bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variation in soil erosion rate under typical land uses and vertical zones in an agricultural catchment of the Daliangshan region, Southwest China
Authors: Wu Han , Yuan Yong , Xiong Donghong , Zhang Baojun , Liu Lin , Li Wanxin , Zhang Xinbao , Wang Xiaodan , Deng Wei
Published: May 2024

The Daliangshan region (DLS) is characterized by significant vertical differentiation in human activity and land use owing to the high elevation gradient, which may affect the soil erosion pattern in the vertical direction. However, the spatial variability of soil erosion rates along a hillslope at the catchment scale remains poorly understood. In this study, we used the cesium‐137 tracer technique to estimate soil erosion rates under different land uses and vertical zones from a small agricultural catchment, the Luowugou catchment in the DLS. Ten plots comprising four typical vertical zones (valley, low mountain, middle mountain and sub‐alpine) and five land‐use types (sloping farmland, grassland, abandoned farmland, forest land and horizontal terrace) were selected. In addition, two parallel downslope transects were built in each plot, and soil samples were collected at 3–7 m intervals along these transects. The results indicated that the soil erosion rates on sloping farmland (4.82 kg·m−2·y−1) and grassland (4.09 kg·m−2·y−1) were significantly higher than those on abandoned farmland (0.91 kg·m−2·y−1) and forest land (0.80 kg·m−2·y−1). In contrast, the horizontal terrace showed net deposition, with a deposition rate of 0.62 kg·m−2·y−1. The erosion rates varied across different zones, with the low mountain zone having the highest erosion rate (5.65 kg·m−2·y−1), followed by the middle mountain (2.96 kg·m−2·y−1) and subalpine (1.46 kg·m−2·y−1) zones, and the valley zone having the lowest erosion rate (1.28 kg·m−2·y−1). Furthermore, there were significant correlations (P < 0.05) between the soil erosion rates from different vertical zones and the proportion of sloping farmland, implying that sloping farmland plays a dominant role in shaping soil erosion along a vertical gradient. These comparisons suggest that the highest soil erosion rate occurred in the low mountain zone, indicating that the steeply sloping farmlands, resulting from migration from high‐altitude areas, have intensified soil erosion in the vertical zone. These findings highlight the role of agricultural activities originating from sloping farmlands in influencing soil erosion across different vertical zones, which has important implications for mitigating soil erosion and optimizing agricultural layout in the region.
Exploring representations of human resource management as moral dirty work: A film study
Authors: Carollo Luca , Guerci Marco , Della Torre Edoardo , Previtali Giuseppe
Published: May 2024

It has been claimed that the HR “profession” suffers from a chronic shortage of social legitimacy. In this article, we advance the idea that HR is also to some extent subject to public stigmatization for being immoral. In other words, we maintain that certain aspects of contemporary HR work can be conceptualized as morally dirty work. We provide empirical support for this contention by analyzing a set of 28 films portraying HR practitioners at work. The research results comprise both task‐related and method‐related filmic representations of HR work as immoral, thus furnishing a comprehensive and nuanced picture of the moral issues that can affect the HR profession. Furthermore, the results show that some of the HR characters analyzed—typically those who hold a role as (co‐)protagonists in the story—realize the immorality affecting their work and decide to distance themselves from it by either exiting the role, trying to reform it, or openly raising resistance against their employer. These research results suggest the need to integrate dirty work scholarship into study of the HR profession, while they provide important indications in terms of future HR research, practice and education.
Water use characteristics of coexisting sand‐binding vegetation in two typical soil habitats in the desert steppe of China
Authors: Chen Xiaoying , Chen Lin , Yang Xinguo , Li Minlan , Yang Shuangqi , Yu Dian , Song Naiping
Published: May 2024

Understanding the water use characteristics and water relationship of coexisting vegetation in a mixed‐species plantation of trees and shrubs is crucial for the sustainable restoration of degraded arid areas. This study investigated the water use characteristic of coexisting sand‐binding vegetation combinations in the sierozem habitat (Populus przewalskii Maxim namely Populus‐S and Caragana liouana) and aeolian sandy soil habitats (Populus przewalskii Maxim namely Populus‐A and Salix psammophila) of the desert steppe. By analysing the δ2H and δ18O isotopes in xylem, soil water, groundwater and precipitation, a Bayesian MixSIAR model was employed to quantitatively assess the water utilization characteristics of plants. Throughout the growing season, in the sierozem habitat, C. liouana exhibits the highest efficiency in utilizing soil moisture above 60 cm (53.45%) and displays adaptable water use strategies. In contrast, Populus‐A predominantly relies on deep soil moisture below 60 cm plus groundwater (63.89%). In the aeolian sandy soil habitat, both Populus‐A and S. psammophila similarly favour deep soil moisture below the 60 cm soil plus groundwater (66.77% and 67.60%, respectively). During the transition period from the dry to the wet seasons, although both Populus‐A and S. psammophila in the aeolian sandy soil habitat shifted their water sources from deeper to shallower ones, there was considerable overlap in the water sources used by Populus‐A and S. psammophila. This overlap led to competition for water resources and exacerbated the depletion of deep soil moisture in both seasons. Conversely, in the sierozem habitat, the partitioning of water sources between Populus‐S and C. liouana facilitated the allocation and utilization of water resources between the two species. The findings highlight the need for species‐specific consideration in water resource allocation within mixed‐species plantations of trees and shrubs, which is crucial for sustainable vegetation restoration in sand‐binding ecosystems.
Diagnostic and management dilemmas of pregnancies at the utero‐tubal junction: A case series and management algorithm
Authors: Mahey Reeta , Singh Shalini V. , Gupta Paridhi , Rana Anubhuti , Rajput Monika , Cheluvaraju Rohitha , Manchanda Smita , Jayraj Aarthi K , Bhatla Neerja
Published: May 2024

Objective

A pregnancy at the utero‐tubal junction is a rare type of ectopic pregnancy and is associated with high maternal morbidity if it remains undetected. In the present study we discuss four cases of ectopic pregnancies at the utero‐tubal junction which caused diagnostic and management dilemmas.

Methods

Four cases of early pregnancies with the gestational sac (G‐sac) implanted near the utero‐tubal junction are described. In case 1 this was suspected after a failed attempt at dilatation and curettage at our hospital, cases 2 and 3 presented with amenorrhea and pain abdomen and case 4 was diagnosed on first pregnancy documentation scan after frozen embryo transfer.

Results

As initial two‐dimensional (2D) transvaginal scan (TVS) failed to diagnose the exact location of the G‐sac, three‐dimensional (3D) TVS helped to localize the exact location of pregnancy and subsequent individualized management. Case 1 had a partial intramural ectopic pregnancy managed by laparotomy and removal of the ectopic sac. The second and third cases were eccentric uterine pregnancies. The fourth was an interstitial ectopic pregnancy managed by a laparoscopic loop and stitch technique.

Conclusion

This case series describes the role of 3D TVS for the evaluation of pregnancies implanted at the utero‐tubal junction and individual management of eccentric intrauterine, interstitial ectopic and intramural ectopic pregnancies. A diagnostic algorithm for such types of cases and management options is discussed.
Maternal and child oral health barriers and solutions: Case studies from South Africa, Brazil, and Indonesia
Authors: Ramphoma Khabiso , Groisman Sonia , Adyatmaka Irene , Lee Hyewon
Published: May 2024

The World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA) has introduced a maternal oral health framework and launched its Global Maternal and Child Oral Health Initiative, advocating for maternal and child health as a strategic entry point for oral health to be integrated into primary healthcare systems. This article delves into maternal oral health initiatives in South Africa, Brazil, and Indonesia, exploring challenges and proposing context‐specific solutions aligned with the WFPHA maternal oral health framework and its Global Maternal and Child Oral Health Initiative.

The apartheid legacy in South Africa has led to the gross health inequalities, including oral health disparities characterized by maldistribution of dental facilities and dental professionals in the public sector. The proposed objectives focus on effective leadership, human resource capacity building, and integration of maternal and child oral health policy into existing health policies. Brazil faces challenges in reaching pregnant women, especially pregnant teens, due to workforce shortages. Brazil's Oral Health National Program mandates all pregnant women undergo at least one dental appointment, but a shortage of oral health teams persists and impedes timely access to dental care during pregnancy. Dental students’ outreach to vulnerable pregnant teens can enhance the future oral health workforce's sensitivity to maternal oral health matters. In Indonesia, the Antenatal Care Innovative (iANC) Project has introduced a co‐training model for midwives and oral health professionals addressing oral health needs of mothers and their spouses and fostering a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between oral health and maternal well‐being.

These country cases demonstrate the importance of tailored policies, health promotion, and care delivery interventions in maternal oral health. All cases highlight the importance of workforce training and distribution, fostering cross‐disciplinary collaboration and future oral health workforce who can promote health beyond treatment delivery.
Putting science to work for women's health
Authors: Clayton Janine A. , D'Souza Rena N.
Published: May 2024

The Office of Research on Women's Health (ORWH)’s whole health paradigm expands the scope of women's health research, incorporating a life‐course perspective that recognizes the profound influences of sex and gender on health. From childhood through adulthood, external and societal factors along with internal factors and biology shape women's health and influence access to quality healthcare. This comprehensive approach integrates data‐driven sex‐ and gender‐aware strategies to prevent, diagnose, and treat disease, focusing on the unique needs of women.

Acknowledging the historical lack of timely research and data on women's health, an initiative led by First Lady Dr. Jill Biden and the White House Gender Policy Council, ushers in a new era of women's health research that offers unprecedented opportunities to enhance the health of women through biomedical and behavioral research. The initiative fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, supporting research on autoimmune diseases, menopause, oral health, and chronic pain conditions. ORWH serves as the focal point for National Institutes of Health (NIH) women's health research. With a commitment to advancing holistic outcomes, ORWH engages in partnerships, outreach, and educational initiatives to disseminate critical research findings and support women's health researchers. Here we describe the convergence of this initiative with the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research's work to advance the understanding of sex as a biological variable for conditions such as Sjogren's disease and temporomandibular disorder. This transformative approach to women's health research propels the United States toward innovative solutions, ensuring that science works for the health and well‐being of every woman.
Association of platelet satellitism with immune thrombocytopenia: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Wali Junaid A. , Robinson Shannon , Green Steven
Published: May 2024

Platelet satellitism refers to the rosetting of the platelets around white blood cells, mostly neutrophils that could lead to spuriously low platelet counts on automated analyzers. The phenomenon has usually been described in EDTA processed blood samples. We describe the clinical course of a patient with immune thrombocytopenia with platelet satellitism in both EDTA as well as non EDTA processed blood samples. We also review the literature describing two other reports of the platelet satellitism in patients with immune thrombocytopenia. We also reference the literature describing the heterogeneity of the presence of platelet satellitism in different clinical and laboratory settings.
Real‐world study of the use of azacitidine in myelodysplasia in Australia
Authors: Enjeti Anoop , Ashraf Asma , Caillet Vincent , Alam Arif , Silar Jonathan , Keer Harold , Castaldi Francesco , Paine Taleisha
Published: May 2024

Hypomethylating agents are the most widely used upfront therapy for patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) who are not suitable for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. In Australia, azacitidine was, until recently, the only approved and subsidized treatment for patients with intermediate‐2 and high‐risk MDS, chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, and low blast acute myeloid leukemia. We analyzed prescription data to evaluate the real‐world persistence and overall survival (OS) of patients prescribed azacitidine for the first time in Australia. A retrospective cohort analysis of patients who had been prescribed Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)‐listed azacitidine for the first time, between January 2016 and April 2021, was conducted using the PBS 10% dataset. Treatment persistence and OS were estimated using Kaplan–Meier methods. The impact of the number of treatment cycles and treatment adherence on OS was also estimated. There were 351 patients in the PBS 10% dataset who initiated treatment with azacitidine. The average age (standard deviation [SD]) at azacitidine initiation was 71.9 (11.1) years and the average number (SD) of azacitidine prescriptions was 5.6 (0.2). The median persistence on azacitidine was 15.6 months, and the OS was 13.4 months. The median OS for patients who had six or more cycles of azacitidine treatment was greater compared to patients who had five or less cycles of treatment. The data from this real‐world study illustrate the unmet medical needs of patients with MDS treated with azacitidine in Australia. The majority of patients are not treated with the optimal number of cycles of azacitidine, which is negatively correlated with patient outcomes.
Risks of alopecia areata in long COVID: Binational population‐based cohort studies from South Korea and Japan
Authors: Kyung Seoyeon , Son Yejun , Kim Minji , Kang Jiseung , Smith Lee , Lee Hayeon , Yon Dong Keon
Published: May 2024

Previous studies have proposed alopecia areata (AA) as a potential outcome of COVID‐19 infection among autoimmune diseases, yet the findings might be inconclusive and difficult to generalize due to limited sample sizes and evidence levels. Thus, we aimed to investigate in detail the long‐term risk of AA following SARS‐CoV‐2 infection based on large, binational, general population‐based cohort studies. Our study investigated the long‐term AA risk after SARS‐CoV‐2 infection by analyzing bi‐national, claim‐based cohorts in South Korea and Japan: a Korean nationwide cohort (K‐COV‐N cohort; discovery cohort; total n = 10 027 506) and a Japanese claims‐based cohort (JMDC cohort; validation cohort; total n = 12 218 680). AA was identified based on the international classification of diseases 10th revision code (L63) requiring at least three claims within 1 year. After exposure‐driven propensity score matching, SARS‐CoV‐2 infection was associated with an increased risk of incident AA (aHR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.38–1.99). This increased risk was observed and persisted for up to 6 months. A similar pattern was observed in the validation cohort. As modifiable factors, severe COVID‐19 increased the risk of AA, whereas receiving two or more doses of the COVID‐19 vaccine before infection decreased the risk of AA. Through a bi‐national cohort study in South Korea and Japan, SARS‐CoV‐2 infection was associated with an elevated risk for incident AA in the aspect of long COVID.
Microhomology‐mediated repair machinery and its relationship with HPV‐mediated oncogenesis
Authors: Chatterjee Subhajit , Starrett Gabriel J.
Published: May 2024

Human Papillomaviruses (HPV) are a diverse family of non‐enveloped dsDNA viruses that infect the skin and mucosal epithelia. Persistent HPV infections can lead to cancer frequently involving integration of the virus into the host genome, leading to sustained oncogene expression and loss of capsid and genome maintenance proteins. Microhomology‐mediated double‐strand break repair, a DNA double‐stranded breaks repair pathway present in many organisms, was initially thought to be a backup but it's now seen as vital, especially in homologous recombination‐deficient contexts. Increasing evidence has identified microhomology (MH) near HPV integration junctions, suggesting MH‐mediated repair pathways drive integration. In this comprehensive review, we present a detailed summary of both the mechanisms underlying MH‐mediated repair and the evidence for its involvement in HPV integration in cancer. Lastly, we highlight the involvement of these processes in the integration of other DNA viruses and the broader implications on virus lifecycles and host innate immune response.
New approximation method for high order impedance boundary condition with surface integral equations for the scattering problem
Authors: Daveau Christian , Oueslati Soumaya , Kacem Molka
Published: May 2024

In this paper, we propose a new method to approximate operators resulted from solving the scattering Problem in electromagnetism by dielectrically coated conducting bodies, using integral equations and high order impedance boundary condition. We introduce the variational Problem and we prove its well‐posedness. After discretization, we find that operators arising from the high‐order impedance boundary conditions are not well‐defined. We present the new theoretical approach and highlight its potential through numerical experiments.
Safety and feasibility of 3D‐electroanatomical mapping‐guided zero or near‐zero fluoroscopy catheter ablation for pediatric arrhythmias: Meta‐analysis
Authors: Prana Jagannatha Gusti Ngurah , Antara I. Made Putra Swi , Kosasih Anastasya Maria , Adrian Jonathan , Mendel Brian , Labi Nikita Pratama Toding , Aji Wingga Chrisna , de Liyis Bryan Gervais , Tangkas Made Refika Widya Apsari , Cardia Yosep Made Pius , Alamsyah Alif Hakim
Published: May 2024

Background

Catheter ablation in the pediatric population using fluoroscopy has been known to cause adverse events. This study aims to assess the effectiveness and safety of zero fluoroscopy (ZF) and near‐ZF‐guided catheter ablation for the treatment of arrhythmias in the pediatric population.

Methods

The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane library databases were searched and reviewed for relevant studies. Outcomes of interest include safety, short‐term, and long‐term effectiveness. We classified patients ≤21 years old who underwent ZF or near‐ZF ablation with fluoroscopy time ≤1.5 min as our study group and patients within the same age range who underwent conventional fluoroscopy and/or near‐ZF ablation with a mean fluoroscopy time >1.5 min as our control group. Both ZF and near‐ZF ablation utilized 3D‐electroanatomical mapping (3D‐EAM).

Results

Ten studies composed of 2279 patients were included in this study. Total fluoroscopy time (MD –15.93 min, 95% CI (−22.57 – (−9.29), p < .001; I2 = 84%)) and total procedural time (MD –22.06 min, 95% CI (−44.39 – (−0.28), p < .001; I2 = 88%)) were significantly lower in the near‐ZF group. Both ZF and near‐ZF demonstrated a trend towards improved success rates compared to conventional fluoroscopy but did not achieve statistical significance for all subgroup analyses. Ablation in the study group also decreased incidence of complication compared to the control (RR 0.35; 95% CI (0.14–0.90); p = .03; I2 = 0%).

Conclusion

ZF and near‐ZF ablation reduced the overall duration, compares in effectiveness, and shows a superior safety profile compared to control group.
National strategy introduced to address maternal MH, SUD crisis
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: May 2024

Observing the need to identify a set of evidence‐based, evidence‐informed and promising practices to address maternal mental health care, a first‐ever national strategy released last week by a federal task force is calling for a seamless integration of perinatal mental health and substance use care across medical, community and social systems that increases equity and access.
Altered proteome profiles related to visceral adiposity may mediate the favorable effect of green Mediterranean diet: the DIRECT‐PLUS trial
Authors: Zelicha Hila , Kaplan Alon , Yaskolka Meir Anat , Rinott Ehud , Tsaban Gal , Blüher Matthias , Klöting Nora , Ceglarek Uta , Isermann Berend , Stumvoll Michael , Chassidim Yoash , Shelef Ilan , Hu Frank B. , Shai Iris
Published: May 2024

Objective

The objective of this study was to explore the effects of a green Mediterranean (green‐MED) diet, which is high in dietary polyphenols and green plant‐based protein and low in red/processed meat, on cardiovascular disease and inflammation‐related circulating proteins and their associations with cardiometabolic risk parameters.

Methods

In the 18‐month weight loss trial Dietary Intervention Randomized Controlled Trial Polyphenols Unprocessed Study (DIRECT‐PLUS), 294 participants with abdominal obesity were randomized to basic healthy dietary guidelines, Mediterranean (MED), or green‐MED diets. Both isocaloric MED diet groups consumed walnuts (28 g/day), and the green‐MED diet group also consumed green tea (3–4 cups/day) and green shakes (Mankai plant shake, 500 mL/day) and avoided red/processed meat. Proteome panels were measured at three time points using Olink CVDII.

Results

At baseline, a dominant protein cluster was significantly related to higher phenotypic cardiometabolic risk parameters, with the strongest associations attributed to magnetic resonance imaging‐assessed visceral adiposity (false discovery rate of 5%). Overall, after 6 months of intervention, both the MED and green‐MED diets induced improvements in cardiovascular disease and proinflammatory risk proteins (p < 0.05, vs. healthy dietary guidelines), with the green‐MED diet leading to more pronounced beneficial changes, largely driven by dominant proinflammatory proteins (IL‐1 receptor antagonist protein, IL‐16, IL‐18, thrombospondin‐2, leptin, prostasin, galectin‐9, and fibroblast growth factor 21; adjusted for age, sex, and weight loss; p < 0.05). After 18 months, proteomics cluster changes presented the strongest correlations with visceral adiposity reduction.

Conclusions

Proteomics clusters may enhance our understanding of the favorable effect of a green‐MED diet that is enriched with polyphenols and low in red/processed meat on visceral adiposity and cardiometabolic risk.
Analysis of ginseng rusty root symptoms transcriptome and its pathogenesis directed by reactive oxygen species theory
Authors: Yu Pengcheng , Song Xiaowen , Zhang Wei , Yao Yao , Ren Junling , Wang Liyang , Liu Wenfei , Meng Zhaoping , Meng Xiangcai
Published: May 2024

Ginseng rusty root symptoms (GRS) is a primary disease of ginseng, which seriously decreases the yield and quality of ginseng and causes enormous losses to ginseng production. GRS prevention and control is still challenging due to its unclear etiology. In this study, the phloem tissue of healthy Panax ginseng (AG), the nonred tissue of the phloem epidermis around the lesion (BG), and the red lesion site tissue of GRS (CG) were extracted for mRNA transcriptomic analysis; 35,958 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified and were associated with multiple stress resistance pathways, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and iron ion binding. Further study showed that the contents of O2•‐, H2O2, and malondialdehyde (MDA) were significantly increased in BG and CG tissues. Under anaerobic conditions caused by excessive soil moisture, the overproduction of ROS destroys cell membranes, simultaneously converting Fe2+ to Fe3+ and depositing it in the cell wall, which results in GRS, as evidenced by the success of the GRS induction test.
Phase Noise in Real‐World Twin‐Field Quantum Key Distribution
Authors: Bertaina Gianluca , Clivati Cecilia , Donadello Simone , Liorni Carlo , Meda Alice , Virzì Salvatore , Gramegna Marco , Genovese Marco , Levi Filippo , Calonico Davide , Dispenza Massimiliano , Degiovanni Ivo Pietro
Published: May 2024

The impact of noise sources in real‐world implementations of twin‐field quantum key distribution (TF‐QKD) protocols is investigated, focusing on phase noise from photon sources and connecting fibers. This work emphasizes the role of laser quality, network topology, fiber length, arm balance, and detector performance in determining key rates. Remarkably, it reveals that the leading TF‐QKD protocols are similarly affected by phase noise despite different mechanisms. This study demonstrates duty cycle improvements of over a factor of two through narrow‐linewidth lasers and phase‐control techniques, highlighting the potential synergy with high‐precision time and frequency distribution services. Ultrastable lasers, evolving toward integration and miniaturization, offer promising solutions for agile TF‐QKD implementations on existing networks. Properly addressing phase noise and practical constraints allows for consistent key rate predictions, protocol selection, and layout design, crucial for establishing secure long‐haul links for the quantum communication infrastructures under development in several countries.
Empirically exploring the veracity of the new stakeholder perspective in strategy: Documenting workforce rents
Authors: Neckebrouck Jeroen , Kryscynski David
Published: May 2024

Research Summary

Without compelling empirical proxies for economic profits, we may need to reconsider the decades of empirical research purporting to inform our theories of competitive advantage. The new stakeholder perspective suggests that stakeholders may capture significant shares of the firm's economic profits that should be incorporated into these proxies. In this article, we propose a novel empirical approach to measuring stakeholder rents and then apply our approach to measure workforce rents across the population of all Belgian firms employing workers from 2008 to 2016. Our results demonstrate substantial variance in workforce rents among firms, with some firms allowing most of the economic profits they generate to flow to the workforce. We discuss the implications of our findings in detail and lay out a pathway for future research.

Managerial Summary

This article examines the extent to which companies pay their workforces above (below) what the labor market demands as a way of exploring how much of the company's economic profits go to stakeholders other than shareholders. We demonstrate a wide range of over (under) payments to workforces in a large sample of Belgian firms from 2008 to 2016. One of the important contributions of our paper is developing a method to determine over (under) payments for the workforce, but our method can also be applied to other stakeholders. We hope our work provides an empirical approach for others to explore how stakeholders capture portions of the economic profits that companies create.
Photoinduced Dehalogenation‐Based Direct In Situ Photolithography of CsPbBr3 Quantum Dots Micropatterns for Encryption and Anti‐Counterfeiting with High Capacity
Authors: Li Wanting , Wu Manchun , Chen Haini , Zhang Peng , Cai Zhixiong , Cai Shunyou , Li Feiming
Published: May 2024

Fluorescent lead halide perovskite quantum dots (LH PQDs) micropatterns hold great potential for photonic applications. However, current photolithography for LH PQDs micropatterning is hindered by their incompatibility with traditional photolithography methods, which involve development processes using numerous solvents and exhibit poor stability due to the ionic characteristics of LH PQDs. Herein, a direct in situ photolithography to fabricate CsPbBr3 PQDs micropatterns based on ultraviolet‐C light‐driven debromination is developed. Using this approach, fluorescent CsPbBr3 PQDs micropatterns with high theoretical information storage capacity (up to 10750205) can be achieved in a single step, without the need for tedious development processes. Furthermore, the fabricated CsPbBr3 PQDs micropatterns show high stability, remaining undamaged even after immersion in water for 6 months. The combination of excellent optical properties, development‐free process, high stability, and low cost makes the in situ photolithography strategy very promising for patterning LH PQDs toward photonic integrations.
A review on models, products and techniques for evapotranspiration measurement, estimation, and validation
Authors: Bariş Mesut , Tombul Mustafa
Published: May 2024

In this review study, the major available methods for measurement and estimation of evapotranspiration (ET) are discussed briefly while explaining the latest developments. The best available validation methods are also reviewed and explained. It highlights the importance of accurate ET quantification in managing water resources, evaluating climate change impacts, and supporting crop water requirement management. Measurement methods such as scintillometry, lysimetry, and the eddy covariance (EC) flux method are presented. Additionally, hydrological models are discussed as estimation approaches for actual and potential ET. The paper explores various ET estimation products, particularly those based on remote sensing techniques. Specifically, methods like Mapping EvapoTranspiration at high Resolution with Internalized Calibration (METRIC), Simplified Surface Energy Balance Operational (SSEBop ET), Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MOD16), Surface Energy Balance Algorithm for Land (SEBAL), Global Land Surface Evaporation: Amsterdam Methodology (GLEAM), Satellite Application Facility on Land Surface Analysis (LSA‐SAF), and Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS) are described. The integration of machine learning (ML) with EC and remote sensing is investigated, with a comprehensive discussion of different ML approaches. Validation methods including the EC method, water balance method‐derived ET (WBET), and statistical techniques are explained. Overall, this review paper provides a comprehensive overview of ET quantification, covering measurement techniques, estimation approaches, remote sensing methods, and the integration of ML. The insights gained from this review contribute to a profound knowledge of ET dynamics and helps those sectors dealing with drought monitoring, water resource management and climate change assessments.
Introduction: Community Energy and Sustainable Energy Transitions
Authors: Castán Broto Vanesa
Published: May 2024

This chapter introduces the book on Community Energy and Sustainable Energy Transitions in Ethiopia, Malawi, and Mozambique. The book is the result of an interdisciplinary collaboration between an international team of scholars brought together thanks to research funds from the UK’s Global Challenges Research Fund. The Introduction argues the need for a perspective from these three countries as a means to challenge existing assumptions about the development of community energy projects and their value for accelerating the transition to sustainable energy. The aim is to develop a postcolonial perspective on community energy that emerges from practical experiences on the ground and the challenges raised by those experiences. The chapter concludes with an overview of the book and a call to consider community energy as an inherently diverse phenomenon.
Energy Literacy for the Energy Transition: Forming the Next Generation of Energy Practitioners in Ethiopia
Authors: Bekele Getachew , Lake Adugnaw , Habtu Dawit , Assefa Amare
Published: May 2024

Delivering the energy transition depends on multiple actions in policy and regulation, project delivery, and project operation that require multiple skills. To what extent is current energy education serving the demands of a rapidly changing sector? This chapter adopts the energy literacy framework to examine the energy education landscape in Ethiopia and its suitability to the current demands of the transition to sustainable energy. The energy literacy framework highlights that while energy education has, in general, focused on developing technical and economic skills for the management of energy systems, a changing landscape also requires community and political literacy.

Empirical research conducted in Ethiopia examined first policymakers’ perspectives on the skills needed to deliver the energy transition. Second, the research analysed energy-related programmes offered in higher education, looking into the historical development of the Institutes of Technology in Ethiopia. Third, the research conducted a survey with higher education leavers to examine how they have adapted their education to their professional practice. The research reveals a significant gap in social sciences perspectives on energy, compounded by educational programmes that prioritise theory over practice. A concerted reform within the educational sector is needed to ensure professionals acquire the skills to lead the energy transition in Ethiopia.
Pioneering Community Energy for Development in Malawi
Authors: Hara Christopher , Gogoda Chrispin , Chitawo Maxon L.
Published: May 2024

Community energy projects are increasingly common in Malawi to provide energy access in a country with the lowest electricity access rates in the world. However, they face challenges, some of which only become apparent during the process of implementation. This chapter asks what the lessons from the combined experiences of different implementing community energy projects in different locations in Malawi are.

The research took a comparative approach using primary data from five field visits to community energy sites in the districts Rumphi, Mchinji, Dedza, Mulanje and Nsanje and a literature review including project documents. The analysis shows that community energy projects have a net positive impact on communities, but they face challenges related to dealing with an inadequate regulatory system, facilitating community participation and leadership and managing unexpected events. The recommendation is to provide long-life and ad hoc support to these projects, for example, via government subsidies.
Potentially Polluting Wrecks: An Introduction
Authors: Brennan Michael L.
Published: May 2024

Shipwrecks lie hidden below the surface of the water and, especially those in deep water, are out of sight and easily ignored. Many of these wrecks from the modern era either contain or are suspected to contain hazardous materials that are within the metal hulls which have the potential to cause an environmental disaster should they leak or spill. A potentially polluting wreck (PPW) is a shipwreck containing a cargo or a large volume of its own fuel that remains within the wreck and has the potential to cause an environmental hazard should the structure become compromised and either leak or catastrophically release. This book addresses those wrecks with the potential to pollute due to petroleum cargoes or bunkers. While unexploded ordnance and munitions also represent both a hazard and toxic substance, addressing this type of cargo and threat is different than for petroleum cargos and would need its own volume on the subject. According to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), ‘marine pollution from sunken vessels is predicted to reach its highest level this decade, with over 8,500 shipwrecks at risk of leaking approximately 6 billion gallons of oil’ (IUCN, 2023). They contain hazardous materials including chemicals, unexploded ordinances, and an estimated six billion gallons of heavy fuel oil. ‘This is 545 times more oil than the Exxon Valdez leak in 1989 and 30 times that of the Deepwater Horizon spill in 2010, both of which had severe and long-lasting environmental consequences’ (IUCN, 2023). Many of the wrecks identified as PPWs are those sunk during the two world wars, particularly oil tankers, but also include freighters, as well as ships from parts of the twentieth century that foundered in storms.
Assessment Methodologies for Potentially Polluting Wrecks: The Need for a Common Approach
Authors: Lawrence Mark , Leather Stuart , Burnay Simon
Published: May 2024

There are believed to be more than 8500 Potentially Polluting Wrecks (PPW) lying on the seabed around the world, including many oil tankers, which potentially still contain very large quantities of oil. With many of these wrecks having been submerged for nearly 80 years (and sometimes more), the condition of their hulls is continuing to deteriorate, which combined with the increase in the frequency of severe weather events, means that the risk of significant pollution is increasing, particularly for wrecks in shallower waters.
Im Brennpunkt der Wirtschaftspolitik: Innovation, Globalisierung und Klimawandel
Authors: Keuschnigg Christian
Published: May 2024

Globalisierung, Innovation und Klimawandel treiben den wirtschaftlichen Wandel voran. Der Aufstieg Chinas pflügt die Weltwirtschaft um. Der Strukturwandel zwingt Familien und Unternehmen, sich ständig neu anzupassen. Rezessionen und Finanzkrisen gefährden den erreichten Wohlstand. Welche neuen Herausforderungen ergeben sich für die Wirtschaftspolitik? Wie kann die Politik die Voraussetzungen für nachhaltiges Wachstum in einer sich rasch ändernden Wirtschaft verbessern? Wer sind die Gewinner und Verlierer? Was kann die Politik tun, damit nicht nur wenige, sondern möglichst viele vom wirtschaftlichen Wandel profitieren?
Wie erfolgreich investiert China im Ausland?
Authors: Hartmann Björn
Published: May 2024

China ist ein Land der jungen Sparer und bildet riesige Finanzvermögen. Der Aufstieg Chinas auf den internationalen Finanzmärkten ist vorprogrammiert. Ein Land kann viel gewinnen, indem es sein Finanzvermögen breit streut und mit dem Ertrag aus Auslandsinvestitionen die Ertragsschwankungen im Inland teilweise ausgleicht. Die Investoren müssen beides im Blick haben, Ertrag und Risiko. Doch wie erfolgreich sind die chinesischen Auslandsinvestitionen? Welche Anlagemotive treiben die Investitionsentscheidungen? Gelingt es, mit Auslandsinvestitionen das Anlagerisiko der heimischen Sparer zu reduzieren? Kann chinesisches Anlagekapital im Ausland eine höhere Rendite erzielen als daheim?
Mit Innovation den Klimawandel meistern
Authors: Stromeyer Cara
Published: May 2024

Der Klimawandel hält Politik und Wirtschaft auf Trab. Kann mehr Innovation die Lösung sein? Innovation soll die Emissionen stark reduzieren und das Wachstum in eine Umwelt schonende Richtung lenken. Aber es ist schwer, die Richtung der Innovation zu ändern und das gesammelte Knowhow der Vergangenheit in grossen Teilen abzuschreiben. Um diese Trägheit zu überwinden und einen nachhaltigen Paradigmenwechsel einzuleiten, braucht es anfänglich kräftige Massnahmen: nicht nur hohe CO2 Steuern und Preise für den Emissionshandel, sondern auch starke Investitionen in die Grundlagenforschung und in private F&E-Förderung grüner Technologien.
Altes nutzen oder Neues erfinden? Wie Firmen sich dem Emissionshandel anpassen
Authors: Stromeyer Cara
Published: May 2024

Um die schlimmsten Folgen des Klimawandels abzuwenden, müssen die CO2 Emissionen rasch auf Netto-Null sinken. Wie wirksam ist das Emissionshandelssystem der EU? CO2 Steuern und die Preise für Emissionsrechte geben der Umwelt einen Preis und machen Emissionen kostspielig. Die Firmen können Altes nutzen oder Neues erfinden. Der Einsatz existierender Technologien verspricht schnelle, aber begrenzte Erfolge. Neue Innovationen dauern länger, aber wirken umso nachhaltiger. Die Forschungsarbeit zeigt, wie die Einführung des Emissionshandels in der EU die grünen Innovationen beflügelt. Das senkt die Kosten für die Eindämmung der Emissionen und steigert die Chance, ehrgeizige Klimaziele zu erreichen.
Evaluating possible ‘next day’ impairment in insomnia patients administered an oral medicinal cannabis product by night: a pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Suraev Anastasia , McCartney Danielle , Marshall Nathaniel S. , Irwin Christopher , Vandrey Ryan , Grunstein Ronald R. , D’Rozario Angela L. , Gordon Christopher , Bartlett Delwyn , Hoyos Camilla M. , McGregor Iain S.
Published: May 2024

Cannabis and its major constituents, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), are being widely used to treat sleep disturbances. However, THC can cause acute cognitive and psychomotor impairment and there are concerns that driving and workplace safety might be compromised the day after evening use. Here, we examined possible ‘next day’ impairment following evening administration of a typical medicinal cannabis oil in adults with insomnia disorder, compared to matched placebo. This paper describes the secondary outcomes of a larger study investigating the effects of THC/CBD on insomnia disorder. Twenty adults [16 female; mean (SD) age, 46.1 (8.6) y] with physician-diagnosed insomnia who infrequently use cannabis completed two 24 h in-laboratory visits involving acute oral administration of combined 10 mg THC and 200 mg CBD (‘THC/CBD’) or placebo in a randomised, double-blind, crossover trial design. Outcome measures included ‘next day’ (≥9 h post-treatment) performance on cognitive and psychomotor function tasks, simulated driving performance, subjective drug effects, and mood. We found no differences in ‘next day’ performance on 27 out of 28 tests of cognitive and psychomotor function and simulated driving performance relative to placebo. THC/CBD produced a small decrease (-1.4%, p=.016, d=-0.6) in accuracy on the Stroop-Colour Task (easy/congruent) but not the Stroop-Word Task (hard/incongruent). THC/CBD also produced a small increase (+8.6, p=.042, d=0.3) in self-ratings of Sedated at 10 h post-treatment, but with no accompanying changes in subjective ratings of Alert or Sleepy (p’s>0.05). In conclusion, we found a lack of notable ‘next day’ impairment to cognitive and psychomotor function and simulated driving performance following evening use of 10 mg oral THC, in combination with 200 mg CBD, in an insomnia population who infrequently use cannabis.
Frostbite injuries to the upper aerodigestive tract sustained from inhaled nitrous oxide
Authors: Gao Junru
Published: May 2024

Background

Nitrous oxide (N2O) has been in industrial and recreational use since the 18th century and is commonly perceived as a safe substance. Despite its increasing uptake, there is a lack of data on N2O-related harm. This article explores the misuse of N2O associated with various complications, with a focus on frostbite as a novel phenomenon. We aimed to review the existing body of literature and describe the epidemiology, presentation, pathophysiology, and management of patients with N2O-related frostbite injuries in the upper aerodigestive tract.

Methods

A literature search was conducted across PubMed, MEDLINE and Embase databases, focusing on English language articles related to N2O use patterns, associated injuries, pathophysiology, investigations, and management.

Results

The search yielded 122 results, of which fifteen case reports and case series were included in the study. There are 54 total cases included in the analysis. There is an equal distribution of males and females among a young population with a median age of 27.5 years. Presentations of skin and mucosal injuries across different anatomical sites as well as their management approaches are described.

Conclusions

The pathophysiology of frostbite involves both direct and indirect effects, leading to tissue ischaemia, inflammation, and immune responses. Complications, including airway obstruction, underscore the severity of N2O-related injuries. Management strategies include securing the airway, surgical debridement, and pharmacological interventions such as prophylactic corticosteroids and antibiotics. N2O is a documented causative agent of frostbite injuries. Awareness of its rising prevalence and potential complications is key in the treatment of patients with complications sustained from the use of N2O.

Level of evidence

Not ratable
Assessment of cerebral drug occupancy in humans using a single PET-scan: A [11C]UCB-J PET study
Authors: Marstrand-Joergensen Maja R. , Laurell Gjertrud L. , Herrmann Susan , Nasser Arafat , Johansen Annette , Lund Anton , Andersen Thomas L. , Knudsen Gitte M. , Pinborg Lars H.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Here, we evaluate a PET displacement model with a Single-step and Numerical solution in healthy individuals using the synaptic vesicle glycoprotein (SV2A) PET-tracer [11C]UCB-J and the anti-seizure medication levetiracetam (LEV). We aimed to (1) validate the displacement model by comparing the brain LEV-SV2A occupancy from a single PET scan with the occupancy derived from two PET scans and the Lassen plot and (2) determine the plasma LEV concentration-SV2A occupancy curve in healthy individuals.

Methods

Eleven healthy individuals (five females, mean age 35.5 [range: 25–47] years) underwent two 120-min [11C]UCB-J PET scans where an LEV dose (5–30 mg/kg) was administered intravenously halfway through the first PET scan to partially displace radioligand binding to SV2A. Five individuals were scanned twice on the same day; the remaining six were scanned once on two separate days, receiving two identical LEV doses. Arterial blood samples were acquired to determine the arterial input function and plasma LEV concentrations. Using the displacement model, the SV2A-LEV target engagement was calculated and compared with the Lassen plot method. The resulting data were fitted with a single-site binding model.

Results

SV2A occupancies and VND estimates derived from the displacement model were not significantly different from the Lassen plot (p = 0.55 and 0.13, respectively). The coefficient of variation was 14.6% vs. 17.3% for the Numerical and the Single-step solution in Bland-Altman comparisons with the Lassen plot. The average half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50), as estimated from the area under the curve of the plasma LEV concentration, was 12.5 µg/mL (95% CI: 5–25) for the Single-Step solution, 11.8 µg/mL (95% CI: 4–25) for the Numerical solution, and 6.3 µg/mL (95% CI: 0.08-21) for the Lassen plot. Constraining Emax to 100% did not significantly improve model fits.

Conclusion

Plasma LEV concentration vs. SV2A occupancy can be determined in humans using a single PET scan displacement model. The average concentration of the three computed IC50 values ranges between 6.3 and 12.5 µg/mL. The next step is to use the displacement model to evaluate LEV occupancy and corresponding plasma concentrations in relation to treatment efficacy.

Clinical trial registration

NCT05450822. Retrospectively registered 5 July 2022 https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results? term=NCT05450822&Search=Search.