bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advancements and Prospects of Graphite Anode for Potassium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Yu Jiaxu , Jiang Mingchi , Zhang Wei , Li Guang , Soomro Razium Ali , Sun Ning , Xu Bin
Published: August 2023

Potassium‐ion batteries (KIBs) have recently attracted considerable attention owing to their resource abundance, low cost and environmental friendliness. Graphite as a mature commercial anode material for lithium‐ion batteries, has been proved as a promising anode candidate for KIBs by reversible forming potassium‐graphite intercalation compounds. However, large volume expansion and sluggish K+ kinetics caused by the incompatibility between large radius of K+ and the small interlayer spacing of graphite, result in the poor cycle stability and rate performances, hindering its practical application. Extensive research efforts have focused on improving the potassium storage performance of graphite anodes. This review provides an overview of recent advances in addressing these challenges and optimizing the electrochemical performance of graphite anodes for KIBs. Various strategies to improve the electrochemical performance of graphite and graphitic carbon anodes, such as microcrystalline regulation, heteroatom doping, morphological adjustment, and coating modification, are discussed, while the critical issues and challenges associated with graphite anodes and the prospects for their advancement in KIBs are highlighted. The review offers valuable guidelines for rational structural design and promotes the commercial development of high‐performance graphite anode materials for KIBs.
Bioinspired Supramolecular Hydrogel from Design to Applications
Authors: Gao Feng , Yang Xuhao , Song Wenlong
Published: August 2023

Nature offers a wealth of opportunities to solve scientific and technological issues based on its unique structures and function. The dynamic non‐covalent interaction is considered to be the main base of living functions of creatures including humans, animals, and plants. Supramolecular hydrogels formed by non‐covalent bonding interactions has become a unique platform for constructing promising materials for medicine, energy, electronic, and biological substitute. In this review, the self‐assemble principle of supramolecular hydrogels is summarized. Next, the stimulation of external environment that triggers the assembly or disassembly of supramolecular hydrogels are recapitulated, including temperature, mechanics, light, pH, ions, etc. The main applications of bioinspired supramolecular hydrogels in terms of bionic objects including humans, animals, and plants are also described. Although so many efforts are done for revealing the synergized mechanism of the function and non‐covalent interactions on the supramolecular hydrogel, the complexity and variability between stimulus and non‐covalent bonding in the supramolecular system still require impeccable theories. As an outlook, the bioinspired supramolecular hydrogel is just beginning to exhibit its great potential in human life, offering significant opportunities in drug delivery and screening, implantable devices and substitutions, tissue engineering, micro‐fluidic devices, and biosensors.
Advancing Efficiency and Stability of Lead, Tin, and Lead/Tin Perovskite Solar Cells: Strategies and Perspectives
Authors: Khadka Dhruba B. , Shirai Yasuhiro , Yanagida Masatoshi , Ryan James W. , Song Zhaoning , Barker Bobby G. , Dhakal Tara P. , Miyano Kenjiro
Published: August 2023

Halide‐perovskite‐based solar cells (HPSCs) have established themselves as a promising photovoltaic (PV) technology in a remarkably short time. The rapid improvement in HPSCs can be attributed to the unique material and optoelectronic properties of metal halide perovskite semiconductors coupled with a very knowledgeable and experienced PV community. This review briefly summarizes the chemistry of halide perovskites, delving into the fundamental aspects of crystal structure and optical bandgap, followed by a more in‐depth report on the advancements in HPSCs efficiencies, thanks to structural regulation, interfacial modulation, and thin‐film engineering. It is mainly focused on three metal halide perovskites topics: 1) high‐performance Pb‐based perovskites, 2) Sn‐based perovskites and their associated challenges, and 3) emerging work on mixed composition Pb–Sn perovskites. For each of these domains, the effects stemming from the tuning of the monovalent A‐site and the halide site are examined. Additionally, various approaches aimed at passivating defects in the bulk film and at the interface, along with carrier transport engineering, are discussed. The discussions also encompass the broader implications for device performance, stability, and material toxicity. Finally, perspectives on the future directions and the commercial feasibility of perovskite photovoltaic technologies are provided.
Black Women in higher education reclaiming our time
Authors: Howard‐Hamilton Mary F.
Published: August 2023

As editor of the 2003 New Directions for Student Services monograph that centered the experiences of Black women in US higher education, my present observation is this: although strides have been made, Black women continue to face stalling, stone walling, and diversion tactics that impede our inclusion in the academy. In this issue, we are “reclaiming our time” to refocus attention on issues that illuminate our current positioning in higher education, as well as strategies with potential to enhance our success and well‐being in the next 20 years.
The soundtrack of my life: A hip hop feminist playlist for black college women at PWIs
Authors: Payne Ashley N.
Published: August 2023

This article introduces the Soundtrack of My Life (STOML) as an interdisciplinary, arts‐based method used to explore perspectives regarding gendered racial identity among Black college women. Grounded in Hip Hop Feminism, this study included an analysis of album covers and song lyrics from playlists created by 10 Black college women and a focus group interview used to facilitate the STOML with these participants.
A special kind of hate: Black women college students’ experiences with gendered anti‐black incidents of violence on campus
Authors: Patton Lori D. , Haynes Chayla , Abukar Jasmine , McCollum Symone A.
Published: August 2023

No existing literature centers Black women college students (BWCS) who are targeted yet absent the discourse on anti‐black incidents at the intersection of gender. Using a 42‐case database, we highlight how BWCS are targeted with hate, discuss gender‐based racial trauma fueled by these incidents, and share recommendations for higher education.
For all my sisters: The impact of cisheteronormativity on scholarship about the gendered and sexualized experiences of Black college women
Authors: McCloud Laila I. , West Nicole M.
Published: August 2023

In this article, authors explore how and why cisheteronormativity operates within scholarship on Black collegiate women and engage critical cultural theories to suggest how student affairs scholar‐practitioners can be more intentionally inclusive in their conceptual, methodological, and programmatic choices.
Black women faculty navigating a pandemic amid an epidemic
Authors: Lane Tonisha B. , Perez Ebony N. , Adams Sharrika D.
Published: August 2023

Using Black feminist thought as a theoretical lens, authors explore their experiences as Black women faculty navigating the COVID‐19 pandemic amid the resurgent epidemic of racialized violence in the U.S. We conclude with implications for Black women's enactment of radical self‐care and institutional responsibility in humanizing higher education for Black women faculty.
A Self‐Healing Chemistry‐Enabled Organic Cathode for Sustainable and Stable Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Huang Jinghao , Li Shi , Kim Eric Youngsam , Cheng Lei , Xu Gui-Liang , Amine Khalil , Wang Chunsheng , Luo Chao
Published: August 2023

Sodium‐on batteries (SIBs) are promising alternatives to lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) because of the low cost, abundance, and high sustainability of sodium resources. Analogous to LIBs, the high‐capacity electrodes in SIBs always suffer from rapid capacity decay upon long‐term cycling due to the particle pulverization induced by a large volume change. Circumventing particle pulverization plays a critical role in developing high‐energy and long‐life SIBs. Herein, tetrahydroxy‐1,4‐benzoquinone disodium salt (TBDS) that can self‐heal the cracks by hydrogen bonding between hydroxyl group and carbonyl group is employed as a cathode for sustainable and stable SIBs. The self‐healing TBDS exhibits long cycle life of 1000 cycles with a high rate capability up to 2 A g−1 due to the fast Na‐ion diffusion reaction in the TBDS cathode. The intermolecular hydrogen bonding has been comprehensively characterized to understand the self‐healing mechanism. The hydrogen bonding‐enabled self‐healing organic materials are promising for developing high‐energy and long‐cycle‐life SIBs.
Constitutive model for plain and fiber‐reinforced lightweight concrete under compression
Authors: Al‐Naimi Hasanain K. , Abbas Ali A.
Published: August 2023

In this research work, experimental investigations of the compressive behavior of plain and fiber‐reinforced lightweight‐aggregate concrete have been carried out (this formed part of a wider study, which also examined tensile and flexural behaviors). Compression mechanical properties were established in the studies and a generic constitutive compressive σ–ε model for both plain and fibrous lightweight concrete was derived and validated against experimental results from the present studies and previous research in the literature involving different types of lightweight aggregates, concrete strengths, and steel fibers. The reliability of predictions of the constitutive model was also checked against existing fibrous concrete models. A fiber‐reinforcing factor was also introduced taking into account the fiber volume fraction, fiber length and diameter, the number of fiber bends, and concrete compressive strength. As such, this was considered a better descriptor of the material than simply using the fiber volume fraction. The lightweight aggregates examined in the experimental study were recycled from fly ash waste and the fibers were hooked‐ended with single, double, and triple bends (corresponding to DRAMIX steel fibers 3D, 4D, and 5D types, respectively). The fibers were added at volume fractions Vf of 1% and 2% and the experimental studies were carried out using standard cube and cylinder uniaxial compression test specimens. It was concluded that the higher the number of bends and fiber content, the more pronounced the enhancement provided by the fibers to the compressive strength and ductility responses. All steel fibers used in the present studies were found to significantly improve the compressive toughness, while only 4D and 5D fibers (i.e., those with double and triple end bends) enhanced the compressive strength by up to 12% and 15%, respectively. It was also found that the elastic properties of plain lightweight concrete remained unaffected by the addition of fibers.
Development of Membranes and Separators to Inhibit Cross‐Shuttling of Sulfur in Polysulfide‐Based Redox Flow Batteries: A Review
Authors: Khan Ibad Ali , Alzahrani Atif Saeed , Ali Shahid , Mansha Muhammad , Tahir Muhammad Nawaz , Khan Majad , Qayyum Hafiz Adil , Khan Safyan Akram
Published: August 2023

The global rapid transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy resources necessitates the implementation of long‐duration energy storage technologies owing to the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources. Therefore, the deployment of grid‐scale energy storage systems is inevitable. Sulfur‐based batteries can be exploited as excellent energy storage devices owing to their intrinsic safety, low cost of raw materials, low risk of environmental hazards, and highest theoretical capacities (gravimetric: 2600 Wh/kg and volumetric: 2800 Wh/L). However, sulfur‐based batteries exhibit certain scientific limitations, such as polysulfide crossover, which causes rapid capacity decay and low Coulombic efficiency, thereby hindering their implementation at a commercial scale. In this review article, we focus on the latest research developments between 2012–2023 to improve the separators/membranes and overcome the shuttle effect associated with them. Various categories of ion exchange membranes (IEMs) used in redox batteries, particularly polysulfide redox flow batteries and lithium‐sulfur batteries, are discussed in detail. Furthermore, advances in IEM constituents are summarized to gain insights into different fundamental strategies for attaining targeted characteristics, and a critical analysis is proposed to highlight their efficiency in mitigating sulfur cross‐shuttling issues. Finally, future prospects and recommendations are suggested for future research toward the fabrication of more effective membranes with desired properties.
Anti‐Freezing Electrolytes in Aqueous Multivalent Metal‐Ion Batteries: Progress, Challenges, and Optimization Strategies
Authors: Bao Hongfei , Guo Hele , Zhang Xuan , Tian Zhihong , Huang Jiajia , Liu Tianxi , Lai Feili
Published: August 2023

Aqueous rechargeable multivalent metal‐ion batteries (ARMMBs) have attracted considerable attention due to their high capacity, high energy density, and low cost. However, their performance is often limited by low temperature operation, which requires the development of anti‐freezing electrolytes. In this review, we summarize the anti‐freezing mechanisms and optimization strategies of anti‐freezing electrolytes for aqueous batteries (especially for Zn‐ion batteries). Besides, we investigate the possible interactions and side reactions between electrolytes and electrodes. We also analyze the problems between electrolytes and electrodes at low temperature, and propose possible solutions. The research progress in the field of low temperature energy storage for aqueous Mg‐ion, Ca‐ion, and Al‐ion batteries, and the challenges faced in their anti‐freezing electrolytes are investigated in detail. Last but not least, the outlook on the energy storage applications of ARMMBs is provided to guide the future research.
Mental wellbeing and psychosocial working conditions of autistic veterinary surgeons in the UK
Authors: Smits Femke , Houdmont Jonathan , Hill Bradley , Pickles Kirstie
Published: August 2023

Background

Certain autistic characteristics (such as hyper‐focus and attention to detail) are valued by veterinary surgeons and autistic adults may disproportionately self‐select into the profession. Links between mental wellbeing and retention in the veterinary profession highlight an imperative to profile autistic veterinary surgeons’ mental wellbeing and identify protective factors. The psychosocial work environment may represent one such protective factor. We aimed to assess autistic veterinary surgeons’ mental wellbeing, the extent to which their psychosocial working conditions achieved UK government management standards and links between these.

Methods

Eighty‐five autistic veterinary surgeons completed the Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale and the Health and Safety Executive's Management Standards Indicator Tool. Descriptive comparisons were drawn with normative data; correlation and linear regression analyses examined relations between mental wellbeing and psychosocial working conditions.

Results

Mental wellbeing and psychosocial work environment quality were markedly below veterinary surgeon and general workforce norms. Psychosocial working conditions accounted for 44% of the unique variance in mental wellbeing, with ‘control’ and ‘role’ making a significant contribution.

Limitation

This exploratory study involved a small self‐selecting sample, raising the possibility of response bias.

Conclusion

Work design centred on the enhancement of control and role clarity would likely support mental wellbeing in this population.
Use of chemically treated nopal cladodes as additive in the cassava starch composite films
Authors: De Farias Patrícia M. , De Vasconcelos Lucicleia B. , Ferreira Marcia E. S. , Alves Filho Elenilson G. , Tapia‐Blácido Delia R.
Published: August 2023

Nopal cladodes (NC) are considered a source of fibers and bioactive compounds with high antioxidant properties, so their application as biofiller and bioactive agent in starch films has generated interest. To improve NC incorporation into starch film, NC was chemically treated at different pH values (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12). The physical, mechanical, and active properties of cassava starch/NC composite films were evaluated. Increasing the alkaline treatment of NC, the composite films were more homogeneous, less hydrophilic, more elongable and less mechanically resistant. Thus, alkaline NC treatment at pH 12 yielded the most elongable (72.3%) and hydrophobic (contact angle = 71.8°), but the least mechanically resistant (1.7 MPa) cassava starch/NC film. Meanwhile, alkaline treatment of NC at pH 11 provided films with better functional properties and antioxidant properties, as measured by DPPH• (74.6%) or ABTS•+ (16.6 μm Trolox/g of film) radical scavenging, as well as hydrophobic surface (64.6°) and improved mechanical resistance (2.5 MPa). Nevertheless, the composite cassava starch/NC films obtained here did not exhibit antimicrobial activity. In conclusion, chemical treatment improved the performance of NC to be used as an additive to produce starch composite films less hydrophilic and with antioxidant property that can help to preserve foods sensitive to oxidation (e.g., nuts and dehydrated fruits).

Highlights

NC flour contains phenolic compounds, protein, lipids, carbohydrate and fibers.

Compounds removed in the NC treatment affected the properties of films.

Alkaline NC treatment contributed to increase the elongation of composite film.

Alkaline NC treatment decreased the hydrophilicity of composite film.

NC treated at pH 11 yielded films with suitable properties for food packaging.
Revisiting groundwater law through the lenses of earth system law and rights of nature
Authors: Cuadrado‐Quesada Gabriela , Lictevout Elisabeth , Schmeier Susanne , Vargas Claudia Ruz
Published: August 2023

Current groundwater challenges have made evident that national and international groundwater law needs a thorough revision. In this article, we explore earth system law (ESL) and rights of nature (RoN) as possible approaches to rethink groundwater law. Taking inspiration from ESL scholarship, RoN literature, Indigenous worldviews, and socio‐ecological movements, we analyze law as a critical element of the human‐political‐social system, which creates regulatory institutions with the aim to provide a social order for humanity, an order that is being affected by deteriorating earth systems, including groundwater. Recognizing RoN and thinking law through the lenses of ESL involve a new understanding of what groundwater law could be and what the subject of the law could be. So far, little attention has been given to how these approaches can be used to redesign groundwater law, and what implications this could have on groundwater governance and sustainability. Therefore, this article explores the possibility of reforming groundwater law through the lenses of ESL and RoN. It investigates which legal mechanisms are being used to recognize RoN, and what their legal and practical implications have been so far. This article aims to contribute not only to advancing the academic debate on RoN and ESL but also to share light on different ways to reform groundwater law, which includes a new understanding of sustainability and socio‐nature relations.

This article is categorized under:

Human Water > Rights to Water

Human Water > Water Governance

Science of Water > Water and Environmental Change
Introducing Our Data
Authors: Berthet Valentine , Gaweda Barbara , Kantola Johanna , Miller Cherry , Ahrens Petra , Elomäki Anna
Published: August 2023

The data was gathered with the aim to generate empirical knowledge about gendered European party politics and the ways in which these affect the prospects for democracy and gender equality in Europe. It also aimed to innovate the study of formal and informal institutions and discourses in party politics. This chapter presents the data and highlights the methodological innovations they generated in the understanding of genderedness of the European Parliament. The chapter outlines how data collection occurred in two phases: a pilot study and the main data-gathering period. Overall, 140 interviews, 193 pages of fieldnotes and a wealth of internal documents from the European Parliament and its political groups were gathered during these two phases. Tables illustrate the distribution by gender and nationality, as well as the political group affiliation and role of the research participants in the European Parliament to stress the variety of the data. The chapter explains and demonstrates recording practices and techniques for parliamentary ethnography, which enabled a detailed understanding of informal political group dynamics. Finally, the chapter describes how the research data was processed, archived and categorised, drawing on lessons from the pilot study.
Conclusions
Authors: Berthet Valentine , Gaweda Barbara , Kantola Johanna , Miller Cherry , Ahrens Petra , Elomäki Anna
Published: August 2023

Beyond summarising the core themes of the book, namely that of reflecting on qualitative research in parliament; research collaboration, expertise-sharing and project management; as well as assessing the practices to make qualitative research known to and accessible to actors in the European Parliament, the concluding chapter is an open-ended discussion on the future venues for qualitative research in political institutions generally and the European Parliament more specifically. We discuss the epistemic benefits of how our research adds to and/or challenges the ‘traditional’ political science approaches. In conclusion, we also provide a thorough and transparent discussion of what we would do differently from the perspective of time. We conclude by proposing what could be next for qualitative research in the European Parliament. For instance, we debate both the potential for new legislative and institutional powers as well as future crises inevitably bringing issues in terms of research topics and access. Finally, we stress the informality of many procedures, practices and mechanisms we witnessed and discuss its meaning for transparency and democracy.
Gender Perspectives in European Economic Law
Authors: Fröhlich Mareike
Published: August 2023

Abstracts

The chapter will give an overview of the different levels how the EU can execute its influence on promoting gender equality in European economic law. First, it analyses the new directive of the EU for the composition of corporate boards as well the different initiatives for the support of female entrepreneurship. In addition, the opportunities in the regulatory fields of competition, public procurement and state aid regarding gender empowerment are also examined. Finally, the chapter focusses on the initiatives of the EU for a directive which addresses the responsibilities of companies along the global supply chain which would also include gender discrimination. Furthermore, the potential of trade agreements and the inclusion of gender related chapters is analysed.
Climate Change and Working Time: A Complex Challenge
Authors: Ribes Moreno Maria Isabel
Published: August 2023

Working time has been traditionally focused on adapting working hours in order to allow a reconciliation of work and family life whilst assuring the workers’ health and safety. Recently, a new factor impacts in the organisation of the working time. It is climate change which also has an important effect on the working conditions. This issue will certainly be a decisive factor to be taken into account in the designing and monitoring working time in the near future. The climate emergency demands for an innovative regulation from the International Institutions and introduce a new challenge for the domestic labour and social security law. Thus, in Europe, both the European Union and the Member States have a significant role in enacting innovative regulations and, additionally, in the promotion and encouragement to the social agents to negotiate “climatic oriented” working conditions.
Human Trafficking and the Law: The Importance of Interdisciplinarity in Learning and Teaching
Authors: Hebing Mireille , Martinez Tatiana M. , Barber Stephen
Published: August 2023

Human trafficking is a legal issue which can be found taught in standalone undergraduate modules and whose relevance reflects the volatility of today’s global world. Human trafficking is a criminal offence in most jurisdictions and consequently subject to judicial processes. However, it is also an example of a topic which is challenging to teach using legal frameworks alone. Drawing on a longstanding case study, this chapter argues that for students to make sense of the inherent complexity, law must take a backseat to the understanding of migration, criminology, policymaking, economics, employment and other key forces. That is the overconfidence that creating an Offence can solve an identified problem. The paper argues that there is a need to develop Learning and Teaching methods which cultivate adaptable and transferable skills which enable students to see the relationships between all of these elements, especially in light of recent trends (i.e. Covid-19 and the Fourth Industrial Revolution) that have markedly reshaped the socio-political landscape.
Environmental Law and Cross-Cutting Challenges in Legal Education: Sharing Developments in Croatia
Authors: Činčurak Erceg Biljana , Đanić Čeko Ana , Jerković Emina
Published: August 2023

Environmental protection, sustainable development, and climate change can be considered as cross-cutting topics. There is no doubt that these are some of the burning topics of the modern age. The achievement of climate goals (set primarily within the framework of the European Union) will require professionals trained in environmental law and protection, as well as related topics which will be involved in the process of achieving European environmental goals. However, such professionals are currently not trained sufficiently in law faculties in the Republic of Croatia, which is shown in the paper, based on a comparative analysis of the implementation plans of law faculties. It is necessary to educate young lawyers on environmental protection and create a perception of the importance of law and legal protection. This chapter presents activities related to environmental protection based on the implementation plans of faculties of law in Croatia, especially of the Faculty of Law Osijek. In addition to the inclusion of environmental issues in the curriculum of various established courses, the chapter emphasises the necessity of collaboration through ‘green legal clinics.’ Further activities include writing papers on environmental protection and organizing dedicated workshops, aimed at pointing out the importance of educating young lawyers on environmental legal protection.
Results
Authors: Krüger Maleika
Published: August 2023

This chapter will discuss the empirical findings for each research question in separate subchapters. Follow-up questions for each media channel will be separated by inline paragraph headings in bold. The analyses for Sections 6.1 and 6.2 were performed in SPSS.
An algorithmic approach to finding canonical differential equations for elliptic Feynman integrals
Authors: Dlapa Christoph , Henn Johannes M. , Wagner Fabian J.
Published: August 2023

Abstract

In recent years, differential equations have become the method of choice to compute multi-loop Feynman integrals. Whenever they can be cast into canonical form, their solution in terms of special functions is straightforward. Recently, progress has been made in understanding the precise canonical form for Feynman integrals involving elliptic polylogarithms. In this article, we make use of an algorithmic approach that proves powerful to find canonical forms for these cases. To illustrate the method, we reproduce several known canonical forms from the literature and present examples where a canonical form is deduced for the first time. Together with this article, we also release an update for INITIAL, a publicly available Mathematica implementation of the algorithm.
On irregular states and Argyres-Douglas theories
Authors: Fucito Francesco , Morales Jose Francisco , Poghossian Rubik
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Conformal theories of the Argyres-Douglas type are notoriously hard to study given that they are isolated and strongly coupled thus lacking a lagrangian description. In flat space, an exact description is provided by the Seiberg-Witten theory. Turning on a Ω-background makes the geometry “quantum” and tractable only in the weak curvature limit. In this paper we use the AGT correspondence to derive Ω-exact formulae for the partition function, in the nearby of monopole points where the dynamics is described by irregular conformal blocks of the CFT. The results are checked against those obtained by the recursion relations coming from a conformal anomaly in the region where the two approaches overlap. The Nekrasov-Shatashvili limit is also discussed. Finally, we comment on the existence of black holes in De Sitter space whose low energy dynamics is described by an Argyres-Douglas theory.
The ℤ2 anomaly in some chiral gauge theories
Authors: Bolognesi Stefano , Konishi Kenichi , Luzio Andrea
Published: August 2023

Abstract

We revisit the simplest Bars-Yankielowicz (BY) model (the ψη model), starting from a model with an additional Dirac pair of fermions in the fundamental representation, together with a complex color-singlet scalar ϕ coupled to them through a Yukawa interaction. This model possesses a color-flavor-locked 1-form ℤN symmetry, due to the intersection of the color SU(N) and two nonanomalous U(1) groups. In the bulk, the model reduces to the ψη model studied earlier when ϕ acquires a nonzero vacuum expectation value and the extra fermions pair up, get massive and decouple (thus we will call our extended theory as the “X-ray model”), while it provides a regularization of the ℤ2 fluxes needed to study the ℤ2 anomaly. The anomalies involving the 1-form ℤN symmetry reduce, for N even, exactly to the mixed ℤ2 anomaly found earlier in the ψη model. The present work is a first significant step to clarify the meaning of the mixed ℤ2 − [$$ {\mathbb{Z}}_N^{(1)} $$

ℤ
N

1

]2 anomaly found in the ψη and in other BY and Georgi-Glashow type SU(N) models with even N.
The role of immunosuppressive myofibroblasts in the aging process and age-related diseases
Authors: Salminen Antero
Published: August 2023

Tissue-resident fibroblasts are mesenchymal cells which control the structural integrity of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Fibroblasts possess a remarkable plasticity to allow them to adapt to the changes in the microenvironment and thus maintain tissue homeostasis. Several stresses, also those associated with the aging process, convert quiescent fibroblasts into myofibroblasts which not only display fibrogenic properties but also act as immune regulators cooperating both with tissue-resident immune cells and those immune cells recruited into affected tissues. TGF-β cytokine and reactive oxygen species (ROS) are major inducers of myofibroblast differentiation in pathological conditions either from quiescent fibroblasts or via transdifferentiation from certain other cell types, e.g., macrophages, adipocytes, pericytes, and endothelial cells. Intriguingly, TGF-β and ROS are also important signaling mediators between immunosuppressive cells, such as MDSCs, Tregs, and M2 macrophages. It seems that in pathological states, myofibroblasts are able to interact with the immunosuppressive network. There is clear evidence that a low-grade chronic inflammatory state in aging tissues is counteracted by activation of compensatory immunosuppression. Interestingly, common enhancers of the aging process, such as oxidative stress, loss of DNA integrity, and inflammatory insults, are inducers of myofibroblasts, whereas anti-aging treatments with metformin and rapamycin suppress the differentiation of myofibroblasts and thus prevent age-related tissue fibrosis. I will examine the reciprocal interactions between myofibroblasts and immunosuppressive cells within aging tissues. It seems that the differentiation of myofibroblasts with age-related harmful stresses enhances the activity of the immunosuppressive network which promotes tissue fibrosis and degeneration in elderly individuals.
This is the place: a multi-level analysis of neighbourhood correlates of adolescent wellbeing
Authors: Marquez Jose , Humphrey Neil , Black Louise , Wozmirska Sophie
Published: August 2023

Objective

Adolescent wellbeing is a key research and policy priority, but little is known about neighbourhood-level influences. This study examined the extent to which adolescents’ life satisfaction and internalising symptoms vary between neighbourhoods, and which neighbourhood characteristics are associated with individual outcomes.

Method

Baseline data from the #BeeWell cohort study in Greater Manchester (England) including 35,902 adolescents (aged 12–15) across 243 neighbourhoods were linked to neighbourhood characteristics (e.g. access to education and health services, leisure facilities) from the Co-op’s Community Wellbeing Index and analysed using multi-level regression.

Results

Neighbourhoods explained 0.61% and 1.17% of the variation in life satisfaction and internalising symptoms, respectively. Socio-demographic inequalities in these outcomes varied across neighbourhoods. Several neighbourhood characteristics were associated with wellbeing, but differences across model specifications were observed (e.g. adjusted vs unadjusted; unique associations vs grouped domains). However, higher levels of perceived wellbeing support from local people were associated with lower internalising symptoms in all models. Other characteristics associated with better wellbeing outcomes in various models included lower GP antidepressant prescription rates, and better access to health services, areas for leisure, and good places to spend free time.

Conclusion

Neighbourhoods account for a small but significant proportion of the variance in adolescent life satisfaction and internalising symptoms. Some neighbourhood characteristics (notably neighbourhood social capital) are associated with these outcomes at the individual level, and disparities in these outcomes for some groups vary across neighbourhoods. Our findings speak to the role of place as a determinant of adolescent wellbeing, with consequent implications for intervention.
Comparison of state-of-the-art GNSS-observed and predicted ocean tide loading displacements across Australia
Authors: Matviichuk Bogdan , King Matt , Watson Christopher , Bos Machiel
Published: August 2023

We seek to quantify and understand the residual signal in GPS and GLONASS estimates of ocean tide loading displacements (OTLDs) after removing state-of-the-art model estimates. To consider contributions over a broad spatial scale, we estimate OTLD over the Australian continent using $$\sim $$
∼
5.5 years of continuous GPS and GLONASS data from 360 sites. We compare these with modelled estimates, with a focus on the lunar semidiurnal M$$_2$$

2

and diurnal O$$_1$$

1

constituents. We observe spatially coherent patterns of residual OTLD in each of the east, north, and up coordinate components after the removal of tidal loading using elastic models. We subsequently assess the impact of including anelastic dispersion in the model and show a 0.2 mm reduction in range of the up component residuals at coastal sites. A similar reduction at all sites is observed in the east and north components. Of the seven ocean tide models used, we find that three recent models, FES2014b, GOT4.10c and TPXO9.v1, perform similarly, noting these comparisons are made in the CE frame. However, we show that the latter contains centre of mass (CoM) biases in amplitude up to 0.2 mm and 0.5 mm for M$$_2$$

2

and O$$_1$$

1

, respectively, due to the assimilated altimetry data having not been corrected for geocentre motion. We find OTLD estimates are sensitive to the chosen orbit and clock products used in our analysis, with differences of up to 0.5 mm in the east component between solutions using the JPL and either of ESA or CODE products (GPS-only). Our analysis shows that current GNSS estimates of OTLD over Australia are typically accurate to $$\sim $$
∼
0.2 mm at which point we are unable to explain spatially coherent residuals when compared to modelled quantities. These may depend on the appropriate treatment of the CoM variation, anelasticity and/or three-dimensional Earth structure. As such, we recommend great care is taken when interpreting OTLD at the level of 0.1 or 0.2 mm, even if it is regionally coherent.
Insights into Taxol® biosynthesis by endophytic fungi
Authors: Subban Kamalraj , Kempken Frank
Published: August 2023

There have been two hundred reports that endophytic fungi produce Taxol®, but its production yield is often rather low. Although considerable efforts have been made to increase Taxol/taxanes production in fungi by manipulating cocultures, mutagenesis, genome shuffles, and gene overexpression, little is known about the molecular signatures of Taxol biosynthesis and its regulation. It is known that some fungi have orthologs of the Taxol biosynthetic pathway, but the overall architecture of this pathway is unknown. A biosynthetic putative gene homology approach, combined with genomics and transcriptomics analysis, revealed that a few genes for metabolite residues may be located on dispensable chromosomes. This review explores a number of crucial topics (i) finding biosynthetic pathway genes using precursors, elicitors, and inhibitors; (ii) orthologs of the Taxol biosynthetic pathway for rate-limiting genes/enzymes; and (iii) genomics and transcriptomics can be used to accurately predict biosynthetic putative genes and regulators. This provides promising targets for future genetic engineering approaches to produce fungal Taxol and precursors.

Key points

• A recent trend in predicting Taxol biosynthetic pathway from endophytic fungi.

• Understanding the Taxol biosynthetic pathway and related enzymes in fungi.

• The genetic evidence and formation of taxane from endophytic fungi.
Einflussnahme großer Sprachmodelle auf die moderne Arbeitswelt
Authors: Barenkamp Marco
Published: August 2023

Der Artikel gibt einen umfassenden Überblick über Chancen und Risiken für die Arbeitswelt durch große Sprachmodelle, denn große Sprachmodelle wie ChatGPT werden das Berufsbild vieler kognitiver Tätigkeiten verändern. So können vor allem Routineaufgaben wie das Verfassen von Texten oder die Analyse von Daten übernommen werden. Beispiele sind die automatische Erstellung von Vertragsentwürfen im Rechtswesen oder von Berichten im Journalismus. Sogar die Unternehmensführung kann durch Künstliche Intelligenz (KI) unterstützt werden, wie das Beispiel des ersten virtuellen CEO zeigt.

Allerdings birgt der Einsatz der Modelle auch Risiken wie Intransparenz, Qualitätsprobleme und Abhängigkeit von Anbietern. Empfohlen werden u. a. Kennzeichnung von KI-generierten Inhalten, Qualitätssicherung durch den Menschen und Einhaltung ethischer Standards.

Insgesamt kann festgehalten werden, dass die meisten Berufe nicht komplett ersetzt, sondern durch künstliche Intelligenz ergänzt und optimiert werden. Entscheidend sind dabei die Kompetenzen im Umgang mit dieser neuen Technologie, um die künftigen Rollen- und Berufsprofile effizient und konstruktiv gestalten zu können.
Biparietal remodelling and total vault remodelling in scaphocephaly—a comparative study using 3d stereophotogrammetry
Authors: Spazzapan Peter , Verdenik Miha , Velnar Tomaž
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The aim of the study was to compare the results of two surgical techniques for the treatment of isolated sagittal synostosis (ISS) by means of 3D stereophotogrammetry. One technique, the Renier’s “H” technique (RHT) comprised a biparietal expansion, the other, the total vault remodeling (TVR) included also a frontal remodeling.

Methods

The two groups of operated children were compared with a third control group of normocephalic children. The 3D scanning was performed in all children between 12 and 245 months of age. On each 3D image six measurements and indices have been made, with the aim of evaluating not only length and width of the head, but also the height. The cranial index (CI) was measured in a plane parallel to the nasion-tragus plane, at the intersection with the opisthocranion.

Results

Each of the three groups (RHT, TVR, control group) included 28 children. The measurements that were influenced by the correction of the frontal bossing, namely the CI and the sagittal length, were closer to normocephaly after TVR than after RHT. Lesser or no statistical difference was documented in the measurements evaluating the biparietal aspect and the height of the vertex, indicating that the biparietal expansion is effective in both procedures.

Conclusion

Based on our results TVR results in a better esthetical outcome, particularly in relation to the direct surgical remodeling of the frontal bossing.
Albuminuria and markers for cardiovascular risk in 12-year-olds from the general Dutch population: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Gracchi Valentina , van den Belt Sophie M. , Corpeleijn Eva , Heerspink Hiddo J. L. , Verkade Henkjan J.
Published: August 2023

In adults, albuminuria represents a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and is associated with hypertension and obesity. Pediatric data from the general population are inconsistent and largely based on randomly collected urine. A possible association between antenatal programming and albuminuria at school age has still to be investigated. The purpose of this study is to assess albuminuria in first morning void urine samples in a population-based pediatric cohort and to investigate cross-sectionally the association with factors related to cardiovascular risk. Moreover, we investigate the possible association of antenatal factors with albuminuria. A first morning void urine sample was collected in the population-based GECKO (Groningen Expert Center for Kids with Obesity) Drenthe cohort at the age of 12 years. We investigated cross-sectionally associations between albuminuria and body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), blood pressure (BP) and antenatal factors. The prevalence of UACR (urinary albumin-creatinine ratio) ≥ 3 mg/mmol was 3.3% (95%CI 2.3–4.2). In a multivariate linear regression model, UAC was negatively associated with z-BMI (β-0.08, p = 0.013) and positively with z-systolic BP (β 0.09, p = 0.006), model significance p = 0.002. UACR was negatively associated with z-BMI (β − 0.13, p < 0.001) and positively with z-diastolic BP (β 0.09, p = 0.003), model significance p = 0.001. Albuminuria was not significantly associated with antenatal factors such as gestational age and standardized birth weight.

Conclusions: Albuminuria in first morning void urine in 12-year-olds has a lower prevalence than previously reported by randomly collected samples. A negative association between albuminuria and BMI is confirmed. A positive association with blood pressure, but no association with antenatal factors was found.

What is known:• While, in adults, albuminuria is a recognized risk factor for cardiovascular disease and is associated with hypertension and obesity, pediatric data are inconsistent and largely based on randomly collected urine.• A possible association between antenatal programming and albuminuria at school age has still to be investigated.

What is new:• In this population study on first morning void urine samples from 12-year-olds of the general population, albuminuria is negatively associated with body mass index, and positively associated with blood pressure, while there is no association with antenatal factors.• The prevalence of albuminuria at 12 years is lower than previously reported in studies based on randomly collected urine samples, probably due to elimination of orthostatic proteinuria.
Detection of metastases using circulating tumour DNA in uveal melanoma
Authors: Beasley Aaron B. , de Bruyn Daniël P. , Calapre Leslie , Al-Ogaili Zeyad , Isaacs Timothy W. , Bentel Jacqueline , Reid Anna L. , Dwarkasing Roy S. , Pereira Michelle R. , Khattak Muhammad A. , Meniawy Tarek M. , Millward Michael , Brosens Erwin , de Klein Annelies , Chen Fred K. , Kiliҫ Emine , Gray Elin S.
Published: August 2023

Background

Approximately 50% of uveal melanoma (UM) patients will develop metastatic disease depending on the genetic features of the primary tumour. Patients need 3–12 monthly scans, depending on their prognosis, which is costly and often non-specific. Circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) quantification could serve as a test to detect and monitor patients for early signs of metastasis and therapeutic response.

Methods

We assessed ctDNA as a biomarker in three distinct UM cohorts using droplet-digital PCR: (A) a retrospective analysis of primary UM patients to predict metastases; (B) a prospective analysis of UM patients after resolution of their primary tumour for early detection of metastases; and (C) monitoring treatment response in metastatic UM patients.

Results

Cohort A: ctDNA levels were not associated with the development of metastases. Cohort B: ctDNA was detected in 17/25 (68%) with radiological diagnosis of metastases. ctDNA was the strongest predictor of overall survival in a multivariate analysis (HR = 15.8, 95% CI 1.7–151.2,p = 0.017). Cohort C: ctDNA monitoring of patients undergoing immunotherapy revealed a reduction in the levels of ctDNA in patients with combination immunotherapy.

Conclusions

Our proof-of-concept study shows the biomarker feasibility potential of ctDNA monitoring in for the clinical management of uveal melanoma patients.
Knowledge-based optimization algorithm for the inventory routing problem
Authors: Michalak Krzysztof , Lipinski Piotr
Published: August 2023

The Inventory Routing Problem (IRP) is a combinatorial optimization problem that combines routing decisions with inventory management. In this paper, an approach to solving the IRP is studied, which aims at using an external knowledge source (a known good solution or user interaction) to improve the results attained by an evolutionary algorithm solving an IRP instance. The proposed method improves the best solution found by the evolutionary algorithm by modifying schedules for some of the retailers according to those present in the known good solution or to schedules provided by a domain expert. The experiments shown that to improve the optimization results it suffices to perform a few repetitions of the knowledge import procedure. This observation motivates further research on user-interactive optimization algorithms for the IRP, because the number of interactions needed to improve the results can easily be handled by the user.