bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stability analysis of mean field models described by Fokker‐Planck equations
Authors: Frank T.D.
Published: May 2022

A mean field model for weakly coupled oscillators is studied that can describe transitions from stationary uniform distributions to traveling wave solutions. The mean field model is reminiscent of a XY model with infinite‐range interactions. A linear stability analysis of the uniform distribution has been carried out by Kuramoto. We show that the stability analysis can also be carried out on the basis of Lyapunov's direct method. In doing so, we illustrate that the correspondence of Lyapunov's direct method and linear stability analysis that is well‐known for deterministic autonomous systems also holds for mean field models.
Fractional charges in pyrochlore lattices
Authors: Fulde P. , Penc K. , Shannon N.
Published: May 2022

A pyrochlore lattice is considered where the average electron number of electrons per site is half‐integer, concentrating on the case of exactly half an electron per site. Strong on‐site repulsions are assumed, so that all sites are either empty or singly occupied. When there are in addition strong nearest‐neighbour repulsions, a tetrahedron rule comes into effect, as previously suggested for magnetite. We show that in this case, there exist excitations with fractional charge ±e/2. These are intimately connected with the high degeneracy of the ground state in the absence of kinetic energy terms. When an additional electron is inserted into the system, it decays into two point like excitations with charge ‐e/2, connected by a Heisenberg spin‐chain which carries the electron's spin.
Oscillations of the critical temperature in superconducting Nb/Ni bilayers
Authors: Sidorenko A.S. , Zdravkov V.I. , Prepelitsa A.A. , Helbig C. , Luo Y. , Gsell S. , Schreck M. , Klimm S. , Horn S. , Tagirov L.R. , Tidecks R.
Published: May 2022

We investigated Nb/Ni bilayers prepared by magnetron sputtering on glass subtrates. The quality of the films was characterized by small‐angle X‐ray diffraction analysis. The thickness of the layers was determined by the Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS). For specimens with constant Nb layer thickness we observed distinct oscillations of the superconducting critical temperature upon increasing the thickness of the Ni layer. The results are interpreted in terms of Fulde‐Ferrell‐Larkin‐Ovchinnikov (FFLO) like inhomogeneous superconducting pairing in the ferromagnetic Ni Layer.
Effective Collaboration in Water and Wastewater Construction Projects: A Case Study
Authors: Andary Elie G. , Mata Juan
Published: May 2022

Key Takeaways

Delivering water and wastewater construction projects involves complex processes that focus on minimizing environmental impacts and public expense.

Water utilities could realize benefits by establishing a collaborative working environment throughout the life cycle of a construction project.

Collaboration practices from an integrated project delivery approach could improve the efficiency and success of design–bid–build projects and still honor traditional contract limitations.
Soil Carbon Needs 4R Nutrients
Authors: Bruulsema Tom
Published: May 2022

The use of 4R practices to manage nutrients is critical to support crop photosynthesis and make soil carbon storage an effective proposition for greenhouse gas mitigation. What is required is a delicate balancing act. Increasing primary productivity, reducing wastes, selecting climate‐smart sources, and using inhibitors of N2O emissions are all critical. The strong role of N in the multiple mechanisms of soil C storage underscores the need for integrated consideration of 4R nutrient management in programs that address both the emissions and sinks associated with cropping systems while keeping them productive. Earn 0.5 CEUs in Nutrient Management by reading this article and taking the quiz at https://web.sciencesocieties.org/Learning‐Center/Courses.
A new reactive power compensation concept for distribution systems using a grid‐integrated hybrid photovoltaic/wind turbine system: PV‐WT‐STATCOM
Authors: Akbari Sadegh , Taheri Mostafa , Taheri Asghar , Ojaghi Mansour
Published: May 2022

In this paper, a new concept based on an integrated hybrid energy system including photovoltaic (PV) and wind turbine (WT) for reactive power support of the grid is presented. Considering the shared grid‐side converter in hybrid energy systems, which is preferably responsible for delivering active power to the grid, the remaining capacity of the converter after providing active power management is utilized as a static synchronous compensator (STATCOM) to overcome the power quality problems in the main grid. For this aim, a new concept named PV‐WT‐STATCOM is proposed, and a flexible control scheme is accordingly designed, which enables a sufficient reactive power compensation in both steady and transient states. The steady‐state issues in the main grid are resolved using the remaining capacity of the shared inverter. In the transient mode, where a large amount of reactive power is probably needed for restoring the grid‐side voltage while the unoccupied capacity of the shared inverter is not sufficient, a new control strategy is developed for reducing the PV's generated power, and providing more unused capacity in the shared inverter. The effectiveness of the proposed configuration in handling reactive power compensation in both steady and transient states are carried out using MATLAB/Simulink. The extensive simulation results in presence of the variable weather conditions confirm that the proposed concept is properly able to improve grid‐side power factor and voltage in steady and transient modes, respectively, without requiring any additional STATCOM.
Bidirectional effects between maternal mental health and adolescent internalizing problems across six years in Northern Ireland
Authors: Luningham Justin M. , Wentz Bethany , Merrilees Christine E. , Taylor Laura K. , Goeke‐Morey Marcie C. , Shirlow Peter , Shannon Tess , Cummings E. Mark
Published: May 2022

Background

Emerging evidence indicates the existence of bidirectional relations between mothers’ mental health and adolescent adjustment, but few studies have examined these relations in contexts of high environmental adversity, including economic deprivation and political violence. Given other empirical connections between political violence and adolescent adjustment problems, the impact of child adjustment problems on maternal mental health may be exacerbated in contexts of sectarian violence.

Methods

Addressing this gap, latent change score modeling was used to examine interrelations between trajectories of maternal mental health and adolescent internalizing symptoms over time in communities afflicted by political conflict. Over six years, 999 adolescent‐mother dyads participated in a longitudinal study in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Six‐hundred ninety‐five families were originally recruited in year 1, with 304 recruited to supplement the sample in year 3; the largest available sample for a given year was 760 dyads. Models including maternal mental health, adolescent internalizing symptomatology, and political violence (i.e., sectarian antisocial behavior) as a time‐varying covariate were tested.

Results

Results demonstrated that for both mothers and adolescents in a dyadic pairing, higher rates of symptomology in one member of the dyad were related to symptoms observed in the other member. Results also suggest that political violence and factors related to social deprivation increased symptoms across the dyad.

Conclusion

This study advances understanding of the bidirectional impact between maternal mental health and adolescent internalizing over time in contexts of political violence.
Synthesis of asymmetrically dihydrophobic chain poly(ethylene glycol) lipids for long circulation and membrane fusion
Authors: Zhao Yu , Liu Chenyu , Chen Hailiang , Zhou Hengjun , Yu Simiao , Mi Deze , Yue Shuli , Qiao Weihong
Published: May 2022

Liposomes are the predominant drug delivery system widely used in the pharmaceutical industry, but rapid clearance and endosome degradation are the main barriers to improve the delivery efficiency of liposomes, especially for protein or genes. Simulating viral membrane fusion peptides, four asymmetrically dihydrophobic chain polyethylene glycol (PEG) lipids with long circulating and membrane fusion properties have been designed and synthesized with a high yield. The structure of synthetic PEG lipids is characterized by 1H NMR and mass spectrometry. The critical micelle concentrations of PEG lipids are lower by one or two orders of magnitude compared with traditional surfactants such as SDBS or SDS, which show excellent self‐assembly performance of lipids. The size and morphology of liposomes constituted with neutral lipid DOPC and PEG lipid are characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In the conditions of 50% ethanol and 5–25 mmol L−1 Ca2+, the PEG neutral lipid complexes encapsulated pEGFP are almost neutral with a diameter below 300 nm.
ARHGEF9 gene variant leads to developmental and epileptic encephalopathy: Genotypic phenotype analysis and treatment exploration
Authors: Yang Haiyan , Liao Hongmei , Gan Siyi , Xiao Ting , Wu Liwen
Published: May 2022

Background

The ARHGEF9 gene variants have phenotypic heterogeneity, the number of reported clinical cases are limited and the genotype–phenotype relationship is still unpredictable.

Methods

Clinical data of the patients and their family members were gathered in a retrospective study. The exome sequencing that was performed on peripheral blood samples was applied for genetic analysis. We used the ARHGEF9 gene as a key word to search the PubMed database for cases of ARHGEF9 gene variants that have previously been reported and summarized the reported ARHGEF9 gene variant sites, their corresponding clinical phenotypes, and effective treatment.

Results

We described five patients with developmental and epileptic encephalopathy caused by ARHGEF9 gene variants. Among them, the antiepileptic treatment of valproic acid and levetiracetam was effective in two cases individually. The exome sequencing results showed five children with point mutations in the ARHGEF9 gene: p.R365H, p.M388V, p.D213E, and p.R63H. So far, a total of 40 children with ARHGEF9 gene variants have been reported. Their main clinical phenotypes include developmental delay, epilepsy, epileptic encephalopathy, and autism spectrum disorders. The variants reported in the literature, including 22 de novo variants, nine maternal variants, and one unknown variant. There were 20 variants associated with epileptic phenotypes, of which six variants are effective for valproic acid treatment.

Conclusion

The genotypes and phenotypes of ARHGEF9 gene variants represent a wide spectrum, and the clinical phenotype of epilepsy is often refractory and the prognosis is poor. The p.R365H, p.M388V, p.D213E, and p.R63H variants have not been reported in the current literature, and our study has expanded the genotype spectrum of ARHGEF9 gene. Our findings indicate that levetiracetam and valproic acid can effectively control seizures in children with epileptic phenotype caused by ARGHEF9 gene variations. These findings will help clinicians improve the level of diagnosis and treatment of the genetic disease.
Targeted gene sequencing of FYCO1 identified a novel mutation in a Pakistani family for autosomal recessive congenital cataract
Authors: Saleem Rani Saira , Siddiqui Sorath Noorani , Irshad Saba , Ashraf Naeem Mahmood , Hamid Arslan , Khan Muhammad Azmat Ullah , Khan Muhammad Imran , Micheal Shazia
Published: May 2022

Background

Congenital cataract is causing one‐third of blindness worldwide. Congenital cataract is heterogeneous in its inheritance patterns. The current study is aimed to explore the unknown genetic causes underlying congenital cataracts.

Methods

Blood samples from affected and normal individuals of n = 25 Pakistani families identified with congenital cataracts were collected. Genomic DNA was extracted and Sanger sequencing was performed to identify novel pathogenic variants in the FYCO1 (MIM#607182) gene. Later structural bioinformatics tools and molecular dynamics simulations were performed to analyze the impact of these variants on protein structure and function.

Results

Sanger sequencing resulted in the identification of a novel splice site mutation (NM_024513.3: c.3151‐29_3151‐7del) segregating in an autosomal recessive manner. This novel variant was confirmed to be absent in the n = 300 population controls. Further, bioinformatics tools revealed the formation of a mutant protein with a loss of the Znf domain. In addition, we also found a previously known (c.4127 T > C; p.Leu1376Pro) mutation in four families. We also report a novel heterozygous variant (c.3419G > A; p.Arg1140Gln) in another family.

Conclusions

In conclusion, we report a novel deletion (NM_024513.3: c.3151‐29_3151‐7del) in one family and a frequent homozygous missense mutation (c.4127 T > C; p.Leu1376Pro) in four Pakistani families. The current research highlights the importance of autophagy in lens development and maintaining its transparency.
Analysentechnik: Roboterarm statt Laborant
Authors: Ehrensberger Christian
Published: May 2022

Angesichts des Fachkräftemangels ist Automatisieren eine Strategie für die chemische und pharmazeutische Analytik. Es gibt dafür auch Lösungen für kleine Labore.
Gegen den Strom
Authors: Simmchen Juliane
Published: May 2022

Aktive Bewegung auf der Mikroskala künstlich nachzubauen ist Ziel von Juliane Simmchen. Sie nutzt dazu Januspartikel.
Weißen Phosphor selektiv funktionalisieren
Authors: Coburger Peter
Published: May 2022

Moleküle, die ein Phosphoratom enthalten, dienen als Liganden in der Übergangsmetallkatalyse, als Pharmazeutika, Photoinitiatoren und Flammschutzmittel. Bisher stellt die Industrie sie aus hochreaktivem P4 her und benötigt dazu weitere, oft giftige Reagenzien. Es gibt Alternativen.
Didaktik: Lücken zeigen
Authors: Weber Alexander , Werner Sebastian , Smarsly Bernd , Graulich Nicole
Published: May 2022

In den klassischen Modellen kubischer Kristalle verstellen Kugeln den Blick auf die Lücken und erschweren die Wahrnehmung. Komplementärmodelle, die eine Art Negativ des Strukturmodells darstellen, können dazu beitragen, dass Lernende die Strukturen besser durchschauen und ihre Eigenschaften erkennen.
Nicht nur der Impact‐Factor
Authors: Zbikowski Frauke
Published: May 2022

Wiley hat als letzter der großen Wissenschaftsverlage die Declaration on Research Assessment unterzeichnet.
A Resonant Graphene NEMS Vibrometer
Authors: Moreno‐Garcia Daniel , Fan Xuge , Smith Anderson D. , Lemme Max C. , Messina Vincenzo , Martin‐Olmos Cristina , Niklaus Frank , Villanueva Luis Guillermo
Published: May 2022

Measuring vibrations is essential to ensuring building structural safety and machine stability. Predictive maintenance is a central internet of things (IoT) application within the new industrial revolution, where sustainability and performance increase over time are going to be paramount. To reduce the footprint and cost of vibration sensors while improving their performance, new sensor concepts are needed. Here, double‐layer graphene membranes are utilized with a suspended silicon proof demonstrating their operation as resonant vibration sensors that show outstanding performance for a given footprint and proof mass. The unveiled sensing effect is based on resonant transduction and has important implications for experimental studies involving thin nano and micro mechanical resonators that are excited by an external shaker.
Investigation and Mitigation of Sputter Damage on Co‐Evaporated Cu(In,Ga)Se2 Absorbers for Photovoltaic Applications
Authors: Hertwig Ramis , Nishiwaki Shiro , Tiwari Ayodhya N. , Carron Romain
Published: May 2022

Herein, the detrimental impact of radio frequency (RF)‐sputtering on bare Cu(In,Ga)Se2 photovoltaic absorbers in view of vacuum‐deposited buffer layers is evaluated, and the possible mitigation strategies are explored. Carrier lifetimes are measured using time‐resolved photoluminescence before and after buffer deposition and exposure to the plasma environment. When directly applied on bare Cu(In,Ga)Se2 absorbers, RF‐sputtering is severely limiting the device performance, with oxygen ions emanating from the target having a stronger effect than argon ions from the process gas. The possibilities to avoid sputter damage by atomic layer deposited Zn1−xMgxO and chemical bath deposited CdS buffer layers are shown, and the ability of the latter to restore damaged surfaces is highlighted. Absorber performance is also investigated for absorbers stored in air, N2, or ultra‐high vacuum. The reduction in carrier lifetime is reflected in the reduced open‐circuit voltage of solar cells. SCAPS simulations are used to investigate possibilities to minimize the effect of sputter damage. Finally, options on how to minimize sputter damage during buffer deposition as well as on how to modify the absorber to be less sensitive are discussed.
Impact of Halide Anions in CsX (X = I, Br, Cl) on the Microstructure and Photovoltaic Performance of FAPbI3‐Based Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Pham Huyen T. , Weber Klaus J. , Duong The , Wong-Leung Jennifer
Published: May 2022

The key role of Cs cation and X halide anions (X = I, Br, Cl) on the microstructure, crystal structure, structural defects, optoelectronic properties, and photovoltaic parameters of FAPbI3‐based perovskite solar cells is investigated. The CsCl–FAPbI3 perovskite film shows the highest photoluminescence (PL) intensity, longest PL lifetime, and highest power conversion efficiency compared with the CsI–FAPbI3 and CsBr–FAPbI3 perovskite films. The morphology and crystallography of c nanotwins and stacking faults of perovskite films are studied using transmission electron microscopy and selected‐area electron diffraction. The microstructure, crystallography, and atomic structure model of intersecting twin boundaries are presented. Finally, the degradation pathways and the mechanism behind the formation of FAPbI3‐based perovskites under ambient conditions are systematically studied. The grain boundaries of the perovskite films are nonuniformly damaged, resulting in many black nanoparticles after 4 weeks. Electron diffraction analyses of the black nanoparticles confirm the hexagonal PbI2 phase formation in all CsX–FAPbI3 perovskite samples after 4 weeks of aging.
Identification of superior haplotypes in a diverse natural population for breeding desirable plant height in soybean
Authors: Bhat Javaid Akhter , Karikari Benjamin , Adeboye Kehinde Adewole , Ganie Showkat Ahmad , Barmukh Rutwik , Hu Dezhou , Varshney Rajeev K. , Yu Deyue
Published: May 2022

Key message

Plant height of soybean is associated with a haplotype block on chromosome 19, which classified 211 soybean accessions into five distinct groups showing significant differences for the target trait.

Genetic variation is pivotal for crop improvement. Natural populations are precious genetic resources. However, efficient strategies for the targeted utilization of these resources for quantitative traits, such as plant height (PH), are scarce. Being an important agronomic trait associated with soybean yield and quality, it is imperative to unravel the genetic mechanisms underlying PH in soybean. Here, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) significantly associated with PH in a natural population of 211 cultivated soybeans, which was genotyped with NJAU 355 K Soy SNP Array and evaluated across six environments. A total of 128 SNPs distributed across 17 chromosomes were found to be significantly associated with PH across six environments and a combined environment. Three significant SNPs were consistently identified in at least three environments on Chr.02 (AX-93958260), Chr.17 (AX-94154834), and Chr.19 (AX-93897200). Genomic regions of ~ 130 kb flanking these three consistent SNPs were considered as stable QTLs, which included 169 genes. Of these, 22 genes (including Dt1) were prioritized and defined as putative candidates controlling PH. The genomic region flanking 12 most significant SNPs was in strong linkage disequilibrium (LD). These SNPs formed a single haplotype block containing five haplotypes for PH, namely Hap-A, Hap-B, Hap-C, Hap-D, and Hap-E. Deployment of such superior haplotypes in breeding programs will enable development of improved soybean varieties with desirable plant height.
Challenges and opportunities in achieving effective regulatory T cell therapy in autoimmune liver disease
Authors: Richardson N. , Wootton G. E. , Bozward A. G. , Oo Y. H.
Published: May 2022

Autoimmune liver diseases (AILD) include autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). These immune-mediated liver diseases involve a break down in peripheral self-tolerance with largely unknown aetiology. Regulatory T cells (Treg) are crucial in maintaining immunological tolerance. Hence, Treg immunotherapy is an attractive therapeutic option in AILD. Currently, AILD do not have a curative treatment option and patients take life-long immunosuppression or bile acids to control hepatic or biliary inflammation. Clinical investigations using good manufacturing practice (GMP) Treg in autoimmune liver disease have thus far demonstrated that Treg therapy is safe and that Treg migrate to inflamed liver tissue. For Treg immunotherapy to achieve efficacy in AILD, Treg must be retained within the liver and maintain their suppressive phenotype to dampen ongoing immune responses to hepatocytes and biliary epithelium. Therefore, therapeutic Treg subsets should be selected for tissue residency markers and maximal functionality. Optimisation of dosing regime and understanding longevity of Treg in vivo are critical to successful Treg therapy. It is also essential to consider combination therapy options to complement infused Treg, for instance low-dose interleukin-2 (IL-2) to support pre-existing and infused Treg survival and suppressive function. Understanding the hepatic microenvironment in both early- and late-stage AILD presents significant opportunity to better tailor Treg therapy in different patient groups. Modification of a hostile microenvironment to a more favourable one either prior to or during Treg therapy could enhance the efficacy and longevity of infused GMP-Treg. Applying recent technology to discovery of autoantigen responses in AILD, T cell receptor (TCR) sequencing and use of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) technology represents the next frontier for disease-specific CAR-Treg therapies. Consideration of all these aspects in future trials and discovery research would position GMP Treg immunotherapy as a viable personalised-medicine treatment option for effective control of autoimmune liver diseases.
Extramedullary hematopoiesis: mesenchymal stromal cells from spleen provide an in vitro niche for myelopoiesis
Authors: Petvises Sawang , Tran Vinson , Hey Ying-Ying , Talaulikar Dipti , O’Neill Terence J. , Tan Jonathan , O’Neill Helen C.
Published: May 2022

Murine spleen has been shown to harbour stromal cells that support hematopoiesis with production of myeloid antigen–presenting cells. Similar stromal lines have now been isolated from long-term cultures (LTC) of human spleen. When human progenitor populations from spleen, bone marrow and cord blood were employed as a source of progenitors for co-culture above splenic stromal lines, myelopoiesis was supported. Human splenocytes gave production of predominantly myeloid dendritic-like cells, with minor subsets resembling conventional dendritic cells (cDC) cells, and myeloid or monocyte-derived DC. Human bone marrow progenitors gave rise to myelopoiesis from hematopoietic progenitors, while human cord blood supported limited myelopoiesis from existing myeloid precursors. Transcriptome analysis compared two stromal lines differing in myelopoietic support capacity. Gene profiling revealed both stromal lines to reflect perivascular reticular cells with osteogenic characteristics. However, the 5C6 stroma which failed to support hematopoiesis uniquely expressed several inhibitors of the WNT pathway. Combined data now show that splenic stroma of both human and murine origin provides a mesenchymal stromal cell microenvironment which is WNT pathway–dependent, and which supports in vitro myelopoiesis with production of specific subsets of myeloid and dendritic-like cells.
Treatment Approaches for Melanomas That Relapse After Adjuvant or Neoadjuvant Therapy
Authors: Ng Gary , Xu Wen , Atkinson Victoria
Published: May 2022

Purpose of Review

Effective adjuvant treatment with immunotherapy and targeted therapy has significantly improved outcomes for patients with resectable locally advanced or metastatic melanoma, but a substantial proportion unfortunately relapse. Here, we review available data and explore evolving research which might impact decision-making in this setting.

Recent Findings

Small retrospective studies have explored pattern of disease relapse and observed outcomes of subsequent treatment. There are ongoing trials in the neoadjuvant setting which may provide valuable information regarding disease response and potentially change the way we approach disease relapse.

Currently there is limited evidence to guide clinicians in managing melanomas that relapse after adjuvant therapy. Standardised data collection and future prospective studies are needed.
Country-level factors in a failing relationship with nature: Nature connectedness as a key metric for a sustainable future
Authors: Richardson Miles , Hamlin Iain , Elliott Lewis R. , White Mathew P.
Published: May 2022

Climate change and biodiversity loss show that the human–nature relationship is failing. That relationship can be measured through the construct of nature connectedness which is a key factor in pro-environmental behaviours and mental well-being. Country-level indicators of extinction of nature experience, consumption and commerce, use and control of nature and negativistic factors were selected. An exploratory analysis of the relationship between these metrics and nature connectedness across adult samples from 14 European countries was conducted (n = 14,745 respondents). The analysis provides insight into how affluence, technology and consumption are associated with the human–nature relationship. These findings motivate a comparison of how nature connectedness and composite indicators of prosperity, progress, development, and sustainability relate to indicators of human and nature’s well-being. In comparison to composite indexes, it is proposed that nature connectedness is a critical indicator of human and nature’s well-being needed to inform the transition to a sustainable future.
Evolution of Clinical Care in COVID-Infected Solid Organ Transplant Recipients
Authors: Sigler Rachel , Chen Victor , Law Nancy
Published: May 2022

Purpose of Review

In this review, we aim to summarize the evolution of care for the solid organ transplant recipient (SOTR) with COVID-19 disease, based on the current published guidelines and our center’s experience.

Recent Findings

Oral antiviral medications and monoclonal antibodies are now used with the goal to prevent severe disease. Immunomodulating drugs in addition to antivirals have been used in the treatment of severe COVID-19.

With the ongoing pandemic and unique challenges posed by the SOTR, understanding the risk and advancing management and treatment of COVID-19 infections are imperative to the successful care of a transplant recipient. There are many ongoing clinical trials being conducted in hopes of developing novel therapeutics towards COVID-19.
Entwicklung, Ausmaß und Determinanten der psychischen und emotionalen Erschöpfung bei Erzieherinnen und Erziehern
Authors: Madeira Firmino Nadine , Bauknecht Jürgen
Published: May 2022

Der vorliegende Beitrag untersucht die psychische Erschöpfung bei Erziehern und Erzieherinnen in den Jahren 2006, 2012 und 2018 und die emotionale Erschöpfung in den Jahren 2012 und 2018 jeweils im Vergleich zu den Angehörigen anderer Berufsgruppen (Datenbasis: „Erwerbstätigenbefragungen“ des Bundesinstituts für Berufsbildung [BIBB] und der Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Arbeitsmedizin [BAuA]). Innerhalb der beiden Gruppen (Erzieherinnen und Erzieher/andere Berufe) werden ebenso Untergruppen nach Alter und Geschlecht untersucht. Gemäß ihrer psychischen und emotionalen Erschöpfung werden die Erzieherinnen und Erzieher in vier Gruppen unterteilt. Zunächst wird die Verteilung verschiedener Belastungs- und Unterstützungsfaktoren bei pädagogischen Fachkräften einerseits sowie bei den Angehörigen anderer Berufe andererseits dargestellt. Im Anschluss wird ermittelt, wie diese Faktoren die Wahrscheinlichkeit der Zugehörigkeit zur besonders stark belasteten Gruppe beeinflussen. Schließlich wird dargelegt, welche Belastungsfaktoren reduziert werden können, um die psychische und emotionale Erschöpfung bei Erzieherinnen und Erziehern zu reduzieren. Es kristallisieren sich einzelne Belastungsfaktoren heraus, bei denen aufgrund hoher Werte bei Erzieherinnen und Erziehern Spielraum für Verbesserungen vorhanden ist und die gleichzeitig bedeutsam für die Erschöpfung sind.
Operationalising AI governance through ethics-based auditing: an industry case study
Authors: Mökander Jakob , Floridi Luciano
Published: May 2022

Ethics-based auditing (EBA) is a structured process whereby an entity’s past or present behaviour is assessed for consistency with moral principles or norms. Recently, EBA has attracted much attention as a governance mechanism that may help to bridge the gap between principles and practice in AI ethics. However, important aspects of EBA—such as the feasibility and effectiveness of different auditing procedures—have yet to be substantiated by empirical research. In this article, we address this knowledge gap by providing insights from a longitudinal industry case study. Over 12 months, we observed and analysed the internal activities of AstraZeneca, a biopharmaceutical company, as it prepared for and underwent an ethics-based AI audit. While previous literature concerning EBA has focussed on proposing or analysing evaluation metrics or visualisation techniques, our findings suggest that the main difficulties large multinational organisations face when conducting EBA mirror classical governance challenges. These include ensuring harmonised standards across decentralised organisations, demarcating the scope of the audit, driving internal communication and change management, and measuring actual outcomes. The case study presented in this article contributes to the existing literature by providing a detailed description of the organisational context in which EBA procedures must be integrated to be feasible and effective.
POPULISM AND THE ‘NARROW CORRIDOR’ OF LIBERTY AND JUSTICE
Authors: Miller Marcus , Zissimos Ben
Published: May 2022

Populist responses to matters of social concern are considered in a framework like that of Acemoglu and Robinson’s ‘narrow corridor’ that supports liberty and justice. We discuss the risk that such responses could result in a country being pushed out of this narrow corridor—and, if so, with what long-run consequences. We conclude that a political system of ‘checks and balances’ can play a key role in keeping the society within the narrow corridor; but it is incumbent on the existing political system to confront the issues of populist concern so as to come up with creative solutions.
The Estonian Swedish National Minority and the Estonian Cultural Autonomy Law of 1925
Authors: Kuldkepp Mart
Published: May 2022

The 1925 Estonian cultural autonomy law is a rare example of the idea of nonterritorial national minority rights officially adopted in the interwar period. Scholarly interest in this legislation, however, has so far overwhelmingly concentrated on the case of the Baltic Germans. This article is intended to make a contribution toward a broader understanding of the 1925 law and the “cultural autonomy” discourse in Estonia altogether by examining the Estonian Swedish minority’s political leadership’s understanding of cultural autonomy: how it changed and developed up to 1925, and what the subsequent Swedish attitudes toward the 1925 Estonian cultural autonomy law were. I demonstrate that although the Swedish leaders had been closely involved in the long process leading up to the law’s passing in 1925, it ended up seen as being of little substantive relevance from the Swedish perspective. Furthermore, by being strongly associated with the term “cultural autonomy,” the law also deprived the Estonian Swedish national movement of an important slogan that had long functioned as the overarching goal of Estonian Swedish nationalism.
Assessment of risk of GM contamination in flaxseed accessions imported from Canada: a case study to restrict the unauthorized GM events from entering India
Authors: Singh Monika , Kaur Kushaldeep , Sharma Shilpi , Paliwal Aparna , Singh Mamta , Aminedi Raghavendra , Kaur Vikender , Randhawa Gurinderjit
Published: May 2022

In India, the restriction of genetically modified (GM) crops and derived products not approved in the country necessitates surveillance for transgene(s) in plant material/products imported into the country. CDC Triffid expressing acetolactate synthase (ALS) conferring tolerance to sulphonylurea herbicide is the only GM flax event that has got approval in Canada in 1990s and subsequently deregistered in 2001. In spite of deregistration, the unexpected and unauthorized detection of traces of GM flax in the consignments imported from Canada to Europe has further necessitated the stringent monitoring of flax shipments from Canada for suspected GM incidents. This study reports on the detection of transgenic elements being present in GM flax employing polymerase chain reaction assays, in a set of 123 flaxseed accessions imported from Canada for research purpose. Based on the tests conducted, none of the transgenic elements, namely, nos promoter (P-nos), nos terminator (T-nos), nptII marker gene, ALS transgene, as present in the GM flax CDC Triffid were detected in any of the tested accessions. The well-known herbicide tolerance gene cp4-epsps, being employed in Roundup® Ready events of other crops, was also not detected in these samples. This case study has demonstrated the importance of monitoring the presence of transgene(s) in flaxseed imports, and such studies need to be carried out for the imported seeds from the country where GM events of respective crop are being approved whereas they have not been approved in the country of import as a part of precautionary approach.
The Undesirable Effects and Impacts of Ice Contamination Experienced in the Cryo-Electron Tomography Workflow and Available Solutions
Authors: Lau Katherine , Jonker Caspar , Liu Jingyue , Smeets Marit
Published: May 2022

Cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) is a powerful technique that can provide unprecedented insight into protein-protein interactions and molecular machinery in a near-native state. The adoption of cryo-ET by life science research groups is hampered by the challenges associated with cryo-ET sample preparation. The current sample preparation process has many steps at which ice contamination may occur to negatively affect the final sample and data quality. A survey was conducted to better understand the effects and impact of ice contamination to the cryo-ET outcome. Over 80 cryo-electron microscopy users worldwide participated in our survey. The results are presented in this article. We furthermore discussed the currently available solutions that can alleviate the ice contamination problems to increase the sample yield and cryo-ET data output.
Decadal and Long‐Term Variability of Sea Level in the Southwestern Pacific During 1948–2018
Authors: Sun Jingxuan , Zhang Linlin , Hu Dunxin
Published: May 2022

Decadal and long‐term variability of sea level in the Southwestern Pacific (SWP) was investigated by using tide gauge measurements obtained near New Zealand during 1948–2018 and a 1.5‐layer reduced gravity model. After the removal of the global mean sea level, there still exists a prominent positive trend and strong decadal oscillations in SWP sea level, which are attributed to the Southern Annular Mode (SAM) and Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation (IPO), respectively. On the long‐term time scale, the intensification of local wind stress curl associated with strengthening SAM contributes to SWP sea level rise (SLR) through Ekman convergence. On the decadal scale, locally generated and westward propagating signals induced by IPO exert comparable influences on sea level variations in the SWP. Results from multivariable linear regression suggest that SAM can account for almost all the long‐term SLR, and IPO explains approximately 58% of the decadal variability.
eldBETA: A Large Eldercare-oriented Benchmark Database of SSVEP-BCI for the Aging Population
Authors: Liu Bingchuan , Wang Yijun , Gao Xiaorong , Chen Xiaogang
Published: May 2022

Global population aging poses an unprecedented challenge and calls for a rising effort in eldercare and healthcare. Steady-state visual evoked potential based brain-computer interface (SSVEP-BCI) boasts its high transfer rate and shows great promise in real-world applications to support aging. Public database is critically important for designing the SSVEP-BCI systems. However, the SSVEP-BCI database tailored for the elder is scarce in existing studies. Therefore, in this study, we present a largeeldercare-orientedBEnchmark database of SSVEP-BCI forTheAging population (eldBETA). The eldBETA database consisted of the 64-channel electroencephalogram (EEG) from 100 elder participants, each of whom performed seven blocks of 9-target SSVEP-BCI task. The quality and characteristics of the eldBETA database were validated by a series of analyses followed by a classification analysis of thirteen frequency recognition methods. We expect that the eldBETA database would provide a substrate for the design and optimization of the BCI systems intended for the elders. The eldBETA database is open-access for research and can be downloaded from the websitehttps://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.18032669.
Facemask wearing does not impact neuro-electrical brain activity
Authors: Tamimi Ahmad , Dahbour Said , Al-Btush Assma , Al-Qudah Abdelkarim , Masri Amira , Al-Ghanem Subhi , Juweid Malik E. , Olaimat Yazan , Al Qaisi Amer , Al-Soub Qutada , Naim Maha , Sawalmeh Ali , Jarrar Rund , Tarawneh Tala , Bader Mai , Tamimi Iskandar
Published: May 2022

Given the massive use of facemasks (FMs) during the covid-19 pandemic, concerns have been raised regarding the effect of FMs wearing on overall health. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of surgical FM on brain neuro-electrical activity. Electroencephalography (EEG) background frequency (BGF) and background amplitude (BGA) was performed on 30 volunteers before (baseline), during and after wearing a FM for 60 min. Measurements were done during normal ventilation, hyperventilation and post-hyperventilation (PHVR). Blood gas levels were assessed at baseline and after FM use. EEG analysis concerning baseline (without FM) (BGA), was 47.69 ± 18.60 µV, wearing FM, BGA was 48.45 ± 17.79 µV, post FM use BGA was 48.08 ± 18.30 µV. There were no statistically significant differences between baseline BGA and BGA under FM and post FM. BGF, Baseline data were 10.27 ± 0.79, FM use 10.30 ± 0.76 and post FM use was 10.33 ± 0.76. There were no statistically significant differences between baseline BGF and BGF under FM and post FM. Venous blood gases, and peripheral oxygen saturation were not significantly affected by FM use. Short-term use of FM in young healthy individuals has no significant alteration impact on brain's neuro-electrical activity
Interactions between Caveolin-1 polymorphism and Plant-based dietary index on metabolic and inflammatory markers among women with obesity
Authors: Abaj Faezeh , Mirzababaei Atieh , Hosseininasab Dorsa , Bahrampour Niki , Clark Cain C. T. , Mirzaei Khadijeh
Published: May 2022

A series of recent studies have indicated that the Caveolin-1 (CAV-1) gene variant may be associated with metabolic and inflammatory markers and anthropometric measures. Furthermore, it has been shown that a plant-based dietary index (PDI) can elicit a positive impact on these metabolic markers. Therefore, we sought to examine whether PDI intakes may affect the relationship between CAV-1 (rs3807992) and metabolic factors, as well as serum inflammatory markers and anthropometric measures, in women with obesity. This current study consisted of 400 women with overweight and obesity, with a mean (SD) age of 36.67 ± 9.10 years. PDI was calculated by a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The anthropometric measurements and serum profiles were measured by standard protocols. Genotyping of the CAV-1(rs3807992) was conducted by the PCR–RFLP method. The following genotypic frequencies were found among the participants: GG (47.8%), AG (22.3%), and AA (2.3%). In comparison to GG homozygotes, risk-allele carriers (AA + AG) with higher PDI intake had lower ALT (P: 0.03), hs-CRP (P: 0.008), insulin (P: 0.01) and MCP-1 (P: 0.04). Furthermore, A-allele carriers were characterized by lower serum ALT (P: 0.04), AST (P: 0.02), insulin (P: 0.03), and TGF-β (P: 0.001) when had the higher following a healthful PDI compared to GG homozygote. Besides, risk-allele carriers who consumed higher unhealthful PDI had higher WC (P: 0.04), TC/HDL (P: 0.04), MCP-1 (P: 0.03), and galactin-3 (P: 0.04). Our study revealed that A-allele carriers might be more sensitive to PDI composition compared to GG homozygotes. Following a healthful PDI in A-allele carriers may be associated with improvements in metabolic and inflammatory markers and anthropometric measures.
β-elemene regulates M1-M2 macrophage balance through the ERK/JNK/P38 MAPK signaling pathway
Authors: Zhou Yingyu , Takano Tomohiro , Li Xuyang , Wang Yimei , Wang Rong , Zhu Zhangliang , Tanokura Masaru , Miyakawa Takuya , Hachimura Satoshi
Published: May 2022

Macrophages are classified into classically activated M1 macrophages and alternatively activated M2 macrophages, and the two phenotypes of macrophages are present during the development of various chronic diseases, including obesity-induced inflammation. In the present study, β-elemene, which is contained in various plant substances, is predicted to treat high-fat diet (HFD)-induced macrophage dysfunction based on the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and experimental validation. β-elemene impacts the imbalance of M1-M2 macrophages by regulating pro-inflammatory cytokines in mouse white adipose tissue both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, the RAW 264 cell line, which are macrophages from mouse ascites, is used to identify the effects of β-elemene on inhibiting bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. These pathways both induce and are activated by pro-inflammatory cytokines, and they also participate in the process of obesity-induced inflammation. The results highlight that β-elemene may represent a possible macrophage-mediated therapeutic medicine.
Field-induced quantum critical point in the itinerant antiferromagnet Ti3Cu4
Authors: Moya Jaime M. , Hallas Alannah M. , Loganathan Vaideesh , Huang C.-L. , Kish Lazar L. , Aczel Adam A. , Beare J. , Cai Y. , Luke G. M. , Weickert Franziska , Nevidomskyy Andriy H. , Malliakas Christos D. , Kanatzidis Mercouri G. , Lei Shiming , Bayliff Kyle , Morosan E.
Published: May 2022

New phases of matter emerge at the edge of magnetic instabilities, which can occur in materials with moments that are localized, itinerant or intermediate between these extremes. In local moment systems, such as heavy fermions, the magnetism can be tuned towards a zero-temperature transition at a quantum critical point (QCP) via pressure, chemical doping, and, rarely, magnetic field. By contrast, in itinerant moment systems, QCPs are more rare, and they are induced by pressure or doping; there are no known examples of field induced transitions. This means that no universal behaviour has been established across the whole itinerant-to-local moment range—a substantial gap in our knowledge of quantum criticality. Here we report an itinerant antiferromagnet, Ti3Cu4, that can be tuned to a QCP by a small magnetic field. We see signatures of quantum criticality and the associated non-Fermi liquid behaviour in thermodynamic and transport measurements, while band structure calculations point to an orbital-selective, spin density wave ground state, a consequence of the square net structural motif in Ti3Cu4. Ti3Cu4 thus provides a platform for the comparison and generalisation of quantum critical behaviour across the whole spectrum of magnetism.
Spatio-temporal control of THz emission
Authors: Huang Hsin-hui , Juodkazis Saulius , Gamaly Eugene G. , Nagashima Takeshi , Yonezawa Tetsu , Hatanaka Koji
Published: May 2022

Intense THz sources are expected for further progresses in nonlinear THz science and technology. Liquids like water are durable and continuously-reusable under intense laser irradiation for THz emission though such studies on THz emission from water targets are so far limited. Polarisation fine control of THz emission is demonstrated with a tilted micro-thin water flow by the irradiation of two cross-linearly-polarised femtosecond laser pulses (800nm, 35fs, transform-limited) with spatio-temporal offsets. With an optimized horizontal offset at ∼11 μm between the ∼8 μm focal spots and time delay at 4.7ns, circularly-polarised THz emission is obtained with its intensity enhancement more than 1,500-times if compared with the single pulse irradiation. It is shown that the photon-number-based efficiency from the laser to THz at 7.1 x 10−3 is achieved with the optimisation of the double pulse irradiation. Polarisation-resolved THz time-domain spectroscopy and time-resolved shadowgraphy imaging reveal that the circularly-polarised THz emission originates from the focal volume in front of the water flow. Coupling between a shockwave due to air-breakdown and water ablation-mediated mass transport by the pre-pulse with a laser wake-field along the optical path of the main pulse is responsible for the point-like single-cycle THz emission.
Assessing the impact of novelty and conformity on hesitancy towards COVID-19 vaccines using mRNA technology
Authors: Leong Ching , Jin Lawrence , Kim Dayoung , Kim Jeongbin , Teo Yik Ying , Ho Teck-Hua
Published: May 2022

Background

Public hesitancy towards Covid-19 vaccines remains a major hurdle for mass vaccination programs today. While mRNA vaccines are more efficacious than conventional vaccines, it is unknown how much the novelty of this technology increases hesitancy.

Methods

We quantify this “novelty penalty” in a large online experiment with 35,173 adults in nine countries. Subjects were randomly selected and assigned to one of two vaccine groups (conventional or mRNA), and one of five hypothetical inoculation rate groups (0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, or 80%). Subjects reported their willingness to accept the Covid-19 vaccine on a five-point Likert scale.

Results

The novelty of the mRNA vaccine technology reduces the odds of a higher level of vaccine acceptance by 14.2% (odds ratio 0.858; p < 0.001). On the other hand, we find that social conformity reduces vaccine hesitancy. At a 0% inoculation rate, 31.7% report that they are “very likely” to get a mRNA vaccine while at a 20% inoculation rate, willingness jumps to 49.6%.

Conclusions

The novelty of the mRNA vaccine increases hesitancy, but social conformity reduces it. A small group of early adopters can provide momentum for vaccination.
Synthesis, modification, and application of black phosphorus, few-layer black phosphorus (FLBP), and phosphorene: a detailed review
Authors: Sultana Nasrin , Degg Annabelle , Upadhyaya Samiran , Nilges Tom , Sen Sarma Neelotpal
Published: May 2022

Synthesis, modification, and application of black phosphorus.