bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Rise of Corporate Social Responsibility: A Tool for Sustainable Development for the SMEs in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Khurshid Muhammad Adnan , Aldakhil Abdullah Mohammed , Abro Muhammad Moinuddin Qazi , Aamir Alamzeb , Mujahid Malik Omair
Published: December 2015

The Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) concept is not a new phenomenon for the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) operating in the Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabian government has taken many initiatives in this regard. Arab forum for Environment and Development (AFED ) in their 2008 report have confirmed that the Arab countries have to shift their focus on the green economy to achieve sustainable development and this is possible if CSR is being successfully implemented in all the business organizations specially SMEs. Therefore, the focus of this paper is to analyze the awareness of SMEs regarding the concept of CSR and their efforts towards the CSR for a greener Saudi Arabia. 
Why Callable Bonds Are not Called When the Market Price Reaches the Call Price: A Duration Argument
Authors: Azar Samih Antoine
Published: December 2015

It is a fact that firms do not call callable bonds when bond prices reach for the first time the call price. This paper provides an original explanation for this behavior by resorting to duration analysis. It is known that, ceteris paribus, a bond with a higher coupon, or a higher yield, has a lower duration that a bond with a lower coupon, or a lower yield. This implies that the bond that is to be called has a lower duration than the bond that replaces it. A lower duration signifies a lower interest rate risk. The firm with a callable bond will wait for market interest rates to fall further in order to equalize durations and bear the same risk. The underlying assumption is that by equalizing durations the firm keeps facing the same financial risk. In this case, it is the same amount of interest rate risk. Consequently, there are no changes in the capital structure, no redistribution effects on other debt claims, and financial leverage is unaffected. The paper provides illustrations on this active law by considering four callable bonds, with different remaining maturities, and each one with a set of two different call prices.
Study on ICT Industrial Integration in New Industrial Revolution: A Survey of Chinese Mainland and Taiwan
Authors: Tsai Shih-Feng , Zhou Xiao Ke
Published: December 2015

In today’s world, two changes are going on: reconstruction of global manufacturing value chain and remodeling of trade and investment patterns. In the background, developing cross-strait economic cooperation in depth by promoting industrial integration will be a win-win choice. It is better for improvement of welfare to the people on both sides of Taiwan straits. Furthermore, the electronic information industry is a field which is most essential and necessary to be integrated for Mainland and Taiwan. With the integration of electronic information industry, both sides will face not only more opportunities with the new round of global industrial revolution coming, Asia-Pacific regional economic integration and new strategies for the mainland China in further opening to the outside world, but also more challenges such as uncertainties in core technical breakthroughs, multi-track operation in Asia-Pacific regional economic integration, and the changes of Taiwan political situation. This paper describes the foundation for cross-strait ICT industry integration and the challenges in its new newly-developing industries by the qualitative analysis from technology, economy, politics and mainland China. Finally it is intended to bring about the paths needed for the integration. The results suggest both mainland and Taiwan should establish common industrial standards based on capital integration and further specialization and cooperation in the industrial chain. Besides that, both sides should jointly develop and break through major core technologies gradually to realize the integrated development in an all-around way.
Transcendence in Technology
Authors: Aydin Ciano , Verbeek Peter-Paul ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: December 2015

According to Max Weber, the “fate of our times” is characterized by a “disenchantment of the world.” The scientific ambition of rationalization and intellectualization, as well as the attempt to master nature through technology, will greatly limit experiences of and openness for the transcendent, i.e. that which is beyond our control. Insofar as transcendence is a central aspect of virtually every religion and all religious experiences, the development of science and technology will, according to the Weberian assertion, also limit the scope of religion. In this paper, we will reflect on the relations between technology and transcendence from the perspective of technological mediation theory. We will show that the fact that we are able to technologically intervene in the world and ourselves does not imply that we can completely control the rules of life. Technological interference in nature is only possible if the structures and laws that enable us to do that are recognized and to a certain extent obeyed, which indicates that technological power cannot exist without accepting a transcendent order in which one operates. Rather than excluding transcendence, technology mediates our relation to it.
Differentiating between access, interaction and participation
Authors: Carpentier Nico
Published: December 2015

Participation has regained a remarkable presence in academic debates within Communication and Media Studies, amongst other fields and disciplines. At the same time, the concept of participation has remained vague because of its frequent and diverse usages and its intrinsically political nature, which renders it difficult to use in an academic context. Conceptual clarity is generated through a combination of negative-relationist and inter- disciplinary strategies. The former means that an argument is made in favour of a more focussed meaning of participation, on the basis of a comparison with two other concepts, access and interaction. The interdisciplinary strategy consists of a broad theoretical re-reading that focuses on the academic literature in which these distinc- tions are made, or where the independent nature of one of the three concepts is particularly emphasized. At the end of this text, the different meanings of access, interaction and participation are structured and integrated in a model, which is labelled the AIP model. P
Recovery to Resilience
Authors: Mobley Suzanne , Jenisch Nick
Published: December 2015

As the tenth anniversary of New Orleans’ and arguably the United States’ greatest disaster came and went on August 29th this year, it is important to look critically at steps taken towards recovery in order to understand whether the massive efforts undertaken within and outside our community have led to sustainability and resilience, and to inform ongoing and future recovery and revitalization efforts. Our investigation draws from critical urban theory as defined by Brenner: “grounded on an antagonistic relationship not only to inherited urban knowledges, but more generally, to existing urban formations. It insists that another, more democratic, socially just, and sustainable form of urbanization is possible, even if such possibilities are being suppressed through dominant institutional arrangements, practices and ideologies” (Brenner 2012).

The anniversary served as a celebration of resilience for local officials anxious to focus on the city’s bright future and to let talk of a recovery-based economy lay behind us. On the ground, however, commemoration provided a pivot point in the thinking of local citizens, neighborhood groups, non-profit organizations, and those that serve them. It serves as well as a locus for counter-narratives of inequity and removal, for anger at hospitals closed, schools reordered, and a hundred thousand residents permanently displaced. These challenges are not new or unique to New Orleans, but the crucible of ten years of collaborative recovery work at the level of individuals, blocks, and neighborhoods allows us to organize and practice self-critique in the face of a changing economy, re-invented school system, upended healthcare structure, and other challenges.

Our perspective is shaped by witnessing a decade of top-down planning efforts, and by participating in official attempts at community engagement in recovery; some effective, some wildly ineffectual. While this work continues, now is a chance to refocus efforts towards building strong communities with equitable access to economic opportunity. It is a moment to recognize the successes and failures in the means of creating recovery to this point, with a focus on social justice and implementing changes and improvements meant to address broader and deeper problems facing our neighborhoods and the city at large.
Participation as assemblage
Authors: Stage Carsten , Ingerslev Karen
Published: December 2015

The article presents a yet unexplored framework for analysing the multidimensionality and dis/connections of participatory processes and their outcomes by using the concept of the ‘assemblage’ (DeLanda, 2006). The case is an eight-month collaboration between a task force initiated by Central Denmark Region, the socio-economic company Sager der Samler, and citizens. The collaboration is aimed at bringing together and working across various institutional and user perspectives to act on a societal challenge. The analysis is theoretically based on a review of existing theories of participation and typologies for analysing and evaluating participation. In particular, the analysis focuses on the assemblage approach as a way of acknowledging the institutional, affective, material and power-related complexity of participatory processes. The assemblage approach helps to analytically stress that the process under investigation should be evaluated both with a more traditional focus on decision-making or power allocation, as well as taking into account the social, personal-affective and material benefits produced, and the potential for change in the relationship between public administration and citizens.
Translating Patient Experiences into Clinical Practice
Authors: Ledderer Loni , Nissen Nina
Published: December 2015

In this article we examine meanings and uses of the concept of patient involvement, using a psychosocial cancer rehabilitation intervention in Denmark as an example. Drawing on Scandinavian sociological institutionalism, we analyse the translation process of the concept and how it is understood, shaped and practised in four interrelated contexts: patients’ experience of cancer care; a call for research bids to improve cancer care; a research project of psychosocial cancer rehabilitation; and the implementation of the project’s intervention in clinical practice. Our analysis reveals distinct understandings and practices of patient involvement informed by the various actors’ perspectives and the structures of the healthcare system. The meaning of patient involvement changed from patients seeking to engage in healthcare on their terms, to patients being expected by researchers and healthcare professionals to be ‘active patients’ in particular ways. Our analysis highlights the importance of critically examining the phenomenon of patient involvement in local contexts.
Many lncRNAs, 5’UTRs, and pseudogenes are translated and some are likely to express functional proteins
Authors: Ji Zhe , Song Ruisheng , Regev Aviv , Struhl Kevin
Published: December 2015

Using a new bioinformatic method to analyze ribosome profiling data, we show that 40% of lncRNAs and pseudogene RNAs expressed in human cells are translated. In addition, ~35% of mRNA coding genes are translated upstream of the primary protein-coding region (uORFs) and 4% are translated downstream (dORFs). Translated lncRNAs preferentially localize in the cytoplasm, whereas untranslated lncRNAs preferentially localize in the nucleus. The translation efficiency of cytoplasmic lncRNAs is nearly comparable to that of mRNAs, suggesting that cytoplasmic lncRNAs are engaged by the ribosome and translated. While most peptides generated from lncRNAs may be highly unstable byproducts without function, ~9% of the peptides are conserved in ORFs in mouse transcripts, as are 74% of pseudogene peptides, 24% of uORF peptides and 32% of dORF peptides. Analyses of synonymous and nonsynonymous substitution rates of these conserved peptides show that some are under stabilizing selection, suggesting potential functional importance.
Mastering Proton Activities in Aqueous Batteries
Authors: Zhang Leiting , Zhang Chao , Berg Erik J.
Published: September 2024

Advanced aqueous batteries are promising solutions for grid energy storage. Compared with their organic counterparts, water‐based electrolytes enable fast transport kinetics, high safety, low cost, and enhanced environmental sustainability. However, the presence of protons in the electrolyte, generated by the spontaneous ionization of water, may compete with the main charge‐storage mechanism, trigger unwanted side reactions, and accelerate the deterioration of the cell performance. Therefore, it is of pivotal importance to understand and master the proton activities in aqueous batteries. This Perspective comments on the following scientific questions: Why are proton activities relevant? What are proton activities? What do we know about proton activities in aqueous batteries? How do we better understand, control, and utilize proton activities?
Medical students' initial experiences of the dissection room and interaction with body donors: A qualitative study of professional identity formation, educational benefits, and the experience of Pasifika students
Authors: Madgwick Jacob , Anderson Lynley , Cornwall Jon
Published: September 2024

The first experience of medical students in the dissecting room (DR) likely influences professional identity formation (PIF). Sparse data exist exploring how exposure to the DR and body donors without undertaking dissection influences PIF, or how culture may influence this experience. This qualitative study explored students' first, non‐dissection DR experience to determine how this contributes to PIF, including the impact of culture through a Pasifika‐student lens. It also explored student perspectives on what learning opportunities are unique to this experience. Medical students with no prior DR experience were recruited and then interviewed after initial engagement with the DR and body donors. Questions included participant experiences, cultural perspectives, and how the DR differed from other teaching experiences. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed thematically. Twenty students were interviewed (mean age 22 years, 12 females; 8 Pasifika) resulting in 520 min of audio recording (mean 26 min). Four primary themes were identified: professional identity formation, educational elements, death and spirituality, and cultural perspectives. Three subthemes including student experiences, behaviors, and environment were developed within each theme. Findings indicate development of PIF likely occurs from a single engagement with body donors without undertaking dissection, including recognition of professional role. Culture can play an important role for students, with several Pasifika students viewing the DR as a “cultural purgatory”. Unique learning experiences are identified, such as cultural awareness around behaviors with the dead. The experience is an educational “threshold concept” where students likely undergo substantial developments in PIF, and educational initiatives to support students are outlined.
From awareness to action: Understanding the relationship between circular economy and favourable evaluation towards sustainable development
Authors: dos Santos Leite Gonella Jéssica , Filho Moacir Godinho , Ganga Gilberto Miller Devós , Lizarelli Fabiane Leticia
Published: September 2024

This study examines the effects of heightened awareness of circular economy (CE) principles on individuals' evaluations of sustainable development within Brazil's resource‐rich yet environmentally challenged context. Employing social learning theory (SLT) as our theoretical framework, we investigate how increased knowledge of CE influences individuals' cognitive perceptions, enhancing their understanding and favourable assessment of sustainable practices. Data were collected through a nationwide survey of the general public, incorporating five CE dimensions: waste management, rational use of resources, technical cycle, sustainable products/packaging and dematerialization/collaborative consumption. Our results reveal that a deeper awareness of CE significantly improves individuals' positive evaluations concerning the environment, future generations' survival, socio‐economic development and engagement between people and institutions in sustainable practices. These positive evaluations are indicative of a shift in perception that precedes and may catalyse sustainable behaviours, suggesting that cognitive engagement is a critical precursor to actionable change. The study confirms that SLT effectively elucidates the bidirectional and complex interaction between cognition and evaluation within environmental contexts, thereby enriching the understanding of how sustainable practices can be adopted and promoted. The implications of our research are profound, suggesting that educational and policy interventions aimed at increasing CE knowledge could substantially impact sustainable development outcomes.
Secret Service, a thankless job
Authors: Miles David
Published: September 2024

Where were you on July 13, 2024, around 6:10 PM Eastern Time?
XANES spectroscopy proofs pH‐dependent P sorption partitioning to Fe oxyhydroxides versus montmorillonite in acidic soils
Authors: Prietzel Jörg , Harrington Gertraud , Hiesch Sigrid , Klysubun Wantana
Published: September 2024

Background

Fe and Al oxyhydroxides are well‐known phosphorus (P)‐retaining minerals in soils. Little information is available regarding the relevance of clay minerals for the sorption of P in mixed oxyhydroxide–clay mineral systems and pH effects on P sorption partitioning.

Aims and Methods

We wanted to investigate pH effects on P sorption partitioning between Fe oxyhydroxides and high‐activity clay minerals in mixed‐mineral systems. We quantified the relative contribution of ferrihydrite or goethite versus Al‐saturated montmorillonite (Al‐MT) to the retention of orthophosphate (oPO4) and inositol hexakisphosphate (IHP) at different pH values (3–6). We combined the analysis of P solution concentration changes with the quantification of P bound to Fe(III) versus Al in the Fe oxyhydroxide/Al‐MT mixtures by X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy.

Results

Orthophosphate was preferentially retained by ferrihydrite, compared to Al‐MT at pH 3–6. The opposite was observed for goethite at low P solution concentrations. The contribution of Al‐MT versus Fe oxyhydroxides to oPO4 retention increased with pH. This is attributed to a speciation change of clay‐adsorbed Al from monomeric Al3+ to polynuclear Al hydroxy species. IHP was predominantly retained by Al‐MT rather than ferrihydrite at pH 3–6, probably by the formation of adsorbed and surface‐precipitated Al phytate complexes.

Conclusions

Synchrotron‐based XANES spectroscopy allows for quantifying P adsorbed to co‐existing pedogenic Fe(III) oxyhydroxides versus Al‐MT in mixed‐mineral systems. Soil P retention partitioning to these minerals depends on (1) dominating P form (oPO4, IHP), (2) relative abundance of high‐activity clay minerals, short‐range ordered and crystalline Fe oxyhydroxides, and (3) solution pH.
Dimeric Small Molecule Acceptors via Terminal‐End Connections: Effect of Flexible Linker Length on Photovoltaic Performance
Authors: Li Zhengkai , Wang Qingyuan , Chen Qi , Meng Shixin , Bai Yang , Xue Lingwei , Xue Jing , Zhang Zhi‐Guo
Published: September 2024

The dimerization of small molecule acceptors (SMAs) holds significant potential by combining the advantages of both SMAs and polymer acceptors in realizing high power conversion efficiency (PCE) and operational stability in organic solar cells (OSCs). However, advancements in the selection and innovation of dimeric linkers are still challenging in enhancing their performance. In this study, three new dimeric acceptors, namely DY‐Ar‐4, DY‐Ar‐5, and DY‐Ar‐6 are synthesized, by linking two Y‐series SMA subunits via an “end‐to‐end” strategy using flexible spacers (octyl, decyl, and dodecyl, respectively). The influence of spacer lengths on device performance is systematically investigated. The results indicate that DY‐Ar‐5 exhibits more compact and ordered packing, leading to an optimal morphology. OSCs based on PM6: DY‐Ar‐5 achieves a maximum PCE of 15.76%, attributes to enhance and balance carrier mobility, and reduce carrier recombination. This dimerization strategy using suitable non‐conjugated linking units provides a rational principle for designing high‐performance non‐fullerene acceptors.
Monomer Transport by Collisions in (Mini) Emulsion Polymerization, a Personal Perspective
Authors: van Herk Alexander M.
Published: September 2024

Transport of monomer from droplets to growing latex particles in emulsion polymerization in general is assumed to proceed via diffusion through the aqueous phase. Especially in miniemulsion polymerizations the direct transfer of very hydrophobic species from droplet to droplet is assumed to also proceed via collisions. Amongst the hydrophobic species where this is shown to play a role are monomers, initiators, inhibitors and (catalytic) chain transfer agents. It is well known that the reactor geometry and the stirring speed can have a profound effect on emulsion polymerizations. The 1972 paper of Nomura on the effect of stirring on emulsion polymerization is cited more than 100 times and until today keeps scientists intrigued. Diffusion limitations of monomer going from the droplet into the aqueous phase can occur for very hydrophobic monomers. The alternative route of transport via collisions is often not considered. In this perspective, paper will discuss the evidence for collision based transfer in miniemulsion polymerization and also consider whether collision based monomer transport can play a role in regular emulsion polymerizations.
Changes in the Use of Hydrochlorothiazide and Other Antihypertensive Drugs in Switzerland in Association With the Swissmedic Safety Alert Regarding Non‐melanoma Skin Cancer: An Interrupted Time‐Series Analysis Using Swiss Claims Data
Authors: Zappalà Tamino , Pottegård Anton , Huber Carola A. , Reinau Daphne , Meier Christoph R. , Spoendlin Julia
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Long‐term use of hydrochlorothiazide increases the risk of non‐melanoma skin cancer. We aimed to evaluate potential changes in the use of hydrochlorothiazide in Switzerland after a direct healthcare professional communication (DHPC) in November 2018 by Swissmedic.

Methods

We performed interrupted time‐series analyses using a large Swiss healthcare claims database (2015–2021). Within monthly intervals, we quantified the total number of claims and the total dispensed ‘defined daily doses’ (DDD) for preparations containing (1) hydrochlorothiazide, (2) angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin‐II‐receptor blockers (ARB), (3) calcium‐channel blockers (CCB) and (4) thiazide‐like diuretics per 10 000 persons. Using segmented linear regression, we quantified the pre‐DHPC trend, the immediate change and the post‐DHPC change in trend for total claims and DDD for the four drug classes weighted for the demographic distribution of the Swiss population.

Results

ACE inhibitors and ARB were the most frequently claimed antihypertensive drugs with 300–400 claims per 10 000 persons, which increased by 5.4% during the study period. The average number of hydrochlorothiazide claims (157/10 000 persons in 2015) declined by 35% between 2015 and 2021. The decrease started prior to the DHPC, but the DHPC was associated with an immediate 6.1% decline and an accelerated decline in claims over time after the DHPC (similar results for DDD). This coincided with a 23% increase in claims of CCB (dihydropyridine type) over 7 years, whereas use of other antihypertensives increased less.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the DHPC by Swissmedic in 2018 accelerated a pre‐existing decline in the use of hydrochlorothiazide in Switzerland.
Study of the Structure, Multiferroic, and Magnetic Order of Er0.9La0.1Cr0.8Fe0.2O3
Authors: Gao Kaiyang , Hou Hengjian , Shen Jiyu , Lu Zeyi , Mo Jiajun , Liu Guoqing , Wu Zhongjin , Gong Chenying , Xie Dong , Xia Yanfang , Liu Min
Published: September 2024

Herein, the multiferroic perovskite Er0.9La0.1Cr0.8Fe0.2O3 was synthesized using the sol–gel method, and its structure and multiferroic properties were investigated. The magnetic order of Er0.9La0.1Cr0.8Fe0.2O3 was analyzed through magnetic entropy change curves. Furthermore, a four‐sublattice molecular field model was constructed to study the spin reorientation phenomena and explain the differences between various spin redirections through magnetic order correction. This work will provide a new perspective for studying the properties of type II multiferroic materials.
Specific Targeting and Imaging of RNA G‐Quadruplex (rG4) Structure Using Non‐G4‐Containing l‐RNA Aptamer and Fluorogenic l‐Aptamer
Authors: Lau Hill Lam , Zhao Haizhou , Feng Hengxin , Kwok Chun Kit
Published: September 2024

RNA G‐quadruplex structures (rG4s) play important roles in the regulation of biological processes. So far, all the l‐RNA aptamers developed to target rG4 of interest contain G4 motif itself, raising the question of whether non‐G4‐containing l‐RNA aptamer can be developed to target rG4. Furthermore, it is unclear whether an l‐Aptamer‐based tool can be generated for G4 detection in vitro and imaging in cells. Herein, a new strategy is designed using a low GC content template library to develop a novel non‐G4‐containing l‐RNA aptamer with strong binding affinity and improved binding specificity to rG4 of interest. The first non‐G4‐containing l‐Aptamer, l‐Apt.1‐1, is identified with nanomolar binding affinity to amyloid precursor protein (APP) D‐rG4. l‐Apt.1‐1 is applied to control APP gene expression in cells via targeting APP D‐rG4 structure. Moreover, the first l‐RNA‐based fluorogenic bi‐functional aptamer (FLAP) system is developed, and l‐Apt.1‐1_Pepper is engineered for in vitro detection and cellular imaging of APP D‐rG4. This work provides an original approach for developing non‐G4‐containing l‐RNA aptamer for rG4 targeting, and the novel l‐Apt.1‐1 developed for APP gene regulation, as well as the l‐Apt.1‐1_Pepper generated for imaging of APP rG4 structure can be further used in other applications in vitro and in cells.
Die Kartierung von Parametern zur Bestimmung des Boden-pH-Wertes
Authors: Gebbers Robin , Vogel Sebastian , Kramer Eckart
Published: September 2024

Dieses Kapitel erläutert die Grundlagen zur Messung des pH-Wertes im Boden. Es umfasst Definitionen des pH-Werts und der Bodenacidität, informiert über die Bedeutung des pH-Wertes und gibt einen Überblick über Messmethoden. Ionenselektive Elektroden (ISE) sind die bislang geeignetsten Sensoren und werden daher detailliert dargestellt. Für die direkte Messung im Boden haben sich ISE aus Antimon bewährt. Deren Einsatz für die Bodenkartierung wird praxisnah beschrieben. This chapter explains the fundamentals for measuring pH in soils. It encompasses definitions of the pH and soil acidity, informs about the relevance of soil pH and provides an overview of pH measurement methods. Up to now, ion-selective electrodes (ISE) are the most suitable sensors. Thus, they are described in detail. For direct measurement of pH in soils antimony ISE are well-proven. Practicalities of their application in soil mapping are presented at length.
Die Kartierung von Parametern zur Bestimmung des Bodenhumusgehaltes im Oberboden
Authors: Schröter Ingmar , Post Sandra
Published: September 2024

Der Humusgehalt ist ein wichtiger Bodenfruchtbarkeitsindikator, da er eine Vielzahl wichtiger physikalischer, chemischer und biologischer Bodeneigenschaften sowie den Kohlen- und Stickstoffkreislauf direkt oder indirekt positiv beeinflusst. Die Bedeutung von Humus zeichnet sich dadurch aus, dass durch die komplexen Wirkmechanismen nahezu alle Bodeneigenschaften verbessert werden. Im Sinne der Grundsätze der guten fachlichen Praxis und Vorsorgepflicht, ist der Erhalt standorttypischer Humusgehalte im Oberboden verpflichtend. Darüber hinaus gewinnt ein nachhaltiges Humusmanagement als Anpassungsmaßnahme an den Klimawandel zunehmend an Bedeutung, um Produktionsrisiken, die von steigenden Temperaturen, abnehmenden Niederschlägen in der Vegetationsperiode und zunehmenden Extremereignissen ausgehen, zu reduzieren. Dieses Kapitel gibt einen Überblick über geeignete Nahbereichs- und Fernerkundungssensoren, die ihr Potenzial zur räumlichen Erfassung des Humusgehaltes eines Feldes bewiesen haben. Der Fokus liegt dabei stärker auf kommerziell verfügbaren Sensorsystemen, die im Rahmen des EIP-AGRI Projekts „Präzise Kalkung in Brandenburg (pH-BB)“ zum Einsatz gekommen sind.
Changes in health-related quality of life, depression, and fear of progression during oncological inpatient rehabilitation and beyond: a longitudinal study
Authors: Giesler Jürgen M. , Weis Joachim
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Studies evaluating oncological inpatient rehabilitation rarely include follow-up intervals beyond 6 months and larger proportions of patients other than those with breast cancer. Therefore, this study investigated changes in health-related quality of life (HRQoL), depression, and fear of progression of patients with breast, colorectal, or prostate cancer from the beginning to the end of oncological rehabilitation and a 9-month follow-up.

Methods

Three hundred seventy-seven patients with breast, colorectal, or prostate cancer undergoing oncological inpatient rehabilitation (median age 61 years, 49% female) completed the EORTC QLQ-C30, the PHQ-9, and the FoP-Q-SF at each measurement point. Data analysis used 3 (tumor site) × 3 (time of measurement) repeated measures ANCOVAs with patient age and time since diagnosis as covariates. At each time point, we also compared our sample to the general population on the measures used.

Results

Having controlled for the covariates, we found significant effects of tumor site, which were small except for Diarrhea. Effects of time of measurement were often significant and in part at least medium in size indicating improvement of HRQoL and depression during rehabilitation. At follow-up, some HRQoL domains and depression deteriorated. Women with breast cancer, in particular, showed a greater decrease in emotional functioning then. Compared to the general population, the sample’s HRQoL and depression were significantly worse on most occasions.

Conclusion

Oncological inpatient rehabilitation may improve HRQoL. The subsequent and in part differential deterioration in some HRQoL domains suggests a need for further follow-up care within survivorship programs.
Unsymmetricity effects on seismic performance of multi-story buildings
Authors: Pandian Antony Vimal Paul , Arunachalam Krishna Prakash , Bahrami Alireza , Romero Lenin Miguel Bendezu , Avudaiappan Siva , Awoyera Paul O.
Published: September 2024

The unsymmetrical configurations in buildings lead to non-uniform distributions in their strength, mass, and stiffness, and they are consequently prone to damage during seismic hazards. In this study, the seismic performance of multi-story buildings with 5, 8, 10, and 12 stories of square, ‘L’, ‘T’, and ‘U’-shaped buildings have been investigated. The research deals with the variation of the natural time periods and how it affects the seismic performance of unsymmetrical multi-story buildings. The coupled and uncoupled equations of motion, based on the symmetricity of the buildings about both axes, were solved to obtain natural time periods that influence the spectral acceleration of the ground accelerations. Six important ground accelerations were considered. Nonlinear static analysis, such as pushover analysis, was also carried out on all the buildings. Comparisons were made on the seismic behavior of both the symmetrical and unsymmetrical structures. The results revealed that the spectral acceleration influences dynamic responses, such as base shear, base moment, base torsion, roof displacement, roof rotation, and story drifts of the buildings. Moreover, it was found that even though the ‘L’-shaped buildings are unsymmetrical about both axes, they are less vulnerable than the ‘T’ and ‘U’-shaped buildings, which are unsymmetrical about one axis.
Face shape transfer via semantic warping
Authors: Li Zonglin , Lv Xiaoqian , Yu Wei , Liu Qinglin , Lin Jingbo , Zhang Shengping
Published: September 2024

Face reshaping aims to adjust the shape of a face in a portrait image to make the face aesthetically beautiful, which has many potential applications. Existing methods 1) operate on the pre-defined facial landmarks, leading to artifacts and distortions due to the limited number of landmarks, 2) synthesize new faces based on segmentation masks or sketches, causing generated faces to look dissatisfied due to the losses of skin details and difficulties in dealing with hair and background blurring, and 3) project the positions of the deformed feature points from the 3D face model to the 2D image, making the results unrealistic because of the misalignment between feature points. In this paper, we propose a novel method named face shape transfer (FST) via semantic warping, which can transfer both the overall face and individual components (e.g., eyes, nose, and mouth) of a reference image to the source image. To achieve controllability at the component level, we introduce five encoding networks, which are designed to learn feature embedding specific to different face components. To effectively exploit the features obtained from semantic parsing maps at different scales, we employ a straightforward method of directly connecting all layers within the global dense network. This direct connection facilitates maximum information flow between layers, efficiently utilizing diverse scale semantic parsing information. To avoid deformation artifacts, we introduce a spatial transformer network, allowing the network to handle different types of semantic warping effectively. To facilitate extensive evaluation, we construct a large-scale high-resolution face dataset, which contains 14,000 images with a resolution of 1024 × 1024. Superior performance of our method is demonstrated by qualitative and quantitative experiments on the benchmark dataset.
Dispensing practices of amoxicillin suspension by community pharmacists
Authors: Jaggi Preeti , Logan Latania
Published: September 2024

Background:

Amoxicillin suspension is frequently prescribed to children; we hypothesized that prescribing convention system constraints lead to unusual dosing regimens and unnecessary waste of the drug.

Objective:

Identify antibiotic dispensing practices by community pharmacists and/or technicians to understand opportunities to decrease wasted amoxicillin liquid and optimize prescribing convention of liquid amoxicillin to children.

Methods:

Pilot online survey of Atlanta area and National Community Pharmacists Association pharmacists or pharmacy technicians that self-reported dispensing amoxicillin suspension. Questions regarding liquid amoxicillin dispensing practices and other open comments were asked about suggestions to decrease amoxicillin waste from March 13 to April 5, 2023.

Results:

Among 68 pharmacy staff that participated, over 90% reported dispensing extra liquid amoxicillin to patients for more than 10% of the doses they dispensed. Twenty-seven respondents (39.7%) felt that amoxicillin waste was a problem; waste was most often due to package/bottle sizing issues (n = 64 of 67 responses, 95.5%). Respondents reported instructing families to dispose of extra medication in the trash (n = 51, 75%); 11 (16.2%) instructed pour the remaining in the sink; none reported requesting return to the pharmacy, and 6 (8.8%) reported other instructions. Community pharmacists observed that computerized algorithms create odd dosing amounts and that some prescribers add to the overall amount needed routinely.

Conclusion:

Community pharmacists in this pilot survey observed prescribing conventions, manufacturing, regulatory, and electronic medical record constraints that lead to liquid amoxicillin waste or confusing amounts for families to use.
SPRED3 regulates the NF-κB signaling pathway in thyroid cancer and promotes the proliferation
Authors: Chen Zhiping , Wang Congren , Li Mingzhu , Cai Shaoyang , Liu Xiaoyu
Published: September 2024

SPRED3 (Sprouty-related EVH1 domain containing 3) mutants are depicted in various cancers, however, nothing is known about its biofunction in thyroid cancer (THCA). Bioinformatic analyses were conducted to ascertain the level of SPRED3 expression in THCA tissues and its importance in the prognosis of THCA patients. Flag-SPRED3 plasmid and SPRED3-knockout vector were developed to overexpress or deplete the SPRED3 expression in THCA cells. The function of SPRED3 on THCA cell proliferation was examined using the colony formation assay and CCK8 assay. The effect of SPRED3 expression on the transcriptional activity of NF-κB was also examined using luciferase reporter assays. High SPRED3 expression was associated with unfavorable clinical outcomes, advanced tumor characteristics, and traditional molecular markers of papillary thyroid cancer in THCA patients. Genetic analysis revealed differences in mutation rates in key genes between SPRED3-high and SPRED3-low THCA cases. It is also revealed that SPRED3 influenced the immune microenvironment, with increased stromal and immune scores and altered immune cell infiltration. Functionally, SPRED3 overexpression enhanced THCA cell viability and colony formation, while its depletion reduced cell growth and proliferation. In vivo experiments in mice confirmed the inhibitory effect of SPRED3 depletion on tumor growth. Mechanically, we found that SPRED3 activated the NF-κB signaling. For the first time, we found that SPRED3 promotes THCA cell proliferation via the NF-κB signaling pathway. This finding may provide insight into SPRED3’s prognostic potential in thyroid cancer and provide the rationale for SPRED3-targeted druggable interventions.
Adult Hodgkin lymphoma incidence trends in the United States from 2000 to 2020
Authors: Aslani Armin , Morsali Soroush , Mousavi Seyed Ehsan , Choupani Samireh , Yekta Zahra , Nejadghaderi Seyed Aria
Published: September 2024

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is a rare malignancy affecting the lymphatic system. Our study examined the incidence rates of adult HL based on sex, race/ethnicity, age, and histological subgroups in the United States (US) from 2000 to 2020. Data for this study were extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results 22 database. HL patients were identified utilizing the International Classification of Diseases for Oncology version 3 and categorized as classical HL, lymphocyte-rich/mixed cell/lymphocyte depleted, nodular sclerosis, classical HL, not otherwise specified, and nodular lymphocyte-predominant HL. The study reported average annual percent change (AAPC). All estimates were presented as counts and age-standardized incidence rates (ASIRs) per 100,000 individuals. Between 2000 and 2019, a total of 70,924 cases of HL were reported in the US. Classical HL was the predominant subtype (94.27%), and most incident cases were among non-Hispanic Whites (66.92%) and those aged 20–29 years (24.86%). The ASIR per 100,000 population was 3.83 for men and 2.92 for women. Both sexes showed declines in the AAPCs between 2000 and 2019 (− 0.64% [− 0.99, − 0.28] and − 0.40% [− 0.77, − 0.03] for men and women, respectively). There was a significant decrease in ASIRs after COVID-19 among both sexes (percent change: − 7.49% [− 11.58, − 3.40]). Throughout all age groups, men had a higher incidence rate compared to women, except for those aged 20–29 years. Although the overall HL incidence rate was lowered in the study period from 2000 to 2019, a dramatic decrease in ASIRs of HL patients following COVID-19 pandemic was observed.
A user-friendly CRISPR/Cas9 system for mutagenesis of Neurospora crassa
Authors: Grüttner Stefanie , Kempken Frank
Published: September 2024

As a widely used eukaryotic model organism, Neurosporacrassa offers advantages in genetic studies due to its diverse biology and rapid growth. Traditional genetic manipulation methods, such as homologous recombination, require a considerable amount of time and effort. In this study, we present an easy-to-use CRIPSR/Cas9 system for N.crassa, in which the cas9 sequence is incorporated into the fungal genome and naked guide RNA is introduced via electroporation. Our approach eliminates the need for constructing multiple vectors, speeding up the mutagenesis process. Using cyclosporin-resistant-1 (csr-1) as a selectable marker gene, we achieved 100% editing efficiency under selection conditions. Furthermore, we successfully edited the non-selectable gene N-acylethanolamineamidohydrolase-2 (naa-2), demonstrating the versatility of the system. Combining gRNAs targeting csr-1 and naa-2 simultaneously increased the probability of finding mutants carrying the non-selectable mutation. The system is not only user-friendly but also effective, providing a rapid and efficient method for generating loss-of-function mutants in N.crassa compared to traditional methods.
Promoting digital twin technology application for process industry: A novel generation modelling platform and its implementations
Authors: Zhang Yinan , Wang Wenhai , Yang Qiang , Tang Xiaoyu , Ruan Wei , Li Yingze , Daoerji Surong , Zhang Xiang , Ye Yuqi , Huang Jiawei , Li Junjie , Yang Yu , Wu Xinyao , Yang Haoran , Cao Tianyu
Published: September 2024

One key concept of Industry 4.0 is the industrial digital twin (DT)—a virtual replica of physical assets, processes, and systems. DTs optimise operations, enhance productivity, and facilitate innovation across various industries, including manufacturing, energy, healthcare, and transportation. This paper presents a multi‐domain and multi‐time scale modelling and simulation platform, featuring built‐in model libraries that represent diverse physical, chemical, and behavioural properties. A comprehensive system modelling approach and a closed‐loop industrial control system based on DTs are developed, showcasing advanced control, optimisation, and system security research capabilities. The architecture and advantages of the novel generation modelling platform are detailed, with specific applications highlighted, underscoring its contributions to the process industry.
Green strategies in ports: a stakeholder management perspective
Authors: Satta Giovanni , Vitellaro Francesco , Njikatoufon Abdel Ganir , Risitano Marcello
Published: September 2024

This paper delves into the intricate relationship between green strategies and stakeholder management within the port industry. We employ a robust conceptual framework and a tailored methodology, encompassing all sixteen Italian Port Management Bodies and analysing 344 related green strategies. A unique indirect approach is introduced to identify the primary stakeholders targeted by these strategies. The research identifies three primary categories of green strategies: energy efficiency, electric supply infrastructure development, and renewable energy promotion. These strategies align with increasing environmental expectations and stricter regulations. Terminal operators and local communities emerge as primary stakeholder groups, underscoring their growing influence in port management decisions. This research bridges a substantial gap in the academic literature by shedding light on the benefits of green strategies for the principal port stakeholders and the pivotal role of these strategies for stakeholder management in ports. Port managers can leverage these insights to make informed strategic decisions, strengthen their corporate social responsibility initiatives, and better address environmental concerns while meeting stakeholder expectations. Furthermore, the paper offers valuable guidance to policymakers aiming to stimulate additional investments in environmental sustainability, thereby meeting the expectations of port stakeholders and enhancing port competitiveness.
Ninth-grade science fair experiment shows the glugging behavior of water bottles changes with bottle softness
Authors: Lim Alane
Published: September 2024

Experimental study investigates how flexibility affects the draining behavior of water being glugged from a container.
Two-photon upconversion photoluminescence in CsPbBr3 nanoplates
Authors: Rong Yu , Yuan Shuai , Zhan Jun , Huang Xiao , Gao Jie , Gao Xiaowen , Wang Xinli , Wang Hao-Yi , Ai Xi-Cheng
Published: September 2024

The utilization of solar energy by light conversion processes in both natural and artificial photosynthesis systems has become a pivotal means of sustaining a consistent power supply for our daily lives and production. In general, these reactions rely on the visible spectra region where the sun produces abundant energy according to the black body's emission. Further expanding the adoption of the near-infrared (NIR) spectral region through upconversion has become an intelligent strategy to improve the entire utilization rate of solar energy. In this work, the two-photon upconversion (TPUC) properties were discovered in CsPbBr3 nanoplates (NPs) emitted at 450 nm, and a sub-gap energy level was observed to serve as the center to facilitate the upconversion process. The excitation threshold for TPUC is drastically lower than that for the two-photon absorption, another nonlinear upconversion path that requires strengthened excitation power. Moreover, a significant negative correlation between the excitation threshold for TPUC in the CsPbBr3 NPs and the exciton binding energy was unveiled, which could be attributed to the enhanced quantum confinement effects. Our work paved the way for a feasible way to expand the utilization of the NIR spectral region in light conversion applications.
Experimental studies of spiral wave teleportation in a light sensitive Belousov–Zhabotinsky system
Authors: Tyler Shannyn A. , Mersing David , Fenton Flavio H. , Tinsley Mark R. , Showalter Kenneth
Published: September 2024

Cardiac arrythmias are a form of heart disease that contributes toward making heart disease a significant cause of death globally. Irregular rhythms associated with cardiac arrythmias are thought to arise due to singularities in the heart tissue that generate reentrant waves in the underlying excitable medium. A normal approach to removing such singularities is to apply a high voltage electric shock, which effectively resets the phase of the cardiac cells. A concern with the use of this defibrillation technique is that the high-energy shock can cause lasting damage to the heart tissue. Various theoretical works have investigated lower-energy alternatives to defibrillation. In this work, we demonstrate the effectiveness of a low-energy defibrillation method in an experimental 2D Belousov–Zhabotinsky (BZ) system. When implemented as a 2D spatial reaction, the BZ reaction serves as an effective analog of general excitable media and supports regular and reentrant wave activity. The defibrillation technique employed involves targeted low-energy perturbations that can be used to “teleport” and/or annihilate singularities present in the excitable BZ medium.