bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Linguistic and multilingual issues in virtual worlds and serious games: a general review
Authors: Cruz-Lara Samuel , Denis Alexandre , Bellalem Nadia
Published: August 2018

Within a globalized world, the need for linguistic support is increasing every day. Linguistic information, and in particular multilingual textual information, plays a significant role for describing digital content: information describing pictures or video sequences, general information presented to the user graphically or via a text-to-speech processor, menus in interactive multimedia or TV, subtitles, dialogue prompts, or implicit data appearing on an image such as captions, or tags. It is obviously crucial to associate digital content to multilingual textual information in a non-intrusive way: the user must decide, whether or not, he wants to display the textual information related to the digital content he is dealing with in any particular language.In this paper we will present a general review on linguistic and multilingual issues related to virtual worlds and serious games. The expression “linguistic and multilingual issues” will consider not only any kind of linguistic support (such as syntactic and semantic analysis) based on textual information, but also any kind of multilingual and monolingual topics (such as localization or automatic translation), and their association to virtual worlds and serious games. We will focus on our ongoing research activities, particularly in the framework of sentiment analysis and emotion detection. Note that we will also dedicate special attention to standardization issues because they grant interoperability, stability, and durability.The review will essentially be based on our own experience but some interesting international research projects and applications will be also mentioned, in particular, research projects and applications related to sentiment analysis and emotion detection.
Using 3D Virtual Standardized Patients to Teach Motivational Interviewing
Authors: Czart Margaret
Published: August 2018

The term motivational interviewing focuses on patients’ struggles to make changes for which they may not be ready, willing, and able. The foundation of this approach is the transtheoretical model, which posits that behavior change involves several stages and that not everyone is equally ready to change. To address the lack of training and self-confidence, medical schools have implemented motivational interviewing training courses within the curriculum, utilizing a problem-based learning approach. As computers have become more popular in education, motivational training has moved into the e-learning, computer-assisted, learning environment.A pilot study was designed and implemented at the University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Medicine, in an effort to explore the feasibility of using virtual standardized patients in the Second Life, one of the first virtual worlds available to teach motivational interviewing. This study’s guiding research questions were: Is it feasible to use virtual standardized patients to enhance motivational interviewing training? Could the Second Life virtual world platform, combined with the traditional face-to face training materials, improve motivational interviewing techniques?The results of this study present both positive and negative outcomes. The standardized patient and principal investigator assessment data added to our understanding of the feasibility of using virtual worlds to teach motivational interviewing as an alternate to the webpage virtual standardized patient. This pilot study suggests a positive outcome in the use of the Second Life platform as an educational tool.
Virtual Collaboration Spaces: Bringing Presence to Distributed Collaboration
Authors: Tate Austin , Hansberger Jeffrey T , Potter Stephen , Wickler Gerhard
Published: August 2018

This paper concerns the use of virtual worlds alongside web technologies for on-line collaborative activities. The potential of this combination of technologies lies in the complementary notions of presence that these technologies offer their users. After discussing the nature of synchronous and asynchronous distributed collaboration, we describe a virtual collaborative environment that has been developed for task-focused communities and support to them through specific problem-solving episodes. This environment has been subject to experiments involving the development and provision of expert advice in the context of the response to a large-scale emergency crisis.
The Influences of User Experience, Aesthetics and Psychology in the Design Process of 3D Avatars (Theoretical model)
Authors: Photiadis Thomas , Souleles Nicos
Published: August 2018

This paper introduces a theoretical model that combines three theoretical factors which – it is argued - significantly contribute to the operation of designing 3D avatars. These factors are aesthetics, user-experience and psychology. The aim of the report is to put forward new ideas on what informs the design operation of 3D avatars. An additional reason for the creation of this theoretical model is to simplify the procedure of 3D avatars design, while at the same time comprehending the influence of aesthetics, user-experience and psychology. The paper provides an overview of existing research on aesthetics, user experience and psychology and how these can inform 3D avatars design procedure. As with all theoretical models, this one too needs further testing; a set of future research questions are posed.
Lessons from Recruiting Second Life Users with Chronic Medical Conditions: Applications for Health Communications
Authors: Swicegood Jodi , Haque Saira
Published: August 2018

Second Life (SL) is a virtual world with a number of venues for social interaction. SL integrates various aspects of a user’s social life through activities which span both health and non-health related topics. Users visit SL largely for social interaction, entertainment and play, which makes it a powerful platform for health communications as health messages can be integrated in an alternate venue. As part of a larger project, we conducted an online survey of SL users who self-identified as having diabetes, chronic pain, HIV + status or cancer. Lessons learned from recruiting users with these conditions can be used to develop and disseminate health communications in SL.
Developing Virtual Reality Simulations for Office-Based Medical Emergencies
Authors: Lemheney, Ed.D. Alexander J. , Bond, M.D. William F. , Paden Jason C. , LeClair, M.S. Matthew W. , Miller, M.S.N. Jeannine N. , Susko, M.H.A. Mary T.
Published: August 2018

Virtual reality simulation may significantly benefit a geographically dispersed learner demographic in the medical outpatient setting. Our research used an immersive virtual reality platform as a novel way to recreate high-risk medical scenarios targeted for office-based emergencies. Using a design-based research approach we designed virtual-reality-based simulation scenarios to prepare interprofessional office personnel for emergencies. Learners were connected using laptop computers, via a browser interface, with learner controlled team member avatars and educator controlled patient avatars. The virtual environment was modeled after a multi-provider healthcare office setting in a large suburban health network. Evaluation occurred via post-event surveys and feedback transcribed from video recordings and debriefings. Three office-based emergency scenarios were created (chest pain, respiratory distress/allergic reaction, and suicidal risk), with progressively smaller changes to the virtual environment with each iterative improvement. In total, 18 individuals representative of a typical outpatient office interprofessional care team participated in the pilot study. Qualitative design-related feedback from participants and faculty improved the educational environment, artifacts, and scenarios. Participant feedback was overwhelmingly positive and enthusiastic about the use of virtual reality-based simulations to explore teamwork, build scope of practice, and rehearse infrequently used clinical skills. We successfully created novel outpatient virtual reality simulations in a first-person-perspective virtual environment. Pilot testing revealed successful rapid development, implementation, and participant orientation, with the ability to present learning opportunities. Future efforts will include assessments and attempt to overcome development barriers by switching to a more versatile platform.
Utilizing Virtual Environments for the Evaluation of Lighting Controls
Authors: Khan Vassilis Javed , Van de Kraan Tino , Van Leest Johan , Mason Jon , Aliakseyeu Dzmitry
Published: August 2018

When designing a new user interaction (UI) technology or applying UI modalities to a product or system, the designer can select from many methods and tools to assist them with evaluating the UI’s function and appeal with end users. Testing early in a design process is highly desirable since any issues found can be resolved more easily and often at less expense. However, for lighting solutions, these methods and tools are less suitable due to the qualities of light as a medium. Light is often detached from the UI itself and the light output is generally experienced throughout an environment which is often encompassing the users. For example, testing a new UI to control a yet to be installed media façade is not a simple system to mock up in advance, due to scale and cost. There is a need therefore, within the lighting industry, to have tools or methods with which design teams can test lighting UI, in conjunction with the light output, early in the design process. A potential solution is to use virtual environments. These would provide designers with a space in which they can show virtual light output that can be controlled using any developmental UI; this would enable them to evaluate lighting UI much earlier and potentially in more detail than is currently possible. In this paper we report on a user study that compares three different environments (physical, virtual CAVE and screen) in a bid to determine whether the virtual environments could provide reliable evaluations of UI for lighting versus a real setup. Our findings show that virtual environments indeed have the potential to elicit similar evaluative feedback from end users as a real environment when considering the functional utilitarian elements.
Gamecloud - A Platform for Connecting Video Games
Authors: Parkkila Janne , Järvi Kati , Hynninen Timo , Ikonen Jouni , Porras Jari
Published: August 2018

The growing video game markets, especially the mobile market, have caused problems in terms of new game products being found by players. Cross-promotion and in-game advertising have been used to promote video games inside each other. However, the digital nature of video games as an interactive medium enables deeper collaboration between video games, and could be used in a more profound manner. We interviewed Finnish video game companies to understand if they were interested in creating deeper collaboration between their game products, and how such collaboration could take place. Based on the results, we built a platform called Gamecloud for connecting games together. We present the platform architecture and demonstrate it in use, with examples of connecting games with other games and connecting games with the real world, alongside an example of physical exercising.
Editorial
Authors: Gregory Sue
Published: August 2018

This first Assembled issue of the 2016 Journal of Virtual Worlds Research relates to an eclectic group of six articles covering a variety of aspects of the use of virtual worlds – including articles on: the history of the virtual economy, the use of non-player characters, a simulation for office-based medical staff emergencies, the relationship between a real and virtual supermarket, an evaluation of lighting controls, and a platform for connecting video games.
Scope marking and prosody in Hungarian
Authors: Gyuris Beáta , Jackson Scott R.
Published: August 2018

The paper presents an analysis of the results of three perception experiments that aimed to investigate the scope of postverbal quantifiers in Hungarian. These experiments found no correlations between wide vs. narrow scope readings of postverbal quantifiers and their stressed vs. unstressed pronunciations, contradicting a widespread assumption. In addition to the dominance of scope interpretation that corresponds to the linear order of constituents, previously unnoticed effects of the syntactic or thematic role of the postverbal quantifier and of the type of preverbal operator in the same sentence were found. These might indicate a more complex interaction of several factors or point to a greater role of extra-grammatical effects in determining the scope of quantifiers in Hungarian than previously assumed. The paper also addresses methodological issues that arise in the course of eliciting scope judgments experimentally.
Hybrid deep learning approach for financial time series classification
Authors: Assis Carlos A. S. , Machado Eduardo J. , Pereira Adriano C. M. , Carrano Eduardo G.
Published: August 2018

This paper proposes a combined approach of two machine learning techniques for financial time series classification. Boltzmann Restricted Machines (RBM) were used as the latent features extractor and Support Vector Machines (SVM) as the classifier. Tests were performed with real data of five assets from Brazilian Stock Market. The results of the combined RBM + SVM techniques showed better performance when compared to the isolated SVM, which suggests that the proposed approach can be suitable for the considered application.
Avaliação da performance do algoritmo J48 para construção de modelos baseados em árvores de decisão
Authors: Araujo Vieira Elamara Marama de , Neves Nívea Trindade de A. T. , De Oliveira Ana Carolina C. , De Moraes Ronei Marcos , Do Nascimento João Agnaldo
Published: August 2018

As árvores de decisão são modelos hierárquicos utilizados em várias áreas do conhecimento por sua capacidade preditiva e de resolução de problemas de maneira simples e objetiva. Entretanto, apresentam algumas limitações relacionadas à sua adequação à base de dados e ao se atentar quanto aos procedimentos para seleção dos parâmetros de crescimento e poda a serem adotados. Desta forma, têm-se como objetivo avaliar e discutir a performance do algoritmo J48 para construção de modelos de tomada de decisão em árvore em base de dados com atributos de diferentes tipos. Para tanto, realizaram-se experimentos em 10 bases de dados disponíveis em repositório internacional, considerando como variantes os métodos de treinamento, teste e poda, aplicados em toda base de dados e com o uso dos métodos Wrapper e CFS (Correlation-based Feature Selection) para seleção de atributos. Identificou-se que na presença de dados contínuos, os únicos modelos que apresentaram boa capacidade preditiva estiveram presentes em situações em que a grande quantidade de exemplos puderam compensar tal deficiência. Os modos de treinamento "validação cruzada" e "divisão por porcentagem" mostraram-se similares em suas predições quando ajustados a 10 folds e 75%, respectivamente. Ademais, a seleção de atributos não foi capaz de gerar melhores predições denotando que tal método de forma isolada não compensa possíveis inadequações nas bases de dados. Pode-se constatar que os resultados referentes à capacidade preditiva dos modelos são fortemente direcionados pelo quantitativo de exemplos pertencentes à base, presença de dados contínuos e de dados com ruído.
Flip Math: um serious game como auxílio no ensino-aprendizagem de Matemática Básica
Authors: Giacomini de Moraes Isabela , Colpani Rogerio
Published: August 2018

Este trabalho apresentou o desenvolvimento do serious game, chamado Flip Math, com o objetivo de auxiliar os alunos do ensino fundamental na aprendizagem da Matemática Básica. Neste serious game, cinco conceitos de Matemática Básica são trabalhados: Adição, Subtração, Multiplicação, Divisão e Prioridade de Sinais. A fim de analisar o potencial do jogo como uma ferramenta de auxiliar no ensino de matemática, uma avaliação quantitativa e uma avaliação qualitativa foram realizadas. Na avaliação quantitativa foram mensurados cada um dos conceitos trabalhados através de questionários preenchidos pelo professor, referentes a cada aluno, antes e depois do uso do jogo. Os dados foram analisados estatisticamente pelo teste t e os resultados foram apresentados. Na avaliação qualitativa, uma coleta de dados foi realizada por meio de um questionário, com o objetivo de analisar a usabilidade técnica e pedagógica do jogo. Em seguida, os resultados obtidos foram apresentados. Os resultados de ambas as análises mostraram que o serious game Flip Math provou ser uma ótima ferramenta quando utilizado em sala de aula, onde os alunos evoluíram em cada um dos conceitos trabalhados após o uso do jogo, devido à forma intuitiva como os conteúdos são exibidos e a capacidade da ferramenta de motivar os alunos durante os desafios.
The Effect of Nebulized Salbutamol on Serum Potassium and Blood Sugar Level of Asthmatic Patients
Authors: Nafea Al-Azzawi Omar Farooq , Al. Obaidy Muhammed Waheeb , Shihab Doaa Mohammed
Published: August 2018

BACKGROUND: Nebulized Salbutamol have great advantages for patients with respiratory problems by depositing drugs directly to the lungs, inspite of reported adverse metabolic effects on different electrolytes and glucose heamostasis of patients.AIM OF STUDY: To evaluate the effect of nebulized salbutamol used in the management of patients with asthma who have normal serum potassium and blood glucose levels. in the emergency department after 30 and 60 minutes of administration and to find out if these results are of clinical importance that should be taken in consideration when treating patients especially those with abnormal glucose hemostasis or electrolyte disturbance. PATIENTS & METHODS: The study is a prospective follow up study conducted in Emergency Department of Baghdad Teaching Hospital through the period from 1st of April, 2017, to 31st of January, 2018 on a sample of 100 patients. After administration of nebulized salbutamol, the Potassium and Glucose levels of patients were assessed in three periods; baseline, after 30 minutes and after one hour.RESULTS: The potassium mean was significantly decreased after 1 hour of nebulizer administration (p<0.001). The random blood sugar mean was significantly increased after 1 hour of nebulizer administration (p<0.001). The potassium level was significantly decreased one hour after nebulizer administration for patients with negative steroids history (p=0.03), while no significant difference in potassium level was observed for patients with positive steroids history.CONCLUSIONS: The nebulizer applying salbutamol has a profound effect in lowering the Potassium level and increasing blood glucose level after 60 minutes of administration.
Determination of Ochratoxin A in Selected Cereal Grains Retailed in Nairobi County, Kenya
Authors: Karoki Peter K. , Njue Wilson M. , Swaleh Sauda , Njoroge Ezekiel K. , Kathurima Cecilia W.
Published: August 2018

Ochratoxin A (OTA) belongs to a group of mycotoxins which are a key threat to quality of cereals based foodstuff. Mycotoxins are toxic, carcinogenic, nephrotoxic, neurotoxic and immunotoxic secondary metabolites of certain molds occurring in crop produce and their products. OTA occurs naturally in majority of foodstuffs such as coffee, cereal grains and beverages. The aim of the study was to determine the levels of OTA in cereal grains sampled from various market outlets in Nairobi County, Kenya. The levels of OTA were determined from 27 samples of finger millet (Eleusine coracana), wheat (Triticum aestivum) and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) grains. The levels of OTA in grains was determined by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The results indicated that wheat grains recorded the highest contamination (2.1478±0.3061 ng/g) followed by sorghum (1.0311±0.0635 ng/g), while finger millet recorded the lowest levels (0.6918±0.0315 ng/g). Cereal samples from Gikomba outlet had a higher contamination (1.1750±0.0353 - 3.8147±0.4317 µg kg-1) than those from Githurai outlet (0.1244±0.0795 - 0.4808±0.0321 µg kg-1). OTA levels in samples from Nyamakima outlet were below the detection limit of HPLC (0.03 µg/L). Though levels are lower than maximum allowable limits for OTA in cereals in the European Union (5 µg/kg) and United Kingdom (10 µg/kg), chronic exposure can have serious health risk. The study provides baseline data on the levels of OTA in finger millet, sorghum and wheat grains retailed in Nairobi County, Kenya. The information creates awareness on the potential health risk associated with chronic exposure to OTA from cereals.
Subjetividades en arte contemporáneo: Lo proscrito y lo utópico
Authors: Blanca Rosa María
Published: August 2018

El presente artículo posee como objetivo principal discutir la subjetividad como una dimensión de la pesquisa en artes visuales, problematizando la identidad de género, la identidad nacional y otras clasificaciones, en la cultura y en un contexto local y global. La demanda de los estudios de subjetividades es una consecuencia de los distintos desplazamientos territoriales y conceptuales en el mapa del arte contemporáneo. Se sugiere que existen determinadas prácticas artísticas que cuestionan saberes y dicotomías y que, debido a la forma en que actúan, colaboran para la (re)actualización del sistema de las artes. Se propone la espacialidad, la identidad y la extranjeridad, como conceptos operacionales en la investigación y también, como fenómenos que repercuten en las formas de acción en la contemporaneidad. Son analizados los proyectos de investigación: Tránsitos (des)identitarios: arte como proceso de subjetivación y, Arte desde los márgenes: extranjeridades y (des) localizaciones, de autoría propia.
Arte contemporânea e cultura visual: diálogos e possibilidades no ensino superior
Authors: Valle Lutiere Dalla
Published: August 2018

Este texto explora relações entre arte e cultura visual a partir de projetos de ensino, pesquisa e extensão desenvolvidos junto ao Laboratório Artes Visuais e I/Mediações – vinculado ao Departamento de Artes Visuais da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria. Tem por objetivo compartilhar experiências, refletir sobre trajetórias desenvolvidas e contribuir com algumas possibilidades para a formação acadêmica no campo das artes visuais. Pelo viés da perspectiva da cultura visual, esboça articulações inter e transdisciplinares, a partir de projetos em andamento, aqui pensados como potência. Como fundamentação teórico-metodológica, teóricos como Fernando Hernández,  Nicolas Mirzoeff, Thomas W. J. Mitchell, Belidson Dias, entre outros, subsidiam projetos e experiências. Em forma de relato, o texto pretende não apenas situar estas trajetórias, mas discutir – à luz do referencial – alguns aspectos pontuais acerca da formação, tecendo ideias entorno às proposições realizadas.
Bone memory: the necrogeography of the Armenian Genocide in Dayr al-Zur, Syria
Authors: Semerdjian Elyse
Published: August 2018

This article discusses how Armenians have collected, displayed and exchanged the
bones of their murdered ancestors in formal and informal ceremonies of
remembrance in Dayr al-Zur, Syria – the final destination for hundreds of
thousands of Armenians during the deportations of 1915. These pilgrimages –
replete with overlapping secular and nationalist motifs – are a modern variant
of historical pilgrimage practices; yet these bones are more than relics. Bone
rituals, displays and vernacular memorials are enacted in spaces of memory that
lie outside of official state memorials, making unmarked sites of atrocity more
legible. Vernacular memorial practices are of particular interest as we consider
new archives for the history of the Armenian Genocide. The rehabilitation of
this historical site into public consciousness is particularly urgent, since the
Armenian Genocide Memorial Museum and Martyr’s Church at the centre of the
pilgrimage site were both destroyed by ISIS (Islamic State in Syria) in 2014.
Evaluation of buriti endocarp as lignocellulosic substrate for second generation ethanol production
Authors: Rodrigues Plínio R. , Araújo Mateus F.L. , Rocha Tamarah L. , Veloso Ronnie Von S. , Pantoja Lílian A. , Santos Alexandre S.
Published: August 2018

The production of lignocellulosic ethanol is one of the most promising alternatives to fossil fuels; however, this technology still faces many challenges related to the viability of the lignocellulosic alcohol in the market. In this paper the endocarp of buriti fruit was assessed for ethanol production. The fruit endocarp was characterized physically and chemically. Acid and alkaline pre-treatments were optimized by surface response methodology for removal of hemicellulose and lignin from the biomass. Hemicellulose content was reduced by 88% after acid pretreatment. Alkaline pre-treatment reduced the lignin content in the recovered biomass from 11.8% to 4.2% and increased the concentration of the cellulosic fraction to 88.5%. The pre-treated biomass was saccharified by the action of cellulolytic enzymes and, under optimized conditions, was able to produce 110 g of glucose per L of hydrolyzate. Alcoholic fermentation of the enzymatic hydrolyzate performed bySaccharomyces cerevisiaeresulted in a fermented medium with 4.3% ethanol and a yield of product per substrate (YP/S) of 0.33.
Psychedelic and MDMA-Related Adverse Effects—A Call for Action
Authors: Simonsson Otto , Johnson Matthew W. , Hendricks Peter S.
Published: November 2024

This Viewpoint discusses the need to better understand potential risks associated with psychedelic and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) use to ensure safe and ethical practice and identifies 4 key research goals.
The COVID-19 Pandemic and Patient Expectations About Recovery From Acute Respiratory Failure
Authors: Bouhassira Diana C. , Dinglas Victor D. , Lee Emma M. , Beesley Sarah , Carmichael Harris , Jackson James C. , Mir-Kasimov Mustafa , Sevin Carla M. , Bose Somnath , Goodspeed Valerie , Hopkins Ramona O. , Brown Samuel M. , Needham Dale M. , Turnbull Alison E. ,   Addressing Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (APICS) Study Team, Capers Krystal , Crane Julia , Hoenig Benjamin , Karamourtopoulos Maria , Larson Julia , De Souza Licht Andre , Tsai Lauryn , Akhlaghi Narges , Almaadawy Omar , Bui Toan , Chen Shihua , Cherukuri Sai Phani Sree , Illesca Nicole , Iyayi Ehizele , Kadiri Preethi , Kalva Teja , Koneru Mounica , Ali Mahmoud Mazin , Malik Albahi , Nikooie Roozbeh , Roberts Darin , Seth Bhavna , Singu Sriharsha , Vaziri Parvaneh , Applegate Darrin , Aston Valerie , Brown Katie , Fergus Melissa , Hirshberg Ellie , Kumar Naresh , Lumpkin Jenna , Serezlic Erna , Smith Rilee , High Craig , Beck Emily , Abel Rebecca , Frawley Liza , Hays Margaret , Mogan (in memoriam) Susan
Published: November 2024

This cohort study investigates the association of the COVID-19 pandemic with expectations about recovery among survivors of non–COVID-19 acute respiratory failure.
Density Modulated Vertical Carbon Nanotube Architectures with Bolometric Effect
Authors: Al‐Mafrachi Yasameen , Yadav Sandeep , Preu Sascha , Schneider Jörg J. , Yilmazoglu Oktay
Published: November 2024

Novel density‐modulated carbon nanotube (CNT) blocks with controlled and tunable CNT densities in adjacent layers have been developed. Regions with varying densities are laterally patterned into different shapes with submicron resolution, enhancing the fabrication flexibility of new 3D nanoelectromechanical systems for diverse sensing applications. This technology platform adjusts lateral electrical resistance, mechanical properties such as effective Young's modulus, and both lateral and vertical thermal conductivity, which can vary by several orders of magnitude. Highlighting its potential, the CNTs exhibit broadband blackbody absorption from ultraviolet (UV) to terahertz (THz). The initial bolometric detector demonstrates features such as a voltage responsivity  = 20.5 V W−1, a response time of less than 0.1 ms, measured robust operation up to 200 °C, with fabricated device dimensions of 20 × 30 μm2, and a low‐cost design suitable for mass production. Further optimizations of the lateral design can reduce the device dimensions to as small as 5 × 5 μm2 and improve the absorption in the main resistance region. Thus, this architecture provides a platform technology to increase the responsivity of the fabricated new 3D‐based bolometer devices by several orders of magnitude. Tiny objects such as biological cells can be characterized in real time.
Simple‐Structure and Anti‐Quenching Deep‐Blue Multi‐Resonance TADF Emitters Enable High‐Efficiency OLEDs with BT.2020 Blue Gamut
Authors: Xing Mingxin , Chen Guohao , Wang Shuni , Yin Xiaojun , Liu Jiahui , Xue Zhuixing , Li Nengquan , Miao Jingsheng , Huang Zhongyan , Yang Chuluo
Published: November 2024

Developing highly efficient pure‐blue organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) that meet the stringent BT.2020 standard by using multi‐resonance thermally activated delayed fluorescence (MR‐TADF) materials has long been a formidable challenge. In this study, a strategy is demonstrated for high‐performance blue MR‐TADF emitters by gradually decorating the MR framework with alkyl groups, and subsequently introducing a diarylamino group at the para‐position of boron atom. The proof‐of‐concept molecule, IPrBN‐mCP, exhibits a narrowband deep‐blue emission peaking at 452 nm, with a very narrow full‐width at half maximum (FWHM) of 19 nm in solution, and a remarkably high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) approaching unity in doped films. As a result, OLEDs based on IPrBN‐mCP achieve not only a high maximum external quantum efficiency (EQEmax) of 33.4% but also ultrapure blue emission with a Commission Internationale de L'Eclairage (CIE) y value of 0.046, fully satisfying the BT.2020 blue standard. This represents the first OLED example fully meeting the rigorous color requirements of the BT.2020 blue standard while simultaneously achieving an EQE exceeding 30%.
Price Premiums for Single‐Name and Compound‐Name Geographical Indications in Swiss Cheese Trade
Authors: Irek Judith
Published: November 2024

Geographical indications (GIs) have become increasingly important in agri‐food markets, especially in Europe. For Swiss cheese imports and exports, we analyze whether GIs are associated with higher trade prices. We find that price premiums can be obtained for both exports and imports. However, this is only the case for cheeses with single name GIs where the whole name is protected (e.g., Gruyère, Roquefort). There is no price premium for cheeses with compound names, consisting of a generic part and a geographical part (e.g., Gouda Holland, Raclette du Valais). As the generic part of the name (here Gouda, Raclette) can be used by competitors from other regions, such GI products may have difficulties in differentiating themselves. We conclude that higher prices in international cheese trade are not a matter of having a GI label or not. Rather, having a compound name seems to offset the benefit of the GI protection.
Impact of FTC's Allegation on Amazon's Marketplace: Evidence From Coffee Products
Authors: Etumnu Chinonso E. , Edobor Edeoba W. , Marshall Maria I.
Published: November 2024

How do firms respond to regulatory allegations? The monopolist lawsuit by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) against Amazon provides an avenue to answer this question. Applying difference‐in‐differences to panel data of ground coffee products from Amazon's marketplace in the United States and Canada, we find that Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) fees were reduced by $0.27–$0.29 per product in the United States due to the FTC's monopolist allegation. We also find that the allegation led to price reductions of $0.79–$0.92 per product in the country. Since 42% of the 7.5 billion products sold on Amazon United States in 2023 were by FBA sellers, we estimate that the allegation led to an annual savings of $0.85 billion to $0.91 billion for the FBA sellers and $5.92 billion to $6.85 billion for Amazon's customers on average. These results suggest that the FTC's allegation had sizeable and positive welfare impacts on Amazon's third‐party sellers and customers, making it a significant win for the regulatory agency. Moreover, our study provides insights into the implications of the FTC allegation for agribusiness stakeholders and the future of grocery shopping.
Structural Variants in COL1A1 and COL1A2 in Osteogenesis Imperfecta
Authors: Batkovskyte Dominyka , Swolin‐Eide Diana , Hammarsjö Anna , Sæther Kristine Bilgrav , Thunström Sofia , Lundin Johanna , Eisfeldt Jesper , Lindstrand Anna , Nordgren Ann , Åström Eva , Grigelioniene Giedre
Published: November 2024

Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) is a heterogeneous skeletal dysplasia characterized by bone fragility, skeletal deformities, and short stature. Most commonly, it is caused by autosomal dominant variants in the type I collagen genes, COL1A1 or COL1A2. Type I collagen is the main protein of the extracellular matrix in the skeleton and changes in its structure or quantity may lead to OI. 85%–90% of OI cases occur due to sequence variants in type I collagen genes, while OI caused by structural abnormalities in type I collagen genes is less common. In most cases, haploinsufficiency of type I collagen is associated with a milder OI phenotype. Large genomic deletions often involve several genes within the same chromosomal region, leading to microdeletion syndromes with OI features. Here, we report eight Swedish patients from five unrelated families with OI due to structural variants in the COL1A1 and COL1A2 genes. One patient with OI type III had a complex rearrangement with a deletion and duplication event in COL1A2, leading to reduced COL1A2 expression. Three other patients from two different families with OI type I had whole gene deletions involving COL1A1. In one family, three affected individuals with OI type I had a small intragenic deletion of exons 11–12 in COL1A2. One patient had a 2.1 Mb de novo deletion encompassing COL1A1 and DLX3 genes and features of OI and tricho‐dento‐osseous syndrome. Overall, this study highlights the importance of investigating gene dosage abnormalities in patients with OI and further delineates clinical and genetic variability of OI caused by structural variants in type I collagen genes.
Biofuel‐Driven Stepping Chiral Supramolecular Transfer Container
Authors: Yu Jie , Yu Huijia , Qiu Yugui , Zhang Heng‐Yi , Xu Xiufang , Liu Yu
Published: November 2024

Herein, we reported a biofuel‐driven recyclable chiral supramolecular transfer container based on hexacationic triphenylamine cage and nucleotides. Possessing rotatable paddle rigid backbones, the artificial receptor effectively encapsulated nucleotides with a high binding constant up to 5.37×105 M−1 in water, displaying guest‐induced efficient fluorescence enhancement with quantum yield increased from 6.5 % to 16.6 %. Especially, the achiral cage could effectively bind with adenosine triphosphate to activate chirality transfer from substrates to the single molecular container, giving circularly polarized luminescence at 575 nm and positive Cotton effect peaks with significant asymmetric factor (gabs=+6.4×10−4). Meanwhile, the adaptive chiral supramolecule not only has reversible thermal responsiveness but also could stepwise regulate chirality transfer by the catalysis of hexokinase and apyrase in tandem, showing recovery adaptive chirality after refueled, achieving dynamically regulated programmable multistate chiral luminescent supramolecules. Therefore, the biofuel‐driven chiral supramolecular transfer container could be successfully applied in chiral logic gates and multilevel information encryption, providing new insight into intelligent chiral materials.
Diastereoselective Anomeric C(sp3)−H Cyclization Towards the Design of New Cyclophane‐Braced Glycopeptides
Authors: Bazzi Sakna , Hadj Mohamed Ameni , Ryzhakov Dmytro , Ghouilem Juba , Beniddir Mehdi A. , Gandon Vincent , Messaoudi Samir
Published: November 2024

Here we report a macrocyclization route towards the synthesis of glycophane peptides by a selective C−H arylation of the anomeric bond. This approach demonstrates the power of Pd‐catalysis C−H activation to access unusual cyclic peptides.
Mitochondrial Viscosity Probes: Iridium(III) Complexes Induce Apoptosis in HeLa Cells
Authors: Chen Bingbing , Liang Zhijun , Gong Yao , Wu Wei , Huang Jiaen , Chen Jiaxi , Wang Yanmei , Mei Jun , Chen Rui , Huang Zunnan , Sun Jing
Published: November 2024

Mitochondrial viscosity has emerged as a promising biomarker for diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders, yet accurately measuring viscosity at the subcellular level remains a significant challenge. In this study, we synthesized and characterized three cyclometalated iridium(III) complexes (Ir1‐Ir3) containing 5‐fluorouracil derivatives as ligands. Among these, Ir1 selectively induced apoptosis in HeLa cells by increasing mitochondrial production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which triggered a cascade of events leading to mitochondrial dysfunction. Additionally, the fluorescence lifetime of Ir1 demonstrated high sensitivity to intracellular viscosity changes, enabling real‐time fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) of cellular micro‐viscosity during apoptosis. These findings underscore the potential of cyclometalated Ir(III) complexes for both therapeutic and diagnostic applications at the subcellular level.
Frustrated Radical Pairs: From Fleeting Intermediates to Isolable Species
Authors: van der Zee Lars J. C. , Hofman Jelle , Mathew Simon , de Visser Anne , Brück Ekkes , de Bruin Bas , Chris Slootweg J.
Published: November 2024

We present the design and comprehensive investigation of stable para‐substituted triarylamine–2,3‐dichloro‐5,6‐dicyano‐1,4‐benzoquinone (DDQ) radical ion pairs (RIPs) generated via single‐electron transfer (SET). We quantified the degree of SET in both solution and solid phases, utilising a suite of spectroscopic techniques including IR, EPR, NMR, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction (SC–XRD). Our findings reveal that the extent of SET is significantly influenced by the nature of the substituents (MeO > tBu > Br) and the polarity of the solvent (MeCN > DCM > toluene). The radical ion pair [(pMeOPh)3N]⋅+[DDQ]⋅− was unambiguously identified using EPR and UV–vis spectroscopy, and its structure was confirmed by SC–XRD. Detailed analysis indicates an open‐shell singlet ground state with a thermally accessible triplet state, as corroborated by EPR, magnetic susceptibility measurements, and DFT calculations. This study offers crucial insights into the mechanistic pathways of RIP formation and tuning both in solution and solid states, laying the groundwork for future exploration of their reactivity and potential applications.
Ortho Arylation of N‐Aryl Amides and the Construction of Diagonal Tetraarylbenzenediamines and N‐Doped Fulminenes via BBr3‐Derived Dibromoboracycles
Authors: Shinde Ganesh H. , Ghotekar Ganesh S. , Sundén Henrik
Published: November 2024

The synthesis of biaryl amides, which are prevalent motifs in bioactive molecules, often necessitates lengthy and inefficient procedures. To address these limitations, catalytic C−H activation protocols have emerged, enabling the direct ortho‐arylation of aryl amides. However, these protocols often suffer from issues such as lack of selectivity, reliance on stoichiometric oxidants, and the requirement for excess reagents and harsh reaction conditions. To overcome these challenges, we present a novel and highly selective protocol for the ortho‐arylation of N‐aryl amides and ureas. The high selectivity originates from the directed installation of BBr3 to form a boracycle, which then undergoes cross‐coupling with an aryl halide. Our method offers significant advantages, including mild reaction conditions, excellent site‐specificity, and scalability. The protocol demonstrates broad compatibility with a diverse range of readily accessible functionalized anilides and aryl iodides, as evidenced by 55 successful examples yielding products in the 30–95 % range. Furthermore, our methodology surpasses conventional approaches by facilitating the one‐pot selective diagonal diarylation of dianilides. This capability unlocks the construction of previously unattainable diagonal aryl systems, which serve as valuable precursors for the synthesis of diagonal tetraarylbenzenediamines and N‐doped fulminenes, two crucial compound classes in materials science.
Charting the temporal evolution of stakeholder involvement in business model for sustainability: A comprehensive bibliometric review
Authors: Attanasio Giovanna , Battistella Cinzia
Published: November 2024

This paper aims to explore and analyse the temporal evolution of the concept of stakeholder involvement, highlighting the transformations, influences, and interpretations that this concept has undergone over the years. The particular setting is business models for sustainability (BMfS). Through in‐depth bibliometric literature review and critical analysis, co‐citation analysis is used to identify the past themes in the topic and bibliographic coupling analysis to explore its recent developments. Future developments of the themes are then outlined. The paper proposes a conceptual framework called Sustainability Strategy Map for Stakeholder Involvement that can help organisations move towards business models for sustainability, acting on purpose, architecture and involvement to achieve outcomes. The goal is to create a detailed map of the evolution of this concept over time, highlighting crucial milestones, controversies, and connections with other key concepts. Major results show that, compared with the past, recent research is more practical, improvement‐oriented, expanded to polluting industries and focused on economic performance. Finally, stakeholder involvement shifted from management and engagement to integration, a deeper and longer connection characterised by a strategic relationship.
New Modulation Technique for a Family of Z‐Source AC–AC Converters With a Safe Commutation Strategy
Authors: Jeelani Naira , Hamid Bhat Abdul
Published: November 2024

Direct pulse‐width modulated (PWM) AC–AC converters are rapidly advancing, primarily because of their single‐stage power conversion and reduced footprint, achieved by eliminating the intermediate DC‐link capacitor. Z‐source AC–AC converters (ZSACs) especially have gained attention for their wide voltage range and reduced harmonic currents in applications where only voltage regulation is desired. Meanwhile, voltage regulation in PWM AC–AC converters necessitates effective closed‐loop control methods. Delta‐sigma modulation (DSM) has emerged as a promising technique, outperforming traditional methods. Nevertheless, the conventional DSM technique employs a fixed hysteresis band, resulting in the converter operating at a variable switching frequency. The variable switching frequency increases the switching losses, which puts more thermal stress on the switches. This paper introduces a CSF‐based DSM method for ZSACs that makes use of an adaptive hysteresis band. A four‐step commutation technique is utilized to prevent voltage and current spikes across the bidirectional switches, eliminating the need for snubber circuits. The proposed approach is validated through comprehensive simulation studies and experimental results on a modified quasi‐ZSAC topology using a 200‐W laboratory prototype, demonstrating significant improvements in source and load current total harmonic distortion (THD), dynamic response, and overall system performance while maintaining constant switching frequency.
Plant Species Diversity and Composition Differ Significantly Between the Boundaries of Kettle Holes and Field Borders
Authors: Heyer I. , Wulf M.
Published: November 2024

The boundaries around habitat islands in agricultural fields are rather unexamined, although they may be an important part of agroecosystems in some regions. In this study, we surveyed field boundaries in northeastern Brandenburg both at outer field borders and around kettle holes, which are typical habitat islands in the region. We examined, described, and compared the plant species diversity and composition at both the inner and outer field boundaries in the arable fields (crop edge) as well as in permanent vegetation (field margins). Diversity was assessed and compared with Hill diversity values, using the iNext framework. Non‐metric multidimensional scaling and permutational analysis of variance were used to compare species composition at different field boundaries and to search for variables that drive species composition at the local scale. The results revealed that both species diversity and composition differed significantly between the inner and outer boundary along the crop edges and at the field margins. Local site conditions, namely a moisture gradient, influenced the species composition of the field margins, resulting in differences between the inner and outer field margins. Mitigated through crop growth and cover, the moisture gradient influenced also the species composition of the inner and outer crop edges, despite the management practices on the fields were the same.
Banning protests at oil and gas sites: The influence of policy entrepreneurs and political pressure
Authors: Jang Sojin , Kagan Jennifer A.
Published: November 2024

Direct action by citizens has played a pivotal role in shaping environmental policies in the United States. However, several states have recently enacted legislation prohibiting protests at oil and gas project sites, thus undermining the historical legacy of free speech, the American environmental movement, and environmental justice. This study aims to elucidate the determinants influencing the adoption of bills that prohibit civic protests at oil and gas project sites. Existing policy adoption studies have paid limited attention to the impact of policy entrepreneurs and corporate lobbying on policy adoption. This study contributes to the public policy literature by examining the role of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) and corporate political activities, and how their influence combines with other types of political pressure to influence the adoption of bills that outlaw protests at oil and gas sites (anti‐protest bills) at the state level. Using event history analysis with Cox regression, we modeled the likelihood of adoption of anti‐protest bills across 50 states from 2017 to 2021. Furthermore, to zoom in on a strategy employed by ALEC, we compared the similarity scores between the texts of ALEC model legislation and proposed anti‐protest bills. This study found that the adoption of anti‐protest bills is explained by the presence of ALEC‐tied legislators, the composition of legislatures, gas production, and the oil and gas industry's contribution to the state economy. The influence of ALEC's model legislation in policy adoption, however, is not significant.
Structural Design and Optimization on Three‐Row J‐Type Air Cooling Channel of Pouch LiB Module
Authors: Duan Libin , Li Lingling , Xu Wei , Zhang Guangya , Zhou Huajin , Liu Xing , Du Zhanpeng
Published: November 2024

To enhance the cooling efficiency of pouch lithium‐ion battery modules, a three‐row J‐type air cooling channel structure is proposed, utilizing the previously developed multiple inlet/outlet air cooling frames. The influence of the location and number of inlets and outlets on heat dissipation performance is investigated through six air cooling channel schemes, providing a baseline for the multiobjective structural optimization of the proposed structure. Three important structural parameters, , , and l, of its air convergence and divergence plenums are selected as the design variables to improve the airflow uniformity in branch channels and minimize the pressure drop between inlets and outlets. The final design exhibits superior heat dissipation performance compared to baseline. It is noted that the airflow root mean square error in branch channels is reduced by 75.64%, while the pressure drop is increased by 19.74%. These are the critical factors for ensuring the heat dissipation performance of battery module. The maximum temperature and the maximum temperature difference of battery module are reduced by 5.29% and 23.91%, respectively, which help maintain its working temperature within a reasonable range.