bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EMPLOYEES’ INNOVATION ON HOSPITALITY INDUSTRIES AS REVIEWED FROM THE IMPACT OF TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP AND LEARNING ORGANIZATION
Authors: Wibowo Yoel , Palumian Yonathan , Iskandar Vido
Published: March 2023

Sudden disruption caused by Covid-19 and VUCA business environment has been a wake-up call for business organizations to change, adapt, and transform. Hospitality business organizations, as one of the impacted industries, require transformative leaders to create Learning Organization environment, and to set innovative organization members. This research investigates the relation between Transformational Leader­ship, Learning Organization, and Innovative Work Behavior particularly in Hospitality Industries (hotels and restaurants) in Surabaya. This research mainly explores theoretical gap left by the predecessor researches by adopting new scaling used especially to evaluate Transformational Leadership and Learning Organization, and methodological gap by utilizing multivariate data analysis towards the respondents’ groups. This research is designed as a descriptive quantitative study, in which data is collected through questionnaire towards the sample. This study points out that while Transformational Leadership does correlate positively with the creation of Learning Organization, it possesses no significant relationship with the establishment of Innovative Work Behavior among the leaders group. Learning Organization also does not mediate the effects between those two. Operational staff, nevertheless, still significantly and positively affected by relation as pointed out by multi­variate data analysis.
Development of a Framework for Addressing Skin Biopsy Tray Waste in Dermatology Clinics
Authors: Wolstencroft Paige W. , Zacher Natasha C. , Scotellaro Katie , Centkowski Sierra , Kwong Bernice Y.
Published: March 2023

Importance

The US health care system generates substantial global waste. Skin biopsies are frequently performed by dermatologists and represent a practical and scalable opportunity for waste reduction interventions in dermatology clinics.

Objective

To develop and implement a systematic framework for decreasing skin biopsy tray waste in dermatology clinics.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This quality improvement study was conducted at 4 outpatient clinic sites within a single institution between October 2021 and April 2022. The clinic site with the greatest skin biopsy tray waste production was selected for intervention. Waste audits before and after the intervention quantified the number of wasted supplies per skin biopsy tray in dermatology clinics. The participants were dermatology residents, faculty, nurses, medical assistants, and clinic managers.

Interventions

Provision of educational materials about climate change and health care and standardizing biopsy tray setup to decrease wasted supplies.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Quantity of wasted skin biopsy tray supplies (gauze squares, alcohol pads, cotton swabs, and adhesive bandages) before and after interventions.

Results

In waste audits in 4 outpatient dermatology clinics (comprising 98 skin biopsy trays), prior to intervention, 100% of skin biopsy trays had more than 2 wasted supplies within targeted outpatient dermatology clinics at the Stanford Cancer Institute with a mean (SD) of 10.1 (3.4) wasted items per biopsy tray. Following the quality improvement-based interventions, only 16% of skin biopsy trays had more than 2 wasted supplies and the mean (SD) number of wasted supplies per tray decreased to 1.6 (1.3).

Conclusions and Relevance

Results of this quality improvement study suggest that through collaboration with all members of the clinical team including physicians, medical assistants, nurses, and clinic managers, skin biopsy tray setup modifications may be associated with reduced waste in outpatient dermatology clinics. This study presents a framework that accounts for different factors in the production of waste in individual clinic settings, and thus can be adapted within additional dermatology clinics.
Development of a Machine Learning Model to Estimate US Firearm Homicides in Near Real Time
Authors: Swedo Elizabeth A. , Alic Alen , Law Royal K. , Sumner Steven A. , Chen May S. , Zwald Marissa L. , Van Dyke Miriam E. , Bowen Daniel A. , Mercy James A.
Published: March 2023

Importance

Firearm homicides are a major public health concern; lack of timely mortality data presents considerable challenges to effective response. Near real-time data sources offer potential for more timely estimation of firearm homicides.

Objective

To estimate near real-time burden of weekly and annual firearm homicides in the US.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In this prognostic study, anonymous, longitudinal time series data were obtained from multiple data sources, including Google and YouTube search trends related to firearms (2014-2019), emergency department visits for firearm injuries (National Syndromic Surveillance Program, 2014-2019), emergency medical service activations for firearm-related injuries (biospatial, 2014-2019), and National Domestic Violence Hotline contacts flagged with the keyword firearm (2016-2019). Data analysis was performed from September 2021 to September 2022.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Weekly estimates of US firearm homicides were calculated using a 2-phase pipeline, first fitting optimal machine learning models for each data stream and then combining the best individual models into a stacked ensemble model. Model accuracy was assessed by comparing predictions of firearm homicides in 2019 to actual firearm homicides identified by National Vital Statistics System death certificates. Results were also compared with a SARIMA (seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average) model, a common method to forecast injury mortality.

Results

Both individual and ensemble models yielded highly accurate estimates of firearm homicides. Individual models’ mean error for weekly estimates of firearm homicides (root mean square error) varied from 24.95 for emergency department visits to 31.29 for SARIMA forecasting. Ensemble models combining data sources had lower weekly mean error and higher annual accuracy than individual data sources: the all-source ensemble model had a weekly root mean square error of 24.46 deaths and full-year accuracy of 99.74%, predicting the total number of firearm homicides in 2019 within 38 deaths for the entire year (compared with 95.48% accuracy and 652 deaths for the SARIMA model). The model decreased the time lag of reporting weekly firearm homicides from 7 to 8 months to approximately 6 weeks.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this prognostic study of diverse secondary data on machine learning, ensemble modeling produced accurate near real-time estimates of weekly and annual firearm homicides and substantially decreased data source time lags. Ensemble model forecasts can accelerate public health practitioners’ and policy makers’ ability to respond to unanticipated shifts in firearm homicides.
ASAM calls for full alignment with HIPAA, no special treatment for SUD patients
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: March 2023

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced proposed changes to 42 CFR Part 2, referred to as Part 2, last year (see https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adaw.33628). These rules regard the confidentiality of substance use disorder (SUD) patient records, and the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) has a history of opposing the requirement that patients give consent to have their records released when it comes to physicians treating them. According to ASAM, it's important for doctors to know about a patient's past (or present) SUD treatment. The federal government under the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) began efforts to eliminate the consent requirement, and other aspects of the decades‐old regulation, in 2010, largely due to the prevalence of electronic health records (EHRs) and the difficulty of incorporating individual patient consent for records release.
Robust Solvatochromic Gels for Self‐defensive Smart Windows
Authors: Chen Shan , Jiang Geyuan , Zhou Jianhong , Wang Gang , Zhu Ying , Cheng Wanke , Xu Guangwen , Zhao Dawei , Yu Haipeng
Published: March 2023

Smart materials that can dynamically modulate incident light provide a broad prospect for the development of smart windows. However, the absence of capability to create smart materials with rapid transmittance switchability and mechanical robustness has restricted the realization of self‐defensive smart windows. Here, a solvatochromic alcogel designed by cellulose–polyacrylamide supramolecular configuration for developing a self‐defensive smart window is reported. The alcogel with compact nano‐bulge structures exhibits reversible and rapid switching of transparency between 85% and 5%, cycle time less than 8 s, and has strong mechanical robustness with elastic modulus of over 60 MPa. With this smart alcogel, the proposed self‐defensive smart window not only shows real‐time and reliable adjustment of transparency but also outputs a strong mechanical impact resistance of up to 42.8 kJ m−2, 10 and 12 times higher than that of a normal glass and photochromic window, respectively. It is believed that this study will open new opportunities for both fabrication and application of biological gels in smart windows and intelligent devices.
Isomeric Small Molecule Donor with Terminal Branching Position Directly Attached to the Backbone Enables Efficient All‐Small‐Molecule Organic Solar Cells with Excellent Stability
Authors: Zhi Hong‐Fu , Jiang Mengyun , Zhang Heng , An Qiaoshi , Bai Hai‐Rui , Jee Min Hun , Woo Han Young , Li Danwei , Huang Xuebin , Wang Jin‐Liang
Published: March 2023

All‐small‐molecule organic solar cells (ASM‐OSCs) are challenging for their inadequate efficiency and device stability due to their more susceptive morphology. Herein, a family of isomeric small molecule donors (SMDs) is synthesized based on the benzodithiophene–terthiophene core with linear, 1st carbon, and 2nd carbon position branched butyl‐based rhodanine for ASM‐OSCs, respectively. The single crystal of thiophene‐substituted model T‐s‐Bu forms a more compact intermolecular packing with herringbone structure than slip‐layered packing‐based T‐n‐Bu and T‐i‐Bu. SM‐i‐Bu and SM‐s‐Bu show slightly blue‐shifted absorption and deepened HOMO levels in the neat film compared to SM‐n‐Bu. SM‐s‐Bu:BO‐4Cl blend films have distinct face‐on packing orientations and suitable fibrous phase separation along with more apparent microcrystals. Finally, SM‐s‐Bu:BO‐4Cl‐based device yields an improved power conversion efficiency of 16.06% compared to 15.12% and 8.22% for SM‐n‐Bu:BO‐4Cl and SM‐i‐Bu:BO‐4Cl, which is one of the top‐ranked results for BTR‐series SMDs in binary ASM‐OSCs. More importantly, the excellent storage stability with a T80 lifetime of over 1700 h and decent thermal stability is realized in SM‐s‐Bu:BO‐4Cl. This work highlights that the isomeric terminal alkyl with a branching point directly connected to the backbone for SMDs is a promising strategy for improving the crystal packing and film morphology and achieving highly efficient and stable ASM‐OSCs.
Smart Dual‐Sensor Wound Dressing for Monitoring Cutaneous Wounds
Authors: Mirani Bahram , Hadisi Zhina , Pagan Erik , Dabiri Seyed Mohammad Hossein , van Rijt Antonia , Almutairi Lama , Noshadi Iman , Armstrong David G. , Akbari Mohsen
Published: March 2023

Managing slow‐healing wounds and associated complications is challenging, time‐consuming, and expensive. Systematic collection, analysis, and dissemination of correct wound status data are critical for enhancing healing outcomes and reducing complications. However, traditional data collection approaches are often neither accurate nor user‐friendly and require diverse skill levels, resulting in the collection of inconsistent and unreliable data. As an advancement to the authors' previously developed hydrogel‐based smart wound dressing, here is reported an enhanced integration of drug delivery and sensing (pH and glucose) modules for accelerated treatment and continuous monitoring of cutaneous wounds. In the current study, growth factor delivery modules and an array of colorimetric glucose sensors are incorporated into the dressing to promote wound healing and extend the dressing's utility for diabetic wound treatment. Furthermore, the efficacy of the wound dressing in monitoring infection and supporting wound healing via antibiotic and growth factor delivery is investigated in mice models. The updated dressing reveals excellent healing benefits on non‐infected and infected wounds, as well as real‐time monitoring and early detection of wound infection.
Emergent Ferroelectric Switching Behavior from Polar Vortex Lattice
Authors: Behera Piush , Parsonnet Eric , Gómez‐Ortiz Fernando , Srikrishna Vishantak , Meisenheimer Peter , Susarla Sandhya , Kavle Pravin , Caretta Lucas , Wu Yongjun , Tian Zishen , Fernandez Abel , Martin Lane W. , Das Sujit , Junquera Javier , Hong Zijian , Ramesh Ramamoorthy
Published: March 2023

Topologically protected polar textures have provided a rich playground for the exploration of novel, emergent phenomena. Recent discoveries indicate that ferroelectric vortices and skyrmions not only host properties markedly different from traditional ferroelectrics, but also that these properties can be harnessed for unique memory devices. Using a combination of capacitor‐based capacitance measurements and computational models, it is demonstrated that polar vortices in dielectric–ferroelectric–dielectric trilayers exhibit classical ferroelectric bi‐stability together with the existence of low‐field metastable polarization states. This behavior is directly tied to the in‐plane vortex ordering, and it is shown that it can be used as a new method of non‐destructive readout‐out of the poled state.
Conductive Nanomaterials with Different Dimensions for Flexible Piezoresistive Sensors: From Selectivity to Applications
Authors: Lv Yuhuan , Min Lizhen , Niu Fengxiao , Qin Zhen , Zhang Minghui , Zhao Biao , Liu Yong , Pan Kai
Published: March 2023

Flexible piezoresistive devices have boomed with the rapid development of industries such as “Big Data” and “Internet of Things” in recent years. Intense studies have proved that conductive nanomaterials can serve as excellent conductive layers for constructing high‐performance flexible piezoresistive sensors. In this paper, the most advanced developments in flexible piezoresistive sensors prepared by multi‐dimension conductive nanomaterials are systematically summarized, in which 0D, 1D, and 2D, 0D/1D, 0D/2D, 1D/2D and multi‐component hybrid nanomaterials are introduced in detail. In addition, the limitations and perspectives for further development of flexible piezoresistive sensors are also discussed. It is hoped that this review can inspire more exciting work on conductive nanomaterial‐based flexible piezoresistive sensors, thereby promoting their practical applications.
Impact of Sidewall Conditions on Internal Quantum Efficiency and Light Extraction Efficiency of Micro‐LEDs
Authors: Park Jeong‐Hwan , Pristovsek Markus , Cai Wentao , Cheong Heajeong , Tanaka Atsushi , Furusawa Yuta , Han Dong‐Pyo , Seong Tae‐Yeon , Amano Hiroshi
Published: March 2023

The sidewall condition is a key factor determining the performance of micro‐light emitting diodes (µLEDs). In this study, equilateral triangular III‐nitride blue µLEDs are prepared with exclusively m‐plane sidewall surfaces to confirm the impact of sidewall conditions. It is found that inductively coupled plasma‐reactive ion etching (ICP‐RIE) causes surface damages to the sidewall and results in rough surface morphology. As confirmed by time‐resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) and X‐ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS), tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) eliminates the etching damage and flattens the sidewall surface. After ICP‐RIE, 100 µm2‐µLEDs yield higher external quantum efficiency (EQE) than 400 µm2‐µLEDs. However, after TMAH treatment, the peak EQE of 400 µm2‐µLEDs increases by ≈10% in the low current regime, whereas that of 100 µm2‐µLEDs slightly decreases by ≈3%. The EQE of the 100 µm2‐µLEDs decreases after TMAH treatment although the internal quantum efficiency (IQE) increases. Further, the IQE of the 100 µm2‐µLEDs before and after TMAH treatment is insignificant at temperatures below 150 K, above which it becomes considerable. Based on PL, XPS, scanning transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy results, mechanisms for the size dependence of the EQE of µLEDs are explained in terms of non‐radiative recombination rate and light extraction.
Electrospun Environment‐Friendly Poly (L‐Lactic Acid)/CO2‐Based Polyurea Nanofiber Film for Piezoelectric Sensor
Authors: Gu Xiaoxia , Cui Meng , Wang Bin , Zhang Chenghao , Zhu Yanlong , Jin Xu , Wang Rui , Zhang Xiuqin
Published: March 2023

Developing piezoelectric polymers which have environmental‐friendly raw material resources and can be used for wearable electronic devices, are of great significance for reducing dependence on fossil energy and achieving the goal of carbon neutrality. Poly (L‐lactic acid) (PLLA) is a bio‐based piezoelectric polymer and has important research value. To optimize the properties of materials, electrospinning technology is used for preparing nanofiber films by combining PLLA with CO2‐based polyurea (PU) synthesized from CO2 and diamine, and assembling the piezoelectric sensors. The results show that when the amount of PU is 16 wt%, the voltage of the PU/PLLA piezoelectric sensor is 19 V, which is 15 times that of the PLLA piezoelectric sensor and has good stability and durability. The high dipole moment of NHCONH in PU and the synergistic effect between PU and PLLA are the keys to improving the piezoelectric property of nanofiber film. This is the first report on the preparation of composite piezoelectric materials using CO2‐based polymer and PLLA. PU/PLLA piezoelectric sensor can produce a good piezoelectric response to human vital signs and motion states. As a self‐powered sensor, it has potential application in the field of intelligent wearable devices.
Advanced Temporally‐Spatially Precise Technologies for On‐Demand Neurological Disorder Intervention
Authors: Chen Xiuli , Gong Yusheng , Chen Wei
Published: March 2023

Temporal‐spatial precision has attracted increasing attention for the clinical intervention of neurological disorders (NDs) to mitigate adverse effects of traditional treatments and achieve point‐of‐care medicine. Inspiring steps forward in this field have been witnessed in recent years, giving the credit to multi‐discipline efforts from neurobiology, bioengineering, chemical materials, artificial intelligence, and so on, exhibiting valuable clinical translation potential. In this review, the latest progress in advanced temporally‐spatially precise clinical intervention is highlighted, including localized parenchyma drug delivery, precise neuromodulation, as well as biological signal detection to trigger closed‐loop control. Their clinical potential in both central and peripheral nervous systems is illustrated meticulously related to typical diseases. The challenges relative to biosafety and scaled production as well as their future perspectives are also discussed in detail. Notably, these intelligent temporally‐spatially precision intervention systems could lead the frontier in the near future, demonstrating significant clinical value to support billions of patients plagued with NDs.
Long‐term cover crop effects on biomass, soil nitrate, soil water, and wheat
Authors: Miller Perry R. , Jones Clain A. , Zabinski Catherine A. , Tallman Susan M. , Housman Megan L. , D'Agati Kristen M. , Holmes Jeffrey A.
Published: March 2023

Cover crops during summer fallow have been rarely researched in the semiarid northern Great Plains. This study was conducted during 2012–2019 at four Montana locations and included four functional groups (Brassica family, fibrous‐rooted crops, legumes, and tap‐rooted crops). Eleven treatments included sole functional groups, a Full Mix, the Full Mix minus each functional group, pea, and chemical fallow. Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was grown after each cover crop year with three nitrogen (N) fertilizer rates. Cover crops were terminated with herbicide at first flower stage of pea (Pisum sativum L.) 57 to 66 days after planting. Shoot biomass averaged 2.0 Mg ha−1 over eight site‐years representative of dryland farming in Montana. Using equal overall plant densities, treatments with six species averaged 13% greater biomass than two species. Measured at termination to a 0.9‐m depth, Fallow held greater soil water than cover crop treatments, with Fallow averaging 57 mm greater than the Full Mix. Soil nitrate averaged 49 kg N ha−1 greater after Fallow than the Full Mix; the Legume treatment averaged 26 kg N ha−1 greater than the Minus Legume treatment. Wheat yield on Fallow averaged 0.85 Mg ha−1 greater than the Full Mix in 5 of 10 site‐years, mainly at the driest site‐years. The Legume treatment elevated wheat protein over the Minus Legume treatment by an average of 15 g kg−1. Cover crops grown during summer fallow reduced soil nitrate‐N, soil water, and wheat yields compared with chemical fallow, especially in the major wheat growing region of north central Montana.
N‐Heterocyclic Carbene‐Catalyzed Condensation/ Oxidation/ Cyclization/ Aromatization Cascade for the Synthesis of Tri‐ and Tetra‐Substituted Imidazoles
Authors: Khataminejad Mohsen , Nowrouzi Najmeh , Saberi Dariush
Published: March 2023

In this study, a novel and efficient one‐pot tandem synthesis of 2,4,5‐tri‐ and 1,2,4,5‐tetra‐substituted imidazoles is described. In the first step of the sequence, benzil is formed via benzoin condensation catalyzed by N‐heterocyclic carbene, followed by in situ aerobic oxidation. Next, it is reacted with another aldehyde and ammonium acetate (or amine) to produce the polysubstituted imidazole. The reaction proceeds smoothly in high yield and short reaction time in ethanol as a green solvent. The current strategy shows high functional group tolerance with respect to aldehydes and avoids the need for ligands and reducing agents. This method allows the synthesis of complex molecules in a one‐pot procedure without isolating intermediates.
Mechanical properties and structure of injection molded poly(hydroxybutyrate‐co‐hydroxyvalerate)/poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PHBV/PBAT) blends
Authors: Zhao Haibin , Yu Shuang , Zhang Yaxin , Zhao Guoqun
Published: March 2023

Blending poly(hydroxybutyrate‐co‐hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) and poly(butylene adipate‐co‐ terephthalate) (PBAT) presents an effective approach to fabricate fully biodegradable polymer blends with tailored mechanical properties. This study investigated the composition on the mechanical properties and structure of PHBV/PBAT blend. The remarkable enhancement in elongation of the PHBV/PBAT blends was shown due to the ductile PBAT. The fracture behavior of the PHBV/PBAT specimens transited from brittle to ductile with the increase of the PBAT in the blends. Two different phases as a co‐continuous microstructure with a large interpenetrating structure indicate immiscibility between PHBV and PBAT in the PHBV/PBAT (50:50) specimen. The miscibility, intermolecular interaction, and mechanical properties of PHBV/PBAT blends were also investigated by molecular dynamics simulation. The results showed the immiscibility of PHBV and PBAT. The degradation temperature increased from 277 to 356°C with the increase of PBAT content in the PHBV/PBAT blend. Whereas the crystallinity ability of the PHBV component in the blend was confined by the PBAT phase, leading to a decrease in the overall crystallinity of PHBV.
Updates to the carnivore fauna from the Sima de los Huesos
Authors: García Nuria , Jimenez Israel Jesus , Blázquez‐Orta Raquel , Arsuaga Juan Luis
Published: March 2023

The Sima de los Huesos site in the Sierra de Atapuerca (Burgos, northern Spain) is a Middle Pleistocene locality with the most important accumulation of humans in the European record for this age. In addition to the hominin collection, the Sima has provided numerous faunal remains. Here, we update the carnivoran mammal fauna from the Sima de los Huesos. The analyzed carnivoran fauna is taxonomically diverse consisting of 11 species from 9 genera and four families. The high taxonomic diversity of carnivorans at the site is interpreted as corresponding to high overall ecosystem productivity. A synthetic description of the carnivoran remains is presented adding new information on the biochronology of the carnivoran species assemblage and its paleoecological association with European Middle Pleistocene hominins. Because of their similarity in taphonomic setting and diets—that the carnivoran fauna and humans were found in the same place and had similar protein‐rich diets—clarifying the paleontological and paleoecological context of these carnivorans permits a better understanding of the humans also found at this site.
Soft excess in AGN with relativistic X‐ray reflection
Authors: Ezhikode Savithri H. , P. Shyam Prakash V. , Dewangan Gulab C. , Mathew Blesson
Published: March 2023

The soft X‐ray excess, emission below 2 keV over the X‐ray power‐law, is a marked spectral component in the X‐ray spectra of many Seyfert 1 galaxies. We investigate if the observed soft X‐ray excess in a sample of Seyfert 1s is in accordance with the prediction of the relativistic reflection model by analyzing the XMM‐Newton and NuSTAR spectra. The fractional difference in the soft excess (SE) obtained from the blurred reflection emission predicted (from NuSTAR) and the observed (from XMM‐Newton) luminosities show that the reflection model underestimates the SE emission in our sample. The results point to alternative models (for example, warm Comptonization) to explain the soft X‐ray excess in AGN.
BIMcontracts – sichere digitale Transaktionen in der Baubranche
Authors: Sigalov Katharina , König Markus
Published: March 2023

BIMcontracts befasst sich mit der Erarbeitung einer innovativen Lösung zur Automatisierung des Zahlungs‐ und Vertragsmanagements im Bauwesen. Dabei geht es darum, die vertragliche Abwicklung von Bauleistungen in der Zukunft schneller, transparenter und vertrauenswürdiger zu gestalten. Dieses Ziel kann durch die Kombination von Blockchain‐basierten Smart Contracts mit digitalen Bauwerksmodellen erreicht werden, wodurch sichere automatisierte Vertragsstrukturen und Abrechnungsprozesse etabliert werden können. Als Vertragsgrundlage dient das digitale Bauwerksmodell mit der verknüpften Leistungsbeschreibung. Um den Zahlungsverkehr zu automatisieren, wird auf dieser Basis ein Abrechnungsplan abgestimmt, in dem die Abrechnungseinheiten und die zugeordneten Zahlungen definiert sind. Der digitale Vertragsbestandteil umfasst insbesondere Abwicklungsmodalitäten, die als Wenn‐dann‐Beziehungen in einem Smart Contract ausgedrückt und automatisiert weiterverarbeitet werden.
Torsionstragverhalten von Betonhohlquerschnitten in geschlossenen und klaffenden Segmentfugen – Teil 3: Verifikation des Berechnungsmodells
Authors: Loh Lutz , Garg Andreas
Published: March 2023

Betonfertigteile für segmentierte Türme von Windenergieanlagen sind Serienprodukte, die im Sinne der Nachhaltigkeit möglichst ressourcenschonend zu bemessen sind. Dabei sind die Querkraft‐ und Torsionstragfähigkeit der Fugen in der Bemessung der Betonfertigteiltürme von großer Bedeutung. In den Teilen 1 und 2 dieser Veröffentlichungsreihe wurde ein neues Berechnungsmodell für die Fugentragfähigkeit vorgestellt, welches im vorliegenden 3. Teil anhand von Versuchsergebnissen und FE‐Berechnungen verifiziert wird. Zusätzlich wird ein Vergleich zu anderen Modellen gezogen und die Anwendungsbereiche der Modelle werden eingegrenzt.
Simultaneous confidence intervals for quantile differences of several heterogeneous normal populations: With application to vitamin D supplement treatment on colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Malekzadeh Ahad , Kharrati‐Kopaei Mahmood
Published: March 2023

In many applications, comparing the q‐quantiles of several normal populations are more advantageous than comparing their means. In this paper, we consider the problem of constructing simultaneous confidence intervals (SCIs) for quantile differences of several heterogeneous normal distributions. To the best of our knowledge, this problem remains unsolved. We propose a novel method for constructing a set of SCI. We propose two new sets of SCI by using the proposed technique and discuss two classic and two simulation‐based SCIs. We show that the proposed classic SCIs are conservative for all population parameters configuration. We also show that the simulation‐based SCIs have correct coverage probability asymptotically. We then compare these six sets of SCI in terms of average volume and coverage probability via an extensive simulation study. Results show that one of the proposed classic SCI can be recommended. Finally, the proposed methods are illustrated by a real example that is a vitamin D study on colorectal cancer patients.
Investigation of efficient photoconduction and enhanced luminescence characteristics of Ce‐doped ZnO nanophosphors for UV sensors
Authors: Kumar Rajesh , Mishra Sheo K. , Kumar Arvind , Kumar Indresh , Kumar Manjeet , Yun Ju‐Hyung , Kumar Sunil , Singh Abhimanyu Kumar
Published: March 2023

This study involves the single‐step, mass‐scale productive synthesis, photoconduction, and luminescence characteristics of pure and cerium rare‐earth‐ion‐doped ZnO (CZO) nanophosphors with different Ce concentrations (Ce: 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 wt.%) synthesized using the solid‐state reaction method. The synthesized nanophosphors were characterized for their structural, morphological, optical, and photoconductivity (PC) properties using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), field‐effect scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared (FT‐IR), photoluminescence (PL), and PC measurements. The sharp diffraction peaks of XRD results exhibit the formation of crystalline hexagonal wurtzite ZnO nanostructures. The decrease in diffraction peak intensities of CZO with an increase in Ce concentrations signifies the deterioration of the ZnO crystal. FE‐SEM images exhibit the good crystalline quality of nanophosphors composed of spherical‐ and elongated‐shaped nanoparticles that are distributed consistently on the surface. The energy dispersive X‐ray pattern of the 4 wt.% Ce‐doped ZnO (CZO4) sample confirms the doping of Ce in ZnO. The presence of chemical bonds and functional groups corresponds to transmittance peaks established using FT‐IR spectroscopy. Deconvoluted PL spectra show two major emission peaks, one in the UV region, which is near‐band‐edge, and the other in the visible region ranging from ~456 to 561 nm. In PC studies, current–voltage (I–V) and current–time (I–T) characteristics, that is, rise/decayin current under dark as well as UV light conditions, are also investigated. Efficient photoconduction is observed in CZO samples. The obtained results indicate the suitability to luminescent and photosensor applications.
Preparation of novel authentication film by screen printing of anthocyanin biomolecular extract: Thermochromism and vapochromism
Authors: Aldawsari Afrah M. , Alkhathami Nada D. , Al‐bonayan Ameena M. , Alessa Hussain , Alkhamis Kholood M. , Abumelha Hana M. , El‐Metwaly Nashwa M.
Published: March 2023

Novel thermochromic and vapochromic paper substrates were prepared via screen printing with anthocyanin extract in the presence of ferrous sulfate mordant, resulting in multi‐stimuli responsive colorimetric paper sheets. Environmentally friendly anthocyanin extract was obtained from red‐cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.) to function as spectroscopic probe in coordination with ferrous sulfate mordant. Pink anthocyanin/resin nanocomposite films immobilized onto paper surface were developed by well‐dispersion of anthocyanin extract as a colorimetric probe in a binding agent without agglomeration. As demonstrated by CIE colorimetric studies, the pink (λmax = 418 nm) film deposited onto paper surface turns greenish‐yellow (λmax = 552 nm) upon heating from 25 to 75°C, demonstrating new thermochromic film for anti‐counterfeiting applications. The thermochromic effects were investigated at different concentrations of the anthocyanin extract. Upon exposure to ammonia gas, the color of the anthocyanin‐printed sheets changes rapidly from pink to greenish‐yellow, and then immediately returns to pink after taking the gaseous ammonia stimulus away, demonstrating vapochromic effect. The current sensor strip showed a detection limit for ammonia gas in the range 50–300 ppm. Both thermochromism and vapochromism showed high reversibility without fatigue. In addition to studying the rheological properties of the prepared composites, the morphological and mechanical properties of the printed cellulose substrates were also studied.
Comparison of host cell protein removal by depth filters with diatomaceous earth and synthetic silica filter aids using model proteins
Authors: Chu Liang‐Kai , Borujeni Ehsan Espah , Xu Xuankuo , Ghose Sanchayita , Zydney Andrew L.
Published: March 2023

A number of studies have demonstrated that depth filtration can provide significant adsorptive removal of host cell proteins (HCP), but there is still considerable uncertainty regarding the underlying factors controlling HCP binding. This study compared the binding characteristics of two fine grade depth filters, the X0SP (polyacrylic fiber with a synthetic silica filter aid) and X0HC (cellulose fibers with diatomaceous earth (DE) as a filter aid), using a series of model proteins with well‐defined physical characteristics. Protein binding to the X0SP filter was dominated by electrostatic interactions with greatest capacity for positively‐charged proteins. In contrast, the X0HC filter showed greater binding of more hydrophobic proteins although electrostatic interactions also played a role. In addition, ovotransferrin showed unusually high binding capacity to the X0HC, likely due to interactions with metals in the DE. Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy was used to obtain additional understanding of the binding behavior. These results provide important insights into the physical phenomena governing HCP binding to both fully synthetic and natural (cellulose + DE) depth filters.
Neuroprotective effect of engineeredClostridiumbutyricum‐pMTL007‐GLP‐1 on Parkinson's disease mice models via promoting mitophagy
Authors: Wang Yun , Chen Wen‐jie , Han Yi‐yang , Xu Xuan , Yang Ai‐xia , Wei Jing , Hong Dao‐jun , Fang Xin , Chen Ting‐tao
Published: March 2023

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disease with limited treatment and no cure, hence, broadening PD drug spectrum is of great significance. At present, engineered microorganisms are attracting increasing attention. In this study, we constructed an engineered strain ofClostridium butyricum‐GLP‐1, aC. butyricum(a probiotic) that consistently expresses glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1, a peptide‐based hormone with neurological advantage) in anticipation of its use in PD treatment. We further investigated the neuroprotective mechanism ofC. butyricum‐GLP‐1 on PD mice models induced by 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine. The results indicated thatC. butyricum‐GLP‐1 could improve motor dysfunction and ameliorate neuropathological changes by increasing TH expression and reducing the expression of α‐syn. Moreover, we confirmed thatC. butyricum‐GLP‐1 improved microbiome imbalance of PD mice by decreasing the relative abundance ofBifidobacteriumat the genus level, improved gut integrity, and upregulated the levels of GPR41/43. Surprisingly, we found it could exert its neuroprotective effects via promoting PINK1/Parkin mediated mitophagy and attenuating oxidative stress. Together, our work showed thatC. butyricum‐GLP‐1 improves PD by promoting mitophagy, which provides an alternative therapeutic modality for PD.
Unique osteogenic profile of bone marrow stem cells stimulated in perfusion bioreactor is Rho‐ROCK‐mediated contractility dependent
Authors: Yamada Shuntaro , Yassin Mohammed A. , Torelli Francesco , Hansmann Jan , Green Jeremy B. A. , Schwarz Thomas , Mustafa Kamal
Published: March 2023

The fate determination of bone marrow mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (BMSC) is tightly regulated by mechanical cues, including fluid shear stress. Knowledge of mechanobiology in 2D culture has allowed researchers in bone tissue engineering to develop 3D dynamic culture systems with the potential for clinical translation in which the fate and growth of BMSC are mechanically controlled. However, due to the complexity of 3D dynamic cell culture compared to the 2D counterpart, the mechanisms of cell regulation in the dynamic environment remain relatively undescribed. In the present study, we analyzed the cytoskeletal modulation and osteogenic profiles of BMSC under fluid stimuli in a 3D culture condition using a perfusion bioreactor. BMSC subjected to fluid shear stress (mean 1.56 mPa) showed increased actomyosin contractility, accompanied by the upregulation of mechanoreceptors, focal adhesions, and Rho GTPase‐mediated signaling molecules. Osteogenic gene expression profiling revealed that fluid shear stress promoted the expression of osteogenic markers differently from chemically induced osteogenesis. Osteogenic marker mRNA expression, type 1 collagen formation, ALP activity, and mineralization were promoted in the dynamic condition, even in the absence of chemical supplementation. The inhibition of cell contractility under flow by Rhosin chloride, Y27632, MLCK inhibitor peptide‐18, or Blebbistatin revealed that actomyosin contractility was required for maintaining the proliferative status and mechanically induced osteogenic differentiation in the dynamic culture. The study highlights the cytoskeletal response and unique osteogenic profile of BMSC in this type of dynamic cell culture, stepping toward the clinical translation of mechanically stimulated BMCS for bone regeneration.
Did court dismiss hostile environment claims?
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: March 2023

Newman University hired a head coach for its women's volleyball team. In her first two performance evaluations, the athletics director provided positive feedback, stating she was “the hardest working coach he had ever seen.” The feedback included student reviews, which only expressed issues involving playing time and game time decisions.
College athletics teaches valuable life lessons
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: March 2023

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS — After Muffet McGraw graduated Saint Joseph's University, where she thoroughly enjoyed playing point guard on the women's basketball team, she wanted to stay connected to college athletics. And so she began what would become a decades‐long career as a successful women's basketball coach, starting with a few years at her alma mater and Lehigh University before moving on to become Head Women's Basketball Coach at Notre Dame University, where she led her team to win her first NCAA Tournament. She retired in 2020 after coaching Notre Dame for 33 seasons, and now teaches a leadership course at Notre Dame and also serves as a basketball analyst for ESPN.
[Pd(2‐pymo)2]n/Al2O3 as MOF Single Site Catalyst for the Selective Hydrogenation of Acetylene**
Authors: Hock Sebastian , Lucas Martin , Kolle‐Görgen Eva , Mellin Maximilian , Hofmann Jan P. , Rose Marcus
Published: March 2023

Despite the great potential of metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) in catalysis, industrial applications are still scarce. This is mainly due to a lack of performance when changing from idealized lab conditions towards realistic conditions of the actual application. In this work, we demonstrate the applicability and outstanding catalytic performance of an alumina‐supported [Pd(2‐pymo)2]n MOF catalyst in the selective hydrogenation of acetylene to ethylene under industrial front‐end conditions. It shows a competitive performance to an industrial benchmark catalyst and even exceeds it in terms of ethane selectivity due to the combination of well‐defined isolated Pd active sites and synergies due to MOF‐support‐interactions. The high stability was proven for up to 60 h time‐on‐stream and supported by XPS and XRD structural analysis.
Computational Discovery of Active and Selective Metal‐Nitrogen‐Graphene Catalysts for Electrooxidation of Water to H2O2
Authors: Chaudhary Payal , Evazzade Iman , Belosludov Rodion , Alexandrov Vitaly
Published: March 2023

A direct electrosynthesis of H2O2 from either O2 or H2O is an attractive strategy to replace the energy‐intensive industrial anthraquinone process. Two‐electron water oxidation reaction (2e‐WOR) offers several advantages over the oxygen reduction reaction such as better mass transfer due to the absence of gas‐phase reactants. However, 2e‐WOR is a more challenging and less studied process with only a handful of metal oxides exhibiting reasonable activity/selectivity properties. Herein, we employ density‐functional‐theory calculations to screen a variety of metal‐nitrogen‐graphene structures for 2e‐WOR. As a consequence of scaling between the adsorption energies of reaction intermediates, we determine a linear relation between selectivities for the first and second reaction steps of 2e‐WOR, viz. that if selectivity toward adsorbed OH is improved, then selectivity toward H2O2 at the subsequent step is decreased. We also find that selectivity and activity are linearly scaled in such a way that a higher activity (i. e., a lower overpotential) leads to a lower selectivity for the H2O2 formation step. Based on the obtained results several chemistries, e. g., containing NiNx−C moieties, are predicted to rival the best‐performing metal oxides such as ZnO and CaSnO3 in terms of combination of their activity/selectivity characteristics for 2e‐WOR.
Linking PM10 and PM2.5 Pollution Concentration through Tree Coverage in Urban Areas
Authors: Sierra‐Porta David , Solano‐Correa Yady Tatiana , Tarazona‐Alvarado Miguel , de Villavicencio Luis Alberto Nuñez
Published: March 2023

Particulate matter, PM10 and PM2.5, represents common air pollutants in cities and constitute a considerable threat to public health impacting daily activity of people living in city. In large cities, the main sources of PM10 and PM2.5 are diesel engine exhaust, brake dust, and particulate matter from vehicle tires. These particles can be deposited, filtered, and considerably reduced if there is a vegetative surface in the neighborhoods, thus eliminating a part of these particles and reducing their harmful footprint. This study evaluates the effect of tree coverage in urban areas on PM10 and PM2.5 removal considering air quality monitoring stations. Estimation of tree coverage is made by using high spatial and temporal resolution satellite images from Planet constellations. An empirical relationship between these two variables, with an acceptable correlation (R2 = 0.478 and R2 = 0.589 for PM10 and PM2.5, respectively), is obtained. A higher abundance of green space is associated with significantly lower PM10 and PM2.5 values. Preliminary results suggest that the amount of tree coverage do cause some degree of air quality improvement and can be used to inform national clean air strategies aimed at reducing pollutant emissions.
Modeling of Aquatic Ecosystem Dynamics in a Run‐of‐River Reservoir in the Brazil
Authors: Salla Marcio Ricardo , Alamy Filho José Eduardo , Pereira Carlos Eugênio
Published: March 2023

The maximum specific pollutant loads of nutrients and carbonaceous organic matter of the effluent—in an initially oligotrophic or mesotrophic state artificial run‐of‐river reservoir—should be studied in order to serve as a basis for future hydroelectric in tropical regions. Two different hydrological scenarios in the central tropical region of Brazil are analyzed; a historical and a synthetic one. The maximum specific load that the artificial run‐of‐river reservoir of a hydroelectric power plant supports is evaluated in order to meet the environmental limits defined by national resolution. An analysis of lateral and vertical dispersion between epilimnion and hypolimnion is performed. The maximum permissible loads for the historical hydrological scenario with a long‐term average flow of 247.2 m3 s−1 are 70.017 kg BOD hm−3 d−1, 0.131 kg Ptotal hm−3 d−1, and 2.626 kg Ntotal hm−3 d−1. For the synthetic hydrological scenario with a long‐term average flow equaling 140.4 m3 s−1, the maximum permissible loads are 55.576 kg BOD hm−3 d−1, 0.096 kg Ptotal hm−3 d−1, and 1.925 kg Ntotal hm−3 d−1. The proposal of this study is to provide an aid to the decision‐making process of environmental managers and consultants in artificial run‐of‐river reservoirs in tropical regions with similar hydrological regimes.
Organics and Nutrient Transformation in a Microbial Fuel Cell Influenced by Antibiotics
Authors: Tariq Madiha , Wang Jin , Sehar Shama , Bhatti Zulfiqar Ahmad , Malik Adeel Jalal , Zeb Bibi Saima , Shaheen Shahida , Mahmood Qaisar
Published: March 2023

The present research focuses on the effect of the highly toxic and broad‐spectrum bacteriostatic antibiotic pollutant, tetracycline (TC) as a sole electron donor and co‐electron donor on the operational efficacy of a microbial fuel cell (MFC) in terms of nutrient and pollutants removal. It is observed that the removal efficiency of the MFC increases by the gradual increase in TC concentration (5–30 mg L−1). The maximum removal efficiency (59%), voltage production (372 mV), power density (81.4 mW m−2), and current density (232.5 mA m−2) are achieved in the MFC with 25 mg L−1 of TC. Moreover, the influential role of TC as a co‐substrate is also investigated using three substrates viz, acetic acid, sucrose, and albumin. The current results suggest that chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency, coulombic efficiency, and voltage output of each substrate are inversely proportional to the amount of TC and are in the order of acetic acid > sucrose > albumin. The nutrient removal efficiency of the MFC decreases with an increase in TC concentration, i.e., when TC is increased from 10 to 50 mg L−1, the nitrogen removal efficiency decreases from 78% to 38%, the sulfur removal efficiency decreases from 79% to 32%, and the phosphorous removal efficiency decreases from 72% to 24%. The results suggest that an MFC can be upgraded for large‐scale biological processes for antibiotic pollutant removal. Moreover, the adverse effect of TC in power generation of an MFC can serve as a biosensor for biological wastewater treatment processes to detect the antibiotic toxicity.
Tracing Saltwater Intrusion into Shallow Mangrove Aquifers Using Hydrogeochemical Analysis and Isotopes of Oxygen and Hydrogen
Authors: Ohwoghere‐Asuma Oghenero
Published: March 2023

Coastal aquifers that are hydraulically connected to the ocean suffer from the compromised of the wholesomeness of freshwater. The extent of the effect is largely dependent on the degree of aquifer stressing. Consequently, ratios of the stable isotopes of hydrogen (δ2H) and oxygen (δ18O) are integrated with ionic ratios of groundwater samples to assess the effect of intrusion on shallow aquifers in a low‐lying area of the western Niger Delta basin. Geochemical analysis shows sodium chloride (NaCl) water type, an indication that intrusion has a noteworthy effect on concentrations of groundwater by having values of total dissolved solids, electrical conductivity, and Cl− in excess of 1000, 500, and 250 mg L−1, respectively. Major ionic ratios of Na+/Cl− (0.06–1.76), Ca2+/Mg2+ (0.48–0.98), Cl−/HCO3− (148.77– 88), Cl−/HCO3− + SO42− (>1), and base exchange index (14.03 to 1.26) are largely indicative of intrusion. The δ18O and δ2H composition of groundwater and the brackish Forcados River samples reveal values that range from −4.2‰ to 1.08‰ and 0.18‰ to 3.8‰, respectively. The shallow groundwater samples are more depleted than the deep aquifers with δ18O values of −4.2‰ to −3.8‰ and δ2H of −20.99‰ to 18.51‰, respectively. The Cl−/δ18O ratios show the mixing of shallow aquifers with saltwater (SW) from the ocean.