of forests for different forest owner groups.
Experimental Determination of Aerodynamic Downforce with Pseudo-Inverse Method Variation
Authors: Castriota A. , Manieri D. , Nobile R. , Panella F. W. , Sanasi G.
Published: September 2022

The effective evaluation of loads acting on a vehicle is a fundamental challenge in several engineering applications. Where possible, instruments such as load cells are used for a direct measurement of these loads, otherwise local strain measurements can provide an indirect determination of forces or pressures reaction. In this case, an adequate number of strain measurements in proper location is required to achieve correct load measurements, using a pseudo inverse method. In the present work, a variation of the classical method of applied forces calculation from the deformation data is presented for automotive applications, in particular in the case of reduced detected deformations number, lower than necessary for loads determined by static equilibrium. Finally, the method is tested on a real case study, where the aerodynamic downforce generated by the rear wing of a high-performance car is measured.
Development of electrolytes for rechargeable zinc-air batteries: current progress, challenges, and future outlooks
Authors: Getie Fentahun Adamu , Ayele Delele Worku , Habtu Nigus Gabbiye , Yihun Fantahun Aklog , Yemata Temesgen Atnafu
Published: September 2022

This review presents the current developments of various electrolyte systems for secondary zinc air batteries (SZABs). The challenges and advancements in aqueous electrolytes (e.g., alkaline, acidic and neutral) and non-aqueous electrolytes (e.g., solid polymer electrolyte, ionic liquids, gel polymer electrolyte, and deep eutectic solvents) development have been reviewed. Moreover, chemical and physical characteristics of electrolytes such as power density, capacity, rate performance, cyclic ability, and safety that play a vital role in recital of the SZABs have been reviewed. Finally, the challenges and limitations that must be investigated and possible future research areas of SZABs electrolytes are discussed.
Electrospun Fibers Control Drug Delivery for Tissue Regeneration and Cancer Therapy
Authors: Li Longfei , Hao Ruinan , Qin Junjie , Song Jian , Chen Xiaofeng , Rao Feng , Zhai Jiliang , Zhao Yu , Zhang Liqun , Xue Jiajia
Published: September 2022

Versatile strategies have been developed to construct electrospun fiber-based drug delivery systems for tissue regeneration and cancer therapy. We first introduce the construction of electrospun fiber scaffolds and their various structures, as well as various commonly used types of drugs. Then, we discuss some representative strategies for controlling drug delivery by electrospun fibers, with specific emphasis on the design of endogenous and external stimuli-responsive drug delivery systems. Afterwards, we summarize the recent progress on controlling drug delivery with electrospun fiber scaffolds for tissue engineering, including soft tissue engineering (such as skin, nerve, and cardiac repair) and hard tissue engineering (such as bone, cartilage, and musculoskeletal systems), as well as for cancer therapy. Furthermore, we provide future development directions and challenges facing the use of electrospun fibers for controlled drug delivery, aiming to provide insights and perspectives for the development of smart drug delivery platforms and improve clinical therapeutic effects in tissue regeneration and cancer therapy.

Graphical abstract
Making Europe
Authors: Beckert Sven
Published: September 2022

This article reviews how historians and economists have thought about the economic history of Europe. It notes that internal explanations that paid little attention to the non-European world have been dominant for more than a century, and reviews some of the reasons for that Eurocentrism. Such navel-gazing, however, has also been increasingly challenged for some time now, at first especially by non-European scholars and activists. The latter parts of the article explore current debates within the discipline and its increasing acknowledgment of the interactions between European and non-European economies. Two areas of discussion that have played a crucial role in this evolution are detailed in particular: the question of the role of slavery in European economic development and the rich debates taking place in the relatively new field of global labor history. Overall, efforts to write the economic history of Europe confined to its own ill-defined boundaries might serve particular political needs, but they are, in fact, historically inaccurate.
Pharmacist and physician insight of vancomycin therapeutic drug-monitoring changes
Authors: Gregory Eric R. , Stun Lucy , Mason Matt J. , Wilson Nicole M. , Hammoud Kassem A.
Published: September 2022

The updated vancomycin guideline for treatment of serious methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections prompted institutions to convert from trough to area-under-the-curve monitoring. The physician perception of the transition, coupled with that of pharmacists, was measured by pre- and postimplementation surveys. Both groups believed safety would be increased without efficacy changes.
SINGULAR DIRECTIONS IN VEECH SURFACES
Authors: HUANG YAN
Published: September 2022

Singular directions in a Veech surface are shown to be exactly the directions of its saddle connections.
Comparaison internationale des taux d’investissement
Authors: de Voghel Luc
Published: September 2022

Depuis quelque temps, on s’est beaucoup préoccupé en Belgique de la faible croissance de notre produit national brut au cours des années récentes, relativement à l’évolution dans les autres pays européens, et particulièrement chez nos partenaires du Marché commun.

En nous plaçant dans l’hypothèse d’une croissance à taux constant, d’année en année, du produit national brut, le tableau suivant donne les coefficients qui auraient été ceux des différents pays, entre 1950 et 1959. Le calcul a été effectué pour le P.N.B., par tête d’habitant, aux prix du marché, calculé aux prix constants de 1954.
A Multi-Sectoral Model of the Supply Side Application to Egypt
Authors: Grais Wafik M.
Published: September 2022

In the framework of a sequential equilibrium planning model, an explanation of labour demand allowing for discrepancies between implicit and actual wages is put forward. An extension of the input-output price system to take account of decreasing returns to scale is considered by introducing surpluses. The model is applied to Egypt on the period 1970-1989.

Labour demand is sometimes derived in planning models (1) under the assumption of profit maximization leading to the equalization of marginal productivity, valued at net prices, and, nominal wage. Furthermore wages are assumed equal over sectors. A different approach is taken here.
Some Thoughts on the Present Crisis of the Italian Economy
Authors: Basevi G.
Published: September 2022

When the papers collected in this issue of Recherches Economiques de Louvain were discussed in the Conference on the Italian Economy held at Louvain-la-Neuve in July 1974, Italy was running, together with the UK, a record balance of payments deficit, her creditworthiness was at a low ebb in international financial markets, and she was experiencing, after Japan, the highest inflation rate among OECD countries. These problems were compounded by an extremely weak political situation, managed by a Government that, after having resigned, had been sent back to Parliament for lack of an immediate alternative.
Etablissement d'une projection macroéconomique à l'aide du modèle RENA
Authors: Bogaert H. , de Biolley T. , de Falleur R. , Huge P.
Published: September 2022

Cette étude est consacrée à la mise au point et à l'analyse d'une projection d'ensemble établie à l'aide du modèle RENA. La projection ci-après peut être considérée comme un essai officieux — et encore imparfait sur plus d'un point - d'actualiser l'ancienne projection dite de “référence” publiée par le Bureau du Plan en décembre 1973 en vue de servir de base aux travaux préparatoires à la définition des orientations du Plan 1976-1980.

Une première section rappellera les caractéristiques du modèle RENA, tel qu'il a été fourni au Bureau du Plan par les centres universitaires qui l'ont construit, ainsi que les principaux aménagements qui y ont été apportés progressivement par l'équipe économétrique de la Direction Générale du Bureau du Plan.
Railroads, engineers, and the development of spatial economics in France
Authors: Ekelund Robert B. , Hébert Robert F.
Published: September 2022

This article traces a little-known French tradition in spatial economics that was advanced by state engineers who were trained at the École des Ponts et Chaussées and worked for the State corps of engineers. Spurred in part by changes in power technology, especially the advent of the railroad, these engineers pioneered the spatial aspects of competition in a microeconomic framework. The contributions of Jules Dupuit (1804-1866) and Emile Cheysson (1836-1910) are especially singled out for analysis, and are shown to have anticipated later important developments in spatial economic theory.
Linear bonds valuation with interest rate models: Does it work?
Authors: Winne Rudy De
Published: September 2022

This paper compares the implications of different interest rate models for valuing the so-called OLOs (Belgian coupon bonds). The prices of these bonds implied by some well-known one-factor models are compared to the actual prices observed on the market. Our finding suggest that these interest rate models are unsatisfactory, especially in valuing longer term bonds.
Enhancing The Performance of Credit Unions: The Evolution of a Methodology
Authors: O. Fried Harold , Lovell C.A. Knox
Published: September 2022

In the United States credit unions are not-for-profit cooperative financial institutions, owned by and operated for the benefit of their members. Being part of a cooperative movement enhances the likelihood that credit unions will share performance-enhancing ideas, for the benefit of weak credit unions and the movement as a whole. In this paper we show how a conventional performance evaluation methodology has evolved into a novel performance enhancement methodology. The evolution of the methodology is the result of cooperations among individual credit union managements, movement officials and the authors. The evolution is illustrated with 1990 data on nearly 9,000 credit unions.
Mythes et malentendus financiers dans la crise belge
Authors: Siaens Alain
Published: September 2022

En quels sens les coûts du capital sont-ils exorbitants? Que faire? De tous les coûts dont la crise accuse le poids relatif, coûts énergétiques et salariaux, frais généraux de bureaucratie et coûts financiers, ceux-ci sont présentés comme usuraires en regard des normes historiques et même internationales, comme mortels pour les investissements productifs et immobiliers dans les difficultés du moment.