Indirect Mechanisms Research Articles

Short-term success and long-term failure? The case of GDP growth targets and corporate innovation

Excessive focus on achieving short-term economic success in China may risk its long-term prosperity. Using a large sample of Chinese listed firms, we find that a higher GDP growth target suppresses corporate innovation, and the relationship is more pronounced in less developed areas. We also find that local governments affect corporate innovation through both direct and indirect mechanisms. The direct mechanism shows that firms that are more subject to government intervention (e.g., large firms, SOEs, and grantees of government subsidies) exhibit a more negative relation between GDP growth targets and corporate innovation. The local government also strategically changes its fiscal spending, creating an environment that indirectly affects corporate innovation. Our results are robust to various robustness checks. Further analysis reveals that the negative effect of GDP growth targets on corporate innovation is exacerbated in less developed areas and that a reduction in R&D does not lead to less purchase from suppliers or less employee compensation. This study sheds light on a real effect of regional GDP growth targets based on the unique Chinese political-economic setting.

Hydrodynamic analysis of a novel box-type floating marine airport

Very Large Floating Structure (VLFS) plays a crucial role in mitigating land resource scarcity in developed coastal areas. This paper introduces an innovative VLFS concept consisting of numerous concrete box-type floats interconnected by steel tie rods, designed for a 4000-m-long floating marine airport. Based on three-dimensional potential flow theory, two numerical models for the VLFS are established: the single-float model and the multi-float model interconnected by joints, where each float treated as rigid. The research explores the impact of wave direction, wave period, and real sea conditions on the hydrodynamic response of the VLFS. Additionally, this paper focus on the discrepancies in dynamic characteristics between single-float and muti-float, and investigate the special response principles of the muti-float model that closely resemble the actual hydrodynamic features of VLFS. The findings show that local deformation in the VLFS results in elevated wave loads on the structure, posing a significant challenge in designing the VLFS mooring system. Higher structural stiffness correlates with decreased mean and pulsation values of mooring cable tension. Incident waves at 0° induce local deformation on the wave-facing side of the VLFS; however, the deformation rapidly dissipates, exerting minimal impact on the floats supporting the airport runway—thus, creating an indirect wave-absorbing mechanism. When waves incident at 90°, the VLFS bends, adversely impacting the operations of marine airports and causing uneven stresses on the connectors, making them susceptible to fracture and damage. Hence, it is advisable to install marine airports parallel to prevailing wave directions. Furthermore, the hydroelastic behaviour of VLFS contribute to alleviating internal stresses within the structure. The focus of future research lies in balancing the impact of VLFS hydroelasticity on both system motion performance and structural internal stresses. The VLFS concept presented in this study performs effectively under various real sea conditions. The rationality and feasibility of the proposed VLFS concept are substantiated. The study lays the foundation and presents ideas for the future development of marine space.

Conceptual change management framework for effective use of examination administration system: a systemic review

This paper systematically reviews literature with the aim of conceptualizing a change management framework for the effective use of the Examination Administration System (EAS). Information systems (IS) change management factors in the implementation and the post-implementation phases are systematically reviewed to identify 37 reports between 2015 and 2023 and content was analyzed. Post-acceptance phase poses many challenges that often result in resistance from the user community thus relinquishing the expected gains. This paper explains change management factors in the post-implementation phase of information systems as they are not adequately addressed in existing literature. The conceptualization of the change management framework draws on the integration of the Unified Theory of Acceptance, Use of Technology and Effective Use Theory and nine change management factors as facilitating conditions. The paper concludes that effective use of EAS is realized through change management factors (i.e., user training, top management support activities, information flow, planning EAS as a change, change shared vision, performance measurement, user involvement and change recognition, user satisfaction and effective communication). This study further adds the indirect mechanisms (i.e., technology use and IS adaptive use) through which the change management factors can impact effective use. The study provides a useful guide to the practitioners and researchers to explain the change management strategies for the effective use of information systems and improve it. This paper also proposes that future studies adapt and/or empirically test conceptual change management apparatus for effective use to ascertain its validity within various contexts.

Fractures of the Humeral Paddle in Children: About 15 Cases Followed At The Celpa-Bukavu Hospital Center From 01.01.2020-31.12.2023

Introduction: Fractures of the humeral paddle in children are one of the most frequent causes of emergency trauma. The aim of this study is to describe the epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic aspects of humeral paddle fractures in children followed in our department for 3 years. Patients and Methods: Prospective study involving 15 consecutive patients followed for fracture of the humeral paddle in our department from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2022. The sampling was exhaustive, the data were collected on a preestablished form. Sociodemographic, clinical and therapeutic parameters were studied. Lesions were classified according to the Rigault and Lagrange classification. All these patients were operated on and followed by the same surgeon with a one-year follow-up. Results: The 5-8 year old age group predominated (66.7%); the sex ratio was 2.5 in favor of boys. Gaming accidents were the most dominant in 60%, the indirect mechanism was the most represented. All patients presented with a painful and impotent elbow. Supra-condylar fractures were the most common (60% of cases) and type II fractures were the most frequent in 53.3% of cases. The immediate complications were predominated by the absence of the radial pulse. The treatment was orthopedic in 73.3% of cases, and according to the Blount method in 72.7%. The results were satisfactory in 93.3% of cases. Elbow stiffness was the main complication (6.7%). Conclusion: Fractures of the humeral paddle are common in children, and often occur during play. The prognosis depends on the precocity and effectiveness of treatment. Early rehabilitation helps prevent elbow stiffness. Supervision of children's games by adults remains essential to prevent these fractures.

Pesticides in the Great Barrier Reef catchment area: Plausible risks to fish populations.

Waterways that drain the Great Barrier Reef catchment area (GBRCA) transport pollutants to marine habitats, provide a critical corridor between freshwater and marine habitats for migratory fish species, and are of high socioecological value. Some of these waterways contain concentrations of pesticide active ingredients (PAIs) that exceed Australian ecotoxicity threshold values (ETVs) for ecosystem protection. In this article, we use a "pathway to harm" model with five key criteria to assess whether the available information supports the hypothesis that PAIs are or could have harmful effects on fish and arthropod populations. Strong evidence of the first three criteria and circumstantial weaker evidence of the fourth and fifth criteria are presented. Specifically, we demonstrate that exceedances of Australian and New Zealand ETVs for ecosystem protection are widespread in the GBRCA, that the PAI contaminated water occurs (spatially and temporally) in important habitats for fisheries, and that there are clear direct and indirect mechanisms by which PAIs could cause harmful effects. The evidence of individuals and populations of fish and arthropods being adversely affected species is more circumstantial but consistent with PAIs causing harmful effects in the freshwater ecosystems of Great Barrier Reef waterways. We advocate strengthening the links between PAI concentrations and fish health because of the cultural values placed on the freshwater ecosystems by relevant stakeholders and Traditional Owners, with the aim that stronger links between elevated PAI concentrations and changes in recreationally and culturally important fish species will inspire improvements in water quality. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:1256-1279. © 2023 Commonwealth of Australia and The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).

SOCS1 expression in cancer cells: potential roles in promoting antitumor immunity.

Suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) is a potent regulator immune cell responses and a proven tumor suppressor. Inhibition of SOCS1 in T cells can boost antitumor immunity, whereas its loss in tumor cells increases tumor aggressivity. Investigations into the tumor suppression mechanisms so far focused on tumor cell-intrinsic functions of SOCS1. However, it is possible that SOCS1 expression in tumor cells also regulate antitumor immune responses in a cell-extrinsic manner via direct and indirect mechanisms. Here, we discuss the evidence supporting the latter, and its implications for antitumor immunity.

Indirect Liftoff Mechanism for High‐Throughput, Single‐Source Laser Scribing for Perovskite Solar Modules

AbstractA high‐throughput, single‐source laser scribing method exploiting a transparent conducting oxide (TCO) indirect liftoff mechanism is developed to produce serially interconnected perovskite solar modules. The TCO‐based indirect liftoff mechanism relies solely on laser absorption in the front transparent electrode material reducing thermal damage to the overlying layers and allowing for fast scribing speeds with low‐cost μs‐pulse duration fiber laser systems. Minimal resistive power losses are observed with the method compared to conventional ablative laser scribes, maintaining the power conversion efficiencies of small‐area devices (≈0.2 cm2) across significantly larger deposition areas (≈1 cm2). Demonstrating > 3 m s−1 processing speeds, TCO‐based liftoff provides the highest throughput laser scribing method for thin‐film photovoltaic devices produced on glass/TCO substrates, capable of processing large‐area perovskite solar modules at a manufacturing scale.

Electrogeneration of Hypochlorite Ions using a Dimensionally Stable Anode-Type (Ti/PtPd(10%)Ox) Electrode

<p>The study examined the electrogeneration of hypochlorite ions (ClO<sup>−</sup>) via electrolysis of aqueous NaCl solutions using a dimensionally stable anode-type (DSA-type) electrode based on platinum and palladium oxides supported on titanium mesh (Ti/PtPd(10%)O<sub>x</sub>). The electrogenerated ClO<sup>−</sup> was quantified on the basis of the absorption band at 292 nm (A<sub>λ</sub> = 292) of the UV-Vis spectrum. The effect of initial pH, concentration of NaCl, cell potential difference and electrolysis time were investigated in this study. The results showed that the electrolysis of aqueous NaCl solutions increases the solution pH up to high values (≥ 8.0) that favor the formation of ClO<sup>−</sup> over chlorine or hypochlorous acid. The hypochlorite concentration increases significantly at pH values > 7.0 and shows a linear trend with increasing NaCl concentration and with increasing cell potential difference. When the cell potential and NaCl concentration are held constant, the maximum hypochlorite value during electrolysis depends on both the cell potential and NaCl concentration. The Ti/PtPd(10%)O<sub>x</sub> anode favors the production of hypochlorite ions, making this anode a promising material for use in electrochemical oxidation of wastewater via an indirect mechanism.</p>

Abstract WMP99: A Novel Network Analysis of County- and Individual-Level Factors Associated With Functional Outcomes After Stroke

Background: Social circumstances may contribute to health disparities in patients with stroke through indirect and interdependent mechanisms that are not well understood. Objective: This study used complexity science methodology to examine the interplay between county- and individual-level social and clinical factors influencing stroke functional outcomes. Methods: As part of the Get With the Guidelines-Stroke (GWTG-S) Data Challenge, the GWTG-S Registry was merged with county-level Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation data. Patients diagnosed with stroke (ischemic, subarachnoid, or intracerebral hemorrhage) were included. Multilayer networks were constructed by estimating mixed graphical models of 32 nodes across four layers, including social (county- and patient-level) and clinical (comorbidities and encounter) factors. Social determinant networks were estimated for patients with less favorable (ie., functional dependence or death, modified Rankin Score [mRS] 3-6) versus favorable outcomes (ie., functional independence, mRS 0-2). Network structure and node centrality were compared between mRS groups using bootstrap permutation analyses. Hub nodes were defined by betweenness centrality and facilitate effects across the network. Results: From 2013-2019, 990 721 (62.3%) stroke patients had mRS of 3-6 and 597 477 (37.6%) had mRS 0-2 at discharge. Compared to the mRS 0-2 group, the mRS 3-6 group’s social determinants network had greater global connectivity (p<0.001), and homelessness (p<0.001) and Black race (p<0.001) were hub nodes. Unique to the mRS 3-6 group, younger patients were more likely to identify as homeless (p=0.031), uninsured (p=0.001), and live in a county with lower per capita income (p<0.001). Conclusions: The effects of social determinants were significantly greater in patients with less favorable functional outcomes. Homelessness and race play critical roles in mediating the impacts of county- and individual-level social determinants on downstream disparities in stroke outcomes. Particularly among younger patients, housing, insurance status, and income may serve as a critical leverage point for county-level interventions to improve function after stroke.

Trichoderma gamsii strain TC959 with comprehensive functions to effectively reduce seedling damping-off and promote growth of pepper by direct and indirect action mechanisms

A few Trichoderma species have been utilized as biocontrol agents in agriculture due to their ability to inhibit growth of phytopathogens. However, the antagonistic mechanism of some strains is mainly performed by direct action. The objective of our study is to explore an effective strain that has comprehensive abilities, and preliminarily clarify its practical viability and action mechanism. Trichoderma gamsii strain TC959 possessing abilities of strong antagonism and plant growth promotion was singled out. It released secondary metabolites, siderophores and chitinase/xylanase to directly inhibit the growth of plant pathogens, or released indole-3-acetic acid/gibberellin to promote plant growth. The strain also activated induced systemic resistance by increasing chlorophyll a/b ratio and jasmonic acid content of pepper seedlings through root colonization, which resulted in the improvements of defense-related gene expression levels, antioxidant enzyme activity, and indole-3-acetic acid/gibberellin production. Thereby disease resistance and plant growth were enhanced and promoted, respectively. Furthermore, TC959 had a resistance advantage to oxidation and chemical fungicides, which helped viability of the strain to be maintained, and healthy pepper seedlings were effectively ensured. In conclusion, strain TC959 has biocontrol potential and comprehensive functions against pepper damping-off disease, which is valuable for further practical applications.

The effect of urbanization and temperature on thermal tolerance, foraging performance, and competition in cavity-dwelling ants.

Human disturbance including rapid urbanization and increased temperatures can have profound effects on the ecology of local populations. Eusocial insects, such as ants, have adapted to stressors of increasing temperature and urbanization; however, these evolutionary responses are not consistent among populations across geographic space. Here we asked how urbanization and incubation temperature influence critical thermal maximum (CTmax) and various ecologically relevant behaviors in three ant species in urban and rural locations in Worcester, MA, USA. We did this by incubating colonies of three species of cavity dwelling ant (Aphaenogaster picea, Tapinoma sessile, and Temnothorax longispinosus) from 2 habitat types (Rural and Urban), for 60-days at multiple temperatures. We found that incubation temperature, urbanization, and species of ant all significantly affected overall colony critical thermal maximum. We also found that recruitment time, colonization time, and defense response were significantly affected by incubation temperature and varied between species of ant, while recruitment and colonization time were additionally affected by urbanization. These variable changes in performance and competitive traits across species suggest that responses to urbanization and shifting temperatures are not universal across species. Changes in behavioral responses caused by urbanization may disrupt biodiversity, creating unusual competitive environments as a consequence of natural adaptations and cause both direct and indirect mechanisms for which human disturbance can lead to local species extinction.

Abstract B023: Paracrine enhancement of tumor cell proliferation provides indirect stroma-mediated chemoresistance via acceleration of tumor recovery between chemotherapy cycles

Abstract The ability of tumors to survive therapy reflects both cell-intrinsic and microenvironmental mechanisms. Across many cancers, including triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a high stroma/tumor ratio correlates with poor survival. In many contexts, this correlation can be explained by the direct reduction of therapy sensitivity by stroma-produced paracrine factors. We sought to explore whether this direct effect contributes to the link between stroma and poor responses to chemotherapies. Our in vitro studies with panels of TNBC cell line models and stromal isolates failed to detect a direct modulation of chemoresistance. At the same time, consistent with prior studies, we observed treatment-independent enhancement of tumor cell proliferation by fibroblast-produced secreted factors. Using spatial statistics analyses, we found that proximity to stroma is often associated with enhanced tumor cell proliferation in vivo. Based on these observations, we hypothesized an indirect link between stroma and chemoresistance, where stroma-augmented proliferation potentiates the recovery of residual tumors between chemotherapy cycles. To evaluate the feasibility of this hypothesis, we developed a spatial agent-based model of stroma impact on proliferation/death dynamics. The model was quantitatively parameterized using inferences from histological analyses and experimental studies. We found that the observed enhancement of tumor cell proliferation within stroma-proximal niches can enable tumors to avoid elimination over multiple chemotherapy cycles. Therefore, our study supports the existence of a novel, indirect mechanism of environment-mediated chemoresistance that might contribute to the negative correlation between stromal content and poor therapy outcomes. Citation Format: Daria Miroshnychenko, Tatiana Miti, Pragya Kumar, Anna Miller, Mark Laurie, Nathalia Giraldo, Marilyn M. Bui, Philipp M. Altrock, David Basanta, Anriy Marusyk. Paracrine enhancement of tumor cell proliferation provides indirect stroma-mediated chemoresistance via acceleration of tumor recovery between chemotherapy cycles [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference in Cancer Research: Translating Cancer Evolution and Data Science: The Next Frontier; 2023 Dec 3-6; Boston, Massachusetts. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(3 Suppl_2):Abstract nr B023.

Thiazolidinedione enhances the efficacy of anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody in murine melanoma.

Several clinical studies observed a surprising beneficial effect of obesity on enhancing immunotherapy responsiveness in patients with melanoma, highlighting an as-yet insufficiently understood relationship between metabolism and immunogenicity. Here, we demonstrate that the thiazolidinedione (TZD) rosiglitazone, a drug commonly used to treat diabetes by sequestering fatty acids in metabolically inert subcutaneous adipose tissue, improved sensitivity to anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) treatment in YUMMER1.7 tumor-bearing mice, an initially immunotherapy-sensitive murine melanoma model. We observed a transition from high to intermediate PD-1 expression in tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells. Moreover, TZD inhibited PD-1 expression in mouse and human T cells treated in vitro. In addition to its direct impact on immune cells, TZD also decreased circulating insulin concentrations, while insulin induced T cell exhaustion in culture. In TZD-treated mice, we observed higher fatty acid concentrations in the tumor microenvironment, with fatty acids protecting against exhaustion in culture. Together, these data are consistent with an indirect mechanism of TZD inhibiting T cell exhaustion. Finally, we analyzed imaging data from patients with melanoma before and after anti-PD-1 treatment, confirming the beneficial effect of increased subcutaneous fat on anti-PD-1 responsiveness in patients. We also found that the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), the canonical activator of lipid uptake and adipogenesis activated by TZD, correlated with overall survival time. Taken together, these data identify a new adjuvant to enhance immunotherapy efficacy in YUMMER1.7 melanoma mice, and discover a new metabolism-based prognostic marker in human melanoma.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Zhang et al. demonstrate that the diabetes drug rosiglitazone improves the efficacy of immunotherapy in mouse melanoma. This effect is both direct and indirect: TZD directly reduces PD-1 expression in CD8+ T cells (i.e., reduces exhaustion), and indirectly reduces exhaustion by lowering insulin levels and increasing local fat. Finally, they demonstrate that hallmarks of TZD action (such as PPARγ expression and subcutaneous fat content) correlate with improved immunotherapy efficacy in humans with melanoma.

Mechanisms of psychiatric disorders induced by amphetamines: A comprehensive review

Objectives: Amphetamines are stimulants and addictive drugs. Saudi officials announced in 2023 a huge campaign against abused drugs. Numerous studies have shown that amphetamines abuse may affect the functions and structures of the brain and result in damage and psychiatric disorders. Nothing evidence was gathered and summarized for all available mechanisms to induce psychiatric disorders. Therefore, we summarized the alterations that cause psychiatric disorders. Methods: We are accessed the studies included in our scope by conducting a literature review involves using engines of the health database such as APA, PubMed, Cochrane Review, Scopus, Google Scholar, Medline, and EMBASE to collect the data and identify the materials that describe the topic by using multi-key words including amphetamines, methamphetamine, ecstasy which known as (MDMA) 3,4-Methyl​enedioxy​methamphetamine , mechanisms of psychiatric disorders; substance-induced psychiatric disorders; psychosis; abuse mechanisms; cognitive-behavioral abnormalities. Results: Psychiatric Disorders induced by amphetamines is a result of direct mechanisms such as abnormalities in the levels of dopamine, glutamate, and GABA, in addition to high dopamine in the midbrain and forebrain, neuronal network dysregulation, and ultimately, cortical and subcortical damage. Indirect mechanisms are confirmed, such as long-term use, high doses, sleep deprivation, genetics, and reactive oxygen species. Dopamine functions and sensitization are confirmed in schizophrenia and drug-induced psychiatric disorders. Conclusion: Mechanisms that induce psychiatric disorders are complex and interrelated. Research focuses on alterations of dopaminergic, sensitization, glutamatergic, neuronal inflammation, cortical GABAergic neurons, apoptosis following neurotoxicity, and mediators of protein kinases. Amphetamine-induced psychiatric disorders could be avoided by early prevention and detoxification.

Photochemical-promoted ZVI reduction for highly efficient removal of 4-chlorophenol and Cr(VI): Catalytic activity, performance and electron transfer mechanisms

Zero-valent iron (ZVI) reduction represents a promising methodology for water remediation, but its broad application is limited by two critical challenges (i.e., aggregation and passivation). Here, we report a hybrid strategy of photochemical-promoted ZVI reduction with high efficiency and reduction capacity for removing coexisting refractory pollutants in water. A composite material with Pd/Fe bimetallic nanoparticles supported onto semiconducting metal oxide (Pd/Fe@WO3-GO) was prepared and subsequently used as the model catalyst. By using the developed strategy with visible light as light source, this catalyst showed a remarkable catalytic performance for simultaneously eliminating 4-chlorophenol (4-CP) and Cr(VI), with dehalogenation rate as high as 0.43 min−1, outperforming the reported ZVI-based catalysts. A synergistic interaction of photocatalysis and ZVI reduction occurred in this strategy, where the interfacial electron transfer on particles surface were greatly strengthened with light irradiation. The activation was attributed to the dual functions of semiconducting material as support to disperse Pd/Fe nanoparticles and as (photoexcited) electron donor to directly trigger reduction reactions and/or indirectly inhibit the formation of oxides passivation layer. Both direct electron transfer and H*-mediated indirect electron transfer mechanisms were confirmed to participate in the reduction of pollutants, while the later was quantitatively demonstrated as the predominant reaction route. Importantly, this strategy showed a wide pH applicability, long-term durability and excellent catalytic performance in different real-water systems. This work provides new insights into ZVI reduction and advances its applications for the removal of combined organic and inorganic pollutants. The developed photochemical-promoted ZVI reduction strategy holds a great potential for practical applications.

Inhibitors of bacterial immune systems: discovery, mechanisms and applications.

To contend with the diversity and ubiquity of bacteriophages and other mobile genetic elements, bacteria have developed an arsenal of immune defence mechanisms. Bacterial defences include CRISPR-Cas, restriction-modification and a growing list of mechanistically diverse systems, which constitute the bacterial 'immune system'. As a response, bacteriophages and mobile genetic elements have evolved direct and indirect mechanisms to circumvent or block bacterial defence pathways and ensure successful infection. Recent advances in methodological and computational approaches, as well as the increasing availability of genome sequences, have boosted the discovery of direct inhibitors of bacterial defence systems. In this Review, we discuss methods for the discovery of direct inhibitors, their diverse mechanismsof action and perspectives on their emerging applications in biotechnology and beyond.

P084 Natural extracts and omega-3 derived molecule: role in resolution of intestinal inflammation

Abstract Background In the last years there is a great interest in the characterization of natural compounds extracted from plants or omega-3 derived molecules for their possible therapeutic effects. In this scenario, the seeds of Nigella sativa and Nigella orientalis (plants with great relevance in North African traditional medicine) have shown beneficial effects in reducing inflammation. Similarly, the addition of Maresin 2 (pro-resolving mediator) to experimental animals improved symptoms in various models of inflammation. However, there is no information on the role that these potential therapies may play in the cellular and molecular processes leading to the resolution of inflammation at the intestinal level. Methods Eight-week-old female C57Bl/6 mice (n=30) were subjected to a DSS-induced colitis model; mice received 1.8% (weight/volume) DSS in the drinking water for 6 days followed by 6 days of regular drinking water. Mice were treated from day 5 to day 12 with vehicle, Nigella Sativa, Nigella Orientalis, and Maresin-2. After that, histology studies, flow cytometry, expression analysis and migration experiments were performed. Results In all the treatment groups there was a significant reduction in weight loss and improved DAI scores compared to control group. Significant differences were also observed in the epithelial score and in the infiltration score. Analysis of the immune cell infiltrate revealed that only neutrophil numbers were downregulated after the administration of the indicated treatments. Further in vivo and in vitro studies demonstrated that Nigella Sativa and Nigella Orientalis were able to decrease neutrophil viability and migration. By contrast, Mar2 seemed to affect neutrophil infiltration through indirect mechanisms and by regulating the expression of chemotactic factors Conclusion Overall, our study reveals novel compounds able to regulate the resolution of intestinal inflammation in vivo, and this occurs, by the modulation of neutrophil presence into the colon lamina propria.

Cooperation Dynamic through Individualistic Indirect Reciprocity Mechanism in a Multi-Dynamic Model

This research proposes a new variant of Nowak and Sigmund’s indirect reciprocity model focused on agents’ individualism, which means that an agent strengthens its profile to the extent to which it makes a profit; this is using agent-based modeling. In addition, our model includes environmentally related conditions such as visibility and cooperative demand and internal poses such as obstinacy. The simulation results show that cooperators appear in a more significant proportion with conditions of low reputation visibility and high cooperative demand. Still, severe defectors take advantage of this situation and exceed the cooperators’ ratio. Some events show a heterogeneous society only with conditions of high obstinacy and cooperative demand. In general, the simulations show diverse scenarios, including centralized, polarized, and mixed societies. Simulation results show no healthy cooperation in indirect reciprocity due to individualism.

High Temperature Biomass Fired Stirling Engine (HTBS)

Biomass is an important resource for the utilisation of renewable energy not only in Germany, but in many other countries. Being sufficient to provide base load it is capable to stabilise electricity grids besides contributing to climate change precaution. Additionally it is essential that the applications for heat, power and fuel feature high conversion efficiencies. There fore the on-site generation of electricity is a crucial contribution to renewable energy supply, especially in real small-scale applications. The project “HTBioStir” - development of a high temperature heat exchanger for the coupling of biomass boiler and Stirling engine - is designed and realized as a fundamental research project focusing on important mechanisms of heat transfer. The basic approach to generate electricity and heat implies the transfer of enthalpy on high temperature levels from the flue gases of a wood chip operated fire tube boiler to the working fluid helium through the heater head of a Stirling engine generator set. Using an indirect heat transfer mechanism, air as the carrier, an innovative heat exchanger with surface structured industrial power tube bundle and upstream a similar recuperative air-preheater by which an α-type SOLO 2V is operated to gene rate electricity. The leaving air at a much lower temperature level serves then as preheated oxidant in the furnace, while the flue gases produce hot water in the boiler. At present measure ment campaigns were carried out to establish energy and mass balances of the fire tube boiler as well as the Stirling engine.

Decoupling Vegetation Dynamics and Climate Change Impacts on Runoff and Sediment in Loess Gully Areas

While climate change and vegetation dynamics have a strong relationship, few studies have specifically measured the effects of these factors on runoff and sediment development in the gully zone of the Loess Plateau. This study investigates the monthly impacts of climatic change and vegetation dynamics on water flow and sediment movement in the gully zone of the Loess Plateau between 2000 and 2016. In this study, the standard gully watershed of the Loess Plateau is investigated using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The state of vegetation in the watershed is characterized by utilizing the vegetation index obtained using the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), along with monthly hydro-meteorological and vegetation data. The collective impacts of vegetation dynamics, climate change, and runoff contribute to 74.3% of the monthly fluctuations in sediment levels. The data indicate that 31.6% of the monthly runoff variability can be ascribed to the combined influence of climate change and vegetation dynamics. Climate change significantly influences flow and sediment via direct and indirect mechanisms, primarily by altering the growth and development of vegetation, which subsequently impacts both runoff and sediment. The impact of vegetation on sediment (−0.246) is more pronounced compared to its impact on runoff (−0.239). Furthermore, the impact of vegetation on sediment (−0.038) was significantly less significant compared to the impact on runoff (−0.208). Hence, the vegetation in the watershed primarily mitigates sediment deposition and suspended sediment transit in the water body by regulating runoff, thereby reducing the sediment load. This study examines the intricate correlation between climate change and vegetation dynamics on water flow and sediment deposition in the gully region of the Loess Plateau. It can serve as a helpful resource for managing water resources, allocating agricultural water, and planning soil conservation in the region.