bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multisite reproducibility of quantitative susceptibility mapping and effective transverse relaxation rate in deep gray matter at 3 T using locally optimized sequences in 24 traveling heads
Authors: Naji Nashwan , Lauzon M. Louis , Seres Peter , Stolz Emily , Frayne Richard , Lebel Catherine , Beaulieu Christian , Wilman Alan H.
Published: June 2022

Iron concentration in the human brain plays a crucial role in several neurodegenerative diseases and can be monitored noninvasively using quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) and effective transverse relaxation rate (R2*) mapping from multiecho T2*‐weighted images. Large population studies enable better understanding of pathologies and can benefit from pooling multisite data. However, reproducibility may be compromised between sites and studies using different hardware and sequence protocols. This work investigates QSM and R2* reproducibility at 3 T using locally optimized sequences from three centers and two vendors, and investigates possible reduction of cross‐site variability through postprocessing approaches. Twenty‐four healthy subjects traveled between three sites and were scanned twice at each site. Scan‐rescan measurements from seven deep gray matter regions were used for assessing within‐site and cross‐site reproducibility using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and within‐subject standard deviation (SDw) measures. In addition, multiple QSM and R2* postprocessing options were investigated with the aim to minimize cross‐site sequence‐related variations, including: mask generation approach, echo‐timing selection, harmonizing spatial resolution, field map estimation, susceptibility inversion method, and linear field correction for magnitude images. The same‐subject cross‐site region of interest measurements for QSM and R2* were highly correlated (R2 ≥ 0.94) and reproducible (mean ICC of 0.89 and 0.82 for QSM and R2*, respectively). The mean cross‐site SDw was 4.16 parts per billion (ppb) for QSM and 1.27 s−1 for R2*. For within‐site measurements of QSM and R2*, the mean ICC was 0.97 and 0.87 and mean SDw was 2.36 ppb and 0.97 s−1, respectively. The precision level is regionally dependent and is reduced in the frontal lobe, near brain edges, and in white matter regions. Cross‐site QSM variability (mean SDw) was reduced up to 46% through postprocessing approaches, such as masking out less reliable regions, matching available echo timings and spatial resolution, avoiding the use of the nonconsistent magnitude contrast between scans in field estimation, and minimizing streaking artifacts.
Theory of chemical exchange saturation transfer MRI in the context of different magnetic fields
Authors: Zaiss Moritz , Jin Tao , Kim Seong‐Gi , Gochberg Daniel F.
Published: June 2022

Chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a versatile MRI method that provides contrast based on the level of molecular and metabolic activity. This contrast arises from indirect measurement of protons in low concentration molecules that are exchanging with the abundant water proton pool. The indirect measurement is based on magnetization transfer of radio frequency (rf)‐prepared magnetization from the small pool to the water pool. The signal can be modeled by the Bloch–McConnell equations combining standard magnetization dynamics and chemical exchange processes. In this article, we review analytical solutions of the Bloch–McConnell equations and especially the derived CEST signal equations and their implications. The analytical solutions give direct insight into the dependency of measurable CEST effects on underlying parameters such as the exchange rate and concentration of the solute pools, but also on the system parameters such as the rf irradiation field B1, as well as the static magnetic field B0. These theoretical field‐strength dependencies and their influence on sequence design are highlighted herein. In vivo results of different groups making use of these field‐strength benefits/dependencies are reviewed and discussed.
Removal of erythrosine B dye from wastewater using chitosan boric acid composite material: Experimental and density functional theory findings
Authors: Çetinkaya Hüseyin Fatih , Cebeci Meltem Sarıoğlu , Kaya Savaş , Jalbani Nida Shams , Maslov Mikhail M. , Marzouki Riadh
Published: June 2022

In this study, the chitosan boric acid (Ch‐B) composite has been prepared and characterized with sophisticated analytical techniques such as FT‐IR, SEM, and EDX. The prepared Ch‐B adsorbent was applied for the adsorption of erythrosine B (EB) dye from water samples under the optimized parameters of pH, adsorbent dosage, time, and temperature. Results shows that the Ch‐B adsorbent removes 96.5% of EB dye at pH 5, using 0.05 g of adsorbent. The adsorption equilibrium data have been subject to the Langmuir, Freundlich, and D‐R adsorption equilibrium models, which demonstrates that the Freundlich model was the best fit with good correlation coefficient value (R2 = 0.991), while energy E (9.18 KJ·mol−1) calculated from D‐R model suggested that the physical adsorption nature of the adsorption. Beside this, the thermodynamic and kinetic experiments were performed to check the feasibility and adsorption mechanism of EB‐dye onto Ch‐B adsorbent, which shows that the adsorption is endothermic (∆H = 0.124) and spontaneous in nature due to the negative values of Gibbs free energy (i.e., ∆G KJ·mol−1 = −13.01, −17.06, and −17.60). The kinetic models show that the adsorption equilibrium is best fitted with pseudo second order kinetic model due to good correlation coefficient (R2 = 0.99). Moreover, the interaction phenomenon between adsorbent and adsorbate was analyzed through DFT calculations.
Synthesis, optical nonlinear properties, and all‐optical switching of curcumin analogues
Authors: Faisal Ayman G. , Hassan Qusay M. A. , Alsalim Tahseen A. , Sultan H. A. , Kamounah Fadhil S. , Emshary C. A.
Published: June 2022

The curcumin analogues (Cur‐MeS and Cur‐MeO) are synthesized using the 3‐chloroacetyl acetone and aromatic aldehydes reaction. Both compounds are characterized using FTIR, LC‐MS, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR spectroscopies. The geometric optimization and thermodynamic properties of the two compounds are carried out theoretically using DFT. The highest HOMO, lowest LUMO, and Mullikan atom charges of the two compounds are calculated using the B3LYP and CAM‐B3LYP methods which are hybrid functionals with a 6‐311+G(2d,p) as the basis set. The nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of both compounds are studied using the spatial self‐phase modulation (SSPM) through the diffraction ring patterns (DRPs) and the Z‐scan techniques, using a continuous wave (cw) low power 473 nm laser beam. The index of nonlinear refraction (INR) of both compounds is calculated by the two techniques. The all‐optical switching property of both samples is tested using two visible cw laser beams.
Plasma‐activated chemical solutions and their bactericidal effects
Authors: Li Yiqian , Nie Lanlan , Liu Dawei , Kim Sunjung , Lu Xinpei
Published: June 2022

Plasma‐activated water has received growing attention in recent years. In this study, a plasma device is used to treat solutions containing H+, , and H2O2 alone or their mixture rather than water. The plasma‐activated chemical solutions (PACS) are used to treat Escherichia coli for 15 min afterward. The PACS containing H+, , and H2O2 has the strongest bactericidal effect, and the peroxynitrite is the key reason for the PACS' prolonged effect. The measurement of the species generated after the plasma treatment indicates that the plasma‐activated H+, , and H2O2 mixture has the fastest rate of peroxynitrite production. The peroxynitrite can continuously decompose into OH and NO2 which are also cytotoxic.
Effect of a thin organosilicon layer prepared by atmospheric pressure plasma on wood flame retardancy
Authors: Soula Marie , Profili Jacopo , Caceres‐Ferreira Williams , Samyn Fabienne , Duquesne Sophie , Falzacappa Emanuele V. , Scopece Paolo , Laroche Gaétan , Landry Véronic
Published: June 2022

In a high‐rise building, due to the risk of flame spread and strict regulations associated, wood use is limited for interior finishes. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a thin organosilicon layer (∼500 nm) prepared by atmospheric pressure plasma on the fire behavior of a wood substrate. The coating was deposited from hexamethyldisiloxane in argon on both untreated wood and wood with a preparatory coating of primer. The primer reduces the presence of cracks in the plasma layer and ensures more homogenous coverage of the substrates. Finally, the flame retardancy analysis highlights an improvement in fire behavior only when the primer is used. Our study suggests that plasma thin deposition has a synergic effect with primer to fireproof wood.
The Structural, Mechanical, Lattice Dynamical, and Thermal Properties of 3D Dirac Semimetals BaXBi (X=Cu, Ag, Au) from First‐Principles Calculations
Authors: Salmankurt Bahadır
Published: June 2022

The investigation of structural, mechanical, vibrational, and thermal properties of 3D Dirac semimetal BaXBi (X = Cu, Ag, Au) has been executed within density functional theory for the first time in detail. Available experimental lattice parameters are consistent with obtained data. The mechanical stability conditions for hexagonal structure are confirmed by obtained elastic constants. They are used to find out bulk modulus, B/G ratio, shear ratio, Poisson's ratio, Debye temperature, and minimum thermal conductivity of the materials. The results reveal that these semimetals are in brittle manner. BaCuBi is the hardest material among the compounds. Bonding character for all compounds is dominantly ionic. BaAuBi has the lowest thermal conductivity. Next, vibrational properties are examined and discussed. The crystals are also found to be dynamically stable because there are no negative frequencies in all k‐direction of the crystal. Lastly, the thermodynamic properties have been performed and discussed. This work will provide useful information for both ZrBeSi‐type structure compounds and 3D Dirac semimetals.
Terminal time regulator‐based exact‐time sliding mode control for uncertain nonlinear systems
Authors: Shao Ke , Zheng Jinchuan , Wang Hai , Man Zhihong
Published: June 2022

This article proposes a sliding mode control scheme with exact convergence time for uncertain nonlinear systems. Terminal time regulator is defined for designing the global exact‐time time‐varying sliding mode. The proposed method has the following advantages: first, the reaching phase is absolutely eliminated from the initial time such that the sliding mode invariance is identically guaranteed on an entire dynamics; second, on the sliding mode, the system state converges to the origin exactly at the predefined settling time instant, rather than at an uncertain time instant with boundedness as obtained by existing methods; third, the control signal of the proposed controller is bounded even when the time approaches to the predefined settling time; and fourth, low‐pass filtering is utilized to suppress the signal chattering in the discontinuous control while maintaining the system transient behaviors by selecting a proper time constant. Lyapunov analysis verifies that for any initial condition the closed‐loop system can terminally converge to zero exactly at the predefined time instant. The proposed control is finally generalized for Euler–Lagrange (EL) systems.
Recent Advances on Bimetallic Transition Metal Phosphides for Enhanced Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Ogundipe Taiwo Oladapo , Shen Lisha , YanShi  , Lu Zhuoxin , Yan Changfeng
Published: June 2022

Developing excellent electrocatalysts to replace noble metal catalysts and improve hydrogen production via water splitting is a daunting task. Bimetallic transition metal phosphides (TMPs) display improved performance than monometallic transition metal phosphides due to their synergistic effects. Moreover, research has proven that supporting them on conductive substrates can further enhance their electrochemical performance. Recently, metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) are incorporated into bimetallic TMPs for enhanced performance. This review starts with a synopsis of the reaction mechanisms and performance parameters of hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) electrocatalysts. Moreover, the strategies for enhancing the performance of bimetallic TMPs and improving the hydrophilicity of TMPs are also discussed. In conclusion, the challenges and perspectives of bimetallic transition metal phosphides are discussed. This review analyses the extensive progress in this research domain and proffers insights that can aptly guide the future development of more excellent TMPs and other transition metal electrocatalysts for enhanced hydrogen evolution reaction.
Adsorption of Rutin from Aqueous Solution over an OMS‐2‐Modified ZrO2 Nanocomposite
Authors: Wang Weifeng , Bi Xiuru , Chai Tian , Zhao Peiqing , Yang Jun‐Li , Meng Xu
Published: June 2022

Adsorption and purification of biological molecules with pharmacological functions over advanced adsorption materials are always a concern. In this work, manganese oxide octahedral molecular sieve (OMS‐2)‐modified ZrO2 nanocomposites (ZrO2‐OMS‐2) were fabricated and their adsorption performance towards rutin from aqueous solution was investigated. As‐obtained nanocomposites were fully characterized by N2 adsorption/desorption isothermal, ICP‐AES, XRD, SEM and TEM, which indicates that OMS‐2‐modification significantly promoted the textural properties of the nanocomposites. 10 mol% Mn amount for ZrO2‐OMS‐2 showed the optimal adsorption capacity for rutin due to the enhanced specific surface aera (104 m2/g) and better ZrO2 dispersion. The adsorption rate of 85 % was realized over 10 mg of the optimal adsorbent and the desorption rate could reach nearly 100 % in 0.2 % TFA/methanol solution. Moreover, the adsorbent could be reused for at least 3 times. The adsorption behavior was fitted the pseudo‐second‐order model and Freundlich model. Kinetic and thermodynamic studies suggested that an endothermic chemosorption from Lewis acid‐base paring on the surface of ZrO2‐OMS‐2 was responsible for the good adsorption. This work shows the positive effect of manganese oxide‐modification for ZrO2 during adsorption process and the potential of ZrO2‐based nanocomposites being adsorbents.
Heterogeneous Catalytic Oxidation for the Degradation of Aniline in Aqueous Solution by Persulfate Activated with CuFe2O4/Activated Carbon Catalyst
Authors: Hu Jingchen , Chen Shanshan , Liang Xiaoyi
Published: June 2022

This work investigated the degradation of aniline in aqueous solution by PMS activated with CuFe2O4/activated carbon heterogeneous catalyst. Firstly, catalyst which was successfully synthesized by impregnation and calcination process was fully characterized. Next, influences of factors in degradation on this system were explored. Under optimum process conditions, system could achieve TOC removal rate of 87 % in 2 hours. Then the stability of the catalyst was proved. In addition, the synergistic effect between CuFe2O4 and activated carbon was proposed in PMS activation at both low and high concentrations. Furthermore, it was observed that CuFe2O4/activated carbon could also activate PMS at low concentration. Finally,
was suggested as the main activated species in this system by characterization and analysis. It is concluded that CuFe2O4/activated carbon catalyst could be used as an effective catalyst to activate PMS for the degradation of aniline.
Thin In‐Plane In2O3/ZnIn2S4 Heterostructure Formed by Topological‐Atom‐Extraction: Optimal Distance and Charge Transfer for Effective CO2 Photoreduction
Authors: Zhao Lin , Yang Bixia , Zhuang Guoxin , Wen Yonglin , Zhang Tingshi , Lin Mingxiong , Zhuang Zanyong , Yu Yan
Published: June 2022

Exploitation of atomic‐level principles to optimize the charge transfer on ultrathin 2D heterostructures is an emerging frontier in relieving the energy and environmental crisis. Herein, a facile “topological‐atom‐extraction” protocol is disclosed, i.e., selective extraction of Zn from ultrathin half‐unit‐cell ZnIn2S4 (HZIS) can embed thin In2O3 domain into 1.60 nm thick HZIS layer to create an atomically thin in‐plane In2O3/HZIS heterostructure. Thanks to the optimal distance and capability of charge separation, the in‐plane In2O3/HZIS heterostructure is among the best ZnIn2S4‐based CO2 reduction reaction (CRR) photocatalysts, and indeed demonstrates a significant increase (from 6.8‐ to 128‐fold) in CO production rate compared with those of out‐plane ZIS@In2O3 and out‐plane In2O3‐HZIScalcined heterostructures. Density Functional Theory simulation reveals that whereas the out‐plane heterostructure has a much smaller ∆q of 0.2–0.25 e, the in‐plane heterostructure with “zero distance contact” has an optimal ∆q of 1.05 e between In2O3 and HZIS that induces remarkable charge redistribution on the in‐plane heterojunction interface and creates local electric field confined within the ultrathin layer. The charge redistribution efficiently directs the charge‐carrier separation in S‐scheme photocatalytic system and endows long‐lifetime carrier to CRR active HZIS. The findings demonstrate the strong versatility of engineering atomic‐level heterojunctions for efficient catalysts design.
Emotional Expression for Humanoid Robot Using LED Light and Breathing Simulator
Authors: Xie Yufeng , Matsumoto Mitsuharu
Published: June 2022

This paper focuses on human–robot interaction (HRI) design and describes an emotional expression system for humanoid robot. The system is set on the chest of the robot and consists of LED lights and breathing simulator, with which the robot is expected to visually express its emotions to the user. We had participants join in our experiment to test what kind of emotion is recognized and how strong it is when the system works in different patterns. The result shows that the proposed system has the potential to express different emotions of humanoid robot to help users better understand robot's intention in HRI. © 2022 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Multiscale molecular simulations to investigate adenylyl cyclase‐based signaling in the brain
Authors: van Keulen Siri C. , Martin Juliette , Colizzi Francesco , Frezza Elisa , Trpevski Daniel , Diaz Nuria Cirauqui , Vidossich Pietro , Rothlisberger Ursula , Hellgren Kotaleski Jeanette , Wade Rebecca C. , Carloni Paolo
Published: June 2022

Adenylyl cyclases (ACs) play a key role in many signaling cascades. ACs catalyze the production of cyclic AMP from ATP and this function is stimulated or inhibited by the binding of their cognate stimulatory or inhibitory Gα subunits, respectively. Here we used simulation tools to uncover the molecular and subcellular mechanisms of AC function, with a focus on the AC5 isoform, extensively studied experimentally. First, quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical free energy simulations were used to investigate the enzymatic reaction and its changes upon point mutations. Next, molecular dynamics simulations were employed to assess the catalytic state in the presence or absence of Gα subunits. This led to the identification of an inactive state of the enzyme that is present whenever an inhibitory Gα is associated, independent of the presence of a stimulatory Gα. In addition, the use of coevolution‐guided multiscale simulations revealed that the binding of Gα subunits reshapes the free‐energy landscape of the AC5 enzyme by following the classical population‐shift paradigm. Finally, Brownian dynamics simulations provided forward rate constants for the binding of Gα subunits to AC5, consistent with the ability of the protein to perform coincidence detection effectively. Our calculations also pointed to strong similarities between AC5 and other AC isoforms, including AC1 and AC6. Findings from the molecular simulations were used along with experimental data as constraints for systems biology modeling of a specific AC5‐triggered neuronal cascade to investigate how the dynamics of downstream signaling depend on initial receptor activation.

This article is categorized under:

Structure and Mechanism > Computational Biochemistry and Biophysics

Molecular and Statistical Mechanics > Molecular Dynamics and Monte‐Carlo Methods

Software > Molecular Modeling
Developing a VR Tool to Support Repeat Pattern Design Learning
Authors: Queiroz Francisco , dos Santos Lonsdale Maria , Henry Phillip
Published: June 2022

Virtual Reality (VR) applications have been progressively adopted in design industry and education, and are often associated with increased engagement, creativity, and spatial awareness skills. This study investigates the development and use of a bespoke VR application in textiles and fashion design education, designed to support the teaching and learning of repeat pattern design principles and techniques, transposing the limitations of traditional monitor displays and image editor software. Aiming at identifying potential benefits for students and educators, we have surveyed and observed students who explored the application to visualize their design outputs, applying their pattern designs onto real-size virtual objects and environments. Our findings suggests that VR tools have a positive effect in both learning and design process, allowing students to identify design shortcomings and technical issues, as well as fostering self-evaluation and reflection on their work. Moreover, although findings on spatial awareness are inconclusive, they indicate that the use of the VR application to estimate final dimensions of repeat patterns allows students to identify and correct patterns that have been inaccurately designed.
Swedish Recreational Businesses Coping with COVID-19 Using Technologies
Authors: Alaqra Ala Sarah , Khumalo Akhona C.
Published: June 2022

Restrictions imposed on societies across the world due to the COVID-19 pandemic have had direct and indirect consequences to the public’s health and well-being. Unlike many countries, Sweden’s restrictions were significantly milder. Businesses offering recreational services provide activities that are important to the well-being of the public. This study explores the status and perspectives of 34 Swedish businesses that provide recreational activities during COVID-19 and the role of technology on recreational services. Results show that businesses comply with guidelines and recommendations, have trust in the government despite lack of sufficient support, and have special considerations for youth. Technology was significant in aiding businesses to cope with COVID-19. Trends reported are: adoption of new remote technologies, increase of digital tools use, offerings of online services, and openness to new solutions.
Anderson Localisation for Quasi-One-Dimensional Random Operators
Authors: Macera Davide , Sodin Sasha
Published: June 2022

In 1990, Klein, Lacroix, and Speis proved (spectral) Anderson localisation for the Anderson model on the strip of width $$W \geqslant 1$$

W
⩾
1

, allowing for singular distribution of the potential. Their proof employs multi-scale analysis, in addition to arguments from the theory of random matrix products (the case of regular distributions was handled earlier in the works of Goldsheid and Lacroix by other means). We give a proof of their result avoiding multi-scale analysis and also extend it to the general quasi-one-dimensional model, allowing, in particular, random hopping. Furthermore, we prove a sharp bound on the eigenfunction correlator of the model, which implies exponential dynamical localisation and exponential decay of the Fermi projection. The method is also applicable to operators on the half-line with arbitrary (deterministic, self-adjoint) boundary condition. Our work generalises and complements the single-scale proofs of localisation in pure one dimension ($$W=1$$

W
=
1

), recently found by Bucaj–Damanik–Fillman–Gerbuz–VandenBoom–Wang–Zhang, Jitomirskaya–Zhu, Gorodetski–Kleptsyn, and Rangamani.
Hemodynamics of self-expanding versus balloon-expandable transcatheter heart valves in relation to native aortic annulus anatomy
Authors: Schmidt Sarah , Fortmeier Vera , Ludwig Sebastian , Wienemann Hendrik , Körber Maria Isabel , Lee Samuel , Meertens Max , Macherey Sascha , Iliadis Christos , Kuhn Elmar , Eghbalzadeh Kaveh , Bleiziffer Sabine , Baldus Stephan , Schofer Niklas , Rudolph Tanja Katharina , Adam Matti , Mauri Victor
Published: June 2022

Objectives

This study aimed to compare hemodynamic characteristics of different self-expanding (SE) and balloon-expandable (BE) transcatheter heart valves (THV) in relation to native aortic annulus anatomy.

Background

A patient centered THV selection becomes increasingly important as indications for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) are extended towards lower risk populations.

Methods

Hemodynamic parameters including mean gradient (MG), effective orifice area (EOA), Doppler velocity index (DVI), degree of paravalvular regurgitation (PVR) and patient-prosthesis mismatch (PPM) were compared by valve type, label size and in relation to quintiles of native aortic annulus area.

Results

2609 patients were treated at 3 centers in Germany with SAPIEN 3 (n = 1146), ACURATE Neo (n = 649), Evolut R (n = 546) or Evolut Pro (n = 268) THV. SE THVs provided superior hemodynamics in terms of larger EOA, higher DVI and lower MG compared to BE THV, especially in patients with small aortic annuli. Severe PPM was less frequent in SE treated patients. The rate of PVR ≥ moderate was comparable for SE and BE devices in smaller annular dimensions, but remarkably lower for BE TAVR in large aortic annular dimensions (> 547.64 mm2) (2% BE THV vs. > 10% for SE THV; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Patients with small aortic annular dimensions may benefit hemodynamically from SE THV. With increasing annulus size, BE THV may have advantages since PVR ≥ moderate occurs less frequently.

Graphical abstract
In vitro grafting of hepatic spheroids and organoids on a microfluidic vascular bed
Authors: Bonanini Flavio , Kurek Dorota , Previdi Sara , Nicolas Arnaud , Hendriks Delilah , de Ruiter Sander , Meyer Marine , Clapés Cabrer Maria , Dinkelberg Roelof , García Silvia Bonilla , Kramer Bart , Olivier Thomas , Hu Huili , López-Iglesias Carmen , Schavemaker Frederik , Walinga Erik , Dutta Devanjali , Queiroz Karla , Domansky Karel , Ronden Bob , Joore Jos , Lanz Henriette L. , Peters Peter J. , Trietsch Sebastiaan J. , Clevers Hans , Vulto Paul
Published: June 2022

With recent progress in modeling liver organogenesis and regeneration, the lack of vasculature is becoming the bottleneck in progressing our ability to model human hepatic tissues in vitro. Here, we introduce a platform for routine grafting of liver and other tissues on an in vitro grown microvascular bed. The platform consists of 64 microfluidic chips patterned underneath a 384-well microtiter plate. Each chip allows the formation of a microvascular bed between two main lateral vessels by inducing angiogenesis. Chips consist of an open-top microfluidic chamber, which enables addition of a target tissue by manual or robotic pipetting. Upon grafting a liver microtissue, the microvascular bed undergoes anastomosis, resulting in a stable, perfusable vascular network. Interactions with vasculature were found in spheroids and organoids upon 7 days of co-culture with space of Disse-like architecture in between hepatocytes and endothelium. Veno-occlusive disease was induced by azathioprine exposure, leading to impeded perfusion of the vascularized spheroid. The platform holds the potential to replace animals with an in vitro alternative for routine grafting of spheroids, organoids, or (patient-derived) explants.
Can Job Stressors Activate Amoral Manipulation? A Weekly Diary Study
Authors: Ma Gloria Xiaocheng , Petrou Paraskevas , Bakker Arnold B. , Born Marise Ph.
Published: June 2022

This study investigates whether job stressors such as role ambiguity, procedural unfairness, and perceived competition may prompt high Machiavellian employees to use amoral manipulation at work. We also examine whether these manipulative behaviors are consequently related to their own task performance and affiliative citizenship behaviors. A weekly diary study was conducted among 111 Dutch employees over five consecutive working weeks, resulting in 446 assessed occasions. Using a multilevel moderated mediation model, we found that the relationship between weekly job stressors and weekly amoral manipulation (AM) was contingent on trait AM, when the job stressor was role ambiguity (but not when the job stressor was either weekly procedural unfairness or weekly perceived competition). Our results also revealed significant indirect effects of weekly role ambiguity on weekly task performance and weekly display of courtesy through state AM, when trait AM was high. Our findings suggest that role ambiguity activates high Machiavellian employees’ manipulative behaviors at work, which in turn leads to impaired task performance and less courtesy toward others during the same working week.
Stability assessment for selection of elite sugarcane clones across multi-environment based on AMMI and GGE-biplot models
Authors: Mehareb Eid M. , Osman M. A. M. , Attia A. E. , Bekheet M. A. , Abo Elenen Fouz F. M.
Published: June 2022

Seven field experiments were conducted at three experiment stations representing major sugarcane producing regions in Egypt. Each experiment comprised a randomized complete block design with three replications. Fourteen elite breeding lines typical of those routinely generated in the three final selection stages of sugarcane breeding programs in Egypt, along with one check variety (GT54-9) were evaluated for cane and sugar yield in this study during the 2018/2019, 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 seasons. Stability parameters including cultivar stability rank and superiority index were determined. The data was also investigated using GGE-biplots, the additive main effects and multiplicative interaction model (AMMI), and the AMMI stability value (ASV). The genotype main effect was used to visualize the G x E interaction. The results of these trials are of significance in guiding the selection and recommendation of superior sugarcane varieties and more stable in sugarcane production zones. The clone G.2016–129 had a mean sugar yield and cultivar superiority index for sugar yield exceeding that of GT54-9, and hence was recommended for commercial planting. Because of local conditions in Egypt, an elite sugarcane variety would have high and stable yield and would adapt to a wide range of environments. In the present study, only one clone G.2016–129 fit that definition by producing higher and more stable sugar yield than the commercial variety GT 54–9.. At the side of multivariate analyses, the ASV (AMMI stability value) supports selection of stable varieties in the AMMI Method. Varieties with lowest ASV are stable. Therefore, the results of this study exposed that G.2016–95, F-150 and G.2016–129 with lowest ASV for cane yield by contrast, G.2009–11, G.2016–128, F-150 and G.2016–95 with lowest ASV for sugar yield, were stable clones for cane and sugar yields, respectively.
Maternal epigenetic responsibility: what can we learn from the pandemic?
Authors: Turkmendag Ilke , Liaw Ying-Qi
Published: June 2022

This paper examines the construction of maternal responsibility in transgenerational epigenetics and its implications for pregnant women. Transgenerational epigenetics is suggesting a link between maternal behaviour and lifestyle during pregnancy and the subsequent well-being of their children. For example, poor prenatal diet and exposure to maternal distress during pregnancy are linked to epigenetic changes, which may cause health problems in the offspring. In this field, the uterus is seen as a micro-environment in which new generations can take shape. Because epigenetics concerns how gene expression is influenced by the social realm, including a range of environmental conditions such as stress, diet, smoking, exercise, exposure to chemicals, pollution, and environmental hazards, the research findings in this area have direct policy relevance. For policy makers, rather than controlling this complex range of determinants of health, isolating and targeting maternal body and responsibilising mothers for the control of this micro-environment might seem feasible. Yet, examining the maternal body in isolation as a powerful environment to shape the health of next generations not only responsibilises women for the environment that they cannot control but also makes them a target for intrusive and potentially exploitative biomedical interventions. Even though ‘social factors’ are increasingly considered in epigenetics writing, the phrase is usually taken as self-explanatory without much elaboration. Drawing on the Covid-19 pandemic, this paper moves the current debate forward by providing consolidated examples of how individuals, including pregnant women, have little control over their environment and lifestyle. As evidenced by the pandemic’s disproportionate effects on people with low socioeconomic or poor health status, some pregnant women bore considerable physical and psychological stress which combined with other stress factors such as domestic violence.
Refugee entrepreneurship: systematic and thematic analyses and a research agenda
Authors: Abebe Solomon Akele
Published: June 2022

Refugee entrepreneurship has recently entailed increased scholarly mobilization and drastic growth in the volume of salient scientific research. However, this emerging research stream is marked by fragmentation and incoherence, primarily due to the multidisciplinary and context-specific nature of its extant findings. While this process is natural for emerging fields, the current state of research necessitates a comprehensive review, synthesis, and organization of its subject matter. Hence, this study systematically and thematically explores the landscape of refugee entrepreneurship research and its intellectual territory across diverse disciplines to take stock of a repository of the literature and trace its emergence, nature, and development. By analyzing 131 publications, this paper thus lays a collective research foundation for building a coherent theory, making incremental adjustments, and forming the ontological and epistemological basis for refugee entrepreneurship research. The study also identifies gaps in the literature and opens pathways for future scholarly endeavors.
Unexpected events during survey design and trust in the police: a systematic review
Authors: Nägel Christof , Nivette Amy E.
Published: June 2022

Objectives

The current review has two aims: (1) to synthesize the impact of unexpected events on trust in police across different contexts and types of events, and (2) to evaluate the methodological characteristics of each study with attention to the assumptions for causal inference.

Methods

We conducted a pre-registered narrative systematic review on 12 independent studies.

Results

Studies closely adhering to causal inference assumption checks (i.e., excludability and ignorability) find significant changes in trust in police following incidents of police (non) violence and protest. Still, excludability is assessed and addressed less rigorously than ignorability in the included studies.

Conclusion

Regarding the procedural justice framework, this provides some causal evidence that vicarious (positive and negative) experiences can shape short-term assessments of public trust in police. We furthermore highlight issues related to design and power, statistical conclusion validity, and the evaluation of assumptions to detect threats to internal validity.
Monitoring effect of nickel, copper, and zinc on growth and photosynthetic pigments of Spirulina platensis with suitability investigation in Idku Lake
Authors: Kaamoush Mona , El-Agawany Nagwa , Salhin Hamida El , El-Zeiny Ahmed
Published: June 2022

Owing to the increase of pollutant sources in oceans, seas, and lakes, there is an expected effect on growth and metabolism of planktonic algae which are considered primary producers in the ecosystem. Therefore, it becomes urgent to carry out laboratory studies to test to what extent these pollutants can affect the growth of algae which is necessary as a food for marine fishes. Spirulina is considered the most important algal species due to its high nutritional value for humans and animals. Therefore, this work investigated the effect of different concentrations of Ni2+, Zn2+, and Cu2+ metal ion pollutants on growth of the blue-green alga Spirulina platensis. EC50 was identified to be around 2 mg/l for the three heavy metals. The suitability of Idku Lake for Spirulina platensis growth was investigated using multi-criteria spatial modeling integrated with remotely sensed data processing. Spatial distribution maps of turbidity, water nutrients, and phytoplankton were the input criteria used to assess Idku Lake’s suitability. The results obtained proved that low concentrations of the tested heavy metals stimulated growth and pigment fractions (chlorophyll a, carotenoids, and total phycobilins content) but to different degrees. The inhibitory effect was more prominent in the case of copper ions than zinc and nickel ions with all concentrations used. The overall suitability map of Spirulina platensis in Idku Lake showed that the whole lake is suitable for growth and proliferation except for the northwestern corner due to the high salinity levels. The present paper helps to understand the behavior of algae responding to environmental pollution, which supports environmental planners with the necessary baseline for investigating the fate of pollutants and the potential risk.
Entrepreneurial decision-making perspectives in transition economies – tendencies towards risky/rational decision-making
Authors: Melović Boban , Veljković Slavica Mitrović , Ćirović Dragana , Vulić Tamara Backović , Dabić Marina
Published: June 2022

This paper assesses the ways in which the characteristics of entrepreneurs from transition economies, and the extent to which they participate in making business decisions, affect their propensity to make rational/risky decisions in a work environment. A multicontextual analysis of entrepreneurial decision-making is provided, facilitating a better understanding and the further advancement of entrepreneurship in the transition countries of Montenegro and Serbia. Logistic regression and a Structural Equation Model (SEM) were used to assess data collected from a stratified random sample of 260 entrepreneurs. The results reveal that the demographic characteristics of entrepreneurs have a significant impact on their propensity to make rational/risky decisions. Elderly entrepreneurs with more years of service are more prone to make rational decisions in comparison to younger entrepreneurs, who lack business experience and thus rely on intuition, leading to risky decision-making. Additionally, the results show that the more involved entrepreneurs are in the decision-making process, the more risky decisions will be made; while more employee inclusion leads to business decisions based on rational thinking. The results also reveal that entrepreneurs in transition economies have formed attitudes towards the nature of entrepreneurial activity. Finally, these results reveal that entrepreneurs who consider levels of economic development, national culture, and intuition to be important when making business decisions are more prone to implement risky decisions. Considering the obtained results, this paper provides guidelines for the future research of this issue in transition countries and other developing economies.
Employee mobility and service-related management in the carbon footprint of services—German case studies
Authors: Pelzeter Andrea
Published: June 2022

Purpose

In a service society, the assessment of climate-relevant environmental impacts of services is of increased importance. In the few Product Category Rules (PCRs) for cleaning services available to date, it is noticeable that employee mobility and service-related management are excluded from the assessment. This practice is critically questioned in the following study. The aim is to show that a calculation of the carbon footprint of services that integrates employee mobility and service-related management provides a better basis for finding ways to reduce their environmental impact.

Methods

Key figures on the CO2e emissions of services are examined in exemplary case studies using the example of cleaning, maintenance and reception with regard to the possible share of emissions caused by employee mobility and service-related management activities. For the case studies located in Germany, characteristic values of the equipment, operating materials or mobility used for the service are obtained from available Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). In the absence of EPDs, a simplified estimate is made according to the VERUM method based on the proportion of materials in the product. The case studies compare the carbon footprint of a service by omitting and including employee mobility and service-related management.

Results

The analysed case studies show an impact share between 32 and 69% for employee mobility and between 10 and 26% for service-related management activities in an integrated carbon footprint of services. The emissions caused by employee mobility and service-related management therefore have a dimension that should not be neglected.

Conclusions

From these findings, the necessity is derived to include the emissions from the mobility of operational staff and service-related management in future PCRs for services in order to improve the comparability of services. Optimisation efforts of companies must also start at these points of the service organisation.
Manipulating Spin Polarization of Defected Co3O4 for Highly Efficient Electrocatalysis
Authors: Li Yue , Wang Tianzuo , Asim Muhammad , Pan Lun , Zhang Rongrong , Huang Zhen-Feng , Chen Zhichao , Shi Chengxiang , Zhang Xiangwen , Zou Ji-Jun
Published: June 2022

Electrocatalytic water splitting is limited by kinetics-sluggish oxygen evolution, in which the activity of catalysts depends on their electronic structure. However, the influence of electron spin polarization on catalytic activity is ambiguous. Herein, we successfully regulate the spin polarization of Co3O4 catalysts by tuning the concentration of cobalt defects from 0.8 to 14.5%. X-ray absorption spectroscopy spectra and density functional theory calculations confirm that the spin polarization of Co3O4 is positively correlated with the concentration of cobalt defects. Importantly, the enhanced spin polarization can increase hydroxyl group absorption to significantly decrease the Gibbs free energy change value of the OER rate-determining step and regulate the spin polarization of oxygen species through a spin electron-exchange process to easily produce triplet-state O2, which can obviously increase electrocatalytic OER activity. In specific, Co3O4-50 with 14.5% cobalt defects exhibits the highest spin polarization and shows the best normalized OER activity. This work provides an important strategy to increase the water splitting activity of electrocatalysts via the rational regulation of electron spin polarization.
Early warning of coal dynamic disaster by precursor of AE and EMR "quiet period"
Authors: He Shengquan , Qin Mengli , Qiu Liming , Song Dazhao , Zhang Xiufeng
Published: June 2022

Efficient and accurate monitoring and early warning of coal dynamic disaster and other disasters can provide guarantee for the efficient operation of mine transportation system. However, the traditional threshold early warning method often fails to warning some accidents. To address above issues, a new early warning method was proposed based on "quiet period" phenomenon of AE and EMR during fracture. It is found that, a "quiet period" of AE and EMR was present before the load reaches the peak stress, which could be used as one of the precursors to warn the imminent failure of coal and rock specimens. MS and AE signals increased abnormally followed by the phenomenon of "quiet period" before the occurrence of coal dynamic disaster on site, and the decrease of MS events in the "quiet period" is about 57%–88% compared with that in previous abnormal increase stage. During the damage evolution of coal and rock, "quiet period" phenomenon usually occurred at 85%–90% of the peak stress, where the slope of damage parameter curve is almost zero. The "quiet period" of the AE-EMR signals and the low change rate of damage parameter before failure provide a theoretical foundation for the coal dynamic disaster warning based on the "quiet period" precursor found in MS-AE-EMR monitoring system. These findings will help reduce the number of under-reported events and improve early warning accuracy.
Metal Peptide Conjugates in Cell and Tissue Imaging and Biosensing
Authors: Gkika Karmel S. , Cullinane David , Keyes Tia E.
Published: June 2022

Metal complex luminophores have seen dramatic expansion in application as imaging probes over the past decade. This has been enabled by growing understanding of methods to promote their cell permeation and intracellular targeting. Amongst the successful approaches that have been applied in this regard is peptide-facilitated delivery. Cell-permeating or signal peptides can be readily conjugated to metal complex luminophores and have shown excellent response in carrying such cargo through the cell membrane. In this article, we describe the rationale behind applying metal complexes as probes and sensors in cell imaging and outline the advantages to be gained by applying peptides as the carrier for complex luminophores. We describe some of the progress that has been made in applying peptides in metal complex peptide-driven conjugates as a strategy for cell permeation and targeting of transition metal luminophores. Finally, we provide key examples of their application and outline areas for future progress.
„Kriseninternes Lernen“ und „krisenübergreifendes Lernen“ in der deutschen Kommunalverwaltung
Authors: Bauer Michael W. , Otto Jana , Schomaker Rahel M.
Published: June 2022

Krisen testen die Leistungsfähigkeit von Verwaltungen unter Realbedingungen. Vor diesem Hintergrund analysiert der vorliegende Beitrag Reaktion der deutschen Kommunalverwaltung auf die Fluchtmigration zwischen 2015 und 2017 und auf die erste Welle der COVID-19-Pandemie in 2020. Mit Blick auf die Debatte zum organisationalen Lernen in Ausnahmesituationen liegt der Schwerpunkt der Analyse auf der Rolle administrativer Netzwerke sowie der Lernfähigkeit von öffentlichen Behörden während sowie zwischen Krisensituationen. Die Auswertung zweier Umfragen unter Mitarbeitern der deutschen Kommunalverwaltung zeigt erstens, dass die Qualität der verwaltungsinternen und der zivilgesellschaftlichen Vernetzung von zentraler Bedeutung für administrative Krisenperformanz sind. Zweitens korrespondiert Leistungsfähigkeit in Krisen mit der Bereitschaft sowie mit der Fähigkeit, Lehren aus früheren Krisen zu ziehen.