bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Combination of Few Physicochemical and Fungal Parameters Can Explain the Soil‐Dependent Variation in Wheat Biomass After Inoculation With Cladosporium tenuissimum
Authors: von Saldern Lena , Thurre Loïc , Jan Waelchli , Kobler Judith , Krenz Juliane , Schlaeppi Klaus
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Intensive agriculture causes substantial negative impacts on agroecosystems. One approach to reduce impacts while maintaining productivity is the inoculation with beneficial microbes. Inoculants can positively affect crop growth for instance through enhancing nutrient uptake or pathogen protection. However, the efficacy of inoculants is inconsistent across different agricultural soils. In this study, we investigated to which degree the varying growth responses to an inoculant can be modelled from soil parameters.

Materials and Methods

As inoculant, we worked with the commercially available fungus Cladosporium tenuissimum and tested its effectivity on wheat plants. Variation between soils was specifically tested, while keeping other factors constant in pot experiments under controlled conditions. We assessed 25 field soils for their influence on wheat biomass response to inoculation (BRI). For each soil, we measured physicochemical parameters and characterised the soil fungal community composition. We then performed variable selection and exhaustive model screenings to find the best model explaining variations in BRI.

Results

A combined model incorporating physicochemical and fungal soil parameters outperformed models using only one of the two types of data. The best model was based on six predictors and explained 80% of the observed variability in BRI. Predictive parameters included water holding capacity and organic carbon levels as well as soil fungi of the taxa Alternaria, Cladosporium (another species than the inoculant), Acrostalagmus and Fusicolla. Organic carbon and Alternaria negatively affected the effectivity of the inoculant while the other parameters were positive predictors for inoculation success.

Conclusion

We showed that six soil parameters were sufficient to explain most of the variation of wheat responses to inoculation with C. tenuissimum. This result serves as proof‐of‐concept that the effectivity of inoculants can be modelled from soil parameters. It is now necessary to take this approach to practice and evaluate predictions for inoculant efficacy under field conditions.
Innovative Use of Hermetia illucens Frass Extract as Priming to Promote Tomato and Wheat Growth and Protection
Authors: Coviello Leonardo , Nuzzaci Maria , Falabella Patrizia , Scieuzo Carmen , Salvia Rosanna , Ronga Domenico , Vitti Antonella
Published: December 2024

Frass deriving from Hermetia illucens was explored as a new sustainable tool to induce biostimulation and/or antifungal activity in Solanum lycopersicum L. var Cerasiforme and Triticum durum Desf. var Simeto against the soil‐borne pathogens Fusarium spp. Phytotoxicity and in vitro antagonism assessments (mycelial growth inhibition of about 40%) allowed to define the optimal dilution of 10% of pasteurised‐frass extract (pFE) to employ for seed priming. Germination tests on water agar demonstrated the priming effectiveness for wheat, but not for tomato, as the analysed parameters were not positively affected. The pFE was used also in combination with the known biocontrol agent Trichoderma harzianum T22 (T22), demonstrating that they could work together to obtain a good growth promotion and protective effect in wheat. Indeed, the priming with pFE significantly reduced the disease incidence of almost 60% or 80%, compared to the infected control, if used alone or combined with T22, respectively. The ability of frass extract to control F. sporotrichioides in wheat was attributed to both enzymatic and non‐enzymatic responses, due to observed differences in total phenolic content (TPC) and superoxide dismutase activity (SOD) in seedlings derived from treated seeds, compared to untreated control. Our findings highlight the great potential of H. illucens frass as a sustainable, green, and circular economy‐based tool in agricultural systems.
Design, Synthesis, Molecular Docking and Hypoglycemic Activity of Novel Coumarin Analogues
Authors: Verma Anchal , Thakur Alok Singh , Dewangan Smriti
Published: December 2024

Diabetes and its associated conditions are significant causes of morbidity and mortality. Despite the abundance of available medications for diabetes treatment, their limitations have spurred ongoing research in this field. Consequently, there is a need to discover a potential therapeutic molecule for managing diabetes and its complications. In current research work a series of novel coumarin analogs (5a–5e) were designed, synthesized, characterized through FTIR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and mass spectroscopy and evaluated for antidiabetic property. Molecular docking study was performed to link its binding affinity toward AMPK. DPPH scavenging assay was performed for in vitro antioxidant activity, for reference standard ascorbic acid was taken. In vivo hypoglycemic activity was performed on streptozotocin and nicotinic acid induced diabetic rats. All synthesized molecule showed good docking, score among them compound 5b has lowest docking score −11.25 kcal/mol. Molecule 5b and 5c showed greater antioxidant potential with good IC50 value, i.e., 20.4 g/mL and 21.6 g/mL. In vivo antidiabetic study showed good control on blood glucose level, cholesterol, triglyceride, Hb1AC as well as SGOT and SGPT level on animals fed 5b when compared to metformin. This result showed that test molecule 5b has potential to lower the blood glucose level without causing any toxicity.
Theoretical Investigation of Physicochemical Properties, Bioactivity, and Toxicity of Common Anxiety Medications
Authors: Banerjee Soumadip , Ghosh Pritha , Rathi Rama , Ghosh Avik , Roy Ria Sinha , Das Abhijit K.
Published: December 2024

Physicochemical properties, bioactivity scores, toxicity, chemical reactivity descriptor (GCRD), polarizability, and UV–vis spectroscopy of 10 common medicines used for the treatment of anxiety have been investigated to understand their activity and adverse effect in the human body. GCRD, polarizability, and UV–vis data of the drug molecules have been analyzed at the density functional M06‐2X/cc‐pVTZ level. Molinspiration, Osiris Property Explorer, and the SwissTargetPrediction tools have been used to study the molecular and physicochemical properties, drug likeness/bioactivity scores, and toxicity of the drug molecules. The calculated results show that all drug molecules have good bioavailability and are orally active, which corroborate with the clinical data. Most of the theoretical results are first reported, and the predicted results agree well with the clinical data and published reports wherever available. The calculated GCRD parameters confirm that chlordiazepoxide (D3) is the most reactive drug molecule. Drug likeness and drug score indicate that alprazolam (D1), chlordiazepoxide (D3), paroxetine (D7), and selegiline (D9) are safe medicines for humans. The predicted toxicities also substantiate the clinical data. The BOILED‐Egg plot illustrates that as alprazolam (D1) and paroxetine (D7) are the substrates of the P‐glycoprotein (PGP+), they are actively pumped up from the brain or to the gastrointestinal lumen.
Influence of Particle Size of Lignite‐Based Hard Carbon on Sodium Storage Performance
Authors: Yang Zhitao , Wei Yukuan , Liu Gang , Zhang Leilei , Huang Tengfei , Xue Haohao , Zhang Yuhang , Lin Zishun
Published: December 2024

The particle size of hard carbon used as an anode material for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) directly affects critical physical properties, including specific surface area and conductivity of the electrode, thereby influencing the electrode's sodium storage performance. However, related research is limited. In this work, lignite‐derived hard carbons with various particle sizes were investigated as anode materials for SIBs. The electrochemical performance and Na+ diffusion capability were evaluated. The results show that smaller particle sizes in hard carbon anodes lead to reduced mesopore volumes, specific surface areas, and coating densities, which effectively improve cycle stability, initial coulombic efficiency (ICE), and rate capability of the electrode. Specifically, hard carbon anodes within a 1–15 µm particle size distribution exhibited a reversible capacity of 251 mAh g−1 and an ICE of 73.67% at a current density of 25 mA g−1. Even after 100 cycles at 0.2 C, these anodes maintained a reversible capacity of 238 mAh g−1, achieving a capacity retention rate of 99.85%.
When corporate silence is costly: Negative consumer responses to corporate silence on social issues
Authors: Qin Marco Shaojun , Luo Xueming , Schifeling Todd , Wang Yang
Published: December 2024

Research Summary

The growth of corporate activism on contentious social issues creates a puzzle as to why companies would risk engaging on divisive topics. Indeed, a mixed body of evidence identifies that such activism often reduces stakeholder support. We shed light on this puzzle by reversing attention to the costs of not engaging in corporate activism. Grounded in the cognitive model of stakeholder behavior, we theorize whether and when consumers will negatively respond to corporate silence on a social issue based on the visibility of silence. Our theory also suggests that peer activism and market niche are pivotal contingencies that exacerbate or mitigate such negative responses. Using a rigorous within‐company cross‐platform difference‐in‐differences econometric model, we find support for our theory and uncover substantial costs of corporate inaction.

Managerial Summary

We study stakeholder responses to corporate silence on social issues, using the empirical context of fashion firms and the Blackout Tuesday event in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, which occurred on Instagram but not Twitter. We find that there are sizeable risks to staying silent on a highly salient social issue. For firms that do not participate in the event, follower growth slows 33% and likes on their posts drop 12% in the following month on Instagram as compared to Twitter. In addition to issue salience, managers should closely attend to peer activism, which exacerbates these negative reactions. They should also consider their market niche, as a narrow niche offers protection while firms with a wider market experience larger declines in stakeholder support.
Polyol‐Intermediated Facile Synthesis of B5‐Site‐Rich Ru‐Based Nanocatalysts for COx‐Free Hydrogen Production via Ammonia Decomposition
Authors: Kim Kyoung Deok , Kim Jiyu , An Byeong‐Seon , Shin Jung Hun , Park Yongha , Jung Unho , Yi Kwang Bok , Koo Kee Young
Published: December 2024

Herein, a B5‐site‐rich Ru/MgAl2O4 nanocatalyst for the production of COx‐free hydrogen from ammonia (NH3) is synthesized using the polyol method. The polyol method enables size‐sensitive Ru‐nanoparticle growth and controlled B5‐site formation on the catalyst by tuning the carbon‐chain length of the polyol solvent used, obviating the use of a separate stabilizer and enhancing electron donation from Ru (with a high surface electron density) and π‐back bonding. The Ru/MgAl2O4 (BG) catalyst synthesized using butylene glycol (a long‐carbon‐chain solvent) contains 2.5 nm Ru particles uniformly dispersed on its surface and abundant B5 sites at (0 0 2)/(0 1 1). Moreover, the Ru/MgAl2O4 (BG) catalyst exhibits lower activation energy (48.9 kJ mol−1) and higher H2 formation rate (565–1,236 mmol gcat−1 h−1 at 350−450 °C and a weight hourly space velocity of 30,000 mL gcat−1 h−1) during the NH3 decomposition reaction than catalysts with a similar Ru particle size and high metal dispersion synthesized by the impregnation and deposition–precipitation methods. This high performance is possibly because the abundant electron‐donating B5 sites on the catalyst surface accelerate the recombination–desorption of N2, which is the rate‐determining step of the NH3 decomposition reaction at low temperatures. Thus, this study facilitates clean hydrogen production.
Enhancing the Performance of Perovskite Solar Cells by Extending the Terminal Conjugation of Spiro‐Type Hole Transport Material
Authors: Wang Qian , Cao Yue , Zhao Haokai , Li Botong , Zhang Xianfu , Ding Xihong , Rahim Ghadari , Cao Hui , Liu Xuepeng , Ding Yong , Dai Songyuan
Published: December 2024

Hole transport materials (HTM) play a vital role in the performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Optimizing the molecular structure of HTMs has been proven to be an important method for improving PSCs’ efficiency and stability. Herein, a novel dibenzofuran‐terminated spiro‐type HTM with extending π‐conjugation is designed and developed, named spiro‐BNF. The structure–property relationship is also studied with spiro‐OMeTAD and spiro‐DBF as the reference. The results show that spiro‐BNF has improved hole mobility and glass transition temperature (reaching 198 °C) than spiro‐OMeTAD and spiro‐BDF. spiro‐BNF also exhibits matched highest occupied molecular orbital level with perovskite and superior morphology on the perovskite layer. Accordingly, the PSCs employing spiro‐BNF display a higher power conversion efficiency of 23.65% and improved stability than the device employing spiro‐OMeTAD or spiro‐BDF. The findings provide a new insight for enhancing the performance of PSCs.
Ultra‐High Performance Liquid Chromatography/Triple Quadrupole Ion‐Trap Mass Spectrometry‐Based Quantitative Assay of 17 Compounds to Unveil the Extraction Difference of Potentially Toxic Components Between the Single Drugs and Sishen Formula
Authors: Wang Meng‐yao , Hu Wan‐di , Lou Jia , Hong Li‐li , Yang Yi‐jin , Zhang Min , Chen Qin‐hua , Gao Xiu‐mei , Liu Er‐wei , Yang Wen‐zhi
Published: December 2024

Sishen formula is a famous prescription utilized to treat kidney diarrhea. The main components of Psoraleae Fructus and Euodiae Fructus are reported with the liver toxicity; however, the dissolution difference of those reported toxic compounds among the single medicine decoctions and those versatile compatibility forms has yet not been documented by quantitative assays. We established and validated an ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography/triple quadrupole‐linear ion‐trap mass spectrometry‐multiple reaction monitoring approach by targeting 17 components (e.g., four coumarins and eight flavonoids from Psoraleae Fructus; three alkaloids and two limonoids from Euodiae Fructus). Co‐decoction with Myristicae Semen or Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus could significantly affect the dissolution of coumarins and flavonoids from Psoraleae Fructus, whereas a weak influence was observed for combining Euodiae Fructus with Psoraleae Fructus. Combination with Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus could significantly increase the contents of both alkaloids and limonoids of Euodiae Fructus, but the effect of Myristicae Semen or Psoraleae Fructus was relatively slight. Moreover, the dissolution of Psoraleae Fructus coumarins and Euodiae Fructus limonoids in Sishen formula was remarkably inhibited, compared with the pure Psoraleae Fructus decoction, whereas the variation was weak between the Euodiae Fructus decoction and Sishen formula. These results benefit the bridge to the efficacy and toxicity changes of Sishen formula.
Unveiling Drug Discovery Insights Through Molecular Electrostatic Potential Analysis
Authors: Haritha Mambatta , Suresh Cherumuttathu H.
Published: December 2024

Molecular electrostatic potential (MESP) analysis has emerged as a pivotal tool in drug discovery, providing insights into molecular reactivity and noncovalent interactions essential for drug function. While widely used MESP‐on‐isodensity surface analysis offers interpretations of electron‐rich or deficient regions of a drug molecule, the MESP topology parameters such as spatial minimum (Vmin) and MESP at nuclei (Vn) provide a quantitative understanding. The investigation into the correlation between MESP parameters and various molecular properties such as lipophilicity, pKa (acidity/basicity), conformations, and tautomeric forms is crucial for understanding the impact on biological activity of drugs and facilitating drug design. Moreover, MESP topology analysis serves as a fundamental tool in elucidating the pharmacological behavior of compounds and optimizing their therapeutic efficacy. A quantitative study utilizing Vn parameters to assess the hydrogen bond propensity of a drug presents a novel strategy for investigating drug‐receptor interactions with increased precision. The qualitative and quantitative analysis of the MESP features of various drugs, including their applications in cancer, tuberculosis, tumors, inflammation, and infectious diseases such as malaria, bacterial infections, fungal infections, and viral infections, is conducted in this review.
INTEGRAL Observing Time Proposals
Authors: Kuulkers Erik , Sánchez-Fernández Celia , Parmar Arvind
Published: December 2024

We examine the outcomes of the regular announcements of observing opportunities for ESA’s gamma-ray observatory INTEGRAL issued between 2000 and 2021. We investigate how success rates vary with the lead proposer’s gender, “academic age” and the country where the proposer’s institute is located. The more than 20 years operational lifetime enable the evolution of the community proposing for INTEGRAL to be probed. We determine proposal success rates for high-priority and all proposals using both the numbers of accepted proposals and the amounts of awarded observing time. We find that male lead proposers are between 2–11% more successful than their female counterparts in obtaining INTEGRAL observations. We investigate potential correlations between the female-led proposal success rates and the amount of female participation in the Time Allocation Committee.
Conclusions
Authors: Carrera Sergio , Colombi Davide
Published: December 2024

This Book has examined how the European Commission problematises irregularised human mobilities in EU policy.
Integration radiologischer Interventionen in der Notfallmedizin – wie multidisziplinäre Zusammenarbeit verbessert werden kann
Authors: Lorenz Julia , Spitznagel Nadja , Hidas Christine , Arrich Jasmin
Published: December 2024

Hintergrund

In der modernen Notfallmedizin ist es zunehmend möglich, interventionell-radiologische Verfahren anzuwenden. Von ischämischen Schlaganfällen bis hin zu lebensbedrohlichen Blutungen bieten diese Techniken neue Optionen zur schnellen, sicheren und effektiven Patient:innenversorgung. Jedoch erfordert der Einsatz dieser Verfahren im Vorfeld eine schnelle Diagnostik und interdisziplinäre Entscheidungsfindung, was eine präzise Koordination und klare Vorgehensweisen voraussetzt.

Ziel der Arbeit

Die Bedeutung der Etablierung von Behandlungspfaden für interventionell-radiologische Notfälle in der Notfallabteilung soll beleuchtet werden. Die Schritte zu ihrer Umsetzung werden aufgezeigt.

Material und Methoden

Diskussion existierender Studien und der bestehenden Praxis.

Ergebnisse

Eine gut koordinierte interdisziplinäre Zusammenarbeit ist entscheidend für die effektive Versorgung und den Einsatz interventionell-radiologischer Maßnahmen.

Schlussfolgerung

Die Entwicklung und Implementierung von Behandlungspfaden für Patient:innen mit Gefäßnotfällen ist entscheidend, um die Qualität der medizinischen Versorgung zu verbessern. Eine klare Koordination zwischen verschiedenen Fachbereichen, die Schaffung von Behandlungsprotokollen und die Schulung des Personals sind wichtige Schritte zur Gewährleistung einer effizienten Versorgung in Notfallsituationen.
Shielding properties of the kombucha-derived bacterial cellulose
Authors: Kołodziejczyk Agata M. , Silarski Michał , Kaczmarek Mateusz , Harasymczuk Mateusz , Dziedzic-Kocurek Katarzyna , Uhl Tadeusz
Published: December 2024

Living organisms are constantly exposed to cosmic, terrestrial, and internal sources of radiation. As a result, they have developed natural radioprotective mechanisms. However, in some cases, these mechanisms may not be sufficient. Elevated doses and prolonged exposure to radiation, such as during radiotherapy or in extreme environments like spaceflight, can cause damage to DNA and increase the abundance of reactive oxygen species, which can affect biological processes. In contrast to synthetic ingredients, naturally produced radioprotective materials have good biocompatibility and are easy to recycle. This work investigates the radioprotective properties of the hydrogel biofilm produced by the kombucha microbial consortium. The shielding properties of kombucha’s bacterial cellulose (KBC) were examined using gamma quanta with energies ranging from 122 to 1408 keV and an AmBe neutron source. The native form of KBC contains more than 80% water content. To enhance the radioprotection of kombucha’s biofilm, metallic components (K, Fe, Mxenes) and biological additives were tested. Rhodobacter sphaeroides and Synechocystis sp. PCC6803, which are resistant to oxidative stress, were added to the cultivation media. Physical properties were characterized using microscopy, ion leaching, and contact angle measurements. Post-processed dried KBC wristbands were analyzed for absorption parameters to enhance protective shielding. Possible levels of radioprotection for various types of bacterial cellulose thickness and forms were computed based on the obtained results. The findings encourage the use of bacterial cellulose in a circular economy for future bioregenerative systems.
Effect of sintering temperature and Sr/Ti ratio on the nature of Mn-ion speciation within SrTiO3-based compounds
Authors: Łącz Agnieszka , Gwóźdź Paulina , Mielniczuk Monika , Stępień Joanna , Drożdż Ewa
Published: December 2024

Manganese-doped (Mn/Ti = 0.02/0.98) SrTiO3-based materials with various Sr/Ti mole ratios (1.02, 1.00, 0.97 and 0.92) were obtained by the citrate precursor method. The materials were characterised in terms of microstructure (SEM), structure (XRD, XANES), electrical properties (DC method) and reducibility (TPR). With the introduction of 2 mol.% Mn, the cubic structure of SrTiO3 is preserved, but significantly limits (from Sr/Ti ≥ 0.8 to Sr/Ti > 0.92) the possibilities of deviations from stoichiometry at 1200°C. The narrowing of the stability limit of the perovskite structure to Sr/Ti > 0.97 with an increase in temperature to 1400°C and segregation of Ti-Mn-enrich species are shown. The location and the oxidation states of Mn in both (Sr and Ti) sublattices depend on the assumed Sr/Ti ratio and sintering temperature. Regardless of the Sr/Ti ratio, Mn-doped SrTiO3 exhibits very low electrical conductivity with an ionic conductivity mechanism.

Graphical abstract
Density modulo 1 and Hardy fields
Authors: Abramoff Michel , Berend Daniel , Kolesnik Grigori
Published: December 2024

In this article we extend Boshernitzan’s result on density modulo 1 of sequences arising from functions belonging to a Hardy field. We also merge these results with Furstenberg’s ×2×3 theorem. We prove, for example, that, given a vector f of subpolynomial functions in a Hardy field, such that $$(\mathbf{f}(n))_{n=1}^{\infty}$$
(

f

(
n
)

)

n
=
1

∞

is dense modulo 1 in Rd, the sequence (2m3nα, f(n))m,n≥1 is dense modulo 1 in Rd+1 for irrational α. Some negative results concerning Furstenberg’s theorem are obtained as well.
Clinical expert consensus document on bailout algorithms for complications in percutaneous coronary intervention from the Japanese Association of Cardiovascular Intervention and Therapeutics
Authors: Ogawa Takayuki , Sakakura Kenichi , Sumitsuji Satoru , Hyodo Makoto , Yamaguchi Junichi , Hirase Hiroaki , Yamashita Takehiro , Kadota Kazushige , Kobayashi Yoshio , Kozuma Ken
Published: December 2024

The efficacy and safety of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for coronary artery disease has been established, and approximately 250,000 PCI procedures are performed annually in Japan. However, various complications including life-threatening complications can occur during PCI. Although several bailout procedures have been proposed to address complications during PCI, it is critically important for operators to manage each complication in real catheter rooms with confidence even in emergent situations. Standard bailout methods including specific techniques should be clarified as algorithms and shared with inexperienced operators as well as experienced operators. The Task Force of the Japanese Society for Cardiovascular Intervention and Therapeutics (CVIT) has developed the expert consensus document on bailout algorithms for complications in PCI.
Organisationale Gesundheitskompetenz und deren Bedeutung für Unternehmen
Authors: Marquardt Berit , Mache Stefanie
Published: December 2024

Hintergrund

Die heutige Arbeitswelt verändert sich rasant und stellt erhöhte Anforderungen an Organisationen und deren Beschäftigte. Für Unternehmen ist daher eine gesunde und leistungsfähige Belegschaft zentral, die gesundheitskompetente Entscheidungen treffen kann. Dafür braucht es entsprechende ganzheitliche Rahmenbedingungen vonseiten der Organisation. Nur im Zusammenspiel von Individuum und Unternehmen können die bestehenden Herausforderungen bewältigt werden.

Diese Literaturübersicht widmet sich der Frage, wie sich organisationale Gesundheitskompetenz von anderen verhältnisbezogenen Konstrukten abgrenzt. Zudem wird die aktuelle Studienlage zum Zusammenhang von organisationaler und individueller Gesundheitskompetenz in Unternehmen außerhalb der Gesundheitsversorgung erforscht.

Methodik

Mithilfe einer explorativen Literaturrecherche unter Verwendung eines systematischen Suchansatzes wurde in 20 unterschiedlichen Informationsmedien (7 Datenbanken, 9 Zeitschriften und 4 Bibliotheken) nach Veröffentlichungen zum Zusammenhang von organisationaler und individueller Gesundheitskompetenz in Unternehmen außerhalb der Gesundheitsversorgung gesucht.

Ergebnisse

Wie gezeigt werden kann, handelt sich bei dem Konstrukt der organisationalen Gesundheitskompetenz um ein komplexes und heterogen konzipiertes Phänomen. Hinzu kommt, dass im Setting der Arbeitswelt außerhalb der Gesundheitsversorgung nur eine begrenzte Anzahl an Ansätzen vorliegt. Bei diesen fällt im Vergleich auf, dass sowohl Gemeinsamkeiten als auch Unterschiede, z. B. hinsichtlich der Gesundheitsoutcomes, bestehen. Dennoch können die Ansätze nicht durchgehend eindeutig voneinander differenziert werden. Gemäß aktuellen Studienerkenntnissen wird der Zusammenhang zwischen individueller Gesundheitskompetenz und psychischem Wohlbefinden durch die organisationale Gesundheitskompetenz vermittelt.

Schlussfolgerung

Die Ergebnisse verdeutlichen den defizitären Forschungsstand zur Konzeption und zu gesundheitlichen Zusammenhängen. Es bedarf zukünftig weiterer Forschungsbemühungen, um das Verständnis von organisationaler Gesundheitskompetenz im Unternehmen außerhalb der Gesundheitsversorgung zu schärfen und die komplexen Zusammenhänge zwischen der Gesundheitskompetenz von Organisationen und Individuen zu verstehen. Nur so kann die Gesundheit im Unternehmen verhältnisbezogen gefördert werden.
Effects of a daylight intervention in the morning on circadian rhythms and sleep in geriatric patients: a randomized crossover trial
Authors: Schubert Anna , Laurentius Thea , Lange Svenja , Bertram Jens , Bollheimer Leo Cornelius , Schweiker Marcel , Christoforou Rania
Published: December 2024

Purpose

During hospitalization, circadian rhythms and sleep are often disrupted, which has negative effects on health outcomes. Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether a daylight intervention in the morning could improve the circadian rhythms of cortisol and melatonin and enhance objective and subjective sleep quality in geriatric patients.

Methods

The present study is a randomized, two-period crossover trial conducted in a geriatric ward in 15 non-demented geriatric trauma patients with a mean age of 83.1 ± 5.4 years. All patients underwent a daylight intervention period, during which they were exposed to a daylight lamp from 8:00 to 13:00 h, and a control period of 6 days each. Cortisol and melatonin levels were measured on day 5 of each period. Objective and subjective sleep quality were assessed using actigraphy and questionnaires, respectively. Within-participant differences between periods were investigated for all parameters.

Results

A trend towards improvement in cortisol and melatonin rhythmicity was found. An increase in mean melatonin levels from 0.3 ± 0.1 to 0.9 ± 0.8 ng/L was observed during the intervention period (p = .063). There was also a trend towards increased sleep efficiency, whereas subjective sleep quality tended to decrease. None of the results were significant.

Conclusion

A daylight intervention in the morning led to a positive trend in cortisol and melatonin rhythmicity, whereas no improvement in subjective sleep quality was found.

Trial registration

DRKS00028626 at German Clinical Trials Register, 13.06.2022.
An approach to select between the plausible kinetic models of a heterogeneous catalytic process using intraparticle diffusion with external mass transfer resistance
Authors: Zhokh O. O. , Strizhak P. E.
Published: December 2024

The reaction rate is sometimes thoroughly described by several kinetic models simultaneously. In this case, the discrimination of the particular model may be challenging. Herein, we demonstrate that a change in the rate-limiting step of a reaction mechanism may result in a significant deviation of the effectiveness factor even if the kinetic rate equations provide nearly identical reaction rates. On this basis, the comparison of the experimental effectiveness factor and the effectiveness factor calculated theoretically using the corresponding rate equations may shed light on the true reaction mechanism. Since many industrial processes operate under internal and external mass transfer limitations, the effectiveness factor is obtained by accounting for pore diffusion resistance and diffusion resistance at the outer surface of a catalyst particle. Verification of the obtained formalism is performed using the kinetic constants for the commercially available process of the methanol dehydration to dimethyl ether over γ-alumina catalyst.
Building and sustaining a laparoscopic simulation curriculum in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Akoko Larry , Mwanga Ali , Wibonela Seif , Brian Riley , Jarry Cristian , Montero Isabella , Selman Rafael , Escalona Gabriel , Philipo Godfrey Sama , Ozgediz Doruk , Alseidi Adnan , Varas Julian , Brand Nathan R
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Although laparoscopy has transformed surgical care in high-income countries, access remains limited in Africa. This calls for tailored laparoscopic education in such contexts to enable the training necessary to expand laparoscopic surgery. We aimed to describe the implementation, evaluation, and sustainability of a laparoscopic simulation lab in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Methods

We founded a laparoscopic simulation lab at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) and implemented a simulation curriculum. We conducted a prospective curricular evaluation focusing on both process and outcome metrics.

Results

We established laparoscopic simulation training at MUHAS. This entailed securing a dedicated space, equipping the laboratory, and training a lab manager to be a simulation educator. Fifty-one participants completed 1,909 h of laparoscopic training at the simulation lab and received 3,940 individual pieces of online feedback. Analysis of task completion times and performance showed improvement in all tasks in pre-test task videos compared to final task videos. Nine of 20 graduates responding to a questionnaire (45%) actively performed laparoscopic surgery within their institutions. Among these respondents, all felt that participating in LAPP was very helpful or essential to their practice.

Conclusions

We implemented a laparoscopic curriculum at a new simulation lab in Tanzania. Residents, fellows, and faculty from across Tanzania dedicated substantial time and effort over more than 18 months to complete the curriculum, improve their laparoscopic skills, and change their operative practices. This report may serve as a blueprint for those looking to implement, evaluate, and sustain curricula in similar settings.
A scintillating fiber imaging spectrometer for active characterization of laser-driven proton beams
Authors: Patel J. K. , Armstrong C. D. , Wilson R. , Alderton M. , Dolier E. J. , Frazer T. P. , Horne A. , Lofrese A. , Peat M. , Woodward M. , Zielbauer B. , Clarke R. J. , Deas R. , Rajeev P. P. , Gray R. J. , McKenna P.
Published: December 2024

Next generation high-power laser facilities are expected to generate hundreds-of-MeV proton beams and operate at multi-Hz repetition rates, presenting opportunities for medical, industrial and scientific applications requiring bright pulses of energetic ions. Characterizing the spectro-spatial profile of these ions at high repetition rates in the harsh radiation environments created by laser–plasma interactions remains challenging but is paramount for further source development. To address this, we present a compact scintillating fiber imaging spectrometer based on the tomographic reconstruction of proton energy deposition in a layered fiber array. Modeling indicates that spatial resolution of approximately 1 mm and energy resolution of less than 10% at proton energies of more than 20 MeV are readily achievable with existing 100 μm diameter fibers. Measurements with a prototype beam-profile monitor using 500 μm fibers demonstrate active readouts with invulnerability to electromagnetic pulses, and less than 100 Gy sensitivity. The performance of the full instrument concept is explored with Monte Carlo simulations, accurately reconstructing a proton beam with a multiple-component spectro-spatial profile.
Analysis of diagnostic criteria for ECMO-associated pneumonia
Authors: England Julie , Lee Rachael , Marshall Tammy , Xie Rongbing , Blood Peggy , Wille Keith , Gongora Enrique , Nellore Anoma , Kirklin James K. , Walker Jeremey
Published: December 2024

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a well-established cause of morbidity in critically ill patients. Current VAP criteria exclude patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). This retrospective analysis tests the validity of VAP in this population, as well as a new proposed diagnostic criterion for ECMO-associated pneumonia.
On the Brownian range and the Brownian reversal
Authors: Li Yifan
Published: December 2024

This paper studies a novel Brownian functional defined as the supremum of a weighted average of the running Brownian range and its running reversal from extrema on the unit interval. We derive the Laplace transform for the squared reciprocal of this functional, which leads to explicit moment expressions that are new to the literature. We show that the proposed Brownian functional can be used to estimate the spot volatility of financial returns based on high-frequency price observations.
From ocean to emotion: a pilot study exploring acute mood effects following consumption of a DHA-rich powder compared with placebo in middle-aged Australian men
Authors: Reddan Jeffery M. , Gauci Sarah , Young Lauren M. , Kennedy Greg , Rowsell Renee , Minihane Anne Marie , Scholey Andrew , Pipingas Andrew
Published: December 2024

While there is evidence that long-chain n-3 PUFA supplementation benefits mood, the extent to which a single high dose of n-3 PUFA can induce acute mood effects has not been examined. The present study investigated whether a single dose of a DHA-rich powder affects self-reported mood in middle-aged males during elevated cognitive demand. In a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with a balanced crossover design, twenty-nine healthy males (age M = 52.8 years, sd = 5.3) were administered a powder (in a meal) containing 4·74 g n-3 PUFA (DHA 4020 mg; EPA 720 mg) or placebo in random order on two different testing days separated by a washout period of 7 ± 3 d. Participants completed mood assessments before and after completing two cognitive test batteries at baseline and again 3·5–4·0 h following the consumption of the active treatment or placebo. While completion of the cognitive test batteries increased negative mood, differential effects for alertness (P = 0·008) and stress (P = 0·04) followed consumption of the DHA-rich powder compared with placebo. Although alertness declined when completing the cognitive batteries, it was higher following consumption of the DHA-rich powder compared with placebo (P = 0·006). Conversely, stress was lower following consumption of the DHA-rich powder relative to placebo, though this difference only approached significance (P = 0·05). Overall, results from this pilot study demonstrate that a single high dose of n-3 PUFA may deliver acute mood benefits following elevated cognitive demand in healthy middle-aged males.
Programming and reasoning about actors that share state
Authors: CALDWELL SAM , GARNOCK-JONES TONY , FELLEISEN MATTHIAS
Published: December 2024

Actor languages realize concurrency via message passing, which most of the time is easy to use. Empirical code inspection provides evidence, however, that on occasion, programmers wish to have an actor share some of its state with others. The dataspace model adds a tightly controlled state-exchange mechanism, dubbed dataspace, to the actor model for just this purpose. Experience with dataspaces suggests that this form of sharing calls for linguistic constructs that allow programmers to state temporal aspects of actor conversations. In response, this paper presents the facet notation: its theory, its type system, its behavioral type system, and some first experiences with an implementation.
Brief imagery based metacognitive intervention for flashforwards in psychosis: a fixed baseline case series
Authors: Sivarajah Nithura , Taylor Christopher D.J. , Steel Craig
Published: December 2024

Background:

Distressing mental images are common in people with psychosis. The central role of metacognitive difficulties in psychosis suggests that metacognitive interventions with imagery properties could play a central role in managing distressing mental imagery. A brief imagery-based metacognitive intervention was developed to target the control mechanism of distressing mental images in psychosis.

Aims:

A fixed baseline case series was designed to investigate whether the intervention was acceptable, feasible and effective.

Method:

Eight participants who met criteria for a schizophrenia spectrum diagnosis and experienced distressing future-oriented mental images took part in the case series, which consisted of three phases; baseline, intervention, and follow-up. Symptoms of anxiety, depression, persecutory delusions and schemas were assessed pre- and post-intervention, and qualitative feedback was collected at follow-up.

Results:

The metacognitive intervention was feasible, acceptable, and rated as highly satisfactory. One participant dropped out at the baseline phase. No adverse events were reported. Positive change scores with a decrease in symptoms were reported for anxiety, depression, persecutory delusions, and schemas. Tau-U analysis showed positive trends and high effect sizes on mental imagery characteristics at follow-up.

Conclusion:

Our findings suggest that it is acceptable and feasible to engage people with psychosis in a brief imagery-based metacognitive intervention and that positive change can be achieved. Further studies are needed to replicate and clarify the findings of our study and develop the evidence base for this intervention.
Personalized high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation improves cognition following carbon monoxide poisoning induced amnesia: A case report
Authors: Schneider Brett S , McInnis Melvin , Di Rita Victor , Hampstead Benjamin M
Published: December 2024

Objective:

High-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) has the potential to improve cognitive functioning following neurological injury and in neurodegenerative conditions. In this case report, we present the first use of HD-tDCS in a person with severe anterograde amnesia following carbon monoxide poisoning.

Method:

The participant underwent two rounds of HD-tDCS that were separated by 3 months (Round 1 = 30 sessions; Round 2 = 31 sessions). We used finite element modeling of the participant’s structural MRI to develop an individualized montage that targeted multiple brain regions involved in memory encoding, as identified by Neurosynth.

Results:

Overall, the participant’s objective cognitive functioning improved significantly following Round 1, declined during the 2 months without HD-tDCS, and again improved following Round 2. Subjective informant reports from family and medical personnel followed this same pattern of improvement following each round with a decline in between rounds. We also provide preliminary evidence of altered brain activity during a learning/memory task using functional near-infrared spectroscopy, which may help establish the physiological effects of HD-tDCS in future work.

Conclusion:

Overall, these findings reinforce the potential value of HD-tDCS as a user-friendly method of enhancing cognition following anoxic/hypoxic brain injury.
Sufficient mathematical conditions for identical estimation of the liability for remaining coverage under the general measurement model and premium allocation approach
Authors: Lee Timothy , Jagga Antonie
Published: December 2024

Paragraph 53(a) of the new insurance accounting standard IFRS 17 suggests there is a relationship between the liability for remaining coverage (“LFRC”) calculated under the general measurement model (“GMM”) and premium allocation approach (“PAA”), although it is not immediately obvious how the two are related or could result in a similar estimate for the LFRC. This paper explores the underlying relationship between the GMM and PAA through the equivalence principle and presents a set of sufficient mathematical conditions that result in an identical LFRC when calculated under the GMM and PAA. An illustrative example is included to demonstrate how the sufficient conditions can be applied in practice and the optimisation opportunities offered to actuaries and accountants when conducting PAA eligibility testing.
Institutional design in commons-based sharing economies: platform, care and place
Authors: Morgan Bronwen
Published: December 2024

This paper presents an analytical mapping of institutional design possibilities for alternative ways for digital platforms to institutionalise property and corporate form. It builds on the institutional imagination catalysed by three vignettes of experimental sharing economy initiatives presented towards the start of the paper, each of which highlights the imbrication and interdependence between economic and social dimensions of the sharing economy. The paper then interrogates the vignettes through three analytical entry points to the institutional design of commons-based sharing economies: platform, care and place. By remapping the vignettes’ practices around these three entry points, the paper shows how they help constitute the incipient formalisation of commons-based approaches to the sharing economy. The prospects for carrying out a redesign of property and corporate forms more generally thereby become more visible, providing a sound foundation for more in-depth empirical and historical work on alternative trajectories of the sharing economy in the future.
Evidence of Potential Thermospheric Overcooling During the May 2024 Geomagnetic Superstorm
Authors: Ranjan Alok Kumar , Nailwal Dayakrishna , Sunil Krishna M. V. , Kumar Akash , Sarkhel Sumanta
Published: December 2024

[During intense geomagnetic storms, the rapid and significant production of nitric oxide (NO) followed by its associated infrared radiative emission in lower thermosphere contributes crucially to the energetics of the upper atmosphere. This makes NO infrared radiative cooling a very important phenomenon which needs to be considered for accurate density forecasting in thermosphere. This study reports the investigation of variations in thermospheric density, and NO radiative cooling during the recent geomagnetic superstorm of May 2024. A very rare post‐storm thermospheric density depletion of about −23% on May 12 was observed by Swarm‐C in northern hemisphere in comparison to the prestorm condition on May 9. This overcooling was observed despite the continuous enhancement in solar EUV (24–36 nm) flux throughout the event. The thermospheric NO infrared radiative emission in the recovery phase of the storm is likely to be the plausible cause for this observed post‐storm density depletion. Our analysis also suggests an all time high thermospheric NO radiative cooling flux up to 11.84 /sec during May 2024 geomagnetic superstorm, which has also been compared with famous Halloween storms of October 2003].
The role of nitric oxide, insulin resistance, and vitamin D in cognitive function of older adults
Authors: Nakhaee Samaneh , Azadi Rasul , Salehinia Hamid , Moodi Mitra , Zarban Asghar , Sharifi Farshad , Khorashadizadeh Masoumeh , Farrokhfall Khadijeh
Published: December 2024

Aging is accompanied by possible cognitive impairment, as well as a reduction in nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability, insulin resistance, and vitamin D deficiency. Among these Nitric oxide exhibits a dual role in brain biology, where both low and high levels can have detrimental effects on memory and neurotoxicity. In this study we aimed to investigate the role of nitric oxide, insulin resistance, and vitamin D in cognitive function of elderly individuals. This case-control study involved participants aged ≥ 60 years who were under observation in the Birjand Longitudinal Aging Study. A total of 40 participants were selected as controls, while 64 participants with cognitive impairment were identified as cases. The cases were further subdivided according to their Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores into two groups: mild and moderate cognitive impairment. Cognitive function in both cases and controls was assessed using the MMSE. The levels of total NOx, vitamin D, insulin, and blood glucose were measured using ELISA and spectrophotometric immunoassays. Insulin resistance indices, such as homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) were calculated. Serum NOx levels were significantly lower in participants with cognitive impairment compared to the control group (p < 0.01). However, the mean (SD) levels of serum vitamin D, insulin, and glucose, as well as the insulin resistance markers, showed no significant differences between the groups. A positive correlation was observed between serum NOx levels and MMSE scores. NO may be an essential factor for normal brain function, as serum NOx levels were significantly higher in controls compared to those with cognitive impairment, and there was a positive correlation with MMSE scores. Other metabolic and nutritional markers, including vitamin D and insulin resistance, did not demonstrate a significant effect.
Assessing CD36 and CD47 expression levels in solid tumor indications to stratify patients for VT1021 treatment
Authors: Wang Suming , Zota Victor , Vincent Melanie Y. , Clossey Donna , Chen Jian Jenny , Cieslewicz Michael , Watnick Randolph S. , Mahoney James , Watnick Jing
Published: December 2024

Despite the development of cancer biomarkers and targeted therapies, most cancer patients do not have a specific biomarker directly associated with effective treatment options. We have developed VT1021 that induces the expression of thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) in myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) recruited to the tumor microenvironment (TME). Our studies identified CD36 and CD47 as dual biomarkers that can be used as patient stratifying tools and prognostic biomarkers for VT1021 treatment.
Dual-channel nano-carbon-liquid/liquid junction electrodes for multi-modal analysis: redox-active (dopamine) and non-redox-active (acetylcholine)
Authors: Anupriya Edappalil Satheesan , Chen Ran , Kalski Daniel , Palmer Jordynn , Shen Mei
Published: December 2024

We present here a dual-functional nano-carbon-ITIES electrode to detect both redox-active (dopamine) and non-redox-active (acetylcholine) analytes, simultaneously.