bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ZAPOŠLJAVANJE KAO FAKTOR DRUŠTVENO - EKONOMSKOG RASTA I RAZVOJA I STRATEGIJE POVEĆANJA STOPE ZAPOSLENOSTI U BIH
Authors: Džakula Miro , Danon Bojan
Published: October 2017

Bosna i Hercegovina je suočena sa izuzetno visokom stopom nezaposlenosti od 44%, stoga je smanjenje stope nezaposlenosti, u predstojećem periodu, ključ za povećanje životnog standarda stanovništva i društvenog blagostanja, za šta je potrebno iznaći prave strategije jer povećano zapošljavanje mora ići u korak sa povećanom stopom ekonomskog rasta i razvoja, odnosno povećana zaposlenost mora da stvori veću vrijednost od troškova tog zapošljavanja kako bi se obezbjedio i društveni rast i razvoj.Konstrukcija odgovarajućih strategija, podrazumijeva neophodnost razmatranja svih faktora ekonomskog rasta i razvoja i njihove povezanosti sa zaposlenošću kao faktorom,kako bi se ostvario optimalan mix u realizaciji samog rasta i razvoja. Da bi društvo bilo ekonomski razvijeno, neophodno je da stopa nezaposlenosti bude što niža jer se tako većina uključuje u stvaranje vrijednosti i bogatstva, drugim riječima postoji visok stepen korelacije između niske nezaposlenosti i visokog životnog standarda, tako je stopa nezaposlenosti u Njemačkoj 5% a u Švajcarskoj 3,4%, s druge strane visoka zaposlenost podrazumijeva i pravedniju distribuciju stvorenog bogatstva i manje socijalne razlike i tenzije. Smanjiti stopu nezaposlenosti nije lak zadatak jer je riječ o stvaranju novih radnih mjesta, što zahtijeva investicije, a pri tome je potebno i da postoji adekvatna radna snaga da zauzme nova radna mjesta; što znači da se prilikom razvoja strategije zapošljavanja mora voditi računa i o karakteru i kvalifikacijama nezaposlenih, koja slika u BiH nije baš zadovoljavajuća; tako da je za primjenu pojedinih strategija zapošljavanja potrebno uključiti i obrazovni sistem kako bi se izvršile neophodne obuke, odnosno prekvalifikacija i dokvalifikacije nezaposlene radne snage.
CHALLENGES OF INTERNATIONALIZATION SERVICE ON GLOBAL MARKETS // IZAZOVI INTERNACIONALIZACIJE USLUGA NA GLOBALNOM TRŽIŠTU
Authors: Đokić Maja , Lukić Biljana , Nešković Meri
Published: October 2017

Before a company decides to sell their products and services abroad, theymust fully understand the international marketing environment. The international environment, in the last two decades, has been creating new opportunities and problems. World trade and investment have grown rapidly thanks to attractive markets, especially in Western and Eastern Europe, China and Russia. As a result, the international financial system has become more complex, and companies involved in international trade are faced with rising trade barriers that were set to protect the domestic market from foreign competition.All the companies that compete in intern ational markets must first understand the international trading system. When sold in other countries, companies are faced with various limitations. Opportunities for export of services are large and growing. However, since trade creates jobs and holds the key to economic growth, the whole world wants a share in the growing service sector. The combination of environmental factors that contribute to the success of the organization in the local market, may be absent in foreign markets. This can lead to the failure of attempts to export the service formula. Global competition will continue to grow, which requires a better understanding of international service concepts, problems and challenges.
DRIVING FORCES AND CONSTRAINTS ANALYSIS IN FORECASTS OF AIR TRANSPORT DEVELOPMENT // ANALIZA POKRETAČKIH SNAGA I OGRANIČENJA U PROGNOZAMA RAZVOJA AVIOPRIJEVOZA
Authors: Mišetić Ivan , Tatalović Mirko , Bajić Andrej
Published: October 2017

Objective forecasting of the aviation development dynamics is one of the most sensitive, unpredictable and critical points in the airline management activities. Forecasts and projections of the airline industry are very complex since they include a lot of market micro-macro elements influencing future demand and supply. High depending correlation of the aviation industry with economy growth is followed by the cyclical and seasonal changes on the air transport market. It emphasize the importance of the choice of adequate forecasting method in the projections quantification. Air carriers dominantly use three groups of forecasting methods-qualitative, causal and time series projections. ICAO and IATA forecasts are the most recognized worldwide, followed by the forecasts of aircraft manufacturers. European aviation forecasts use very often Eurocontrol predictions. Croatian air transport market is not covered by the adequate passenger and cargo forecasts. The contribution to the relevant forecasting factors will be supplemented by the selective mathematics modelling. Conclusions of the paper give directions to the activities for better understanding of cohesive and synchronized image of driving forces and constraints on global and regional air transport markets.
POSSIBLE EFFECT OF LOWERING MATURITIES OF TREASURY BILLS IN THE REPUBLIKA SRPSKA // MOGUĆI EFEKTI POTENCIJALNOG SMANJENJA ROKOVA DOSPIJEĆA TREZORSKIH ZAPISA U REPUBLICI SRPSKOJ
Authors: Vujnović-Gligorić Bogdana , Banović Marica , Figurek Aleksandra
Published: October 2017

Treasury bills as an instrument of fiscal policy are increasingly used to cover the budget deficit, as well as to maintain the current ratio. They can have a positive effect on the financial market, and therefore the economy if the public debt is efficiently managed. Republic of Srpska has started issuing treasury bills in mid-2011. Since then it has continuously increased the frequency and amount of the issue. The main question is how justified are these kind of borrowing, and the benefits of its cost. This paper wants to explore the trends of treasury bills in Republic of Srpska, limits of emissions, emission rates, as well as the interest rate on issued bills, all for the purpose of searching for cheap sources of budget financing. The basic hypothesis is: The shorter deadline emissions can significantly reduce the interest rate on treasury bills issued.The results obtained confirm the hypothesis, which suggests that Republika Srpska could achieve significant savings in budget expenditures if it lowers current maturities of 12, 9, 6 and 3 months to the monthly level.For the purposes of determining the conditions, dynamics and conditions of issuing treasury bills in the Republic of Srpska was used analysis method, and for the purposes of drawing the conclusions method of deduction will be used.
WOMEN ENTREPRENEURSHIP TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE THROUGH BEST PRACTICES IN RURAL MICROBUSINESS
Authors: Vargas-Hernández José G.
Published: October 2017

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the case of a joint venture stage to determine the successes and failures undertaken by women entrepreneurship aimed to improve the quality of life. The analysis is based on the theory of resources and skills of entrepreneurship and business. It is intended to answer the question, what were the successes and failures committed by entrepreneurs to run the business plan aimed to improve the quality of life in this particular case? The answers were found relating the situations described in the case with the theories of resources and skills and entrepreneurship. The analysis concludes that the empirical knowledge of entrepreneurs, in this case were not sufficient to direct the business to success, and that the lack of structured knowledge and adequate scientific support for this project strongly directed towards the non-permanence on the market.
COHESION STRENGTHENING AS A KEY ECONOMIC PROSPERITY THE WESTERN BALKAN COUNTRIES / KOHEZIJSKO JAČANJE KAO KLJUČ EKONOMSKOG PROSPERITETA DRŽAVA ZAPADNOG BALKANA
Authors: Bahtić Sadik , Čolaković Namik , Mulić Mustafa
Published: October 2017

The process of economic integration of the Western Balkans is constantly exposed to very complex challenges, but each new conference and each regional business forum is an opportunity for the introduction of a new dynamism in the integration strategy. Some countries in this region have not overcome internal problems and dialogue between business and the political elite of the past, which prevents them in the process of further progress and development, as well as business and economics can help politicians to easily overcome local and regional differences that exist in this area. As a real possibility for improvement of the achieved level of connectivity that would give new impetus to the revival of the process of enlargement and integration, there is the creation of a common economic strategy of the countries that make up this geographical area. Dispersion economic ties can help more easily overcome local and regional differences, and to enable economic prosperity of this region is a necessary parallel development of infrastructure and re-industrialization associated with digital services. Just like that balanced development can stimulate economic growth and job creation.
CROATIAN EXPERIENCE IN OPERATIVE IMPLEMENTATION OF AIR TRANSPORT SAFETY REGULATIONS / HRVATSKA ISKUSTVA U OPERATIVNOJ PROVEDBI ZRAKOPLOVNE ZAKONODAVNO-SIGURNOSNE REGULATIVE
Authors: Tatalović Mirko , Bajić Jasmin , Bajić Andrej
Published: October 2017

Circumstances and conditions in establishing the Croatian Civil Aviation Agency coincide with the application beginning of the modifications of amendments (2007) and later final version of the Aviation Law of 2009, regulating its activity, business and managing bodies. Direct motive for its establishing have been negative regulatory assessments for the Croatian air transport authorities and the consequence was the impossibility to implement the already signed code share agreement between Croatia Airlines and American air carrier United Airlines. At the same time, big global economic crisis started, with its significant negative effects on air transport industry. This has left negative consequences in all the countries of the region, and especially in Croatia and its appertaining air transport market. Liberalization of the Croatian air transport market and that of the south east European region has created a highly competitive area, when the most significant European low cost and traditional air companies reached the Croatian market. Competence and scope of work of the Croatian Civil Aviation Agency, its mission, vision and strategy have been burdened with all these circumstances from the very beginning. Basic scope of this paper is to point to the reciprocal functioning of the Agency and appertaining consequences on the air transport system. Therefore, quantification of results and correlative analytical metrics of the appertaining safety – quality and regulatory effects with natural and economic results have been done, in order to find out their potential connection. The achieved results should be used as an additional stimulation to better future cooperation of regulatory bodies in the region. This process has already shown very good results.
APPLICATION OF THE PUBLIC PROCUREMENT SYSTEM IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA WITH REGARD TO THE IMPROVEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING / PRIMJENA SISTEMA JAVNIH NABAVKI U BOSNI I HERCEGOVINI S OSVRTOM NA UNAPREĐENJE I RAZVOJ OBRAZOVANJA I USAVRŠAVANJA
Authors: Travar Ostoja , Ribić Dragana
Published: October 2017

The public procurement system isnowadays a special discipline, and this paper explores the possibility of researching it. The main reason for researching the mentioned system is the need to apply the public procurement system by the public and private sectors. The public procurement system integrates economic and financial disciplines defined in microeconomic, macroeconomic and managerial skills and disciplines. It is very important to gain knowledge about the public procurement system for the purpose of efficient management of public finances, as well as for the sustainability and development of corporations, and for the country to attract foreign investments. Public procurement in the European Union, Bosnia and Herzegovina and neighbouring countries represents a significant market. Surely, it can be ascertained that studying public procurement will contribute to the development of legal, economic, institutional and operational foundation for the purpose of more efficient functioning of the public procurement system in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in line with the EU standards. A segment of the overall research refers to the education and training, which will ensure a sustainable programme of training of personnel working in the public procurement system, in line with the new legislative framework. Thereby, they will, indirectly, contribute to the strengthening of the public procurement system for the purpose of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s approximation to European integration and integration into global economy.
Vremensko – prostorna analiza saobraćajne nezgode
Authors: Vujanić Milan , Ivanišević Tijana
Published: October 2017

Pri izradi saobraćajno-tehničkog veštačenja, poseban značaj predstavlja vremensko-prostorna analiza saobra-ćajne nezgode, odnosno analiza mogućnosti izbegavanja nastanka saobraćajne nezgode. Brzina pri kojoj je učesnik saobraćajne nezgode imao mogućnost izbegavanja nastanka saobraćajne nezgode može se utvrditi primenom vremenskogili prostornog kriterijuma. Primena različitih kriterijuma daje različite rezultate u analizi mogućnosti izbegavanja nastanka saobraćajne nezgode, pa se postavlja pitanje u kojim situacija je opravdana primena vremenskog, a u kojim primenaprostornog kriterijuma.
Opravdanost primjene uređaja za mjerenje srednje brzine u saobraćaju s aspekta bezbjednosti u drumskom saobraćaju
Authors: Petrić Željko
Published: October 2017

Prekoračenje brzine i neprilagođena brzina su najučestaliji problemi današnjice koji doprinose nastanku velikogbroja saobraćajnih nezgoda u kojima se gube ljudski životi ili nastaju trajni invaliditeti povrijeđenih osoba. Zbog toga jeregulisanje brzine centralni dio bezbjednog sistema koji se sastoji od postavljanja odgovarajućih uređaja za mjerenje brzine kretanja vozila. Ti uređaji mogu da mjere trenutnu i prosječnu brzinu kretanja vozila. Predmet ovog naučnog je opravdanost primjene uređaja za mjerenje prosječne brzine u saobraćaju. Rad pruža osnovne informacije o uticaju brzine nabezbjednost saobraćaja i primjeni uređaja za mjerenje prosječne brzine kao mjere za povećanje bezbjednosti saobraćaja iuticanje na svijest vozača. Takođe je izvršeno istraživanje o uticaju primjene pomenutih uređaja na smanjenje saobraćajnih nezgoda na području Brčko distrikta BiH.
Utvrđivanje naknade za nekorišćenje vozila
Authors: Todorović Nemanja
Published: October 2017

U prvom dijelu rada se ukazuje na osnove i suštinu naknade za nekorišćenje vozila, kao realnog problema sakojim se susreću i sudski vještaci i druge strane. U drugom dijelu je prikazan problem definisanja uticajnih faktora nanaknadu za nekorišćenje vozila u periodu trajanja neispravnosti ili otuđenja, odnosno nekorišćenja vozila. Treći dio radaukazuje na značaj i implikacije pouzdanosti i kvaliteta informacija prezentovanih u modelu obračuna naknade za nekorišćenje vozila, u kom su razmatrani svi elementi troškova koji su od značaja za određivanje visine naknade. Na kraju, učetvrtom dijelu rada, dajemo osvrt na stanje u domenu pouzdanosti i kvaliteta informacija sadržanih u modelu obračunanaknade u našoj praksi.
Pravna odgovornost ljekara osnovna sudsko medicinska načela vještačenja ljekarske odgovornosti
Authors: Cihlarž Zdenko
Published: October 2017

Svakodnevna praksa za sve većim potrebama za vještačenjima krivičnog djela nesavjesnog liječenja pred sudovima BiH te njihovog procesuiranja ukazala je potrebom da se usaglase osnovna načela kod ovih medicinskih najkompleksnijih i najtežih vj eštačenja te da se time olakša i rad tužilaca odnosno sudija, u ovim i za njih teškim (možda i najtežim)krivičnim predmetima. Ovim radom se ukazalo na osnovna sudsko-medicinska načela vještačenja ljekarske odgovornostisa ciljem da se olakša rad ljekara –eksperata, osobito timova vještaka (posebno u slučajevima kada u timu nema specijaliste sudske medicine) i što bližeg usaglašavanja pravnog i medicinskog pristupa ovom sve češćem društvenom problemu.
Problematika u rješavanju procijene vrijednosti šumske štete zbog prijevremene sječe stabala i umanjene upotrebne vrijednosti šumskog zemljišta na trasama elektrovodova
Authors: Dizdarević Ahmed
Published: October 2017

U Bosni i Hercegovini a naročito u Federaciji BiH su veoma brojni sudski sporovi po predmetima naknade šteteučinjene u šumama državnog a posebno privatnog vlasništva od strane “Elektroprivrede” odnosno “Elektrodistribucije”FBiH ili Republike Srpske.Sudski predmeti, najčešće u parničnom postupku, se odnose na zahtjev tužioca da se od tužene strane izvrši pravičnanaknada za učinjenu štetu na šumi i šumskom zemljištu pri: izgradnji, poslije ratnoj rekonstrukciji a posebno održavanju elektrovodova, (trasa), visokog i niskog napona odnosno dalekovoda i elektrovodova lokalne niskonaponske mreže.Procjena nastale šumske štete se od strane sudskih organa povjerava vještacima šumarske struke imenovanim prema“Zakonu o vještacima”, “Sl. novine FbiH” br. 49/05 od 08. 08. 2005. godine.Procjena vrijednosti navedenih šteta je delikatan i odgovoran posao pa mu treba posvetiti veću pažnju. Pri procjenama jepotrebno konzultirati odgovarajuće zakone, podzakonska akta, pravilnike i nadasve šumarsku praksu i nauku. Prikazan jeprimjer procjene umanjene upotrebne vrijednosti šumskog zemljišta na trasama elektrovodova.
Seasonal and year-round use of the Kushiro Wetland, Hokkaido, Japan by sika deer (Cervus nippon yesoensis)
Authors: Takafumi Hino , Kamii Tatsuya , Murai Takunari , Yoshida Ryoto , Sato Atsuki , Tachiki Yasuyuki , Akamatsu Rika , Yoshida Tsuyoshi
Published: October 2017

The sika deer (Cervus nippon yesoensis) population in the Ramsar-listed Kushiro Wetland has increased in recent years, and the Ministry of the Environment of Japan has decided to take measures to reduce the impact of deer on the ecosystem. However, seasonal movement patterns of the deer (i.e., when and where the deer inhabit the wetland) remain unclear. We examined the seasonal movement patterns of sika deer in the Kushiro Wetland from 2013 to 2015 by analyzing GPS location data for 28 hinds captured at three sites in the wetland. Seasonal movement patterns were quantitatively classified as seasonal migration, mixed, dispersal, nomadic, resident, or atypical, and the degree of wetland utilization for each individual was estimated. The area of overlap for each individual among intra-capture sites and inter-capture sites was calculated for the entire year and for each season. Our results showed that the movement patterns of these deer were classified not only as resident but also as seasonal migration, dispersal, and atypical. Approximately one-third of the individuals moved into and out of the wetland during the year as either seasonal migrants or individuals with atypical movement. Some of the individuals migrated to farmland areas outside the wetland (the farthest being 69.9 km away). Half of the individuals inhabited the wetland all or most of the year, i.e., 81–100% of their annual home range was within the wetland area. Even among individuals captured at the same site, different seasonal movement patterns were identified. The overlap areas of the home ranges of individuals from the same capture sites were larger than those for individuals from different capture sites (e.g., mean of annual home range overlap with intra-capture sites: 47.7% vs. inter-sites: 1.3%). To achieve more effective ecosystem management including deer management in the wetland, management plans should cover inside and outside of the wetland and separate the population into multiple management units to address the different movement patterns and wetland utilization of the population.
Cellobiohydrolase B ofAspergillus nigerover-expressed inPichia pastorisstimulates hydrolysis of oil palm empty fruit bunches
Authors: Woon James Sy-Keen , Mackeen Mukram M. , Illias Rosli M. , Mahadi Nor M. , Broughton William J. , Murad Abdul Munir Abdul , Abu Bakar Farah Diba
Published: October 2017

Background

Aspergillus niger, along with many other lignocellulolytic fungi, has been widely used as a commercial workhorse for cellulase production. A fungal cellulase system generally includes three major classes of enzymes i.e., β-glucosidases, endoglucanases and cellobiohydrolases. Cellobiohydrolases (CBH) are vital to the degradation of crystalline cellulose present in lignocellulosic biomass. However,A. nigernaturally secretes low levels of CBH. Hence, recombinant production ofA. nigerCBH is desirable to increase CBH production yield and also to allow biochemical characterisation of the recombinant CBH fromA. niger.

Methods

In this study, the gene encoding a cellobiohydrolase B (cbhB) fromA. nigerATCC 10574 was cloned and expressed in the methylotrophic yeastPichia pastorisX-33. The recombinant CBHB was purified and characterised to study its biochemical and kinetic characteristics. To evaluate the potential of CBHB in assisting biomass conversion, CBHB was supplemented into a commercial cellulase preparation (Cellic®CTec2) and was used to hydrolyse oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB), one of the most abundant lignocellulosic waste from the palm oil industry. To attain maximum saccharification, enzyme loadings were optimised by response surface methodology and the optimum point was validated experimentally. Hydrolysed OPEFB samples were analysed using attenuated total reflectance FTIR spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) to screen for any compositional changes upon enzymatic treatment.

Results

Recombinant CBHB was over-expressed as a hyperglycosylated protein attached toN-glycans. CBHB was enzymatically active towards soluble substrates such as 4-methylumbelliferyl-β-D-cellobioside (MUC),p-nitrophenyl-cellobioside (pNPC) andp-nitrophenyl-cellobiotrioside (pNPG3) but was not active towards crystalline substrates like Avicel®and Sigmacell cellulose. Characterisation of purified CBHB using MUC as the model substrate revealed that optimum catalysis occurred at 50 °C and pH 4 but the enzyme was stable between pH 3 to 10 and 30 to 80 °C. Although CBHB on its own was unable to digest crystalline substrates, supplementation of CBHB (0.37%) with Cellic®CTec2 (30%) increased saccharification of OPEFB by 27%. Compositional analyses of the treated OPEFB samples revealed that CBHB supplementation reduced peak intensities of both crystalline cellulose Iαand Iβ in the treated OPEFB samples.

Discussion

Since CBHB alone was inactive against crystalline cellulose, these data suggested that it might work synergistically with other components of Cellic®CTec2. CBHB supplements were desirable as they further increased hydrolysis of OPEFB when the performance of Cellic®CTec2 was theoretically capped at an enzyme loading of 34% in this study. Hence,A. nigerCBHB was identified as a potential supplementary enzyme for the enzymatic hydrolysis of OPEFB.
Methadone’s Moment
Authors: Incze Michael A. , Simon Caty , Suen Leslie W.
Published: October 2024

This work discusses unfettering methadone from outdated regulations to empower patients to access treatment and advocate for methadone's expansion in their local communities by working with pharmacies and local health systems.
Central Retinal Artery Revascularization Promptly After Tenecteplase
Authors: Vo Alexander T. , Modjtahedi Bobeck S. , Sangha Navdeep S.
Published: October 2024

This case report discusses a diagnosis of central retinal artery occlusion and visual prognosis after management with intravenous tenecteplase.
Tympanostomy Tube Insertion With and Without Adenoidectomy
Authors: Qian Z. Jason , Truong Mai Thy , Alyono Jennifer C. , Valdez Tulio , Chang Kay
Published: October 2024

Importance

The benefit of adenoidectomy on otologic outcomes after tympanostomy tube (TT) insertion is unclear. Results from prior work are challenging to interpret due to small sample sizes, heterogeneous study designs, and varying outcome measures.

Objective

To evaluate the association between adenoidectomy and otologic outcomes using a US population-level sample of children who received TTs, producing generalizable results for widespread clinical application.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A matched cohort study was conducted using claims data from the Merative MarketScan Research Databases. The study included 601 848 children who received TTs between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2021. Children who received adenoidectomy and TTs simultaneously (Ad+TT) were identified irrespective of the number of prior TTs. Control participants who received TTs without adenoidectomy were matched based on sex, age at the time of the procedure, and the number of prior TT procedures.

Exposures

Adenoidectomy without tonsillectomy was the primary exposure.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcomes were repeat TT insertion and subsequent oral antibiotic prescriptions after TT insertions. Multivariable logistic regression was used to quantify the effects of adenoidectomy and covariates on each outcome. Stratified analyses were performed in children younger than 4 years and 4 years or older.

Results

Overall, 601 848 children (median [IQR] age, 2 [1-4] years; range, 0-11 years; 351 078 [58.3%] male) who received TTs were identified. The Ad+TT cohort included 201 932 children, with an equal number in the matched cohort. In children younger than 4 years, Ad+TT was common and was associated with lower odds of subsequent oral antibiotics (odds ratio [OR], 0.59; 95% CI, 0.58-0.60) but higher odds of repeat TT insertions (OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.22-1.27). In children 4 years or older, Ad+TT was associated with lower odds of repeat TT insertions (OR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.75-0.81) and subsequent oral antibiotics (OR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.62-0.65).

Conclusions and Relevance

This study found that in children younger than 4 years, Ad+TT was commonly performed and may have had a secondary benefit of reducing subsequent oral antibiotic courses; however, it was not associated with a reduction in the risks of repeat TT insertions. In children 4 years or older, Ad+TT was associated with a reduction in the risk of repeat TT insertions and subsequent oral antibiotics. Given these findings, Ad+TT may be offered in children 4 years or older to improve otologic outcomes.
Decades of artificial nests towards African penguin conservation—Have they made a difference?
Authors: Pichegru L. , Sherley R. B. , Malan T. , Barham B. J. , Ludynia K. , Geldenhuys D. , Amos K. , Barham P. J. , Drost E. , Hahndiek V. , Hufke A. , Hugo C. , Lawrence C. , McGeorge C. , McInnes A. M. , Makhado A. M. , Mashau M. , Milne R. , Purves A. , Slier M. , van der Merwe C. , van Wilgen N. J. , Waller L.
Published: October 2024

African penguins are among the most threatened seabird species globally and an African Penguin Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) published in 2013 guides conservation strategies to prevent their extinction. To counter the impact of past guano exploitation which reduced the nesting habitat of these burrowing seabirds, rendering them vulnerable to predators and extreme weather events, a suite of artificial nests was deployed in various colonies over the past decades with varying success. The BMP called for new nest designs to maximise breeding output.

This study assesses African penguin breeding success over the past 14 years in four types of artificial nests and in natural nests at all major colonies in South Africa.

Overall, artificial nests outperformed natural nests and successfully increased breeding output of African penguins by 16.5% (95% CI: 6.7–26.2). No design was, however, consistently most effective across locations. For example, fibreglass nests had the poorest hatching success of all nest types at one colony (Bird Island), but outperformed cement nests at another (Boulders Beach). The latest design of double‐layered ceramic nests tended to perform better than other artificial nests, although not consistently at all colonies and occupancy rates were low in some areas.

Practical implication. The deployment of artificial nests proved to be a successful conservation measure for African penguins although the variety of habitats in the different colonies seems to have prevented a one solution‐fits‐all approach. The consistent poor breeding output in some areas in all nest types (<30% at the mainland colony in Simons' Town and the islands in Algoa Bay) further calls for colony‐specific conservation strategies beyond artificial nests, while the continuous decline in African penguin numbers globally calls for broader measures urgently, primarily increasing access to their forage fish prey.
Impact of Secondary‐Phase Particle Morphology on Grain Growth in Pure Copper Using a Phase Field Simulation Approach
Authors: Bhuiyan M. Nabil , Nakhmanson Serge , Frame Lesley D.
Published: October 2024

Microstructural stability of polycrystalline alloys depends on the motion of grain boundaries during heat treatment. The presence of second‐phase particles (SPP) is one of the most effective mechanisms to stabilize the polycrystalline structure by pinning grain boundaries. The current study utilizes phase field modeling to determine the impact of particle size, morphology, and number distribution on grain growth in a face centered cubic copper system. The simulation results indicate that a distinct relationship exists between grain boundary motion and particles of different shapes. Above a minimum area fraction threshold for SPP, the number of particles per unit area emerges as the primary factor controlling the rate of grain growth. Particle shape aspect ratio shows influence on pinning grain boundaries as well with elongated particle shapes demonstrating improved grain boundary pinning, especially when oriented with the long axis parallel to the migrating grain boundary. The results presented here are in good agreement with experimentally observed trends, and the validation of a simplified phase field model allows for added complexity in future simulations.
Perylene‐Based Dyes in Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells: Structural Development and Synthetic Strategies
Authors: Giordano Marco , Cardano Francesca , Barolo Claudia , Viscardi Guido , Fin Andrea
Published: October 2024

The versatile absorption and fluorescence properties alongside the outstanding chemical and photostability make the rylene‐based derivatives one of the most investigated compounds in the field of third‐generation solar cells. Over the last 25 years, an intensive research activity has made the rylene‐based derivatives one of the most interesting and modular class of sensitizers in the dye‐sensitized solar cells. This critical analysis compares and discusses the state of the art of the rylene‐based dyes, starting from the pioneering studies on the perylene bisimides to the latest N‐annulated rylene derivatives. The focus of this review is to discuss the structure‐to‐properties relationship highlighting how critical points have been overcome and what are the most recent approaches toward the achievement of novel record efficiencies in the dye‐sensitized solar cells.
Enhanced Organic Solvent Nanofiltration Membranes with Double Permeance via Laser‐Induced Graphitization of Polybenzimidazole
Authors: Kim Seong Heon , Khan Muhammad Ajmal , Im Kwang Seop , Kang Pilgyu , Nam Sang Yong
Published: October 2024

This study investigates the fabrication of organic solvent nanofiltration (OSN) membranes through laser‐induced graphitization of polybenzimidazole (PBI). Employing a CO2 laser, the polymer is converted into graphene, resulting in controlled submicron‐scale porous 3D structures, a feat not achievable with traditional methods such as chemical crosslinking. The effectiveness of this process hinges on precise adjustments of laser parameters, such as fluence, to attain the ideal graphitization levels. The findings indicate that partial graphitization, as opposed to excessive, is crucial for preserving the membrane's microstructure and enhancing its functional properties. The partially graphitized PBI‐LIG (Polybenzimidazole ‒ Laser‐induced Graphene) membranes achieved up to 94% rejection of Congo red from ethanol, with an ethanol permeance rate of 12.14 LMH bar−1—nearly twice that of standard PBI membranes. Additionally, these membranes showcased outstanding chemical stability and solvent resistance, maintaining over 99% structural integrity and experiencing <1% weight loss after prolonged exposure to various industrial solvents over a week. These results highlight the potential of laser‐graphitized PBI membranes for applications in harsh chemical conditions, paving the way for further optimization of high‐performance OSN membranes. This research advances membrane technology, merging laser engineering with materials science, and contributes to environmental sustainability and industrial efficiency.
Bandgap Engineering of TiO2 for Enhanced Selectivity in Photoelectrochemical Glycerol Oxidation
Authors: Pecoraro Claudio M. , Wu Siming , Santamaria Monica , Schmuki Patrik
Published: October 2024

The application of photoelectrochemical cells to the partial oxidation of biomass represents a promising avenue as a sustainable process for obtaining valuable products. However, achieving both efficient conversion rates and high selectivity of desired products remains a great challenge. In this study, the photoelectrochemical oxidation of glycerol is investigated to produce dihydroxyacetone (DHA) as the primary target using TiO2 nanotubes (NTs) as the photoanode. Nitrogen doping is used to modify the TiO2 NTs, resulting in enhanced visible light photoactivity in N‐doped NTs. These N‐doped NTs exhibit a high selectivity toward DHA and show a remarkable faradaic efficiency when irradiated with light at a wavelength of 450 nm, i.e., light that excites N‐related states in the band gap of TiO2. The N‐doped material also exhibits remarkable stability over prolonged reaction periods. The superior performance of N‐doped NTs can be attributed to the band‐engineering effects induced by nitrogen doping. Specifically, N‐doping leads to an upward shift of the valence band, thereby adjusting the exit energy levels of photogenerated holes that result in a high selectivity toward glycerol conversion to DHA.
Innovative Fast‐Charging Protocol Incorporating Proactive Lithium‐Plating Suppression Pulses for Lithium‐Ion Batteries: Protocol Design, Validation, and Post‐Mortem Analysis
Authors: Ha Ye Ji , Roh Somi , Park Bo Keun , Kim Minsoo , Jeong Dong Ho , Kim Hyunjae , Kim Inwoo , Jo Yong Nam , Choi Jang Wook , Kim Ki Jae
Published: October 2024

Conventional fast‐charging using a high constant current can ultimately accelerate uncontrolled Li plating on the graphite anode, resulting in degradation and poor cycle life of Li‐ion batteries (LIBs). Therefore, identifying suitable fast‐charging methods for LIBs is beneficial for the widespread use of electric vehicles (EVs). Herein, an innovative fast‐charging protocol, designed by combining an active control pulse (ACP) with a multi‐step fast‐charging method (M‐ACP), is proposed to mitigate issues related to Li plating and byproduct formation on the graphite anode during fast‐charging. Because M‐ACP not only reduces charging time but also actively prevents Li plating on the graphite anode surface, the 60 Ah pouch cell used in EVs that employ the M‐ACP protocol exhibits an extended lifetime with no capacity fading over 2000 cycles. The degradation behavior of the negative electrodes, which is strongly correlated to the improved performance of M‐ACP cells, is demonstrated using non‐destructive diagnostic techniques and post‐mortem analyses. The M‐ACP cell exhibits significantly less active material and Li loss, and decreased solid electrolyte interphase layer growth on graphite, owing to effective mitigation of Li+ accumulation at the electrode/electrolyte interface. Consequently, the distinguished fast‐charging protocol effectively decelerates the degradation of the negative electrode, leading to outstanding electrochemical performance.
Biomarker pathway heterogeneity of amyloid‐positive individuals
Authors: Prosser Lloyd , Sudre Carole H. , Oxtoby Neil P. , Young Alexandra L. , Malone Ian B. , Manning Emily N. , Pemberton Hugh , Walsh Phoebe , Barkhof Frederik , Biessels Geert Jan , Cash David M. , Barnes Josephine ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: October 2024

INTRODUCTION

In amyloid‐positive individuals, disease‐related biomarker heterogeneity is understudied.

METHODS

We used Subtype and Stage Inference (SuStaIn) to identify data‐driven subtypes among cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) amyloid beta (1‐42)–positive individuals from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNIGO/2 [n = 376]). Variables included: CSF phosphorylated tau (p‐tau181), hippocampal and whole‐brain volume, logical memory (LM), composite Trail Making Test score, and white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volumes. CSF amyloid‐negative, apolipoprotein E ε4 non‐carrier cognitively unimpaired controls (n = 86) were used to calculate z scores.

RESULTS

One subtype (n = 145) had early LM changes, with later p‐tau and WMH changes. A second subtype (n = 88) had early WMH changes, were older, and more hypertensive. A third subtype (n = 100) had early p‐tau changes, and reflected typical Alzheimer's disease. Some amyloid positive (n = 43) individuals were similar to the amyloid‐negative group.

DISCUSSION

This work identified heterogeneity in individuals who are conventionally considered homogeneous, which is likely driven by co‐pathologies including cerebrovascular disease.

Highlights

Data‐driven modeling identified marker heterogeneity in amyloid‐positive individuals.

Heterogeneity reflected Alzheimer's disease‐like, vascular‐like, and mixed pathology presentations.

Some amyloid‐positive individuals were more similar to amyloid‐negative controls.

Vascular pathology plays a key role in understanding heterogeneity in those on the amyloid pathway.
Frontoparietal network integrity supports cognitive function in pre‐symptomatic frontotemporal dementia: Multimodal analysis of brain function, structure, and perfusion
Authors: Liu Xulin , Jones Peter Simon , Pasternak Maurice , Masellis Mario , Bouzigues Arabella , Russell Lucy L. , Foster Phoebe H. , Ferry‐Bolder Eve , van Swieten John , Jiskoot Lize , Seelaar Harro , Sanchez‐Valle Raquel , Laforce Robert , Graff Caroline , Galimberti Daniela , Vandenberghe Rik , de Mendonça Alexandre , Tiraboschi Pietro , Santana Isabel , Gerhard Alexander , Levin Johannes , Sorbi Sandro , Otto Markus , Pasquier Florence , Ducharme Simon , Butler Chris , Le Ber Isabelle , Finger Elizabeth , Tartaglia Maria Carmela , Synofzik Matthis , Moreno Fermin , Borroni Barbara , Rohrer Jonathan D. , Tsvetanov Kamen A. , Rowe James B. ,   The GENFI consortium
Published: October 2024

INTRODUCTION

Genetic mutation carriers of frontotemporal dementia can remain cognitively well despite neurodegeneration. A better understanding of brain structural, perfusion, and functional patterns in the pre‐symptomatic stage could inform accurate staging and potential mechanisms.

METHODS

We included 207 pre‐symptomatic genetic mutation carriers and 188 relatives without mutations. The gray matter volume, cerebral perfusion, and resting‐state functional network maps were co‐analyzed using linked independent component analysis (LICA). Multiple regression analysis was used to investigate the relationship of LICA components to genetic status and cognition.

RESULTS

Pre‐symptomatic mutation carriers showed an age‐related decrease in the left frontoparietal network integrity, while non‐carriers did not. Executive functions of mutation carriers became dependent on the left frontoparietal network integrity in older age.

DISCUSSION

The frontoparietal network integrity of pre‐symptomatic mutation carriers showed a distinctive relationship to age and cognition compared to non‐carriers, suggesting a contribution of the network integrity to brain resilience.

Highlights

A multimodal analysis of structure, perfusion, and functional networks.

The frontoparietal network integrity decreases with age in pre‐symptomatic carriers only.

Executive functions of pre‐symptomatic carriers dissociated from non‐carriers.
Investigating the feasibility of 18F‐flortaucipir PET imaging in the antemortem diagnosis of primary age‐related tauopathy (PART): An observational imaging‐pathological study
Authors: Lavrova Anna , Satoh Ryota , Pham Nha Trang Thu , Nguyen Aivi , Jack Clifford R. , Petersen Ronald C. , Ross Reichard R. , Dickson Dennis W. , Lowe Val J. , Whitwell Jennifer L. , Josephs Keith A.
Published: October 2024

INTRODUCTION

Primary age‐related tauopathy (PART) is characterized by neurofibrillary tangles and minimal β‐amyloid deposition, diagnosed postmortem. This study investigates 18F‐flortaucipir (FTP) PET imaging for antemortem PART diagnosis.

METHODS

We analyzed FTP PET scans from 50 autopsy‐confirmed PART and 13 control subjects. Temporal lobe uptake was assessed both qualitatively and quantitatively. Demographic and clinicopathological characteristics and voxel‐level uptake using SPM12 were compared between FTP‐positive and FTP‐negative cases. Intra‐reader reproducibility was evaluated with Krippendorff's alpha.

RESULTS

Minimal/mild and moderate FTP uptake was seen in 32% of PART cases and 62% of controls, primarily in the left inferior temporal lobe. No demographic or clinicopathological differences were found between FTP‐positive and FTP‐negative cases. High intra‐reader reproducibility (α = 0.83) was noted.

DISCUSSION

FTP PET imaging did not show a specific uptake pattern for PART diagnosis, indicating that in vivo PART identification using FTP PET is challenging. Similar uptake in controls suggests non‐specific uptake in PART.

Highlights

18F‐flortaucipir (FTP) PET scans were analyzed for diagnosing PART antemortem.

32% of PART cases had minimal/mild FTP uptake in the left inferior temporal lobe.

Similar to PART FTP uptake was found in 62% of control subjects.

No specific uptake pattern was found, challenging in vivo PART diagnosis.
Individualized, cross‐validated prediction of future dementia using cognitive assessments in people with mild cognitive symptoms
Authors: Borland Emma , Mattson‐Carlgren Niklas , Tideman Pontus ,   the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, Stomrud Erik , Hansson Oskar , Palmqvist Sebastian
Published: October 2024

INTRODUCTION

We aimed to develop an algorithm to predict the individualized risk of future dementia using brief cognitive tests suitable for primary care.

METHODS

We included 612 participants with subjective cognitive decline (SCD) or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) study, assessed for at least 4 years or until progression to dementia. A logistic regression model, using cognitive tests as predictors and dementia progression as an outcome, stratified participants into low, intermediate, or high risk. A second model, including 1‐year cognitive test changes, was applied to the intermediate group. The models were replicated in 392 SCD/MCI participants from the BioFINDER‐1 study.

RESULTS

The best two‐step model for predicting dementia incorporated Trail Making Test B (attention/executive function), Animal Fluency (verbal fluency), Mini‐Mental State Examination (global cognition), and 10‐word list recall (memory). The model's positive predictive value in ADNI was 85.8% and negative predictive value was 92.2% versus 62.5% and 95.6%, respectively, in BioFINDER‐1.

DISCUSSION

This two‐step model accurately predicts individualized dementia risk.

Highlights

To our knowledge, this is the first algorithm for predicting all‐cause dementia using a novel two‐step model utilizing brief cognitive tests.

Applying a validated model including the Trail Making Test B, Animal Fluency, MMSE, Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale delayed, and immediate recall can robustly and accurately categorize individuals into low, intermediate, or high risk of dementia progression and can facilitate clinical decision‐making and personalized patient care.

We created an app that is available for research and educational purposes at https://brainapps.shinyapps.io/PredictAllCauseDementia to provide an individualized risk score for dementia progression.
Linker‐Mediated Delocalized Excited States in Dimeric Acceptors Enable Efficient Exciton Dissociation with Negligible Energy‐Level Offsets
Authors: Shi Sheng‐Yu , Yang Chao , Xu Xinjie , Liu Zhi‐Xi , Duan Wanchun , Chen Xing‐Xing , Lu Zhou , Zhou Hongping , Yu Zhi‐Peng , Li Chang‐Zhi
Published: October 2024

Efficient exciton dissociation at low energy offsets is key to overcoming voltage losses in organic solar cells. In this work, we developed two dimeric acceptors, i‐YT and o‐YT, by precisely controlling the position of an asymmetric electron‐donating linker. It induced the foldamer conformation of i‐YT with a para linkage (relative to the dicyano groups), while retaining the unfold conformation for o‐YT. This subtle structural modification influenced the molecular assembly properties, enabled near‐zero energy offset exciton dissociation and power conversion efficiencies exceeding 18 % for i‐YT based organic solar cells. Detailed excitonic dynamics further revealed that the linker position critically influences three processes: the formation of delocalized singlet excited states, ultrafast charge transfer (~5 ps) in solid blends, and the suppression of exciton recombination. Additionally, devices based on i‐YT demonstrated outstanding long‐term stability, retaining 85 % of their initial efficiency after 1,400 hours of continuous illumination. These findings introduce a new class of dimeric acceptors that combine high efficiency with exceptional stability, offering a promising pathway toward low‐energy‐loss organic photovoltaics.
Remote Enantioselective ϵ‐Alkylation of Copper Ethynylallenylidenes: Precise Control of Central and Axial Chirality
Authors: Wen Yu‐Hua , Liu Minghao , Wang Yu‐Hao , Gong Qian‐Wei , Li Shuai , Song Jin , Gong Liu‐Zhu
Published: October 2024

Chiral tetrasubstituted allenes have emerged as important architectures for engineering biologically active compounds. The construction of unique tetrasubstituted allene scaffolds with precise control of continuous central and axial chirality remains yet to be developed. Here, we report a remote enantioselective ϵ‐alkylation of yne‐propargylic acetates with enals enabled by NHC and copper cooperative catalysis, leading to a series of tetrasubstituted allenes with excellent enantioselectivities (up to >99 % ee) and diastereoselectivities (up to >95 : 5 dr). This method features high regioselectivity and simultaneous control of axial and central chirality. Mechanistic studies suggest a cooperative activation mode and synergistic control of distal chirality created from the copper ethynylallenylidenes.