bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determinants of entry: Evidence from new manufacturing firms in the U.S
Authors: Dong Yilin
Published: October 2020

The objective of this paper is to estimate the relationship between agglomeration economies and the birth of new firms in U.S. manufacturing sectors during 2004–2012. I examine the variations in Marshallian factors across MSAs and across counties within MSAs. My findings support the existence of Marshallian agglomeration forces: input sharing, labor market pooling, and knowledge spillovers, with input–output linkages particularly important. I then examine the variations in Marshallian factors across regions and find regional differences are not very strong. In addition, large‐sized firms appear to be more responsive to a supplier‐customer relationship. Moreover, my empirical results provide evidence that firms in highly concentrated industries react more to input linkage and labor pooling.
Fatal neck pain in a patient on maintenance hemodialysis
Authors: Salaouatchi Tayeb M. , Nechita Mariana I. , Bossu Nicolas , Collart Frédéric , Mesquita Maria do Carmo F.
Published: October 2020

Infectious spondylodiscitis (IS) is defined as the pathogenic invasion of the vertebrae and intervertebral disks. It is a serious condition that can lead to many complications such as chronic pain, permanent neurological deficits, and even death. Vertebral surgical procedures, invasive urinary tract manipulations, and central line‐associated bloodstream infection are the primary methods by which microorganisms reach the vertebrae and intervertebral disks. Hemodialysis (HD) patients are regularly exposed to bloodstream infections due to long‐term catheter utilization or repeated vascular puncturing in patients with arteriovenous fistula. Due to the high risk of blood stream infections, HD patients have a higher risk of developing IS. Despite advanced diagnostic methods, diagnosis of spondylodiscitis is often delayed due to insidious and nonspecific symptoms, allowing dissemination of the infection, which explains the high level of mortality due to spondylodiscitis in HD patients. The infectious process typically occurs in the thoracic or lumbar region, although cervical IS does occur. We herein report the case of a 67‐year‐old man on HD who developed infectious cervical spondylodiscitis. The diagnosis was established a few days after symptom onset, but the issue was unfortunately fatal despite a well‐conducted antibiotic treatment.
Association between serum lipids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and prognosis in maintenance hemodialysis patients
Authors: Tanaka Yusuke , Ohya Masaki , Yano Takuro , Minakata Tomokazu , Higashiura Masaki , Yamamoto Shuto , Mima Toru , Negi Shigeo , Nakata Hirosuke , Otani Haruhisa , Kodama Naoya , Kodama Toshihiro , Shigematsu Takashi
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Risks of mortality and cardiovascular disease (CVD) are significantly higher in hemodialysis (HD) patients than in the general population, where dyslipidemia is an established risk factor for CVD and mortality. There is no clear conclusion, however, whether dyslipidemia is a significant risk factor for CVD and mortality in HD patients. Similarly, the association between the polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and the mortality is not clear in HD patients.

Methods

We retrospectively investigated mortality and CVD events in 420 HD patients. We classified patients into high‐ and low‐lipid groups depending on their lipid levels. Survival rates were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier analysis and evaluated by the log‐rank test. The risk estimates were computed using a multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis.

Findings

During their follow‐up (June 2011 to June 2016), 151 patients died (37 of CVD), and 112 patients experienced new CVD events. On Kaplan–Meier analysis, the number of all‐cause deaths and CVD events were significantly higher in the low HDL‐cholesterol group (P < 0.01, log‐rank test). Similarly, the number of all‐cause deaths was significantly higher in the high eicosapentaenoic acid/arachidonic acid ratio group (P < 0.01, log‐rank test). Multivariate Cox proportional analysis showed that HDL‐cholesterol was a significant prognostic indicator for new onset of CVD events (low: 0, high: 1, hazard ratio 0.66, 95% confidence interval 0.44–0.97; P = 0.04).

Discussion

In HD patients, LDL‐cholesterol and non‐HDL‐cholesterol levels are not associated with mortality or CVD events. The HDL‐cholesterol level, however, is an independent predictor of new CVD events even in HD patients.
Vesicular glutamate transporter‐immunopositive axons that coexpress neuropeptides in the rat and human dental pulp
Authors: Cho Y. S. , Ko H. G. , Han H. M. , Park S. K. , Moozhayil S. J. , Choi S. Y. , Bae Y. C.
Published: October 2020

Aim

To examine the type of vesicular glutamate transporter (VGLUT)‐immunopositive (+) axons that coexpress neuropeptides in the rat and human dental pulp, which may help understand peripheral mechanism of pulpal inflammatory pain in rats and humans.

Methodology

The trigeminal ganglia (TG) and the dental pulp of the maxillary molar teeth from three male Sprague–Dawley rats weighing 300–330 g and dental pulps of three healthy human (male) maxillary premolar teeth from three 16 to 28‐year‐old patients extracted for orthodontic treatment were used. The type of VGLUT + axons that coexpress substance P (SP)‐ and/or calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) and parvalbumin in the rat TG and in the axons of the rat and the human dental pulp was examined by double fluorescence immunohistochemistry and quantitative analysis. Results were analyzed using one‐way anova and the Kruskal–Wallis test.

Results

SP and CGRP were expressed in many human VGLUT1 + pulpal axons but not in the rat VGLUT1 + TG neurons and pulpal axons (P < 0.05). SP and CGRP were expressed in a considerable number of human VGLUT2 + pulpal axons and also in many rat TG neurons and pulpal axons. The fraction of VGLUT1 + axons expressing parvalbumin was about three times higher in the rat than in the human dental pulp (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that the types of VGLUT + axons, which release neuropeptides, may be different between the rat and the human dental pulp, raising a possibility that peripheral mechanism of pulpal inflammatory pain may be different between rats and humans.
Acceleration of the ageing process in mei (Prunus mume Siebold) liqueur by high hydrostatic pressure treatment
Authors: Lin Jia‐Ying , Wu Yi‐Jing , Hsiao Yun‐Ting , Wang Chung‐Yi
Published: October 2020

This study evaluated the effects of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) treatment on the physicochemical composition, level of aromatic compounds and antioxidant properties of mei liqueur, as well as the microstructure of mei fruits during a 180‐day ageing process. The titratable acidity, pH, and browning index of mei liqueur and HHP‐treated mei liqueur did not exhibit significant differences. The HHP‐treated mei liqueur displayed significantly higher ∆E, sugar and alcohol concentration during the 180‐day maceration period (P ≤ 0.05). Electron microscopy revealed that HHP treatment damaged the cellular structure of mei fruits, promoting the penetration of rice wine into the fruits as well as the dissolution of aromatic and antioxidant components into rice wine, leading to the completion of the maturation of the mei liqueur. Thus, HHP technology could be used to accelerate mei liqueur maturation, shorten the time required for its ageing, exhibiting tremendous potential for applications in the liqueur industry.
Factors affecting the occurrence of viable but non‐culturable state in Salmonella, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus during thermosonication and prevent it with sodium pyruvate
Authors: Zhang Lingna , Jiang Lifen , Nie Xinyin , Liao Hongmei
Published: October 2020

Concerning potential food safety and/or public health risks raised by viable but non‐culturable (VBNC) state bacteria, factors affecting its occurrence during thermosonication were summarised. The relative ratios of Salmonella and Escherichia coli in the VBNC state were higher than that of Staphylococcus aureus, suggesting that the tested gram‐negative bacteria would be more likely to survive in this state than S. aureus (gram‐positive). The culturability of bacteria was easier to be retained in neutral pH environment, resulting in a reduced likelihood of entering into a VBNC state. Non‐occurrence of a VBNC state by moderate heat of 32–57 °C was observed, facilitated in combination with sonication and being correlated with thermosonication conditions. Adding sodium pyruvate before thermosonication treatments could prevent the occurrence of a VBNC state, though the molecular mechanism of it is not clearly known and needs further elucidation.
Enhancement of ultrabroadband Bi NIR emission via fluorination for all wavelength amplification of optical communication
Authors: Chen Weiwei , Cao Jiangkun , Peng Mingying , Wang Yafei , Xiong Puxian
Published: October 2020

Bismuth (Bi)‐doped photonic glasses and fibers with broadband near‐infrared (NIR) photoemission have potential applications in tunable lasers and broadband amplifiers. Yet, when it comes to all wavelength amplification of optical communication, it remains challenging to achieve efficient Bi NIR emission in the technically relevant C‐ and L‐ bands (1530‐1625 nm). Here, we propose a scheme by fluorination triggered enhancement of ultra‐broadband Bi NIR emission in nitrided germanate glasses. Besides, compared to previous research, a unique and efficient Bi‐activated ultra‐wideband NIR emission with new emission bands peaked at ~924 and ~1520 nm under excitation of 450 nm are obtained in nitrided germanate glasses after fluorination. Moreover, the fluorination can modulate the local chemical environment by forcing the conversion of aluminum species from AlO4 to AlO5 and AlO6 and consequently increase the flexibility of the glass network structure, which finally induces the conversion of Bi species and then manipulates the relative emission intensity of different Bi NIR centers. Thus, a flat and tunable emission spectrum covering the entire optical communication band is obtained by optimizing the fluoride amount. We believe this work is helpful to design the Bi‐doped tunable fiber lasers and ultra‐broadband amplifiers for all wavelength amplification of optical communication.
Evaluating the usability and safety of the semaglutide single‐dose pen‐injectors through summative (human factors) usability testing
Authors: Klonoff David C , Bassock Stephanie , Dwyer Andrea , Engels Ella , Qvist Marianne , Sparre Thomas , Snitker Soren
Published: October 2020

Aims/Introduction

A single‐dose, shield‐activated pen‐injector for each of the three approved dose variants (0.25, 0.5 and 1 mg) of once‐weekly subcutaneous semaglutide has been developed to improve usability. This analysis presents findings from the summative usability testing process for the single‐dose semaglutide pen‐injectors, including the pen‐injector four‐pack cartons and instructions for use.

Materials and Methods

A total of 60 adults representing four user groups were included: patients with/without pen‐injector experience, non‐pharmacist healthcare professionals and pharmacists (each n = 15). Participants carried out four tasks: (i) pen‐injector carton retrieval; (ii) first simulated injection; (iii) pen‐injector retrieval; and (iv) second simulated injection. All participants carried out task 1, and patients and non‐pharmacist healthcare professionals took part in tasks 2–4 (n = 45). The number and types of use errors, close calls and operational difficulties were evaluated, and participants subjectively rated the ease of each task on a scale of 1 (difficult) to 7 (easy).

Results

No potentially serious use errors and only one non‐serious use error were reported. Eight participants committed use errors with no potential for harm, one participant committed an unclassified use error, one participant encountered a close call with no potential for harm and one participant experienced an operational difficulty. Mean ease‐of‐use ratings were 6.7 (task 1), 5.9 (task 2), 6.6 (task 3) and 6.9 (task 4).

Conclusions

All three dose variants of the semaglutide single‐dose pen‐injector were considered easy to use (subjective feedback scores near 7) and not associated with any serious use errors, even when participants received no training before study participation.
Continuous glucose monitoring systems give contact dermatitis in children and adults despite efforts of providing less ‘allergy‐ prone’ devices: investigation and advice hampered by insufficient material for optimized patch test investigations
Authors: Svedman C. , Bruze M. , Antelmi A. , Hamnerius N. , Hauksson I. , Ulriksdotter J. , Mowitz M.
Published: October 2020

Background

Medical devices are increasingly being reported to cause contact allergic dermatitis reactions.

Objective

Review of patients with diabetes type I referred for suspected allergic contact dermatitis to insulin pump or glucose sensor systems. Method: We have reviewed 11 referred diabetes mellitus patients investigated for allergic contact dermatitis reactions to medical devices and specifically Dexcom G6®. Extracts from the medical devices were analysed.

Results

The majority of patients was children, the majority had relevant allergies and particularly allergy to isobornyl acrylate which was also found in the glucose sensor system Dexcom G6®.

Conclusions

The following case reports bring in focus the fact that patients sensitized through use of one medical device and being advised the use of another, or find another product for a while useful, are not by necessity free from future episodes of allergic contact dermatitis. The case reports emphasize the need for collaboration since it is impossible for even well‐equipped laboratories to properly investigate the medical devices when information on the substances used in production is not uniform and complete and material to investigate are scarce. The importance of adequate patch test series and testing with own material and furthermore the importance to re‐analyse medical devices and re‐analyse test data are emphasized.
Quantifying intracortical bone microstructure: A critical appraisal of 2D and 3D approaches for assessing vascular canals and osteocyte lacunae
Authors: Williams Katherine A. , Gostling Neil J. , Steer Joshua W. , Oreffo Richard O. C. , Schneider Philipp
Published: October 2020

Describing and quantifying vascular canal orientation and volume of osteocyte lacunae in bone is important in studies of bone growth, mechanics, health and disease. It is also an important element in analysing fossil bone in palaeohistology, key to understanding the growth, life and death of extinct animals. Often, bone microstructure is studied using two‐dimensional (2D) sections, and three‐dimensional (3D) shape and orientation of structures are estimated by modelling the structures using idealised geometries based on information from their cross sections. However, these methods rely on structures meeting strict geometric assumptions. Recently, 3D methods have been proposed which could provide a more accurate and robust approach to bone histology, but these have not been tested in direct comparison with their 2D counterparts in terms of accuracy and sensitivity to deviations from model assumptions. We compared 2D and 3D methodologies for estimating key microstructural traits using a combination of experimental and idealised test data sets. We generated populations of cylinders (canals) and ellipsoids (osteocyte lacunae), varying the cross‐sectional aspect ratios of cylinders and orientation of ellipsoids to test sensitivity to deviations from cylindricality and longitudinal orientation, respectively. Using published methods, based on 2D sections and 3D data sets, we estimated cylinder orientation and ellipsoid volume. We applied the same methods to six CT data sets of duck cortical bone, using the full volumes for 3D measurements and single CT slices to represent 2D sections. Using in silico test data sets that did deviate from ideal cylinders and ellipsoids resulted in inaccurate estimates of cylinder or canal orientation, and reduced accuracy in estimates of ellipsoid and lacunar volume. These results highlight the importance of using appropriate 3D imaging and quantitative methods for quantifying volume and orientation of 3D structures and offer approaches to significantly enhance our understanding of bone physiology based on accurate measures for bone microstructures.
The optimal threshold for prompt clinical review: An external validation study of the national early warning score
Authors: Haegdorens Filip , Monsieurs Koenraad G. , De Meester Koen , Van Bogaert Peter
Published: October 2020

Aims and objectives

The aim of this study was to determine the optimal threshold for national early warning score in clinical practice.

Background

The national early warning score is an aggregate early warning score aiming to predict patient mortality. Studies validating national early warning score did not use standardised patient outcomes or did not always include clinical workload in their results. Since all patients with a positive national early warning score require a clinical workup, it is crucial to determine the optimal threshold to limit false‐positive alerts.

Design

An external validation study using retrospectively collected data of patient admissions in six Belgian hospitals.

Methods

We adhered to the STARD guideline for reporting. Two sample groups were selected: the cross‐sectional sample (admitted patients, 1 day every 4 months) and the serious adverse event sample (all patients with unexpected death, cardiac arrest and unplanned admission to the intensive care unit). The maximum registered national early warning score value was collected in both groups. Predictive values were used as estimates for clinical workload.

Results

We collected 1,523 in the cross‐sectional sample and 390 patients in the serious adverse event sample. A national early warning score ≥5 had a predictive value of 6.8% and a negative predictive value of 99.5% to predict unexpected death, cardiac arrest with cardiopulmonary resuscitation or unplanned admission to intensive care (AUROC 0.841). The performance of national early warning score differed between outcome measures. Considering the predictive value, the optimal threshold for national early warning score is ≥5.

Conclusions

We validated national early warning score to be applied in general hospital wards and confirmed the optimal threshold (≥5).

Relevance to clinical practice

When a patient has a national early warning score <5, we may assume that in the next 24 hr this patient is less likely to die unexpectedly, receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation or be transferred to the ICU. Because of the significant number of false positives when national early warning score is ≥5, hospitals should create workable guidelines for clinical practice.
Can a leopard change its spots? Strategic behavior versus professional role conception during Ukraine's 2014 court chair elections
Authors: Popova Maria
Published: October 2020

Do judges respond to institutional and strategic incentives or do they strictly follow dominant professional role conceptions? This article weighs in by exploring whether an ideational shift toward judicial empowerment and independence can germinate from institutional reforms. Ukraine's 2014 Euromaidan revolution and the comprehensive judicial reform adopted in its wake provide a test of the competing theoretical accounts. A judicial lustration law sacked all incumbent court chairs, who had been appointed by the executive, and gave Ukrainian judges the right to elect new chairs via secret ballot. I analyze this radical step toward judicial self‐government using an original data set with individual‐ and court‐level data. The key finding is that less than a fifth of Ukrainian judges embraced their newly granted agency and elected a new chair for their court, whereas the overwhelming majority followed dominant professional norms of deference and reelected the sacked court chairs. This finding holds for all rungs of the judicial hierarchy and for all regions of Ukraine. Even protégés of ousted president Yanukovych won the secret ballot vote by their peers more often than they lost it. Beyond Ukraine, these results suggest that empowering individual judges in the highly hierarchical structure of a civil law judiciary is unlikely to lead to a judicial behavior shift, at least in the short run.
The biological process of lysine‐tRNA charging is therapeutically targetable in liver cancer
Authors: Zhang Ruyi , Noordam Lisanne , Ou Xumin , Ma Buyun , Li Yunlong , Das Pronay , Shi Shaojun , Liu Jiaye , Wang Ling , Li Pengfei , Verstegen Monique M. A. , Reddy D. Srinivasa , van der Laan Luc J. W. , Peppelenbosch Maikel P. , Kwekkeboom Jaap , Smits Ron , Pan Qiuwei
Published: October 2020

Background & Aims

Mature transfer RNAs (tRNA) charged with amino acids decode mRNA to synthesize proteins. Dysregulation of translational machineries has a fundamental impact on cancer biology. This study aims to map the tRNAome landscape in liver cancer patients and to explore potential therapeutic targets at the interface of charging amino acid with tRNA.

Methods

Resected tumour and paired tumour‐free (TFL) tissues from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients (n = 69), and healthy liver tissues from organ transplant donors (n = 21), HCC cell lines, and cholangiocarcinoma (CC) patient‐derived tumour organoids were used.

Results

The expression levels of different mature tRNAs were highly correlated and closely clustered within individual tissues, suggesting that different members of the tRNAome function cooperatively in protein translation. Interestingly, high expression of tRNA‐Lys‐CUU in HCC tumours was associated with more tumour recurrence (HR 1.1; P = .022) and worse patient survival (HR 1.1; P = .0037). The expression of Lysyl‐tRNA Synthetase (KARS), the enzyme catalysing the charge of lysine to tRNA‐Lys‐CUU, was significantly upregulated in HCC tumour tissues compared to tumour‐free liver tissues. In HCC cell lines, lysine deprivation, KARS knockdown or treatment with the KARS inhibitor cladosporin effectively inhibited overall cell growth, single cell‐based colony formation and cell migration. This was mechanistically mediated by cell cycling arrest and induction of apoptosis. Finally, these inhibitory effects were confirmed in 3D cultured patient‐derived CC organoids.

Conclusions

The biological process of charging tRNA‐Lys‐CUU with lysine sustains liver cancer cell growth and migration, and is clinically relevant in HCC patients. This process can be therapeutically targeted and represents an unexplored territory for developing novel treatment strategies against liver cancer.
Principal‐agent theory‐based cost and reimbursement structures of isavuconazole treatment in German hospitals
Authors: Kron Florian , Wingen‐Heimann Sebastian M. , Jeck Julia , Lazzaro Carlo , Cornely Oliver A. , Thielscher Christian
Published: October 2020

Background

Isavuconazole (ISA) is a frequently used antifungal agent for the treatment of invasive fungal diseases (IFDs). However, hospital reimbursement data for ISA is limited.

Objectives

The primary objective of this study was to analyse the different perspectives of relevant stakeholders and the (dis)incentives for the administration of ISA in Germany. To that aim, the health economic effects of using ISA from a hospital management perspective were analysed.

Patients/Methods

Based on principal‐agent theory (PAT), the perspectives of (a) the patient (principal) as well as (b) physicians, (c) pharmacists and iv. hospital managers (all agents) were analysed. For the evaluation of the cost‐containment and reimbursement strategies of ISA, the German diagnosis‐related group (G‐DRG) system was used.

Results

Hospitals individually negotiating additional payments for innovative treatment procedures (zusatzentgelte [ZE]) within the G‐DRG system is a key element of hospital management for the reduction of total healthcare expenditure. Our analysis demonstrated the beneficial role of ISA in healthcare resource utilisation, primarily due to a shortened overall length of hospital stay. Depending on underlying disease, coded G‐DRG and ISA formulation, large differences in total reimbursement and the amount of ZE was shown. The PAT demonstrated disincentives for hospital managers to use innovative drugs.

Conclusions

Based on the PAT, beneficial, detrimental and indifferent perspectives of different stakeholders regarding the usage of ISA were shown. A reduction of bureaucratic hurdles is needed in Germany for the extension of effective and innovative antifungal treatment strategies with ISA.
Recent advances in bio‐chemical, molecular and physiological aspects of membrane lipid derivatives in plant pathology
Authors: Adigun Oludoyin Adeseun , Nadeem Muhammad , Pham Thu Huong , Jewell Linda Elizabeth , Cheema Mumtaz , Thomas Raymond
Published: October 2020

Plant pathogens pose a significant threat to the food industry and food security accounting for 10–40% crop losses annually on a global scale. Economic losses from plant diseases are estimated at $300B for major food crops and are associated with reduced food availability and accessibility and also high food costs. Although strategies exist to reduce the impact of diseases in plants, many of these introduce harmful chemicals to our food chain. Therefore, it is important to understand and utilize plants' immune systems to control plant pathogens to enable more sustainable agriculture. Lipids are core components of cell membranes and as such are part of the first line of defense against pathogen attack. Recent developments in omics technologies have advanced our understanding of how plant membrane lipid biosynthesis, remodelling and/or signalling modulate plant responses to infection. Currently, there is limited information available in the scientific literature concerning lipid signalling targets and their biochemical and physiological consequences in response to plant pathogens. This review focusses on the functions of membrane lipid derivatives and their involvement in plant responses to pathogens as biotic stressors. We describe major plant defense systems including systemic‐acquired resistance, basal resistance, hypersensitivity and the gene‐for‐gene concept in this context.
Spectrum of autoimmune bullous diseases among children in Kuwait
Authors: Nanda Arti , Lazarevic Viktor , Rajy Jihan M. , Almasry Iman M. , AlSabah Humoud , AlLafi Atlal
Published: October 2020

Background

Autoimmune bullous diseases (AIBD) are rare among children. The data describing the overall spectrum and prognosis of pediatric AIBD (pAIBD) are scarce, and there are no established treatment guidelines.

Objectives

The present study examined the spectrum, clinical characteristics, and long‐term prognosis of pAIBD in a tertiary care pediatric dermatology unit.

Methods

Retrospective records of all pAIBD cases (<18 years) registered over a span of 28 years were analyzed.

Results

Records of 23 cases of pAIBD, including 16 boys and 7 girls, were reviewed. They constituted 8.5% of total AIBD patients from all age groups. Ninety‐one percent of patients were of Arab ethnicity. Linear IgA bullous dermatosis was the most prevalent AIBD followed by bullous pemphigoid, bullous lupus erythematosus, and pemphigus variants (pyostomatitis‐pyodermatitis vegetans and neonatal pemphigus). The mean age of onset and diagnosis was 6.4 and 7.7 years, respectively. Systemic treatments, including systemic corticosteroids and dapsone, were required in most cases. Intravenous immunoglobulin G (IVIG) was also utilized as second‐line therapy. The mean follow‐up period was 76 months with 90% of the patients in complete remission.

Conclusions

AIBD pose a great challenge among children both in diagnosis and treatment. This study highlights the ethnic variability and underscores the need for additional similar, international studies to achieve a better understanding of the burden related to pAIBD and help establish treatment guidelines.
The Political Economy of the Chinese Model in Ethiopia
Authors: Ziso Edson
Published: October 2020

Ethiopia's economic relationship with China continues to scale new heights with both state and private Chinese capital penetrating various sectors of the East African country's economy. Besides the economic benefits that Chinese capital brings, successive Ethiopian leaders since Meles Zenawi often express awe and admiration of the “China Model.” Because China represents a living example of economic transformation from a developing to a strong global economic power, Third World countries vaguely refer to some political and economic modeling of their countries with the hope of imitating the Chinese miracle in their own backyards. I characterize this as “Chinesefication” and discuss what this move toward a “China Model” looks like in the Ethiopian context. It is imperative to understand whether a Chinese model is actually being localized in Ethiopia outside the rhetoric. Ethiopia, I argue, has adopted a variety of neoliberalism linked to the political preservation of the ruling class. I identify the specific interests inside Ethiopia that shape the country's approach to China, how this space is negotiated, and why, despite the ambiguity of the “China model,” including the skepticism surrounding fears of China's involvement in Africa, relations with Ethiopia continue to grow.

Related Articles (in this Special Issue)

Ganda, Willie D. 2020. “The China Model in Zimbabwe: The Belt and Road Initiative and Beyond.” Politics & Policy 48 (5).

Hodzi, Obert. 2020. “African Political Elites and the Making(s) of the China Model in Africa.” Politics & Policy 48 (5).

Kinyondo, Abel A. 2020. “Does Tanzania's Development Trajectory Borrow from the China Model?” Politics & Policy 48 (5).
Toddlers' preference for prosocial versus antisocial agents: No associations with empathy or attachment security
Authors: Loheide‐Niesmann Lisa , de Lijster Jasmijn , Hall Ruby , van Bakel Hedwig , Cima Maaike
Published: October 2020

Research has indicated that the majority of infants and toddlers prefer prosocial to antisocial agents, but little research has examined interindividual differences in children's preference. This study examined whether 24‐month‐olds' (n = 107) sociomoral preference was associated with attachment security or empathy, assessed with the Attachment Q‐Sort and the Empathy Questionnaire. Toddlers were presented with a puppet play, in which a protagonist tried to open a box and was helped by a prosocial agent and hindered by an antisocial agent. Then, toddlers were asked to pick up either the prosocial or the antisocial agent (manual choice), as a measure of their sociomoral preference. Of the 107 toddlers included in this study, 60.7% chose the prosocial over the antisocial agent. Neither empathy nor parent‐child attachment was associated with children's preference. Our findings indicate a slight overall preference for the prosocial agent, but with notable interindividual differences not explained by empathy or attachment.
Meaning‐Making in Peace‐Making: The Inclusion Norm at the Interplay between the United Nations and Civil Society in the Syrian Peace Process
Authors: Hellmüller Sara
Published: October 2020

This article presents an analytical model to understand norm change through inter‐subjective meaning‐making. It applies this model to analyze how the United Nations and Syrian civil society actors defined the norm of civil society inclusion in the framework of the Syrian peace process. It shows that norm change happened through two interlinked dynamics: processes in which the actors built congruence between the inclusion norm and other salient norms in their normative environments and processes in which the actors inter‐subjectively constructed the meaning of the inclusion norm. The article’s contribution is twofold. First, it adds to the norms literature by presenting a multidirectional model of norm reformulation and providing fine‐grained empirical data on it. Second, it contributes to the mediation literature by shedding light on the meaning of inclusion not just from an international perspective, but also from the viewpoint of domestic civil society actors.
Hemizygous amplification and complete Sanger sequencing of HLA‐C*07:37:01:02 from a South European Caucasoid
Authors: Asenjo Judit , Cisneros Elisa , Vilches Carlos
Published: October 2020

The novel C*07:37:01:02 was completely sequenced after haplo‐specific amplification from a European Caucasoid carrying B*07:02.
D variants in the population of D‐negative blood donors in the north‐eastern region of Croatia
Authors: Safic Stanic Hana , Dogic Vesna , Herceg Ivona , Jagnjic Sandra , Bingulac‐Popovic Jasna , Babic Ivana , Corusic Ante , Jukic Irena
Published: October 2020

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine RHESUS D GENE (RHD)allelic variants among Croatian D‐negative blood donors and compare our results with respective data from other European countries.

Background

Altered or reduced D antigen expression can result in D variants, which can be mistyped and can lead to the alloimmunisation of the blood recipient.RHDgenotyping can distinguish D variants: weak D, partial D and DEL, thus preventing alloimmunisation.

Material/methods

A total of 6523 samples obtained from D‐negative Croatian donors were screened for the presence ofRHDusing the real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. PCR‐SSP was performed for D variant genotyping by using commercial genotyping kits (Inno‐Train, Kronberg, Germany). Genomic DNA sequencing for all 10 exons of theRHDwas performed when the genotyping kits failed to assign a D variant.

Results

RHDmolecular screening revealed 23 (0.35%)RHD‐PCR positive samples, all C/E positive, in decreasing frequency: 11 hybridRHD‐CE (2‐9) D‐CEvariants, 4 weak partial D type 11 and 2 weak D type 2. Six samples remained unresolved and were sequenced. For 12 of 23 samples (excluding large hybrids), an adsorption/elution of anti‐D serum was performed, confirming that all 12 were RhD+. The calculated frequency of clinically significant D alleles in RhD‐negative blood donors was 1:543 (0.18%) or 1:53 (1.89%) in C/E blood donors.

Conclusion

Data on the significant frequency of D variants among serologically D‐negative blood donors in the north‐eastern region of Croatia could help in introducingRHDmolecular screening of blood donors in a routine workflow.
An examination of EU trade disintegration scenarios
Authors: Jackson Karen , Shepotylo Oleksandr
Published: October 2020

This paper demonstrates the welfare implications of the differential disintegration of the EU. Using a structural gravity approach, our estimates suggest that the rest of the EU countries have much more to lose from the disintegration of the EU compared to a disorderly Brexit. At the same time, neighbouring high‐income and middle‐income countries, such as Bosnia and Herzegovina and Norway, are expected to benefit from EU disintegration under some scenarios because trade would be diverted from EU countries.
The Gender STEM Gap and Its Impact on Sustainable Development Goals and the Big Four Agenda in Kenya: A Synthesis of Literature
Authors: Amunga Jane , Musasia Amadalo Maurice
Published: October 2020

Women have made significant progress in education through marked increase in enrolment. However, the same zeal has not been demonstrated in STEM based subjects and careers. The gender STEM scale still tips in favour of men in many countries across the world. This imbalance in the STEM fields owing to dominance by men is what creates the STEM Gap. In this paper, we synthesize literature and secondary data to show these disparities. We appreciate that STEM gap drivers are numerous and therefore zero in on what we consider the critical STEM gap drivers with respect to Kenya. We identify and succinctly discuss these critical drivers which are: self-concept and lack of resilience, teachers’ and parental expectations, role models and stereotyping, work environment and family obligations and finally weak scholastic performance. We also assess how this gender STEM gap is likely to affect the achievement of a number of Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs) and the Big Four Agenda and in the process, steer the country away from the path of industrialization envisaged in Vision 2030. We explain why it is important to mitigate the STEM gap and get more women in STEM. We recommend that, parents should deconstruct their own stereotypes; teachers should debunk the myth about STEM being the preserve of superior mental abilities that girls lack, students should acknowledge that STEM drives the economy and opens up employment opportunities, institutions should have a STEM endowment fund and industries should institute policies that enhance retention of women in STEM careers. It is expected that these if addressed should enhance women’s participation in STEM based subjects so that they can build careers in STEM.
A note on the number of irrational odd zeta values
Authors: Lai Li , Yu Pin
Published: October 2020

We prove that, for any small $\varepsilon > 0$, the number of irrationals among the following odd zeta values: $\zeta (3),\zeta (5),\zeta (7),\ldots ,\zeta (s)$ is at least $( c_0 - \varepsilon )({s^{1/2}}/{(\log s)^{1/2}})$, provided $s$ is a sufficiently large odd integer with respect to $\varepsilon$. The constant $c_0 = 1.192507\ldots$ can be expressed in closed form. Our work improves the lower bound $2^{(1-\varepsilon )({\log s}/{\log \log s})}$ of the previous work of Fischler, Sprang and Zudilin. We follow the same strategy of Fischler, Sprang and Zudilin. The main new ingredient is an asymptotically optimal design for the zeros of the auxiliary rational functions, which relates to the inverse totient problem.
A strictly commutative model for the cochain algebra of a space
Authors: Richter Birgit , Sagave Steffen
Published: October 2020

The commutative differential graded algebra$A_{\mathrm {PL}}(X)$of polynomial forms on a simplicial set$X$is a crucial tool in rational homotopy theory. In this note, we construct an integral version$A^{\mathcal {I}}(X)$of$A_{\mathrm {PL}}(X)$. Our approach uses diagrams of chain complexes indexed by the category of finite sets and injections$\mathcal {I}$to model$E_{\infty }$differential graded algebras (dga) by strictly commutative objects, called commutative$\mathcal {I}$-dgas. We define a functor$A^{\mathcal {I}}$from simplicial sets to commutative$\mathcal {I}$-dgas and show that it is a commutative lift of the usual cochain algebra functor. In particular, it gives rise to a new construction of the$E_{\infty }$dga of cochains. The functor$A^{\mathcal {I}}$shares many properties of$A_{\mathrm {PL}}$, and can be viewed as a generalization of$A_{\mathrm {PL}}$that works over arbitrary commutative ground rings. Working over the integers, a theorem by Mandell implies that$A^{\mathcal {I}}(X)$determines the homotopy type of$X$when$X$is a nilpotent space of finite type.
Post Forming Analysis and In Vitro Biological Characterization of AZ31B Processed by Incremental Forming and Coated With Electrospun Polycaprolactone
Authors: Cusanno Angela , Contessi Negrini Nicola , Villa Tomaso , Farè Silvia , Garcia-Romeu Maria Luisa , Palumbo Gianfranco
Published: October 2020

Main problems related to the adoption of magnesium alloys for temporary orthopedic prostheses manufacturing are (i) the need of an efficient production process and (ii) the high corrosion rate compared with the bone healing time. In this work, the single-point incremental forming (SPIF) process, an effective and flexible solution for manufacturing very small batches even composed by one piece, was investigated. Tests were conducted on AZ31B-H24 sheets and were aimed at understanding the effect of temperature on the mechanical characteristics (microstructure, hardness, and roughness) of the sheet after the above-mentioned forming process and their correlation with both the corrosion rate and the cytocompatibility. In addition, after the forming process, samples processed by SPIF were coated by electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) to reduce the corrosion rate and to further improve the cytocompatibility. Grain refinement was achieved thanks to the combined effect of temperature and strain rate during forming and finer grain size resulted to improve the magnesium corrosion resistance. In simulated body fluids, the electrospun PCL-coated samples exhibited a slower pH increase compared with uncoated samples. No indirect cytotoxic effects were detected in vitro for MC3T3-E1 cells for both coated and uncoated samples. However, cells colonization was observed only on electrospun PCL-coated samples, suggesting the importance of the polymeric coating in promoting the adhesion and survival of seeded MC3T3-E1 cells on the implant surface.
Geometry-Based Thick Origami Simulation
Authors: Kwok Tsz-Ho
Published: October 2020

Origami is the art of creating a three-dimensional (3D) shape by folding paper. It has drawn much attention from researchers, and the designs that origami has inspired are used in various engineering applications. Most of these designs are based on familiar origami patterns and their known deformations, but origami patterns were originally intended for materials of near-zero thickness, primarily paper. To use the designs in engineering applications, it is necessary to simulate origami in a way that enables designers to explore and understand the designs while taking the thickness of the material to be folded into account. Because origami is primarily a problem in geometric design, this paper develops a geometric simulation for thick origami. The actuation, constraints, and assignment of mountain and valley folds in origami are also incorporated into the geometric formulation. The experimental results show that the proposed method is efficient and accurate. The method can successfully simulate a flat-foldable degree-four vertex, two different action origami, the bistable property of a waterbomb base, and the elasticity of non-rigid origami panels.
Hydrodynamics of the Wake of Contra-Rotating Propellers at Different Loading Conditions
Authors: Pereira Francisco Alves , Capone Alessandro , Di Felice Fabio
Published: October 2020

This work presents an experimental study of the wake hydrodynamics of a three-blade contra-rotating propeller system (CRP) at advance ratio J = 0.7, 1 and 1.3. The study is carried out in a cavitation tunnel by employing a mixed hardware-software phase-locked acquisition and processing scheme. Flow measurements are thus phase-averaged based on both the forward and aft propeller angular position, so that the effect of their relative position on the flow features is investigated. Average and fluctuating velocity fields along with vorticity are presented and discussed. Strong interactions take place between the forward and aft propellers’ trailing vorticity with regular patterns of vortex reconnection and break-up which depend on the advance coefficient. Flow visualizations, carried out by inducing cavitation in the vortex cores, show that complex though organized patterns of helical coaxial vorticity occur within the wake.
Non-Equilibrium Thermal Fluctuation in Flow
Authors: Li Wei
Published: October 2020

Non-equilibrium thermal fluctuations present as wave elements in a flow. A wave element is the wave interface between two molecule groups with different temperature; it is generated by density difference which results from temperature difference. Tiny temperature differences always exist everywhere in a fluid. When the fluid is in motion, wave elements are generated among molecule groups. Wave motion and Brownian motion may be the two basic forms of motion of molecules in flow. Brownian motion is controlled by temperature. Wave elements are caused by temperature differences and the motion of the fluid. Wave motion maybe the physical mechanism of convective heat transfer. Non-equilibrium thermal fluctuations exist everywhere among molecule groups in a flow. The theoretical analysis presents that a wave element presents oscillatory behavior along the space and time dimensions simultaneously. The experimental evidence for wave elements can not be directly established at present scientific testing capability because the temperature difference of two molecule groups adjoining to each other in a flow is very small. A series of “enlarged size” experiments of fouling to show the behaviors of wave elements by tracing the movement of molecules are conducted. The experimental study of fouling presents that oscillatory interface along the space and time dimensions simultaneously exists between two densities due to motion of the fluids. The experimental and theoretical analyses are supported to each other.
Wake Patterns in a Dual-Rotor Wind Turbine
Authors: Asfar K. , Mahasneh A.
Published: October 2020

A recently patented novel idea of an adjustable dual-rotor horizontal-axis wind turbine is investigated [1]. The idea behind this proposed design is to continue to extract more mechanical energy from the wind stream which has already passed through the front rotor by having a second identical rotor on the other side of the main shaft of the wind turbine. The complex flow in the dual-rotor is studied using computational fluid dynamics. The optimum performance of this unit is when the wake from each blade in the first rotor passes through the spacing between each two rear rotor blades while the undisturbed part of the wind stream is intercepted by the rear rotor blades. The strength and pattern of the wakes are determined for low and high wind speeds. The numerical study verified the feasibility of the proposed idea. The optimum orientation angle at which no interception of the front rotor wake by any of the rear rotor blades is found to be 60°.

The axial spacing between the front and rear rotors is also investigated. A small scale model was built and tested in a subsonic wind tunnel. The comparison showed that the dual-rotor wind turbine produced nearly 100% more power than the single-rotor wind turbine.
Unified Assessment Approach for Courses With Simulation Component [And Professors in Hurry]
Authors: Milanovic Ivana , Eppes Tom A. , Wright Kamau
Published: October 2020

In support of the digital transformation of our programs, simulation assignments are embedded in undergraduate fluid mechanics and heat transfer lecture-based courses, as well as in the Computational Engineering technical electives. Each course integrates simulations, application building, and inquiry-based learning (IBL) with ten assignments performed outside the class and documented in technical reports. FEA and CFD tools are employed to teach thermo-fluids, and in turn, course material is used to teach CFD and FEA. This new, high-impact practice facilitates a deeper understanding of theoretical concepts, exposes students to modern engineering tools, and develops students’ research capacity while the ‘lecture’ time is dedicated for the fundamental theoretical topics only.

The main goal of this study was to expand on the implementation of simulations and IBL in undergraduate thermo-fluids courses and create a template to do so in other topical threads. This was accomplished by: (1) strategically balancing step-by-step instructions supporting skill-building, with inquiry-based tasks guiding discovery process and developing higher order thinking skills; (2) providing clear and detailed grading criteria guiding students both in the process of gaining skills and performing IBL; (3) designing strategies for the assessment of student work that are easily transported across the curriculum; and (4) assessing students’ understanding and the effect of the overall digital transformation effort based on quantitative and qualitative data indicative of the achievement of learning outcomes.

This study builds on the authors’ previously reported work in the area of simulations and IBL that covered individual courses as well as course sequences. While quantitative data includes assessment of students’ understanding and confidence in comprehension of select concepts using grades, student surveys, and course evaluations, the impact of the described approach is illustrated with qualitative data including several examples of student work and its influence on their professional development.