bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radiological and long‐term clinical response to elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor in people with cystic fibrosis with advanced lung disease
Authors: Aalbers Bente L. , Mohamed Hoesein Firdaus A. A. , Hofland Regina W. , Bronsveld Inez , Kruijswijk Marian A. , Schotman Suzan , Slingerland Corlien W. , Panhuis Hannah , van der Ent C. Kors , Heijerman Harry G. M.
Published: May 2023

Introduction

A triple combination of CFTR modulators ELE/TEZ/IVA (elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor, Trikafta™) has been evaluated in clinical trials for people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF) and was approved to the European and US market. During registration and settling reimbursement in Europe, it could be requested on a compassionate use basis, for patients with advanced lung disease (ppFEV1 < 40).

Aim

The aim of this study is to evaluate 2 years of experience with the clinical and radiological response of ELE/TEZ/IVA in pwCF in a compassionate use setting.

Methods

pwCF who started ELE/TEZ/IVA in a compassionate use setting were prospectively followed with assessment of spirometry, BMI, chest CT, CFQ‐R and sweat chloride concentration (SCC) before start and after 3 months. Furthermore, spirometry, sputum cultures, and BMI were repeated after 1, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months.

Results

Eighteen patients were eligible for this evaluation, nine with F508del/F508del genotype (eight of whom were using dual CFTR modulators) and nine with F508del/minimal function mutation. After 3 months, mean change in SCC was −44.9 (p ≤ 0.001), together with significant improvement in CT (change in Brody score: −28.27 p ≤ 0.001) and CFQ‐R results (change in respiratory domain: +18.8, p = 0.002). After 24 months, ppFEV1 change was +8.89 (p = 0.002), BMI had improved by +1.53 kg/m2 (p ≤ 0.001) and exacerbation rate declined from 5.94 in 24 months before start to 1.17 (p ≤ 0.001) in the 24 months after.

Conclusion

pwCF with advanced lung disease experience relevant clinical benefit after 2 years of treatment with ELE/TEZ/IVA in a compassionate use setting. Structural lung damage, quality of life, exacerbation rate, and BMI improved significantly with treatment. Gain in ppFEV1 is lower compared to the phase III trials that included younger patients with moderately affected lung function.
How Different Connections in Flat FLRW Geometry Impact Energy Conditions in f(Q)$f(Q)$ Theory?
Authors: Subramaniam Ganesh , De Avik , Loo Tee‐How , Goh Yong Kheng
Published: May 2023

In this study of the modified theory of gravity in the spatially flat Friedmann–Lemaître–Robertson–Walker (FLRW) spacetime, all the affine connections compatible with the symmetric teleparallel structure are explored; three classes of such connections exist, each involving an unknown time‐varying parameter . Assuming ordinary barotropic fluid as the matter source, the Friedmann‐like pressure and energy equations are derived. Next constraints on the parameters of two separate models, and from the traditional energy conditions are imposed. Observational values of some prominent cosmological parameters are used for this purpose, yielding an effective equation of state .
Backside Absorbing Layer Microscopy: Monolayer Counting in 2D Crystal Flakes
Authors: Ausserré Dominique , Abou Khachfe Refahi , Taniguchi Takashi , Watanabe Kenji , Vialla Fabien
Published: May 2023

The properties of two‐dimensional (2D) material stacks critically depend on the number of monolayers (m) in the stack. It is therefore important to quantify this number, which is a local quantity since 2D stacks are essentially heterogeneous. Optical interferential techniques based on contrast‐enhancing surfaces may be sensitive enough to visualize m variations but the experimental determination of m requires heavy and unstable comparisons with multiparameter numerical models. Focusing on the recent backside absorbing layer microscopy, the most sensitive to date among interferential techniques, a self‐calibrating method is demonstrated allowing instantaneous monolayer counting all over the sample surface which does not require the knowledge of the instrumental parameters, the sample or ambient refractive indices or the detailed structure of the contrast‐enhancing layer. This method is introduced step by step using examples of hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) stacks with increasing complexity. Exact monolayer counting up to 36 hBN monolayers is obtained using basic image analysis.
Ion Effects on the Performance of the Single‐Layer Organic Light‐Emitting Devices Based on Adding Salt Additives
Authors: Tian Haoxin , Sun Jun , Jiang Jingzan , Ke Shichuan , Teng Xinlu , Lin Lin , Yan Luting , Lou Zhidong , Hou Yanbing , Teng Feng , Hu Yufeng
Published: May 2023

The single‐layer organic light‐emitting devices provide a promising way for low‐cost, large‐area displays. Iridium (III) complex may play an important role to achieve this target due to its unique ionic characteristics. To achieve high‐performance single‐layer devices, blending the salt additives into the active layer is an effective strategy. However, the effects of different cation and anion additives on the device's performance are still unclear. Herein, the single‐layer light‐emitting devices are fabricated by using solution‐processed iridium (III) complex mixed with various molecular salts. It is implied in the results that the improvement of the device luminescence and recombination efficiency is owing to the enhanced carrier injection and improved carrier balance in the emitting layer by the ion‐additive‐induced electrical double layer at the interface. The smaller cation can improve the carrier injection of the device more efficiently due to the stronger ion mobility and the anion with the smaller association coefficient shows a better device performance since the stronger dissociation ability of the ions can lead to a better ion migration ability. In addition, the introduction of poly (methyl methacrylate) into the active film can improve the single‐layer device performances by reducing leak current in bulk.
Ultrafast Photocurrent Detection in Low‐Dimensional Materials
Authors: Zeng Zhouxiaosong , Wang Yufan , Pan Anlian , Wang Xiao
Published: May 2023

Photocurrent generation from photon absorption to electron collection involves various physical processes and reflects the whole life of excited charge carriers. The investigation of photocurrent enables the revelation of fundamental material properties and improvement of electronic device performance. Recently, with the development of ultrafast optics, the time‐resolved photocurrent (TRPC) technique is innovated as a photocurrent detection method with a time resolution down to subpicosecond, which allows exploring the ultrafast carrier dynamics and the photodetector intrinsic response highly efficiently. Herein, the advancement of TRPC studies in low‐dimensional materials is focused on. First, the TRPC technique is first introduced, including the setup composition and its measurement mechanism, and compared with the conventional transport‐based method to demonstrate its uniqueness. Then, the TRPC studies in various low‐dimensional materials including 2D graphene, transition metal dichalcogenides and black phosphorus, 1D nanowires, and 0D nanocrystals are discussed, where the originations of their ultrafast photocurrent are analyzed. Finally, an outlook is given on the research prospects of this powerful technique. The TRPC measurement is highlighted as a significant tool to analyze the ultrafast carrier dynamics in the generation of photocurrent and to instruct the structure design of a new generation of ultrafast photodetectors.
Colloidal Quantum Dots‐Based Three‐Band Infrared Photodetector with the Bias‐Tunable Spectral Response
Authors: Zhao Pengfei , Mu Ge , Wen Chong , Qi Yawei , Lv Hongyv , Tang Xin
Published: May 2023

Multiband infrared photodetectors (PDs) have garnered considerable attention due to their potential in various fields such as biomedical applications, optical communications, and military operations. However, the lattice mismatch of mature bulk semiconductors with varying bandgaps in the same PD pixel has impeded the advancement of multiband infrared detectors. Colloidal quantum dots (CQDs), with adjustable bandgaps, wide spectral range, and easy solution processing are promising materials for the fabrication of multiband infrared detectors. Herein, HgTe CQDs are used with varying bandgaps to construct a three‐band infrared detector with short‐wave infrared of 1.7 and 2.4 μm and midwave infrared of 4 μm. The utilization of Ag2Te nanocrystals to bring in spatially stable doping is the key to achieving three‐band infrared detectors. Through adjusting bias polarity, the detectors switch between a three‐band mode and a dual‐band mode. The detector exhibits exceptional detection performance, with detectivity above 3 × 1010 Jones in three‐band mode.
Tailoring the Adsorption and Antibacterial Bifunctions of Newly Constructed Porous Alginate–Chitosan–Graphene Oxide Nanosheets Gel Beads
Authors: Wang Songtao , Feng Xiaohua , Liu Yi , Huang Jing , Zhou Ping , Wu Shuangjie , Zhang Botao , Li Hua
Published: May 2023

Organic dye molecules and pathogenic microorganisms exist widely in printing and dyeing wastewater, causing persisting concerns about water environment safety. Herein, newly developed alginate–chitosan–graphene oxide nanosheets gel beads with both exceptional adsorption and antibacterial functions are reported. NaHCO3 is selected as porogen and Ag+ is used as antibacterial enhancer. The adsorption properties of the beads fit well with the Langmuir isotherm and pseudo‐second‐order model, suggesting a monolayer behavior of the adsorption and their reaction rate is controlled by chemisorption. The theoretical liminal value of the adsorption of methylene blue by the beads reaches 847.46 mg g−1. After five adsorption–desorption cycles, the beads retain almost intact adsorption activity, and the sterilization rates of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus remain at 99.99%. The results give insight into developing new processing routes for constructing gel beads for versatile applications.
Output‐feedback fault‐tolerant tracking control for coupled 2 × 2 hyperbolic PDE systems with multiplicative sensor faults
Authors: Guo Runsheng , Qin Chenhui , Qiu Jianbin , Sun Kangkang , Wang Tong
Published: May 2023

This paper proposes an output‐feedback fault‐tolerant tracking control scheme for coupled hyperbolic PDE systems with multiplicative sensor faults. In order to estimate the system states, an observer is designed by constructing four filters, which impose time delays to their input signals. For sensor fault identification problem, the gradient descent method is utilized based on a parametric model to estimate the fault parameter. With the filter‐based observer and the estimated fault parameters, a novel control strategy is proposed via backstepping design technique to achieve the tracking objective. Finally, the simulation studies are given to verify the tracking performance of the proposed fault‐tolerant tracking control scheme.
On the design considerations of solid‐state power amplifiers for satellite communications: A systems perspective
Authors: Öncü Emrah , Tutgun Rasit , Aktas Emre
Published: May 2023

Conventional solid‐state power amplifier (SSPA) design approach isolates radio frequency (RF) design from communication theory. In this paper, a unified SSPA design approach is proposed, which optimizes SSPA parameters (bias voltage and input RF signal power) to minimize total DC power consumption while satisfying received SNR constraint specified by the link budget. The effect of SSPA nonlinearity is quantified by the error vector magnitude measured at its output and the corresponding received SNR degradation is analyzed. Using the quantitative metrics for received SNR, it is possible to evaluate highly nonlinear SSPA classes such as Class‐B or deep‐Class AB, which are normally not considered in conventional SSPA design approach to be used in satellite communication applications.
A Comprehensive Review on Cu‐Catalysed Aerobic Oxidation of Amines to Imines
Authors: Purohit Mukesh , Kalla Sarita , Jangir Ritambhara
Published: May 2023

Imines are frequently used as valuable intermediates in organic transformation and pharmaceutical synthesis. Conventional imine synthesis includes Lewis acid catalysts, dehydrating agents, and unstable aldehydes. Developing eco‐friendly molecular assembly techniques has become increasingly important in recent years. In particular, there is a significant need for methods that recycle resources and have high atomic efficiency with minimal environmental impact. Oxidative synthesis of imines from amines has been investigated in presence of molecular oxygen (or air) which is readily accessible on Earth. The closely linked catalysts have been classified into metals, bio‐inspired, and MOF catalysts. Highly active, affordable, and adaptable copper based catalysts are given special attention here, some critical elements that influence reaction processes and catalytic activity are also displayed in the present study. The modern methods along with mechanistic routes for converting primary amines to imines using copper catalytic systems and ambient oxygen have been discussed in detail.
Asymmetric Synthesis of Methoxylated Ether Lipids: Total Synthesis of a Triene C18 : 3 Omega‐8 MEL Derivative
Authors: Sigurjónsson Svanur , Lúthersson Einar , Haraldsson Gudmundur G.
Published: May 2023

The asymmetric synthesis of a triene C18 : 3 n‐8 methoxylated ether lipid (MEL) of the 1‐O‐alkyl‐sn‐glycerol type is described by two different routes. The C18 : 3 hydrocarbon chain is attached by an ether linkage to the pro‐S hydroxymethyl group of the glycerol backbone, and constitutes an all‐cis methylene skipped triene framework, along with a methoxyl group in the 2’‐position and R‐configuration at the resulting chiral centre. The initial synthesis was based on the polyacetylene approach involving a semi‐hydrogenation of the resulting triyne. A modified approach based on a combined polyacetylene‐Wittig strategy was also successfully executed and an attempt made to compare and evaluate these strategies. Both syntheses were started from our previously described enantio‐ and diastereomerically pure isopropylidene‐protected glyceryl glycidyl ether, a double‐C3 building block designed as a head group synthon for synthesis of various types of MELs which was shown to suit the Wittig‐based approach very well.
Neutral Three Membered 2π Aromatic Beryllacycle having σ hole
Authors: Parambath Sneha , Parameswaran Pattiyil
Published: May 2023

The electronic structure, bonding, and reactivity of three‐membered cyclic beryllium compounds BeR (R=C2H2 (1), C2(CH3)2 (2)) were studied at the M06/def2‐TZVPP//BP86/def2‐TZVPP level of theory. The molecular orbital analysis shows that BeR is a 2π electron aromatic system with a σ‐hole on the beryllium atom. EDA‐NOCV analysis has been carried out with Be and R in their different electronic state as fragments at the BP86/TZ2P level of theory. The results reveal the preference for three bonding situations, (a) charge‐separated interaction where anionic acetylenic fragment R− forms one electron sharing and one donor‐acceptor σ‐interaction and one donor‐acceptor π interaction with Be+ having 2s02px02py12pz0 electronic configuration (A), (b) charge separated interaction where anionic acetylenic fragment R− forms one electron sharing and one donor‐acceptor σ‐interaction and one donor‐acceptor π interaction with Be+ having 2s12px02py02pz0 electronic configuration (B), and (c) neutral acetylenic fragment forms two electron sharing σ bonds and one donor‐acceptor π bond with beryllium having 2s12px02py12pz0 electronic configuration (C). BeR compounds show high proton affinity and hydride affinity. The reactivity was studied in detail with different ligands CO, NHC, cAAC, and PMe3. The reaction energy for the formation of adducts is exothermic and follows the order of cAAC>NHC>PMe3>CO.
Reactivity Patterns of Olefins in the Matsuda‐Heck‐Reaction and their Impact on the Formation of Pd‐Nanoparticles
Authors: Matelienė (née Daukšaitė) Lauryna , Gu Xiaoting , Heyde (née Lucks) Sandra , Knaup Jan , Brunner Heiko
Published: May 2023

A detailled study of the impact of stereoelectronic effects of olefins in the Matsuda‐Heck‐reaction was addressed by kinetic studies. In addition to the stereoelectronic effects of the olefins used, their influence on the formation of the catalytic Pd colloids was also investigated. Depending on the olefin used, different particle size distributions were obtained on the one hand and, on the other hand, inhibition effects due to adsorption of the olefins on the Pd colloids were observed. Based on these findings, it was possible to optimize reaction conditions for the respective olefins. The presented kinetic data were supplemented by STEM‐measurements.
Writing about a stressful experience improves semantic clustering of memory in men, not women
Authors: Hunter Colton L. , Gray Zach J. , Trudell Elleona V. , Kennedy Luca D. , Shields Grant S.
Published: May 2023

Writing about negative experiences can produce multiple benefits, including improvements in mental and emotional health. However, writing about negative experiences potentially be detrimental, as reliving and reexperiencing a negative memory can be painful. Although the emotional effects of writing about negative experiences are well established, the cognitive effects are less heavily explored, and no work to date has examined how writing about a stressful experience might influence episodic memory. We addressed this issue in the present study (N = 520) by having participants encode a list of 16 words that were organised around four semantic clusters, randomly assigning participants to write about an unresolved stressful experience (n = 263) or the events of the previous day (n = 257), and assessing their memory in a free recall task. Writing about a stressful experience did not influence overall memory performance; however, the stressful writing manipulation increased semantic clustering of information within memory for men, whereas the stressful writing manipulation did not influence semantic clustering of information within memory in women. Additionally, writing with more positive sentiment improved semantic clustering and reduced serial recall. These results provide evidence for unique sex differences in writing about stressful experiences and the role of sentiment in the effects of expressive writing.
Loving‐kindness and compassion meditations in the workplace: A meta‐analysis and future prospects
Authors: Wang Rong , Gu Xiaodan , Zhang Yang , Luo Kangzhou , Zeng Xianglong
Published: May 2023

Loving‐kindness and compassion meditation (LKCM) have been well applied among employees to improve their health and well‐being. Existing studies on LKCM have also provided supportive evidence of its benefits and effectiveness under organizational contexts. The current meta‐analytical study aimed to systematically summarise the effects of LKCM in the workplace and to outline directions for future research and practice. Among 327 empirical studies on LKCM published until March 2022, 21 trials focussed on employees and provided sufficient information, which were included in the following meta‐analysis. The results showed that LKCM benefited eight categories of workplace outcomes. Specifically, LKCM effectively decreased employees' burnout (g = 0.395, k = 10) and stress (g = 0.544, k = 10) and facilitated their mindfulness (g = 0.558, k = 14), self‐compassion (g = 0.646, k = 12), personal mental health (g = 0.308, k = 13), job attitudes (g = 0.283, k = 4), interpersonal relationships (g = 0.381, k = 12), and psychological resources (g = 0.406, k = 6). The results of moderation analyses further indicated that the participants' job type, gender, and the focus of LKCM might differentially fluctuate the magnitude of LKCM effects. To advance research and best practice, we finally pointed out several issues that deserve attention, such as long‐term effects, underlying mechanisms, potential moderators, and outcomes or influential factors at the organizational level.
Can powerful allies protect the CEO against performance declines? The role of the CEO's subgroup power in CEO dismissal
Authors: You Jihae , Shin Taekjin , Chung Yunhyung
Published: May 2023

Research summary

Drawing on research about power and faultlines, we identify the subgroup of directors in the board who share the same social identities with the CEO (i.e., CEO subgroup) and develop a concept of CEO subgroup power. We examine how CEO subgroup power affects the board's decision to dismiss the CEO, particularly when the firm experiences a performance decline. Using data from S&P 500 boards from 1998 to 2018, we find that powerful CEO subgroups reduce the risk of CEO dismissal and that the negative effect of CEO subgroup power on CEO dismissal is magnified when the firm experiences a decline in performance.

Managerial summary

Why do some boards fire the CEO when the firm is performing well, while others retain the CEO despite poor performance? We believe that looking into power dynamics among directors may help answer this question. Using data from S&P 500 boards from 1998 to 2018, we investigate how the risk of CEO dismissal varies by the power of the subgroup within the board that consists of directors who share the same social identities with the CEO (i.e., CEO subgroup). The results reveal that a powerful CEO subgroup can reduce the CEO dismissal risk and that this effect becomes stronger when the firm goes through a performance decline.
Elucidating the Reaction Mechanism of Mn2+ Electrolyte Additives in Aqueous Zinc Batteries
Authors: Li Zhao , Li Yi , Ren Xiaochuan , Zhao Yuanxin , Ren Zhiguo , Yao Zeyin , Zhang Wei , Xu Hao , Wang Zhong , Zhang Nian , Gu Yueliang , Li Xiaolong , Zhu Daming , Zou Jianxin
Published: May 2023

Aqueous zinc batteries (ZIBs) have attracted considerable attention in recent years because of their high safety and eco‐friendly features. Numerous studies have shown that adding Mn2+ salts to ZnSO4 electrolytes enhanced overall energy densities and extended the cycling life of Zn/MnO2 batteries. It is commonly believed that Mn2+ additives in the electrolyte inhibit the dissolution of MnO2 cathode. To better understand the role of Mn2+ electrolyte additives, the ZIB using a Co3O4 cathode instead of MnO2 in 0.3 m MnSO4 + 3 m ZnSO4 electrolyte is built to avoid interference from MnO2 cathode. As expected, the Zn/Co3O4 battery exhibits electrochemical characteristics nearly identical to those of Zn/MnO2 batteries. Operando synchrotron X‐ray diffraction (XRD), ex situ X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), and electrochemical analyses are carried out to determine the reaction mechanism and pathway. This work demonstrates that the electrochemical reaction occurring at cathode involves a reversible Mn2+/MnO2 deposition/dissolution process, while a chemical reaction of Zn2+/Zn4SO4(OH)6∙5H2O deposition/dissolution is involved during part of the charge/discharge cycle due to the change in the electrolyte environment. The reversible Zn2+/Zn4SO4(OH)6∙5H2O reaction contributes no capacity and lowers the diffusion kinetics of the Mn2+/MnO2 reaction, which prevents the operation of ZIBs at high current densities.
Oxygen Vacancies‐Induced Dendritic SrTiO3/CdS p–n Heterostructures Photocatalyst for Ultrahigh Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Yu Lianqing , Li Xiang , Duan Lijie , Zhang Yaping , Zhu Haifeng
Published: May 2023

Owing to great efficient routes for charge carrier separation and transfer, heterostructure photocatalysts play significant roles in many photocatalytic reactions. Based on the bionic structure, an interesting composite photocatalyst of cadmium sulfide dewdrops on ultrathin strontium titanate branches with oxygen vacancies is successfully constructed by a simple chemical bath deposition method. The oxygen vacancies act as electron traps in the dendritic perovskite SrTiO3 nanostructure. Meanwhile, the CdS can provide abundant active sites for the hydrogen evolution reaction. The results demonstrate that SrTiO3/CdS‐5% nanocomposite with oxygen vacancies achieves the highest hydrogen production rate of 4537.9 μmol g−1 h−1 under visible light, which is over 50 times more than that of the single SrTiO3 with oxygen vacancies (79.36 μmol g−1 h−1), pure CdS (81.79 μmol g−1 h−1), and more than 750 times that of pure SrTiO3 (6.132 μmol g−1 h−1). Density generalized function theory calculations show that the bandgap values of SrTiO3/CdS nanocomposite with oxygen vacancies are narrower than that of the original SrTiO3 and CdS, in which the electrons flow from CdS to SrTiO3, and form an internal electric field at the interface, prolonging the carrier lifetime. Importantly, this work provides a reasonable reference for the preparation of efficient structure‐based biomimetic composite photocatalysts.
Tensions in an Identity‐Oriented Language Teaching Practicum: A Dialogic Approach
Authors: Uştuk Özgehan , Yazan Bedrettin
Published: May 2023

In this study, we examine how teacher candidates navigate the tensions in their identity work as they complete the activities in the TESOL practicum course in Turkiye. Using the Bakhtinian approach to teacher identity, we conceptually maintain that identity work inevitably involves tensions that teachers encounter during their professional lives. We use a qualitative case study design to explore how two teacher candidates (Erdem and Murat) experience and understand identity tensions through dialogic engagement in an identity‐oriented practicum course. We collected data from a series of identity‐oriented activities that promote a dialogic space for teacher candidates to negotiate and enact their identities. We found that although their attempts to deal with the tensions varied, both teacher candidates made use of the self and community dialogues constructed through identity‐oriented teacher learning activities. Pushing back at authoritative discourses of language teaching prevailing in the university program and the practicum school, they engaged in identity work by constructing their internally persuasive discourses which guided their practice. Facing the contextual demands, Erdem raised doubts about his ideal way of teaching he tried out in the practicum, whereas Murat went beyond the past and the present by foregrounding his imagined identity which served as a liberating aspiration.
BAUS: our urological community
Authors: Cresswell Jo
Published: May 2023

This article provides an overview of some of the work The British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) members and staff are engaged in. Behind the scenes there are so many essential tasks to perform as a charity, employer and specialty association, but most members have little or no knowledge of the day‐to‐day activities of the organisation.
Advances in modeling attosecond electron dynamics in molecular photoionization
Authors: Ruberti Marco , Averbukh Vitali
Published: May 2023

The dramatic progress of experimental attosecond science has called for the development of new theoretical and computational tools capable of accurately model the correlated electron dynamics triggered by attosecond molecular photoionization. We describe the nature and the main outcome of this development, with particular focus on the B‐spline ADC and RCS‐ADC ab initio methods.

This article is categorized under:

Electronic Structure Theory > Ab Initio Electronic Structure Methods

Software > Simulation Methods

Theoretical and Physical Chemistry > Spectroscopy
The Ocean Transition: What to Learn from System Transitions
Authors: Swilling Mark , Ruckelshaus Mary , Rudolph Tanya Brodie , Allison Edward H. , Gelcich Stefan , Mbatha Philile , Österblom Henrik
Published: May 2023

The ocean is the ultimate commons. Sustainability narratives now recognise what science continues to demonstrate—that ecosystems on land, rivers, deltas, estuaries and the ocean are intrinsically linked (Mathews et al. 2019). There is a growing consensus that the prosperity and well-being of humanity depends on the health of the ocean environment, including the ocean-climate nexus (OECD 2016; IPCC 2019). Critical indicators reveal that business as usual is going to result in the collapse of key biophysical ocean functions, with major implications for the global economy and societies (IPCC 2019). Science has demonstrated that these close systemic interlinkages in and among ecological, economic and social systems require solutions which are responsive and flexible, robust yet elastic (SDG 2019).
Transformations for a Sustainable Ocean Economy: A Vision for Protection, Production and Prosperity
Authors: a Sustainable Ocean Economy High Level Panel for
Published: May 2023

We have a collective opportunity and responsibility to protect and restore the health of our ocean, and build a sustainable ocean economy that can provide food, empower coastal communities, power our cities, transport our people and goods and provide innovative solutions to global challenges.
What Role for Ocean-Based Renewable Energy and Deep-Seabed Minerals in a Sustainable Future?
Authors: Haugan Peter M. , Levin Lisa A. , Amon Diva , Hemer Mark , Lily Hannah , Nielsen Finn Gunnar
Published: May 2023

Scenarios for sustainable transformation of the global economy to near zero greenhouse gas emissions in 2050 in line with the Paris Agreement and the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development rely strongly on renewable energy. Offshore wind shows potential to become a globally significant supplier of electricity in these scenarios. Floating solar energy and direct ocean energy sources, such as wave, tidal and ocean thermal energy, may also contribute significantly in a range of locations, but require more policy support and understanding of potential environmental impacts in order to become significant in the transition to a sustainable global energy system.
Leveraging Multi-target Strategies to Address Plastic Pollution in the Context of an Already Stressed Ocean
Authors: Jambeck Jenna , Moss Ellie , Dubey Brajesh , Arifin Zainal , Godfrey Linda , Hardesty Britta Denise , Hendrawan I. Gede , Hien To Thi , Junguo Liu , Matlock Marty , Pahl Sabine , Raubenheimer Karen , Thiel Martin , Thompson Richard , Woodall Lucy
Published: May 2023

The ocean is the ultimate sink for anthropogenic pollution. According to the HydroSHED model, over 80% of the land mass on Earth is in a watershed that drains directly to the ocean (Lehner and Grill 2013). Until recently, the ocean seemed to be endlessly able to absorb all the waste that human activity has discharged into it. The Ocean Health Index (OHI) scores the health of the ocean on a range of criteria, from how clean the water is to the ability of the ocean to continue providing services such as food provision, carbon storage, tourism and recreation, and biodiversity (Halpern et al. 2012). The 2019 combined global ocean score was 71 out of 100 (as it has been for the last five years), showing that significant impairment has occurred, but that many of the functions and services of the ocean remain and must be better managed (OHI 2019). The Clean Water section of the OHI includes details on the statuses and pressures of chemical, nutrient, pathogen and trash pollution. It also includes social pressure as a further pressure. Indicators of resilience were based upon the Convention on Biological Diversity (in particular for marine ecosystems) and quality of governance (using Worldwide Governance Indicators). The score for Clean Water has tracked closely to the overall score, remaining at 70 for the past five years (OHI 2019). With an estimated 91% of all temperate and tropical coasts predicted to be heavily developed by 2050 (Nellemann et al. 2008), this is a critical time to significantly reduce and prevent anthropogenic pollution to the ocean.
Ocean Finance: Financing the Transition to a Sustainable Ocean Economy
Authors: Sumaila U. Rashid , Walsh Melissa , Hoareau Kelly , Cox Anthony , Abdallah Patrízia , Akpalu Wisdom , Anna Zuzy , Benzaken Dominique , Crona Beatrice , Fitzgerald Timothy , Heaps Louise , Karousakis Katia , Lange Glenn-Marie , Leland Amanda , Miller Dana , Sack Karen , Shahnaz Durreen , Teh Louise , Thiele Torsten , Vestergaard Niels , Yagi Nobuyuki , Zhang Junjie
Published: May 2023

The ocean covers more than 70% of Earth’s surface and plays a crucial role in providing ecosystem goods and services that sustain life and support the well-being of billions of people worldwide (Teh and Sumaila 2013; FAO 2018; Hoegh-Guldberg et al. 2019; IPBES (Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services) 2019). The ocean holds many economic opportunities, and many experts are recognising the need for a coordinated and sustainable approach to its use. Ocean finance can play a vital role in supporting sustainable development of the ocean economy by directing investments to sustainable development pathways that minimise ocean risks and maximise social equity, human well-being and environmental health.
Sandwiched? Sri Lankan Civic Space Amidst a Repressive Regime and a Pandemic
Authors: Fernando Udan
Published: May 2023

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in Sri Lanka coincided in the immediate aftermath of a political regime change with the election of a new President while general elections were to be held in early 2020. Mitigating the spread of the virus and the exigencies of holding an election to further consolidate the power at the level of legislature became competing interests. The nationalist fervour with which the new President came into power, triggered by an alleged threat to national security, continued to remain in the political sphere as a key driver. Hence, the pandemic invariably became politicized. Against this backdrop, the space and relative freedom that the Sri Lankan civil society organizations secured were significantly restricted. The paper observes the way in which the civil society organizations coped and navigated the repressive policy and political environment, how their aims were compromised, self-censored and re-strategized.
Negotiating CSO Legitimacy in Tanzanian Civic Space
Authors: Kontinen Tiina , Nguyahambi Ajali M.
Published: May 2023

This chapter argues that civil society organizations (CSOs) engage in continuous legitimacy negotiations that both shape and are shaped by civic space. It focuses on President John Magufuli’s term in Tanzania, which was labelled as an authoritarian turn characterized by shrinking civic space. The chapter employs broad definitions: of civic space as an arena for action by formal CSOs as well as groups and individuals; of legitimacy as a continuous negotiation of appropriateness; and of democracy as a dynamic form of governance with different manifestations. Drawing on interviews with both professional urban NGOs and rural self-help groups, the chapter investigates restrictions experienced by CSOs, analyses the central themes negotiation over CSO legitimacy, and reflects on these vis-á-vis the evolution of democracy in Tanzania over time.
Constrained Humanitarian Space in Rohingya Response: Views from Bangladeshi NGOs
Authors: Khan Abdul Kadir
Published: May 2023

In Bangladesh, hundreds of thousands of Rohingyas have been seeking viable solutions to the plight of their displacement from Myanmar since August 2017. Today, they rely entirely on humanitarian aid and material services. Considering the notion of humanitarian space as an arena of social negotiations between multiple humanitarian actors over their access to the affected communities, this chapter captures the views of twenty Bangladeshi NGOs and identifies three main characteristics in the constrained humanitarian space of the Rohingya response: (a) discrepancies in localization discourses; (b) institutional multiplicity; and (c) disparities in accountability mechanisms. The study concludes that, despite the constant calls of Bangladeshi NGOs for locally led aid initiatives, they are largely side-lined in terms of the Rohingya humanitarian response. Moreover, institutional multiplicity as a form of parallel governance by the Government of Bangladesh and international humanitarian stakeholders often leads to collective action dilemmas and disparities in accountability mechanisms.
On quadrature means
Authors: Szostok Tomasz
Published: May 2023

We observe that every quadrature of numerical integration together with a strictly increasing and continuous function generates a mean and then we study this family of means. We characterize the functions which generate weighted arithmetic means in this way and we show how to obtain comparison type theorems for means generated by different quadratures.
Canopy development influences early successional stream ecosystem function but not biotic assemblages
Authors: LeRoy Carri J. , Claeson Shannon M. , Garthwaite Iris J. , Thompson Madeline A. , Thompson Lauren J. , Kamakawiwo’ole Brandy K. , Froedin-Morgensen Angie M. , McConathy Victoria , Ramstack Hobbs Joy M. , Stancheva Rosalina , Albano Christine M. , Finn Debra S.
Published: May 2023

Determining how streams develop naturally, particularly the ecological role of newly developed riparian canopy cover, is essential to understanding the factors that structure new stream communities and provides valuable information for restoring highly disturbed ecosystems. However, attempts to understand primary succession in riverine ecosystems have been hindered by a lack of data owing to the infrequent formation of new rivers on the landscape. In the present study, we used five streams formed following the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens (WA, USA) to examine the influence of canopy cover development on algal and benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages, biomass, and organic matter processing. Newly established closed canopy reaches had less available light, but no significant differences in algal biomass or macroinvertebrate assemblages compared to open canopy reaches. Instead, algal and macroinvertebrate communities were structured mainly by hydrologic differences among watersheds. In contrast, organic matter processing rates were sensitive to canopy cover development, and rates were faster under closed canopies, especially in late summer or after terrestrial preconditioning. After 40 years of stream and riparian primary successional development, canopy cover strongly influences ecosystem function, but aquatic organism assembly was more influenced by physio-chemical and hydrologic variation. Our findings provide insight into the development of in-stream assemblages and ecosystem functions, which is also relevant to efforts to address major disturbances to stream channels, such as volcanic eruptions, floods, forest fires, and clear-cut logging.
Entwicklung eines Kompetenzkatalogs für Ärzt:Innen in Weiterbildung zur Curriculumerstellung für die Kreißsaaleinarbeitung
Authors: Flentje Markus , Eismann Hendrik , Schwill Simon , Forstner Daniel , Kranke Peter
Published: May 2023

Hintergrund

Anästhesiologische Expertise ist in der Kreißsaalumgebung an verschiedensten Punkten der Versorgung erforderlich. Die natürliche Mitarbeitendenfluktuation erfordert hierfür eine ständige Fort- und Weiterbildung. In einer ersten Umfrage unter Lehrenden und Lernenden in der Fachärzt:innenausbildung zeigte sich der Wunsch nach einem einsatzortspezifischen Curriculum. Die vorliegende Studie soll im Sinne der spezifischen Lernzieldefinition die notwendigen Kompetenzen für die anästhesiologische Kreißsaalumgebung beschreiben.

Methodik

Mittels einer zweistufigen Online-Delphi-Befragung unter deutschlandweit anästhesiologisch Tätigen im Kreißsaal wurden Zielkompetenzen als Items entwickelt. Diese wurden anschließend in einem größeren Kollektiv auf Relevanz und Validität überprüft und konnten nachfolgend gruppiert werden. In die abschließende Befragung konnten 201 Teilnehmende eingeschlossen werden.

Ergebnisse

In den Priorisierungsprozessen der Delphi-Analyse wurden von den Teilnehmenden nicht priorisierte Kompetenzen, wie z. B. die Neugeborenenversorgung, nicht weiterverfolgt. Nicht alle Faktoren sind darüber hinaus ausschließlich kreißsaalbezogen, wie beispielsweise das Beherrschen des „schwierigen Atemweges“. Nach der Validierung ergab sich ein Kompetenzkatalog mit 8 Skalen mit insgesamt 44 Items (Kayser-Meyer-Olkin-Kriterium 0,88).

Schlussfolgerungen

Es konnte ein Katalog relevanter allgemeiner Lernziele für Ärzt:innen in Weiterbildung entwickelt werden, der allerdings einer Überprüfung auf Vollständigkeit im Kontext der eigenen Arbeitsumgebung bedarf. Kompetenzen, die auch außerhalb der Kreißsaalumgebung erlernt werden könnten, sollten vor einer Kreißsaalrotation erlernt werden. Dies ermöglicht die Konzentration auf bereichsspezifische Items im Rahmen der Kreißsaaleinarbeitung.
Patient-reported outcomes for people with diabetes: what and how to measure? A narrative review
Authors: Terwee Caroline B. , Elders Petra J. M. , Blom Marieke T. , Beulens Joline W. , Rolandsson Olaf , Rogge Alize A. , Rose Matthias , Harman Nicola , Williamson Paula R. , Pouwer Frans , Mokkink Lidwine B. , Rutters Femke
Published: May 2023

Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are valuable for shared decision making and research. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are questionnaires used to measure PROs, such as health-related quality of life (HRQL). Although core outcome sets for trials and clinical practice have been developed separately, they, as well as other initiatives, recommend different PROs and PROMs. In research and clinical practice, different PROMs are used (some generic, some disease-specific), which measure many different things. This is a threat to the validity of research and clinical findings in the field of diabetes. In this narrative review, we aim to provide recommendations for the selection of relevant PROs and psychometrically sound PROMs for people with diabetes for use in clinical practice and research. Based on a general conceptual framework of PROs, we suggest that relevant PROs to measure in people with diabetes are: disease-specific symptoms (e.g. worries about hypoglycaemia and diabetes distress), general symptoms (e.g. fatigue and depression), functional status, general health perceptions and overall quality of life. Generic PROMs such as the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), WHO Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS 2.0), or Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) measures could be considered to measure commonly relevant PROs, supplemented with disease-specific PROMs where needed. However, none of the existing diabetes-specific PROM scales has been sufficiently validated, although the Diabetes Symptom Self-Care Inventory (DSSCI) for measuring diabetes-specific symptoms and the Diabetes Distress Scale (DDS) and Problem Areas in Diabetes (PAID) for measuring distress showed sufficient content validity. Standardisation and use of relevant PROs and psychometrically sound PROMs can help inform people with diabetes about the expected course of disease and treatment, for shared decision making, to monitor outcomes and to improve healthcare. We recommend further validation studies of diabetes-specific PROMs that have sufficient content validity for measuring disease-specific symptoms and consider generic item banks developed based on item response theory for measuring commonly relevant PROs.

Graphical Abstract
MPClan: Protocol Suite for Privacy-Conscious Computations
Authors: Koti Nishat , Patil Shravani , Patra Arpita , Suresh Ajith
Published: May 2023

The growing volumes of data being collected and its analysis to provide better services are creating worries about digital privacy. To address privacy concerns and give practical solutions, the literature has relied on secure multiparty computation techniques. However, recent research over rings has mostly focused on the small-party honest-majority setting of up to four parties tolerating single corruption, noting efficiency concerns. In this work, we extend the strategies to support higher resiliency in an honest-majority setting with efficiency of the online phase at the centre stage. Our semi-honest protocol improves the online communication of the protocol of Damgård and Nielsen (CRYPTO’07) without inflating the overall communication. It also allows shutting down almost half of the parties in the online phase, thereby saving up to 50% in the system’s operational costs. Our maliciously secure protocol also enjoys similar benefits and requires only half of the parties, except for one-time verification towards the end, and provides security with fairness. To showcase the practicality of the designed protocols, we benchmark popular applications such as deep neural networks, graph neural networks, genome sequence matching, and biometric matching using prototype implementations. Our protocols, in addition to improved communication, aid in bringing up to 60–80% savings in monetary cost over prior work.
Unlikely intersections and the Chabauty–Kim method over number fields
Authors: Dogra Netan
Published: May 2023

The Chabauty–Kim method is a tool for finding the integral or rational points on varieties over number fields via certain transcendental p-adic analytic functions arising from certain Selmer schemes associated to the unipotent fundamental group of the variety. In this paper we establish several foundational results on the Chabauty–Kim method for curves over number fields. The two main ingredients in the proof of these results are an unlikely intersection result for zeroes of iterated integrals, and a careful analysis of the intersection of the Selmer scheme of the original curve with the unipotent Albanese variety of certain $${\mathbb {Q}}_p $$

Q
p

-subvarieties of the restriction of scalars of the curve. The main theorem also gives a partial answer to a question of Siksek on Chabauty’s method over number fields, and an explicit counterexample is given to the strong form of Siksek’s question.
Phenomenology and therapeutic potential of patient experiences during oral esketamine treatment for treatment-resistant depression: an interpretative phenomenological study
Authors: Breeksema Joost J. , Niemeijer Alistair , Kuin Bouwe , Veraart Jolien , Vermetten Eric , Kamphuis Jeanine , van den Brink Wim , Schoevers Robert
Published: May 2023

Background

Ketamine and its enantiomers are widely researched and increasingly used to treat mental disorders, especially treatment-resistant depression. The phenomenology of ketamine-induced experiences and their relation to its psychotherapeutic potential have not yet been systematically investigated.

Aims

To describe the phenomenology of patient experiences during oral esketamine treatment for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and to explore the potential therapeutic relevance of these experiences.

Methods

In-depth interviews were conducted with 17 patients after a 6-week, twice-weekly ‘off label’ generic oral esketamine (0.5–3.0mg/kg) treatment program. Interviews explored participants’ perspectives, expectations, and experiences with oral esketamine treatment. Audio interviews were transcribed and analyzed using an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) framework.

Results

The effects of ketamine were highly variable, and psychological distress was common in most patients. Key themes included (a) perceptual effects (auditory, visual, proprioceptive), (b) detachment (from body, self, emotions, and the world), (c) stillness and openness, (d) mystical-type effects (transcendence, relativeness, spirituality), and (e) fear and anxiety. Key themes related to post-session reports included (a) feeling hungover and fatigued, and (b) lifting the blanket: neutralizing mood effects.

Conclusion

Patients reported several esketamine effects with psychotherapeutic potential, such as increased openness, detachment, an interruption of negativity, and mystical-type experiences. These experiences deserve to be explored further to enhance treatment outcomes in patients with TRD. Given the frequency and severity of the perceived distress, we identify a need for additional support in all stages of esketamine treatment.