bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors affecting decision-making in children with complex care needs: a consensus approach to develop best practice in a UK children’s hospital
Authors: Birchley Giles , Thomas-Unsworth Sadie , Mellor Charlotte , Baquedano Mai , Ingle Susanne , Fraser James
Published: September 2022

Background

Children with complex care needs are a growing proportion of the sick children seen in all healthcare settings in the UK. Complex care needs place demands on parents and professionals who often require many different healthcare teams to work together. Care can be both materially and logistically difficult to manage, causing friction with parents. These difficulties may be reduced if common best practice standards and approaches can be developed in this area.

Objective

To develop a consensus approach to the management of complexity among healthcare professionals, we used a modified Delphi process. The process consisted of a meeting of clinical leaders to develop candidate statements, followed by two survey rounds open to all professionals in a UK children’s hospital to measure and establish consensus recommendations.

Results

Ninety-nine professionals completed both rounds of the survey, 69 statements were agreed. These pertained to seven thematic areas: standardised approaches to communicating with families; processes for interprofessional communication; processes for shared decision-making in the child’s best interests; role of the multidisciplinary team; managing professional–parental disagreement and conflict; the role of clinical psychologists; and staff support. Overall, the level of consensus was high, ranging from agreement to strong agreement.

Conclusions

These statements provide a consensus basis that can inform standardised approaches to the management of complexity. Such approaches may decrease friction between parents, children and healthcare professionals.
Pragmatic randomised controlled trials in COPD and asthma: how to guide clinical practice
Authors: Bakerly Nawar Diar , Nikitin Kirill , Snowise Neil G , Cardwell Glenn , Freeman Daryl , Saggu Ravijyot , De Soyza Anthony
Published: September 2022

The use of real-world evidence (RWE) studies, including pragmatic randomised controlled trials (RCTs; randomised RWE studies), to aid the development of treatment guidelines, is gradually becoming a mainstay within clinical practice. RWE is an integral part of patient-driven decision-making and offers important value to add complimentary evidence to traditional RCTs; these provide a more well-rounded view of the benefits to patient-reported outcomes and improve the external validity of a given treatment versus findings from traditional RCTs alone. Discussions in recent scientific workshops explored the importance of pragmatic RCTs in optimising guideline development and patient care in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. The Salford Lung Study in patients with COPD (NCT01551758) and asthma (NCT01706198) were the world’s first prelicence pragmatic RCTs that compared novel investigational treatments with existing COPD and asthma treatments and, more recently (2021), RWE studies have been used by the American Thoracic Society and the US Food and Drug Administration to support the approval of an immunosuppressant drug in patients receiving lung transplants. This highlights the importance of RWE data in supporting clinical guideline development and emphasises the advantages for the use of pragmatic RCTs in guiding clinical practice.
Ironing out exercise on immuno-oncological outcomes
Authors: Soh Janjira , Lim Zi Xiang , Lim Elaine Hsuen , Kennedy Brian K , Goh Jorming
Published: September 2022

Despite accumulating evidence that supports the beneficial effects of physical exercise in inhibiting cancer progression, whether exercise modulates its effects through systemic and cellular changes in iron metabolism and immune-tumor crosstalk is unknown. Cancer cells have greater metabolic requirements than normal cells, with their survival and proliferation depending largely on iron bioavailability. Although iron is an essential mineral for mitogenesis, it also participates in a form of iron-dependent programmed cell death termed ferroptosis. In this short hypothesis paper, we speculate that modulating iron bioavailability, transport and metabolism with regular exercise can have significant implications for tumor and stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment, by affecting multiple tumor-autonomous and stromal cell responses.
Maximizing the value of phase III trials in immuno-oncology: A checklist from the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC)
Authors: Atkins Michael B , Abu-Sbeih Hamzah , Ascierto Paolo A , Bishop Michael R , Chen Daniel S , Dhodapkar Madhav , Emens Leisha A , Ernstoff Marc S , Ferris Robert L , Greten Tim F , Gulley James L , Herbst Roy S , Humphrey Rachel W , Larkin James , Margolin Kim A , Mazzarella Luca , Ramalingam Suresh S , Regan Meredith M , Rini Brian I , Sznol Mario
Published: September 2022

The broad activity of agents blocking the programmed cell death protein 1 and its ligand (the PD-(L)1 axis) revolutionized oncology, offering long-term benefit to patients and even curative responses for tumors that were once associated with dismal prognosis. However, only a minority of patients experience durable clinical benefit with immune checkpoint inhibitor monotherapy in most disease settings. Spurred by preclinical and correlative studies to understand mechanisms of non-response to the PD-(L)1 antagonists and by combination studies in animal tumor models, many drug development programs were designed to combine anti-PD-(L)1 with a variety of approved and investigational chemotherapies, tumor-targeted therapies, antiangiogenic therapies, and other immunotherapies. Several immunotherapy combinations improved survival outcomes in a variety of indications including melanoma, lung, kidney, and liver cancer, among others. This immunotherapy renaissance, however, has led to many combinations being advanced to late-stage development without definitive predictive biomarkers, limited phase I and phase II data, or clinical trial designs that are not optimized for demonstrating the unique attributes of immune-related antitumor activity—for example, landmark progression-free survival and overall survival. The decision to activate a study at an individual site is investigator-driven, and generalized frameworks to evaluate the potential for phase III trials in immuno-oncology to yield positive data, particularly to increase the number of curative responses or otherwise advance the field have thus far been lacking. To assist in evaluating the potential value to patients and the immunotherapy field of phase III trials, the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) has developed a checklist for investigators, described in this manuscript. Although the checklist focuses on anti-PD-(L)1-based combinations, it may be applied to any regimen in which immune modulation is an important component of the antitumor effect.
Bridging thrombolysis improves survival rates at 90 days compared with direct mechanical thrombectomy alone in acute ischemic stroke due to basilar artery occlusion: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 1096 patients
Authors: Lee Keng Siang , Siow Isabel , Zhang John JY , Syn Nicholas L , Gillespie Conor S , Yuen Linus ZH , Anil Gopinathan , Yang Cunli , Chan Bernard PL , Sharma Vijay Kumar , Teoh Hock-Luen , Mingxue Jing , Teo Kevin Soon Hwee , Myint May Zin , Bhogal Pervinder , Meyer Lukas , Schob Stefan , Sia Ching-Hui , Mpotsaris Anastasios , Maus Volker , Andersson Tommy , Arnberg Fabian , Gontu Vamsi Krishna , Lee Tsong-Hai , Tan Benjamin Y Q , Yeo Leonard LL
Published: September 2022

Background

Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is an effective treatment for patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) from basilar artery occlusion (BAO).

Objective

To compare the clinical outcomes of MT, with and without bridging intravenous thrombolysis (IVT), in acute BAO through a systematic review and meta-analysis of the current literature.

Methods

Systematic searches of Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central were undertaken on August 1, 2022. Good functional outcome defined as 90-day modified Rankin Scale score 0–2 was the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcome measures were 90-day mortality, successful post-thrombectomy recanalization (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score ≥2b), symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).

Results

Three studies reporting 1096 patients with BAO AIS were included in the meta-analysis. No significant differences in good functional outcome were detected between the two groups (RR=1.28 (95% CI 0.86 to 1.92); p=0.117). However, specifically patients with large artery atherosclerosis (LAA) benefited from bridging IVT (OR=2.52 (95% CI 1.51 to 4.22); p<0.001) with better functional outcomes. There was a significantly lower 90-day mortality rate for patients who underwent bridging IVT compared with MT alone (RR=0.70 (95% CI 0.62 to 0.80); p=0.008). No significant differences were detected in rates of post-treatment recanalization (RR=1.01 (95% CI 0.35 to 2.91); p=0.954), sICH (RR=0.96 (95% CI 0.66 to 1.42); p=0.724), and SAH (RR=0.93 (95% CI 0.31 to 2.83); p=0.563).

Conclusions

In patients with AIS due to BAO, bridging IVT was associated with lower mortality rates at 90 days, compared with direct MT. There were no improved functional outcomes or increased sICH or SAH between both arms, However, patients with LAA benefited from bridging IVT, with better functional outcomes.
Evolution of military evacuation activity in French Guiana over 10 years: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Vial Valentin , Egmann G , Jost D , Ilcinkas C , Manot C , Astrié P-M , Arrivé K , Travers S , André N
Published: September 2022

Background

Three permanent military operations are established in French Guiana. The Cayenne medical unit is a French military search and rescue unit and provides MEDEVAC and CASEVAC for ill and injured soldiers. The main objective of this study was to describe the temporal trends of its evacuation missions over 10 years. The secondary purpose was to document the means used for these missions.

Methods

This retrospective observational study included patients who were evacuated for a medical reason or an injury during military operations in French Guiana. We collected the data from the computerised registers the medical department had stored.

Results

From 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2019, 1070 patients were included, representing a median annual incidence of 115 (IQR 91–122) evacuations. Of these, 602 (59%) were evacuated by helicopter, 214 (21%) by airplane, 182 (18%) by ambulance and 19 (2%) by pirogue.

Reasons for evacuation were diseases in 664 (62%) patients, non-battle injuries in 389 (36%) patients and battle injuries in 17 (2%) patients. Finally, 286 (29%) evacuations were MEDEVAC and 712 (71%) were CASEVAC.

Over the years, the increasing number of evacuations reached a maximum of 183 in 2018. Helicopter evacuations, once the primary mode of evacuation, have declined proportionately in favour of other means of evacuation.

Conclusion

Evacuation missions by the Cayenne medical unit increased over the 10-year study period, while helicopter use decreased. This evolution is a response to the constraints of adapting military operations to fight against illegal gold mining in the Amazonian Forest. Improvement of the means and procedures allows provision of the best care to patients while ensuring the ongoing conduct of military operations.
A meta-analysis of extended ECG monitoring in detection of atrial fibrillation in patients with cryptogenic stroke
Authors: Jiang Haowen , Tan Shyn Yi , Wang Jeremy King , Li Jiaqi , Tu Tian Ming , Tan Vern Hsen , Yeo Colin
Published: September 2022

Objective

The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the various modalities available for extended ECG monitoring in the detection of atrial fibrillation (AF) following a cryptogenic stroke.

Methods

MEDLINE (Ovid), EMBASE (Ovid), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were searched from January 2011 to November 2021. All randomised controlled trials and prospective cohort studies including the use of extended ECG monitoring >24 hours with a minimum duration of AF of 30 s in patients with either cryptogenic strokes or transient ischaemic attacks were included. A random-effects model was used to pool effect estimates of AF detection rates from different ECG modalities.

Results

3924 studies were identified, of which 47 were included reporting on a pooled population of 6448 patients with cryptogenic stroke. The pooled AF rate for implantable loop recorders (ILRs) increased from 4.9% (3.0%–7.9%) at 1 month to 38.4% (20.4%–60.2%) at 36 months. Mobile cardiac outpatient telemetry (MCOT) had a significantly higher pooled AF detection rate of 12.8% (8.9%–17.9%) versus 4.9% (3.0%–7.9%) for ILR at 1 month (p<0.0001). Predictors for AF detection include duration of monitoring (p<0.0001) and age (p<0.0001) for ILRs, but only age for MCOTs (p<0.020).

Conclusion

MCOT has a higher rate of detection at 1 month and is less invasive. Beyond 1 month, compliance becomes a significant limitation for MCOT. MCOT may be a reasonable alternative AF screening tool for patients with cryptogenic stroke if ILR is not available.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022297782.
Use of multibiomarker disease activity scores in biosimilarity studies for the treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Kay Jonathan , Bock Amy E , Rehman Muhammad , Zhang Wuyan , Zhang Min , Iikuni Noriko , Alvarez Daniel F
Published: September 2022

Objectives

This exploratory analysis investigated the potential use of the multibiomarker disease activity (MBDA) score to support biosimilarity assessments using data from two randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of biosimilar infliximab (IFX-qbtx) and biosimilar adalimumab (ADL-afzb) versus EU-sourced infliximab (Remicade; IFX-EU) and adalimumab (Humira; ADL-EU) reference products, respectively, both conducted in adult patients with active rheumatoid arthritis.

Methods

In one study, patients (N=650) were randomised 1:1 to IFX-qbtx or IFX-EU (3 mg/kg intravenous at weeks 0, 2 and 6, then every 8 weeks). In the other, patients (N=597) were randomised 1:1 to ADL-afzb or ADL-EU (40 mg subcutaneous every other week). All treatments were given with MTX. Mean values of MBDA scores were calculated at baseline (BL), based on the concentrations of 12 serum proteins using the Vectra disease activity algorithm, and at timepoints throughout treatment period 1 (TP1) of the IFX (weeks 6, 14, 30) and ADL (weeks 6, 12, 26) studies. Data were summarised using descriptive statistics for the intent-to-treat population, without imputation for missing data.

Results

At BL, mean (±SD) MBDA scores were 61.3 (±12.5) and 58.8 (±13.2) for IFX-qbtx (n=236) and IFX-EU (n=248), respectively, and 57.2 (±14.44) and 58.3 (±15.34) for ADL-afzb (n=292) and ADL-EU (n=293), respectively. Mean MBDA scores were highly comparable between IFX-qbtx and IFX-EU and between ADL-afzb and ADL-EU at all measured timepoints during TP1 in each study.

Conclusions

These RCTs are the first to incorporate MBDA score as an exploratory assessment of biosimilarity. MBDA scores may provide objective, quantitative evidence of biosimilarity using an assessment of disease activity that is independent of the potential subjectivity inherent in joint counts, or in patient or physician global assessments.

Trial registration numbers

NCT02222493 and NCT02480153.
Web-based physical activity promotion in young people with CF: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Cox Narelle S , Eldridge Beverley , Rawlings Sarah , Dreger Julianna , Corda Jennifer , Hauser Jennifer , Button Brenda M , Bishop Jennifer R , Nichols Amanda , Middleton Anna , Ward Nathan , Dwyer Tiffany , Dentice Ruth , Lazarus Raynuka , O'Halloran Paul , Lee Joanna Y T , Mellerick Christie , Mackintosh Kelly , McNarry Melitta , Williams Craig Anthony , Holland Anne E
Published: September 2022

Background

Physical activity levels are known to decline following hospitalisation for people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF). However, optimal physical activity promotion strategies are unclear. This study investigated the effect of a web-based application (ActivOnline) in promoting physical activity in young pwCF.

Methods

Multicentre randomised controlled trial with assessor blinding and qualitative evaluation. People with CF (12–35 years) admitted to hospital for a respiratory cause were eligible and randomised to the 12-week ActivOnline intervention (AO) or usual care (UC). The primary outcome was change in device-based time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) from baseline to post-intervention. Follow-up was at 6 months from hospital discharge when qualitative evaluation was undertaken.

Results

107 participants were randomised to AO (n=52) or UC (n=55). Sixty-three participants (59%) contributed to the intention-to-treat analysis. Mean (SD) age was 21 (6) years (n=46, <18 years). At baseline, physical activity levels were high in both groups (AO 102 (52) vs UC 127 (73) min/day). There was no statistically significant difference in MVPA between groups at either timepoint (post-intervention mean difference (95% CI) −14 mins (−45 to 16)). Uptake of the intervention was low with only 40% (n=21) of participants accessing the web application.

Conclusion

A web-based application, including individualised goal setting, real-time feedback and motivation for behavioural change, was no better than usual care at promoting physical activity in young pwCF following hospital discharge. High levels of baseline physical activity levels in both groups, and limited engagement with the intervention, suggest alternative strategies may be necessary to identify and support young pwCF who would benefit from enhanced physical activity.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12617001009303, 13 July 13 2017.
Reconstruction of complex network from time series data based on graph attention network and Gumbel Softmax
Authors: Wang Zhitao , Jiang Weinuo , Wu Wenkai , Wang Shihong
Published: September 2022

It is a challenging practical problem to infer the network structure from measurable time series data. Recently, with the rapid development of graph deep learning, Zhang et al. [Appl. Netw. Sci. 4, 110 (2019)] applied graph neural network to the field of network reconstruction and proposed Gumbel Graph Network. In this paper, a graph deep learning network reconstruction method based on graph attention network and Gumbel Softmax (GAT-GS) is proposed, which can realize high accuracy network reconstruction and node state prediction of discrete and continuous systems. The GAT-GS model is designed based on the dynamic equation of nodes. It consists of two parts: a network structure learner to reconstruct a more real rather than functionally connected networks, based on Gumbel Softmax sampling to generate network structures; and a node state learner using graph attention networks to learn the state evolution of nodes, with the introduction of Laplacian matrix and adjacency matrix for better adaptation to diffusion coupling and unidirectional coupling systems. This model is trained to dynamically adjust the network adjacency matrix and attention coefficients to obtain the network structure and predict the node state. Experimental results show that the GAT-GS model has high reconstruction accuracy, strong robustness and high universality. It can be applied to various kinds of dynamic systems, including Coupled Map Lattice model and Lorenz system, can deal with time series data from regular to complete chaos, can reconstruct various kinds of complex networks, including regular network, Barabási–Albert network and Watts–Strogatz small world network, and it can also reconstruct networks from small scale to large scale with higher computational efficiency.
THE EFFECT OF PROVIDING PEER INFORMATION ON EVALUATION FOR GENDER-EQUALIZED AND ESG-ORIENTED FIRMS: AN INTERNET SURVEY EXPERIMENT
Authors: YAMAMURA EIJI
Published: September 2022

This study examines how providing peer information for evaluation of progressive firms changes individuals’ evaluations. From the large sample of two experimental surveys, it was found that providing peer information leads to a higher expectation of increasing stock prices and willingness to buy. The effect on willingness to buy is greater than the expected increase in stock prices. The effect on women is greater than on men. Individuals who prefer the environment (women’s empowerment) are more willing to buy pro-environment (gender-balanced) stocks when they have peer information. The effect of peer information is greater for individuals with warm-glow motivations.
Effect of double-constrained potential on the ground-state binding energy of magnetopolaron in a quantum well
Authors: Mei Jing-Hong , Zhang Bin , Xiao Jing-Lin , Sun Yong , Zhang Wei , Miao Xiu-Juan , Sarengaowa  , Ma Xin-Jun
Published: September 2022

This study aims at investigating the properties of magnetopolarons (MPs) in III–V compound semiconductors: GaP, GaAs and GaSb crystals. The obtained results from numerical calculation revealed that absolute value of ground-state (GS) binding energy [Formula: see text] of the magnetopolaron is affected by magnetic field, type of crystal as well as the parabolic and asymmetric Gaussian potentials, which leads to a series of interesting phenomena. The study of results obtained provides a good theoretical guidance on optoelectronic devices and quantum information. We have theoretically investigated the origins of these strange phenomena, and our findings provide sound theoretical direction for photoelectric technology and quantum information.
Inclusion of Biological and Chemical Self-Heating Processes in Compost Piles Model: A Semenov Formulation
Authors: Luangwilai T. , Sidhu H. S. , Nelson M. I.
Published: September 2022

In this study, a uniformly distributed mathematical model for the self-heating process within compost piles is formulated and investigated. It consists of mass balance equations for oxygen and energy as well as the heat-generation processes due to both biological and chemical activities. This model is an extension of the study of Luangwilai et al. [2013] which consists of only biological activity. The singularity and degenerate Hopf bifurcation theories are used to determine the loci of different singularities: the isola, cusp, double-limit points and boundary limit set as well as the double-Hopf, generalized Hopf (Bautin) and Bogdanov–Takens bifurcations. In this investigation it is found that these loci separate the secondary parameter plane into twenty-two regions of different steady-state solution behaviors, whereas the model in the earlier study reported only eight regions. With more topological detail in the parameter space, a clearer understanding of the thermal behavior of a compost pile can be obtained, thus assisting compost operators in controlling the temperature within the pile more effectively: for example, achieving desirable elevated temperature range for ideal composting conditions via periodic solutions and S-shaped solution branch, or alternatively, understanding conditions, if not monitored carefully, that can also increase the likelihood of spontaneous ignition within the pile.
Higher-Order Complex Periodic Motions in a Nonlinear, Electromagnetically Tuned Mass Damper System
Authors: Guo Chuan , Luo Albert C. J.
Published: September 2022

In this paper, the existence and bifurcations of higher-order complex periodic motions in a nonlinear, electromagnetically tuned mass damper system are studied through period-3, period-9, and period-12 motions. For such a nonlinear system, there exist three branches of period-3 motions, one branch of period-9 motions, and one branch of period-12 motion. The corresponding stability and bifurcations of periodic motions are determined. The frequency-amplitude characteristics for bifurcation routes of such higher-order periodic motions are presented. Numerical illustrations are presented for complex periodic motions. Higher-order unstable and stable periodic motions exist in nonlinear systems, which are difficult to control for energy harvesting and vibration reduction. The unstable higher-order periodic motions make the system responses more complicated. The higher-order stable and unstable periodic motions have been studied comprehensively. This study on periodic motions can help people better understand the dynamical behaviors of an electromagnetically tuned mass damper system under different excitation frequencies. The study of higher-order periodic motion stability and bifurcations will also benefit the new development and design of vibration reduction and energy harvesting systems.
Stability and Bifurcation Analysis of Two-Species Prey–Predator Model Incorporating External Factors
Authors: Priyanka M. , Muthukumar P. , Bhalekar Sachin
Published: September 2022

Constant prey refuge with immigration and harvesting in two species would result in significant diversity in the dynamics of a prey–predator population. The phrase “refuge” increases the likelihood of prey population survival in the face of a predator population. Based on these findings, we created and examined a two-species prey–predator system with immigration and harvesting factors, including refuge to only prey population. All ecologically possible equilibrium points are studied for the proposed system. Routh–Hurwitz stability criterion is used for local stability analysis. Global stability of the interior equilibrium point is examined with a suitable Lyapunov function. Local bifurcation of the proposed system, such as saddle-node bifurcation, is analyzed. The conditions for the emergence of this bifurcation at the critical threshold near the nonhyperbolic equilibrium point are established by utilizing Sotomayor’s theorem. The transversality condition is validated for the occurrence of Hopf-bifurcation. The first Lyapunov number is exploited for determining the nature of Hopf bifurcating periodic solution. Finally, numerical simulations are illustrated to validate our theoretical predictions.
PIECEWISE MODELING OF THE TRANSMISSION DYNAMICS OF CONTAGIOUS BOVINE PLEUROPNEUMONIA DEPENDING ON VACCINATION AND ANTIBIOTIC TREATMENT
Authors: KIRKPINAR SAIT , ABDULAZEEZ SADEQ TAHA , MODANLI MAHMUT
Published: September 2022

Atangana and Araz have introduced a new term called piecewise differentiation and integration which has been successfully applied to epidemiology in these days. This concept paves the way of seeing different patterns of modeling real-world problems. In this study, a mathematical model for the transmission dynamics of Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP) is considered and modified based on vaccination and antibiotic therapy by using these operators. This model is classified into six classes namely susceptible, exposed, vaccinated, infectious, continuously infected, and treated classes. The model is solved by a numerical scheme based on Newton interpolation polynomial. The existence and uniqueness of the model are investigated. Various patterns of piecewise concepts have been presented through the numerical figures.
AVERAGE TRAPPING TIME ON THE 3-DIMENSIONAL 3-LEVEL SIERPINSKI GASKET NETWORK WITH A SET OF TRAP NODES
Authors: ZHANG ZHIZHUO , WU BO
Published: September 2022

As a basic dynamic feature on complex networks, the property of random walk has received a lot of attention in recent years. In this paper, we first studied the analytical expression of the mean global first passage time (MGFPT) on the 3-dimensional 3-level Sierpinski gasket network. Based on the self-similar structure of the network, the correlation between the MGFPT and the average trapping time (ATT) is found, and then the analytical expression of the ATT is obtained. Finally, by establishing a joint network model, we further give the standard process of solving the analytical expression of the ATT when there is a set of trap nodes in the network. By illustrating examples and numerical simulations, it can be proved that when the trap node sets are different, the ATT will be quite different, but the super-linear relationship with the number of iterations will not be changed.
The Neglected Enterprising Family in Agriculture: A Review and a Proposal for a Research Agenda in Management Sciences
Authors: Labaki Rania , Cherni Maryem , Sauvée Loïc
Published: September 2022

While the UN’s proclaimed decade of family farming (2019-2029) unfolds, management research has still not sufficiently explored the enterprising family in agriculture. Our article aims at exploring the literature on agricultural family businesses in the field of management sciences, towards suggesting future research directions. We present an overview of the definitional efforts and specificities of these family businesses, followed by a systematic literature review over the past decade. Our analysis identifies three clusters of dimensions that underpin the existing knowledge: entrepreneurial behavior, succession process, and psychological dynamics, in relation with three major outcomes that are growth, resilience, and continuity. Building on the existing research limitations and the current research trends, we craft a comprehensive agenda for scholars to advance our understanding of enterprising families in agriculture.
RECOVERY PATHS AFTER CRISIS: RISK INTELLIGENCE AS ANTECEDENT OF ENTREPRENEURS’ RESILIENCE
Authors: MAGNANO PAOLA , PLATANIA MARCO , SANTISI GIUSEPPE
Published: September 2022

In recent years, markets have been hit by various crises, both economically and naturally. These shocks have highlighted how important it is for companies to be able to adapt with resilient behaviors. Entrepreneurs and their resilience capacity will play a very important role in the recovery process. Resilience is closely linked to other abilities such as risk intelligence; that is, the ability to look at uncertainty as an opportunity rather than a disadvantage or danger. The study assesses the relationship between these two constructs using a sample of entrepreneurs in the tourism sector within Italy. Analysis confirmed a relationship between subjective risk intelligence and resilience. These relations are explained by taking into consideration four aspects (imaginative capacity, problem-solving self-efficacy, attitude toward uncertainty and emotional stress management) included in risk intelligence, highlighting which of them contributed to explaining the three dimensions of the resilience construct (hardiness, resourcefulness and optimism).
THE EFFECT OF EFFECTUATION PRINCIPLES ON OPPORTUNITY EXPLOITATION BY ENTREPRENEURS IN A DEVELOPING ECONOMY
Authors: PACHO FRIDA
Published: September 2022

This study aims to explore the direct effect of effectual means (who I am, who I know, what I have) on the successful exploitation of opportunity by new ventures. Resource acquisition and strategy implementation ability are employed as indicators of opportunity exploitation. We also examine the mediating role of particular, effectual principles on the relationship between effectual means and opportunity exploitation. A total of 462 owners of early-stage small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Tanzania were surveyed. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and hierarchical regression were used to test a set of hypotheses. The results demonstrate that effectual means positively affected both resource acquisition ability and strategy implementation ability. Mediation effects differed based on the type of effectual means and different elements comprising opportunity exploitation. Implications are drawn from the results for theory and practice.
Building China’s National Carbon Market That Serves Carbon Peaking and Carbon Neutrality Goals
Authors: ZHANG Xin
Published: September 2022

This paper summarizes the new progress in building China’s national carbon market since 2020, and analyzes the connotation of China’s carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals (“dual carbon” goals) and its significance to socio-economic development in China. Through case analysis, this paper expounds the role of China’s recent carbon trading activities in promoting the transition toward green and low-carbon socio-economic development. On that basis, this paper conceives a top-level design for building the national carbon market that serves the “dual carbon” goals: building and improving the national carbon market that fundamentally serves as an emission reduction tool, developing the institutions and systems of the national carbon market with a focus on emission cap, creating a multilevel and diversified carbon trading scheme centered on the national carbon market, exploring a mechanism that takes carbon emission reduction as the core and promotes the synergistic effect of the carbon market with other environmental rights trading markets, and pursuing the healthy and orderly development of carbon finance that aims to serve carbon emission reduction.
Trajectory Planning using Transfer Learning and Wireless Sensor Network for Target Search Mobile Robot
Authors: Li Xiaofeng , Ren Jie , Li Yunbo
Published: September 2022

Trajectory planning is the core technology in the field of mobile robot research. However, the traditional trajectory planning algorithm has the problems of low accuracy and high complexity. Therefore, we propose a trajectory planning algorithm for target search mobile robot using transfer learning (TL) and wireless sensor network. First, the mobile robot motion model is constructed and converted into a linear motion model; Second, the robot kinematic constraints such as velocity, acceleration and position are analyzed; Then, the ultrasonic sensor is constructed to sense the robot's self and environmental information, and the path planning is performed by the combination of global planning and local planning. Finally, a combination of global planning and local planning is used for path planning, and the knowledge is learned from global planning based on TL, and the relevant factors of the global planning model are applied to local planning as the initial motion state factors of the robot to realize the trajectory planning of the target-search mobile robot. The results show that the fitting of the proposed algorithm and the optimal trajectory planning results is high, the reward value of robot training is higher, the trajectory planning velocity curve is smoother, and the space complexity of the proposed algorithm is much lower than other algorithms, the highest is only 23%, and the accuracy of trajectory planning is as high as 95.6%, which has practical applicability.
Automating Safety and Security Co-design through Semantically Rich Architecture Patterns
Authors: Dantas Yuri Gil , Nigam Vivek
Published: September 2022

During the design of safety-critical systems, safety and security engineers make use of architecture patterns, such as Watchdog and Firewall, to address identified failures and threats. Often, however, the deployment of safety architecture patterns has consequences on security; e.g., the deployment of a safety architecture pattern may lead to new threats. The other way around may also be possible; i.e., the deployment of a security architecture pattern may lead to new failures. Safety and security co-design is, therefore, required to understand such consequences and tradeoffs in order to reach appropriate system designs. Currently, architecture pattern descriptions, including their consequences, are described using natural language. Therefore, their deployment in system design is carried out manually by experts and thus is time-consuming and prone to human error, especially given the high system complexity. We propose the use of semantically rich architecture patterns to enable automated support for safety and security co-design by using Knowledge Representation and Reasoning (KRR) methods. Based on our domain-specific language, we specify reasoning principles as logic specifications written as answer-set programs. KRR engines enable the automation of safety and security co-engineering activities, including the automated recommendation of which architecture patterns can address failures or threats, and consequences of deploying such patterns. We demonstrate our approach on an example taken from the ISO 21434 standard.
Study of Mechanical Properties of Membrane-Electrode Assemblies for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells By the Small-Punch Technique
Authors: Hernández Rebeca , Merino Susana , Plaza Daniel , Duque Luis , Folgado M. Antonia , Chaparro Antonio M , Serrano Marta , de Diego Gonzalo
Published: September 2022

Mechanical properties of membrane-electrode assemblies (MEAs) for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) have been studied with the small-punch technique. MEAs were operated according to a non-accelerated aging protocol, with changes in humidification and cell temperature. After operation, degradation of the MEA is reflected by a decrease in power density, increase in the internal resistance, and decrease in open circuit voltage. Small disks (8 mm diam.) were taken from different locations of the degraded MEA to test the mechanical properties by small-punch. The results show an increase in plastic deflection and a decrease in maximum load of degraded MEAs, that result in lower apparent Young modulus. The degradation is larger in the area close to oxygen outlet. SEM microscopy shows that degradation affects majorly to the fibers of the carbon cloth gas diffusion layer (GDL). Combined small-punch and SEM correlate the change in mechanical properties on aged MEA with carbon fibers degradation. Such GDL degradation must also be principal responsible for the increase in the internal resistance.
Self-Standing MPL and Its In-Situ Liquid Water Measurement in PEFC
Authors: Ishikawa Yudai , Aihara Rikuo , Naito Hiroshi , Sakai Katsunori , Sasabe Takashi , Tanioka Akihiko , Hirai Shuichiro
Published: September 2022

In order to achieve high current density in PEFCs, it is necessary to suppress the increase in concentration overvoltage caused by the liquid water in the gas diffusion layer (GDL), especially in substrate layer. This study presents a thin self-standing microporous layer (MPL) to reduce liquid water accumulation in the GDL. The self-standing MPL was made by filling carbon particles into a carbon mesh specifically prepared for this study. The Cell performance was improved in the case of the self-standing MPL at high current density. Moreover, results of X-ray visualization showed that liquid water accumulation in the self-standing MPL was reduced compared to the case of the SIGRACET®️ 25BC.
Melamine Adsorbed Catalyst for Mitigating Phosphoric Acid Poisoning in High Temperature Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell
Authors: Kim Dong Hee , Kim Do-Hyung , Pak Chanho
Published: September 2022

Phosphoric acid poisoning of catalysts in the cathode is a major performance degradation factor of high-temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. Phosphoric acid is attached to the platinum surface and inhibits the ORR reaction. Thus, the surface treatment of Pt can block phosphoric acid. In this study, melamine is attached to the surface of commercial Pt/C at room temperature and pressure to form a melamine layer that can prevent phosphoric acid poisoning. The catalysts of various melamine concentrations were characterized by the optical method. In addition, an electrochemical evaluation was performed at a 1 M phosphoric acid concentration of the electrolyte. Catalysts with 20 mM or more of melamine attached to it form a sufficient melamine layer. These catalysts exhibited reduced performance loss in high concentrations of phosphoric acid electrolytes. In addition, an excessive amount of melamine layer at over 20 mM sample was beneficial to ORR activity in the high concentration of phosphoric acid.
Polarization Resistance of Ceria-Containing Fuel Electrodes in Solid Oxide Cells Studied By Impedance and DRT Analysis
Authors: Endo Naoki , Fukumoto Takuro , Tachikawa Yuya , Lyth Stephen Matthew , Matsuda Junko , Sasaki Kazunari
Published: September 2022

Solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) can be used to perform steam electrolysis in a process which is the reverse of power generation using a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFCs). They are capable of highly efficient hydrogen production. In this study, various model fuel electrode materials were compared and evaluated over a wide range of current densities in both SOFC and SOEC modes. Here, we prepared three types of cells: (i) with a conventional Ni-scandia-stabilized-zirconia (Ni-ScSZ) cermet fuel electrode, (ii) with a Ni-gadolinia-doped ceria (Gd0.1Ce0.9O2, Ni-GDC) cermet fuel electrode, and (iii) with a Ni-GDC co-impregnated fuel electrode fabricated by the co-impregnation method. The electrode reactions are characterized through measurements of electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS) and subsequent analysis of distribution of relaxation times (DRT). The results suggest that the use of mixed ionic and electronic conductor GDC as a fuel electrode material is advantageous especially in SOEC operation mode.
Solid Oxide Fuel Cells with 3D Inkjet Printing Modified LSM-YSZ Interface
Authors: Tian Jiashen , Dou Yan , Nian Qiong , Milcarek Ryan J
Published: September 2022

The geometry of the electrode/electrolyte interface is critical to solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) performance. Adding 3D microstructures on electrode/electrolyte interface may enhance the performance of SOFCs potentially. In this study, the pillar shape yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) 3D microstructures with ~ 60 m to 90 m diameter were fabricated by 3D inkjet printing on the interface of electrolyte and cathode to increase the TPB area and enhance the connection between the dense YSZ electrolyte and mixed YSZ ionic conductor. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) is utilized to assess the morphology and microstructure of the YSZ interface. To investigate the influence of the modified interface on the performance of the SOFC, electrochemical performance testing and characterization are conducted for the SOFCs with/without the modified YSZ layer. SOFCs performance is investigated with a different number of printed interfacial layers fabricated with the 3D inkjet printer.
Iron-Based Electrode Structures for Ammonia Electrosynthesis Cells with Proton-Conducting Ceramic Electrolytes
Authors: Okazaki Moe , Otomo Junichiro
Published: September 2022

Ammonia electrosynthesis was conducted using proton-conducting ceramic electrolysis cells in a single chamber supplied with mixed N2 and H2, to determine the active electrode regions for the electrochemical promotion of catalysis (EPOC). Cells with Fe-based cathodes of either a metal, cermet, or mixed ionic-electronic conductor (MIEC) structure were compared, to assess whether the triple-phase boundaries (TPBs) or the Fe catalyst surfaces are more effective for ammonia synthesis. Upon cathodic polarization at 600˚C, high ammonia formation rates on the order of 10−8 mol s−1 cm−2 were obtained with both Fe metal and Fe-BaZr0.8Y0.2O3 (Fe-BZY) cermet cathodes. Comparisons of the three electrode structures suggest that when H2 is also supplied to the cathode, ammonia formation occurring on bulk Fe surfaces leads to a greater promotional effect than that at TPBs. There also remains a possibility that the interfacial layer formed at the cathode-electrolyte interface due to cation interdiffusion aids ammonia formation.
Characteristics of Anodic Dissolution for Al-Cu Alloys in EmImCl-AlCl3 Ionic Liquid
Authors: Nunomura Junji , Matsushima Hisayoshi , Kyo Yoshihiko , Kojima Yoichi , Ueda Mikito
Published: September 2022

To produce high-purity Al from Al–Cu alloys, the dissolution behaviors of various Al–Cu binary alloy anodes in EmImCl–AlCl3 ionic liquid have been investigated at 323 K. In the constant potential electrolysis of the Al–5.0Cu casting alloy and cold-rolled plate at 0.3 V, Al atoms in the matrix phase were preferentially dissolved followed by the formation of Al2Cu surface species. The dissolution of both Al2Cu and Al in the alloy matrix occurred during electrolysis at 0.8 and 1.2 V. Moreover, a Cu-rich layer derived from Al2Cu was formed on the cold-rolled plate surface at a potential of 0.8 V and high electric charge densities. From the results, potential dependence of the anodic dissolution of the Al−Cu alloys in the ionic liquid was clarified.
(Digital Presentation) Electrodeposition of Uranium Dioxide from Li2MoO4-K2MoO4-MoO3 Based Melts: An Effect of Melt Composition
Authors: Volkovich Vladimir A. , Ryzhov Alexander A. , Kitik Milana S. , Smolenski Valeri V. , Chukin Andrey V. , Osipenko Aleksandr G. , Novoselova Alena V. , Poglyad Sergey S.
Published: September 2022

The effect of electrolysis conditions on the composition of cathodic products formed in Li2MoO4–K2MoO4–MoO3–UO2MoO4 melts was investigated. The experiments were performed in the melts based on (1–x)(0.605Li2MoO4–0.395K2MoO4)–xMoO3 mixtures (x = 0.3–0.5) at 550–800 oC. Electrolysis was performed in the galvanostatic mode on platinum cathode. The initial current density was varied between 0.05–1 A/cm2. Depending on the electrolysis conditions the cathodic deposits consisted of UO2+x, U4O9–y, U1,5Mo10O32, Mo2UO8 and MoO2 phases. Phase composition and oxygen-to-uranium ratio were determined for the products obtained. Conditions allowed obtaining uranium oxide with minimal molybdenum contamination were determined, and confirmed by the bulk electrolysis runs.
Anodic Behaviour of Ni-Fe-Cu electrode In Molten Fluoride Salts
Authors: Saevarsdottir Gudrun , Singh Kamaljeet , Haarberg Geir Martin , Bourmaud Milane , Padamata Sai Krishna Krishna
Published: September 2022

The anodic behaviour of NixFeyCuz alloy at different sodium- and potassium-cryolite based electrolyte compositions was examined by chronopotentiometry, galvanostatic polarisation, and linear sweep voltammetry at 1098 K. Steady-state anodic polarisation curves show anodic overpotential in electrolyte with molar ratio CR=(NaF+KF)/AlF3=1.4 is significantly less than in electrolyte with CR=1.3. Short-term galvanostatic polarisation curves indicate the potential difference between the anode and reference electrode (Al) was stable in electrolytes with CR=1.4 and potassium ratio KR=KF/(KF+NaF)=0.3 and CR=1.4 KR=0.35. Linear sweep voltammetry method indicates the presence of a diffusion controlled reaction at a potential below onset of oxygen evolution, which can likely be attributed to oxide formation. The diffusion coefficient obtained from linear sweep voltammetry and chronopotentiometry are within a similar range. Tafel curves confirm the presence of a reaction below the potential of oxygen evolution, but indicate a similar overpotential level for the oxygen evolving reaction as for carbon anodes.
(Digital Presentation) Quantum Chemical Investigation of Samarium Complexes Stability in a Model System 18MX+M3SmX6 (X = F, Cl and M = Na, K, Rb, Cs)
Authors: Stulov Yuriy V. , Kuznetsov Sergey A
Published: September 2022

Interaction regularities of the complex particle SmX6
3- (X – F-, Cl-) with an outer-sphere shell and an external environment were studied by quantum chemistry methods. A direct calculation of the interaction energies of the fragments of the second coordination sphere both with the complex itself and with a fragment of the external environment was performed. In all studied systems, the composition of the most stable particle was 3M+∙SmX6
3- (M – Na, K, Rb, Cs). It was concluded the formation of stable particles "complex-outer-sphere shell". In the first approximation, it was assumed that the content of particles will be proportional to the energy of its formation. In all studied model systems, the content of 3M+∙SmX6
3- particles was higher than that of the others and amounts to 22-28%. The content of 2M+∙SmX6
3- and 4M+∙SmX6
3- particles was 18-23% and 21-24%, respectively. The obtained results are in a good agreement with the results of Raman spectroscopy.