bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Autophagy in health and disease: From molecular mechanisms to therapeutic target
Authors: Lu Guang , Wang Yu , Shi Yin , Zhang Zhe , Huang Canhua , He Weifeng , Wang Chuang , Shen Han‐Ming
Published: July 2022

Macroautophagy/autophagy is an evolutionally conserved catabolic process in which cytosolic contents, such as aggregated proteins, dysfunctional organelle, or invading pathogens, are sequestered by the double‐membrane structure termed autophagosome and delivered to lysosome for degradation. Over the past two decades, autophagy has been extensively studied, from the molecular mechanisms, biological functions, implications in various human diseases, to development of autophagy‐related therapeutics. This review will focus on the latest development of autophagy research, covering molecular mechanisms in control of autophagosome biogenesis and autophagosome–lysosome fusion, and the upstream regulatory pathways including the AMPK and MTORC1 pathways. We will also provide a systematic discussion on the implication of autophagy in various human diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders (Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, Huntington's disease, and Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), metabolic diseases (obesity and diabetes), viral infection especially SARS‐Cov‐2 and COVID‐19, cardiovascular diseases (cardiac ischemia/reperfusion and cardiomyopathy), and aging. Finally, we will also summarize the development of pharmacological agents that have therapeutic potential for clinical applications via targeting the autophagy pathway. It is believed that decades of hard work on autophagy research is eventually to bring real and tangible benefits for improvement of human health and control of human diseases.
Modelling extreme rainfall events in Kigali city using generalized Pareto distribution
Authors: Singirankabo Edouard , Iyamuremye Emmanuel
Published: July 2022

Extreme rain events have caused numerous issues and have had a significant impact on agriculture, human activities, ecology, infrastructure, and casualties. The theory of extreme values has been widely applied in extreme precipitation modelling and a variety of other fields. This paper employs the generalized Pareto distribution, which has been widely used to analyse extreme climates, in conjunction with the peak over thresholds approach to investigate exceedances. The occurrence of intense rainfall events in Kigali city causes severe damage to human properties, infrastructure damage, people injuries, loss of life, and other various harmful consequences. Early detection of extreme rainfall in Kigali aids in the development and implementation of strategies and measures to mitigate the negative effects of extreme rainfall before it occurs. The aim of this research is to estimate the frequency and magnitude of intense rainfall events in Kigali. The daily rainfall data from Kigali Airport station collected by Rwanda Meteorological Agency from 1990 to 2019 were applied. The results showed that as the return periods increased, so did the return levels, implying that the intensity and frequency of rainfall in Kigali will increase in the future. The model's goodness was tested, and the study suggests a model that has a non‐negative shape parameter (ξ) to be good. The study's findings are extremely important for understanding the occurrence of these events and also serve as a tool for decision‐making and the development of policies aimed at mitigating the effects of such events.
Rational and semi‐rational solutions for a (3 + 1)‐dimensional generalized KP–Boussinesq equation in shallow water wave
Authors: Li Lingfei , Yan Yongsheng , Xie Yingying
Published: July 2022

In this paper, a new extended (3 + 1)‐dimensional generalized Kadomtsev–Petviashvili (KP)–Boussinesq equation, with two additional terms
and
, is proposed and investigated. This new equation models both left and right going waves like the Boussinesq equation and describes the transmission of tsunami waves at the bottom of the ocean and nonlinear ion‐acoustic waves in the magnetized dusty plasm. We have constructed one set of breathers and first order periodic waves from the two‐soliton solution. Moreover, the four‐soliton solution consists of two sets of breathers, second order periodic waves, and a hybrid of breathers and periodic line waves. Then, we introduce two kinds of “long wave” limits to obtain the rational and semi‐rational solutions for
. Under specific parametric constraints, the obtained rational and semi‐rational solutions are nonsingular. The rational solution can be classified as first order line rogue wave, single breather, second order line rogue wave, double breather, a hybrid of breather and line rogue wave, a hybrid of breather, and single soliton. The semi‐rational solution can be classified as the first and second order kink‐shaped rogue wave, a hybrid of breather and one (two) soliton(s), a hybrid of a set of breathers, and a single soliton (breather). In addition, we give Theorem 2.1 for the higher order rational solutions.
Thickening behavior of thermo‐associative water soluble multiblock copolymers under redox RAFT polymerization
Authors: Maldonado‐Textle Hortensia , Jiménez‐Regalado Enrique Javier , St Thomas Claude
Published: July 2022

In this study, the synthesis of thermo‐associative water soluble multiblock copolymers is reported. A trithiocarbonate functionalized polyacrylamide (PAM) was prepared and subsequently utilized in the preparation of three series of thermo‐associative copolymers by addition of N‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) and acrylamide (AM) until reaching a nonablock copolymer with four thermo‐associative blocks distributed into the backbone of polymer. Reactions were performed at 25 °C using a tertbutyl hydroperoxyde (TBHP) and ascorbic acid (As.Ac.) as redox initiator, and S,S′‐Bis (α,α’‐dimethyl‐α”‐acetic acid)‐trithiocarbonate (DMAT) as chain transfer agent. The targeted molecular weight (MnTheo) of PAM was maintained constant (10,000 g/mol) while the expected Mntheo of polyN‐isopropylacrylamide (PNIPAM) was varied from 10,000, 15,000, and 20,000 g/mol, respectively. The synthesized copolymers were characterized by infrared (IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), size exclusion chromatography (SEC) for determining the structure of materials, whereas ultraviolet (UV) analysis allowed to get access to the cloud point temperature (Tcp) of polymers. Rheological analyses were carried out for examining the effect of thermo‐responsive block on the thickening behavior of aqueous polymer solutions. These analyses were performed at different concentration from 1 to 20 wt. % varying the temperature of measurements from 25, 30, 40, 50, 60, and 70 °C. Results confirmed the influence of the size of thermo‐responsive blocks on the viscosity of these copolymers.
Long‐bonding and effects of carbon hybridization on the bonding of MNgC compounds (M = Cu, Ag, Au)
Authors: Xiong Ke Quan , Li An Yong
Published: July 2022

Long bonding is a typical bonding feature in noble gas insertion compounds. It has been shown that in the compounds FNgF and HNgX there exists 3c4e long bonding. In this work, we investigate long bonding in the MNgC type of noble gas insertion compounds with M = Cu/Ag/Au and Ng = Ar/Kr/Xe/Rn. The effect of C hybridization on bonding was also studied by the compounds MNgCCH, MNgC2H3, and MNgC2H5. The structures of these compounds were calculated using MPW1B95, B3LYP‐D3, MP2, and DSD‐BLYP‐D3 methods. It was found that there was indeed long bonding between M and C in the MNgC part of these compounds, which is characterized by three Lewis resonance structures, two ω‐bonded and one σ‐bonded structures. Different C hybridization has obvious influence on the length and strength of the MNg and NgC bonds and also on the long bonding. With the increase of p component in the C spn hybrid the bond lengths increase significantly and the bonds weaken in the MNgC part. However, bonding nature of the MNg and NgC bonds characterized by electron density topological properties are not sensitive to C hybridization, but more sensitive to different metals.
Spin Polarized Electronic Transport and Photocurrent in Chiral Methionine Molecule via Magnetic Tunnel Junction Model from First Principles
Authors: Xu Yingdan , Han Xuefei , Xiao Yin , Wang Yong , Mi Wenbo
Published: July 2022

The spin‐dependent transport properties through chiral amino acids and their modulations by light and magnetic field are important for understanding the intrinsic magnetism and photomagnetic coupling of chiral molecules. Here, the spin‐dependent electronic transport through chiral methionine (R,S‐MET) molecules is studied by theoretical calculations through a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) model. R‐MET molecule outputs fully spin polarized photocurrents with different spin channels, while S‐MET is insensitive under polarized light, revealing the spin polarized photocurrent selectivity of chiral molecules. Photocurrent increases greatly in Fe4N/S‐MET/Au MTJ, where S‐MET shows unidirectional spin filtering effect. Fully spin polarized photocurrent appears in Fe4N/R,S‐MET/Au MTJs, whose spin channel can be switched by adjusting magnetization directions. Particularly, chiral‐induced spin selectivity effect appears in Fe4N/R,S‐MET/Au MTJs under specific polarized light and magnetization direction. Understanding the spin‐dependent electronic transport of chiral amino acids can provide a theoretical foundation for life science and bioelectronic devices.
How COVID‐19 pandemic, global risk factors, and oil prices affect Islamic bonds (Sukuk) prices? New insights from time‐frequency analysis
Authors: Naifar Nader , Tiwari Aviral Kumar , Alhashim Mohammed
Published: July 2022

This paper studies the time–frequency co‐movement among Islamic bond (Sukuk) prices, the recent spread of COVID‐19, oil prices, economic policy uncertainty, global financial uncertainty, and global financial distress. The Dow Jones Sukuk Index (hereafter DJSI) is used as a proxy of the global Sukuk market. The Malaysian Sovereign Sukuk index is also used for comparison purposes because Malaysia maintains a leading position as the strongest global player in Islamic finance. The effect of global risk and uncertainty factors on Sukuk prices is controlled for using partial wavelet coherency. The empirical results indicate that the co‐movements between the Sukuk prices (both global and Malaysian Sukuk) and global economic and financial risk factors are time and frequency varying. We also find that global and Malaysian Sukuk markets behave differently with global risk factors throughout the COVID‐19 pandemic period. Furthermore, we find that the co‐movement between Sukuk prices (both global and Malaysian Sukuk) and COVID‐19‐infected cases is stronger only in the short term.
Morphological traits related to potential invasiveness of two subspecies of the crayfish Faxonius neglectus
Authors: Magoulick Daniel D. , Wynne K. Carter , Clark Jessica
Published: July 2022

Biological invasions have major environmental and economic impacts, and pose a serious threat to global biodiversity. Invasive crayfish species are one of the greatest threats to native crayfish biodiversity. Additionally, almost 50% of US and Canadian species are considered at risk, making crayfish one of the most imperiled taxonomic groups in the world. Small‐scale (extralimital) invasions are often overlooked and may be more common than large‐scale (extraregional) invasions. One example of an extraregional and extralimital invader is the Ringed Crayfish (Faxonius neglectus), which has been independently introduced multiple times to drainages throughout the United States, including those adjacent to its native range. Traits related to invasiveness, such as chelae size, are suggested to differ between invasive crayfish from extralimital and extraregional source populations with larger size related to increased invasiveness. We examined morphological traits related to invasion potential for both subspecies of F. neglectus, F. neglectus neglectus and F. neglectus chaenodactylus. We sampled 28 stream sites within the known native range of F. neglectus, including the Neosho and Upper White River drainages in Oklahoma, Arkansas and Missouri. Total carapace length, chelae length and chelae width of 30 adult male F. neglectus were measured from each site. We found significant differences in crayfish morphological characteristics among stream sites. We found significantly greater chelae length:carapace length (ChL:CarL) and chelae width:chelae length (ChW:ChL) in F. neglectus chaenodactylus than F. neglectus neglectus. Even among F. neglectus neglectus populations, there were significant differences in ChL:CarL and ChW:ChL. Morphological characteristics suggest that F. neglectus chaenodactylus and some populations of F. neglectus neglectus may be pre‐adapted to the role of invader.
Talking through the “messy middle” of partnerships in science education
Authors: Cheuk Tina , Morales‐Doyle Daniel
Published: July 2022

This paper's focus is on the “middle” of partnerships for equity in science education. Middle is used in a temporal sense, meaning the time after the general purposes and terms of working together have been set and before outcomes have been achieved. The middle of the partnership also represents people interacting, bounded around the edges, by their institutional roles, norms, resources, and priorities. As co‐authors who had not previously collaborated (or even met in person), we approached the construction of this manuscript as a dialogue where we learn by sharing narrations of experiences and values and principles. We were inspired by the conversational book between Horton and Freire (1990) and specifically their discussion of “Is it possible to just teach biology?” (p. 102). In our conversation, we illustrate the ways in which partnerships may make justice‐oriented science education possible. Our focus is on complementary and contradictory knowledges, and ways of knowing, institutional resources and constraints, and strategies for making transformative change. We explore the middle of partnerships as a series of opportunities for learning and growing, caring for one another, and building solidarity spaces together.
Effect of Adding Conditions of Polyvinyl Alcohol on the Reaction Behavior and Particle Characteristics of Spherical Phenol‐formaldehyde Resin Beads
Authors: Lee Ya‐Shiuan , Chen Yi‐Chun , Lee Wen‐Jau
Published: July 2022

Phenol‐formaldehyde resin (PF) is the oldest synthetic resin. Through the design of synthesis conditions, PF resins with different characteristics can be provided, which are widely used in molding materials, adhesives and impregnation. Spherical PF beads are a hardened resin prepared by a special synthesis method. In this study, a mixture of phenol and formaldehyde was added with triethylamine, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and hexamethylenetetramine as a catalyst, granulating agent, and hardening agent, respectively. Spherical PF beads were prepared by a three‐stage suspension polymerization in a large‐scale water system, and the effects of PVA addition conditions on the reaction behavior and particle characteristics were discussed. The results show that formalin with a concentration of 14 % can be used as a formaldehyde raw material to prepare spherical PF beads by suspension polymerization. The largest spherical PF beads can be obtained with a reactant‐liquid ratio of 2/1, a stirring speed of 300 rpm, and an addition amount of BF‐04 of 2 %. The particle size of 14–20 mesh accounts for 83.9 % and has the average particle size of 1016 μm.
Hierarchical Nitrogen‐Enriched Carbon from Rationally Designed Polyimide Precursor for Exceptional Acetone Adsorption
Authors: Sheng Peng , Liu Baogen , Ren Yadong , Zeng Zheng , Li Liqing
Published: July 2022

The adsorption capacity of porous adsorbent to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is restricted by pore size distribution and surface functionalities. In this study, we report an effective N‐doped porous carbon synthesis strategy using rationally designed polyimide as precursor and subsequently copper chloride (CuCl2) mild activation. Specifically, by carefully changing the thiourea/urea ratio, polyimide precursors of different configurations can be designed and synthesized, which not only facilitates the transformation to a mesoporous structure, but also slightly enriches the surface heteroatoms. These unique properties result in a series of hierarchical porous carbon with high surface area (2045 m2/g), large mesopore volume (1.32 cm3/g) and rich nitrogen content (8.95 at %). Such carbon consequently shows exceptional static acetone adsorption performance of 768 mg/g (25 °C) and 799 mg/g (15 °C) and fast dynamic transfer rate. The abundant mesoporous structure provides the necessary diffusion channels to shorten the transmission distance and transmission resistance of acetone molecules, thereby contributing to this high acetone adsorption performance. Moreover, electrostatic potential (ESP) charge analysis shows that the doping of nitrogen atoms can significantly change the charge distribution on the sample surface, and enhance the affinity with acetone molecules through electrostatic interaction and Lewis acid‐base interaction
A Green Methodology for the Synthesis of Some Regioselective 1, 4‐Disubstituted 1,2,3‐Triazoles via Laccase‐Mediated Click Reaction.
Authors: Gupta Swati , Singh Ashmita , Narula Anudeep K.
Published: July 2022

A novel green efficient methodology was developed for the synthesis of some regioselective 1,4‐disubstituted‐1,2,3‐triazoles through an enzyme laccase (Trametes Versicolor) catalyzed reaction. The reaction utilizes the Click chemistry approach for the formation of highly substituted and regioselective triazoles. The methodology is unprecedented in the way that it executes under mild conditions at room temperature using green buffer solvents. An array of substituted triazoles were feasibly synthesized and characterized via spectroscopic techniques.
Electric Field Polarized Fe−N Functionalized Graphene Oxide Nanosheet Catalyst for Efficient Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Zhao Rong , Xia Jiaxin , Adamaquaye Peter , Zhao Guang‐lin
Published: July 2022

Low‐cost noble‐metal‐free electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) are useful for future energy storage and conversion devices, and other technologies. In this work, iron (Fe)‐nitrogen (N) functionalized graphene oxide (Fe−N−GO) nanosheets have been synthesized and studied for ORR properties in alkaline solution. We utilized a multi‐layer/multi‐polarization method to study the DC electric field polarization effect on the electrocatalytic properties of the Fe−N−GO catalyst. The poling effect with DC electric field was created on the catalyst ink drop‐casted on a polished glassy carbon working electrode, resulting in more compact electrocatalyst electrode. Compared to the commercial Pt/C catalyst, the polarized Fe−N−GO catalyst exhibited similar ORR catalytic activity along with superior stability in alkaline media.
Ed .A Novel Strategy to Arrest Bacterial Pathogen Infestation Using Poly(o‐Phenylenediamine)/ Montmorillonite Nanocomposites
Authors: Verma Anurakshee , Parveen Romana , Shamsi Tooba Naz , Khan Azmat Ali , Fatima Sadaf , Aazam Elham S. , Riaz Ufana
Published: July 2022

Intercalation and in‐situ polymerization of POPD within MMT was successfully accomplished using sonochemical technique. Montmorillonite/poly(o‐phenylenediamine) (MMT/POPD) nanocomposites (NCs) were checked for their antimicrobial activity against four bacterial strains. The antibacterial activity of MMT/POPD NCs was investigated against E. coli, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa and B. subtilisby broth micro‐dilution and agar well diffusion methods. Furthermore, the effective concentration (EC50) and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the NCs were also determined. Results clearly showed that the NCs had viable cell reduction capability and could act as potential antibacterial agents.
Nickel‐Catalyzed Thiocarbonylation of Aryl Iodides with Dialkyl Disulfides for the Synthesis of Thioesters
Authors: Xiao Yong‐Mei , Lv Wen‐Wen , Yuan Jin‐Wei , Yang Liang‐Ru , Mao Pu , Mai Wen‐Peng
Published: July 2022

A nickel‐catalyzed molybdenum‐promoted carbonylative synthesis of thioesters between aryl iodides and dialkyl disulfides has been developed. This method provides a novel and practical route to aryl thioesters under CO‐gas‐free conditions. Using Mo(CO)6 as a solid CO source, many thioesters were obtained in moderate yields without expensive metals such as palladium.
Novel Fluorescent Polyurethane Coating on Fabric with Acid‐Base Indicating Function in Solution
Authors: Shu Yihu , Gao Jian , Wang Chaoxia , Yin Yunjie
Published: July 2022

The preparation of multifunctional composite materials with maximum fluorescence emission is an ideal choice to replace fluorescent dyes. We synthesized a series of novel fluorescence polyurethane (FPU) films. The effect of different contents, different solvents and different pH on the fluorescence intensity were investigated in detail. In accordance with increasing proportion of 2, 7‐Dichlorofluoresce (DCF) in the FPU, the emission peak exhibit a gradual bathochromic shift and the fluorescence intensity show a trend of increasing first and then decreasing. The strong fluorescence emission of the obtained fluorescent film is in the range of about 570 nm. The maximum fluorescence intensity is 842, and the reflectance of the film is 21 % with a bright yellow at this time. In addition, acid‐base response fluorescence emission performance are endowed the fluorescent polyurethane film in the solution state. Different luminous intensities are emit by the film solution samples in near neutral (540 nm, yellow‐green light) and alkali (580 nm, orange‐yellow light). The maximum displacement exceeds 40 nm. Compared near neutral (pH=7) to alkaline (pH=12) environmental, the fluorescence emission intensity is increased by 1800 % (from 90 increasing to 1680). By establishing the relationship between the concentration and the fluorescence emission intensity, the fluorescence intensity can be clearly known through the color difference, and the concentration of 0.25 % is selected for doping to achieve the balance between the emission intensity and the color of the fluorescent substance. We use hot‐pressing to finish the fluorescent polyurethane (FPU) film on the surface of the fabric at a lower temperature (Compared with high temperature and high pressure dyeing method). There is a potential application prospects for our fluorescent polyurethane films in chemical sensing, biological imaging, anti‐counterfeiting technology, and smart light‐emitting fabrics.
Preparation of Polypyrrole/Boron Nitride Composites and Composite Sponges for Efficient Photothermal Utilization
Authors: Ma Chunxue , He Lili , Liu Rui , Guan Hongyu , Ge Chunhua , Zhang Xiangdong
Published: July 2022

Photothermal materials can improve the photothermal conversion efficiency. Here, we design and prepare a photothermal material which has both high light harvesting ability and high thermal conductivity for efficient utilization of light energy. Polypyrrole (PPy) was polymerized in the surface of boron nitride (h‐BN) to form polypyrrole/boron nitride (h‐BN/PPy) composites. The h‐BN/PPy composites can be dispersed in glycol‐water solution to form nanofluids with photothermal conversion properties. To further expand the field of h‐BN/PPy systems. By loading h‐BN and PPy on melamine sponge, MF/h‐BN/PPy composite sponges (MFBP) with high hydrophobicity was creatively obtained. The composite sponges can float on the surface of simulated seawater and has rich porous structure, which is conducive to the escape of water vapor. The evaporation rate of simulated seawater reached 1.21 kg m−2 h−1. Such a composite with simple preparation process and low energy consumption but high photothermal conversion efficiency has promise in photothermal conversion.
Selective N‐Monovinylation of Primary Aromatic Amides Using Calcium Carbide as an Alkyne Source
Authors: Zhang Zeshuai , Wen Fei , Liu Haiyan , Li Zheng
Published: July 2022

An efficient method for the selective N‐monovinylation of primary aromatic amides using calcium carbide as an alkyne source is described. A series of N‐vinylbenzamides (enamides) were readily synthesized by this strategy. The salient features for this protocol are the use of inexpensive, easy‐to‐handle solid alkyne source, high chemoselectivity, transition metal catalyst‐free, good functional group tolerance, and simple work‐up procedures. These reactions can also be extended to the gram‐scale level.
Porous Ni−Al−O Fabricated by a Facile Hydrothermal Method: Improved Catalytic Performance for the Oxidative Dehydrogenation of Ethane to Produce Ethylene
Authors: Li Dong , Kong Lian , Fan Xiaoqiang , Xie Zean , Xiao Xia , Zhao Zhen
Published: July 2022

The oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane (ODHE) to ethylene is a process with many advantages (such as energy conservation and coke resistance). Herein, flower‐like Ni−Al−O catalysts with hierarchical structure and high surface areas were fabricated through a hydrothermal route and were applied to ODHE using O2 as oxidant. Compared with NiO alone, the Al3+ insertion into NiO matrix not only increases the C2H4 selectivity by 3–4 times, but also prevents the generation of CO2 and CH4 above 500 °C. At 550 °C, all Ni−Al−O catalysts maintain approximately 50 % ethylene selectivity regardless of Al content. The ethylene yield of 29.5 % with C2H4 selectivity 55.7 % over Ni−Al0.8‐O sample can be reached at 500 °C. Moreover, the Ni−Al0.8‐O catalyst presents a good stability and has no loss of activity after 100 h continuous evaluation. The various characterizations were carried out for investigating the nature of as‐prepared Ni−Al−O catalysts with different Al loadings. Experimental results demonstrate that the addition of Al not only affects the structure and texture properties of NiO, but also impacts the reducibility of Ni species and the amount of active oxygen species. It is found that the Al3+ substitution results in: (1) smaller NiO size; (2) larger specific surface area; (3) weaker reducibility and (4) fewer non‐stoichiometric oxygen species. Therefore, the significant improvement of ethylene selectivity is observed in Ni−Alx‐O catalysts.
Novel Cobalt‐Supported Silica‐Coated Ferrite Nanoparticles Applicable for Acylation of Amine, Phenol, and Thiols Derivatives under Solvent‐Free Condition
Authors: Patil Shripad M. , Ingale Ajit P. , Pise Ashok S. , Bhondave Rahul S.
Published: July 2022

The straightforward co‐precipitation approach was used to effectively manufacture novel silica‐coated magnetic nanoparticles doped with cobalt (Co3O4). These nanoparticles were characterized using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE‐SEM), Energy‐Dispersive X‐ray Spectroscopy (EDS), Wavelength‐Dispersive Spectroscopy (WDX), Powder X‐ray Diffraction Spectroscopy (PXRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), Thermo‐gravimetric Analysis (TGA), Inductive coupled plasma‐optical emission spectrometry (ICP‐OES), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), etc. Intriguingly, the catalytic performance of these nanocrystals for the amines, phenols, alcohols, and thiols acylation processes was examined in solvent‐free conditions, with outstanding yields. These nanoparticles were recycled at least 12 times without losing their catalytic activity.
Investigation of Campylobacter fetus in breeding bulls of private farms in Bangladesh
Authors: Hoque Nazmul , Islam Sk Shaheenur , Saddam Md. Jahidul Islam , Rafikuzzaman Md. , Sikder Mahmudul Hasan , Castellan David M. , Kabir S. M. Lutful
Published: July 2022

Background

Bovine genital campylobacteriosis (BGC) is a venereal disease caused by Campylobacter fetus that has a negative impact on animal reproduction. The bull is considered to be a symptomless carrier that spreads the disease agent to breeding cows, causing infertility and sporadic abortion.

Aim

The study aims to estimate the prevalence, identify risk factors of Campylobacter fetus (C. fetus) infection and antimicrobial resistance pattern of the C. fetus isolates.

Method

A cross‐sectional survey was conducted in Mymensingh district of Bangladesh. Bull smegma samples (single sample from each bull) were collected from 300 bulls from four farms and tested via culture, biochemical identification and finally 16S rRNA and cdtA gene‐based molecular assays (PCR) for herd and animal‐level prevalence estimation. Herd‐ and animal‐level data on risk factors were collected from the farmers using a pretested questionnaire and analysed by univariable and multivariable logistic regression models with a p value of <0.05 was taken statistically significant for both analyses.

Results

Among the surveyed farms, 75% (95% CI: 19.4%–99.4%) were confirmed to have bulls infected with Campylobacter fetus at herd level. However, animal‐level occurrence of C. fetus was estimated to be 8.7% (26/300) (95% CI: 5.7%–12.4%). Natural service increases the odds of campylobacteriosis 38.18 times (95% CI: 13.89–104.94) in comparison to artificial insemination for C. fetus infection in bulls. Significantly, half of the isolates (50%, n = 13) were identified to be multidrug resistant (MDR) for three to five antimicrobial agents.

Conclusion

This study highlights the need to develop official guidelines for C. fetus control and prevention in Bangladesh including mandatory artificial insemination in reproductive cows and heifers, routine screening of breeding bulls for C. fetus free status.
Estimating the impacts of natural gas power generation growth on solar electricity development: PJM's evolving resource mix and ramping capability
Authors: Nyangon Joseph , Byrne John
Published: July 2022

Expansion of distributed solar photovoltaic (PV) and natural gas‐fired generation capacity in the United States has put a renewed spotlight on methods and tools for power system planning and grid modernization. This article investigates the impact of increasing natural gas‐fired electricity generation assets on installed distributed solar PV systems in the Pennsylvania–New Jersey–Maryland (PJM) Interconnection in the United States over the period 2008–2018. We developed an empirical dynamic panel data model using the system‐generalized method of moments (system‐GMM) estimation approach. The model accounts for the impact of past and current technical, market and policy changes over time, forecasting errors, and business cycles by controlling for PJM jurisdictions‐level effects and year fixed effects. Using an instrumental variable to control for endogeneity, we concluded that natural gas does not crowd out renewables like solar PV in the PJM capacity market; however, we also found considerable heterogeneity. Such heterogeneity was displayed in the relationship between solar PV systems and electricity prices. More interestingly, we found no evidence suggesting any relationship between distributed solar PV development and nuclear, coal, hydro, or electricity consumption. In addition, considering policy effects of state renewable portfolio standards, net energy metering, differences in the PJM market structure, and other demand and cost‐related factors proved important in assessing their impacts on solar PV generation capacity, including energy storage as a non‐wire alternative policy technique.

This article is categorized under:

Photovoltaics > Economics and Policy

Fossil Fuels > Climate and Environment

Energy Systems Economics > Economics and Policy
Introduction: Using Innovative Technologies to Tackle Methodological Challenges in Migration Research
Authors: Pötzschke Steffen , Rinken Sebastian
Published: July 2022

In this introductory chapter, the editors suggest that the increasing need for rigorous data on international migration warrants enhanced co-operation between migration scholars, survey methodologists, and data scientists. Innovative information and communication technology, it is argued, may contribute substantially to improving the design and implementation of migrant surveys, and digital trace data may complement traditional data sources in promising ways. These claims are substantiated in nine contributions, all of which are based on first-hand experience with data collection and processing. Some chapters discuss innovative strategies for improving sample designs and resolving survey design issues, whereas others address the emerging role of large-scale datasets that were generated for reasons alien to migration research.
Conclusion: Migration Research in Times of Ubiquitous Digitization
Authors: Rinken Sebastian , Pötzschke Steffen
Published: July 2022

In this concluding chapter, the book’s editors stress the epochal status of the digital revolution and urge migration scholars to leverage innovative information and communication technology for enhancing their research designs. New technological options may contribute significantly to improving the viability and quality of researcher-defined data collections, yet their full potential comes to bear with regard to massive datasets generated by third parties, such as digital trace data. Since the center of gravity of social studies is predicted to shift increasingly towards the repurposing of such accrued data, migration researchers are advised to seek close cooperation with data scientists. In addition to methodological pluralism and interdisciplinary collaboration, the editors emphasize the need for ethical safeguards and accountability as major challenges this ongoing transformation entails.
SDG-16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Authors: Küfeoğlu Sinan
Published: July 2022

Institutions and organisations must give due importance to the rule of law, the sanctity of human rights and the effect of stability to ensure sustainable development. SDG-16, Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, aims to strengthen justice and strong corporate culture to achieve sustainable development and social peace. Greatly reducing crime and conflict through justice and strong institutions, upholding the rule of law and strengthening the presence of developing countries in global governance institutions are essential topics for SDG-16. This chapter presents the business models of eight companies and use cases that employ emerging technologies and create value in SDG-16. We should highlight that one use case can be related to more than one SDG and it can make use of multiple emerging technologies.
Digitale Transformation bei der Wacker Chemie AG
Authors: Burckhardt F. , Mirlach T. , Auer U. , Ziegler U. , Floetgen R. J. , Riasanow T. , Krcmar H.
Published: July 2022

Angetrieben von den Trends der Nachhaltigkeit, der Digitalisierung und der fortschrittlichen Fertigungstechnologien, steht die Chemieindustrie ähnlich wie andere Branchen zunehmend vor strategischen und strukturellen Herausforderungen. Um diese zu bewältigen, bedarf es einer engen Verzahnung von produktiven und nicht produktiven Leistungen sowie einer Veränderung der internen Wertschöpfung. Ziel dieses Beitrags ist es, am Beispiel der Wacker Chemie AG den Unterschied zwischen der organisatorischen Wertschöpfung der internen IT-Abteilung des Unternehmens vor und während der Einführung der Initiative der digitalen Transformation zu analysieren und visualisieren. Dazu werden anhand von zehn Experteninterviews mit Führungskräften die zentralen Erfolgsdimensionen der digitalen Transformation bei Wacker ermittelt, die sich auf strategische, technologische und kulturelle Erfolgsfaktoren eingrenzen lassen. Aufbauend auf einer wertorientierten Sichtweise, werden in diesem Beitrag zwei Wertschöpfungsnetzwerke vorgestellt, die die Wacker-internen Wertströme zwischen den bestehenden Einheiten vor der Einführung sowie zwischen diesen und den neu geschaffenen Einheiten während der Initiative abdecken. Um dem Vorstand einen strukturierten Ansatz zur Bewertung des Nutzens dieser Initiativen zu bieten, führen wir außerdem eine Enterprise Value Map ein. Unsere Ergebnisse zeigen, dass die Transformation und die dabei durchgeführten Projekte zur Etablierung engerer Kommunikations- und Entwicklungskanäle zwischen Business und IT führen. Zusätzlich wird die statische Sichtweise einer isolierten IT-Abteilung zu einer stärker service- und kundenorientierten Einheit aufgebrochen. Darüber hinaus zeigt die Value Map, dass die analysierten Initiativen direkt zur Umsatzsteigerung und Kostensenkung bei Wacker beitragen und darüber hinaus einen positiven Einfluss auf die Erwartungen der externen Stakeholder an das gesamte Unternehmen haben. Weitere Forschungsinitiativen auf diesem Gebiet können das entwickelte e3-value-Modell und die Value Map für weitere, vertiefende Studien nutzen. Chemiekonzerne können unsere Erkenntnisse als Unterstützung bei ihrer digitalen Transformationsinitiative nutzen und vor allem als Anregung für interne Veränderungen der Wertströme aufgreifen, um ihre Wettbewerbsfähigkeit in einer zunehmend digitalisierten Industrie zu sichern.
Analyse des Weaningprozesses bei Intensivpatienten im Hinblick auf Dokumentation und Verlegung in weiterbehandelnde Einheiten
Authors: Kippnich Maximilian , Skazel Tobias , Klingshirn Hanna , Gerken Laura , Heuschmann Peter , Haas Kirsten , Schutzmeier Martha , Brandstetter Lilly , Weismann Dirk , Reuschenbach Bernd , Meybohm Patrick , Wurmb Thomas
Published: July 2022

Hintergrund und Fragestellung

Die Entwöhnung von Beatmungsgeräten wird nicht immer auf der primär behandelnden Intensivstation abgeschlossen. Die Weiterverlegung in andere Behandlungseinrichtungen stellt einen sensiblen Abschnitt in der Behandlung und Rehabilitation des Weaningpatienten dar. Ziel der vorliegenden Studie war die Untersuchung des Überleitungsmanagements und des Interhospitaltransfers von Weaningpatienten unter besonderer Berücksichtigung der Dokumentationsqualität.

Methodik

Es erfolge eine retrospektive Datenanalyse eines Jahrs (2018) auf 2 Intensivstationen eines Universitätsklinikums. Eingeschlossen wurden alle beatmeten Patienten mit folgenden Tracerdiagnosen: COPD, Asthma, Polytrauma, Pneumonie, Sepsis, ARDS und Reanimation (Beatmung > 24 h).

Ergebnisse

Insgesamt konnten 750 Patienten in die Untersuchung eingeschlossen werden (Alter 64 [52, 8–76; Median, IQR]; 32 % weiblich). Davon waren 48 (6,4 %) Patienten zum Zeitpunkt der Verlegung nicht entwöhnt (v. a. Sepsis und ARDS). Die Routinedokumentation war bei den Abschnitten „Spontaneous Breathing Trial“, „Bewertung der Entwöhungsbereitschaft“ und „vermutete Entwöhnbarkeit“ ausreichend, um die Erfüllung der Parameter der S2k-Leitlinie „Prolongiertes Weaning“ adäquat zu beurteilen. Vorwiegend wurden diese Patienten mit Tracheostoma (76 %) in Rehabilitationskliniken (44 %) mittels spezialisierten Rettungsmitteln des arztbegleiteten Patiententransports verlegt (75 %).

Diskussion

Die Verlegung nicht entwöhnter Patienten nach initialem Intensivaufenthalt ist ein relevantes Thema für den Interhospitaltransfer. Die Routinedokumentation eines strukturierten Weaningprozesses ist in Kernelementen ausreichend, um den Weaningprozess lückenlos zu beschreiben. Dies ist für die Kontinuität in der Weiterbehandlung dieser Patienten von großer Bedeutung.
3D printing in fracture treatment
Authors: Fang Christian , Cai Leyi , Chu Gabriel , Jarayabhand Rahat , Kim Ji Wan , O’Neill Gavin
Published: July 2022

The use of 3D printing in orthopedic trauma is supported by clinical evidence. Existing computed tomography (CT) data are exploited for better stereotactic identification of morphological features of the fracture and enhanced surgical planning. Due to complex logistic, technical and resource constraints, deployment of 3D printing is not straightforward from the hospital management perspective. As a result not all trauma surgeons are able to confidently integrate 3D printing into the daily practice. We carried out an expert panel survey on six trauma units which utilized 3D printing routinely. The most frequent indications are acetabular and articular fractures and malalignments. Infrastructure and manpower structure varied between units. The installation of industrial grade machines and dedicated software as well as the use of trained personnel can enhance the capacity and reliability of fracture treatment. Setting up interdisciplinary jointly used 3d printing departments with sound financial and management structures may improve sustainability. The sometimes substantial logistic and technical barriers which impede the rapid delivery of 3D printed models are discussed.
Identifying self-admitted technical debt in issue tracking systems using machine learning
Authors: Li Yikun , Soliman Mohamed , Avgeriou Paris
Published: July 2022

Technical debt is a metaphor indicating sub-optimal solutions implemented for short-term benefits by sacrificing the long-term maintainability and evolvability of software. A special type of technical debt is explicitly admitted by software engineers (e.g. using a TODO comment); this is called Self-Admitted Technical Debt or SATD. Most work on automatically identifying SATD focuses on source code comments. In addition to source code comments, issue tracking systems have shown to be another rich source of SATD, but there are no approaches specifically for automatically identifying SATD in issues. In this paper, we first create a training dataset by collecting and manually analyzing 4,200 issues (that break down to 23,180 sections of issues) from seven open-source projects (i.e., Camel, Chromium, Gerrit, Hadoop, HBase, Impala, and Thrift) using two popular issue tracking systems (i.e., Jira and Google Monorail). We then propose and optimize an approach for automatically identifying SATD in issue tracking systems using machine learning. Our findings indicate that: 1) our approach outperforms baseline approaches by a wide margin with regard to the F1-score; 2) transferring knowledge from suitable datasets can improve the predictive performance of our approach; 3) extracted SATD keywords are intuitive and potentially indicating types and indicators of SATD; 4) projects using different issue tracking systems have less common SATD keywords compared to projects using the same issue tracking system; 5) a small amount of training data is needed to achieve good accuracy.
The unbearable lightness of the personal, explanatory level
Authors: Williams Heath
Published: July 2022

I begin this paper by demonstrating that there is a perceived overlap between phenomenology and the personal level. This perception has recently played a decisive role in evaluating phenomenological contributions to discussions within cognitive science, for example, on topics of social cognition. In this paper, I aim not only to understand what might be meant by associating phenomenology with the personal level, but to cast this association in a critical light. I show that the personal level is essentially an explanatory level, whereby perceptions and mental state terms (paradigmatically, belief and desire) explain purposive action. I then separate the notion of consciousness from the notion of the personal level. To do so, I advance Wittgenstein’s private language argument in conjunction with Sellars’ account of how the meaning of mental state terms derives from their explanatory function. Using the Wittgenstinian/Sellarsian picture as guide, I show that characterising personal level explanations by reference to conscious experiences imputes excess baggage over and above the commitment to a unique explanatory level. Yet, for many, ‘phenomenology’ is the level of conscious experience. I argue that it is when the extra baggage of assuming that we are aware of our explanatory, personal level mental states is coupled with the controversial claim that phenomenology is tantamount to the verbalisation of conscious states that the ill begotten association between them is arises.
The Ethics of Medical Sexual Health Education and Its Provision
Authors: Gordon Elisabeth
Published: July 2022

Purpose of Review

The purpose of this paper is to open a discussion of the ethics of medical sexual health education (SHE) and its provision in medical education. The paper utilizes a qualitative analysis of currently available literature on medical SHE and a medical ethics framework of the four prima facie principles of (1) respect for autonomy, (2) beneficence, (3) non-maleficence, and (4) justice, together with expert opinion. The result is a review of the ethics of medical SHE as well as the ethics of the decision to provide, or not to provide, comprehensive SHE.

Recent Findings

Recent literature has underscored the many ways in which comprehensive medical SHE supports trainees’ ability to provide sexual health care and improve their delivery of general health care, as well as the many ways sexual health is correlated with systemic health. The literature also provides evidence that the provision of comprehensive SHE is limited in undergraduate and graduate medical education. There is a dearth of literature specifically examining the ethics of medical SHE provision.

This analysis demonstrates the ways in which comprehensive medical SHE and its provision conforms with the principles of the ethical practice of medicine. The analysis also supports that a lack of inclusion of SHE in medical education programs may be a violation of these principles and increases the risk of future unethical practice by medical professionals.

MESH Headings: Ethics, Medical, Social justice, Sexual health, Sexuality, Human, Education, Medical, Undergraduate, Education, Medical, Graduate
Marktvaccinaties in Rotterdam
Authors: Merkelbach Inge , Sana Shakib , Magnée Tessa , Kocken Paul , Peeters Robin , Denktaș Semiha
Published: July 2022

Samenvatting

De COVID-19-vaccinatiegraad in Nederland is niet gelijk verdeeld: in sommige wijken blijft de vaccinatiegraad achter. Dat leidt tot individuele gezondheidsrisico’s en belasting van de zorgketen. Een verklaring hiervoor is dat een gelijke aanpak (equality-aanpak) niet altijd tot gelijke uitkomsten leidt, terwijl er op landelijk niveau wel gekozen is voor een algemene voorlichtingscampagne. Wij bepleiten daarom het inzetten van de equity-aanpak, zoals door de WHO gedefinieerd, gericht op het behalen van gelijke resultaten door in te spelen op de specifieke behoeften van kwetsbare groepen. Als voorbeeld beschrijven we een Rotterdamse interventie, waarbij Rotterdamse (huis)artsen het initiatief namen informatie over vaccins en vaccinatie aan te bieden op de drukbezochte markten van Rotterdam. Aan de hand van interviews met betrokken medische vrijwilligers schetsen wij daarnaast enkele randvoorwaarden voor het succesvol inzetten van een dergelijke op outreach gebaseerde aanpak en doen we enkele praktische aanbevelingen.