bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corrosion Resistance and Forming Mechanism of the Lauric Acid/Graphene Composite Films on Aluminum Alloy by Electrodeposition
Authors: Li Jiaping , Li Jiaojiao , Liu Yanhong , Wen Yuqing , Jiang Jiqiong , Shang Wei , Peng Ning
Published: March 2021

Aluminum alloys are widely used in many fields because their advantages. However, the life of aluminum alloys is largely affected by the corrosion environment. So, it is important to conduct corrosion resistance treatment on aluminum alloys. Herein, the composite film of lauric acid (LA)/graphene is prepared by electrodeposition on aluminum alloys. The morphology, structure, wettability, and chemical compositions are characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), water contact angle (WCA), Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectra, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The electrochemical tests and the corrosion resistance of the composite film are investigated. It is found that the composite film improves the corrosion resistance of the aluminum alloys. Compared with aluminum alloys substrate, the resistance value of the composite film increases by two orders, the corrosion current density decreases by three orders, and the salt spray test time reaches 386 h. Meanwhile, the study of computational chemistry indicates that LA and graphene are adsorbed on the aluminum alloy surface by the COAl chemical bond. Finally, the film‐forming mechanism indicates that cerium ions induce LA in the process of electrodeposition, which makes LA form chemical bonds with aluminum alloys on the metal surface to form films.
Highly Stretchable, Adhesive, Biocompatible, and Antibacterial Hydrogel Dressings for Wound Healing
Authors: Yang Zifeng , Huang Rongkang , Zheng Bingna , Guo Wentai , Li Chuangkun , He Wenyi , Wei Yingqi , Du Yang , Wang Huaiming , Wu Dingcai , Wang Hui
Published: March 2021

Treatment of wounds in special areas is challenging due to inevitable movements and difficult fixation. Common cotton gauze suffers from incomplete joint surface coverage, confinement of joint movement, lack of antibacterial function, and frequent replacements. Hydrogels have been considered as good candidates for wound dressing because of their good flexibility and biocompatibility. Nevertheless, the adhesive, mechanical, and antibacterial properties of conventional hydrogels are not satisfactory. Herein, cationic polyelectrolyte brushes grafted from bacterial cellulose (BC) nanofibers are introduced into polydopamine/polyacrylamide hydrogels. The 1D polymer brushes have rigid BC backbones to enhance mechanical property of hydrogels, realizing high tensile strength (21–51 kPa), large tensile strain (899–1047%), and ideal compressive property. Positively charged quaternary ammonium groups of tethered polymer brushes provide long‐lasting antibacterial property to hydrogels and promote crawling and proliferation of negatively charged epidermis cells. Moreover, the hydrogels are rich in catechol groups and capable of adhering to various surfaces, meeting adhesive demand of large movement for special areas. With the above merits, the hydrogels demonstrate less inflammatory response and faster healing speed for in vivo wound healing on rats. Therefore, the multifunctional hydrogels show stable covering, little displacement, long‐lasting antibacteria, and fast wound healing, demonstrating promise in wound dressing.
A novel program to enhance pediatric emergency medicine training in Thailand
Authors: Burns Beech , Bailey Jessica , Hartenstein Melinda , Sullivan Danielle , Burns Erin , Lin Amber , Chan Daniela , Plainkum Parit , Techapaitoon Surangkana , Pandee Uthen , Ma O. John
Published: March 2021

Background

In Thailand, there are few pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) fellowship‐trained providers, and emergency departments (EDs) are staffed by pediatricians and emergency physicians. Our pediatric ED collaborated with Thailand's largest private hospital system to develop a training program designed to improve emergency care for children.

Objective

The objective was to develop, implement, and assess the efficacy of a curriculum to improve PEM care by emergency providers in a Thai health system.

Methods

We conducted a prospective study from January 2018 to July 2019. After an initial needs assessment, we developed a curriculum with 22 modules, divided into basic and advanced courses. Each course began with baseline testing, consisting of written tests and several simulated cases led by physician–nurse teams. Each course was administered longitudinally through electronic modules over 6 months, with in‐person shadowing and skills workshops at the course midpoint, culminating in final summative examinations and repeat simulation testing.

Results

On written examination scores for the basic course, physicians (n = 5) improved by 37.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 29.8% to 45.4%, p < 0.001), while nurses (n = 5) improved by 55.7% (95% CI = 45.8% to 65.6%, p < 0.001). For simulation testing among physician–nurse dyads, performance improved by 19.5% (95% CI = 3.9% to 35.1%, p = 0.004) for critical action items and by 3.0 points (95% CI = 2.3 to 3.7, p < 0.001) on a 16‐point teamwork scale. For the advanced course, physicians improved on the written examination by 36.9% (95% CI = 29.2% to 44.7%, p < 0.001) and nurses by 50.6 (95% CI = 47.3% to 54.0%, p < 0.001). For simulation testing, performance improved from 22.2% (95% CI = 8.2% to 35.6%, p < 0.001) for critical actions and 1.3 points (95% CI = 0.2 to 2.2, p = 0.005) on teamwork measures.

Conclusions

We designed an interdisciplinary curriculum and successfully trained Thai physicians and nurses to improve PEM knowledge and teamwork.
Using Edpuzzle to improve student experience and performance in the biochemistry laboratory
Authors: Shelby Shameka J. , Fralish Zachary D.
Published: March 2021

Student preparation has been shown to be of appreciable importance to student success in laboratory components of science courses. To promote student engagement prior to each laboratory session, technique and content videos, online assessments, and additional methods aiming to decrease cognitive load have been put into effect. Edpuzzle allows for instructors to effectively combine all of these components on a free, user‐friendly, cloud‐based platform. To improve student experience and performance in the introductory Biochemistry laboratory, Edpuzzle videos were incorporated into the curriculum. Ten videos were created and assigned to students on the platform. The platform allowed students to view the videos at their own pace and provided immediate feedback from assessments embedded within the videos. Student perceptions of Edpuzzle were favorable and the platform helped to promote student engagement in the material prior to the laboratory session which resulted in improvements in the Biochemistry lab experience. Edpuzzle has shown to be a highly effective tool for student engagement in the Biochemistry laboratory and can be utilized in other undergraduate laboratories as a replacement for existing pre‐laboratory preparation methods.
Selectively Probing Neurochemicals in Living Animals with Electrochemical Systems
Authors: Jin Ying , Li Xin , Jiang Ying
Published: March 2021

Neurochemicals are essential molecules presented in the central nervous system that are primarily involved in neural activity and signaling. Neurochemical abnormalities resulted from genetic or environmental changes can lead to several behavioral and neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. It is therefore imperative to employ detection systems of the optimal selectivity and spatio‐temporal resolution to ascertain the specific molecular basis particular to the pathological process. Electrochemical systems featuring excellent temporal‐spatial resolution and designable electrode interface are arguably the most versatile and widely used approaches for sensing of neurochemicals in living brain environment. Nevertheless, there are still many challenges that must be addressed to enable highly selective, sensitive, and stable in vivo electrochemical sensors and facilitate their development for emerging applications ranging from early diagnosis of brain diseases to designing potential curative treatments. Here, we provide a brief overview of the application of electrochemical sensors and biosensors in the analysis of neurochemicals in living animals. In particular, we highlight recent advances in modulating the physicochemical properties of electrode that can lead to in vivo sensors with exceptional selectivity. In addition, future trends of highly selective in vivo electrochemical systems are prospected.
Polydopamine‐Mediated Surface Functionalization of Exosomes
Authors: Wang Chenyu , Kimura Kenta , Li Jincai , Richardson Joseph J. , Naito Mitsuru , Miyata Kanjiro , Ichiki Takanori , Ejima Hirotaka
Published: March 2021

Exosomes are cell‐derived extracellular vesicles that hold promise for diagnosis and therapy. The surface characteristics of exosomes dictate their biological fate and are therefore important for various applications, however surface modification strategies are generally either limited in scope or require complex equipment or experimental procedures. Herein, we employ a simple and fast method to control the surface properties of exosomes via polydopamine coating. Specifically, the polydopamine coating allowed for tailorable functionalization via secondary reactions, which opens exciting avenues for the application of exosomes.
Late Palaeocene to Early Eocene biostratigraphic framework from Upper Indus Basin, Pakistan, Eastern Tethys
Authors: Swati Muhammad Azhar Farooq , Hanif Muhammad , Haneef Muhammad , Saboor Abdus
Published: March 2021

This investigation resulted in the biostratigraphic framework of the Upper Palaeocene–Lower Eocene rocks from the Upper Indus Basin, Pakistan, Eastern Tethys. The Patala Formation of the Chinjana Nala, Surghar Range of the Upper Indus Basin, was selected for this purpose. Lithologically, the Patala Formation is composed of shale and limestone interbeds. Three different fossil groups – smaller benthic foraminifera, planktic foraminifera, and calcareous nanno‐planktons – are used to establish a biostratigraphic framework for the Patala Formation. The biozones recognized in this study include: (a) bathyal benthic biozones, BB1 and BB2 of the Late Palaeocene and Early Eocene, respectively; (b) planktic biozones, P4 and P5 of the Late Palaeocene, while E1 and E2 of the Early Eocene; and (c) Calcareous Nanno‐planktons biozones: the NP9, which is further divided into NP9a and NP9b of the Late Palaeocene and Early Eocene, respectively. These biozones have been integrated to identify the Palaeocene–Eocene (P–E) boundary interval by applying widely used biostratigraphic criteria (i.e.,Rhomboaster‐Discoaster[RD]‐assemblage of calcareous nanno‐planktons). In this study, we have considered the lithological interval between ChN/TP‐16 and ChN/TP‐17 as a marker horizon for the P–E boundary interval, which provided a basis for the correlation of locally established biozones with those established Tethys wide, that is, Pak‐DIV to part of Pak‐DVI correlated to SRX‐1 and SRX‐2, which are equivalent to BB1, P4, P5, and NP9a. Similarly, parts of the Pak‐DVI and Pak‐DVII are correlated to SRX‐3, which are equivalent to BB2, E1, E2, and NP9b within the study.
Ultrasound examination of the equine acute abdomen
Authors: Manso‐Díaz Gabriel
Published: March 2021

Background: Abdominal pain is one of the most common causes of emergency in equine practice. The origin of these clinical signs is wide ranging; therefore, the treatment and prognosis can vary significantly. The use of imaging modalities, especially ultrasonography, for the diagnosis of abdominal diseases in horses has become widely available and currently plays a crucial role in the diagnostic work‐up of colic.

Aim of the article: This article describes the use of ultrasound for assessing the equine abdomen and guides the equine practitioner on the diagnostic features of the most common diseases that can cause colic in horses.
Addressing the Doula Paradox: An Analysis and Reimagining of a Changing Role in Reproductive Justice
Authors: Krapf Jasmine
Published: March 2021

The history of obstetrics and obstetric violence shows that, historically, midwifery has been just as safe, if not safer than in‐hospital birth. Using Michel Foucault's Discipline and Punish as a theoretical framework, we can see how hospitals, like most social institutions, function as disciplinary forces for social control. In this article, I analyze the hospital doula as an example of Foucault's docile body to demonstrate how doulas act as reformists while indirectly furthering the medicalization of birth and the marginalization of the midwife within the institution through assigned subservience and cultural assimilation. In addition to textual analysis of other scholars' work on birth and birthing in the US, I employ narrative theory and autoethnography of my several years' experience as an in‐hospital doula to reimagine the doula's role and propose sustainable and practical solutions to obstetric violence and medicalization. I argue that doulas, as midwifery advocates, can assist in shifting the birthing paradigm from obstetrics to midwifery by dispelling myths about home birth and by informing clients about the safety of midwife‐supported pregnancy and birth.
Excavating One Anthropologist's Investigation into Conservation‐Based Conflicts in Northern‐Most Mongolia—A Brief Exposition
Authors: Rasiulis Nicolas
Published: March 2021

This photo essay addresses conservation‐based conflicts that stem from the Tengis–Shishged National Park and are imbricated in broader institutional processes, drawing on seven months of eth(n)ography conducted in 2014–2018 among Dukha hunter‐gatherer reindeer pastoralists in northernmost Mongolia. I elaborate some of the institutional, social, and economic dimensions of these conflicts and expose a history of my own multifaceted learning process in and beyond the field. Excavating this history serves as a means to convey topical knowledge and affords a deeper appreciation of how learning takes place. Dispositions emerge in mutually generative counterpoint with experience(s), skills, and inclinations through various stages of anthropological practice, namely (though not exclusively) fieldwork. I do this hoping to bring attention not only to the existence of conflicts over the national park and their effects on Dukha people, but also to some of the subtleties that make these conflicts and effects so contentious. In doing so, I highlight the salience of anthropological practice and dispositions and the time and phasal oscillations that go into them for understanding and pragmatically engaging with contemporary social issues, whether they be localized, systemic, or some multi‐scalaramalgamof the two. I briefly introduce the term ‘eth(n)ograph/y/ic,’ which develops van Dooren and Rose's (2016).notion of more‐than‐ merely‐human “ethography” by combining ‘ethnos’ and ‘ethos.’ I develop this concept because I wish to emphasize how anthropological attention to ethea often exceeds focus on any one distinct ethnicity and, indeed, species.
Planning an Analysis of Student Stress During a Pandemic: Adapting Bioanthropological Methods to Social Distance Guidelines
Authors: Harkins Amanda R. , Lucas Alina P. , Strickland Devyn L.
Published: March 2021

Undergraduate college students are overworked and under great stress. Before the recent pandemic, we were interested in understanding this stress and its ramifications on our diet and health. Northern Arizona University (NAU) is an important place to do this type of research, as many first‐generation students enroll here. First‐generation students may have a difficult time asking for help with their studies and are more prone to dropping out of college than students with family college experience. As interns in a Biological Anthropology laboratory, we looked for ways to use bioanthropological methods to understand this stress andwererecently awarded funds from NAU to conduct human hair research on fellow students. We proposed to analyze both qualitative and quantitative data to determine the correlations between different aspects of a student's stress level, dietary habits, and health and plan to collaborate with a bioarchaeologist, an anthropological human biologist, and a hormone biologist to examine these correlations from as many angles as possible. With the COVID‐19 pandemic, we have had to restructure our methods and hypotheses to better account for the new stressors that are affecting students. In this commentary, we discuss the specifics of these new stressors students are facing ‐ including a modified school calendar and student job loss ‐ and propose best practices for biological research of this nature during a pandemic.
In vivo behaviors of highly flexible paper consisting of ultralong hydroxyapatite nanowires
Authors: Kashiwada Hajime , Shimizu Yoshinaka , Sano Yuya , Yamauchi Kensuke , Guang Hong , Kumamoto Hiroyuki , Unuma Hidero , Zhu Ying‐Jie
Published: March 2021

This study was conducted in order to investigate biological compatibility of a thin and flexible hydroxyapatite (HAP) paper which consists of ultralong hydroxyapatite nanowires. Circular‐shaped cranial bone defects with a diameter of 8.8 mm were prepared to expose the dura maters in Wistar rats. The similar‐sized, circular‐shaped HAP paper was placed at the bottom of the bone defects. After 2, 4, and 8 weeks, the rats were sacrificed, and the experimental sections were examined by micro‐CT scanning and histological observation. The HAP paper covered with fibrous tissues showed no inflammatory cell infiltration, and their thicknesses decreased over time. Tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase‐positive osteoclast‐like cells were induced around the edges of the HAP paper along with the exfoliation of the HAP paper. The newly‐formed bones were observed in the bone‐defected areas, either with a direct contact with the HAP paper or through thin fibrous tissues. The HAP paper‐induced osteoblast differentiation was confirmed since the alkaline phosphatase activities were detected on the surfaces of the HAP paper. These results indicated that the HAP paper may induce osteogenesis without causing any harmful effects. The highly flexible HAP paper can contribute to further development of bone regenerative therapy.
How does perceived residential environment quality influence life satisfaction? Evidence from urban China
Authors: Zhou Kui , Tan Jing , Watanabe Kojiro
Published: March 2021

Against the background of fast‐paced aging and urbanization in China, the current study proposed a “Residential environment—Emotional health‐Life satisfaction” framework to investigate the associations among perceived residential environment quality (PREQ), positive affect (PA), social trust (ST), and life satisfaction (LS) of old adults. Data used were from a nationwide survey and covered 3825 people aged 60 years or older living in urban communities. The partial least squares‐structural equation modeling approach was adopted to verify hypotheses. The results found that (1) PREQ, PA, and ST were positively correlated with LS; (2) ST mediated the relationship between PREQ and LS; and (3) people who are men, living without children, high environmental perception, and with a workout habit were more sensitively to PREQ. These findings indicate that improving the residential environment helps to promote the mental health of the Chinese urban elderly, which may have some implications for establishing an age‐friendly community.
Dual‐composite drag‐reduction surface based on the multilayered structure and mechanical properties of tuna skin
Authors: Chen Dengke , Cui Xianxian , Chen Huawei
Published: March 2021

Energy efficiency and friction reduction have attracted considerable research attention. To design low drag surfaces, researchers derived inspiration from nature on various types of drag reduction methods with exceptional functional surfaces, such as fish skin that possesses low friction. Fishes with high‐performance swimming possess a range of physiological and mechanical adaptations that are of considerable interest to physiologists, ecologists, and engineers. Although tuna is a fast‐swimming ocean‐based predator, most people focus their attention on its nutritional value. In this study, the multilayered structures and mechanical properties of tuna skin are first analyzed, and then the drag‐reduction effect of the bionic fish‐scale and dual‐composite surfaces are studied based on the computational fluid dynamics method. The results indicate that tuna skin is composed of five layers, with the fish scale covered by a flexible epidermis layer. According to the uniaxial tension results, the modulus and tensile strength of the epidermis are obtained as 1.17 and 20 MPa, respectively. The nanoindentation results show that the modulus and hardness of the outer surface of the fish scale are larger than that of the inner surface, while those of the dry state are larger than those of the hydrated state. The simulation results show that both the bionic fish‐scale and dual‐composite surfaces display drag reduction, with the maximum drag‐reduction rate of 25.7% achieved by the bionic dual‐composite surface. These findings can offer a reference for in‐depth performance analysis of the hydrodynamics of tuna and provide new sources of inspiration for drag reduction and antifouling.
Bowel Wall Visualization Using MR Enterography in Relationship to Bowel Lumen Contents and Patient Demographics
Authors: Zhang Ting Ting , Chang Wei‐Chou , Wang Zhen Jane , Sun Derek C. , Ohliger Michael A. , Yeh Benjamin M.
Published: March 2021

Background

MR enterography (MRE) is generally performed without bowel preparation, but the frequency and extent by which bowel contents affect bowel wall visualization are poorly described in the literature.

Purpose

To evaluate MRE bowel wall visualization quality relative to bowel lumen contents and patient demographics.

Study Type

Retrospective, single‐center.

Population

One hundred and four consecutive patients (mean age 29 years, range 5–76 years) without prior bowel resection who had undergone MRE.

Field Strength/Sequence

3 T (N = 87) or 1.5 T (N = 17)/T2‐weighted single‐shot spin echo (T2WI) and fat‐saturated T1‐weighted gradient echo (T1WI) without and with gadolinium.

Assessment

For the proximal and distal jejunum and ileum and colon, three readers independently categorized bowel lumen signal (water = bright T2 dark T1, T1‐bright, or air = dark T2 and T1 signal) and scored distension (0 = poor, 1 = moderate, 2 = well) and wall enhancement (0 = unclear, 1 = perceptible, 2 = clear) based upon gadolinium enhanced T1WI for the 104 MRE exams). The bowel visualization score was the sum of the wall enhancement and distension scores and was considered adequate if ≥3.

Statistical Tests

Wilcoxon signed‐rank test.

Results

The bowel lumen content was water signal in 93% (97/104 scans), 92% (95/104), 98% (102/104), and 93% (92/104) of the proximal and distal jejunum and proximal and distal ileum, respectively, but only in 12.5% (13/104) of the colon. There was adequate bowel visualization of 53.8%, 77.8%, 84.6%, 90.4% of the proximal and distal jejunum and proximal and distal ileum, respectively, but only 19.2% of the colon. In children (age < 18 years), the visualization score of the ileum was lower when the adjacent colon contained air (2.4 ± 0.97) compared to water (3.75 ± 0.29, P < 0.05) or T1‐bright material (3.21 ± 0.82, P < 0.05).

Data Conclusion

Without bowel preparation, colon wall visualization was often unsatisfactory at MRE, and air‐filled colon also degraded small bowel visualization, particularly in children.

Level of Evidence

4

Technical Efficacy

Stage 1
Reducing the rise in adolescent suicide during COVID‐19
Authors: Carney Caroline
Published: March 2021

The pressures of the pandemic have taken a tough toll on mental health, with more youth and young adults seeking emergency care for mental health issues and suicidal ideation. As we enter year two of COVID‐19, a multifaceted approach is needed to ease the mental health impact of the pandemic on children, teens and young adults.
Fluid Needs in the Older Adult Receiving Tube Feedings
Authors: Lord Linda M.
Published: March 2021

Fluid imbalance can occur quickly in older adults and in others who cannot express thirst or are in a setting where fluid status is not closely monitored. In tube‐fed individuals receiving inadequate calories, severe malnutrition may occur in weeks to months, but improper water intake may lead to critical fluid imbalances in a matter of days. Simplistic equations frequently used to determine fluid needs in adults include milliliters per kilogram of body weight and milliliters per energy (kilocalories) consumed or per energy (kilocalories) need and variations of the Holliday‐Segar formula. None of these fluid‐requirement equations have been validated through evidenced‐based science, and research investigations have revealed that they can grossly overestimate or underestimate fluid needs in the older adult. Clinicians need guidance to better estimate initial fluid needs for the older adult receiving tube feedings and to provide proper close monitoring afterward to avert preventable fluid imbalance–related hospital readmissions, morbidities, and mortalities in this patient population.
Impact modification of fiber reinforced polypropylene composites with flexible poly(ethylene terephthalate) fibers
Authors: Várdai Róbert , Lummerstorfer Thomas , Pretschuh Claudia , Jerabek Michael , Gahleitner Markus , Faludi Gábor , Móczó János , Pukánszky Béla
Published: March 2021

Polypropylene (PP) hybrid composites were prepared by the combination of traditional reinforcements (wood, glass, carbon) and poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) fibers. Interfacial adhesion was improved by the use of maleated PP (MAPP). The composites contained 20 wt% of the traditional reinforcement and the amount of PET fiber changed from 0 to 40 wt% in them. Tensile and impact testing were complemented by acoustic emission testing and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to follow deformation and failure processes. The results obtained proved that the impact strength of hybrid PP composites can be improved in the presence of all stiff fibers and not only wood as shown earlier. Approximately the same impact resistance can be achieved in all composites, which depends on the amount of PET fiber used; an impact strength as large as 15 kJ m−2 can be obtained with the approach. The large impact resistance is the result of the local deformation processes initiated by the polymeric fiber. Irrespectively of the strength of interfacial adhesion, the main local process is the debonding and/or pullout of the PET fibers, which facilitates also the plastic deformation of the matrix polymer. Other properties depend on the type of the reinforcement and on interfacial adhesion. The application of carbon fibers results in composites with large stiffness, while at good adhesion the strength of glass fiber reinforced composites is the largest. The proper selection of components, composition and interfacial adhesion allows the adjustment of overall composite properties in a relatively wide range. © 2021 The Authors. Polymer International published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Ground glass and fibrotic change in children with surfactant protein C dysfunction mutations
Authors: DeBoer Emily M. , Liptzin Deborah R. , Humphries Stephen M. , Lynch David A. , Robison Kyle , Galambos Csaba , Dishop Megan K. , Deterding Robin R. , Weinman Jason P.
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Therapeutics exist to treat fibrotic lung disease in adults, but these have not been investigated in children. Defining biomarkers for pediatric fibrotic lung disease in children is crucial for clinical trials. Children with surfactant protein C (SFTPC) dysfunction mutations develop fibrotic lung disease over time. We evaluated chest computed tomography (CT) changes over time in children with SFTPC dysfunction mutations.

Methods

We performed an institutional review board‐approved retrospective review of children with SFTPC dysfunction mutations. We collected demographic and clinical information. Chest CT scans were evaluated using visual and computerized scores. Chest CT scores and pulmonary function tests were reviewed.

Results

Eleven children were included. All children presented in infancy and four children suffered from respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation. Those who performed pulmonary function tests had stable forced vital capacities over time by percent predicted, but increased forced vital capacity in liters. CT findings evolved over time in most patients with earlier CT scans demonstrating ground glass opacities and later CT scans with more fibrotic features. In a pilot analysis, data‐driven textural analysis software identified fibrotic features in children with SFTPC dysfunction that increased over time and correlated with visual CT scores.

Discussion

We describe 11 children with SFTPC dysfunction mutations. Increases in forced vital capacity over time suggest that these children experience lung growth and that therapeutic intervention may maximize lung growth. Ground glass opacities are the primary early imaging findings while fibrotic features dominate later. CT findings suggest the development of and increases in fibrotic features that may serve as potential biomarkers for antifibrotic therapeutic trials.
Biological and environmental factors as sources of variation in nocturnal behavior of giraffe
Authors: Burger Anna Lena , Hartig Johannes , Dierkes Paul W.
Published: March 2021

Upon a drastic decline of the giraffe population in the wild, conservation efforts and therefore the role of zoos have become more important than ever. With their unique opportunities, zoos provide excellent conditions to study animal behavior, expanding the knowledge about the giraffe's behavior repertoire and their ability to adapt. This study therefore examined the nocturnal behavior of 63 giraffe living in 13 different EAZA zoos across Germany and the Netherlands. Giraffe were observed and videos recorded via infrared sensitive cameras during the winter seasons 2015–2018. The observation period spanned nightly from 17:00 to 7:00. Thus, 198 nights, with a total of 2772 h were recorded and analyzed. Linear mixed models were then used to assess potential biological and environmental factors influencing behavior during the dark phase. Results show that individual variables such as age, subspecies and motherhood determined nocturnal activity and sleep behavior most. Among the variables studied, husbandry conditions and environmental factors complying with EAZA standards had no influence on the giraffe's nocturnal behavior. By combining nocturnal activity analyses and an assessment of potential influencing factors, our findings present a holistic approach to a better understanding of captive giraffe behavior and allow for management implications.
Innovation in Data Visualisation for Public Policy Making
Authors: Raineri Paolo , Molinari Francesco
Published: March 2021

In this contribution, we propose a reflection on the potential of data visualisation technologies for (informed) public policy making in a growingly complex and fast changing landscape—epitomized by the situation created after the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. Based on the results of an online survey of more than 50 data scientists from all over the world, we highlight five application areas seeing the biggest needs for innovation according to the domain specialists. Our main argument is that we are facing a transformation of the business cases supporting the adoption and implementation of data visualisation methods and tools in government, which the conventional view of the value of Business Intelligence does not capture in full. Such evolution can drive a new wave of innovations that preserve (or restore) the human brain’s centrality in a decision making environment that is increasingly dominated—for good and bad—by artificial intelligence. Citizen science, design thinking, and accountability are mentioned as triggers of civic engagement and participation that can bring a community of “knowledge intermediaries” into the daily discussion on data supported policy making.
A Turbulent History
Authors: Reames Donald V.
Published: March 2021

Large solar energetic-particle (SEP) events are clearly associated in time with eruptive phenomena on the Sun, but how? When large SEP events were first observed, flares were the only visible candidate, and diffusion theory was stretched to explain how the particles could spread through space, as widely as observed. The observation of coronal mass ejections (CMEs), and the wide, fast shock waves they can drive, provided better candidates later. Then small events were found with 1000-fold enhancements in 3He/4He that required a different kind of source—should we reconsider flares, or their open-field cousins, solar jets? The 3He-rich events were soon associated with the electron beams that produce type III radio bursts. It seems the radio astronomers knew of both SEP sources all along. Sometimes the distinction between the sources is blurred when shocks reaccelerate residual 3He-rich impulsive suprathermal ions. Eventually, however, we would even begin to measure the source-plasma temperature that helps to better distinguish the SEP sources.
High Energies and Radiation Effects
Authors: Reames Donald V.
Published: March 2021

In this chapter we characterize the high-energy spectra of protons that can penetrate shielding and determine the radiation dose to humans and equipment in space. High-energy spectral breaks or “knees”, seen in all large SEP events, determine the contribution of highly penetrating protons. The streaming limit, discussed earlier, places an upper bound on particle fluences early in events and the radial variation of intensities is important for near-solar and deep-space missions. The streaming limit is a strong function of radial distance from the Sun. We also consider requirements for a radiation storm shelter for deep space, a mission to Mars, suitability of exoplanets for life, and radiation-induced chemistry of the upper atmosphere of Earth.
Measurements of SEPs
Authors: Reames Donald V.
Published: March 2021

Those who study solar energetic particles (SEPs) should be aware of the basic types of experiments that have contributed most of the observations studied in this book, and especially the tradeoff of their strengths and weaknesses, and how they fail. However, this is not a comprehensive review, only an introduction. We focus on dE/dx vs. E instruments that are the workhorses of SEP studies, and also study time-of-flight vs. E instruments that dominate precision measurements below 1 MeV amu−1. Single-detector instruments and high-energy techniques are discussed briefly as are supplementary data and CME lists.
Element Abundances and FIP: SEPs, Corona, and Solar Wind
Authors: Reames Donald V.
Published: March 2021

We have used abundance measurements to identify the sources and the physical processes of acceleration and transport of SEPs. Here we study energetic particles themselves as samples of the solar corona that is their origin, distinguishing the corona from the photosphere and the SEPs from the solar wind. Theoretically, differences in the first ionization potential “FIP effect” may distinguish closed- and open-field regions at the base of the corona, which may also distinguish SEPs from the solar wind. There is not a single coronal FIP effect, but two patterns, maybe three. Are there variations? What about He?
Hydrogen Abundances and Shock Waves
Authors: Reames Donald V.
Published: March 2021

How well do protons fit into the abundance patterns of the other elements? Protons have Q = 1 and A/Q = 1 at all temperatures of interest. When does their relative abundance fit on the power law in A/Q defined by the elements with A/Q > 2? For small “pure” impulsive events, protons fit well, but for larger CME-associated impulsive events, where shock waves boost the intensities, protons are enhanced a factor of order ten by addition of seed protons from the ambient plasma. During most large gradual SEP events with strong shock waves, protons again fit the power law, but with weaker or quasi-perpendicular shock waves, dominated by residual impulsive seed particle abundances at high Z, again protons are enhanced. Proton enhancements occur when moderately weak shock waves happen to sample a two-component seed population with dominant protons from the ambient coronal plasma and impulsive suprathermal ions at high Z; thus proton-enhanced events are a surprising new signature of shock acceleration in jets. A/Q measures the rigidity dependence of both acceleration and transport but does not help us distinguish the two. Energy-spectral indices and abundances are correlated for most gradual events but not when impulsive ions are present; thus we end with powerful new correlations that probe both acceleration and transport.
Selbstorganisation als Enabler der Digitalisierung
Authors: Odermatt Sandra , Postler Eric
Published: March 2021

Die Arbeitswelt verändert sich. Unternehmen werden komplexer und neue Generationen von Arbeitnehmenden fordern neue Formen der Zusammenarbeit. Von dieser Entwicklung ist auch das Gesundheitswesen der Schweiz betroffen. Historisch gewachsene Hierarchien, wachsender Kosten- und Leistungsdruck sowie Fachkräftemangel zeigen dringenden Handlungsbedarf. Mittels Experteninterviews aus verschiedenen Branchen soll die grundsätzliche Eignung von Selbstorganisation untersucht werden und Handlungsempfehlungen für das Gesundheitswesen und das Schweizer Paraplegiker Zentrum abgeleitet werden. Selbstorganisation wird als Lösung vieler Führungsprobleme in Organisationen gesehen. Steigende Mitarbeiterzufriedenheit, höhere Produktivität und bessere Qualität durch kurze Entscheidungswege sowie geteilte Verantwortung sind nur einige davon. Grundsätzlich eignet sich Selbstorganisation für alle Organisationen, zentral ist jedoch die Schaffung eines gemeinsamen Verständnisses, Kulturwandel und ein neues Führungsverständnis.
Mit Nudging zu mehr Spenden auf Webseiten anregen
Authors: Keller Lukas , Harder Deane
Published: March 2021

In der Schweiz wurden im Jahr 2017 rund 1,85 Mrd. CHF an Nonprofitorganisationen (NPO) gespendet. Der Spendenmarkt ist gesättigt und durch die wachsende Anzahl an Stiftungen und Vereinen wächst der Wettbewerb weiter. Die NPOs müssen innovativ bleiben und das Fundraising weiterentwickeln, um langfristig überleben zu können. Eine Möglichkeit sind Onlinespenden, um Kosten zu sparen und eine größere Reichweite gegenüber herkömmlichen Medien zu erzielen. Um das Potenzial von Onlinespenden zu nutzen, werden in dieser Studie Soziale-Norm-Nudges zur Erhöhung der Spendenbereitschaft und Konversion auf Webseiten von NPO untersucht. Eine User-Gruppe bekam einen Nudge eingeblendet, eine Kontrollgruppe nicht. Anhand von Messwebapplikationen wie Google Analytics und Hotjar wurde das unterschiedliche Verhalten der beiden Gruppen aufgezeichnet. Statistisch wurde kein Einfluss der Nudges auf die Spendenbereitschaft oder Konversion festgestellt. Jedoch zeigten Heatmaps, wie das Klickverhalten und die Mausbewegungen der Webseitenbesucher waren. Daraus lässt sich ableiten, dass es durchaus Potenzial für Weiterentwicklungen gibt.
Die Haltung der Politik zu Digitalthemen mit Wirtschaftsbezug
Authors: Schwarz Daniel , Fivaz Jan , Neuroni Alessia
Published: March 2021

Der Handlungsrahmen von Digital Business hängt wesentlich von den Haltungen der politischen Entscheidungsträger ab. Im Vorfeld der Schweizer Wahlen 2019 wurden sämtliche Kandidierende zu ihrer Einstellung gegenüber verschiedensten Aspekten der Digitalisierung befragt. Der Beitrag wertet gezielt digitalpolitische Fragen mit Wirtschaftsbezug aus. Auf diese Weise wird ein Bild des in der Schweizer Politik vorherrschenden Bewusstseins und der Einstellungen gegenüber den Herausforderungen der Digitalisierung in der Wirtschaft gezeichnet. Es wird aufgezeigt, dass bei Themen wie der Verstärkung von Umschulungsangeboten oder der Verankerung internationaler Leitlinien für den Einsatz von künstlicher Intelligenz unter den Parteien breiter Konsens besteht. Hingegen herrschen bei Fragen des Arbeitnehmerschutzes oder bei sozialpolitischen Forderungen wie derjenigen eines bedingungslosen Grundeinkommens Konfliktmuster vor, die aus der Alltagspolitik bekannt sind. Für eine politisch erfolgreiche Bewältigung der digitalen Transformation wird es letztlich entscheidend sein, dass die Sensibilisierung für das Thema in Politik und Öffentlichkeit weiter vorangetrieben wird.
Digital Human Resource Management
Authors: Gurtner Andrea , Clerc Isabelle , Scheidegger Lena
Published: March 2021

Digitale Transformation im Human Resource Management (HRM) bedeutet zunehmende Virtualisierung der Arbeit und Zusammenarbeit mit künstlicher Intelligenz, neuen personalen Anforderungen sowie erhöhter Mitarbeitendenmobilität. Resultate einer Mixed-Methods-Studie in einer von klein- und mittelständischen Unternehmen (KMU)s und öffentlichen Verwaltungen geprägten Region der Schweiz zeigen, dass trotz hoher Relevanz der digitalen Transformation in den befragten Betrieben die Qualifikation der Mitarbeitenden als noch nicht ausreichend betrachtet wird. Neben fachlichen Schulungen ausgewählter Skills werden persönlichkeitsbezogene Fähigkeiten (beispielsweise Offenheit und Flexibilität) und ein damit verbundenes Mindset bzw. eine entsprechende Organisationskultur als zentral erkannt. HRM ist allerdings noch stark mit der Digitalisierung der eigenen Prozesse beschäftigt und läuft damit Gefahr, die Chance zu verpassen, als strategischer Partner die Entwicklungen im Unternehmen hin zu neuen digitalen und flexiblen Organisationskulturen mitzugestalten.
Employability 4.0
Authors: Wymann Bruno , Schellinger Jochen
Published: March 2021

Megatrends führen zu einem fundamentalen Wandel in der Arbeitswelt und stellen Unternehmen vor große Herausforderungen. Die Arbeitsmarktfähigkeit von Mitarbeitenden kann dabei zum wichtigen Erfolgsfaktor für die langfristige Wettbewerbsfähigkeit werden. Gleichzeitig führen die Arbeitsweltveränderungen auch zu neuen Anforderungen an die individuelle Arbeitsmarktfähigkeit der Mitarbeitenden. Anhand eines qualitativen Forschungsdesigns wurde für Schweizer Tochterunternehmen eines Industriekonzerns untersucht, welche Entwicklungen in der Schweizer Arbeitswelt zu erwarten sind, wie sich diese auf die Arbeitsmarktfähigkeit von Mitarbeitenden auswirken und wie das Human Resource Management (HRM) zur Arbeitsmarktfähigkeit der Mitarbeitenden beitragen kann. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass die Digitalisierung als relevantester Megatrend in der Arbeitswelt wahrgenommen wird und dass Anpassungsfähigkeit sowie lebenslanges Lernen der Mitarbeitenden essenziell für die Erhaltung und Förderung ihrer Arbeitsmarktfähigkeit sind.
Einleitung
Authors: Freigang Sirkka
Published: March 2021

Das Wissen der Zukunft ist vernetzt, dezentral und interdisziplinär. Im Zentrum dieser Herausforderung stehen menschliche Bedürfnisse und nicht technische Möglichkeiten. Die vorliegende Disseration basiert auf einer transdisziplinären Zusammenführung unterschiedlicher Fachdisziplinen und bündelt Erkenntnisse aus Bildungswissenschaften, Informatik und Architektur verbunden mit dem Ziel, Einflussbereiche und Erfolgsfaktoren zu identifizieren, die im Gestaltungsprozess von menschenzentrierten Smart Learning Environments berücksichtigt werden müssen.
Interdisziplinäre Grundlagen aus Pädagogik, Informatik und Architektur
Authors: Freigang Sirkka
Published: March 2021

Das Wissen der Zukunft ist vernetzt, dezentral und interdisziplinär. Im Zentrum dieser Herausforderung stehen menschliche Bedürfnisse und nicht technische Möglichkeiten. Die vorliegende Disseration basiert auf einer transdisziplinären Zusammenführung unterschiedlicher Fachdisziplinen und bündelt Erkenntnisse aus Bildungswissenschaften, Informatik und Architektur verbunden mit dem Ziel, Einflussbereiche und Erfolgsfaktoren zu identifizieren, die im Gestaltungsprozess von menschenzentrierten Smart Learning Environments berücksichtigt werden müssen.
Introduction
Authors: Gulati Ashok , Saini Shweta
Published: March 2021

Although agriculture accounts for about 16.5% of overall GDP in the country (2019–20), it remains central to the Indian economy as it still engages about 44% of the work force (in 2018–19; it was 47% in 2015–16) as per Labour Bureau, GOI. India is also going to be the most populous country in the world by 2027, according to population projections by the UN, and ensuring food security for this large mass of humanity is a daunting task, more so when it also has the largest number of poor and malnourished in the world (as per World Bank’s Development indicators). An average Indian household spends about 45% of its expenditure on food (this ratio stands at 60% for the poor in bottom expenditure group) (NSSO 2011). No wonder agriculture remains critical for India as it has implications not only for farmers in terms of their income, but also for consumers, especially with respect to ensuring food security to the poor and the malnourished.
Going Beyond Agricultural GDP to Farmers’ Incomes
Authors: Gulati Ashok , Saini Shweta , Roy Ranjana
Published: March 2021

An average Indian farm size is 1.08 ha (Agricultural Census 2015–16), and it has been shrinking over the decades (it was 2.3 ha in 1970–71).
Indian Agriculture Under PM Modi 1.0 2014–2018
Authors: Saini Shweta , Gulati Ashok
Published: March 2021

There has been no dearth of promises, slogans, new programmes and schemes ever since Mr. Narendra Modi commenced his first innings in 2014 as India’s Prime Minister.
Lepto-axiogenesis
Authors: Co Raymond T. , Fernandez Nicolas , Ghalsasi Akshay , Hall Lawrence J. , Harigaya Keisuke
Published: March 2021

Abstract

We propose a baryogenenesis mechanism that uses a rotating condensate of a Peccei-Quinn (PQ) symmetry breaking field and the dimension-five operator that gives Majorana neutrino masses. The rotation induces charge asymmetries for the Higgs boson and for lepton chirality through sphaleron processes and Yukawa interactions. The dimension-five interaction transfers these asymmetries to the lepton asymmetry, which in turn is transferred into the baryon asymmetry through the electroweak sphaleron process. QCD axion dark matter can be simultaneously produced by dynamics of the same PQ field via kinetic misalignment or parametric resonance, favoring an axion decay constant fa ≲ 1010 GeV, or by conventional misalignment and contributions from strings and domain walls with fa ∼ 1011 GeV. The size of the baryon asymmetry is tied to the mass of the PQ field. In simple supersymmetric theories, it is independent of UV parameters and predicts the supersymmtry breaking mass scale to be $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
(10 − 104) TeV, depending on the masses of the neutrinos and whether the condensate is thermalized during a radiation or matter dominated era. The high supersymmetry breaking mass scale may be free from cosmological and flavor/CP problems. We also construct a theory where TeV scale supersymmetry is possible. Parametric resonance may give warm axions, and the radial component of the PQ field may give signals in rare kaon decays from mixing with the Higgs and in dark radiation.