bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel framework for assessing the joint and relative impacts of precipitation and groundwater on ecological drought processes in Northwest China
Authors: Jiang Tiangliang , Qu Yanping , Su Xiaoling , Chu Jiangdong , Han Yu
Published: September 2024

Ecological drought has emerged as a critical research topic within eco‐hydrology, driven by the increased drought risk associated with global warming. This study aims to unravel the hydrological processes driving ecological drought in Northwest China by (1) constructing standardized indices for precipitation, groundwater storage anomaly, and ecological water deficit to detect variation across different hydrological components; (2) developing a framework to assess the joint and relative impacts of precipitation and groundwater variations on ecological drought; and (3) identifying the primary hydrological drivers of ecological drought across different regions. The results indicate that the joint impact of precipitation and groundwater on ecological drought variation dominates approximately 60% of the area, primarily in arid and semi‐arid regions. The average contribution of this joint impact to the alleviation of ecological drought ranges between 0.26 and 0.43 across all seasons. Notably, groundwater scarcity, rather than precipitation variation, is the primary driver of ecological drought in regions such as southern Shaanxi, southeastern Gansu, and southern Qinghai, accounting for 12.7% to 21.8% of the total area. These insights into the complex hydrological processes underlying ecological drought have significant implications for water resource management and ecosystem conservation in drought‐prone regions. This research provides valuable information for mitigating drought impacts and protecting vulnerable ecosystems in Northwest China and similar regions worldwide.
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Authors: Chen Yance , Dai Yue , Bodepudi Srikrishna Chanakya , Liu Xinyu , Ma Yuan , Xing Shiyu , Di Dawei , Tian Feng , Ming Xin , Liu Yingjun , Pang Kai , Xue Fei , Zhang Yunyan , Yu Zexin , Dan Yaping , Penkov Oleksiy V. , Zhang Yishu , Qi Dianyu , Fang Wenzhang , Xu Yang , Gao Chao
Published: September 2024

A silicon‐integrated MXene X‐ray detector exhibits high sensitivity and an ultra‐low detection limit, enabling clear and precise single‐pixel X‐ray imaging

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Authors: Zhao Heping , Li Yuewei , Mi Chao , Zi Yingzhu , Bai Xue , Haider Asif Ali , Cun Yangke , Huang Anjun , Liu Yue , Qiu Jianbei , Song Zhiguo , Liao Jiayan , Zhou Ji , Yang Zhengwen
Published: September 2024

A novel strategy explores the reversible modulation of visible and NIR luminescence in rare earth ion‐doped photochromic bismuth‐based glasses for information encryption and multi‐dimensional optical storage.

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Characterizing fluid delivery of targeted application devices for weed control
Authors: Peppers John M. , Askew Shawn D.
Published: September 2024

Precision weed management in turfgrass and ornamental landscape systems is utilized to offset chemical costs, reduce nontarget plant injury, and control potential herbicide‐resistant weed escapes. Targeted application devices (TADs), sold as wands, dabbers, daubers, sponges, and so forth, are regularly marketed for use in turfgrass and ornamental landscape systems, but TAD use has been limited to nonselective herbicides due to limited information regarding their calibration and use. Five commonly utilized TADs were evaluated to test for variability in fluid output within a given device and between evaluated devices. Fluid output for all evaluated devices ranged 3.2–6.9 kL ha−1 and were higher than spray outputs typical of broadcast applications. High levels of variability were detected within and among specific devices. Variance of output from devices with large fluid reservoirs was driven by reservoir fill level, with more fluid output decreasing linearly as reservoir fill level decreased. Additionally, when airlock was not maintained during application, fluid output was ∼178% greater than when airlock was maintained. Average force, maximum force, contact time, and fluid output following 25 applications were measured from five TAD users. Contact time was highly correlated (R2 = 0.93) to fluid output, with fluid output increasing as contact time increased. Subsequent economic analysis indicated the maximum percentage weed coverage ha−1 at which TAD use is economically equivalent or less than broadcast application is 3%, 8.1%, 4.3%, and 0.1% with iron HEDTA (hydroxyethlethydiaminetriacetate), acetic acid, methiozolin, and glyphosate, respectively. These data indicate the primary sources of TAD output variability are reservoir fluid fill level, reservoir airlock, and duration of application.
Book Value Forecast Quality: Financial Versus Nonfinancial Firms
Authors: Caylor Marcus , McCoy Chris , Street Daniel
Published: September 2024

This study investigates the quality and usefulness of analysts’ book value forecasts for financial firms relative to nonfinancial firms. We examine whether forecast properties (accuracy, bias, and dispersion) of book value forecasts and the market reaction to unexpected book value surprises differ between financial and nonfinancial firms. We find that book value forecasts are more accurate, less biased, and less dispersed for financial firms compared to nonfinancial firms. In addition, we show that these results are not simply a result of differences in earnings per share (EPS) forecast quality. We also provide evidence that book value forecasts are incrementally helpful to analysts in forecasting earnings for financial firms. In addition, we find evidence that the stock price drift following an earnings announcement is more pronounced when book value per share (BPS) surprises are considered in addition to EPS surprises. However, this finding only holds for financial firms. We find that this delayed reaction can form the basis for a profitable trading strategy.
Quantitative MRI for Monitoring Metabolic Dysfunction‐Associated Steatotic Liver Disease: A Test–Retest Repeatability Study
Authors: Beyer Cayden , Andersson Anneli , Shumbayawonda Elizabeth , Alkhouri Naim , Banerjee Ami , Pandya Prashant , Harisinghani Mukesh , Corey Kathleen , Dennis Andrea , Pansini Michele
Published: September 2024

Background

Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging metrics iron‐corrected T1 (cT1) and liver fat from proton density fat‐fraction (PDFF) are both commonly used as noninvasive biomarkers for metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatohepatitis (MASH); however, their repeatability in this population has rarely been characterized.

Purpose

To quantify the variability of cT1 and liver fat fraction from PDFF in patients with biopsy‐confirmed metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and MASH.

Study Type

Prospective, single center.

Population

Twenty‐one participants (female = 11, mean age 53 ± 24 years) with biopsy‐confirmed MASLD, including 6 with MASH and fibrosis ≥2.

Field Strength/Sequence

3 T; T1 and T2* mapping for the generation of cT1 (shMOLLI: CardioMaps and 2D MDE, T1map‐FIESTA and LMS MOST: StarMap, 2D Multi‐Echo FSPGR) and magnitude‐only PDFF sequence for liver fat quantification (LMS IDEAL: StarMap, 2D Multi‐Echo FSPGR).

Assessment

T1 mapping and PDFF scans were performed twice on the same day for all participants (N = 21), with an additional scan 2–4 weeks later for MASH patients with fibrosis ≥2 (N = 6). Whole liver segmentation masks were generated semi‐automatically and average pixel counts within these masks were used for the calculation of cT1 and liver fat fraction.

Statistical Tests

Bland–Altman analysis for repeatability coefficient (RC) and 95% limits of agreement (LOA) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).

Results

Same‐day RC was 32.1 msec (95% LOA: −36.6 to 24.2 msec) for cT1 and 0.6% (95% LOA: −0.5% to 0.7%) for liver fat fraction; the ICCs were 0.98 (0.96–0.99) and 1.0, respectively. Short‐term RC was 65.2 msec (95% LOA: −63.8 to 76.5 msec) for cT1 and 2.6% (95% LOA: −2.8% to 3.1%) for liver fat fraction.

Data Conclusion

In participants with MASLD and MASH, cT1 and liver fat fraction measurements show excellent test–retest repeatability, supporting their use in monitoring MASLD and MASH.

Level of Evidence

2

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder Based on Individualized Brain Functional and Structural Connectivity
Authors: Guo Yuting , Chu Tongpeng , Li Qinghe , Gai Qun , Ma Heng , Shi Yinghong , Che Kaili , Dong Fanghui , Zhao Feng , Chen Danni , Jing Wanying , Shen Xiaojun , Hou Gangqiang , Song Xicheng , Mao Ning , Wang Peiyuan
Published: September 2024

Background

Traditional neuroimaging studies have primarily emphasized analysis at the group level, often neglecting the specificity at the individual level. Recently, there has been a growing interest in individual differences in brain connectivity. Investigating individual‐specific connectivity is important for understanding the mechanisms of major depressive disorder (MDD) and the variations among individuals.

Purpose

To integrate individualized functional connectivity and structural connectivity with machine learning techniques to distinguish people with MDD and healthy controls (HCs).

Study Type

Prospective.

Subjects

A total of 182 patients with MDD and 157 HCs and a verification cohort including 54 patients and 46 HCs.

Field Strength/Sequence

3.0 T/T1‐weighted imaging, resting‐state functional MRI with echo‐planar sequence, and diffusion tensor imaging with single‐shot spin echo.

Assessment

Functional and structural brain networks from rs‐fMRI and DTI data were constructed, respectively. Based on these networks, individualized functional connectivity (IFC) and individualized structural connectivity (ISC) were extracted using common orthogonal basis extraction (COBE). Subsequently, multimodal canonical correlation analysis combined with joint independent component analysis (mCCA + jICA) was conducted to fusion analysis to identify the joint and unique independent components (ICs) across multiple modes. These ICs were utilized to generate features, and a support vector machine (SVM) model was implemented for the classification of MDD.

Statistical Tests

The differences in individualized connectivity between patients and controls were compared using two‐sample t test, with a significance threshold set at P < 0.05. The established model was tested and evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results

The classification performance of the constructed individualized connectivity feature model after multisequence fusion increased from 72.2% to 90.3%. Furthermore, the prediction model showed significant predictive power for assessing the severity of depression in patients with MDD (r = 0.544).

Data Conclusion

The integration of IFC and ISC through multisequence fusion enhances our capacity to identify MDD, highlighting the advantages of the individualized approach and underscoring its significance in MDD research.

Level of Evidence

1

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Upcycling food waste as a low‐cost cultivation medium for Chlorella sp. microalgae
Authors: Ramandani Adityas Agung , Sun Yi‐Ming , Lan John Chi‐Wei , Lim Jun Wei , Chang Jo‐Shu , Srinuanpan Sirasit , Khoo Kuan Shiong
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND

Global food loss and waste have raised environmental concerns regarding the generation of greenhouse gases (e.g., carbon dioxide and methane gas), which directly contribute to climate change. To address these concerns, the present research aims to upcycle food waste into an alternative culture medium for the cultivation of microalgae. Various parameters including pretreatment of food waste (i.e., autoclave and non‐autoclave), concentration of food waste culture medium (i.e., 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, 90% and 100%), harvesting efficiency and biochemical compounds of Chlorella sp. microalgae were carried out.

RESULTS

Based on the preliminary findings, the highest biomass concentration obtained from 10% food waste culture medium in the autoclave for Chlorella sp., including strains FSP‐E, ESP‐31 and CY‐1, were 2.869 ± 0.022, 2.385 ± 0.018 and 0.985 ± 0.0026 g L−1, respectively. Since Chlorella vulgaris FSP‐E exhibited the highest biomass concentration, this microalgal strain was selected to examine the subsequent parameters. Cultivation of C. vulgaris FSP‐E in 100FW achieves a biomass concentration of 4.465 ± 0.008 g L−1 with biochemical compounds of 6.94 ± 1.396, 248.24 ± 0.976 and 406.23 ± 0.593 mg g−1 for lipids, carbohydrates and proteins, respectively.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that using food waste as an alternative culture medium for C. vulgaris FSP‐E can achieve substantial biomass productivity and biochemical content. This research work would contribute to the concept of net zero emission and transitioning toward a circular bioeconomy by upcycling food waste as an alternative culture medium for the cultivation of microalgae. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
A Polymer‐Based Polar Stationary Phase Grafted With Modified Lysine for Hydrophilic Interaction Chromatography
Authors: Shen Yufeng , Jin Rui , Zhang Feifang , Yang Bingcheng
Published: September 2024

The high hydrophobicity and chemical inertness of poly(styrene‐divinylbenzene) (PS‐DVB) microspheres make their surface hydrophilic modification difficult. Here we describe a facile way to convert PS‐DVB microspheres to hydrophilic, then can be used as polar stationary phase for hydrophilic interaction chromatography. This approach utilizes the grafting of an acrylamide‐terminated lysine zwitterionic monomer onto PS‐DVB microspheres via free radical polymerization. The obtained stationary phase shows good hydrophilicity and a typical retention mechanism of hydrophilic interaction chromatography toward several model polar analytes. It also exhibits obvious zwitterionic properties and is capable of separating cationic and anionic analytes simultaneously. The column shows negligible bleeding level, much superior to silica‐based ones.
Eco‐friendly synthesis of non‐isocyanate polyurea using PET and CO2 upcycling: A double green approach
Authors: Shojaei Behrouz , Najafi Mohammad
Published: September 2024

From the perspective of sustainability, this research explored both the recycling of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and the conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) into polymer materials. To this end, a series of copolyurea specimens were synthesized through the polycondensation of carbon dioxide with hexamethylenediamine (HDA) and terephthalic dihydrazide (TDH), where TDH was derived from the chemical recycling of PET via the aminolysis method. FTIR spectroscopy, 1H NMR, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) characterized the products of PET recycling and synthesized copolyureas. Additionally, we sought to identify the optimal parameters for both the recycling and copolymerization processes. The results of identification analyses for both the recycling and copolymerization reactions confirmed the formation of the desired structures. An increase in the hard segment (TDH) led to discrepancies between the intended and actual monomer ratios in the synthesis, possibly due to dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) solubility issues or unreacted TDH. Furthermore, the TGA analysis indicated that the initial degradation temperature (Td,5%) of the copolymer increased with the proportion of aromatic rings in the hard segment, underscoring the complex interactions within the copolymer matrix affecting its thermal and structural properties. The DSC results revealed that for copolyureas with the formula HDAxTDH100–x (where x = 50, 60, 70, 80, 90), reducing the x fraction or increasing the TDH content lowered the melting temperature. Furthermore, at a high percentage of TDH, the melting point disappeared entirely due to the destruction of the crystalline structure, indicating a critical threshold where the copolymer transitions from a semi‐crystalline to an amorphous state.
Crystallization mechanism and performance of polylactic acid regulated by the synergistic action of nanocrystalline cellulose and polyethylene glycol
Authors: Wang Haiyan , Zeng Guangsheng , Hu Can , Huang Xinping
Published: September 2024

Polylactic acid (PLA) is one of the most widely used biodegradable materials at present due to its excellent reproducibility and degradability. However, PLA still suffers from poor crystallinity, which seriously affects its development and application. Therefore, PLA/cellulose nanocrystalline (CNC)‐polyethylene glycol (PEG) composite (PLA/CNC‐PEG) was prepared by melt blending using CNC as nucleating agent and PEG as compatibilizer. The effect of PEG with different molecular weights (MW) on the properties of PLA/CNC‐PEG composite was investigated. The experimental results shown that the crystallization properties of PLA were greatly improved under the synthetic action of CNC and PEG. With the increasing MW from 400 to 20,000 of PEG, the crystallinity of PLA/CNC‐PEG composite decreased from 32.1% to 13.3%. In addition, the crystallization model of PLA/CNC‐PEG was constructed to explore the mechanism of crystallization growth of PLA, effectively guiding the reduction of crystallization activation energy of PLA. Furthermore, it was found that PLA/CNC‐PEG exhibited good thermal stability, mechanical properties, and hydrophilicity with the addition of CNC and PEG400. Therefore, the synthetic action of CNC and PEG well regulated the performance of PLA. The proposed work is of hopeful to expand the application of PLA in production and life.
Multiple cavitary pulmonary metastases from pancreatic cancer diagnosed using transbronchial lung cryobiopsy
Authors: Funasaka Takashi , Makino Yasushi , Shibata Tomofumi , Yasui Hirotoshi , Fukui Yasutaka , Odate Mitsuru , Ito Takayasu
Published: September 2024

Multiple cavitary pulmonary metastases are rare, and cavitary lung lesions have various aetiologies and differential diagnoses. Therefore, radiological diagnosis of lung cavities is extremely difficult. Herein, we report a case of pancreatic cancer with multiple cavitary pulmonary metastases diagnosed using transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBLC), that required differentiation from pulmonary lesions of Sjögren's syndrome whose pulmonary manifestation may present as bronchiectasis and cystic change. TBLC may be useful for the diagnosis of multiple lesions because sufficiently large specimens can be obtained to allow pathological evaluation of the lung parenchyma and bronchiolar lesions.
Tunisia
Authors: Hassen Majdi , Marouani Mohamed Ali , Wojcieszynski Emilie
Published: September 2024

The chapter highlights that Tunisia leveraged its well-trained medical staff and specialized health institutions at the National level, which were mobilized immediately to manage the crisis. The speed of the response and the significant restrictions that were introduced allowed the country to dodge the first wave of COVID-19. However, the continuity of services and their quality proved to be a constraint, particularly in the context of the specific needs associated with the health crisis. The health crisis also weakened the social protection programmes and worker protection focus that was in existence. At the same time, the reallocation of government budgets and international donor investment projects allowed for the acceleration of the allocation of resources to vulnerable groups. However, despite the urgency, administrative procedures delayed the release of international funds. The multiple constraints in reaching vulnerable groups form a structural problem that should be overcome by strengthening social protection institutions.
Burkina Faso
Authors: Wayack-Pambè Madeleine , Thorsen Dorte , Darkwah Akosua K.
Published: September 2024

Burkina Faso has been reeling under multiple socioeconomic and political turbulences prior to 2020 when the Covid-19 pandemic hit the country. Similarly, structural inequalities based on gender and location determined the intensity of Covid-19 impacts on the population. The chapter analysed Burkina Faso’s pandemic responses within these contexts and growing distrust of the state. Drawing from secondary data sets and literature and framed within a feminist intersectional analytical framework, we highlighted that while several mitigation measures were instituted, the poor Burkinabe, mainly women, people in rural areas and the urban poor, had the worse experience of Covid-19. Again, while the state instituted measures to improve public trust in governance and management of the pandemic, there were pushbacks by citizens, forcing the state to reconsider some of its measures.
Ghana
Authors: Osei-Boateng Clara , Vlaminck Zjos
Published: September 2024

Ghana’s Covid-19 experience and responses to the same are situated in a pre-existing macroeconomic structure of debt distress, high unemployment, and a high informal sector. In addition, geographical, gender and generational inequalities, and vulnerabilities determined how people experienced the pandemic. The chapter examined Ghana's Covid-19 responses with a particular focus on three social groups, namely Chorkor community residents and migrant head porters in Accra and market traders in Bolgatanga. The analysis highlights the ambivalences and ambiguities of Covid-19 measures and the implications and impacts for some of the most vulnerable social groups with little access to public services and social protection. The reflections on the findings show a weakness in social policy and unavailability of robust data on socioeconomic and social protection programmes to protect the vulnerable adequately. Tackling fallouts of (health) crises crucially depends on a robust political structure that distributes infrastructure, social services and resources equitably and transparently.
Kenya
Authors: Ferguson Laura , Satchi Krishni , Kizito Irene , Kuria Shiphrah
Published: September 2024

Even before the pandemic, there were inequalities showing that health and ill-health were not equally distributed in the country. History has shown that public health emergencies such as Covid-19 can disproportionately impact communities that are already disadvantaged. Drawing from these existing structural issues documented in the literature and media reports, qualitative interviews were conducted to examine the impacts of Covid-19 mitigation measures on sectors and vulnerable segments of the Kenyan society. We highlighted that insufficient attention paid to existing inequalities and the needs of vulnerable and marginalized groups subjected them to a higher risk of infection and undermined the broader Covid-19 response. We also shed light on the impacts of the pandemic on the health sector and access to health care. We argue that the mitigation measures were inadequate to protect vulnerable groups from harm; therefore, the responses exacerbated their socioeconomic status and health.
Understanding the Co-Evolution of Research and Water Protection Policies: From Single Technologies to Systemic Integrated Approaches for the Sustainable Use of Water
Authors: Hillenbrand Thomas , Hiessl Harald , Marscheider-Weidemann Frank , Niederste-Hollenberg Jutta , Sartorius Christian , Walz Rainer
Published: September 2024

Over the last 50 years, water research has been strongly driven by the poor condition of water bodies underpinned by growing environmental awareness in society. This was characterised by interactions between the state of the environment, policy making and water research. Three phases can be distinguished: In the first phase (1970s and 1980s), the focus of activities in the establishment of environmental policy was on improving the precarious state of the environment in the water sector (first phase “establishment”). From 1990s to around 2010, further environmental pressures and new findings on the causes and changed framework conditions led to a need for further action. The interactions with other issues and a systemic perspective gained in importance (second phase “expansion”). In the years since 2010, the pressure to act has increased once again, particularly due to climate change. The need for systemic change is becoming increasingly clear (third phase “transformation”). The development is also characterised by an internal dynamic that is constantly increasing the scope and complexity of water research. The focus has shifted from individual technologies to systemic solutions. The need for transformation in the water sector is reflected, for example, in the national water strategy.
Development of Innovation Monitoring and Innovation Indicators in the Past 50 Years
Authors: Frietsch Rainer , Reiß Thomas , Schmoch Ulrich
Published: September 2024

Innovation indicators are instruments to systematically analyse the performance of innovation processes and systems. In this chapter we discuss the evolution of innovation indicators alongside conceptual developments as well as technical and methodological progress. We identify four driving factors, namely (1) new theories/concepts, (2) lower technical thresholds for data analyses and availability of new data, (3) increasing policy demands and (4) technological and economic developments. Our discussion shows that at different stages of the indicator development different factors were the driving forces. The early innovation indicators were mainly R&D-centred with a strong focus on the manufacturing industry and R&D processes in companies as well as the science systems. The innovation system’s perspective widened the focus and introduced additional indicators, among them indicators on transfer and collaboration. Data availability and better options for data treatment and analysis gave another push. More recently, information and computer science methods have entered the innovation indicators scene and widened the scope even further. We conclude that indicators are a means to measure and assess constructs which are otherwise not directly measurable. They should not become a means in itself.
Energy Demand and Modelling of Energy Systems: Five Decades from Little Knowledge to Differentiated Know-How
Authors: Jochem Eberhard , Bradke Harald , Dütschke Elisabeth , Klobasa Marian , Wietschel Martin , Plötz Patrick , Fleiter Tobias
Published: September 2024

Policy-oriented research of efficient energy use and energy demand during the last five decades developed from the scratch to a quite complex research field with many perspectives: new and improved energy-efficient buildings, vehicles, and production processes, structural changes in industry, income, rebound, and saturation effects. Although energy-efficient solutions were (and are) highly profitable, several obstacles prevent their full realisation. Energy policy “discovered” energy efficiency as the “fifth energy source” in the 1980s and labelled its policy priority after the increase of oil prices in the early 2010s by “efficiency first”, although policy analysts may have doubts regarding the real energy policy and allocation of resources. The liberalisation of grid-based energy supply triggered a strong push for demand-side measures (flexible demand; energy services). Electricity demand models became much more dynamic in terms of time to match the increasingly fluctuating electricity supply and load shifting options. Climate policy since the 2010s induced a new wave of energy-efficient applications such as electric vehicles or heat pumps. Regarding the tough climate protection goals of a maximum temperature increase below 2.0 °C, more efficient energy use, conversion, and storage are likely to play a major role, particularly in using the large waste heat from useful energy applications.
Neuartige Luftfahrtmobilität im Gesundheitswesen
Authors: Karpstein Robin , Holzapfel Florian , Biberthaler Peter , Müller Stefan
Published: September 2024

Das deutsche Gesundheitswesen steht vor einem großen Umbruch. In der Politik werden weitreichende und wegweisende Reformen für die mittel- bis langfristige Entwicklung diskutiert. In der aktuellen Zeit besteht die Chance und das Potenzial, Dinge neu zu denken und Türen für neue Technologien zu öffnen. Eine transformative Technologie für das Transportwesen im Gesundheitssektor stellt neuartige Luftfahrtmobilität wie Drohnen und Flugtaxis dar, die eine Verbesserung und Flexibilisierung versprechen. Insbesondere im Hinblick auf die Herausforderungen des bodengebundenen Transportes wie den Personalmangel und den stetig steigenden Verkehr ist neuartige Luftfahrtmobilität eine vielversprechende Option. Der konkrete Einsatzzweck und das beste Vorgehen, um die Potenziale zu heben, wird in dieser Studie diskutiert. Es zeigt sich, dass in Abhängigkeit der Nutzlast und Reichweiten die technische Machbarkeit beeinflusst wird und hierdurch der Möglichkeitsraum zu transportierender Gesundheitsgüter definiert wird. Außerdem zeigt sich, dass der größte Mehrwert dieser Technologie im Zeitgewinn zu erwarten ist, insbesondere bei lebensbedrohlichen Indikationen. Gleichzeitig ist es für eine erfolgreiche Einführung neuer Fluggeräte eminent, mithilfe niederschwelliger Anwendungen deren Nutzen zu verdeutlichen und Erfahrungen mit deren Umgang zu sammeln. Der Weg von einem Proof of Concept hin zu einem erfolgreichen Serieneinsatz wird ebenfalls in diesem Artikel diskutiert, um die vorhandenen Ressourcen möglichst optimal einzusetzen und einen zügigen Einsatz der neuartigen Luftfahrtmobilität im Gesundheitswesen zu ermöglichen.

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EU-Pestizid-Governance: Pflanzenschutzmittel-Ordnungsrecht oder Mengensteuerung?
Authors: Ekardt Felix , Klimm Katharina , Holz Wilmont , Heyl Katharine
Published: September 2024

Die EU strebt an, den Einsatz von chemisch-synthetischen Pflanzenschutzmitteln und die davon ausgehenden
Risiken bis 2030 um 50 % zu reduzieren. Dieser Beitrag analysiert, inwieweit dies ordnungsrechtlich
erfolgen kann oder ob in der Rechtswirkungs-Perspektive eher ein Mengensteuerungssystem mit Ähnlichkeit
zum EU-Emissionshandel aussichtsreich wäre. Dafür werden konkrete Steuerungsoptionen entwickelt
und Voraussetzungen für wirksame Pestizid-Governance analysiert.
Die Markierung und Besenderung von Individuen wild lebender Tierarten aus naturschutz-, jagd- und tierschutzrechtlicher Sicht
Authors: Tolkmitt Dirk , Koch Andreas
Published: September 2024

Im Rahmen einer kaum zu überblickenden Zahl von Forschungsprojekten, aber auch Formen von Citizen
Science werden im Bundesgebiet jährlich Hundertausende Individuen wild lebender Tierarten markiert,
in wesentlich geringeren Anteilen auch mit Sendern oder ähnlichen technischen Instrumenten ausgestattet.
Das wirft in erster Linie naturschutzrechtliche Fragen auf. Bei jagdbaren Arten kommt es aber zu Überschneidungen
mit dem Jagdrecht, hinsichtlich des Handlings der Tiere, der Art der Markierung und Besenderung auch zu
solchen mit dem Tierschutzrecht. Die Verwaltungspraxis in den Bundesländern ist derzeit von erheblichen
Unterschieden bei den Zuständigkeiten und erforderlichen Genehmigungsverfahren geprägt, obwohl
es in weiten Teilen um die Anwendung von Bundesrecht geht. Deshalb soll hier untersucht werden, inwieweit
neben dem Naturschutzrecht tatsächlich auch jagd- und tierschutzrechtliche Aspekte durch Formen der
Markierung und Besenderung berührt und etwaige Beteiligungs- oder gar Genehmigungserfordernisse begründet
werden. Der Schwerpunkt der Darstellung liegt dabei auf dem Umgang mit Vögeln. Besonderheiten bei
anderen Artengruppen werden aber ebenfalls beleuchtet.
Production of AZ80 magnesium alloy wires: influence of heat treatment on microstructure and properties after twin-roll casting
Authors: Kittner Kristina , Kaden Christoph , Ullmann Madlen , Prahl Ulrich
Published: September 2024

Twin-roll casting (TRC) of magnesium sheets has already been analysed in numerous ways. The installation of a pilot plant for the twin-roll casting of magnesium wire at the Institute of Metal Forming, TU Bergakademie Freiberg, has opened up a further area for research. The principle of twin-roll casting of wire is comparable, although the microstructure development is different because of the resulting process-specific solidification and forming conditions. In this work, wire was produced for the first time from the magnesium alloy AZ80 using the TRC process. The microstructure consists of dendritic areas, twins, deformed areas and recrystallised grains. A non-basal texture with low intensity is developed, which is retained even after heat treatment. A temperature of 450 °C and a holding time of 1 h have been shown to be favourable for heat treatment to achieve a uniform grain structure. On the basis of the microstructure and texture analysis, the responsible recrystallisation mechanisms were discussed. Finally, mechanical properties at room temperature were presented and compared with extruded and cast material from the literature.
Ten sustainable steps infectious diseases professionals can take to mitigate the climate crisis
Authors: Doshi Shreya M. , Lee Pamela , Hymes Saul , Guzman-Cottrill Judith A. , Jaggi Preeti
Published: September 2024

Climate change and pollution harm the public. The healthcare industry disproportionately contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Infection diseases professionals including infection preventionists and antimicrobial stewards are uniquely positioned to mitigate the environmental impact of our daily practices. We highlight 10 actionable steps that infectious disease professionals can incorporate into daily practices, thereby mitigating the impact of climate change.
The impact of hospital-specific guidelines on carbapenem use and patient outcomes in a setting for high endemicity with multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacilli
Authors: Boşnak Cemre , Fındık Şeyda Betül , Atay Muhammed , Fakhouri Ward , Babazade Sada , Karadoğan Eda , Metan Gökhan , Uzun Ömrüm
Published: September 2024

Objective:

This study aims to assess the impact of hospital-specific guidelines on the optimal utilization of carbapenems and to examine their effects on patient outcomes.

Design:

Quasi-experimental study.

Setting:

Tertiary care hospital in Turkey where infectious diseases (IDs) consultation and antibiotic approval are mandatory for carbapenem use.

Participants:

All inpatients ≥18 years of age who received a carbapenem for at least 24 hours during the study periods were enrolled.

Intervention:

Hospital-specific treatment guidelines were introduced in April 2019. The control group was the year 2018, when there were no guidelines (pre-GP). The year 2020 was analyzed as the intervention period (post-GP).

Results:

A total of 678 patients were analyzed, 326 in the pre-GP period and 352 in the post-GP period. Following guideline implementation, there was a significant increase in appropriate carbapenem use (49.1% in pre-GP vs 71.9% in post-GP, P < .001). The duration of carbapenem use decreased significantly (P = .019). However, there was no significant change in the incidence of new infection episodes within the subsequent 30 days (27.6% in pre-GP vs 28.3% in post-GP), or in the length of hospitalization [median (25%–75%) = 28 (16–46) in pre-GP, 28 (15–47.5) in post-GP, P = .678]. Mortality rates were similar at day 7 post-GP (1.7%) compared to pre-GP (0.03%) (P = .125).

Conclusions:

The implementation of guidelines increased the appropriate utilization of carbapenems, without resulting in extended hospital stays or recurrent episodes. Despite an increased number of patients admitted to the ICU during the latter period, infection-related mortality rates remained comparable.
Diagnostic stewardship for blood cultures in the pediatric intensive care unit: lessons in implementation from the BrighT STAR Collaborative
Authors: Woods-Hill Charlotte Z. , Koontz Danielle W. , Xie Anping , Colantuoni Elizabeth A. , Sick-Samuels Anna , Miller Marlene R. , Arthur Abigail , Aneja Anushree , Kumar Urmi , Milstone Aaron M. ,   for the Brigh T STAR authorship group
Published: September 2024

Objective:

BrighT STAR was a diagnostic stewardship collaborative of 14 pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) across the United States designed to standardize and reduce unnecessary blood cultures and study the impact on patient outcomes and broad-spectrum antibiotic use. We now examine the implementation process in detail to understand how sites facilitated this diagnostic stewardship program in their PICUs.

Design:

A multi-center electronic survey of the 14 BrighT STAR sites, based on qualitative data about the implementation process collected during the primary phase of BrighT STAR.

Setting:

14 PICUs enrolled in BrighT STAR.

Participants:

Site leads at each enrolled site.

Methods:

An electronic survey guided by implementation science literature and based on data collected during BrighT STAR was administered to all 14 sites after completion of the primary phase of the collaborative.

Results:

10 specific tasks appear critical to implementing blood culture diagnostic stewardship, with variability in site-level strategies employed to accomplish those tasks. Sites rated certain tasks and strategies as highly important. Strategies used in top-performing sites were distinct from those used in lower-performing sites. Certain strategies may link to drivers of culture overuse and represent key targets for changing clinician behavior.

Conclusions:

BrighT STAR offers important insights into the tasks and strategies used to facilitate successful diagnostic stewardship in the PICU. More work is needed to compare specific strategies and optimize stewardship outcomes in this complex environment.

Clinical trial registry information:

Blood Culture Improvement Guidelines and Diagnostic Stewardship for Antibiotic Reduction in Critically Ill Children (Bright STAR). NCT03441126. https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03441126?term=Bright%20STAR&aggFilters=status:com&checkSpell=false&rank=1
Evolution of water wave packets by wind in shallow water
Authors: Maleewong Montri , Grimshaw Roger
Published: September 2024

We use the Korteweg–de Vries (KdV) equation, supplemented with several forcing/friction terms, to describe the evolution of wind-driven water wave packets in shallow water. The forcing/friction terms describe wind-wave growth due to critical level instability in the air, wave decay due to laminar friction in the water at the air–water interface, wave stress in the air near the interface induced by a turbulent wind and wave decay due to a turbulent bottom boundary layer. The outcome is a modified KdV–Burgers equation that can be a stable or unstable model depending on the forcing/friction parameters. To analyse the evolution of water wave packets, we adapt the Whitham modulation theory for a slowly varying periodic wave train with an emphasis on the solitary wave train limit. The main outcome is the predicted growth and decay rates due to the forcing/friction terms. Numerical simulations using a Fourier spectral method are performed to validate the theory for various cases of initial wave amplitudes and growth and/or decay parameter ranges. The results from the modulation theory agree well with these simulations. In most cases we examined, many solitary waves are generated, suggesting the formation of a soliton gas.
Can Synodality Ferment an Inclusive Catholicism?
Authors: Dillon Michele
Published: September 2024

This article discusses the significance of the extensive data-gathering procedures incorporated into recent synodal preparations and how they advance Pope Francis’s commitment to forging a church informed by a dialogue between theological ideas and empirical realities. Drawing on my prior case analysis of the Synod on the Family, I argue that despite the limits in place then on lay participation in the formal synod discussions, the diversity of the laity’s self-reported experiences penetrated the bishops’ deliberations. This achievement is in part a function of the synod communication structure whereby participants are allocated to shared-language groups, thus avoiding self-selection based on a priori doctrinal or country-specific biases; the resulting (forced) dialogue with difference helps foster the gradual development of more inclusive doctrinal framings as seen in the post-synodal Amoris Laetitia. In a historic expansion, the Synod on Synodality formally includes lay voting participants and therefore lay perspectives will directly shape the synod proposal outcomes. Like the bishops, lay Catholics do not speak with one voice, and thus the task of finding moral consensus will still necessarily require respectful mutual listening and reciprocal dialogue.
The Place of Animals in Wollstonecraft's Early Educational Writings
Authors: Yücel Uğur Eylül
Published: September 2024

Thomas Taylor's parody of Mary Wollstonecraft's support for rights of women and humans raises a question: does his satire unwittingly propose a defence of animal rights found in Wollstonecraft's arguments? While Wollstonecraft's later works do not mention animal rights, her early educational writings offer arguments on animal ethics. These works explore the value of animals from moral, theological, and consequentialist perspectives, emphasizing both their instrumental and inherent value. This article argues that Wollstonecraft's moral psychology and theology highlight a benevolent attitude towards animals, underscoring their value beyond their utility.
Towards a sociolinguistics of deglobalization
Authors: Roche Gerald , Kruk Jessica
Published: September 2024

This article advocates for a ‘sociolinguistics of deglobalization’ that focuses on the sociolinguistic impacts of major shifts in the world system that have taken place since 2008 and have become particularly salient amidst the covid pandemic. Drawing on case studies of China, Indonesia, Ethiopia, and Nigeria, we describe the period after 2008 as an emerging post-neoliberal epoch characterized by the intensifying of state power, constrained resistance, differential inclusion, and organized abandonment. Our article explores the theoretical, methodological, and ethical challenges of researching the sociolinguistic impacts of these developments. We also argue that our discipline's dominant approach to global-scale analysis—the sociolinguistics of globalization—has impeded our ability to perceive the emerging dynamics of deglobalization. Our call for a sociolinguistics of deglobalization is offered as both a provocation and invitation to our discipline to engage with the rapidly changing nature of world politics. (Deglobalization, sovereignty, neoliberalism, coloniality, securitization)*
Uh and um in autism: The case of hesitation marker usage in Dutch-speaking autistic preschoolers
Authors: Mues Marjolein , Demurie Ellen , Erdogan Maide , Schaubroeck Sarah , Krol Manon , Goodwin Amy , Buitelaar Jan , Loth Eva , Roeyers Herbert
Published: September 2024

English-speaking autistic children use the hesitation marker um less often than non-autistic children but use uh at a similar rate. It is unclear why this is the case. We employed a sample of Dutch-speaking children from the Preschool Brain Imaging and Behavior Project to examine hesitation markers in autistic and non-autistic preschoolers with the aim to 1) make a crosslinguistic comparison of hesitation marker usage and 2) examine hypotheses regarding the underlying linguistic mechanisms of hesitation markers: the symptom hypothesis and the signal hypothesis. We found initial group differences in all hesitation markers but these results were rendered insignificant after controlling for age, sex and nonverbal cognition. We found significant correlations between hesitation marker usage and expressive and receptive language, but not autism traits. Lastly, we show interesting cross-linguistic differences in hesitation marker usage between Dutch-speaking participants and previously described English-speaking participants, such as a preference for um over uh.
Selenium supplementation in chronic kidney disease patients undergoing haemodialysis: a systematic review of the effects on plasma selenium, antioxidant and inflammatory markers, immunological parameters and thyroid hormones
Authors: Trigueira Pricilla de C. , Leal Viviane de O. , Cardoso Barbara R. , Mafra Denise , Araujo Marina C. , Stockler-Pinto Milena B.
Published: September 2024

Selenium (Se) is a mineral with several biological functions, and studies have shown that its deficiency can be linked to many complications in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study aims to systematically review the effects of Se supplementation in patients with CKD undergoing haemodialysis (HD). This systematic review was carried out according to the PRISMA statement. Clinical trials were searched in PubMed, Lilacs, Embase, Scopus and Cochrane Library databases from inception to July 2021 and updated in July 2024. The protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021231444). Two independent reviewers performed the study screening and data extraction, and the risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane Collaboration tool. Thirteen studies were included in this review. Only nine studies showed results on Se levels; in all, reduced Se levels were observed before supplementation. A positive effect of supplementation on plasma Se level was demonstrated. Of the ten studies analysed, six demonstrated positive effects on antioxidant and inflammatory markers. Only one study analysed immunological parameters, showing a positive impact. From two studies that analysed thyroid hormones, only one showed positive results. All studies were classified as high risk of bias. The findings suggest that Se supplementation significantly increases plasma Se levels in these patients; however, there are still not enough studies to clarify the effects of Se supplementation on the antioxidant and inflammatory markers, immune system and thyroid hormones. Further studies are needed to elucidate the effects of Se supplementation and to provide a recommendation for patients with CKD undergoing HD.
Constitutionalising the Social Minimum in Greece: The Enduring Legacy of the Euro-crisis on the Social Constitution
Authors: Kotsoni Maria
Published: September 2024

Constitutionalisation of the decent standard of living in Greece – Euro-crisis and constitutional change – Financial assistance conditionality and minimum income policy – Decent standard of living in crisis jurisprudence
Entwicklung eines Lehrkräftefragebogens zur Früherkennung von Rechenstörungen in der Grundschule
Authors: Lamb Sarah , Schulz Ann-Katrin , Kuhn Jörg-Tobias
Published: September 2024

Zusammenfassung: Hintergrund: Bislang fehlen standardisierte Screeninginstrumente zur Identifikation von Rechenstörungen (RS) im Grundschulalter durch Lehrkräfte, die sich effektiv in die Unterrichtspraxis integrieren lassen und zeitgleich allgemein anerkannte Gütekriterien erfüllen. Mit dem Fragebogen zur Erfassung mathematischer Fertigkeiten (FERMAT) wurde ein theoriebasiertes Screeningverfahren für Lehrkräfte entwickelt, das Kinder mit einem erhöhten Risiko für RS ökonomisch, reliabel und valide identifiziert. Methoden: Anhand der Daten von N = 377 Schüler_innen aus Nordrhein-Westfalen (Klassenstufe zwei bis vier), wurden mittels psychometrischer Analysen (u.a. Receiver-Operating-Characteristics-Analysen) verschiedene Gütekriterien bestimmt. Zur Prüfung der Treffsicherheit wurden verschiedene Cut-Offs verwendet. Ergebnisse: Der FERMAT verfügt über gute bis überwiegend zufriedenstellende Screeningeigenschaften. Die Sensitivität und Spezifität variierten je nach Kriterium zwischen 57.6% und 69.8% bzw. 82.5% und 91.4%. Die RATZ-Indizes lagen zwischen .511 und .613. Die Screeningeigenschaften der Teilbereiche Basisnumerik und Rechenfertigkeiten, in die sich der FERMAT gliedert, sind ebenfalls überwiegend zufriedenstellend. Diskussion: Der FERMAT identifiziert Kinder mit und ohne erhöhtes Risiko für RS mit angemessener Treffsicherheit. Die praktische Bedeutung des Instruments wird vor dem Hintergrund langfristiger Folgen unbehandelter RS und den Chancen frühzeitiger Risikoidentifikation diskutiert.