bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influences of aquatic and terrestrial habitat characteristics on abundance patterns of adult wood turtles
Authors: Staggs Jena M. , Brown Donald J. , Badje Andrew F. , Anderson James T. , Carlson Lena V. , Lapin Carly N. , Cochrane Madaline M. , Moen Ron A.
Published: May 2024

Wood turtles (Glyptemys insculpta) are a species of conservation concern throughout their geographic distribution. Several studies have investigated individual‐level habitat selection of wood turtles in the Upper Midwest in the United States, but the effects of habitat characteristics on abundance are poorly understood. This information is needed to improve landscape‐level habitat management and conservation initiatives for the species. Our study aimed to identify important aquatic and terrestrial habitat characteristics and quantify their influence on abundance dynamics of adult wood turtles in the Laurentian Mixed Forest Province ecoregion of Wisconsin and Minnesota, USA. We collected standardized population survey data at 57 sites within the ecoregion between 2016 and 2022. We used N‐mixture models with a multi‐stage model selection procedure to assess the influence of aquatic and terrestrial predictors on abundance, including several 3‐dimensional forest structure metrics derived from airborne Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data. Several aquatic and terrestrial habitat characteristics influenced local abundance patterns of adult wood turtles. The most influential aquatic predictors were stream velocity and stream width, and the most influential terrestrial predictors were mean return height and vertical coefficient of variation of height. Abundance was high at sites containing comparatively narrow streams with moderate velocities. The most supported terrestrial predictors were derived from LiDAR and indicate that complex forest structures support larger wood turtle populations. Our results can be used in forest management strategies to improve habitat quality for wood turtles, such as selective tree harvesting to increase structural diversity, and potentially identify robust populations in under‐surveyed areas.
Intraoral laser hair removal: A scoping review
Authors: Katz Abigail , Rivera‐Oyola Ryan , Levinson Carrie , Labadie Jessica G.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Intraoral hair growth is a debilitating side effect of flap or graft‐based oropharyngeal reconstruction. There is no standardized treatment, but groups have successfully eradicated unwanted hair growth with intraoral laser hair removal. This scoping review assesses the utility of laser therapy in managing this condition.

Methods

This scoping review followed PRISMA‐ScR guidelines. Ovid Medline, Embase (Ovid) and Scopus were queried using index terms and keywords. Resulting articles were reviewed for inclusion by two independent reviewers against inclusion criteria and relevant data were extracted.

Results

The literature search yielded 297 articles, 22 of which met inclusion criteria. In total, 77 patients were treated: 38 patients with an Alexandrite laser, 19 with an Nd:YAG laser, 18 with a diode laser, and two with a CO2 laser. Complete response defined as 80% or more reduction in hair count was achieved in 70 patients (90%) and six patients (8%) achieved a partial response (10%–79% reduction in hair count). One patient (1%) with gray hair saw less than a 10% reduction in hair count. On average, 3.84 treatment sessions were needed, spaced 5.4 weeks apart. Treatments were well tolerated without major side effects.

Conclusions

This is the first scoping review assessing the utility of intraoral laser hair therapy and suggests it may be a safe and effective treatment. However, surgeons should advise preoperative hair removal when clinically feasible to mitigate this side effect as much as possible.
Polymer‐Protected Gold Nanoparticles for Photothermal Treatment of Ehrlich Adenocarcinoma: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies
Authors: Tatykhanova Gulnur S. , Tuleyeva Rysgul N. , Nurakhmetova Zhanara A. , Gizatullina Nargiz N. , Krasnoshtanov Vladimir K. , Kaldybekov Daulet B. , Aseyev Vladimir O. , Khutoryanskiy Vitaliy V. , Kudaibergenov Sarkyt E.
Published: May 2024

Photothermal therapy (PTT) is recognized as an effective tool for the treatment of cancer and it has attracted considerable attention of scientists. In this work, gold nanospheres (AuNSs) and gold nanorods (AuNRs) stabilized using poly(N‐vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP), pristine gellan gum (PGG), and poly(2‐ethyl‐2‐oxazoline)‐grafted gellan gum (GG‐g‐PEtOx) are synthesized and evaluated as PTT agents in Ehrlich cancer cells. The physicochemical characteristics of these AuNSs and AuNRs, including their surface plasmon resonance absorption spectra, size, zeta potential, and aspect ratio are studied using UV–vis‐spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, transmission electron microscopy, and optical microscopy techniques. The polymer‐protected AuNSs exhibit light‐to‐heat conversion, raising the temperature from 37 to 43 °C when irradiated using a visible light source. In the case of AuNSs, considerable damage to Ehrlich cancer cells is observed following irradiation and 40 days of examination. However, with regard to AuNSs, the damage to Ehrlich cancer cells is slightly lower than observed in AuNRs. In vivo experiments demonstrate that laser irradiation of tumors in mice after injecting AuNSs leads to a statistically significant decrease in tumor size as compared to those not irradiated and the control samples.
A Hilbert‐space variant of Geršgorin's circle theorem
Authors: Carlsson Marcus , Rubin Olof
Published: May 2024

We provide a variant of Geršgorin's circle theorem, where the ‐estimates are swapped for ‐estimates, more suitable for the infinite‐dimensional Hilbert space setting.
Data‐driven surrogate modeling of dielectric reflectarray antenna using 3D printing technology for X band applications
Authors: Bereket Mehmet , Belen Mehmet A.
Published: May 2024

Reflectarray (RA) antennas are gaining recognition as a high‐performance alternative for antenna design. They combine the functionalities of standard parabolic reflectors and phased array antennas without a feed network. However, the design of RA models requires a model that exhibits exceptional performance while meeting contradictory requirements such as size and operation band. An effective and computationally efficient approach is to employ a rapid and precise unit element model for the design of reflective antennas. Artificial intelligence (AI) regression techniques have been developed to predict electromagnetic behavior efficiently and accurately in microwave device design. A cross‐shaped 3D printable RA was examined as a case study, and a design‐ready surrogate model was developed with a mean absolute error of approximately 5° using only 800 data samples. The method can be considered a feasible substitute for current surrogate‐assisted RA design techniques due to its computational efficacy and dependability.
Long‐term sustained effects of the Look AHEAD lifestyle intervention on body composition among adults with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Ashby‐Thompson Maxine , Heshka Stanley , Anderson Andrea , Pownall Henry , Laferrère Blandine , Balasubramanyam Ashok , Heymsfield Steven B. , Wadden Thomas A. , Gallagher Dympna ,   the Look AHEAD Research Group
Published: May 2024

Objective

The objective of the study was to test whether there are sustained effects of the Look AHEAD intensive lifestyle intervention (ILI), versus diabetes support and education (DSE), on weight and body composition 12 to 16 years after randomization.

Methods

Participants were a subset of enrollees in the Look AHEAD dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry substudy who completed the final visit, composed of men (DSE = 99; ILI = 94) and women (DSE = 134; ILI = 135) with type 2 diabetes and mean (SD) age 57.2 (6.4) years and BMI 34.9 (5.1) kg/m2 at randomization. Dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry measured total and regional fat and lean masses at randomization, at Years 1, 4, and 8, and at the final visit. Linear mixed‐effects regressions were applied with adjustment for group, clinic, sex, age, race/ethnicity, and baseline body composition.

Results

Weight and most body compartments were reduced by 2% to 8% (and BMI 4%) in ILI versus DSE in men but not women. ILI‐induced loss of lean tissue did not show a lower percent lean mass versus DSE at 16 years after randomization.

Conclusion

ILI‐related changes in weight, fat, and lean mass were detectable 12 to 16 years after randomization in men but, for unknown reasons, not in women. There was no evidence that the intervention led to a disproportionate loss of lean mass by the end of the study.
Non‐adherence and non‐persistence with antiretroviral treatment in Belgium: A real‐world evaluation using a pharmacy database, 2018–2021
Authors: Ilboudo Dieudonné , Mbouche Patricia , Sommet Agnès , Van Wilder Philippe , Kirakoya‐Samadoulougou Fati
Published: May 2024

Purpose

To evaluate the real‐world rates of non‐adherence and non‐persistence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) among treatment‐naïve adult patients with HIV after a 12‐month follow‐up period in Belgium.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of longitudinal pharmacy claims was conducted using the Pharmanet database from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2021. Non‐adherence was assessed over 12 months and reported as the proportion of days covered below the 80% threshold. Non‐persistence was defined as the first 90‐day gap in treatment between the two types of ART dispensed. Poisson regression with robust standard error and Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the factors associated with non‐adherence and non‐persistence, respectively.

Results

Overall, 2999 patients were initiated on ART between 2018 and 2021. After a 12‐month follow‐up, the proportions of non‐adherence and non‐persistence were 35.6% and 15.9%, respectively in 2018, and decreased to 18.7% and 6.8%, respectively in 2021. Non‐adherence was higher among women, Brussels residents, and those receiving multiple‐tablet regimens (MTRs). Similarly, the prevalence of non‐persistence was higher among women and MTR recipients.

Conclusion

Among treatment‐naïve adults with HIV in Belgium, non‐adherence, and non‐persistence to ART showed improvement over the study period but remained at high levels. Disparities were observed by sex and between geographical regions. Prioritizing strategies targeting women in Brussels and facilitating the transition from MTRs to single‐tablet regimens should be emphasized optimize adherence to ART in Belgium.
Effect of poly(lactic acid) molecular weight and composition on the morphology and crystallization behavior of polyhydroxybutyrate/poly(lactic acid) blends
Authors: Ghassemi Payman , Eesaee Mostafa , Sollogoub Cyrille , Nguyen‐Tri Phuong
Published: May 2024

This study investigates the effects of molecular weight and crystallinity of polylactic acid (PLA) on the morphology and crystallization behavior of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB)/PLA blends. Utilizing a solution casting method, we discovered that the molecular characteristics of PLA significantly influence the thermal and structural properties of the blends. The lower molecular weight and amorphous PLA notably broadened the temperature range for PHB's banded spherulite formation, indicating enhanced miscibility. In contrast, semicrystalline PLA variants produced smaller spherulites within large PHB matrices. The high molecular weight PLA had an unusual, relatively low melting point which led to a competition between the molecular weight effect and the supercooling effect regarding the isothermal crystallization kinetics. The blend morphology was observed in thin films in which the usual crystal formation of PHB was severely hindered in the presence of crystalline PLA but could form thin lamellae when the PLA was amorphous. At ultra‐thin thickness, where crystallization is impossible, the amorphous co‐continuous structure of the blends was revealed by melting the film. Our research contributes to the development of advanced biodegradable materials for environmental sustainability, emphasizing the intricate interplay between polymer blend components that can be tuned for specific applications.

Highlights

The study explores the blend morphology and crystallization of PLA/PHB.

The temperature range for PHB's spherulite formation broadens with PLA.

PLA's partial miscibility with PHB shifted Tg and caused delayed Tm of PHB.

Usual PHB crystal formation is hindered with crystalline PLA.

Thin PHB lamellae formed within amorphous PLA and observed via AFM.
Dissociative identity disorder: a review of the diagnosis that divides
Authors: Young Matilda , Almaskati Mazen , Vrabtchev Svetlin , Kuruvilla Tarun
Published: May 2024

The diagnosis of dissociative identity disorder (DID) has been associated with controversy and remains an area of dispute among clinicians to this day. This review explores the evolution of the diagnosis and how it is currently described and understood in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD‐11) and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM‐5). Also considered, are recent implications for clinical practice, treatment recommendations and the potential for any medicolegal issues to emerge.
Psychosocial and palliative care in African national cancer control plans: A qualitative study
Authors: Henry Melissa , Asuzu Chioma , Savard Sabrina , Devault‐Tousignant Cyril , Timmermans Sydney , Khosravi Katrina , Amin Amina , Albert Justine , Krochmalnek Tara , Odiyo Phillip , Akin‐Odanye Elizabeth Oluwatoyin , Terwase Joyce , Lounsbury David , Nichols Scott , Nichols Sharon , Palmer Charles
Published: May 2024

Objective

Low and middle income countries of Africa account for a disproportionate amount of the global health burden of cancer. Providing patients access to psychosocial oncology and palliative care through policy structures such as the National Cancer Control Plans (NCCP) is essential to improving the care provided to patients and their families. The first phase of this study sought to determine the extent to which palliative care and psychosocial oncology were integrated in NCCPs in African countries.

Methods

A qualitative thematic analysis of the plans was used using Nvivo, with two‐raters coding and continuous team discussions. Data were organized into an infographic map showing the coverage of themes across African countries.

Results

Fifty‐eight NCCPs and NCD plans were analyzed in the 54 countries in Africa. The findings illustrate a lack of standardization across countries' NCCPs in addressing psychosocial oncology and palliative care themes. Certain areas presented good coverage across several plans, such as barriers to access, education, awareness, and health behaviors, coordination of care, families, caregivers and community involvement, and palliative care. Other themes presented low coverage, such as doctor‐patient communication, mental health, bereavement, psychosocial care, survivorship care, and traditional medicine.

Conclusions

One may consider further developing NCCP areas as they pertain to psychosocial oncology and palliative care to ensure their proper place on the policy agenda for a healthier Africa.
Unusually severe neonatal presentation of mediastinal bronchogenic cyst
Authors: Sanchez‐Ferrer Francisco , Nso‐Roca Ana Pilar
Published: May 2024

Bronchogenic cysts are rare congenital malformations that occur in adults and children, with differences in distribution and presentation. We present the case of a newborn who initiated respiratory distress from the first minutes of life, presenting with hypoventilation and rightward displacement of the cardiac impulse, requiring oxygen therapy and intubation. The first radiograph shows a left pulmonary emphysema. The computerized axial tomography revealed a large mediastinal mass causing an obstructive syndrome of the left bronchus. The mass was successfully excised, resulting in a favorable clinical evolution. Although the presentation of our case is exceptional, it is worth noting that while most bronchogenic cysts are asymptomatic, they can occur in childhood, even from birth, as in our case.
In silico design and evaluation of a multiepitope vaccine targeting the nucleoprotein of Puumala orthohantavirus
Authors: Bhattacharya Kunal , Chanu Nongmaithem Randhoni , Jha Saurav Kumar , Khanal Pukar , Paudel Keshav Raj
Published: May 2024

The Puumala orthohantavirus is present in the body of the bank vole (Myodes glareolus). Humans infected with this virus may develop hemorrhagic fever accompanying renal syndrome. In addition, the infection may further lead to the failure of an immune system completely. The present study aimed to propose a possible vaccine by employing bioinformatics techniques to identify B and T‐cell antigens. The best multi‐epitope of potential immunogenicity was generated by combining epitopes. Additionally, the linkers EAAAK, AAY, and GPGPG were utilized in order to link the epitopes successfully. Further, C‐ImmSim was used to perform in silico immunological simulations upon the vaccine. For the purpose of conducting expression tests in Escherichia coli, the chimeric protein construct was cloned using Snapgene into the pET‐9c vector. The designed vaccine showed adequate results, evidenced by the global population coverage and favorable immune response. The developed vaccine was found to be highly effective and to have excellent population coverage in a number of computer‐based assessments. This work is fully dependent on the development of nucleoprotein‐based vaccines, which would constitute a significant step forward if our findings were used in developing a global vaccination to combat the Puumala virus.
Dual RNA sequencing during Trichoderma harzianum–Phytophthora capsici interaction reveals multiple biological processes involved in the inhibition and highlights the cell wall as a potential target
Authors: Wang Weizhen , Wang Haidong , Zhang Zhuzhu , Li Wenzhi , Yin Xianhui , Long Youhua
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND

Phytophthora capsici is a destructive oomycete pathogen, causing huge economic losses for agricultural production. The genus Trichoderma represents one of the most extensively researched categories of biocontrol agents, encompassing a diverse array of effective strains. The commercial biocontrol agent Trichoderma harzianum strain T‐22 exhibits pronounced biocontrol effects against many plant pathogens, but its activity against P. capsici is not known.

RESULTS

T. harzianum T‐22 significantly inhibited the growth of P. capsici mycelia and the culture filtrate of T‐22 induced lysis of P. capsici zoospores. Electron microscopic analyses indicated that T‐22 significantly modulated the ultrastructural composition of P. capsici, with a severe impact on the cell wall integrity. Dual RNA sequencing revealed multiple biological processes involved in the inhibition during the interaction between these two microorganisms. In particular, a marked upregulation of genes was identified in T. harzianum that are implicated in cell wall degradation or disruption. Concurrently, the presence of T. harzianum appeared to potentiate the susceptibility of P. capsici to cell wall biosynthesis inhibitors such as mandipropamid and dimethomorph. Further investigations showed that mandipropamid and dimethomorph could strongly inhibit the growth and development of P. capsici but had no impact on T. harzianum even at high concentrations, demonstrating the feasibility of combining T. harzianum and these cell wall synthesis inhibitors to combat P. capsici.

CONCLUSION

These findings provided enhanced insights into the biocontrol mechanisms against P. capsici with T. harzianum and evidenced compatibility between specific biological and chemical control strategies. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Delayed antibiotic prescribing in primary care in Cornwall
Authors: Trevena Laura , Motta Marco , Wilcock Michael
Published: May 2024

Delayed antibiotic prescribing in primary care can be a useful strategy to help manage patient expectations and reduce antibiotic consumption. This project surveyed GP practices in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care System to identify current approaches to the use of delayed antibiotic prescriptions, as well as the incentives and barriers to implementation.
Royal College of Psychiatrists’ International Congress 2023
Authors: Ogden Joy
Published: May 2024

Innovations and insights into treating compulsive disorders were explored in a comprehensive list of presentations at the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ International Congress 2023, held in Liverpool last July. Joy Ogden reports on some of the highlights.
Increasing patient awareness of ketoacidosis with gliflozins
Authors: Thompson Angus
Published: May 2024

While SGLT2 inhibitors are generally well tolerated, their use has been associated with cases of ketoacidosis. It is therefore important to make patients aware of what steps they can take to minimise the risk of this potentially serious adverse effect.
Knudsen effusion mass spectrometry: Current and future approaches
Authors: Jacobson Nathan S. , Colle Jean‐Yves , Stolyarova Valentina , Markus Torsten , Nuta Ioana
Published: May 2024

Rationale

Knudsen effusion mass spectrometry (KEMS) has been a powerful tool in physical chemistry since 1954. There are many excellent reviews of the basic principles of KEMS in the literature. In this review, we focus on the current status and potential growth areas for this instrumental technique.

Methods

We discuss (1) instrumentation, (2) measurement techniques, and (3) selected novel applications of the technique. Improved heating methods and temperature measurement allow for better control of the Knudsen cell effusive source. Accurate computer models of the effusive beam and its introduction to the ionizer allow optimization of such parameters as sensitivity and removal of background signals. Computer models of the ionizer allow for optimized sensitivity and resolution. Additionally, data acquisition systems specifically tailored to a KEMS system permit improved quantity and quality of data.

Results

KEMS is traditionally utilized for thermodynamic measurements of pure compounds and solutions. These measurements can now be strengthened using first principles and model‐based computational thermochemistry. First principles can be used to calculate accurate Gibbs energy functions (gefs) for improving third law calculations. Calculated enthalpies of formation and dissociation energies from ab initio methods can be compared to those measured using KEMS. For model‐based thermochemistry, solution parameters can be derived from measured thermochemical data on metallic and nonmetallic solutions. Beyond thermodynamic measurements, KEMS has been used for many specific applications. We select examples for discussion: measurements of phase changes, measurement/control of low‐oxygen potential systems, thermochemistry of ultrahigh‐temperature ceramics, geological applications, nuclear applications, applications to organic and organometallic compounds, and thermochemistry of functional room temperature materials, such as lithium ion batteries.

Conclusions

We present an overview of the current status of KEMS and discuss ideas for improving KEMS instrumentation and measurements. We discuss selected KEMS studies to illustrate future directions of KEMS.
Dispersity determination of poly(ethylene glycol)s using supercritical fluid chromatography‐mass spectrometry and different mass analysers
Authors: Cancho‐Gonzalez Sergio , Ferguson Paul , Herniman Julie M. , Langley G. John
Published: May 2024

Rationale

Dispersity values are considered critical quality attributes for the quality control of poly(ethylene glycol) formulations due to the direct impact on drug performance. However, when these polymers are analysed using mass spectrometry, the design of the mass analyser can impact the oligomer response and affect the obtained dispersity values, so further understanding is needed.

Methods

The deconvoluted electrospray ionisation mass spectra of poly(ethylene glycol)s obtained using supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) hyphenated to different mass analysers were compared, and visualisation diagrams were used to understand the differences in the dispersity value calculations. Five calibration approaches based on a surrogate single oligomer that represents the whole distribution, or the whole distribution itself, for response selection, were used to evaluate ionisation efficiency prior to quantitation. The impact of using an internal standard (ISTD) on the expanded uncertainty was also assessed.

Results

Although there were challenges related to the resolution of multiply charged species when low‐resolution instruments were used, similar quantitation capabilities were obtained to those when high‐resolution mass analysers were used. Evaluation of approaches using a surrogate oligomer or the whole distribution suggested the independence of both approaches and a constant ionisation efficiency across the oligomer chain length. The higher degree of chromatographic resolution of SFC allowed incorporating a monodispersed ISTD to improve the accuracy and precision of the method.

Conclusions

The use of low resolution mass analysers was sufficient to provide accurate and precise dispersity values; however, higher resolution instruments were recommended for characterisation due to the improved mass resolution of ions. The introduction of a monodispersed ISTD improved precision without compromising the calculated dispersity value due to the lack of analyte suppression.
Contributions of Reading Support from Teachers, Parents, and Friends to Reading Related Variables in Academic and Recreational Contexts
Authors: Pelletier Daisy , Guay Frédéric , Falardeau Érick
Published: May 2024

Reading skills are considered an important lever for success in school and active participation in society. They are positively associated with reading motivation, reading self‐concept, reading frequency, and behavioral engagement in reading (e.g., time, effort), variables that tend to decline as students move from elementary to secondary school. Few studies have yet compared the contributions of reading support from teachers, parents, and friends to each of these variables among students of different age groups. In this multicohort correlational study, students (n = 1246) in grades 4, 6, 8, and 10 completed a questionnaire measuring the reading support they perceived receiving from three social agents (teacher, parents, and friends) as well as variables related to reading in academic and recreational contexts. The data collected were used to evaluate the construct relevance and predictive validity of the questionnaire. The results suggest that: (1) Reading support can be conceptualized in nine dimensions defined according to the source that provides it (e.g., teachers) and the type to which it corresponds (e.g., relatedness support); (2) secondary school students overall consider that they receive less reading support than do elementary school students; (3) reading support from teacher has unique contributions to certain variables measured in the academic context without, however, having as many positive contributions as parents in this context; (4) reading support provided by parents and friends is important in both reading contexts, particularly in the recreational context. Methodological, theoretical, and practical implications are discussed.
Assessing China's energy‐related efficiency towards SDG7 and influencing factors
Authors: Zhang Lina , Liu Sai , Chiu Yung‐ho , Pang Qinghua , Chen Qiyong , Shi Changfeng
Published: May 2024

With scholars paying increasing attention to energy sustainability, integrating energy sustainable utilization into the energy‐related assessment framework is particularly useful for achieving SDG7. This study empirically assesses the energy‐related efficiency (EE) comprised of the energy utilize stage and energy sustainable stage in China using a dynamic two‐stage data envelopment analysis model, and its influencing factors including digital economy with fixed‐effect models. The findings reveal a slight downward trend of EE from 2011 to 2020, primarily due to the poor performance of energy utilize stage. The subregional analysis illustrates that increasing clean energy use (CEU) is more beneficial to energy efficiency than reducing carbon emissions (CER). Dagum Gini coefficients indicate a growing disparity between regions. Additionally, a “U‐shaped” relationship between digital economy and EE is found, but two‐thirds provinces of China have not yet surpassed the turning point. Moreover, different degrees of CEU and CER will influence the impact of digital economy on EE. Environmental regulations and green technology innovation play positive moderating roles in the “U‐shaped” relationship. This study recommends to stimulate the energy sustainable use through higher adoption of clean energy sources and carbon emissions reduction, as well as highlight the green value of the digital economy.
Carrots rather than sticks: Governance of voluntary sustainability standards and farmer welfare in Peru
Authors: Boonaert Eva , Depoorter Charline , Marx Axel , Maertens Miet
Published: May 2024

Aligned with the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, voluntary sustainability standards (VSS) have gained prominence as market‐based tools for sustainability governance. However, whether VSS improve economic sustainability remains subject to vigorous debate. A major limitation of the evidence base is that it does not systematically examine which VSS design attributes affect their impact. In this study, we develop a conceptual framework disentangling three main governance mechanisms through which VSS may affect farmer welfare, which we operationalize using secondary data from a nationally representative farm household survey in Peru. Our results underscore the dominant role of market‐based incentives, followed by capacity‐building, while rule enforcement with good agricultural practices has no effect on farm revenue. Additionally, organizational membership is found to amplify the revenue effects of VSS through market‐based incentives. Our findings advocate VSS organizations to strengthen market‐based incentives and capacity‐building, while improving standard setting and enforcement to effectively improve economic sustainability.
Fixed‐Point Atomic Regulation Engineered Low‐Thickness Wideband Microwave Absorption
Authors: Qian Yuetong , Wu Zhengchen , Lv Xiaowei , Huang Mengqiu , Rao Longjun , Wang Lei , Lai Yuxiang , Zhang Jincang , Che Renchao
Published: May 2024

Atomic doping is widely employed to fine‐tune crystal structures, energy band structures, and the corresponding electrical properties. However, due to the difficulty in precisely regulating doping sites and concentrations, establishing a relationship between electricity properties and doping becomes a huge challenge. In this work, a modulation strategy on A‐site cation dopant into spinel‐phase metal sulfide Co9S8 lattice via Fe and Ni elements is developed to improve the microwave absorption (MA) properties. At the atomic scale, accurately controlling doped sites can introduce local lattice distortions and strain concentration. Tunned electron energy redistribution of the doped Co9S8 strengthens electron interactions, ultimately enhancing the high‐frequency dielectric polarization (ɛ′ from 10.5 to 12.5 at 12 GHz). For the Fe‐doped Co9S8, the effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) at 1.7 mm increases by 5%, and the minimum reflection loss (RLmin) improves by 26% (EAB = 5.8 GHz, RLmin = −46 dB). The methodology of atomic‐scale fixed‐point doping presents a promising avenue for customizing the dielectric properties of nanomaterials, imparting invaluable insights for the design of cutting‐edge high‐performance microwave absorption materials.
Trace Selenium Doping for Improving the Reaction Kinetics of ZnS Cathode for Aqueous Zn–S Batteries
Authors: Ren Yibin , Li Jianbo , Zhang Yi , Huang Yunhui , Li Zhen
Published: May 2024

Aqueous Zinc–sulfur (Zn–S) batteries are promising for the field of energy storage due to their low cost, high theoretical capacity, and safety. However, the large volume expansion and the inherently poor conductivity of sulfur would result in electrode cracking and sluggish reaction kinetics, limiting the practical application of Zn–S batteries. Herein, commercial zinc sulfide (ZnS) is employed instead of S as cathode and proposed a doping modification strategy to solve the above problems. The designed ZnS0.93Se0.07 cathode shows good cycle stability and much‐improved reaction kinetics, which is due to the smaller bandgap of ZnS0.93Se0.07 (1.40 eV) compared to ZnS (1.86 eV). As a result, the obtained ZnS0.93Se0.07 cathode exhibits a high specific capacity of 552 mAh g−1 (1672.6 mAh g−1 based on S) at 0.1 A g−1 and 330 mAh g−1 (1000 mAh g−1 based on S) at 2 A g−1. Moreover, the ZnS0.93Se0.07 cathode can provide a high areal capacity of 3.8 mAh cm−2 at a high mass loading of 10 mg cm−2 and limited electrolyte (4 µL mg−1). This work provides a simple and effective cathode modification strategy, which is conducive to promoting the practical application of Zn–S batteries.
Sustainable software engineering—A contribution puzzle of different teams in large IT organizations
Authors: Poth Alexander , Momen Pegah
Published: May 2024

Abstract

IT sustainability is becoming more and more important within the digitalization journey. It is more than green coding or the usage of power‐efficient hardware – it needs a holistic approach to leverage the potentials end‐to‐end in the software life‐cycle. The overall value stream within the IT organization is subject to sustainability alignment. This holistic alignment demands the engagement of different teams in large IT organizations. This article identifies the contributions of typical team stakeholders and evaluates their sustainability software engineering (SSE) contributions. This includes demand, architecture, design, implementation, operation, and usage. As an IT organization focuses on more than just software, the term sustainable IT engineering (SIE) fits better with the scope of organizational sustainability. The proposed approaches are presented based on instantiations within the Volkswagen Group IT.
Seismic fragility analysis of steel reinforced concrete frame‐bent structures in CAP1400 nuclear power plant
Authors: Xu Zhen‐Hua , Zhao Jin‐Quan , Bai Guo‐Liang , Ding Yong‐Gang
Published: May 2024

This paper evaluates the seismic performance of the frame‐bent structure of a conventional island main building in a nuclear power plant (NPP) using the CAP1400 NPP project of Rongcheng Shidaowan in Shandong Province as a case study. A 12‐pin 3‐span prototype structural model of a steel reinforced concrete (SRC) frame‐bent main building is established in ABAQUS, and its seismic fragility is analyzed. The results show that under the conditions of an 8‐degree frequent earthquake and an 8‐degree fortification earthquake, the transcendental probability under the four limit states of the structural seismic fragility matrix with Sa as intensity measure (IM) is higher than that with peak ground acceleration (PGA) as IM. Moreover, under an 8‐degree rare earthquake, the structure has completely exceeded the normal service performance level and has reached the service performance level of temporary use and repair. The seismic damage index of the structure demonstrates that the structure's seismic damage does not exceed the medium damage state under a small earthquake. However, under the action of a moderate earthquake, the seismic damage of the structure ranges from moderate to serious damage. When subjected to large earthquakes, the seismic damage of the structure is basically in a state of serious damage.
Stoma‐related complications and quality‐of‐life assessment: A cross‐sectional study with patients from Ethiopia and Sweden
Authors: Eklöv Karolina , Shiferaw Abel , Rosen Alice , Bekele Solomon , Ayalew Bekin ,   ACROSS Collaborative Group, Bringman Sven , Nygren Jonas , Löfgren Jenny , Everhov Åsa H.
Published: May 2024

Background

The situation for patients with ostomy can be challenging, probably more in a resource‐constrained environment. Our objective was to evaluate quality of life (QoL) (using EQ5D‐5L) and stoma‐specific QoL (using Stoma QoL) in a high‐ and low‐income setting.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study from the Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital (TASH), Addis Ababa, and South General Hospital (SGH), Stockholm, patients with a permanent or temporary ostomy at TASH (EthioPerm), (EthioTemp), and patients with ostomy at SGH (SweSto) were included in October 2022–January 2023.

Results

Patients N = 66 were included in groups: EthioPerm N = 28, EthioTemp N = 17, and SweSto N = 21. In EthioTemp, 88% used homemade stoma bags. Although morbidity related to the nipple itself was similar in the groups, the overall score from Stoma QoL was significantly lower in EthioPerm, 48/100 than in SweSto, 74/100. Scores were significantly lower for pouch‐related problems and social interactions in Ethiopian patients. In EthioPerm, 71% of the patients worried that they were a burden to the people close to them compared to 14% in SweSto (p < 0.001). Leakage was over four times more common in EthioPerm than in SweSto. Mean overall EQ5D‐5L score was 18 percentage points lower than the national mean score in EthioPerm and 2 percentage points lower in SweSto.

Conclusion

QoL was more affected in the Ethiopian study participants than in the Swedish, even when commercial stoma bags were available. The largest problems were leakage, embarrassment with social interactions, and pouch‐related problems.

Trial registration

NCT05970458 Clinicaltrials.gov, https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05970458?locStr=Ethiopia&country=Ethiopia&distance=50&cond=Stoma%20Ileostomy&rank=1.
A contemporary view of civic leadership: Understanding college student perspectives and addressing barriers of service and engagement
Authors: Headrick Jason
Published: May 2024

Civic leadership programming can be found across the United States and allows individuals the opportunity to gain skills focused on engaging their local community, creating space for change and impact to occur, and developing civic agency, a practice of working together across differences. This work describes civic leadership understanding, an examination of Generation Z characteristics, and provides a description of the Civic Leadership Academy at one university. The results of a 3‐year longitudinal series of phenomenological focus groups identify student‐derived themes that set a definition of civic leadership: catalyst of social awareness and change, bridging people and passions, and developing a culture of service. In addition, they identify barriers to service and provide strategies to challenge these barriers through curricular and co‐curricular programs.
Foundational Leadership and Organizational Wellness (FLOW) Model: Designing leadership learning for individuals and organizations
Authors: Juarez Freddy , Pernier Jarred , Devies Brittany
Published: May 2024

This article shares the foundational leadership and organizational wellness (FLOW) model, which is a leadership development model that seeks to better understand the relationship between individual leadership development and organizational development and wellness. The model is presented as a whole, followed by deep exploration by each piece of the model undergirded in existing scholarship and practical discussion throughout. Implications for practice and future research are shared to conclude the article.
Leadership and bisexuality: Dually occurring processes of identity development
Authors: Pacheco Derrick Raphael , DeMarse Ashton R.
Published: May 2024

With the growing importance of identity development, it is important to see the intersections that occur with one's identity as both a leader and as bisexual. Leader identity and bisexual identity development can occur in tandem, with critical moments influencing both dually occurring identity development processes. By understanding the need that the field of leadership education has to explore the development of bisexual leaders and leadership educators, the authors discuss the need to center minoritized identities in our scholarship and practice within the field.
Binary black holes and quantum off-shell recursion
Authors: Cho Kyoungho , Kim Kwangeon , Lee Kanghoon
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The quantum off-shell recursion provides an efficient and universal computational tool for loop-level scattering amplitudes. In this work, we present a new comprehensive computational framework based on the quantum off-shell recursion for binary black hole systems. Using the quantum perturbiner method, we derive the recursions and solve them explicitly up to two-loop order. We introduce an indicator that enables straightforward distinguishing diagrams and deriving integral families in the context of off-shell recursions. By employing the soft expansion technique, we remove irrelevant terms from the loop integrands and express them in terms of master integrals. We classify the one-loop and the two-loop classical diagrams, and their loop integrands are represented by linear combinations of the master integrals. Finally, we explicitly calculate the classical scalar 2 → 2 amplitudes in the potential region up to the 3PM order and reproduce the known results.
Adults in the room? The auditor and dividends in small firms: evidence from a natural experiment
Authors: Lyngstadås Hakim , Mauritzen Johannes
Published: May 2024

We examine the effect of auditing on dividends in small private firms. We hypothesize that auditing can constrain dividends by way of promoting accounting conservatism. We use register data on private Norwegian firms and random variation induced by the introduction of a policy allowing small private firms to forgo the use of an auditor to estimate the effect of auditing on dividend payout. Identification is obtained by a regression discontinuity around the arbitrary thresholds for the policy. Propensity score matching is used to create a balanced synthetic control. We consistently find that forgoing auditing led to a significant increase in dividends in small private firms.
Frequency regulation in solar PV-powered thermal power system using FPA-PID controller through UPFC and RFB
Authors: Masikana S. B. , Sharma Gulshan , Sharma Sachin , Çelik Emre
Published: May 2024

The integration of additional renewable energy sources, such as solar PV, into the current power grid is a global priority due to the depletion of traditional supplies and rising power demand. In order to achieve load frequency control (LFC) of the power system with integration of solar PV, this study employs the construction of a proportional integral derivative (PID) scheme that has been fine-tuned via the flower pollination algorithm (FPA). When evaluating the performance of FPA-PID on an interconnected thermal power system, three distinct error values—integral time absolute error (ITAE), integral time multiplied by square error (ITSE), and integral of absolute error (IAE)—are taken into consideration. The results are compared with those of genetic algorithm, particle swarm optimization, and hybrid bacteria foraging optimization based PID. It can be observed that the error values achieved with FPA-PID are substantially lower than those obtained with other PID designs, which are ITSE of 2.07e−05, ITAE of 0.01839, and IAE of 0.008889. Furthermore, the PV integration has further decreased the ITSE to 7.872e−06, the ITAE to 0.008953, and the IAE to 0.005376. All error levels have been further reduced because of the integration of unified power flow control (UPFC) in series with the tie-line and redox flow battery (RFB) separately, utilizing the FPA-PID scheme with solar PV. Finally, it is seen that FPA-PID with solar PV and with UPFC outperforms other LFC designs. The graphical LFC plots verify that FPA-PID with solar PV and with UPFC has capability to reduce the frequency, tie-line power, and area control error excursions in comparison to other LFC designs.
Investigation of parenteral nutrition-induced hepatotoxicity using human liver spheroid co-cultures
Authors: Mihajlovic Milos , De Boever Sybren , Tabernilla Andrés , Callewaert Ellen , Sanz-Serrano Julen , Verhoeven Anouk , Maerten Amy , Rosseel Zenzi , De Waele Elisabeth , Vinken Mathieu
Published: May 2024

Parenteral nutrition (PN) is typically administered to individuals with gastrointestinal dysfunction, a contraindication for enteral feeding, and a need for nutritional therapy. When PN is the only energy source in patients, it is defined as total parenteral nutrition (TPN). TPN is a life-saving approach for different patient populations, both in infants and adults. However, despite numerous benefits, TPN can cause adverse effects, including metabolic disorders and liver injury. TPN-associated liver injury, known as intestinal failure-associated liver disease (IFALD), represents a significant problem affecting up to 90% of individuals receiving TPN. IFALD pathogenesis is complex, depending on the TPN components as well as on the patient’s medical conditions. Despite numerous animal studies and clinical observations, the molecular mechanisms driving IFALD remain largely unknown. The present study was set up to elucidate the mechanisms underlying IFALD. For this purpose, human liver spheroid co-cultures were treated with a TPN mixture, followed by RNA sequencing analysis. Subsequently, following exposure to TPN and its single nutritional components, several key events of liver injury, including mitochondrial dysfunction, endoplasmic reticulum stress, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and lipid accumulation (steatosis), were studied using various techniques. It was found that prolonged exposure to TPN substantially changes the transcriptome profile of liver spheroids and affects multiple metabolic and signaling pathways contributing to liver injury. Moreover, TPN and its main components, especially lipid emulsion, induce changes in all key events measured and trigger steatosis.
Radiologic and histopathologic effects of favipiravir and hydroxychloroquine on fracture healing in rats
Authors: Tekçe Giray , Arıcan Mehmet , Karaduman Zekeriya Okan , Turhan Yalcın , Sağlam Sönmez , Yücel Mücahid Osman , Coşkun Sinem Kantarcıoğlu , Tuncer Cengiz , Uludağ Veysel
Published: May 2024

Fracture healing is a process in which many factors interact. In addition to many treatments, physical and biological therapy methods that affect different steps of this process, there are many biological and chemical agents that cause fracture union delay. Although the number of studies on fracture healing is increasing day by day, the mechanism of fracture healing, which is not fully understood, still attracts the attention of all researchers. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of favipiravir and hydroxychloroquine used in the treatment of COVID-19. In this study, 48 male Wistar rats weighing 300 ± 50 g were used. Each group was divided into eight subgroups of six rats each to be sacrificed at the 2nd and 4th weeks and evaluated radiologically and histologically. Favipiravir (group 1), hydroxychloroquine (group 2), favipiravir + hydroxychloroquine (group 3), and random control (group 4) were used. A statistically significant difference was observed between the 15th day histological scoring averages of the groups (p < 0.05). Although there was no statistically significant difference between the 15th day radiological score distributions of the groups (p > 0.05), we obtained different results in terms of complete bone union distributions and radiological images of the fracture line. Although favipiravir has a negative effect on fracture union in the early period, favipiravir may have a positive effect on fracture union in the late period. We did not find any effect of hydroxychloroquine on fracture union.