bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examining the between‐ and within‐person effects of relative deprivation: Results from a 7‐year longitudinal panel sample
Authors: Lilly Kieren J. , Sibley Chris G. , Osborne Danny
Published: October 2022

Despite the extensive literature on relative deprivation theory, few studies have examined the longitudinal effects of individual‐ and group‐based relative deprivation (IRD and GRD, respectively) on individual‐ and group‐based outcomes, nor has research investigated the between‐person and within‐person effects of these constructs. Using two random intercept cross‐lagged panel models, we address these oversights by estimating the between‐person and average annual within‐person associations IRD and GRD have with psychological distress and collective action support in a nation‐wide longitudinal panel sample (N = 64,607). As expected, IRD and GRD were more strongly associated with psychological distress and collective action support, respectively, at the between‐person level and contemporaneously at the within‐person level. However, contrary to expectations, temporary departures in IRD and GRD predicted within‐person increases in collective action support and psychological distress, respectively. These results raise questions about how and when people respond to inequality and provide the foundations for future longitudinal research.
Taylor dispersion analysis discloses the impairment of Aβ peptide aggregation by the presence of a fluorescent tag
Authors: Deleanu Mihai , Hernandez Jean‐François , Cottet Hervé , Chamieh Joseph
Published: October 2022

The use of fluorescently tagged amyloid peptides, implicated in Alzheimer's disease, to study their aggregation at low concentrations is a common method; however, the fluorescent tag should not introduce a bias in the aggregation process. In this work, native amyloid peptides Aβ(1–40) and Aβ(1–42) and fluorescein‐5‐isothiocyanate (FITC), tagged ones, were studied using Taylor dispersion analysis coupled with a simultaneous UV and light‐emitting diode‐induced fluorescence detection, to unravel the effect of FITC on the aggregation process. For that, a total concentration of 100 µM of peptides consisting of a mixture of native and tagged ones (up to 10% in moles) was applied. Results demonstrated that FITC had a strong inhibition effect upon the aggregation behaviour of Aβ(1–42), whereas for Aβ(1–40), only a retardation in kinetics was observed. It was also shown that when mixed solutions of Aβ(1–40) and Aβ(1–42) are used, the Aβ(1–42) alloform was the leading peptide in the aggregation process, and when the latter was tagged, the aggregation kinetics decreased but the lifetime of potentially toxic oligomers was drastically increased. These results confirmed that the hydrophilicity of the N‐terminus part of the peptide plays a major role in the aggregation process.
Self‐powered virtual olfactory generation system based on bionic fibrous membrane and electrostatic field accelerated evaporation
Authors: Yang Peng , Shi Yuxiang , Tao Xinglin , Liu Zhaoqi , Li Shuyao , Chen Xiangyu , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: October 2022

Olfactory plays an important role in virtual reality technology. In this work, a bionic fibrous membrane (BFM) integrated with the function of electrostatic field accelerated evaporation (EFAE) is applied for realizing the virtual olfactory generation (VOG) system. The BFM is capable of self‐driven unidirectional liquid transmission and EFAE process is induced on BFM by using an ultrafast voltage‐elevation triboelectric nanogenerator (UVE‐TENG). The output voltage from UVE‐TENG can reach 8 kV within 40 ms, which is enough to maintain all of the functions of VOG system. Meanwhile, the output current from UVE‐TENG is smaller than 1 μA, leading to a safe and human compatible system. The flow rate of the volatile liquid spray from the system emitter can reach 0.1 μl/s, and the average evaporation rate of the BFM device with integrated EFAE function is 0.12 mg/s. Accordingly, the user of this VOG system can feel the generation of odor within 3 s, while the switching of different odor channels can be wirelessly controlled by a mobile phone. This VOG system enhances the user's immersive and interactive experience for virtual reality technology. The similar system composed of UVE‐TENG, reed switch, BFM and EFAE devices also has potential application value in assisted breathing treatment and nasal delivery.

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On the secrecy rate balancing problem of two‐way multiple‐input multiple‐output relaying networks using rank‐1 beamforming strategy
Authors: Fazeli Samad , Akhlaghi Soroush
Published: October 2022

The physical layer security of a two‐way relay network (TWRN) in the presence of an eavesdropper is considered, where two multi‐antenna nodes try to exchange messages via a multi‐antenna two‐way relay node. It is assumed that the transmission occurs in two hops. Throughout the first hop, the messages are concurrently transmitted at the same time from two transmitting nodes to the relay, while an eavesdropper tries to overhear the signals. Throughout the second hop, to prevent eavesdropping, the relay broadcasts a combination of the received signals in the null‐space of the eavesdropper's channel gain vector. The objective is to explore the proper power allocation policy at transmitting ends as well as an effective beamforming strategy at the relay to address the secrecy rate balancing (SRB) problem. The radio frequency multiple‐input multiple‐output (RF‐MIMO) architecture design is proposed in which the relay can merely process one data stream; hence, the relay beamforming matrix is of rank‐one. The underlying problem is non‐convex. To tackle this issue, the original problem is divided into two sub‐problems, where using semi‐definite relaxation (SDR) and sequential parametric cone approximation (SPCA) techniques, are converted into convex forms, where suboptimal solutions are derived. Numerical results demonstrate effectiveness of the proposed method compared to the existing works addressed in the literature and also show that our proposed solution has better performance even for the secrecy energy efficiency (SEE) metric.
Photovoltaic Materials and Their Path toward Cleaner Energy
Authors: Mitrašinović Aleksandar M. , Radosavljević Milinko
Published: October 2022

Photovoltaic silicon converts sunlight in 95% of the operational commercial solar cells and has the potential to become a leading material in harvesting energy from renewable sources, but silicon can hardly convert clean energy due to technologies required for its reduction from sand and further purification. The implementation of the novel materials into photovoltaic systems depends on their conversion efficiency limited by the material's inherent properties, longevity dependent on internal stability, and ease of manufacturing process. A major challenge is discovering a multilayered set of different photovoltaic materials capable of converting clean energy from a wider spectra range since emerging materials and technologies such as dye‐sensitized and quantum dots suffer from low conversion efficiencies while perovskite and organic cells have short longevity in atmospheric conditions. Presently, improving technologies for commercialized materials and creating multijunction solar cells enhanced by new photovoltaic materials is a path toward cleaner energies. With the rapid development of the integrative technologies and challenges that photovoltaics for clean energy conversion are facing, the entire clean photovoltaic industry could arise by bottom‐up course as a part of integrative technologies rather than erecting large power plants.
Diet and habitat of late Miocene herbivore mammals from Nurpur, District Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, India
Authors: Singh Abhishek Pratap , Sehgal Ramesh Kumar , Singh Ningthoujam Premjit , Kharya Aditya
Published: October 2022

We present the stable carbon (δ13C) and oxygen (δ18O) isotopic composition of 75 serial samples (tooth enamels) from five mammalian fossil groups, which include giraffids, equids, bovids, tragulids, and suids, to reconstruct their diet and habitat. These mammalian faunas were recovered from a late Miocene Middle Siwalik succession exposed in Nurpur, Himachal Pradesh, India (8.14–5.26 Ma). The average δ13C data of the studied mammals, that is, −13.30 ± 0.71 (giraffids), −11.29 ± 0.63 (equids), −12.68 ± 0.49‰ (bovids), −12.97 ± 1.11 (tragulids), and −12.01 ± 0.47 (suids) indicates a mainly C3 diet with a minor component of C4 grass (up to 17%) and a habitat dominant by forest/woodland. The average δ18O value of giraffids (−5.83 ± 0.85) is slightly enriched as compared to other herbivore mammals, such as equids (−8.85 ± 1.71), bovids (−7.86 ± 0.62‰), tragulids (−8.26 ± 1.92), and suids (−10.65 ± 0.23). It suggests that the browsing giraffids could likely intake water from enriched18O sources, whereas the other browsing mammals consume water from depleted18O sources in the local ecosystem. However, the δ18O values indicate the existence of a warm, humid climate and more precipitation in the Siwalik during the late Miocene.
The experimental study of energy features for solar air heaters with different turbulator configurations
Authors: Obaid Zain Alabdeen H. , Azzawi Itimad D. J. , Azeez Kafel
Published: October 2022

To assess the thermal performance in the climate conditions of western and central Iraq, the advantages of using a solar air collector with various turbulator absorber plates are experimentally explored. Four distinct kinds of absorber plates are provided flat plate (F), triangular (T), rectangular (R), and circular (C) turbulators at different air mass flow rates. The collector's economic properties and overall thermal performance are compared to the conventional flat plate turbulator heating systems. The main findings suggest that delta turbulators improve collector economics and overall thermal performance by generating vortex and dampening the formation of the thermal boundary layer in the direction of airflow. Furthermore, when the mass flow rate increases, the thermal performance improves, and the efficiency increases for all mass flow rates, resulting in good thermal performance for the rectangular plate collector when compared to other collectors. When compared to other types of configurations, the daily average efficiency of solar air collectors for flat plate (F), triangular (T), rectangular (R), and circular (C) turbulators are 28%, 67%, 39%, and 48%, respectively, at 50° tilt angle while at 90° tilt angle they are 44%, 76%, 54%, and 63%, respectively, as ṁ = 0.0377 kg/s. The maximum daily average efficiency fitted with rectangular turbulators have about 86% at the largest ṁ = 0.1 kg/s. This study will also give a unique direction to the work trend in the western and central parts of Iraq throughout the winter months.
Using check dam deposits to reconstruct changes in the sediment response of a small catchment on the Loess Plateau in China, during the period 1960–1990
Authors: Liu Ying , Walling Des E. , Yang Mingyi , Zhang Fengbao , Zhang Jiaqiong , Xie Yingge , Zhao Tianyin
Published: October 2022

Information on both the magnitude and relative contributions of inter‐gully and gully areas to the sediment yield from small catchments in the Loess Plateau of China represents an important requirement for understanding catchment sediment dynamics, assessing the sensitivity of catchment sediment budgets to environmental change and developing effective soil and water conservation strategies. Contemporary catchment monitoring programmes can provide such information, but there is also a need to consider past behaviour. Where long‐term records are lacking, attention has been directed to the potential for using the sediment deposits behind check dams to reconstruct the sediment response of the upstream catchment. This contribution reports a study of the 0.181 km2 Nianyangou catchment located in the hilly region of the Chinese Loess Plateau, in Shaanxi Province, China, which has extended a previous study aimed at using individual flood couplets preserved in the check dam deposits to reconstruct the record of annual sediment yield, to include the use of sediment source fingerprinting techniques to document changes in the annual sediment contribution from inter‐gully and gully areas for the period 1960–1990. The sediment response of the catchment provided evidence of two change points in 1964 (Period 1–Period 2) and 1983 (Period 2–Period 3), which reflect the introduction of soil and water conservation measures in the mid 1960s through to the 1970s and a change in the land tenure system in 1983. The annual sediment yields from inter‐gully and gully areas follow the trend P1 > P3 > P2, whereas the equivalent information on the relative contribution of inter‐gully and gully areas follow different trends P3 > P1 > P2 and P2 > P1 > P3, respectively.
A new framework combining hydrological connectivity metrics and morphological spatial pattern analysis for the hydrological connectivity evaluation of wetlands
Authors: Wei Chenxi , Wang Xuan , Cai Jianying , Liao Zhenmei , Li Chunhui , Liu Qiang
Published: October 2022

The quantitative evaluation of wetland hydrological connectivity is essential to the hydrological connectivity restoration-oriented ecological conservation and environmental management of wetlands. We proposed a framework to evaluate wetland hydrological connectivity with a combination of hydrological connectivity metrics and morphological spatial pattern analysis and recognized potential sites and links that had been generally overlooked in previous studies. Variations in hydrological connectivity revealed a decreasing trend followed by a gradual recovery from the critical time node of 2005 in Baiyangdian Lake. The core, one of the most important landscape types, played a dominant role in maintaining wetland hydrological connectivity at both temporal and spatial scales, and its variations matched those of hydrological connectivity. More importantly, we redressed the conventional ignorance of peripheral patches and links and recognized their importance in improving the hydrological connectivity of wetlands. The proposed framework provides an effective and practical tool for the hydrological connectivity evaluation of wetlands, expanding new insights into maintaining the health and integrity of wetland ecosystems. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2023;19:1064–1078. © 2022 SETAC
Manganese‐Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Heart
Authors: Singh Trisha , Joshi Shruti , Kershaw Lucy E , Dweck Marc R , Semple Scott I , Newby David E
Published: October 2022

Manganese‐based contrast media were the first in vivo paramagnetic agents to be used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The uniqueness of manganese lies in its biological function as a calcium channel analog, thus behaving as an intracellular contrast agent. Manganese ions are taken up by voltage‐gated calcium channels in viable tissues, such as the liver, pancreas, kidneys, and heart, in response to active calcium‐dependent cellular processes. Manganese‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MEMRI) has therefore been used as a surrogate marker for cellular calcium handling and interest in its potential clinical applications has recently re‐emerged, especially in relation to assessing cellular viability and myocardial function. Calcium homeostasis is central to myocardial contraction and dysfunction of myocardial calcium handling is present in various cardiac pathologies. Recent studies have demonstrated that MEMRI can detect the presence of abnormal myocardial calcium handling in patients with myocardial infarction, providing clear demarcation between the infarcted and viable myocardium. Furthermore, it can provide more subtle assessments of abnormal myocardial calcium handling in patients with cardiomyopathies and being excluded from areas of nonviable cardiomyocytes and severe fibrosis. As such, MEMRI offers exciting potential to improve cardiac diagnoses and provide a noninvasive measure of myocardial function and contractility. This could be an invaluable tool for the assessment of both ischemic and nonischemic cardiomyopathies as well as providing a measure of functional myocardial recovery, an accurate prediction of disease progression and a method of monitoring treatment response.

Evidence Level: 5

Technical Efficacy: Stage 5
Dissolve‐spin: Desalting oligonucleotides for MALDI MS analysis
Authors: Apostle Alexander , Fang Shiyue
Published: October 2022

Desalting oligonucleotides (ONs) for matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI MS) analysis was achieved using a simple dissolve‐spin approach. The ON is dissolved in an organic solvent. Insoluble salts are removed by centrifugation. ONs are highly polar molecules and are generally believed insoluble in organic solvents with moderate polarity such as acetonitrile (ACN), 1,4‐dioxane, ethyl acetate, and THF. However, we found that in the presence of a suitable proton source such as pyridinium chloride, a quantity of ON that is sufficient for MALDI MS analysis could be dissolved. Because inorganic salts are insoluble in such relatively non‐polar solvents, the finding can be utilized for desalting ONs for MALDI MS analysis. Comparisons of MS spectra of intentionally salted ONs that underwent the new desalting procedure with those that did not undergo the procedure provided unambiguous evidence that the desalting method is highly effective.
Risk factors for the presence and persistence of posttraumatic stress symptoms following traumatic brain injury in U.S. service members and veterans
Authors: Lange Rael T. , French Louis M. , Lippa Sara , Baschenis Samantha M. , Gillow Kelly C. , Glazer Megan E. , Rogers Alicia A. , Cristaudo Kendal E. , Bailie Jason M. , Hungerford Lars , Kennedy Jan , Brickell Tracey A.
Published: October 2022

This study aimed to identify risk factors predictive of the presence and persistence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom reporting following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Participants were 1,301 U.S. service members and veterans (SMVs) divided into four groups: uncomplicated mild TBI (mTBI; n = 543); complicated mild, moderate, severe, and penetrating TBI (n = 230); injured controls (n = 340); and noninjured controls (n = 188). We examined 25 factors related to demographic, injury‐related, military‐specific, treatment/health care need, and mental health/social support variables. Seven factors were statistically associated with the presence of DSM‐IV‐TR symptom criteria for PTSD: premorbid IQ, combat exposure, depression, social participation, history of mTBI, need for managing mood and stress, and need for improving memory and attention, p < .001 (51.3% variance). When comparing the prevalence of these risk factors in a longitudinal cohort (n = 742) across four PTSD trajectory groups (i.e., asymptomatic, improved, developed, persistent), a higher proportion of participants in the persistent PTSD group reported worse depression, a lack of social participation, and history of mTBI. Additionally, a higher proportion of participants in the persistent and developed PTSD groups reported the need for managing mood/stress and improving memory/attention. When considered simultaneously, the presence of ≥ 1 or ≥ 2 risk factors was associated with a higher proportion of participants in the developed and persistent PTSD groups, ps < .001. These risk factors may be useful in identifying SMVs at risk for the development and/or persistence of PTSD symptoms who may need intervention.
Lq$L^q$‐weak solutions to the time‐dependent 3D Oseen system: Decay estimates
Authors: Deuring Paul
Published: October 2022

This article deals with ‐weak solutions to the 3D time‐dependent Oseen system. This type of solution is defined in terms of the velocity only. It is shown that the velocity may be represented by a sum of integrals none of which involves the pressure and without a surface integral of the spatial gradient of the velocity. On the basis of this representation formula, an estimate of the spatial decay of the velocity and its spatial gradient is derived. No boundary conditions have to be imposed for these results.
Analytic resolvent semilinear integro‐differential systems: Existence and optimal control
Authors: Patel Rohit , Shukla Anurag , Jadon Shimpi Singh , Singh Arun Kumar
Published: October 2022

The primary contributions of this article are the existence of mild solutions and optimal control for analytic resolvent semilinear integro‐differential systems. Using Lipschitz nonlinearity and the Banach fixed point theorem, we demonstrate results for mild solutions. Using the
‐semigroup, minimizing sequence, Gronwall's inequality, and fundamentals of functional operator theory, we obtain the results for optimal control.
Repeatability and reproducibility of MRI‐radiomic features: A phantom experiment on a 1.5 T scanner
Authors: Bologna Marco , Tenconi Chiara , Corino Valentina D. A. , Annunziata Gaetano , Orlandi Ester , Calareso Giuseppina , Pignoli Emanuele , Valdagni Riccardo , Mainardi Luca T. , Rancati Tiziana
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Aim of this study is to assess the repeatability of radiomic features on magnetic resonance images (MRI) and their stability to variations in time of repetition (TR), time of echo (TE), slice thickness (ST), and pixel spacing (PS) using vegetable phantoms.

Methods

The organic phantom was realized using two cucumbers placed inside a cylindrical container, and the analysis was performed using T1‐weighted (T1w), T2‐weighted (T2w), and diffusion‐weighted images. One dataset was used to test the repeatability of the radiomic features, whereas other four datasets were used to test the sensitivity of the different MRI sequences to image acquisition parameters (TR, TE, ST, and PS). Four regions of interest (ROIs) were segmented: two for the central part of each cucumber and two for the external parts. Radiomic features were extracted from each ROI using Pyradiomics. To assess the effect of preprocessing on the reduction of variability, features were extracted both before and after the preprocessing. The coefficient of variation (CV) and intra‐class correlation coefficient (ICC) were used to evaluate variability.

Results

The use of intensity standardization increased the stability for the first‐order statistics features. Shape and size features were always stable for all the analyses. Textural features were particularly sensitive to changes in ST and PS, although some increase in stability could be obtained by voxel size resampling. When images underwent image preprocessing, the number of stable features (ICC > 0.75 and mean absolute CV < 0.3) was 33 for apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), 52 for T1w, and 73 for T2w.

Conclusions

The most critical source of variability is related to changes in voxel size (either caused by changes in ST or PS). Preprocessing increases features stability to both test–retest and variation of the image acquisition parameters for all the types of analyzed MRI (T1w, T2w, and ADC), except for ST.
Flavor Wheel for Sensory Analysis of Fish Raised in Recirculating Aquaculture Systems
Authors: Schrader Kevin K.
Published: October 2022

A variety of preharvest off-flavors can occur in fish raised in recirculating aquaculture systems. Studies involving the sensory evaluations of fillets of eight different fish species that were raised in recirculating aquaculture systems either commercially or at research facilities were performed using trained panelists in two research laboratories. A flavor wheel of the types/descriptors of off-flavors that can occur in fish that are cultured in recirculating aquaculture systems, along with general categories and degrees of objectionability, was subsequently developed from the combined data as a reference guide for producers and researchers.
Rotenone Has Little Effect on Water Quality, Phytoplankton, Zooplankton, or Macroinvertebrates in Aquaculture Nursery Ponds
Authors: Mischke Charles C. , Richardson Bradley M. , Wise David J. , Tiwari Ambika
Published: October 2022

Rotenone application has been reported to cause significant declines in zooplankton populations, with cladocerans and copepods being the most susceptible and possibly taking months to recover. Because copepods and cladocerans are preferred by fry of catfish Ictalurus spp., rotenone application could have significant effects on nursery pond production. Effects of rotenone on zooplankton and time required for recovery has not been studied in eutrophic aquaculture ponds typically drained and refilled yearly. We quantified rotenone application effects to either mostly drained ponds or full ponds (0.04 ha) in northwestern Mississippi on water quality, phytoplankton, zooplankton, and aquatic macroinvertebrates during May (23°C) and June (30°C) when most catfish fry ponds are stocked. For study 1, nine ponds were drained to about 15 cm of water. Six ponds were treated with 4 μL/L rotenone; three treated ponds were then treated with 4 mg/L potassium permanganate (KMnO4). The three additional ponds were drained but untreated. All ponds were then filled and fertilized with urea. In study 2, six full ponds were treated with 4 μL/L rotenone. Three of those ponds were then treated the next day with 4 mg/L KMnO4. An additional three ponds were left as untreated controls. Applying rotenone to the experimental ponds with 15 cm or less of water (study 1) had no effect on water quality, phytoplankton, or zooplankton. Neutralization with KMnO4 did not affect any measured variables. Desirable zooplankton numbers for catfish culture reached 100 organisms/L 11–14 d after treatment. In study 2, when a whole pond was treated with rotenone, desirable zooplankton numbers reached 100 organisms/L 7 d after treatment if neutralized with KMnO4 and about 11 d after treatment without neutralization. Rotenone treatment did not reduce predatory macroinvertebrate risk, and this should be addressed using additional management strategies.
Auf Ruinen gebaut zur europäischen Spitze
Authors: Peppel Tim
Published: October 2022

Ende November 1952 wurde das Institut für Katalyseforschung in Rostock eingeweiht. Es war das erste europäische Forschungsinstitut, das sich ausschließlich mit Katalyse beschäftigte, und der erste Neubau eines Forschungsinstituts in der DDR.
Interview mit Chemienobelpreisträger Benjamin List: "Ein kleiner Ruhm"
Authors: Zbikowski Frauke , Remenyi Christian
Published: October 2022

Benjamin List, Chemienobelpreisträger des letzten Jahres über Preise, Konkurrenz und Redlichkeit in der Wissenschaft sowie Ideen, die ihren Weg in die Welt finden.
Chemiedidaktik: Neues von den Alginatbällchen
Authors: Ducci Matthias
Published: October 2022

Die durchsichtigen Kügelchen leuchten, hören auf zu leuchten, färben sich und entfärben sich wieder – je nachdem, welche Chemikalien eingeschlossen werden, wenn eine Natriumalginat‐ in eine Calciumchloridlösung tropft. Vorschläge für Versuche, die chemische Konzepte anschaulich machen.
Suprachem 2022 in Mainz
Authors: Wang Yuqing , Weil Tanja , Kubik Stefan , Walther Andreas , Besenius Pol
Published: October 2022

Nach einem Jahr Coronapause fand das sechste Suprachem‐Symposium in Mainz am Max‐Planck‐Institut für Polymerforschung und am Chemie‐Department der Universität statt. Die dreitägige Konferenz brachte über 300 Wissenschaftler aus verschiedenen Ländern zusammen. 31 Vorträge und mehr als 150 Posterpräsentationen gaben einen Überblick über die aktuelle supramolekulare Chemie.
Venomik – Gifte von Spinnen und Schlangen charakterisieren
Authors: Ehrensberger Christian
Published: October 2022

Um Tiergifte zu charakterisieren, nutzt die Forschung Multi‐Omics‐Verfahren, Next‐Generation‐Sequencing, Bioinformatik und mehr. Dabei entstehen immer wieder Ideen, die Verfahren zu optimieren, sodass sie der gesamten chemisch‐pharmazeutischen Analytik zugute kommen.
Energie: Methanol aus Hüttengasen
Authors: Bulmahn Maren
Published: October 2022

In einem Duisburger Stahlwerk läuft eine Demonstrationsanlage, welche die Abgase wiederverwendet und damit Kohlendioxidemissionen vermindert.
Experiences of South Korean mothers of children with medical complexity under long‐term hospitalization
Authors: An Ji Young , Kwon So‐Hi , Choi Hye Ri
Published: October 2022

Aims

To explore the experiences of South Korean mothers of their children with medical complexity under long‐term hospitalization.

Design

A qualitative descriptive using thematic analysis.

Methods

Seven South Korean mothers of children with medical complexity underwent semi‐structured interviews between February and April 2021. Data were analysed by six phases of thematic analysis. The consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research guidelines were applied in the conduct of the research.

Results

Mothers of children with medical complexity experienced a journey beginning from within their vacillating minds towards the outside world. The mother's journey during the hospitalization of their children with medical complexity began from within their vacillating minds towards achieving resilience. The mothers received various support from the family, society and hospital staff during this period of vacillation. When the mothers achieved resilience, they in turn provided support to other mothers as an act of solidarity.
Aromaticity and antiaromaticity in monoheterocyclic three‐membered rings: Application of natural bond orbital theory
Authors: Brydon Samuel C. , White Jonathan M.
Published: October 2022

Using natural bond orbital theory, aromatic stabilization energies (NBO‐ASEs) were calculated for neutral and cationic monoheterocyclic three‐membered rings C2H2X(R)n (X = group 14–17 elements of rows 3–5; R = F, H or SiH3; and n = 0–2). Generally, there was a decrease in the (anti)aromatic nature of the molecule moving down the group as either the stabilizing orbital overlap (aromaticity) or destabilizing orbital interactions (antiaromaticity) were reduced due to larger atoms inducing longer bonds. (Anti)aromatic trends were supported with dissected nucleus independent chemical shift NICS(0)π,zz values (R2 = 0.94) and also by comparison of NBO‐ASEs to literature values for a selection of larger systems including benzene, cyclobutadiene, and the cyclopentadienyl anion. Comparisons are made to other studies that have used a range of approaches to study (anti)aromaticity in some of these molecules, and it was found that non‐dissected NICS values and homodesmotic equations often gave significantly overestimated if not misleading results.
Effects of apalutamide dose reduction on skin‐related adverse events in patients with advanced prostate cancer: A multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Oishi Takuya , Hatakeyama Shingo , Tabata Ryuji , Fujimori Daiji , Kawashima Yohei , Tanaka Ryuma , Ishii Noritaka , Miura Hikari , Tanaka Toshikazu , Okamoto Teppei , Yamamoto Hayato , Yoneyama Takahiro , Hashimoto Yasuhiro , Sato Satoshi , Ohyama Chikara
Published: October 2022

Background

We aimed to evaluate the effects of apalutamide dose reduction on skin‐related adverse events (AEs) and castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC)‐free survival in patients with advanced prostate cancer (PC).

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 35 patients with nonmetastatic CRPC and 72 patients with treatment‐naïve metastatic castration‐sensitive PC (mCSPC) who were treated with apalutamide. The primary outcome was the effect of apalutamide dose reduction on skin‐related AEs. The secondary outcomes were the effect of apalutamide dose reduction on skin‐related AEs in patients with small body size, postskin AE apalutamide discontinuation rate, and CRPC‐free survival in patients with mCSPC treated with upfront apalutamide plus androgen deprivation therapy.

Results

Of the 107 patients, 65 (60.7%) and 42 (39.3%) were treated with full and reduced doses of apalutamide, respectively. The skin‐related AE rate was not significantly different between the groups (55% vs. 43%, p = 0.761). In the group receiving reduced apalutamide dose, the incidence of skin‐related AEs was significantly lower in patients with small body sizes (body weight <67 kg and body mass index <24 kg/m2) than in those with other body sizes. The postskin AE apalutamide discontinuation rate was significantly differed between patients receiving the full (50%) and reduced (16.7%) doses. In the 72 patients with mCSPC, CRPC‐free survival was not significantly different between the full and reduced dose groups.

Conclusion

Apalutamide dose reduction was not significantly associated with the incidence of skin‐related AEs. However, dose reduction in patients with small body sizes may alleviate skin‐related AEs without sacrificing oncological outcomes.
Blockchain technology in quantum chemistry: A tutorial review for running simulations on a blockchain
Authors: Hanson‐Heine Magnus W. D. , Ashmore Alexander P.
Published: October 2022

Simulations of molecules have recently been performed directly on a blockchain virtual computer at atomic resolution. This tutorial review covers the current applications of blockchain technology for molecular modeling in physics, chemistry, and biology, and provides a step‐by‐step tutorial for computational scientists looking to use blockchain computers to simulate physical and scientific processes in general. Simulations of carbon monoxide have been carried out using molecular dynamics software on the Ethereum blockchain in order to facilitate the tutorial.
Rapid Color‐Switching of MnO2 Hollow‐Nanosphere Films in Dynamic Water Vapor for Reversible Optical Encryption
Authors: Chen Yibo , Zuo Zhi‐Han , Liu Zhao‐Qing , Yin Yadong
Published: October 2022

Drop‐casting manganese oxide (MnO2) hollow nanospheres synthesized via a simple surface‐initiated redox route produces thin films exhibiting angle‐independent structural colors. The colors can rapidly change in response to high‐humidity dynamic water vapor (relative humidity > 90%) with excellent reversibility. When the film is triggered by dynamic water vapor with a relative humidity of ≈100%, the color changes with an optimal wavelength redshift of ≈60 nm at ≈600 ms while there is no shift under static water vapor. The unique selective response originates from the nanoscale porosity formed in the shells by randomly stacked MnO2 nanosheets, which enhances the capillary condensation of dynamic water vapor and promotes the change of their effective refractive index for rapid color switching. The repeated color‐switching tests over 100 times confirm the durability and reversibility of the MnO2 film. The potential of these films for applications in anti‐counterfeiting and information encryption is further demonstrated by reversible encoding and decoding initiated exclusively by exposure to human breath.
Interface Engineering of Aqueous Zinc/Manganese Dioxide Batteries with High Areal Capacity and Energy Density
Authors: Shen Zhaoxi , Liu Yu , Luo Lei , Pu Jun , Ji Yu , Xie Junpeng , Li Linsen , Li Chaowei , Yao Yagang , Hong Guo
Published: October 2022

Commercialization of aqueous batteries is mainly hampered by their low energy density, owing to the low mass loading of active cathode materials. In this work, a MnO2 cathode structure (MnO2/CTF) is designed to modify the MnO2/collector interface for enhanced ion transportation properties. Such a cathode can achieve ultrahigh mass loading of MnO2, large areal capacity, and high energy density, with excellent cycling stability and rate performance. Specifically, a 0.15 mm thick MnO2/CTF cathode can realize a mass loading of 20 mg cm−2 with almost 100% electrochemical conversion of MnO2, providing the maximum areal capacity of 12.08 mA h cm−2 and energy density of 191 W h kg−1 for Zn‐MnO2/CTF batteries when considering both cathode and anode. Besides the conventional low energy demonstrations, such a Zn‐MnO2/CTF battery is capable of realistic applications, such as mobile phones in our daily life, which is a promising alternative for wearable electronics.
High C–C cleavage efficiencies of ethanol oxidation reaction on mesoporous RhPt electrocatalysts
Authors: Yang Sufang , Yang Xiaobo , Cui Xueqin , Gao Xinhua , Zou Houbing , Tong Xili , Yang Nianjun
Published: October 2022

Optimizing the structure of an electrocatalyst is critical to achieve its outstanding performance as well as to establish relationships between its composition and its performance. In this work, a series of mesoporous RhPt electrocatalysts (RhPt‐MPS) with different compositions are designed and synthesized toward the ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR). The mesoporous structure of RhPt‐MPS exposes abundant surface sites and channels for mass transfer of ethanol, and thus boosts the catalytic EOR performance. It has been confirmed that Rh not only reduces the oxidation potential of EOR, but also effectively facilitates the breakage of C─C bond. Stemming from structural and compositional advantages of the RhPt0.6‐MPS electrocatalyst, it exhibits the highest activity (2846.0 mA mg–1) for the EOR when compared with other RhPt‐MPS, Rh‐MPS, and Pt‐MPS electrocatalysts. It also delivers excellent stability and high selectivity than other electrocatalysts.
Thermal Comfort and Climatic Potential of Ventilative Cooling in Italian Climates
Authors: Chiesa Giacomo , Fasano Francesca , Grasso Paolo
Published: October 2022

The chapter describes several climate-correlated variables and suitable key performance indicators (KPIs) to define the local ventilative cooling potential. Furthermore, a methodology is presented to verify potential correlations between climate KPIs and indoor comfort parameters. The latter values are calculated by adopting dynamic energy simulations (EnergyPlus) and comfort models – both Fanger (ISO 7730) and the recently updated EU adaptive comfort approach (EN 16798-1) – considering a sample building unit. Simulations are run by using a parametric-enabling tool developed by the research unit to check correlations and is part of work performed for the PRELUDE project, co-funded by the EU, Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 958345. The approach is applied to the whole Italian territory considering typical yearly (hourly defined) meteorological conditions for all municipalities (about 8000 data points). Strong connections between climate and building KPIs are underlined together with the high potential of ventilative cooling in reducing discomfort and energy needs in the Italian territory.
Auditing Advanced Information Systems and Technologies in a Modern Digital World
Authors: Berghout Egon , Fijneman Rob , Hendriks Lennard , de Boer Mona , Butijn Bert-Jan
Published: October 2022

This chapter provides the introduction to the book auditing advanced information systems and technologies in a modern digital world. First, we provide a brief background on the importance for society of auditing advanced information systems, and the technological developments that has led to the creation of these complex and advanced information systems. Thereafter two basic concepts are described: assurance and complexity. Subsequently, the overall outline of the book is presented and how the chapters are related.
Introduction to Advanced Information Technology
Authors: Butijn Bert-Jan
Published: October 2022

Over the years Information Systems (IS) have become increasingly complex and are difficult to grapple. The complexity of recent novel technologies like blockchain (BCT), artificial intelligence (AI), and cloud computing constitutes a genuine challenge to IT-auditors tasked with auditing these IS to provide assurance. This chapter discusses the inner-workings, intricacies, and concepts related to these technologies to provide the background necessary to perform an audit.
The Intercompany Settlement Blockchain: Benefits, Risks, and Internal IT-Controls
Authors: Doekhi Rewin J. M.
Published: October 2022

Blockchain is a novel technology that can be employed for a plethora of business applications. A blockchain provides highly reliable transaction data because it has a number of properties that guarantee the integrity of the data that is processed and stored. Paradoxically, the use of blockchain technology is associated with peculiar risks that need to be controlled. Therefore, the sophistication of this technology warrants a rethink of current IT-controls to manage accounting processes while novel controls need to be established to control the technology itself. In this chapter we discuss the impact of blockchain technology on IT-controls, and what IT-controls should be in place to mitigate risks using a case study of a blockchain implementation at the KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.
Algorithm Assurance: Auditing Applications of Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Boer Alexander , de Beer Léon , van Praat Frank
Published: October 2022

Algorithm assurance is a specific form of IT assurance that supports risk management and control on applications of risky algorithms in products and in organizations. These algorithms will often be characterized in organizations as applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI), as advanced analytics, or—simply—as predictive models. The aim of this chapter is to introduce the concept of algorithm assurance, to give some background on the relevance and importance of algorithm assurance, and to prepare the auditor for the basic skills needed to organize and execute an algorithm audit. In this chapter we will introduce the algorithm assurance engagement as a specific type of IT audit. After a general discussion of the background of algorithm assurance and the type of IT applications we are concerned with in this type of engagement, we will extensively discuss the scope of an algorithm assurance engagement, how to approach the risk assessment that should take place initially, how to set up and audit plan, and the audit techniques and tools that play a role in an audit plan.
Demystifying Public Cloud Auditing for IT Auditors
Authors: Putters Jacques , Hashemi Jalal Bani , Yavuz Ayhan
Published: October 2022

The purpose of this chapter is to provide insight into the internal audit challenges that a large Dutch bank was confronted with as the consequence of the IT transformation that was focused on leveraging the opportunities offered in the public cloud. Our work contributes to the body of literature by providing a conceptual framework that can help institutions navigate their assurance requirements in the public cloud. Furthermore, we provide practical attention points from the field for IT auditors. Finally, discussion points are shared with respect to the IT auditing of the traditional on-premise and the public cloud environment.
Digitalization and Its Impact on the Internationalization Models of SMEs
Authors: Gaweł Aleksandra , Mroczek-Dąbrowska Katarzyna , Pietrzykowski Maciej
Published: October 2022

In the European Union, SMEs represent as much as 99% of businesses, but only 3 out of 10 companies have some international involvement. EU policy makers perceive SMEs internationalization as a desired path for global growth; thus, they have put forward certain tools which aim to boost the pace and scope of internationalization, i.e., by creating and facilitating access to support activities, sharing information, promoting cluster and networking initiatives, making support schemes consistent throughout the EU, etc. (Della Corte, Handbook of research on startegic Management in Small and Medium Enterprises. IGI Global, 2014). However, a vital point in creating a successful internationalization framework requires understanding that SMEs internationalization models may and do differ from those of multinational enterprises (MNEs). SMEs have a different structure, and they act differently, since their aims vary from those of MNEs (Knight and Liesch, Journal of World Business 51(1): 93–102, 2016; Buckley, Journal of World Business, 51(1): 74–82, 2016).

Former studies of European SMEs indicate that there are specific traits of company characteristics that determine their internationalization process. Amongst the distinguished factors, size, activities performed, age, and experience counted as the most significant determinants of the expansion. However, these findings refer to occurrences dating back at least 5 years. In the era of rapid digitalization and—still—ongoing globalization, the impact of these factors might have diminished, making place for others. Therefore, the rising importance of digitalization calls for the need to identify new barriers and opportunities for SMEs to become international.

The aim of this chapter is to see whether and how digitalization has influenced the internationalization models of Polish SMEs. We do not provide quantitative analysis that would allow us to statistically verify hypotheses on that matter; however, given the recent developments of the business world and internationalization trends, we assume that digitalization has had an impact on how companies expand abroad nowadays. The study has a screening aim and should allow us to determine whether, in the case of the Polish context, the matter requires further pursuit. The remainder of this chapter is structured as follows: first, we discuss the internationalization models which commonly referred to the international expansion of SMEs. Secondly, we discuss how digitalization can influence the process and its determinants. Finally, we present our research results based on quasi-focus group discussion with Polish SMEs. The study concerned the impact the digitalization has on the internationalization experience of those companies.
Born Digitals: Understanding the Sustainable Competitive Advantage Across Different Markets
Authors: Jarosiński Mirosław , Sekliuckiene Jurgita , Kozma Miklós
Published: October 2022

Digitalization of business is one of the driving forces in today’s environment and seems to be an irreversible trend. At present we can observe not only a digital transformation of firms but also the emergence of firms that are digital from inception. The born digital firms have characteristics that allow them to quickly expand on international markets and stay competitive for sustained periods of time. The purpose of this study is to analyze the characteristics of born digital firms that lead to sustainable competitive advantage and to develop a conceptual model that will serve as a basis for future research. Various sources of born digitals’ competitive advantage are revealed, such as innovativeness, creativity, responsiveness, digital technology, and digital skills of their employees. One of the key findings is highlighting the role creativity plays in how responsive born digital firms can be in times of change, a characteristic that supports their sustainable competitiveness. The newly defined born digitals’ characteristics and sources of competitive advantage should embrace the approach to their competitive advantage across different markets as a complex dynamic construct that is presented, which includes technology advantage, human capital advantage, but also differentiation advantage.
Elements of Graphs and Complexity Theory
Authors: Taillard Éric D.
Published: October 2022

This chapter recalls some elements and definitions in graph theory and complexity theory. On the one hand, basic algorithmic courses very often include graph algorithms. Some of these algorithms have simply been transposed to solve difficult optimization problems in a heuristic way. On the other hand, it is important to be able to determine whether a problem falls into the category of difficult problems. Indeed, one will not develop a heuristic algorithm if there is an efficient algorithm to find an exact solution. Another objective of this chapter is to make the book self-contained.
Population Management
Authors: Taillard Éric D.
Published: October 2022

After having generated several solutions, we can seek to learn how to combine them. This chapter review techniques for generating new solution from existing ones and for managing a population of solution. The most popular method in this field is undoubtedly genetic algorithms. However, the latter are less advanced metaheuristics than memetic algorithms or scatter search. The path relinking technique is also part of this chapter. Finally, among the last metaheuristics invented, we find the particle swarm methods, which seem adapted to continuous optimization.