bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mimicking Metalloenzyme Microenvironments in the Transition Metal‐Single Atom Catalysts for Electrochemical Hydrogen Peroxide Synthesis in an Acidic Medium
Authors: Muthusamy Saravanakumar , Sabhapathy Palani , Raghunath Putikam , Sabbah Amr , Chang Yu‐Chung , Krishnamoorthy Vimal , Ho Thi‐Thong , Chiou Jau‐Wern , Lin Ming‐Chang , Chen Li‐Chyong , Chen Kuei‐Hsien
Published: July 2023

Electrochemical reduction of oxygen into hydrogen peroxide in an acidic medium offers an energy‐efficient and green H2O2synthesis as an alternative to the energy‐intensive anthraquinone process. Unfortunately, high overpotential, low production rates, and fierce competition from traditional four‐electron reduction limit it. In this study, a metalloenzyme‐like active structure is mimicked in carbon‐based single‐atom electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction to H2O2. Using a carbonization strategy, the primary electronic structure of the metal center with nitrogen and oxygen coordination is modulated, followed by epoxy oxygen functionalities close to the metal active sites. In an acidic medium, CoNOC active structures proceed with greater than 98% H2O2selectivity (2e−/2H+) rather than CoNC active sites that are selective to H2O (4e−/4H+). Among all MNOC (M = Fe, Co, Mn, and Ni) single‐atom electrocatalysts, the CoNOC is the most selective (> 98%) for H2O2production, with a mass activity of 10 A g−1at 0.60 V vs. RHE. X‐ray absorption spectroscopy is used to identify the formation of unsymmetrical MNOC active structures. Experimental results are also compared to density functional theory calculations, which revealed that the structure‐activity relationship of the epoxy‐surrounded CoNOC active structure reaches optimum (ΔG*OOH) binding energies for high selectivity.
Autoradiographic characterization of [18F]PSMA‐1007 binding in rat brain
Authors: Thomsen Majken B. , Landau Anne M. , Bender Dirk , Cumming Paul
Published: July 2023

Carboxypeptidase II (CBPII) in brain metabolizes the neuroactive substance N‐acetyl‐L‐aspartyl‐L‐glutamate (NAGG) to yield the elements of glutamate and N‐acetyl‐aspartate (NAA). In peripheral organs, CBPII is known as prostrate specific membrane antigen (PSMA), which presents an important target for nuclear medicine imaging in prostate cancer. Available PSMA ligands for PET imaging do not cross the blood–brain barrier, and there is scant knowledge of the neurobiology of CBPII, despite its implication in the regulation of glutamatergic neurotransmission. In this study we used the clinical PET tracer [18F]‐PSMA‐1007 ([18F]PSMA) for an autoradiographic characterization of CGPII in rat brain. Ligand binding and displacement curves indicated a single site in brain, with KD of about 0.5 nM, and Bmax ranging from 9 nM in cortex to 19 nM in white matter (corpus callosum and fimbria) and 24 nM in hypothalamus. The binding properties of [18F]PSMA in vitro should enable its use for autoradiographic investigations of CBPII expression in animal models of human neuropsychiatric conditions.
Morphological trait evolution inSolanum(Solanaceae): Evolutionary lability of key taxonomic characters
Authors: Hilgenhof Rebecca , Gagnon Edeline , Knapp Sandra , Aubriot Xavier , Tepe Eric J. , Bohs Lynn , Giacomin Leandro L. , Gouvêa Yuri F. , Martine Christopher T. , Orejuela Andrés , Orozco Clara Inés , Peralta Iris E. , Särkinen Tiina
Published: July 2023

Solanumis one of the world's largest and economically most important plant genera, including 1245 currently accepted species and several major and minor crops (e.g., tomato, potato, brinjal eggplant, scarlet eggplant, Gboma eggplant, lulo, and pepino). Here we provide an overview of the evolution of 25 key morphological traits for the major and minor clades of this giant genus based on stochastic mapping using a well‐sampled recently published phylogeny ofSolanum. The most evolutionarily labile traits (showing >100 transitions across the genus) relate to plant structure (growth form and sympodial unit structure), herbivore defence (glandular trichomes), pollination (corolla shape and colour), and dispersal (fruit colour). Ten further traits show evolutionary lability with 50–100 transitions across the genus (e.g., specialised underground organs, trichome structure, leaf type, inflorescence position and branching, stamen heteromorphism). Our results reveal a number of highly convergent traits inSolanum, including tubers, rhizomes, simple leaves, yellow corollas, heteromorphic anthers, dioecy, and dry fruits, and some unexpected pathways of trait evolution that could be explored in future studies. We show that informally named clades ofSolanumcan be morphologically defined by trait combinations providing a tool for identification and enabling predictive phylogenetic placement of unsampled species.
Barriers and solutions to Alzheimer's disease clinical trial participation for Black Americans
Authors: Savold Jordan , Cole Michele , Thorpe Roland J.
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Black Americans are disproportionately burdened by Alzheimer's disease (AD) relative to other racial groups in the United States and continue to be underrepresented in AD clinical trials. This review explores the primary barriers for participation in clinical trials among Black Americans and provides literature‐based recommendations to improve the inclusion of Black Americans in AD clinical trials.

Methods

We searched electronic databases and gray literature for articles published in the United States through January 1, 2023, ultimately identifying 26 key articles for inclusion.

Results

Barriers to participation in clinical trials for Black Americans are rooted in social determinants of health, including access to quality education and information, access to health care, economic stability, built environment, and community context. Best practices to improve the inclusion of Black Americans in clinical trials require pharmaceutical companies to adopt a multifaceted approach, investing in innovative strategies for site selection, development of local partnerships, outreach, and education.

Discussion

While multisectoral action must occur to effectively address the disproportionate burden of AD on Black Americans, the pharmaceutical industry has an important part to play in this space due to their central role in product development and clinical trials.
Epidemiological study on equine coccidiosis in North and Northeast of Iran
Authors: Gorji Faezeh Faghihzadeh , Sadr Soheil , Borji Hassan
Published: July 2023

Background

Eimeria is a genus of protozoan parasites that infect many animal species, including horses. We conducted a cross‐sectional study of indigenous breeds of horses from the North and Northeast of Iran to establish the prevalence and distribution of Eimeria species.

Material and methods

Using standard coprological techniques, 340 faecal samples from randomly selected horses (141 from North Iran and 199 from Northeast Iran) were examined for Eimeria oocyst.

Results

Out of 340 samples, only three from north Iran were positive for coccidiosis. Infections occurred by Eimeria leuckarti. The mean intensity of oocyst output (3–38 o.p.g.) was very low. No clinical signs of gastrointestinal disorders were noticed in horses during this study.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that the prevalence of Eimeria species causing coccidiosis in indigenous breeds of horses from the North and Northeast of Iran is relatively low. These findings provide valuable insights into the health status of indigenous horses in Iran and may help guide future efforts to promote their welfare and productivity.
Internet of Production: Challenges, Potentials, and Benefits for Production Processes due to Novel Methods in Digitalization
Authors: Hopmann Christian , Hirt Gerhard , Schmitz Mauritius , Bailly David
Published: July 2023

In industrial production, customers’ requirements are rising regarding various aspects. Products have to be produced more economical, more flexible, faster, and with much higher quality requirements. Furthermore, especially for traditional mass production processes, shorter product cycles increase the demand in rapid production and process development. The inherent increased product and production complexity raises additional challenges not only in development but also in setup and operation. Lastly, upcoming requirements for sustainable production have to be incorporated. These conflicting aspects lead to increasing complexity for production development as well as production setup at each individual production step as well as along the complete value chain. To master these challenges, digitalization and data-driven models are fundamental tools, since these allow for the automation of many basic tasks as well as processing of large data sets to achieve process understanding and derive appropriate measures. This chapter illustrates requirements for digital systems to be created and benefits derived by different novel systems. Furthermore, because modern systems have to incorporate not only single processes but complex process chains, various production processes and assembly processes are taken into account. In the following chapters, Ruppel et al. 2023; Lockner et al. 2023; Idzik et al 2023; Kluge-Wilkes at al. 2023 digitalization and Industry 4.0 approaches are presented, which incorporate data-driven models for a wide variety of production processes and for different time scales. Many techniques are illustrated to generate benefits on various levels due to the use of data-driven, model-based systems, which are incorporated into a digital infrastructure.
Architectural Sketch to 3D Model: An Experiment on Simple-Form Houses
Authors: Yang Hong-Bin , Johanes Mikhael , Kim Frederick Chando , Bernhard Mathias , Huang Jeffrey
Published: July 2023

Transforming sketches into digital 3D models has been an enduring practice in the design process since the first digital turn in architecture. However, 3D modeling is time-consuming, and 3D modeling software usually has a cumbersome interface. Aiming to bridge the gap between sketch and 3D model, we propose a framework that can turn a hand-drawn 2D sketch into a 3D mesh. The user can draw a sketch on the canvas through a web-based interface, and the corresponding 3D model will automatically be generated and shown aside. The 3D model can be downloaded or synchronized into the Rhino directly through Grasshopper.

The proposed framework uses a machine learning-based approach to generate a 3D mesh from a single hand-drawn sketch by deforming a template shape. Since the generated models have an uneven surface, we apply an optimization step to refine the form, creating a more usable architectural 3D model with planar faces and sharper edges. We create the Simple House Dataset, which consists of 5000 single-volume houses, to train the neural network. We defined five categories of house typologies - distinguished by roof shape and other geometric properties - and generated 1000 models for each class with parameters chosen randomly. Each model includes a 3D mesh and 20 perspective line drawings from different angles.

Although the limitation of the generalization ability makes it unlikely to replace the conventional 3D modeling software today, the fast sketch to 3D transformation allows architects to explore the possibility of various architectural forms and may speed up the design process in the early stage. The code of this project and the Simple House dataset has been published on Github [29].
Einleitung
Authors: Kaspar Roman , Simonson Julia , Tesch-Römer Clemens , Wagner Michael , Zank Susanne
Published: July 2023

Trotz des schnellen Wachstums des Anteils der Bevölkerung in einem Alter ab 80 Jahren an der Gesamtbevölkerung Deutschlands (Statistisches Bundesamt 2019), ist das Wissen über diese Bevölkerungsgruppe bislang gering. Zwar gibt es thematisch, methodisch und regional spezifische Studien, jedoch keine repräsentative Erfassung der Lebenssituation und Lebensqualität dieser Altersgruppe für den gesamtdeutschen Raum. Die bedeutsamsten bevölkerungsrepräsentativen Umfragen in Deutschland, wie der auf Deutschland bezogene Teil des Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), das Sozio-oekonomische Panel (SOEP) oder die Studie Gesundheit in Deutschland aktuell (GEDA) des Robert-Koch-Instituts bilden zum Teil zwar auch ältere und sehr alte Menschen mit ab, sind dabei aber mit besonderen Herausforderungen konfrontiert, auch die Anstaltsbevölkerung und Personen mit schlechterem Gesundheitszustand angemessen zu repräsentieren (Fuchs 2009; Gaertner et al. 2019; Schanze und Zins 2019). Auch der Deutsche Alterssurvey (DEAS), der als quer- und längsschnittliche Langzeitstudie die Lebenssituationen und Alternsverläufe von Menschen, die sich in der zweiten Lebenshälfte befinden, umfassend abbildet, hat in den vergangenen Jahren zusätzliche Schritte unternommen, um schwer befragbare Gruppen von älteren Menschen beispielsweise durch Stellvertreterinterviews besser einbeziehen zu können. Darüber hinaus wurden neue Gewichtungskonzepte erarbeitet um generalisierende Aussagen auch für die Bevölkerungsgruppe der 85- bis 90-Jährigen zu treffen, die erst über verschiedene Befragungswellen hinweg dieses sehr hohe Alter erreichen (Schiel et al. 2021). Keine der bislang verfügbaren bundesweiten Studien fokussiert jedoch spezifisch auf das sehr hohe Lebensalter und stellt über eine disproportionale Zufallsziehung schwach vertretener Gruppen sicher, dass auch in diesem Alterssegment differenzierte Analysen nach soziodemografischen Subgruppen mit hoher Teststärke möglich sind. Eine solche gute Datenlage ist jedoch notwendig: Zum einen, um den besonderen Unterstützungsbedarfen im hohen Alter zukünftig besser gerecht werden zu können. Zum anderen, um Lösungsansätze für sozialpolitische Herausforderungen wie die soziale Sicherung im Alter oder im Hinblick auf Generationengerechtigkeit entwickeln zu können.
Das Einkommen der Hochaltrigen in Deutschland
Authors: Fey Jonas , Wagner Michael
Published: July 2023

Zwischen November 2020 und April 2021 wurde aufbauend auf der NRW80+ Studie die bundesweite Studie „Hohes Alter in Deutschland“ (D80+) durchgeführt. Die Erhebung der Daten erfolgte im Rahmen einer bundesweiten, repräsentativen schriftlichen Befragung von mehr als 10.000 Personen ab 80 Jahren zu deren Lebenssituation und Lebensqualität. Mit diesen Daten ist die Einkommenssituation und Einkommensungleichheit dieser hochaltrigen Personen repräsentativ, aktuell erfasst und kann differenziert analysiert werden. Wir berichten nachfolgend – bis auf wenige Ausnahmen – das Nettoeinkommen der Hochaltrigen, genauer deren Haushaltsnettoäquivalenzeinkommen, das ein auf die Haushaltsmitglieder bezogenes Pro-Kopf-Einkommen darstellt. Einkommensarmut wurde anhand der gängigen Armutsriskoschwelle von 60 % des mittleren Einkommens (Median) definiert, welches bei Unterschreitung eines Nettobetrages von 1176,-€ monatlich vorliegt. Aussagen über Vermögen, Schulden und Einkommensquellen können in diesem Bericht nicht getroffen werden.
Patterning DNA Origami on Membranes Through Protein Self-Organization
Authors: Ramm Beatrice , Khmelinskaia Alena , Franquelim Henri G. , Schwille Petra
Published: July 2023

Spatial organization on the atomic scale is one of the key objectives of nanotechnology. The development of DNA nanotechnology is a hallmark of material programmability in 2D and 3D, in which the large variety of available DNA modifications allows it to be interfaced with a number of inorganic and organic materials. Nature’s solution to spatiotemporal control has been the evolution of self-organizing protein systems capable of pattern formation through energy dissipation. Here, we show that combining DNA origami with a minimal micron-scale pattern-forming system vastly expands the applicability of DNA nanotechnology, whether for the development of biocompatible materials or as an essential step toward building synthetic cells from the bottom up. We first describe the interaction of DNA origami nanostructures with model lipid membranes and introduce the self-organizing MinDE protein system from Escherichia coli. We then outline how we used DNA origami to elucidate diffusiophoresis on membranes through MinDE protein pattern formation. We describe how this novel biological transport mechanism can, in turn, be harnessed to pattern DNA origami nanostructures on the micron scale on lipid membranes. Finally, we discuss how our approach could be used to create the next generation of hybrid materials, through cargo delivery and multiscale molecular patterning capabilities.
DNA Assembly of Dye Aggregates—A Possible Path to Quantum Computing
Authors: Yurke Bernard
Published: July 2023

DNA-based self-assembly enables the programmable arrangement of matter on a molecular scale. It holds promise as a means with which to fabricate high technology products. DNA-based self-assembly has been used to arrange chromophores (dye molecules) covalently linked to DNA to form Förster resonant energy transfer and exciton-based devices. Here we explore the possibility of making coherent exciton information processing devices, including quantum computers. The focus will be on describing the chromophore arrangements needed to implement a complete set of gates that would enable universal quantum computation.
SHAPER: can you hear the shape of a jet?
Authors: Ba Demba , Dogra Akshunna S. , Gambhir Rikab , Tasissa Abiy , Thaler Jesse
Published: July 2023

Abstract

The identification of interesting substructures within jets is an important tool for searching for new physics and probing the Standard Model at colliders. Many of these substructure tools have previously been shown to take the form of optimal transport problems, in particular the Energy Mover’s Distance (EMD). In this work, we show that the EMD is in fact the natural structure for comparing collider events, which accounts for its recent success in understanding event and jet substructure. We then present a Shape Hunting Algorithm using Parameterized Energy Reconstruction (Shaper), which is a general framework for defining and computing shape-based observables. Shaper generalizes N-jettiness from point clusters to any extended, parametrizable shape. This is accomplished by efficiently minimizing the EMD between events and parameterized manifolds of energy flows representing idealized shapes, implemented using the dual-potential Sinkhorn approximation of the Wasserstein metric. We show how the geometric language of observables as manifolds can be used to define novel observables with built-in infrared-and-collinear safety. We demonstrate the efficacy of the Shaper framework by performing empirical jet substructure studies using several examples of new shape-based observables.
The Tjurina Number for Sebastiani–Thom Type Isolated Hypersurface Singularities
Authors: Almirón Patricio
Published: July 2023

In this note, we provide a formula for the Tjurina number of a join of isolated hypersurface singularities in separated variables. From this, we are able to provide a characterization of isolated hypersurface singularities whose difference between the Milnor and Tjurina numbers is less or equal than two arising as the join of isolated hypersurface singularities in separated variables. Also, we are able to provide new upper bounds for the quotient of Milnor and Tjurina numbers of certain join of isolated hypersurface singularities. Finally, we deduce an upper bound for the quotient of Milnor and Tjurina numbers in terms of the singularity index of any isolated hypersurface singularity, not necessarily a join of singularities.
Isoalantolactone relieves depression-like behaviors in mice after chronic social defeat stress via the gut-brain axis
Authors: Wang Siming , Cai Qihan , Xu Lu , Sun Yanan , Wang Mengmeng , Wang Yu , Zhang Lili , Li Keqing , Ni Zhiyu
Published: July 2023

Rationale

The management of depression continues to be challenging despite the variety of available antidepressants. Herbal medicines are used in many cultures but lack stringent testing to understand their efficacy and mechanism of action. Isoalantolactone (LAT) from Elecampane (Inula helenium) improved the chronic social defeat stress (CSDS)-induced anhedonia-like phenotype in mice comparable to fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).

Objectives

Compare the effects of LAT and fluoxetine on depression-like behaviors in mice exposed to CSDS.

Result

The CSDS-induced decrease in protein expression of postsynaptic density (PSD95), brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and glutamate receptor subunit-1 (GluA1) in the prefrontal cortex was restored by LAT. LAT showed robust anti-inflammatory activity and can lessen the increase in IL-6 and TNF-α caused by CSDS. CSDS altered the gut microbiota at the taxonomic level, resulting in significant changes in α- and β-diversity. LAT treatment reestablished the bacterial abundance and diversity and increased the production of butyric acid in the gut that was inhibited by CSDS. The levels of butyric acid were negatively correlated with the abundance of Bacteroidetes, and positively correlated with those of Proteobacteria and Firmicutes across all treatment groups.

Conclusions

The current data suggest that, similar to fluoxetine, LAT show antidepressant-like effects in mice exposed to CSDS through the modulation of the gut-brain axis.
Ultrasound-guided hydrodilatation for adhesive capsulitis: capsule-preserving versus capsule-rupturing technique
Authors: Pimenta Madalena , Vassalou Evangelia E. , Klontzas Michail E. , Dimitri-Pinheiro Sofia , Ramos Isabel , Karantanas Apostolos H.
Published: July 2023

Objective

To compare the clinical efficacy of capsule-rupturing versus capsule-preserving ultrasound-guided hydrodilatation in patients with shoulder adhesive capsulitis (AC). To determine potential factors affecting the outcome over a 6-month follow-up.

Materials and methods

Within a 2-year period, 149 consecutive patients with AC were prospectively enrolled and allocated into (i) group-CR, including 39 patients receiving hydrodilatation of the glenohumeral joint (GHJ) with capsular rupture and (ii) group-CP, including 110 patients treated with GHJ hydrodilatation with capsular preservation. Demographics, affected shoulder, and AC grade were recorded. Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire and visual analog scale (VAS) were used for clinical assessment at baseline/1/3/6 months. Comparisons were performed with Mann-Whitney U test and Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Linear regression was used to identify predictors of outcome. P value < 0.05 defined significance.

Results

DASH and VAS scores in both groups improved significantly compared to baseline (P < 0.001) and were significantly lower in the CP compared to CR group at all time-points following intervention (P < 0.001). Capsule rupture was a significant predictor of DASH score at all time-points (P < 0.001). DASH scores correlated to initial DASH score at all time-points (P < 0.001). DASH/VAS scores at 1 month were correlated to the AC grade (P = 0.025/0.02).

Conclusion

GHJ hydrodilatation results in pain elimination and functional improvement till the mid-term in patients with AC, with improved outcome when adopting the capsule-preserving compared to the capsule-rupturing technique. Higher initial DASH score is predictive of impaired functionality in the mid-term.
Defining research priorities and needs in cancer symptoms for adults diagnosed with cancer: an Australian/New Zealand modified Delphi study
Authors: Yenson Vanessa M. , Amgarth-Duff Ingrid , Brown Linda , Caperchione Cristina M. , Clark Katherine , Cross Andrea , Good Phillip , Landers Amanda , Luckett Tim , Philip Jennifer , Steer Christopher , Vardy Janette L. , Wong Aaron K. , Agar Meera R.
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study asked consumers (patients, carers) and healthcare professionals (HCPs) to identify the most important symptoms for adults with cancer and potential treatment interventions.

Methods

A modified Delphi study was conducted involving two rounds of electronic surveys based on prevalent cancer symptoms identified from the literature. Round 1 gathered information on participant demographics, opinions and/or experience on cancer symptom frequency and impact, and suggestions for interventions and/or service delivery models for further research to improve management of cancer symptoms. In Round 2, respondents ranked the importance of the top ten interventions identified in Round 1. In Round 3, separate expert panels of consumers and healthcare professionals (HCPs) attempted to reach consensus on the symptoms and interventions previously identified.

Results

Consensus was reached for six symptoms across both groups: fatigue, constipation, diarrhoea, incontinence, and difficulty with urination. Notably, fatigue was the only symptom to reach consensus across both groups in Round 1.

Similarly, consensus was reached for six interventions across both groups. These were the following: medicinal cannabis, physical activity, psychological therapies, non-opioid interventions for pain, opioids for breathlessness and cough, and other pharmacological interventions.

Conclusions

Consumers and HCPs prioritise differently; however, the symptoms and interventions that reached consensus provide a basis for future research. Fatigue should be considered a high priority given its prevalence and its influence on other symptoms. The lack of consumer consensus indicates the uniqueness of their experience and the need for a patient-centred approach. Understanding individual consumer experience is important when planning research into better symptom management.
Post-operative segmental cerebral venous sinus thrombosis: risk factors, clinical implications, and therapeutic considerations
Authors: Sturiale Carmelo Lucio , Auricchio Anna Maria , Valente Iacopo , Vacca Alessandro , Pennisi Giovanni , Ciaffi Gabriele , Albanese Alessio , Olivi Alessando , Trevisi Gianluca
Published: July 2023

Cerebral venous sinus thromboses (CVSTs) are rare complications of neurosurgical interventions and their management remains controversial as most of cases appear clinically silent. Here, we analyzed our institutional series of patients with CVSTs evaluating clinical and neuroradiological characteristics, risk factors, and outcome. From the analysis of our institutional PACS, we collected a total of 59 patients showing postoperative CVSTs after supratentorial or infratentorial craniotomies. For every patient, we collected demographics and relevant clinical and laboratory data. Details on thrombosis trend were retrieved and compared along the serial radiological assessment. A supratentorial craniotomy was performed in 57.6% of cases, an infratentorial in 37.3%, while the remaining were a single cases of trans-sphenoidal and neck surgery (1.7%, respectively). A sinus infiltration was present in almost a quarter of patients, and in 52.5% of cases the thrombosed sinus was exposed during the craniotomy. Radiological signs of CVST were evident in 32.2% of patients, but only 8.5% of them developed a hemorrhagic infarct. CVST-related symptoms were complained by 13 patients (22%), but these were minor symptoms in about 90%, and only 10% experienced hemiparesis or impaired consciousness. The majority of patients (78%) remained completely asymptomatic along the follow-up. Risk factors for symptoms occurrence were interruption of preoperative anticoagulants, infratentorial sinuses involvement and evidence of vasogenic edema and venous infarction. Overall, a good outcome defined mRS 0–2 was observed in about 88% of patients at follow-up. CVST is a complication of surgical approaches in proximity of dural venous sinuses. CVST usually does not show progression and courses uneventfully in the vast majority of cases. The systematic use of post-operative anticoagulants seems to not significantly influence its clinical and radiological outcome.
Dynamic displacement monitoring by integrating high-rate GNSS and accelerometer: on the possibility of downsampling GNSS data at reference stations
Authors: Paziewski Jacek , Stepniak Katarzyna , Sieradzki Rafal , Yigit Cemal Ozer
Published: July 2023

We combine accelerometer and asynchronous high-rate GNSS data to retrieve dynamic displacements. The method adopts relative GNSS positioning with observations of different sampling rates at rover and reference stations. The objective is to examine the feasibility of downsampling GNSS data at reference stations and thus, verify whether permanent GNSS networks collecting low-rate observations can serve as reference sites. The performance is assessed using a shake table to induce displacement waveforms. We show that the combined GNSS and accelerometer solution improves displacement accuracy by half compared to the GNSS-only one. Further accuracy improvement is obtained by applying the Rauch Tung Striebel (RTS) smoother. Consequently, it is reasonable to downsample high-rate GNSS data at the reference station even to a 2 s interval and preserve the displacement error below 1 mm. The results also reveal that a fusion of GNSS with accelerometer and RTS smoothing helps to mitigate the ephemeris error. With the assessment in the time–frequency domain, we show that the combined solution better recovers displacement waveforms than GNSS-only. For the former solution, the detected peak frequencies agree very well with those of the Linear Variable Differential Transformer responsible for providing the ground truth displacements, and the amplitude error does not exceed 0.5 mm. We conclude that the proposed approach based on asynchronous GNSS observations provides millimeter-level precision results and is better for reconciling dynamic displacements than a GNSS-only solution or simply integrating accelerometer data.
On robot grasp learning using equivariant models
Authors: Zhu Xupeng , Wang Dian , Su Guanang , Biza Ondrej , Walters Robin , Platt Robert
Published: July 2023

Real-world grasp detection is challenging due to the stochasticity in grasp dynamics and the noise in hardware. Ideally, the system would adapt to the real world by training directly on physical systems. However, this is generally difficult due to the large amount of training data required by most grasp learning models. In this paper, we note that the planar grasp function is $$\textrm{SE}(2)$$

SE
(
2
)

-equivariant and demonstrate that this structure can be used to constrain the neural network used during learning. This creates an inductive bias that can significantly improve the sample efficiency of grasp learning and enable end-to-end training from scratch on a physical robot with as few as 600 grasp attempts. We call this method Symmetric Grasp learning (SymGrasp) and show that it can learn to grasp “from scratch” in less that 1.5 h of physical robot time. This paper represents an expanded and revised version of the conference paper Zhu et al. (2022).
Philosophical underpinnings of digital citizenship through a postdigital lens: Implications for teacher educators’ professional digital competence
Authors: Örtegren Alex
Published: July 2023

Embedded in society, digital infrastructure has changed citizens’ lives. Young people therefore need to develop digital competence and digital citizenship, and schools have an important role in this regard. To prepare new schoolteachers for this role, teacher educators (TEDs) need professional digital competence (PDC) that includes knowledge, competences, and a conceptual understanding to teach teaching for digital citizenship. In light of the limited body of research on theorizing digital citizenship in relation to TEDs’ PDC, this paper critically analyzes three conceptualizations of digital citizenship. Being potentially normative and part of the latest phase of development in the field, these conceptualizations could shape TEDs’ PDC and practice. In a qualitative content analysis of the selected conceptualizations, this paper uses a postdigital lens to bring into focus and critically analyze aspects of philosophical underpinnings related to socio-technical relations. The results show that conceptualizations of digital citizenship convey different understandings of human–technology relations and the knowledge and competences necessary to exercise digital citizenship. These differences have far-reaching implications for TEDs’ PDC in ways that could impact students’ opportunities to develop digital competence and digital citizenship. Therefore, TEDs’ PDC needs to include a critical understanding of digital citizenship, and the post-pandemic juncture of “new normal” provides opportunities to rethink and reframe PDC. To this end, a postdigital lens can shift the focus to how PDC is contingent on the shifting entanglements in which pedagogical activities are situated and orchestrated, and how these relate to broader issues of injustice in society.
From decolonisation to authoritarianism: the co-option of the decolonial agenda in higher education by right-wing nationalist elites in Russia and India
Authors: Lewis Alexandra , Lall Marie
Published: July 2023

This article discusses how the critique of the monopoly of Western liberal thought through the decolonisation movement that was intended to increase the number of voices heard has been co-opted by nationalist politics in India and Russia. The debates in higher education in these countries reflect current key questions on the nature of the Indian and Russian nations—both under respective nationalist governments—where both are advocating a cutting off from Western modernity. Using Mignolo’s concept of “de-linking” that was intended to raise up non-Western ways of thinking, the article shows that India and Russia have adapted and simplified decolonial discourse to reject “Western-influenced” critiques of development, inequality, and authoritarianism. Under political pressure from these authoritarian regimes, universities have helped to embed repressive majoritarian politics through anti-Western rhetoric disguised as de-linking, enabling democratic backsliding by discrediting opposition. This is done to protect a new identity based upon state conceptions of traditional values, paradoxically erasing minority voices that do not fit neatly into the unified national narrative. When universities are branded as Western agents for being critical of local traditions and schools of thought, the space for critical thinking and democratic debate is ultimately removed, leaving those who oppose Putin and Modi with no safe way to engage with political discourse, and this actually undermines the intentions of decolonial philosophy.
Climate, Temporal Abundance of Key Food Sources and Home Ranges of Crested Macaques (Macaca nigra) in Sulawesi, Indonesia: A Longitudinal Phenological Study
Authors: Joly Marine , Tamengge Meldy , Pfeiffer Jan-Boje , Price Megan , Agil Muhammad , Engelhardt Antje
Published: July 2023

Climate change is associated with more frequent extreme weather conditions and an overall increase in temperature around the globe. Its impact on individual ecosystems is not yet well known. Long-term data documenting climate and the temporal abundance of food for primates are scarce. We used long-term phenological data to assess climate variation, fruit abundance and home range sizes of the endemic and Critically Endangered crested macaques (Macaca nigra) in Tangkoko forest, Sulawesi, Indonesia. Between January 2012 and July 2020, every month, we monitored 498 individual trees from 41 species and 23 families. We noted each tree’s phenophase and assessed variation in climate (daily temperature and rainfall) and fruit abundance. We also investigated whether individual trees of known key food sources for macaques (New Guinea walnut trees, Dracontomelon spp, two species, N = 10 individual trees; fig trees, Ficus spp, four species, N = 34, and spiked peppers, Piper aduncum, N = 4) showed regular and synchronised fruiting cycles. We used 2877 days of ranging data from four habituated groups to estimate home ranges between January 2012 and July 2020. We created models to evaluate the impact of ecological factors (temperature, rainfall, overall fruit abundance, fig abundance). We found that the temperature increased in Tangkoko forest, and the overall fruit abundance decreased across the study. Top key fruits showed different trends in fruiting. Figs seem to be present year-round, but we did not detect synchrony between individuals of the same species. The macaque home ranges were about 2 km2. Monthly temperature was the main predictor of home range size, especially in disturbed forest with previously burnt areas. This information will help to further monitor changes in the macaques’ habitat, and better understand ranging and foraging strategies of a Critically Endangered species and hence contribute to its conservation.
Control of Biodegradability Under Composting Conditions and Physical Performance of Poly (Lactic Acid) Based Materials Modified with Phenolic-Free Rosin Resin
Authors: de la Rosa-Ramírez Harrison , Aldas Miguel , Ferri José Miguel , Pawlak Franciszek , López-Martínez Juan , Samper María Dolores
Published: July 2023

Biodegradable materials based on poly (lactic acid) (PLA) and a phenolic free modified rosin resin were obtained and studied to control the biodegradability under composting conditions of the materials. The resin was blended in concentrations of 1, 3, 5, 10, and 15 parts per hundred (phr) of base polymer using industrial plastic processing techniques. Additionally, to study the effect of the resin on the compatibility of the PLA, the physical performance, water absorption, mechanical behavior, thermal stability, and microstructure of the materials were assessed. The resin incorporation decreased the resistance to thermal degradation of the resultant material, and the composting disintegration rate was slowed down with the increasing content of the resin. The water diffusion was delayed, and the diffusion and corrected diffusion coefficients decreased with the rising content of UP. The mechanical properties tend to decrease while a saturation effect was observed for contents higher than 3 phr of resin. The optimal amount of resin that can be added to achieve good interaction with PLA matrix, complete miscibility, and good material cohesion is 3 phr.
Climate change effects on vulnerable populations in the Global South: a systematic review
Authors: Ngcamu Bethuel Sibongiseni
Published: July 2023

The climate and environmental changes in the Global South have devastating effects on vulnerable populations, which have been perpetuated by socio-economic and political as well as gender inequalities and non-existent interventions to adapt and mitigate its adverse effects. Underpinned by the Protection Motivation Theory and Social-Cognitive Preparation model, this systematic literature review article depicts how vulnerable populations are impacted by climate change in the Global South. Using the empirical data from credible databases including the Web of Science and Scopus, 23 articles published since 2018 were searched, retrieved, coded, and classified with three themes emerging from the synthesised literature. The analysis of the literature confirms that climate change indeed impacts vulnerable populations adversely; the adaptability mechanisms are not applied by governments which are contrary to the international frameworks; and lastly, that such groups are discriminated against, undermined, and overlooked in societal programmes and interventions to mitigate the impacts of climate-induced disasters. Climate change impacts have severely destroyed the livelihoods of vulnerable populations and are exacerbated by socio-economic and political inequalities, with the adaptation and mitigation mechanisms deemed ineffective. Gaps in current research studies include the paucity of empirical data shedding light on the interventions provided for sexual gender-based violence victims and punitive actions issued against the perpetrators during and in the aftermath of the climate-induced disasters. There is also scant empirical data testing the adaptation and mitigation mechanisms’ effectiveness.
Land-use-driven biodiversity impacts of diets—a comparison of two assessment methods in a Finnish case study
Authors: Kyttä Venla , Hyvönen Terho , Saarinen Merja
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Agricultural land use and land-use change, especially from forests to agricultural land, to satisfy growing demand for food and feed, is a major cause of global biodiversity loss. International trade connects food consumption to land use across the world, leading consumption in one area to affect ecosystems elsewhere. However, methods for evaluating the effects of food consumption on biodiversity are still under development. Here, we evaluate two recent land-use-based biodiversity life cycle impact assessment methods, using the Finnish diet as a case study.

Methods

Two different land-use-based biodiversity impact assessment methods (Chaudhary and Books 2018; Kuipers et al. 2021) were used to evaluate the biodiversity impacts of five dietary scenarios: the current Finnish diet and four alternative scenarios that involve a gradual reduction in the intake of foods of animal origin. The assessment was conducted using the previously developed FoodMin model. The model assesses the climate impact and nutritional quality of diets based on 90 food product groups. The countries of origin for each product group, as well as the land occupation and land-use change associated with the products, were determined using five-year averages from national import and international yield and land-use change statistics.

Results and discussion

The results showed that the biodiversity impacts vary depending on the assessment method used, with the difference in the dietary impacts being 60-fold in magnitude depending on the method. Most of the impacts were related to land-use change, which was linked especially to production of feeds, leading to the dietary impacts being reduced with intake of foods of animal origin. The occupation impacts were associated with different food groups than those of land-use change and were higher than the land-use change impacts for beverages, and sugars and sweets. Trade played a significant role in biodiversity impacts of diets, with over 85% of impacts being linked to imported foods and feeds.

Conclusions and recommendations

A comparison of the two assessment methods for the biodiversity impact of diet scenarios showed that results obtained with these methods should not be compared in absolute terms. Also, on a product-level basis, the methods lead to different relative results, and the choice of method can affect which products appear the most burdensome. The assessment also showed that land-use change had a greater impact than land occupation. Thus, ignoring the impacts of land-use change, particularly in feed production, might underestimate the contribution of animal-source foods. Hence, both factors should be considered in future LCAs. Further research is also needed to develop and unify the biodiversity impact assessment methods, including the clarification of units, improving the accuracy of land-use change methodology, and analyzing the impacts of various agricultural management practices.
Beyond Material Resources: Sleep Well and Be Hopeful for Less Worry and Better Wellbeing
Authors: Lau Esther Yuet Ying , Cheung Sing-Hang , Li Cheng , He Si-Yuan , Choi Ho Fung Hugo , Cheung Shu Fai , Hui C. Harry
Published: July 2023

The extreme scarcity of material resources related to survival needs often hurts wellbeing. This occurred during COVID-19 outbreaks when the shortage of face masks and other personal protective equipment intensified the threat. Under this context, we proposed and tested a new model of how better sleep and greater hope may predict less worries, preserving quality of life and wellbeing. Participants aged 18 years or above were recruited from the community in Hong Kong. There were 1,091 online survey responses collected near the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Individuals with greater hope or better sleep quality worried less and had better wellbeing, even after accounting for the effects of mask-stock. Moreover, hope and sleep quality have a significantly multiplicative effect to produce superior quality of life and psychological wellbeing, despite a shortage of personal protective equipment. Furthermore, sleep quality, but not mask-stock, predicted flourishing. Our findings underscore the importance of raising awareness of sleep health. During crises, a supply of material resources is critical; yet, boosting hope and promoting sleep quality also support quality of life and flourishing.
Ansätze betrieblicher Gesundheitsförderung für das Kleinbetriebssetting: Cluster- und Regionenprojekte aus Österreich
Authors: Christ Rainer , Lang Gert , Scolik Fiona , Gaiswinkler Sylvia , Rossmann-Freisling Ina
Published: July 2023

Hintergrund/Fragestellung

Ganzheitliche Betriebliche Gesundheitsförderung (BGF) konnte sich bisher besser in Groß- und Mittelbetrieben als in Kleinbetrieben etablieren. Zur besseren Erreichung von Kleinbetrieben müssen herkömmliche Herangehensweisen angepasst und die Hürden des Kleinbetriebssettings berücksichtigt werden. Potenzial liegt hier in der Bündelung mehrerer Betriebe. Der Beitrag sammelt Erfahrungen solcher BGF-Cluster- bzw. Regionenprojekte (BGF-CRP) und systematisiert diese.

Material und Methoden

Es wurde ein qualitativ-explorativer Zugang gewählt. Nach einer orientierenden Literatursuche wurden auf Basis von Kriterien 9 unterschiedliche BGF-Projekte aus Österreich für die Analyse ausgewählt, inhaltsanalytisch betrachtet und mittels leitfadengestützter Fokusgruppen multiperspektivisch durch Erfahrungen und Bewertungen seitens beteiligter Projektumsetzender und -begleitender ergänzt.

Ergebnisse

Um den Zugang zu und die Umsetzung von BGF-CRP für Kleinbetriebe zu erleichtern, sollten jedenfalls Überlegungen zum Projektsetting – Besonderheiten und Gemeinsamkeiten im Rahmen des Betriebsnetzwerks, zur Akquisition bzw. zum Netzwerk‑, Projektaufbau und Projektmanagement sowie zur Steuerung und zur Motivation – angestellt werden. Für die Beteiligung von Unternehmen muss im Erstkontakt zwischen Netzwerkinitiatoren oder Projektträgern und Unternehmensleitungen, Sicherheit für die Berücksichtigung von Bedürfnissen und Ressourcen des Betriebs und Vertrauen hergestellt werden. Neben diesen Grundkompetenzen einer externen Beratung erweisen sich Themen gesunder Führung als besondere Anreize.

Schlussfolgerung

Die BGF-CRP für Kleinbetriebe wird hier in Abgrenzung zum klassischen BGF-Ansatz im einzelnen Unternehmen und Netzwerken um (größere) Leitbetriebe als eigener Typus postuliert, für den spezifische Projektprozesse zu Akquisition, Projektaufbau, Projetmanagement und Beteiligung gelten. Es bedarf hier künftig tiefergehender konzeptioneller Überlegungen und der weiteren Sammlung von Lernerfahrungen aus der Umsetzungspraxis.
Spotivey – eine Web-Applikation zur vereinfachten Nutzung der Spotify-API für Online-Fragebogenstudien
Authors: Ladleif Matthias , Lepa Steffen
Published: July 2023

Der Artikel stellt Konzeption, Entwicklung und Nutzung einer Open-Source-Web-Applikation vor, welche die in der Forschungsliteratur intensiv diskutierten Probleme mit Selbstauskünften zum Musikkonsum im Rahmen standardisierter Befragungen aufgreift. Die neue serverbasierte Forschungs-App erlaubt es Forscher*innen, innerhalb einer Online-Befragung unkompliziert Daten über die von Befragten in der Vergangenheit gehörte Musik aus deren Spotify-Nutzeraccounts per API-Zugriff abzurufen. Sie erhalten somit auf einfache Weise verlässlichere Daten über Musikhörverhalten und Musikpräferenzen der Hörer*innen, als dies bisher möglich war. Im Artikel stellen wir das entwickelte Forschungswerkzeug mit seinen Funktionen vor und diskutieren ethische, praktische und datenschutzrechtliche Herausforderungen von digitalen Musikdatenspenden. So deuten die Rücklaufquoten einer mit Spotivey realisierten Pilotstudie darauf hin, dass einige Befragte trotz oder gerade wegen transparenter Aufklärung persönliche Bedenken oder technische Probleme hatten, ihre Musiknutzungsdaten zu Forschungszwecken zu spenden. Abschließend wird auf Limitationen der entwickelten App und der Nutzung offener APIs kommerzieller Musikanbieter hingewiesen und ein Ausblick auf geplante Funktionen in zukünftigen Versionen von Spotivey gegeben.