bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Forging Sustainable Development: Exploring the Impact of Green Initiatives and Corporate Social Responsibility
Authors: Alina Zulfiqar Ali, Irtiqua Ameer, Sara Faisal, Hamza Rauf
Published: October 2024

In today's industrial landscape, businesses are increasingly recognizing the importance of integrating environmentally sustainable strategies to maintain competitiveness considering escalating environmental concerns. This study investigates the relationship between green practices, corporate social responsibility (CSR), managerial support, and sustainable business performance within Pakistan's service sector. Grounded in the resource-based view and stakeholder theory, the research employs a quantitative approach, surveying 506 participants across managerial levels from service sector. The findings underscore a positive correlation between green practices, CSR adherence, and sustainable performance. Notably, managerial support plays a pivotal role in translating green initiatives and CSR commitments into tangible sustainable outcomes. The widespread adoption of eco-friendly technologies within the service sector signifies a broader industry-wide shift towards sustainability. This study contributes valuable insights for academia, policymakers, industry professionals, and organizational leaders, shedding light on effective strategies for sustainable business practices. By aligning green initiatives with CSR objectives and leveraging managerial support, enterprises can position themselves as leaders in sustainable performance, thereby fostering value creation while addressing environmental challenges.
Impact of Succession Planning on Employees Performance: Mediating Role of Employees Engagement and Job Demands
Authors: Sajaan Arif, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Farhat Abbas, Tahir Javaid
Published: October 2024

This study investigates the relationships among succession planning practices (SPP), employee engagement (EE), job demands (JD), and employee performance (EP) within the higher education landscape of Pakistan. Utilizing a survey-based approach, the research focuses on teaching staff as the primary sample group. A sample of 312 teaching professionals was obtained from various higher education institutions. Data collection involved self-administrative questionnaire, and structural equation modeling (SEM) utilized to analyze the study hypotheses. The findings indicate significant impact of SPP on EP, with EE and JD identified as significant mediating factors in this association. Importantly, all hypothesized relationships are empirically supported, contributing substantively to the academic understanding. The study advocates for the adoption of robust succession planning mechanisms by university administrations to optimize teacher performance. Furthermore, it highlights the necessity of agile policymaking to facilitate internal talent mobility and mitigate reliance on external recruitment. Moreover, the research underscores the importance of effective talent management strategies in addressing unforeseen retirements, offering cost-efficient alternatives to recruitment and development while nurturing internal career progression pathways.
The Influence of Office Layout, Work Facilities, and Work Environment on Work Effectiveness of SPX Express Service Point Employees Tangerang Branch
Authors: Marlapa Eri , Hidayanti Santoso Tiara
Published: October 2024

This study aims to analyze the influence of office layout, work facilities, and work environment on work effectiveness. This study used quantitative descriptive approach as a method. The population in this study were employees of SPX Express Service Point Tangerang Branch, which consisted of 40 people. The sampling method used was saturated sample. The data was collected using survey, with the questionnaire as the instrument. The data were analyzed by using the SEM-PLS method with the SmartPLS program. The result of this study proves that office layout and work environment have a positive and significant effect on work effectiveness. Meanwhile, work facilities do not have a significant effect on work effectiveness.
Managers’ Overconfidence and Corporate Cash Holding in China: The Interaction Effect of Product Market Competition
Authors: Bo Le , Li Jia
Published: October 2024

Traditional corporate finance theory holds that people are entirely rational. However, psychological research shows that people are not wholly rational, which means that when people make decisions, their beliefs and preferences usually produce systematic biases manifested by behavioral characteristics such as overconfidence and loss avoidance. Therefore, managers' behaviors can be influenced to some extent by their psychological characteristics, implying that managers are not entirely rational. Thus, the main purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between managers' overconfidence and corporate cash holding decisions in Chinese listed companies. This study also investigated the influence of market product competition on the relationship between managers' overconfidence and corporate cash-holding decisions. This study used the data of the A-share listed companies in Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchange from 2010-2022 as the sample and applied FEM and Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) for analyzing the data. The empirical results show that managers’ overconfidence have the positive correlation with cash holding. Therefore, managers tend to hold more cash for internal financing. However, this positive relationship can be alleviated by product market competition. This study will assist enterprises in developing a comprehensive and effective enterprise cash-holding plan to assist companies in making scientific cash-holding decisions.
A Cross-Sectional Study of Lumpy Skin Disease and Knowledge of Livestock Farmers Regarding the Disease in Istalif District of Kabul, Afghanistan
Authors: Sangary Mohammad , Olfat Ghulam Haider , Faqiri Rahim
Published: October 2024

Background: Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is an infectious and viral disease of cattle and water buffaloes. The disease was first noted in the southern provinces of Afghanistan in May 2022. Information concerning the epidemiological characteristics of the outbreak and knowledge of the livestock farmers about the disease is limited. The aim of this study was to describe the morbidity and case fatality rate of the disease, risk factors for the disease, and community awareness regarding the disease. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was carried out in the Istalif district of Kabul Province. A total of 400 questionnaires were filled out by a trained veterinarian enumerator, using a systematic random house-to-house sampling method. Descriptive statistics of the collected data were done using MS Excel and SPSS (Version 25) statistical software. Findings: A total of 1305 cattle were surveyed, the disease's morbidity rate was 22.3%, the case fatality rate was 9.3%, and the mortality rate was 2.07%. More than 90% of the sampled population stated they consume the milk of LSD clinically affected cattle while all of them said they don’t consume the meat of such cattle. Their practice regarding the isolation of clinically affected cattle was very low and less than 5% of them were segregating the affected cattle from the rest of the herd. Case fatality rate was higher in milking cows compared to males and non-milking cows. Conclusion: The prevalence rate of the disease was high compared to other countries and the level of livestock owners' awareness regarding the disease, especially regarding the consumption of meat and the isolation of the clinically affected cattle from the rest of the herd was at a very low level.
Study and Mechanism of Magnetocardiography (MCG) Device and its Comparison to Electrocardiography (ECG) in Heart Diseases
Authors: Safi Bashirullah , Mukhlis Safi Fazal Rahman , Atif Abdul Rabi
Published: October 2024

Background: Magnetocardiography device is the best tool for diagnosing heart diseases in a more accurate way. This device is related to the superconductors and squid. In Afghanistan there has been no research conducted about it. Therefore, the aim of this study is to explore the structure, activity and information related to the application of magnetocardiography theoretically. Materials and Methods: The research design for this study is reflective in nature, utilizing a review research approach. This involves examining existing literature, reports, and empirical studies published in peer review journals about the structure and mechanism of the magnetocardiography device and its comparison with electrocardiography. The obtained information was summarized, compared the previous and current articles, and the results obtained are placed here. Findings: Today, in the medical field, magnetocardiography is an advanced device, which diagnoses diseases in shortage of time accurately and quickly. In addition, the magnetocardiography device used to diagnose heart diseases has very few negative effects on human body against other devices. Conclusion: Calculation of this magnetic field from the superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) is the only powerful magnetic sensor to measure human biological magnetic activity so far. A comparison of conventional sensor arrangements (MCG/ECG) and optimized sensor arrangements were made by determining the slope of individual values, and its application for heart diseases very effectively. MCG is used in the imaging of patients for whom the time required is much less than the time of ECG measurement.
Analysis of Genetic Diversity of Some Vitis labrusca and Vitis spp. with Molecular Markers
Authors: Atak Arif , Doyğaci Yeşim
Published: October 2024

Türkiye has a very suitable climate for viticulture, and different grape varieties have been grown in almost every region since ancient times. Although these grape varieties have different names, there are also grape varieties with the same genetic structure. In particular, in the Black Sea Region, Vitis labrusca, which is resistant to heavy rainfall and humidity, and hybrids of this species grow. However, it is known that different genotypes of this species are grown in the region. Genetic confusion exists in Vitis labrusca L. and its hybrids due to natural pollen transfer and crossing. This study evaluated the genetic similarities and differences among Vitis varieties and genotypes, mainly Vitis labrusca genotypes, with 18 different SSR primers. In the genetic relationship dendrogram, the varieties/genotypes showed similarity at rates ranging from 0.65% to 0.98%. The highest similarity rate between the varieties and genotypes used in the study was determined between the genotypes 5 '57 Gerze 04' and 6 '61 Of 04' with 92%. The results obtained have revealed different grape gene pools, especially in the Black Sea Region, and are expected to contribute to disease resistance breeding studies in the future significantly. Increasing consumer awareness of climate change will increase the interest in disease-resistant or tolerant grapes, such as Vitis labrusca species, in the coming years.
Les revues canadiennes en sciences sociales et humaines : entre diffusion nationale et internationalisation
Authors: van Bellen Simon , Larivière Vincent
Published: October 2024

De nombreuses revues savantes sans but lucratif et portant sur les sciences sociales, humaines et les arts sont associées aux universités et aux sociétés savantes canadiennes. Elles maintiennent leur position particulière dans l’écosystème de la publication savante malgré la faveur généralisée dont bénéficient les revues internationales et commerciales ainsi que la publication en anglais. À l’aide de méthodes bibliométriques, cet article présente la dynamique existante entre revues et chercheurs canadiens en général, et ceux qui travaillent en français en particulier, en s’intéressant spécifiquement à la sociologie en tant que discipline à part. Les articles canadiens publiés dans les revues nationales sans but lucratif présentent deux à trois fois plus souvent des thématiques canadiennes que ceux publiés dans les revues commerciales internationales, et les revues dans lesquelles ils paraissent sont quatre fois plus souvent en libre accès. Malgré leur profil particulier, l’intensification des collaborations internationales pourrait mener à une baisse de la recherche sur les objets nationaux ainsi que de la publication en français, ce qui pourrait compromettre la viabilité et la pérennité des revues nationales et notamment de celles publiées en français.
Assessment of anti-cancer activity of human umbilical cord tissue-derived Eugenol primed mesenchymal stem cells-extracellular vesicles
Authors: Marino G Lincy Shiny , Thirumullaivoyal Nithya  Gnanasekaran , Julius Angeline , Pothireddy Raghu Babu , Kumar L Praveen
Published: October 2024

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is on the rise, with existing treatment modules showing little therapeutic success. Earlier studies have shown that the alteration of the tumor microenvironment was made possible by the secretory factors of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) which include extracellular vesicles (EVs), certain chemokines, cytokines, and other metabolites. MSC-EVs tend to mimic their parental cells, which possess characteristics like pro-tumor and anti-tumor effects. As conventional cancer treatments have shown adverse effects like anticancer drug resistance, the need for the use of natural products is a recent topic of interest. Eugenol, an active component of S. aromaticum, is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties. This study focuses on the priming of Eugenol with the human umbilical cord tissue (hUCT) MSC derived EVs as an alternate therapeutic option to treat colorectal cancer, followed by EVs characterization. Finally, the anti-cancer activity of the formulated EVs was assessed by in vitro studies on colon cancer cells. The in vitro anticancer assay showed a significant reduction in the proliferation of cells when treated with Eugenol primed EVs. Thus, the anti-cancer potential of the Eugenol primed EVs was validated, which can be looked upon as a suitable alternative to a cell-free therapeutic option for treating CRC.
A partial recurrence Fibonacci link
Authors:   Warrane College, the University of New South Wales, Shannon Anthony G. , Akkuş Hakan ,   Department of Mathematics, Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Erzincan Binali Yıldırım University, Aküzüm Yeşim ,   Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Sciences and Letters, Kafkas University, Deveci Ömür ,   Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Sciences and Letters, Kafkas University, Özkan Engin ,   Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Sciences, Marmara University
Published: October 2024

The purpose of this note is to develop a conjecture for a Fibonacci number generating function in terms of the elements of a second-order two parameter partial recurrence relation which arose in an operations research problem on Poisson distributed lead time in inventory control.
Prebiotic gas flow environment enables isothermal nucleic acid replication
Authors: Schwintek Philipp , Eren Emre , Mast Christof , Braun Dieter
Published: October 2024

Nucleic acid replication is a central process at the origin of life. On early Earth, replication is challenged by the dilution of molecular building blocks and the difficulty of separating daughter from parent strands, a necessity for exponential replication. While thermal gradient systems have been shown to address these problems, elevated temperatures lead to degradation. Also, compared to constant temperature environments, such systems are rare. The isothermal system studied here models an abundant geological environment of the prebiotic Earth, in which water is continuously evaporated at the point of contact with the gas flows, inducing up-concentration and circular flow patterns at the gas-water interface through momentum transfer. We show experimentally that this setting drives a 30-fold accumulation of nucleic acids and their periodic separation by a 3-fold reduction in salt and product concentration. Fluid dynamic simulations agree with observations from tracking fluorescent beads. In this isothermal system, we were able to drive exponential DNA replication with Taq polymerase. The results provide a model for a ubiquitous non-equilibrium system to host early Darwinian molecular evolution at constant temperature.
The Recurrent Temporal Restricted Boltzmann Machine Captures Neural Assembly Dynamics in Whole-Brain Activity
Authors: Quiroz Monnens Sebastian , Peters Casper , Hesselink Luuk Willem , Smeets Kasper , Englitz Bernhard
Published: October 2024

Animal behaviour alternates between stochastic exploration and goal-directed actions, which are generated by the underlying neural dynamics. Previously, we demonstrated that the compositional Restricted Boltzmann Machine (cRBM) can decompose whole-brain activity of larval zebrafish data at the neural level into a small number (∼100-200) of assemblies that can account for the stochasticity of the neural activity (van der Plas et al., eLife, 2023). Here we advance this representation by extending to a combined stochastic-dynamical representation to account for both aspects using the Recurrent Temporal RBM (RTRBM) and transfer-learning based on the cRBM estimate. We demonstrate that the functional advantage of the RTRBM is captured in the temporal weights on the hidden units, representing neural assemblies, for both simulated and experimental data. Our results show that the temporal expansion outperforms the stochastic-only cRBM in terms of generalisation error and achieves a more accurate representation of the moments in time. Lastly, we demonstrate that we can identify the original time-scale of assembly dynamics by estimating multiple RTRBMs at different temporal resolutions. Together, we propose that RTRBMs are a valuable tool for capturing the combined stochastic and time-predictive dynamics of large-scale data sets.
Genetic inactivation of the β1 adrenergic receptor prevents cerebral cavernous malformations in zebrafish
Authors: Li Wenqing , McCurdy Sara , Lopez-Ramirez Miguel A , Lee Ho-Sup , Ginsberg Mark H
Published: October 2024

Previously, we showed that propranolol reduces experimental murine cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) and prevents embryonic caudal venous plexus (CVP) lesions in zebrafish that follow mosaic inactivation of ccm2 (Li et al., 2021). Because morpholino silencing of the β1 adrenergic receptor (adrb1) prevents the embryonic CVP lesion, we proposed that adrb1 plays a role in CCM pathogenesis. Here, we report that adrb1-/- zebrafish exhibited 86% fewer CVP lesions and 87% reduction of CCM lesion volume relative to wild type brood mates at 2dpf and 8–10 weeks stage, respectively. Treatment with metoprolol, a β1 selective antagonist, yielded a similar reduction in CCM lesion volume. Adrb1-/- zebrafish embryos exhibited reduced heart rate and contractility and reduced CVP blood flow. Similarly, slowing the heart and eliminating the blood flow in CVP by administration of 2,3-BDM suppressed the CVP lesion. In sum, our findings provide genetic and pharmacological evidence that the therapeutic effect of propranolol on CCM is achieved through β1 receptor antagonism.
Challenging the North-South Divide in Decolonizing Design
Authors: Baha Ehsan , Singh Abhigyan
Published: October 2024

This article critiques the prevailing North-South divide within the discourse on decolonizing design, recognizing its historical significance while exposing its limitations in advancing decolonial agendas. The uncritical adoption of this dichotomy often leads to oversimplification, exclusion, and isolation, limiting the practical impact of decolonizing efforts. Drawing on insights from a global design anthropological study on energy exchange, we advocate for a post-development perspective that transcends the North-South divide. Our study presents three key insights: colonization is rooted in ideology and requires global reform for decolonization; mutual learning between the Global North and South is essential; and infrastructure plays a crucial role in envisioning and implementing decolonial alternatives. This work aims to stimulate further discourse toward a dialogic, contextual, infrastructural, and comparative post-development paradigm in decolonizing design.
Design or Decline? A Decolonial Cease and Desist
Authors: Estreal Bárbara , Ramirez Marcelo
Published: October 2024

This paper critically examines the contemporary relationship between design and decolonization, with a focus on reevaluating our expectations of design as a profession and exploring potential pathways forward. The discussion centers on the stagnant state of design discourse, and the intricate power dynamics within design practices. It underscores the significance of recognizing that designers do not uniformly occupy identical positions, highlighting the asymmetrical power dynamics inherent in design nearshoring and the prioritization of Northern interests. Furthermore, it questions the reliance on exclusive designerly methods for systemic change, the pursuit of the common good, and the realization of the pluriverse. We claim that design, in its current form, often reinforces capitalist and colonial structures rather than dismantling them. The paper criticizes design’s complicity in perpetuating colonial differences while claiming to address them, recognizing the fundamental role of design for the realization of the modern project and as a key enabler of capitalist modes of production and consumption. Through an interdisciplinary lens, this paper scrutinizes the dissonance between design’s self-professed ethical values and the pursuit of capitalistic gains.
In Another Life Another Being: On Design and the Wages of Decoloniality
Authors: Joseph Jomy
Published: October 2024

Despite the struggles for design disciplines to confront their colonial legacies and practices, the question remains: who can truly afford a decolonizing practice worthy of the name? This paper will investigate why Industrial Design, as a discipline, has been glaringly absent from the decolonial conversation, and the critical institutional gaps between decolonial thought and action. I will investigate the pragmatic relations between labor, value, care work, and social reproduction within the political economy of design that dissuade and constrain the discipline from articulating its responsibility to transform its social and material realities. In setting this provocation, I argue that if decolonizing design is to be anything more than an epistemological curiosity, moving beyond the niche corners of design academia, it will need a diverse ecology of accomplices—to imagine other lives for itself and become other beings.
On the Limits of Design
Authors: Kiem Matthew
Published: October 2024

Several recent publications in design theory have drawn into question the hope and idealism that often underlie dominant ways of thinking and talking about design. These arguments can be drawn into connection with earlier discussions about how the structural constraints of professional practice limit the ability of designers to enact change. ‘Design civil society’ and ‘infrastructural politics’ are suggested as ideas for helping designers to think through action beyond the limits of professional identity.
Clinical Presentation and Prognosis of Infective Endocarditis Prosthesis: A Retrospective Study in a Tertiary Cardiology Center
Authors: YAHYA Abdelkarim AIT , KABBOUR Moukhtar BEN , ZTATI Mohamed , JAMILI Mohammed EL , KARIMI Saloua EL , HATTAOUI Mustapha EL
Published: October 2024

Introduction: Prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) is a serious infection involving the prosthetic heart valve and the endocardium. It carries high morbidity and mortality, especially in patients with mechanical valves.
Aim of the Study: To investigate the clinical, biological, bacteriological, and echocardiographic characteristics of patients with prosthetic valve endocarditis and identify the predictive factors of in-hospital mortality.
Patients and Methods: This retrospective, descriptive study was conducted over a period of 5 years, from June 2020 to July 2024, and included 82 cases of PVE diagnosed at a tertiary cardiology center.
Results: A total of 82 patients were included, with an average age of 39.12 ± 5.6 years. All patients had mechanical valves, with the infection localized to the mitral valve in 53 cases and the aortic valve in 29 cases. Positive blood cultures were obtained in 36 patients, and Staphylococcus aureus was the most common pathogen, isolated in 26 cases (31.7%), followed by coagulase-negative Staphylococcus in 18 cases (21.95%). Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography revealed vegetations in 75 patients (91%), with prosthesis disinsertion in 27 cases and periprosthetic abscesses in 15 cases. The most common complications included heart failure in 17 patients, embolic events in 46 patients, and renal failure in 15 patients.
Antibiotic therapy was administered to all patients, with a total average duration of 39.26 days. Surgery was indicated in 62 patients, with an average surgery delay of 42 ± 2 days. The main surgical indications were uncontrolled heart failure (32 cases), embolic complications (17 cases), and failure to control infection with antibiotics (13 cases). The overall mortality rate was 26%. Predictive factors of mortality included heart failure, delayed surgery, and early-onset PVE.
Conclusion: Prosthetic valve endocarditis remains a challenging and life-threatening condition. Prompt diagnosis, appropriate antibiotic therapy, and timely surgical intervention are essential for improving patient outcomes. Mortality is influenced by multiple factors, including the timing of the infection and the presence of comorbid conditions.
Effect of Neem Leaf Powder Supplementation in Casing Mixture on the Growth and Yield Parameters of white Button Mushroom [Agaricus bisporus (Lange) Imbach]
Authors: Kumar Kalyan , Lal Abhilasha A.
Published: October 2024

Green mould caused by Trichoderma harzianum is a severe threat of white button mushroom [Agaricus bisporus (Lange) Imbach] cultivation causing heavy crop losses. The present experiment was conducted to manage the green mould fungus Trichoderma harzianum using neem leaf extracts. In vitro, results showed maximum mycelial growth inhibition of 64.59 % in T. harzianum using neem leaf extract at 4.5% concentration. Neem leaf extracts at 4.5% concentration showed maximum efficacy against pathogens. Further, an In vivo experiment was conducted to evaluate neem leaf powder at different concentrations @0.5%, 1.5%, 2.5%, 3.5% and 4.5% supplemented in the casing mixture combination viz., Farm yard manure (FYM) + Cocopeat + Sawdust (1:1:1)  to monitor the growth and yield aspects of white button mushroom. Among all treatments used in the study, the results revealed that minimum average time taken for completion of spawn run (15.14 days) and pinhead initiation (18.28 days) as well as maximum number of fruiting bodies (14.71), fruiting bodies weight (22.54g), stalk length (2.81 cm) stalk diameter (1.85 cm) and pileus diameter (5.64 cm), and were recorded in T2 [FYM + Cocopeat + Sawdust (1:1:1) + neem leaf powder @ 1.5%]. Results have shown that T2 [FYM + Cocopeat + Sawdust (1:1:1) + neem leaf powder @ 1.5%] had the highest yield (470.09 g) and biological efficiency (27.11%).
Job Involvement among ICDS Scheme Functionaries in India: Assessing Extension Needs for Enhanced Performance
Authors: Maurya Suman Prasad , Shukla Prachi , Srivastav Sarita , Singh Akanksha
Published: October 2024

Job involvement is psychological identification with one’s work as well as degree to which the job situation is central to person and his identity. Human behavior plays a pivotal role in maximizing organizational effectiveness irrespective of the technological support and their involvement in their job is critical for successful achievement of its objectives. ICDS (Integrated Child Development Services) is a comprehensive scheme of Govt. of India enriches human resource and tackles malnutrition and health problems in children below six years of age and their mothers. The services to the beneficiaries, who are pregnant women, Lactating Mothers, children under 5 years, adolescents and adult women, are provided at Centre called as Anganwadi. The grass-root level functionaries at the center are called Anganwadi workers (AWW) who executes ICDS scheme as per the Government guidelines to raise the level of health and nutrition, create proper mental, physical and social development of children below six years; to reduce mortality and malnutrition and dropouts. Since job involvement contributes to overall availability of human resource, the success of the ICDS programme extents to effective and successful working of AWWs. The study was conducted to know the job- involvement of AWWs and AWHs – the grass-root functionaries of ICDS  scheme. The conducted in one of the blocks of Faizabad District situated in Eastern part of Uttar Pradesh state. One hundred AWWs were randomly selected from 182 AWWs in the block and administered interview schedule and standardized Job Involvement scale by Dr. A.P Singh. The data collected revealed that AWWs were highly involved (47%), moderately involved (37%) and rest (16%) had low involvement. Analysis further found that job involvement and income of the workers; educational qualification and work experience are significantly dependent.
A retrospective review of intramuscular olanzapine and parenteral benzodiazepine coadministration in the emergency department
Authors: Laub Jessica , Treu Cierra N. , Takamura Kei , Mendoza Christopher
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Acute agitation is a common presenting symptom in medical and mental health emergencies that may require pharmacologic intervention. There is a manufacturer recommendation against intramuscular coadministration of olanzapine with parenteral (intramuscular or intravenous) benzodiazepines despite a deficiency of high-quality evidence. The purpose of this study was to contribute to available literature regarding intramuscular olanzapine and parenteral benzodiazepine use in acutely agitated patients in the emergency department (ED).

Methods

This was a single-center retrospective chart review of adult ED patients who received intramuscular olanzapine and a parenteral benzodiazepine within 2 hours. The composite primary endpoint evaluated the occurrence of cardiac or respiratory compromise within 2 hours of medication administration. Secondary endpoints mirrored the primary endpoint within 30 minutes and evaluated the occurrence of cardiac arrest or desaturation in the ED outside the 2-hour window.

Results

One hundred eleven patients were included in the analysis, 64 (57.7%) of whom had documented vitals or oxygen status within 2 hours of medication administration. The composite primary endpoint occurred in 8 patients (12.5%), with only 1 patient requiring intervention with intravenous fluids. The secondary composite endpoint occurred in 2 (9.5%) of 21 patients with documented vitals or oxygen status within 30 minutes of treatment, neither of which required intervention. There were no identified events of intubation or significant cardiac events.

Discussion

Until better evidence is available, this combination therapy should, at minimum, include appropriate patient monitoring. Future studies should investigate risk factors for serious adverse effects.
Wie hältst du es mit der Corporate Governance? — Auswertung der DCGK-Entsprechenserklärungen 2020–2023
Authors: Bannier Christina E. , Flach Henry
Published: October 2024

Ziel guter Corporate Governance ist es, Effizienz, Transparenz und Verantwortlichkeit in der Führung und Kontrolle von Unternehmen zu fördern, um so den langfristigen Unternehmenserfolg zu sichern. In Deutschland werden die gesetzlichen Vorgaben hierzu durch Empfehlungen des Deutschen Corporate Governance Kodex (DCGK) ergänzt. Eine Auswertung der jährlichen Entsprechenserklärungen 2020-2023 zu den Empfehlungen des DCGK durch die größten deutschen Unternehmen zeigt eine robuste Steigerung der Entsprechensquoten im Zeitablauf. Dabei liegen die Entsprechensquoten im DAX deutlich höher als im MDAX und SDAX. Die größte Anzahl an Abweichungen bezieht sich auf die Themenbereiche C. Zusammensetzung des Aufsichtsrats und G. Vergütung von Vorstand und Aufsichtsrat. Die teils sehr heterogenen Abweichungsbegründungen zeigen dabei unterschiedliche Herausforderungen für DAX‑, MDAX- und SDAXGesellschaften auf. Sie spiegeln jedoch auch die dynamische Weiterentwicklung der Kennzeichen guter Governance und den Wunsch der Unternehmen, dies transparent zu kommunizieren.
Die Entwicklung des Reiserechts der Luftbeförderung einschließlich der EU-Fluggastrechte-VO in den Jahren 2023/24
Authors: Achilles-Pujol Charlotte
Published: October 2024

Der Beitrag führt die jährlichen Übersichten zum Reiserecht der Luftbeförderung fort und knüpft an den Beitrag in MDR 2023, 1023 an. Dargestellt werden die wesentlichen Entwicklungen des Luftbeförderungsrechts der Jahre 2023 bis etwa Mitte 2024.
MTA1‐activated Epi‐microRNA‐22 regulates E‐cadherin and prostate cancer invasiveness
Authors: Dhar Swati , Kumar Avinash , Gomez Christian R. , Akhtar Israh , Hancock John C. , Lage Janice M. , Pound Charles R. , Levenson Anait S.
Published: February 2017

We have previously shown that metastasis‐associated protein 1 (MTA1), a chromatin remodeler, plays an important role in prostate cancer invasiveness, likely through regulation of epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition. Here, we identified miR‐22 as an epigenetic‐microRNA (Epi‐miR) directly induced by MTA1 and predicted to target E‐cadherin. Loss‐of‐function and overexpression studies of MTA1 reinforced its regulatory role in miR‐22 expression. MiR‐22 directly targets the 3′‐untranslated region of E‐cadherin, and ectopic overexpression of miR‐22 diminishes E‐cadherin expression. Overexpression of miR‐22 in prostate cancer cells promotes cell invasiveness and migration. Meta‐analysis of patient tumor samples indicates a positive correlation between MTA1 and miR‐22, supporting their inhibitory effect on E‐cadherin expression. Our findings implicate the MTA1/Epi‐miR‐22/E‐cadherin axis as a new epigenetic signaling pathway that promotes tumor invasion in prostate cancer.
Nutrient and phytoplankton dynamics on the inner shelf of the eastern Bering Sea
Authors: Mordy Calvin W. , Devol Allan , Eisner Lisa B. , Kachel Nancy , Ladd Carol , Lomas Michael W. , Proctor Peter , Sambrotto Raymond N. , Shull David H. , Stabeno Phyllis J. , Wisegarver Eric
Published: February 2017

In the Bering Sea, the nitrogen cycle near Nunivak Island is complicated due to limited nutrient replenishment across this broad shelf, and substantial nitrogen loss through sedimentary processes. While diffusion at the inner front may periodically support new production, the inner shelf in this region is generally described as a regenerative system. This study combines hydrographic surveys with measurements of nitrogen assimilation and benthic fluxes to examine nitrogen cycling on the inner shelf, and connectivity between the middle and inner shelves of the southern and central Bering Sea. Results establish the inner shelf as primarily a regenerative system even in spring, although new production can occur at the inner front. Results also identify key processes that influence nutrient supply to the inner shelf and reveal coupling between the middle shelf nutrient pool and production on the inner shelf.
A tale of two eddies: The biophysical characteristics of two contrasting cyclonic eddies in the East Australian Current System
Authors: Roughan M. , Keating S. R. , Schaeffer A. , Cetina Heredia P. , Rocha C. , Griffin D. , Robertson R. , Suthers I. M.
Published: February 2017

Mesoscale cyclonic eddies are known to be highly productive. Less well‐known are the dynamics and productivity of smaller cyclonic eddies, known as frontal eddies, that form on the landward side of western boundary currents. In this study, we investigate the physical and biogeochemical properties of two contrasting cyclonic eddies in the East Australian Current (EAC). The first (“Murphy”), a mesoscale cyclonic eddy that formed at ∼28°S with a diameter of ∼160 km and high surface chlorophyll‐a concentrations, which lived ∼47 days. The second (“Freddy”), a smaller frontal eddy (∼35 km diameter) that formed from a shelf water billow ∼7 days prior to sampling at ∼31.5°S and was advected off the shelf along the EAC front (from ∼200 m to 4000 m of water). Both eddies were at least 1000 m deep with a similar steric height anomaly. We introduce and employ “the method of closest approach” using shipboard ADCP velocities to estimate the eddy centers, which reveals significant tilting through the water column. We estimate rotation rates of 4–10 days and 1–9 days and Rossby numbers 0.25–0.1 and 0.6–0.1, from the surface to 600 m for Murphy and Freddy, respectively. High‐resolution altimetry measurements from the SARAL/AltiKA satellite provide estimates of the ageostrophic component of rotation. Our results show that the frontal eddy is significantly more ageostrophic, energetic, and productive than the mesoscale cyclone, despite its small size and short life (∼4 weeks). We suggest that frontal eddies have potential to contribute significantly to the net productivity of the Tasman Sea region.
Widespread exposure of Noachian phyllosilicates in the Margaritifer region of Mars: Implications for paleohydrology and astrobiological detection
Authors: Thomas Rebecca J. , Hynek Brian M. , Osterloo Mikki M. , Kierein‐Young Kathryn S.
Published: February 2017

The best locations at which to detect evidence for early life on Mars are in materials formed in near‐surface aqueous environments, particularly where this resulted in the deposition of minerals such as clays that are favorable to preservation of organics. The geological history of the Margaritifer region has resulted in exceptional potential to preserve such deposits and to render them discoverable. Due to its topographic setting at the interface between highlands and lowlands, Margaritifer was a major sink for water and sediments in the early, Noachian, period, potentially creating environments that were habitable and conducive to clay formation. Subsequently, during the Late Hesperian to Amazonian, the ancient surface was extensively disrupted in association with the formation of multiple chaos regions. This activity had the potential to expose any astrobiological evidence from the earlier period. We used orbital image, spectral and topographic data to investigate the extent and means of exposure of Noachian clay‐bearing deposits across the region. We find that they are indeed exposed over a very wide area in Margaritifer and that their mineralogy is most consistent with clay formation in a low‐energy near‐neutral pH groundwater environment. We additionally find that evidence for subsequent acidic groundwater activity is absent, indicating that biosignature preservation in these units is favored, perhaps to a greater degree than for similar deposits in the surrounding region. Further, due to the intense Hesperian‐Amazonian geologic activity here, early clay‐bearing units are exposed to a greater degree than achievable in regions with more localized erosive mechanisms.
The influence of dynamical variability on the observed Brewer‐Dobson circulation trend
Authors: Hardiman Steven C. , Lin Pu , Scaife Adam A. , Dunstone Nick J. , Ren Hong‐Li
Published: February 2017

The strength of the Brewer‐Dobson circulation (BDC) is predicted to increase due to climate change. However, this increase has yet to be robustly detected in observational analyses. In this study a long control simulation is used to calculate the Time of Emergence of the BDC trend and how much of that trend may be masked by dynamical variability in current observations. A Time of Emergence of around 30 years is found (assuming a 2%/decade trend in the BDC), similar to the length of current reanalysis data sets. However, the discrepancies in vertical velocities between different reanalysis products remain far larger than any predicted trend. Furthermore, dynamical variability can completely mask the BDC trend on time scales shorter than around 12 years. Thus, more robust observational analyses of vertical velocity are likely to be needed for at least the next decade before detection of a statistically significant trend can be expected.
PH20 is not expressed in murine CNS and oligodendrocyte precursor cells
Authors: Marella Mathieu , Ouyang Joe , Zombeck Jonathan , Zhao Chunmei , Huang Lei , Connor Robert J. , Phan Kim B. , Jorge Michael C. , Printz Marie A. , Paladini Rudolph D. , Gelb Arnold B. , Huang Zhongdong , Frost Gregory I. , Sugarman Barry J. , Steinman Lawrence , Wei Ge , Shepard H. Michael , Maneval Daniel C. , Lapinskas Paula J.
Published: February 2017

Objective

Expression of Spam1/PH20 and its modulation of high/low molecular weight hyaluronan substrate have been proposed to play an important role in murine oligodendrocyte precursor cell (OPC) maturation in vitro and in normal and demyelinated central nervous system (CNS). We reexamined this using highly purified PH20.

Methods

Steady‐state expression of mRNA in OPCs was evaluated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction; the role of PH20 in bovine testicular hyaluronidase (BTH) inhibition of OPC differentiation was explored by comparing BTH to a purified recombinant human PH20 (rHuPH20). Contaminants in commercial BTH were identified and their impact on OPC differentiation characterized. Spam1/PH20 expression in normal and demyelinated mouse CNS tissue was investigated using deep RNA sequencing and immunohistological methods with two antibodies directed against recombinant murine PH20.

Results

BTH, but not rHuPH20, inhibited OPC differentiation in vitro. Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) was identified as a significant contaminant in BTH, and bFGF immunodepletion reversed the inhibitory effects of BTH on OPC differentiation. Spam1 mRNA was undetected in OPCs in vitro and in vivo; PH20 immunolabeling was undetected in normal and demyelinated CNS.

Interpretation

We were unable to detect Spam1/PH20 expression in OPCs or in normal or demyelinated CNS using the most sensitive methods currently available. Further, “BTH” effects on OPC differentiation are not due to PH20, but may be attributable to contaminating bFGF. Our data suggest that caution be exercised when using some commercially available hyaluronidases, and reports of Spam1/PH20 morphogenic activity in the CNS may be due to contaminants in reagents.
Design Principles for Covalent Organic Frameworks as Efficient Electrocatalysts in Clean Energy Conversion and Green Oxidizer Production
Authors: Lin Chun‐Yu , Zhang Lipeng , Zhao Zhenghang , Xia Zhenhai
Published: February 2017

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs), an emerging class of framework materials linked by covalent bonds, hold potential for various applications such as efficient electrocatalysts, photovoltaics, and sensors. To rationally design COF‐based electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction and evolution reactions in fuel cells and metal‐air batteries, activity descriptors, derived from orbital energy and bonding structures, are identified with the first‐principle calculations for the COFs, which correlate COF structures with their catalytic activities. The calculations also predict that alkaline‐earth metal‐porphyrin COFs could catalyze the direct production of H2O2, a green oxidizer and an energy carrier. These predictions are supported by experimental data, and the design principles derived from the descriptors provide an approach for rational design of new electrocatalysts for both clean energy conversion and green oxidizer production.
“Self‐Peel‐Off” Transfer Produces Ultrathin Polyvinylidene‐Fluoride‐Based Flexible Nanodevices
Authors: Tai Yanlong , Lubineau Gilles
Published: February 2017

Here, a new strategy, self‐peel‐off transfer, for the preparation of ultrathin flexible nanodevices made from polyvinylidene‐fluoride (PVDF) is reported. In this process, a functional pattern of nanoparticles is transferred via peeling from a temporary substrate to the final PVDF film. This peeling process takes advantage of the differences in the work of adhesion between the various layers (the PVDF layer, the nanoparticle‐pattern layer and the substrate layer) and of the high stresses generated by the differential thermal expansion of the layers. The work of adhesion is mainly guided by the basic physical/chemical properties of these layers and is highly sensitive to variations in temperature and moisture in the environment. The peeling technique is tested on a variety of PVDF‐based functional films using gold/palladium nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, graphene oxide, and lithium iron phosphate. Several PVDF‐based flexible nanodevices are prepared, including a single‐sided wireless flexible humidity sensor in which PVDF is used as the substrate and a double‐sided flexible capacitor in which PVDF is used as the ferroelectric layer and the carrier layer. Results show that the nanodevices perform with high repeatability and stability. Self‐peel‐off transfer is a viable preparation strategy for the design and fabrication of flexible, ultrathin, and light‐weight nanodevices.
Mixture representation for the residual lifetime of a repairable system
Authors: Chahkandi M. , Ahmadi Jafar , Balakrishnan N.
Published: February 2017

In this paper, we consider a repairable system in which two types of failures can occur on each failure. One is a minor failure that can be corrected with minimal repair, whereas the other type is a catastrophic failure that destroys the system. The total number of failures until the catastrophic failure is a positive random variable with a given probability vector. It is assumed that there is some partial information about the failure status of the system, and then various properties of the conditional probability of the system failure are studied. Mixture representations of the reliability function for the system in terms of the reliability function of the residual lifetimes of record values are obtained. Some stochastic properties of the conditional probabilities and the residual lifetimes of two systems are finally discussed. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simultaneous Synthesis of Anatase Colloidal and Multiple‐branched Rutile TiO2 Nanostructures
Authors: Tung Nguyen Trong , Mai Xuan‐Dung , Duong Ngoc Huyen
Published: February 2017

Facile synthesis of titanium dioxide (TiO2
) nanostructures with controllability over their cystallinity, dimensions, and shape is in demand for diverse optoelectronic applications. Anatase colloidal particles and precipitates of rutile bundles were synthesized simultaneously using HCl catalyzed sol–gel process with titanium tetrachloride as Ti precursor. The crystallinity and the morphology of these two separable TiO2
phases were studied by X‐ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The results show that by varying HCl concentration during synthesis, dimensions of colloidal anatase can be tuned from spherical particles with a diameter of 2–5 nm to nanorods of dimension of 4 nm (width) × 14 nm (length). The rutile bundles whose size increased with aging time consisted of multiple branches with elongation along c‐axis. Both anatase nanorods and rutile bundles can be applied as highly efficient photocatalysts or electron conduits.