bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Urban Living Labs: Insights for Institutionally Promoted Urban Policies
Authors: Boni Alice Selene
Published: November 2022

This chapter presents the results of a study that analyzed the conditions in which it is possible to scale-up to the Urban Living Lab (ULL) approach, which was developed in large-scale social housing neighbourhoods, characterized by phenomena of social and spatial marginalization. Specifically, the aim of the study is to provide indications and tools, but also indicate challenges and critical issues to those public institutions interested in promoting and adopting, in such contexts, the ULL approach for programmes of social and/or urban regeneration. The study is based on a comparative analysis of local experimentations produced both by launching or consolidating the ULL, promoted by universities within the SoHoLab project in three European cities and by a public programme developed in the Lombardy region from 2014, which has features in common with the ULL. The study analyzed the documentation produced and thirty interviews with different stakeholders (public institutions, NGOs, social housing companies). Considering some specific topics and the important lessons learned from the local projects, the chapter deals with the theme of the transferability of labs, from a local level to a regional or national level, by an institutional lever.
The Inside and Outside of High-Rise Social Housing: The Broken Institution
Authors: Allemeersch Simon
Published: November 2022

This article is based on an ethnographic report of a long-term artistic workplace in the inside world of a social high-rise ensemble. The communal ‘atelier’ functioned as a repair workshop (Allemeersch et al. 2014) concerned with re-negotiating the relation and knowledge between the inside and outside world. Through a synchronic ethnographic report on the inside world of the housing ensemble, this article aims to characterize the lived citizenship (Warming and Fahnøe 2017) of residents, formal and informal, based upon the opposition between formal and informal order (Goffman 1966; Scott 1998), the notion of ‘underlife’ (Goffman 1963/1996) and hidden and public transcripts (Scott 1990). As the deserted stronghold of a previously ‘pillarized’ welfare state, this article pictures an inside world that is unbalanced between formal and informal order, and lacking the latter (Scott 1998). This results in a social closure between the inside and outside world, and the loss of self of residents. Essentially, residents are caught in the double bind between isolation and social closure (Wacquant 2008) on the one hand, and the loss of façade (Goffman 1959/2019) on the other. Without a qualitative understanding of the inside world of high-rise social housing the outside world institutions act without any knowledge of ‘the community that many residents were able to create in such adverse conditions’ (Goetz 2011, p. 270), and the difficult relation these residents have developed towards their own environment and housing, state intervention and the public services (Wacquant 2008).
Background-oriented schlieren technique with vector tomography for measurement of axisymmetric pressure fields of laser-induced underwater shock waves
Authors: Ichihara Sayaka , Shimazaki Takaaki , Tagawa Yoshiyuki
Published: November 2022

This study aims to overcome the problems that existing background-oriented schlieren (BOS) techniques based on computed tomography (CT-BOS) face when measuring pressure fields of laser-induced underwater shock waves. To do this, it proposes a novel BOS technique based on vector tomography (VT-BOS) of an axisymmetric target. The remarkable feature of the proposed technique is the reconstruction of an axisymmetric vector field with nonzero divergence, such as the field of a laser-induced underwater shock wave. This approach is based on an approximate relation between the projection of the axisymmetric vector field and the reconstructed vector field. For comparison, the pressure fields of underwater shock waves are measured with VT-BOS, CT-BOS, and a needle hydrophone. It is found that VT-BOS is significantly better than CT-BOS in terms of better convergence, less dependence on the spatial resolution of the acquired images, and lower computational cost. The proposed technique can be applied not only to fluid dynamical fields, but also to other axisymmetric targets in other areas, such as electromagnetics and thermodynamics.

Graphical abstract
The role of muscle mass in vascular remodeling: insights from a single-leg amputee model
Authors: Pedrinolla Anna , Cavedon Valentina , Milanese Chiara , Barbi Chiara , Giuriato Gaia , Laginestra Fabio Giuseppe , Martignon Camilla , Schena Federico , Venturelli Massimo
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Both muscle mass and physical activity are independent mechanisms that play a role in vascular remodeling, however, the direct impact of muscle mass on the structure and function of the vessels is not clear. The aim of the study was to determine the impact of muscle mass alteration on lower limbs arterial diameter, blood flow, shear rate and arterial stiffness.

Methods

Nine (33 ± 13 yrs) male individuals with a single-leg amputation were recruited. Vascular size (femoral artery diameter), hemodynamics (femoral artery blood flow and shear rate were measured at the level of the common femoral artery in both amputated (AL) and whole limbs (WL). Muscle mass of both limbs, including thigh for AL and thigh and leg for WL, was measured with a DXA system.

Results

AL muscle mass was reduced compared to the WL (3.2 ± 1.2 kg vs. 9.4 ± 2.1 kg; p = 0.001). Diameter of the femoral artery was reduced in the AL (0.5 ± 0.1 cm) in comparison to the WL (0.9 ± 0.2 cm, p = 0.001). However, femoral artery blood flow normalized for the muscle mass (AL = 81.5 ± 78.7ml min−1 kg−1,WL = 32.4 ± 18.3; p = 0.11), and blood shear rate (AL = 709.9 ± 371.4 s−1, WL = 526,9 ± 295,6; p = 0.374) were non different between limbs. A correlation was found only between muscle mass and femoral artery diameter (p = 0.003, R = 0.6561).

Conclusion

The results of this study revealed that the massive muscle mass reduction caused by a leg amputation, but independent from the level of physical activity, is coupled by a dramatic arterial diameter decrease. Interestingly, hemodynamics and arterial stiffness do not seem to be impacted by these structural changes.
Synergistic effects of nitrogen and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria inoculation on the growth, physiological traits and nutrient absorption of intercropped Eucalyptus urophylla × Eucalyptus grandis and Dalbergia odorifera
Authors: Lan Yahui , Liao Liangning , Yao Xianyu , Ye Shaoming
Published: November 2022

Key message

Legume/nonlegume intercropping systems equipped with moderate nitrogen (N) application and PGPR inoculation could be exploited in eucalyptus growing areas and degraded land as an ecologically sustainable system to avoid excessive fertilization and enhance nitrogen use efficiency.

Hazardous nitrogenous fertilizers in eucalyptus monocultures are challenging for the balance between eucalyptus wood production and ecological service functions. To assess whether plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) inoculation coupled with N application may improve plant growth by increasing biomass, photosynthesis, soil nutrient supply, and nutrient uptake capacity in the intercropping system. A pot experiment was performed to evaluate the synergistic effects of N application and N-fixing PGPR on growth, physiological parameters, N accumulation and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in intercropped Eucalyptus urophylla × Eucalyptus grandis (E. urophylla × E. grandis) and Dalbergia odorifera (D. odorifera). N fertilization positively influenced the plant height, dry matter yield, photosynthetic characteristics, N accumulation and nitrate reductase activity of E. urophylla × E. grandis under both inoculations. The growth and physiological traits of D. odorifera improved under the N2 (6 g N pot−1) application level. E. urophylla × E. grandis inoculated with Rhizobium japonicum IOC 113-2 showed higher values for plant height, biomass accumulation, N accumulation and photosynthesis with N fertilization, but the growth and physiological parameters of D. odorifera responded differentially to different inoculation treatments. The results demonstrated that an appropriate N supply in combination with N-fixing PGPR inoculation of legumes could increase nutrient absorption, NUE and yield advantages in intercropped E. urophylla × E. grandis and D. odorifera; thus, this method could be recommended as an alternative planting system under N-limited conditions in agroecosystems.
Weiterentwicklung im Katastrophenschutz: Ziel, Strategie und Taktik am Beispiel der Hochwasserkatastrophe 2021 im Ahrtal
Authors: Kippnich Maximilian , Kippnich Uwe , Erhard Harald , Meybohm Patrick , Wurmb Thomas
Published: November 2022

Hintergrund und Fragestellung

Im Rahmen der überörtlichen Katastrophenhilfe war die Medizinische Task Force 47 (Unterfranken) im Juli 2021 bei der Hochwasserkatastrophe in Rheinland-Pfalz (Ahrtal) im Einsatz. Mit dem Ziel, mögliche Verbesserungen im Katastrophenschutz aus Sicht einer überregionalen Einheit aus dem Einsatz ableiten zu können, wurde dieser wissenschaftlich evaluiert und die Erkenntnisse in einen übergeordneten Kontext gesetzt.

Material und Methoden

Nach Definition eines konkreten Auswerteprozesses wurden durch ein interdisziplinäres Expertengremium Einsatzunterlagen und relevante Konzepte des Bayerischen Roten Kreuzes gesichtet. Auf dieser Basis wurden Strategien und Taktiken entwickelt, um die vordefinierten Ziele zu erreichen.

Ergebnisse

Die Leistungsfähigkeit der Einsatzeinheiten könnte durch moderne Einsatzmittel (E-Bike, Drohnen, hochgeländegängige Fahrzeuge) gesteigert werden. Zur Erhöhung der Reaktionsfähigkeit könnten neue Schnell-Einsatz-Gruppen (SEG) erforderlich sein, die als Teil von BOS-übergreifenden Erkundungseinheiten agieren und in unwegsamen Geländen autark Einsatzaufträge abarbeiten können (SEG Erkundung und SEG Gelände-Infrastruktur-Logistik-Transport). Die taktischen Einheiten könnten in die regionale und überregionale Katastrophenhilfe eingebunden und synchronisiert werden.

Diskussion

Für den weitestgehend ehrenamtlich organisierten Katastrophenschutz in Deutschland könnte es in Zukunft erschwert sein, die Vielzahl möglicher modernster Einsatzmittel im hochkomplexen Umfeld einer Katastrophe sicher einsetzen zu können. Eine Teilprofessionalisierung durch hauptamtliche Führungs- und Einsatzkräfte könnte eine Lösung hierfür sein.
Geometry-based navigation in the dark: layout symmetry facilitates spatial learning in the house cricket, Acheta domesticus, in the absence of visual cues
Authors: Baran Bartosz , Krzyżowski Michał , Rádai Zoltán , Francikowski Jacek , Hohol Mateusz
Published: November 2022

The capacity to navigate by layout geometry has been widely recognized as a robust strategy of place-finding. It has been reported in various species, although most studies were performed with vision-based paradigms. In the presented study, we aimed to investigate layout symmetry-based navigation in the house cricket, Acheta domesticus, in the absence of visual cues. For this purpose, we used a non-visual paradigm modeled on the Tennessee Williams setup. We ensured that the visual cues were indeed inaccessible to insects. In the main experiment, we tested whether crickets are capable of learning to localize the centrally positioned, inconspicuous cool spot in heated arenas of various shapes (i.e., circular, square, triangular, and asymmetric quadrilateral). We found that the symmetry of the arena significantly facilitates crickets’ learning to find the cool spot, indicated by the increased time spent on the cool spot and the decreased latency in locating it in subsequent trials. To investigate mechanisms utilized by crickets, we analyzed their approach paths to the spot. We found that crickets used both heuristic and directed strategies of approaching the target, with the dominance of a semi-directed strategy (i.e., a thigmotactic phase preceding direct navigation to the target). We propose that the poor performance of crickets in the asymmetrical quadrilateral arena may be explained by the difficulty of encoding its layout with cues from a single modality.
The prevalence of Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) at testing centers in Belgium, Germany, Spain, and the UK using the cobas TV/MG molecular assay
Authors: Perry Michael D. , Jones Sophie , Bertram Alexander , de Salazar Adolfo , Barrientos-Durán Antonio , Schiettekatte Gilberte , Lewinski Michael , Arcenas Rodney , Hansra Avneet , Njoya Merlin , García Federico
Published: November 2022

Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) can lead to long-term sequelae in males and females; however, global prevalence data vary between geographical regions, as these sexually transmitted infections are not included in routine screening. The objective of this study was to use the cobas® TV/MG assay to assess the point prevalence of TV and MG in specimens from men and women over a broad European geographical area. Urine, vaginal, endocervical, and rectal samples were collected from patients aged ≥ 18 years receiving Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and/or Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) screening as per local standard of care at sites in Belgium, Germany, Spain, and the UK (Wales). Remnant samples were assessed using the cobas TV/MG assay. Analysis of 2795 samples showed that MG prevalence varied slightly across female sample types (range: 1.7–5.8%; p = 0.0042). MG prevalence was higher in male rectal samples (12.5%) than in male urine samples (3.9%; p < 0.0001). TV prevalence was low in male (0.8%; 12/1535) and female (1.3%; 16/1260) samples across all sites. Co-infection of TV/MG with CT or NG was 10.0% (19/190) and 9.6% (7/73), respectively, in both male and female samples. MG and TV prevalence rates were comparable to the published literature in Europe. MG prevalence was highest in male rectal samples; as rectal testing is an off-label use of the cobas TV/MG assay, the clinical utility of this assay for rectal testing should be further investigated.
Mediterranean grassland succession as an indicator of changes in ecosystem biodiversity and functionality
Authors: Molina José Antonio , Martín-Sanz Juan Pedro , Valverde-Asenjo Inmaculada , Sánchez-Jiménez Abel , Quintana José Ramón
Published: November 2022

The abandonment of agricultural lands triggers a secondary succession of plant species which implies important changes in soil quality. Annual Mediterranean grasslands are known to be persistent on abandoned agriculture lands in the western Mediterranean. We used plant taxonomic and functional approaches to determine the role of Mediterranean grasslands as an indicator of changes in ecosystem biodiversity and functionality. We tested the hypothesis that Mediterranean grasslands are a suitable model for monitoring biodiversity and soil fertility in a secondary succession. Soil and vegetation features on 21 permanent plots were monitored in 2016 and 2020. Numerical classifications based on floristic composition showed two different plant communities independently of the sampling year: early-stage grasslands in the first post-abandonment decade and late-stage grasslands after the first post-abandonment decade. Generalized linear model and redundancy analysis also revealed differences in growth forms, functional traits and soil functionality between communities. Late-stage grasslands was characterized by enriched bryophyte coverage and an impoverishment in hemicryptophytes and plant latex segregators growing on soils with a higher hydrolase enzyme activity and TOC content compared to early-stage grassland. Our results suggest that annual Mediterranean grasslands growing on siliceous soils denoting a mature-stage succession, and floristically characterized by the symbiont plant with Ascomycota,Tuberaria guttata, and a high bryophyte cover, are worthy of recognition for conservation.
Clearing the Smoke: Regulations, Moral Legitimacy, and Performance in the U.S. Tobacco Industry
Authors: Aranda Ana M. , Simons Tal
Published: November 2022

Considering recent theoretical discussions about the concept of moral legitimacy, this study advances our understanding of its performance consequences. Specifically, it uncovers the mediating role of moral legitimacy in the relationship between regulations and industry performance. Our analysis of the U.S. state-level data on regulations in a controversial industry between 1994 and 2010 yields four significant findings. The results show that regulations not only decrease performance but also negatively impact moral legitimacy. Moreover, this study provides empirical evidence that moral legitimacy is positively related to industry performance, providing much-needed direct support for this premise. Importantly, the results indicate that moral legitimacy mediates the effect of regulations on performance, but only when regulations are aligned with moral values. Overall, this study extends our understanding of how regulations influence moral legitimacy, and in turn impact industry performance.
Involvement of Ca2+ in Signaling Mechanisms Mediating Muscarinic Inhibition of M Currents in Sympathetic Neurons
Authors: Yoon Jin-Young , Ho Won-Kyung
Published: November 2022

Acetylcholine can excite neurons by suppressing M-type (KCNQ) potassium channels. This effect is mediated by M1muscarinic receptors coupled to the Gqprotein. Although PIP2depletion and PKC activation have been strongly suggested to contribute to muscarinic inhibition of M currents (IM), direct evidence is lacking. We investigated the mechanism involved in muscarinic inhibition of IMwith Ca2+measurement and electrophysiological studies in both neuronal (rat sympathetic neurons) and heterologous (HEK cells expressing KCNQ2/KCNQ3) preparations. We found that muscarinic inhibition of IMwas not blocked either by PIP2or by calphostin C, a PKC inhibitor. We then examined whether muscarinic inhibition of IMuses multiple signaling pathways by blocking both PIP2depletion and PKC activation. This maneuver, however, did not block muscarinic inhibition of IM. Additionally, muscarinic inhibition of IMwas not prevented either by sequestering of G-protein βγ subunits from Gα-transducin or anti-Gβγantibody or by preventing intracellular trafficking of channel proteins with blebbistatin, a class-II myosin inhibitor. Finally, we re-examined the role of Ca2+signals in muscarinic inhibition of IM. Ca2+measurements showed that muscarinic stimulation increased intracellular Ca2+and was comparable to the Ca2+mobilizing effect of bradykinin. Accordingly, 20-mM of BAPTA significantly suppressed muscarinic inhibition of IM. In contrast, muscarinic inhibition of IMwas completely insensitive to 20-mM EGTA. Taken together, these data suggest a role of Ca2+signaling in muscarinic modulation of IM. The differential effects of EGTA and BAPTA imply that Ca2+microdomains or spatially local Ca2+signals contribute to inhibition of IM.
Modeling and simulation of smart grid-aware edge computing federations
Authors: Cárdenas Román , Arroba Patricia , Risco-Martín José L. , Moya José M.
Published: November 2022

Compute-intensive Internet of Things (IoTs) applications have led to the edge computing paradigm. Edge computing decentralizes the IT infrastructure in multiple edge data centers (EDCs) across the access networks to reduce latency and network congestion. Edge computing can benefit significantly from different aspects of smart grids to achieve lower energy consumption and greater resilience to electricity price fluctuations. This paper presents a modeling, simulation, and optimization (M&S&O) framework for analyzing and dimensioning smart grid-aware edge computing federations. This tool integrates aspects of a consumer-centric smart grid model to the resource management policies of the EDCs. To illustrate the benefits of this tool, we show a realistic case study for optimizing the energy consumption and operational expenses of an edge computing federation that provides service to a driver assistance IoT application. Results show that this approach can reduce the daily energy consumption by 20.3% and the electricity budget by 30.3%.
The Historical Development and Heritage Features of a Portside Cultural Landscape: The Bay of Pasaia (Basque Country, Spain)
Authors: Luengas-Carreño Daniel , Aseguinolaza-Braga Izaskun , Sánchez-Beitia Santiago
Published: November 2022

The Bay of Pasaia is one of the highest heritage value portside cultural landscapes in the Basque Country, Spain. In order to understand the factors that have led to the current complex configuration, this study traces the historical development of this landscape. It analyzes economic and social dynamics that led to transformations of the historic areas, port, and natural environment, and documents the remaining historical traces and heritage elements that have resulted from this interaction in a GIS database. Following the recommendations of the HUL Approach and the Valletta Principles, three historical periods have been identified, which bear similarity with other port areas around the world. The results of this study are expected to serve as a basis for future urban regeneration plans and heritage enhancement strategies.
Special issue Intro: housing estates in the era of marketization – governance practices and urban planning
Authors: Leetmaa Kadri , Bernt Matthias
Published: November 2022

This paper introduces a Special Issue of the Journal of Housing and the Built Environment entitled “Housing estates in the era of marketization – governance practices and urban development”. The issue includes 10 European case studies on how marketization has impacted large housing estates (LHEs) across Europe. The collection includes novel contributions from well-studied countries like France or the United Kingdom, cases from Scandinavia and Mediterranean countries, as well as articles from post-socialist cities where the majority of LHEs are situated, and as such presents the diversity of experiences that has emerged in housing estates across Europe in the last two decades. Since the global turn towards neoliberal governance regimes at the end of the 20th century the commodification of housing, accompanied by the financialization of real estate, has not left any housing markets or market segments untouched. All articles focus on the interconnections between problems found in the development of housing estates and the processes of privatization and marketization. We aim to address two main research gaps: (1) we demonstrate that marketization and financialization are preconditions for the development of contemporary housing, incl. housing estate neighborhoods, and (2) we address the need for an up-to-date pan-European overview on contemporary urban governance and planning practices related to LHEs.
Bikol clefts and topics and the Austronesian extraction restriction
Authors: Erlewine Michael Yoshitaka , Lim Cheryl
Published: November 2022

Many Austronesian languages exhibit an extraction restriction whereby only one particular DP—the “pivot” argument, the choice of which is reflected by morphology on the verb—can be Ā-extracted. We show that such extraction restrictions can vary between different Ā-constructions in Bikol: local clefting is limited to the pivot, whereas topicalization can target pivots and non-pivot agents but not non-pivot themes of transitive verbs. Following the phase-theoretic, locality-based approach to such extraction asymmetries in related Austronesian languages, we propose that clefting and topicalization differ in the featural specifications of their probes, with clefting necessarily targeting the closest DP and topicalization simply seeking the closest topic constituent. Evidence for this approach comes from the behavior of long-distance clefting, which may target certain non-pivot arguments and involve gaps or resumptive pronouns. The inventory of different long-distance cleft types is explained by the possibility of embedded topicalization and hanging topic left dislocation feeding higher clefting. Our study strengthens the view that the classic Austronesian pivot-only extraction restriction is best characterized in terms of syntactic locality, rather than as a restriction on the grammatical function or morphological case of movement targets.
Potentiality of Moringa oleifera as a Nutritive Ingredient in Different Food Matrices
Authors: Trigo Carla , Castelló María Luisa , Ortolá María Dolores
Published: November 2022

Given the growing interest of today's society in improving the nutritional profile of the food it consumes, industrial food reformulation is booming. In this sense, due to its high yield, good adaptation to climate change and high nutritional potential, Moringa oleifera may be an alternative means of fortifying products, in order to improve different food matrices. The different parts of this plant (leaves, seeds, flowers, pods, roots…) can be marketed for their nutritional and medicinal attributes. In this analysis, various scientific studies have been compiled that evaluate the potential of Moringa oleifera in terms of its incorporation into food matrices and its influence on the final sensory characteristics. In general, the incorporation of different parts of moringa into products, such as bread, pastries, snacks and beverages, increases the nutritional profile of the product (proteins, essential amino acids, minerals and fiber), the dried leaf powder representing an alternative to milk and eggs and helping vegans/vegetarians to consume the same protein content. In the case of dairy and meat products, the goal is to improve the antioxidant and antimicrobial capacity. In every food product, adding high concentrations of moringa leads to greenish colorations, herbal flavors and changes in the mechanical properties (texture, hardness, chewiness, volume and sponginess), negatively impacting the acceptance of the final product. This bibliographic review highlights the need to continue researching the technological properties with the dual aim of incorporating different parts of moringa into food matrices and increasing consumer familiarity with this product.
The force of fictional discourse
Authors: Bergman Karl Gustav , Franzén Nils
Published: November 2022

Consider the opening sentence of Tolkien’s The Hobbit: (1) In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit. By writing this sentence, Tolkien is making a fictional statement. There are two influential views of the nature of such statements. On the pretense view, fictional discourse amounts to pretend assertions. Since the author is not really asserting, but merely pretending, a statement such as Tolkien’s is devoid of illocutionary force altogether. By contrast, on the alternative make-believe view, fictional discourse prescribes that the reader make-believe the content of the statement. In this paper, we argue that neither of these views is satisfactory. They both fail to distinguish the linguistic act of creating the fiction, for instance Tolkien writing the sentence above, from the linguistic act of reciting it, such as reading The Hobbit out loud for your children. As an alternative to these views, we propose that the essential feature of the author’s speech act is its productive character, that it makes some state of affairs obtain in the fiction. Tolkien’s statement, we argue, has the illocutionary force of a declaration.
Associations between biomarkers of cellular senescence and physical function in humans: observations from the lifestyle interventions for elders (LIFE) study
Authors: Fielding Roger A. , Atkinson Elizabeth J. , Aversa Zaira , White Thomas A. , Heeren Amanda A. , Achenbach Sara J. , Mielke Michelle M. , Cummings Steven R. , Pahor Marco , Leeuwenburgh Christiaan , LeBrasseur Nathan K.
Published: November 2022

Cellular senescence is a plausible mediator of age-associated declines in physical performance. To test this premise, we examined cross-sectional associations between circulating components of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) and measures of physical function and muscle strength in 1377 older adults. We showed significant associations between multiple SASP proteins and the short physical performance battery (SPPB), its subcomponents (gait speed, balance, chair rise time), and 400-m walk time. Activin A, ICAM1, MMP7, VEGFA, and eotaxin showed strong associations based on gradient boost machine learning (GBM), and, when combined with other proteins, effectively identified participants at the greatest risk for mobility disability (SPPB score $$\le$$
≤
7). Senescence biomarkers were also associated with lower grip strength, and GBM identified PARC, ADAMTS13, and RANTES as top candidates in females, and MMP2, SOST, and MCP1 in males. These findings highlight an association between senescence biomarkers and physical performance in older adults. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01072500.
Authentic leadership and personal and job demands/resources: A person-centered approach and links with work-related subjective well-being
Authors: Pulido-Martos Manuel , Cortés-Denia Daniel , Luque-Reca Octavio , Lopez-Zafra Esther
Published: November 2022

The job demands-resources theory considers an open group of personal and job demands and resources. Thus, it allows us to include personal resources not yet covered (i.e., vigor at work) or less explored (i.e., emotional abilities), as well as personal demands not yet explored (i.e., overcommitment). Additionally, from this theory, it is proposed that leaders may influence employee wellbeing. Therefore, of particular interest is to analyze positive leadership styles, such as authentic leadership (AL). This study addresses three research objectives: 1) to identify profiles of employees from a person-centered approach, combining personal resources (self-perception of emotional abilities, vigor at work and self-efficacy) and personal demands (overcommitment) with job resources and demands; 2) to analyze the relation of the identified profiles with indicators of work-related subjective well-being; and 3) to acknowledge whether the AL style determines the pertaining to a profile probability. A large heterogeneous sample of Spanish employees (N = 968) responded to a questionnaire. Data were analyzed by adopting a person-centered approach using latent profile analysis. The results revealed five patterns of job and individual characteristics: Profile 5 (very low personal resources, and low job resources and demands); Profile 4 (low resources and high demands); Profile 3 (mid-level personal resources, high job resources and low demands); Profile 2 (high personal resources, mid-level job resources and high demands); and Profile 1 (high resources and low demands). Analyses showed that workers differed significantly in well-being depending on their profile membership, with Profile 1 having the highest well-being. Profiles that yielded the worst outcomes were Profile 4 and Profile 5, especially the latter. Finally, the results indicated that AL increased the probability that a profile would show a high well-being level.
Integrative taxonomy helps to revise systematics and questions the purported cosmopolitan nature of the type species within the genus Diaforobiotus (Eutardigrada: Richtersiusidae)
Authors: Stec Daniel
Published: November 2022

Recent advances in tardigrade taxonomy have been greatly enhanced by the redescriptions of the type species for particular taxa or species groups. De novo characterisation of these key taxa now allows to describe tardigrade species diversity with improved precision and at higher rate, increasing the momentum towards resolving the taxonomic impediment in these micro-invertebrates. Since its description, Diaforobiotus islandicus (Richters, 1904) has been reported from many distinct localities around the world. This suggested, perhaps falsely, a cosmopolitan nature of the species. However, potential erroneous assignment of newly found populations to this species could be a result of the very general and superficial original description. In order to properly recognise and name species diversity within the genus, I provide here an integrative redescription of the type species (D. islandicus) with a neotype designation, a description of a new species, Diaforbiotus svalbardicus sp. nov, and dichotomous key for the genus. Both descriptions are based on detailed morphological and morphometric data associated with standard DNA sequences of four genetic markers (18S rRNA, 28S rRNA, ITS-2, and COI). The genus composition and diagnosis amendments of the family Richtersiuside are also discussed. The presented study constitutes a starting point for further systematic studies on the genus Diaforobiotus and new taxa discoveries.
Monge–Ampère measures associated with semi-exhaustive functions
Authors: Abdulaali Ahmad K. Al
Published: November 2022

In this paper, we study the current $$T \wedge \text {{dd}}^{c}\psi $$

T
∧

dd
c

ψ

for positive currents T and semi-exhaustive, not necessarily plurisubharmonic, functions $$\psi $$
ψ
. The study leads to new definitions of capacity and Lelong–Demailly numbers with respect to the weight $$\psi $$
ψ
.
Sport, Sexual Violence and the Law: A Feminist Critique and Call to Action
Authors: Haynes Jason
Published: November 2022

Sport is a microcosm of society. In this connection, in as much as there are reasons to celebrate individual athletic prowess and the undeniable contribution of sport to the maturation of communities, sport, like the broader society, contends with many ills, not least sexual violence. Although various sporting organizations and governments have, in the last 2 decades, adopted legislative instruments and Codes of Ethics and established various institutional mechanisms to combat the scourge of sexual violence, sport remains a hot bed for sexual violence, intimidation, reprisals and indignity in many jurisdictions. This article accordingly interrogates, from a Feminist Perspective, recently decided cases to illustrate how sexual violence committed against women and girls in the sporting context reflects a broader deeply entrenched system of patriarchy, characterized by a culture of silence, indifference, and abuse of authority. It concludes by calling on all concerned in the governance, administration, and practice of sport to redouble their efforts to address the growing problem of sexual violence in sport.
Erwerbsorientierung als Subjektivierung. Zur Bedeutung des Subjektbezugs in der erwerbsorientierten Bildung
Authors: Kraus Katrin
Published: November 2022

Der Beitrag geht von der Bedeutung von Erwerbstätigkeit für das Subjekt aus. Er bezieht sich auf den Ansatz der Subjektivierung und versteht Erwerbsorientierung als spezifischen Aspekt von Subjektivierung. Die Argumentation nimmt Bezug auf Arbeiten zu beruflicher Sozialisation, alltäglicher Lebensführung und Erwerbsbiografien. In Auseinandersetzung mit diesen Arbeiten wird die subjektive Bedeutung von Erwerbsorientierung im Sinne einer Orientierung an Erwerbstätigkeit in Selbstkonzept und Lebensführung herausgearbeitet. Im Anschluss daran werden Ansatzpunkte erwerbsorientierter Bildung benannt, die sich einer polarisierenden Einordung in allgemeine und berufliche Bildung entzieht: Identitätsbildung, Selbstregulationsfähigkeiten, Alltagsgestaltung, Reflexion der Rahmenbedingungen in Wirtschaft und Gesellschaft sowie biografisches Lernen.
Performance assessment of fired bricks incorporating pomegranate peels waste
Authors: Abdel Hamid E. M. , Abadir M. F. , Abd El-Razik M. M. , El Naggar K. A. M. , Shoukry H.
Published: November 2022

This research investigated the reuse potential of pomegranate peels waste (PPW) in the production of fired clay bricks with improved thermo-physical and mechanical properties. PPW was used as a substitute for natural clay with different replacement ratios ranging from 0 to 12.5% with a stride of 2.5 wt%. The impact of adding PPW on compressive strength, total porosity, water absorption, bulk density, thermal conductivity and microstructure characteristics has been assessed for bricks fired at 900, 1000 and 1100 °C. With the increase of PPW replacement ratio, the bulk density, thermal conductivity and compressive strength decreased. The obtained results confirm the possibility of using PPW as a sustainable pore forming agent in brick industry. The incorporation of 12.5 wt% PPW showed the lowest bulk density (1230 kg/m3), the lowest thermal conductivity (0.2 W/mK), the lowest compressive strength (5.5 MPa), the highest water absorption (38%), and the highest total porosity (48%) for bricks fired at 1000 °C. The obtained compressive strength satisfies the minimum acceptable requirements for clay bricks. The contribution of the newly developed bricks to the energy consumption performance of a building model has been evaluated by using DesignBuilder energy simulation software. A considerable reduction in the annual energy consumption by about 23.3% has been attained as compared to the traditional bricks.
Who’s the boss? The persistence of entrepreneurial hierarchy in flat organizations
Authors: McCaffrey Matthew
Published: November 2022

Nicolai Foss and Peter Klein argue persuasively that the “bossless narrative” behind calls to abolish management hierarchy does not withstand serious scrutiny. Although bossless or flat organizations sometimes work well under relatively certain and stable conditions, in more dynamic and time-sensitive situations they typically struggle with innovation, scale, and longevity. In contrast, management hierarchy performs valuable economic functions by solving coordination and cooperation problems, and providing a framework in which employees can make decisions. Valve is a useful example of a company that replaced formal with informal hierarchy, and which has struggled with creative inertia produced by a lack of formal management. Nevertheless, despite these and many other insights into the bossless company that can be found in Foss and Klein’s book, there is still much scope for new research on it throughout the management disciplines and social sciences.
Managers matter less than we think: how can organizations function without any middle management?
Authors: Martela Frank
Published: November 2022

Are managers necessary for organizations? Could organizations function without them? To answer, we must separate between two questions: are top managers necessary? And are middle managers necessary? I argue that larger organizations are prone to need someone to have oversight of the wholeness and to take responsibility for its design and development. Given the dedication and time commitment needed to fulfill that role, it is virtually impossible to have a larger organization without any top management. However, a large organization with top management and frontline employees—but no managerial layers in between—is already a much more realistic possibility. It typically requires having autonomous, self-managing teams empowered to make all the necessary decisions related to their own work, accompanied by certain structural solutions (often enhanced by ICT) solving key information- and coordination-related tasks that are traditionally taken care of by middle managers. Often specific coach roles also emerge. In principle, if working substitutes are found to all tasks traditionally taken care of by middle managers, an organization can be functional and successful without any managerial layers. I examine a few successful examples of such organizations, Buurtzorg and Reaktor, while also highlighting key boundary conditions for when, where, and how self-managing organizations can succeed. I conclude by distinguishing between structure and hierarchy, arguing that while self-managing organizations are characterized by high levels of decentralization, their functionality is ensured through having enough structure, thus combining low hierarchy with adequate structure to find the most functional form of organizing in a particular context.
Fuel Cell Reactors for the Clean Cogeneration of Electrical Energy and Value-Added Chemicals
Authors: Si Fengzhan , Liu Subiao , Liang Yue , Fu Xian-Zhu , Zhang Jiujun , Luo Jing-Li
Published: November 2022

Fuel cell reactors can be tailored to simultaneously cogenerate value-added chemicals and electrical energy while releasing negligible CO2 emissions or other pollution; moreover, some of these reactors can even “breathe in” poisonous gas as feedstock. Such clean cogeneration favorably offsets the fast depletion of fossil fuel resources and eases growing environmental concerns. These unique reactors inherit advantages from fuel cells: a high energy conversion efficiency and high selectivity. Compared with similar energy conversion devices with sandwich structures, fuel cell reactors have successfully “hit three birds with one stone” by generating power, producing chemicals, and maintaining eco-friendliness. In this review, we provide a systematic summary on the state of the art regarding fuel cell reactors and key components, as well as the typical cogeneration reactions accomplished in these reactors. Most strategies fall short in reaching a win–win situation that meets production demand while concurrently addressing environmental issues. The use of fuel cells (FCs) as reactors to simultaneously produce value-added chemicals and electrical power without environmental pollution has emerged as a promising direction. The FC reactor has been well recognized due to its “one stone hitting three birds” merit, namely, efficient chemical production, electrical power generation, and environmental friendliness. Fuel cell reactors for cogeneration provide multidisciplinary perspectives on clean chemical production, effective energy utilization, and even pollutant treatment, with far-reaching implications for the wider scientific community and society. The scope of this review focuses on unique reactors that can convert low-value reactants and/or industrial wastes to value-added chemicals while simultaneously cogenerating electrical power in an environmentally friendly manner.

Graphical Abstract

A schematic diagram for the concept of fuel cell reactors for cogeneration of electrical energy and value-added chemicals
Educational Technologies
Authors: Scheffel Maren , Wirth Joachim
Published: November 2022

Auch wenn der Begriff kein einheitlicher und durch verschiedene Disziplinen geprägter ist, kann unter Educational Technologies der Einsatz (meist computergestützter) Geräte und Medien zum Analysieren, Gestalten und/oder Unterstützen von Lehr- und Lernprozessen subsummiert werden. Dabei sind Educational Technologies sehr vielfältig und können auf den Ebenen des individuellen oder kollaborativen Lernens, des Unterrichts bis hin zur Organisation Schule eingesetzt werden. Ungeachtet der Anstrengungen zum Aufbau einer technischen Infrastruktur an Schulen weisen nationale Bildungsmonitorings darauf hin, dass die wahrgenommene Einfachheit der Nutzung von Educational Technologies dadurch nicht gestiegen ist. Die Beiträge in diesem Themenschwerpunkt zeigen zudem exemplarisch die Vielfalt von Educational Technologies auf. Mit dieser Vielfalt geht einher, dass die Bedingungen, unter denen die jeweilige Technologie den erwünschten Nutzen entfaltet, sehr heterogen sind und generalisierbare Aussagen zum erfolgreichen Einsatz von Educational Technologies nur schwer formuliert werden können. Nichtsdestotrotz erscheinen Forschungsbemühungen im Bereich Educational Technologies lohnenswert, um deren Potenzial für pädagogische und unterrichtliche Prozesse ausschöpfen zu können.
The Biomedical Engineering Labor Market in Greece: A Survey Investigating Job Outlook, Satisfaction and Placement
Authors: Glotsos Dimitris , Kostopoulos Spiros , Liaparinos Panagiotis , Asvestas Pantelis , Kalatzis Ioannis
Published: November 2022

In this study, we have evaluated the real-world conditions, the job outlook and the job satisfaction in the Biomedical Engineering (BME) sector in Greece on the basis of the experience of about 12% of the graduates of the BME Department of the University of West Attica, Greece. An anonymous online questionnaire, implemented on the Microsoft Forms platform using multiple choice questions, short text answers and Likert-based scales, became publicly available to the graduates of the BME department. About 12% of the department’s graduates responded to the survey. Results show that the time to first employment is very fast for both men and women. About 51.4% of men and 69.4% of women find their first job employment in the BME sector even before their graduation. The internship is considered important for first job placement by more than 50.6% of participants. BME jobs are perceived as most interesting (73.6%), in a good environment (71.9%), with satisfactory career prospects (45.9%), with satisfactory monthly net salary (44.2%) and satisfactory working hours (52.8%). Men are mostly employed in Service (40.5%), whereas women are mostly employed in Sales (33.3%). Most graduates with BSc degree are employed in Service (39.1%) and Sales (21.8%), most graduates with MSc degree are employed in Service (34.6%) and Hospitals/Health care centers (21.2%), and most graduates with PhD degree are employed in Academia and R&D (62.5%). Most well-paid participants (>1500 euros net salary) were PhD holders (71.5%), followed by MSc holders (25%) and BSc holders (16.2%). Maximum monthly salaries were found for those with more than 10 years of experience. In terms of BME sector, most well-paid participants (>1500 euros monthly net salary) are those working with R&D (86.7%), Sales (86.7%) and Management (60%). There is a high demand for biomedical engineers in the labor market in Greece, despite the continuing economic recession that the country is suffering from the past 12 years.
The Great Plague Scare of 1720
Authors: Ermus Cindy
Published: November 2022

From 1720 to 1722, the French region of Provence and surrounding areas experienced one of the last major epidemics of plague to strike Western Europe. The Plague of Provence was a major disaster that left in its wake as many as 126,000 deaths, as well as new understandings about the nature of contagion and the best ways to manage its threat. In this transnational study, Cindy Ermus focuses on the social, commercial, and diplomatic impact of the epidemic beyond French borders, examining reactions to this public health crisis from Italy to Great Britain to Spain and the overseas colonies. She reveals how a crisis in one part of the globe can transcend geographic boundaries and influence society, politics, and public health policy in regions far from the epicentre of disaster.
Food and agricultural industry locational determinants research: Aggregation bias and size measurement in the agricultural support industry
Authors: Carpenter Craig Wesley , Van Sandt Anders , Loveridge Scott
Published: November 2022

Federal administrative data present a valuable opportunity for food and agricultural industry locational outcome research. We review issues with aggregated U.S. public data and summarize current methods. An example empirical approach combines federal administrative and secondary data. We compare results with differing levels of industrial aggregation. Results indicate locational determinants vary in magnitude, sign, and significance across industries and their sub-industries, as well as between employers and non-employers – nuances commonly missed with public data. We conclude by emphasizing that studies relying on public (more-aggregated) data may miss locational outcome relationships or inappropriately generalize to sub-industries and suggest data access changes.