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Disorders of consciousness are neurological conditions characterized by impaired arousal and awareness of self and environment. Behavioural responses are absent or are present but fluctuate. Disorders of consciousness are commonly encountered as a consequence of both acute and chronic brain injuries, yet reliable epidemiological estimates would require inclusive, operational definitions of the concept, as well as wider knowledge dissemination among involved professionals. Whereas several manifestations have been described, including coma, vegetative state/unresponsive wakefulness syndrome and minimally conscious state, a comprehensive neurobiological definition for disorders of consciousness is still lacking. The scientific literature is primarily observational, and studies-specific aetiologies lead to disorders of consciousness. Despite advances in these disease-related forms, there remains uncertainty about whether disorders of consciousness are a disease-agnostic unitary entity with a common mechanism, prognosis or treatment response paradigm. Our knowledge of disorders of consciousness has also been hampered by heterogeneity of study designs, variables, and outcomes, leading to results that are not comparable for evidence synthesis. The different backgrounds of professionals caring for patients with disorders of consciousness and the different goals at different stages of care could partly explain this variability. The Prospective Studies working group of the Neurocritical Care Society Curing Coma Campaign was established to create a platform for observational studies and future clinical trials on disorders of consciousness and coma across the continuum of care. In this narrative review, the author panel presents limitations of prior observational clinical research and outlines practical considerations for future investigations. A narrative review format was selected to ensure that the full breadth of study design considerations could be addressed and to facilit

3D nanowire networks are fascinating systems for future microelectronic devices. They can be handled like macroscopic objects, while exhibiting properties of nanoscale materials. Here, the fabrication of free‐standing 3D bismuth nanowire networks with well‐controlled and systematically adjusted wire diameter and interconnectivity is presented. The samples are fabricated by pulse electroplating of bismuth into the pores of ion track‐etched membranes using an aqueous electrolyte. By optimizing the growth parameters, homogeneously grown, mechanically self‐supporting and free‐standing networks without a supporting matrix are achieved. Cross‐plane Seebeck coefficient and electrical resistance values are investigated as a function of nanowire diameter and temperature. The unique characteristics of these highly interconnected and mechanically self‐supported Bi 3D nanowire networks offer exciting perspectives for their implementation in, e.g., infrared detection based on thermoelectric effects, sensing, and THz applications.

Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) and, more generally, social fears are common in young people. Although avoidance behaviors are known to be an important maintaining factor of social anxiety, little is known about the severity and occurrence of avoidance behaviors in young people from the general population, hampering approaches for early identification and intervention. Symptoms, syndromes, and diagnoses of DSM-5 mental disorders including SAD were assessed in a random population-based sample of 14-21-year-olds (n = 1,180) from Dresden, Germany, in 2015/2016 using a standardized diagnostic interview (DIA-X-5/D-CIDI). An adapted version of the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale was used to ascertain the extent of social fears and avoidance. Diagnostic criteria for lifetime SAD were met by n = 82 participants, resulting in a weighted lifetime prevalence of 6.6%. Social anxiety was predominantly reported for test situations and when speaking or performing in front of others. Avoidance was most prevalent in the latter situations. On average, anxiety and avoidance first occurred at ages 11 and 12, respectively, with avoidance occurring in most cases either at about the same age as anxiety or slightly later. In the total sample, lifetime prevalence for most DSM-5 disorders increased with the severity of social anxiety and avoidance. Results underline the need for preventive or early intervention efforts especially regarding test anxiety and fear and avoidance of speaking in front of others. These situations are particularly relevant in youth. Avoidance behaviors may also be discussed as diagnostic marker for early case identification.

Das Forschungsprojekt InDaLE (Innovative Ansätze der Daseinsvorsorge in ländlichen Räumen – Lernen von Erfahrungen anderer europäischer Länder für Deutschland) untersuchte innovative Ansätze der Daseinsvorsorge in Österreich, Schweden, Schottland sowie Deutschland und prüfte deren Übertragbarkeit bzw. Anwendbarkeit auf ländliche Räume in Deutschland. Die Analyse von Erfahrungen im europäischen Ausland zur Anpassung von Infrastrukturen wird für die Entwicklung innovativer Ansätze in Deutschland genutzt und kann neue Lösungen bieten.:ABBILDUNGSVERZEICHNIS VII TABELLENVERZEICHNIS VIII VORWORT 9 1 EINLEITUNG 12 1.1 Problemdarstellung und Motivation 12 1.2 Innovationen in der ländlichen Daseinsvorsorge: Forschungsstand 12 1.3 Projektverständnis 14 2 VERSTETIGUNG, ÜBERTRAGBARKEIT UND GOVERNANCE: KONZEPTIONELLE VORÜBERLEGUNGEN 15 2.1 Verstetigung 15 2.2 Übertragbarkeit 23 2.3 Governance von Daseinsvorsorge 28 3 METHODISCHES VORGEHEN: PROJEKTAUSWAHL, DATENERHEBUNGEN UND -ANALYSE 31 3.1 Vorauswahl und Checkliste 31 3.2 Finale Projektauswahl 31 3.3 Datenerhebung zu den Projekten 34 3.4 Datenauswertung der leitfadengestützten Interviews 36 4 RAHMENBEDINGUNGEN IN DEN UNTERSUCHUNGSLÄNDERN 38 4.1 Deutschland 38 4.2 Österreich 41 4.3 Schottland 45 4.4 Schweden 48 5 GOVERNANCE UND HERAUSFORDERUNGEN DER DASEINSVORSORGEBEREICHE IN LÄNDLICHEN RÄUMEN 53 5.1 Nachschulische Bildung 53 5.2 Medizinische Versorgung und Pflege 56 5.3 Nichtpolizeiliche Gefahrenabwehr 60 6 PROJEKTSTECKBRIEFE 67 6.1 Nachschulische Bildung 67 6.2 Medizinische Versorgung und Pflege 74 6.3 Nichtpolizeiliche Gefahrenabwehr 82 7 VERSTETIGUNG INNOVATIVER PROJEKTE: FÖRDERLICHE UND HEMMENDE FAKTOREN 89 7.1 Nachschulische Bildung 89 7.2 Medizinische Versorgung und Pflege 101 7.3 Nichtpolizeiliche Gefahrenabwehr 114 8 VERSTETIGUNG NACH WIRKUNGSBEREICHEN: ÜBERGREIFENDE ERKENNTNISSE AUS DEN BEISPIELPROJEKTEN 123 8.1 Inhaltlicher Wirkungsbereich 123 8.2 Organisationsstruktureller Wirkungsbereich 125 8.3 Politisch-administra, The research project InDaLE (Innovative approaches to services of general interest in rural areas - learning from the experiences of other European countries for Germany) analysed innovative approaches to services of general interest in Austria, Sweden, Scotland and Germany and examined their transferability and applicability to rural areas in Germany. The analysis of experiences in other European countries regarding the adaptation of infrastructures is used for the development of innovative approaches in Germany and can offer new solutions.:ABBILDUNGSVERZEICHNIS VII TABELLENVERZEICHNIS VIII VORWORT 9 1 EINLEITUNG 12 1.1 Problemdarstellung und Motivation 12 1.2 Innovationen in der ländlichen Daseinsvorsorge: Forschungsstand 12 1.3 Projektverständnis 14 2 VERSTETIGUNG, ÜBERTRAGBARKEIT UND GOVERNANCE: KONZEPTIONELLE VORÜBERLEGUNGEN 15 2.1 Verstetigung 15 2.2 Übertragbarkeit 23 2.3 Governance von Daseinsvorsorge 28 3 METHODISCHES VORGEHEN: PROJEKTAUSWAHL, DATENERHEBUNGEN UND -ANALYSE 31 3.1 Vorauswahl und Checkliste 31 3.2 Finale Projektauswahl 31 3.3 Datenerhebung zu den Projekten 34 3.4 Datenauswertung der leitfadengestützten Interviews 36 4 RAHMENBEDINGUNGEN IN DEN UNTERSUCHUNGSLÄNDERN 38 4.1 Deutschland 38 4.2 Österreich 41 4.3 Schottland 45 4.4 Schweden 48 5 GOVERNANCE UND HERAUSFORDERUNGEN DER DASEINSVORSORGEBEREICHE IN LÄNDLICHEN RÄUMEN 53 5.1 Nachschulische Bildung 53 5.2 Medizinische Versorgung und Pflege 56 5.3 Nichtpolizeiliche Gefahrenabwehr 60 6 PROJEKTSTECKBRIEFE 67 6.1 Nachschulische Bildung 67 6.2 Medizinische Versorgung und Pflege 74 6.3 Nichtpolizeiliche Gefahrenabwehr 82 7 VERSTETIGUNG INNOVATIVER PROJEKTE: FÖRDERLICHE UND HEMMENDE FAKTOREN 89 7.1 Nachschulische Bildung 89 7.2 Medizinische Versorgung und Pflege 101 7.3 Nichtpolizeiliche Gefahrenabwehr 114 8 VERSTETIGUNG NACH WIRKUNGSBEREICHEN: ÜBERGREIFENDE ERKENNTNISSE AUS DEN BEISPIELPROJEKTEN 123 8.1 Inhaltlicher Wirkungsbereich 123 8.2 Organisationsstruktureller Wirkungsbereich 125 8.3 Politisch

Im Hinblick auf die Klimaziele der Bundesrepublik Deutschland konzentriert sich das Projekt Diggi Twin auf die nachhaltige Gebäudeoptimierung. Grundlage für eine ganzheitliche Gebäudeüberwachung und -optimierung bildet dabei die Digitalisierung und Automation im Sinne eines Smart Buildings. Das interdisziplinäre Projekt der FH Aachen hat das Ziel, ein bestehendes Hochschulgebäude und einen Neubau an klimaneutrale Standards anzupassen. Im Rahmen des Projekts werden bekannte Verfahren, wie das Building Information Modeling (BIM), so erweitert, dass ein digitaler Gebäudezwilling entsteht. Dieser kann zur Optimierung des Gebäudebetriebs herangezogen werden, sowie als Basis für eine Erweiterung des Bewertungssystems Nachhaltiges Bauen (BNB) dienen. Mithilfe von Sensortechnologie und künstlicher Intelligenz kann so ein präzises Monitoring wichtiger Gebäudedaten erfolgen, um ungenutzte Energieeinsparpotenziale zu erkennen und zu nutzen. Das Projekt erforscht und setzt methodische Erkenntnisse zu BIM und digitalen Gebäudezwillingen praxisnah um, indem es spezifische Fragen zur Energie- und Ressourceneffizienz von Gebäuden untersucht und konkrete Lösungen für die Gebäudeoptimierung entwickelt.

The extraction and changes to management of natural resources can have profound negative effects on local fauna, potentially causing local extirpation of many species. Fauna requiring specific habitats to thrive can be especially susceptible to disruption, such as Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), requiring advanced consideration in management practices. In this study, I studied Bald eagle preferences in roosting sites between trees and ice, and how life stage may affect roosting height within three vertical sections of the canopy at Barr Lake State Park, in Brighton, CO. I conducted stationary counts of Bald Eagles roosting on ice and in the adjacent riparian area, specifically parsing out counts between ages and height in trees. Bald Eagles were found to significantly prefer trees over ice for roosting areas, despite more physical area on the ice being available for resting. Once in the trees, adult Bald Eagles preferred the upper two-thirds of the canopy, whereas juveniles preferred the lower two-thirds. The preference of trees over ice for roosting areas implies the critical nature of suitable habitat, with implications from age stratification within the canopy needing to be taken into account. The outcomes of this study highlight a conflict in management projects within Barr Lake, though recommendations can be generalized to any riparian management plan.

Donor cell-specific tissue-engineered (TE) implants are a promising therapy for personalized treatment of cardiovascular diseases, but current development protocols lack a stable longitudinal assessment of tissue development at subcellular resolution. As a first step toward such an assessment approach, in this study we establish a generalized labeling and imaging protocol to obtain quantified maturation parameters of TE constructs in three dimensions (3D) without the need of histological slicing, thus leaving the tissue intact. Focusing on intracellular matrix (ICM) and extracellular matrix (ECM) networks, multiphoton laser scanning microscopy (MPLSM) was used to investigate TE patches of different conditioning durations of up to 21 days. We show here that with a straightforward labeling procedure of whole-mount samples (so without slicing into thin histological sections), followed by an easy-to-use multiphoton imaging process, we obtained high-quality images of the tissue in 3D at various time points during development. The stacks of images could then be further analyzed to visualize and quantify the volume of cell coverage as well as the volume fraction and network of structural proteins. We showed that collagen and alpha-smooth muscle actin (a-SMA) volume fractions increased as normalized to full tissue volume and proportional to the cell count, with a converging trend to the final density of (4.0% – 0.6%) and (7.6% – 0.7%), respectively. The image analysis of ICM and ECM revealed a developing and widely branched interconnected matrix. We are currently working on the second step, that is, to integrate MPLSM endoscopy into a dynamic bioreactor system to monitor the maturation of intact TE constructs over time, thus without the need to take them out.

Objective: There exists a well-developed body of research on the attitudinal correlates of support for capital punishment. Among the most robust of these is racism and racial attributions. The study presented here was designed to explore whether policy prescriptions reflective of racial attitudes can predict support for capital punishment. Method: Data come from the 2018 iteration of the NORC General Social Survey. The dependent variable is a dichotomous measure of support for the death penalty for people convicted of murder. The independent variable is a 5-level Likert-type item of support for government aid to Blacks to help overcome discrimination. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between variables net of standard controls. Results: Over 63 percent of the total sample supported the death penalty. Support among those strongly favored government aid to Blacks was 41 percent. Support among those who strongly rejected aid to Blacks was 78 percent. Results of the regression analysis showed each decrease in the level of support for government aid to Blacks was associated with an 18.6 percent increase in the likelihood of supporting the death penalty. Conclusion: Capital punishment support is not simply a function of abstract, hypothetical racial attitudes. The findings reported here suggest support for the death penalty is associated with concrete policy prescriptions that maintain racial inequalities. Given that capital punishment continues in large part due to public support, it should be recognized that this support is based on a desire to maintain racial inequalities through government action.

Systems-level transformation is increasingly recognized as necessary to improve the sustainability, equity, and resilience of agri-food systems. The CGIAR Initiative on Agroecology uses a systems transformation approach in alignment with Gliessmann (2014) and the 13 principles of agroecology outlined by the HLPE (2019). This approach requires new understandings of actor agency and behavior change processes that enable systems change. To provide these new understandings for approaches and investments in agroecological transitions, our study presents a novel framework and lessons from past experiences in similar transitions that required changes in behavior and agency of food system actors. The specific objectives of this study were to 1. Understand how agroecology-relevant projects, government and/or donor programs, community initiatives, and social movements (collectively referred to as “initiatives” in this report) have approached behavior change and agency of food system actors for agri-food systems transformation; 2. Identify common assumptions on behavior change and agency that underpinned the initiatives' design; and 3. Recommend adjustments to the Theories of Change, assumptions, and processes in initiative design and implementation to enhance the roles of actor agency and behavior change processes in systems change.

Introduction: COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective in inducing protective immunity. While the serum antibody response to COVID-19 vaccination has been studied in depth, our knowledge of the underlying plasmablast and memory B cell (Bmem) responses is still incomplete. Here, we determined the antibody and B cell response to COVID-19 vaccination in a naïve population and contrasted it with the response to a single influenza vaccination in a primed cohort. In addition, we analyzed the antibody and B cell responses against the four endemic human coronaviruses (HCoVs). Methods: Measurement of specific plasma IgG antibodies was combined with functional analyses of antibody-secreting plasmablasts and Bmems. SARS-CoV-2- and HCoV-specific IgG antibodies were quantified with an in-house bead-based multiplexed immunoassay. Results: The antibody and B cell responses to COVID-19 vaccination reflected the kinetics of a prime-boost immunization, characterized by a slow and moderate primary response and a faster and stronger secondary response. In contrast, the influenza vaccinees possessed robust immune memory for the vaccine antigens prior to vaccination, and the recall vaccination moderately boosted antibody production and Bmem responses. Antibody levels and Bmem responses waned several months after the 2nd COVID-19 vaccination, but were restored upon the 3rd vaccination. The COVID-19 vaccine-induced antibodies mainly targeted novel, non-cross-reactive S1 epitopes of the viral spike protein, while cross-reactive S2 epitopes were less immunogenic. Booster vaccination not only strongly enhanced neutralizing antibodies against an original SARS-CoV-2 strain, but also induced neutralizing antibodies against the Omicron BA.2 variant. We observed a 100% plasma antibody prevalence against the S1 subunits of HCoVs, which was not affected by vaccination. Discussion: Overall, by complementing classical serology with a functional evaluation of plasmablasts and memory B cells we provide ne, Peer Reviewed

This study explores the intricacies of policy-making decisions regarding denuclearization efforts in North Korea through the lens of expert analysis. Utilizing a novel research methodology blending Q-methodology and Delphi rounds, the study examines the convergence and divergence of expert opinions across various sectors and countries. Through rigorous data analysis, the study identifies key variables of influence and consensus among experts, shedding light on factors that could affect the success of denuclearization initiatives. The findings highlight the importance of multilateral cooperation and targeted policy interventions in achieving denuclearization goals. While experts acknowledge the role of regional actors, particularly China, in influencing North Korea's behavior, there is also recognition of the need for tailored approaches to address specific challenges, such as cybersecurity threats and sanctions enforcement. Moreover, the study underscores the significance of information sharing and scenario-based planning in mitigating uncertainties and enhancing policy effectiveness. By harnessing the collective wisdom of experts and promoting dialogue among stakeholders, policymakers can develop comprehensive strategies that consider a range of possibilities and foster regional stability. Overall, this research contributes valuable insights to the field of policy-making by offering evidence-based recommendations for addressing one of the most pressing security challenges of our time: the denuclearization of North Korea.

Trond Reinholdtsen (b. 1972) has fashioned an intricately fantastical music-theatrical world that provokes listeners to ponder the conditions of their own world and dares them to imagine what a different society could look like. Approached from theatrical, musical, and political analytical viewpoints, my dissertation places Reinholdtsen’s intermedia piano concerto Theory of the Subject (2016; Theory) at the inflection point of his institutionally critical oeuvre. Before Theory, Reinholdtsen premiered three works which were essential to the development of music-theatrical techniques for expressing his institutional criticisms. Blending elements of concerto, performance art, art theory, art installation, live video, and political messaging, Theory is the culmination of these acquired methods. As a peculiar artwork of institutional critique, Theory levels its critique, not so much at the institution in which the artwork is positioned, but at the world which creates the conditions for the failures of that institution. Theory’s theatrical narrative is the story of New Music piano soloist Ellen Ugelvik’s struggle (and failure) to play truly new and socially transformative music within a neoliberal world. Through its ridicule by the Facebook group “Sløseriombudsmannen” and its inclusion in Morten Traavik’s theater work Sløserikommisjonen (2021), Theory helped bring Norway into on-going polarizing (though important) debates about the status and role of public art in Norwegian society. After Theory, Reinholdtsen felt he had exhausted institutional critique’s usefulness for his work and decided to focus solely on the creation of his own institution, The Norwegian Opra, and its Ø series (wherein a ragtag group of societal outcasts tries to form a utopian society). Reinholdtsen’s political stance aligns with Berlin’s Dadaism yet differentiates itself by embracing sincerity and vulnerability. The power of Reinholdtsen’s work resides in how he combines artforms and political, cul

Objectives: Parainfluenza virus type 3 (PIV3) outbreaks among hematology patients are associated with high morbidity and mortality. Prompt implementation of infection prevention (IP) measures has proven to be the most efficacious approach for controlling PIV3 outbreaks within this patient population. The most suitable IP measures can vary depending on the mode of virus transmission, which remains unidentified in most outbreaks. We describe the molecular epidemiology of an outbreak of PIV3 among hematology patients and the development of a new method that allows for the differentiation of outbreak and community strains, from which a closed outbreak could be inferred. Methods: Patients were screened for respiratory viruses using multiplex-PCR. PIV3 positive samples with a cycle threshold (Ct)-value of <31 underwent a retrospective characterization via an in-house developed sequence analysis of the hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) gene. Results: Between July and September 2022, 31 hematology patients were identified with PIV3. Although infection control measures were implemented, the outbreak persisted for nine weeks. Sequencing the HN gene of 27 PIV3 strains from 27 patients revealed that all outbreak strains formed a distinct cluster separate from the control strains, suggestive of a nosocomial transmission route. Conclusions: Sequencing the HN gene of PIV3 strains in an outbreak setting enables outbreak strains to be distinguished from community strains. Early molecular characterization of PIV3 strains during an outbreak can serve as a tool in determining potential transmission routes. This, in turn, enables rapid implementation of targeted infection prevention measures, with the goal of minimizing the outbreak's duration and reducing associated morbidity and mortality.

Um das Verständnis für physikalische und biologische Dynamiken zu verbessern, werden oft stellvertretend mathematische Modelle entwickelt, implementiert,validiert und analysiert. Die Entscheidung für oder gegen einen bestimmten Modelltyp, zum Beispiel ob die Auflösung in Raum und Zeit diskret oder kontinuierlich definiert ist, kann erheblichen Einfluss auf die Ergebnisse haben. Insbesondere bei der Untersuchung und Simulation der Dynamiken von biologischen Zellen, die häufig auch als biologische Flüssigkeiten (Biofluids) bezeichnet und in der Literatur oft mit physikalischen Flüssigkeiten verglichen werden, ist die Wahl des geeigneten Modelltyps nicht immer trivial. In diesem Zusammenhang stellt die vorliegende Arbeit drei verschiedene Szenarien vor. Unter Zuhilfenahme von unterschiedlichen mathematischen Modellen werden diese Szenarien dann untersucht. Dabei wird deutlich, dass trotz des ähnlichen Kontextes von physikalischen und biologischen Dynamiken je Szenario unterschiedliche Modelltypen besser geeignet sind und mitunter verschiedene Aussagen liefern. Daher muss für jedes dieser Szenarien die Entscheidung, welches Modell genommen wird und ob dieses in Raum und Zeit diskret oder kontinuierlich ist, neu evaluiert werden. Das erste Szenario befasst sich mit einer rein physikalischen Dynamik und beschreibt das Aufsteigen einer runden Flüssigkeitsblase innerhalb einer anderen Flüssigkeit. In diesem Zusammenhang wird auch häufig von zwei Phasen gesprochen. Dieser Fall dient auch als numerischer Benchmark-Test zur Bewertung der Genauigkeit von Zwei-Phasen-Modellen. Innerhalb dieses Kontextes werden oft Modelle verwendet, die kontinuierlich in Bezug auf Ort und Zeit sind. In der vorliegenden Arbeit wird stellvertretend das Cahn-Hilliard-Navier-Stokes-Modell verwendet. Vor allem wird ein neuer einfacher Diskretisierungsansatz für dieses Modell vorgestellt. Unter Verwendung eines Standard-Benchmark-Tests wird gezeigt, dass die Genauigkeit vergleichbar zu bisherigen Meth, Enhancing the understanding of physical and biological dynamics is crucial, which is why assisting mathematical models are often developed, implemented, validated, and analyzed. The decision for or against a particular model type, for example, whether the resolution in space and time is defined discretely or continuously, can considerably influence the results. Especially when investigating and simulating the dynamics of biological cells, also referred to as biological fluids and in the literature often compared to physical fluids, choosing the appropriate model type is not trivial in every case. This work presents three scenarios, which are further examined with the help of various mathematical models. Despite the similar context, dynamics of physical and biological fluids, some model types are more suited and deliver different results for each scenario. Therefore, the decision should be made new, depending on the scenarios, which model type is optimal, discrete, or continuous in space and time. The first scenario describes pure physical dynamics by the rise of a round fluid bubble within another fluid, which is often referred to as two phases. This setup also serves as a numerical benchmark test to evaluate the accuracy of physical two-phase-models. Within this context, the models used are often continuous regarding space and time. In this work, the Cahn-Hilliard-Navier-Stokes-model is chosen as a representative example. In particular, a new discretization approach for the model is introduced and evaluated by the previous benchmark test, which showcases that the new, more straightforward discretization approach leads to comparably precise results. The second scenario focuses on biological dynamics and describes the untreated growth of a tumor spheroid and further its behavior when exposed to \acl{rt}. These tumor spheroids are, in particular, 3D-assays of in-vitro experiments, which are 3D avascular aggregates of several thousand tumor cells mimicking tumor microa

Marine fisheries are increasingly impacted by climate change, affecting species distribution and productivity, and necessitating urgent adaptation efforts. Climate vulnerability assessments (CVA), integrating expert knowledge, are vital for identifying species that could thrive or suffer under changing environmental conditions. This study presents a first CVA for the Western Baltic Sea's fish community, a crucial fishing area for Denmark and Germany. Characterized by a unique mix of marine, brackish, and freshwater species, this coastal ecosystem faces significant changes due to the combined effects of overfishing, eutrophication and climate change. Our CVA involved a qualitative expert scoring of 22 fish species, assessing their sensitivity and exposure to climate change. Our study revealed a dichotomy in climate change vulnerability within the fish community of the Western Baltic Sea because traditional fishing targets cod and herring as well as other species with complex life histories are considered to face increased risks, whereas invasive or better adaptable species might thrive under changing conditions. Our findings hence demonstrate the complex interplay between life-history traits and climate change vulnerability in marine fish communities. Eventually, our study provides critical knowledge for the urgent development of tailored adaptation efforts addressing existing but especially future effects of climate change on fish and fisheries in the Western Baltic Sea, to navigate this endangered fisheries systems into a sustainable future.

Hintergrund: Die Videoflouroskopie des Schluckaktes (VFSS) gilt neben der flexiblen endoskopischen Schluckuntersuchung (FESU) als Goldstandard in der Diagnostik von Dysphagien. Die individuelle Kostformempfehlung sollte bei der Behandlung von Dysphagiepatienten nach der International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI) erfolgen. Ziel dieser Studie war es, standardisierte röntgendichte Texturstufen für die VFSS zur Reproduktion der IDDSI Level 0-7 in unterschiedlichen Konstellationen verschiedener Kontrast- und Andickungsmittel zu erzeugen, um valide Ergebnisse der VFSS im Hinblick auf die Schlucksicherheit und -effizienz zu erlangen.Material und Methoden: Die verschiedenen Rezepturen wurden mithilfe von IDDSI-Testmethoden bestimmt und ihre radiologischen Eigenschaften mithilfe eines Philips MultiDiagnost Eleva-Durchleuchtungssystems und zwei verschiedener flüssiger Kontrastmittel untersucht (bariumhaltiges (Micropaque®) u. jodbasiertes (Telebrix®)).Ergebnisse: Die Homogenität der Rezepte nahm mit zunehmenden IDDSI-Werten ab, der Kontrast war für eine videofluoroskopische Untersuchung für alle IDDSI-Level ausreichend. Die Opazität unterschied sich zwischen den Kontrastmitteln auf Barium- und Jodbasis nicht signifikant.Diskussion: IDDSI ist eine evidenzbasierte Einteilung von Texturen, die von internationalen Interessengruppen entwickelt wurde. Es besteht Kritik an den Beschreibungen der Texturlevel, da sie andere wichtige Eigenschaften wie die Fließeigenschaften, die Interaktionen der Schleimhautoberflächen als auch die Speichelzusammensetzung, nicht berücksichtigt. Die Reproduzierbarkeit der Rezepte ist möglicherweise limitiert, da die Proben ohne weitere apparative technische Geräte hergestellt wurden, um ihre Anwendbarkeit in verschiedenen Umgebungen zu erleichtern. Zudem ist die weltweite Verfügbarkeit der verwendeten Kontrastmittel nicht gewährleistet. Standardisierte, kommerziell verfügbare Stimuli für alle IDDSI-Level wären ideal, sind jedoch nic

The Mendelian disorders of chromatin machinery (MDCMs) represent a distinct subgroup of disorders that present with neurodevelopmental disability. The chromatin machinery regulates gene expression by a range of mechanisms, including by post-translational modification of histones, responding to histone marks, and remodelling nucleosomes. Some of the MDCMs that impact on histone modification may have potential therapeutic interventions. Two potential treatment strategies are to enhance the intracellular pool of metabolites that can act as substrates for histone modifiers and the use of medications that may inhibit or promote the modification of histone residues to influence gene expression. In this article we discuss the influence and potential treatments of histone modifications involving histone acetylation and histone methylation. Genomic technologies are facilitating earlier diagnosis of many Mendelian disorders, providing potential opportunities for early treatment from infancy. This has parallels with how inborn errors of metabolism have been afforded early treatment with newborn screening. Before this promise can be fulfilled, we require greater understanding of the biochemical fingerprint of these conditions, which may provide opportunities to supplement metabolites that can act as substrates for chromatin modifying enzymes. Importantly, understanding the metabolomic profile of affected individuals may also provide disorder-specific biomarkers that will be critical for demonstrating efficacy of treatment, as treatment response may not be able to be accurately assessed by clinical measures.

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Marine fisheries are increasingly impacted by climate change, affecting species distribution and productivity, and necessitating urgent adaptation efforts. Climate vulnerability assessments (CVA), integrating expert knowledge, are vital for identifying species that could thrive or suffer under changing environmental conditions. This study presents a first CVA for the Western Baltic Sea's fish community, a crucial fishing area for Denmark and Germany. Characterized by a unique mix of marine, brackish, and freshwater species, this coastal ecosystem faces significant changes due to the combined effects of overfishing, eutrophication and climate change. Our CVA involved a qualitative expert scoring of 22 fish species, assessing their sensitivity and exposure to climate change. Our study revealed a dichotomy in climate change vulnerability within the fish community of the Western Baltic Sea because traditional fishing targets cod and herring as well as other species with complex life histories are considered to face increased risks, whereas invasive or better adaptable species might thrive under changing conditions. Our findings hence demonstrate the complex interplay between life-history traits and climate change vulnerability in marine fish communities. Eventually, our study provides critical knowledge for the urgent development of tailored adaptation efforts addressing existing but especially future effects of climate change on fish and fisheries in the Western Baltic Sea, to navigate this endangered fisheries systems into a sustainable future.

3D nanowire networks are fascinating systems for future microelectronic devices. They can be handled like macroscopic objects, while exhibiting properties of nanoscale materials. Here, the fabrication of free‐standing 3D bismuth nanowire networks with well‐controlled and systematically adjusted wire diameter and interconnectivity is presented. The samples are fabricated by pulse electroplating of bismuth into the pores of ion track‐etched membranes using an aqueous electrolyte. By optimizing the growth parameters, homogeneously grown, mechanically self‐supporting and free‐standing networks without a supporting matrix are achieved. Cross‐plane Seebeck coefficient and electrical resistance values are investigated as a function of nanowire diameter and temperature. The unique characteristics of these highly interconnected and mechanically self‐supported Bi 3D nanowire networks offer exciting perspectives for their implementation in, e.g., infrared detection based on thermoelectric effects, sensing, and THz applications.

Diazotrophs provide a significant reactive nitrogen source in the ocean. Increased warming and stratification may decrease nutrient availability in the future, forcing microbial communities toward using dissolved organic matter (DOM). Not depending on reactive nitrogen availability, diazotrophs may be “winners” in a nutrient‐depleted ocean. However, their ability to exploit DOM may influence this success. We exposed cultures of the widespread Crocosphaera to low (26°C, pH 8.1), moderate (28°C, pH 8.0), and extreme (30°C, pH 7.9) climate change scenarios, under control or DOM‐amended conditions. Growth was suboptimal in the low and extreme treatments and favored in the moderate treatment. DOM was preferred as a carbon source regardless of the treatment and promoted N2 fixation in extreme conditions. This was reflected in the increased expression of photosynthesis genes to obtain energy. DOM provides Crocosphaera with a key ecological advantage, possibly dictating diazotroph‐derived nitrogen inputs in the future ocean.

The transition to a fully renewable energy grid requires better forecasting of demand at the low-voltage level to increase efficiency and ensure reliable control. However, high fluctuations and increasing electrification cause huge forecast variability, not reflected in traditional point estimates. Probabilistic load forecasts take uncertainties into account and thus allow more informed decision-making for the planning and operation of low-carbon energy systems. We propose an approach for flexible conditional density forecasting of short-term load based on Bernstein polynomial normalizing flows, where a neural network controls the parameters of the flow. In an empirical study with 3639 smart meter customers, our density predictions for 24h-ahead load forecasting compare favorably against Gaussian and Gaussian mixture densities. Furthermore, they outperform a non-parametric approach based on the pinball loss, especially in low-data scenarios.

The following set of poems are from one of ten sections in a collection of poetry called Quik Church: Short Poems that Travel Far. Each section illustrates one of many “streets” which individuals often take on their spiritual journey through life, e.g., the Old Gods Path, Nature Trail, Memory Skyway, Mystic Avenue, Pastoral Lane, and so on. This one, Route 3.141592, is the route of mathematics and the science that depends on mathematics.

Enzymes are potent catalysts with high specificity and selectivity. To leverage nature's synthetic potential for industrial applications, various protein engineering techniques have emerged which allow to tailor the catalytic, biophysical, and molecular recognition properties of enzymes. However, the many possible ways a protein can be altered forces researchers to carefully balance between the exhaustiveness of an enzyme screening campaign and the required resources. Consequently, the optimal engineering strategy is often defined on a case-by-case basis. Strikingly, while predicting mutations that lead to an improved target function is challenging, here we show that the prediction and exclusion of deleterious mutations is a much more straightforward task as analyzed for an engineered carbonic acid anhydrase, a transaminase, a squalene-hopene cyclase and a Kemp eliminase. Combining such a pre-selection of allowed residues with advanced gene synthesis methods opens a path toward an efficient and generalizable library construction approach for protein engineering. To give researchers easy access to this methodology, we provide the website LibGENiE containing the bioinformatic tools for the library design workflow.

Objective Health data standardized to a common data model (CDM) simplifies and facilitates research. This study examines the factors that make standardizing observational health data to the Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership (OMOP) CDM successful. Materials and methods Twenty-five data partners (DPs) from 11 countries received funding from the European Health Data Evidence Network (EHDEN) to standardize their data. Three surveys, DataQualityDashboard results, and statistics from the conversion process were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. Our measures of success were the total number of days to transform source data into the OMOP CDM and participation in network research. Results The health data converted to CDM represented more than 133 million patients. 100%, 88%, and 84% of DPs took Surveys 1, 2, and 3. The median duration of the 6 key extract, transform, and load (ETL) processes ranged from 4 to 115 days. Of the 25 DPs, 21 DPs were considered applicable for analysis of which 52% standardized their data on time, and 48% participated in an international collaborative study. Discussion This study shows that the consistent workflow used by EHDEN proves appropriate to support the successful standardization of observational data across Europe. Over the 25 successful transformations, we confirmed that getting the right people for the ETL is critical and vocabulary mapping requires specific expertise and support of tools. Additionally, we learned that teams that proactively prepared for data governance issues were able to avoid considerable delays improving their ability to finish on time. Conclusion This study provides guidance for future DPs to standardize to the OMOP CDM and participate in distributed networks. We demonstrate that the Observational Health Data Sciences and Informatics community must continue to evaluate and provide guidance and support for what ultimately develops the backbone

Gender and social inclusion efforts in agricultural development are focused on making uptake of agricultural technologies more equitable. Yet research looking at how gender relations influence technology uptake often assumes that men and women within a household make farm management decisions as individuals. Relatively little is understood about the dynamics of agricultural decision-making within dual-adult households where individuals’ management choices are likely influenced by others in the household. This study used vignettes to examine decision-making related to maize plot management in 698 dual-adult households in rural Kenya. The results indicated a high degree of joint management of maize plots (55%), although some management decisions—notably those related to purchased inputs—were slightly more likely to be controlled by men, while other decisions—including those related to hiring of labor and maize end uses—were more likely to be made by women. The prevalence of joint decision-making underscores the importance of ensuring that both men’s and women’s priorities and needs are reflected in design and marketing of interventions to support maize production, including those related to seed systems, farmer capacity building, and input delivery.

Systems Ultra explores how we experience complex systems: the mesh of things, people, and ideas interacting to produce their own patterns and behaviours. What does it mean when a car which runs on code drives dangerously? What does massmarket graphics software tell us about the workplace politics of architects? And, in these human-made systems, which phenomena are designed, and which are emergent? In a world of networked technologies, global supply chains, and supranational regulations, there are growing calls for a new kind of literacy around systems and their ramifications. At the same time, we are often told these systems are impossible to fully comprehend and are far beyond our control. Drawing on field research and artistic practice around the industrial settings of ports, air traffic control, architectural software, payment platforms in adult entertainment, and car crash testing, Georgina Voss argues that complex systems can be approached as sites of revelation around scale, time, materiality, deviance, and breakages. With humour and guile, she tells the story of what ‘systems’ have come to mean, how they have been sold to us, and the real-world consequences of the power that flows through them. Systems Ultra goes beyond narratives of technological exceptionalism to explore how we experience the complex systems which influence our lives, how to understand them more clearly, and, perhaps, how to change them.

Weight status, weight stigma, and internet use are important factors impacting quality of life (QoL). However, little is known regarding how these factors interact in their association with QoL, and it is important to understand how self-perceived obesity and body mass index (BMI)-defined obesity may differentially impact QoL. We aimed to assess the associations between weight status (obesity vs. non-obesity, including both self-perceived and BMI-defined), weight stigma, internet use, and QoL. Cross-sectional data from the Taiwan Social Change Survey (N = 1604; mean age = 49.22; 52.93 % women) were used. All participants were classified as having obesity or not having obesity according to both self-perceived (self-perceived as ‘too fat’) and BMI-defined (≧27 kg/m2 as obesity) weight status. Results showed that the group with obesity (both BMI-defined and self-perceived) had significantly more internet time and lower physical QoL than the group without obesity. Those with self-perceived obesity, but not those with BMI-defined obesity, sought health information via the internet and used social media significantly more than the group without obesity. More internet time was associated with worse physical and mental QoL for the group with obesity regardless of BMI-defined or self-perceived status. Moreover, weight stigma was associated with worse mental QoL for the group with self-perceived obesity, but not for the group with BMI-defined obesity. Accordingly, being a person with obesity (self-defined, or based upon BMI) was associated with more internet time and poorer QoL. People with self-perceived obesity may have increased experience of weight stigma and greater internet use, factors that may contribute to their impaired QoL.

A network of marine reserves can enhance yield in depleted fisheries by protecting populations, particularly large, old spawners that supply larvae for interspersed fishing grounds. The ability of marine reserves to enhance sustainable fisheries is much less evident. We report empirical evidence of a marine reserve network improving yield regionally for a sustainable spiny lobster fishery, apparently through the spillover of adult lobsters and behavioral adaptation by the fishing fleet. Results of a Before-After, Control-Impact analysis found catch, effort, and Catch-Per-Unit Effort increased after the establishment of marine reserves in the northern region of the fishery where fishers responded by fishing intensively at reserve borders, but declined in the southern region where they vacated once productive fishing grounds. The adaptation of the northern region of the fishery may have been aided by a history of collaboration between fishers, scientists, and managers, highlighting the value of collaborative research and education programs for preparing fisheries to operate productively within a seascape that includes a large marine reserve network

Franziska Voß, B.Sc., in englischer Sprache, Masterarbeit Universität Innsbruck 2024

3D nanowire networks are fascinating systems for future microelectronic devices. They can be handled like macroscopic objects, while exhibiting properties of nanoscale materials. Here, the fabrication of free‐standing 3D bismuth nanowire networks with well‐controlled and systematically adjusted wire diameter and interconnectivity is presented. The samples are fabricated by pulse electroplating of bismuth into the pores of ion track‐etched membranes using an aqueous electrolyte. By optimizing the growth parameters, homogeneously grown, mechanically self‐supporting and free‐standing networks without a supporting matrix are achieved. Cross‐plane Seebeck coefficient and electrical resistance values are investigated as a function of nanowire diameter and temperature. The unique characteristics of these highly interconnected and mechanically self‐supported Bi 3D nanowire networks offer exciting perspectives for their implementation in, e.g., infrared detection based on thermoelectric effects, sensing, and THz applications.

Matching crop varieties to their target use context and user preferences is a challenge faced by many plant breeding programs serving smallholder agriculture. Numerous participatory approaches proposed by CGIAR and other research teams over the last four decades have attempted to capture farmers’ priorities/preferences and crop variety field performance in representative growing environments through experimental trials with higher external validity. Yet none have overcome the challenges of scalability, data validity and reliability, and difficulties in capturing socio-economic and environmental heterogeneity. Building on the strengths of these attempts, we developed a new data-generation approach, called triadic comparison of technology options (tricot). Tricot is a decentralized experimental approach supported by crowdsourced citizen science. In this article, we review the development, validation, and evolution of the tricot approach, through our own research results and reviewing the literature in which tricot approaches have been successfully applied. The first results indicated that tricot-aggregated farmer-led assessments contained information with adequate validity and that reliability could be achieved with a large sample. Costs were lower than current participatory approaches. Scaling the tricot approach into a large on-farm testing network successfully registered specific climatic effects of crop variety performance in representative growing environments. Tricot’s recent application in plant breeding networks in relation to decision-making has (i) advanced plant breeding lines recognizing socio-economic heterogeneity, and (ii) identified consumers’ preferences and market demands, generating alternative breeding design priorities. We review lessons learned from tricot applications that have enabled a large scaling effort, which should lead to stronger decision-making in crop improvement and increased use of improved varieties in smallholder agriculture.