bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of trade misinvoicing on money laundering in developing economies
Authors: Umar Bello
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This study aims to define the concepts and determine the extent to which trade misinvoicing influences money laundering activities in developing countries.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative research methodology was adopted using a descriptive synthesis of secondary data due to the heterogeneous nature of data sources (empirical evidence and content analysis).

Findings

Analysis revealed that in recent times trade misinvoicing accounts for over 20% of international trade value between developing and developed countries, and trade misinvoicing has been identified as a trade-based money laundering mechanism.

Research limitations/implications

Unavailability of homogenous data relating to trade misinvoicing among developing countries, different methods for measuring trade misinvoicing and inadequate high-quality research papers that led to the use of reports from reputable organisations.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this study is among the few research works to assess the effects of trade misinvoicing and how it influences money laundering activities in developing countries.
I am feeling so good! Motivations for interacting in online brand communities
Authors: Bilro Ricardo Godinho , Loureiro Sandra Maria Correia
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This paper focuses on customer engagement in online brand communities (OBCs). Drawing upon self-determination theory (SDT), the research proposes a conceptual model portraying the effect of intrinsic and extrinsic motivations on hedonic and utilitarian rewards, which the authors posit will affect subjective well-being (SWB) and brand advocacy.

Design/methodology/approach

Data collected through a questionnaire completed by 367 members of OBC were employed to test the structural theory using partial least squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

The empirical results reveal that intrinsic motivations significantly and positively affect hedonic and utilitarian rewards, but the same does not apply to extrinsic motivations. The results also confirm that hedonic and utilitarian rewards are significantly related to brand advocacy and SWB, although with different strengths.

Originality/value

This study provides new insights to the emerging research on customer engagement in OBC, including its motivations and rewards for contributing to these communities, from an SDT perspective. In addition, this paper offers a novel approach, by introducing brand advocacy and SWB as consequences of customer engagement in OBCs.
Venture investment under multi-stage incentive model based on fairness concerns
Authors: Shu Yadong , Dai Ying , Ma Zujun , Hu Zhijun
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This study explores the impact of EN's (venture entrepreneurs, simplified as EN) jealousy fairness concerns coefficient on two-stage venture capital decision-making in cases of symmetrical and asymmetrical information. It discusses the equilibrium solution of two-stage venture.

Design/methodology/approach

The principal-agent model was established based on multiple periods, and differentiated contracts were established at different stages. The validity of the models and the contract was verified by numerical simulation.

Findings

The results suggest that with the increase in the EN fairness concerns coefficient, the effort level of EN decreases continuously and decreases faster in the second stage because this is the last stage. The level of VC's (venture capitalist, simplified as VC) effort declines first and then increases; that is, VC will increase the effort level when the fairness concerns coefficient increases to a certain threshold. To motivate EN to pay more effort, VC will increase the incentive to EN in the first stage. However, it will reduce the level of incentive to EN in the second stage. In the limited stage of venture investment, consider that the fairness concerns of EN do not make the profits of EN and VC achieve Pareto improvement simultaneously.

Originality/value

First, the authors implanted fairness concerns into multi-stage venture capital and discussed the impact of fairness concerns on the efforts and returns of both parties. Second, among the influencing factors of the project output, the authors consider the bilateral efforts of EN and VC, the working capacity of EN, the initial investment scale, and the external uncertain environment.
Does strawberry supplementation ameliorate markers of cardiovascular and metabolic health? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mousavi Reihaneh , Arab-Zozani Morteza , Foroumandi Elaheh , Karandish Majid , Maghsoumi-Norouzabad Leila , Mansoori Anahita , Moludi Jalal
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This study aims to identify the effect of strawberry supplementation on some metabolic, inflammatory and oxidative parameters in adults with cardiovascular (CV) risk factors.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature search was performed up to November 2020 using PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Sciences and Scopus databases. The pooled mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to analyze the data by random-effects model. I2 statistics and Cochrane risk of bias tool were used for investigating heterogeneity and quality of included studies, respectively.

Findings

In total, 13 randomized controlled trials with 488 participants were included. Strawberry supplementation significantly reduced diastolic blood pressure (MD = −2.1, 95% CI [−3.7, −0.42], P = 0.01), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (−0.16, −0.30, −0.02, P = 0.03), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) (−0.76, −1.4, −0.05, P < 0.001) and CRP (−0.31, −0.43, −0.18, P = 0.04). Leptin levels were raised in control group compared with participants who had received strawberry (0.65, 0.09 and 1.2, P = 0.02). The results of subgroup analysis based on the follow-up duration and supplementation dose showed that consumption of strawberry for more than eight weeks and 50 g day−1 can significantly decrease some other CV risk factors compared to control group. Further, both higher follow-up duration and supplementation dose were more effective in increasing leptin levels of control group compared to intervention group.

Originality/value

The use of some useful plant foods such as strawberries by the pharmaceutical industry and the community health sector can greatly help improve people’s CV and metabolic health.
Social media usage and employee creativity: is relational energy a missing link?
Authors: Zhou Fei , Mou Jian , Wang Wei , Wu Yenchun Jim
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Previous studies overemphasize the negative effects of social media usage (SMU) within organizations and underestimate its positive influences on employees' behavior. This study attempts to link employees' social media use at work to their creativity performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the bounded generalized reciprocity theory and unbounded indirect reciprocity (UIR) theory, the authors developed a research model. To test the model, the authors collected a set of 172 paired data of organizations and employees from 31 knowledge-intensive enterprises in China to test the hypothesis.

Findings

This research found that the social, cognitive and hedonic uses of social media all directly affect employee creativity. Relational energy fully mediates the effects of the cognitive and hedonic usages on creativity. Moreover, job autonomy moderates the effects of the relationships among the social, cognitive and hedonic uses on employee creativity.

Originality/value

The conclusions not only enriched authors’ understanding of the effectiveness of interpersonal interaction but also extended the research boundary of the relationship between SMU and employee creativity.
Microbial diversity and function in crystalline basement beneath the Deccan Traps explored in a 3 km borehole at Koyna, western India
Authors: Sahu Rajendra Prasad , Kazy Sufia K. , Bose Himadri , Mandal Sunanda , Dutta Avishek , Saha Anumeha , Roy Sukanta , Dutta Gupta Srimanti , Mukherjee Abhijit , Sar Pinaki
Published: December 2021

Deep terrestrial subsurface represents a huge repository of global prokaryotic biomass. Given its vastness and importance, microbial life within the deep subsurface continental crust remains under‐represented in global studies. We characterize the microbial communities of deep, extreme and oligotrophic realm hosted by crystalline Archaean granitic rocks underneath the Deccan Traps, through sampling via 3000 m deep scientific borehole at Koyna, India through metagenomics, amplicon sequencing and cultivation‐based analyses. Gene sequences 16S rRNA (7.37 × 106) show considerable bacterial diversity and the existence of a core microbiome (5724 operational taxonomic units conserved out of a total 118,064 OTUs) across the depths. Relative abundance of different taxa of core microbiome varies with depth in response to prevailing lithology and geochemistry. Co‐occurrence network analysis and cultivation attempt to elucidate close interactions among autotrophic and organotrophic bacteria. Shotgun metagenomics reveals a major role of autotrophic carbon fixation via the Wood–Ljungdahl pathway and genes responsible for energy and carbon metabolism. Deeper analysis suggests the existence of an ‘acetate switch’, coordinating biosynthesis and cellular homeostasis. We conclude that the microbial life in the nutrient‐ and energy‐limited deep granitic crust is constrained by the depth and managed by a few core members via a close interplay between autotrophy and organotrophy.
A thermophile Hydrogenibacillus sp. strain efficiently degrades environmental pollutants polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
Authors: Qiu Xiaoyu , Wang Weiwei , Zhang Lige , Guo Lihua , Xu Ping , Tang Hongzhi
Published: December 2021

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous pollutants threatening ecosystems and human health. Here, we isolated and characterized a new strain, Hydrogenibacillus sp. N12, which is a thermophilic PAH‐degrader. Strain N12 utilizes naphthalene as a sole carbon and energy source above 60°C and co‐metabolizes many other PAHs as well. The metabolites were identified in the catabolism of naphthalene by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and stable isotopic analysis. Based on the identified metabolites, we proposed two possible metabolic pathways, one via salicylic acid and the other via phthalic acid. Whole‐genome sequencing reveals that strain N12 possesses a small chromosome of 2.6 Mb. Combining genetic and transcriptional information, we reveal a new gene cluster for the naphthalene degradation. The genes, designated as narAaAb that are predicted to encode the alpha and beta subunits of naphthalene dioxygenase, were subsequently subcloned into Escherichia coli and the enzyme activity was detected by whole‐cell transformation. Capacity to degrade several other tricyclic‐PAHs was also characterized, suggesting co‐existence of other constitutively expressed enzyme systems in strain N12 in addition to the naphthalene degradation gene cluster. Our study provides insights into the potential of the thermophilic PAH‐degrader in biotechnology and environmental management applications.
A circular intronic RNA ciPVT1 delays endothelial cell senescence by regulating the miR‐24‐3p/CDK4/pRb axis
Authors: Min Xue , Cai Meng‐yun , Shao Tong , Xu Zi‐yang , Liao Zhaofu , Liu Dong‐liang , Zhou Meng‐yuan , Wu Wei‐peng , Zhou Yu‐lan , Mo Miao‐hua , Xu Shun , Liu Xinguang , Xiong Xing‐dong
Published: December 2021

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been established to be involved in numerous processes in the human genome, but their function in vascular aging remains largely unknown. In this study, we aimed to characterize and analyze the function of a circular intronic RNA, ciPVT1, in endothelial cell senescence. We observed significant downregulation of ciPVT1 in senescent endothelial cells. In proliferating endothelial cells, ciPVT1 knockdown induced a premature senescence‐like phenotype, inhibited proliferation, and led to an impairment in angiogenesis. An in vivo angiogenic plug assay revealed that ciPVT1 silencing significantly inhibited endothelial tube formation and decreased hemoglobin content. Conversely, overexpression of ciPVT1 in old endothelial cells delayed senescence, promoted proliferation, and increased angiogenic activity. Mechanistic studies revealed that ciPVT1 can sponge miR‐24‐3p to upregulate the expression of CDK4, resulting in enhanced Rb phosphorylation. Moreover, enforced expression of ciPVT1 reversed the senescence induction effect of miR‐24‐3p in endothelial cells. In summary, the present study reveals a pivotal role for ciPVT1 in regulating endothelial cell senescence and may have important implications in the search of strategies to counteract the development of age‐associated vascular pathologies.
Profiling mentally ill offenders in Hong Kong: A 10‐year retrospective review study
Authors: Siu Bonnie Wei Man , Lai Eric Shek Kin , Lam Jessica Pui Yan , Chan Clement , Chan Anita Wai Lan , Chu Kin Yan , Leong Sek Lim , Lui Sing Heung , Liu Amy Ching Yung , Tang Dorothy Yuen Yee , So Wai Lam , Leung Hon Wah , Mok Cycbie Ching Man , Lam Ming
Published: December 2021

Introduction

This study aimed to analyze the estimated prevalence of mental disorders among offenders and compare the estimated crime rate between mentally ill patients and the total population in Hong Kong.

Methods

Service data of offenders referred to psychiatrists at the Siu Lam Psychiatric Centre from January 2011 to December 2020 were analyzed. Demographic data of gender, age on admission, educational level, principal psychiatric diagnosis, index offense, and assessment outcome were collected.

Results

Data of 7535 offenders (74.8% males) aged 14 to 97 (mean: 41.3 ± 13.7) years were analyzed. More than 60% (66.2%) had a diagnosable mental disorder. The most prevalent principal psychiatric diagnosis was schizophrenia and related disorder (22.8%), followed by mental and behavioral disorders due to psychoactive substance use (18.6%), and mood disorders (8.8%). The commonest index offenses were theft and related offenses (20.5%), followed by acts intended to cause injury (19.7%), and illicit drug offenses (11.6%). The estimated prevalence of mental illness among prison population was 7.1% (male: 8.2%, female: 5.0%). The estimated crime rate for mentally ill patients was found to be 43.3 to 263.2 per 100 000 population.

Discussion

The estimated prevalence of mental disorders among offenders and the estimated crime rate for mentally ill patients are relatively low in Hong Kong. The result was an important effort to document the changing characteristics of mentally ill offenders and provide an estimation of the prevalence and crime rate for mentally ill patients in Hong Kong.
Acute antibiotically induced neutropenia: A systematic review of case reports
Authors: Holz Julian M. , Chevtchenko Alon V. , Aitullina Aleksandra
Published: December 2021

Aims

Acute neutropenia induced by antibiotics is a rare side effect of this frequently prescribed class of drugs. We aim to find similarities and differences between reported cases.

Methods

Through a database search (PubMed, 1968–2020), we identified published case reports and extracted, among other data, patient demographics, duration of treatment with the respective agent, and duration of recovery.

Results

Overall, 83 cases were included. Neutropenia developed after a median (min–max) of 21 (17.5–28.5) days of treatment and was resolved after a median (min–max) of 6 (3.0–8.75) days. Vancomycin and ceftaroline emerged as the two most commonly described antibiotics. In 51.8% of cases, the suspected antibiotic was discontinued; in 37.4% of cases, it was substituted by another agent. Only three case reports mentioned death as a result of neutropenia. The use of granulocyte colony‐stimulating growth factors (CSFs) shortened the duration of neutropenia and improved outcome for patients' health.

Conclusion

Neutropenia induced by antibiotics remains a rare or rarely reported side effect. Long‐term and high‐dose treatment regimens expose a higher risk of development. Thus, regular full blood counts are advised during therapy.
Strategy implementation for the 2030 agenda: Insights from Brazilian companies
Authors: Cristina Ferreira Caldana Adriana , Marchiori Pacheco Larissa , Fernandes Rodrigues Alves Marlon , Henrique Paulino Pires Eustachio João , Bastos Fernandes dos Santos Neusa Maria
Published: December 2021

While firms' engagement with Corporate Social Responsibility has been associated with positive performance impacts, little is known about the incorporation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda into business practices. Precisely, although the literature suggests that firms are pursuing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), there are limited insights on their strategy to implement them in the context of developing countries. To address this gap, we conducted a comprehensive large‐scale investigation of 2030 Agenda adoption by Brazilian companies. Accordingly, the analysis of our multicase study reveals (1) variations on the business opportunities brought by the SDGs depending on the firm position in the value chain, (2) which SDGs and target stakeholders are addressed through corporate policies and practices, (3) the different ways firms embrace the SDGs to pursue ambidexterity. Our findings clarify how firms in the developing countries interpret the institutional pressures and assemble their internal resources to respond to the SDGs challenges. Boundary conditions and policy implications are further discussed.
Your pain is not mine: A critique of clinical empathy
Authors: Stefanello Eugenia
Published: December 2021

Both in mainstream culture and in bioethical literature, there is a general agreement on the absolute positive value assigned to empathy in healthcare settings. Thanks to its two components—affective and cognitive—clinical empathy should allow physicians to be emotionally affected by the experiences of their patients, and at the same time, to imagine their situations in order to gain a deeper understanding and implement a ‘tailored’ approach to care. So, it seems that good physician has become synonymous with empathetic physician. However, while acknowledging its numerous benefits, I will argue that clinical empathy seems to harbour some dark sides. First, the affective component of clinical empathy (i.e. emotional resonance) is responsible for its partial nature and can lead to cognitive and moral distortions. Moreover, it can lead healthcare providers to negative psychological states, such as burnout and personal distress. Second, the cognitive component of empathy can be problematic as well: perspective‐taking is a far more difficult task than it is ordinarily thought to be. I will also try to demonstrate that accessing the inner world of others is neither possible nor desirable since this operation can result in undermining the patient's agency. Third, clinical empathy can become a tool that disguises the power imbalance between patients and doctors, and this can reinforce an elitist and paternalistic conception of the clinical encounter. Furthermore, the disregard for the influence that the sociocultural context has on the clinical relationship can amplify and promote instances of epistemic injustice perpetuating discriminatory and unfair dynamics.
Exploring business model innovation in SMEs in a digital context: Organizing search behaviours, experimentation and decision‐making
Authors: Andersen Troels Christian Korsgaard , Aagaard Annabeth , Magnusson Mats
Published: December 2021

In today's business environment, digitalization plays a key role in establishing competitive advantage and developing new business models. However, little is known about business model innovation (BMI) processes and practices of small and medium‐sized enterprise (SMEs) in their digital venturing. Thus, the aim of this paper is to address this research gap by investigating the process activities of SMEs in effectively building new business models through digitalization. Through a case study of 18 SMEs, document studies and 36 interviews, we explore the BMI processes during the case companies' digital transformation. The research results identify four critical BMI process activities: (1) assessing the environment in search of new opportunities, (2) conveying a sense of urgency, (3) exploring and testing new opportunities through experimentation and (4) handling decision‐making with a combination of intuition and data. Finally, our study reveals managerial implications related to data‐driven decision‐making during BMI, constituting four managerial dilemmas: (1) prognosis and scenario‐driven search myopia, (2) timing and sustainability, (3) radical shift from traditional experimentation to data‐based methods and (4) using intuition versus data‐driven decision‐making.
A proposed community caries index of treatment need derived from the international caries detection and assessment system
Authors: ElSalhy Mohamed , Alsumait Aishah , Behzadi Sahar , Lai Hollis , Almerich‐Silla José Manuel , Piovesan Chaiana , Flores‐Mir Carlos , Amin Maryam
Published: December 2021

Objective

To examine the accuracy of a short version of the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) in predicting caries treatment need for children.

Methods

The study is a validation study using data from three previously published cross‐sectional studies. Participants were children with different dentitions from Kuwait, Brazil, and Spain. Children were clinically examined using ICDAS criteria. Children were classified into preventive, non‐operative, and operative categories. Sensitivity and specificity, predictive values, likelihood ratios, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used to measure the discriminative and diagnostic accuracy of the proposed short version of ICDAS compared to the full ICDAS.

Results

Clinical dental examination data from a total of 3076 children aged 1–15 years were used. The proposed short ICDAS and the full ICDAS showed a very good agreement on caries treatment need determination with Kappa scores of more than 0.833 in all dentitions. The short ICDAS showed excellent operating characteristics in all dentitions. The area under the ROC was more than 90% in primary dentition, 89% in permanent dentition, and 86% in mixed dentition in different populations. Lowest area under ROC and sensitivity values were observed when discriminating between non‐operative and operative treatment categories.

Conclusions

The proposed short version of the ICDAS showed good diagnostic accuracy in classifying children according to their caries treatment need. By reducing the number of surfaces examined and the time needed for clinical assessment, the short version of the ICDAS is a convenient alternative to the full ICDAS to be used in community settings.
The influence of different forms of sinus membrane perforation on the prevalence of postoperative complications in lateral window sinus floor elevation: A retrospective study
Authors: Krennmair Stefan , Weinländer Michael , Forstner Thomas , Malek Michael , Krennmair Gerald , Postl Lukas
Published: December 2021

Background

Maxillary sinus membrane perforation (SMP) during lateral window sinus floor elevation (SFE) might be associated with postoperative complications (PC).

Objectives

To evaluate the prevalence of PC and clinical implant outcome for different forms of SMP with lateral window SFE.

Material and Methods

The prevalence of PC such as maxillary sinusitis, graft necrosis and wound infection was retrospectively evaluated for 434 lateral window SFE (334 patients) with 331 SFE (241 patients) without and 103 SFE (93 patients) with SMP. SMP was additionally classified into four subgroups regarding to membrane perforation size (small‐moderate [<10 mm] vs. large [>10 mm]) and membrane biotype ([BT] thin vs. thick). Additionally, patient‐ and surgery‐related risk factors affecting PC and the 1‐year implant survival rate were evaluated for SFE without and with SMP and subgroups.

Results

A significantly higher prevalence including significant odds ratios of PC such as maxillary sinusitis (10/103 [9.7%] vs. 4/331 [1.2%]; p < 0.021; OR: 8.85; p < 0.021) and graft necrosis (7/103[6.8%] vs. 1/103[0.3%]; p < 0.017; OR:7.43; p < 0.017) was found for SFE with than without SMP. The SMP subgroup with large size and thin BT involved significantly (p < 0.005) more PC (15/20[75%]) than all other SMP subgroups (5/20[25%]). For the risk factors evaluated the univariate analysis demonstrated differences of PC for the presence versus absence of SMP (p < 0.001) and for thin versus thick sinus mucosa (p < 0.038; p < 0.006) but not for sex, smoking, sinus septa and surgical stage. In the multivariate risk factors analysis, PC were significantly related to risk factors such as large size with thin BT (OR:18.049; p < 0.007). The 1‐year implant survival rate did not differ between SFE without (99.5%) and with SMP (99.1%), regardless of successfully repaired subtype of SMP.

Conclusion

The synopsis of perforation size and membrane biotype is crucial in differentiating different forms of SMP assessing and anticipating different prevalences of PC in lateral window SFE.
Open‐Mindedness and the (Un)Controversial in Classrooms
Authors: Papastephanou Marianna
Published: December 2021

Educational‐theoretical discussions of open‐mindedness and closed‐mindedness focus on the moral benefits and hazards of these dispositions in pedagogical encounters with the new and hitherto alien. Such discussions often employ spatial metaphors of openness and rely on politically safe examples to illustrate ambiguous enactments of open‐mindedness and closed‐mindedness as epistemic or moral virtues and vices. This article explores how a shift in our metaphors and a change in attention from the new to the “inflammatory (un)controversial” may complicate current outlooks on open‐mindedness and politicize it differently. To illustrate this critique of virtue‐theoretic approaches to open‐mindedness, the article uses fictive classroom exchanges on Holocaust and genocide denialism as (un)controversial material that ignites minds.
Between Simmel's Blasé Attitude and Intelligent Teachability
Authors: Gałkowski Stanisław , Kaźmierczak Paweł
Published: December 2021

Abstract

The aim of this article is to explore Georg Simmel's concept of the blasé attitude and to contrast it with the notion of intelligent teachability, derived from Aristotelian–Thomistic tradition. Here, Stanisław Gałkowski and Paweł Kaźmierczak view these two accounts through the lens of contemporary virtue epistemology, which helps to demonstrate their relevance to present‐day educational theory, and to order the attitudes in question as intellectual counterparts of vice, akrasia, self‐control, and virtue. There are two main criteria for how to distinguish these four states: (1) motivation to have epistemic contact with reality, and (2) the proper balance between receptivity and autonomy in learning. Taking the formation of intellectual character to be an important educational goal, Gałkowski and Kaźmierczak highlight the role of the teacher as an exemplar of mental disposition.
Comparison of real‐time PCR tests for the detection of Synchytrium endobioticum resting spores in soil and their potential application in descheduling of previously infested plots
Authors: van de Vossenberg Bart T. L. H. , te Braak Naomi , Warbroek Tim , Meffert Johan P. , Rosendahl‐Peters Karin H. M. , van Gent‐Pelzer Marga P. E. , van Rijswick Patricia C. J.
Published: December 2021

Plots infested with Synchytrium endobioticum, the causal agent of potato wart disease, are scheduled, resulting in prohibition of potato cultivation of and cultivation of plants for planting. On account of robust resting spores that are present in infested soils, plots remain scheduled for 20 years. After this period, plots are intensively sampled and the presence of resting spores in soil is determined by direct examination. However, this method is very time‐consuming and labour‐intensive. In this paper, validation data for the molecular detection of resting spores in soil and its use to screen soils before direct examination are reported. In addition to the samples in the validation study, over 670 routine diagnostic samples were analysed by direct examination and molecular tests in parallel. Using an improved methodology, increased sensitivity was obtained relative to results reported from an interlaboratory comparison study in 2018, namely 7 spores per sample instead of 500 spores per sample. Molecular screening of the soil samples and direct examination of those samples testing positive was estimated to reduce the total hands‐on time by half when compared to direct examination of all samples. We recommend inclusion of molecular detection in the update of EPPO PM 3/59 (3) and PM 7/28(2), and suggest that when all subsamples of a plot are negative, no additional direct examination or bio‐assays are needed for descheduling (i.e. for releasing previously infested plots from official control).
A hybrid learning approach for the stage‐wise classification and prediction of COVID‐19 X‐ray images
Authors: M. Adimoolam , Govindharaju Karthi , A. John , Mohan Senthilkumar , Ahmadian Ali , Ciano Tiziana
Published: December 2021

Background

The COVID‐19 pandemic has precipitated global apprehensions about increased fatalities and raised concerns about gaps in healthcare infrastructure and accessibility the world over. Consequently, the importance of timely prediction and treatment of the disease to reduce transmission and mortality rates cannot be emphasized enough. Various symptoms of the disease have been identified as it progresses from the time it is contracted. COVID‐19 has been found to internally affect the lungs, and the four progressive stages of the infection can be categorized as mild, moderate, severe, and critical. Therefore, an accurate analysis of the current stage of the disease that can help predict its progression has become critical. X‐ray imaging has been found to be an effective screening procedure for predicting the various stages of this epidemic. Although many different approaches using machine learning, as well as deep learning were utilized to predict and classify diseases in general, till date, such an approach has not been used to predict the various stages of COVID‐19 by using X‐ray imaging to identify and classify those stages.

Materials and method

The proposed hybrid method used three public datasets for its implementation. In this work, extensive images were used for the purposes of testing and training. The dataset‐1 consists of 1200 COVID‐19 as well as 1200 Non‐COVID‐19 images, while dataset‐2 used 700 COVID‐19 as well as 700 Non‐COVID‐19 images, and finally, dataset‐III utilized 1900 COVID‐19 as well as 1900 Non‐COVID‐19 images for purposes of testing and training. The proposed work undertook the task of pre‐processing using textual and morphological features, while the segmentation and prediction of COVID‐19 as well as Non‐COVID‐19 images were undertaken using VGG‐16 with light GBM for better prediction and handing of huge datasets, and finally, the classification of the various stages of COVID‐19 images was performed using Deep Belief Network.

Results

The outcomes of the proposed work were subjected to several iterations which were then compared using different parameters such as accuracy, specificity, and sensitivity. In general, the prediction and grouping of the various stages of COVID‐19 by using affected images were found to be 99.2%, 99.4% and 99.5%, respectively. The bacterial pneumonia prediction rates were observed to be 98.5%, 99.4% and 98.3%, respectively. The average classification of the stages were found to be 98.1%, 98.6% and 98.3%, while the combined multi‐classification prediction rates were observed to be 98.6%, 99.1% and 98.7%, respectively.
Modelling and analysing the reliability for microservice‐based cloud application based on predicate Petri net
Authors: Liu Zheng , Fan Guisheng , Yu Huiqun , Chen Liqiong
Published: December 2021

Microservice design is a new paradigm of cloud application development. Different from monolithic design, microservice enjoys merits of fine‐grained and loosely coupled services, and it is becoming more and more popular. The application developed with microservice has a good advantage in independent development and flexible deployment, especially for complex distributed systems. However, there is a big gap between the reliability requirements and microservice‐based cloud applications. This article proposes a reliability model of microservice‐based cloud application by using predicate Petri net. First, a microservice reliability requirement is given, some basic concepts of predicate Petri net are defined with syntax and semantics. Second, a microservice reliability strategy is proposed, which uses microservice instances and circuit breaker to improve the reliability of the system. Based on the constructed microservice reliability model, the correctness of predicate Petri net modelling and the effectiveness of the strategies are proven theoretically. Finally, an example is given to illustrate the establishment and analysis process of the model, and several groups of experiments are carried out to verify the effectiveness and feasibility of the method. Experimental results show that the proposed microservice reliability strategy is effective.
Effect of catalyst layer on fatigue life and fracture mechanisms of fuel cell membrane
Authors: Shi Shouwen , Li Jiayao , Gao Bingshuang , Dai Hailong , Lin Qiang , Chen Xu
Published: December 2021

Perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) membrane in polymer‐electrolyte fuel cells bears cyclic mechanical stress during humidity cycles under actual operation conditions, and its durability severely influences the life of fuel cells. However, the fatigue failure mechanisms of membranes are still not clear. In order to investigate the effect of catalyst layer on the fatigue life and fatigue fracture mechanisms of PFSA membranes, fatigue tests of Nafion 212 membranes and two catalyst‐coated membranes (CCMs) are conducted. The morphologies of membranes at different stages of fatigue crack initiation and propagation are identified. It is found that crack initiates from both surfaces of Nafion 212 membrane. Compared with Nafion 212 membrane, the fatigue life of single‐sided CCM increases by more than three times, while that of double‐sided CCM increases by 13 times. Such a phenomenon is ascribed to the protection of catalyst layer on membrane surface, which delays fatigue cracks initiation.
Projecting global mariculture production and adaptation pathways under climate change
Authors: Oyinlola Muhammed A. , Reygondeau Gabriel , Wabnitz Colette C. C. , Frölicher Thomas L. , Lam Vicky W. Y. , Cheung William W. L.
Published: December 2021

The sustainability of global seafood supply to meet increasing demand is facing several challenges, including increasing consumption levels due to a growing human population, fisheries resources over‐exploitation and climate change. Whilst growth in seafood production from capture fisheries is limited, global mariculture production is expanding. However, climate change poses risks to the potential seafood production from mariculture. Here, we apply a global mariculture production model that accounts for changing ocean conditions, suitable marine area for farming, fishmeal and fish oil production, farmed species dietary demand, farmed fish price and global seafood demand to project mariculture production under two climate and socio‐economic scenarios. We include 85 farmed marine fish and mollusc species, representing about 70% of all mariculture production in 2015. Results show positive global mariculture production changes by the mid and end of the 21st century relative to the 2000s under the SSP1‐2.6 scenario with an increase of 17%±5 and 33%±6, respectively. However, under the SSP5‐8.5 scenario, an increase of 8%±5 is projected, with production peaking by mid‐century and declining by 16%±5 towards the end of the 21st century. More than 25% of mariculture‐producing nations are projected to lose 40%–90% of their current mariculture production potential under SSP5‐8.5 by mid‐century. Projected impacts are mainly due to the direct ocean warming effects on farmed species and suitable marine areas, and the indirect impacts of changing availability of forage fishes supplies to produce aquafeed. Fishmeal replacement with alternative protein can lower climate impacts on a subset of finfish production. However, such adaptation measures do not apply to regions dominated by non‐feed‐based farming (i.e. molluscs) and regions losing substantial marine areas suitable for mariculture. Our study highlights the importance of strong mitigation efforts and the need for different climate adaptation options tailored to the diversity of mariculture systems, to support climate‐resilient mariculture development.
Gentrification as (settler) colonialism? Moving beyond metaphorical linkages
Authors: Ellis‐Young Margaret
Published: December 2021

Emerging discussions on the “settler colonial city” present a new agenda for gentrification research in settler colonial contexts. Accordingly, this paper examines the extent to which the gentrification literature engages with settler colonial dynamics, identifying three overarching approaches. While a small but growing body of literature frames gentrification as a contemporary mechanism of Indigenous erasure, other approaches engage with concepts of settler colonialism in abstraction from contemporary Indigenous life and claims to urban space. The paper argues the persistence of these abstractions undermines the recognition of settler colonial gentrification as Indigenous erasure and limits the current potential for the gentrification literature to contribute to the disruption of settler colonial relations. In response, there is a need for further empirical and theoretical work that attends to the impulse for Indigenous elimination as a unique dimension of gentrification in settler colonial contexts. Insight from literature on the “settler colonial city” underlines the particular importance of extending conceptions of anti‐gentrification resistance to emphasize Indigenous refusal of gentrified futures and examine how (settler‐led) anti‐gentrification responses disrupt or sustain settler colonial relations. These directions provide opportunities to (re)conceptualize gentrification and its responses in ways that address the reproduction of (dis)possessory settler colonial relations while recognizing “the flourishing of Indigenous life” (Dorries, 2019, p. 27).
Pigmented demodicidosis ‐ an under‐recognized cause of facial hyperpigmentation
Authors: Feuerman Hana , Atzmony Lihi , Glick Mirit , Sherman Shany , Snast Igor , Hodak Emmilia , Segal Rina
Published: December 2021

Background

There is a paucity of data regarding demodicidosis‐associated facial hyperpigmentation.

Objective

To delineate the clinical, dermoscopic, and histopathologic features of demodicidosis‐associated facial hyperpigmentation.

Methods

Clinical and diagnostic data were collected from the medical files of patients who were referred to our outpatient dermatology clinic in 2006–2019 for evaluation of facial hyperpigmentation and were diagnosed with demodicidosis.

Results

The cohort included 19 patients (13 male) aged 42–76 years, all with Fitzpatrick skin type 3–4. All presented with mostly asymptomatic dusky, brown‐gray, facial pigmentation, localized or diffuse with background erythema in 36.8% of cases, and skin roughness in 26.3%. Dermoscopy yielded characteristic findings of white gelatinous or opaque protrusions from hair follicles or infiltration of follicular openings with an amorphic material. A specific finding was perifollicular and reticulated pigmentation of the affected areas. Findings were confirmed on microscopic (n = 7) and histopathologic (n = 5) studies. Anti‐demodectic treatment led to complete (73.6%) or partial (23.4%) resolution of pigmentation within 2 years.

Conclusion

We describe unique clinicopathological and dermoscopic findings associated with an under‐recognized type of facial hyperpigmentation caused by demodex for which we propose the term “pigmented demodicidosis.” Demodicidosis should be added to the list of causes of facial hyperpigmentation.
Incidence and mortality of post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorders after kidney transplantation: A real‐world retrospective analysis in Japan
Authors: Kato Taigo , Yoshida Takahiro , Taniguchi Ayumu , Kawamura Masataka , Nakazawa Shigeaki , Namba‐Hamano Tomoko , Yamanaka Kazuaki , Abe Toyofumi , Kishikawa Hidefumi , Nonomura Norio , Imamura Ryoichi
Published: December 2021

Objectives

Post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder is a potentially life‐threatening complication that has a greater risk of occurrence in the setting of immunosuppression and oncogenic viral infections after transplant surgery. Few studies have reported the cumulative incidence, histological subtypes and clinical outcomes of this disorder in kidney transplant recipients.

Methods

We retrospectively investigated 34 post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder patients diagnosed out of the 1210 kidney transplant recipients who had undergone the surgery at the two largest centers in Japan between January 1983 and December 2017.

Results

A total of 32 patients (94.1%) developed late‐onset post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (diagnosed 1 year after transplantation). The cumulative incidence rates were 0.76% and 1.59% at 5 and 10 years post‐transplantation, respectively. The central nervous system was the most common site (35.3%, 12/34). Overall survival was similar between patients with and without central nervous system lesions (P = 0.676). Of all of the cases, 23.5% (8/34) were detected through cancer screening. Importantly, patients with screening‐detected post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder had better overall survival than those with the disorder who had been symptom detected (P = 0.0215). Overall survival was significantly reduced in patients who developed the disorder compared with those who did not (P = 0.0001).

Conclusions

Post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder was more likely to occur in the late post‐transplantation period, which showed that long‐term medical examination for transplant recipients is required. Based on our findings, we propose vigilant, long‐term, cancer screening in kidney transplant recipients.
Unveiling enhanced oxidation resistance and mechanical integrity of multicomponent ultra‐high temperature carbides
Authors: Nisar Ambreen , Dolmetsch Tyler , Paul Tanaji , Sakthivel Tamil Selvan , Zhang Cheng , Boesl Benjamin , Seal Sudipta , Agarwal Arvind
Published: December 2021

The development of a new class of multicomponent ultra‐high temperature ceramics (MC‐UHTCs), often referred to as high‐entropy UHTCs, has gained increased interest due to the possibility of improved thermomechanical and oxidation properties. In this study, a systematic approach by gradual addition in the UHTC components ranging from a binary to a dense quaternary (Ta,Nb,Hf,Ti)C is synthesized using spark plasma sintering (SPS). The solid solutioning was the critical factor in homogenizing the composition in the multicomponent system. The segregation of NbC and HfC was seen in binary and ternary UHTC systems, while a single‐phase homogeneity was observed in the quaternary UHTC improving its hardness up to 34.8 GPa. The presence of closely spaced slip lines in the MC‐UHTCs enhances resistance to indentation damage up to 72% at an applied load of 200 N. The formation of complex mixed oxide phase of Hf6Ta2O17 ensued in the lower to negligible oxidation even up to 3 min of plasma exposure with temperature exceeding 2800°C. In sum, though the entropy remains medium (0.96R) for the selected system, the quaternary UHTC system undoubtedly has significantly better thermomechanical performance when compared to established baseline UHTCs. This raises the debate on the justification for calling a multicomponent system a “high entropy” to be seen in a new light. The developed MC‐UHTCs elicits the paradigm of this new class of UHTCs expanding their potential in thermal protection systems for hypersonic applications.
Abdominal volume index trajectories and risk of diabetes mellitus: Results from the China Health and Nutrition Survey
Authors: Hu Xiangming , Appleton Allison A , Ou Yanqiu , Zhang Ying , Cai Anping , Zhou Yingling , Dong Haojian
Published: December 2021

Aims/Introduction

Abdominal obesity is a risk factor for developing diabetes mellitus, but trajectories of abdominal obesity over time and incident diabetes mellitus have not been considered. We derived trajectories of abdominal volume index (AVI) over 16 years of follow up, and examined the associations between AVI trajectories and risk of diabetes mellitus.

Materials and Methods

Data were used from the China Health and Nutrition Survey, and 5,267 participants were enrolled to fit the trajectory of AVI by using latent class growth models. Multivariate logistic regression models explored the relationship between different AVI trajectories and risk of diabetes mellitus. In addition, we examined the slope of the AVI trajectories in relation to age to identify appropriate life course intervention opportunities for the prevention of diabetes mellitus.

Results

Three trajectories were derived reflecting graded categories in the speed and slope of increase in AVI over time: slow, intermediate and fast increase group, respectively. After multivariate adjustment, the odds ratios for diabetes mellitus among those in the intermediate and fast increase groups were 1.81 (95% confidence interval 1.37–2.38, P < 0.001) and 2.80 (95% confidence interval 1.85–4.24, P < 0.001) respectively, relative to the slow increase group. The distribution of AVI slope in the slow increase group showed an inverted "U" shape, whereas the fast increase group presented a "U" shape.

Conclusions

AVI trajectory is associated with an increased risk of diabetes mellitus. These results provide new insights on the relationship between abdominal adiposity and diabetes mellitus, which in turn can help improve clinical and public health intervention for diabetes mellitus prevention.
Clinical presentation, treatment, and genetic and histopathological analysis of juvenile cataracts and secondary glaucoma in a rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta)
Authors: Casanova M. Isabel , Chen Rui , Garzel Laura M. , Olstad Katherine J. , Kim Soohyun , Harris Ronald Alan , Li Yumei , Raveendran Muthuswamy , Liang Qingnan , Wang Jun , Yiu Glenn , Stout John Timothy , Roberts Jeffrey A. , Rogers Jeffrey , Moshiri Ala , Thomasy Sara M.
Published: December 2021

This report describes the clinical and histological findings, genetic study, and treatment in a 1.3‐year‐old rhesus macaque with bilateral cataracts and unilateral secondary glaucoma. Intravitreal injection of gentamicin decreased the intraocular pressure from 56 to <2 mm Hg. A putative genetic cause of the cataracts was not identified.