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In recent years, low-temperature polymer electrolyte fuel cells have become an increasingly important pillar in a zero-carbon strategy for curbing climate change, with their potential to power multiscale stationary and mobile applications. The performance improvement is a particular focus of research and engineering roadmaps, with water management being one of the major areas of interest for development. Appropriate characterisation tools for mapping the evolution, motion and removal of water are of high importance to tackle shortcomings. This article demonstrates the development of a 4D high-speed neutron imaging technique, which enables a quantitative analysis of the local water evolution. 4D visualisation allows the time-resolved studies of droplet formation in the flow fields and water quantification in various cell parts. Performance parameters for water management are identified that offer a method of cell classification, which will, in turn, support computer modelling and the engineering of next-generation flow field designs. Characterisation of water dynamics in polymer electrolyte fuel cells is important for technology development. Here, the authors demonstrate a 4D neutron imaging technique, enabling quantitative analysis of the local water evolution, and identify performance parameters for water management.

The effect of high pressure thermal (HPT) treatments on the inactivation of spores of non-proteolytic type E Clostridium botulinum TMW 2.990 was investigated at high pressures (300 to 600 MPa) and elevated temperatures (80 to 100 °C) in four low-acid foods (steamed sole, green peas with ham, vegetable soup, braised veal) and imidazole phosphate buffer (IPB). In addition, corresponding conventional thermal treatments at ambient pressure were performed to expose possible synergisms of pressure and temperature on spore inactivation. In general, spore count reduction was more efficient by combining pressure and temperatures < 100 °C and the overall process duration could be shortened due to accelerated heating rates (adiabatic effect). Processing at 90 °C and 600 MPa resulted in inactivation below the detection limit after 5 min in all foods except steamed sole. Traditional thermal processing of spores at 90 °C for 10 min, on the other hand, did not result in an estimated 6-log reduction. Additional HPT treatments in steamed sole and IPB did not reveal pronounced food matrix dependent protective effects. Here, varying pressure levels did not appear to be the driving force for spore count reduction in steamed sole at any temperature. By applying a Weibull distribution on destruction kinetics of isobaric/isothermal holding times, 6D-values were calculated. Compression and decompression phase (1 s pressure holding time) had a considerable impact on spore count reduction (max. -2.9 log units) in both, foods and buffer. Hence, compression and decompression phases should directly be included into the total lethal effect of HPT treatments to avoid prolonged holding times and overprocessing.

Confocal microscopy is an established technique with manifold applications that offers the capability to perform nondestructive through‐plane imaging. However, depth resolution typically decreases when focusing below the surface of a sample, which limits the applicability. A computational model is introduced that calculates the axial resolution, its decay, and the attenuation coefficient from confocal through‐plane scans of translucent layers. The model is benchmarked with different polymers and objectives (air, water, oil) using a confocal Raman microscope. The algorithm requires a single through‐plane scan that allows to identify the sample by signal intensity differences. It fits the point spread function of the objective at the top and bottom interface of the specimen to extract the resolution at both interfaces and the attenuation coefficient of the sample. It provides robust outputs on various and even multilayered samples if the signal‐to‐noise ratio of the input is sufficient and if the layers are planar and homogeneous. The algorithm of the model is provided open‐source for MATLAB and Python. Quantifying microscope resolution in through‐plane scans can improve image analysis in multiple fields, and this study is a comprehensive proof‐of‐concept for the presented model. It establishes an accessible tool to quantify the depth resolution of confocal microscopy. A model for quantifying the depth resolution and intensity decay of depth scans of confocal microscopy on translucent films is presented. A case study with Raman microscopy proves that the model provides physically reasonable results for a variety of samples and immersion media and even of multilayered samples, which aids in quantifying features in confocal depth scans.

The effect of high pressure thermal (HPT) processing on the inactivation of spores of proteolytic type B Clostridium botulinum TMW 2.357 in four differently composed low-acid foods (green peas with ham, steamed sole, vegetable soup, braised veal) was studied in an industrially feasible pressure range and temperatures between 100 and 120°C. Inactivation curves exhibited rapid inactivation during compression and decompression followed by strong tailing effects. The highest inactivation (approx. 6-log cycle reduction) was obtained in braised veal at 600 MPa and 110°C after 300 s pressure-holding time. In general, inactivation curves exhibited similar negative exponential shapes, but maximum achievable inactivation levels were lower in foods with higher fat contents. At high treatment temperatures, spore inactivation was more effective at lower pressure levels (300 vs. 600 MPa), which indicates a non-linear pressure/temperature-dependence of the HPT spore inactivation efficiency. A comparison of spore inactivation levels achievable using HPT treatments versus a conventional heat sterilization treatment (121.1°C, 3 min) illustrates the potential of combining high pressures and temperatures to replace conventional retorting with the possibility to reduce the process temperature or shorten the processing time. Finally, experiments using varying spore inoculation levels suggested the presence of a resistant fraction comprising approximately 0.01% of a spore population as reason for the pronounced tailing effects in survivor curves. The loss of the high resistance properties upon cultivation indicates that those differences develop during sporulation and are not linked to permanent modifications at the genetic level.

In meta‐analyses, it is critical to assess the extent to which publication bias might have compromised the results. Classical methods based on the funnel plot, including Egger's test and Trim‐and‐Fill, have become the de facto default methods to do so, with a large majority of recent meta‐analyses in top medical journals (85%) assessing for publication bias exclusively using these methods. However, these classical funnel plot methods have important limitations when used as the sole means of assessing publication bias: they essentially assume that the publication process favors large point estimates for small studies and does not affect the largest studies, and they can perform poorly when effects are heterogeneous. In light of these limitations, we recommend that meta‐analyses routinely apply other publication bias methods in addition to or instead of classical funnel plot methods. To this end, we describe how to use and interpret selection models. These methods make the often more realistic assumption that publication bias favors “statistically significant” results, and the methods also directly accommodate effect heterogeneity. Selection models have been established for decades in the statistics literature and are supported by user‐friendly software, yet remain rarely reported in many disciplines. We use a previously published meta‐analysis to demonstrate that selection models can yield insights that extend beyond those provided by funnel plot methods, suggesting the importance of establishing more comprehensive reporting practices for publication bias assessment.

Over the last fifteen years companies tended to formalise their innovation management activities and to establish formal jobs like the innovation officer, the network manager or the innovation manager. Knowledge of the informal role profiles of these formal roles is still rare. HR and R&D Managers do not know which informal role profile might suit them best, thus having difficulties to assign the best candidates for jobs in innovation management. Researchers cannot help to resolve the problem. Our research answers the question what innovation managers really do, by analysing their tasks, skills and traits, theoretically based on informal role theories. Furthermore, we will analyse how these characteristics change with company size. To provide answers to our research questions we choose a multiple-case study approach. We found, among others, that innovation managers fulfil the role of the relationship and process promotor or a combination of both with the champion, but we also found, that the innovation manager’s roles profile becomes fuzzier with shrinking company size. Our results have practical implications for top management and also HR and R&D managers, enabling them to better select and steer employees in innovation management. Researchers will be able to build on our results because we offer a comprehensive understanding of the informal role profiles of innovation managers based on informal role theories.

Previous physical activity interventions for children (5-12yrs) have aimed to change determinants associated with self-report physical activity behaviour (PAB) and/or sedentary behaviour (SB), however, the associations between these determinants and PAB/SB in different settings are uncertain. The present study aimed to identify modifiable determinants targeted in previous PAB/SB interventions for children. Intervention effects on the determinants and their associations with self-report PAB/SB were assessed across settings. Search of relevant interventions from pre-defined databases was conducted up to July 2023. Randomized and non-randomized controlled trials with modifiable determinants were included. Data extraction and risk of bias assessments were conducted by two independent researchers. Where data could be pooled, we performed Robust Bayesian meta-analyses. Heterogeneity, publication bias and certainty of evidence were assessed. Fifteen studies were deemed eligible to be included. Thirty-seven unique determinants within four settings were identified–school, family, school with family/home, and community with(out) other settings. Ninety-eight percent of determinants belonged to individual/interpersonal determinant categories. Narratively, intervention effects on student perception of teachers’ behaviour (school), self-management, perceived barriers, external motivation, exercise intention, parental modeling on SB (school with family/home) and MVPA expectations (community) were weak to strong, however, corresponding PAB/SB change was not evident. There were negligible effects for all other determinants and the corresponding PAB/SB. Meta-analyses on self-efficacy, attitude, subjective norm and parental practice and PAB/SB in two settings showed weak to strong evidence against intervention effect, while the effect on knowledge could not be determined. Similarly, publication bias and heterogeneity for most analyses could not be ascertained. We found no concrete evidence of association between the modifiable determinants and self-report PAB/SB in any settings. This is presumably due to intervention ineffectiveness. Design of future interventions should consider to follow the systems-based approach and identify determinants unique to the context of a setting, including policy and environmental determinants.

Background Although physical activity (PA) is associated with significant health benefits, only a small percentage of adolescents meet recommended PA levels. This systematic review with meta-analysis explored the modifiable determinants of adolescents’ device-based PA and/or sedentary behaviour (SB), evaluated in previous interventions and examined the associations between PA/SB and these determinants in settings. Methods A search was conducted on five electronic databases, including papers published from January 2010 to July 2023. Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) or Controlled Trials (CTs) measuring adolescents’ device-based PA/SB and their modifiable determinants at least at two time points: pre- and post-intervention were considered eligible. PA/SB and determinants were the main outcomes. Modifiable determinants were classified after data extraction adopting the social-ecological perspective. Robust Bayesian meta-analyses (RoBMA) were performed per each study setting. Outcomes identified in only one study were presented narratively. The risk of bias for each study and the certainty of the evidence for each meta-analysis were evaluated. The publication bias was also checked. PROSPERO ID: CRD42021282874. Results Fourteen RCTs (eight in school, three in school and family, and one in the family setting) and one CT (in the school setting) were included. Fifty-four modifiable determinants were identified and were combined into 33 broader determinants (21 individual–psychological, four individual–behavioural, seven interpersonal, and one institutional). RoBMAs revealed none or negligible pooled intervention effects on PA/SB or determinants in all settings. The certainty of the evidence of the impact of interventions on outcomes ranged from very low to low. Narratively, intervention effects in favour of the experimental group were detected in school setting for the determinants: knowledge of the environment for practicing PA, d  = 1.84, 95%CI (1.48, 2.20), behaviour change techniques, d  = 0.90, 95%CI (0.09, 1.70), choice provided, d  = 0.70, 95%CI (0.36, 1.03), but no corresponding effects on PA or SB were found. Conclusions Weak to minimal evidence regarding the associations between the identified modifiable determinants and adolescents’ device-based PA/SB in settings were found, probably due to intervention ineffectiveness. Well-designed and well-implemented multicomponent interventions should further explore the variety of modifiable determinants of adolescents’ PA/SB, including policy and environmental variables.

Fuel cells play a key role in the energy transition to renewable resources. Many of these systems are based on substrates coated with thin layers containing catalyst, ionomer or support material like carbon. In order to experimentally define the optimal catalyst layer configuration, one must do step‐by‐step variations of its components. Currently this must be done in several single coating experiments. Here we present a tabletop roll‐to‐roll (R2R) slot die coating setup for producing wet film graded catalyst layers for high‐throughput loading studies. In the presented work we perform a loading study for proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) cathodes where all investigated loadings result from one single coating. The wet film thickness is measured during the continuous coating process via in‐line confocal sensors and is correlated by area X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) scans. Small sections of the graded catalyst layer coatings were tested in a full cell PEMFC with a 5 cm2 active area. The known loading dependency of PEMFC performance was shown and compared to previous loading studies. The results show the successful fabrication of the graded layer which can be used for both, to facilitate materials development and to increase cell performance in stacks. In this work we present a tabletop roll‐to‐roll setup for high‐throughput parameter variations of catalyst layers. In a first study we changed the wet film thickness via variation of the volume flow into the slot die to generate all samples for a PEMFC cathode loading study in one single coating.

The number of websites and mobile applications available is growing continually, as are the persuasive approaches to influence human behavior and decision making. Although designing for persuasion offers several potential benefits, recent developments expose various deceptive designs, that is, dark patterns, that utilize psychological factors to nudge people toward, from someone else’s perspective, desired directions. This paper contributes to an increased awareness of the phenomenon of dark patterns through our exploring how users perceive and experience these patterns. Hence, we chose a qualitative research approach, with focus groups and interviews, for our exploration. Our analysis shows that participants were moderately aware of these deceptive techniques, several of which were perceived as sneaky and dishonest. Respondents further expressed a resigned attitude toward such techniques and primarily blamed businesses for their occurrence. Users considered their dependency on services employing these practices, thus making it difficult to avoid fully dark patterns.