bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Macrocyclic Supramolecular Glass: New Type of Supramolecular Transparent Materials
Authors: Yao Guohong , Pan Yanjuan , Li Fenfang , Dong Shengyi
Published: July 2024

Transparent materials are widely used in industries, everyday life, and scientific activities. The development of new, lightweight, and durable artificial transparent materials is a challenge in synthetic chemistry. In this study, a supramolecular approach is conceived to construct transparent glass. Cyclodextrins are selected as the building blocks for the fabrication of supramolecular glass via noncovalent polymerization. The newly formed glass displays several attractive advantages, including good thermal processability, high mechanical strength and dielectric constant, excellent visible light transparency, and good adhesion performance. Importantly, the structural characteristics of long‐range disorder and short‐range order are observed in cyclodextrin glass. Here a new strategy is presented for the preparation and functionalization of low‐molecular‐weight transparent materials.
Prevalence of stricturing, penetrating complications and extraintestinal manifestations in inflammatory bowel disease detected on cross‐sectional imaging in a tertiary care setting
Authors: Vuyyuru Sudheer Kumar , Solitano Virginia , Aruljothy Achuthan , Alkhattabi Maan , Beaton Melanie , Gregor Jamie , Kassam Zahra , Marshall Harry , Ramsewak Darryl , Sedano Rocio , Sey Michael , Jairath Vipul
Published: July 2024

Background

Stricturing, penetrating complications and extraintestinal manifestations (EIMs) are frequent in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). There is limited data on the prevalence of these complications in patients with IBD. Therefore, we aimed to assess the burden of these complications detected incidentally on cross‐sectional imaging.

Methods

A retrospective study conducted at two tertiary care centers in London, Ontario. Patients (≥18 years) with a confirmed diagnosis of IBD who underwent CT enterography (CTE) or MR enterography (MRE) between 1 Jan 2010 and 31 Dec 2018 were included. Categorical variables were reported as proportions and the mean and standard deviations were reported for continuous variables.

Results

A total of 615 imaging tests (MRE: 67.3% [414/615]) were performed in 557 IBD patients (CD: 91.4% [509/557], UC: 8.6% [48/557]). 38.2% (213/557) of patients were male, with mean age of 45.6 years (±15.8), and median disease duration of 11.0 years (±12.5). Among patients with CD, 33.2% (169/509) had strictures, with 7.8% having two or more strictures and 66.3% considered inflammatory. A fistula was reported in 10.6% (54/509), the most common being perianal fistula (27.8% [15/54]), followed by enterocutaneous fistula (16.8% [9/54]), and enteroenteric fistula (16.8% [9/54]). Additionally, 7.4% (41/557) of patients with IBD were found to have an EIM on cross‐sectional imaging, with the most prevalent EIM being cholelithiasis (63.4% [26/41]), followed by sacroiliitis (24.4% [10/41]), primary sclerosing cholangitis (4.8% [2/41]) and nephrolithiasis (4.8% [2/41]).

Conclusions

Approximately 40% of patients with CD undergoing cross‐sectional imaging had evidence of a stricture or fistulizing disease, with 7% of patients with IBD having a detectable EIM. These results highlight the burden of disease and the need for specific therapies for these disease phenotypes.
Phenotypic differences in airway obstruction as determined by VOTE score
Authors: Franklin Andrew S. , Putnam Paul M. , Chanamolu Meghana C. , Nieri Chad A. , Gillespie M. Boyd
Published: July 2024

Objective

The objective if this study was to investigate phenotypic differences in airway obstruction, as determined by VOTE score, in a cohort of patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) undergoing drug‐induced sleep endoscopy (DISE).

Methods

Patients older than 18 years of age scheduled for DISE by one surgeon at a tertiary care center from July 2016 to July 2022 were included in a single‐center retrospective cohort study. Patient demographics, body mass index (BMI), apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI), and VOTE scores were extracted. Spearman correlation tests were utilized to determine the relationship between variables, and statistical analyses were performed using R.

Results

The study included 165 patients (61.24 years, SD 11.57; BMI 31.04 kg/m2, SD 6.05). Due to several significant relationships between VOTE scores and patient demographics, a cluster analysis was performed, in which two distinct clusters (phenotype 1 and phenotype 2) arose. Phenotype 1 patients had lower overall VOTE scores (p < 0.001), less obstruction at the velum (p < 0.001) and oropharynx (p < 0.001), significantly more tongue obstruction (p = 0.031), and a significantly lower BMI (p = 0.001). Though not reaching significance, phenotype 1 patients also had more epiglottic obstruction (p = 0.0841) and were older (p = 0.2775).

Conclusions

Patients suffering from OSA may be categorized into one of two distinct phenotypes of clinical significance. Phenotype 1 patients who are nonobese and have less significant obstruction overall, with increased obstruction at the tongue, may benefit greatly from targeted surgical modalities. Conversely, phenotype 2 patients with worse obstruction on DISE and increased velum and oropharynx obstruction may represent a phenotype of OSA that is increasingly difficult to treat surgically, due to body habitus and severe, multi‐level obstruction.
COVID-19: Catalyzing U.S.-China Supply Chain Realignments
Authors: Zhengyuan Bo
Published: July 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped supply chain dynamics between the US and China. While China solidified its position as a global supply chain center during the first two years of the pandemic, its COVID-19 restrictions in 2022 quickly shattered the fruits. On the other hand, as bilateral tensions and geopolitical concerns escalated, both nations responded to COVID-19 by looking beyond each other to pursue selective decoupling strategies in critical sectors. This chapter delves into the factors driving these adjustments, including China's imperative to enhance self-sufficiency and the US focus on diversifying its supply chain away from China. Through case studies, including Apple’s supply chain shifts, the chapter illustrates how the pandemic and political factors prompted a realignment of global supply chains and how companies have adjusted to the shifting landscape. In the end, this chapter highlights the enduring shift in perceptions regarding the US-China supply chain relationship even in the post-pandemic era.
AI for Stability Optimization in Low Voltage Direct Current Microgrids
Authors: Roeder Georg , Schwanninger Raffael , Wienzek Peter , Kerscher Moritz , Wunder Bernd , Schellenberger Martin
Published: July 2024

Low voltage direct current (LVDC) is an enabling technology to foster a sustainable resilient energy supply. LVDC microgrids comprising energy generators, storage systems, and loads work as independently controlled units in connection with common alternating current networks. Precise digitized control applying intelligent power converters enables new AI-based approaches for DC microgrid layout and operation. In this work, a new method involving connected machine learning and optimization is established together with a novel measurement system, which enables the measurement and improvement of microgrid stability. The application is successfully validated by experimental assessment on a testbed with a four-terminal DC network operating at a voltage of 380 VDC and the advantages of the AI-based approach are demonstrated.
Learning with Limited Labelled Data
Authors: Loeffler Christoffer , Hvingelby Rasmus , Goschenhofer Jann
Published: July 2024

Modern machine and deep learning require large amounts of training data. Yet, even if the data itself is abundantly available, the fraction of annotated data may still be proportionally small or missing. Hence, learning with limited labeled data is an important research field. Two streams of research attack this problem from opposite directions [64]. On the one hand, semi-supervised learning aims to leverage all information by directly incorporating unlabeled data. On the other hand, active learning finds unlabeled data for that annotations would be most beneficial for learning, and queries humans-in-the-loop of model training. This chapter discusses both concepts and their essential principles, methodological overlaps, and strengths and weaknesses. Furthermore, we elaborate on possible combinations and their advantages ands disadvantages. Finally, the conclusion refers to recent state-of-theart and provides an outlook into the future of learning with few labeled data.
Assured Resilience in Autonomous Systems – Machine Learning Methods for Reliable Perception
Authors: Weiss Gereon , Gansloser Jens , Schwaiger Adrian , Schwaiger Maximilian
Published: July 2024

Machine learning in the form of deep neural networks provides a powerful tool for enhanced perception of autonomous systems. However, the results of such networks are still not reliable enough for safety-critical tasks, like autonomous driving. We provide an overview of common challenges when applying these methods and introduce our approach for making the perception more robust. It includes utilizing uncertainty quantification based on ensemble distribution distillation and an out-of-distribution approach for detecting unknown inputs. We evaluate the approaches for object detection tasks in different autonomous driving scenarios with varying environmental conditions. The results show that the additional methods can support making the perception task of object detection more robust and reliable for future usage in autonomous systems.
Exploring the Metaverse: Opportunities for Tourism and Territorial Development
Authors: Perri Damiano , Di Blasi Sofia Rita , Forlani Fabio , Gervasi Osvaldo
Published: July 2024

This article conducts a preliminary study on the possible outcomes of applying very advanced computer graphics technologies, such as Immersive Virtual Reality, Virtual Reality, and Mixed Reality, to promote tourism and an area’s economy. A careful analysis of the existing literature has revealed an intense research activity that has explored the salient aspects of the interaction between modern technologies and tourism, analysing the changes resulting from their use. The Metaverse represents one of the most powerful and effective innovations in tourism. We describe a methodology for implementing metaverses and virtual scenarios using the open-source Blender modelling environment and Unity game engine and creation tool. The metaverse of Palazzo Bernabei in Assisi, the suggestive venue of the Degree Course in Tourism Economics and Management, was implemented as a use case. It is located in an area of unique interest next to the splendid and evocative Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. These technologies can improve tourism since they provide a high sense of immersion, giving the user an experience that anticipates and enriches the live visit. The user can perform the virtual visit remotely with the help of an immersive virtual reality controller. A questionnaire was carried out on a group of users to assess the user experience and the level of satisfaction with the application. The discussion of the answers in the questionnaire shows that users are fascinated by the virtual experience and become more aware of the beauty of works of art and monuments than traditional media (magazines, brochures, books) and are more attracted to the real visit.
Exploring Coherence between Teacher Education and the Competence Required to Facilitate Students’ Oral Participation in Foreign Language Classrooms
Authors: Carrai Debora , Hatlevik Ida Katrine Riksaasen
Published: July 2024

This chapter reports on a case study aimed at exploring how newly qualified Spanish teachers perceive coherence between their recently concluded teacher education programme and their own acquired competence in facilitating oral activities in the classroom. Our starting point is that the core components of sensing coherence are comprehensibility, manageability, and meaningfulness. Our findings indicate that teacher education is perceived as comprehensible and meaningful in terms of facilitating oral participation. However, the findings also indicate that teacher education, both at the university and in practice schools, has room for improvement regarding the facilitation of oral activities.
Unbedachte Vorbilder. Bureau of Applied Social Research, Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences und das Institut für Höhere Studien
Authors: Fleck Christian
Published: July 2024

Die Eröffnung des Instituts für Höhere Studien (IHS) in Wien im Jahr 1963 fiel in die Wonnejahre der empirischen Sozialwissenschaften, die damals, wie nie zuvor und danach, bewundert und gefördert wurden. Der Initiator des IHS war Paul F. Lazarsfeld (1901–1976), der seine Geburtsstadt 1933 Richtung New York verlassen hatte und anlässlich eines Besuches 1958 das bedauernswert niedrige Niveau österreichischer Wissenschaften durch die Gründung einer Ausbildungseinrichtung für moderne Sozialwissenschaften zu heben vorschlug. Die Ford Foundation akzeptierte diese Idee und finanzierte die Gründung. Lazarsfelds ursprüngliche Konzeption wurde nur zum kleinsten Teil verwirklicht. Ein vergleichender Blick auf seine früheren Institutsgründungen zeigt, dass dieser, sich selbst als „managerial scholar“ verstehende frühere politische Aktivist Pläne nicht stur verfolgte, sondern der Strategie des Possibilismus folgte. Die historisch-soziologische Analyse legt einige Schlußfolgerungen für die Wissenschaftsforschung nahe: Erfolge und Mißerfolge von Institutsgründungen sind kausal nicht zurechenbar; Modelle nicht exportierbar und Vorbilder von nur beschränktem Nutzen. Eine soziologisch informierte Geschichte (sozial-) wissenschaftlicher Gründungen sollte die Idee der Planbarkeit wissenschaftlichen Fortschritts durch die der Kontingenz ersetzen und sich vergegenwärtigen, dass je reichhaltiger der Pool an institutionellen Arrangements ist, desto vielgestaltiger Neuigkeiten werden können, was wiederum die Hoffnung befördern kann, dass dann auch interessantere wissenschaftliche Ergebnisse zustande kommen werden.
„Une Institution sur Base Universitaire“. Das deutsche historische Institut Paris
Authors: Pfeil Ulrich
Published: July 2024

Der Beitrag untersucht die Gründungsgeschichte des Deutschen Historischen Instituts in Paris. Sie kann als Fallbeispiel für die nicht zu unterschätzende Bedeutung von Historikern als Akteuren in transnationalen Beziehungen gelten. Gleichzeitig diskutiert der Beitrag, inwiefern das Institut als eine Antwort sowohl auf eine politische als auch auf eine wissenschaftliche Herausforderung verstanden werden kann. Der Fokus wird folglich auf dem dialektischen Verhältnis von Wissenschaft und Politik liegen, steht doch gerade auch die Geschichtswissenschaft vor der Frage, wie sie ihre Arbeit gegenüber dem Staat legitimiert, der sie in der Regel alimentiert. Es wird auch analysiert, wer in Politik und Wissenschaft über welche Ressourcen verfügt und diese wie einzusetzen vermag.
Das Vienna BioCenter – Geschichte, Erkenntnisinteressen und Organisationsformen. Clusterbildungen in den Life Sciences
Authors: Wirth Maria
Published: July 2024

Das Vienna BioCenter mit aktuell über 50 Einrichtungen ist ein international renommierter Standort für die Biowissenschaften. Im vorliegenden Beitrag werden sowohl seine Geschichte als auch wichtige Fragen zu seinen Erkenntnisinteressen und Organisationsformen beantwortet, wobei insbesondere das Institut für Molekulare Pathologie (IMP) als sein Gründungsinstitut und das Vienna BioCenter in seiner gegenwärtigen Form im Zentrum stehen. Zudem wird beleuchtet, welche Bedeutung dem Zusammenspiel von Bildung, Forschung und ökonomischen Interessen in der Entwicklung des Life Sciences-Clusters zukam – zumal hier Institutionen vertreten sind, die in all diesen Bereichen aktiv sind.
Differences in social adjustment during adulthood between adoptees with high and low risk for schizophrenia spectrum disorders – the Finnish adoptive family study of schizophrenia
Authors: Säkkinen Miia , Hakko Helinä , Wahlberg Karl-Erik , Räsänen Sami
Published: July 2024

Objective

To investigate differences in social adjustment during adulthood between adoptees with high genetic risk (HR) and low genetic risk (LR) for schizophrenia spectrum disorders.

Methods

This study is a subsample of the Finnish Adoptive Family Study of Schizophrenia. The study sample consisted of 120  adoptees whose biological mothers had DSM-III-R verified schizophrenia spectrum disorders, and 142 socio-demographically matched control adoptees. The social adjustment of the adoptees was assessed using the interview-based Adult Adjustment Scale (AAS).

Results

A lower proportion of the HR adoptees (61.7%) fell into the category of good adaptation compared to LR adoptees (74.6%) (p = 0.024). In addition, the median AAS score among HR adoptees was lower compared to LR adoptees (p = 0.023). Poorer results among HR adoptees were also found regarding some individual items and the social health -domain within the AAS. The psychiatric morbidity, excluding schizophrenia spectrum disorders, was higher among HR adoptees. Psychiatric morbidity was shown to mediate the association of genetic status to total AAS, and, also to the domain of social health.

Conclusion

According to our results, genetic susceptibility to schizophrenia is associated with weakened social adjustment during adulthood. Although our results demonstrated that psychiatric morbidity has notable effect on the association of genetic status to adult adjustment scores, the impact of other determinants, like psychosocial factors or health-related behaviour, cannot be ruled out. The comparable rearing environment provided by the adoption design in conjunction with reliable diagnostics provide new information on the relation of genetic susceptibility and social adjustment.
Comparing tooth development timing between ethnic groups, excluding nutritional and environmental influences
Authors: Thevissen Patrick , Waltimo-Sirén Janna , Saarimaa Hanna-Maija , Lähdesmäki Raija , Evälahti Marjut , Metsäniitty Mari
Published: July 2024

The timing of dental development in ethnic Finns and Somalis, who were born and living in Finland, was compared, with efforts to minimize environmental bias. The developmental status of seven lower left permanent teeth were staged according to Demirjian et al., using panoramic radiographs from 2,100 Finnish and 808 Somali females and males, aged 2 to 23 years. For each tooth, a continuation-ratio model was constructed to analyze the allocated stages as a function of sex and ethnic origin. Several statistically significant differences in mean age of certain tooth developmental stage transitions were revealed. While Somalis generally displayed stage transitions at younger age, none of the seven teeth consistently showed earlier stage transitions in Somalis compared to Finns. Within each tooth, the lowest (or highest) mean age of stage transition varied without any discernible pattern between the two ethnic groups. Overall, the observed differences in mean age of stage transition between the groups was minimal, suggesting a low impact on clinical and forensic age assessment practice. In conclusion, the studied ethnic Finn and Somali groups with equal nutritional and /or environmental conditions exhibit similar timing in the development of all lower left permanent teeth.
Novel epiphytic root-fungus symbiosis in the Indo-Pacific seagrass Thalassodendron ciliatum from the Red Sea
Authors: Vohník Martin , Josefiová Jiřina
Published: July 2024

Symbioses with fungi are important and ubiquitous on dry land but underexplored in the sea. As yet only one seagrass has been shown to form a specific root-fungus symbiosis that resembles those occurring in terrestrial plants, namely the dominant long-lived Mediterranean species Posidonia oceanica (Alismatales: Posidoniaceae) forming a dark septate (DS) endophytic association with the ascomycete Posidoniomyces atricolor (Pleosporales: Aigialaceae). Using stereomicroscopy, light and scanning electron microscopy, and DNA cloning, here we describe a novel root-fungus symbiosis in the Indo-Pacific seagrass Thalassodendron ciliatum (Alismatales: Cymodoceaceae) from a site in the Gulf of Aqaba in the Red Sea. Similarly to P. oceanica, the mycobiont of T. ciliatum occurs more frequently in thinner roots that engage in nutrient uptake from the seabed and forms extensive hyphal mantles composed of DS hyphae on the root surface. Contrary to P. oceanica, the mycobiont occurs on the roots with root hairs and does not colonize its host intraradically. While the cloning revealed a relatively rich spectrum of fungi, they were mostly parasites or saprobes of uncertain origin and the identity of the mycobiont thus remains unknown. Symbioses of seagrasses with fungi are probably more frequent than previously thought, but their functioning and significance are unknown. Melanin present in DS hyphae slows down their decomposition and so is true for the colonized roots. DS fungi may in this way conserve organic detritus in the seagrasses’ rhizosphere, thus contributing to blue carbon sequestration in seagrass meadows.
Was gibt es Neues bei Carotisendarteriektomie und Carotisstenting?
Authors: Storck Martin , Grundmann Reinhart T.
Published: July 2024

Der vorliegende Artikel referiert aktuelle Studienergebnisse zur Carotisrevaskularisation und gibt hierzu evidenzbasierte Therapieempfehlungen. Wesentliche Aussagen sind unter anderem: Das Follow-up nach Carotisintervention ist für das Langzeitergebnis von hoher Bedeutung. Das chronologische Alter sollte nicht als eine Kontraindikation zur Carotisendarteriektomie (CEA) gelten. Das perioperative Outcome ist bei Patienten ohne beste medikamentöse Behandlung (BMT, Thrombozytenaggregationshemmung und Statine) signifikant schlechter als bei Patienten mit BMT. Die Daten empfehlen bei CEA die Patchplastik mit bovinem Perikard oder die Eversionsendarteriektomie (EEA). Bei vorausgegangenem Herzinfarkt sind CEA und TCAR (transcarotidale arterielle Revaskularisation) die zu bevorzugenden Therapieoptionen. Die Ergebnisse nach TCAR und CEA sind in den Registererhebungen weitestgehend vergleichbar. Bei Patienten mit „hostile neck“ ist TCAR dem transfemoralen Carotisstenting (TFCAS) signifikant überlegen. Bei TFCAS sind routinemäßig distale Embolie-Protektionsfilter zu verwenden. Patienten mit CAS sollten eine duale Thrombozytenaggregationshemmung für ≥ 3 Tage vor dem Eingriff erhalten.
Materielle Ausstattung des Heidelberger Medical Intervention Car
Authors: Kaltschmidt Nikolai , Katzenschlager Stephan , Kaltschmidt Lisa , Leo Albrecht , Weilbacher Frank , Popp Erik
Published: July 2024

In Deutschland bestehen keine Vorgaben zur materiellen Ausstattung von speziellen notarztbesetzten Rettungsmitteln. Systeme wie der Baby-Notarztwagen, Extracorporale-Membranoxygenierung(ECMO)-Mobile, das Berliner Stroke-Einsatz-Mobil oder Medical Intervention Cars (MIC) arbeiten mit einer Materialauswahl, die von den Betreibern selbst festgelegt wurde. Diese Publikation beschreibt das mitgeführte Equipment des Heidelberger MIC und die zugrunde liegende Rationale zur Auswahl. Das MIC auf Basis eines Volvo V90 (Volvo Car Corporation, Göteborg, Schweden) kann aus Zuladungs- und Platzgründen nicht den kompletten Inhalt eines Notarzteinsatzfahrzeugs und das zusätzliche Spezialequipment mitführen. Es stellt somit ein additives System dar, dessen Ausstattung sich an den speziellen Einsatzzwecken ausrichtet: Kindernotfälle, Exsanguination und Kreislaufstillstand aufgrund besonderer Umstände oder Ursachen. Für diese Bereiche werden Medizinprodukte vorgehalten, die bis dato in der Präklinik keinen bzw. keinen flächendeckenden Einzug gefunden haben: Videolaryngoskop mit hyperanguliertem Spatel für Kinder, 13 Fr-Schockkatheter, Erythrozytenkonzentrate (EK), Fibrinogen, Prothrombinkomplexkonzentrat (PPSB), Material zur Durchführung einer Clamshell-Thorakotomie und einer „resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta“ (REBOA), ein Blutgasanalysegerät, ein Echokardiographiegerät (transthorakal und transösophageal), eine ECMO sowie ein Near-infrared-spectroscopy(NIRS)-Monitor. Diese Ausstattung unterliegt einer ständigen Reevaluation und Gegenüberstellung mit internationalen Studien zu präklinischen Maßnahmen.
How to improve argumentative syntheses written by undergraduates using guides and instructional rubrics
Authors: Cuevas Isabel , Mateos Mar , Casado-Ledesma Lidia , Olmos Ricardo , Granado-Peinado Miriam , Luna María , Núñez Juan Antonio , Martín Elena
Published: July 2024

Undergraduates often struggle writing argumentative syntheses from conflicting sources. Written guides can help in the different phases of the process involved in these tasks and are more effective when accompanied by explicit instruction. Nevertheless, there are few studies on instructional rubrics as an aid to argumentative writing and none are focused on synthesis tasks. Our objectives were to compare (1) the effectiveness of a guide and a rubric as aids to the processes of selection and integration in writing an argumentative synthesis; (2) whether explicit instruction in synthesis writing strategies enhances the effects of both aids and (3) the effectiveness of the aids offered during the practice sessions performed with the support of aids and after removing those aids. The study was conducted with 120 undergraduate psychology students. An experimental inter/intra-subject factorial design 2 (Instruction) x 2 (Type of aid) x 4 (Time) was employed. We used mixed linear models to assess the intervention effects. The guide facilitated the selection of arguments. Both guide and rubric promoted integration. When students also received explicit instruction, the learning rate of integration strategies was accelerated, and the impact of guide and rubric was greater.
Introduction to Trauma-Informed Counselor Education and Supervision (TICES) Framework
Authors: Kim Isak , Moh Yoon Suh , Adams Charmayne R. , Kim Jaeyoung
Published: July 2024

Many counselors in training may be susceptible to traumatization and/or retraumatization during their training process due to the elevated prevalence of their past trauma experience and the nature of their professional work involving exposure to trauma narratives in coursework and during fieldwork. Recognizing the growing need for a trauma-informed approach in training future helping professionals, including counselors-in-training, we present an overview of a framework called the Trauma-Informed Counselor Education and Supervision (TI-CES). This framework draws on assumptions and principles from trauma-informed care (TIC). Also, we address the applications of four key assumptions (i.e., Realize, Recognize, Respond, and Resist retraumatization) and six principles (i.e., Safety; Trustworthiness and transparency; Peer support; Collaboration and mutuality; Empowerment, voice, and choice; and Cultural, historical, and gender issues) of the TIC. These assumptions and principles are specifically tailored to address the unique challenges and needs of counselor education and supervision. In addition, we offer stepwise key recommendations to prevent (re) traumatization and mitigate the impacts of trauma exposure at three critical levels: throughout the program admission, during the program, and after exposure to traumatic components of training. By following the recommendations, counselor educators and supervisors can create a supportive and safe environment that fosters the well-being of counselors-in-training while equipping them to respond effectively to potentially traumatizing components in their training.
‘Migration Under the Glow of Privilege’—Unpacking Privilege and Its Effect on the Migration Experience
Authors: Gupta Kamini , Bapuji Hari
Published: July 2024

Economic migration is a significant and growing development around the world but has produced unequal outcomes and experiences for marginalized groups. To theoretically explain such inequalities, we argue that integration experiences of immigrants in the host country differ based on the privilege that their demographic category bestows on them (or not). We elucidate our arguments by unpacking the concept of ‘privilege’ to theorize two key sources of privilege—locational and historical—and explain them using the global economic divide (Global North vs. Global South) and local social divides (race and caste). We propose that locational and historical privilege manifest as various types of capital that immigrants carry into their host countries. We juxtapose these two sources of privilege and its levels (low vs. high) to develop a typology of immigrants—Marginalized, Peripheral, Assimilated, and Wanted—that captures differences in migrants’ integration experiences. By shining a light on the systematic differences between immigrants based on privilege, our research brings additional nuance to the scholarship on immigrant workers and inclusive organizations; and broadens avenues to make human resource practices more ethical by taking these differences into account.
Advances in Forecasting Home Prices
Authors: Guirguis Hany , Mueller Glenn , Dutra Vaneesha , Jafek Robert
Published: July 2024

Numerous researchers have used various techniques to predict housing prices, but the results have been mixed. This article forecasts housing prices based on their stationary (level) and nonstationary (growth rate) presentations. Our study uses five classes of univariate time series techniques: autoregressive moving average (ARMA) modeling, generalized autoregression (GAR) modeling, generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (GARCH) modeling, time-varying Kalman filtering with random autoregressive (KAR) presentation, and Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) simulations. We assigned optimal weights to each technique to minimize the mean square error (MSE) of our forecasts. Our dynamic forecasting method shows superior out-of-sample performance based on the nonstationary presentation one to three quarters ahead, while reducing the average MSE by 37%. For four-quarter horizons, the average MSE of our dynamic forecasts decreased by 11% when we used a stationary presentation of housing prices and included lagged values for four economic leading indicators: the shadow federal funds rate, 1-year expected inflation, the 10-year Treasury Minus 3-Month Treasury Constant Maturity term spread (TERM), and the Brave-Butters-Kelley Leading Index.
Characteristics, sources and potential ecological risk of atmospheric microplastics in Lhasa city
Authors: Guo Zimeng , Chen Junyu , Yu Hanyue , Zhang Qiangying , Duo Bu , Cui Xiaomei
Published: July 2024

Atmospheric microplastics are important contributors to environmental contamination in aquatic and terrestrial systems and pose potential ecological risks. However, studies on atmospheric microplastics are still limited in urban regions of the Tibetan Plateau, a sentinel region for climate and environmental change under a warming climate. In this study, the occurrence and potential ecological risk of atmospheric microplastics were investigated in samples of suspended atmospheric microplastics collected in Lhasa city during the Tibetan New Year in February 2023. The results show that the average abundance of atmospheric microplastics in Lhasa was 7.15 ± 2.46 MPs m−3. The sizes of the detected microplastics ranged from 20.34 to 297.18 μm, approximately 87% of which were smaller than 100 μm. Fragmented microplastics (95.76%) were the dominant shape, followed by fibres (3.75%) and pellets (0.49%). The primary polymer chemical components identified were polyamide (68.73%) and polystyrene (16.61%). The analysis of meteorological data and the backwards trajectory model indicated the air mass in Lhasa mainly controlled by westwards, and the atmospheric microplastics mainly originated from long-distance atmospheric transport. The potential ecological risk index assessment revealed that the atmospheric microplastic pollution in Lhasa was relatively low. This study provides valuable insights and a scientific foundation for future research on the prevention and control of atmospheric microplastic pollution in Lhasa and other ecologically sensitive cities.
Enhancing Air Conditioning System Performance via Dual Phase Change Materials Integration: Seasonal Efficiency and Capsulation Structure Impact
Authors: Ismail M. , Hassan Hamdy
Published: July 2024

Enhancement of the cooling and heating capabilities of an air conditioning unit (ACU) coupled with a thermal energy storage system of dual phase change materials (PCM) is investigated. The dual PCM, namely SP24E and SP11_gel, are coupled with the ACU outdoor device (condenser/evaporator) during the summer/winter seasons, respectively. Moreover, ACU performance assisted with dual-PCM heat exchanger is compared with a single heat exchanger of SP24E in summer and single heat exchanger of SP11_gel in winter at different PCM capsulation structures (aligned and staggered cylinders). The system dynamic mathematical model is computationally solved using ANSYS software and experimentally validated. Results affirm that charging/discharging periods are minimal for the dual-PCM system and slower for PCM inline cylinder layouts than staggered ones. Inline design yields greater ACU average power savings. In summer, higher inlet air temperature to the PCM system reduces PCM discharging time and ACU power savings, with the opposite effect during winter. ACU COP with PCMs is improved by around 80 % in summer and 40 % in winter, respectively, compared to ACU without PCMs. The maximum average power saving over 4 h of ACU working in summer by single and dual-PCM systems is 21.4 % and 11.8 %, respectively, whereas the results in winter are 18.5 % and 12.8 %, respectively.
Synthesized Nanostructures of Oxostannate Cs2Sn2O3 with a Prospective Study of Structural, Electrical, Optical, and Luminescence Properties: Effect of Annealing Temperature
Authors: El Desouky Fawzy G. , Abou-Helal M. O.
Published: July 2024

The study provides a unique approach for controlling the structural, electrical, optical, and photoluminescence characteristics of oxostannate Cs2Sn2O3 (C2T2O3) nanostructures through the process of co-precipitation. XRD, XPS, Raman, HRTEM, and FESEM techniques were employed to investigate and describe the impact of varying annealing temperatures on a specific system. The diffraction patterns indicate the existence of an orthorhombic oxostannate C2T2O3 phase, wherein as the temperature rises, the size of the crystallites grows. Additionally, it is important to acknowledge that the spectra of Cs 3d, Sn 3d, and O 1s demonstrate the formation of materials without alteration in the position of their primary peaks when exposed to variations in temperature. Under the influence of annealing temperature, the real components of permittivity and electrical conductivity demonstrate superior characteristics in terms of frequency dependence. The optical band gap for the as-prepared C2T2O3 decreased with annealing at temperatures of 600 °C and 900 °C to 3.8 eV and 3.7 eV, respectively. The photoluminescence (PL) emission bands’ positions and intensities demonstrate a significant level of sensitivity towards the existence of interstitial Cs-Sn defects. The electrical performance and luminescence emissions of nanostructured C2T2O3 systems are promising, offering a wide range of sensitivity for energy storage, optoelectronics, and luminescence applications.
Synthesis of locust bean gum/titanium dioxide hydrogel nanocomposites for efficient removal of methylene blue from aqueous solution
Authors: Motshabi Boitumelo Rejoice , Makhado Edwin , Malatji Nompumelelo , Modibane Kwena Desmond , Hato Mpitloane Joseph , Botlhoko Orebotse Joseph , Elella Mahmoud H. Abu
Published: July 2024

In this study, we are interested in preparing novel hydrogel and hydrogel nanocomposite-based adsorbents for removing methylene blue (MB) dye based on grafted locust bean gum (LBG). LBG hydrogel and hydrogel nanocomposite were synthesized using a radical polymerization technique in the absence and presence of TiO2 with LBG-cl-(acrylic acid (AA)-co-acrylamide (AAm)). Various analytical instruments Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-Ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) were used to elucidate the chemical structure and surface morphology of the prepared samples. Using a batch adsorption experiment, the Langmuir isotherm model showed that LBG-cl-p(AA-co-AAm) hydrogel had a maximum adsorption capacity of 1540.9 mg/g and LBG-cl-(AA-co-AAm)/TiO2 hydrogel nanocomposites had a maximum adsorption capacity of 1273.4 mg/g at neutral pH. The thermodynamic data demonstrated that MB dye was removed via spontaneous adsorption. Furthermore, the regeneration study showed good recyclability for the obtained hydrogel nanocomposites through six consecutive reusable cycles. Therefore, the hydrogel nanocomposites are an effective adsorbent for the removal of MB dye from aqueous solutions.
Effects of different combinations of mechanical loading intensity, duration, and frequency on the articular cartilage in mice
Authors: Wakimoto Yoshio , Miura Yasushi , Inoue Shota , Nomura Masato , Moriyama Hideki
Published: July 2024

Background

Understanding how healthy articular cartilage responds to mechanical loading is critical. Moderate mechanical loading has positive effects on the cartilage, such as maintaining cartilage homeostasis. The degree of mechanical loading is determined by a combination of intensity, frequency, and duration; however, the best combination of these parameters for knee cartilage remains unclear. This study aimed to determine which combination of intensity, frequency, and duration provides the best mechanical loading on healthy knee articular cartilage in vitro and in vivo.

Methods and results

In this study, 33 male mice were used. Chondrocytes isolated from mouse knee joints were subjected to different cyclic tensile strains (CTSs) and assessed by measuring the expression of cartilage matrix-related genes. Furthermore, the histological characteristics of mouse tibial cartilages were quantified using different treadmill exercises. Chondrocytes and mice were divided into the control group and eight intervention groups: high-intensity, high-frequency, and long-duration; high-intensity, high-frequency, and short-duration; high-intensity, low-frequency, and long-duration; high-intensity, low-frequency, and short-duration; low-intensity, high-frequency, and long-duration; low-intensity, high-frequency, and short-duration; low-intensity, low-frequency, and long-duration; low-intensity, low-frequency, and short-duration. In low-intensity CTSs, chondrocytes showed anabolic responses by altering the mRNA expression of COL2A1 in short durations and SOX9 in long durations. Furthermore, low-intensity, low-frequency, and long-duration treadmill exercises minimized chondrocyte hypertrophy and enhanced aggrecan synthesis in tibial cartilages.

Conclusion

Low-intensity, low-frequency, and long-duration mechanical loading is the best combination for healthy knee cartilage to maintain homeostasis and activate anabolic responses. Our findings provide a significant scientific basis for exercise and lifestyle instructions.
Microstructure of Cr2O3 Scales Grown in Ar-5H2O-(5H2) at 850 °C
Authors: Nguyen Thuan Dinh , Zhang Jianqiang , Young David J.
Published: July 2024

Model alloy, Fe-20Cr (wt%), was oxidized in two gas mixtures Ar-5H2O-(5H2) (vol%) at 850 °C. The alloy formed Cr2O3 scales in both gases. The Cr2O3 scale developed faster in Ar-5H2O-5H2 and contained fine pores, whilst that grown in Ar-5H2O was dense. Experiments with inert SiO2 marker revealed that the Cr2O3 scale growth in Ar-5H2O-(5H2) was controlled mainly by outward Cr diffusion. When adjusted for grain boundary diffusion effects, Wagner’s theory was successful in describing the hydrogen effect, provided that the Cr2O3 scales are n-type.
Investor clientele and intraday patterns in the cross section of stock returns
Authors: Chen Jian , Haboub Ahmad , Khan Ali , Mahmud Syed
Published: July 2024

This paper examines the existence of a well documented (Heston et al. in J Finance 65:1369–1407) (hereafter HKS 2010) intraday momentum pattern in the cross section of stock returns for three previously un-examined markets outside the US—UK, China and Brazil. While the stocks in UK and Brazil exhibit the pattern, the evidence from China is lacklustre. We utlitlize the presence of dual listed A-shares (dominated by domestic retail investors) and their B- and H-share counterparts (dominated by foreign institutional investors) of the same firms which provide a natural experiment setting to analyse the impact of investor clientele on the proliferation of HKS (2010) pattern. Our findings indicate that pattern is much weaker in A-shares (owned mostly by domestic retail investors) as compared to their B- and H-share counterparts. As a further robustness test we examine the impact of an exogenous shock that leads to an increase in institutional ownership namely the partial index inclusion of A-shares in the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) Emerging Markets Index. Our findings indicate an increasing level of the manifestation of the intraday pattern upon inclusion of A-shares to the MSCI.
Influence of Local Aperture Heterogeneity on Invading Fluid Connectivity During Rough Fracture Drainage
Authors: Phillips Tomos , Bultreys Tom , Van Stappen Jeroen , Singh Kamaljit , Achuo Dze Sahyuo , Van Offenwert Stefanie , Callow Ben , Borji Mostafa , Boersheim Erik Clemens , Novak Vladimir , Schlepütz Christian M. , Cnudde Veerle , Doster Florian , Busch Andreas
Published: July 2024

Determining the (in)efficiency of wetting phase displacement by an invading non-wetting phase (drainage) in a single fracture is key to modelling upscaled properties such as relative permeability and capillary pressure. These constitutive relationships are fundamental to quantifying the contribution, or lack thereof, of conductive fracture systems to long-term leakage rates. Single-fracture-scale modelling and experimental studies have investigated this process, however, a lack of visualization of drainage in a truly representative sample at sufficient spatial and temporal resolution limits their predictive insights. Here, we used fast synchrotron X-ray tomography to image drainage in a natural geological fracture by capturing consecutive 2.75 μm voxel images with a 1 s scan time. Drainage was conducted under capillary-dominated conditions, where percolation-type patterns are expected. We observe this continuously connected invasion (capillary fingering) only to be valid in local regions with relative roughness, λb ≤ 0.56. Fractal dimension analysis of these invasion patterns strongly aligns with capillary fingering patterns previously reported in low λb fractures and porous media. Connected invasion is prevented from being the dominant invasion mechanism globally due to high aperture heterogeneity, where we observe disconnected invasion (snap-off, fragmented clusters) to be pervasive in local regions where λb ≥ 0.67. Our results indicate that relative roughness has significant control on flow as it influences fluid conductivity and thus provides an important metric to predict invasion dynamics during slow drainage.
Death from Failed Protection? An Evolutionary-Developmental Theory of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
Authors: Renz-Polster Herbert , Blair Peter S. , Ball Helen L. , Jenni Oskar G. , De Bock Freia
Published: July 2024

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) has been mainly described from a risk perspective, with a focus on endogenous, exogenous, and temporal risk factors that can interact to facilitate lethal outcomes. Here we discuss the limitations that this risk-based paradigm may have, using two of the major risk factors for SIDS, prone sleep position and bed-sharing, as examples. Based on a multipronged theoretical model encompassing evolutionary theory, developmental biology, and cultural mismatch theory, we conceptualize the vulnerability to SIDS as an imbalance between current physiologic-regulatory demands and current protective abilities on the part of the infant. From this understanding, SIDS appears as a developmental condition in which competencies relevant to self-protection fail to develop appropriately in the future victims. Since all of the protective resources in question are bound to emerge during normal infant development, we contend that SIDS may reflect an evolutionary mismatch situation—a constellation in which certain modern developmental influences may overextend the child’s adaptive (evolutionary) repertoire. We thus argue that SIDS may be better understood if the focus on risk factors is complemented by a deeper appreciation of the protective resources that human infants acquire during their normal development. We extensively analyze this evolutionary-developmental theory against the body of epidemiological and experimental evidence in SIDS research and thereby also address the as-of-yet unresolved question of why breastfeeding may be protective against SIDS.
Increased infiltration of M2-polarized tumour-associated macrophages is highly associated with advanced disease stage and high expression of PD-L1 in buccal mucosa carcinoma
Authors: Sun Hao-Jia , Zheng Zhui-Feng , Zhang Li-Jun , Fang Le , Fu Hua , Chen Shao-Yang , Feng Rong-Xiu , Liu Xiao-Yang , Tang Qing-Nan , Liu Xue-Wen
Published: July 2024

Objective

To assess the infiltration characteristics of tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) in buccal mucosa carcinoma (BMC) and the correlation of these features with clinicopathological factors.

Materials and methods

Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of TAM-related markers (CD68, CD163, CD206), CD8+ T cell markers, PD-L1, and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in 46 patients with mucosal cancer after radical surgery. In addition, the correlation between TAM infiltration and clinical characteristics, PD-L1 expression, and EGFR expression was analysed.

Results

A high infiltration level of M2-polarized (CD206+) TAMs and M2-polarized (CD163+) TAMs was more common in stage T3–T4, N+, III–IV patients than in other patient groups (P < 0.05). The infiltration degree of M2-polarized (CD68+) TAMs was positively correlated with the PD-L1 TPS (P = 0.0331). The infiltration level of M2-polarized (CD206+) TAMs was higher in the EGFR high expression group than in the EGFR low expression group (P = 0.040).

Conclusion

High infiltration of M2-polarized TAMs is highly associated with advanced disease stage and higher expression of PD-L1 and EGFR in BMCs, suggesting that M2-polarized TAMs infiltration can serve as a potential therapeutic target.
The Age of Datafeudalism: From Digital Panopticon to Synthetic Democracy
Authors: Saura García Carlos
Published: July 2024

In “Datafeudalism: The Domination of Modern Societies by Big Tech Companies” (Saura García in Phil Technol 37(3):1–18, 2024a) I analysed the concept of datafeudalism and its implications for the proper functioning of democracy. In this article, I put forward the hypothesis that big digital companies are exercising domination over the current social context and its different functional spheres, such as politics and democracy, and critique the negative implications that datafeudalism is having for the proper functioning of modern democratic systems. In this regard, Wörsdörfer (Phil Technol 37(3):1–5, 2024) has offered a critical commentary on the content in question. In particular, he focuses his discourse on the concept of the digital panopticon and its link with datafeudalism. The following replay present a reasoned response to these questions.