bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Survival Predictability Between the American Joint Committee on Cancer 8th Edition Staging System and the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Classification in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Chen Li-Ju , Chang Yun-Jau , Chang Yao-Jen
Published: September 2020

This study compared the prognostic significance of staging between the American Joint Committee on Cancer 8th edition Tumor, Node, Metastasis (TNM) staging system and the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) classification in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The study population comprised patients with liver cancer registered in the Taiwan Cancer Database from 2007 to 2013 and was followed up until December 31, 2016. The study included patients with HCC, with known staging in both TNM and BCLC systems, and with follow-up >1 month. Primary endpoint was overall survival. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards model were constructed to investigate the significance of staging by two systems. Goodness-of-fit of model was evaluated via Akaike's information criterion (AIC), the lower the better. Among 73,136 patients with newly diagnosed liver cancer, a total of 37,062 patients with HCC (25.6% underwent surgery) were eligible. The mean age and overall survival of this cohort were 63.9 years and 27.2%, respectively. Overall survivals for stages I, II, III, and IV (the TNM system) were 54.5%, 34.9%, 10.3%, and 6.4%, respectively. Overall survivals for stages A, B, C, and D (the BCLC classification) were 54.5%, 29.2%, 9.8%, and 4.0%, respectively. The median follow-up time was 59.4 months. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards model revealed that both systems predicted overall survival, cancer-specific survival, disease-free survival, and local recurrence-free rate well. Values of ΔAIC of the BCLC classification and the TNM system were lower for the surgery group and nonsurgery group, respectively. The TNM system (8th edition) predicted long-term outcome better than the BCLC classification in patients with HCC. But in patients treated initially with surgery, the BCLC classification outperformed the 8th edition of the TNM system.

Implications for Practice

This work demonstrates that the Tumor, Node, Metastasis (TNM) system (8th edition) and the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) classification both predict long-term outcome significantly in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma but that the TNM system (8th edition) predicts long-term outcome better than the BCLC classification. For patients treated initially with surgery, BCLC classification outperforms in 8th edition TNM system in predicting long-term outcome.
Understanding entrepreneurial behavior for predicting start‐up intention in India: Evidence from global entrepreneurship monitor (GEM) data
Authors: Ali Jabir , Jabeen Zakia
Published: September 2020

This study aims at identifying the factors affecting individuals in establishing start‐ups in India using the theory of planned behavior based on the Adult Population Survey (APS) of the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) of 2016. Out of 3,400 individuals surveyed, 26.5% have reported new start‐up efforts and 8.3% reported start‐up ownership. Attitude toward entrepreneurship, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control have significant effects on establishing start‐ups in the country. The findings of the study support the application of the theory of planned behavior in the Indian context and provide practical policy implications of these results for strengthening start‐up efforts in the country through various public and private initiatives. This study provides a clear mapping of potential individuals who are the most likely to start a business on the one hand and identification of factors, which may affect the start‐up intention on the other.
Increasing College Going by Incentivizing Savings: Evidence from a Randomized Controlled Trial in Italy
Authors: Martini Alberto , Azzolini Davide , Romano Barbara , Vergolini Loris
Published: September 2020

We estimate the impact of a matched savings account program on high school students’ college enrollment and persistence through a randomized controlled trial carried out in Italy. The tested program (Percorsi) provided low‐income high school students with a 4:1 match rate for savings dedicated to higher education expenditures and required that they attended financial education classes. The program increased rates of enrollment and persistence in university by about nine percentage points. Effects were even larger for vocational school students, who have poorer social backgrounds and lower academic preparation. Incentivized savings programs have potential to reduce social disparities in higher education participation, though the lower saving capacity of poorer households can generate regressivity in program design.
YAP signaling induces PIEZO1 to promote oral squamous cell carcinoma cell proliferation
Authors: Hasegawa Kana , Fujii Shinsuke , Matsumoto Shinji , Tajiri Yudai , Kikuchi Akira , Kiyoshima Tamotsu
Published: September 2020

Most cancer cells are exposed to altered extracellular environments, such as an increase in extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness and soluble signals consisting of growth factors and cytokines. It is therefore conceivable that changes in tumor extracellular environments affect tumor cell behavior. The Hippo pathway reportedly responds to the extracellular environment and regulates the nuclear localization of the transcription co‐activator, yes‐associated protein (YAP)/transcriptional co‐activator with PDZ‐binding motif (TAZ). Inactivation of the Hippo pathway with nuclear translocation of YAP/TAZ stimulates cell proliferation. Its pathway also regulates gene expression, but the precise molecule(s) meditating the cell‐proliferating effect of YAP signaling on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is unclear. First, we examined the effects of YAP signaling on OSCC tumorigenesis. Loss‐of‐function experiments using siRNA or an inhibitor, and immunohistochemical analyses of tissue specimens obtained from OSCC patients demonstrated that YAP signaling was involved in OSCC cell proliferation. Second, we identified Piezo‐type mechanosensitive ion channel component 1 (PIEZO1), a Ca2+ channel, as a transcriptional target of YAP signaling and showed that elevated PIEZO1 was required for PIEZO1 agonist‐dependent Ca2+ entry and cell proliferation in OSCC cells. Experiments using three‐dimensional and suspension culture revealed that PIEZO1 was involved in OSCC cellular growth. Finally, YAP overexpression in the nucleus and/or cytoplasm was immunohistochemically detected in tumor lesions with frequent expression of both PIEZO1 and Ki‐67, but not in non‐tumor regions of OSCC specimens. These results suggest that the YAP/PIEZO1 axis promotes OSCC cell growth. © 2020 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and characterization of polyaniline‐ and polythiophene‐based copolymer and its nanocomposite suitable for electro‐optical devices
Authors: Dey Sadhu Susmita , Meena Prem Lata , Kumar Jitender , Gupta Juhi , Choudhary Sunil , Gupta Arun
Published: September 2020

Doped polyaniline (PANI), doped polythiophene and their copolymers (by interfacial and aqueous polymerization) with monomers at 50:50 ratio has been synthesized and are characterised by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) measurements. The copolymer synthesized by interfacial polymerization is mixed with copper oxide nanoparticle synthesized chemically in lab at 0.2% loading. XRD measurement showed no peak for PANI and polythiophene, which confirms amorphous structure of the two. However, clear peak for copper oxide nanoparticle at 2θ= 36.45 and multiple peaks for the copolymer (interfacial polymerization) and the copolymer Nanocomposite signifies crystalline structure. TGA results show that the stability of copolymer prepared by interfacial polymerization lies in between the PANI and polythiophene. FTIR spectroscopy confirms that both aniline and thiophene units are present in the interfacial copolymer. Further the monomers are chemically linked in the copolymer (by interfacial and aqueous polymerization). The presence of peak at about 1103 cm−1confirms the formation of NS bonding by reaction in between aniline and thiophene in the interfacial copolymer. The uniform distribution of nanoparticles in copolymer (interfacial polymerization) matrix have been confirmed from TEM images. The electrical properties of polymers, copolymers and copper oxide Nanocomposite are studied from which it is found that the copolymer have a synergistic effect on the improvement of conductivity when compared with the individual polymers. The 0.2% loading of copper oxide nanoparticles further improves the conductivity of the interfacial copolymer by approximate 15.24‐fold.
Mechanical and delamination studies on siliconized chitosan and morinda‐citrifolia natural fiber‐reinforced epoxy composite in drilling
Authors: G Manikandan , V Jaiganesh , R Ravi Raja Malarvannan , VR Arun Prakash
Published: September 2020

In this research, the effect of siliconized chitosan biopolymeric particles and morinda fiber in epoxy composite and their mechanical and machining behavior were studied. The primary aim of this research was to investigate how the silane‐treatment influences the surfaces of natural biopolymeric particle and fiber in epoxy composite and to study the mechanical and machining behavior. The chitosan and morinda fibers were surface‐treated using an amino silane 3‐Aminopropyltrimethoxylane (APTMS) via aqueous solution method. The composites were prepared using the hand lay‐up method followed by post‐curing at 120οC. The mechanical results showed that the silane surface‐treated chitosan and morinda natural fiber‐reinforced epoxy composite gives improved tensile, flexural and impact results of 148 MPa, 163Mpa and 6.9 J respectively. The inter‐laminar shear strength of silane‐treated morinda fiber gave the highest value of 28 MPa. Similarly, in the drilling process, the surface‐treated reinforcements showed the highest adhesion with matrix without any delamination. The drilled hole dimension stability at the top and the bottom surface was significantly high for silane‐treated epoxy composites. The scanning electron microscope images revealed high adhesion of fiber and uniform dispersion of chitosan particle in the epoxy matrix. Hence, this study confirms that silane surface‐treatment is an essential process while making high‐performance natural composites for various engineering applications.
Performance of diagnostic ultrasound to identify causes of hydramnios
Authors: Adam Marie‐José , Enderle Isabelle , Le Bouar Gwenaëlle , Cabaret‐Dufour Anne‐Sophie , Tardif Cécile , Contin Laurence , Arnaud Alexis , Proisy Maïa , Jaillard Sylvie , Pasquier Laurent , Le Lous Maela
Published: September 2020

Introduction

We aimed to assess the diagnostic yield of ultrasonography in the identification of the etiology of hydramnios, and the added value of MRI or amniocentesis.

Methods

We conducted a single‐center retrospective study including pregnancies with confirmed hydramnios (defined as deepest pocket ≥8 cm) between January 2013 and May 2017. Twin pregnancies, secondary hydramnios discovered after the diagnosis of a causal pathology, and pregnancies of unknown outcome were excluded. All pregnancies underwent a targeted scan, and selected cases underwent MRI or amniocentesis.

Results

A total of 158 patients with confirmed hydramnios were included. Hydramnios was associated with a fetal pathology in 37 cases (23.4%), with diabetes in 39 (24.6%), isolated macrosomia in 16 (10.1%), and considered idiopathic in 66 (41.7%). Ultrasonography established a diagnosis of the underlying pathology in 73% of cases. Amniocentesis was done in 31 cases (20%) and it allowed diagnosis of chromosome anomalies, esophageal atresia, myotonic dystrophy congenital type, Prader‐Willi syndrome, and Bartter syndrome. MRI was done in 15 cases (10%) and it allowed one additional diagnosis of esophageal atresia. The diagnostic yields of MRI and amniocentesis were 91.7% and 95.2%, respectively. There were five false positive diagnoses at ultrasonography, and one false positive diagnosis at MRI.

Conclusion

Hydramnios can be associated with a wide variety of underlying pathologies. Diagnostic ultrasound can attain a diagnosis in the majority of cases. Amniocentesis offers a valuable complementary assessment.
DPYD and UGT1A1 Pharmacogenetic Testing in Patients with Gastrointestinal Malignancies: An Overview of the Evidence and Considerations for Clinical Implementation
Authors: Varughese Lisa A. , Lau‐Min Kelsey S. , Cambareri Christine , Damjanov Nevena , Massa Ryan , Reddy Nandi , Oyer Randall , Teitelbaum Ursina , Tuteja Sony
Published: September 2020

Gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies are among the most commonly diagnosed cancers worldwide. Despite the introduction of targeted and immunotherapy agents in the treatment landscape, cytotoxic agents, such as fluoropyrimidines and irinotecan, remain as the cornerstone of chemotherapy for many of these tumors. Pharmacogenetics (PGx) is a rapidly evolving field that accounts for interpatient variability in drug metabolism to predict therapeutic response and toxicity. Given the significant incidence of severe treatment‐related adverse events associated with cytotoxic agents, utilizing PGx can allow clinicians to better anticipate drug tolerability while minimizing treatment interruptions or delays. In this review, the PGx profiles of drug‐gene pairs with potential impact in GI malignancy therapy – DPYD‐5‐fluorouracil/capecitabine and UGT1A1‐irinotecan – and the available clinical evidence of their roles in reducing severe adverse events are discussed. Considerations for clinical implementation, such as optimal laboratory workflows, electronic health record integration, and stakeholder engagement, as well as provider education, are addressed. Last, exploratory PGx markers in GI malignancy treatment are described. As the PGx knowledge base rapidly evolves, pharmacists will be vital in leveraging their pharmacology knowledge and clinical skills to implement PGx testing in the clinic.
Sorption‐induced polymer rearrangement: approaches from molecular modeling
Authors: Anstine Dylan M , Colina Coray M
Published: September 2020

With the growing need for chemical separation and chemical storage solutions, polymeric adsorbents have emerged as a promising class of candidate materials because of their potentially tunable sorption properties, membrane structure and relatively cost consciousness. Moreover, the developing field of polymeric membrane materials has shown particular success at integrating both experimental and computational studies. However, these material systems are known to suffer from varying degrees of induced membrane structural rearrangement upon adsorbate uptake, and thus many polymeric membrane performance metrics are often considered to degrade with an increasing number of ‘guest’ species. In this mini‐review, we highlight methodology tradeoffs and provide insights into atomistic molecular simulations used to study adsorption with flexible frameworks, which have the potential to predict separation, storage or catalytic capabilities a priori to experimental efforts. Specifically, molecular simulation methods that have been applied to provide predictions of polymeric membrane properties that have included consideration for sorbate‐induced polymer chain rearrangement, swelling and/or plasticization are reviewed. The examples and methodologies described provide demonstrations of the applicability of simulations as an approach to understand adsorption‐based phenomena at an atomistic/molecular level, and as a tool to carry out screening studies aimed at efficiently providing analysis for a diversity of polymeric adsorbent–adsorbate systems. © 2020 Society of Industrial Chemistry
Organic photovoltaic modules with new world record efficiencies
Authors: Distler Andreas , Brabec Christoph J. , Egelhaaf Hans‐Joachim
Published: September 2020

During the last years, the development of new active materials has led to constant improvement in the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of solution‐processed organic photovoltaics (OPV) to nowadays record values above 17% on small lab cells. In this work, we show the developments and results of a successful upscaling of such highly efficient OPV systems to the module level on large areas, which yielded two new certified world record efficiencies, namely, 12.6% on a module area of 26 cm2 and 11.7% on a module area of 204 cm2. The decisive developments leading to this achievement include the optimization of the module layout as well as the high‐resolution short‐pulse (nanosecond) laser structuring processes involved in the manufacturing of such modules. By minimizing the inactive areas within the total module area that are used for interconnecting the individual solar cells of the module in series, geometric fill factors of over 95% have been achieved. A production yield of 100% working modules during the manufacturing of these modules and an extremely narrow distribution of the final PCE values underline the excellent process control and reproducibility of the results. The new developments and their implementation into the production process of the record OPV modules are described in detail, along with the challenges that arose during this development. Finally, dark lock‐in thermography (DLIT), electroluminescence (EL), and photoluminescence (PL) measurements of the record module are presented.
Cancer and severe mental illness: Bi‐directional problems and potential solutions
Authors: Grassi Luigi , Riba Michelle
Published: September 2020

Objective

Given the reported increased rates of physical morbidity and higher mortality rates among people with severe mental illness (SMI) (schizophrenia and severe mood disorders), with a life expectancy shorter of 15‐20 years with respect to the general population, the aim of this paper was to call attention to the problem of cancer in SMI.

Methods

We conducted a narrative review of the most significant papers published in the areas of cancer screening, incidence, mortality and palliative care in SMI.

Results

Data from the literature confirm disparities in screening (eg, mammography; pap‐smear test; colorectal cancer screening) and prevention (eg, clinical breast examination; smoking cessation). The incidence of cancer was found to be variable with a portion of the studies reporting a higher prevalence while others a similar or a lower prevalence of cancer compared to the general population. A lower percentage of patients with SMI received proper cancer treatment resulting in survival after cancer diagnosis significantly worse than people without SMI. Likewise, end‐of‐life care has been shown to be lacking with poorer levels of physical, psychological and spiritual care.

Conclusions

The problems of stigma and discrimination, poorer dignity, poorer health behavior, lack of integration in health‐care services for people with SMI needs to be addressed and solved in cancer care. Psycho‐oncology has a very specific and mandatory role in integrating the recommendation of the World Health Organization to improve the links between oncology and mental health settings for more specific psycho‐oncology programs addressed for this vulnerable segment of the population.
Using formative evaluation to plan for electronic psychosocial screening in pediatric oncology
Authors: Gilleland Marchak Jordan , Halpin Sean N. , Escoffery Cam , Owolabi Shadé , Mertens Ann C. , Wasilewski‐Masker Karen
Published: September 2020

Objective

To demonstrate how formative research methods can be used to plan for implementation of evidence‐based psychosocial screening in pediatric oncology.

Methods

Multidisciplinary pediatric oncology professionals participated in focus groups to adapt the distress thermometer for electronic administration and develop health systems processes to promote psychosocial screening in the pediatric oncology outpatient clinic setting. Seven 1‐hour focus groups were conducted using a structured guide based on the reach, efficacy, adoption, implementation, and maintenance framework and transcribed verbatim. Two independent raters coded transcripts using a quasi‐deductive approach with high inter‐coder reliability (Cohen kappa >0.80).

Results

Participants' (N = 44) responses were used to identify overarching topics related to the adoption, implementation, and maintenance of electronic screening (e‐screening) including: barriers to meeting families' psychosocial needs, identification of champions, suggestions to adapt the proposed e‐screening program, perceived barriers to e‐screening, and potential impact of carrying out e‐screening. Following review of qualitative data, we employed specific implementation strategies to promote adoption, implementation, and maintenance of an e‐screening program.

Conclusions

Perceived barriers to the implementation of psychosocial screening remain substantial, yet enthusiasm for using electronic health records (EHRs) technology to help meet patient needs through regular assessment was evident among pediatric oncology professionals. Electronic administration of screening and integration of results into the EHR in real time were identified as critical needs to overcome barriers to e‐screening. Formative research including qualitative data from stakeholders can be used to tailor implementation strategies to successfully support the adoption, implementation, and maintenance of e‐screening programs in pediatric oncology.
The Educational Inequalities in the Disadvantaged Social Strata of Romani Population
Authors: Özbaş Mehmet
Published: September 2020

The objective of this study is to determine the variables that create inequality for children from disadvantaged social strata in their process of compulsory education. The study was carried out in Erzincan, which is a significant city located in the eastern Anatolia region of Turkey, in 2017. Nearly, 117 parents from disadvantaged social strata participated in the study. Disadvantaged children face the most serious problems in education. Those families were poor and disadvantaged Romanies, so their children did not attend the school. The study reveals that the inhabitants of a disadvantaged social stratum of this study mostly come from the ethnic origin of Romanies. This study was designed in a descriptive research model and carried out with face‐to‐face interview method. The semi‐structured interview form of “Educational Inequalities in Disadvantaged Social Strata” was used in this study. The semi‐structured interview form has been developed for this study. The study also reveals that 76 percent of disadvantaged families are not able to receive any proper economic support from the state they needed for their children. The disadvantaged families claim that authorities have never told them the true meaning, significance, and functions of compulsory education. In addition, the study reveals that the biggest obstacles are having poorly educated parents and financial insecurity for disadvantaged families in terms of their social, economic, and individual growth. The study reveals that the lack of continuous cash transfers to the students of disadvantaged strata creates social injustice and inequality in compulsory education. It is highly recommended that continued economic support should be given for the students from disadvantaged families to meet their basic psychological and human needs.
Detection of long‐lived species in plasma‐activated water, based on digital colorimetry
Authors: Zou Zhenping , Han Rui , Lu Chen , Xiong Zilan
Published: September 2020

To fit a specific application, a cheap and effective manner of measurement of chemistries in plasma‐activated water (PAW) is in demand. We propose a digital colorimetry‐based method of quantifying the long‐lived species in PAW using only smartphones and specialized software. Pin−plate discharge and surface microdischarge were used to generate the PAWs. H2O2 and NO2− were selected as representatives for the test. Various color parameters were extracted from images of a solution consisting of testing species and colorimetric reagent. Specialized curve‐fitting strategies were developed during data processing. The results were consistent with those measured by UV–Vis spectrometry, but they provided better performance and simplified operation. Additionally, the proposed PAW generator design can be integrated with the detecting module based on this method.
Electromagnetic inductance plethysmography to study airflow after nebulized saline in bronchiolitis
Authors: Sautter Marie , Halvorsen Thomas , Engan Mette , Clemm Hege , Bentsen Mariann H. L.
Published: September 2020

Background

Spirometric effects from therapeutic interventions in infants with severe respiratory distress cannot readily be measured, hampering development of better treatment for acute bronchiolitis. Inhaled normal saline is regularly used in these infants, with little knowledge of how this influences lung physiology.

Objectives

Assess feasibility of infant lung function testing using electromagnetic inductance plethysmography (EIP) in a clinical setting in a busy pediatric department, and explore effects from inhaled normal saline on tidal flow‐volume loops in infants with acute bronchiolitis.

Methods

Observational study conducted at the Children's Clinic, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway during the winters 2016 and 2017, enrolling children with bronchiolitis below six months of age. EIP was performed immediately before and 5 and 20 min after saline inhalation. EIP is a noninvasive method to measure tidal breathing parameters by quantifying volume changes in the chest and abdomen during respiration. The method consists of an electromagnet/antenna and a patient vest.

Results

EIP was successfully applied in 36/45 (80%) enrolled infants at mean (standard deviation) age 2.9 (2.5) months, after a hospital stay of 2.2 (1.9) days. After saline inhalation, tidal expiratory to inspiratory time ratio (Te/Ti) had increased significantly, whereas the other relevant flow/volume parameters had changed numerically in a direction compatible with a more obstructive pattern.

Conclusions

EIP could successfully be used to obtain tidal breathing parameters in infants with respiratory distress and appears a promising tool for assessment of therapeutic interventions in bronchiolitis. Saline inhalations should be used with caution as placebo in intervention studies.
Apolipoprotein Proteomic Profiling for the Prediction of Cardiovascular Death in Patients with Heart Failure
Authors: Lemesle Gilles , Chouraki Vincent , de Groote Pascal , Turkieh Annie , Beseme Olivia , Drobecq Hervé , Amouyel Philippe , Lamblin Nicolas , Bauters Christophe , Pinet Florence
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Risk stratification in chronic systolic heart failure (HF) is critical to identify the patients who may benefit from advanced therapies. It is aimed at identifying new biomarkers to improve prognosis evaluation and help to better understand HF physiopathology.

Experimental design

Prognostic evaluation is performed in 198 patients with chronic systolic HF: 99 patients who died from cardiovascular cause within three years are individually matched for age, sex, and HF etiology (ischemic vs not) with 99 patients who are alive after three years of HF evaluation. A proteomic profiling of 15 apolipoproteins (Apo) is performed: Apo‐A1, ‐A2, ‐A4, ‐B100, ‐C1, ‐C2, ‐C3, ‐C4, ‐D, ‐E, ‐F, ‐H, ‐J, ‐L1, and ‐M using LC‐MRM‐MS.

Results

In univariate analysis, the levels of Apo‐B100 and ‐L1 are significantly lower and the levels of Apo‐C1, ‐J, and ‐M are significantly higher in patients who died from cardiovascular cause as compared with patients alive. In the final statistical model, Apo‐C1, Apo‐J, and Apo‐M improve individually the prediction of cardiovascular death. Ingenuity pathway analysis indicates these three Apo in a network associated with lipid metabolism, atherosclerosis signaling, and retinoid X receptor activation.

Conclusions

Proteomic profiling of apolipoproteins using LC‐MRM‐MS might be useful in clinical practice for risk stratification of HF patients.
Modelling the effect of moose Alces alces population density and regional forest structure on the amount of damage in forest seedling stands
Authors: Nikula Ari , Matala Juho , Hallikainen Ville , Pusenius Jyrki , Ihalainen Antti , Kukko Tuomas , Korhonen Kari T
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND

Moose (Alces alces L.) populations and moose damage in forests are debated in Nordic countries with dense moose populations. Moose populations and food resources vary greatly, both spatially and temporally, and reliable data covering both variables simultaneously at the same scale have seldom been available. We modelled the effect of moose population density and forest resources on the area of moose damage at regional scale, referring to moose management areas (MMA). Forest data and moose damage data originated from the Finnish National Forest Inventory, and the moose population data came from a Bayesian moose model. For modelling, average values of moose population, damage and forest variables were calculated for the periods 2004–2008 and 2009–2013 for each MMA. The MMAs were further classified into one of four larger geographical zones. The area of moose damage was used as a dependent variable, and the proportions of different types of forests and moose population densities per land area or area of seedling stands as explanatory variables. The relationships were modelled with a linear mixed‐effects model with an exponential spatial correlation structure.

RESULTS

The area of moose damage was best explained by total forest area, proportions of plantations and mature forests, and moose population density per land area or the proportion of plantations. There were differences among the biogeographical zones in how different variables explained the amount of damage.

CONCLUSION

The results provide tools for analyzing the regional effects of moose population density and the amount of food resources on the amount of moose damage. This information can be used in reconciling sustainable moose population levels and the amount of damage.
The natural way forward: Molecular dynamics simulation analysis of phytochemicals from Indian medicinal plants as potential inhibitors of SARS‐CoV‐2 targets
Authors: Parida Pratap Kumar , Paul Dipak , Chakravorty Debamitra
Published: September 2020

The pandemic COVID‐19 has become a global panic‐forcing life towards a compromised “new normal.” Antiviral therapy against SARS‐CoV‐2 is still lacking. Thus, development of natural inhibitors as a prophylactic measure is an attractive strategy. In this context, this work explored phytochemicals as potential inhibitors for SARS‐CoV‐2 by performing all atom molecular dynamics simulations using high performance computing for 8 rationally screened phytochemicals from Withania somnifera and Azadirachta indica and two repurposed drugs docked with the spike glycoprotein and the main protease of SARS‐CoV‐2. These phytochemicals were rationally screened from 55 Indian medicinal plants in our previous work. MM/PBSA, principal component analysis (PCA), dynamic cross correlation matrix (DCCM) plots and biological pathway enrichment analysis were performed to reveal the therapeutic efficacy of these phytochemicals. The results revealed that Withanolide R (−141.96 KJ/mol) and 2,3‐Dihydrowithaferin A (−87.60 KJ/mol) were with the lowest relative free energy of binding for main protease and the spike proteins respectively. It was also observed that the phytochemicals exhibit a remarkable multipotency with the ability to modulate various human biological pathways especially pathways in cancer. Conclusively we suggest that these compounds need further detailed in vivo experimental evaluation and clinical validation to implement them as potent therapeutic agents for combating SARS‐CoV‐2.
Natural products for COVID‐19 prevention and treatment regarding to previous coronavirus infections and novel studies
Authors: Boozari Motahareh , Hosseinzadeh Hossein
Published: September 2020

Recently, the novel life‐threatening coronavirus infection (COVID‐19) was reported at the end of 2019 in Wuhan, China, and spread throughout the world in little time. The effective antiviral activities of natural products have been proved in different studies. In this review, regarding the effective herbal treatments on other coronavirus infections, promising natural products for COVID‐19 treatment are suggested. An extensive search in Google Scholar, Science Direct, PubMed, ISI, and Scopus was done with search words include coronavirus, COVID‐19, SARS, MERS, natural product, herb, plant, and extract. The consumption of herbal medicine such as Allium sativum, Camellia sinensis, Zingiber officinale, Nigella sativa, Echinacea spp. Hypericum perforatum, and Glycyrrhiza glabra, Scutellaria baicalensis can improve the immune response. It seems that different types of terpenoids have promising effects in viral replication inhibition and could be introduced for future studies. Additionally, some alkaloid structures such as homoharringtonine, lycorine, and emetine have strong anti‐coronavirus effects. Natural products can inhibit different coronavirus targets such as S protein (emodin, baicalin) and viral enzymes replication such as 3CLpro (Iguesterin), PLpro (Cryptotanshinone), helicase (Silvestrol), and RdRp (Sotetsuflavone). Based on previous studies, natural products can be introduced as preventive and therapeutic agents in the fight against coronavirus.
Integration of quadratic loss function approach in the economic design of VSI control chart with combined attribute‐variable inspection
Authors: Wan Qiang , Zhu Mei
Published: September 2020

This paper proposes a variable sampling interval control chart for monitoring the process mean using combined attribute‐variable inspection. An economic design of the proposed chart using Taguchi's quadratic loss function is presented. The proposed model minimizes the total expected cost per unit time while minimizing out‐of‐control average time‐to‐signal and maintaining reasonable in‐control average time‐to‐signal. The numerical results indicate that, compared with the corresponding fixed sampling interval control chart scheme, the proposed control chart yields better performance in terms of both shorter time to signal a process shift and less total expected cost per unit time. Sensitivity analyses of the cost model are also carried out by using a fractional factorial experimental design.
An extended looped‐functional for stability analysis of sampled‐data systems
Authors: Park JunMin , Park PooGyeon
Published: September 2020

This article introduces an extended looped‐functional for stability analysis of sampled‐data systems. It is defined as a differentiable functional over an interval between two consecutive sampling instants which has a property that the difference between its values at the latter sampling instant and at the former sampling instant is nonnegative. The proposed looped‐functional includes the existing discontinuous Lyapunov functional and looped‐functional as special cases. Based on the proposed looped‐functional, improved stability criteria are derived in terms of linear matrix inequalities. Three examples show the effectiveness of the proposed criteria in the view of maximum allowable sampling intervals.
Effects of dewatering on behavior, distribution, and abundance of larval lampreys
Authors: Harris Julianne E. , Skalicky Joseph J. , Liedtke Theresa L. , Weiland Lisa K. , Clemens Benjamin J. , Gray Ann E.
Published: September 2020

Anthropogenic dewatering of aquatic habitats can cause stranding and mortality of burrowed larval lampreys; however, the effects of dewatering have not been quantified. We assessed: (a) changes in spatial distribution, abundance, and emergence of larvae dewatered at Leaburg Reservoir (OR); (b) emergence and mortality of larvae dewatered in a laboratory; and (c) bias, precision, and interpretation of field results by simulation and modeling of laboratory results. In the field, we examined the distribution, abundance (by N‐mixture model), and density of larvae by electrofishing at randomly selected sites before dewatering and after refill, and assessed the emergence rate by observation and excavation during dewatering. Due to dewatering in the field, about 42% of larvae emerged and spatial distribution changed toward sites dewatered less than 20 hours. Estimated average density decreased from 10.8 larvae/m2 before dewatering to 2.3 larvae/m2 after refilling, suggesting that abundance declined by 79%; simulation suggested this decline ranged 71–84% (interquartile range). In the laboratory, we examined the emergence and mortality rates of larvae dewatered 0–48 hrs. The emergence rate in the laboratory was similar to that in the field. Mortality rate increased with hours dewatered and was higher for emerged than burrowed larvae. Laboratory estimates of mortality rate predicted a 61% decline in abundance if only burrowed larvae survived and a 54% decline if both burrowed and emerged larvae survived. Abundance declines in the field could be from mortality (e.g., desiccation, predation) and relocation to watered habitat. Our results indicate dewatering can substantially affect spatial distribution and abundance of larval lampreys in freshwater ecosystems.
Very fast construction of bounded‐degree spanning graphs via the semi‐random graph process
Authors: Ben‐Eliezer Omri , Gishboliner Lior , Hefetz Dan , Krivelevich Michael
Published: September 2020

In this paper, we study the following recently proposed semi‐random graph process: starting with an empty graph on n vertices, the process proceeds in rounds, where in each round we are given a uniformly random vertex v, and must immediately (in an online manner) add to our graph an edge incident with v. The end goal is to make the constructed graph satisfy some predetermined monotone graph property. Alon asked whether every given bounded‐degree spanning graph can be constructed with high probability in O(n) rounds. We answer this question positively in a strong sense, showing that any n‐vertex graph with maximum degree can be constructed with high probability in rounds. This is tight up to a multiplicative factor of . We also obtain tight bounds for the number of rounds necessary to embed bounded‐degree spanning trees, and consider a nonadaptive variant of this setting.
Partial resampling to approximate covering integer programs†
Authors: Chen Antares , Harris David G. , Srinivasan Aravind
Published: September 2020

We consider column‐sparse covering integer programs, a generalization of set cover. We develop a new rounding scheme based on the partial resampling variant of the Lovász Local Lemma developed by Harris and Srinivasan. This achieves an approximation ratio of , where amin is the minimum covering constraint and is the maximum ℓ1‐norm of any column of the covering matrix A (whose entries are scaled to lie in [0, 1]). With additional constraints on the variable sizes, we get an approximation ratio of (where is the maximum number of nonzero entries in any column of A). These results improve asymptotically over results of Srinivasan and results of Kolliopoulos and Young. We show nearly‐matching lower bounds. We also show that the rounding process leads to negative correlation among the variables.
Is informality a barrier to sustainable development?
Authors: Özgür Gökçer , Elgin Ceyhun , Elveren Adem Y.
Published: September 2020

In this article, using a novel, annual cross‐country panel dataset that covers 160 economies from 1950 to 2016, we examine the association between the size of the informal sector and various indicators of sustainable development. The range of indicators encompasses health‐related, economic, environmental, education, and social variables. Our results suggest that the size of the informal sector is negatively associated with GDP per capita, carbon dioxide emissions per capita, education, educational attainment, life expectancy, and access to safe drinking water, and positively related to female labor force participation rate, poverty rates, mortality rates, and air pollution. We also find that these empirical associations significantly interact with GDP per capita, indicating that the effect of larger informal sector size is stronger in less developed economies.
Is sustainable development reasonable for tourism destinations? An empirical study of the relationship between environmental competitiveness and tourism growth
Authors: Zhu Liang , Zhan Lingxue , Li Shaobo (Kevin)
Published: September 2020

Sustainable development is an important strategy promoted by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and governments of many destinations. However, the seeming contradiction about the environment vis‐à‐vis business interests may result in noncompliant responses to the environmental policies and regulations and hinder implementation of strategies for improved sustainability. Using resource‐based theory, we empirically test the influence of environmental competitiveness on tourism growth. Using a biennial dataset from 130 destinations between 2009 and 2017, the current work applies the fixed effect (FE) and threshold models to identify a strong link for developed destinations but a weak link for less developed regions. Several indicators of environmental competitiveness significantly affect tourism demand for destinations with high GDP per capita; the effects are not significant, however, for low GDP per capita destinations. These findings demonstrate that environmental factors are important influencers of destination competitiveness and are positively linked to economic performance of developed destinations. The connection between environmental competitiveness and tourism growth in less developed destinations seems weak and insignificant. A possible reason could be that such destinations lack the capital guarantee to translate environmental competitiveness into tourism demand. This article extends the resource‐based theory from the corporate level into the destination level and theoretically contributes to the sustainable tourism literature. Our findings provide the UNWTO and destination governments with empirical evidence to support their sustainable strategies and with suggestions concerning how to strengthen the environment‐performance link for less developed destinations.
Microstructure characterization of IG110 and reactor pebble graphite using synchrotron micro X‐ray diffraction 2D maps
Authors: He Zhoutong , Zhang Can , Tang Hui , Liu Ming , Marsden Barry J. , Zhou Xingtai
Published: September 2020

Knowledge about the microstructure of nuclear graphite is critical to the understanding of its irradiation behavior in the reactor. Using micro X‐ray diffraction (μXRD) two‐dimensional (2D) maps, the crystallite character of IG110 and reactor pebble graphite was characterized at the submillimeter range with a spatial resolution of about 5 μm. Various structures in the nuclear graphite were identified by comparing the X‐ray diffraction peak intensity, position, and full width at half maximum (FWHM) 2D maps. The two‐peak feature of the FWHM histograms seen in pebble graphite may be related to the raw coke and natural graphite used as raw materials. With these results, it can be concluded that the μXRD 2D map is an effective method to characterize the microstructure of nuclear graphite.
Modal Frustration and Periodicity Breaking in Artificial Spin Ice
Authors: Puttock Robert , Manzin Alessandra , Neu Volker , Garcia‐Sanchez Felipe , Fernandez Scarioni Alexander , Schumacher Hans W. , Kazakova Olga
Published: September 2020

Here, an artificial spin ice lattice is introduced that exhibits unique Ising and non‐Ising behavior under specific field switching protocols because of the inclusion of coupled nanomagnets into the unit cell. In the Ising regime, a magnetic switching mechanism that generates a uni‐ or bimodal distribution of states dependent on the alignment of the field is demonstrated with respect to the lattice unit cell. In addition, a method for generating a plethora of randomly distributed energy states across the lattice, consisting of Ising and Landau states, is investigated through magnetic force microscopy and micromagnetic modeling. It is demonstrated that the dispersed energy distribution across the lattice is a result of the intrinsic design and can be finely tuned through control of the incident angle of a critical field. The present manuscript explores a complex frustrated environment beyond the 16‐vertex Ising model for the development of novel logic‐based technologies.
Optimized Kinetics Match and Charge Balance Toward Potassium Ion Hybrid Capacitors with Ultrahigh Energy and Power Densities
Authors: Peng Yufan , Zhang Rui , Fan Binbin , Li Weijian , Chen Zhen , Liu Hui , Gao Peng , Ni Shibing , Liu Jilei , Chen Xiaohua
Published: September 2020

Potassium ion hybrid capacitors (PIHCs) are of particular interest benefiting from high energy/power densities. However, challenges lie in the kinetic mismatch between battery‐type anode and capacitive‐type cathode, as well as the difficulty in achieving optimized charge/mass balance. These significantly sacrifice the electrochemical performance of PIHCs. Here, strategies including charge/mass balance pursuance, electrolyte optimization, and tailored electrode design, are employed, together, to address these challenges. The key parameters determining the energy storage properties of PIHCs are identified. Specifically, i) the good kinetic match between anode and cathode translates into the very small variation of cathode/anode mass ratio at various rates. This sets general rules for the pursuance of charge balance, and to maximize the electrochemical performance of hybrid devices. ii) A potassium bis(fluoroslufonyl)imide (KFSI)‐based electrolyte promotes better electrode kinetics and allows for the formation of more stable and intact solid electrolyte interphase layer, with respect to potassium hexafluorophosphate (KPF6)‐based electrolyte. And iii) hierarchically porous N/O codoped carbon nanosheets (NOCSs) with enlarged interlayer spacing, disordered structure, and abundant pyridinic‐N functional groups are advantageous in terms of high electronic/ionic transport dynamics and structural stability. All these together, contribute to the high energy/power density of the activated carbon//NOCSs PIHCs (113.4 Wh kg−1, at 17,000 W Kg−1).
The coordinates of scaling: Facilitating inclusive innovation
Authors: Sánchez Rodríguez Ana María , MacLachlan Malcolm , Brus Aude
Published: September 2020

The desire to ensure that the benefits of successful small‐scale social innovation are more widely available has led to a plethora of frameworks that seek to scale such innovations. We review 20 extant frameworks for scaling and distinguished four directions: up (producing changes in laws, policies, institutions or norms), down (resource allocation to support implementation), in (ensuring organizations have the capacity to deliver the type and number of good practices required) and out (geographically replicating or broadening the range or scope of good practices). In addition to these directions of scaling a generic pathway, or process, to achieve scaling is also discernible across many of the frameworks reviewed. This involves five phases: identifying, planning, implementing, learning and adapting. We stress the need for a more dynamic and systemic approach to scaling, as well as one which anticipates, addresses and assesses the extent to which scaling is inclusive of marginalized groups.