bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sanierungsprozesse in Bestandsquartieren: Herausforderungen, Akteure, Lösungsansätze
Authors: Pößneck Janine , Kabisch Sigrun
Published: September 2023

Der Beitrag beschäftigt sich mit Sanierungsprozessen in Bestandsquartieren, den Belastungen für die betroffenen Bewohner*innen und deren Beteiligungsmöglichkeiten sowie der Bezahlbarkeit des Wohnens nach Abschluss der Maßnahmen. Das Themenfeld Wohnen gewinnt in der Debatte um eine resiliente Stadt- und Quartiersentwicklung zunehmend an Bedeutung. Hierbei können sich jedoch Ziele der sozial gerechten Wohnraumversorgung und des Klimaschutzes im Gebäudesektor entgegenstehen. An einem Fallbeispiel aus der Großwohnsiedlung Leipzig-Grünau wird exemplarisch aufgezeigt, welche Herausforderungen mit einer Sanierung im bewohnten Zustand verbunden sind, welche Konflikte entstehen und welche Lösungsansätze es gibt.
Reliability of High-resolution Gadolinium-enhanced MR Cisternography and Gasket-seal Technique for Management of Anterior Skull Base Defects
Authors: Shah Mukesch Johannes , Beck Jürgen , Meckel Stephan , Urbach Horst , Duman Ikram Eda , Ketterer Manuel Christoph , Hildenbrand Tanja
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Precise preoperative localization of anterior skull base defects is important to plan surgical access, increase the success rate and reduce complications. A stable closure of the defect is vital to prevent recurrence of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea. The purpose of this retrospective case series was to evaluate the reliability of a new high-resolution gadolinium-enhanced compressed-sensing SPACE technique (CS T1 SPACE) for magnetic resonance (MR) cisternography to detect cerebrospinal fluid leaks of the anterior skull base and to assess the long-term success rate of the gasket-seal technique for closure of skull base defects.

Method

All patients with spontaneous or postoperative cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea and defects of the anterior skull base presenting to the Departments of Otorhinolaryngology and Neurosurgery between 2019 and 2020, receiving a computed tomography (CT) cisternography and MR cisternography (on a 3T whole-body MR scanner using a 64-channel head and neck coil) with CS T1 SPACE sequence and closure of the defect with the gasket-seal technique, were enrolled in the study. For the cisternography, iodinated contrast agent (15 ml Solutrast 250 M®), saline (4 mL) mixed with a 0.5 mL of gadoteridol was injected into the lumbar subarachnoid space.

Results

A total of four patients were included in the study and MR cisternography with CS T1 SPACE sequence was able to precisely localize CSF leaks in all patients. The imaging results correlated with intraoperative findings. All defects could be successfully closed with the gasket-seal technique. The mean follow-up was 35.25 months (range 33–37 months).

Conclusion

MR cisternography with CS T1 SPACE sequence could be a promising technique for precise localization of CSF leaks and the gasket-seal technique resulted in good closure of the CSF fistula in this case series.
Progeroide Syndrome
Authors: Koschitzki Kevin , Ivanova Irina , Berneburg Mark
Published: August 2023

Progeroide Syndrome (PS) sind durch das vorzeitige Auftreten von altersbedingten Symptomen und Krankheiten gekennzeichnet. PSs sind klinisch heterogen und manifestieren sich unter anderem durch Seh- und Hörverlust, Hautatrophie, Haarausfall, Neurodegeneration, Knochendeformitäten und kardiovaskuläre Defekte. Jüngste Fortschritte in der Molekularpathologie haben zu einem besseren Verständnis der Pathomechanismen dieser Krankheiten geführt. Die verantwortlichen genetischen Mutationen, sind funktionell mit der Erhaltung und Reparatur des Genoms verknüpft, was die ursächliche Rolle der Anhäufung von DNA(Desoxyribonukleinsäure)-Schäden bei der Alterung untermauert. Während einige dieser Gene für Proteine kodieren, die direkt an der DNA-Reparaturmaschinerie beteiligt sind, wie z. B. die Nukleotidexzisionsreparatur (NER), destabilisieren andere das Genom, indem sie die Stabilität der Kernhülle beeinträchtigen, wie z. B. Lamin A beim Hutchinson-Gilford-Progerie-Syndrom (HGPS), oder regulieren die DNA-Schadensreaktion (DDR), wie z. B. das Ataxia-teleangiectasia-mutierte (ATM) Gen. Die Untersuchung der Pathophysiologie progeroider Krankheiten hat zur Entwicklung potenzieller Behandlungen beigetragen.
The many faces of nodal and splenic marginal zone lymphomas. A report of the 2022 EA4HP/SH lymphoma workshop
Authors: Zamò Alberto , van den Brand Michiel , Climent Fina , de Leval Laurence , Dirnhofer Stefan , Leoncini Lorenzo , Ng Siok-Bian , Ondrejka Sarah L. , Quintanilla-Martinez Leticia , Soma Lorinda , Wotherspoon Andrew
Published: September 2023

Session 3 of the lymphoma workshop of the XXI joint meeting of the European Association for Haematopathology and the Society for Hematopathology took place in Florence, Italy, on September 22, 2022. The topics of this session were splenic and nodal marginal zone lymphomas, transformation in marginal zone lymphomas, and pediatric nodal marginal zone lymphomas and their differential diagnosis as well as related entities. Forty-two cases in these categories were submitted to the workshop, including splenic lymphomas (marginal zone and diffuse red pulp lymphomas), transformed marginal zone lymphomas (splenic and nodal), nodal marginal zone lymphomas with increased TFH-cells, and pediatric nodal marginal zone lymphomas. The case review highlighted some of the principal problems in the diagnosis of marginal zone lymphomas, including the difficulties in the distinction between splenic marginal zone lymphoma, splenic diffuse red pulp lymphoma, and hairy cell leukemia variant/splenic B-cell lymphoma with prominent nucleoli which requires integration of clinical features, immunophenotype, and morphology in blood, bone marrow, and spleen; cases of marginal zone lymphoma with markedly increased TFH-cells, simulating a T-cell lymphoma, where molecular studies (clonality and mutation detection) can help to establish the final diagnosis; the criteria for transformation of marginal zone lymphomas, which are still unclear and might require the integration of morphological and molecular data; the concept of an overlapping spectrum between pediatric nodal marginal zone lymphoma and pediatric-type follicular lymphoma; and the distinction between pediatric nodal marginal zone lymphoma and “atypical” marginal zone hyperplasia, where molecular studies are mandatory to correctly classify cases.
Effects of combined exercises on shoulder mobility and strength of the upper extremities in breast cancer rehabilitation: a 3-week randomized controlled trial
Authors: Michels Dominique , König Stefan , Heckel Alexandra
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of mobility training with FIVE® devices in combination with device-supported strength exercises for shoulder mobility and strength of the upper extremities in women with breast cancer.

Methods

We conducted a pretest-posttest intervention study with female breast cancer patients (n = 41) who were randomly assigned to two groups by lot during their stationary follow-up treatment at a rehabilitation clinic in the south of Germany between February and March 2020. As part of exercise therapy, the intervention group (n = 24) performed a mobility training with FIVE® devices combined with device-supported strength training, whereas the control group (n = 17) completed device-supported strength training. Before and after the 3-week intervention (3 training sessions/week), shoulder mobility and isokinetic maximal strength were tested.

Results

Both groups achieved significant improvements in shoulder mobility in the frontal and sagittal plane (between 3.8 and 15.35%; p < 0.05) and in strength performance (31.36% [IG] vs. 51.24% [CG]; p < 0.001). However, no robust evidence could be determined about potential interaction effects.

Conclusion

A combined device-supported strength and mobility training (FIVE®) showed no advantages. Therefore, a variety of exercise methods is possible in exercise therapy of breast cancer patients.

Clinical trial registration number

Since the University of Education Weingarten does not assign clinical trial registration numbers or ethical approval numbers, none could be assigned for this study.
Telemedicine-based inspiratory muscle training and walking promotion with lung cancer survivors following curative intent therapy: a parallel-group pilot randomized trial
Authors: Ha Duc M. , Comer Angela , Dollar Blythe , Bedoy Ruth , Ford Morgan , Gozansky Wendolyn S. , Zeng Chan , Arch Joanna J. , Leach Heather J. , Malhotra Atul , Prochazka Allan V. , Keith Robert L. , Boxer Rebecca S.
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Following curative-intent therapy of lung cancer, many survivors experience dyspnea and physical inactivity. We investigated the feasibility, acceptability, safety, and potential efficacy of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) and walking promotion to disrupt a postulated “dyspnea-inactivity” spiral.

Methods

Between January and December 2022, we recruited lung cancer survivors from Kaiser Permanente Colorado who completed curative-intent therapy within 1–6 months into a phase-IIb, parallel-group, pilot randomized trial (1:1 allocation). The 12-week intervention, delivered via telemedicine, consisted of exercise training (IMT + walking), education, and behavior change support. Control participants received educational materials on general exercise. We determined feasibility a priori: enrollment of ≥ 20% eligible patients, ≥ 75% retention, study measure completion, and adherence. We assessed acceptability using the Telemedicine-Satisfaction-and-Usefulness-Questionnaire and safety events that included emergency department visits or hospitalizations. Patient-centered outcome measures (PCOMs) included dyspnea (University-of-California-San-Diego-Shortness-of-Breath-Questionnaire), physical activity (activPAL™ steps/day), functional exercise capacity (mobile-based-six-minute-walk-test), and health-related quality of life (HRQL, St.-George’s-Respiratory-Questionnaire). We used linear mixed-effects models to assess potential efficacy.

Results

We screened 751 patients, identified 124 eligible, and consented 31 (25%) participants. Among 28 participants randomized (14/group), 22 (11/group) completed the study (79% retention). Intervention participants returned > 90% of self-reported activity logs, completed > 90% of PCOMs, and attended > 90% of tele-visits; 75% of participants performed IMT at the recommended dose. Participants had high satisfaction with tele-visits and found the intervention useful. There was no statistically significant difference in safety events between groups. Compared to control participants from baseline to follow-up, intervention participants had statistically significant and clinically meaningful improved HRQL (SGRQ total, symptom, and impact scores) (standardized effect size: -1.03 to -1.30).

Conclusions

Among lung cancer survivors following curative-intent therapy, telemedicine-based IMT + walking was feasible, acceptable, safe, and had potential to disrupt the “dyspnea-inactivity” spiral. Future efficacy/effectiveness trials are warranted and should incorporate IMT and walking promotion to improve HRQL.

Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05059132.
Exploration of glycosyltransferases mutation status in cervical cancer reveals PARP14 as a potential prognostic marker
Authors: Wang Hui , Luo Shen , Wu Xin , Ruan Yuanyuan , Qiu Ling , Feng Hao , Zhu Shurong , You Yanan , Li Ming , Yang Wenting , Zhao Yanding , Tao Xiang , Jiang Hua
Published: August 2023

This study investigates the potential role of Glycosyltransferases (GTs) in the glycosylation process and their association with malignant tumors. Specifically, the study focuses on PARP14, a member of GTs, and its potential as a target for tumors in the diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer. To gather data, the study used somatic mutation data, gene expression data and clinical information from TCGA-CESE dataset as well as tissue samples from cervical cancer patients. Further verification was conducted through RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry staining on cervical cancer tissues to confirm the expression of PARP14. The study utilized Kaplan-Meier for survival analysis of cervical cancer patient and found significant mutational abnormalities in GTs. The high frequency mutated gene was identified as PARP14. RT-qPCR revealed significantly higher mRNA expression of PARP14 compared to precancerous tissue. Using IHC combined with Kaplan-Meier,patients in the PARP14 high expression group had a better prognosis than the low expression group. The study identified PARP14 as a frequently mutated gene in cervical cancer and proposed its potential role in diagnosis and treatment.
Corporate accelerators: design and startup performance
Authors: Seitz Nikolaus , Lehmann Erik E. , Haslanger Patrick
Published: August 2023

Corporate accelerators (CAs) have emerged as a key component of entrepreneurship ecosystems, offering startups corporate guidance, industry connections, and resources for accelerated venture creation. Although their proliferation is evident, we still know little about the value they produce for startups across different contexts. This study investigates the organizational setup and program design of 15 CAs in Germany using a unique and hand-collected dataset of 223 alumni startups. Our findings reveal a tradeoff: Specialized and integrated programs positively impact startups’ speed to market and growth, while specialization and rising corporate control may hinder follow-up venture capital financing. This research contributes to our understanding of CAs and the startup acceleration process and provides insights for corporate and accelerator managers and startups alike. Startups can use these findings to identify the most suitable CA for their needs. Program managers and designers gain insights into the strategic orientation and organizational setup that positively impact startup acceleration.
Comparing the associations between muscle strength, walking speed, and mortality in community-dwelling older adults of two birth cohorts born 28 years apart
Authors: Koivunen Kaisa , Portegijs Erja , Karavirta Laura , Rantanen Taina
Published: September 2023

Reduced age-specific mortality and increased muscle strength and walking speed of current older adults may have altered the relationships between these factors as more people may be above the reserve capacity threshold. We compared the cross-sectional associations between muscle strength and walking speed, and the associations of muscle strength and walking speed with five-year mortality between two population-based cohorts of 75- and 80-year-old people born 28 years apart. Maximal isometric grip and knee extension strength and walking speed were measured in 2017–2018 (n = 726). Mortality was ascertained from registers. The associations were compared with data of same-aged people studied in 1989–1990 with identical protocols (n = 500). The knee extension strength-walking speed relationship showed plateauing at higher strength levels among the later-born men, whereas the earlier-born men and women of both cohorts with lower strength levels were on the linear part of the curve. In the later-born women with lower five-year mortality rate (1.16 vs. 5.88 per 100 person-years), the association between grip strength and mortality was markedly different from the earlier cohort (HR 1.13 [95% CI 0.47–2.70] vs. 0.57 [0.37–0.86]). For knee extension strength and walking speed, the mortality hazards were similar between the cohorts, although statistically non-significant in the later-born women. In men, the later-born cohort showed similar associations as observed in the earlier-born cohort despite having lower mortality rate (2.93 vs. 6.44). Current older adults have more functional reserve that will likely help them to maintain walking ability for longer while also contributing to better survival.
A QTRAP-based mass spectrometry method for the detection and confirmation of nine sweeteners in Chinese rice wine
Authors: Hu Jiangang , Mao Wei , Chen Wentao , Zhang Shiyun , Liu Zhen , He Yuxin , Fu Chunhui , Wang Caixia , Wu Jian , Zou Ping
Published: September 2023

A rapid and sensitive QTRAP mass spectrometric method was developed for the detection and confirmation of nine sweeteners (acesulfame, saccharin sodium, sodium cyclamate, aspartame, alitame, sucralose, neotame, stevia extract, and advantage) in Chinese rice wine. The samples with different sugar contents were diluted with ultrapure water, and the standard working solution was prepared by adding 1.0 mL of Chinese rice wine blank matrix to the standard series solution. The target was separated by a Kinetex 2.6 μm F5 100 A LC Column 100 × 2.1 mm chromatographic column, MRM-IDA-EPA by applying QTRAP mass spectrometry composite mode acquisition was applied to obtain MRM data as well as highly sensitive secondary fragmentation full-spectrum data at the same time to establish a standard library of nine Chinese rice wine sweeteners for accurate characterization and MRM data peak area (external standard method) quantification by automatic comparison with the library of standards. The experiments showed that the correlation coefficients of the standard curves of the nine sweeteners were greater than 0.997 in the range of 10 ~ 500 µg/L standard working series solutions, and the limits of quantification of the method were in the range of 0.8–88.0 µg/kg, with spiked recoveries of 80.3%~118.8% and relative standard deviations (RSDs) of 0.74%~6.40%. QTRAP mass spectrometry was used for the determination of the nine sweeteners in Chinese rice wine with easy and fast pretreatment, simple operation, high accuracy, and sensitivity.
Structure of forest stands of alien tree Quercus rubra in Central Europe
Authors: Májeková Jana , Medvecká Jana , Mikulová Katarína , Slabejová Denisa , Šibíková Mária , Zaliberová Mária , Škodová Iveta
Published: August 2023

The diversity of planted forest stands of the alien species Quercus rubra L. in Central Europe was studied. The northern red oak is a neophyte that has been cultivated in Europe since the seventeenth century as an ornamental as well as a useful tree. In 38 phytosociological relevés from Slovakia, Poland and the Czech Republic, we recorded a total of 223 vascular plant taxa, of which 10% were alien (with 9 invasive species). The stands were species-poor compared to the most native forests, with an average of 17 species per relevé, and most of the species had a low coverage value (around 5% on average). The representation of endangered species was very low, only three species were recorded. The dense canopy of Q. rubra and large cover of litter consisting mainly of fallen old red oak leaves affected the richness of the undergrowth. The mean cover of the tree layer was 84%, the mean cover of the shrub layer was 9% and the mean cover of the herb layer was 22%. The EuroVegChecklist Expert System assigned the relevés to five classes: Carpino-Fagetea sylvaticae, Alno glutinosae-Populetea albae, Rhamno-Prunetea, Epilobietea angustifolii and Robinietea.
CVIT 2023 clinical expert consensus document on intravascular ultrasound
Authors: Saito Yuichi , Kobayashi Yoshio , Fujii Kenichi , Sonoda Shinjo , Tsujita Kenichi , Hibi Kiyoshi , Morino Yoshihiro , Okura Hiroyuki , Ikari Yuji , Kozuma Ken , Honye Junko
Published: September 2023

Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) provides precise anatomic information in coronary arteries including quantitative measurements and morphological assessment. To standardize the IVUS analysis in the current era, this updated expert consensus document summarizes the methods of measurements and assessment of IVUS images and the clinical evidence of IVUS use in percutaneous coronary intervention.
Origin of El-Maghara Anticlines, North Sinai Peninsula, Egypt: Insights from Gravity Data Interpretation Using Edge Detection Filters
Authors: Othman Amal A. , Ibraheem Ismael M.
Published: September 2023

The gravity data of Gebel El-Maghara area and its surrounding region in northern Sinai Peninsula, Egypt have been subjected to high precision edge detection filters in order to evaluate the structural and tectonic settings of the study area. Various traditional and modern edge detection filters were tested on synthetic gravity data and then the most successful filters in detection the boundaries of the causative bodies have been used to accomplish the study's objectives. By examining the power spectrum of the gravity data, three gravity maps were generated using low-pass, band-pass and high-pass filters, respectively, representing deep, intermediate and shallow gravity anomalies. The STDR filter and its total horizontal derivative were applied to these gravity maps to image the causative structural features (faults and contacts) and construct structural maps at these different depths. The findings demonstrate that the major trend of faults and contacts at deep depths predominantly aligns along the WNW–ESE direction, while at shallow depths, the main orientation is observed along the NE–SW direction. It is worth noting that the trend of structures at shallow depths demonstrates a good agreement with the structural trends derived from both surface structural map and Landsat images. This trend disparity supports the hypothesis that the formation of the anticlines in the study area is linked to thin-skinned tectonic processes associated with the Syrian Arc system.
Oxidative Dissolution of Cemented Tungsten Carbides in Molten Sodium Carbonate by Addition of Copper(I) Oxide as Oxidizing Agent for Tungsten Recycling
Authors: Yasuda Kouji , Suzuki Kohei , Uehata Ryotaro , Hagiwara Rika
Published: September 2023

Due to the monopolized supply of tungsten resource, it is important to efficiently recycle tungsten scrap for use as a secondary resource. The recycling of tungsten from cemented carbide tools by the molten carbonate method was investigated using simulated hard and soft scrap (carbide tool tips and WC powder, respectively). The oxidative dissolution of tungsten was examined in molten Na2CO3 under Ar–O2–CO2 atmospheres at 1173 K. Based on the immersion potentials of Cu, W, Co, C, and WC–Co, Cu2O was suggested to work as an oxidizing agent for tungsten dissolution. The oxidative dissolution rate for carbide tool tips with 12.8 mol% Cu2O addition reached 57 mg h−1 for the reaction time of 2.5 h, equivalent to 0.32 mm h−1. The decrease in the dissolution rate after 2.5 h was attributed to the decrease in the Cu(I) ion concentration in the melt and the inhibition of ion diffusion by the deposited metallic Cu. No violent reaction leading to explosion was observed, even for the oxidative dissolution of fine WC powder with a large surface area. Thus, this method provides significant safety improvements compared to the molten nitrate method.

Graphical Abstract
Influence of Temporal Variation on Morphology and Architecture in Burrows of Ocypode Rotundata (Miers, 1882) on Salakh Beach of Qeshm Island, the Persian Gulf
Authors: Naderi Mojtaba , Pishehvarzad Fatemeh , Zare Parviz , Lastra Mariano
Published: September 2023

Variability over time in morphology and architecture of burrows excavated by Ocypode rotundata was studied on Salakh beach, Qeshm Island, Persian Gulf. According to our results, O. rotundata excavated single Shafts, J-shaped, Y-shaped, spiral and complex burrows, with spiral and complex burrows occurring only in adult crabs. The results showed that mating and reproduction behaviour of O. rotundata mainly occurred in the upper foreshore zone. Based on carapace width data and sex, percentage of J-shaped and Y-shaped burrow were more in female young crabs compared to males. Whilst, percentage of constructed single Shaft, J-shaped burrows were more frequent in male adult crabs compared to females. On the other hand, created complex burrow was observed just in male adult crabs. Also, male crabs created sand pyramid mounds seaward in front of the burrows. Four types of sand disposal behaviour were observed: knocking, throwing, slamming (only males) and stacking (only males). Results indicated that O. rotundata constructed burrows with any shape in all types of sediment, from the backshore to the foreshore. Sand moisture decreased with distance from the sea, which was associated with an increase in burrow depth. Temporal variation had significant impact on burrow slope, so that the entrance branch of all burrow shapes was clearly steeper during the reproduction period in contrast to the same burrows created in the non-reproduction period.
“I Look at Their Rights First”: Strategies Used by Australian Behaviour Support Practitioners’ to Protect and Uphold the Rights of People with Disabilities
Authors: Leif Erin S. , Subban Pearl , Sharma Umesh , Fox Russell
Published: September 2023

Objectives

Positive behaviour support (PBS) is a values-based framework for supporting people with disabilities who display challenging behaviour. In Australia, behaviour support practitioners are now responsible for delivering PBS services to people with disabilities in ways that protect and uphold their human rights. However, no research to date has examined the specific strategies that Australian behaviour support practitioners employ in their professional practice to protect and uphold the rights of the people they serve.

Methods

We used an open-ended online survey to explore strategies that 98 Australian behaviour support practitioners reported using to respect and uphold the rights of the people they support. Their responses were analysed using inductive thematic analysis.

Results

Six overarching themes were identified following the coding of participant responses to the open-ended questions. These included the following: using a person-centred approach, facilitating frequent two-way communication with the person and their support team, implementing a range of personalised behaviour support strategies, establishing organisational policies and procedures that protect and uphold rights, educating others about rights, and adopting a holistic approach to behaviour support that focuses on improving quality of life outcomes.

Conclusions

Findings underscore the importance of including people with disabilities and their families as partners across all phases of the behaviour support process to ensure positive behaviour support strategies are safe, effective, and acceptable, and the goals and outcomes are meaningful. We use the findings of this study to propose a RIGHTS-based model of PBS that might be used to guide practitioners to deliver services in ways that are consistent with the principles described in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Remote Technologies and Filial Obligations at a Distance: New Opportunities and Ethical Challenges
Authors: Tian Yi Jiao , Jotterand Fabrice , Wangmo Tenzin
Published: September 2023

The coupled growth of population aging and international migration warrants attention on the methods and solutions available to adult children living overseas to provide distance caregiving for their aging parents. Despite living apart from their parents, the transnational informal care literature has indicated that first-generation immigrants remain committed to carry out their filial caregiving obligations in extensive and creative ways. With functions to remotely access health information enabled by emergency, wearable, motion, and video sensors, remote monitoring technologies (RMTs) may thus also allow these international migrants to be alerted in sudden changes and remain informed of their parent’s state of health. As technological solutions for caregiving, RMTs could allow independent living for older persons while any unusual deviations from normal health patterns are detected and appropriately supported. With a vignette of a distance care arrangement, we engage with concepts such as filial piety, in-absentia caregiving distress, and the social exchange theory, as well as the upholding of shifting cultural ideals to illustrate the complex dynamic of the satisfaction and quality of the informal caregiving relationship. This paper extends the traditional ethical issues in technology-aided caregiving, such as autonomy, privacy, and justice, to be considered within the context of distance care. We also posit newer ethical considerations such as consent in power imbalances, harm to caregivers, and stigma. These known and new ethical issues aim to encourage further ethically conscious design and use of RMTs to support distance care for older persons.
The Role of Biochar Co-Pyrolyzed with Sawdust and Zeolite on Soil Microbiological and Physicochemical Attributes, Crop Agronomic, and Ecophysiological Performance
Authors: Mustafa Adnan , Holatko Jiri , Hammerschmiedt Tereza , Kucerik Jiri , Kintl Antonin , Baltazar Tivadar , Malicek Ondrej , Brtnicky Martin
Published: September 2023

The overuse of synthetic fertilizers has been associated with negative environmental consequences. The use of biochar in this regard has been recommended as a win–win strategy. However, our understanding on the comparative influences of biochar prepared from various feedstocks mixed with other bulking agents on soil health and crop performance remained limited. Therefore, in the present study, three types of biochar produced from sewage sludge, food, and agricultural waste were analyzed and compared for their effects on soil enzymes (dehydrogenase, DHA; β-glucosidase, GLU; phosphatase, PHOS; urease, URE; N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase, NAG; and arylsulphatase, ARS), soil basal, as well as substrate-induced respirations and plant growth and physiology characters. The results revealed that food waste-derived biochar co-pyrolyzed with zeolite and/or sawdust was more effective in improving soil physicochemical properties and carbon and phosphorous cycling enzyme (DHA, GLU, and PHOS) activities in addition to soil basal respiration. While the influence of wastewater sewage sludge-derived biochar was more pronounced on urease, N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase, and arylsulphatase enzymes as well as plant biomass accumulation and physiological attributes. Moreover, agricultural waste-derived biochar was found to be effective in enhancing substrate-induced respirations. This study thus concluded that biochar derived from various feedstocks has the tendency to improve soil health and plant growth attributes which further depend on the type of modification prior to pyrolysis.
Research Trend of Aging Biochar for Agro-environmental Applications: a Bibliometric Data Analysis and Visualization of the Last Decade (2011–2023)
Authors: Rahim Hafeez Ur , Allevato Enrica , Radicetti Emanuele , Carbone Francesco , Stazi Silvia Rita
Published: September 2023

The copious amounts of data generated through publications play a pivotal role in advancing Science, Technology, and Policy. Additionally, they provide valuable and detailed information on research topics, emerging thematic trends, and critical issues that demand increased focus and attention. Over the last few decades, biochar has produced an extensive body of high-quality papers and played a crucial part in achieving the long-term Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 agenda of the United Nations about “Climate Change,” “Sustainable Agriculture,” “Environmental Sustainability,” “Zero Hunger,” “Human Wellbeing,” and “Circular Bioeconomy”. However, most of the research is on biochar that has been modified or functionalized using various chemical reagents or catalysts and reported widely in peer-reviewed, high-quality journals. No prior work analyzed the bibliometric data on aging biochar with (a)biotic processes. This study presents an innovative data-driven bibliometric analysis technique and paradigm for extracting the essence of the available peer-reviewed literature data to offer new perspectives on the research opportunities and potential of aged biochar for agro-environmental applications. The bibliometric data analysis indicates that aging biochar research for agro-environmental applications received attention, advanced, and resulted in 165 high-quality publications in reputed journals between 2011 and 2023. However, it is evident that there is still a considerable need for further attention in this area. The identification of the research trends/frontiers shows that biochar production effectively employs various biomass resources, aging with different (a)biotic factors, characterization, effects on global climate change, long-term carbon sequestration in soil, soil nutrient dynamics, restoration of multi-polluted soils and sediments, and plant growth all require continuous attention both now and in the future.
Engineered biochar improves nitrogen use efficiency via stabilizing soil water-stable macroaggregates and enhancing nitrogen transformation
Authors: Khan Zaid , Yang Xu-Jian , Fu Youqiang , Joseph Stephen , Khan Mohammad Nauman , Khan Muhammad Ayoub , Alam Intikhab , Shen Hong
Published: September 2023

The use of inorganic nitrogen (N) fertilizers has increased drastically to meet the food requirements of the world's growing population. However, the excessive use of chemical nitrogen fertilizer has caused a series of soil and environmental problems, such as soil hardening, lower nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), nitrate pollution of water sources, nitrous oxide emissions, etc. In this review, we aimed to elaborate and discuss the role of engineered biochar in inducing the stability of water-stable macroaggregates, improving inorganic N transformation, and utilization efficiency to address the current uncertainties of nitrogen loss and maintaining soil and water quality. Firstly, we elucidated the characteristics of engineered biochar in improving biochar quality to work as a multifunctional player in the ecosystem and promote resource utilization, soil conservation, and ecosystem preservation. Secondly, we discussed how the engineered biochar modulates the stability of water-stable macroaggregates and soil inorganic nitrogen transformation to enhance plant response under various toxic or deficient nitrogen conditions in the soil. Thirdly, the role of engineered biochar in biological nitrogen fixation, mediating nirK, nirS, and nosZ genes to promote the conversion of N2O to N2, and decreasing denitrification and N2O emission was reviewed. Altogether, we suggest that engineered biochar amendment to soil can regulate soil water-stable macroaggregates, reduce N input, improve nitrogen metabolism, and finally, NUE and crop growth. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time to evaluate the combined interactions of "engineered biochar × soil × NUE × crop growth,” providing advantages over the increasing N and water utilization and crop productivity separately with the aim of enhancing the stability of water-stable macroaggregates and NUE together on a sustainable basis.

Graphical abstract
Delaminated and Pit-rich Nano-kaolinites obtained via an Intercalation-etching Method and their Application to Fischer–Tropsch Synthesis
Authors: Qu Hongxiao , Liu Tong , Hu Ruijue , Qu Hao , Zhang Yichi , Yang Hui , Su Haiquan , Su Yue
Published: September 2023

Modified kaolinites possess excellent adsorption properties and, therefore, are regarded widely as potential catalytic components. The use of modified kaolinites as a catalytic component for Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS) has remained unexplored, however. In the current study, delaminated and pit-rich nano-kaolinite was prepared via acid treatment of N-methylformamide (NMF)-intercalated kaolinite (intercalation-etching strategy), and was used as a support to prepare a cobalt-based FTS catalyst (denoted as 15%-Co-HNKln). Compared with other FTS catalysts, the supports for which were raw kaolinite or directly acid-treated kaolinite, the 15%-Co-HNKln showed several advantages such as large specific surface area, dispersed Co particles with small particle size, more new active sites, and significant surface acidity. Given the aforementioned advantages, the 15%-Co-HNKln catalyst demonstrated very good FTS performance. Compared with that of the raw kaolinite-supported FTS catalyst, the CO conversion rate and C5–C12 hydrocarbon selectivity of 15%-Co-HNKln increased by 20% and 15%, respectively.
Big business as vanguard: social welfare expansion in China
Authors: Chen Hao
Published: September 2023

Why would an emerging market economy without Western democratic institutions provide and promote social welfare to its citizens? This paper explores the driving forces behind the rapid yet unequal expansion of social welfare in China, a phenomenon notable since the late 1990s. Rather than adhering to the conventional state-centered approach that views welfare expansion as a strategy for one-party regimes to seek legitimacy, this study offers an alternate perspective that emphasizes the ‘demand’ side, particularly the role of business. Through a systematic analysis of all 336 Chinese municipalities from 2001 to 2012, the study demonstrates how big businesses act as ‘vanguard,’ pushing local governments to enhance social welfare provision. It suggests that big businesses, in the absence of institutionalized democratic institutions, serve as ‘functional equivalents,’ channeling societal demands to the government. This paper also finds that firms’ influence on social policy in non-democracies is more capability based instead of institutional based; large domestic and multinational corporations are more capable in lobbying the government.
The effect of a prospective intervention program with automated monitoring of hand hygiene performance in long-term and acute-care units at a Veterans Affairs medical center
Authors: Starrett W. Grant , Arbogast James W. , Parker Albert E. , Wagner Pamela T. , Mahrer Susan E. , Christian Vanessa , Lane Barbara L. , Cheek V. Lorraine , Robbins Gregory A. , Boyce John M. , Polenakovik Hari
Published: August 2023

Objective:

To measure the impact of an automated hand hygiene monitoring system (AHHMS) and an intervention program of complementary strategies on hand hygiene (HH) performance in both acute-care and long-term care (LTC) units.

Design:

Prospective, nonrandomized, before-and-after intervention study.

Setting:

Single Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC), with 2 acute-care units and 6 LTC units.

Methods:

An AHHMS that provides group HH performance rates was implemented on 8 units at a VAMC from March 2021 through April 2022. After a 4-week baseline period and 2.5-week washout period, the 52-week intervention period included multiple evidence-based components designed to improve HH compliance. Unit HH performance rates were expressed as the number of dispenses (events) divided by the number of patient room entries and exits (opportunities) × 100. Statistical analysis was performed with a Poisson general additive mixed model.

Results:

During the 4-week baseline period, the median HH performance rate was 18.6 (95% CI, 16.5–21.0) for all 8 units. During the intervention period, the median HH rate increased to 21.6 (95% CI, 19.1–24.4; P < .0001), and during the last 4 weeks of the intervention period (exactly 1 year after baseline), the 8 units exhibited a median HH rate of 25.1 (95% CI, 22.2–28.4; P < .0001). The median HH rate increased from 17.5 to 20.0 (P < .0001) in LTC units and from 22.9 to 27.2 (P < .0001) in acute-care units.

Conclusions:

The intervention was associated with increased HH performance rates for all units. The performance of acute-care units was consistently higher than LTC units, which have more visitors and more mobile veterans.
Delivering Culturally-Appropriate, Technology-Enabled Health Care in Indigenous Communities
Authors: Sajtos Laszlo , Martini Nataly , Scahill Shane , Edwards Hemi , Biasiny-Tule Potaua , Te Rangi Hiria
Published: September 2023

Indigenous health is becoming a top priority globally. The aim is to ensure equal health opportunities, with a focus on Indigenous populations who have faced historical disparities. Effective health interventions in Indigenous communities must incorporate Indigenous knowledge, beliefs, and worldviews to be culturally appropriate.
Improving Labor Outcomes among People with Mild or Moderate Mental Illness through Law and Policy Reform
Authors: Barsky Benjamin A. , Frank Richard G. , Glied Sherry A.
Published: September 2023

Mild and moderate mental illnesses can hinder labor force participation, lead to work interruptions, and hamper earning potential. Targeted interventions have proven effective at addressing these problems. But their potential depends on labor protections that enable people to take advantage of these interventions while keeping jobs and income.
Malleable Morality: Re-Shaping Moral Judgments in Health Policymaking
Authors: Simana Shelly
Published: September 2023

When confronted with moral dilemmas related to health, governments frequently turn to “moral experts,” such as bioethicists and moral philosophers, for guidance and advice. They commonly assume that these experts’ moral judgments are primarily a product of deliberate reasoning. The article challenges this assumption, arguing that experts’ moral judgments may instead be primarily a product of moral intuitions which, often subconsciously, respond to the social setting.
Health Justice Partnerships: An International Comparison of Approaches to Employing Law to Promote Prevention and Health Equity
Authors: Tobin-Tyler Elizabeth , Boyd-Caine Tessa , Genn Hazel , Ries Nola M.
Published: September 2023

This article traces the development and growth of health justice partnerships (HJPs) in three countries: the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom.
Identifying entrepreneurial opportunities in the circular economy
Authors: Diacono Steven , Baldacchino Leonie
Published: September 2023

The circular economy (CE) has gained increasing attention as a means towards sustainable development. Entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises are regarded as key custodians in the transition to a CE. Opportunity identification is the cornerstone of entrepreneurship and has been extensively studied in traditional venturing; however, research on circular opportunity identification is limited. This paper addresses this gap by exploring (1) how entrepreneurs identify opportunities in the CE, underpinned by an adaptation of a sustainable opportunity identification conceptual model and (2) how CE principles are reflected in the identified opportunities, through the lens of the ReSOLVE CE framework. Nine in-depth interviews were conducted with circular entrepreneurs from three European Union member states with high, medium, and low Resource Efficiency Scoreboard rankings. The findings shed light into the black box of circular opportunity identification and indicate that the ReSOLVE levers constitute a useful framework to advance knowledge on circular entrepreneurship.
Risks and destruction of coastal archaeological sites in Algeria – the case of the coast of El Hamdania
Authors: Khellaf Rafik , Bourai Donia , Bensalah Nazim
Published: September 2023

The Algerian coast is rich in cultural heritage. Many major historical cities and archaeological remains are scattered along its coastline. This cultural heritage is increasingly threatened by the rapid urbanisation that Algeria has experienced in recent years. In 2018 the area of El Hamdania (Cherchell region) was selected as the site of a new commercial mega port. This large construction project will affect a number of archaeological sites located in this region. This paper aims to highlight the archaeological importance of the El Hamdania region and assesses the risks of such a construction to the heritage of the region. The archaeological evidence discussed is based on survey work carried out by members of the Laboratoire d’Études Historiques et Archéologiques (LEHA), an institution that carries out research projects on coastal and maritime archaeology in Algeria.
A Chebyshev-type alternation theorem for best approximation by a sum of two algebras
Authors: Asgarova Aida KH. , Huseynli Ali A. , Ismailov Vugar E.
Published: September 2023

Let X be a compact metric space, C(X) be the space of continuous real-valued functions on X and $A_{1},A_{2}$ be two closed subalgebras of C(X) containing constant functions. We consider the problem of approximation of a function $f\in C(X)$ by elements from $A_{1}+A_{2}$. We prove a Chebyshev-type alternation theorem for a function $u_{0} \in A_{1}+A_{2}$ to be a best approximation to f.
‘For King and Empire’: The Changing Political, Economic, and Cultural Identities of Kru Mariners in Atlantic Africa, 1460–1945
Authors: Crutcher Megan
Published: September 2023

This article traces histories of the Kru in West Africa from the fifteenth to nineteenth centuries, arguing that divergent identities of fifteenth- to eighteenth-century Kru canoers became unified when that unified identity was necessary for maintaining political, economic, and cultural autonomy during and after the slave trade. In conjunction with earlier multilingual work on the Kru mariners of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, this article seeks to place the narrative of Kru identity and labor in a larger context of maritime history across the region at large. This article argues that the Kru relied on longstanding maritime traditions from localized groups to capitalize on the need for work and cash in a capitalist economy driven by growing European imperialism. The historical narrative of Kru maritime power shows how local and global identities in Atlantic Africa shifted in response to exploitation, blurring the lines between response and resistance.
Laterality and otorhinolaryngology: a review
Authors: Lancer Hannah , Drake-Lee Adrian
Published: September 2023

Background

Laterality of paired organs involves the function of the eyes, ears, hands and feet. Whilst most people have a right-handed preference, about 10 per cent are left-handed. Similarly, the right eye is usually preferred to the left. Medicine is both taught and practised for those with right hand and eye preference, and left-handed medical students and doctors must negotiate the right-handed world.

Objective

This brief review looks at society's attitudes, medical training and the practice of otolaryngology in the UK towards laterality and handedness.

Method

Literature review.

Results

Studies suggest that left-handers are more versatile and so are more ambidextrous. Conversely, this may result in problems when a right-hander tries to undertake a procedure with the non-dominant hand.

Conclusion

Cultures and attitudes are changing towards those who are left-handed. Left-handed surgeons may encounter difficulties in the clinical environment throughout their training.
International interdisciplinary Arctic research: Case study of the Russian Arctic biomonitoring mega-grant project
Authors: Sorokina Tatiana Yu , Zarubina Lyubov , Gutenev Maxim , Kudryashova Elena
Published: September 2023

The Arctic region is commonly seen as a territory of international dialogue and cooperation. This perception is largely due to the science diplomacy efforts that are largely being contributed by universities, scientific centres, research teams and individual scholars. This paper discusses the Arctic science diplomacy initiatives proposed by Russia’s northernmost federal university. Of particular interest is the case of establishing in the Arctic Zone of the Russian Federation of national biological monitoring network – the initiative supported by the government-funded mega-grant programme. Our analysis suggests that two pillars of science diplomacy – “science for diplomacy” and “diplomacy for science” – can be successfully combined within the framework of one project. Evidence is provided of the pursuit of national interests being not a limiting factor but rather a driver in the process of promoting diplomatic collaborations in science, serving as a third science diplomacy pillar. Significant progress towards ensuring peace and harmony in the Arctic and sustaining international dialogue on science-based responses to global challenges has been achieved through science diplomacy initiatives proposed by Northern (Arctic) Federal University (NArFU). The authors confirm that most effective tools for establishing good neighbourly relations in the Arctic and promoting international cooperation are offered by scientific discussion.