bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Signal and Measurement Considerations for Human Translation of Diffuse in vivo Flow Cytometry
Authors: Ivich Fernando , Pace Joshua , Williams Amber L. , Shumel Malcolm , Fang Qianqian , Niedre Mark
Published: March 2022

Significance

Diffuse in vivo flow cytometry (DiFC) is an emerging technology for fluorescence detection of rare circulating cells directly in large deep-seated blood vessels in mice. Because DiFC uses highly scattered light, in principle it could be translated to human use. However, an open question is whether fluorescent signals from single cells would be detectable in human-scale anatomies.

Aim

Suitable blood vessels in a human wrist or forearm are at a depth of approximately 2-4 mm. The aim of this work was to study the impact of DiFC instrument geometry and wavelength on the detected DiFC signal and on the maximum depth of detection of a moving cell.

Approach

We used Monte Carlo simulations to compute Jacobian (sensitivity) matrices for a range of source-detector separations and tissue optical properties over the visible and near infrared (NIR) spectrum. We performed experimental measurements with three available versions of DiFC (488 nm, 640 nm, and 780 nm), fluorescent microspheres, and tissue mimicking optical flow phantoms. We used both computational and experimental data to estimate the maximum depth of detection at each combination of settings.

Results and Conclusions

For the DiFC detection problem, our analysis showed that for deep-seated blood vessels, the maximum sensitivity was obtained with NIR light (780 nm) and 3 mm source-and-detector separation. These results suggest that - in combination with a suitable molecularly targeted fluorescent probes - circulating cells and nanosensors could in principle be detectable in circulation in humans.
Autoantibody discovery across monogenic, acquired, and COVID19-associated autoimmunity with scalable PhIP-Seq
Authors: Vazquez Sara E , Mann Sabrina A , Bodansky Aaron , Kung Andrew F , Quandt Zoe , Ferré Elise M. N. , Landegren Nils , Eriksson Daniel , Bastard Paul , Zhang Shen-Ying , Liu Jamin , Mitchell Anthea , Mandel-Brehm Caleigh , Miao Brenda , Sowa Gavin , Zorn Kelsey , Chan Alice Y. , Shimizu Chisato , Tremoulet Adriana , Lynch Kara , Wilson Michael R. , Kampe Olle , Dobbs Kerry , Delmonte Ottavia M. , Notarangelo Luigi D. , Burns Jane C. , Casanova Jean-Laurent , Lionakis Michail S. , Torgerson Troy R. , Anderson Mark S , DeRisi Joseph L
Published: March 2022

Phage Immunoprecipitation-Sequencing (PhIP-Seq) allows for unbiased, proteome-wide autoantibody discovery across a variety of disease settings, with identification of disease-specific autoantigens providing new insight into previously poorly understood forms of immune dysregulation. Despite several successful implementations of PhIP-Seq for autoantigen discovery, including our previous work (Vazquez et al. 2020), current protocols are inherently difficult to scale to accommodate large cohorts of cases and importantly, healthy controls. Here, we develop and validate a high throughput extension of PhIP-seq in various etiologies of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, including APS1, IPEX, RAG1/2 deficiency, Kawasaki Disease (KD), Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C), and finally, mild and severe forms of COVID19. We demonstrate that these scaled datasets enable machine-learning approaches that result in robust prediction of disease status, as well as the ability to detect both known and novel autoantigens, such as PDYN in APS1 patients, and intestinally expressed proteins BEST4 and BTNL8 in IPEX patients. Remarkably, BEST4 antibodies were also found in 2 patients with RAG1/2 deficiency, one of whom had very early onset IBD. Scaled PhIP-Seq examination of both MIS-C and KD demonstrated rare, overlapping antigens, including CGNL1, as well as several strongly enriched putative pneumonia-associated antigens in severe COVID19, including the endosomal protein EEA1. Together, scaled PhIP-Seq provides a valuable tool for broadly assessing both rare and common autoantigen overlap between autoimmune diseases of varying origins and etiologies.
Antimicrobial Susceptibility Test by Surface-enhanced Raman Scattering of Bacterial Metabolites directly from Positive Blood Cultures
Authors: Han Yin-Yi , Wang Jann-Tay , Cheng Wei-Chih , Chen Ko-Lun , Chi Yi , Teng Lee-Jene , Wang Juen-Kai , Wang Yuh-Lin
Published: March 2022

Effective management of sepsis requires timely administration of appropriate antibiotics; therefore, a reliable and rapid antimicrobial susceptibility test (AST) is crucial. To meet clinical needs, we developed a novel AST, referred to as SERS-AST, based on the surface-enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) technology. In this study, we applied SERS-AST to eight most common pathogens causing bacteremia, including Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterococcus faecalis, E. faecium, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter cloacae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Acinetobacter baumannii. Seven different antibiotics were tested, including oxacillin, levofloxacin, vancomycin, ampicillin, cefotaxime, ceftazidime, levofloxacin, and imipenem. SERS-AST determines antibiotic susceptibility of bacteria directly from positive blood cultures based on variations in bacterial SERS signals derived from secreted purines and their derivatives. The whole process could be completed within 4 hours, and the agreement rates between SERS-AST and VITEK 2 results were 96% for Gram-positive bacteria and 97% for Gram-negative bacteria.
Volatile hydrogen cyanide released by Pseudomonas aeruginosa provides a competitive advantage over Staphylococcus aureus in biofilm and in vivo lung environments
Authors: Létoffé Sylvie , Wu Yongzheng , Darch Sophie E , Beloin Christophe , Whiteley Marvin , Touqui Lhousseine , Ghigo Jean-Marc
Published: March 2022

Diverse bacterial volatile compounds alter bacterial stress responses and physiology, but their contribution to population dynamics in polymicrobial communities is not well known. In this study, we showed that airborne volatile hydrogen cyanide (HCN) produced by a wide range of Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical strains leads to at-a-distance inhibition of the growth of a wide array of Staphylococcus aureus strains. We determined that low oxygen level environments not only enhance P. aeruginosa HCN production but also increase S. aureus sensitivity to HCN, which impacts P. aeruginosa-S. aureus competition in microaerobic in vitro mixed biofilms as well as in an in vitro cystic fibrosis lung sputum medium. Consistently, we demonstrated that production of HCN provides a competitive advantage to P. aeruginosa in a mouse model of airways co-infected by P. aeruginosa and S. aureus. Our study therefore demonstrates that P. aeruginosa HCN contributes to local and distant airborne competition against S. aureus and potentially other HCN-sensitive bacteria in contexts relevant to cystic fibrosis and other polymicrobial infectious diseases.

IMPORTANCE

Airborne volatile compounds produced by bacteria are often only considered as attractive or repulsive scents, but they also directly contribute to bacterial physiology. Here we showed that volatile hydrogen cyanide (HCN) released by a wide range of Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical strains inhibits Staphylococcus aureus growth in low oxygen in vitro biofilms or aggregates and in vivo lung environments. These results are of pathophysiological relevance, since lungs of cystic fibrosis patients are known to present microaerophilic areas and to be commonly associated with the presence of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa in polymicrobial communities. Our study therefore provides insights into how a bacterial volatile compound can contribute to the exclusion of S. aureus and other HCN-sensitive competitors from P. aeruginosa ecological niches. It opens new perspectives for the management or monitoring of P. aeruginosa infections in lower lung airway infections and other polymicrobial disease contexts.
High resolution analysis of proteolytic substrate processing
Authors: Schillinger Jasmin , Koci Michelle , Bravo-Rodriguez Kenny , Heilmann Geronimo , Kaschani Farnusch , Kaiser Markus , Beuck Christine , Luecke Hartmut , Huber Robert , Hellerschmied Doris , Burston Steven G. , Ehrmann Michael
Published: March 2022

Proteolysis is a key catalytic event in protein and thus cellular homeostasis. Despite the importance and wide implications of proteolytic processing and degradation, methods describing the degradation of folded proteins at high temporal and spatial resolution are not well established. However, this information is required to obtain a deep mechanistic understanding of proteolytic events and their consequences. Here, we describe an integrated method comprising time-resolved mass spectrometry, circular dichroism spectroscopy and bioinformatics to reveal the sequential degradation and unfolding of the model substrate annexin A1 by the human serine protease HTRA1. This workflow represents a general strategy for obtaining precise molecular insights into protease-substrate interactions that can be conveniently adapted to studying other posttranslational modifications such as phosphorylation in dynamic protein complexes.
Antifungal activity of Cinnamomum cassia and Origanum compactum essential oils against Aspergillus oryzae
Authors: Leclercq Manon , Commenge Isciane , Bouriot Marylou , Crusset Floricia , Gonzalez Patrick , Grimaud Julien , Yates Frank , Sarfati-Bert Jacqueline , Saint-Pol Agnès
Published: March 2022

Aspergillosis is a nosocomial disease that usually affects the respiratory system. While most patients develop mild symptoms, aspergillosis can become a serious health threat in immunocompromised populations and patients with pre-existing respiratory conditions. Aspergillosis is caused by fungi of the Aspergillus genus. Existing treatments include drugs such as amphotericin B, with strong side effects. Numerous studies have shown the antifungal properties of essential oils (EOs), which represent potential alternative treatments against fungal infections. Here, we screened the antifungal properties of five EOs against Aspergillus oryzae: Melaleuca alternifolia, Mentha x piperita, Thymus zygis, Origanum compactum, and Cinnamomum cassia. Of the five EOs, two demonstrated antifungal activity: Origanum compactum acted as a fungistatic, while Cinnamomum cassia showed both fungistatic and fungicidal effects against A. oryzae. Therefore, both EOs represent potential alternative treatments against Aspergillosis.
High-throughput screening of a Debaryomyces hansenii library for potential candidates with improved stress tolerance and wider carbon utilisation capabilities
Authors: Dyerberg Anne Sofie B. , Navarrete Clara , Martínez José L.
Published: March 2022

Industrial biotechnology comprises the manufacturing of bulk chemicals and high-value end-products from renewable feedstocks, thus it presents a valuable aspect in the present transition from traditional-resource demanding manufacturing to sustainable solutions. The non-conventional yeast Debaryomyces hansenii encompasses halotolerant characteristics that ensures its use in industrial applications, and hence, its industrial importance. For this purpose, a comprehensive and holistic understanding of its behaviour and response to abiotic stresses is essential. Through high-throughput screening methods, using advanced robotics and automation devices, the present study enlightens intraspecies behavioural characteristics of novel D. hansenii strains in response to sodium, as well as their ability to tolerate abiotic stress in semi-controlled micro-fermentations and spot-test studies. A significantly improved performance under those abiotic stresses was observed under the presence of 1M NaCl. Moreover, a positive and summative effect on growth was also found in pH 4 and high salt content. Our results align with previous findings suggesting the halophilic (and not just halotolerant) behaviour of D. hansenii, which is now extensive to all the D. hansenii strains included in this study. Strain-specific differential responses to the presence of sodium were also observed, with some strains exerting a more notable induction by the presence of salt than the standard strain (CBS767). Furthermore, our study provides indications of the use of D. hansenii in industrial bioprocesses based on lignocellulosic biomass and non-lignocellulosic feedstocks.
Leveraging personalization and customization affordances of virtual try-on apps for a new model in apparel m-shopping
Authors: Tawira Letwin , Ivanov Alex
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Virtual try-on apps (VTOs) hold great potential to transform online apparel shopping, yet their acceptance by consumers has been lukewarm. By drawing on two theories – Sirgy’s theory of the self and Sundar’s theory of interactive media effects (TIME) – the study tests a PLS model with two new constructs: Photo Satisfaction and Consumer Inspiration, and their impact on Adoption Intention.

Design/methodology/approach

This mixed methods study examines the effects from personalization and customization affordances in the latest generation of apparel VTOs. The proposed model was tested in a quasi-experimental within-subjects design, as 61 female participants completed a goal-directed and an exploratory apparel shopping task using two VTO apps available on the market.

Findings

Inspiration induced from the customization affordance in the exploratory task influenced Adoption Intention as strongly as Fit Confidence did. For both conditions, users’ satisfaction with their avatar picture had a stronger effect on Perceived Augmentation than the individual trait of Body Esteem. The study also demonstrates how TIME’s Sense of Agency component could help theorize positive consumer responses to mobile marketing technology, which in our study were induced via the app’s Mix and Match feature. Also demonstrated was that Perceived Augmentation could be influenced by body-image affective judgments made during the pre-task VTO avatar creation phase.

Practical implications

VTO’s customization feature “Mix and Match” appears vital for the adoption of such apps for exploratory m-shopping of apparel. Also important is the satisfaction with one's photograph during the avatar-creation phase. We further suggest that apparel retailers work with Augmented Reality developers to include dynamic avatar capability as well as social sharing affordances in VTOs.

Social implications

60 billion USD worth of returns occur annually in the online apparel retail industry, mostly related to fitting problems, not to mention the larger carbon footprint from the increased transportation. A more wide-spread adoption of VTOs can not only help with these problems but also lighten the traffic in brick and mortar fitting rooms, a potential hazard at this time of pandemic.

Originality/value

This is the first study to examine Consumer Inspiration in the context of online apparel retailing and to demonstrate the importance of Photo Satisfaction during the avatar-creation phase in influencing the subsequent user experience in apparel VTOs.
The combined impact of school design and procurement on student wellbeing and educational outcomes
Authors: Rolfe Annie , Franz Jill , Bridge Adrian
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Despite growing evidence of the impact of school facilities on wellbeing and educational outcomes, no attention has been given to understanding this impact in relation to the interrelationship of design and procurement and their combined effect. This paper aims to address this gap by presenting the outcomes of a study of the design/procurement relationship pre-opening and post-opening of schools.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative case study methodology enabled in-depth exploration of six Australian Government schools procured through “public private partnerships” (PPP) or “design & construct” (D&C) and “design, bid, build” (DBB). Data collected through interviews with architects, education department officers, school principals and teachers were analysed thematically using techniques aligned with grounded theory methodology.

Findings

The paper reports three key findings: pre-opening of schools, budget impacts design similarly for procurement across PPP and (D&C/DBB) case schools; pre-opening of schools, prescriptive design impacts procurement similarly across PPPs and D&C/DBB schools; post-opening of schools, procurement impacts design and school operation in different ways across PPP and D&C/DBB schools. These findings point to a fundamental finding that it is design and procurement together that impacts well-being and educational outcomes as experienced by principals and teachers.

Practical implications

This research may be of practical value for education departments, architects, facility managers, school principals and teachers.

Originality/value

This paper provides original evidence of the relationship between procurement and design and their combined impact on student well-being and educational outcomes.
Microfinance and entrepreneurship: the enabling role of social capital amongst female entrepreneurs
Authors: Babajide Abiola Ayopo , Obembe Demola , Solomon Helen , Woldesenbet Kassa
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This paper examines mechanisms through which social capital strengthens microfinance impact on fostering female entrepreneurial success. Specifically, the study focuses on how, and to what extent, resources embedded in social networks determine MF impact on entrepreneurial success.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data were collected from 276 female micro-institutions entrepreneurs using multi-stage stratified random sampling across 80 MF institutions in three South-Western Nigerian states. Hypotheses were tested using ordinal regression analysis.

Findings

The study found that relational and network social capital had a positive and significant influence on female entrepreneurial success. Specifically, intra-group trust and productive network ties amongst female entrepreneurs in poor communities predicated the positive impact of MF on entrepreneurial success. Also, resources embedded in networks are more positively correlated to education level and marital status. Furthermore, MF could have more positive impact for borrowers with sustainable relationships with loan officers who organise MF provisions and understand the entrepreneurs’ context.

Originality/value

The research provides empirical evidence for the relationship dynamics between female entrepreneurs and MF institutions, by emphasising the importance of deploying different forms of social capital in sustaining MF impact on female entrepreneurial success.
Critical determinants and firm performance of sustainable technology adoption in the apparel industry: the stakeholder approach
Authors: Hoque Md Aynul , Rasiah Rajah , Furuoka Fumitaka , Kumar Sameer
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This study examines the factors of sustainable technology adoption (STA) in the Bangladeshi’s apparel industry and its impact on the environmental performance and other firm performances. Mainly, this study adopts stakeholder theory and hypothesizes necessary conditions to examine different stakeholders’ roles to facilitate STA and ameliorate firm performances such as environmental, financial and competitive advantages.

Design/methodology/approach

It is an empirical study which collected 240 responses from Bangladeshi apparel firms. Garment factories were considered as the unit of analysis.

Findings

Customer pressure, top management, competition among firms and government support significantly and positively impact STA. Surprisingly, regulatory pressure has no significant impact on the Bangladeshi’s apparel industry, which contradicts most existing literature in the field. The findings show that sustainable technology brings increased simultaneously enhances environmental outcomes and enhances financial performances and competitive advantage.

Originality/value

This study fills up the voids that exist in the STA literature in the clothing industry in the clothing industry’s STA literature. Specifically, western buyers have more influence than regulatory pressure to adopt sustainable technology and sustainable manufacturing for the Bangladeshi garments industry. Moreover, it proposes that sustainable technology can enhance firms’ competitive advantage in selling their products in the West besides environmental-friendly apparel manufacturers.
Effect of microcrystalline cellulose on mechanical property and shape memory property of water-borne epoxy
Authors: Chen Xinyu , Wang Wenjun , Chen Shuaijie , Dong Yubing
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to study the effect of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) on the mechanical property and shape memory property of water-borne epoxy (WEP).

Design/methodology/approach

In the present study, the MCC/WEP composites were successfully prepared by melt-blending, freeze-drying and hot-pressing. The mechanical property tests were performed using a tensile test instrument (Instron Corp, Norwood, Massachusetts, USA). dynamic mechanical analysis Q800 was performed to analyze the sample’s dynamic mechanics. The thermal–mechanical cycle tests performed on a thermal mechanical analysis (TMA) Q400 in dynamic TMA mode enabled to analysis of the shape memory properties of the MCC/WEP composites.

Findings

The results showed that the inclusion of 2 wt.% MCC led to significant improvements in tensile strength and modulus of the composites, with tensile strength increasing by 33.2% and modulus expanding by 65.0%. Although the inclusion of the MCC into WEP enhanced the shape memory property, the MCC/WEP composites still maintained good shape memory fixity and shape memory recovery ratio of more than 95.0%.

Originality/value

This study has a significant reference value for improving the mechanical properties of WEP and other water-borne shape memory polymers.
Employing lesser-known corporate development strategies while avoiding problematic blind spots
Authors: Calandro Joseph
Published: March 2022

Purpose

All too often M&A deal making falls into the trap of head-to-head competition that drives valuations to “sky-high” levels. The author suggests ways to avoid the trap. 10; 10; 10;

Design/methodology/approach

Four lesser-known corporate development strategies offer lucrative alternatives to engaging in an M&A bidding war.

Findings

One strategy: The derivatives market allows executives to acquire financial products to hedge their material balance sheet exposures when market pricing is incredibly low.

Practical/implications

Relatively few acquirers make initial “toehold” investments in their targets prior to making a bid.

Originality/value

The strategic logic of hyper-efficient resource utilization has rarely been popular, despite how “obvious” it may initially appear. Most executives seem psychologically oriented to a growth-based approach irrespective of the risks that approach may generate over time. 10;
Jesuit education system: creators of credible leaders
Authors: Clarence Mukti , Jena Lalatendu Kesari
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to propose that a Jesuit education can create leaders who can respond responsibly to modern challenges. It is observed that there remains a lacuna in education due to various reasons that fail to penetrate the hearts and minds of students who come only to earn their degrees. Today’s education fails to give students experiences whereby they can understand the poor and the oppressed. Here, the Jesuit education system offers a road map of how a bridge can be built, which can tie up the two ends of rigorous academic and social concern.

Design/methodology/approach

The emic observation was employed to corroborate the claim. The researcher is a Jesuit himself who has personal experience of the culture of Jesuit education and does research in the seminal field. The co-author is a Jesuit-run business school professor who knows Jesuit ethos, tradition and their apostolic thrust.

Findings

Frequently students join the educational institute, with their minds fixed on which school could provide them with a passport for better jobs with better pay and perks. Resentment is seen in their attitude when something is talked about the responsibility of taking care of the people at the margins of society. Social involvement and responsibility are seen as work done only by a social worker and activist. Also, it is witnessed that tokenism is considered as sufficient work done by the privileged classes. Against this backdrop, Jesuit education has various policies and protocols to ensure that those who graduate from their schools become leaders with a blend of human values, academic excellence and social conscience.

Originality/value

The underpinning conclusions are to introduce the unique characteristics of the “Jesuit education system”, which gives fresh impetus to renewal, innovation and re-imagination that our academics or industry require during this change of epoch that we experience today, after COVID-19.
Life history mediates the association between parasite abundance and geographic features
Authors: Williams Maureen A. , Faiad Sara , Claar Danielle C. , French Beverly , Leslie Katie L. , Oven Emily , Guerra Ana Sofia , Micheli Fiorenza , Zgliczynski Brian J. , Haupt Alison J. , Sandin Stuart A. , Wood Chelsea L.
Published: March 2022

Although parasites are ubiquitous in marine ecosystems, predicting the abundance of parasites present within marine ecosystems has proven challenging due to the unknown effects of multiple interacting environmental gradients and stressors. Furthermore, parasites often are considered as a uniform group within ecosystems despite their significant diversity.

We aim to determine the potential importance of multiple predictors of parasite abundance in coral reef ecosystems, including reef area, island area, human population density, chlorophyll‐a, host diversity, coral cover, host abundance and island isolation.

Using a model selection approach within a database of more than 1,200 individual fish hosts and their parasites from 11 islands within the Pacific Line Islands archipelago, we reveal that geographic gradients, including island area and island isolation, emerged as the best predictors of parasite abundance.

Life history moderated the relationship; parasites with complex life cycles increased in abundance with increasing island isolation, while parasites with direct life cycles decreased with increasing isolation. Direct life cycle parasites increased in abundance with increasing island area, although complex life cycle parasite abundance was not associated with island area.

This novel analysis of a unique dataset indicates that parasite abundance in marine systems cannot be predicted precisely without accounting for the independent and interactive effects of each parasite's life history and environmental conditions.
Interventions and development strategies towards intensive social support among the participants of activity center for older adults in Malaysia
Authors: Zainuddin Faizah Hanim , Hamidi Mashitah , Wahab Haris Abd
Published: March 2022

Social support is essential for improving the lives of older adults. However, some respondents of other literature reported receiving less adequate financial support from family, a lack of comprehensive policies to protect older adults, and a smaller social network as they age. In order to address this issue, more intense social support is required as older adults are at risk of obtaining insufficient social support from their social network. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the interventions and development strategies for social support for older adults. The qualitative case study method was used in this study, and in‐depth interviews were conducted with 24 older adults aged 60 and above who participated in Pusat Aktiviti Warga Emas (PAWE), an activity center for older adults, for more than 5 months. Four PAWE supervisors and three policymakers from Department of Social Welfare Malaysia (JKMM) were also interviewed. The data were then thematically analyzed. The study highlighted three intervention and development strategies to improve social support for older adults namely in the areas of personal development, policy, and social connectivity of older adults. As Malaysia is expected to become an aging population by 2035, it is vital to establish a supportive environment for older people.
Who runs the show in digitalized manufacturing? Data, digital platforms and the restructuring of global value chains
Authors: Butollo Florian , Schneidemesser Lea
Published: March 2022

This article explores the position of industrial Internet platforms (IIPs) in manufacturing value chains. We develop an understanding of the role of data in global value chains (GVCs), referring to literature on intangible assets and theories on platform business models. We use data from a qualitative empirical study based on 33 interviews on platforms active on the German market to answer (1) whether there are tendencies of oligopolization that lead to an accumulation of power on the side of the platforms, and (2) whether it is the platforms that capture most of the gains derived from higher productivity or lower transaction costs. The analysis shows that platforms mainly act as service providers and/or intermediaries that support manufacturing companies in reaping benefits from data. While the relationship between platforms and manufacturers currently corresponds to a symbiosis, a stronger power imbalance could evolve in the future since processes of oligopolization are likely.
Comparative study on photosynthetic and antioxidant activities of Haematococcus pluvialis vegetative and resting cells: UVA light-induced stimulation
Authors: Ben Hamouda Meriem , Kacem Adnane , Achour Lotfi , Krichen Youssef , Legrand Jack , Grizeau Dominique , Dupré Catherine
Published: March 2022

Aim

This study aims to determine how photosynthetic and antioxidant activities vary in vegetative and dormant cells of Haematococcus pluvialis subjected to stresses in conditions representative of industrial productions of microalgae under solar light.

Methods and Results

The effects of short-term oxidative treatments were examined on photosynthetic and antioxidant activities of Haematococcus pluvialis vegetative and resting cells. The vegetative cells have 1.6 times higher levels of phenolic compounds, but 1.7 times less catalase, ascorbate peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities than the astaxanthin-enriched resting cells. Mainly, a UVA dose of 4 J cm−2 induced increases in photosystem II electron transport rates (ETRmax) (+15%), phenolic compounds (+15%), astaxanthin (+48%), catalase (+45%) and superoxide dismutase (+30%) activities in vegetative cells.

Conclusion

The UVA dose strongly stimulates the photosynthetic and antioxidant activities of vegetative cells, but only the accumulation of astaxanthin in resting cells.

Significance and Impact of the Study

These preliminary results show that oxidative stresses at sub-lethal levels can stimulate the activities of microalgae. Further investigations are needed to estimate the real influence on metabolite productivities in industrial production conditions.
Black, Asian and minority ethnic women's experiences of maternity services in the UK: A qualitative evidence synthesis
Authors: MacLellan Jennifer , Collins Sarah , Myatt Margaret , Pope Catherine , Knighton Wanja , Rai Tanvi
Published: March 2022

Aims

Black, Asian and minority ethnic women are at higher risk of dying during pregnancy, childbirth and postnatally and of experiencing premature birth, stillbirth or neonatal death compared with their White counterparts. Discrimination against women from ethnic minorities is known to negatively impact women's ability to speak up, be heard and their experiences of care. This evidence synthesis analysed Black, Asian and minority ethnic women's experiences of UK maternity services in light of these outcomes.

Design

We conducted a systematic review and qualitative evidence synthesis using the method of Thomas and Harden.

Data Sources

A comprehensive search in AMED, Cinahl, Embase, Medline, PubMed and PsycINFO, alongside research reports from UK maternity charities, was undertaken from 2000 until May 2021. Eligible studies included qualitative research about antenatal, intrapartum and postnatal care, with ethnic minority women in maternity settings of the UK NHS.

Review Methods

Study quality was graded using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool.

Results

Twenty‐four studies met the inclusion criteria. Our synthesis highlights how discriminatory practices and communication failures in UK NHS maternity services are failing ethnic minority women.

Conclusion

This synthesis finds evidence of mistreatment and poor care for ethnic minority women in the UK maternity system that may contribute to the poor outcomes reported by MBRRACE. Woman‐centred midwifery care is reported as positive for all women but is often experienced as an exception by ethnic minority women in the technocratic birthing system.

Impact

Ethnic minority women report positive experiences when in receipt of woman‐centred midwifery care. Woman‐centred midwifery care is often the exception in the overstretched technocratic UK birthing system. Mistreatment and poor care reported by many ethnic minority women in the UK could inform the inequalities of outcomes identified in the MBRRACE report.
Life cycle assessment of CO2 conversion and storage in metal–CO2 electrochemical cells
Authors: Pfeiffer Olivia , Khurram Aliza , Olivetti Elsa A. , Gallant Betar M.
Published: March 2022

Researchers have proposed a family of electrochemical technologies that incorporate CO2 as a gas cathode and alkali or alkaline earth metal anodes to exploit the high reactivity of CO2 with these metals. Such proposed cells operate by converting gaseous CO2 into solid carbonate, extracting value from CO2 in the form of electricity, and fixing the CO2 in solid form. Given the increasing number of these proof‐of‐concept studies, it is timely to critically examine the potential of such emerging technologies to reduce stationary point source emissions. Environmental life cycle assessment (LCA) during early research stages can inform important design decisions. In this study, we perform LCA on electrochemical conversion processes (ECPs) involving Li, Na, Mg, or Ca as a co‐reactant with CO2 sourced from a coal plant, evaluating differing scenarios. We find that a Na‐based primary ECP configuration that integrates capture with conversion of coal plant CO2 emissions to Na2CO3 can avoid almost 28% of emissions (and 74% under best‐case conditions) that are typically associated with conventional production of the same carbonate and electricity. This represents a net emissions decrease of 435 kg CO2‐eq per 1 MWh of electricity delivered by the ECP, from a baseline of 1,105 kg CO2‐eq emitted without any mitigation strategies. In contrast, all ECPs in a rechargeable configuration result in increased emissions compared to the conventional baseline, unless the ECP system energy requirements are provided by renewables and the conventional system is assumed to have high emissions intensity.
TECTONOSTRATIGRAPHIC EVOLUTION AND HYDROCARBON PROSPECTIVITY SOUTH OF GWADAR BAY, MAKRAN ACCRETIONARY WEDGE, OFFSHORE SW PAKISTAN
Authors: Cromie Conall , Scarselli Nicola , Craig Jonathan , Khan Moin R. , Hussain Abid
Published: March 2022

The Makran accretionary wedge developed as a result of subduction of the Arabian Plate beneath the southern margin of Eurasia since the Eocene. Interpretation of 2D seismic profiles calibrated to offshore well data in a study area to the south of Gwadar Bay (SW Pakistan) indicates a major period of accretion from the mid‐Miocene, as evidenced by the occurrence of thick growth strata associated with large‐scale imbricate thrusts. The thrust faults originate from a deep detachment within the mud‐rich Oligocene interval, and well‐developed piggy‐back basin successions occur in thrust hanging walls. In the study area, the thrust structures are sealed by a thick, progradational Pliocene to Recent interval in which the presence of submarine canyons, up to 2.5 km across, indicate that sedimentary transport was from the north.

Fluid escape pipes and associated amplitude anomalies are observed in the seismic profiles studied and may be related to upward migration of thermogenic hydrocarbons from depth, as heavy hydrocarbon fractions <C3 have been reported from nearby wells. The hydrocarbons are believed to have been sourced from the Oligocene Hoshab Shale and to have then migrated up through a sedimentary succession in which permeability barriers are largely absent. Hanging wall anticlines mapped in the study area could provide structural traps, and turbidites in the Lower Miocene Panjgur Formation may represent a potential reservoir. Amplitude anomalies are also observed adjacent to shallow fluid escape pipes within the topsets of clinoforms in the Pleistocene Chatti and Omara Formations, and probably indicate the presence of biogenic hydrocarbons sourced from distal mudstones in bottomset strata.
NEOCOMIAN – BARREMIAN LACUSTRINE SHALES IN THE MAYO OULO‐LERE BASIN, NORTH CAMEROON: DEPOSITIONAL ENVIRONMENT AND PETROLEUM POTENTIAL
Authors: Chavom Bachirou Mfayakouo , Baudin François , Kwéa Nzouedjio Josiane F. , Schnyder Johann , Maloum Aicha , Biouélé Serge Edouard Angoua
Published: March 2022

The synrift Mayo Oulo‐Léré Basin in Northern Cameroon is located in the transition zone between the West and Central African Rift Systems. Structural and stratigraphic elements of the basin resemble those of the Yola Basin in NE Nigeria, an extension of the Upper Benue Trough. The Lower Cretaceous lacustrine shales with source rock potential which occur in nearby rift basins are also present in the Mayo Oulo‐Léré Basin. These shales were investigated at two outcrop locations (Badesi and Tchontchi), and samples collected (n = 60) were subjected to palynofacies and bulk geochemical analyses to evaluate their petroleum generation potential and to interpret their depositional environment. At the studied locations, shales were divided into two lithofacies: grey to black laminated shales containing algal‐bacterial OM together with common woody (phytoclast) debris (“facies Fml”); and cm‐bedded shales which had a higher content of algal‐bacterial OM but a lower phytoclast content (“facies Fmlc”).

Palynological and bulk geochemical data indicate that the shales contain well‐preserved organic matter (OM) and locally display good to excellent oil generation potential. Average TOC contents are 2.7% and 1.4% for samples of the Fmlc and Fml facies shales respectively. HI values (94‐889 mg HC/g TOC and 131‐638 mg HC/g TOC respectively) suggest that the shales contain Types I to III kerogen. Organic material in the Fmlc facies shales is dominated by amorphous organic matter (AOM: 90% on average) with a low phytoclast content (6% on average); whereas samples of the Fml facies shales contain less AOM (74% on average) and have a higher phytoclast content (23% on average). AOM in the Fmlc shales is highly fluorescent; these shales are interpreted to have been deposited in dysoxic to anoxic conditions. The AOM in the Fml shales is weakly fluorescent and the shales were deposited under more oxic conditions. The kerogen in the shales ranges from immature to early oil window mature. Average values of the pyrolysis S2 yield are 15.5 mg HC/g of rock and 7 mg HC/g of rock for samples from Fmlc and Fml facies shales respectively. The shales increase in thickness northwards towards the Logone Birni Basin where they may have reached the oil window, as in neighbouring basins. The results of this study of lacustrine shales from the Mayo Oulo‐Léré Basin suggests that there may be potential for oil exploration in northern Cameroon.
Preventing and treating childhood overweight and obesity in children up to 5 years old: A systematic review by intervention setting
Authors: Flynn Angela C. , Suleiman Fatma , Windsor‐Aubrey Hazel , Wolfe Ingrid , O'Keeffe Majella , Poston Lucilla , Dalrymple Kathryn V.
Published: March 2022

The prevalence of childhood obesity is increasing worldwide with long‐term health consequences. Effective strategies to stem the rising childhood obesity rates are needed but systematic reviews of interventions have reported inconsistent effects. Evaluation of interventions could provide more practically relevant information when considered in the context of the setting in which the intervention was delivered. This systematic review has evaluated diet and physical activity interventions aimed at reducing obesity in children, from birth to 5 years old, by intervention setting. A systematic review of the literature, consistent with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, was performed. Three electronic databases were searched from 2010 up to December 2020 for randomised controlled trials aiming to prevent or treat childhood obesity in children up to 5 years old. The studies were stratified according to the setting in which the intervention was conducted. Twenty‐eight studies were identified and included interventions in childcare/school (n = 11), home (n = 5), community (n = 5), hospital (n = 4), e‐health (n = 2) and mixed (n = 1) settings. Thirteen (46%) interventions led to improvements in childhood obesity measures, including body mass index z‐score and body fat percentage, 12 of which included both parental/family‐based interventions in conjunction with modifying the child's diet and physical activity behaviours. Home‐based interventions were identified as the most effective setting as four out of five studies reported significant changes in the child's weight outcomes. Interventions conducted in the home setting and those which included parents/families were effective in preventing childhood obesity. These findings should be considered when developing optimal strategies for the prevention of childhood obesity.
Mathematical progression of avian egg shape with associated area and volume determinations
Authors: Narushin Valeriy G. , Romanov Michael N. , Mishra Birendra , Griffin Darren K.
Published: March 2022

Development of nondestructive techniques for estimating egg parameters requires a comprehensive approach based on mathematical theory. Basic properties used to solve theoretical and applied problems in this respect are volume (V) and surface area (S). There are respective formulae for calculating V and S of spherical, ellipsoidal, and ovoid eggs in classical egg geometry; however, the mathematical description and calculation of these parameters for pyriform eggs have remained elusive. In the present study, we derived the appropriate formulae and established that this would be not only applicable and valid for the category of pyriform eggs, but also universal and explicit for all other naturally occurring avian egg shapes. Thus, we have demonstrated “mathematical progression” of this natural object, considering the egg as a sequence of geometric figures that transform from one to another in the following sequence of shapes: sphere → ellipsoid → ovoid (whose profile corresponds to Hügelschäffer's model) → pyriform ovoid.
Stigma toward healthcare providers from patients during COVID‐19 era in Jordan
Authors: Abuhammad Sawsan , Alzoubi Karem H. , Al‐Azzam Sayer , Alshogran Osama Y. , Ikhrewish Rawan E. , Amer Zahra'a W. Bany , Suliman Maram M.
Published: March 2022

Aim

This study aimed to explore healthcare providers' (HCP) stigmatization from patients during the COVID‐19 outbreak in Jordan.

Method

A cross‐sectional design was used. Data collection was conducted between May and July 2021. The research questionnaire included demographic information about participants and multiple statements that reflect stigma of participants toward HCPs. Regression analysis was conducted to assess the association between stigma and explanatory variables.

Results

A total of 777 surveys were included in the study. Many people show high stigma toward HCPs during COVID‐19 pandemic. Various factors including hearing news all time (p<.001), having children (p<.024), and smoking (p<.001) were significant in prediction stigma toward HCPs.

Conclusion

This one of few studies conducted in Jordan regarding the stigma toward HCP from other people with chronic diseases. Our study found that many people showed some stigma toward HCP during COVID‐19. Stigmatization of HCP related to a pandemic is a lesson most people have not learned. It is not enough to cheer HCPs. A clear, sensible public education campaign about the public's risks by interacting with HCP is necessary.
Hospital admission, facility‐based isolation, and social distancing: An SEIR model with constrained medical resources
Authors: Chen Zhiyuan , Kong Guangwen
Published: March 2022

COVID‐19 is a highly contagious disease that has spread to most countries at unprecedented transmission speed. Medical resources and treatments provided by the healthcare system help reduce the mortality rate and spread of COVID‐19 by isolating infectious individuals. We introduce a modified SEIR model that considers individuals access to limited medical resources to characterize the central role of medical resources during the pandemic. We discuss how the three hospital admission policies (hierarchy, mixed, and Fangcang healthcare system) affect the spread of the disease and the number of deaths and infections. We find that the Fangcang system results in the least number of infections, deaths, and occupied beds. When hospital capacity is relatively high or the transmission rate of the mildly infected patient is not ignorable, a mixed system can lead to fewer infections and deaths than a hierarchy system, but greater numbers of occupied beds. This occurs by preventing disease transmission to a great extent. The results are confirmed by our surveys with healthcare workers in major hospitals in Wuhan, China. We also investigate the performance of the three healthcare systems under a social distancing policy. We find that the Fangcang system results in the largest reduction in infections and deaths, especially even when the medical capacity is small. Moreover, we compare a one‐time off policy with a bed trigger policy. We find that a one‐time off policy could achieve the similar performance as bed trigger policy when it is initiated neither too early nor too late.
Effect of Annealing on the Defects and Morphology of Cu9S5: Implication for Advanced Electrode for Asymmetric Supercapacitors
Authors: Guo Lisong , Li Feifan , Ji Chenyang , Liu Yibo , He Weijun , Xing Hongna , Zhu Xiuhong , Guo Yanqun , Feng Juan , Zong Yan , Li Xinghua , Zheng Xinliang
Published: March 2022

Introduction of defects and engineering of structure play significant roles in improvement on electrochemical performances of copper sulfide (Cu9S5) as a supercapacitors (SCs) electrode. Herein, a hierarchical rose-shaped Cu9S5 is synthesized by using a facile one-step hydrothermal method and subsequently annealed under different atmospheres and time. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) spectra and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirm the presence of sulfur vacancies and changes of morphology in Cu9S5 annealed under argon (Ar) for 2 h (Cu9S5-Ar-2h), which exhibit an effective promotion to the surface redox reactions and ion transition ability proved by the electrochemical measurements. Thus, when the Cu9S5-Ar-2h is used as an SCs electrode, it performs the highest specific capacity of 337 C/g at a scanning rate of 5 mV/s, which is nearly four times that of the pristine Cu9S5 (92 C/g). Moreover, an asymmetric supercapacitor using Cu9S5-Ar-2h as a positive electrode and activated carbon as a negative electrode is designed and assembled, which demonstrates a good energy density of 13.2 Wh/kg at a power density of 789.5 W/kg and an outstanding cycling stability of near 100% after 2000 cycles. This work will provide a feasible strategy to construct advanced electrodes based on transition metal sulfides by annealing treatments.