bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examining the Validity of an Observational Tool of Classroom Support for Children’s Engagement in Learning
Authors: Wolf Sharon , Jukes Matthew C. H. , Yoshikawa Hirokazu , Stern Jonathan , Kim Sharon
Published: August 2024

High-quality early childhood education provides children with opportunities for engaged learning. Yet there are currently no classroom-level measures that focus specifically on how teachers support engagement in the classroom, a key underlying dimension of playful learning. We introduce the Playful Learning Across the Years (PLAY) observational tool, a new tool designed to assess support for engaged learning in early childhood classrooms. Using data from videos of Ghanaian preprimary classrooms (N = 420) coded using the tool, we conduct factor analysis to assess the underlying domains of engaged learning opportunities at the classroom-level and find three domains representing support for exploration, social connectedness, and positive emotional climate. We then examine if these domains are sensitive to impacts of a teacher professional development program and find that the program had large impacts on all three domains (d = 0.55–1.01). Finally, we explore concurrent validity of the tool using classroom process quality scores from a separate classroom observational tool and teacher characteristics and find some evidence from each. This study aims to systematically operationalize opportunities for engaged learning at the classroom-level in an under-studied context, with implications for measuring quality and promoting children’s school readiness in early educational settings globally.
Generalized Identity, Zero-Ground, and Necessity
Authors: Kappes Yannic
Published: August 2024

This paper offers a modification of Fabrice Correia’s and Alexander Skiles’ (Grounding, Essence, and Identity) definition of grounding in terms of generalized identity that extends it to zero-grounding. The definition promises (1) to improve our understanding of zero-grounding by capturing it within the framework of generalized identity, and (2) to unlock the theoretical potential of zero-grounding for Correia’s and Skiles’ account. The latter is demonstrated by arguing that the definition allows an essentialist theory of modality based on Correia’s and Skiles’ account to answer a recent explanatory challenge by Jessica Leech (From Essence to Necessity via Identity) by combining the following two ideas: (1) Some necessities are grounded in truths about zero-grounding, and (2) at least some identity-propositions are zero-grounded. Finally, some advantages of the zero-grounding approach over Correia’s and Skiles’ recent definition of necessity in terms of generalized identity and logical consequence are argued for.
Intertranslatability and Ground-Equivalence
Authors: Lee Chanwoo
Published: August 2024

When are logical theories equivalent? I discuss the notion of ground-equivalence between logical theories, which can be useful for various theoretical reasons, e.g., we expect ground-equivalent theories to have the same ontological bearing. I consider whether intertranslatability is an adequate criterion for ground-equivalence. Jason Turner recently offered an argument that first-order logic and predicate functor logic are ground-equivalent in virtue of their intertranslatability. I examine his argument and show that this can be generalized to other intertranslatable logical theories, which supports the following: intertranslatability implies ground-equivalence. I also argue, however, that this ground-equivalence argument can be challenged as it faces a dilemma. The dilemma arises because the argument allows two distinct readings, the ‘internal’ and the ‘external’ reading. I argue that the argument turns out to be unsuccessful in both readings. The upshot of this dilemma in both philosophy of logic and metaphysics is considered.
Vitis species for stress tolerance/resistance
Authors: Atak Arif
Published: August 2024

Many wild plant species are actually true treasures of our world. The value of these treasures is better understood today and many wild species are used for different purposes. Also Vitis species are among the most important species with their ancient history. China and North America are the native ranges of many Vitis species that survive to the present day, most of which have survived by natural selection. These species have attracted the attention of plant breeders for many years due to their resistance to various biotic and abiotic stress conditions, and they have used these species to develop new cultivars. In parallel with the developments in the field of biotechnology, interspecific hybrid genotypes obtained in breeding research for resistance to different stress conditions can be obtained in accordance with the targets in a much shorter time. In these investigations, gene regions in Vitis species with resistance genes were transferred to new hybrid genotypes. Additionally, these species have been used as parents in many breeding programs in different countries due to their resistance to biotic stress conditions, especially fungal diseases. Similar breeding research has been carried out on tolerance to abiotic stress conditions, and interspecific cross-breeding have been made to develop hybrid genotypes that are more tolerant to many abiotic stress conditions. In recent years, resistance and high-quality wine and table grape cultivars  obtained from rossbreeding have begun to be used in production. As a result, newly developed interspecific hybrid grapes can be grown with much lower production costs in accordance with the sustainable viticulture model.
Genetic Diversity and Phylogenetic Relationships of Capsicum frutescens in the Asia–Pacific Region: The Pacific Dispersal Route
Authors: Yamamoto Sota , Koeda Sota , Nakano Ryutaro , Sakaguchi Shota , Nagano Atsushi J. , Tanaka Yoshiyuki , Kondo Fumiya , Matsushima Kenichi , Komaki Nobuhiko
Published: August 2024

Capsicum peppers are among the oldest domesticated crops in the Americas. Columbus introduced them to Europe, from where they spread to the Far East via Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. However, the details of how Capsicum peppers were introduced into the Asia–Pacific region and their subsequent dispersal remain unknown. Therefore, we investigated the genetic diversity and relationships of Capsicum frutescens in the Asia–Pacific region through restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RAD-seq) and the sequencing of a variable chloroplast genome locus. The RAD-seq analysis showed that three accessions from Japan are most closely related to those from the Americas and Micronesia, and are distant from most of those from islands and continental Southeast Asia. Although C. frutescens has two chloroplast haplotypes (T and TC), only the T type was found in the Americas and Japan, whereas both types were distributed in other regions. Therefore, we postulate that some C. frutescens accessions were introduced into the Asia–Pacific region from the Americas via the Pacific dispersal route, whereas only the T type was introduced into Japan. Evidence for this Pacific dispersal route of C. frutescens could lead to a reconsideration of the dispersal routes of other crops native to the Americas.
Sustainability: implications for career development
Authors: McMahon Mary , Knight Elizabeth
Published: August 2024

Sustainability, a focus of attention in many contexts including career development, is a systems problem. Systems thinking is essential to consider, and find solutions to, sustainability. Career development’s responses to issues such as poverty, gender inequality, and environmental issues can be underpinned by social justice. This article considers the question “What are the implications of the sustainable development agenda for career development?” to enhance understanding of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and foster awareness of the relationship between career development and sustainability. Social justice and systems thinking are proposed as lenses for engaging with sustainability.
Impact of Perceived Barriers of Electronic Health Information Exchange on Physician’s Use of EHR: A Normalisation Process Theory Approach
Authors: Sengupta Avijit , Mukherjee Anik , VanderMeer Debra
Published: August 2024

Digitizing healthcare is a major aim of healthcare policy, with efforts aimed at increasing adoption of electronic health records (EHRs). We study the capability use for EHRs through the lens of normalisation process theory to assess whether these barriers to adoption also remain barriers to sustained use. We focus on health information exchange (HIE), which is one of the most challenging capabilities identified in the literature. We analyse the National Electronic Health Records Survey data, in which physicians were asked whether known HIE adoption barriers remain in place, and how frequently they use HIE capabilities. Though we expect that adoption barriers reported to be less problematic will be associated with greater capability use, we found that adoption barriers perceived to be more (less) problematic were not necessarily those that predicted less (greater) capability use. This study contributes through a critical examination of the process of normalization of EHR capabilities.
Relation of Family Economic Pressure and Racial Stress with Sleep Disturbance among African American College Students: Moderating Effects of Kin Social Support
Authors: Taylor Ronald D. , Olaniyan Motunrayo , Gebre Azeb , Bangasser Debra
Published: August 2024

The investigation examined whether kin social support moderated the association of family economic pressure and race-related stress with sleep disturbance among African American college students. The study is grounded in two theoretical models including the Integrative Model for the Study of Developmental Competence in Minority Children (IM) and the Family Stress Model (FSM), which predict that economic and race-related stress are linked to well-being in families and that the effects of stressful experiences may be moderated by kin social support. Hypotheses were assessed with online questionnaires administered to 152 African American college students (83% female, Mage = 21.7, SDage = 4.6). Economic pressure and race-related stress were significantly associated with sleep disturbance. Interference effects of kin support were evident and revealed that the positive relations of family economic pressure and race-related stress with sleep disturbance were less apparent with increases in kin support. Findings suggest that kinship ties are complex relations with costs and benefits that African American students must manage as they cope with stressful experiences in college.
Barrier Lyapunov Function-based Backstepping Controller Design for Path Tracking of Autonomous Vehicles
Authors: Hosseinnajad Alireza , Mohajer Navid , Nahavandi Saeid
Published: August 2024

This research proposes a novel BLF-based backstepping controller for path tracking of Autonomous Vehicles (AVs) with unknown dynamics and unmeasurable states. The proposed framework includes: (1) forming geometric-dynamic model of the vehicle by combining the dynamics of the vehicle with the kinematics of the visual measurement system, (2) designing a fixed-time Extended-State Observer (ESO) to estimate the unknown dynamics and unmeasurable states, and (3) introducing a BLF-based controller for faster response and more accurate path tracking compared to previous BLF-based controllers. Besides the novelty of the BLF-based controller, by transforming the closed-loop error dynamics into a unified proportional-derivative (PD)-type structure, an intuitive criterion is proposed to provide a systematic procedure for comparing BLF-based controllers. A combined BLF is further proposed based on this performance criterion to eliminate the sensitivity of BLF-based controllers to the magnitude of the constraint. The stability analysis is performed for the fixed-time ESO and the closed-loop control system. MATLAB/CarSim co-simulation is conducted to evaluate the performance of the proposed control system. The outcomes of the work show that the closed-loop control system is exponentially stable. In addition, it can provide a faster response and result in more accurate path tracking compared to previous BLF-based control systems.
Celebrating the “Invisible”: The Role of Organizational Diversity Approaches on Attracting and Retaining LGBTQ + Talent
Authors: Mor Kshitij , Gündemir Seval , van der Toorn Jojanneke
Published: August 2024

Organizations vary in diversity approaches. Some recognize and celebrate group differences (identity consciousness), while others deem these differences unimportant and deemphasize them (identity blindness). Research on diversity approaches’ impact on workplace perceptions and experiences of marginalized groups has grown but focuses mainly on “visible” groups (e.g., racial minorities, women) while largely overlooking the potential impact on “invisible” groups (e.g., LGBTQ + individuals). Integrating the diversity approaches paradigm with signaling and identity safety theory, this research addresses this oversight. Three pre-registered studies (Ntotal = 1318) investigate whether LGBTQ + individuals prefer identity-conscious organizations for employment because they perceive this approach as a signal of safety and acceptance for their identity. Findings reveal that identity consciousness (vs. identity blindness) is associated with increased attraction towards organizations among prospective (Studies 1 and 2) and lower turnover intentions among incumbent (Study 3) LGBTQ + workers. Identity safety (measured through employees’ sense of authenticity, belonging, and justice) mediates these relationships. Exploratory analyses indicate that, compared to their cisgender counterparts, transgender participants generally report more negative workplace experiences and expectations (Studies 1–3). Furthermore, there is suggestive evidence that transgender individuals who publicly disclose their identity may exhibit an even more positive response towards diversity-conscious organizations. We discuss the implications of these findings and conclude that identity consciousness signals and creates an identity-safe working environment for LGBTQ + individuals, improves their workplace experiences, and enhances organizations’ ability to attract and retain LGBTQ + talent.
Thermal stability, preformulation, and kinetic degradation studies for gestrinone
Authors: Ridichie Amalia , Bengescu Cosmina , Ledeţi Adriana , Rusu Gerlinde , Bertici Răzvan , Vlase Titus , Vlase Gabriela , Peter Francisc , Ledeţi Ionuţ , Rădulescu Matilda
Published: August 2024

Gestrinone is an active pharmaceutical ingredient used in the treatment of endometriosis as capsules, with ongoing evaluation for intravaginal administration, while also having been studied for its potential antitumoral effects. The purpose of this study was to determine the compatibility of gestrinone with four excipients used in the development of solid pharmaceutical formulations (α-lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, starch, and talc) and to obtain a fully characterized thermoanalytical profile of gestrinone with the help of kinetic analysis. Preformulation studies were carried out on 1:1 mass/mass binary mixtures between gestrinone and each excipient by instrumental screening under ambient conditions using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy investigations, and later by studying the effect of thermal treatment over the samples (TG/DTG/DSC). The obtained results suggest that under ambient conditions, no chemical interactions take place between the active pharmaceutical ingredient and selected excipients, whereas under thermal stress incompatibilities are observed in all systems. The mechanism of decomposition was preliminary evaluated by the ASTM E698 and later completed by the isoconversional methods of Friedman, Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose, and Flynn–Wall–Ozawa, which suggest similar mean activation energies. The mechanism of decomposition was elucidated in the last part of the study, by employing the modified NPK method. This method suggests that gestrinone is thermally degraded by the contribution of two individual processes, both consisting of superimposed physical transformations and chemical degradations.
Landscape structure influences the spatial distribution of urban bird attractiveness
Authors: Suarez-Castro Andres F. , Oh Rachel R. Y. , Tulloch Ayesha I. T. , Bonn Aletta , Fuller Richard A. , Rhodes Jonathan R.
Published: August 2024

Context

Landscape change affects biological diversity and the distribution of species traits related to spiritual, educational, and recreational benefits people derive from nature. These traits are associated with color, song and behavioral characteristics that influence people's perceptions of how attractive an assemblage is. However, the environmental variables that affect the spatial distribution of traits related to the attractiveness of biological diversity remain unexplored.

Objectives

We tested how landscape structure influences patterns of perceived bird attractiveness (trait diversity associated with colorfulness, behavioral and song categories) across an urbanization gradient.

Methods

We used data from standardized surveys of birds and landscapes within 42 landscape units of 1km2across the city of Brisbane in eastern Australia. We used structural equation modeling to test effects of landscape composition (built infrastructure, percentage of tree cover) and landscape configuration (fragmentation of tree cover) on mean bird community attractiveness. Relationships between individual traits and landscape structure were analyzed using multinomial logistic regression models.

Results

Our analysis across 82 bird species shows that the relative amount of built infrastructure in a landscape interacts with fragmentation to reduce the overall attractiveness of the landscape’s bird assemblage. However, built areas can exhibit high overall bird attractiveness where there is (1) reduced fragmentation and (2) increased diversity of vegetation structure that provides key habitats for many colorful species with a high diversity of calls. Relationships between bird attractiveness and landscape structure change when they are analyzed at the guild level (insectivores vs frugivores/nectarivores). In addition, body size moderates the effects of landscape structure on song complexity, personality, and color.

Conclusions

Small bodied, colorful and melodious species are negatively affected by built infrastructure and fragmentation. By learning how habitat loss and fragmentation affect the distribution of species-rich, attractive bird assemblages, our findings can inform how urban landscapes might be structured to increase people’s connection with nature.
An Interpretable Multi-Model Machine Learning Approach for Spatial Mapping of Deep-Sea Polymetallic Nodule Occurrences
Authors: Gazis Iason-Zois , Charlet Francois , Greinert Jens
Published: August 2024

High-resolution mapping of deep-sea polymetallic nodules is needed (a) to understand the reasons behind their patchy distribution, (b) to associate nodule coverage with benthic fauna occurrences, and (c) to enable an accurate resource estimation and mining path planning. This study used an autonomous underwater vehicle to map 37 km2 of a geomorphologically complex site in the Eastern Clarion–Clipperton Fracture Zone. A multibeam echosounder system (MBES) at 400 kHz and a side scan sonar at 230 kHz were used to investigate the nodule backscatter response. More than 30,000 seafloor images were analyzed to obtain the nodule coverage and train five machine learning (ML) algorithms: generalized linear models, generalized additive models, support vector machines, random forests (RFs) and neural networks (NNs). All models ML yielded similar maps of nodule coverage with differences occurring in the range of predicted values, particularly at parts with irregular topography. RFs had the best fit and NNs had the worst spatial transferability. Attention was given to the interpretability of model outputs using variable importance ranking across all models, partial dependence plots and domain knowledge. The nodule coverage is higher on relatively flat seafloor ( < 3°) with eastward-facing slopes. The most important predictor was the MBES backscatter, particularly from incident angles between 25 and 55°. Bathymetry, slope, and slope orientation were important geomorphological predictors. For the first time, at a water depth of 4500 m, orthophoto-mosaics and image-derived digital elevation models with 2-mm and 5-mm spatial resolutions supported the geomorphological analysis, interpretation of polymetallic nodules occurrences, and backscatter response.
Disasters and technological upgrading measured by changes in demand for ICT labour: estimating the impacts with text
Authors: Campos-González Jorge
Published: August 2024

Extensive literature has studied the economic impact of disasters. However, specific impacts on labour markets have received less attention. Using a massive earthquake (> 8.0 Mw) that struck Chile in 2010 and proprietary data from a Chilean online job board (4136 job postings published between 2008 and 2012), we examine changes in demand for Information and Communications Technologies, ICT, related labour as a proxy for technological upgrading, by assuming that ICT and related technologies drive much of the technical change in production. We implement a structural topic model to discover and estimate the difference in the prevalence of ICT and Construction labour, among others. Our results show that ICT labour does not change. In contrast, Construction labour significantly differed after the disaster, suggesting that reconstruction activities led to employment differences. Our results suggest that there was no substantive technological replacement following the earthquake.
Development of a New Dry Powder Aerosol Synthetic Lung Surfactant Product for Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) – Part I: In Vitro Testing and Characterization
Authors: Momin Mohammad A. M. , Farkas Dale , Hindle Michael , Hall Felicia , DiBlasi Robert M , Longest Worth
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Improving the deep lung delivery of aerosol surfactant therapy (AST) with a dry powder formulation may enable significant reductions in dose while providing improved efficacy. The objective of Part I of this two-part study was to present the development of a new dry powder aerosol synthetic lung surfactant (SLS) product and to characterize performance based on aerosol formation and realistic in vitro airway testing leading to aerosol delivery recommendations for subsequent in vivo animal model experiments.

Methods

A new micrometer-sized SLS excipient enhanced growth (EEG) dry powder formulation was produced via spray drying and aerosolized using a positive-pressure air-jet dry powder inhaler (DPI) intended for aerosol delivery directly to intubated infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) or infant-size test animals.

Results

The best-case design (D2) of the air-jet DPI was capable of high emitted dose (> 80% of loaded) and formed a < 2 µm mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) aerosol, but was limited to ≤ 20 mg mass loadings. Testing with a realistic in vitro rabbit model indicated that over half of the loaded dose could penetrate into the lower lung regions. Using the characterization data, a dose delivery protocol was designed in which a 60 mg total loaded dose would be administered and deliver an approximate lung dose of 14.7–17.7 mg phospholipids/kg with a total aerosol delivery period < 5 min.

Conclusions

A high-efficiency aerosol SLS product was designed and tested that may enable an order of magnitude reduction in administered phospholipid dose, and provide rapid aerosol administration to infants with RDS.
A qualitative exploration of the impact of a hospital electronic prescribing and medicines administration (HEPMA) protocol on junior doctor confidence and competence to prescribe end-of-life care medicines
Authors: McLean Ewan , McLean Amanda , Bennie Marion
Published: August 2024

Background

With hospital electronic prescribing and medicines administration (HEPMA) systems now in widespread use across hospital inpatient clinical services, work is underway to measure the benefits of HEPMA on healthcare systems and patient care. HEPMA functionality enables users to prescribe medicines by ‘bundle’ or ‘protocol’. Although it is assumed that this is a significant system benefit, there are few qualitative studies supporting this conclusion.

Aim

To explore the impact of an electronic anticipatory care medicines protocol on junior doctor perceptions of their confidence and competence to prescribe opioids and midazolam for patients at the end of life.

Method

Between May and August 2022, one-to-one semi-structured interviews were conducted at a 570-bed District General Hospital with junior doctors who had experience of prescribing on both HEPMA and paper-based systems. Audio recordings of the interviews were transcribed verbatim and underwent thematic analysis.

Results

Ten junior doctors participated (median age 23 years). Analysis generated five main themes that described perceptions and attitudes towards confidence and competence. These were prescribing safety benefits; information technology infrastructure, interoperability and system design concerns; clinical knowledge and training needs; cultural and social factors and risks of automation in prescribing.

Conclusion

This study suggests that junior doctors experienced an overall increase in their confidence and perceived competence to prescribe anticipatory medicines post-implementation of a HEPMA protocol. Further studies are required to detail the impact of HEPMA/CPOE protocols on clinical practice.
Impacts of cyanobacteria-dominated biological soil crusts on seedling emergence and fate: an in situ experiment
Authors: Zaplata Markus K. , Schümberg Sabine , Kidron Giora J. , Ramm Jessica , Veste Maik
Published: August 2024

Background and aims

Biological soil crusts (BSCs) co-occur with vascular plants in many ecosystems. Nevertheless, little is known regarding the interaction among BSCs and vascular plants, and no standard methods exist aiming to evaluate BSC–plant interactions. While some reports emphasized the inhibition effect of BSCs on germination, others reported the opposite or did not find any differences between germination under crusted and non-crusted conditions. Contradictory findings were also reported regarding the BSC effects on vascular plants after germination, with some reports claiming that BSCs promote growth, while others claim the opposite.

Methods

By a seed addition experiment (using light and heavy seeds of three species belonging to the Fabaceae family) in an early-successional system in Germany, we tested in situ the emergence of seedlings under variable surface conditions (cyanobacterial crust, disturbed and removed crust), and quantified crust-plant interactions (survival, flowering) during and following seedling emergence.

Results

In comparison to an average of 8% of the light Lotus corniculatus and 20% of the light Ornithopus sativus that emerged through the cyanobacterial BSC, 76% of the heavy Glycine max emerged. Once emerged, the crust did not significantly affect the survival, growth, biomass, or flowering of G. max, whereas many of the seedlings from lightweight seeds dried up soon after emergence. The thickness of the cyanobacterial biocrust had no influence on Fabaceae emergence.

Conclusion

The cyanobacterial BSC acted as a filter that hindered the emergence of the lightweight seeds.
Biochar alters maize growth, mycorrhizal associations and fall armyworm performance
Authors: Rivera-García José Alfredo , Díaz Tsiri , Contreras-Cornejo Hexon Ángel , Larsen John , González-Esquivel Carlos Ernesto , López-Pérez Luis , Barreto-Barriga Ornella , Ortiz-Salgado David Alfonso , Real-Santillán Raúl Omar
Published: August 2024

Background and aims

Biochar is a carbon source employed to improve soil properties, promoting plant health and nutrition in agroecosystems. Root associated microorganisms such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are also used as bioinoculants in combination with biochar to provide eco-friendly alternatives for crop production under unfavorable growth conditions. However, information on the effects of biochar on multitrophic interactions of plants with herbivorous insects is limited. Therefore, the objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of biochar and arbuscular mycorrhizae on plants and herbivorous insects.

Methods

We established a multifactorial experiment with maize plants, AMF (two strains, Rizhophagus irregularis and a native consortium) and the Fall Armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda with and without soil application of biochar. Variables of biomass, plant nutrition, mycorrhizal colonization and performance of herbivorous insects were measured.

Results

We found that biochar reduced insect herbivory and promoted mycorrhizal association in maize. However, plant growth was reduced. Additionally, AMF increased the weight of fall armyworm larvae.

Conclusion

Our results show that biochar influences maize plant development, AMF, and fall armyworm performance, but did not affect interactions between these below- and above ground components.
An Untapped Instrument in the Fight Against Poverty: The Impacts of Financial Literacy on Poverty Worldwide
Authors: Lang Ngoc Duc , Tran Ha Mai , Nguyen Giang Tra , Vo Duc Hong
Published: August 2024

The World Bank assessed that meeting the goal of eradicating extreme poverty by 2030 appears to be challenging (or even impossible) for the world. This observation requires an urgent need for policymakers to explore potent instruments to combat poverty globally. Numerous studies have examined various determinants of poverty. However, financial literacy—a relatively new concept—remains underexplored, especially on a global scale. As such, this study is conducted to assess whether financial literacy can reduce the likelihood of falling into poverty using a unique dataset of 113 countries. We find that financial literacy has a significant and negative association with the likelihood of falling into poverty. Beyond association, the causal analysis shows that financial literacy exerts a negative effect on poverty. Our findings remain largely unchanged across different sub-samples based on socio-demographic factors, regions and country income levels, and robustness analyses.
Cobalt Nanoparticles Supported Active Carbon from Chitosan Biopolymer Using Thermal Method: Synthesis, Characterization, and Hydrogen Production
Authors: Darabi Rozhin , Karimi-Maleh Hassan , Altuner Elif Esra , Gulbagca Fulya , Tiri Rima Nour Elhouda , Chinnathambi Arunachalam , Brindhadevi Kathirvel , Halvaci Ebru , Sen Fatih
Published: August 2024

Activated carbon based Cobalt nanoparticles (Co@AC NPs), considered in the context of hydrogen energy, which is a renewable and sustainable energy, were synthesized by the hydrothermal method, and their catalytic activities were tested. For this, hydrogen production tests were carried out with the help of sodium borohydride (NaBH4) methanolysis of Co@AC NPs synthesized by the thermal method. Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), Fourier transmission spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) characterization tests were performed. According to the TEM characterization result, it has been observed that the NPs have a spherical shape and an average size of 2.52 ± 0.92 nm. Then, using the catalytic studies, it was observed that hydrogen production’s reusability is found to be 86% . The activation energy (Ea), enthalpy (∆H), and entropy (∆S) values were found to be 20.28 kJ⋅mol−1, 17.74 kJ⋅mol−1, and −125.97 J⋅mol−1 K−1, respectively. The obtained values have yielded excellent results and guide future sustainable and renewable hydrogen energy studies by reducing costs, ensuring environmental sustainability by avoiding the formation of undesirable by-products, and producing hydrogen from NaBH4 through its high catalytic properties.
Optimization of Irrigation Programming for Different Water Allocation Strategies at Network Level: Method and Application
Authors: Kilic Murat , Özçakal Emrah
Published: August 2024

Optimum irrigation programming at network level is important not only for maximum yield and benefit from the system but also for sustainable use of constrained resources. The subject of this investigation is to devise a method which enables optimum water allocation in irrigation networks, to apply it to a real system, and to analyze the results. In the first step, the irrigation district was divided into the most suitable water allocation zones considering the hydraulic properties of the canals. Next, alternative system rotation periods were defined in accordance with the properties of the research area, the hydraulic infrastructure of the irrigation network and the crop pattern. In this process, the model was run for five different water allocation strategies. The model was applied to the command area of Sarıkız Irrigation Association in the Ahmetli Regulator Right Bank Irrigation System in the Gediz Basin. Therefore, irrigation programs were prepared for the crop pattern, which receives water from 45 tertiary canals of the Y9 secondary. The irrigation time allocated to each tertiary canal and the amount of irrigation water were evaluated, together with the water shortage levels which occurred in these tertiary canals. The results indicated that the model defined the optimum system rotation period, the borders and the sizes of the most suitable water allocation zones, and the most suitable irrigation programs under the prevailing conditions. The proposed model can provide an insight for decision makers as a decision support tool.
Comprehensive review of industrial wastewater treatment techniques
Authors: Kato Shoma , Kansha Yasuki
Published: August 2024

Water is an indispensable resource for human activity and the environment. Industrial activities generate vast quantities of wastewater that may be heavily polluted or contain toxic contaminants, posing environmental and public health challenges. Different industries generate wastewater with widely varying characteristics, such as the quantity generated, concentration, and pollutant type. It is essential to understand these characteristics to select available treatment techniques for implementation in wastewater treatment facilities to promote sustainable water usage. This review article provides an overview of wastewaters generated by various industries and commonly applied treatment techniques. The characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of physical, chemical, and biological treatment methods are presented.
Life cycle assessment and multi-criteria decision-making for sustainable building parts: criteria, methods, and application
Authors: Theilig Kathrin , Lourenço Bruna , Reitberger Roland , Lang Werner
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Sustainable building design relies heavily on building parts, with crucial consideration for climate and environmental impact. Due to numerous criteria and diverse alternatives, employing multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) to choose the best alternative is essential. Yet, relevant criteria and suitable MCDM methods for life cycle-based building planning still need to be determined. This study highlights prevalent environmental criteria and offers guidance on MCDM approaches for sustainable building parts.

Methods

This study introduces an innovative approach by integrating life cycle assessment and MCDM. This provides comprehensive decision support for planners. A systematic literature review identifies environmental criteria for building parts and is validated in expert workshops. Thus, the relevance of criteria across the building life cycle is established. Furthermore, the study analyzes MCDM approaches in the built environment. From this, the study employs and evaluates the Analytical Network Process (ANP) and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) in a case study. Thereby, it offers insights into effective decision-making methodologies for sustainable building practices.

Results

This research categorizes environmental criteria for building parts and buildings into emissions, energy, resources, and circularity. Among 26 building part-related criteria, the global warming potential is highlighted. While the AHP is widely used in MCDM, a standardized method in planning processes is yet to emerge. Applying the ANP and AHP reveals similar rankings for the best and worst alternatives in a case study focused on selecting the optimal ceiling structure. Ribbed or box slab ceiling constructions are favored over reinforced concrete and composite timber-concrete constructions.

Conclusions

This study presents a novel method for life cycle-based MCDM challenges, identifying key environmental criteria. While material correlations exist, evaluating building parts demands simultaneous consideration of multiple criteria. Future research aims to compare further MCDM methods regarding their applicability, transparency, and ranking to enhance decision-making in sustainable construction. These investigations are essential for refining decision-making processes in the built environment, ensuring effective and transparent sustainability planning approaches.
Levels of Telehealth Use, Perceived Usefulness, and Ease of Use in Behavioral Healthcare Organizations After the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Fleddermann Kathryn , Chwastiak Lydia , Fortier Ashley , Gotham Heather , Murphy Ann , Navarro Rachel , Tapscott Stephanie , Molfenter Todd
Published: August 2024

The use of telehealth in behavioral healthcare increased significantly since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and remains high even as a return to in-person care is now feasible. The use of telehealth is a promising strategy to increase access to behavioral healthcare for underserved and all populations. Identifying opportunities to improve the provision of telehealth is vital to ensuring access. An online survey about the current use of, and attitudes toward, telehealth was conducted by five Mental Health Technology Transfer Center (MHTTC) regional centers and the MHTTC Network Coordinating Office. The national MHTTC network provides training and technical assistance, to support the behavioral health workforce to implement evidence-based treatments. Three hundred and sixty-five respondents from 43 states and Puerto Rico participated. The majority of respondents were clinical providers (69.3%). Nearly all (n = 311) respondents reported providing at least one telehealth service at their organization, but the number and type of services varied substantially. Respondents had positive views of both video-based and phone-based services, but most had some preference for video-based telehealth services. Other services, including text message reminders, medication services, and mobile apps for treatment or recovery, were offered via telehealth by ~ 50% or fewer of respondents’ organizations. Many organizations have areas where they could expand their telehealth use, allowing them to extend the reach of their services and increase access for populations that experience barriers to service access, though organizational barriers may still prevent this.
Meritokratie als Problem: Leistungsbezogene Bewertungen in Berufungsverfahren
Authors: Hamann Julian
Published: August 2024

Als Prinzip für die Herstellung und Legitimation sozialer Ordnung gilt Meritokratie entweder als normativer Maßstab moderner Gesellschaften oder als eine von der Empirie sozialer Ungleichheiten laufend widerlegte Ideologie. Der Beitrag wählt einen anderen Ausgangspunkt und widmet sich den Herausforderungen der konkreten Umsetzung des abstrakten Leistungsprinzips. Anhand von Berufungsakten zu 145 Berufungsverfahren aus der zweiten Hälfte des 20. Jahrhunderts wird ein spezifisches Problem rekonstruiert: Meritokratie ist in Berufungsverfahren nicht das einzige Prinzip zur Herstellung und Legitimation sozialer Ordnung. Die Besetzung von Professuren ist nicht nur an der Bestenauslese, sondern auch an der sozialen Passung von Kandidatinnen und Kandidaten orientiert. In der Praxis entsteht so das Ordnungsproblem, die Orientierung an Leistung mit der Orientierung an sozialer Passung zu vereinbaren. Der Beitrag zeigt, erstens, dass dieses Problem überhaupt erst entsteht, als das meritokratische Prinzip in den 1970er-Jahren so verbindlich wird, dass Leistungszuschreibungen die alleingültige Rechtfertigung für Berufungsentscheidungen sind. Zweitens wird herausgearbeitet, wie Gutachterinnen und Gutachter und Kommissionen mit diesem Ordnungsproblem umgehen und die meritokratische Bestenauslese in Berufungsverfahren mit der sozialen Passung von Kandidatinnen und Kandidaten vereinbaren. Der Beitrag trägt zu einem differenzierteren Verständnis des Leistungsprinzips bei, indem er praktische Probleme bei der konkreten Umsetzung des meritokratischen Prinzips beleuchtet.
Zur Entwicklung der Kirchenmitgliedschaft in Deutschland – Eine aktualisierte Alters-Perioden-Kohorten-Analyse mit ALLBUS-Daten 1980–2021
Authors: Lois Daniel
Published: August 2024

Im Beitrag werden auf Basis von ALLBUS-Daten der Wellen 1980–2021 (N = 69.643) hierarchische Alters-Perioden-Kohorten(APK)-Analysen für die Wahrscheinlichkeit durchgeführt, Mitglied einer christlichen Kirche zu sein. Ein Vergleich zwischen modifizierten hierarchischen APK-Modellen mit früheren Schätzungen deutet darauf hin, dass Kohorteneffekte in bisherigen Studien unterschätzt und Periodeneffekte überschätzt wurden. Der dominierende Mechanismus der Säkularisierung in Deutschland ist somit das „cohort replacement“. Allerdings ist der Säkularisierungsprozess in jüngster Zeit, insbesondere in den alten Bundesländern, durch das gleichzeitige Auftreten von drei Prozessen gekennzeichnet: Ungebrochen negative Kohorteneffekte gehen mit – ab dem Jahr 2014 – verstärkt negativen Periodeneffekten sowie einer sich in jüngeren Kohorten verstärkenden Abkopplung von einer religiösen Sozialisation im Elternhaus einher.
Geimpft, Genesen, Exkludiert?
Authors: Dirnberger Petra , Schimek Daniela , Zartler Ulrike
Published: August 2024

Dieser Beitrag beschäftigt sich mit der Bedeutung der Impfung gegen das SARS-CoV‑2 Virus für Eltern und Familien im Zeitverlauf. Österreich setzte auf die Impfung als zentrale Maßnahme zur Eindämmung der Pandemie und führte als erstes europäisches Land eine Impfpflicht und einen sog. Lockdown für Ungeimpfte ein. Wir untersuchen, wie Eltern mit den aus ihrer Impfentscheidung resultierenden Konsequenzen für ihr Sozial- und Familienleben umgingen und wie sie ihren Familienalltag während des Lockdowns für Ungeimpfte erlebten. Theoretisch im Doing Family Konzept verortet, basiert dieser Beitrag empirisch auf der Analyse eines Teil-Samples der qualitativen Längsschnittstudie Corona und Familienleben. Analysiert werden problemzentrierte Interviews mit 24 Eltern (14 geimpft und 10 ungeimpft) aus drei Erhebungswellen (Frühling 2021, Herbst 2021, Frühling 2022; insgesamt 72 Interviews). Die Daten umfassen den Zeitraum ab der Verfügbarkeit der COVID-Impfung bis nach dem Ende des Lockdowns für Ungeimpfte. Sie wurden mit dem Kodierschema der Grounded Theory analysiert. Die Ergebnisse zeigen die zentrale Bedeutung der Impfung und des Impf- bzw. Genesungszertifikats für den Familienalltag und verdeutlichen, wie die befragten Eltern den daraus resultierenden Herausforderungen begegneten. Im Umgang mit dem Impfstatus entwickelten sie zwei Bündel von Strategien: die befragten Eltern versuchten einerseits, Privatheit herzustellen, und andererseits, Zugehörigkeit zu erzeugen. Beides erfolgte jeweils auf sozialer, räumlicher und medialer Ebene. Das Bedürfnis nach gesellschaftlicher Inklusion erwies sich als zentral für die verwendeten Strategien. Die Studie verweist auf die Bedeutung der COVID-Impfung für das Familienleben und die Beziehungsgestaltung in Familien und verdeutlicht die Relevanz der Familie als Diskussionsort über Impfungen.
Comparing robotic and open partial nephrectomy under the prism of surgical precision: a meta-analysis of the average blood loss rate as a novel variable
Authors: Artsitas Sotirios , Artsitas Dimitrios , Koronaki Irene , Toutouzas Konstantinos G. , Zografos George C.
Published: August 2024

Exploration of surgical precision in robotic procedures is extensive, yet lacks a unified framework for comparability. This study examines tissue handling precision by comparing the per-minute blood loss rate between robotic and open partial nephrectomy. A literature search from August 2022 to June 2024 identified 43 relevant studies providing data on estimated blood loss and procedure duration. The expected values and standard errors of these variables were used to compute the per-minute blood loss rate (Q). Meta-analytical methods estimated pooled and subgroup-level mean differences, favoring robotic surgery (MDQ = − 1.043 ml/min, CI95% = [− 1.338; − 0.747]). Subgroup analyses by publication year, patient matching, referral center count, and ROBINS-I status consistently supported this advantage. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the above benefit in studies with increased accuracy in reported results (MDQ = – 0.957 ml/min, CI95% = [– 1.269; – 0.646]), low risk of bias involving matched comparisons (MDQ = – 0.563 ml/min, CI95% = [– 0.716; – 0.410]), large sample sizes and increased statistical power (MDQ = – 0.780 ml/min, CI95% = [– 1.134; – 0.425]), and multicenter analyses with patient matching (MDQ = – 0.481 ml/min, CI95% = [– 0.698; – 0.263]). The subsequent analysis of correlation between the original variables suggested a slight reduction in the robotic advantage when the latter were proportionally related. Multilevel meta-regression at both temporal and qualitative scales consistently indicated a comparative benefit of the robotic approach. Potentially, lower per-minute blood loss compared to open surgery suggests that robotic partial nephrectomy demonstrates enhanced precision in tissue handling.
Energy efficiency and environmental regulations for mitigating carbon emissions in Chinese Provinces
Authors: Radulescu Magdalena , Cifuentes-Faura Javier , Si Mohammed Kamel , Alofaysan Hind
Published: August 2024

Taking into account the contributions of economic performance (GDP), urbanization (URB), industrial structure (IND), and renewable energy consumption (REC), this paper examines the impact of green technology innovation (GTE), energy efficiency (EF), and environmental regulation (ER) on CO2 emissions in Chinese provinces from 2010 to 2020. Using the GMM method for the initial estimation, the MMQR as 2nd generation test for robustness and innovative panel causality presented by the JKS test, we have found: 1) a one percent boom in GDP is linked with a 0.08% upward push in CO2 emissions throughout 30 provinces in China. 2) the renewable energy and energy efficiency data seems to effectively decrease CO2 emissions, with a more pronounced impact observed at the upper quantile. 3) The environmental policy is limited across all quantiles. The study examines novel implications regarding sustainable development and carbon neutrality objectives.
Relations between grit, career adaptability, and life satisfaction: a moderated mediation model
Authors: Çarkıt Ersoy
Published: August 2024

Drawing on the career construction model of adaptation, the present study investigates whether grit predicts life satisfaction via career adaptability and how university students’ age moderates this mediated relationship. Using a sample of 338 Turkish university students, the results show that career adaptability mediated the relationships between grit and life satisfaction. Furthermore, the relationship between career adaptability and life satisfaction was stronger among relatively younger university students. University students’ age further moderated the indirect effect of grit on life satisfaction via career adaptability. The indirect effect of grit on life satisfaction was stronger among relatively younger college students. Implications are discussed.