bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A New Structure with Localized sp2 Bonding for Fivefold Twinning in Diamond
Authors: Yang Yuying , Feng Liu , Zhang Qiang , Fan Huiqing , Wen Guangwu , Qin Lu‐Chang
Published: June 2023

Changes in atomic bonding configuration in carbon from sp3 to sp2 are known to exist in certain structural defects in diamond, such as twin boundaries, grain boundaries, and dislocations, which have a significant impact on many properties of diamond. In this work, the atomic structure of fivefold twinning in detonation synthesized ultra‐dispersed diamonds is investigated using a combination of techniques, including spherical aberration‐corrected high‐resolution electron microscopy (HREM), HREM image simulations, and molecular mechanics (MM) calculations. The experimental HREM images reveal clearly that the fivefold twinning in diamond has two distinct structures. In addition to the concentric fivefold twins, where the core structure is the intersection of five {111} twinning boundaries, a new extended core structure with co‐hybridization of bonding is identified and analyzed in fivefold twinning. The atomic structure forming these fivefold twinning boundaries and their respective core structures is proposed to involve both the tetrahedral sp3 and planar graphitic sp2 bonding configurations, in which a co‐hybridized planar hexagon of carbon serves as a fundamental structural unit. The presence of this sp2‐bonded planar unit of hexagonal carbon rings in general grain boundaries is also discussed.
Color Revolution: Prospects and Challenges of Quantum‐Dot Light‐Emitting Diode Display Technologies
Authors: Chen Zinan , Li Haotao , Yuan Cuixia , Gao Peili , Su Qiang , Chen Shuming
Published: June 2023

Light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) based on colloidal quantum‐dots (QDs) such as CdSe, InP, and ZnSeTe feature a unique advantage of narrow emission linewidth of ≈20 nm, which can produce highly accurate colors, making them a highly promising technology for the realization of displays with Rec. 2020 color gamut. With the rapid development in the past decades, the performances of red and green QLEDs have been remarkably improved, and their efficiency and lifetime can almost meet industrial requirements. However, the industrialization of QLED displays still faces many challenges; for example, (1) the device mechanisms including the charge injection/transport/leakage, exciton quenching, and device degradation are still unclear, which fundamentally limit QLED performance improvement; (2) the blue performances including the efficiency, chromaticity, and stability are relatively low, which are still far from the requirements of practical applications; (3) the color patterning processes including the ink‐jet printing, transfer printing, and photolithography are still immature, which restrict the manufacturing of high resolution full‐color QLED displays. Here, the recent advancements attempting to address the above challenges of QLED displays are specifically reviewed. After a brief overview of QLED development history, device structure/principle, and performances, the main focus is to investigate the recent discoveries on device mechanisms with an emphasis on device degradation. Then recent progress is introduced in blue QLEDs and color patterning. Finally, the opportunities, challenges, solutions, and future research directions of QLED displays are summarized.
Emerging market multinational corporations' cross‐border mergers and acquisitions and political distance: Does corporate political activity matter?
Authors: Brown Lee Warren , Liou Ru‐Shiun , Hasija Dinesh
Published: June 2023

Due to rising anti‐globalization sentiment, emerging market multinational corporations (EMNCs) face additional challenges in conducting cross‐border mergers and acquisitions, particularly in the developed markets. Built on institutional theory, we specifically examine how political distance, representing host–home country differences in various attributes in the political environment, influences the speed of approval for EMNC acquisition in the United States. The findings suggest that a larger political distance between the United States and EMNCs home country reflects challenges for EMNCs to gain legitimacy in the United States, resulting in the longer time required for acquisition approval. The EMNCs' corporate political activity moderated this relationship in that more corporate political activity improves the legitimacy perception of EMNCs among political actors, decreasing the time required for acquisition approval.
Green chemistry: Developments and perspectives for sample treatment in forensic methodologies
Authors: Birk Letícia , dos Santos Bruno Pereira , Schwarz Patricia de Souza , Eller Sarah , de Oliveira Tiago Franco
Published: June 2023

In recent years, the environmental implications of advancements in various scientific fields, including analytical chemistry, have become a subject of increasing concern. As a result, the concept of “Green Analytical Chemistry” has been developed, comprising a set of practices designed to reduce the use of toxic chemicals. In the field of analytical, minimizing chemical usage presents a significant challenge, as several sample preparation methods inherently require the utilization of large quantities of solvents. However, this challenge can be addressed through the implementation of both single and combined strategies. One of these strategies is the miniaturization of methods applying the principles of classic liquid–liquid and solid phase extractions in a smaller scale of reagents and samples. In addition, the conventional reagents used in sample preparation can be replaced with green solvents and sorbents. The utilization of miniaturized techniques in forensic toxicology has been widely adopted. Despite this, there remain numerous unexplored applications due to the vast diversity of analytes and biological matrices available. Therefore, implementing green chemistry practices can provide numerous benefits, including enhanced worker safety, reduced waste, and cost savings.

This article is categorized under:

Toxicology > Analytical

Toxicology > Drug Analysis

Toxicology > Post‐Mortem
Enablers of a Circular Economy: A Strength-Based Stakeholder Engagement Approach
Authors: Lehtimäki Hanna , Kujala Johanna , Thatchenkery Tojo
Published: June 2023

Recent circular economy research has emphasised that stakeholder engagement and mutual support of stakeholders are needed to implement the idea of a circular economy. While stakeholder engagement is often considered as something positive, a deeper understanding of what constitutes the positive in stakeholder relationships is needed. The purpose of this chapter is to increase our understanding of strength-based stakeholder engagement as an enabler of the sustainability transition to a circular economy. We explore what constitutes positive and constructive stakeholder relationships at the individual, organisational and societal levels of stakeholder engagement. We present an empirical study of specialists representing different stakeholders involved in advancing the circular economy in Finland. Drawing on a strength-based approach, our study contributes to the stakeholder literature by elucidating the positive foundation of stakeholder engagement. Our study shows that identifying and enhancing the strengths in stakeholder engagement reveals opportunities that exist for a circular economy.
In the Margins of Stakeholder Engagement: Fringe Stakeholders’ Inclusion in Sustainability Transition Initiatives
Authors: Lyra Mariana Galvão , Lehtimäki Hanna
Published: June 2023

In this paper, we examine fringe stakeholders in the context of transitions towards sustainability. Fringe stakeholders refer to marginalised and non-collaborative stakeholders whose voices are not easy to account for. Our conceptual study integrates extant knowledge about the concept of fringe stakeholders to provide valuable insights into studying fringe stakeholders in sustainability transitions. We discuss challenges to addressing fringe stakeholders in the multi-stakeholder approach and draw lessons for research design from a review of empirical studies of fringe stakeholders in sustainability transitions in urban settings. Finally, we discuss the methodological features that enhance giving voice to fringe stakeholders in stakeholder engagement research. As a contribution to research on stakeholder engagement, our paper presents insights related to addressing fringe stakeholders in the contexts of theoretical framing, research design and methodology.
Engaging Stakeholders in the Circular Economy: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Oberholzer Silvan , Sachs Sybille
Published: June 2023

Stakeholder networks in the circular economy (CE) address sustainable production and consumption within a regenerative system. Thus, studying stakeholder interactions within these networks provides essential insight into action urgently required to help businesses foster more harmony between human activity and nature. However, management literature on CE lacks an appropriate analytical lens on stakeholder engagement. To overcome this gap, we conducted a systematic literature review that integrated qualitative content analysis of management research on CE to untangle the complexity of stakeholder interactions in CE. We identify specific aims, activities, and impacts of stakeholder engagement in CE according to their moral, strategic, and pragmatic components. Pragmatic stakeholder engagement dominates our sample, but the research illustrates that embracing moral and strategic stakeholder engagement is equally vital to leveraging stakeholder relationship synergies in CE. Our categorisation of stakeholder engagement in CE provides an overview for researchers and managers and points to the value of the underlying stakeholder network logic for collaboratively addressing environmental challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss. Correspondingly, we enhance understanding of the intersection of stakeholder engagement with CE management literature and provide an agenda for future research.
How to Engage Stakeholders in Circular Economy Ecosystems: The Process
Authors: Kaipainen Jenni , Uusikartano Jarmo , Aarikka-Stenroos Leena , Harala Linnea , Alakerttula Johanna , Pohls Eeva-Leena
Published: June 2023

Achieving a circular economy (CE) requires collaboration between diverse stakeholders, which often happens in socio-technical ecosystem settings, where complementary stakeholders can pursue the system-level goal of improving circularity. The stakeholders, as well as the ecosystem settings in which they collaborate, are diverse, which might impact the process of how stakeholders can be engaged in the CE goals. Thus, to achieve CE goals, different stakeholder engagement processes are needed in different ecosystem settings. Bringing together stakeholder engagement, the ecosystem approach, and CE research as our theoretical background, we address the considerable lack of empirical case research on stakeholder engagement processes by analysing six critical topical CE ecosystem cases in Finland: two at the regional level (a local environmental issue and an industrial collaboration), three at the national level (nutrient recycling, the construction sector, and beverage packaging recycling), and one at the global level (a sustainable fast-food business). Based on a detailed case analysis, we conceptualised four stakeholder engagement process archetypes to achieve CE goals. We propose a model that shows how stakeholders are engaged in different CE ecosystem settings depending on the ecosystem structure and the alignment of stakeholder interests with achieving the CE system-level goal. The model and archetypes contribute to the theory and can benefit organisations and managers engaging stakeholders in emerging or established CE ecosystems.
C and CP violation in effective field theories
Authors: Akdag Hakan , Kubis Bastian , Wirzba Andreas
Published: June 2023

Abstract

The quest for new sources of the simultaneous violation ofCandCPsymmetry was popular in the 1960s and has since been mostly neglected for more than half a century. In this work we revisit fundamental quark-level operators that breakCandCPup to and including mass dimension 8 for flavor-conserving transitions, relying on the complete operator sets of the so-called Standard Model effective field theory and the low-energy effective field theory. With the formalism of chiral perturbation theory, we match these quark operators to light-meson physics, deriveC- andCP-odd Lagrangians for several processes in theη,η', and pion sectors, and furthermore, as a proof of principle, give estimates for the respective observables in explicit dependence of the underlying high-energy scale for new physics.
Action for N D0-branes invariant under gauged Galilean transformations
Authors: Klusoň J.
Published: June 2023

Abstract

In this short note we formulate an action for N D0-branes that is manifestly invariant under gauged Galilean transformations. We also find its canonical form and determine first class constraints that are generators of gauge transformations.
Q-lump scattering
Authors: Sutcliffe Paul
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Q-lumps are spinning planar topological solitons with stationary solutions that satisfy first-order Bogomolny equations. Q-lump scattering has previously been studied only in the charge two sector, by approximating time evolution by motion in the moduli space of stationary solutions. In this paper, higher charge scattering is studied via motion on families of 4-dimensional submanifolds of moduli space, obtained by imposing cyclic symmetries. The results are shown to be in good agreement with field theory simulations, which are then applied to study more complicated Q-lump scattering processes, including examples where the moduli space approximation is not applicable. A variety of exotic scattering events are presented.
Clinical Evaluation of a Quantitative Imaging Biomarker Supporting Radiological Assessment of Hippocampal Sclerosis
Authors: Rebsamen Michael , Jin Baudouin Zongxin , Klail Tomas , De Beukelaer Sophie , Barth Rike , Rezny-Kasprzak Beata , Ahmadli Uzeyir , Vulliemoz Serge , Seeck Margitta , Schindler Kaspar , Wiest Roland , Radojewski Piotr , Rummel Christian
Published: June 2023

Objective:

To evaluate the influence of quantitative reports (QReports) on the radiological assessment of hippocampal sclerosis (HS) from MRI of patients with epilepsy in a setting mimicking clinical reality.

Methods: The study included 40 patients with epilepsy, among them 20 with structural abnormalities in the mesial temporal lobe (13 with HS). Six raters blinded to the diagnosis assessed the 3T MRI in two rounds, first using MRI only and later with both MRI and the QReport. Results were evaluated using inter-rater agreement (Fleiss’ kappa $$k$$
k
) and comparison with a consensus of two radiological experts derived from clinical and imaging data, including 7T MRI.

Results:

For the primary outcome, diagnosis of HS, the mean accuracy of the raters improved from 77.5% with MRI only to 86.3% with the additional QReport (effect size $$d=1.43$$

d
=
1.43

). Inter-rater agreement increased from $$k=0.56$$

k
=
0.56

to $$k=0.72$$

k
=
0.72

. Five of the six raters reached higher accuracies, and all reported higher confidence when using the QReports.

Conclusion:

In this pre-use clinical evaluation study, we demonstrated clinical feasibility and usefulness as well as the potential impact of a previously suggested imaging biomarker for radiological assessment of HS.
Simulation der Letalität nach verschiedenen Ex-ante- und Ex-post-Triage-Verfahren bei Menschen mit Behinderungen und Vorerkrankungen
Authors: Garber Sara , Brunner Jens O. , Heller Axel R. , Marckmann Georg , Bartenschlager Christina C.
Published: June 2023

Der stetige Anstieg an zu behandelnden Patienten während der COVID-19-Pandemie hat das Gesundheitssystem vor eine Vielzahl an Herausforderungen gestellt. Die Intensivstation ist einer der in diesem Zusammenhang besonders stark betroffenen Bereiche. Nur durch umfangreiche Infektionsschutzmaßnahmen sowie einen enormen logistischen Aufwand konnten in Deutschland selbst in Hochphasen der Pandemie die Behandlung aller Intensivpatienten ermöglicht und eine Triage auch in Regionen mit hohem Patientendruck bei gleichzeitig geringen Kapazitäten verhindert werden. Im Hinblick auf die Pandemievorsorge hat der Deutsche Bundestag ein Gesetz zur Triage verabschiedet, das eine Ex-post-Triage explizit untersagt. Bei einer Ex-post-Triage werden auch Patienten, die bereits auf der Intensivstation behandelt werden, in die Triage-Entscheidung einbezogen und Behandlungskapazitäten nach individueller Erfolgsaussicht verteilt. In der Literatur finden sich rechtliche, ethische und soziale Überlegungen zur Triage bei Pandemien, eine quantitative Bewertung im Hinblick auf verschiedene Patientengruppen auf der Intensivstation gibt es hingegen nicht. Der Fokus der Arbeit liegt auf dieser Forschungslücke, und es wird eine quantitative simulationsbasierte Evaluation von Ex-ante- und Ex-post-Triage-Politiken unter Berücksichtigung von Überlebenswahrscheinlichkeiten, Beeinträchtigungen und Vorerkrankungen durchgeführt. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass eine Anwendung von Ex-post-Triage, basierend auf Überlebenswahrscheinlichkeiten in allen Patientengruppen, zu einer Reduktion der Mortalität auf der Intensivstation führt. In dem Szenario, das der realen Situation wohl am nächsten kommt, wird eine Reduktion der Mortalität auf der Intensivstation um ca. 15 % schon bei einer einmaligen Anwendung der Ex-post-Triage erreicht. Dieser mortalitätsreduzierende Effekt ist umso größer, je mehr Patienten auf eine intensivmedizinische Behandlung warten.
Effects of mental health status during adolescence on primary care costs in adulthood across three British cohorts
Authors: King Derek , Gronholm Petra C. , Knapp Martin , Hoffmann Mauricio S. , Bonin Eva-Maria , Brimblecombe Nicola , Kadel Rajendra , Maughan Barbara , O’Shea Nick , Richards Marcus , Hoomans Ties , Evans-Lacko Sara
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This study examines the association between mental health problems in adolescence and general practice (GP) costs during adulthood up to age 50 in the UK.

Methods

We conducted secondary analyses of three British birth cohorts (individuals born in single weeks in 1946, 1958 and 1970). Data for the three cohorts were analysed separately. All respondents who participated in the cohort studies were included. Adolescent mental health status was assessed in each cohort using the Rutter scale (or, for one cohort, a forerunner of that scale) completed in interviews with parents and teachers when cohort members were aged around 16. Presence and severity of conduct and emotional problems were modelled as independent variables in two-part regression models in which the dependent variable was costs of GP services from data collection sweeps up to mid-adulthood. All analyses were adjusted for covariates (cognitive ability, mother's education, housing tenure, father's social class and childhood physical disability).

Results

Adolescent conduct and emotional problems, particularly when coexisting, were associated with relatively high GP costs in adulthood up to age 50. Associations were generally stronger in females than males.

Conclusion

Associations between adolescent mental health problems and annual GP cost were evident decades later, to age 50, suggesting that there could be significant future savings to healthcare budgets if rates of adolescent conduct and emotional problems could be reduced.

Trial registration

Not applicable.
A Case of Hypercalcemia from PTHrP-Producing Fibromyxoid Sarcoma Responsive to Glucocorticoid Therapy
Authors: Niu Isabella , Hsiao Edward C. , Wustrack Rosanna , Wysolmerski John J. , Dann Pamela , Masharani Umesh
Published: June 2023

The treatment of parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP)-mediated hypercalcemia of malignancy includes treating the malignancy, intravenous fluids, and anti-resorptive therapies such as zoledronic acid or denosumab. PTHrP-mediated hypercalcemia has been reported in benign conditions such as systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) and sarcoidosis and appears to be responsive to glucocorticoids. We report a case of PTHrP-induced hypercalcemia due to a malignancy—low grade fibromyxoid sarcoma—that responded to glucocorticoid treatment. This is the first report of glucocorticoids controlling PTHrP-mediated hypercalcemia of malignancy. Immunohistochemistry of the surgical pathology localized PTHrP staining to the vascular endothelial cells within the tumor. Further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanism of glucocorticoid action in the treatment of PTHrP-mediated hypercalcemia of malignancy.
Intraductal oncocytic papillary neoplasm of the pancreas: clinical and radiological features compared to those of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm
Authors: Nakaya Moto , Nakai Yudai , Takahashi Mai , Fukukura Yoshihiko , Sato Keisuke , Kameda Arisa , Tashiro Yuki , Kageyama Sakiko , Sofue Keitaro , Nakano Tsubasa , Yoshimitsu Kengo , Marugami Nagaaki , Takeyama Nobuyuki , Tanaka Mariko , Hasegawa Kiyoshi , Watadani Takeyuki
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to characterize the clinical and imaging findings of intraductal oncocytic papillary neoplasm of the pancreas (IOPN-P) compared to those of intraductal papillary mucinous adenoma/carcinoma (IPMA/IPMC).

Methods

This multi-institutional retrospective study reviewed the clinical, imaging, and pathological findings of 21 patients with pathologically proven IOPN-P. Twenty-one computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging, and seven 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-positron emission tomography were performed before surgery. The following findings were evaluated: preoperative blood test results, lesion size and location, pancreatic duct diameter, contrast-enhancement effect, bile duct and peripancreatic invasion, maximum standardized uptake (SUVmax) value, and pathological stromal invasion.

Results

Serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and cancer antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) levels were significantly higher in the IPMN/IPMC group than in the IOPN-P group. Except in one patient, IOPN-P showed multifocal cystic lesions with solid components or a tumor in the main pancreatic duct (MPD) with dilatation. IOPN-P had a higher frequency of solid parts and a lower frequency of downstream MPD dilatation than IPMA. IPMC showed smaller overall cyst size, more radiological peripancreatic invasion, and worse recurrence-free and overall survival than IOPN-P. The average SUVmax value of IOPN-P was 7.5. Pathologically, 17 of the 21 IOPN-Ps had a malignant component, and six showed stromal invasion.

Conclusion

IOPN-P shows cystic-solid lesions similar to IPMC but has lower serum CEA and CA19-9 levels, larger overall cyst size, lower frequency of peripancreatic invasion, and more favorable prognosis than IPMC. Moreover, the high FDG uptake by IOPN-Ps may be a characteristic finding of this study.

Graphical abstract
„Mild-behavioral-impairment“-Checkliste
Authors: Dibbern Pauline , Horsch Jennifer , Fiegl Julia , Eckl Linda , Finger Tamara , Diermeier Lisa , Deppe Markus , Schiekofer Stephan , Langguth Berthold , Ismail Zahinoor , Barinka Filip
Published: June 2023

Hintergrund

Das Syndrom einer leichten Verhaltensbeeinträchtigung („mild behavioral impairment syndrome“, MBI) ist definiert durch das Auftreten anhaltender neuropsychiatrischer Symptome im Alter. Die Mild-behavioral-impairment-Checkliste (MBI-C) dient der Erfassung von persistierenden neuropsychiatrischen Symptomen, welche die Präsenz des MBI definieren.

Ziel

Erarbeitung einer deutschsprachigen Version der MBI‑C und Beurteilung der klinischen Anwendbarkeit.

Material und Methoden

Im Austausch mit dem federführenden Autor der englischen Originalversion wurde eine deutsche Version erstellt. Die Praktikabilität der Anwendung wurde im Rahmen einer Anwendbarkeitsstudie an einer Kohorte von 21 stationären alterspsychiatrischen Patienten überprüft. Dabei wurden die Compliance der Patienten, die Verständlichkeit, der Zeitaufwand, das Vorgehen bei der Auswertung und die Unterschiede zwischen den Angaben der Patienten und der Angehörigen beurteilt.

Ergebnisse

Die erstellte Übersetzung der MBI‑C gilt als offizielle deutsche Version und kann auf https://mbitest.org heruntergeladen werden. Alle Patienten beantworteten alle 34 Fragen vollständig, die Verständlichkeit zeigte sich als sehr gut, der durchschnittliche Zeitaufwand lag bei 16 min. Es zeigten sich z. T. bedeutsame Unterschiede zwischen den Angaben der Patienten und der Angehörigen.

Diskussion

Das MBI kann bei einem Teil der Personen mit neurodegenerativer demenzieller Erkrankung das ansonsten präsymptomatische Stadium markieren. Die MBI‑C könnte somit bei der Früherkennung von neurodegenerativen Demenzen helfen. Diese Hypothese kann mithilfe der hier präsentierten sprachlich lokalisierten Version der MBI‑C auch im deutschsprachigen Raum zukünftig überprüft werden.
Austrian consensus on the diagnosis and management of portal hypertension in advanced chronic liver disease (Billroth IV)
Authors: Mandorfer Mattias , Aigner Elmar , Cejna Manfred , Ferlitsch Arnulf , Datz Christian , Gräter Tilmann , Graziadei Ivo , Gschwantler Michael , Hametner-Schreil Stephanie , Hofer Harald , Jachs Mathias , Loizides Alexander , Maieron Andreas , Peck-Radosavljevic Markus , Rainer Florian , Scheiner Bernhard , Semmler Georg , Reider Lukas , Reiter Silvia , Schoder Maria , Schöfl Rainer , Schwabl Philipp , Stadlbauer Vanessa , Stauber Rudolf , Tatscher Elisabeth , Trauner Michael , Ziachehabi Alexander , Zoller Heinz , Fickert Peter , Reiberger Thomas
Published: June 2023

The Billroth IV consensus was developed during a consensus meeting of the Austrian Society of Gastroenterology and Hepatology (ÖGGH) and the Austrian Society of Interventional Radiology (ÖGIR) held on the 26th of November 2022 in Vienna.

Based on international recommendations and considering recent landmark studies, the Billroth IV consensus provides guidance regarding the diagnosis and management of portal hypertension in advanced chronic liver disease.
Agriculture and environment: friends or foes? Conceptualising agri-environmental discourses under the European Union’s Common Agricultural Policy
Authors: Rac Ilona , Erjavec Karmen , Erjavec Emil
Published: June 2023

The European Union’s common agricultural policy (CAP), in addition to its primary production and farm income goals, is a large source of funding for environmentally friendly agricultural practices. However, its schemes have variable success and uptake across member states (MS) and regions. This study tries to explain these differences by demonstrating differences between policy levels in the understanding of the relationship between nature and farming. To compare constructs and values of the respective policy communities, their discursive construction as it appears in the main strategic EU and MS agricultural policy documents is analysed. The theoretical framework integrates elements from existing frameworks of CAP and environmental discourse analysis; specific agri-environmental discourses, their elements and interplay, are identified. The six discourses suggested here are ‘Productivism’, ‘Classical neoliberal’, ‘Ecological modernisation’, ‘Administrative’, ‘Multifunctionality’ and ‘Radical green’. The discourse analysis of selected documents reveals that there are indeed differences in how farming and the environment are generally conceptualised at different levels of CAP decision-making. At EU level, farming is primarily understood as a sector whose main task is to produce food (‘Productivism’), and the environment is used as a justification for CAP payments (‘Multifunctionality’). At the national/regional level, Rural Development Programmes reflect different value systems: in England, environmental protection is mainly seen as sound management of natural capital (‘Classical neoliberal’); in Finland, a benefit for producers and conscious consumers (‘Ecological modernisation’); in Croatia, a necessity limiting productivity (‘Productivism’) and imposed by an external authority (‘Administrative’ discourse). This diversity shows that differences can visibly manifest despite the Commission constraining the discursive space, helping to explain the differential implementation and success of environmental measures.
Evaluation of the danger of a tailings pile belonging to an active mine through its characterization and a dispersion model
Authors: González-Sánchez Jesús Fidel , Mendoza-Lara Osiel O. , Romero-Hernández Jorge Luis , Fernández-Villagómez Georgina
Published: June 2023

Mining is one of the principal economic activities in Mexico, which in addition to bringing benefits to the population, causes health and environmental problems. This activity produces a lot of wastes, but the main one is tailings. In Mexico, these wastes are disposed of in the open air, and there is no control over them, so the particles of these wastes are dispersed by wind currents to the surrounding population. In this research, tailings were characterized, finding in them particles smaller than 100 microns; in this way, tailings can enter into the respiratory system and hence can cause diseases. Furthermore, it is important to identify the toxic components. The present work does not have previous research in Mexico, and it shows a qualitative characterization of the tailings from an active mine using different analytical techniques. In addition to the data obtained from the characterization of the tailings, as well as the concentration of the toxic elements found, which were Pb and As, a dispersal model was generated and used to estimate the concentration of particles in the wind generated at the studied area. The air quality model used in this research is AERMOD, where it uses emission factors and available databases provided by Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA); Moreover, the model was coupled with meteorological information from the latest generation WRF model. The modeling results estimated that the dispersion of particles from the tailings dam can contribute up to 10.15 µg/m3 of PM10 to the air quality of the site, which, according to the characterization of the samples obtained, could be dangerous for human health and can be estimated up to a concentration of 0.04 µg/m3 of Pb and 10.90 ng/m3 of As. It is very important to make this kind of research to know the risk which people around this disposal sites are exposed to.
“You give a little bit more love to animals than to robots”: primary pupils’ conceptions of ‘programming’ and programmable artefacts
Authors: Axell Cecilia , Berg Astrid
Published: June 2023

Although digital technology is an important part of young people’s lives, previous research implies that they have a limited understanding of what programming is and its connection to the digital devices they encounter every day. In order to create conditions for meaningful teaching in and about programming in technology education, more knowledge about younger students’ pre-understanding and experiences is needed. In the light of this, the aim of this case study was to explore young pupils’ descriptions of the concept ‘programming’, in connection with being introduced to programming as a teaching content in technology education. The study is based on semi-structured interviews with 16 children in year 1 (7-year-olds) in a primary school in Sweden. In their descriptions of ‘programming’ as an activity, the pupils mainly used technological descriptions—a theory of artificial mind perspective. However, when they talked about the objects with which they associated programming, psychological descriptions—a theory of mind perspective—were more clearly present. Then, a less pronounced distinction between humans and machines was made. Anthropomorphic references were used, such as when the pupils referenced children’s culture such as movies and television programs. However, the term ‘programming’ was difficult for many of the pupils to grasp. They also had difficulty in finding a function for programming, as well as explanations and arguments for why they learn programming in school. The results of this study indicate that these 7-year-old pupils perceive ‘programming’ as something complex. This at the same time as they describe how programmed and programmed artefacts (including AI devices) are highly present in their everyday lives, in their leisure environments, and in school. This mirrors how technology has become an ‘intelligent’ and active agent, rather than a mere tool in their lives—an aspect that teachers may forget to take advantage of.
Immunoglobulin Replacement Therapy During COVID-19 Pandemic: Practical and Psychological Impact in Patients with Antibody Deficiency
Authors: Maimaris Jesmeen , O’Sullivan Anjel , Underhill Isabella , Green Ghiselle , Symes Andrew , Lowe David , Burns Siobhan , Campbell Mari , Elfeky Reem
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted on how health services deliver care and the mental health of the population. Due to their clinical vulnerability, to reduce in-hospital attendances during the COVID-19 pandemic, modifications in immunoglobulin treatment regimens were made for patients with antibody deficiency. These patients were also likely to experience social isolation due to shielding measure that were advised. We aimed to investigate the impact of modifying immunoglobulin treatment regimen on infection and mental health burden during shielding restrictions.

Method

Patients on immunoglobulin replacement therapy (IGRT) responded to a standardised questionnaire examining self-reported infection frequency, anxiety (GAD-7), depression (PHQ-8), fatigue (FACIT), and quality of life during the pandemic. Infection frequency and immunoglobulin trough levels were compared to pre-pandemic levels.

Results

Patients who did not change treatment modality or those who received immunoglobulin replacement at home during the pandemic reported fewer infections. In patients who received less frequent hospital infusions, there was no significant increase in infections whilst immunoglobulin trough levels remained stable. There was no significant difference in anxiety, or depression scores between the treatment modality groups. Patients reported higher fatigue scores compared to the pre-COVID general population and in those discharged following hospitalisation for COVID.

Conclusion

Changing immunoglobulin treatment regimen did not negatively impact infection rates or psychological wellbeing. However, psychological welfare should be prioritised for this group particularly given uncertainties around COVID-19 vaccination responsiveness and continued social isolation for many.
Degradation of Crystal Violet Using Gadolinium Zirconium Oxide (Gd2Zr2O7) Nanoparticles
Authors: Abdelbaky M. , Abdelghany A. M. , Oraby A. H. , Abdelrazek E. M. , Rashad M. M.
Published: June 2023

The demand for clean water free of pollution has become an urgent priority for humanity. Gd2Zr2O7 nanoparticles were successfully synthesized via sol–gel auto combustion as a type of pyrochlore to be used in the dye phytoremediation using a Fenton-like approach. Gd2Zr2O7 nanoparticles have been successfully prepared using a sol–gel auto-combustion strategy. The annealing process was performed in a furnace at 1100 °C for 2 h to form defect-fluorite structured Gd2Zr2O7 with space group Fm-3m. XRD analysis revealed that synthesized Gd2Zr2O7 nanoparticles were found to have crystallite sizes with lattice parameters of 28.5 nm and 10.524 + 0.02 Å, respectively. TEM micrographs showed the presence of a cubic-like structure with a size of about 17 nm. The band gap energy of the synthesized powders was found to be 3.8 eV relating to the impact of the crystallite size. The generated nanoparticles finally show a significant photo Fenton catalytic activity with an efficiency of 90% for the photocatalysis of crystal violet dye after 60 min. It was determined that the substantial absorption of Gd2Zr2O7 in the visible-light region, which was synergistically activated by both Gd3+ and Zr4+ ions, was the cause of the large surface area of the scattered microstructure and reactive OH. formation.
metaFERA: a meta-framework for creating emotion recognition frameworks for physiological signals
Authors: Oliveira João , Alarcão Soraia M. , Chambel Teresa , Fonseca Manuel J.
Published: June 2023

Recognizing emotions from physiological signals has proven to be important in various scenarios. To assist in developing emotion recognizers, software frameworks and toolboxes have emerged, offering ready-to-use components. However,these have limitations regarding the type of physiological signals supported, the recognition steps covered, or the acquisition of multiple physiological signals. This paper presents metaFERA, an architectural meta-framework for creating software frameworks for end-to-end emotion recognition from physiological signals. The modularity and flexibility of the meta-framework and the resulting frameworks allow the fast prototyping of emotion recognition systems and experiments to test and validate new algorithms. To that end, metaFERA offers: (i) a set of pre-configured blocks to which we can add behavior to create framework components; (ii) an easy way to add behavior to the pre-configured blocks; (iii) a channel-based communication mechanism that transparently and efficiently supports the exchange of information between components; (iv) a simple and easy way to use and link components from a resulting framework to create applications. Additionally, we provide a set of Web services, already configured, to make the resulting recognition systems available as a service. To validate metaFERA, we created a framework for Electrodermal Activity, an emotion recognizer to identify high/low arousal using the aforementioned framework, and a layer to offer the recognizer as a service.
Current advances in alteration of fatty acid profile in Rhodotorula toruloides: a mini-review
Authors: Wu Chih-Chan , Honda Kohsuke , Kazuhito Fujiyama
Published: June 2023

Microbial lipids are considered promising and environmentally friendly substitutes for fossil fuels and plant-derived oils. They alleviate the depletion of limited petroleum storage and the decrement of arable lands resulting from the greenhouse effect. Microbial lipids derived from oleaginous yeasts provide fatty acid profiles similar to plant-derived oils, which are considered as sustainable and alternative feedstocks for use in the biofuel, cosmetics, and food industries. Rhodotorula toruloides is an intriguing oleaginous yeast strain that can accumulate more than 70% of its dry biomass as lipid content. It can utilize a wide range of substrates, including low-cost sugars and industrial waste. It is also robust against various industrial inhibitors. However, precise control of the fatty acid profile of the lipids produced by R. toruloides is essential for broadening its biotechnological applications. This mini-review describes recent progress in identifying fatty synthesis pathways and consolidated strategies used for specific fatty acid-rich lipid production via metabolic engineering, strain domestication. In addition, this mini-review summarized the effects of culture conditions on fatty acid profiles in R. toruloides. The perspectives and constraints of harnessing R. toruloides for tailored lipid production are also discussed in this mini-review.

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Recent Immigrants’ Religious Change in a Secular Context and its Relation with Social Integration
Authors: Fleischmann Fenella , Khoudja Yassine
Published: June 2023

This paper examines how integration into various sub-domains of the receiving society, including the labor market, informal contacts, attitudes and values, and identification, is associated with religious change among recent Christian and Muslim immigrants in the Netherlands—one of the least religious countries in Europe. The analysis uses data from the New Immigrants to the Netherlands Survey (NIS2NL), a four-wave panel study of recently arrived immigrants from four countries (Bulgaria, Poland, Spain and Turkey). Using latent growth models, we identify the average trajectory of religious participation (service attendance and prayer) and identity (subjective importance of religion) of recent immigrants and examine the role of time-invariant and time-varying explanations for religious change in the early years of resettlement. We find that immigrants’ religious practices increase in the first years after arrival, following a substantial drop from pre-migration participation levels. However, this increase eventually levels off and even reverses with increasing length of stay. We observe a linear but modest decrease in religious identification over time that replicates across all origin groups. In line with expectations derived from assimilation theory, we find that migrants who are employed and hold more liberal attitudes regarding homosexuality, gender relations, divorce and abortion show a greater decrease in religiosity, whereas the opposite is true for those who identify more strongly with their origin country. The findings are remarkably similar for Muslim and Christian newcomers and suggest that all immigrants are susceptible to the secularizing forces of the receiving society. This indicates the potential for the “bright” boundary between Muslim immigrants and secular hosts to become more “blurred” with increasing length of stay and integration into “the mainstream”.
The effect of lockup and persuasion on online investment decisions: An experimental study in ICOs
Authors: Bruckner Moritz T. , Steininger Dennis M. , Thatcher Jason Bennett , Veit Daniel J.
Published: June 2023

Many firms use social media (SM) to solicit online investments. In this study, we examine the interaction between SM attributes and online-investment attributes to determine how this interaction shapes users’ investment decisions. Specifically, we investigate initial coin offerings (ICOs) as an application domain of distributed ledger technology for peer-to-peer investment. We use signaling theory to develop a context-specific explanation for how the interplay of persuasion signals found in SM and technology-enforced lockups shapes individuals’ ICO investment decisions. To evaluate this interplay, we conducted a 2 × 2 factorial experiment with 473 participants. The results show that when an investment does not require a technology-enforced lockup, persuasion signals encourage investments in ICOs; however, when an investment requires a technology-enforced lockup, persuasion signals do not affect investments in ICOs. Furthermore, our analyses suggest that combining a technology-enforced lockup and persuasion signals reduces the ICO’s plausibility. This is the first study to investigate how the willingness to invest in ICOs is influenced by the relationship between technology-enforced lockups and persuasion signals. The findings have practical implications for individuals attempting to make sound decisions on ICO investments, policymakers regulating online investments, and firms seeking to attract investors.
Susceptibility of the Climate Resilient Landforms of the Coastal Tract of Odisha and West Bengal, India
Authors: Paul Ashis Kumar , Paul Anurupa , Sardar Joydeb
Published: June 2023

Wide sea beaches, beach ridges, barrier sand spits, sand dunes, and climate-sensitive tidal flats with mangrove forests on the coast of Odisha and West Bengal are the products of coastal process dynamics during the middle to late Holocene epoch under a stable sea level stage. These features are resilient to the global climate change phenomenon under natural conditions with the continuous supply of sediments and the spread of habitats that protect the coastal lowlands behind them against storms and inundations. Both the geomorphological and ecological systems of the depositional features were developed and optimized into matured stages before human intervention into the coastal system. These features were well developed along the storm-affected shoreline of the eastern coast of India with the supply of sediments into the coastal zones by river inputs, longshore current transport, cross-shore transport through storms, transgressive seas during the Holocene epoch, seasonal wind waves, and aeolian deposits. After assessing the climatic sensitivity stress, exposure index, adaptive capacities, and coastal vulnerabilities of the study area, the final result shows high susceptivity scores for the landforms that represent low resilient capacity; whereas, the coastal tracts of Purba Medinipur, and Sundarban represent low resilient capacity; and the coastal tract of Odisha reflects high to moderate resilient capacity. In the perspective of the global climate change phenomenon and human intervention into the coastal systems, the present study was conducted to find out the temporal changes of the coastal depositional features, to estimate the sensitivity of the features, and finally, to enquire about their susceptibility to the impact of cyclonic storms and the rapid rate of sea-level rise process currently occurring in the region of the tropical coast.
Decoding the Vitality of Earth Observation for Flood Monitoring in the Lower Godavari River Basin, India
Authors: Mukherjee Jayesh , Ghosh Surajit
Published: June 2023

The entire Indian subcontinent experienced devastating floods in the year 2022. The central section of the Godavari river basin (GRB) received torrential rainfall from the southwest monsoon during the second week of July 2022. This study exhibits how Earth observation (EO) datasets and cloud platforms like Google Earth Engine (GEE) can be used for swift, lucid and accurate decoding of the flood inundation signatures. Geospatial analysts can estimate concurrent floods using high-resolution C-band SAR/Sentinel-1 images, gridded precipitation and streamflow forecast datasets. The GPM (IMERG) precipitation data showed an incremental trend with prime hotspots, rainfall dissemination and retrieval from 01-20 July 2022 in the mid-GRB. The flood inundation layers were derived based on Otsu’s method with selective topographic conditions from Sentinel-1 in GEE. Five significant flood affected case sites were identified in the lower GRB from Kothapalli to Yanam town, where the Godavari river meets the Bay of Bengal. Large stretches of agricultural lands were found to be inundated, resulting in extensive economic losses. Such flooded farmlands surrounding Kothapalli, Bhadrachalam, Kunavaram, Polavaram and Yanam towns were estimated as 60, 91, 86, 170 and 142 km2 on 16 and 21 July 2022, respectively. The results were validated and cross-verified using bulletins and maps issued by various national agencies. Hence, EO, GEE and cloud analytical techniques are modern untapped potential e-assets vital for incorporation in policy frameworks helping disaster managers with comprehensive flood condition analysis.
Dashboard Design to Analyze Chemical Weathering of Clastic Sediments
Authors: Babu Vinay , Bhan Uday , Devaraju J. , Rai Santosh K.
Published: June 2023

For a provenance study and characterization of different types of sedimentological processes that affect weathering, information on chemical weathering of sediments is critical. Major elements of sedimentary geochemistry can be estimated by using the various weathering indices (WIs) models. The present study is a fair attempt in the development of a web dashboard – SedWeather to analyze chemical weathering of sediments using major elemental geochemistry. It offers a flexibility to constrain sediments and rock composites and to demonstrate weathering profiles & source rock chemical makeup in various compositional space diagrams including Al2O3 – CaO-Na2O – K2O, Al2O3 – CaO-Na2O-K2O – Fe2O3-MgO, M – F – W; illustrates different various weathering indices (WIs) including CIW, CPA, CIA, PIA, CIX, ICV, WIP and W in boxplots, scatter matrix, correlation matrix against major oxides and ratios. It is possible to alter the Python code in accordance with the data and user requirement by altering the arguments and adding more relevant charts and plots to fit the data. SedWeather’s performance in evaluating chemical weathering is demonstrated by evaluating sediments of Surma and Barail sandstones, Mizoram Foreland Basin, NE India, sediments of Manasbal lake, Kashmir, India, and channel sediments, overbank sediments, suspended sediments of the Ganga basin, having their own provenance history.