bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phosphorus‐Mediated Local Charge Distribution of N‐Configuration Adsorption Sites with Enhanced Zincophilicity and Hydrophilicity for High‐Energy‐Density Zn‐Ion Hybrid Supercapacitors
Authors: Lu Wen , Xie Bin‐Bin , Yang Chen , Tian Cong , Yan Lei , Ning Jiqiang , Li Sha , Zhong Yijun , Hu Yong
Published: July 2023

Tailor‐made carbonaceous‐based cathodes with zincophilicity and hydrophilicity are highly desirable for Zn‐ion storage applications, but it remains a great challenge to achieve both advantages in the synthesis. In this work, a template electrospinning strategy is developed to synthesize nitrogen and phosphorous co‐doped hollow porous carbon nanofibers (N, P‐HPCNFs), which deliver a high capacity of 230.7 mAh g−1 at 0.2 A g−1, superior rate capability of 131.0 mAh g−1 at 20 A g−1, and a maximum energy density of 196.10 Wh kg−1 at the power density of 155.53 W kg−1. Density functional theory calculations (DFT) reveal that the introduced P dopants regulate the distribution of local charge density of carbon materials and therefore facilitate the adsorption of Zn ions due to the increased electronegativity of pyridinic‐N. Ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations indicate that the doped P species induce a series of polar sites and create a hydrophilic microenvironment, which decreases the impedance between the electrode and the electrolyte and therefore accelerates the reaction kinetics. The marriage of ex situ/in situ experimental analyses and theoretical simulations uncovers the origin of the enhanced zincophilicity and hydrophilicity of N, P‐HPCNFs for energy storage, which accounts for the faster ion migration and electrochemical processes.
Reconstruction of Highly‐Defective MgO and Exceptional Photochemical Activity on CO2 Upgrade in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Liu Mengping , Zhang Ganbing , Ming Ruiqi , Fu Xin , Jiang Ruiyi , Tian Lihong , Chen Xiaobo
Published: July 2023

Defects on metal oxide have attracted extensive attention in photo‐/electrocatalytic CO2 reduction. Herein, porous MgO nanosheets with abundant oxygen vacancies (Vos) and three‐coordinated oxygen atoms (O3c) at corners are reported, which reconstruct into defective MgCO3·3H2O exposing rich surface unsaturated ‐OH groups and vacancies to initiate photocatalytic CO2 reduction to CO and CH4. In consecutive 7‐cycle tests (each run for 6 h) in pure water, CO2 conversion keeps stable. The total production of CH4 and CO attains ≈367 µmol gcata−1 h−1. The selectivity of CH4 gradually increases from ≈3.1% (1st run) to ≈24.5% (4th run) and then remains unchanged under UV‐light irradiation. With triethanolamine (3.3 vol.%) as the sacrificial agent, the total production of CO and CH4 production rapidly increases to ≈28 000 µmol gcata−1 in 2 h reaction. Photoluminescence spectra reveal that Vos induces the formation of donor bands to promote charge carrier seperation. A series of trace spectra and theoretical analysis indicate Mg‐Vo sites in the derived MgCO3·3H2O are active centers, which play a crucial role in modulating CO2 adsorption and triggering photoreduction reactions. These intriguing results on defective alkaline earth oxides as potential photocatalysts in CO2 conversion may spur some exciting and novel findings in this field.
Molecular Engineering of AIE Photosensitizers for Inactivation of Rabies Virus
Authors: Bai Yujie , Yu Eric Y. , Liu Yongsai , Jin Hongli , Liu Xingqi , Wu Xiaoyu , Zhang Mengyao , Feng Na , Huang Pei , Zhang Haili , Kwok Ryan. T. K. , Xia Xianzhu , Li Yuanyuan , Tang Ben Zhong , Wang Hualei
Published: July 2023

Rabies is a zoonotic neurological disease caused by the rabies virus (RABV) that is fatal to humans and animals. While several post‐infection treatment have been suggested, developing more efficient and innovative antiviral methods are necessary due to the limitations of current therapeutic approaches. To address this challenge, a strategy combining photodynamic therapy and immunotherapy, using a photosensitizer (TPA‐Py‐PhMe) with high type I and type II reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation ability is proposed. This approach can inactivate the RABV by killing the virus directly and activating the immune response. At the cellular level, TPA‐Py‐PhMe can reduce the virus titer under preinfection prophylaxis and postinfection treatment, with its antiviral effect mainly dependent on ROS and pro‐inflammatory factors. Intriguingly, when mice are injected with TPA‐Py‐PhMe and exposed to white light irradiation at three days post‐infection, the onset of disease is delayed, and survival rates improved to some extent. Overall, this study shows that photodynamic therapy and immunotherapy open new avenues for future antiviral research.
Scalable Production of Catecholamine‐Densified MXene Coatings for Electromagnetic Shielding and Infrared Stealth
Authors: Deng Zhiming , Jiang Peizhu , Wang Zhenguo , Xu Li , Yu Zhong‐Zhen , Zhang Hao‐Bin
Published: July 2023

Processing transition metal carbides/nitrides (MXenes) inks into large‐area functional coatings expects promising potential for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding and infrared stealth. However, the coating performances, especially for scalable fabrication techniques, are greatly constrained by the flake size and stacking manner of MXene. Herein, the large‐area production of highly densified and oriented MXene coatings is demonstrated by engineering interfacial interactions of small MXene flakes with catecholamine molecules. The catecholamine molecules can micro‐crosslink MXene nanosheets, significantly improving the ink's rheological properties. It favors the shear‐induced sheet arrangement and inhibition of structural defects in the blade coating process, making it possible to achieve high orientation and densification of MXene assembly by either large‐area coating or patterned printing. Interestingly, the MXene/catecholamine coating exhibits high conductivity of up to 12 247 S cm−1 and ultrahigh specific EMI shielding effectiveness of 2.0 ×10 5 dB cm2 g−1, obviously superior to most of the reported MXene materials. Furthermore, the regularly assembled structure also endows the MXene coatings with low infrared emissivities for infrared stealth applications. Therefore, MXene/catecholamine coatings with ultraefficient EMI shielding and low infrared emissivity prove the feasibility of applications in aerospace, military, and wearable devices.
PM2.5 at a semi‐rural site near Beijing, China
Authors: Boman J. , Langer M. , Pei X. , Guo S. , Pathak R. K. , Gaita S. M. , Hu M. , Hallquist M.
Published: July 2023

Breathing clean air is a human right still not accessible to everyone. In most of the world, the air is polluted, which affects both the environment and human health. To investigate the air pollution situation in a semi‐rural part of northern China, particles with a diameter below 2.5 μm (PM2.5) were collected in Changping, 40 km northwest of Beijing in May and June 2016. The particles were analyzed for mass, trace elements, and black carbon (BC). The mean PM2.5 mass was 49 μg/m3, ranging from 3.1 to 266 μg/m3. S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, V, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, and Pb were determined by Energy Dispersive X‐Ray Fluorescence (EDXRF). They constituted 4% of the PM2.5 mass, with BC adding another 3%. Enrichment factor evaluation identified S, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, and Pb as the main anthropogenic contributors to environmental impact. A pollution load index (PLI) of 0.03 showed that the site could not be considered as polluted by the trace elements in PM2.5. Positive matrix factorization (PMF) was used for source apportionment of the PM2.5 content. The PMF analysis reveals that a mixture of mineral dust, fossil fuel combustion, industries, and salts were the main sources of air pollution. The non‐carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks were assessed, and both show a small health risk in the short study period. Following the development of PM2.5 concentrations over time in this part of China shows a decreasing trend of PM2.5 pollution, which is promising for the future.
Schule und Schulleitung auf den Spuren des Neo-Institutionalismus
Authors: Jesacher-Rößler Livia
Published: July 2023

Im folgenden Kapitel soll zunächst noch einmal begründet werden, warum die Wahl der theoretischen Fundierung auf Zugänge aus dem Neo-Institutionalismus gefallen ist sowie eine Vorstellung der zentralen Konzepte dieser Theorie erfolgens. Historiographisch werden diese präzisiert, indem sie im Kontext des Forschungsstandes betrachtet und anschließend in Bezug auf Schulleitung bzw. Schulleitungshandeln diskutiert werden.
Uplift and towers of states in warped throat
Authors: Seo Min-Seok
Published: July 2023

Abstract

We investigate the connection between the distance conjecture and the uplift potential. For this purpose, we consider the concrete model, the warped deformed conifold embedded into Type IIB flux compactifications, with the uplift potential produced by $$ \overline{\textrm{D}3} $$

D
3

¯

-branes at the tip of the throat. Whereas the various mass scales associated with towers of states can be found, it turns out that the lightest tower mass scale satisfies the scaling behavior with respect to the uplift potential, which is meaningful provided the number of $$ \overline{\textrm{D}3} $$

D
3

¯

-branes is nonzero. This indicates that the effective theory becomes invalid in the vanishing limit of the uplift potential by the descent of an infinite tower of states from UV, as predicted in the distance conjecture. Since too large uplift potential is also problematic due to the runaway behavior of the moduli potential as well as the sizeable backreaction of $$ \overline{\textrm{D}3} $$

D
3

¯

-branes, the uplift potential is bounded from both above and below. In the simple model like the KKLT or the large volume scenario in which non-perturbative effect is dominatd by the single term, this bound can be rewritten as the bound on the size of the superpotential.
Alarmierung im Spital, eine technische Herausforderung
Authors: Ruh Emanuel
Published: July 2023

Alarmsysteme sind ein unverzichtbarer Bestandteil der modernen Spitalinfrastruktur und gehören zum Lebensnerv eines Spitalbetriebs. Die Alarmsysteme helfen, Personal und Patienten vor Bedrohungen zu schützen und schnell auf Notfälle zu reagieren. Es gibt verschiedene Alarmsysteme in einem Spital, wie Notrufsysteme zur Unterstützung der Spitalprozesse (Rufanlagen, REA-Alarm, Notsectio), Medizinische Überwachung (Vitaldatenmonitoring, Telemetrie) und technische Überwachung (Brandmeldeanlagen, Gebäudeleitsysteme). In einer Gebärabteilung müssen medizinische Fachkräfte oft schnell auf kritische Situationen reagieren, um Leben zu retten oder gesundheitliche Schäden zu vermeiden. Eine schnelle und effektive Alarmierung ist daher von großer Bedeutung, um eine schnelle Reaktion zu gewährleisten. Die Systeme unterliegen diversen Normen und Vorgaben. Es ist auch wichtig, dass das Spital sicherstellt, dass die Alarmsysteme regelmäßig gewartet und aktualisiert werden, um sicherzustellen, dass sie bei Bedarf immer funktionieren. Schnittstelle und Alarmübertragung müssen so ausgeführt sein, dass eine sichere Übertragung von Alarmen gewährleistet ist. Alle Komponenten der Alarmkette müssen automatisch und end-to-end überwacht werden. Bei einem Ausfall des Systems müssen durch geeignete technische, personelle oder organisatorische Maßnahmen sichergestellt werden, dass die Überwachung von Patienten weiterhin erfolgen kann.
Development of cysteine-doped MnO2 quantum dots for spectrofluorimetric estimation of copper: applications in different matrices
Authors: Salman Baher I. , Hassan Ahmed I. , Saraya Roshdy E. , Ibrahim Adel Ehab , Mohammed Bassam Shaaban , Batakoushy Hany A. , El Deeb Sami , Hassan Yasser F.
Published: July 2023

Copper (Cu) plays a role in maintaining healthy nerve cells and the immune system. Osteoporosis is a high-risk factor for Cu deficiency. In the proposed research, unique green, fluorescent cysteine-doped MnO2 quantum dots (Cys@MnO2 QDs) were synthesized and assessed for the determination of Cu in different food and hair samples. The developed quantum dots were synthesized with the help of cysteine using a straightforward ultrasonic approach to create 3D fluorescent Cys@MnO2 QDs. The resulting QDs’ morphological and optical characteristics were carefully characterized. By adding Cu ions, the intensity of fluorescence for the produced Cys@MnO2 QDs was found to be dramatically reduced. Additionally, the applicability of Cys@MnO2 QDs as a new luminous nanoprobe was found to be strengthened by the quenching effect grounded on the Cu–S bonding. The concentrations of Cu2+ ions were estimated within the range of 0.06 to 7.00 µg mL−1, with limit of quantitation equal to 33.33 ng mL−1 and detection limit equal to 10.97 ng mL−1. The Cys@MnO2 QD technique was applied successfully for the quantification of Cu in a variety of foods, including chicken meat, turkey, and tinned fish, as well as in human hair samples. The chance that this novel technique could be a useful tool for figuring out the amount of cysteine in bio-samples is increased by the sensing system’s remarkable advantages, which include being rapid, simple, and economical.

Graphical abstract
Does surgeon sex and anthropometry matter for tool usability in traditional laparoscopic surgery? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hislop Jaime , Orth Dominic , Tirosh Oren , Isaksson Mats , Hensman Chris , McCormick John
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Hand size, strength, and stature all impact a surgeon’s ability to perform Traditional Laparoscopic Surgery (TLS) comfortably and effectively. This is due to limitations in instrument and operating room design. This article aims to review performance, pain, and tool usability data based on biological sex and anthropometry.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched in May 2023. Retrieved articles were screened based on whether a full-text, English article was available in which original results were stratified by biological sex or physical proportions. Article quality was discussed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Data were summarized in three main themes: task performance, physical discomfort, and tool usability and fit. Task completion times, pain prevalence, and grip style results between male and female surgeons formed three meta-analyses.

Results

A total of 1354 articles were sourced, and 54 were deemed suitable for inclusion. The collated results showed that female participants, predominantly novices, took 2.6–30.1 s longer to perform standardized laparoscopic tasks. Female surgeons reported pain at double the frequency of their male colleagues. Female surgeons and those with a smaller glove size were consistently more likely to report difficulty and require modified (potentially suboptimal) grip techniques with standard laparoscopic tools.

Conclusions

The pain and stress reported by female or small-handed surgeons when using laparoscopic tools demonstrates the need for currently available instrument handles, including robotic hand controls, to become more size-inclusive. However, this study is limited by reporting bias and inconsistencies; furthermore, most data was collected in a simulated environment. Additional research into how anthropometric tool design impacts the live operating performance of experienced female surgeons would further inform this area of investigation.
Monitoring with verified guarantees
Authors: Baumeister Jan , Dauer Johann C. , Finkbeiner Bernd , Schirmer Sebastian
Published: July 2023

Runtime monitoring is generally considered a light-weight alternative to formal verification. In safety-critical systems, however, the monitor itself is a critical component. For example, if the monitor is responsible for initiating emergency protocols, as proposed in a recent aviation standard, then the safety of the entire system critically depends on the correctness of the monitor. In this paper, we present a verification extension to theLolamonitoring language that extends the efficient specification of the monitor with Hoare-style annotations that guarantee the correctness of the monitor specification. We add two new operators, assume and assert, which specify assumptions of the monitor and expectations on its output, respectively. The validity of the annotations is established by an integratedSMTsolver. We report on experience in applying the approach to specifications from the avionics domain, where the annotation with assumptions and assertions has lead to the discovery of safety-critical errors in specifications. The errors range from incorrect default values in offset computations to complex algorithmic errors that result in unexpected temporal patterns. We also report how verified specifications can be monitored efficiently at runtime.
TRIP 13-dependent pathways promote the development of gastric cancer
Authors: Ni Fengming , Liu Xinmin , Xia Yan , Zhu He , Li Fudong , Zhang Nan , Xu Hong
Published: July 2023

TRIP13 is highly expressed in various human tumors and promotes tumorigenesis. We aimed to explore the biological effect of TRIP13 on gastric cancer. The RNA sequence data were retrieved from TCGA to evaluate TRIP13 mRNA expression in gastric cancer. Paired formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded blocks were further analyzed to verify the relationship between TRIP13 expression and carcinogenic status. The functions of TRIP13 on the proliferation of gastric malignancy were investigated by MTT, flow cytometry, colony formation experiment, and nude mouse tumor formation experiment. Finally, microarray analysis of TRIP13-related pathways was performed to identify the potential underlying mechanism of TRIP13 in gastric cancer. TRIP13 was found to have high expression in tumor samples. TRIP13 expression status was significantly subjective to tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) staging and poor survival. The downregulation of TRIP13 promoted apoptosis and inhibited tumor growth. TRIP13-dependent JAK/STAT and NF-κB signaling cascade were found as two key pathways in the carcinogenesis of GC. In conclusion, TRIP13 participates in the carcinogenesis of stomach cancer, and its overexpression in the cancerous tissues dovetail with advanced stage and survival. Moreover, TRIP13 functions as an upstream regulator of the JAK/STAT and p53 signaling pathways, which play critical roles in developing various malignancies.
Data science and big data analytics: a systematic review of methodologies used in the supply chain and logistics research
Authors: Jahani Hamed , Jain Richa , Ivanov Dmitry
Published: July 2023

Data science and big data analytics (DS &BDA) methodologies and tools are used extensively in supply chains and logistics (SC &L). However, the existing insights are scattered over different literature sources and there is a lack of a structured and unbiased review methodology to systematise DS &BDA application areas in the SC &L comprehensively covering efficiency, resilience and sustainability paradigms. In this study, we first propose an unique systematic review methodology for the field of DS &BDA in SC &L. Second, we use the methodology proposed for a systematic literature review on DS &BDA techniques in the SC &L fields aiming at classifying the existing DS &BDA models/techniques employed, structuring their practical application areas, identifying the research gaps and potential future research directions. We analyse 364 publications which use a variety of DS &BDA-driven modelling methods for SC &L processes across different decision-making levels. Our analysis is triangulated across efficiency, resilience, and sustainability perspectives. The developed review methodology and proposed novel classifications and categorisations can be used by researchers and practitioners alike for a structured analysis and applications of DS &BDA in SC &L.
“We are Neither Commies nor Volunteers”: How National Culture Influences Professional Identity Construction of CSR Professionals in South Korea
Authors: Vu Mai Chi , Shin Hyemi , Burton Nicholas
Published: July 2023

This paper draws on an institutional logics perspective to illuminate a hitherto underexplored context for CSR professional identity construction. It draws on an empirical study of 65 CSR professionals in South Korea and aims to deepen our understanding of CSR professional identity construction by investigating the contested nature of the CSR professional field between, on the one hand, societal-normative expectations of the profession, and, in the absence of stable professional logics, CSR professionals’ desired professional identity, on the other. Our study reveals how CSR professionals engage with, and respond to, this complexity through constructing one of three distinctive professional identities based on different logic constellations. This process reveals a snapshot of professional logics ‘in-the-making’.
Short-chain fatty acids in cancer pathogenesis
Authors: Feitelson Mark A. , Arzumanyan Alla , Medhat Arvin , Spector Ira
Published: July 2023

Cancer is a multi-step process that can be viewed as a cellular and immunological shift away from homeostasis in response to selected infectious agents, mutations, diet, and environmental carcinogens. Homeostasis, which contributes importantly to the definition of “health,” is maintained, in part by the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are metabolites of specific gut bacteria. Alteration in the composition of gut bacteria, or dysbiosis, is often a major risk factor for some two dozen tumor types. Dysbiosis is often characterized by diminished levels of SCFAs in the stool, and the presence of a “leaky gut,” permitting the penetration of microbes and microbial derived molecules (e.g., lipopolysaccharides) through the gut wall, thereby triggering chronic inflammation. SCFAs attenuate inflammation by inhibiting the activation of nuclear factor kappa B, by decreasing the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor alpha, by stimulating the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-10 and transforming growth factor beta, and by promoting the differentiation of naïve T cells into T regulatory cells, which down-regulate immune responses by immunomodulation. SCFA function epigenetically by inhibiting selected histone acetyltransferases that alter the expression of multiple genes and the activity of many signaling pathways (e.g., Wnt, Hedgehog, Hippo, and Notch) that contribute to the pathogenesis of cancer. SCFAs block cancer stem cell proliferation, thereby potentially delaying or inhibiting cancer development or relapse by targeting genes and pathways that are mutated in tumors (e.g., epidermal growth factor receptor, hepatocyte growth factor, and MET) and by promoting the expression of tumor suppressors (e.g., by up-regulating PTEN and p53). When administered properly, SCFAs have many advantages compared to probiotic bacteria and fecal transplants. In carcinogenesis, SCFAs are toxic against tumor cells but not to surrounding tissue due to differences in their metabolic fate. Multiple hallmarks of cancer are also targets of SCFAs. These data suggest that SCFAs may re-establish homeostasis without overt toxicity and either delay or prevent the development of various tumor types.
One-step multiplex DiRT-PCR for PLRV, PVY, PVM, PVS, PVA and PVX ready for routine testing directly on tuber sap
Authors: Prinz Mirjam , Kellermann Adolf , Bauch Gerda
Published: July 2023

Potato viruses PLRV, PVY, PVM, PVA, PVX and PVS can cause up to 90% loss of potato harvest. Therefore, they are monitored by law in many countries using DAS-ELISA or conventional real-time RT-qPCR. Previously, we developed a multiplex real-time DiRT-PCR (Direct reverse transcript – polymerase chain reaction), which works directly on diluted tuber sap and thus saves time and chemical processing for RNA extraction or time and space in the glasshouse. So far, this method only ran on sap of single tubers which is not practical for routine testing. We are now able to sensitively test for the presence of six viruses in two multiplex reactions using the real-time DiRT-PCR on pooled samples of ten tubers. Here we show that there is an “almost perfect” agreement (Gwet’s AC1 index) comparing this multiplex real-time DiRT-PCR on pooled samples with DAS-ELISA and a commercial RT-qPCR kit with a rapid extraction method. The multiplex real-time DiRT-PCR is now ready to be used for routine testing.
Lychaete pellucida as a novel biosorbent for the biodegradation of hazardous azo dyes
Authors: Khalaf Hussein A. , El-Sheekh Mostafa M. , Makhlof Mofida E. M.
Published: July 2023

The majority of textile wastes are made up of toxic dyes. Additionally, because these compounds are soluble, wastewater may include significant concentrations. In this work, the green alga Lychaete pellucida is used for the bioremoval of four common azo dyes, Reactive Blue 4 (RB4), Reactive Red 120 (RR120), Reactive Brilliant Yellow 3G (RBY3G), and Reactive Green12 (RG12), with the application of two models of sorption isotherms, Langmuir and Freundlich. The spectrophotometer method was used to identify optimum conditions (temperature, pH, dye concentrations, algal biomass, and contact time) to remove these dyes onto dry freshwater macroalgae. The optimum pH for L. pellucida was 8. The optimum biosorbent amount is 2 g/L. Then, the best-removed dye concentration was 5 mg/L, the optimum contact duration was 120 min, and the optimum temperature was 25 °C. Under optimum conditions, the percent of dye removal was about 95% for all used azo dyes. This is the first report on the use of Lychaete pellucida for the efficient biodegradation of hazardous azo dyes.
A Framework of Environmental, Personal, and Behavioral Factors of Adult Learning in Online Communities of Practice
Authors: Abedini Adam , Abedin Babak , Zowghi Didar
Published: July 2023

Adult learning is a complex phenomenon that takes place over an adult’s lifetime and is not limited to a particular age. It includes a set of activities to enhance life through improving skills, knowledge and capabilities. The foundational theories of adult learning, such as andragogy theory, place the individual adult centre stage and differentiate adult learning from formal learning. They also shift the focus from the individuals to the environment in which adult learning takes place. In line with this movement, online communities of practice (OCOPs) have evolved from being considered as online environments for learning to specialised forums that allow practitioners to collaborate around a project of mutual interest. The principles of adult learning are directly applicable to engagement in OCOPs because they include practical methods founded on the belief that adults are self-directed, autonomous learners and that learning is most effective when the environment plays the role of a facilitator, rather than being just a supportive and traditional setting for learning. However, how individual adults engage in OCOPs and benefit from them is not well understood. This paper draws on social cognitive theory to examine: how environmental, personal and behavioural factors shape engagement in OCOPs. To answer this question, twenty-one interviews were conducted with members of GitHub, a large online community of practice for IT professionals. The findings revealed that adults’ engagement in OCOPs involves project-based activities on mutual interests and willingness to help others. The findings also show that engaging in online communities does not only satisfy intrinsic, well-defined, expected outcomes and shape adults’ engagement, but also has an impact on adults’ lifelong learning achievements, such as professional experience and credit recognition. Based on these findings, a revised framework for adults’ engagement in OCOPs is presented and discussed.
Does official development assistance benefit the donor economy? New evidence from Japanese overseas infrastructure projects
Authors: Nishitateno Shuhei
Published: July 2023

Given the growing pressure on donors to curtail foreign aid budgets, analyzing the effectiveness of bilateral official development assistance (ODA) in realizing national interests has become more significant than ever. From the viewpoint of economic interests, prior research has revealed that ODA can help expand donor exports and outward foreign direct investments. This study is the first to provide evidence that ODA can also help firms from donor countries to win infrastructure projects in recipient countries. Employing unique contract data on Japanese overseas infrastructure projects, I estimate a fixed effects Poisson model with a panel dataset for 158 recipients for the period between 1970 and 2020. The results suggest that 17% of the total number of overseas infrastructure projects contracted to Japanese firms during 1970–2020 were attributable to Japanese ODA disbursement. I also explore the potential mechanism, finding that the Japanese ODA-infrastructure link is strengthened when Japanese loans and grants are simultaneously provided to a recipient country. This finding is consistent with the view that pre-investment studies conducted as part of technical cooperation could generate goodwill effects on Japanese firms during their bidding for Japanese yen loan projects.
Local search versus linear programming to detect monotonicity in simplicial branch and bound
Authors: Casado L. G. , G.-Tóth B. , Hendrix E. M. T. , Messine F.
Published: July 2023

This study focuses on exhaustive global optimization algorithms over a simplicial feasible set with simplicial partition sets. Bounds on the objective function value and its partial derivative are based on interval automatic differentiation over the interval hull of a simplex. A monotonicity test may be used to decide to either reject a simplicial partition set or to reduce its simplicial dimension to a relative border (at the boundary of the feasible set) facet (or face) by removing one (or more) vertices. A monotonicity test is more complicated for a simplicial sub-set than for a box, because its orientation does not coincide with the components of the gradient. However, one can focus on directional derivatives (DD). In a previous study, we focused on either basic directions, such as centroid to vertex or vertex to vertex directions, or finding the best directional derivative by solving an LP or MIP. The research question of this paper refers to using local search (LS) based sampling of directions from vertex to facet. Results show that most of the monotonic DD found by LP are also found by LS, but with much less computational cost. Notice that finding a monotone direction does not require to find the direction in which a derivative bound is the steepest.
The Communication Function of Universities: Is There a Place for Science Communication?
Authors: Entradas Marta , Bauer Martin W. , Marcinkowski Frank , Pellegrini Giuseppe
Published: July 2023

This article offers a view on the emerging practice of managing external relations of the modern university, and the role of science communication in this. With a representative sample of research universities in four countries, we seek to broaden our understanding of the science communication (SC) function and its niche within the modern university. We distinguish science communication from corporate communication functions and examine how they distribute across organisational levels. We find that communication functions can be represented along a spectrum of (de)centralisation: public relations and marketing activities are more likely carried out at the central level (central offices), and public affairs and SC activities are more likely carried out at decentral levels (e.g. in specific offices and/or research institutes, departments). This study shows that little attention is paid to science communication at central structures, suggesting that it is not a practice that aligns easily with university corporate communication, yet SC might find its niche increasingly in decentral locations of activity.
Hermite interpolation theorems for band-limited functions of the linear canonical transforms with equidistant samples
Authors: Annaby M. H. , Al-Abdi I. A. , Ghaleb A. F. , Abou-Dina M. S.
Published: July 2023

We establish convergence analysis for Hermite-type interpolations for$$L^{2} ( \mathbb {R})$$L2(R)-entire functions of exponential type whose linear canonical transforms (LCT) are compactly supported. The results bridges the theoretical gap in implementing the derivative sampling theorems for band-limited signals in the LCT domain. Both complex analysis and real analysis techniques are established to derive the convergence analysis. The truncation error is also investigated and rigorous estimates for it are given. Nevertheless, the convergence rate is$$O(1/\sqrt{N})$$O(1/N), which is slow. Consequently the work on regularization techniques is required.
Determinants of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among homeless individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Brennecke Anna , Heinrich Fabian , van Rüth Victoria , Dost Katharina , Graf Wiebke , Kowalski Veronika , Rauch Alessandra , Langenwalder Felicia , Püschel Klaus , Ondruschka Benjamin , König Hans-Helmut , Bertram Franziska , Hajek André
Published: July 2023

Objective

Thus far, there is very limited knowledge regarding homeless individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly related to the health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Thus, our aim was to evaluate HRQoL and to clarify the determinants of HRQoL among homeless individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany.

Methods

Data were taken from the national survey on psychiatric and somatic health of homeless individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic—NAPSHI (n = 616). The established EQ-5D-5L was used to quantify problems in five health dimensions, and its visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS) was used to record self-rated health status. Sociodemographic factors were included in regression analysis.

Results

Pain/discomfort was the most frequently reported problem (45.3%), thereafter anxiety/depression (35.9%), mobility (25.4%), usual activities (18.5%) and self-care (11.4%). Average EQ-VAS score was 68.97 (SD: 23.83), and the mean EQ-5D-5L index was 0.85 (SD: 0.24). Regressions showed that higher age and having a health insurance were associated with several problem dimensions. Being married was associated with higher EQ-VAS scores.

Conclusions

Overall, our study findings showed a quite high HRQoL among homeless individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany. Some important determinants of HRQoL were identified (e.g., age or marital status). Longitudinal studies are required to confirm our findings.
Definitions in practice: An interview study
Authors: Coumans V. J.W. , Consoli L.
Published: July 2023

In the philosophy of mathematical practice, the aim is to understand the various aspects of this practice. Even though definitions are a central element of mathematical practice, the study of this aspect of mathematical practice is still in its infancy. In particular, there is little empirical evidence to substantiate claims about definitions in practice. In this article, we address this gap by reporting on an empirical investigation on how mathematicians create definitions and which roles and properties they attribute to them. On the basis of interviews with thirteen research mathematicians, we provide a broad range of relevant aspects of definitions. In particular, we address various roles of definitions and show that definitions are not just a product of mathematical factors, but also of social and contingent factors. Furthermore, we provide concrete examples of how mathematicians interact and think about definition. This broad empirical basis with a variety of examples provides an optimal starting point for future investigations into definitions in mathematical practice.
Bone Turnover in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 5D and Healthy Controls — a Quantitative [18F]Fluoride PET Study
Authors: Fuglø Dan , Drachmann Anders Løve Paaske , Heltø Kim Minh Michael , Marner Lisbeth , Hansen Ditte
Published: July 2023

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is prevalent in the aging population and increases the risk of fracture 2–4 times. We compared optimized quantitative [18F]fluoride PET/CT methods to the reference standard with arterial input function (AIF) to identify a clinically accessible method for evaluation of bone turnover in patients with CKD.

Methods

Ten patients on chronic hemodialysis treatment and ten control patients were recruited. A dynamic 60-min [18F]fluoride PET scan was obtained from the 5th lumbar vertebra to the proximal femur simultaneously with arterial blood sampling to achieve an AIF. Individual AIFs were time-shifted to compute a population curve (PDIF). Bone and vascular volumes-of-interest (VOIs) were drawn, and an image-derived-input-function (IDIF) was extracted. PDIF and IDIF were scaled to plasma. Bone turnover (Ki) was calculated with the AIF, PDIF, and IDIF and bone VOIs using a Gjedde-Patlak plot. Input methods were compared using correlations and precision errors.

Results

The calculated Ki from the five non-invasive methods all correlated to the Ki from the AIF method with the PDIF scaled to a single late plasma sample showing the highest correlations (r > 0.94), and the lowest precision error of 3–5%. Furthermore, the femoral bone VOI’s correlated positively to p-PTH and showed significant differences between patients and controls.

Conclusions

Dynamic 30 min [18F]fluoride PET/CT with a population based input curve scaled to a single venous plasma sample is a feasible and precise non-invasive diagnostic method for the assessment of bone turnover in patients with CKD. The method may potentially allow for earlier and more precise diagnosis and may be useful for assessment of treatment effects, which is crucial for development of future treatment strategies.
Beyond neurons and spikes: cognon, the hierarchical dynamical unit of thought
Authors: Rabinovich Mikhail , Bick Christian , Varona Pablo
Published: July 2023

From the dynamical point of view, most cognitive phenomena are hierarchical, transient and sequential. Such cognitive spatio-temporal processes can be represented by a set of sequential metastable dynamical states together with their associated transitions: The state is quasi-stationary close to one metastable state before a rapid transition to another state. Hence, we postulate that metastable states are the central players in cognitive information processing. Based on the analogy of quasiparticles as elementary units in physics, we introduce here the quantum of cognitive information dynamics, which we term “cognon”. A cognon, or dynamical unit of thought, is represented by a robust finite chain of metastable neural states. Cognons can be organized at multiple hierarchical levels and coordinate complex cognitive information representations. Since a cognon is an abstract conceptualization, we link this abstraction to brain sequential dynamics that can be measured using common modalities and argue that cognons and brain rhythms form binding spatiotemporal complexes to keep simultaneous dynamical information which relate the ‘what’, ‘where’ and ‘when’.
Pollination and floral insect visitors of non-native Crataegus monogyna Jacq and Crataegus mexicana DC (Rosaceae) in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
Authors: Tshilingalinga Sydney , Heshula Lelethu Unathi-Nkosi Peter , Forbanka Derick Nomuh , Jama Kanyisa
Published: July 2023

Crataegus species (Rosaceae) or hawthorns form dense thickets and displace native vegetation out of their native range. In South Africa, Crataegus monogyna and C. mexicana are under surveillance but there is lack of information on their pollination ecology. Therefore, this study sought to investigate the pollination mechanism and potential insect pollinators of these plants. Pollinator exclusion experiments were conducted on ten plants each of C. monogyna and C. mexicana near the towns of Hogsback and Seymour respectively, in the Eastern Cape Province. Flowers of each of these species were also observed to determine the diversity and distribution of insect visitors throughout the day (i.e. morning, mid day and afternoon). The results showed that C. monogyna and C. mexicana are capable of self and cross-pollination. Fruit set from open inflorescences of C. monogyna was 40.88 ± 0.08%, significantly higher than bagged inflorences. Fruit set from open inflorescences of C. mexicana was 48.18 ± 0.03%, significantly higher than those of bagged inflorescences. Hymenopterans were the most frequent visitors on C. monogyna flowers while dipterans were the most frequent visitors on C. mexicana flowers. The distribution of insects did not vary with the time of day for each plant species. Insect pollination, therefore, plays a significant role in the fruiting of C. monogyna and C. mexicana in the Eastern Cape. The results of this study contribute to the understanding of the ecology and phenology of Crataegus species in South Africa and thus the evaluation of their invasive status.
The mission of the INFN-Cultural Heritage Network: the multifaceted example of the Macro-XRF scanner experience
Authors: Ruberto Chiara
Published: July 2023

The mission of the Cultural Heritage Network of the Italian Institute of Nuclear Physics (INFN-CHNet) is presented here through a “virtuous” example: the activity related to the Macro-X-Ray Fluorescence (MA-XRF) scanner. The main focus of INFN-CHNet is the collaboration and sharing of knowledge among the network members, to better address the issues of Cultural Heritage operators, while the fields of activity are research (instrumental development and data management), analysis of cultural objects, education of young scholars and professionals, and dissemination to the general public. In this context, the MA-XRF scanner exemplifies the objectives of INFN-CHNet, being the first instrument developed, tested and optimised jointly by several INFN-CHNet partners. It was designed to be an open (free access to information on processes, components and materials), low-cost system, based on sustainability and interoperability, and modular. All these features allow for easy replication of instruments in any node of the network or reuse of system/subsystem also in different projects. Moreover, for the MA-XRF scanner, the whole path from data acquisition to their storage, management and visualisation/reuse has been addressed. The activities related to the scanner clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach of CHNet in all the issues that arise in conservation and study of CH.
Hepatitis E Virus in the Iberian Peninsula: A Systematic Review
Authors: Santos-Silva Sérgio , da Silva Dias Moraes Danny Franciele , López-López Pedro , Rivero-Juarez António , Mesquita João R. , Nascimento Maria São José
Published: July 2023

One of the most frequent causes of acute viral hepatitis is hepatitis E virus (HEV) causing 20 million infections worldwide each year and 44,000 deaths. Studies on HEV in the Iberian Peninsula have been increasing through time with HEV infection being identified in humans and animals. The aim of the present systematic review was to compile and evaluate all the published data on HEV from studies performed in humans, animals and environmental samples in the Iberian Peninsula. The electronic databases Mendeley, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were thoroughly searched, and research published up until February 01, 2023 were included. Resulting in a total of 151 eligible papers by full reading and application of PRISMA exclusion/inclusion criteria. Overall, the present review shows that several HEV genotypes, namely HEV-1, 3, 4, and 6 as well as Rocahepevirus, are circulating in humans, animals, and in the environment in the Iberian Peninsula. HEV-3 was the most common genotype circulating in humans in Portugal and Spain, as expected for developed countries, with HEV-1 only being detected in travelers and emigrants from HEV endemic regions. Spain is the biggest pork producer in Europe and given the high circulation of HEV in pigs, with HEV-3 being primarily associated to zoonotic transmission through consumption of swine meat and meat products, in our opinion, the introduction of an HEV surveillance system in swine and inclusion of HEV in diagnostic routines for acute and chronic human hepatitis would be important. Additionally, we propose that establishing a monitoring mechanism for HEV is crucial in order to gain a comprehensive understanding of the prevalence of this illness and the various strains present in the Iberian Peninsula, as well as their potential impact on public health.
Family Processes and the Emotional and Behavioural Well-being of Autistic Children and Youth: A Systematic Review of Prospective Studies
Authors: Fitzgerald Billy , McCusker Christopher , Dempsey Maria , Dunn Galvin Audrey
Published: July 2023

Emotional and behavioural difficulties including depression, anxiety, and hyperactivity are elevated in autistic children (AC). Family processes of a psychological nature are associated with these difficulties, but the direction of influence is uncertain. We searched seven bibliographic databases for prospective, quantitative studies on the impact of family processes across the parent, dyad, and family system levels on the later well-being of AC without intellectual disability, across a minimum of six months. Eligible studies were extracted following PRISMA guidelines and narratively synthesised. Sixteen of the 17 studies included for review reported significant associations between at least one family process and later well-being. Parenting stress and aspects of the parent–child relationship yielded most robust associations. Weaker support was found for parent mental health problems. Clinical and research implications are discussed.
Optimising the Utility of In Vitro Tests for the Diagnosis of Drug Allergy: Insights from a Clinical Perspective
Authors: Sabaté-Brescó Marina , Quan Paola Leonor , Goikoetxea María José
Published: July 2023

Purpose of review

To outline currently validated in vitro tests for the diagnosis of drug hypersensivity reactions (DHRs) and to provide useful strategies to optimise the utility of these tools.

Recent findings

Regarding in vitro tests for DHR, the main concern, at present, is low sensitivity. Thus, most of the efforts are currently directed towards improving the existing techniques and developing new assays with better diagnostic performance.

The management of DHRs is particularly challenging. Current strategies for diagnosis are focused on taking a thorough clinical history, evaluating sensitization using skin testing and performing supervised challenges. In vitro tests may potentially add information to the diagnostic algorithms for the management of DHRs. The presently available assays, however, pose significant limitations in terms of availability and validation. Maximizing their yield and accuracy, therefore, requires a tailored approach, focused on an appropriate clinical characterisation of the reaction. The time elapsed between drug administration and symptom presentation, as well as symptom duration, should be closely taken into consideration. In this review, existing validated in vitro techniques that may support the diagnosis of both immediate and non-immediate DHRs are summarised. Clues for optimizing their diagnostic yield are given.