bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do parent organizations influence R&D decisions of academic spin‐offs?
Authors: Zhao Chen , Feng Feng
Published: June 2022

Research on academic spin‐offs (ASOs) usually focused on their economic performance, but there was a lack of discussion on the decision‐making grounds of enterprise behaviors. This study analyzes the influence of parent organizations on R&D investment of ASOs through listed high‐tech enterprises in China. It is found that ASOs controlled by the parent organizations have a higher R&D investment. With the organizational imprinting theory and signaling theory, we attempt to attribute the R&D tendency to the higher financing efficiency and government subsidies. The conclusions provide a new inspiration and explanation the inherent logic of ASOs' active participation in innovation activities.
EPI phase error correction with deep learning (PEC‐DL) at 7 T
Authors: Wang Lili , Wang Chengyan , Wang Fanwen , Chu Ying‐hua , Yang Zidong , Wang He
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The phase mismatch between odd and even echoes in EPI causes Nyquist ghost artifacts. Existing ghost correction methods often suffer from severe residual artifacts and are ineffective with k‐space undersampling data. This study proposed a deep learning–based method (PEC‐DL) to correct phase errors for DWI at 7 Tesla.

Methods

The acquired k‐space data were divided into 2 independent undersampled datasets according to their readout polarities. Then the proposed PEC‐DL network reconstructed 2 ghost‐free images using the undersampled data without calibration and navigator data. The network was trained with fully sampled images and applied to two‐ and fourfold accelerated data. Healthy volunteers and patients with Moyamoya disease were recruited to validate the efficacy of the PEC‐DL method.

Results

The PEC‐DL method was capable to mitigate the ghost artifacts in DWI in healthy volunteers as well as patients with Moyamoya disease. The fourfold accelerated results showed much less distortion in the lesions of the Moyamoya patient using high b‐value DWI and the corresponding ADC maps. The ghost‐to‐signal ratios were significantly lower in PEC‐DL images compared to conventional linear phase corrections, mini‐entropy, and PEC‐GRAPPA algorithms.

Conclusion

The proposed method can effectively eliminate ghost artifacts for full sampled and up to fourfold accelerated EPI data without calibration and navigator data.
Real‐time cardiac MRI using an undersampled spiral k‐space trajectory and a reconstruction based on a variational network
Authors: Kleineisel Jonas , Heidenreich Julius F. , Eirich Philipp , Petri Nils , Köstler Herbert , Petritsch Bernhard , Bley Thorsten A. , Wech Tobias
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Cardiac MRI represents the gold standard to determine myocardial function. However, the current clinical standard protocol, a segmented Cartesian acquisition, is time‐consuming and can lead to compromised image quality in the case of arrhythmia or dyspnea. In this article, a machine learning–based reconstruction of undersampled spiral k‐space data is presented to enable free breathing real‐time cardiac MRI with good image quality and short reconstruction times.

Methods

Data were acquired in free breathing with a 2D spiral trajectory corrected by the gradient system transfer function. Undersampled data were reconstructed by a variational network (VN), which was specifically adapted to the non‐Cartesian sampling pattern. The network was trained with data from 11 subjects. Subsequently, the imaging technique was validated in 14 subjects by quantifying the difference to a segmented reference acquisition, an expert reader study, and by comparing derived volumes and functional parameters with values obtained using the current clinical gold standard.

Results

The scan time for the entire heart was below 1 min. The VN reconstructed data in about 0.9 s per image, which is considerably shorter than conventional model‐based approaches. The VN furthermore performed better than a U‐Net and not inferior to a low‐rank plus sparse model in terms of achieved image quality. Functional parameters agreed, on average, with reference data.

Conclusions

The proposed VN method enables real‐time cardiac imaging with both high spatial and temporal resolution in free breathing and with short reconstruction time.
Auxiliary model‐based recursive least squares algorithm for two‐input single‐output Hammerstein output‐error moving average systems by using the hierarchical identification principle
Authors: Liu Jian , Ji Yan
Published: June 2022

This article considers the parameter estimation problems of two‐input single‐output Hammerstein output‐error moving average systems. The system is decomposed into two subsystems based on the hierarchical principle. The first model is used to identify the linear parameters and the parameters of the unknown measurable information vector. The second model is for identifying non‐linear parameters. By using the auxiliary model, we introduce a forgetting factor to improve the parameter estimation accuracy. The auxiliary model‐based forgetting factor recursive least squares algorithm and the auxiliary model‐based forgetting factor multi‐innovation recursive least squares algorithm are presented. The simulation results indicate that the proposed algorithms are effective.
Galvanic Restructuring of Exsolved Nanoparticles for Plasmonic and Electrocatalytic Energy Conversion
Authors: Kang Xiaolan , Reinertsen Vilde Mari , Both Kevin Gregor , Galeckas Augustinas , Aarholt Thomas , Prytz Øystein , Norby Truls , Neagu Dragos , Chatzitakis Athanasios
Published: June 2022

There is a growing need to control and tune nanoparticles (NPs) to increase their stability and effectiveness, especially for photo‐ and electrochemical energy conversion applications. Exsolved particles are well anchored and can be re‐shaped without changing their initial location and structural arrangement. However, this usually involves lengthy treatments and use of toxic gases. Here, the galvanic replacement/deposition method is used, which is simpler, safer, and leads to a wealth of new hybrid nanostructures with a higher degree of tailorability. The produced NiAu bimetallic nanostructures supported on SrTiO3 display exceptional activity in plasmon‐assisted photoelectrochemical (PEC) water oxidation reactions. In situ scanning transmission electron microscopy is used to visualize the structural evolution of the plasmonic bimetallic structures, while theoretical simulations provide mechanistic insight and correlate the surface plasmon resonance effects with structural features and enhanced PEC performance. The versatility of this concept in shifting catalytic modes to the hydrogen evolution reaction is demonstrated by preparing hybrid NiPt bimetallic NPs of low Pt loadings on highly reduced SrTiO3 supports. This powerful methodology enables the design of supported bimetallic nanomaterials with tunable morphology and catalytic functionalities through minimal engineering.
Antibiotic‐Loaded Amphiphilic Chitosan Nanoparticles Target Macrophages and Kill an Intracellular Pathogen
Authors: Trousil Jiří , Dal Nils‐Jørgen K. , Fenaroli Federico , Schlachet Inbar , Kubíčková Pavla , Janoušková Olga , Pavlova Ewa , Škorič Miša , Trejbalová Kateřina , Pavliš Oto , Sosnik Alejandro
Published: June 2022

In this work, levofloxacin (LVX), a third‐generation fluoroquinolone antibiotic, is encapsulated within amphiphilic polymeric nanoparticles of a chitosan‐g‐poly(methyl methacrylate) produced by self‐assembly and physically stabilized by ionotropic crosslinking with sodium tripolyphosphate. Non‐crosslinked nanoparticles display a size of 29 nm and a zeta‐potential of +36 mV, while the crosslinked counterparts display 45 nm and +24 mV, respectively. The cell compatibility, uptake, and intracellular trafficking are characterized in the murine alveolar macrophage cell line MH‐S and the human bronchial epithelial cell line BEAS‐2B in vitro. Internalization events are detected after 10 min and the uptake is inhibited by several endocytosis inhibitors, indicating the involvement of complex endocytic pathways. In addition, the nanoparticles are detected in the lysosomal compartment. Then, the antibacterial efficacy of LVX‐loaded nanoformulations (50% w/w drug content) is assessed in MH‐S and BEAS‐2B cells infected with Staphylococcus aureus and the bacterial burden is decreased by 49% and 46%, respectively. In contrast, free LVX leads to a decrease of 8% and 5%, respectively, in the same infected cell lines. Finally, intravenous injection to a zebrafish larval model shows that the nanoparticles accumulate in macrophages and endothelium and demonstrate the promise of these amphiphilic nanoparticles to target intracellular infections.
Hollow Nanoboxes Cu2‐xS@ZnIn2S4 Core‐Shell S‐Scheme Heterojunction with Broad‐Spectrum Response and Enhanced Photothermal‐Photocatalytic Performance
Authors: Wang Yichao , Liu Meijie , Wu Chunxu , Gao Jiapeng , Li Min , Xing Zipeng , Li Zhenzi , Zhou Wei
Published: June 2022

Major issues in photocatalysis include improving charge carrier separation efficiency at the interface of semiconductor photocatalysts and rationally developing efficient hierarchical heterostructures. Surface continuous growth deposition is used to make hollow Cu2‐xS nanoboxes, and then simple hydrothermal reaction is used to make core‐shell Cu2‐xS@ZnIn2S4 S‐scheme heterojunctions. The photothermal and photocatalytic performance of Cu2‐xS@ZnIn2S4 is improved. In an experimental hydrogen production test, the Cu2‐xS@ZnIn2S4 photocatalyst produces 4653.43 µmol h−1 g−1 of hydrogen, which is 137.6 and 13.8 times higher than pure Cu2‐xS and ZnIn2S4, respectively. Furthermore, the photocatalyst exhibits a high tetracycline degradation efficiency in the water of up to 98.8%. For photocatalytic reactions, the hollow core‐shell configuration gives a large specific surface area and more reactive sites. The photocatalytic response range is broadened, infrared light absorption enhanced, the photothermal effect is outstanding, and the photocatalytic process is promoted. Meanwhile, characterizations, degradation studies, active species trapping investigations, energy band structure analysis, and theoretical calculations all reveal that the S‐scheme heterojunction can efficiently increase photogenerated carrier separation. This research opens up new possibilities for future S‐scheme heterojunction catalyst design and development.
Design of Highly Efficient Semitransparent Perovskite/Organic Tandem Solar Cells
Authors: Rossi Daniele , Forberich Karen , Matteocci Fabio , Auf der Maur Matthias , Egelhaaf Hans-Joachim , Brabec Christoph J. , Di Carlo Aldo
Published: June 2022

Solar cells transparent in the visible range are highly requested for integration in see‐through photovoltaic (PV) applications such as building glass façades or greenhouse roofs. The development of advanced transparent PV can fully exploit the tandem technology where the top cell absorbs the near‐ultraviolet solar spectrum while the bottom one absorbs the near‐infrared part. Herein, a possible implementation of this tandem PV paradigm, namely, the tandem structure composed of a high‐bandgap halide perovskite solar cell and a low‐bandgap organic solar cell, is considered. Electro‐optical simulation results based on parameters calibrated on experimental data show that an efficiency of 15% can be achieved with an average visible transmittance above 50%. This can be obtained considering the halide perovskite with mixed chlorine and bromine anions, a nonfullerene‐based bulk heterojunction, a well‐calibrated light management, and a three‐terminal configuration of the tandem.
Insertion of 3D DNA Origami Nanopores into Block Copolymer Vesicles
Authors: Groeer Saskia , Garni Martina , Samanta Avik , Walther Andreas
Published: June 2022

Block copolymer‐based polymersomes are important building blocks for the bottom‐up design of protocells and are considered advantageous over liposomes due to their higher mechanical stability and chemical versatility. Endowing both types of vesicles with capabilities for transmembrane transport is important for creating nanoreactor functionality and has been achieved by insertion of protein nanopores, even into comparably thick polymersome membranes. Still, the design space for protein nanopores is limited and higher flexibility might be accessible by de novo design of DNA nanopores, which have thus far been limited largely to liposome systems. Here, we introduce the successful insertion of two different 3D DNA origami nanopores into PMOXA‐b‐PDMS‐b‐PMOXA polymersomes, and confirm pore formation by dye influx studies and microscopy. This research thus opens the further design space of this versatile class of large DNA origami nanopores for polymersome‐based functional protocells.
Methods of Bistatic GNSS-Radio Altimetry for Determining Height Profile of the Ocean and Their Experimental Verification
Authors: Lopatin Vladislav , Fateev Vyacheslav
Published: June 2022

The current state of satellite altimetry development allows the use of altimetry data in determining the detailed characteristics of the Earth’s gravity field on the surface of the ocean in the form of models of geoid heights, deflection of vertical and gravity anomalies. The article presents the bistatic altimetry method based on the reflected signals of global navigation satellite systems (GNSS). In this method, measurement redundancy is necessary to solving the problem of determining the height of the geoid with high spatial resolution. The experiments showed the possibility of using the code and phase of the received signal. The experiments showed the possibility of using method of bistatic GNSS-altimetry to determine the height of the geoid.
Corruption as Corporate Entrepreneurship
Authors: Shepherd Dean A. , Parida Vinit , Wincent Joakim
Published: June 2022

This chapter—“Corruption as Corporate Entrepreneurship”—continues with the dark side of entrepreneurial action in response to chronic adversity but in the government context. While corruption exists in most countries, it is widespread in the developing world, acting like sand in the wheels of economies and harming the performance of businesses, especially small businesses. Along these lines, this chapter focuses on bribery in the developing world from the perspective of government officials asking for and receiving bribes. We discuss how in corrupt systems, such officials deliberately make government departments more bureaucratic by creating informal autonomous ventures within these departments. Through such corrupt ventures, these actors use informal human resource management systems to create and maintain corruption. Moreover, we detail how corrupt government officials see new legal constraints as opportunities to use brokers to facilitate bribery. Thus, in this chapter, we outline how actors use corrupt informal autonomous ventures to engage in and maintain corruption within the government and how these entrepreneurial practices, in turn harm governments, small businesses, and people’s confidence in their nations.
Racial disparities in post-operative complications and discharge destination following total joints arthroplasty: a national database study
Authors: Upfill-Brown Alex , Paisner Noah , Sassoon Adam
Published: June 2022

Introduction

The objective of this study was to explore race-based differences in 30-day complication rates following total joint arthroplasty (TJA) using a large national database.

Methods

Patients undergoing primary, elective THA and TKA between 2012 and 2018 were retrospectively reviewed using the ACS-NSQIP. We compared Black and Hispanic patients with non-Hispanic White patients using multivariate statistical models adjusting for demographic, operative, and medical characteristics.

Results

A total of 324,795 and 200,023 patients undergoing THA and TKA, respectively, were identified. After THA, compared to White patients, Black and Hispanic patients were more likely to be diagnosed with VTE (p < 0.001), receive a blood transfusion (p < 0.001), and to be discharged to an inpatient facility (p < 0.001). After TKA, compared to White patients, Black and Hispanic patients were more likely to experience a major complication (p < 0.001 and p = 0.008, respectively), be diagnosed with VTE (p < 0.001), and be discharged to a facility (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Our findings indicate higher rates of VTE, blood transfusions, and discharge to an inpatient facility for Black and Hispanic patients when compared to White patients following TJA, though we are unable to comment on the etiology of these disparities. These results may contribute to a growing divide with respect to outcomes and access to TJA for these at-risk patient populations.
Erwin Deutsch, the Eppinger Clinic and the legacy of the Second Vienna School of Medicine—Continuities of a career
Authors: Jobst Clemens , Czech Herwig
Published: June 2022

Erwin Deutsch (1917–1992) was an outstanding representative of Austrian internal medicine after World War II. Little is known about his early biography. Considered a “Jewish half-breed” under Nazi racial laws, he was subjected to harassment during his training. Nevertheless, he can be regarded as scientific heir of Hans Eppinger (1879–1946), who enjoyed a worldwide reputation as internist despite his controversial involvement in medical experiments in the Dachau concentration camp.

Already declining after World War I, the Viennese Medical Faculty largely lost its international scientific importance with the expulsion of over half its faculty members from 1938, the end of the Second Vienna School of Medicine. Erwin Deutsch significantly contributed to continuity by vehemently calling for the unity of internal medicine after 1945, as it had been practiced in Vienna since the nineteenth century. Discrimination as a “Jewish half-breed” played a paradoxical role in this context—it delayed the start of his independent academic activity and increased his personal dependence on Eppinger; at the same time it spared him military service and enabled him to start his career after 1945 unaffected by denazification measures.

Based on unpublished archival material, interviews with contemporary witnesses, and Deutsch’s medical publications, this article is the first to offer an account of his early career, from his graduation in 1940, his time at the Eppinger Clinic, compulsory service in Germany during the war and the beginning of his scientific work to his appointment as Ernst Lauda’s successor as director of the 1st Medical Clinic in Vienna.
Treadmill training and physiotherapy similarly improve dual task gait performance: a randomized-controlled trial in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Gaßner Heiko , Trutt Elmar , Seifferth Sarah , Friedrich Jana , Zucker Diana , Salhani Ziad , Adler Werner , Winkler Jürgen , Jost Wolfgang H.
Published: June 2022

Motor-cognitive dual tasks are used to investigate the interplay between gait and cognition. Dual task walking in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) results in decreased gait speed and more importantly in an increased fall risk. There is evidence that physical training may improve gait during dual task challenge. Physiotherapy and treadmill walking are known to improve single task gait. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of individualized physiotherapy or treadmill training on gait during dual task performance. 105 PD patients were randomly assigned to an intervention group (physiotherapy or treadmill). Both groups received 10 individual interventional sessions of 25 min each and additional group therapy sessions for 14 days. Primary outcome measure was the dual task gait speed. Secondary outcomes were additional gait parameters during dual task walking, UPDRS-III, BBS and walking capacity. All gait parameters were recorded using sensor-based gait analysis. Gait speed improved significantly by 4.2% (treadmill) and 8.3% (physiotherapy). Almost all secondary gait parameters, UPDRS-III, BBS, and walking capacity improved significantly and similarly in both groups. However, interaction effects were not observed. Both interventions significantly improved gait in patients with mild to moderate PD. However, treadmill walking did not show significant benefits compared to individualized physiotherapy. Our data suggest that both interventions improve dual task walking and therefore support safe and independent walking. This result may lead to more tailored therapeutic preferences.
Genetic diversity and spatial genetic structure support the specialist-generalist variation hypothesis in two sympatric woodpecker species
Authors: Pasinelli Gilberto
Published: June 2022

Species are often arranged along a continuum from “specialists” to “generalists”. Specialists typically use fewer resources, occur in more patchily distributed habitats and have overall smaller population sizes than generalists. Accordingly, the specialist-generalist variation hypothesis (SGVH) proposes that populations of habitat specialists have lower genetic diversity and are genetically more differentiated due to reduced gene flow compared to populations of generalists. Here, expectations of the SGVH were tested by examining genetic diversity, spatial genetic structure and contemporary gene flow in two sympatric woodpecker species differing in habitat specialization. Compared to the generalist great spotted woodpecker (Dendrocopos major), lower genetic diversity was found in the specialist middle spotted woodpecker (Dendrocoptes medius). Evidence for recent bottlenecks was revealed in some populations of the middle spotted woodpecker, but in none of the great spotted woodpecker. Substantial spatial genetic structure and a significant correlation between genetic and geographic distances were found in the middle spotted woodpecker, but only weak spatial genetic structure and no significant correlation between genetic and geographic distances in the great spotted woodpecker. Finally, estimated levels of contemporary gene flow did not differ between the two species. Results are consistent with all but one expectations of the SGVH. This study adds to the relatively few investigations addressing the SGVH in terrestrial vertebrates.
The ontology of creation: towards a philosophical account of the creation of World in innovation processes
Authors: Blok Vincent
Published: June 2022

The starting point of this article is the observation that the emergence of the Anthropocene rehabilitates the need for philosophical reflections on the ontology of technology. In particular, if technological innovations on an ontic level of beings in the world are created, but these innovations at the same time create the Anthropocene World at an ontological level, this raises the question how World creation has to be understood. We first identify four problems with the traditional concept of creation: the anthropocentric, ontic and outcome orientation of traditional concepts of creation, as well as its orientation of material fabrication. We subsequently develop a progressive concept of World creation with four characteristics that move beyond the traditional conceptuality: (1) a materialistic concept of creation that accounts for (2) the ontogenetic process and (3) the ontic and ontological nature of creation, and (4) is conceptualized as semantic creation of the World in which we live and act.
Impacts of the invasive hornet Vespa velutina on native wasp species: a first effort to understand population-level effects in an invaded area of Europe
Authors: Carisio Luca , Cerri Jacopo , Lioy Simone , Bianchi Ettore , Bertolino Sandro , Porporato Marco
Published: June 2022

Invasive alien species could generate a multitude of impacts towards native species. The introduction and spread of Vespa velutina in Europe is raising concern for the conservation of insect’s biodiversity, including wasps due to predation, competition or a combination of these two mechanisms. Nevertheless, most evidence for negative effects on other wasps are based on laboratory experiments, direct observations, and on considerations about the biology and ecology of Vespidae. No field study in Europe explored how the abundance of V. velutina could affect the population of native Vespidae, as expected in case of competition and predation. We analysed how the abundance of V. velutina influenced that of Vespa crabro, 4 years after the arrival and establishment of V. velutina in our study area, in Italy. Moreover, we compared the abundances of three native Vespidae (V. crabro, Vespula vulgaris, Vespula germanica), between our study area and an adjacent uninvaded area with similar environmental conditions. Bayesian Generalized Linear Models revealed that the abundance of V. velutina and V. crabro was positively associated, where V. velutina was scarce. Covariation disappeared only at those trapping sites where V. velutina was extremely abundant. Moreover, abundances of native wasps were similar between the invaded and the uninvaded areas.

Implications for insect conservation

The wide-scale monitoring activity performed to investigate the effects of V. velutina on native wasps has not detected any negative effects in relation to the presence of the invasive species. More effort is however requested for understanding if V. velutina could really affect native Vespidae at the population-level.
Effect of Transitional Layer on Frequency of Kink Oscillations
Authors: Ruderman M. S. , Petrukhin N. S.
Published: June 2022

In this article we study the effect of a transitional layer in a magnetic tube on the real part of the frequencies of kink oscillations. In our analysis, we use the model of a straight magnetic tube with the density and cross-section radius varying along the loop, and the thin-tube thin-boundary (TTTB) approximation. First, we calculate the correction to the fundamental frequency and show that it is positive and of the order of the ratio of the transitional layer thickness to the loop radius $\ell $
ℓ
. The increase in the fundamental frequency results in the decrease in the estimate of the magnetic-field magnitude. Then we study the effect of the transitional layer on the ratio between the fundamental frequency and the first overtone frequency that is used for estimating the atmospheric scale height. We show that the correction to the frequency ratio is of the order of $\ell ^{2}$

ℓ
2

, and thus it can be neglected for moderate values of $\ell $
ℓ
.
The Ionospheric Equivalent Slab Thickness: A Review Supported by a Global Climatological Study Over Two Solar Cycles
Authors: Pignalberi Alessio , Pietrella Marco , Pezzopane Michael , Nava Bruno , Cesaroni Claudio
Published: June 2022

The ionospheric equivalent slab thickness ($\tau $
τ
) is a parameter characterizing both the distribution of the plasma in the ionosphere and the shape of the corresponding vertical electron density profile. It is calculated as the ratio of the vertical total electron content (vTEC) to the ionospheric F2-layer electron density maximum (NmF2). Since its definition dated back in the 60s, a lot of information on the behavior of $\tau $
τ
for different helio-geophysical conditions has been cumulated and the connection with several plasma properties has been also demonstrated. The beginning of the Global Positioning System (GPS) era in the 90s had a strong effect on the studies about $\tau $
τ
because GPS signals allow to obtain the vTEC up to about 20000 km of altitude. Recently, $\tau $
τ
has also found application in many data-assimilation methodologies, especially for the improvement of empirical ionospheric models based on near real-time data. All of these topics are reviewed and discussed in this paper based on the literature published in the last sixty years.

Moreover, to highlight and summarize the main global climatological features of $\tau $
τ
, in this work we selected thirty-two ionospheric stations globally distributed and co-located with ground-based Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers, for the last two solar cycles. This allowed to collect a dataset of NmF2 and vTEC that represents the largest and most complete ever analyzed for studies concerning $\tau $
τ
, which gave the chance to deeply investigate its spatial, diurnal, seasonal, and solar activity variations. The corresponding results are presented and discussed in the light of the existing literature.
Nitrate in groundwater and agricultural products: intake and risk assessment in northeastern Iran
Authors: Zendehbad Mohammad , Mostaghelchi Majid , Mojganfar Mohsen , Cepuder Peter , Loiskandl Willibald
Published: June 2022

The suitability of groundwater and agricultural products for human consumption requires determining levels and assessing the health risks associated with potential pollutants. Here, particularly pollution with nitrate still remains a challenge, especially for those urban areas suffering from insufficient sewage collection systems, resulting in contaminating soil, endangering food safety, and deteriorating drinking water quality. In the present study, nitrate concentrations in the commonly consumed fruit and vegetable species were determined, and the results, together with the groundwater nitrate levels, were used to assess the associated health risks for Mashhad city residents. For this assessment, 261 water samples and 16 produce types were used to compute the daily intake of nitrate. Nitrate in groundwater was analyzed using a spectrophotometer, and produce species were examined using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography. Ward’s hierarchical cluster analysis was applied for categorizing produce samples with regard to their nitrate content. Additionally, to account for the sanitation hazards associated with groundwater quality for drinking purposes, total coliform and turbidity were also assessed using the membrane filter (MF) technique and a nephelometer, respectively. Nitrate concentrations exceeded the prescribed permissible limits in 42% of the groundwater wells. The outcomes also exhibit significantly higher nitrate accumulation levels in root-tuber vegetables and leafy vegetables compared to fruit vegetables and fruits. Using cluster analysis, the accumulation of nitrate in vegetables and fruits was categorized into four clusters, specifying that radish contributes to 65.8% of the total content of nitrate in all samples. The Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) of nitrate and Health Risk Index (HRI) associated with consumption of groundwater exceeded the prescribed limit for the children’s target group in Mashhad’s south and central parts. Likewise, EDI and HRI values for produce consumption, in most samples, were found to be in the tolerable range, except for radish, lettuce, and cabbage, potentially posing risks for both children and adult consumers. The total coliforms in groundwater were found to violate the prescribed limit at 78.93% of the sampling locations and were generally much higher over the city’s central and southern areas. A relatively strong correlation (R2 = 0.6307) between total coliform and nitrate concentrations suggests the release of anthropogenic pollution (i.e., sewage and manure) in the central and southern Mashhad.
Intersections of class, lifestyle and politics. New observations from Norway
Authors: Flemmen Magne Paalgard , Jarness Vegard , Rosenlund Lennart
Published: June 2022

Although social class was once central to political sociology, it has become increasingly less so; many analysts now believe that one’s class position is less important in determining political attitudes and political party preferences. Simultaneously, more attention has been paid to what might be called the culturalization of politics, as epitomized by the US culture wars and stereotypes like the “latte-drinking liberal.” Here, political attitudes are regarded as primarily structured by people’s lifestyles and broader way of life. But do political preferences have to be explained by either relations of sociomaterial conditions (e.g. class) or cultural orientations (e.g. status and lifestyles)? In this article, we argue in favor of an approach that aims to reconcile these factors, allowing for the empirical mapping of whether and how they intersect in shaping political party preferences. We investigate this by using detailed Norwegian survey data to measure the extent to which intraclass heterogeneity in political party choices can be accounted for by the interaction between class and lifestyle. We employ a novel combination of Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) and Chi-Squared Automatic Interaction Detection (CHAID). In drawing on constructed models of the social space and the space of lifestyles, we show that there are important correspondences between these spaces and that their interaction may help account for party choices. The results highlight the need for a more complex account than that suggested in recent works of cultural stratification research.
High-Precision Nonenzymatic Electrochemical Glucose Sensing Based on CNTs/CuO Nanocomposite
Authors: Geetha Mithra , Maurya Muni Raj , Al-maadeed Somaya , Muthalif Asan Abdul , Sadasivuni Kishor Kumar
Published: June 2022

The measurement of blood glucose levels is essential for diagnosing and managing diabetes. Enzymatic and nonenzymatic approaches using electrochemical biosensors are used to measure serum or plasma glucose accurately. Current research aims to develop and improve noninvasive methods of detecting glucose in sweat that are accurate, sensitive, and stable. The carbon nanotube (CNT)-copper oxide (CuO) nanocomposite (NC) improved direct electron transport to the electrode surface in this study. The complex precipitation method was used to make this NC. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy were used to investigate the crystal structure and morphology of the prepared catalyst. Using cyclic voltammetry and amperometry, the electrocatalytic activity of the as-prepared catalyst was evaluated. The electrocatalytic activity in artificial sweat solution was examined at various scan rates and at various glucose concentrations. The detection limit of the CNT-CuO NC catalyst was 3.90 µM, with a sensitivity of 15.3 mA cm−2 µM−1in a linear range of 5–100 µM. Furthermore, this NC demonstrated a high degree of selectivity for various bio-compounds found in sweat, with no interfering cross-reactions from these species. The CNT-CuO NC, as produced, has good sensitivity, rapid reaction time (2 s), and stability, indicating its potential for glucose sensing.

Graphical Abstract
Work organization as a barrier to crop–livestock integration practices: a case study in Guadeloupe
Authors: Fanchone Audrey , Alexandre Gisèle , Hostiou Nathalie
Published: June 2022

Crop–livestock integration exploits the synergies between cropping and livestock systems, mainly by using animal excreta as an organic crop fertilizer or using crop products as animal feed. From an environmental and economic point of view, crop–livestock integration is thought to increase system autonomy and resilience. However, little research has addressed its social impact and particularly the relationship between crop-livestock integration and work organization although, like most agroecological practices, crop-livestock integration was considered time- and labor-intensive. Here we used quantitative indicators based on the “Qualification and Evaluation of Work” method coupled with qualitative interviews with farmers to understand how implementation of crop–livestock integration practices is affected by work characteristics (perception, organization, duration, and arduousness). This framework was implemented on 14 farms selected from a typology of mixed crop–livestock systems in Guadeloupe (French West Indies), where high labor costs heighten the tension between work organization and agroecological practices. Our results show that three patterns of crop–livestock integration shaped work organization: family farms with strong crop–livestock integration (Pattern 1, n=6 farms), farms with moderate crop–livestock integration (Pattern 2, n=5 farms), and intensive productivity-driven farms (Pattern 3, n=3 farms). We also show for the first time that farmer perceptions of work, especially with animals, influences level of implementation of crop–livestock integration practices. In Pattern 1, work with livestock is done by the farmers themselves or by skilled and trusted persons from their inner circle. In Pattern 3, livestock was considered a source of on-farm income, and work with livestock, including crop–livestock integration practices, is readily delegated to employees or volunteers. Whatever the pattern, the time burden of collecting crop-products and excreta was cited as a primary barrier to further implementation. Actionable opportunities for further implementation of these patterns of crop–livestock integration practices are discussed.
Managing Multiple Business Models: The Role Of Interdependencies
Authors: Harren Hendrik , zu Knyphausen-Aufseß Dodo , Markides Constantinos C.
Published: June 2022

How can a firm manage multiple and interdependent business models in the same industry? The literature has identified several possible strategies to do this but we still do not know under what circumstances one strategy may be better than others. Our paper identifies (substitute and complementary) interdependencies among business models as a key contingency and demonstrates through simulation modelling that the number, type and magnitude of these interdependencies, as well as their visibility and the pre-specification of strategic choices, determine which organizational structure is optimal in managing multiple business models.
Multi-task learning in under-resourced Dravidian languages
Authors: Hande Adeep , Hegde Siddhanth U. , Chakravarthi Bharathi Raja
Published: June 2022

It is challenging to obtain extensive annotated data for under-resourced languages, so we investigate whether it is beneficial to train models using multi-task learning. Sentiment analysis and offensive language identification share similar discourse properties. The selection of these tasks is motivated by the lack of large labelled data for user-generated code-mixed datasets. This paper works with code-mixed YouTube comments for Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada languages. Our framework is applicable to other sequence classification problems irrespective to the size of the datasets. Experiments show that our multi-task learning model can achieve high results compared to single-task learning while reducing the time and space constraints required to train the models on individual tasks. Analysis of fine-tuned models indicates the preference of multi-task learning over single task learning resulting in a higher weighted F1 score on all three languages. We apply two multi-task learning approaches to three Dravidian languages, Kannada, Malayalam, and Tamil. Maximum scores on Kannada and Malayalam were achieved by mBERT subjected to cross entropy loss and with an approach of hard parameter sharing. Best scores on Tamil was achieved by DistilBERT subjected to cross entropy loss with soft parameter sharing as the architecture type. For the tasks of sentiment analysis and offensive language identification, the best performing model scored a weighted F1-Score of (66.8%, 90.5%), (59%, 70%) and (62.1%,75.3%) for Kannada, Malayalam and Tamil on sentiment analysis and offensive language identification respectively.
How can we better frame COVID-19 public health messages?
Authors: Teye-Kwadjo Enoch
Published: June 2022

This Perspective discusses the use of fear appeals in promoting health behaviour. The discussion establishes that fear appeal-based public health messages (i.e. public health messages that emphasise the consequences of failing to engage in a particular health behaviour) have two components (1) perceived threat and (2) perceived efficacy. A perceived threat has two subcomponents (a) perceived high susceptibility (e.g. ‘I can contract COVID-19’) and (b) perceived high severity (e.g. ‘COVID-19 can kill me’). In a parallel fashion, perceived efficacy has two subcomponents (a) high response efficacy (e.g. ‘Staying at home can reduce my risk for COVID-19’) and (b) high self-efficacy (e.g. ‘I can stay at home’). This discussion demonstrates that for fear appeals to have a desirable effect on health behaviour change, all of the four conditions (i.e. high perceived susceptibility, high perceived severity, high response efficacy, and high self-efficacy) are important and need to be fulfilled. However, empirical evidence shows that the four conditions are almost never fulfilled, calling into question the effectiveness of using fear appeals in promoting health behaviour change. In contrast, gain-framed public health messages (i.e. public health messages that highlight the benefits of engaging in a particular health behaviour), which do not require the fulfillment of these four conditions, have been shown to have positive effects on behaviour change outcomes. We argue that public health messages that highlight the benefits of engaging in COVID-19 preventive behaviour can have persuasive, desirable effects on health behaviour change, compared to public health messages that highlight the consequences of failing to engage in a particular COVID-19 preventive behaviour.
Invasive Fungal Rhinosinusitis Due to Co-infection with Mucormycosis and Exserohilum rostratum in a Patient with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Radici Vera , Brissot Eolia , Chartier Suzanne , Guitard Juliette , Fabiani Bettina , Memoli Mara , Banet Anne , Heuberger Laurence , Lapusan Simona , Atallah Sarah , Legrand Ollivier , Genthon Alexis
Published: June 2022

Invasive fungal infections remain an important cause of complication and morbidity in the management of acute leukemias. Here we report the case of a 27-year-old patient from French Polynesia who was diagnosed with Philadelphia chromosome-negative B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. After induction chemotherapy, she developed rhinosinusitis with extensive bone lysis. The context and clinical presentation quickly made us suspect an invasive mucormycosis infection. However, a multidisciplinary investigation including mass spectrometry techniques also revealed the presence of Exserohilum rostratum, a pathogen member of the genus Exserohilum that is ubiquitous in tropical and subtropical regions but rarely implicated in invasive sinusitis. Antifungal treatment combined with an early surgical approach resulted in a favorable clinical response.
Pride, Politics, and Humility in Augustine’s City of God
Authors: Keys Mary M.
Published: June 2022

This book is the first to interpret and reflect on Augustine's seminal argument concerning humility and pride, especially in politics and philosophy, in The City of God. Mary Keys shows how contemporary readers have much to gain from engaging Augustine's lengthy argument on behalf of virtuous humility. She also demonstrates how a deeper understanding of the classical and Christian philosophical-rhetorical modes of discourse in The City of God enables readers to appreciate and evaluate Augustine's nuanced case for humility in politics, philosophy, and religion. Comprised of a series of interpretive essays and commentaries following Augustine's own order of segments and themes in The City of God, Keys' volume unpacks the author's complex text and elucidates its challenge, meaning, and importance for contemporary readers. It also illuminates a central, yet easily underestimated theme with perennial relevance in a classic work of political thought and religion.
The effects of information about price anchoring: Evidence from a choice experiment
Authors: Lemos Scott , Halstead John M. , Huang Ju-Chin
Published: June 2022

This study details the results of an experimental intervention designed to address the issue of price anchoring in the choice experiment framework. The intervention, which informs respondents of the tendency to anchor choices on potentially arbitrary pieces of information, is applied to a choice experiment used to examine consumers’ willingness to pay for local and/or organic tomatoes in Northern New England and develops three primary contributions. First, evidence from this study shows that anchoring effects are present. Second, providing information to consumers plays a mitigating role on these effects; price anchoring changes willing to pay estimates between 44% and 51% and exposure to anchoring-specific cheap talk is associated with a reduction in these anchoring effects between 60% and 80%. These results are explained through decreases in price sensitivity induced by increasing the mean price vector and subsequent increases in price sensitivity due to the information intervention. Finally, this study reveals that consumers are willing to pay a substantial price premium for locally grown tomatoes, from $0.96 to $1.12 per pound, offering some guidance for policy regarding growing practice and farm land use as regional coalitions support local agriculture expansion in the Northeast.
Linking representations for multivariate extremes via a limit set
Authors: Nolde Natalia , Wadsworth Jennifer L.
Published: June 2022

The study of multivariate extremes is dominated by multivariate regular variation, although it is well known that this approach does not provide adequate distinction between random vectors whose components are not always simultaneously large. Various alternative dependence measures and representations have been proposed, with the most well-known being hidden regular variation and the conditional extreme value model. These varying depictions of extremal dependence arise through consideration of different parts of the multivariate domain, and particularly through exploring what happens when extremes of one variable may grow at different rates from other variables. Thus far, these alternative representations have come from distinct sources, and links between them are limited. In this work we elucidate many of the relevant connections through a geometrical approach. In particular, the shape of the limit set of scaled sample clouds in light-tailed margins is shown to provide a description of several different extremal dependence representations.
Adam Smith and Richard Price on a Free Society of Equals
Authors: Whalen Nicole
Published: June 2022

In this article, I examine two competing republican ideals of a free society of equals in the eighteenth century. I claim that while the value of nondependency was central to the economic outlooks of both Adam Smith and Richard Price, their evaluations of free-market practices were dramatically distinct. In doing so, I introduce a new interpretation of the typologies of republicanism in the eighteenth century.
The potential role of FNDC5/irisin in various liver diseases: awakening the sleeping beauties
Authors: Wang Xiaoyu , Mao Lihong , Li Chaoqun , Hui Yangyang , Yu Zihan , Sun Mingyu , Li Yifan , Guo Gaoyue , Yang Wanting , Cui Binxin , Fan Xiaofei , Sun Chao
Published: June 2022

Fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5 (FNDC5) is a transmembrane protein and the precursor of irisin, which serves as a systemic exerkine/myokine with multiple origins. Since its discovery in 2012, this hormone-like polypeptide has rapidly evolved to a component significantly involved in a gamut of metabolic dysregulations and various liver diseases. After a decade of extensive investigation on FNDC5/irisin, we are still surrounded by lots of open questions regarding its diagnostic and therapeutic values. In this review, we first concentrated on the structure–function relationship of FNDC5/irisin. Next, we comprehensively summarised the current knowledge and research findings regarding pathogenic roles/therapeutic applications of FNDC5/irisin in the context of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, fibrosis, liver injury due to multiple detrimental insults, hepatic malignancy and intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. Moreover, the prominent molecules involved in the underlying mechanisms and signalling pathways were highlighted. As a result, emerging evidence reveals FNDC5/irisin may act as a proxy for diagnosing liver disease pathology, a sensitive biomarker for assessing damage severity, a predisposing factor for surveilling illness progression and a treatment option with protective/preventive impact, all of which are highly dependent on disease grading and contextually pathological features.