bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High maneuverability of the falcon flying robot
Authors: Zhang Liang , He Xiuyu , He Wei , Zhang Sujie , Zhao Min , Zhao Hongxue
Published: December 2023

This paper presents a highly maneuverable flapping‐wing flying robot (FWFR) capable of achieving high speeds and large roll angles. The airfoil of the wing is designed based on lift and drag generation mechanisms, and the wing is manufactured using the expanded polypropylene injection method. Drawing inspiration from the tail fin of natural falcons, the tail is designed and an aerodynamic model is established to guide the tail control surface's variation range. During the flight test, the FWFR demonstrates outstanding maneuverability. It achieves a rapid roll angle of within 1 s. Moreover, it exhibits a rapid descent, reaching a descent rate of 15 m in 2 s. Additionally, the FWFR attains a maximum speed of 20 m/s. The FWFR successfully executes several dive and turn maneuvers, thereby showcasing its exceptional maneuverability.
Enhanced Performance of Li‐Rich Manganese Oxide Cathode Synergistically Modificated by F‐Doping and Oleic Acid Treatment
Authors: Dong Haotian , Jiang Danfeng , Xing Shengzhou , Zhao Lina , Hu Lei , Mao Jing , Zhang Haitao
Published: December 2023

Even lithium‐rich manganese oxides (LRMOs) are considered as promising cathode materials for next‐generation lithium‐ion batteries, their commercialization is hindered mainly by the low initial Coulombic efficiency, poor cyclability and unexpected capacity fade. Here, a synergistic modification strategy by using both F doping and weak organic acid surface treatment is proposed to improve the electrochemical performances of LRMOs significantly. Optimized Li1.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13O1.95F0.05 sample with surface oxygen vacancy defects and thin carbon coating layer exhibits profound electrochemical performances, for example, discharging capacities of 298.6 and 212.5 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C and 1 C rate, respectively. In addition, it can own an initial Coulombic efficiency of 84.4%, which is much higher than that of untreated sample. In situ X‐ray diffraction analysis implies that synergistic modification can enhance the skeleton stability of LRMOs , especially at a high state of charge. Galvanostatic intermittent titration technique analysis suggests that as‐developed synergistic modification can accelerate the lithium ions diffusion. Theoretical calculations reveal that substituted F and oxygen vacancy defects can diminish the diffusion energy barrier of Li+ ions. This work provides a new synergistic modification strategy to improve the comprehensive properties of LRMO cathode effectively.
Charge Conversional Biomimetic Nanosystem for Synergistic Photodynamic/Protein Therapy
Authors: Ai Shulun , Zhao Peisen , Fang Kaixuan , Cheng Hemei , Cheng Sixue , Liu Zhihong , Wang Caixia
Published: December 2023

Cytochrome C (Cytc) has received considerable attention due to its ability to induce tumor apoptosis and generate oxygen to improve photodynamic therapy (PDT) efficiency. However, the damage to normal tissues caused by nonspecific accumulation of Cytc limits its application. Herein, in order to reduce its toxicity to normal tissues while retaining its activity, a charge conversional biomimetic nanosystem (CA/Ce6@MSN‐4T1) is proposed to improve the tumor targeting ability and realize controlled release of Cytc in the tumor microenvironment. This nanosystem is constructed by coating tumor cell membrane on mesoporous silica nanoparticles coloaded with a photosensitizer (chlorin e6, Ce6) and the citraconic anhydride conjugated Cytc (CA) for synergistic photodynamic/protein therapy. The coating of the tumor cell membrane endows the nanoparticles with homologous targeting ability to the same cancer cells as well as immune escaping capability. CA undergoes charge conversion in the acidic environment of the tumor to achieve a controlled release of Cytc. The released Cytc can relieve cellular hypoxia to improve the PDT efficiency of Ce6 and can induce programmed cell death. Both in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that CA/Ce6@MSN‐4T1 can efficiently inhibit the growth of tumors through synergistic photodynamic/protein therapy, and meanwhile show reduced side effects on normal tissues.
γ‐Ray Irradiation Enables Annealing‐ and Light‐Soaking‐Free Solution Processable SnO2 Electron Transport Layer for Inverted Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Tran Hong Nhan , Park Chan Beom , Lee Jin Hee , Seo Jung Hwa , Kim Jin Young , Oh Seung‐Hwan , Cho Shinuk
Published: December 2023

The electrode buffer layer is crucial for high‐performance and stable OSCs, optimizing charge transport and energy level alignment at the interface between the polymer active layer and electrode. Recently, SnO2 has emerged as a promising material for the cathode buffer layer due to its desirable properties, such as high electron mobility, transparency, and stability. Typically, SnO2 nanoparticle layers require a postannealing treatment above 150°C in an air environment to remove the surfactant ligands and obtain high‐quality thin films. However, this poses challenges for flexible electronics as flexible substrates can't tolerate temperatures exceeding 100°C. This study presents solution‐processable and annealing‐free SnO2 nanoparticles by employing y‐ray irradiation to disrupt the bonding between surfactant ligands and SnO2 nanoparticles. The SnO2 layer treated with y‐ray irradiation is used as an electron transport layer in OSCs based on PTB7‐Th:IEICO‐4F. Compared to the conventional SnO2 nanoparticles that required high‐temperature annealing, the y‐SnO2 nanoparticle‐based devices exhibit an 11% comparable efficiency without postannealing at a high temperature. Additionally, y‐ray treatment has been observed to eliminate the light‐soaking effect of SnO2. By eliminating the high‐temperature postannealing and light‐soaking effect, y‐SnO2 nanoparticles offer a promising, cost‐effective solution for future flexible solar cells fabricated using roll‐to‐roll mass processing.
Antisolvent‐Free Heterogenous Nucleation Enabled by Employing 4‐Tert‐Butyl Pyridine Additive and Two‐Step Annealing for Efficient CsPbI2Br Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Gu Xiaoyu , Shan Chengwei , Xu Xiaowei , Liu Qian , Kyaw Aung Ko Ko
Published: December 2023

All inorganic perovskite based on CsPbI2Br has attracted significant attention due to its relatively thermal stable structure compare to its hybrid counterparts. With a wide bandgap of 1.9 eV and excellent light absorption capability, it has been extensively explored for applications in indoor photovoltaics and as a front absorber in tandem devices. However, the uncontrollable crystallization process during solvent evaporation and thermal annealing leads to both macroscopic defects like cracks and microscopic defects such as voids. In this study, a metastable adduct with lead (II) halides by incorporating 4‐tert‐butyl pyridine as a volatile Lewis base monodentate ligand in the precursor solution is formed. The strategic preferential decomposition of the adduct during the early‐stage low‐temperature annealing facilitated the desorption of lead (II) halides, inducing antisolvent‐free heterogenous nucleation. This, in turn, promoted crystal growth during subsequent high‐temperature annealing, resulting in dense films with low defect density. As a result, a maximum open‐circuit voltage of 1.30 V is achieved with the champion power conversion efficiency of 16.5% in CsPbI2Br‐based perovskite solar cell. The work reveals a new mechanism of using Lewis acid‐base adduct to obtain high quality perovskite films other than hindering crystallization in traditional way.
Zinc‐Bismuth Binary Alloy Enabling High‐Performance Aqueous Zinc Ion Batteries
Authors: Du Yingxiao , Feng Yang , Li Ruotong , Peng Zhi , Yao Xinyue , Duan Siying , Liu Shude , Jun Seong Chan , Zhu Jing , Dai Lei , Yang Qi , Wang Ling , He Zhangxing
Published: December 2023

Reconfiguration of zinc anodes efficiently mitigates dendrite formation and undesirable side reactions, thus favoring the long‐term cycling performance of aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs). This study synthesizes a Zn@Bi alloy anode (Zn@Bi) using the fusion method, and find that the anode surfaces synthesized using this method have an extremely high percentage of Zn(002) crystalline surfaces. Experimental results indicate that the addition of bismuth inhibits the hydrogen evolution reaction and corrosion of zinc anodes. The finite‐element simulation results indicate that Zn@Bi can effectively achieve a uniform anodic electric field, thereby regulating the homogeneous depositions of zinc ions and reducing the production of Zn dendrite. Theoretical calculations reveal that the incorporation of Bi favors the anode structure stabilization and higher adsorption energy of Zn@Bi corresponds to better Zn deposition kinetics. The Zn@Bi//Zn@Bi symmetric cell demonstrates an extended cycle life of 1000 h. Furthermore, when pairing Zn@Bi with an α‐MnO2 cathode to construct a Zn@Bi//MnO2 cell, a specific capacity of 119.3 mAh g−1 is maintained even after 1700 cycles at 1.2 A g−1. This study sheds light on the development of dendrite‐free anodes for advanced AZIBs.
Buried Interface Optimization for Flexible Perovskite Solar Cells with High Efficiency and Mechanical Stability
Authors: Zhao Dengjie , Zhang Chenxi , Ren Jingkun , Li Shiqi , Wu Yukun , Sun Qinjun , Hao Yuying
Published: December 2023

The power conversion efficiency (PCE) and stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are significantly reduced by defect‐induced charge non‐radiative recombination. Also, unexpected residual strain in perovskite films leads to an unfavorable impact on the stability and efficiency of PSCs, notably flexible PSCs (f‐PSCs). Considering these problems, a thorough and effective strategy is proposed by incorporating phytic acid (PA) into SnO2 as an electron transport layer (ETL). With the addition of PA, the Sn inherent dangling bonds are passivated effectively and thus enhance the conductivity and electron mobility of SnO2 ETL. Meanwhile, the crystallization quality of perovskite is increased largely. Therefore, the interface/bulk defects are reduced. Besides, the residual strain of perovskite film is significantly reduced and the energy level alignment at the SnO2/perovskite interface becomes more matched. As a result, the champion f‐PSC obtains a PCE of 21.08% and rigid PSC obtains a PCE of 21.82%, obviously surpassing the PCE of 18.82% and 19.66% of the corresponding control devices. Notably, the optimized f‐PSCs exhibit outstanding mechanical durability, after 5000 cycles of bending with a 5 mm bending radius, the SnO2‐PA‐based device preserves 80% of the initial PCE, while the SnO2‐based device only remains 49% of the initial value.
An Exploration of the Four‐Decade‐Long History of Photocatalytic Water Treatment: Analysis of Key Advancements, Underlying Relationships, and Failures along the Way
Authors: Ansari Mohsen , Moussavi Gholamreza , Samoili Sofia , Giannakis Stefanos
Published: December 2023

This study explores the decade‐long history of photocatalytic water treatment using a novel integration of the Delphi method and the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta‐analyses approach, along with bibliometric analysis, to examine publication trends, author and country coauthorship networks, keyword co‐occurrence, citation analysis, and catalyst/contaminant evolution over time. The key findings include a steady increase in annual publications, a shift in dominant disciplines toward Environmental Sciences and Chemical Engineering, the role of specific authors in country productivity and citation rankings, and a growing need for international collaboration. TiO2‐ and TiO2‐based materials remain dominant, but a clear trend of abandonment in favor of novel materials is observed. Solar light is gaining importance for the photocatalytic elimination of aquatic pollutants, shifting simple organic compounds to priority substances. The evolution of this field is highlighted by tracing advancements in catalyst diversity and complexity, process optimization, and intensification. However, despite important milestone achievements, persistent knowledge gaps, discrepancies in comparability among studies, a lack of understanding of the fundamentals, and low funding incentives for transitioning to market hinder large‐scale applications. This study aims to provide a comprehensive guide for researchers by summarizing previous findings, unsuccessful approaches, and possibilities for improving photocatalytic applications.
Optimization‐based design of sliding sector control for active seismic protection of structures
Authors: Saadatfar Saman , Emami Fereshteh , Khatibinia Mohsen , Eliasi Hussein
Published: December 2023

The active tuned mass damper (ATMD) is a reliable energy‐dissipating device to effectively protect structures from serious damages due to earthquake excitations. This study proposes the optimal design of sliding sector control (SSC) for the seismic protection of an 11‐story shear building structure equipped with ATMD. First, the SSC controller is optimally designed for the seismic control of the structure subjected to an artificial earthquake. Then, the effectiveness of the optimized SSC (OSSC) is assessed in reducing the seismic responses of the structure subjected to four near‐ and far‐fault earthquake excitations. The efficient performance of the OSSC technique is also validated and compared with that of a number of the control techniques such as linear quadratic regulator (LQR), fuzzy logic control (FLC), proportional‐integral‐derivative (PID), and optimal sliding mode control (OSMC). Comparative results demonstrate the efficiency and robustness of the proposed OSSC in comparison with those of the other controllers.
“So, we kind of started from scratch, no pun intended”: What can students learn from designing games?
Authors: Puttick G. , Cassidy M. , Tucker‐Raymond E. , Troiano G. M. , Harteveld C.
Published: December 2023

Much research attention has been focused on learning through game playing. However, very little has been focused on student learning through game making, especially in science. Moreover, none of the studies on learning through making games has presented an account of how students engage in the process of game design in real time. The present study seeks to address that gap. We report an exploratory embedded case study in which three groups of students in one classroom created a computer game designed to teach peers about climate science, while drawing on scientific knowledge, principles of game design, and computational thinking practices. Data sources were student design sheets, computer video, and audio screen capture while students created their game, and interviews after completing the curriculum unit. A theme‐driven framework was used to code the data. A curricular emphasis on systems across climate systems, game design, and computational thinking practices provided a context designed to synergistically supported student learning. This embedded case study provides a rich example of what a collaborative game design task in a constructionist context looks like in a middle school science classroom, and how it supports student learning. Game design in a constructionist learning environment that emphasized learning through building a game allowed students to choose their pathways through the learning experience and resulted in learning for all despite various levels of programming experience. Our findings suggest that game design may be a promising context for supporting student learning in STEM disciplines.
Transcriptome analysis of iron over‐accumulating Arabidopsis genotypes uncover putative novel regulators of systemic and retrograde signaling
Authors: Grillet Louis , Hsieh En‐Jung , Schmidt Wolfgang
Published: December 2023

On account of its competence to accept and donate electrons, iron (Fe) is an essential element across all forms of life, including plants. Maintaining Fe homeostasis requires precise orchestration of its uptake, trafficking, and translocation in order to meet the demand for Fe sinks such as plastids. Plants harboring defects in the systemic Fe transporter OPT3 (OLIGOPEPTIDE TRANSPORTER 3) display constitutive Fe deficiency responses and accumulate toxic levels of Fe in their leaves. Similarly, ectopic expression of IRONMAN (IMA) genes, encoding a family of phloem‐localized signaling peptides, triggers the uptake and accumulation of Fe by inhibiting the putative Fe sensor BRUTUS. This study aims at elucidating the mechanisms operating between OPT3‐mediated systemic Fe transport, activation of IMA genes in the phloem, and activation of Fe uptake in the root epidermis. Transcriptional profiling of opt3‐2 mutant and IMA1/IMA3 overexpressing (IMA Ox) lines uncovered a small subset of genes that were consistently differentially expressed across all three genotypes and Fe‐deficient control plants, constituting potential novel regulators of cellular Fe homeostasis. In particular, expression of the the F‐box protein At1g73120 was robustly induced in all genotypes, suggesting a putative function in the posttranslational regulation of cellular Fe homeostasis. As further constituents of this module, two plastid‐encoded loci that putatively produce transfer ribonucleic acid (tRNA)‐derived small ribonucleic acids are possibly involved in retrograde control of root Fe uptake.
Yeast diversity in open agave fermentations across Mexico
Authors: Gallegos‐Casillas Porfirio , García‐Ortega Luis F. , Espinosa‐Cantú Adriana , Avelar‐Rivas J. Abraham , Torres‐Lagunes Carolina G. , Cano‐Ricardez Adrián , García‐Acero Ángela M. , Ruiz‐Castro Susana , Flores‐Barraza Mayra , Castillo Alejandra , González‐Zozaya Fernando , Delgado‐Lemus América , Molina‐Freaner Francisco , Jacques‐Hernández Cuauhtémoc , Hernández‐López Antonio , Delaye Luis , Aguirre‐Dugua Xitlali , Kirchmayr Manuel R. , Morales Lucia , Mancera Eugenio , DeLuna Alexander
Published: December 2023

Yeasts are a diverse group of fungal microorganisms that are widely used to produce fermented foods and beverages. In Mexico, open fermentations are used to obtain spirits from agave plants. Despite the prevalence of this traditional practice throughout the country, yeasts have only been isolated and studied from a limited number of distilleries. To systematically describe the diversity of yeast species from open agave fermentations, here we generate the YMX‐1.0 culture collection by isolating 4524 strains from 68 sites with diverse climatic, geographical, and biological contexts. We used MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry for taxonomic classification and validated a subset of the strains by ITS and D1/D2 sequencing, which also revealed two potential novel species of Saccharomycetales. Overall, the composition of yeast communities was weakly associated with local variables and types of climate, yet a core set of six species was consistently isolated from most producing regions. To explore the intraspecific variation of the yeasts from agave fermentations, we sequenced the genomes of four isolates of the nonconventional yeast Kazachstania humilis. The genomes of these four strains were substantially distinct from a European isolate of the same species, suggesting that they may belong to different populations. Our work contributes to the understanding and conservation of an open fermentation system of great cultural and economic importance, providing a valuable resource to study the biology and genetic diversity of microorganisms living at the interface of natural and human‐associated environments.
How Finnish News Media Defend Their Boundaries in the Age of Digital Platforms
Authors: Pöyhtäri Reeta , Sirkkunen Esa
Published: December 2023

This chapter discusses the strategies that Finnish professional news media have used in recent years to defend their boundaries both as businesses and societal institutions in the age of digital platforms. Based on interviews with chief editors and media experts, we distinguish five central strategies for business survival. Furthermore, we discuss how the Finnish news media have responded to the pressures caused by the digital information environment.
Identifying Abandoned Industrial Zones in Skopje and Evaluating the Potential of Extending Their Useful Lifespan by Adaptive Reuse
Authors: Mihajlovska Teodora , Trombeva - Gavriloska Ana , Cvetkovska Meri , Dimevska Sofronievska Liljana
Published: December 2023

The built environment of cities can play a key role in the transition to a circular economy, especially considering the large resource consumption and waste generation of building construction. This paper explores the potential for adaptive reuse of abandoned industrial buildings through the lens of the sustainability within the context of circular economy in Skopje, North Macedonia. The adaptive reuse of vacant industrial buildings can bring environmental, social, and economic benefits by employing an urban strategy based on circular economy principles and innovative approaches. Considering the transformation of Skopje’s industrial zones through the city’s development, this paper identifies potential abandoned industrial sites in the city where the adaptive reuse of buildings, could improve environmental, social, and economic quality of the built environment. The identified abandoned industrial sites were analyzed in terms of their functional transformation and their vulnerability to current demolishing practices.
Procedure for Waste Prevention and Management to Implement Best Practices in the Design and Construction of a Building
Authors: Villoria Sáez Paola , del Río Merino Mercedes
Published: December 2023

This research develops a Waste Management System (WMS), which can be used during the design and construction stages of a building, and provides best practices for CDW prevention and management. For this, a literature review of studies dealing with best practices for CDW prevention and recycling was performed in order to develop the WMS, which is composed by eight procedures. Furthermore, the WMS was implemented in a construction company and individual interviews were conducted in order to know the main benefits and disadvantages of its implementation. The results of this study show that implementing a WMS improves CDW quantification, because the company obtains its own CDW generation ratio. The ratios will help construction agents to develop and write the CDW Management Plans and Reports and also achieve more accurate waste management costs. Finally, the integration of this CDW system with the company’s environmental management system supports the cohesion of the construction process organisation at all stages, establishes responsibilities in the field of CDW, and providing greater control of the entire process.
Measuring Circularity in Brazilian Social Housing
Authors: Munaro Mayara Regina , John Vanderley Moacyr
Published: December 2023

The incorporation of circular economy (CE) principles in social housing (SH) is a not widespread agenda in government public policies. If, on the one hand, the growing demand for housing puts pressure on public services and the construction value chain, on the other hand, the reduction in the extraction of virgin materials and waste generation is essential to mitigate the effects of global climate change. This article presents a case study of how the Brazilian government is addressing circularity in the country's National Housing Plan. The study presents the proposal for circularity indicators to be implemented, both in new and existing buildings, aiming to reduce material demand and waste generation in SH. The adoption of circular indices in the input flow of materials has greater applicability in SH and promotes incentives to the secondary construction materials market. Circularity in the outflow of materials requires greater maturity in the application of CE principles and a systematic change in the housing design stage. The study aims to guide decision-makers around the consistent measurement of circularity in housing, promoting improved performance and the shift towards a more sustainable built environment.
SDGs and the SBToolPT Urban Assessment Method: A Conceptual Analysis of Urban Sustainability Indicators to Assess the Circular Economy in the Built Environment
Authors: Cervantes Puma Genesis Camila , Bragança Luis
Published: December 2023

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the SBToolPT Urban assessment method can be used together to assess the circular economy in the built environment and promote urban sustainability. In this conceptual analysis, the focus is on developing urban sustainability indicators that can help to assess the circular economy in the built environment SBToolPT Urban includes a set of tools that are designed to help to align operations and activities with the SDGs. These indicators should be aligned with the SDGs and the SBToolPT Urban assessment method, which provides a comprehensive framework for assessing sustainability in urban areas. Using these indicators, the SBToolPT Urban can become an assessment method for projects that are wished to be implemented based on the SDGs. Through these indicators, urban areas can be assessed on their sustainability and circular economy performance and opportunities for improvement can be identified as well. This can help to promote sustainability and circular economy in the built environment and contribute to the achievement of the SDGs related interconnected and provide a comprehensive framework for achieving sustainable development and addressing the world's most pressing environmental, social, and economic challenges.
Implementing Nature-Based Solutions for a Circular Urban Built Environment
Authors: Pineda-Martos Rocío , Atanasova Nataša , Calheiros Cristina S. C. , Junge Ranka , Nickayin Samaneh S. , Paço Teresa A. , Dominici Laura , Comino Elena , Andreucci Maria-Beatrice , Theochari Dimitra , Pucher Bernhard , González Aránzazu Galán , Carvalho Pedro N. , Langergraber Guenter
Published: December 2023

This short review outlines the implementation of nature-based solutions in the urban built environment which can contribute to a circular economy as well as the multiple benefits related to the ecosystem services they can provide. The novel Circular City framework on the mainstreaming of nature-based solutions for the enhancement of urban resource management, which was developed within the COST Action CA17133, is presented. Urban circularity challenges addressed by nature-based solutions are assessed in the built environment following three different levels of implementation—i.e., green building materials, systems for the greening of buildings envelope, and green building sites as vegetated open spaces and water-sensitively designed. Considering the possibilities of implementing nature-based solutions in the built environment, we also highlight the circularity processes that can take place through the integration of nature-based solutions at some or all of the proposed scales towards the achievement of at least one of the seven urban circularity challenges. A collection of representative actual case studies exemplifying the development and implementation of nature-based solutions towards circular cities is also included.
BIM-Based Sustainability Assessment: Insights for Building Circularity
Authors: Carvalho José Pedro , Bragança Luís , Mateus Ricardo
Published: December 2023

Facing the increased pursuit for sustainable buildings, the construction industry has been adopting new project technologies such as Building Sustainability Assessment (BSA) and Building Information Modelling (BIM), providing new potentialities like continuous data storage, optimised building performance and integrated building design. Facing the opportunity to integrate BSA into BIM, a BIM-based application—SBToolBIM—was developed to automate BSA during the project early stages. Visual Programming Language (VPL) was used to translate 19 criteria requirements from SBToolPT-H and additional BIM connections were identified for the remaining 6 criteria. The applied procedure has established a novel framework to carry out BSA within the BIM environment in a faster reliable way. Such a method can provide valuable insights for a BIM-based application for building circularity assessment by using similar structures and procedures. This research aims to explore SBToolBIM in order to identify possible insights which can be replicated for a BIM-based application to assess buildings circularity potential. Results show the potentialities of SBToolBIM structure for circularity purposes, as different multidisciplinary data can be stored in the BIM model, novel Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) can be easily integrated and the evaluation structure can be adapted according to the analysis requirements.
Design Strategies and Technical Practices for Reusable Steel–Concrete Composite Structural Systems
Authors: Kavoura Florentia , Veljkovic Milan
Published: December 2023

The technical solutions and design strategies for deconstruction are reviewed and investigated in the building sector in order to achieve the sustainability goals set in the EU Commission´s “Green Deal” towards net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The demountable and reusable steel–concrete composite structures could contribute immensely to the achievement of these sustainability goals. The main technical practice which allows for demountability and reusability is the use of bolted connections on the skeleton of the steel structure with the parallel use of demountable shear connectors in their floor systems with the steel load-bearing beams. However, there is a very limited number of studies and methods into specific demountable and steel–concrete composite structural systems, and even fewer focus on their practicability and feasibility. Since these systems have the potential to reduce embodied carbon impacts, encourage resource efficiency and, reduce construction waste, their feasibility and technical practices should be investigated. This paper focuses on technical solutions and design strategies that currently have been developed for steel and steel–concrete composite reusable structural systems.
The Recycling of Construction Foams: An Overview
Authors: Gama Nuno , Barros-Timmons Ana , Ferreira Artur
Published: December 2023

In 1987, the United Nations Brundtland Commission defined sustainability as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Yet, after all these years, the humankind is dealing with catastrophic environmental problems which may jeopardize the future generations wellbeing. One cause of such issue is pollution associated to polymer’s disposal. Polymers are mainly produced using petroleum derivatives and/or non-degradable. In addition, after their use, they are normally disposed in land fields or burned for energy. Yet, due to environmental problems, these solutions are not valid options, so plastic wastes must be recycled and used to produce new materials. This circular economy concept is not only a requirement for preventing pollution but is also a need for the reduction of the costs associated with their production and for the enhancement of the eco-efficiency of materials. Furthermore, this approach also addresses the risk of shortage of raw materials in the medium future. With this in mind, this document intends to give an overview of the recycling of construction foams with special focus on polyurethane (PU) and polystyrene (PS) foams. It aims to highlight the possible routes to recycle construction foams, presenting the differences and challenges of recycling different types of polymers. In that perspective, chemical and mechanical recycling routes are discussed, as well as energy recover alternatives. Finally, life cycle analysis (LCA) reports of these products are presented.
Risk factors for major complications following colorectal resections for endometriosis in the USA
Authors: Meyer Raanan , Nasseri Yosef Y. , Barnajian Moshe , Siedhoff Matthew T. , Wright Kelly N. , Hamilton Kacey M. , Levin Gabriel , Truong Mireille D.
Published: December 2023

Purpose

We aimed to describe the incidence and identify risk factors for the occurrence of short-term major posto-perative complications following colorectal resection for endometriosis.

Methods

A cohort study using data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database from 2012–2020. We included patients with a primary diagnosis of endometriosis who underwent colon or rectal resections for endometriosis.

Results

Of 755 women who underwent colorectal resection, 495 (65.6%) had laparoscopic surgery and 260 (34.4%) had open surgery. The major complication rate was 13.5% (n = 102). Women who underwent open surgery had a higher proportion of major complications (n = 53, 20.4% vs. n = 49, 9.9%, p < 0.001). In a multivariable regression analysis, Black race (aOR 95%CI 2.81 (1.60–4.92), p < 0.001), Hispanic ethnicity (aOR 95%CI 3.02 (1.42–6.43), p = 0.004), hypertension (aOR 95%CI 1.89 (1.08–3.30), p = 0.025), laparotomy (aOR 95%CI 1.64 (1.03–3.30), p = 0.025), concomitant enterotomy (aOR 95%CI 3.02 (1.26–7.21), p = 0.013), and hysterectomy (aOR 95%CI 2.59 (1.62–4.15), p < 0.001) were independently associated with major post-operative complications. In a subanalysis of laparoscopies only, Hispanic ethnicity, chronic hypertension, lysis of bowel adhesions, and hysterectomy were independently associated with major complications. In a subanalysis of laparotomies only, Black race and hysterectomy were independently positively associated with the occurrence of major complications.

Conclusion

This study provides a current population-based estimate of short-term complications after surgery for colorectal endometriosis in the USA. The identified risk factors for complications can assist during preoperative shared decision-making and informed consent process.
Dietary taste patterns and diet quality of female nurses around the night shift
Authors: de Rijk Mariëlle G. , de Vries Jeanne H. M. , Mars Monica , Feskens Edith J. M. , Boesveldt Sanne
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Night shift workers are at risk of making poor food choices: e.g. sleep deprivation may lead to higher food intake with innate preferred tastes, such as sweet, savoury and fatty foods. Therefore, better insight in dietary taste patterns of night shift workers may improve the understanding of their food choices.

Methods

This observational study assessed dietary taste patterns of 120 female night shift working nurses and compared them to 307 women of a reference population. Dietary intake, assessed with 24-h dietary recalls, was combined with a taste intensity database, including taste profiles of 557 foods. The contribution to the daily intake of 6 taste clusters was assessed: fat, neutral, sweet/fat, sweet/sour, salt/umami/fat and bitter.

Results

During night shifts, nurses consumed a significantly higher energy percentage (en%) of ‘neutral’ (5.9 en%), ‘sweet/sour’ (8.1 en%) and ‘sweet/fat’ (6.5 en%) tasting foods and a lower en% of ‘fat’ (− 17.1 en%) and ‘bitter’ (− 2.1 en%) tasting foods than outside the night shift. They consumed a larger en% from foods with a ‘sweet/sour’ (1.9 en%) taste and a lower en% from foods with a ‘bitter’ (− 2.1 en%) taste than the reference population, irrespective of age, BMI and smoking status. A higher en% and gram% of ‘fat’ tasting foods and a higher gram% ‘fat/salt/umami’ tasting foods were associated with lower diet quality.

Conclusion

Our results only partly support our hypothesis that nurses would select foods with more innate taste preferences. In addition, fat and savoury tasting foods were negatively associated with their diet quality.
Long-term safety and efficacy of cipaglucosidase alfa plus miglustat in individuals living with Pompe disease: an open-label phase I/II study (ATB200-02)
Authors: Byrne Barry J. , Schoser Benedikt , Kishnani Priya S. , Bratkovic Drago , Clemens Paula R. , Goker-Alpan Ozlem , Ming Xue , Roberts Mark , Vorgerd Matthias , Sivakumar Kumaraswamy , van der Ploeg Ans T. , Goldman Mitchell , Wright Jacquelyn , Holdbrook Fred , Jain Vipul , Benjamin Elfrida R. , Johnson Franklin , Das Sheela Sitaraman , Wasfi Yasmine , Mozaffar Tahseen
Published: December 2023

Cipaglucosidase alfa plus miglustat (cipa + mig) is a novel, two-component therapy for Pompe disease. We report data from the Phase I/II ATB200-02 study for up to 48 months of treatment. Four adult cohorts, including one non-ambulatory ERT-experienced (n = 6) and three ambulatory cohorts, (two enzyme replacement therapy [ERT]-experienced cohorts [2–6 years (n = 11) and ≥ 7 years (n = 6)]), one ERT-naïve cohort (n = 6), received 20 mg/kg intravenous-infused cipa plus 260 mg oral mig biweekly. Change from baseline (CFBL) for multiple efficacy endpoints at 12, 24, 36, and 48 months, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, safety, and immunogenicity data were assessed. Six-minute walking distance (% predicted) improved at 12, 24, 36, and 48 months: pooled ambulatory ERT-experienced cohorts, mean(± standard deviation [SD]) CFBL: 6.1(± 7.84), n = 16; 5.4(± 10.56), n = 13; 3.4(± 14.66), n = 12; 5.9(± 17.36), n = 9, respectively; ERT-naïve cohort: 10.7(± 3.93), n = 6; 11.0(± 5.06), n = 6; 9.0(± 7.98), n = 5; 11.7(± 7.69), n = 4, respectively. Percent predicted forced vital capacity was generally stable in ERT-experienced cohorts, mean(± SD) CFBL − 1.2(± 5.95), n = 16; 1.0(± 7.96), n = 13; − 0.3(± 6.68), n = 10; 1.0(± 6.42), n = 6, respectively, and improved in the ERT-naïve cohort: 3.2(± 8.42), n = 6; 4.7(± 5.09), n = 6; 6.2(± 3.35), n = 5; 8.3(± 4.50), n = 4, respectively. Over 48 months, CK and Hex4 biomarkers improved in ambulatory cohorts. Overall, cipa + mig was well tolerated with a safety profile like alglucosidase alfa. ATB200-02 results show the potential benefits of cipa + mig as a long-term treatment option for Pompe disease. Trial registration number: NCT02675465 January 26, 2016.
The views of parents of children with cancer and pediatric physical therapists on a network for continuity and optimal quality of care for children with cancer: KinderOncoNet
Authors: Kleinlugtenbelt L. B. , Tissing W. J. E. , Solkema W. J. M. Plieger-van , van der Torre P. , Kollen W. J. W. , Gorter J. W.
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Children with cancer require specific therapeutic guidance. Parents prefer physical therapy close to home, while pediatric physical therapists (PPTs) working in the community may lack specific knowledge. The aim of this study is to determine the needs of parents of children with cancer and PPTs to inform the design and development of a care network, named “KinderOncoNet.”

Methods

We explored the perspectives and needs of parents of children with cancer and PPTs in the community, and we investigated the added value that KinderOncoNet could offer. We used an iterative process; data collection consisted of (1) gathering information from parents of children with cancer and PPTs through a survey and (2) co-creation sessions with stakeholders.

Results

In total, 98 parents and 177 PPTs participated in the survey. Parents (97%) and PPTs (93%) indicated that the care network would bring added value. All but one parent stressed the importance of a local PPT being aware of both the condition and the side and late effects of oncological treatment. Moreover, 40% of PPTs thought they do not have sufficient knowledge to provide high-quality therapy and that they would embrace opportunities for education. Through the co-creation sessions, a prototype of the care network was conceptualized.

Conclusion

KinderOncoNet can contribute to the continuity and quality of physiotherapy care for children with cancer during and after the oncological treatment. Such a network would allow for sharing knowledge, developing skills, and improving accessibility and communication in the Netherlands.
Exploring price tolerance in online retail: A comparative analysis of price comparison website use and repeat purchases
Authors: Berends Jan , Gerpott Torsten J.
Published: December 2023

The present empirical study is the first research to examine how the price tolerance of online buyers correlates with price comparison website (PCW) usage and customer relationship status (CRS). Longitudinal sales data of power tools and household appliances in 8,097 transactions from a German online shop and scraped PCW price data over a 6-months period in 2021 are used for the analysis. Consumer demand falls on average by around 80% per less favorable PCW rank. In addition, PCW (new) customers show significantly less price tolerance than organic (existing) customers. A small but significant interaction effect induces that the correlation of CRS and price tolerance is stronger for organic than for PCW customers.
TGFß1 Stimulates Lymphatic Endothelial Cells to Produce IL7 and IL15, Which Act as Chemotactic Factors for Breast Cancer Cells with Mesenchymal Properties
Authors: Giotopoulou Nikolina , Shi Wenyang , Parniewska Malgorzata Maria , Sun Wenwen , Fuxe Jonas
Published: December 2023

The lymphatic system is a major gateway for tumor cell dissemination but the mechanisms of how tumor cells gain access to lymphatic vessels are not completely understood. Breast cancer cells undergoing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) gain invasive and migratory properties. Overexpression of the cytokine transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1), a potent inducer of EMT, is frequently detected in the tumor microenvironment and correlates with invasion and lymph metastasis. Recently, we reported that TGFβ1 stimulated breast cancer cells with mesenchymal properties to migrate in a targeted fashion towards the lymphatic system via CCR7/CCL21-mediated chemotaxis, similar to dendritic cells during inflammation. Here, we aimed to identify additional chemotactic factors and corresponding receptors that could be involved in guiding breast cancer cells through the lymphatic system. Through a combination of RNA sequencing analysis, database screening and invasion assays we identified IL7/IL7R and IL15/IL15R as pairs of chemokines and receptors with potential roles in promoting chemotactic migration of breast cancer cells with mesenchymal properties towards the lymphatics. The results demonstrate the capacity of TGFβ1 to orchestrate crosstalk between tumor cells and lymphatic endothelial cells and warrant further studies to explore the roles of IL7 and IL15 in promoting lymph metastasis of breast cancer.
Electronic Medication Reconciliation Tools Aimed at Healthcare Professionals to Support Medication Reconciliation: a Systematic Review
Authors: Ciudad-Gutiérrez Pablo , del Valle-Moreno Paula , Lora-Escobar Santiago José , Guisado-Gil Ana Belén , Alfaro-Lara Eva Rocío
Published: December 2023

The development of health information technology available and accessible to professionals is increasing in the last few years. However, a low number of electronic health tools included some kind of information about medication reconciliation. To identify all the electronic medication reconciliation tools aimed at healthcare professionals and summarize their main features, availability, and clinical impact on patient safety. A systematic review of studies that included a description of an electronic medication reconciliation tool (web-based or mobile app) aimed at healthcare professionals was conducted. The review protocol was registered with PROSPERO: registration number CRD42022366662, and followed PRISMA guidelines. The literature search was performed using four healthcare databases: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Scopus with no language or publication date restrictions. We identified a total of 1227 articles, of which only 12 met the inclusion criteria.Through these articles,12 electronic tools were detected. Viewing and comparing different medication lists and grouping medications into multiple categories were some of the more recurring features of the tools. With respect to the clinical impact on patient safety, a reduction in adverse drug events or medication discrepancies was detected in up to four tools, but no significant differences in emergency room visits or hospital readmissions were found. 12 e-MedRec tools aimed at health professionals have been developed to date but none was designed as a mobile app. The main features that healthcare professionals requested to be included in e-MedRec tools were interoperability, “user-friendly” information, and integration with the ordering process.
Subjektive Fortbildungsbedarfe von Lehrkräften an Schulen in herausfordernden Lagen
Authors: Weber Kira Elena , Hawlitschek Patrick , Richter Dirk , Klusmann Uta
Published: December 2023

Die Professionalisierung von Lehrkräften durch Fortbildungsmaßnahmen wird als eine zentrale Maßnahme zur Förderung von leistungsschwächeren Schülerinnen und Schülern benannt. Die Entscheidung darüber, welche Fortbildungen Lehrkräfte besuchen, hängt neben der Verfügbarkeit der Angebote auch von individuellen Faktoren wie dem Interesse und den akuten beruflichen Anforderungen der Lehrkräfte ab. Um eine möglichst hohe Passung zwischen den Bedarfen der Lehrkräfte und den Angeboten herzustellen, ist es wichtig, die Bedarfe von Lehrkräften zu kennen. Vor diesem Hintergrund geht die Arbeit der Frage nach, welche subjektiven Fortbildungsbedarfe Lehrkräfte an Schulen in herausfordernden Lagen haben, da diese Gruppe von Lehrkräften vor besonderen Anforderungen in Schule und Unterricht steht. Die vorliegende Studie beschreibt anhand einer Stichprobe von 2923 Lehrkräften aus 196 Schulen in herausfordernden Lagen, in welchen fachübergreifenden Kompetenzbereichen Lehrkräfte einen Fortbildungsbedarf angeben. Darüber hinaus untersucht sie, welche sozio-demographischen und motivational-emotionalen Merkmale die fachübergreifenden Fortbildungsbedarfe vorhersagen können. Die Ergebnisse aus latenten Strukturgleichungsmodellen zeigen, dass Lehrkräfte einen erhöhten Fortbildungsbedarf im Bereich Lernförderung und Digitaler Medieneinsatz sehen. Die Befunde aus offenen Antworten ergänzen diesen Bedarf um die Themen Umgang mit sonderpädagogischem Förderbedarf und Umgang mit Heterogenität. Zudem zeigen die Analysen, dass sowohl sozio-demographische Merkmale (Geschlecht, Berufserfahrung und Quer- und Seiteneinstieg) als auch motivational-emotionale Lehrkraftmerkmale (subjektive Kompetenzeinschätzungen, emotionale Erschöpfung und Attributionen von Schülerinnen- und Schülerleistung) relevante Prädiktoren für spezifische, fachübergreifende Fortbildungsbedarfe darstellen. Die Arbeit diskutiert mögliche Konsequenzen für das Angebot von Fortbildungsmaßnahmen.
Sustainability of international research: evidence from an H2020 European project
Authors: Fabiani Claudia , Frota de Albuquerque Landi Fabiana , Cabeza Luisa F. , Pisello Anna Laura
Published: December 2023

Greenhouse gas emissions reduction is a critical topic in the scientific community, as researchers strive to produce knowledge for the betterment of society. However, it is important to acknowledge that researchers themselves engage in activities that have a significant environmental impact. Group meetings and conferences are under the spot due to their extensive contribution to emissions through travel, catering, hosting, and other event-related activities. To address this issue, our work aims to conduct an environmental diagnosis of an ongoing H2020 European project, focusing on the impacts associated with the periodical group meetings organized in each country involved. We also sought to evaluate researchers’ stance on online meetings and collected environmental and personal opinions through dedicated online forms. Results show that while travel is the primary contributor to emissions, catering, meeting structures, and hosting support should not be overlooked. Conference location and availability of public transportation also play a crucial role in the final impact of the event, as they affect directly the 87% share of emissions due to travels. Besides, using local distributors and reducing hotel stays (representing about 5% of the final impact) may reduce the potential environmental burden of these events. On the other side, besides the obtained positive feedback from online meetings, in-person activities are still more effective for reinforcing human bonds and collaborations.