bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Herstel van het morele imago van daders als drijfveer voor bemiddeling
Authors: Zebel Sven , Kippers Leonie , Ufkes Elze
Published: February 2020

Restoring the moral image of offenders as instigator of participation in victim-offender mediation – Mediators’ experiences

Compared to victims, relatively little is known about the role of offenders’ emotions, needs and intentions in their (voluntary) decision to participate in victim-offender mediation (VOM). Insight into this decision process among offenders is important, as it may explain (part of) the positive outcomes participation in VOM can have for them, as well as for victims. Based on the work of Shnabel and Nadler (2008; 2015), we predicted that the need to restore their moral image is an important, underlying explanation for why offenders participate in VOM. To test this, we sampled 91 victim-offender mediation cases from the Dutch mediation agency Perpectief Herstelbemiddeling based on pre-defined characteristics. We approached the mediators who handled these cases and asked them to indicate the emotions, need to restore the moral image and intentions of the offenders in these cases. Consequently, we examined how these variables predicted offenders’ actual willingness to participate (or not) in these cases. Results indicated that the need to restore the moral image is indeed an important underlying factor in offenders’ decision to participate in VOM: according to mediators’ answers, offenders who felt more remorse about their crime, felt a stronger need to restore their moral image, which in turn predicted a stronger intention to apologize and help the victim. This intention to apologize and help emerged as the strongest, direct predictor of offenders’ willingness to participate. The relevance of Shnabel and Nadler’s needs-based model of reconciliation for VOM is discussed as well as important future research questions that remain.
Evaluation of the Time Allocation for Work and Personal Life among Employed Population in Lithuania from Gender Perspective
Authors: Lydeka Zigmas , Tauraitė Viktorija
Published: February 2020

In this paper, researchers examine the allocation of time for personal life and work. In fact, this phenomenon is particularly relevant in the 21st century because employed people are most commonly faced with many issues related with work-life conflict or work-life imbalance. This kind of problem can occur for both men and women, yet it is noteworthy that the time use features can naturally differ between both sexes: women and men. For this reason, focus of this study lies on the evaluation of work-life balance between employed Lithuanian men and employed Lithuanian women. Firstly, this article analyses the theoretical background of time allocation for personal life and work. Secondly, the methodology of empirical research is presented and substantiated. Although the research was conducted in Lithuania, the methodology can be applied in another country than refer to a nationality. The results of the empirical study have shown that there are some differences in time use between both sexes: women and men. Men spend relatively more time on sleep, other physiological needs (eating; personal hygiene etc.), science / studies, leisure (in the narrow sense), and traveling than women do. On the other hand, women spend relatively more time on paid work, housework and child care, and other activities of life. It should be emphasized that a significant difference in leisure time (in the narrow sense) use between men and women has been identified. This gives the opportunity to predicate that men spend more time in leisure (in the narrow sense) than women do.
Evaluation of the Fiscal Decentralization: Case Studies of European Union
Authors: Slavinskaite Neringa , Novotny Miloslav , Gedvilaitė Dainora
Published: February 2020

Fiscal decentralization has been widely discussed at various levels and from various perspectives. The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (the OECD), similar to the World Bank, also pays great attention to it. Fiscal decentralization has always been an interesting investigation topic, and the researchers, in addition to considering the future of the economy, study this problem from different perspectives, i.e. geographic, political and others. The effect of fiscal decentralization on the economic development of the state has been investigated by various authors. Three different hypotheses provide the proofs of the positive effect of fiscal decentralization. The main advantage of fiscal federalism are efficient and adequate public services which are provided locally through the mobility of the citizens, voting power and competition between the local governments in the created ecosystem. The potential advantages of the competition among the local government powers are similar to the advantages associated with the competition on the private markets. The paper is focussed on fiscal decentralization of the state. It aims to investigate the theoretical aspect of the impact of fiscal decentralization on the economic development to calculate the index of fiscal decentralization and to evaluate the effect of fiscal decentralization on the economic development in the particular states of the European Union. Thus, Bulgaria and Lithuania have the lowest fiscal decentralization index of EU-13 (0.28), while the Czech Republic has the highest index (0.46). The researchers have proved the effect of fiscal decentralization on the economic development of the EU-13 states to be statistically significant and positive. The originality of this paper is that it introduces a theoretical model for evaluating the fiscal decentralization effect on the economic development and assesses the fiscal decentralization effect on the economic development of the particular EU-13 states.
Sustainability and Economic Performance: Role of Organizational Learning and Innovation
Authors: Bilan Yuriy , Hussain Hafezali Iqbal , Haseeb Muhammad , Kot Sebastian
Published: February 2020

The purpose of the current study is to examine the mediating role of organizational learning on a firm’s capabilities, corporate governance, leadership styles, and the firm’s sustainability. Moreover, the innovative culture used as a moderating variable between organizational learning and the firm’s sustainability. Data were collected from manufacturing organizations operating in Malaysia. This study used simple random sampling technique in data collection. Cross-sectional design and correlational design were used in meeting the objectives of the research. There were 550 questionnaires distributed among respondents,and only 382 questionnaires were returned back, 15 questionnaires were excluded from the 382 questionnaires because of misleading and missing values. Hence, in the final analysis, only 367 questionnaires were used. Findings reveal that organizational capabilities and corporate governance significantly enhance both organizational learning and a firm’s sustainability. Moreover, leadership styles significantly enhance organizational learning but have no influence on a firm’s sustainability. Organizational learning significantly mediates between organizational capabilities, corporate governance, leadership styles, and the firm’s sustainability. Organizational learning also has a significant influence on the firm’s sustainability. Finally, innovative culture significantly moderates between organizational learning and the firm’s sustainability. The practical contribution of this research is that the top management can focus on these indicators in measuring firm’s sustainability.
Problems with Activity-Based Costing Implementation in Polish and Lithuanian Companies
Authors: Pietrzak Żaneta , Wnuk-Pel Tomasz , Christauskas Ceslovas
Published: February 2020

The research purpose was to examine the problems of companies in implementing Activity-Based Costing and, in particular, to analyze the differences in assessing the level of these problems perceived by organizations using the system, considering its implementation, those which had not considered it, and those which had rejected it. The research showed that the problems with ABC implementation seen by adopters were considerably smaller compared to the other groups. A similar difference was noted between enterprises that were considering the implementation of the ABC system (and not considering it at all) and those that rejected it. The last group perceived implementation problems to be bigger than was the case in the groups which were still considering implementation or had not considered it at all. The findings seem to support the view that companies are making ABC implementation decisions rationally. On the one hand, when the problems perceived during implementation are relatively small, the company adopts ABC. On the other hand, when a company perceives the implementation problems as being quite significant, it rejects the implementation. In the middle of the scale are companies considering the implementation of ABC and others that are not thinking about it at all. They assess the perceived problems as moderate and are not in a position yet to decide for or against ABC implementation. There could also be an alternative explanation for the research results. It may be the case that companies, which have not implemented ABC overestimate the implementation problems.
Integration and Productivity of Labor Factor in Europe. Perspective from Nationality and the Attainment Level
Authors: Mihi-Ramirez Antonio , Melchor-Ferrer Elias , Sobieraj Janusz
Published: February 2020

Productivity in Europe remains stagnant over a long period of time for several reasons: structural barriers hampering proper development and the diffusion of innovations; and also due to high structural unemployment. This puts a significant brake on growth and competitiveness. A high-potential alternative for improving productivity lies in increasing labour participation and the attraction/retention of talent as a result of European integration. Therefore, this study examines how economic growth is affected by labour productivity and the local and foreign workers' employment rates, as well as their level of achievement. Using the Durbin Spatial Model (DSM), we analyse OECD data from 13 European countries covering the period 2000-2017. Our results confirm, first of all, that there has been a positive convergence among European countries and that it is of considerable benefit for the growth of countries with different levels of development. In terms of labour productivity, it positively influences economic growth, especially for highly skilled local workers. Moreover, it is confirmed that increased participation has a statistically significant impact on each country's growth rate in the studied sample. In terms of educational levels, an increase in the number of workers with a high and medium level of education entails a growth that is also transferred to neighbouring countries. Also, these types of strategies serve to create conditions that allow for attracting and retaining talent in the long term, which also generates positive effects on growth itself, but also for neighbouring countries in the same area of integration.
L’Algérie et les défis du commerce mondial
Authors: BELAAZE Khayreddine , KHOUNI Rabah
Published: February 2020

This contribution aims to put light on an major challenge facing global trade today is a
conflict between multilateral agreements and regional agreements, preferences granted
under regional trade agreements are incompatible with the principles of World trade
Organization which is the clause in the most favored nation, preferential tariffs of member
states in regional agreements are often lower than MFN rates, meanwhile, the number of
regional agreements has doubled since 1995 date creation of the WTO, and became a
conflict between regionalism and multilateralism is imminent, Algeria through to join the
World trade Organization, and the Association Agreement with the EU, GAFTA, will be in
a critical position with its partners.
Proverb as a moderating Potency in Yoruba dressing
Authors: IYANDA Rabiu
Published: February 2020

Culture entails total ways of life of a particular society which involves, language, belief and over-all patterns of living. The acceptable ways of dressing of each community could be judged from the culture of such society. Dressing as a cultural arrangement in Yoruba arts has its patterns and portability, and differs religiously, socially and naturally from those of other tribes. Nowadays, the mode of dressing of many Yoruba in their societies have become a cause of concern which does not conform to the established decorum. This needs an urgent intervention and necessary corrections, not only to retain this cultural element but for decency. This paper x-rays mode and pattern of dressing of the Yoruba people, most especially the women. Dressing in this milieu before the foreign cultural contact are considered. The accepted ways of dressing in this society and the ways to improve this with the changing society, globalization. The influence of the globalization on this aspect of living and the fall out of upright and culturally acceptable dressing mode is also examined. Some plausible suggestions on how to correct some of these vices are offered.
The Motivation Problem, Future Generations, and the Idea of “Leaving the Earth No Worse”
Authors: Huda Kazi A. S. M. Nurul ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: February 2020

The author examines the problem of motivation about future generations. He argues that though many philosophers think that direct motivations are problematic for future generations only, they are not unproblematic for the current generations too, and that the motivation problem can be solved if we consider the idea of “leaving the earth no worse.” He also shows why such an idea should be promoted and can motivate us to work in the best interests of current and future generations. The author also contends that prioritizing the idea of “leaving the earth no worse” is not exclusively anthropocentric.
The Zapatista Revolution
Authors: Lizarzaburu Jorge ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: February 2020

This essay examines the poem “Angelitos Negros” as a description of social inequity underlain by Latin-American histories of colonialism. Following Nancy Fraser, I analyze the poem as an illustration of the perils of embracing “identity politics” separated from redistributive claims. As Fraser notices, contemporary critique is often content elevating identity struggles to the foreground while simultaneously pushing wealth redistribution to the background. In this light, the paper concludes proposing the Zapatista revolution as an example of a movement whereby claims of identity and redistribution have been successfully combined to produce social change in a manner that responds to the issues that “Angelitos Negros” evinces.
Using Real Options to Estimate the Pre-commercialisation Value of a Drought Tolerant Wheat Trait
Authors: Wynn Katherine , Spangenberg German , Smith Kevin , Wilson William
Published: February 2020

Uncertainty, sunk investment costs and managerial flexibility means standard investment budgeting methods such as net present value are ineffective and undervalue risky investments. Real options attains a more accurate and comprehensive assessment of investments. In this study, we apply a real options analytical framework to investment decisions during the research and development (R&D) process of a drought tolerant wheat trait. The results suggest the option value for investment is positive at each R&D stage and that investors should continue to invest. Biotechnology firms should use a real options analytical framework like the one applied in this paper for investment strategy development and for investment decisions involving uncertainty, sunk costs and decision flexibility.
Post Financial Crisis Transaction Trends of U.S. Biotechnology Firms
Authors: Williams David R , Young Carlton C
Published: February 2020

Transactions announcements can signal the health of an industry. This article examines all biotechnology transaction announcements occurring in the U.S. between 2010 and 2017. A baseline comparison to the pre-financial crisis transaction announcements of 2002 through 2006 is provided. Our study finds a significant rebound in the number of transactions during the time of study and continuing shifts by those on both ends of the transactions.
Pharmacovigilance knowledge in Brazil: perception of participants of oncology patient advocacy group on adverse events reporting
Authors: Julian Guilherme Silva , de Oliveira Renato Watanabe , Minowa Eimy , Cecilio Luiza , de Camargo Barros Luciana Holtz
Published: February 2020

Objective: Pharmacovigilance revolves around the maintenance and understanding of drug safety through detection and evaluation of spontaneous adverse events (AE) reporting. However, underreported phenomenon occurs often due inefficient spontaneous reporting by patients, physicians, healthcare professionals and caregivers. Therefore, the aim of this survey was to evaluate the knowledge and perception related to pharmacovigilance in Brazil.

Methods: From February to March 2015, 260 respondents answered an internet-based survey related to knowledge on pharmacovigilance from Oncoguia Institute, an independent non-profit cancer patient advocacy group. Descriptive analyses were performed according to answers frequency.

Results: Among the respondents, 40.7% were diagnosed with breast cancer, followed by hematological malignancies (6.5%). Reported treatment included chemotherapy (35.9%), surgery (28.7%), and radiotherapy (16.4%). Most of the respondents were not aware of the importance of a pharmacovigilance AE report (51.7%). In fact, 21.3% of the respondents were not aware of what AEs are. In 65% of the cases, physicians have described the main AE expected to the prescribed treatment. Respondents reported nausea (23.6%), hair loss (22.8%), weight gain (14.5%) and vomiting (13.2%) as the most common AEs. Only 7.2% and 4.2% of the respondents were aware that AEs could be reported to pharmaceutical industry and ANVISA, respectively.

Conclusions: This survey demonstrates that knowledge and perception regarding AEs and pharmacovigilance activities are very poor among overall population, including cancer patients. Therefore, there is an enormous demand for educational awareness of AEs reporting importance in overall population, patients, and physicians, especially in oncology.
IMPROVEMENT OF THE DIMENSION OF AN AIR QUALITY MONITORING NETWORK BY MEANS OF MULTIVARIATE STATISTICAL METHODS
Authors: DOVAL MIÑARRO MARTA , EGEA  LARROSA JOSE ALBERTO , NAVARRO COBACHO GINESA
Published: February 2020

Two multivariate statistical methods (principal component analysis and cluster analysis) have been used in this work to assess potential redundancies in stations and measurements of the air quality monitoring network of the Región de Murcia (Spain). The results show that there are no redundancies, not even in areas with more stations than required by the legislation. This highlights that current criteria for assigning stations to a particular area (based on population numbers) must be complemented with criteria that consider, among others, its industrial or touristic activity. The described methodology is applicable to other existing networks.

Keywords: monitoring networks, redundancies, principal component analysis, cluster analysis
TEXTURING BY GRINDING FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF FRICTION PROPERTIES IN INDUSTRIAL COMPONENTS
Authors: GARCIA MORENO MARIA , ALVAREZ RUIZ JORGE , BARRENETXEA AZPEITIA DAVID , GODINO FERNANDEZ LEIRE
Published: February 2020

The economic and environmental cost of friction in machinery and transport is significantly remarkable being the machine tool one of the most affected. In this sector, the movements are totally affected by the friction originated in the displacements between the guideways and the carriages, which results in terms of precision, energy consumption and component wear. In this line, texturing has proved to be a useful tool to reduce friction. Texturing techniques include frosting and scraping, both manual and costly processes in which the final finish of the workpiece depends on the operator. Other techniques such as laser texturing represent an effective and precise procedure which is at the same time expensive and not applicable in large workpieces. One of the main challenges is to develop techniques capable of producing these textures in a repetitive and economically viable way. In this work, a new assisted dressing technique that allows generating different textures by grinding, controlling the geometry and distribution of these, is presented. This technique allows to create textures in large workpieces, such as the guides of the machine tools and to do it in a repetitive way and in the same machine in which the guide has been ground previously, which entails a reduction in time and costs. This technique has been validated through tribological tests obtaining lower friction coefficients than with manual techniques.

Keywords: Friction, grinding, texturing, dimples, machine-tool, guideways.
A NEW MANUFACTURING PROCESS OF STRUCTURAL AERONAUTICAL STRINGERS FROM STRAIGHT STRINGERS USING AN ADAPTATIVE MOULD
Authors: ANSOLA ARIZMENDIARRIETA IMANOL , GUTIERREZ  PEREZ NATALIA , BERROTARAN SAAVEDRA IBAI , OLASKOAGA ARRATE PEIO , GONDRA ZUBIETA KOLDO , TABARES FERNANDEZ PATRICIA , VALLEJO RASERO JAVIER
Published: February 2020

A new process of dry carbon fibre fabrics (NCF's) preforming has been developed for composite stringers of aeronautical structural parts using an adaptive mould. The new process consists of straight stringer preform manufacturing of known section in a conventional way, applying tensions, deformations and variations of pressure and temperature by means of an adaptive mould to achieving the final geometry. This preform will be consolidate by liquid moulding. The behaviour of the preform will be evaluated analysing the formation of wrinkles both internally and externally. Finally, a new prototype has been designed and manufactured and the automation of this new process has been initiated.
METHODOLOGICAL PROPOSAL FOR THE ADAPTATION OF VALUE STREAM MAPPING TO SIMULATION MODELS IN NAVAL ENVIRONMENTS
Authors: PEREZ FERNANDEZ VICTOR , GOMEZ PARRA ALVARO , LAFUENTE MOLINERO LUIS , SALGUERO GÓMEZ JORGE
Published: February 2020

The guidelines contained in the so-called Factory of the Future have served as the basis for the implementation of Industry 4.0, which in the environment of the shipbuilding industry has been called Shipyard 4.0, and which represents a radical change in the work paradigm, based on traditional manufacturing systems.
RENEWABLE ENERGY OF BIOMASS BRIQUETS AND ORGANIC BINDERS
Authors: DIAZ MARQUEZ PAUL , BENITES ALFARO ELMER
Published: February 2020

In places where energy is scarce or not available enough for the development of many activities, the use of briquettes based on animal or plant biomass can very well help to meet that need. The residues of the coffee, cocoa and wheat production called husks and at the same time agglutinated with residues of potato and molasses, were used for the preparation of briquettes that presented good calorific value with an average of 9909.59 Kcal / Kg (cocoa), 9912.81 Kcal / Kg (coffee) and 9928.11 Kcal / Kg wheat), respectively.
Ana Bernal-Triviño: “El periodismo debe servir para dar voz a quien no la tiene”
Authors: Bernal-Triviño Ana
Published: February 2020

Hablamos sobre feminismo con Ana Bernal Triviño, que el pasado otoño publicó el libro No manipuléis el feminismo: una defensa contra los bulos machistas. Profesora de la Universitat Oberta de Catalunya y colaboradora en distintos medios de comunicación, como publico.es, El Periódico y TVE, «se ha convertido una de las voces más destacadas en el panorama mediático actual de la lucha feminista y de la denuncia de las graves desigualdades de género», lo que la ha llevado a ser merecedora de diversos premios.
The Effects of Providing Lavender Inhalation Therapy on Anxiety and Alleviation of Pain before Burn Dressings
Authors: Kim Kyung Ja , Kim Jihyun , Jeong Gye Seon
Published: February 2020

Purpose: This study was conducted to examine the effect of aroma inhalation therapy with Lavender for burn patients during burn dressings: anxiety, pain, rate of administration of analgesia and vital signs in burn patients.Methods: A quasi experimental design with a nonequivalent control group pretest-post test was used. Participants in this study were 58 burn patients who were admitted to a S city burn treatment center for burn dressing (28 in the experimental group and 30 in the control group) in S city. Data were collected from July 1, to September 30, 2012. The experimental group was provided the lavender inhale therapy (repeated for five breaths) 30 minutes before burn dressing. The data were analyzed using x2 test, Fisher’s exact test and an two sample t-test with SPSS/WIN 22.0.Results: There were significant differences in state anxiety (F=9.08, p=.004), diastolic blood pressure (F=6.57, p=.013), pain VAS (F=18.71, p<.001) in the experimental group compared to the control group.Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that lavender inhale therapy is an effective method to reduce anxiety, diastolic blood pressure and pain during burn dressings.
Comparison of Ascorbic Acid Content in Some Selected Fruits Samples from Makarfi Local Markets, Kaduna State, Nigeria
Authors: Apampa Sulaiman Ayodeji , AbdulAzeez Isah , Abubakar Salisu
Published: February 2020

This study was carried out to determine the ascorbic acid content of some fruits samples sold in Makarfi local market. Six fruits samples were randomly selected and used for the study. The samples were thoroughly washed and rinsed with distilled water. 500 g of each fruit sample (Cucumber, Carrot and Garden egg) were analyzed for both fresh and cooked portions. The samples were crushed and suspensions were made using doubled-distilled water. The extract was filtered to obtained 100 ml from each fruit filtrate which was then placed in a 500 ml volumetric flask and diluted to the mark with distilled water. 25 ml of each solution were treated with 150 ml distilled water and 5 ml of 0.6 molar freshly prepared KI(aq). 5 ml of 1M HCl and 1 ml of starch solution was added to the mixture which was then titrated against a freshly prepared 0.002M potassium iodate solution. The results obtained were used to determine the concentration of ascorbic acid in each sample. The major findings revealed that, fresh cucumber fruit has the highest concentration of ascorbic acid (9.6 x 10-1 mg/L) followed by garden egg ( 7.1 x 10-1 mg/L) and cooked garden egg fruits ( 5.6 x 10-1 mg/L). On the other hand, passion fruit (0.06 x 10-1 mg/L) has the least quantity of ascorbic acid content followed by cooked carrot (1.3 x 10-1 mg/L) and tamarind (2.9 x 10-1 mg/L)respectively. Some recommendations were made amongst which is that farmers should be enlightened to avoid the use of excessive inorganic fertilizers as it may be the factors that degrade the ascorbic acid content of some edible fruits. Vitamin C content of food get reduced by prolonged storage and over cooking because ascorbic acid is water soluble and it is destroyed by heat. Therefore steaming or microwaving should be encouraged. The study was concluded by emphasizing the importance of the consumption of fruits and the advantages of this to human health and general well-being.
The Determinates of Revisit Intentions in Wine Cultural Event: The Moderating Role of Experience Authenticity
Authors: Yen Tsai-Fa(TF)
Published: February 2020

The purpose of this study is to investigate the perspectives of attendees on experience authenticity of a wine culture event to assess what drives their revisit intentions. A questionnaire survey was undertaken for collecting data at a wine cultural event held at Yibin. A total of 529 valid samples were received for the further hypotheses testing. The results showed that both perceived value and event satisfaction were key antecedents of revisit intentions and the moderating role of experience authenticity was confirmed. Finally, the manageable results for wine culture event managers and future researchers were drawn.
Investigation on Effect of Stroke Length, Cutter Bar Speed, Moisture Content of Crop and Stem Diameter on Cutting Force for Development of Bengal Gram Harvester
Authors: Ramachandran S. , Asokan D.
Published: February 2020

Aims: The effects of crop and machine parameters on cutting force for Bengal gram crop were investigated.

Study Design: Experiments were carried out at two levels by using the standard protocol.

Place: The study was carried out in the farm machinery work shop of Agricultural Engineering College & Research Institute, Kumulur, Trichy, Tamil Nadu, India.

Methodology: A double knife cutter bar test rig was developed for measuring the cutting force required for harvesting of Bengal gram crop. Experiments were carried out on JG 11 variety of Bengal gram crop at two levels of stroke length of the double knife cutter bar, four levels of cutter bar speeds, three levels of stem diameter and three ranges of moisture content (at harvesting stage, at 5 days before and after harvesting).

Results: The minimum cutting force of 16.14 N was observed at 1.0 ms-1 for cutting 3 to 4.5 mm diameter with 14.08 to 15.1 per cent moisture content of stem. The maximum value of cutting force of 39.83 N was observed at 0.25 m s-1 for cutting more than 6 mm diameter with 20.2 to 20.45 per cent moisture content of stem. The double knife cutter bar with a stroke length of 76.2 mm registered 4.3 to 11.12 percent reduction in cutting force as compared to 50 mm stroke length for the all selected levels of parameters.
Unraveling epigenetic heterogeneity across gastrointestinal adenocarcinomas through a standardized analytical framework
Authors: Pinto Rita , Vedeld Hege Marie , Lind Guro Elisabeth , Jeanmougin Marine
Published: December 2024

In this study, we propose an alternative approach for stratifying genome‐scale DNA methylation profiles of gastrointestinal (GI) adenocarcinomas based on a robust analytical framework. A set of 978 GI adenocarcinomas and 120 adjacent normal tissues from public repositories was quality controlled and analyzed. Hierarchical consensus clustering of the tumors, based on differential epigenetic variability between malignant and normal samples, identified six distinct subtypes defined either by a pan‐GI or a lower GI‐specific phenotype. In addition to methylation levels, aberrant methylation frequencies and the degree of DNA methylation instability contributed to the characterization of each subtype. We found significant differences in the outcome of patients, with the poorest overall survival seen for those belonging to a pan‐GI subtype with infrequent aberrant methylation. In conclusion, our standardized approach contributes to a refined characterization of the epigenetic heterogeneity in GI adenocarcinomas, offering insights into subtype‐specific methylation with the potential to support prognostication.
Fluorogenic Probes for Functional Imaging of Endoplasmic Reticulum‐Resident Proteins: from Molecular Engineering to Biomedical Applications
Authors: Fan Yufan , Zhang Feng , Hao Yumeng , Chen Lin , Zhou Qihang , Zeng Hairong , Song Yunqing , Guo Zhaobin , Peng Xiaojun , Ge Guangbo
Published: December 2024

Endoplasmic reticulum‐resident proteins (ERPs) are crucial for maintaining cellular homeostasis and are tightly associated with the onset and progression of various diseases. The emergence of fluorogenic probes responsive to ERPs has enabled scientists to in situ monitor the spatial distribution and function status of target ERPs in real‐time, which is very helpful for elucidating ERP‐related pathological mechanisms and developing innovative therapeutics. Over the past decade, a range of fluorogenic probes for sensing and imaging ERPs, including ion channels, oxidases, hydrolases, and transferases, have been devised. This review systematically summarizes the recent advances in molecular engineering and biomedical applications of ERP fluorogenic probes. Engineering strategies for constructing ERP‐activatable probes, along with their structural features, recognition fragments, and sensing performances, are discussed. Meanwhile, biomedical applications of these probes in biomarker analysis, disease treatment, multimodal imaging, and drug discovery are also highlighted. Finally, a forward‐looking perspective on the future directions and underlying challenges is explored. The insights and knowledge presented here will spur further innovation and technological breakthroughs in developing multifunctional ERP probes, advancing disease diagnosis, ER biology, and drug discovery.
Minimizing Performance Loss in Blade‐Coated Large‐Area Perovskite Solar Cells Via Semi‐Sealed Gas Quenching
Authors: Yao Miaosen , Wang Gaogeng , Dong Chen , Kokaba Mohammad Reza , Tong Junjie , Wang Qichao , Shen Chenlei , Yue Yaxin , Yan Lei , Gao Yueyue , Yue Gentian , Zhang Weifeng , Saidaminov Makhsud I. , Tan Furui
Published: December 2024

Gas‐quenching of perovskite wet films is widely used in upscaling perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, due to uneven and turbulent gas stream generated by traditional approaches through air knife or air gun, it is a challenge to induce homogeneous nucleation and produce high‐quality perovskite films suitable for large‐area PSCs. Here this work presents a semi‐sealed gas quenching (SSGQ) strategy that produces homogeneous low‐velocity large‐area high‐pressure gas flow to extract low‐boiling‐point solvents effectively, while leaving behind perovskite intermediates undisturbed that then turn into large crystalline grains. As a result, the SSGQ‐processed perovskite films exhibit improved crystallinity and reproducibility, suppressed defect density and residual stress, as well as compact buried interface and large‐scale uniformity. Such blade‐coated large‐area (1.0 cm2) PSCs with carbon and metal electrodes achieve high power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of 19.5% and 23.3% (20.5% and 24.2% for 0.04 cm2), both with the lowest PCE loss of ≤1.0% among reported works. This work presents a scalable and affordable approach for fabricating high‐quality perovskite films and high‐performance perovskite photovoltaics, paving the way to PSC commercialization.
Investigating Dopant Effects in ZnO as an Electron Transport Layer for Enhanced Efficiency in Organic Photovoltaics
Authors: Thilakan Anusha Puliparambil , Hung Pei‐Lun , Yang Jin‐Bin , Lin Ding‐Lun , Tzeng Shien‐Der , Hsu Yu‐Kuei , Tsai Chih‐Hung , Pai Yi‐Hao , Yabushita Atshushi , Luo Chih‐Wei , Chen Mei‐Hsin
Published: December 2024

The power conversion efficiencies of organic solar cells greatly depend on the device architecture and choice of charge transporting materials. Improved power conversion efficiency (PCE) for inverted organic solar cells is observed when using Sn‐doped ZnO as the electron transporting layer. By doping the elements with different numbers of valence electrons (Al3+ and Sn4+ ions) into the ZnO matrix, device conversion efficiencies of 8.69% and 9.21%, respectively, are achieved. Conductive atomic force microscopy (CAFM) observations reveal that the Sn‐doped ZnO film exhibits better conductivity due to its larger number of carrier charges. X‐ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS) indicates larger oxygen vacancies (OV) in Sn‐doped ZnO. Electrochemical characterization exhibits that there is a reduction in series resistance and charge transfer (CT) resistance for SZO, indicating the optimal charge transport capability of the electron transport layer (ETL). Ultrafast time‐resolved studies further show that, in comparison with Al‐doped ZnO and un‐doped ZnO, the elevated carrier concentration in Sn‐doped ZnO plays a significant role in augmenting the photocurrent. Thus, it is determined how dopants in ETL influence CT mechanisms, enhancing the photovoltaic conversion efficiency, thus contributing to the development of cost‐effective and efficient photovoltaic technologies.
An Effective Precursor‐Solutioned Strategy for Developing Cu2ZnSn(S, Se)4 Thin Film Toward High Efficiency Solar Cell
Authors: Liang Ang , Jian Yue , Zhao Yun , Chen Shuo , Zhao Jun , Zheng Zhuanghao , Luo Jingting , Ma Hongli , Zhang Xianghua , Su Zhenghua , Liang Guangxing
Published: December 2024

Enhancing the efficiency of Cu2ZnSn (S, Se)4 (CZTSSe) thin‐film solar cells requires the development of well‐crystallized light‐absorbing layers. A deep understanding of the role of precursor solution chemistry in film nucleation and crystal growth processes is essential. Insights into these processes enable the development of innovative strategies to enhance absorber quality, minimize detrimental bulk defects, and ultimately improve device performance. This study elucidates the condensation reactions between thiourea and metal cations, as well as the alcoholysis of 2‐methoxyethanol (MOE), at different concentrations of precursor solutions. The primary focus of this study is implementing a simple and environmentally friendly innovative spin‐coating strategy, aimed at optimizing Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) precursor films and adjusting the Se content within the film bulk to promote grain growth during selenization. This strategy effectively improves absorber morphology while suppressing the formation of deep‐level defects, thereby enhancing carrier transport in both interfacial and bulk regions of the absorber layer. Consequently, CZTSSe absorbers with enhanced crystallinity and reduced defects are synthesized, resulting in a solar cell with an impressive efficiency of 14.10%. These findings underscore the potential for creating highly efficient kesterite CZTSSe solar cells through the manipulation of precursor solution chemistry using environmentally friendly solvents.
Advancing Flow Batteries: High Energy Density and Ultra‐Fast Charging via Room‐Temperature Liquid Metal
Authors: He Yi , Cui Yifan , Yu Jianwen , Shang Wenxu , Tan Peng
Published: December 2024

Global climate change necessitates urgent carbon neutrality. Energy storage is crucial in this effort, but adoption is hindered by current battery technologies due to low energy density, slow charging, and safety issues. A novel liquid metal flow battery using a gallium, indium, and zinc alloy (Ga80In10Zn10, wt.%) is introduced in an alkaline electrolyte with an air electrode. This system offers ultrafast charging comparable to gasoline refueling (<5 min) as demonstrated in the repeated long‐term discharging (123 h) process of 317 mAh capacity at the current density of 10 mA cm−2 with an average voltage of 1.1 V. A high practical capacity density of 635.1 mAh g−1 is achieved in this brand‐new battery with a potential theoretical value of 1004.4 mAh g−1. Microscopic and numerical simulations reveal significant hydrogen evolution reaction and dendrite suppression compared to Zn and pure Ga electrodes. The potassium iodide (KI)‐modified Ga80In10Zn10‐air battery exhibits a reduced charging voltage of 1.77 V and high energy efficiency of 57% at 10 mA cm−2 over 800 cycles, outperforming conventional Pt/C and Ir/C‐based systems with 22% improvement. This innovative battery addresses the limitations of traditional lithium‐ion batteries, flow batteries, and Zn‐air batteries, contributing advanced energy storage technologies to global carbon neutrality.
Assessing the Efficiency of the Marine Protected Area Systems in the Southeastern Pacific
Authors: Zucconi Mauro G. , Opazo Felipe , Navarrete Sergio A.
Published: December 2024

Amidst accelerated degradation of marine ecosystems due to anthropogenic disturbances, marine protected areas (MPAs) have been implemented globally to protect marine biodiversity, mitigate ecosystem degradation and replenish fisheries. In many countries, the creation of MPAs increased after the 2011 Aichi Targets, but in most cases, MPAs face significant operational and logistical challenges and suffer from important structural limitations that restrict their efficacy. Here, we use novel databases of taxonomic and functional diversity of 2125 coastal species (< 30 m depth), habitat continuity and climate velocities to assess the efficacy of the existing MPAs located in the Tropical, Southern, Chilean and Magellan ecoregions of the Eastern Pacific (EP). We then use optimization models to locate new MPA sites that improve protection of geographic rarity and maximize their role as climate refugia while maintaining total area protected. Existing MPAs captured between 75% and 95% of species richness in all ecoregions, largely due to the large biogeographic ranges of most species, but under‐represented rare endemic species, capturing between 3% and 66%, of single‐occurrence species among ecoregions. In general, MPAs are located in areas of ‘moderate’ to ‘high’ functional diversity, representing relatively well this feature within ecoregions, but less effectively across all SEP. There is a large geographical mismatch between current MPA locations and regions that might act as ‘climatic refugia’, which threatens the long‐term conservation value of existing MPAs. Our spatial optimization models provide valuable support for enhancing the effectiveness of MPAs, through complementation or relocation, improving their efficacy to conserve different aspects of biodiversity and resilience in the face of climate change in all ecoregions. Notably, these improvements do not necessitate expanding the total area under protection, underscoring that current MPA siting did not prioritize these criteria and suggesting that modifications may be socio‐politically possible.
A Virtual Voltage Vector Modulated Model Predictive Control of Modular Multilevel Converters
Authors: Han Jingang , Ding Zhaoju , Ceesay Lamin F. , Yao Gang , Charpentier Frédéric , Benbouzid Mohamed , Tang Tianhao
Published: December 2024

The model predictive control (MPC) method is widely applied in modular multilevel converter (MMC) control due to its multiple‐object inclusion and fast response. But there still some challenges that exist such as high computational burden caused by the large number of submodule (SM), weighting factors tuning for various control object in the cost function and requirement of short sampling times. To solve these challenges, a virtual voltage vector modulated model predictive control (VSVV‐M2PC) scheme for the control of the MMC is proposed. This scheme enables the MMC to output dual voltage levels, which improves the current tracking accuracy. Additional circulating current suppression (CCS) method and sorting‐based modulator are designed, which reduce the computational burden, achieve fixed switching frequency, and avoid the weighting factor tuning process. Finally, the proposed scheme is validated by experimental results.
Sustainable, Wearable, and Eco‐Friendly Electronic Textiles
Authors: Dulal Marzia , Modha Harsh Rajesh Mansukhlal , Liu Jingqi , Islam Md Rashedul , Carr Chris , Hasan Tawfique , Thorn Robin Michael Statham , Afroj Shaila , Karim Nazmul
Published: December 2024

Wearable electronic textiles (e‐textiles) with embedded electronics offer promising solutions for unobtrusive, real‐time health monitoring, enhancing healthcare efficiency. However, their adoption is limited by performance and sustainability challenges in materials, manufacturing, and recycling. This study introduces a sustainable paradigm for the fabrication of fully inkjet‐printed Smart, Wearable, and Eco‐friendly Electronic Textiles (SWEET) with the first comprehensive assessments of the biodegradability and life cycle assessment (LCA). SWEET addresses existing limitations, enabling concurrent and continuous monitoring of human physiology, including skin surface temperature (at temperature coefficient of resistance, TCR value of ~−4.4% °C−1) and heart rate (~74 beats per minute, bpm) separately and simultaneously like the industry gold standard, using consistent, versatile, and highly efficient inkjet‐printed graphene and Poly (3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene): poly (styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS)‐based wearable e‐textiles. Demonstrations with a wearable garment on five human participants confirm the system's capability to monitor their electrocardiogram (ECG) signals and skin temperature. Such sustainable and biodegradable e‐textiles decompose by ~48% in weight and lost ~98% strength over 4 months. Life cycle assessment (LCA) reveals that the graphene‐based electrode has the lowest climate change impact of ~0.037 kg CO2 eq, 40 times lower than reference electrodes. This approach addresses material and manufacturing challenges, while aligning with environmental responsibility, marking a significant leap forward in sustainable e‐textile technology for personalized healthcare management.
Effects of anti‐inflammatory dietary supplements on pelvic pain in females with endometriosis: A GRADE‐assessed systematic review and meta‐analysis of RCTs
Authors: Naeini Fatemeh , Tanha Fatemeh Davari , Ansar Hastimansooreh , Hosseinzadeh‐Attar Mohammad Javad
Published: December 2024

Background

Endometriosis, the most perplexing gynecologic condition, impairs the quality of life because it is usually accompanied by persistent severe acyclic pelvic pain and infertility as its two main symptoms. The majority economic burden of endometriosis is due to infertility and pelvic pain. Therefore, alleviating pelvic pain in patients with endometriosis is a necessity.

Objectives

The present systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to summarize evidence about the effects of anti‐inflammatory dietary supplements on pelvic pain in females with endometriosis.

Search Strategy

PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science as online databases were systematically searched by relevant keywords up to December 2023.

Selection Criteria

Randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) with either a parallel or crossover design conducted in adults with endometriosis were selected.

Data Collection and Analysis

Random effect analysis was used to run meta‐analysis. Subgroup analyses were run to detect heterogeneity sources. Quality assessment was done by revised Cochrane Collaboration tool II. The certainty of evidence was evaluated by the GRADE tool.

Main Results

A significant decrease in pelvic pain following supplementation with anti‐inflammatory dietary supplements was detected. Also, anti‐inflammatory dietary supplements could significantly decline pelvic pain in patients with endometriosis when the age of the participants was ≥32 years, the duration of supplementation was >8 weeks, the type of intervention was anti‐inflammatory vitamins, the stage of endometriosis of study participants was > II, and baseline body mass index (BMI) of the participants was >23 kg/m2.

Conclusions

Use of anti‐inflammatory dietary supplements in females with endometriosis results in a remarkable decrease in pelvic pain.