bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of pharmacist‐led antifungal stewardship interventions in the hospital setting: a systematic review
Authors: Khanina Anna , Cairns Kelly A. , Kong David C. M. , Thursky Karin A. , Slavin Monica A. , Roberts Jason A. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAimTo summarise the evidence on pharmacist‐led antifungal stewardship (AFS) programs in the hospital setting and to evaluate their impact on the quality of antifungal prescribing and infection management, antifungal usage and clinical outcomes.Data sourcesA systematic review of English‐language studies identified in MEDLINE and EMBASE was performed on 27 November 2020 and conducted in accordance with PRISMA. Search terms included ‘antifungal agent’, ‘invasive fungal infection’, ‘antimicrobial stewardship’, ‘patient care bundles’ and ‘pharmacist’.Study selectionEligible studies describing pharmacist‐led quality improvement intervention(s) implemented in the hospital setting targeted at optimising systemic antifungal prescribing.ResultsSix hundred and forty‐six studies were identified, and seven met inclusion criteria. Five were dedicated to optimising candidaemia management, one at optimising intensive care unit prescribing of caspofungin and one on antifungal prescribing in haematology and oncology units. All studies measured varied metrics relating to quality of prescribing and infection management, reporting improvement in proportion of effective antifungal therapy (n = 1/1), appropriate antifungal selection (n = 1/1), dosing (n = 2/3), management of drug–drug interactions (n = 1/1) and reduced time to antifungal initiation (n = 4/4). Studies that implemented a candidaemia bundle of care reported improvements in composite bundle adherence (n = 2/2), with greatest improvement in ophthalmological consultation (n = 4/4), echocardiography (n = 2/2) and infectious diseases consultation (n = 3/3). There was reduction in antifungal expenditure (n = 4/4) and consumption (n = 2/4). Pharmacist‐led AFS programs did not influence clinical outcomes.ConclusionAvailable evidence suggests that pharmacist‐led AFS interventions can improve the quality and timeliness of antifungal prescribing and reduce antifungal usage. Further research is required to assess the impact on clinical and microbiological outcomes.
Standardization for 13C‐13C clumped isotope analysis by the fluorination method
Authors: Taguchi Koudai , Gilbert Alexis , Ueno Yuichiro 
Published: April 2021

RationaleThe 13C‐13C isotopologues of C2 molecules have recently been measured using a fluorination method. The C2 compound is first fluorinated into hexafluoroethane (C2F6), and its 13C‐isotopologues are subsequently measured using a conventional isotope ratio mass spectrometer. Here, we present an approach for standardizing the fluorination method on an absolute reference scale by using isotopically enriched C2F6.MethodsWe prepared physical mixtures of 13C‐13C‐labeled ethanol and natural ethanol. The enriched ethanol samples were measured using the recently developed fluorination method. Based on the difference between the calculated and measured ∆13C13C values, we quantified the extent to which isotopologues were scrambled during dehydration, fluorination, and ionization in the ion source.ResultsThe measured ∆13C13C value was approximately 20% lower than that expected from the amount of 13C‐13C ethanol. The potential scrambling in the ion source was estimated to be 0.5–2%, which is lower than the observed isotopic reordering. Therefore, isotopic reordering may have occurred during either dehydration or fluorination.ConclusionsFor typical analysis of natural samples, scrambling in the ion source can only change the ∆13C13C value by less than 0.04‰, which is lower than the current analytical precision (±0.07‰). Therefore, the observed isotopic reordering may have occurred during the fluorination of ethene through the scrambling of isotopologues of ethene but not in the ion source of the mass spectrometer or during the dehydration of ethanol, given the small amount of C1 and C3+ molecules. Thus, we obtained the empirical transfer function ∆13C13CCSC = λ × ∆13C13C with a λ value of 1.25 ± 0.01 for ethanol/ethene and 1.00 for ethane. Using the empirical transfer function, the developed fluorination method can provide actual differences in ∆ values.
Incremental stability of stochastic time‐varying impulsive and switching systems
Authors: Jiao Ticao , Zong Guangdeng , Park Ju H. , Liu Jian , Zhao Yanlei 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIn this article, the incremental stability problem is addressed for stochastic time‐varying impulsive and switching systems. Both cases of stable continuous subsystems with destabilizing impulses and unstable continuous subsystems with stabilizing impulses are fully considered. By resorting to contraction theory and the Lyapunov function approach together with the dwell time technique, sufficient criteria are established to achieve practical incrementally globally asymptotic stability. Finally, the feasibility of these results is verified by a numerical example.
Study of the effects of Ni+ ion implantation on morphology, structure, hardness, and electrical conductivity of brass
Authors: Shahnawaz Muhammad 
Published: April 2021

In this study, nickel ions were implanted in brass at 2.0‐MeV energy doses ranging from 1.9 × 1014, 4.8 × 1014, and 1.0 × 1015 ions cm−2 at room temperature. Formation of micro size particle cluster, crater, void, rust, and flower‐like structure were observed in scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrographs. XRD patterns explain the plane (1 1 1) and plane (2 2 0) under abrupt fluctuations, but in plane (2 0 0), systematic changes occur after ion implantation. Modifications in crystallite size, lattice strain, and dislocation density were discussed. In all the implanted specimens, values of hardness were smaller as compared with the unimplanted one. Precise changes occurred in the value of d‐spacing that produced alteration in electrical conductivity at the initial ion doses. Therefore, electrical conductivity values were changed from 3.980E6 (S/m) to 2.966E7 (S/m). Further increment in the ion dose, electrical conductivity reduced to recover its value. Initial trend of hardness and electrical conductivity was nonlinear, but both tend to recuperate their values in the end. In FT‐IR spectra, three new bands were formed at 1261, 1417, and 1455 cm−1 after ion implantation that was due to change in bonding of brass.
Current status and perspective of colored photovoltaic modules
Authors: Lee Hyunho , Song Hyung‐Jun 
Published: April 2021

AbstractPhotovoltaic (PV) systems, which directly convert solar light into electricity, are one of the most attractive renewable energy sources to fulfill the increased demand for clean energy. The accumulated installation of PV systems has expanded rapidly, reaching over 700 GW in 2020. Although black colored PVs maximize energy generation by harvesting a broad range of solar light, their monotonous color limits their installation in urban areas and portable devices where the harmonization of color with neighboring exterior elements is a high priority. Moreover, it is not suitable for covering transparent area of buildings, such as window and curtain wall. Hence, the demand for aesthetic PV systems is increasing significantly. In this review, we focus on the current status of colored PV systems and their prospects for aesthetic energy harvesting system. This work reviews possible approaches to realize colored PV systems by implementing semitransparent cells, selective reflective films, and luminophores. Additionally, the research progress to minimize light sacrifice for color production has been investigated. Moreover, the technical limitations of each technology for colored PV systems are presented in terms of color purity and efficiency. Finally, obstacles to commercialization and their solutions are discussed. Therefore, this study provides a crucial review of the latest developments and current status in the field of colored PV systems.This article is categorized under:
Photovoltaics > Science and Materials
Conclusion: Divergences or Convergences? Facilitating Active Citizenship Through Adult Education Across Europe and Beyond
Authors: Toiviainen Hanna , Kersh Natasha , Zarifis George K. , Pitkänen Pirkko 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe chapter draws the lines of discussion of the book together and scrutinises the findings from the perspectives motivating the EduMAP study. A multiplicity of adult education policies, programmes and actions presented in the book sought answers to the question: What policies and practices are needed in the field of adult education to include young adults at risk of social exclusion in active participatory citizenship in Europe? Each contribution in this volume approached the question from original social and educational starting points, which may further be elaborated on within the national, European and wider contexts. Chapter includes reflections on alternatives to the discourse of Neo-liberal Life-Long Learning and Adult Education, the expectations vs. reality of Adult Education as a means to prevent social exclusion, and key conclusions outlining the future challenges for Active Participatory Citizenship pursued through adult education.
Segmentation Choices
Authors: Jeannet Jean-Pierre , Volery Thierry , Bergmann Heiko , Amstutz Cornelia 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAt the outset of this chapter, the need to treat segmentation as distinct from focusing is explained. Both are important, and both have to be addressed separately. Successful segmentation implies choices, and carving out a segment from a market space is something that requires both skill and attention. Description of how to define segments is offered. The practice of targeting multiple segments, and how to define subsegments is explained, as well as how companies can play the product features game. Technology segments are not market segments. Special cases are premium price segments, high-volume segments, and niche segments, and when one or the other might apply. The chapter ends with the description of what a true niche segment strategy entails. A link between segmenting and a company’s internal organization is established.
International Sales and Distribution Strategies
Authors: Jeannet Jean-Pierre , Volery Thierry , Bergmann Heiko , Amstutz Cornelia 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThis chapter covers the history of the international market development of the researched firms and in addition how these companies established agent networks, built sales subsidiaries worldwide, or enlisted partnerships, and how they reacted to constantly changing market developments requiring adjustments in their distribution networks. The early founders of Swiss SMEs engaged in extensive travel to promote their companies at a time when the transport infrastructure was still rudimentary. Distributors and agent networks were built and still maintained by smaller companies, at times expanded to include formal distribution partnerships. Subsidiary networks were the preferred choice of larger companies which had greater volumes per country markets. Sometimes, market entry was achieved by building or acquiring manufacturing operations. Cracking some of the most difficult markets, such as Japan, posed special challenges. And finally, when industry conditions changed, even well-planned distribution strategies needed to be changed.
Marketing and Sales Processes
Authors: Jeannet Jean-Pierre , Volery Thierry , Bergmann Heiko , Amstutz Cornelia 
Published: April 2021

AbstractNot different from many other, larger companies, marketing and sales processes at SMEs have undergone constant changes. The chapter details how SMEs dealt with the tension between marketing and sales, how they differentiated in B2B vs. B2C environments. For B2C companies, global brand building becomes important. All firms, regardless of industry environment, had constantly professionalized the marketing process. Choosing a product or company name can be crucial in a global environment. In the B2B environment, marketing and selling differ from the consumer markets and are focused more on application-driven sales, key account systems, and reliance on lead customers. Examples from adopting key account systems and enlisting lead customers are provided.
Supply Chain Choices
Authors: Jeannet Jean-Pierre , Volery Thierry , Bergmann Heiko , Amstutz Cornelia 
Published: April 2021

AbstractTo what extent did SMEs consider active involvement in production as a necessary element of their strategy and how they approached value chain integration to enhance their efficiency are the focus of this chapter. Driven by the necessity of economics and efficiency, SMEs have taken different directions on the integration of their supply chains, ranging from purchasing of components to the final assembly of products. There are a number of integrators who cover the entire supply chain with their firms, sometime even acquiring key suppliers. Many more of the companies are partial integrators, and a few can be characterized as assemblers only. Two examples of firms exist who are specifiers/designers, and operate without their own manufacturing operation, having adopted the fabless state.
Founders, Shakers, Prime Movers
Authors: Jeannet Jean-Pierre , Volery Thierry , Bergmann Heiko , Amstutz Cornelia 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThis chapter introduces the reader to the principal actors of these stories, namely the founders, organized along major periods, and their backgrounds. Listed are early period founders, those from the interwar period, during World War II period, the Post WW II “Baby Boomer” generation, and founders from the most recent period. Separately listed from founders are prime movers who gave the company the eventual direction, if different from the company founders. The role of women, to the extent involved, is also covered. A complete list of the firms is provided, as well as information on founder backgrounds.
Leveraging Local Competitiveness
Authors: Jeannet Jean-Pierre , Volery Thierry , Bergmann Heiko , Amstutz Cornelia 
Published: April 2021

AbstractHow do SMEs, competing for global export markets, remain competitive when operating, to a large extent, from Switzerland, one of the world’s most expensive countries? Data compiled annually by the IMD World Competitive Report document that the cost of a single hour of labor in Switzerland is one of the highest in the world, while at the same time productivity per hour is also one of the highest, partially mitigating any cost disadvantage. Ricola, the herbal candy maker, serves as an example of a highly automated production practice that many companies have adopted.
Achieving Ownership Stability
Authors: Jeannet Jean-Pierre , Volery Thierry , Bergmann Heiko , Amstutz Cornelia 
Published: April 2021

AbstractStability of ownership is a big issue among SME owners. This chapter deals with strategies to preserve and guarantee ownership stability. The experience of founders and owners in applying foundation structures are described. Approaches to provide ownership stability as a public company are described. Special situations covered are employee ownership, and how to maintain stability in ownership with private investors. Examples are provided for situations when ownership stability fails. Finally, the chapter concludes with a differentiation between independence of a firm vs. autonomy in making key decisions.
Business Focus Choices
Authors: Jeannet Jean-Pierre , Volery Thierry , Bergmann Heiko , Amstutz Cornelia 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThis chapter will highlight the fact that “Focus” is not just “Focus” by identifying five different types of focus choices. Older companies began in a given industry sector and remained loyal to that sector, adopting an industry focus. Past experience in a given sector can lead to business focus. For many firms, core competence served as the basis for building an entire company. Some companies define their focus strategy around a given technology. Focusing on a single market provides, and necessitates, in-depth knowledge of the operating conditions of a company’s customers.
Fields of Applications and Transport-Related Potentials of Small Electric Vehicles in Germany
Authors: Eisenmann Christine , Gruber Johannes , Brost Mascha , Ewert Amelie , Stieler Sylvia , Gicklhorn Katja 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe possible applications of small electric vehicles, i.e., electric cargo bikes and three- and four-wheeled L-class vehicles in transport, are discussed, and potential business models are presented. Moreover, transport-related potentials are analyzed. Therefore, we have utilized a multi-method approach: we conducted qualitative interviews with experts and professionals in the field of light and small electric vehicles and carried out quantitative analyses with the national household travel survey mobility in Germany 2017. Our results show that, theoretically, small electric vehicles could be used for 20–50% of private trips (depending on the model). On these trips, however, they would not only replace car trips, but also trips on public transport or by bicycle and on foot. In commercial transport, these vehicles are particularly suitable for service trips and some last-mile deliveries. If small electric vehicles were to replace a significant share of the transport volumes of motorized passenger and commercial transport, they could contribute to climate protection.
BICAR—Urban Light Electric Vehicle
Authors: Dennig Hans-Jörg , Burri Adrian , Ganz Philipp 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThis paper describes the technical features of the light electric vehicle (L2e-category) named BICAR. This specially designed vehicle is an all-in-one emissions-free micro-mobility solution providing a cost-effective and sustainable mobility system while supporting the transition towards a low carbon society (smart and sustainable city concept). The BICAR represents part of a multimodal system, complementing public transport with comfort and safety, relieving inner-city congestion and solving the “first and last mile” issue. The BICAR is the lightest and smallest three-wheel vehicle with weather protection. Due to the space-saving design, six to nine BICARS will fit into a single standard parking space. Safety is increased by an elevated driving position and a tilting mechanism when cornering. The BICAR achieves a range of 40–60 km depending on the battery package configuration in urban transport at a speed of 45 km/h. It features a luggage storage place and exchangeable, rechargeable batteries. The BICAR can be driven without a helmet thanks to the safety belt system, which is engineered for street approved tests. The BICAR has an integrated telematic box connected to the vehicle electronics and communicating with the dedicated mobile application, through which the BICAR can be geo-localised, reserved, locked/unlocked and remotely maintained.
Conception and Development of a Last Mile Vehicle for Urban Areas
Authors: Höfer Andreas , Esl Erhard , Türk Daniel , Hüttinger Veronika 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIn megacities, increasing globalization effects are leading to rapidly increasing prosperity and augmented purchasing power, and thus to a growing need for punctual, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly delivery of goods. A smart, small electric vehicle concept is presented that targets on meeting the requirements for the delivery of goods in urban areas and that is designed especially for the delivery on the last mile. This last mile vehicle (LMV) for cargo transportation is attached to a truck. Whenever it is needed, for example to deliver goods into narrow streets, in pedestrian areas or in case of traffic jams, it can be unfolded and unloaded from the truck and hereby guarantees a flexible and punctual delivery of goods. This flexible on-time delivery is possible because the last mile vehicle is designed, so that the legal regulations of the non-motorized vehicle lane, that is everywhere to be found in Asia, are met. The vehicle is designed with three wheels, a range of 40-60 km and an electric drive train with a continuous power of 2 × 250 W that enables a maximum speed up to 40 km/h of the vehicle. The drive train consists of a battery pack that can be charged electrically from the truck, two inverters, and two electric wheel hub motors. The LMV has been designed and constructed as a prototype and has been tested on non-public roads to prove the vehicle concept. For Europe, it can be classified as an L2e vehicle and with slight modifications; it can be applied on European roads as well.
Development of the Safe Light Regional Vehicle (SLRV): A Lightweight Vehicle Concept with a Fuel Cell Drivetrain
Authors: Kriescher Michael , Scheibe Sebastian , Maag Tilo 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe safe light regional vehicle (SLRV) concept was developed within the DLR project next-generation car (NGC). NGC SLRV addresses the safety concern of typical L7e vehicles. The SLRV is therefore specifically designed to demonstrate significant improvements to the passive safety of small vehicles. Another important goal of the NGC SLRV concept is to offer solutions to some of the main challenges of electric vehicles: to provide an adequate range and at the same time a reasonable price of the vehicle. In order to address these challenges a major goal of the concept is to minimize the driving resistance of the vehicle, by use of lightweight sandwich structures. A fuel cell drivetrain also helps to keep the overall size and weight of the vehicle low, while still providing sufficient range.
The UK Approach to Greater Market Acceptance of Powered Light Vehicles (PLVs)
Authors: Davies Huw , Hutchinson Allan , Barrett Richard , Campbell Tony , Eastlake Andy 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThis paper summarises the UK activity for powered light vehicles (PLVs) with the purpose of driving market acceptance. If alternative vehicle concepts are to emerge from the margins and transition into the main stream, there is a need to think differently. This opportunity has motivated a number of UK organisations to come together as a working group and identify a way forward. We contend that thinking differently requires a reshaping of the whole value chain. Each of the partners has contributed to this activity and we describe the development of a pathway towards the realisation of a UK PLV market. Research and policy development requirements for the UK market are defined, supported by a discussion on two specific segments of the PLV market—light freight vehicles and micromobility.
The ELVITEN Project as Promoter of LEVs in Urban Mobility: Focus on the Italian Case of Genoa
Authors: Misso Francesco Edoardo , Di Ruocco Irina , Repetto Cino 
Published: April 2021

AbstractOne of the growing innovations in the electric vehicle market concerns light electric vehicles (LEVs), promoted at local and national level by many initiatives, such as the European project ELVITEN, involving six cities, which is analysed in the present paper in relation to the Genoa pilot case study. In Italy, LEVs have been increasingly successful, as the number of their registrations shows (+76% in 2019 compared to 2018). In this context, the city of Genoa, where a considerable fleet of mopeds and motorcycles (214,499 in its metropolitan area in 2018) circulates, lends itself well to the experimentation of two-wheeled LEVs. The monitoring of the use of LEVs within the framework of the ELVITEN project has shown that the average daily round trips recorded in the metropolitan area of Genoa are equal to 15–20 km, thus reinforcing the idea that LEVs represent a valid alternative to Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) private vehicles. Moreover, the characteristics of the travel monitored and the users’ feedback highlight that the question of range anxiety is less present than expected. Finally, and contrary to our expectations, the data analysis indicates that the use of LEVs in Genoa during two months of Covid-19 pandemic lockdown—March and April 2020—shows a decrease of 21%, while the average decrease recorded by the six cities globally considered is 51%.