bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unleashing the power of green culture: Exploring the path to sustainable development performance in enterprises
Authors: Bai Fuping , Huang Yujie , Zhang Qi , Shang Mengting
Published: December 2023

How does green culture unleash the power of informal institutions to promote the low‐carbon transformation of production methods and achieve sustainable economic development? Limited literature examines this from the perspective of corporate culture. This study employs a comprehensive evaluation method to effectively identify “green”‐oriented corporate culture and selects Chinese A‐share listed companies from 2011 to 2021 as the research sample to systematically investigate the impact of green culture on sustainable development performance (SDP) and its mechanisms. The research findings indicate that: (1) Green culture can enhance both financial performance and Environmental and Social Responsibility (E&S) performance of companies, thereby improving their SDP. (2) Mechanism analysis reveals that green culture effectively enhances SDP through the promotion of green transformation, including green technological transformation and green managerial transformation. (3) Heterogeneous analysis reveals that CEO's green experiences and higher social responsibility pressure act as boundary factors that strengthen the relationship between green culture and SDP. This study enriches the theoretical research scope of green culture and provides empirical insights and guidance for promoting sustainable development practices in companies.
Synthesis of 1,2,4‐Oxadiazole‐sulfonamide Conjugates and Their Synergistic Effect with Ampicillin as Antimicrobial Agents
Authors: Habib Farhat , Ali Asghar , Irfan Iram , Azam Amir , Abid Mohammad , Ali Imran
Published: December 2023

In this investigation, we synthesized substituted 1,2,4‐oxadiazole‐sulfonamide conjugates (8 a–8 l) through a multistep synthetic approach. These compounds were then evaluated against six bacterial strains, consisting of three Gram‐positive and three Gram‐negative strains. Among them, compound 8 d displayed notable inhibitory activity, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 64 μg/mL observed against the Gram‐positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis. Notably, in the disk diffusion assay, compound 8 d exhibited the most substantial zone of inhibition (ZOI) against Escherichia coli and S. aureus, with respective ZOI measurements of 14 mm and 15 mm, both at a concentration of 2MIC. Additionally, supplementary investigations, including the Fractional Inhibitory Concentration Index (FICI) provided further support for the inhibitory potential of 8 d against the standard bacterial strains. When combined with Ampicillin (Amp), it demonstrated a synergistic effect, significantly augmenting its antibacterial activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterococcus faecalis. Importantly, it exhibited no toxicity toward human red blood cells (hRBC). Furthermore, The Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion (ADME) profile of 8 d indicated its favorable drug‐like characteristics.
Interfacial Engineering of Fluorinated TiO2 Nanosheets with Abundant Oxygen Vacancies for Boosting the Hydrogen Storage Performance of MgH2
Authors: Shi Qingyun , Gao Yuxing , Zhao Shaolei , Zhang Chunmin , Liu Cong , Wang Chunli , Wang Shaohua , Li Yongzhi , Yin Dongming , Wang Limin , Cheng Yong
Published: December 2023

The interaction between fluorinated surface in the partially reduced nano‐crystallite titanium dioxide (TiO2‐x(F)) and MgH2 is studied for the first time. Compared with pristine MgH2 (416 °C), the onset desorption temperature of MgH2+5 wt.% TiO2‐x(F) composite can be dramatically lowered to 189 °C. In addition, the composite exhibits remarkable dehydrogenation kinetics, which can release 6.0 wt.% hydrogen thoroughly within 6 min at 250 °C. The apparent activation energy for dehydriding is decreased from 268.42 to 119.96 kJ mol−1. Structural characterization and theoretical calculations indicate that the synergistic effect between multivalent Ti species, and the in situ formed MgF2 and MgF2‐xHx is beneficial for improving the hydrogen storage performance of MgH2. Moreover, oxygen vacancies can accelerate the electron transportation and facilitate hydrogen diffusion. The study provides a novel perspective on the modification of MgH2 by fluorinated transition metal oxide catalyst.
Insight into Dendrites Issue in All Solid‐State Batteries with Inorganic Electrolyte: Mechanism, Detection and Suppression Strategies
Authors: Sun Tianrui , Liang Qi , Wang Sizhe , Liao Jiaxuan
Published: December 2023

All solid‐state batteries (ASSBs) are regarded as one of the promising next‐generation energy storage devices due to their expected high energy density and capacity. However, failures due to unrestricted growth of lithium dendrites (LDs) have been a critical problem. Moreover, the understanding of dendrite growth inside solid‐state electrolytes is limited. Since the dendrite process is a multi‐physical field coupled process, including electrical, chemical, and mechanical factors, no definitive conclusion can summarize the root cause of LDs growth in ASSBs till now. Herein, the existing works on mechanism, identification, and solution strategies of LD in ASSBs with inorganic electrolyte are reviewed in detail. The primary triggers are thought to originate mainly at the interface and within the electrolyte, involving mechanical imperfections, inhomogeneous ion transport, inhomogeneous electronic structure, and poor interfacial contact. Finally, some of the representative works and present an outlook are comprehensively summarized, providing a basis and guidance for further research to realize efficient ASSBs for practical applications.
Unique Visualization Growth Process of Long‐Lived Room Temperature Phosphorescence in Polymer System
Authors: Zhu Ying , He Meiyi , Qu Lunjun , Wang Yongkang , Li Chen , Huang Jiayue , Chen Qingao , Yang Chaolong
Published: December 2023

Recently, embedding organic phosphors into the polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix has emerged as a convenient strategy to obtain efficient long‐lived room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) via forming strong intermolecular hydrogen bonds with organic phosphors to minimize nonradiative relaxations. Regrettably, it is discovered that PVA is unable to trigger RTP emission when a novel functional phosphor THBE containing six extended biphenyl formaldehyde arms is doped into PVA matrix. Surprisingly, the excellent long‐lived RTP emission can be easily obtained by doping THBE into PVA analogs, poly(vinyl alcohol‐co‐ethylene) (PVA‐co‐PE). The unique visualization growth process (i.e., white streak generation) of long‐lived RTP is observed by UV light‐driven aggregation of functional molecules THBE in PVA‐co‐PE matrix. The phosphorescent intensity of the luminescent film is enhanced by 55 times, from 729 to 40,785 a.u., and its phosphorescence lifetime is increased by 38 times, from 37.08 to 1415.41 ms. Due to the dynamically reversible RTP performance, as well as the permeability, flexibility, and wrinkle‐free properties of the luminescent film, it can be utilized to create cutting‐edge information storage devices.
Perfluorooctanoic acid inhibits androgen biosynthesis in rat immature Leydig cells
Authors: Zhang Dongxu , Hu Jiasheng , Li Heming
Published: December 2023

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a commonly used short‐chain synthetic perfluoroalkyl agent. Immature Leydig cells (ILCs) are localized in the testis and responsible for androgen biosynthesis and metabolism. Although PFOA shows toxicity in the reproductive system, it is not clear if it disrupts the function of ILCs. In the present study, primary ILCs were isolated from 35‐day‐old rats and exposed to a range of PFOA concentrations (0, 0.01, 0.1, or 1 μM). It was determined that 0.1 or 1 μM PFOA reduced total androgen biosynthesis in ILCs. Specifically, 22R‐hydroxycholesterol (22R), and pregnenolone (P5) mediated androgen biosynthesis were reduced by 0.1 μM PFOA. PFOA also selectively downregulated mRNA and protein expressions of steroidogenic enzymes including LHCGR, CYP11A1, 3β‐HSD1, and NR5A1 at 0.01, 0.1, or 1 μM. Further analysis revealed that 0.1 μM PFOA inhibited CYP11A1 and 3β‐HSD1 enzyme activities. However, PFOA did not significantly affect androgen metabolism and turnover under any of the conditions tested. And PFOA gavaging to 35‐day‐old rats at 5 or 10 mg/kg for 7 or 14 days also reduced serum androgen levels secreted by ILCs. Moreover, PFOA gavaging also downregulated the mRNA and protein expression levels of LHCGR, CYP11A1, 3β‐HSD1, and NR5A1 in vivo. Taken together, these findings suggest that PFOA inhibits androgen biosynthesis in ILCs by selectively targeting key enzymes in the synthesis pathway.
Comparison of in‐person and remote camera lek surveys for prairie grouse (Tympanuchus spp.)
Authors: Stenglein Jennifer L. , Donovan Emily B. , Pollentier Christopher D. , Peltier Taylor R. , Lee Sean M. , McDonnell Anne B. , Kardash Lesa H. , MacFarland David M. , Hull Scott D.
Published: December 2023

In‐person lek count surveys are commonly used for estimating population size and trends for prairie grouse. However, the emergence of noninvasive camera trap survey methods holds promise for more cost‐effective and precise estimates of lekking species. To evaluate the efficacy of using camera traps, we deployed a remote camera study at lekking grounds over 3 years in conjunction with in‐person surveys. Our objectives were to 1) develop an effective remote camera survey for greater prairie‐chickens (GRPC; Tympanuchus cupido) and sharp‐tailed grouse (STGR; T. phasianellus), 2) compare metrics of male detection, maximum male counts, and male abundance estimates derived from in‐person versus remote camera surveys, 3) assess lek activity over the survey season to inform survey timing, and 4) evaluate costs for each survey type. We found that in‐person surveys resulted in maximum male GRPC and STGR counts. The estimated number of male GRPC and STGR on leks were comparable between in‐person surveys and camera monitoring when accounting for detection probability with N‐mixture models. Camera traps constantly monitored leks over the season which provided daily and seasonal activity patterns of prairie grouse. Total cost of GRPC remote camera surveys was higher than in‐person surveys, but hourly cost was less ($0.77 vs. $160 per hour). Remote camera survey costs for GRPC were high because of time classifying photos which could be reduced by decreasing the amount of time remote cameras were operated or using automated classification software to remove blank photos. We believe the use of remote cameras could supplement in‐person surveys for future lek monitoring and aid future survey efforts by identifying yearly differences in activity and presence at leks inconsistently visited by birds.
Quality Control Methods for Climate Applications of Geodetic Tropospheric Parameters
Authors: Santos Marcelo , Rees Jordan , Balidakis Kyriakos , Klos Anna , Pacione Rosa
Published: December 2023

We have been analyzing the zenith total delay (ZTD) time series provided by six REPRO3 International GNSS Service (IGS) Analysis Centers (ACs), namely, COD, ESA, GFZ, GRG, JPL, and TUG, to compare their long-term trends. Long-term here means 20 years or longer. About thirty stations have been selected globally for this purpose. The estimated ZTD time series have gone through a process of homogenization using ERA-5 derived ZTDs as reference. The homogenized data is then averaged to daily values to minimize potential influences coming from different estimation strategies adopted by individual Analysis Centers as well as to mitigate the inherent autocorrelation. Similar averaging is applied to the ERA-5 ZTDs. Two combinations, using weighted mean and (a robust) least median of squares, are being generated from the six homogenized ACs. The combinations serve as quality control to each ACs. Analysis of the trends generated from each one of the seven ZTD time series is performed looking at their similarities in both time and frequency domains. This paper showcases the methodology and early results as presented during the second International Symposium of Commission 4: Positioning and Applications. Early results are based on station ALBH in Canada, showing an inter-AC scatter is 0.47 mm/decade for the trends, 0.11 mm for the annual amplitudes, and 0.29° for the annual phase.
Barriers and Opportunities in the Transition to a Circular Construction Sector in Portugal
Authors: Tavares Vanessa , Pedroso Marco Frazão
Published: December 2023

Transitioning from a linear to a circular economy (CE) is one of the main goals set by the European Union to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Portugal is currently revising the national CE action plan, and the construction sector has been identified as one of the key sectors. Barriers and opportunities in the transition to a CE were previously mapped in literature and national or sectorial CE action plans but still need to be identified for the Portuguese construction sector specificities. Over one-thousand stakeholders were interviewed during eleven working sessions to characterize the national construction sector, identifying and clustering barriers and opportunities in this transition. Barriers from the Political and regulatory pillar were critical, and an urgent need to adapt (and simplify) the regulatory framework to promote a circular construction sector was identified. In the Technology pillar, stakeholders acknowledged the need to support people and companies to make the transition. In the market pillar the lack of pilot projects applying CE principles and of a CDW market. Finally, in the Cultural pillar, the need to reskill workers and empower society with CE principles was highlighted. The actions to trigger the transition are a CE-prone framework, digitalization of construction, simplification of procedures, support research, and empowering the whole value chain. All these actions are in line with the just transition mechanism to ensure that “no one is left behind” and point the path towards a carbon–neutral construction sector.
Circular Economy Business Model Framework Considering Product Sustainability
Authors: Güngör Bengü
Published: December 2023

With the development of technology and industry, which started in the latter half of the twentieth century, environmental degradation intensified because of the depletion of natural resources, global warming, the disintegration of the ozone layer, acid rain, droughts, and other issues. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have inspired the creation of a brand-new business, economic, environmental, and social structure model called the Circular Economy (CE) concept, which is an alternative to the current linear economy and contends that all things in nature are in constant transformation with one another. At this point, it is now important to extend the product's useable and functional lifespans as well as the point at which it stops working. This study primarily seeks to give a foundation for developing a circular economy business model considering the product life cycle before outlining how it is integrated. The relationship between sustainability and the circular economy is first and foremost. After that, the circular economy and extended lifespan of product strategies are defined using literature research. All defined actions and decision points are used to design the phases of a model framework. In conclusion, it thinks the suggested framework will help the decision-makers who want to include circular economy principles into their business procedures, especially based on the manufacturing process. No matter how the business model relates to a specific industry, the framework's general behavior will surely help managers decide on the application stages.
Developing of Comprehensive Circular Rating System for Office Buildings: A Review of Existing Tools and Case Study
Authors: Trubina Nika , Pešta Jan , Lupíšek Antonín
Published: December 2023

As the world moves toward a more sustainable future, the concept of circular economy in the building industry and its evaluation is attracting more and more attention. This study reviews existing building assessment systems from a circular economy perspective, such as LEED, BREEAM, DGNB and SBToolCZ. Since these programs were developed using different approaches, the idea of developing a single comprehensive rating system was put forward. Thus, based on the analyzed criteria of the rating systems, we selected the most relevant ones for our study with a focus on building systems and materials from a circular economy perspective and developed a universal set of key indicators for office building design. This set of criteria was tested on a specific building case study, evaluating its circularity and the effectiveness of the proposed design. The building received a score of 18.1 out of a possible 40 points. In the end, improvements were suggested, after which the overall credit score could be increased by 25%. This study underscores the importance of promoting circularity in the construction industry by requiring a comprehensive rating system that addresses the unique challenges and opportunities of the sector.
Reuse of Steel Sheet Piles—Best Practice
Authors: Fohl François , Hechler Oliver
Published: December 2023

Steel sheet piles are used for retaining walls. Due to their modularity, they can be easily installed and extracted after their service life. After their first use, they can be either directly recycled or reused several times and then recycled. The reuse of steel sheet piles allows to avoid new production and thus CO2-emissions for their production, reducing the environmental impacts per use. In temporary works, like construction pits, the reuse of sheet piles is common practice. Also, for certain permanent projects, there is no disadvantage in using second-hand sheet piles. This paper shows, on the basis of two case studies the best practice for reuse of sheet piles. The environmental impacts for a temporary project in Germany are discussed based on a Life Cycle Assessment for the sheet piling tonnage. Over the life cycle of the steel, 1,535 t of CO2-eq are emitted. Reuse of the sections saved 79% of greenhouse gases. For a dyke reinforcement in the Netherlands, the project owner partly chose second-hand sheet piles to reduce the environmental impacts of the infrastructure project.
Design for Disassembly and Reuse of Timber in Construction: Identification of Trends and Knowledge Gaps
Authors: Passarelli Rafael Novais
Published: December 2023

The transition to a circular economy (CE) offers an alternative path to the current linear, high-polluting, and wasteful practices in construction. In this context, there is a growing interest in studying the potential environmental benefits of extending the lifespan of renewably-sourced wood-based building products through reuse. However, most publications still fail to present a conceptually integrated and comprehensive view of the topic that allows for a broader understanding of its possibilities and challenges. This paper assesses two decades of literature on DfD&R of timber in construction. It develops a comprehensive state-of-the-art framework about the topic, unveiling its most critical challenges, trends, and pressing knowledge gaps. The outcomes of this work contribute to determining more integrated strategies and decision-making tools that could point to further development in the field of timber construction from a DfD&R standpoint, thus facilitating the transition to a CE.
Cosmological quantum states of de Sitter-Schwarzschild are static patch partition functions
Authors: Blacker Matthew J. , Hartnoll Sean A.
Published: December 2023

Abstract

We solve the Wheeler-DeWitt equation in the ‘cosmological interior’ (the past causal diamond of future infinity) of four dimensional dS-Schwarzschild spacetimes. Within minisuperspace there is a basis of solutions labelled by a constant c, conjugate to the mass of the black hole. We propose that these solutions are in correspondence with partition functions of a dual quantum mechanical theory where c plays the role of time. The quantum mechanical theory lives on worldtubes in the ‘static patch’ of dS-Schwarzschild, and the partition function is obtained by evolving the corresponding Wheeler-DeWitt wavefunction through the cosmological horizon, where a metric component gtt changes sign. We establish that the dual theory admits a symmetry algebra given by a central extension of the Poincaré algebra $$ \mathfrak{e} $$
e
(1, 1) and that the entropy of the dS black hole is encoded as an averaging of the dual partition function over the background gtt.
Threshold factorization of the Drell-Yan quark-gluon channel and two-loop soft function at next-to-leading power
Authors: Broggio Alessandro , Jaskiewicz Sebastian , Vernazza Leonardo
Published: December 2023

Abstract

We present a factorization theorem of the partonic Drell-Yan off-diagonal processes $$ g\overline{q}(qg)\to {\gamma}^{\ast }+X $$
g

q
¯

qg

→

γ
∗

+
X
in the kinematic threshold regime $$ z={Q}^2/\hat{s}\to 1 $$
z
=

Q
2

/

s
̂

→
1
at general subleading powers in the (1 − z) expansion. Focusing on the first order of the expansion (next-to-leading power accuracy with respect to the leading power $$ q\overline{q} $$
q

q
¯

channel), we validate the bare factorization formula up to $$ \mathcal{O}\left({\alpha}_s^2\right) $$
O

α
s
2

. This is achieved by carrying out an explicit calculation of the generalized soft function in d-dimensions using the reduction to master integrals and the differential equations method. The collinear function is a universal object which we compute from an operator matching equation at one-loop level. Next, we integrate the soft and collinear functions over the convolution variables and remove the remaining initial state collinear singularities through PDF renormalization. The resulting expression agrees with the known cross section in the literature.
Characterization of drug-induced liver injury associated with drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms in two prospective DILI registries
Authors: Medina-Cáliz Inmaculada , Sanabria-Cabrera Judith , Villanueva-Paz Marina , Aukštikalnė Lauryna , Stephens Camilla , Robles-Díaz Mercedes , Pinazo-Bandera José M. , García-Cortes Miren , Conde Isabel , Soriano German , Bessone Fernando , Hernandez Nelia , Nunes Vinicius , Paraná Raymundo , Lucena M. Isabel , Andrade Raúl J. , Niu Hao , Alvarez-Alvarez Ismael
Published: December 2023

Idiosyncratic drug-induced liver injury (DILI) associated with drug reactions with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) is poorly characterized among patients of Western countries. We aimed to comprehensively assess the clinical characteristics, outcomes, and causative agents in a prospective, well-vetted cohort of DILI patients with DRESS (DILI-DRESS). We identified 53 DILI-DRESS cases from the Spanish DILI Registry and the Latin American DILI Network. For comparison purposes, we defined a group of DILI patients (n = 881). DILI-DRESS cases were younger (47 vs. 53 years, respectively; p = 0.042) and presented more frequently with cholestatic/mixed damage (p = 0.018). Most DILI-DRESS patients showed moderate liver injury, 13% developed severe damage, and only one patient (with hepatocellular injury due to anti-tuberculosis drugs) progressed to acute liver failure and died. DILI-DRESS cases showed a distinctive causative drug pattern compared to DILI cases. The most frequent drugs were carbamazepine (13%), anti-tuberculosis drugs (13%), amoxicillin-clavulanate (11%), and allopurinol and lamotrigine (7.6% each). Among all cases of DILI due to allopurinol and lamotrigine, 67% presented with a DILI-DRESS phenotype, respectively. Higher total bilirubin (TBL) levels at DILI recognition (odds ratio [OR] 1.23; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04–1.45) and absence of eosinophilia (OR 8.77; 95% CI 1.11–69.20) increased the risk for developing a severe-fatal injury in DILI-DRESS patients. DILI-DRESS patients have a more frequent cholestasis/mixed pattern of injury at presentation, with antiepileptics as distinctive causative drug class. Most of the lamotrigine and allopurinol cases present with this phenotype. Higher TBL levels and absence of eosinophilia at DILI recognition are markers of poor outcomes.
Quantification of 108 illicit drugs and metabolites in bile matrix by LC–MS/MS for the toxicological testing of sudden death cases
Authors: Franzin Martina , Ruoso Rachele , Peruch Michela , Stocco Gabriele , D’Errico Stefano , Addobbati Riccardo
Published: December 2023

Sudden death could occur after assumption of illicit drugs for recreational purposes in adults or after intoxication in children, and toxicological testing would help identify the cause of the death. Analytical methods sensitive and specific for the quantification of a great number of drugs and metabolites in at least 2 matrices should be used. Bile, collected postmortem, may be considered a specimen alternative to blood and urine to perform toxicological testing because of its extended detection window. The present study proposed a LC–MS/MS method to quantify 108 drugs and metabolites in bile. Compounds belonging to the drugs of abuse classes of amphetamines, benzodiazepines, cocaine derivatives, barbiturates, opioids, z-drugs, and psychedelics were analyzed. The sample preparation is simple and does not require solid-phase extraction. The proposed method showed an appropriate selectivity, specificity, accuracy, and precision of the calibrators and quality controls tested (precision < 15%; accuracy < 100 ± 15%). The sensitivity allowed to identify low amounts of drugs (e.g., morphine limit of detection = 0.2 µg/L; limit of quantification = 1.1 µg/L). There is no significant matrix effect, except for buprenorphine and 11-Nor-9-carboxy-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol. Carry-over was not present. Analytes were stable at least for 1 month at − 20 °C. Analyzing 13 postmortem specimens, methadone (50%), and cocaine (37.5%) resulted to be the most prevalent consumed substances; the concentrations quantified in bile resulted to be higher than the ones in blood suggesting bile as a potential new matrix for identifying illicit drugs and their metabolites.
Genetic, Immunological, Dietary, Gut Microbiota, and Environmental Determinants of Osteoporosis in the Course of Celiac Disease: Which Factor Plays the First Violin in This Orchestra?
Authors: Skoracka Kinga , Hryhorowicz Szymon , Tovoli Francesco , Raiteri Alberto , Rychter Anna Maria , Słomski Ryszard , Dobrowolska Agnieszka , Granito Alessandro , Krela-Kaźmierczak Iwona
Published: December 2023

Celiac disease (CD) is a chronic small intestinal immune-mediated enteropathy precipitated by exposure to dietary gluten in genetically predisposed individuals. The worldwide prevalence of CD is estimated to be 0.7–1.4% of the general population. Etiopathology of this disease is multifactorial, with genetic determinants being a major contributing player to CD susceptibility. Its manifestation embraces different organs, including the musculoskeletal apparat. Patients with CD have increased risk of bone disorders. According to data, bone disorders – osteopenia and osteoporosis – can affect up to 70% of patients with CD at diagnosis, and it decreases after the initiation of a gluten-free diet. Gluten consumption in patients with CD triggers an inflammatory reaction followed by tissue damage, and both; local and systemic inflammation can increase the risk of bone mass deterioration. Other theory assumes shortages of vitamin D and an impaired calcium absorption mechanism leading to secondary hyperparathyroidism. Taking into account the increasing prevalence of CD and osteoporosis, we broadly discuss genetic, immunological, dietary, gut microbiota, and environmental factors that could increase the risk of osteoporosis in CD. Furthermore, we discuss lifestyle and pharmacological preventing and treatment measures.
Florbetapir PET-assessed demyelination is associated with faster tau accumulation in an APOE ε4-dependent manner
Authors: Rubinski Anna , Dewenter Anna , Zheng Lukai , Franzmeier Nicolai , Stephenson Henry , Deming Yuetiva , Duering Marco , Gesierich Benno , Denecke Jannis , Pham An-Vi , Bendlin Barbara , Ewers Michael ,   for the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The main objectives were to test whether (1) a decrease in myelin is associated with enhanced rate of fibrillar tau accumulation and cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease, and (2) whether apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 genotype is associated with worse myelin decrease and thus tau accumulation.

Methods

To address our objectives, we repurposed florbetapir-PET as a marker of myelin in the white matter (WM) based on previous validation studies showing that beta-amyloid (Aβ) PET tracers bind to WM myelin. We assessed 43 Aβ-biomarker negative (Aβ−) cognitively normal participants and 108 Aβ+ participants within the AD spectrum with florbetapir-PET at baseline and longitudinal flortaucipir-PET as a measure of fibrillar tau (tau-PET) over ~ 2 years. In linear regression analyses, we tested florbetapir-PET in the whole WM and major fiber tracts as predictors of tau-PET accumulation in a priori defined regions of interest (ROIs) and fiber-tract projection areas. In mediation analyses we tested whether tau-PET accumulation mediates the effect of florbetapir-PET in the whole WM on cognition. Finally, we assessed the role of myelin alteration on the association between APOE and tau-PET accumulation.

Results

Lower florbetapir-PET in the whole WM or at a given fiber tract was predictive of faster tau-PET accumulation in Braak stages or the connected grey matter areas in Aβ+ participants. Faster tau-PET accumulation in higher cortical brain areas mediated the association between a decrease in florbetapir-PET in the WM and a faster rate of decline in global cognition and episodic memory. APOE ε4 genotype was associated with a worse decrease in the whole WM florbetapir-PET and thus enhanced tau-PET accumulation.

Conclusion

Myelin alterations are associated in an APOE ε4 dependent manner with faster tau progression and cognitive decline, and may therefore play a role in the etiology of AD.
Biochemical Characterization of Thermostable Acrylamide Amidohydrolase from Aspergillus fumigatus with Potential Activity for Acrylamide Degradation in Various Food Products
Authors: El-Sayed Ashraf S. A. , Elghamry Hala N. , Yassin Marwa A.
Published: December 2023

Acrylamide is the major by-product of the Maillard reactions in foods with the overheating processes of L-asparagine-rich foods with reducing sugars that usually allied with neurotoxicity and carcinogenicity. Several approaches have been used to prevent the formation of acrylamide, however, degrading the already formed acrylamide in foods remains unequivocal. Acrylamide hydrolyzing enzyme “amidohydrolase” is one of the most promising enzymes for acrylamide degradation in foods. So, amidohydrolase “amidase” from thermotolerant Aspergillus fumigatus EFBL was purified to their electrophoretic homogeneity by gel-filtration and ion-exchange chromatography, with overall purification folds 2.8 and yield 9.43%. The apparent molecular subunit structure of the purified A. fumigatus amidase was 50 kDa, with highest activity at reaction temperature of 40 °C and pH of 7.5 The enzyme displayed a significant thermal stability as revealed from the value of T1/2 (13.37 h), and thermal denaturation rate (Kr 0.832 × 10–3 min) at 50 °C, with metalloproteinic identity. The purified enzyme had a significant activity for acrylamide degradation in various food products such as meat, cookies, potato chips, and bread as revealed from the HPLC analysis and LC–MS analysis. So, with the purified amidase, the acrylamide in the food products was degraded by about 95% to acrylic acid, ensuring the possibility of using this enzyme in abolishing the toxic acrylamide in the foods products. This is the first report exploring the potency of A. fumigatus amidase for an actual degradation of acrylamide in foods efficiently. Further biochemical analyses are ongoing to assess the affinity of this enzyme for selective hydrolyses of acrylamide in foods, without affecting the beneficial stereochemical related compounds.
Endometriosis: patient–doctor communication and psychological counselling
Authors: Wischmann Tewes , Ditzen Beate
Published: December 2023

The fact that endometriosis is one of the most frequent gynaecological disorders in women and girls is gradually attracting greater public and political attention. There is also substantial awareness of the disorder among German gynaecologists, albeit without sufficient “equipment” for discussing the condition with patients and providing psychological counselling. This article offers hands-on proposals for medical counselling and the discussion of relevant issues, as well as other practical tips and suggested verbalisations for use by women suffering from endometriosis (and their partners). These practical recommendations will certainly help to improve the doctor–patient relationship in the case of endometriosis. The resources mentioned below (guidebooks, websites) focus on German-language offerings only.
Responses of the Pacific and Atlantic decadal variabilities under global warming by using CMIP6 models
Authors: Shang Yuyang , Liu Peng , Wu Sheng
Published: December 2023

Decadal variability in the ocean is an important indicator of climate system shifts and has considerable influences on marine ecosystems. We investigate the responses of decadal variability over the global ocean regions using nine CMIP6 models (BCC-CSM2-MR, CESM2-WACCM, CMCC-ESM2, EC-Earth3-Veg-LR, FGOAL-f3-L, INM-CM5-0, MIROC6, MPI-ESM1-2-LR, and NorESM2-MM). Our results show that climate models can capture the Pacific Decadal Oscillation, Tropical Pacific Decadal Variability, South Pacific Decadal Oscillation, and Atlantic Multidecadal Variability under present-day conditions. The ocean decadal variabilities are becoming weaker and their periods are decreasing, especially under the strong global warming scenario. However, there is a discrepancy between the Tropical Pacific Decadal Variability and the other three modes of climate variability. This might be caused by the nearly unchanged atmospheric forcing in the equatorial region, which is decreasing in the higher latitude regions.
Automatic correction of barometric altimeters using additional air temperature and humidity measurements
Authors: Matyja Tomasz , Stanik Zbigniew , Kubik Andrzej
Published: December 2023

A GPS module is often combined with an atmospheric pressure sensor in onboard navigation systems. Thanks to this, using appropriate algorithms comparing the results obtained from GPS and from the barometric altimeter, it is possible to obtain much more accurate indications of the height above sea level. The authors analyzed the problem of correcting barometric altimeter errors caused by non-standard pressure and temperature conditions at sea level and the presence of water vapor in the air. The authors proposed methods of correcting the altimeter error using additional temperature and air humidity measurements. They also proposed a simple method for calibrating the altimeter prior to the mission to estimate the difference in pressure above the standard value. The paper discusses the influence of water vapor on the accuracy of the altimeter indications and the conditions for the applicability of the error correction method. The authors initially considered the possibility of using the method based on the concept of virtual temperature. However, this method was rejected because simulation studies showed that it did not give satisfactory results. Simulation tests were carried out in the MATLAB environment to assess the effectiveness of the proposed methods. The test results turned out to be satisfactory. They can be useful when designing low-cost navigation systems using simple sensors made in MEMS technology. The main envisaged application is in autonomous drone navigation systems.
South Korea and the EU battling COVID-19: shared contribution to global health governance and human security
Authors: Novotná Tereza , Kim Nam Kook
Published: December 2023

Commemorating the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties, the article analyzes public health governance during the COVID-19 pandemic in the EU and South Korea. Shifting focus from traditional national security to a more people-centered understanding, the article employs the human security framework to examine nuances of the global health crisis. Through this theoretical lens, the research empirically compares and contrasts the EU’s and South Korea’s differing strategies battling COVID-19 from the pandemic’s inception to the mass vaccination rollouts. While the EU’s early approach was initially marked by slower responsiveness and border closures, South Korea stood out for its swift counter-epidemic measures, leveraging technological innovations and public–private partnerships. Yet once vaccination campaigns started, South Korea had to catch up with Europe. The article chronologically presents its findings, identifying a mutual convergence in approaches with the Omicron’s emergence. In conclusion, the article distills seven key lessons from the pandemic management: the significance of independent public health institutions, the role of digitalization and transparency in fostering public trust, the shared responsibility to bridge the vaccination gap and invest in robust public health systems, and the paradigm shift towards human security combined with the resurgence of state which has to be balanced with safeguarding individual liberties and a collective global action. In addition, the article underscores potential avenues for a strengthened EU-South Korea collaboration to enhance global health governance beyond the confines of major geopolitical rivalries.
Predator-friendly ranching, use of electric fences, and creole cattle in the Colombian savannas
Authors: Valderrama-Vasquez Carlos , Hoogesteijn Rafael , Payán Esteban , Quigley Howard , Hoogesteijn Almira
Published: December 2023

Livestock ranching overlaps extensively with jaguar and puma distribution in the Casanare Department of east-central Colombia. Conservation programs prioritize large carnivores in the region. Ranchers retaliate by killing them in response to economic losses or fear related to their presence. Reducing retaliatory hunting is a top priority in the conservation of feline species. Predation mitigation methods (PMMs) are necessary to reduce depredation and increase tolerance for large felines. In a prospective cohort study, 16 ranches between 2017 and 2019 used electric fences (n = 14) and introduced creole cattle (n = 2) as PMMs. There was a significant difference in the risk and odds ratios between the control and treatment groups. Livestock depredation was 14.78 times higher outside PMM areas (OR, 14.78; RR, 0.069; p < 0.001) than inside such areas. The losses caused by depredation were much higher than the investments made in PMMs.
Toward a certified greedy Loewner framework with minimal sampling
Authors: Pradovera Davide
Published: December 2023

We propose a strategy for greedy sampling in the context of non-intrusive interpolation-based surrogate modeling for frequency-domain problems. We rely on a non-intrusive and cheap error indicator to drive the adaptive selection of the high-fidelity samples on which the surrogate is based. We develop a theoretical framework to support our proposed indicator. We also present several practical approaches for the termination criterion that is used to end the greedy sampling iterations. To showcase our greedy strategy, we numerically test it in combination with the well-known Loewner framework. To this effect, we consider several benchmarks, highlighting the effectiveness of our adaptive approach in approximating the transfer function of complex systems from a few samples.
An Alternative Foundation of Quantum Theory
Authors: Helland Inge S.
Published: December 2023

A new approach to quantum theory is proposed in this paper. The basis is taken to be theoretical variables, variables that may be accessible or inaccessible, i.e., it may be possible or impossible for an observer to assign arbitrarily sharp numerical values to them. In an epistemic process, the accessible variables are just ideal observations connected to an observer or to some communicating observers. Group actions are defined on these variables, and group representation theory is the basis for developing the Hilbert space formalism here. Operators corresponding to accessible theoretical variables are derived, and in the discrete case, it is proved that the possible physical values are the eigenvalues of these operators. The focus of the paper is some mathematical theorems paving the ground for the proposed foundation of quantum theory. It is shown here that the groups and transformations needed in this approach can be constructed explicitly in the case where the accessible variables are finite-dimensional. This simplifies the theory considerably: To reproduce the Hilbert space formulation, it is enough to assume the existence of two complementary variables. The interpretation inferred from the proposed foundation here may be called a general epistemic interpretation of quantum theory. A special case of this interpretation is QBism; it also has a relationship to several other interpretations.
Performing excellence and gender balance in higher education
Authors: Lagesen Vivian Anette , Suboticki Ivana
Published: December 2023

Universities are expected to strive for excellence but also for gender balance. Narrow interpretations of excellence in universities hinder women’s advancement in academia. In this paper, we ask if there are ways that these policies may be reconciled. Excellence is an “empty signifier” that must be filled with meaning. We have investigated how Heads of Departments enact “excellence” and gender balance in hiring processes in four Norwegian universities. Many HoD argued for broadening excellence criteria and framed excellence as a collective rather than an individual concern. This allows for reconciling top-down institutional demands for excellence and diversity while catering to local needs. Thus, our paper suggests that in a context where increased diversity among faculty is called for, this may open up a space for critical reflection about the criteria for assessing academic quality.
193Ir nuclear forward scattering of an iridium(I) complex
Authors: Hoock Maren H. , Leupold Olaf , Haag Alexander , Omlor Andreas , Steinbrügge Rene , Sergueev Ilya , Röhlsberger Ralf , Krüger Hans-Jörg , Wolny Juliusz A. , Schünemann Volker
Published: December 2023

Synchrotron based nuclear forward scattering (NFS) experiments using the 193Ir nucleus have been performed for the first time on a dinuclear iridium(I) complex, [IrCl(COD)]2 with COD being cycloocta-1,5-diene. This complex serves as a catalyst for hydrogenation and other chemical reactions. Both, the obtained absolute values of the isomer shift $$\delta =0.87 \ {\text{mm s}}^{-1}$$

δ
=
0.87

mm s

-
1

and the quadrupole splitting $$\varDelta {E}_{Q}=3.82 \ {\text{mm s}}^{-1}$$

Δ

E
Q

=
3.82

mm s

-
1

agree within the experimental error with values obtained via conventional 193Ir Mössbauer spectroscopy reported earlier (Gál M. et al. J. Radioanal. Nucl. Chem., 260 (1) 2004, 133). In addition, we present density functional theory (DFT) calculations of the complex yielding its electronic structure and related Mössbauer parameters.
An update on the secretory functions of brown, white, and beige adipose tissue: Towards therapeutic applications
Authors: Ghesmati Zeinab , Rashid Mohsen , Fayezi Shabnam , Gieseler Frank , Alizadeh Effat , Darabi Masoud
Published: December 2023

Adipose tissue, including white adipose tissue (WAT), brown adipose tissue (BAT), and beige adipose tissue, is vital in modulating whole-body energy metabolism. While WAT primarily stores energy, BAT dissipates energy as heat for thermoregulation. Beige adipose tissue is a hybrid form of adipose tissue that shares characteristics with WAT and BAT. Dysregulation of adipose tissue metabolism is linked to various disorders, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and infertility. Both brown and beige adipocytes secrete multiple molecules, such as batokines, packaged in extracellular vesicles or as soluble signaling molecules that play autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine roles. A greater understanding of the adipocyte secretome is essential for identifying novel molecular targets in treating metabolic disorders. Additionally, microRNAs show crucial roles in regulating adipose tissue differentiation and function, highlighting their potential as biomarkers for metabolic disorders. The browning of WAT has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach in treating obesity and associated metabolic disorders. Many browning agents have been identified, and nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems have been developed to enhance their efficacy. This review scrutinizes the characteristics of and differences between white, brown, and beige adipose tissues, the molecular mechanisms involved in the development of the adipocytes, the significant roles of batokines, and regulatory microRNAs active in different adipose tissues. Finally, the potential of WAT browning in treating obesity and atherosclerosis, the relationship of BAT with cancer and fertility disorders, and the crosstalk between adipose tissue with circadian system and circadian disorders are also investigated.
The impact of green finance and local regulations on industrial green innovation efficiency in China
Authors: Xia YiHan , Luo LuYi , Ji KaiWen , Huang Chao , Wan Fei , Wang ZhiGang
Published: December 2023

When the incentive mechanism of green finance fails to fully promote green technology innovation in industrial enterprises, local government environmental regulations become an important tool in correcting this market failure. However, due to the “follow the cost” hypothesis, the moderating effect of the local government environmental regulation is heterogeneous. In order to explore the impact mechanism of green finance development on the efficiency of green technology innovation in industrial enterprises, spatial effects as well as the heterogeneous moderating effect of local government environmental regulation, this paper systematically evaluates the development level of green finance in 30 provinces in China from 2009 to 2019. It estimates the efficiency of green technology innovation in industrial enterprises using the super-efficiency SBM model, and empirically analyzes the impact mechanism and moderating effect using the spatial Durbin model. The results show that: (1) green finance not only positively impacts the efficiency improvement of green technology innovation in industrial enterprises but also has significant spatial spillover effects; (2) local government environmental regulation has a nonlinear “inverted U-shaped” moderating effect between the green finance development and the efficiency of green technology innovation in industrial enterprises. Based on the research conclusions, this paper proposes policy recommendations from the perspectives of deepening the regional connectivity of green finance and promoting joint regulation by local governments.