bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced performance and stability of low-bandgap mixed lead–tin halide perovskite photovoltaic solar cells and photodetectors via defect passivation with UiO-66-NH2 metal–organic frameworks and interfacial engineering
Authors: Chang Chih-Yu , Wu Kuan-Hsi , Chang Chun-Ya , Guo Rui-Fang , Li Guan-Lin , Wang Cheng-Yu
Published: May 2022

The incorporation of the UiO-66-NH2 metal–organic frameworks as the processing additive into mixed lead–tin halide perovskites can effectively passivate the defects, enabling the photovoltaic devices to exhibit high performance and good stability.
A van der Waals heterojunction based on monolayers of MoS2 and WSe2 for overall solar water splitting
Authors: Dalla Valle Paul , Cavassilas Nicolas
Published: May 2022

We numerically investigated a complete system for overall water splitting based on TMDC heterojunctions. We found a solar-to-hydrogen efficiency higher than 15% under realistic operating conditions.
A long-term stable organic semiconductor photocathode-based photoelectrochemical module system for hydrogen production
Authors: Seo Sehun , Lee Jong-Hoon , Kim Yejoon , Kim Seungkyu , Yoon Chang Jae , Choi Hojoong , Lee Sanseong , Lee Kwanghee , Kim Heejoo , Lee Sanghan
Published: May 2022

This work provides new insight into photoelectrochemical hydrogen production under real sunlight by developing a photoelectrochemical module system based on an organic semiconductor photoelectrode with a maximized performance by metal encapsulation.
Recent advances in metal–organic frameworks and their composites for the phototherapy of skin wounds
Authors: Yang Mei , Zhang Jin , Shi Wu , Zhang Jie , Tao Chuanmin
Published: May 2022

Metal–organic framework (MOF)-based nanomaterials possess great potential for treating wound infections.
A two‐stage method for single image de‐raining based on attention smoothed dilated network
Authors: Du Shuangli , Fan Hengrui , Zhao Minghua , Zong Haomai , Hu Jing , Li Peng
Published: May 2022

Rain can severely hamper the visibility of scene objects. Although existing deep learning methods have reported promising performance, they often fail to obtain satisfactory results in many practical situations, especially when the input image contains both rain streaks and haze‐like degradation. In this paper, a new two‐stage method based on attention smoothed dilated network (SDN) is proposed. Unlike most fully‐supervised methods, the mixture of rain streaks and haze‐like effects is considered in the model. The proposed method consists of two stages. First, a generative adversarial network guided by the rain‐streak attention map is proposed to remove rain streaks, where a multi‐stage attention module is used to accurately locate rain streaks in the generator. Second, haze‐like effects are further removed through SDN with the same structure as the generator. Extensive experiments on multiple datasets show that the method outperforms the state‐of‐the‐art in both objective evaluation and visual quality.
Interface quasi‐distributed fibre Bragg grating positioning detection of glaze icing load on composite insulators
Authors: Hao Yanpeng , Huang Lei , Wei Jie , Pan Ruijian , Zhang Weixun , Yang Lin
Published: May 2022

The electrical performance of transmission line insulators will decrease dramatically under ice‐covered conditions, and ice flashover may occur under operating voltage. There is no direct and effective monitoring method for ice cover on insulators of transmission lines. In this paper, the interface quasi‐distributed fibre Bragg grating (FBG) is used to study the positioning detection of glaze icing loads on composite insulators, and a mechanical lever model of single glaze icing load on single umbrella detection with three FBGs is established. Based on this model, a multi‐glaze location detection method on multiple umbrella skirts is proposed. Six optical fibres with 13 quasi‐distributed FBGs each are implanted into the interface of a 110 kV composite insulator. The minimum load test of FBG for detecting glaze icing load, the FBG axial/circumferential sensing rule test for the glaze, and the weight simulation test and laboratory icing verification test for multi‐glazes on multi‐umbrellas location detection method are carried out. The results show that the positioning of glaze simulated by weights is accurate, and the positioning of icing in the laboratory is basically correct.
Using a behavior random permutation model to identify displacement grooming in ungulates
Authors: Luo Yunchao , Wang Lin , Yang Le , Li Xiao-Fen , Anselme Patrick , Wang Xinxin , Tian Xingjun , Li Zhongqiu
Published: May 2022

Behavior affects an individual’s life in all aspects, e.g., enhancing fitness, leveraging predation risk, and reducing competition with conspecifics. However, the sequential distribution of behaviors received less attention and is unclear what the function of displacement behavior is. Displacement activities can be found in vertebrate species but there is no formal method to determine whether a behavior is expressed as a displaced or normal activity. Analyzing the sequential distributions of behaviors in a natural setting may allow researchers to identify unexpected distributions as a possible signature of displacement activities. In this study, we used a behavior random permutation model to detect the presence of a displacement activity in the Tibetan antelope Pantholops hodgsonii and the Tibetan gazelle Procapra picticaudata. The results showed that grooming in both ungulates tended to be accompanied with vigilance, and the frequency of grooming after vigilance was significantly higher than before vigilance. A significant positive correlation between the scan rate and grooming rate in the 2 ungulates was obtained. We suggest that grooming could sometimes be expressed as a displacement activity in ungulates. In addition to providing a general method for further research on displacement activities in a variety of animal species, this study sheds light on the importance of a spectral analysis of sequential distribution of animal behaviors. Behavior random permutation models can be used to explore the relevance between any 2 behaviors in a specific sequence, especially to identify a myriad of unexpected behaviors relative to their normal context of occurrence.
Robust, versatile DNA FISH probes for chromosome-specific repeats in Caenorhabditis elegans and Pristionchus pacificus
Authors: Adilardi Renzo S , Dernburg Abby F
Published: May 2022

Repetitive DNA sequences are useful targets for chromosomal fluorescence in situ hybridization. We analyzed recent genome assemblies of Caenorhabditis elegans and Pristionchus pacificus to identify tandem repeats with a unique genomic localization. Based on these findings, we designed and validated sets of oligonucleotide probes for each species targeting at least 1 locus per chromosome. These probes yielded reliable fluorescent signals in different tissues and can easily be combined with the immunolocalization of cellular proteins. Synthesis and labeling of these probes are highly cost-effective and require no hands-on labor. The methods presented here can be easily applied in other model and nonmodel organisms with a sequenced genome.
Alpha-synuclein overexpression induces epigenomic dysregulation of glutamate signaling and locomotor pathways
Authors: Schaffner Samantha L , Wassouf Zinah , Lazaro Diana F , Xylaki Mary , Gladish Nicole , Lin David T S , MacIsaac Julia , Ramadori Katia , Hentrich Thomas , Schulze-Hentrich Julia M , Outeiro Tiago F , Kobor Michael S
Published: May 2022

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurological disorder with complex interindividual etiology that is becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide. Elevated alpha-synuclein levels can increase risk of PD and may influence epigenetic regulation of PD pathways. Here, we report genome-wide DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation alterations associated with overexpression of two PD-linked alpha-synuclein variants (wild-type and A30P) in LUHMES cells differentiated to dopaminergic neurons. Alpha-synuclein altered DNA methylation at thousands of CpGs and DNA hydroxymethylation at hundreds of CpGs in both genotypes, primarily in locomotor behavior and glutamate signaling pathway genes. In some cases, epigenetic changes were associated with transcription. SMITE network analysis incorporating H3K4me1 ChIP-seq to score DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation changes across promoters, enhancers, and gene bodies confirmed epigenetic and transcriptional deregulation of glutamate signaling modules in both genotypes. Our results identify distinct and shared impacts of alpha-synuclein variants on the epigenome, and associate alpha-synuclein with the epigenetic etiology of PD.
Fibrillin-1 deficiency in the outer perichondrium causes longitudinal bone overgrowth in mice with Marfan syndrome
Authors: Sedes Lauriane , Wondimu Elisa , Crockett Brittany , Hansen Jens , Cantalupo Anna , Asano Keiichi , Iyengar Ravi , Rifkin Daniel B , Smaldone Silvia , Ramirez Francesco
Published: May 2022

A disproportionate tall stature is the most evident manifestation in Marfan syndrome (MFS), a multisystem condition caused by mutations in the extracellular protein and TGFβ modulator, fibrillin-1. Unlike cardiovascular manifestations, there has been little effort devoted to unravel the molecular mechanism responsible for long bone overgrowth in MFS. By combining the Cre-LoxP recombination system with metatarsal bone cultures, here we identify the outer layer of the perichondrium as the tissue responsible for long bone overgrowth in MFS mice. Analyses of differentially expressed genes in the fibrillin-1-deficient perichondrium predicted that loss of TGFβ signaling may influence chondrogenesis in the neighboring epiphyseal growth plate (GP). Immunohistochemistry revealed that fibrillin-1 deficiency in the outer perichondrium is associated with decreased accumulation of latent TGFβ-binding proteins (LTBPs)-3 and -4, and reduced levels of phosphorylated (activated) Smad2. Consistent with these findings, mutant metatarsal bones grown in vitro were longer and released less TGFβ than the wild-type counterparts. Moreover, addition of recombinant TGFβ1 normalized linear growth of mutant metatarsal bones. We conclude that longitudinal bone overgrowth in MFS is accounted for by diminished sequestration of LTBP-3 and LTBP-4 into the fibrillin-1-deficient matrix of the outer perichondrium, which results in less TGFβ signaling locally and improper GP differentiation distally.
Evaluation of nanopore sequencing for epigenetic epidemiology: a comparison with DNA methylation microarrays
Authors: Flynn Robert , Washer Sam , Jeffries Aaron R , Andrayas Alexandria , Shireby Gemma , Kumari Meena , Schalkwyk Leonard C , Mill Jonathan , Hannon Eilis
Published: May 2022

Most epigenetic epidemiology to date has utilized microarrays to identify positions in the genome where variation in DNA methylation is associated with environmental exposures or disease. However, these profile less than 3% of DNA methylation sites in the human genome, potentially missing affected loci and preventing the discovery of disrupted biological pathways. Third generation sequencing technologies, including Nanopore sequencing, have the potential to revolutionize the generation of epigenetic data, not only by providing genuine genome-wide coverage but profiling epigenetic modifications direct from native DNA. Here we assess the viability of using Nanopore sequencing for epidemiology by performing a comparison with DNA methylation quantified using the most comprehensive microarray available, the Illumina EPIC array. We implemented a CRISPR-Cas9 targeted sequencing approach in concert with Nanopore sequencing to profile DNA methylation in three genomic regions to attempt to rediscover genomic positions that existing technologies have shown are differentially methylated in tobacco smokers. Using Nanopore sequencing reads, DNA methylation was quantified at 1779 CpGs across three regions, providing a finer resolution of DNA methylation patterns compared to the EPIC array. The correlation of estimated levels of DNA methylation between platforms was high. Furthermore, we identified 12 CpGs where hypomethylation was significantly associated with smoking status, including 10 within the AHRR gene. In summary, Nanopore sequencing is a valid option for identifying genomic loci where large differences in DNAm are associated with a phenotype and has the potential to advance our understanding of the role differential methylation plays in the etiology of complex disease.
Whole exome sequencing of known eye genes reveals genetic causes for high myopia
Authors: Haarman Annechien E G , Thiadens Alberta A H J , van Tienhoven Marianne , Loudon Sjoukje E , de Klein J E M M Annelies , Brosens Erwin , Polling Jan Roelof , van der Schoot Vyne , Bouman Arjan , Kievit Anneke J A , Hoefsloot Lies H , Klaver Caroline C W , Verhoeven Virginie J M
Published: May 2022

High myopia [refractive error ≤ −6 diopters (D)] is a heterogeneous condition, and without clear accompanying features, it can be difficult to pinpoint a genetic cause. This observational study aimed to evaluate the utility of whole exome sequencing (WES) using an eye disorder gene panel in European patients with high myopia. Patients with high myopia were recruited by ophthalmologists and clinical geneticists. Clinical features were categorized into isolated high myopia, high myopia with other ocular involvement or with systemic involvement. WES was performed and an eye disorder gene panel of ~500 genes was evaluated. Hundred and thirteen patients with high myopia [mean (SD) refractive error − 11.8D (5.2)] were included. Of these, 53% were children younger than 12 years of age (53%), 13.3% were aged 12–18 years and 34% were adults (aged > 18 years). Twenty-three out of 113 patients (20%) received a genetic diagnosis of which 11 patients displayed additional ocular or systemic involvement. Pathogenic variants were identified in retinal dystrophy genes (e.g. GUCY2D and CACNA1F), connective tissue disease genes (e.g. COL18A1 and COL2A1), non-syndromic high myopia genes (ARR3), ocular development genes (e.g. PAX6) and other genes (ASPH and CNNM4). In 20% of our high myopic study population, WES using an eye gene panel enabled us to diagnose the genetic cause for this disorder. Eye genes known to cause retinal dystrophy, developmental or syndromic disorders can cause high myopia without apparent clinical features of other pathology.
Ecological footprint of energy and waste generation for environmental sustainability in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, Nigeria
Authors: Otto Edet , Sawyerr Henry
Published: May 2022

The aim of this study was to evaluate the Ecological Footprint of Energy and Waste generation in Ijebu Ode, and the study adopted descriptive cross-sectional design and data were collected from 400 systemically sampled households through structured questionnaires and analysed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. The findings revealed that water has the highest ecological footprint (EF) of 86.5%, followed by energy with 6.7%, while EF of food and waste had footprint of 4.8% and 1.9%, respectively, and with an average EF of 0.3gha/capita, it will require 0.2 Earths, should everyone in the world were to consume like Ijebu Ode.
A Draft Reference Genome Assembly of the Critically Endangered Black Abalone,Haliotis cracherodii
Authors: Orland Chloé , Escalona Merly , Sahasrabudhe Ruta , Marimuthu Mohan P A , Nguyen Oanh , Beraut Eric , Marshman Blythe , Moore James , Raimondi Peter , Shapiro Beth
Published: May 2022

The once abundant black abalone, Haliotis cracherodii, is a large, long-lived grazing marine mollusk that inhabits the rocky intertidal along the coast of California. The species has experienced dramatic declines since the mid-1980s largely due to the fatal bacterial disease called withering syndrome, leading to the collapse of an economically important fishery and to its inclusion into the IUCN listing as a critically endangered species. In some places impacted by the disease, populations of black abalone have declined by more than 90%, prompting population crashes associated with very little recruitment of new individuals and changes to intertidal communities. Habitats that were dominated by crustose coralline algae and bare rock have become dominated instead by fleshy algae and sessile invertebrates. Here, we present the first high-quality black abalone reference genome, assembled with PacBio HiFi long-reads and assembled with Dovetail Omni-C data to generate a scaffold-level assembly. The black abalone reference genome will be an essential resource in understanding the evolutionary history of this species as well as for exploring its current levels of genetic diversity and establishing future management and restoration plans.
The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) in neuro-oncology: A pilot study of feasibility and utility in telehealth and in-person clinical assessments
Authors: Jammula Varna , Rogers James L , Vera Elizabeth , Christ Alexa , Leeper Heather E , Acquaye Alvina , Briceno Nicole , Choi Anna , Grajkowska Ewa , Levine Jason E , Lindsley Matthew , Reyes Jennifer , Roche Kayla N , Timmer Michael , Boris Lisa , Burton Eric , Lollo Nicole , Panzer Marissa , Smith-Cohn Matthew A , Penas-Prado Marta , Pillai Valentina , Theeler Brett J , Wu Jing , Gilbert Mark R , Armstrong Terri S
Published: May 2022

Background

Cognitive impairments are a common burden for patients with primary CNS tumors. Neuropsychological assessment batteries can be too lengthy, which limits their use as an objective measure of cognition during routine care. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and utility of the brief Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) in routine in-person and telehealth visits (as a result of the global COVID-19 pandemic) with neuro-oncology patients.

Methods

Seventy-one adults with primary CNS tumors completed MoCA testing in person (n = 47) and via telehealth (n = 24). Correlation analysis and patient-reported outcomes (PROs), including symptom burden and interference, perceived cognition, general health status, and anxiety and depression, were included in this study. Feasibility was assessed through a provider satisfaction questionnaire.

Results

Patients were primarily White (83%), college-educated (71%) males (54%) with high-grade tumors (66%). The average total score on the MoCA administered in person was 25 (range: 6-30), with 34% classified as abnormal, and the average total score via telehealth was 26 (range: 12-30), with 29% classified as abnormal. Providers reported satisfaction in using the MoCA during routine clinical care, both in person and via telehealth. Lower MoCA scores correlated with worse symptom severity, KPS, age, education, and previous treatment.

Conclusions

The MoCA was feasible in clinical and telehealth settings, and its relationship to clinical characteristics and PROs highlights the need for both objective and patient-reported measures of cognition to understand the overall cognitive profile of a patient with a CNS tumor.
Adolescents’ Understanding of Smoking and Vaping Risk Language: Cognitive Interviews to Inform Scale Development
Authors: Kurtzman Rachel T , Vereen Rhyan N , Mendel Sheldon Jennifer , Adams Elizabeth T , Hall Marissa G , Brewer Noel T , Gottfredson Nisha C , Noar Seth M
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Perceived message effectiveness (PME) is a common metric to understand receptivity to tobacco prevention messages, yet most measures have been developed with adults. We examined adolescents’ interpretation of language within candidate items for a new youth-targeted PME measure using cognitive interviewing. We sought to understand the meaning adolescents assigned to our candidate PME items to improve item wording.

Aims and Methods

Participants were 20 adolescents, ages 13–17 years from the United States. Cognitive interviews used a structured guide to elicit feedback on comprehension, answer retrieval, and language regarding a set of Reasoned Action Approach-based survey items that assessed the PME of smoking and vaping prevention ads. We employed thematic analysis to synthesize findings from the interviews.

Results

Interviews identified three main issues related to survey items: ambiguity of language, word choice (risk and other terminology), and survey item phrasing. Adolescents preferred direct, definitive language over more ambiguous phrasing which they saw as less serious (eg, “will” instead of “could”). For risk terminology, they preferred terms such as “harmful” and “dangerous” over “risky,” which was viewed as easy to discount. The term “negative effects” was interpreted as encompassing a broader set of tobacco harms than “health effects.” Adolescents said that the term “vape” was preferable to “e-cigarette,” and identified ways to simplify item wording for greater clarity.

Conclusions

Tobacco risk terms that appear similar differ in meaning to adolescents, and more direct and unambiguous language is preferred. Our findings informed changes to the PME scale items to improve clarity and reduce measurement error.

Implications

This study adds to the literature on how adolescents interpret tobacco prevention language. Adolescents may interpret terminology differently than adults, which could lead to ambiguity in meaning and thus measurement error. Through cognitive interviewing, we identified and improved the language in a youth-focused PME measure for tobacco and vaping prevention.
Integrated population modeling identifies low duckling survival as a key driver of decline in a European population of the Mallard
Authors: Wiegers J N (Yannick) , Jongejans Eelke , van Turnhout Chris A M , van den Bremer Loes , van der Jeugd Henk , Kleyheeg Erik
Published: May 2022

Europe’s highest densities of breeding Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) are found in the Netherlands, but the breeding population there has declined by ~30% since the 1990s. The exact cause of this decline has remained unclear. Here, we used an integrated population model to jointly analyze Mallard population survey, nest survey, duckling survival, and band-recovery data. We used this approach to holistically estimate all relevant vital rates, including duckling survival rates for years for which no explicit data were available. Mean vital rate estimates were high for nest success (0.38 ± 0.01) and egg hatch rate (0.96 ± 0.001), but relatively low for clutch size (8.2 ± 0.05) compared to populations in other regions. Estimates for duckling survival rate for the three years for which explicit data were available were low (0.16–0.27) compared to historical observations, but were comparable to rates reported for other regions with declining populations. Finally, the mean survival rate was low for ducklings (0.18 ± 0.02), but high and stable for adults (0.71 ± 0.03). Population growth rate was only affected by variation in duckling survival, but since this is a predominantly latent state variable, this result should be interpreted with caution. However, it does strongly indicate that none of the other vital rates, all of which were supported by data, was able to sufficiently explain the population decline. Together with a comparison with historic vital rates, these findings point to a reduced duckling survival rate as the likely cause of the decline. Candidate drivers of reduced duckling survival are increased predation pressure and reduced food availability, but this requires future study. Integrated population modeling can provide valuable insights into population dynamics even when empirical data for a key parameter are partly missing.
MEDIATOR SUBUNIT17 integrates jasmonate and auxin signaling pathways to regulate thermomorphogenesis
Authors: Agrawal Rekha , Sharma Mohan , Dwivedi Nidhi , Maji Sourobh , Thakur Pallabi , Junaid Alim , Fajkus Jiří , Laxmi Ashverya , Thakur Jitendra K
Published: May 2022

Plant adjustment to environmental changes involves complex crosstalk between extrinsic and intrinsic cues. In the past two decades, extensive research has elucidated the key roles of PHYTOCHROME-INTERACTING FACTOR4 (PIF4) and the phytohormone auxin in thermomorphogenesis. In this study, we identified a previously unexplored role of jasmonate (JA) signaling components, the Mediator complex, and their integration with auxin signaling during thermomorphogenesis in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Warm temperature induces expression of JA signaling genes including MYC2, but, surprisingly, this transcriptional activation is not JA dependent. Warm temperature also promotes accumulation of the JA signaling receptor CORONATINE INSENSITIVE1 (COI1) and degradation of the JA signaling repressor JASMONATE-ZIM-DOMAIN PROTEIN9, which probably leads to de-repression of MYC2, enabling it to contribute to the expression of MEDIATOR SUBUNIT17 (MED17). In response to warm temperature, MED17 occupies the promoters of thermosensory genes including PIF4, YUCCA8 (YUC8), INDOLE-3-ACETIC ACID INDUCIBLE19 (IAA19), and IAA29. Moreover, MED17 facilitates enrichment of H3K4me3 on the promoters of PIF4, YUC8, IAA19, and IAA29 genes. Interestingly, both occupancy of MED17 and enrichment of H3K4me3 on these thermomorphogenesis-related promoters are dependent on PIF4 (or PIFs). Altered accumulation of COI1 under warm temperature in the med17 mutant suggests the possibility of a feedback mechanism. Overall, this study reveals the role of the Mediator complex as an integrator of JA and auxin signaling pathways during thermomorphogenesis.
The Arabidopsis glutamine synthetase2 mutants (gln2-1 and gln2-2) do not have abnormal phenotypes
Authors: Lee Kim-Teng , Chung Yi-Hsin , Hsieh Ming-Hsiun
Published: May 2022

The Arabidopsis glutamine synthetase2 mutants grow normally in the air, challenging the paradigm that chloroplastic GLUTAMINE SYNTHETASE2 is the primary enzyme to assimilate photorespiratory NH4+.
Long-distance translocation of CLAVATA3/ESR-related 2 peptide and its positive effect on roots sucrose status
Authors: Okamoto Satoru , Kawasaki Azusa , Makino Yumiko , Ishida Takashi , Sawa Shinichiro
Published: May 2022

In vascular plants, roots anchor themselves into the soil and take up water and nutrients to provide them to the shoots. Therefore, continuous growth and development of the roots are important for plant life. To achieve this, photosynthesizing leaves must be able to supply sufficient photoassimilates to the roots. However, the mechanisms by which plants maintain carbon levels in roots remain elusive. Here, we focused on the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) CLAVATA3/ESR-related 2 (CLE2) peptide, which was detected in Arabidopsis xylem exudate, and its homologs. CLE2 and CLE3 genes responded to carbon-deficient conditions. Loss- and gain-of-function mutant analyses showed that CLE genes positively affected root sucrose level. Mutations in the CLE genes resulted in a high shoot/root ratio under sucrose-free conditions. Grafting experiments demonstrated the systemic effect of CLE peptide genes. These findings provide insights into the molecular basis for the relationship between roots and leaves in maintenance of the root sucrose levels and growth.
Sleep architecture and regulation of male dusky antechinus, an Australian marsupial
Authors: Zaid Erika , Vyssotski Alexei L , Lesku John A
Published: May 2022

Study Objectives

In this study, we (1) describe sleep behavior and architecture, and (2) explore how sleep is regulated in dusky antechinus (Antechinus swainsonii), a small insectivorous marsupial. Our aim is to provide the first investigation into sleep homeostasis in a marsupial.

Methods

Wild-caught male dusky antechinus (n = 4) were individually housed in large indoor cages under a natural photoperiod of 10.5 h light/13.5 h dark. Continuous recordings of EEG, EMG, and tri-axial accelerometry were performed under baseline conditions and following 4-h of extended wakefulness.

Results

Antechinus engage in SWS and REM sleep. Some aspects of these states are mammal-like, including a high amount (23%) of REM sleep, but other features are reminiscent of birds, notably, hundreds of short sleep episodes (SWS mean: 34 s; REM sleep: 10 s). Antechinus are cathemeral and sleep equally during the night and day. Immediately after the sleep deprivation ended, the animals engaged in more SWS, longer SWS episodes, and greater SWS SWA. The animals did not recover lost REM sleep.

Conclusions

Sleep architecture in dusky antechinus was broadly similar to that observed in eutherian and marsupial mammals, but with interesting peculiarities. We also provided the first evidence of SWS homeostasis in a marsupial mammal.
The Use of Educational Technology in Undergraduate and Postgraduate Nursing and Midwifery Education
Authors: Hernon Orlaith , McSharry Edel , MacLaren Iain , Dunne Rosie , Carr Peter J.
Published: May 2022

Technology has become integral to our personal and professional lives. Its use is increasing in healthcare, both in clinical and educational settings, with healthcare institutions and regulatory bodies recognizing that technology is ever-present. The aim of this scoping review was to examine and quantify the current evidence concerning the use of educational technologies in undergraduate and postgraduate nursing and midwifery education. This review was guided by the JBI methodology for scoping reviews. A tailored search strategy was developed with a research librarian and a number of databases were searched. A total of 19 638 literature sources were screened by three reviewers. Literature published from January 2016 to December 2020 was included and limited to the English language. The reporting of the review process is guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses for Scoping Reviews checklist. This review provides an overview of the current use of educational technologies within nursing and midwifery education; it provides a list of the technologies used, the research methodologies and designs undertaken, and the educational theories, models or frameworks considered. The review highlights the wide range of technologies in use and the paucity of studies that are guided by an educational theory, model or framework.
Reference Standards for Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Brazil
Authors: Milani Mauricio , Milani Juliana Goulart Prata Oliveira , Cipriano Graziella França Bernardelli , de Castro Isac , Cipriano Junior Gerson
Published: May 2022

Purpose:

This study aimed to propose reference standards for cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) for Brazil from a pooled analysis and to compare peak oxygen uptake (V˙o
2peak) in Brazilian, United States (US), and Norwegian samples, exploring possible national and international differences.

Methods:

Reference values for treadmill V˙o
2peak in three different Brazilian regions were assessed from previous publications. We analyzed available samples to assess possible differences, generate weighted average data for Brazil, and compared them with US and Norwegian data.

Results:

Brazilian reference values had a lower V˙o
2peak value for the Northeast region and a higher V˙o
2peak value for the Southeast region for all sex and age groups. International comparisons with the Brazilian pooled data (n = 26661) revealed higher values for the Norwegian sample (n = 3810) and lower values for the US sample (n = 16278). The observed heterogeneity in CRF is possibly related to differences in anthropometric (weight, height) and socioeconomic factors, which differed among the samples. Also, Brazilian data showed a curvilinear V˙o
2peak age reduction trend rather than the linear characteristic commonly utilized, and the regression curves were different from those for US and Norwegian data.

Conclusion:

This study provides new CRF reference standards for Brazil. After pooling data from three Brazilian regions, a comparison revealed notable differences between regions, evidencing a negative gradient from Southern to Northern regions. Similarly, the international comparisons between Brazil, US, and Norway data revealed CRF heterogeneity, with differences in the V˙o
2peak values and in the age relationship patterns. These findings reinforce the importance of using national- or regional-specific V˙o
2peak reference values, ensuring proper CRF evaluation.
Cross-border network ties of returnee entrepreneurs and foreign market diversity
Authors: Li Haiyan , Wang Manman , Zhang Ruihan
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This study examines the effect of cross-border network ties of returnee entrepreneurs on the foreign market diversity of their ventures. The study further investigates how two cross-cultural competencies (global mindset and cultural intelligence) moderate this effect.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 135 returnee entrepreneurial ventures from China was used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

This study finds that returnee entrepreneurs tend to enter into a wide range of culturally different country groups when returnee entrepreneurs have strong cross-border network ties. Moreover, global mindset and cultural intelligence function as complements in strengthening the effect of the cross-border network ties on foreign market diversity.

Originality/value

The authors contribute to both returnee entrepreneurship and foreign market entry literature in two ways. First, by examining the effect of cross-border network ties on foreign market entry, the authors add new and important insights into the role of social networks in the pre-internationalization phase. This is useful in understanding the internationalization process of new ventures founded by returnees, which have not been fully understood in returnee entrepreneurship literature. Second, by examining the moderating roles of global mindset and cultural intelligence, the authors enhance the understanding of the extent to which cross-border networks can be valuable in foreign market entry.
Magnetostrictive hysteretic properties estimation of electrical steel sheet under external stress using improved ADSM model
Authors: Li Mengxing , Zhang YanLi , Jing Ying , Wang Zhen , Xie Dexin
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to improve the modeling accuracy of the magnetostrictive hysteretic characteristics by introducing hysteresis energy instead of pinning energy in the assembled domain structure model (ADSM).

Design/methodology/approach

First, the magnetostrictive characteristics and the domain movement process in an electrical steel sheet are measured and observed. The reasons for the influence of stress on magnetostriction are discussed on the mesoscopic level. Second, the ADSM model using the hysteresis energy is investigated to estimate the influence of external stress. Finally, the simulation results of the modified ADSM model are compared with the experimental data under the same calculation conditions.

Findings

The results show that the improved model not only explains the cause of hysteresis clearly from the perspective of the magnetic moment but also improves the modeling ability of magnetostrictive hysteretic.

Originality/value

The magnetostriction in electrical steel lags behind the external magnetic field, and it is significant for reducing core vibration to estimate the magnetostrictive hysteretic property accurately. This paper proposes an effective approach to model the hysteretic characterization of magnetostriction.
Succession planning for senior leaders: is it always a good idea?
Authors: Jackson Bradley A. , Allen Stuart
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Many higher education institutions have not invested in leadership succession planning despite suggestions for such action. In this article, the authors discuss the relevance of succession planning to the senior levels of leadership in higher education institutions, proposing that the role of succession planning and accompanying leadership development must be carefully considered based on the internal and external context of an institution. The authors present a modified model of succession planning for the higher education context.

Design/methodology/approach

This article includes arguments for and against succession planning and leadership development in higher education using relevant literature and theory.

Findings

The literature reviewed highlights the need for each educational institution to find its own optimized mix of external hiring and internal succession planning and leadership development to replace outgoing leaders based upon factors such as the institution's culture, needs, external environment, talent pool, and levels of leadership.

Originality/value

This article makes a unique contribution by questioning succession planning's utility in higher education and guiding practitioners and researchers on the risks and benefits of such practices. The article also provides a model to guide selective implementation of succession planning.
An occupational health and safety management system framework for lean process industries: an interpretive structural modelling approach
Authors: Kale Samir Ramdas , Kota Srinivas , Jasti Naga Vamsi Krishna , Soni Gunjan , Prakash Surya
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The manufacturing sector has been observing various benefits by the implementation of lean manufacturing practices. However, the manufacturing sector has neglected the significance of health and safety management system implementation. The purpose of this research is to propose and validate an occupational health and safety management systems (OHSMS) framework based on critical success factors and their relationships in the lean manufacturing organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

A critical literature review was conducted to identify the success factors of OHSMS. Subsequently, a questionnaire survey and semi-structured interviews were conducted with experts from process industries to consolidate the critical success factors. After consolidating the critical success factors, relationships among critical success factors were established with the help of interpretive structural modelling using a team of 12 experts from industry and academia. These established relationships helped in proposing the hierarchical implementation framework. Finally, the validation of the proposed implementation framework was carried out using structural equation modelling (SEM).

Findings

This study has identified nine broader critical success factors for implementation of OHSMS in lean manufacturing organizations, especially the process industry. Subsequently, this study has proposed an OHSMS framework with nine broader critical success factors to implement in lean manufacturing organizations. Finally, the proposed framework has been validated using SEM with an appropriate sample size.

Practical implications

This study is helpful to the organizations to implement OHSMS without losing the essence of lean manufacturing strategy. This study has proposed a framework for implementation of OHSMS in the lean manufacturing organizations, especially process industry sector. This study also provided confidence to the organization through the validation of proposed framework in the process industry.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is first of its kind in this field of OHSMS in lean manufacturing organizations, especially the process industry. This study has involved both academicians and industry experts to bring more robust outcomes. This study proposed a unique framework to implement OHSMS in lean manufacturing organizations. This study has considered a comprehensive literature to develop a framework for OHSMS in lean manufacturing organizations. An implementation framework was proposed by considering both the academicians’ and industry professionals’ opinions. The proposed framework was statistically validated. This will be helpful in effective implementation of OHSMS strategy in lean manufacturing organizations, especially process industry sector.
How technological innovations in performance measurement systems overcome management challenges in healthcare
Authors: Ippolito Adelaide , Sorrentino Marco , Capalbo Francesco , Di Pietro Adelina
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to analyse how technological innovations in performance measurement systems make it possible to overcome some of the challenges that public healthcare organizations face where management and control are concerned. The changes that could be applied to the performance measurement system of healthcare organisations were analysed together with an evaluation of the responses developed in order to achieve these changes.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper contains an in-depth case-study of a public university hospital which utilises an innovative information system.

Findings

The case-study highlights how technological innovations in performance measurement systems impact the management and monitoring information system in a public university hospital, through the implementation of a multidimensional management dashboard.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation of this paper is that only one case-study is analysed, albeit in depth, while it would be interesting to consider more public university hospitals.

Practical implications

The paper highlights the fundamental role of middle management in change processes in the healthcare sector.

Originality/value

The case-study highlights how critical the active involvement of middle management is in performance measurement and management, and how this is achieved thanks to the adoption of a simple, clear method which ensures comprehensible communication of the objectives, as well as the measurement of performance by means of radar plots.
Pose estimation of metal workpieces based on RPM-Net for robot grasping from point cloud
Authors: Li Lin , Chen Xi , Zhang Tie
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Many metal workpieces have the characteristics of less texture, symmetry and reflectivity, which presents a challenge to existing pose estimation methods. The purpose of this paper is to propose a pose estimation method for grasping metal workpieces by industrial robots.

Design/methodology/approach

Dual-hypothesis robust point matching registration network (RPM-Net) is proposed to estimate pose from point cloud. The proposed method uses the Point Cloud Library (PCL) to segment workpiece point cloud from scenes and a trained-well robust point matching registration network to estimate pose through dual-hypothesis point cloud registration.

Findings

In the experiment section, an experimental platform is built, which contains a six-axis industrial robot, a binocular structured-light sensor. A data set that contains three subsets is set up on the experimental platform. After training with the emulation data set, the dual-hypothesis RPM-Net is tested on the experimental data set, and the success rates of the three real data sets are 94.0%, 92.0% and 96.0%, respectively.

Originality/value

The contributions are as follows: first, dual-hypothesis RPM-Net is proposed which can realize the pose estimation of discrete and less-textured metal workpieces from point cloud, and second, a method of making training data sets is proposed using only CAD models with the visualization algorithm of the PCL.
Enduring corporate political connections and loan contracting: evidence from the GCC countries
Authors: Almarhabi Hanan Hasan , Ahmed Kamran , Mather Paul
Published: May 2022

Purpose

An important question is whether lenders perceive politically connected firms as having less or higher default risk, and thus provide them with more or less preferential loan terms compared with non-connected firms. This paper aims to examine the relationship between political connections of corporate board members and cost of debt and loan contracting in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The initial sample comprises 288 GCC firm-year observations from 227 publicly listed firms in Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates for the period from 2011 to 2015. It includes all the GCC publicly listed firms, excluding those in the financial, insurance and banking sectors because these entities are subject to different regulations. The ordinary least squares, logit regression and other sensitivity tests have been used to analyse the data and enhance reliability of the results.

Findings

This study finds that politically connected firms, particularly those connected through ruling royal family members, are associated with lower cost of debt, greater amounts of loans and longer-term government loans. Therefore, these findings support the prediction that political connections benefit GCC firms in the form of access to favourable terms from both government and commercial banks.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the extant literature by providing insightful analysis using unique political features of the GCC, integrated with agency and resource dependency theories. In particular, this study fills the gap in understanding the nature of loan contracting offered by government and commercial banks in the presence of politically connected boards within GCC setting.
Considering luminous ambiance and spatial configuration within the Ottoman old heritage buildings (Algerian palaces) focusing on their modern-day utility
Authors: Saraoui Selma , Attar Abdelghani , Saraoui Rahma , Alili Sonia
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The Ottoman cultural legacy in Algeria is made up of a diverse range of architectural structures. The Algerian government strategy in connection with the Ottoman old buildings is to restore them into museums. This study will attempt to present a contrastive analysis between two old palaces being under restoration (refurbishment), and the goal is to propose a museum route by calculating the ambiance aimed at circulating the rooms by visitors.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors analyzed the architectural components of the various entities by observing in situ and taking measurements for a single case study to get a sense of the results for the mid-season (spring and fall). The configuration was next evaluated by modeling the space syntax and combining it with a simulation of daylight luminance, for the period when the authors could not make measurements on-site. The ultimate goal is to combine these findings to suggest the ideal in-route for the future museum.

Findings

This research allowed the authors to propose a museum itinerary adapted to the new vocation of the palaces, which considers the daylight as an element of composition in the spaces of circulation.

Practical implications

The paper proposes solutions to a flow management problem encountered in several similar palaces converted into museums.

Social implications

The study aims to raise questions on the museum, and to preserve such heritage from neglect by giving it a new life more adapted to the needs of the Algerian society.

Originality/value

The authors believe that this contribution will be a creative solution for issues related to the operation of palaces that have been converted into museums.
Factors correlated with online travel service adoption: a meta-analysis
Authors: Zhu Zhangxiang , Liao Liheng , Hu Bing
Published: May 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to conduct a meta-analysis to explore the strength of the path relationship in the proposed model for online travel service adoption and the moderating effect of country or regional economic development level.

Design/methodology/approach

A meta-analysis was conducted based on 46 empirical studies to verify a proposed model for users’ intention to adopt online travel service.

Findings

The relationship between technology acceptance model and theory of planned behavior variables was found to be valid for online travel scenarios; moreover, perceived trust positively correlated with attitude and adoption intention. Meanwhile, personal innovation, perceived enjoyment and cost-effectiveness positively correlated with adoption intention. Except for the correlations between subjective norms and adoption intention, the correlations between all other variables in the model were significantly moderated by the economic development level of a country or region.

Originality/value

This paper was conducted to obtain a unified conclusion about the research field of online travel service adoption. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, its content is original.