bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Climate Sensitivity Analysis: All Greenhouse Gases and Aerosols
Authors: Teske Sven
Published: August 2022

This section provides an overview of all greenhouse gases (GHGs) and aerosols, the sources, their contributions to overall emissions, and their likely cumulative effects on global temperature increases. The non-energy GHG modelling in this chapter is an update of the probabilistic assessment of the global mean temperature published in the first part of Achieving the Paris Climate Agreements, Chap. 12 (Meinshausen 2019). The 1.5 °C energy and non-energy pathways were assessed by Climate Resource—specialists in assessing the warming implications of emissions scenarios. The analysis focuses on the derivation of the trajectories of non-CO2 emissions that match the trajectories of energy and industrial CO2 emissions and evaluates the multi-gas pathways against various temperature thresholds and carbon budgets until 2100. (120).

Section 7.2 is based on the following: ‘Documentation of ‘UTS scenarios – Probabilistic assessment of global-mean temperatures’ by Climate Resource Malte Meinshausen, Zebedee Nicholls, October 2021.
Nature-Based Carbon Sinks: Carbon Conservation and Protection Zones
Authors: Nagrath Kriti , Dooley Kate , Teske Sven
Published: August 2022

Basic information on ecosystem-based approaches to climate mitigation is provided, and their inclusion in international climate and nature conservation treaties is discussed. Key concepts around net-zero emissions and carbon removal are examined, as are the roles they play in the One Earth Climate Model, which develops a 1.5 °C-compatible scenario by combining ecosystem restoration with deep decarbonization pathways. The carbon removal potentials of the five ecosystem restoration pathways—forests and agricultural lands, forest restoration, reforestation, reduced harvest, agroforestry, and silvopasture—are provided. Land-use management options, including the creation of ‘carbon conservation zones’ (CCZ), are discussed.
Decarbonisation Pathways for Industries
Authors: Teske Sven , Niklas Sarah , Talwar Simran
Published: August 2022

The decarbonisation pathways for the industry sectors are derived. The energy-intensive chemical industry, the steel and aluminium industries, and the cement industry are briefly outlined. The assumptions for future market development used for the scenario calculations are documented, and the assumed development of the energy intensities for product manufacture is presented. An overview of the calculated energy consumption and the resulting CO2 intensities is given, with the assumed generation mix. The textile and leather industry is also included in this chapter because of its strong ties to the chemical industry and meat production (part of the service sector).
Increasing Awareness: Good Practices to Promote Skills Recognition Among Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
Authors: Singh Madhu
Published: August 2022

This chapter gives readers an understanding of the need for establishing recognition, validation and accreditation (RVA) mechanisms in micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), as well as the ways in which MSMEs support and promote RVA. It is based on research results from 191 MSMEs across four industries—automotive, PVC manufacturing, catering and waste management—in seven countries and one territory. Ninety-eight enterprises were studied in the formal sector, and ninety-three in the informal sector. The key issues investigated through the empirical study were: the need and potential for recognising formal, non-formal and informal learning in enterprises; the mechanisms and processes used to recognise skills; challenges, gaps and concerns regarding recognition in enterprises; ways for promoting and supporting recognition; the inclusion of green skills in RVA mechanisms; the perspectives of enterprises on making RVA a part of staff training and the anticipated benefits of green skills through RVA.
Case Study: Bangladesh. The Demand Side of Environmental Sustainability Through Skills Recognition
Authors: Haolader Faruque A. , Khan Shahadat H.
Published: August 2022

This country case study examines current practices and issues of skills recognition aiming to improve environmental and occupational health and safety for sustainable development in Bangladesh. More specifically, data was collected to examine environmentally friendly practices in enterprises in three service sectors: automotive, waste management, and catering, with a focus on employer and employee perspectives as an important component of the demand side of environmental sustainability. It also examines how employers and workers “recognise” green skills. Recognition here does not mean only “assessment” through testing or certification in a technical way, but also “social recognition”, implying the benefits that employers and workers see in the promotion of green skills in terms of employability and decent work, lifelong learning, and personal development. Finally, the study seeks to clarify a set of enabling factors contributing to green skills and green practices in enterprises as well as the potential for their inclusion in recognition mechanisms. This study argues that an examination of real workplace roles should be the starting point for linking recognition of green skills to green skill standards. The study concludes that learning outcomes and competences within the qualifications framework do not relate to the realities of green skills and green practices in enterprises.
Case Study: People’s Republic of China. Utilising Workers’ Skills for Improving Green Competitiveness to Address the Challenges of Greening of Industries
Authors: Gangqiang Zheng
Published: August 2022

This chapter presents the results of a study that examined environmentally friendly practices at the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Although nearly 80% of the People’s Republic of China’s employment is found in MSMEs (Yi, 2018), very often MSMEs are characterised as entities that waste resources and do not use environmentally friendly production processes. For this reason, advocating an environment-friendly upgrade, or green development, of industries and enterprises is of great importance. Another area of exploration for the reported study is the use of recognition, validation and accreditation (RVA) mechanism by MSMEs. RVAs of competencies and work experience in all learning settings—formal, non-formal and informal—are not a well-known concept in PRC. However, its importance in educational reforms has grown, especially in the field of adult and vocational education. PRC generally uses recognition practices to motivate adult learners to continue learning by factoring in their previous education, thus reducing the costs incurred by learners. Thus, this study examined the extent to which enterprises involved in the study know, or use, RVA and what RVA requirements they have for job applicants. Application of RVA at the enterprise level is important, as the lack of systematic use of RVA means that workers’ talents are not made sufficiently visible or optimally used for improving production and promoting ‘green competitiveness’. To develop a systematic understanding of the above two areas, this chapter reports on a PRC case study that follows the overall methodology for the study by analysing issues at the macro-, meso- and micro-levels. This chapter recommends a combination of policies, rules and regulations, as well as a design of an RVA model that can closely match the needs of enterprises to facilitate their development of green competitiveness.
Case Study: Kazakhstan. Educational Challenges in Transitioning to a Green Economy
Authors: Zhilbaev Zhanbol O. , Syrymbetova Lyailya S. , Dlimbetova Gaini K. , Aliyeva Aiman Y.
Published: August 2022

This chapter examines the potential for including ‘green skills’ in the processes of recognition of learning outcomes from all learning settings—formal, non-formal and informal learning. The chapter opens with a discussion on Kazakhstan’s stated objectives to realise a green economy and society and in this context challenges faced by the industry are highlighted. The chapter then examines the need for recognition of green skills as well as policy and legislation in relation to green economy and environmental protection and proceeds to clarify concepts of competence-based learning and ecological competences. The authors consider issues and challenges of green skills inclusion in the recognition of formal, non-formal and informal learning results in relation to the development of the National qualifications system, which in Kazakhstan includes four main elements: the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), Sector Qualifications Framework (SQF), Occupational Standards (OS) and a system of professional qualifications evaluation (or system of independent certification). The chapter argues that within formal education the emphasis is on developing environmental knowledge but not on its application, therefore this might have a direct implication on a lack of green practices in the industry and on the interpretation of green skills. The results of the study among 12 enterprises on the use of eco-friendly practices and recognition of green skills in the context of qualification requirements in the workplace in catering, automotive and waste management sectors are reported in the chapter. Finally, the chapter presents conclusions and recommendations on the inclusion of green skills into the system of prior learning recognition.
Vermittlung digitaler Kompetenzen in der Pflegeausbildung – eine Vergleichsanalyse der Rahmenpläne von Bund und Ländern
Authors: Hofstetter Sebastian , Lehmann Lisa , Zilezinski Max , Steindorff Jenny-Victoria , Jahn Patrick , Paulicke Denny
Published: August 2022

Hintergrund und Ziel

Die digitale Transformation der Gesundheitsversorgung erfordert auch in den Pflegeberufen veränderte Kompetenzen. Die Reform der Pflegeausbildung eröffnet die Chance, die dafür notwendigen Inhalte in der Berufsausbildung zu verankern. Die „Rahmenpläne der Fachkommission nach § 53 Pflegeberufegesetz“ bilden für die Bundesländer die Grundlage zur Erstellung eigener Rahmenlehr- und Ausbildungspläne. Die vorliegende Arbeit untersucht, in welchem Umfang und in welcher Form die Rahmenpläne Digitalisierung aufgreifen.

Material und Methoden

Die Rahmenpläne wurden zwischen August und Oktober 2021 einer explikativ-qualitativen Inhaltsanalyse unterzogen. Dabei wurde zunächst die Häufigkeit von zuvor definierten Schlagwörtern festgestellt. Im Anschluss erfolgte eine systematische Kontextanalyse.

Ergebnisse

Lediglich 6 Bundesländer hatten einen eigenen Rahmenplan erstellt, die anderen verwendeten den Bundesrahmenplan, der nur in geringem Umfang auf den Kompetenzerwerb im Bereich Digitalisierung eingeht. In den eigenen Rahmenplänen der Bundesländer wurde Digitalisierung in unterschiedlichem Maß thematisiert, jedoch insgesamt nur punktuell. Handlungsempfehlungen für praktische Übungsformate wurden kaum gegeben.

Diskussion

Der Erwerb von Kompetenzen im Bereich Digitalisierung bildet das Fundament für das spätere Berufsleben und ist ein wichtiger Bestandteil der digitalen Transformation. Im Rahmen der Modifizierungsmöglichkeit der Pflegeausbildung bis zum Jahr 2024 sollte das Thema noch stärker fokussiert werden. Auch direkt an den Fach- und Berufsschulen sowie Hochschulen kann nachgebessert werden, da die Rahmenpläne teilweise lediglich einen empfehlenden Charakter haben.
Non-timely clinically applicable ADC ratio in prostate mpMRI: a comparison with fusion biopsy results
Authors: Falaschi Zeno , Tricca Stefano , Attanasio Silvia , Billia Michele , Airoldi Chiara , Percivale Ilaria , Bor Simone , Perri Davide , Volpe Alessandro , Carriero Alessandro
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of ADC ratio and to evaluate its efficacy in reducing the number of false positives in prostatic mpMRI.

Materials and methods

All patients who underwent an mpMRI and a targeted fusion biopsy in our institution from 2016 to 2021 were retrospectively selected. Two experienced readers (R1 and R2) independently evaluated the images, blindly to biopsy results. The radiologists assessed the ADC ratios by tracing a circular 10 mm2 ROI on the biopsied lesion and on the apparently benign contralateral parenchyma. Prostate cancers were divided into non-clinically significant (nsPC, Gleason score = 6) and clinically significant (sPC, Gleason score ≥ 7). ROC analyses were performed.

Results

167 patients and188 lesions were included. Concordance was 0.62 according to Cohen’s K. ADC ratio showed an AUC for PCAs of 0.78 in R1 and 0.8 in R2. The AUC for sPC was 0.85 in R1 and 0.84 in R2. The 100% sensitivity cut-off for sPCs was 0.65 (specificity 25.6%) in R1 and 0.66 (specificity 27.4%) in R2. Forty-three benign or not clinically significant lesions were above the 0.65 threshold in R1; 46 were above the 0.66 cut-off in R2. This would have allowed to avoid an equal number of unnecessary biopsies at the cost of 2 nsPCs in R1 and one nsPC in R2.

Conclusion

In our sample, the ADC ratio was a useful and accurate tool that could potentially reduce the number of false positives in mpMRI.

Graphical abstract
Questionable value of [99mTc]-sestamibi scintigraphy in patients with pHPT and negative ultrasound
Authors: Lenschow Christina , Wennmann Andreas , Hendricks Anne , Germer Christoph-Thomas , Fassnacht Martin , Buck Andreas , Werner Rudolf A. , Plassmeier Lars , Schlegel Nicolas
Published: August 2022

Purpose

A successful focused surgical approach in primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) relies on accurate preoperative localization of the parathyroid adenoma (PA). Most often, ultrasound is followed by [99mTc]-sestamibi scintigraphy, but the value of this approach is disputed. Here, we evaluated the diagnostic approach in patients with surgically treated pHPT in our center with the aim to further refine preoperative diagnostic procedures.

Methods

A single-center retrospective analysis of patients with pHPT from 01/2005 to 08/2021 was carried out followed by evaluation of the preoperative imaging modalities to localize PA. The localization of the PA had to be confirmed intraoperatively by the fresh frozen section and significant dropping of the intraoperative parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels.

Results

From 658 patients diagnosed with pHPT, 30 patients were excluded from the analysis because of surgery for recurrent or persistent disease. Median age of patients was 58.0 (13–93) years and 71% were female. Neck ultrasound was carried out in 91.7% and localized a PA in 76.6%. In 23.4% (135/576) of the patients, preoperative neck ultrasound did not detect a PA. In this group, [99mTc]-sestamibi correctly identified PA in only 25.4% of patients. In contrast, in the same cohort, the use of [11C]-methionine or [11C]-choline PET resulted in the correct identification of PA in 79.4% of patients (OR 13.23; 95% CI 5.24–33.56).

Conclusion

[11C]-Methionine or [11C]-choline PET/CT are superior second-line imaging methods to select patients for a focused surgical approach when previous ultrasound failed to identify PA.
A variational approach to Gibbs artifacts removal in MRI
Authors: Landi Germana , Zama Fabiana
Published: August 2022

Gibbs ringing is a feature of MR images caused by the finite sampling of the acquisition space (k-space). It manifests itself with ringing patterns around sharp edges which become increasingly significant for low-resolution acquisitions. In this paper, we model the Gibbs artefact removal as a constrained variational problem where the data discrepancy, represented in denoising and convolutive form, is balanced to sparsity-promoting regularization functions such as Total Variation, Total Generalized Variation and $$L_1$$

L
1

norm of the Wavelet transform. The efficacy of such models is evaluated by running a set of numerical experiments both on synthetic data and real acquisitions of brain images. The Total Generalized Variation penalty coupled with the convolutive data discrepancy term yields, in general, the best results both on synthetic and real data.
Ethik und Tragödie im Lichte der neuesten Parallelität von ‚Hypermoral‘ und Verrohung
Authors: Rehberg Karl-Siegbert
Published: August 2022

Ausgehend von der ethischen Dimension in allen Variationen der Philosophischen Anthropologie wird angesichts der erneuten Aktualität des Begriffs „Hypermoral“ Arnold Gehlens letzte Monographie „Moral und Hypermoral“ (1969) im Hinblick auf das Phänomen einer „Überdehnung ethischer Prinzipien“ dargestellt. Das Buch enthält zwei einander opponierende Diskurse, nämlich einmal die Rekonstruktion von vier voneinander nicht ableitbaren Ethosformen, die in Spannung zu einander stehen. Damit widersprach er der Ansicht, dass es eine mehr oder weniger lineare Ausweitung ethischer Motive von der Familie bis in Weltmaßstäbe hinein existiere. Stattdessen werden Konfliktkonstellationen im Rahmen einer „pluralistischen Ethik“ behandelt, etwa zwischen dem „familienbezogenen ethischen Verhalten bis hin zum Humanitarismus“ oder einer zunehmend dominant werdenden „Ethik des Wohlbefindens und des Glücks (Eudaimonismus)“ im Gegensatz zum „Ethos der Institutionen einschließlich des Staates“. Diese einleuchtende These wird im zweiten Teil dieser Studie überlagert durch eine scharfe Kritik an einer zunehmenden Schwächung des Staates durch die Ansprüche eines Humanitarismus in Verbindung mit der Ausbreitung einer „Moralhypertrophie“. Das richtete sich besonders gegen die „68er“-Studentenbewegung und die Demokratisierungsansprüche der Willy-Brandt-Regierung, behandelte aber zugleich grundlegendere Formen einer Schwächung der Institutionen überhaupt. Aus Gehlens Perspektive hatte das katastrophische Auswirkungen für die Gesellschaft und bedeutete insofern für ihn tatsächlich eine „Tragödie“ – und dies in einer Zeit, in welcher deren Pathos längst vergangen war. Wenigstens gibt es nicht mehr die schicksalhafte Unentrinnbarkeit wie in den griechischen Tragödien, deren bekannteste das Schicksal der Antigone darstellt. Unversöhnlich treffen in der Figur des Kreon, des Königs von Theben, die Verpflichtungen des Staates auf die familiendynastischen Pflichten dieser unglücklichen Tochter des Königs Ödipus. Ausgehend davon wird sodann die heutige Gleichzeitigkeit von moralischer Sensibilisierung und hypermoralistischer Hysterie diskutiert.
How culture influences consumer creativity: A dual perspective of multiculturalism and loose-tight culture
Authors: Huang Xiaozhi , Xiang Siyuan , Xi Xue
Published: August 2022

In the context of globalization, consumers with multicultural experiences are increasingly involved in the process of value creation, yet there is a lack of understanding of how multiculturalism affects consumer creativity. Based on the dual perspectives of multiculturalism and loose-tight culture, this paper illustrates the mechanism of multicultural experience on consumer creativity and the moderating effect of loose-tight culture on this relationship. Two studies (a questionnaire study and an experimental study) were conducted to validate the theoretical model. The results revealed that multicultural experiences enhance consumer creativity, cognitive complexity mediates the relationship between the two, and loose-tight culture moderates the relationship between multicultural experiences and consumer creativity. The loose culture scenario has a positive enhancement effect, the tight culture scenario has a negative weakening effect, and the interaction between multicultural experiences and loose-tight culture affects consumer creativity through cognitive complexity. The results of this study provide a new perspective on the relationship between culture and consumer creativity, expanding the study of culture and consumer creativity from the cultural value dimension to the social norm dimension, enriching the research on creativity as a cognitive process at the consumer level, and providing guidance and reference for companies to better stimulate and utilize consumer creativity.
Zweieinhalb Debattenstränge zur Infrastruktur
Authors: Ziegler Holger
Published: August 2022

Nach einer knappen Skizze von Überlegungen, Einzelfallhilfen zugunsten einer Bearbeitung von Hilfen zur Erziehung in bestehenden Regelangeboten zu reduzieren, erörtert der folgende Beitrag sozialinvestitionsstaatlich und garantistisch begründete Argumente für die Gestaltung einer Kinder- und Jugendhilfeinfrastruktur. Beide Perspektiven argumentieren für einen infrastrukturellen Ausbau von Angeboten und Leistungen der Kinder- und Jugendhilfe, unterscheiden sich aber mit Blick auf die Ziele dieses Ausbaus und hinsichtlich ihres Verständnisses von „welfare citizenship“. Es wird die These vertreten, dass ein weiterer Ausbau der Kinder- und Jugendhilfe wahrscheinlich ist. Strittig ist vor allem, welchem Gestaltungsmodell dieser Ausbau folgt.
Mineralogical Study of Low and Lean Grade Iron Ore Fines during Slow and Rapid Reduction Roasting
Authors: Mahanta Jyotirmayee , Mishra Subhabrata , Baliarsingh Madhusmita , Prabhas Chandra Beuria
Published: August 2022

The present study focuses on the mineralogical aspects and roasting of iron ore (Fe: 55.4%) fines in both fixed bed and fluidized bed roaster. Goethite is the dominant mineral phase in this low-grade iron ore containing hematite, silica and alumina. Such ore was roasted at a constant temperature of 900°C, with non-coking coal of 20% at residence time ranging from 15 to 60 minutes at intervals 15-minute in the fixed bed and 2 to 8 minutes at intervals 2-minute in the fluidized bed reactor. Non-coking coal was utilized as a reductant in the reduction reaction. A high-grade iron ore concentrate was subsequently extracted using Low Intensity Magnetic Separation (LIMS) from the roasted ore. Phase changes in both cases were different due to the difference in the mechanism of reduction. In the fixed-bed reduction roasting phase, transformation occurs as Goethite – Hematite – Magnetite – Wustite, whereas in a fluidized bed, it has followed Goethite – Hematite – Magnetite – Maghemite route. The maghemite phase formed during the fast reduction process due to reoxidation of the reduced magnetite. The wustite phases are reported in the nonmagnetic fractions during LIMS, lowering the yield. On the other hand, the maghemite phase is reported to the magnetic portions. It has a simple cubic structure like magnetite, which increases the yield in the fast reduction roasting process. The results show that 65.85-grade iron ore can be obtained after 30 minutes of residence time with a recovery of 51.5% from the fixed bed and 62.17-grade iron ore can be obtained after 4 minutes of residence time with a recovery of 53.2 % from the fluidized bed.
Male reproductive health after 3 months from SARS-CoV-2 infection: a multicentric study
Authors: Paoli D. , Pallotti F. , Anzuini A. , Bianchini S. , Caponecchia L. , Carraro A. , Ciardi M. R. , Faja F. , Fiori C. , Gianfrilli D. , Lenzi A. , Lichtner M. , Marcucci I. , Mastroianni C. M. , Nigro G. , Pasculli P. , Pozza C. , Rizzo F. , Salacone P. , Sebastianelli A. , Lombardo F.
Published: August 2022

Purpose

While SARS-CoV-2 infection appears not to be clinically evident in the testes, indirect inflammatory effects and fever may impair testicular function. To date, few long-term data of semen parameters impairment after recovery and comprehensive andrological evaluation of recovered patients has been published. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether SARS-CoV-2 infection affect male reproductive health.

Methods

Eighty patients were recruited three months after COVID-19 recovery. They performed physical examination, testicular ultrasound, semen analysis, sperm DNA integrity evaluation (TUNEL), anti-sperm antibodies (ASA) testing, sex hormone profile evaluation (Total testosterone, LH, FSH). In addition, all patients were administered International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire (IIEF-15). Sperm parameters were compared with two age-matched healthy pre-COVID-19 control groups of normozoospermic (CTR1) and primary infertile (CTR2) subjects.

Results

Median values ofsemen parametersfrom recovered SARS-CoV-2 subjects were within WHO 2010 fifth percentile. Mean percentage ofsperm DNA fragmentation(%SDF) was 14.1 ± 7.0%. Gelatin Agglutination Test (GAT) was positive in 3.9% of blood serum samples, but no positive semen plasma sample was found. Only five subjects (6.2%) had totaltestosterone levelsbelow the laboratory reference range. Meanbilateral testicular volumewas 31.5 ± 9.6 ml.Erectile dysfunctionwas detected in 30% of subjects.

Conclusion

Our data remark that COVID-19 does not seem to cause direct damage to the testicular function, while indirect damage appears to be transient. It is possible to counsel infertile couples to postpone the research of parenthood or ART procedures around three months after recovery from the infection.
Experimental analysis of pore structure and fractal characteristics of soft and hard coals with same coalification
Authors: Ullah Barkat , Cheng Yuanping , Wang Liang , Yang Weihua , Jiskani Izhar Mithal , Hu Biao
Published: August 2022

Accurate and quantitative investigation of the physical structure and fractal geometry of coal has important theoretical and practical significance for coal bed methane (CBM) development and the prevention of dynamic disasters such as coal and gas outbursts. This study investigates the pore structure and fractal characteristics of soft and hard coals using nitrogen and carbon dioxide (N2/CO2) adsorption. Coal samples from Pingdingshan Mine in Henan province of China were collected and pulverized to the required size (0.20–0.25 mm). N2/CO2 adsorption tests were performed to evaluate the specific surface area (SSA), pore size distribution (PSD), and pore volume (PV) using Braunuer-Emmett-Teller (BET), Barrett-Joyner-Halenda (BJH), and Density Functional Theory (DFT). The pore structure was characterized based on the theory of fractal dimensions. The results unveiled that the strength of coal has a significant influence on pore structure and fractal dimensions. There are significant differences in SSA and PV between both coals. The BJH-PV and BET-SSA obtained by N2-adsorption for soft coal are 0.029–0.032 cm3/g and 3.523–4.783 m2/g. While the values of PV and SSA obtained by CO2-adsorption are 0.037–0.039 cm3/g and 106.016–111.870 m2/g. Soft coal shows greater SSA and PV than hard coal, which is consistent with the adsorption capacity ($${V}_{\mathrm{L}}$$

V
L

). The fractal dimensions of soft and hard coal are respectively different. The Ding coal exhibits larger D1 and smaller D2, and the reverse for the Wu coal seam is observed. The greater the value of D1 (complexity of pore surface) of soft coal is, the larger the pore surface roughness and gas adsorption capacity is. The results enable us to conclude that the characterization of pores and fractal dimensions of soft and hard coals is different, tending to different adsorption/desorption characteristics. In this regard, the results provide a reference for formulating corresponding coal and gas outburst prevention and control measures.
Breathable Electronic Skins for Daily Physiological Signal Monitoring
Authors: Yang Yi , Cui Tianrui , Li Ding , Ji Shourui , Chen Zhikang , Shao Wancheng , Liu Houfang , Ren Tian-Ling
Published: August 2022

With the aging of society and the increase in people’s concern for personal health, long-term physiological signal monitoring in daily life is in demand. In recent years, electronic skin (e-skin) for daily health monitoring applications has achieved rapid development due to its advantages in high-quality physiological signals monitoring and suitability for system integrations. Among them, the breathable e-skin has developed rapidly in recent years because it adapts to the long-term and high-comfort wear requirements of monitoring physiological signals in daily life. In this review, the recent achievements of breathable e-skins for daily physiological monitoring are systematically introduced and discussed. By dividing them into breathable e-skin electrodes, breathable e-skin sensors, and breathable e-skin systems, we sort out their design ideas, manufacturing processes, performances, and applications and show their advantages in long-term physiological signal monitoring in daily life. In addition, the development directions and challenges of the breathable e-skin are discussed and prospected.
Ganzheitliche Schulentwicklung zur Implementierung von Educational Technologies in Zeiten der digitalen Transformation – eine Case-Study zum Selbstevaluationstool SELFIE
Authors: Wohlfart Olivia , Wagner Ingo
Published: August 2022

Die digitale Transformation prägt das Bildungssystem und Schulentwicklung zunehmend. Dabei spielt die Implementierung von Educational Technologies in der Schule und im Unterricht eine wichtige Rolle. Systemisch handelt es sich um eine Schulentwicklungsaufgabe, die nachhaltige und kontinuierliche Veränderungen auf allen Ebenen von Schule umfasst und (neue) Herausforderungen an schulische Akteursgruppen stellt. Neben Entwicklungen der Organisations‑, Unterrichts- und Personaldimensionen bedarf es hierfür auch Veränderungen hinsichtlich Technologie- sowie Kooperationsmechanismen spezifisch der Bedürfnisse der Einzelschulen. Mittels einer Case-Study wird in der vorliegenden Studie die Ein- und Durchführung des Selbstevaluationstools SELFIE zur Begleitung in der digitalen Transformation einer Schule multimethodisch analysiert. Die Ergebnisse der Selbstevaluation (n = 265) sowie Erkenntnisse aus mehrepisodischen Interviews (n = 11) mit verschiedenen schulischen Akteur*innen werden präsentiert und unter Berücksichtigung der Schulentwicklungsdimensionen interpretiert. SELFIE wird dabei zunächst als digitales Tool für die Selbstevaluation in Bezug auf die Implementierung von Educational Technologies kritisch reflektiert und dessen Wirkungen auf die Schulentwicklungsdimensionen diskutiert. Abschließend erfolgt ein Ausblick zu den Potenzialen sowie kritischen Herausforderungen der Selbstevaluation im Hinblick auf Schulentwicklung für Forschung und Praxis.
Magistral Compounding with 3D Printing: A Promising Way to Achieve Personalized Medicine
Authors: Beer Netta , Kaae Susanne , Genina Natalja , Sporrong Sofia Kälvemark , Alves Teresa Leonardo , Hoebert Joëlle , De Bruin Marie Louise , Hegger Ingrid
Published: August 2022

Background

Magistral compounding has always been an integral part of pharmacy practice. The increasing demand worldwide for personalized drug treatments might be accommodated by an increase in magistral compounding. The new, flexible technology of 3D medicine printing could advance this process even further. However, the issue of how 3D medicine printing can be implemented within the existing magistral compounding infrastructure has not been explored.

Aims

To investigate how 3D printing can be integrated into the existing compounding system by taking regulatory, economic, and profession-oriented aspects into account.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with relevant Dutch stakeholders representing various health institutions, such as health ministries and boards, professional bodies, and different types of pharmacies. Participants were identified through purposeful sampling. Content analysis was applied to identify the main themes.

Results

A total of 15 Dutch stakeholders were interviewed. It was found that the prevalence of compounding in community pharmacies in the Netherlands has decreased as a result of the practice shifting to specialized compounding pharmacies due to higher costs, lack of space, and the need to fulfill quality requirements. All interviewees considered 3D printing to be a promising compounding technique for community pharmacies, as it offers an automated approach with high digital flexibility and enables adapted formulations, including ‘polypills.’ Regulatory and quality assurance challenges were considered comparable to those of normal magistral products; however, there remain pending regulatory issues regarding quality control, particularly for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients containing intermediate feedstock materials (e.g., prefilled cartridges) in 3D printing. 3D printing was believed to become cost effective over time.

Conclusion

In the Netherlands, specialized compounding pharmacies have largely taken over compounding activities. 3D printing could be introduced within this system; however, challenges regarding how to regulate prefilled cartridges have yet to be addressed. Compounding using 3D printing in regular community pharmacies could enhance patients’ individualized treatment; however, this activity would require incentives to stimulate the return of compounding to normal pharmacy practice.
Gender Differences in the Association Between Sexual Orientation and Risky Sexual Behavior Among College Students With Sexual Experience in Sichuan Province, Chinese
Authors: Li Yajie , Zhou Dinglun , Dai Yingxue , Zhang Jianxin
Published: August 2022

Background

Limited information is available regarding risky sexual behavior among college students with different sexual orientations.

Aim

The aim of this study was to examine the gender differences in the association between sexual orientation and risky sexual behavior among Chinese college students with sexual experience.

Methods

With a self-assessment questionnaire, we conducted a cross-sectional survey among 73,800 students from 25 vocational colleges (3-year colleges) in the Sichuan province of China. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to examine the association between sexual orientation and risky sexual behavior among students with sexual experience.

Outcomes

The main outcome measures used regarding risky sexual behavior are the following: condom use in the last sexual intercourse, early sexual debut, and having multiple sexual partners.

Results

12,711 students with sexual experience were included. Sexual minority students were more likely to have an early sexual debut (For male students, homosexual: OR = 1.88, P < .001; bisexual: OR = 1.96, P < .001; unsure: OR = 1.68, P < .001. For female students, homosexual: OR = 1.87, P < .01; bisexual: OR = 2.07, P < .01; unsure: OR = 1.53, P < .05), and less likely to use condoms in their last sexual intercourse (except for homosexual male students) (For male students, bisexual: OR = 0.65, P < .01; unsure: OR = 0.60, P < .001. For female students, homosexual: OR = 0.21, P < .001; bisexual: OR = 0.54, P < .001; unsure: OR = 0.68, tP < .05). There are gender differences in the association between sexual orientation and having multiple sexual partners. Male sexual minorities were more likely to have multiple sexual partners than heterosexual students (homosexual: OR = 2.06, P < .001; bisexual: OR = 1.66, P < .001; unsure: OR = 1.31, P < .05), while the same result was only observed in bisexual female students (OR = 1.46, P < .01).

Clinical Implications

Sexual health education professionals should consider the sexual orientation of students when providing counseling services or educational intervention, especially for male students and LGBT ones.

Strengths & Limitations

We examined gender differences in the association between sexual orientation and risky sexual behavior among college students with sexual experience. However, the ability for the cross-sectional survey to address causality is limited, and will be further tested in cohort studies.

Conclusion

Gender and sexual orientation affect the likelihood of risky sexual behavior among China's college students, and gender differences in the association between sexual orientation and risky sexual behavior should be noticed.
Reducing subspaces for rank-one perturbations of normal operators
Authors: Gallardo-Gutiérrez Eva A. , González-Doña F. Javier
Published: August 2022

We study the existence of reducing subspaces for rank-one perturbations of diagonal operators and, in general, of normal operators of uniform multiplicity one. As we will show, the spectral picture will play a significant role in order to prove the existence of reducing subspaces for rank-one perturbations of diagonal operators whenever they are not normal. In this regard, the most extreme case is provided when the spectrum of the rank-one perturbation of a diagonal operator $T=D + u\otimes v$ (uniquely determined by such expression) is contained in a line, since in such a case $T$ has a reducing subspace if and only if $T$ is normal. Nevertheless, we will show that it is possible to exhibit non-normal operators $T=D + u\otimes v$ with spectrum contained in a circle either having or lacking non-trivial reducing subspaces. Moreover, as far as the spectrum of $T$ is contained in any compact subset of the complex plane, we provide a characterization of the reducing subspaces $M$ of $T$ such that the restriction $T\mid _M$ is normal. In particular, such characterization allows us to exhibit rank-one perturbations of completely normal diagonal operators (in the sense of Wermer) lacking reducing subspaces. Furthermore, it determines completely the decomposition of the underlying Hilbert space in an orthogonal sum of reducing subspaces in the context of a classical theorem due to Behncke on essentially normal operators.
Geometric interlace: a study of the rise, fall and meaning of stereotomic strapwork in the architecture of Rum Seljuq Anatolia
Authors: McClary Richard Piran
Published: August 2022

This article examines the introduction of stereotomic ablaq marble geometric interlace into the architecture of Rum Seljuq Anatolia in the early 13th century CE. It is a study of the subsequent developments and changes to the constituent motifs in the following decades, before its eventual decline. Attention starts with the Zangid and Ayyubid origins of the technique, in the mihrabs of several madrasas in Aleppo, and moves on to examine the ways in which the pattern mutated and the style of execution shifted over time. A distinctively Anatolian architectural motif emerged throughout the course of the 13th century CE, primarily on monuments built in and around Konya. The possible meanings encoded within the geometric forms, and how they changed over time, are examined, as are the uses of dragon-like forms. Related figural secular examples in Iraq are studied to demonstrate the overt use of the same symbols. The article concludes with an examination of the later uses of related forms, which look similar but do not appear to be encoded with the same semiotic meanings. Ultimately it can be seen that it was the motifs rather than the techniques, first developed in Aleppo in the 12th century CE, that were more widely used in Anatolia in the 13th century CE.
Convergence to a self-similar solution for a one-phase Stefan problem arising in corrosion theory
Authors: BOUGUEZZI M. , HILHORST D. , MIYAMOTO Y. , SCHEID J.-F.
Published: August 2022

Steel corrosion plays a central role in different technological fields. In this article, we consider a simple case of a corrosion phenomenon which describes a pure iron dissolution in sodium chloride. This article is devoted to prove rigorously that under rather general hypotheses on the initial data, the solution of this iron dissolution model converges to a self-similar profile as
$t\rightarrow +\infty$
. We will do so for an equivalent formulation as presented in the book of Avner Friedman about parabolic equations (Friedman (1964) Partial Differential Equations of Parabolic Type, Prentice-Hall, Inc., Englewood Cliffs, NJ.). In order to prove the convergence result, we apply a comparison principle together with suitable upper and lower solutions.
Interdisciplinary insights on the future of food systems research: perspectives from the next generation of research leaders
Authors: Russell Cherie , Schram Ashley , Salmon Libby , Carrad Amy , Barbour Liza , Lacy-Nichols Jennifer , Huse Oliver , Machado Priscila , Gilbert Joshua , Zorbas Christina , Thompson Courtney
Published: August 2022

Our dominant food system is a primary driver of worsening human and planetary health. Held in March 2022, the Public Health Association of Australia’s Food Futures Conference was an opportunity for people working across the food system to connect and advocate for a comprehensive, intersectoral, whole-of-society food and nutrition policy in Australia to attenuate these issues. Conference themes included food systems for local and global good; ecological nutrition; social mobilisation for planetary and public good; food sovereignty and food equity. Students and young professionals are integral in transforming food systems, yet they are under-represented in the academic workforce, across publishing, scientific societies and conference plenaries. A satellite event was held to platform initiatives from early career researchers (ECR) in areas integral for improving planetary and public good. The research topics discussed in this commentary reflect sub-themes of the conference under investigation by ECR: food systems governance and regulation; local food policies; commercial determinants of health; sustainable healthy diets; and food equity and sovereignty.
The impact of livestock farm size on manure disposal modes: sell, give away or self-use
Authors: Li Qian , Wang Xiaoyang , Wang Jingjing , Wang Yubin
Published: August 2022

Two prevailing trends in livestock production include increasing farm sizes and higher recycling rates of manure. Using beef cattle farms in China as a case study, we examine the impact of farm size on farmers' choice of manure disposal modes. Three forms of manure disposal modes are identified: (1) selling to neighboring farmers, (2) giving away to neighboring farmers and (3) self-use. Based on primary data from a field survey of beef cattle farmers in China, we estimate the choice of the above-mentioned three disposal modes using the constrained singular Seemingly Unrelated Regression (SUR) model. We find a significant and nonlinear impact of farm size on farmers' choice of manure disposal modes. Specifically, there is a significant and inversed U-shaped relationship between farm size and manure giving away, and a significant U-shaped relationship between farm size and manure selling or self-use. We additionally find several other factors that affect farmers' choice of manure disposal: the educational level of a farmer has a positive impact on manure selling; the better a farmer's physical health condition, the more likely the farmer self uses manure and less likely gives it away; land acquisition, as well as engagement in crop farming, increases manure self-use and reduces manure giving away and selling; the availability of manure treatment facilities reduces manure self-use; and the willingness of nearby crop growers to accept manure significantly decreases manure self-use and increases manure selling and giving away. Policy implications are also discussed.
Food Addiction
Authors: Müller Astrid , Steins-Loeber Sabine
Published: August 2022

Zusammenfassung: Zielsetzung: Mit der Entwicklung der Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS) wurden diagnostische Kriterien von Food Addiction (FA) postuliert, die sich zunächst an den sieben DSM-IV-TR-Kriterien für Substanzabhängigkeit orientierten. Mit Einführung des DSM-5 erfolgte eine Revision der Skala (YFAS 2.0), die sich an den 11 Kriterien für Substanzgebrauchsstörungen orientiert. Dieser Beitrag befasst sich mit der YFAS 2.0-basierten Prävalenz von FA bei Personen mit Anorexia Nervosa (AN), Bulimia Nervosa (BN), Binge-Eating-Störung (BES) und Adipositas und der Anwendung experimenteller Paradigmen aus der Suchtforschung bei Ess- und Gewichtsstörungen. Methodik: Fokussierte narrative Überblicksarbeit. Ergebnisse: YFAS 2.0-FA-Diagnosen wurden besonders häufig bei Personen mit BN, BES und/oder Adipositas berichtet. Aus der Suchtforschung bekannte experimentelle Paradigmen wurden für Ess- und Gewichtsstörungen adaptiert und zeigen Parallelen zu Abhängigkeitserkrankungen, oftmals wurde in diesen Studien FA jedoch nicht explizit erfasst. Schlussfolgerungen: Eine Subgruppe von Patient_innen mit BN, BES und/oder Adipositas zeigt suchtartiges Essen im Sinne einer YFAS 2.0-FA-Diagnose. Experimentelle Studien legen nahe, dass hier die gleichen Mechanismen bedeutsam sein könnten wie bei Suchterkrankungen. Unklar ist, ob diese auf das Vorliegen von FA zurückzuführen sind. Zukünftige Studien sollten FA systematisch berücksichtigen und den klinischen Nutzen des Konzepts weiter untersuchen.
Does Sequence Matter?
Authors: Wang Tianjiao (Grace) , Bailey Rachel L.
Published: August 2022

Abstract: This study examined the role of motivation in processing sequentially coactive content (i.e., positive leading to negative or the reverse). A motivational inhibition hypothesis was proposed to predict the processing of sequentially coactive content as a function of changes in arousing content. Results provided evidence in support of the mutual inhibitory effects between the appetitive and aversive systems during sequential coactivation and further revealed the role of change in arousing content in resource allocation during different patterns of motivational inhibition. Theoretically, this study extended previous work in offering a clarification on the boundary conditions governing the effect of proposed motivational inhibition when processing sequentially coactive content.
Global Sensitivity Analysis Using the Ultra‐Low Resolution Energy Exascale Earth System Model
Authors: Tezaur Irina , Peterson Kara , Powell Amy , Jakeman John , Roesler Erika
Published: August 2022

For decades, Arctic temperatures have increased twice as fast as average global temperatures. As a first step toward quantifying parametric uncertainty in Arctic climate, we performed a variance‐based global sensitivity analysis (GSA) using a fully coupled, ultra‐low resolution (ULR) configuration of version 1 of the U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Exascale Earth System Model (E3SMv1). Specifically, we quantified the sensitivity of six quantities of interests (QOIs), which characterize changes in Arctic climate over a 75 year period, to uncertainties in nine model parameters spanning the sea ice, atmosphere, and ocean components of E3SMv1. Sensitivity indices for each QOI were computed with a Gaussian process emulator using 139 random realizations of the random parameters and fixed preindustrial forcing. Uncertainties in the atmospheric parameters in the Cloud Layers Unified by Binormals (CLUBB) scheme were found to have the most impact on sea ice status and the larger Arctic climate. Our results demonstrate the importance of conducting sensitivity analyses with fully coupled climate models. The ULR configuration makes such studies computationally feasible today due to its low computational cost. When advances in computational power and modeling algorithms enable the tractable use of higher‐resolution models, our results will provide a baseline that can quantify the impact of model resolution on the accuracy of sensitivity indices. Moreover, the confidence intervals provided by our study, which we used to quantify the impact of the number of model evaluations on the accuracy of sensitivity estimates, have the potential to inform the computational resources needed for future sensitivity studies.