bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DIZAJN AMBALAŽE ZA HRANU I UPOTREBA SPECIJALNIH TEHNIKA U ŠTAMPI NA REGIONALNOM TRŽIŠTU
Authors: Babić Aleksandar
Published: October 2021

Dizajn ambalaže predstavlja jednu od najkompleksnijih disciplina grafičkog dizajna. Pored standardne problematike kreativnog procesa i stvaranja primenjenog dizajna koji odgovara marketinškim i drugim zahtevima tržišta, dizajn ambalaže ograničen je određenim tehničkim karakteristikama. Proizvodnja ambalaže na tržištu Republike Srbije i Bosne i Hercegovine značajno je napredovala u poslednje dve dekade, prateći svetske trendove u pogledu materijala i tehnika štampe. Ipak, vrlo često, zbog nepoznavanja celokupnog procesa kreiranja ambalaže i nedovoljne komunikacije prilikom produkcije, dolazi do određenih problema na relaciji dizajner/agencija – klijent – štampa. Takođe, utvrdili smo da štamparske kompanije često imaju probleme u komunikaciji sa klijentima i dizajnerima, koji ne razumeju proces štampe, nemaju adekvatna dizajnerska rešenja i pripreme za štampu, te očekuju nerealne rezultate. Fokus ovog istraživanja odnosi se na aktuelne trendove u pogledu vrste ambalaže, tehnika štampe, specifičnih materijala i dorade, kao i njihovih implikacija na dizajn ambalaže i sam kreativni proces. Osnovni izazov istraživanja bila je analiza tržišta pakovanja ambalaže za hranu u regionu, te klasifikovanje raspoloživih standardnih i specijalnih tehnika štampe u odnosu na praktičnu primenu dizajna u praksi. Kako bi došli do klasifikacije i određenja navedenih elemenata, primenili smo kvalitativnu strategiju istraživanja, koristeći metode dubinskog intervjua kao i kvalitativne analize sadržaja. U okviru istraživanja našle su se neke od najvećih štamparskih kompanija u regionu, prehrambeni proizvođači i reklamna agencija.
UTJECAJ KAIZEN JAPANSKE FILOZOFIJE POSLOVNOG USPJEHA NA EKONOMSKE PERFORMANSE I POVEĆANJE KONKURENTNOSTI PREDUZEĆA
Authors: Arnaut Edin , Rizvan Admir
Published: October 2021

U današnje vrijeme većina preduzeća se nalazi pred velikim izazovima. Poremećaji u međunarodnoj ekonomiji utiču na makroekonomske indikatore koji se eksplicitno prenose i na mikroekonomsku razinu. To se negativno odražava na ekonomske performanse i konkurentnost multinacionalnih preduzeća, a još intenzivnije na MSP sektor. Tu se posebno misli na uticaj korona virusa na ekonomske procese u zemlji i Svijetu. Educiran i stručan menadžment, kao i kvalificirani zaposlenici su najbitniji faktor u procesu rješavanja problema u kriznom periodu. Do poboljšanja može doći primjenom inovacija, a što je opće prihvaćeni model neoliberalnog kapitalizma. Također je interesantan i model Kaizen filozofije po kojoj se poslovni procesi mijenjaju postepeno, korak po korak, a što je možda prihvatljivije za zemlje u tranziciji. Kaizen bi u vrijeme krize mogao znatno utjecati na efikasnost i efektivnost u preduzećima. Namjera autora je da ovim radom istraže i ukažu na činjenicu primjene adekvatnog modaliteta Kaizen filozofije koji bi mogao biti apliciran i u bosansko-hercegovačkoj ekonomiji, kroz primjenu u MSP sektoru, a koji bi eksplicitno uticao na njen ubrzan ekonomski razvoj.
Mycoplasma pneumoniae Infections in a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Agca Harun
Published: October 2021

Background: Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common causative agent of community-acquired and atypical pneumonia. M. pneumoniae-associated respiratory tract infections are most often mild and self-limiting in nature, and severe courses of disease are not common.

Aims and Objectives: We aimed to analyze respiratory samples of hospitalized patients by real-time (RT) PCR for M. pneumoniae infections.

Methodology: In this study, hospitalized patients with respiratory symptoms including nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, nasal discharge, wheezing, sore throat and cough, were tested for Mycoplasma pneumoniae between April 2018 and March 2020 and the results of these patients were analyzed retrospectively.

Results: We retrospectively investigated the results of 1245 nasopharyngeal swab samples. Records of 693 (55.7%) male and 552 (44.3%) female patients between 0-93 years were investigated.All of the patients were below 26 years. There were 37 M. pneumoniae positive patients and the highest M. pneumoniae positivity was in 2-5 age group, with 16 children. M. pneumoniae positivity rate was highest in the 0-1 age group with 8.3%. There were 19 co-infections with viruses and rhino/enterovirus (n=12) was the most frequent accompanying virus.

Conclusion: M. pneumonia infections are found in about 3% of respiratory samples. M. pneumoniae is usually a part of co-infections accompanied by bacteria and viruses. Patients with respiratory infection symptoms should be diagnosed with multiplex rapid PCR panels including M. pneumoniae.
Pharmacognostical, Phytochemical and Gas Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy Profiling of Stenosiphonium russellianum Nees
Authors: Mahalakshmi G. , Kavitha B. , Balachandran N. , Kavimani S.
Published: October 2021

Stenosiphonium russellianum Nees. is rarely known species belongs to the family Acanthaceae and it is a shrub, found above 500m on slopes of mountain. It was traditionally used for wound healing in and as blood purifier. The current study designed to provide the requisite pharmacognostical and phytochemical properties of Stenosiphonium russellianum. Pharmacognostical studies like microscopic and macroscopic analysis of the leaves were carried out. Physiochemical parameter and preliminary phytochemical screening for secondary metabolite were also performed. Extracts were taken from nonpolar to polar solvants like hexane, diethyl ether, ethyl acetate, alcohol and water. Their extractive values are calculated. GCMS analysis of hexane, diethyl ether, ethyl acetate and ethanol extract of the leaves of Stenosiphonium russellianum were studied. Preliminary phytochemical evaluation showed the presence of alkaloids, phytosterols and glycosides. GCMS analysis revealed the presence compounds like lupeol, gamma sitosterol and stigmasterols. In conclusion, the information obtained from these studies can be used as markers in the identification and standardization of this plant as an herbal remedy and also towards further pharmacological activity estimation.
Evaluation of Antibacterial Activity between Medical Plant Extracts and Antibiotics against Bacterial Isolates from Tonsillitis
Authors: Al-Khafaji Angham Najah
Published: October 2021

Objectives: Acute tonsillitis is an inflammatory process of tonsil tissue and is usually infectious. Acute tonsillitis starts suddenly and usually disappears within one to two weeks. This study aims to isolate bacteria from patients with infectious tonsillitis and determine the antibacterial activity of Mentha piperita L, Citrus aurantium, banana peel extract and antibiotics including penicillin, ampicillin, oxacillin, meropenem, tobramycin, gentamicin, levofloxacin, and clarithromycin against bacteria.

Methods: Were Collected 60 clinical samples of sputum and throat swabs from patients with tonsillitis admitted to AL-Furat Alawsait Hospital in Najaf. The samples were cultured in blood, MacConkey agar, and incubated at 37°C for 24 hours, and then the Vitek2 system was used for diagnosis to detect G + ve and G-ve bacteria.

Results: It was found that out of 60 sputum samples and throat swabs, 15 cases were gram positive bacteria, while 45 gram negative bacteria. As revealed by the in vitro agar well diffusion method, it was found that the aqueous extracts of these plants, especially Mentha piperita, have strong antibacterial activity against a variety of pathogens. The results show that Mentha is very effective at all concentrations used in this study (125, 250, 500, 1000) mg / ml in all bacteria isolated from tonsillitis. The zone of greatest inhibition of Mentha, Citrus anrantium and banana peel extract was 30, 28, 25 mm at concentrations of 1000 mg / ml respectively. Used eight selected antibiotics, including (penicillin, ampicillin, oxacillin, meropenem, tobramycin, gentamicin, levofloxacin, and clarithromycin).  To shows the susceptibility of  all bacteria isolates used in this study, the best antibiotics to sensitive for all bacteria (Meropenem and Levofloxacin ), while the resistance to oxacillin.

Conclusion: The selected commonly used aqueous extracts have been tested for their antibacterial activity against multi drug-resistant bacteria, and it is believed that their extracts can be used for multi drug-resistant bacteria that can cause nosocomial and community-acquired infections.
Severe COVID-19 Case with HRCT Score of 25/25: A Survival Story
Authors: Shah Param , Mahajan Satish , Kumar Sunil , Acharya Sourya , Vohra Mona , Bagga Charan , Talwar Dhruv
Published: October 2021

With the rapid spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome SARS-CoV2, the incidence of the disease is increasing each day with a higher infectivity rate and unpredictable morbidity and mortality. The second wave in India has higher morbidity and mortality compared to the previous wave of SARS-Cov2. With the increasing trend of screening hypoxic patients with high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of thorax, treatment modalities, and investigational approaches have changed drastically. Here we report a case of a 31-year-old female who presented to a tertiary care centre in the rural area with a history of fever five days back and a history of breathlessness of 3 days duration and dry cough of 3 days duration. She was hypoxic on admission and later on diagnosed with SARS-Cov2 infection. HRCT thorax revealed a CT severity score of 25/25. She was treated according to standard treatment protocols. The patient was discharged after 46 days with normal oxygen saturation on room air. The aim of this case study is to emphasize the wholesome approach in the management of COVID-19.
SBRT of ventricular tachycardia using 4pi optimized trajectories
Authors: Q. M. Reis Cristiano , Little Brian , Lee MacDonald Robert , Syme Alasdair , Thomas Christopher G. , Robar James L.
Published: October 2021

Purpose

To investigate the possible advantages of using 4pi‐optimized arc trajectories in stereotactic body radiation therapy of ventricular tachycardia (VT‐SBRT) to minimize exposure of healthy tissues.

Methods and materials

Thorax computed tomography (CT) data for 15 patients were used for contouring organs at risk (OARs) and defining realistic planning target volumes (PTVs). A conventional trajectory plan, defined as two full coplanar arcs was compared to an optimized‐trajectory plan provided by a 4pi algorithm that penalizes geometric overlap of PTV and OARs in the beam's‐eye‐view. A single fraction of 25 Gy was prescribed to the PTV in both plans and a comparison of dose sparing to OARs was performed based on comparisons of maximum, mean, and median dose.

Results

A significant average reduction in maximum dose was observed for esophagus (18%), spinal cord (26%), and trachea (22%) when using 4pi‐optimized trajectories. Mean doses were also found to decrease for esophagus (19%), spinal cord (33%), skin (18%), liver (59%), lungs (19%), trachea (43%), aorta (11%), inferior vena cava (25%), superior vena cava (33%), and pulmonary trunk (26%). A median dose reduction was observed for esophagus (40%), spinal cord (48%), skin (36%), liver (72%), lungs (41%), stomach (45%), trachea (53%), aorta (45%), superior vena cava (38%), pulmonary veins (32%), and pulmonary trunk (39%). No significant difference was observed for maximum dose (p = 0.650) and homogeneity index (p = 0.156) for the PTV. Average values of conformity number were 0.86 ± 0.05 and 0.77 ± 0.09 for the conventional and 4pi optimized plans respectively.

Conclusions

4pi optimized trajectories provided significant reduction to mean and median doses to cardiac structures close to the target but did not decrease maximum dose. Significant improvement in maximum, mean and median doses for noncardiac OARs makes 4pi optimized trajectories a suitable delivery technique for treating VT.
Fears of diversion allayed somewhat by NIDA buprenorphine study
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: October 2021

A study of buprenorphine prescribing for opioid use disorder (OUD) from 2015 to 2019 has found that misuse of the drug decreased during that time period. The study, by researchers from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), which funded the development of buprenorphine for OUD, was published last week in JAMA Network Open.
Selective Effects of the Host Matrix in Hydrogenated InGaAsN Alloys: Toward an Integrated Matrix/Defect Engineering Paradigm
Authors: Filippone Francesco , Younis Saeed , Mattioli Giuseppe , Felici Marco , Blundo Elena , Polimeni Antonio , Pettinari Giorgio , Giubertoni Damiano , Sterzer Eduard , Volz Kerstin , Fekete Dan , Kapon Eli , Amore Bonapasta Aldo
Published: October 2021

In dilute nitride InyGa1−yAs1−xNx alloys, a spatially controlled tuning of the energy gap can be realized by combining the introduction of N atoms—inducing a significant reduction of this parameter—with that of hydrogen atoms, which neutralize the effect of N. In these alloys, hydrogen forms N–H complexes in both Ga‐rich and In‐rich N environments. Here, photoluminescence measurements and thermal annealing treatments show that, surprisingly, N neutralization by H is significantly inhibited when the number of In‐N bonds increases. Density functional theory calculations account for this result and reveal an original, physical phenomenon: only in the In‐rich N environment, the InyGa1−yAs host matrix exerts a selective action on the N–H complexes by hindering the formation of the complexes more effective in the N passivation. This thoroughly overturns the usual perspective of defect‐engineering by proposing a novel paradigm where a major role pertains to the defect‐surrounding matrix.
Natural and social science approaches are both needed to manage bird bycatch in small‐scale fisheries
Authors: Psuty Iwona , Całkiewicz Joanna
Published: October 2021

Puck Bay is one of the most important resting and wintering places for seabirds in the Baltic Sea. It is also an important, intensively used fishery ground for traditional small‐scale fisheries operating with gillnets.

The protection measures proposed in the consultation for the Natura 2000 Puck Bay conservation plan encountered considerable resistance from small‐scale fishermen. The most serious problem was the gap in scientific knowledge and the proposed closure of gillnets in a substantial area of the bay for the period from November to April.

The conditions of bird bycatch in Puck Bay for the period from 1 October 2014 to the end of April 2015 are considered from two perspectives: modelling of bycatch data collected during pilot monitoring by direct on‐board observation together with voluntary fishery logbooks and content analysis of fishermen's interviews. The results from both attempts indicate that solutions to minimize bird bycatch should be sought for winter (December–February) and for all net types. Bycatch is also influenced by depth and fishing area. The modelling results indicate that fishing time is also important.

The bycatch in Puck Bay between October 2014 and April 2015 was estimated at 1,332 birds (95% confidence interval: 789–2,898). The estimation was subject to additional uncertainty due to quantitative data limitations.

In conflicting situations that require fisheries management to protect the environment, the use of fisheries knowledge through social science methods is essential. The barrier to such interdisciplinary research seems to be a lack of trust not only between fishermen and scientists but also between natural and social scientists.

Fishery management in Puck Bay should be based on the combination of continuous bird and bird bycatch monitoring with the integration of local fishery knowledge to minimize the scale of bycatch.
Fixed‐time extended state observer‐based trajectory tracking control for autonomous underwater vehicles
Authors: Zheng Jiaqi , Song Lei , Liu Lingya , Yu Wenbin , Zhu Shanying , Wang Yiyin , Chen Cailian
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we investigate the trajectory tracking control problem for autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) with time‐varying external disturbances of currents and waves in the sea. To solve the problem, a fixed‐time extended state observer (FTESO)‐based tracking controller is proposed. Firstly, by using the extended state observer, the FTESO is proposed for estimating the external disturbances and the velocities of the AUV within the fixed convergence time. Based on the FTESO, the fixed‐time controller is proposed for reducing the tracking errors and improving robustness performance. Theoretical analysis is given, which shows that the unknown external disturbances can be compensated and tracking error can converge to zero within the fixed time. Simulation results show that the proposed FTESO controller not only guarantees the fixed‐time convergence but also reduces the trajectory tracking errors of the AUV.
Improved sampled data fuzzy controller for nonlinear system: The event‐triggered approach
Authors: Tan Lihua , Li Chuandong , He Xing , Huang Tingwen
Published: October 2021

This paper mainly focuses on the stability analysis and sampled data controller synthesis for nonlinear system represented by the Takagi–Sugeno (T‐S) fuzzy model. To avoid network congestion and save control resource, the event‐triggered communication strategy is applied. A novel fuzzy time‐dependent Lyapunov–Krosovskii functional (LKF) is proposed by compromising the fuzzy membership function and the sampling pattern; an improved stability criterion with less conservativeness and the sampled data controller synthesis manner are proposed with the help of the extended reciprocally convex inequality. Besides that, a collaborative algorithm to optimize the corresponding control variables of sampled data control gain and the event‐triggered communication mechanism is established. Finally, the practical applicability and validity as well as the advantage of the proposed method are illustrated in the simulation part.
Sliding mode control for underactuated system with input constraint based on RBF neural network and Hurwitz stability analysis
Authors: Ji Ning , Liu Jinkun
Published: October 2021

The sliding mode control method is proposed for a class of underactuated systems with input constraint in this paper. The properties of hyperbolic tangent function are used to deal with input constraint. Furthermore, a radial basis function (RBF) neural network is adopted to achieve the approximation of the unknown function and the projection mapping operator is used to further guarantee the bounded approximation. The control law is designed by using the Lyapunov's direct method, and the stability is conducted by using Hurwitz stability analysis. In the simulation part, two examples are listed, including a simple underactuated system and an underactuated inverted pendulum system, which can all be transformed into the model style studied in this paper to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed control law. At last, the conclusion is summarized.
Physiologically‐Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling to Investigate the Effect of Maturation on Buprenorphine Pharmacokinetics in Newborns with Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome
Authors: van Hoogdalem Matthijs W. , Johnson Trevor N. , McPhail Brooks T. , Kamatkar Suyog , Wexelblatt Scott L. , Ward Laura P. , Christians Uwe , Akinbi Henry T. , Vinks Alexander A. , Mizuno Tomoyuki
Published: October 2021

Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) is a major public health concern whose incidence has paralleled the opioid epidemic in the United States. Sublingual buprenorphine is an emerging treatment for NOWS, but given concerns about long‐term adverse effects of perinatal opioid exposure, precision dosing of buprenorphine is needed. Buprenorphine pharmacokinetics (PK) in newborns, however, is highly variable. To evaluate underlying sources of PK variability, a neonatal physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model of sublingual buprenorphine was developed using Simcyp (version 19.1). The PBPK model included metabolism by cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4, CYP2C8, UDP‐glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) 1A1, UGT1A3, UGT2B7, and UGT2B17, with additional biliary excretion. Maturation of metabolizing enzymes was incorporated, and default CYP2C8 and UGT2B7 ontogeny profiles were updated according to recent literature. A biliary clearance developmental profile was outlined using clinical data from neonates receiving sublingual buprenorphine as NOWS treatment. Extensive PBPK model validation in adults demonstrated good predictability, with geometric mean (95% confidence interval (CI)) predicted/observed ratios (P/O ratios) of area under the curve from zero to infinity (AUC0–∞), peak concentration (Cmax), and time to reach peak concentration (Tmax) equaling 1.00 (0.74–1.33), 1.04 (0.84–1.29), and 0.95 (0.72–1.26), respectively. In neonates, the geometric mean (95% CI) P/O ratio of whole blood concentrations was 0.75 (95% CI 0.64–0.87). PBPK modeling and simulation demonstrated that variability in biliary clearance, sublingual absorption, and CYP3A4 abundance are likely important drivers of buprenorphine PK variability in neonates. The PBPK model could be used to guide development of improved buprenorphine starting dose regimens for the treatment of NOWS.
Steps toward a System of IRB Precedent: Piloting Approaches to Summarizing IRB Decisions for Future Use
Authors: Seykora Andrea , Coleman Carl , Rosenfeld Stephen J. , Bierer Barbara E. , Lynch Holly Fernandez
Published: October 2021

Institutional review boards (IRBs) have been criticized for inconsistency and lack of transparency in decision‐making, problems that undermine both trust in their ability to protect human research participants and respect for their decisions among researchers. The absence of robust documentation of their decisions and the inability or unwillingness to share those decisions together represent a missed opportunity for IRBs to learn from one another and advance debates about challenging ethical issues. The concept of IRB precedent, modeled upon the system of legal precedent, has been proposed as a potential solution to these problems. In theory, an IRB faced with a review decision could look back at previous IRB decisions, either its own or those of other boards, made in similar studies or circumstances to guide the present decision. Some IRBs attempt this informally within their institution, but few examples of a structured system of IRB precedent have been described in the literature, and none has been widely adopted. This article describes a pilot project to summarize IRB decisions in a way that could facilitate their use as precedent by creating a documentation tool that meets four criteria—comprehensiveness, validity, searchability, and efficiency. Though this process turned out to be more challenging than expected, we identified key features of such a tool that holds promise for future development and could promote more consistent, robust IRB decision‐making and advance discourse in human research ethics.
Assessing frailty indicators in the context of psychiatric disorder: A Delphi consensus study
Authors: Sutton Jennifer L. , Gould Rebecca L. , Howard Robert J.
Published: October 2021

Objectives

Substantial construct overlap exists between indicators of frailty and symptoms of some psychiatric disorders. This study aimed to gain consensus of expert academic opinion on the potential impact of psychiatric illness on frailty assessment and how best to conceptualise and measure frailty indicators in the context of psychiatric symptoms.

Design

A classic Delphi approach was employed across two studies to achieve consensus: The first‐round questionnaire consisted of open‐ended questions, analysed through content analysis. The results informed the development of statements for participants to rate their agreement with in subsequent Delphi rounds. Statements with ≥66% agreement were accepted. Delphi Study 1 recruited experts in frailty assessment (n = 13) and Delphi Study 2 recruited experts in frailty and psychiatric disorder (n = 8). Experts were recruited globally.

Results

Overall, 40% of Delphi Study 1 statements and 43% of Delphi Study 2 statements were accepted. Primarily, consensus was reached for statements concerning the influence of depression/anxiety on frailty assessment and potential methods of conceptualising and measuring frailty indicators in the context of psychiatric symptoms. Little consensus was reached concerning the ease and importance of differentiating between frailty indicators and psychiatric assessment criteria with substantial overlap.

Conclusions

The Delphi studies provide a novel exploration and consensus of expert academic opinions concerning the assessment of frailty indicators in the context of psychiatric symptoms. The results will inform future research into the adaptation or development of a frailty assessment tool specifically for use in older adult psychiatric populations.
Performance evaluation of Elecsys SARS‐CoV‐2 Antigen immunoassay for diagnostic of COVID‐19
Authors: Montalvo Villalba María C. , Sosa Glaria Elena , Rodriguez Lay Licel de los A. , Valdés Ramirez Odalys , Vallina García Dayana , Arencibia Garcia Amely , Martinez Alfonso Javier , Menes Llerena Dunia M. , Torres Pérez Loida , Resik Aguirre Sonia R. , Guzman Tirado Maria G.
Published: October 2021

One of the challenges for control and prevention of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection is the early diagnostic at the point of care. Several tests based on qualitative antigen detection have been developed; one of these is Elecsys SARS‐CoV‐2 Antigen immunoassay (Roche Diagnostics). In total, 523 nasopharyngeal swabs were randomly selected with the aims to evaluate sensitivity, specificity, cross‐reactivity, positive and negative predictive value (PPV, NPV), and agreement of Elecsys SARS‐CoV‐2 Antigen immunoassay using reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) STAT‐NAT® coronavirus disease‐2019 as reference test. Cross‐reactivity was estimated using samples positive by RT‐PCR to other respiratory viruses (influenza virus, parainfluenza virus, rhinovirus, coronavirus OC43, and HKU1). The overall sensitivity of Elecsys SARS‐CoV‐2 Antigen was 89.72% (288/321); specificity was 90.59% (183/202); and cross‐reactivity to other respiratory viruses were not detected. Elecsys SARS‐CoV‐2 Antigen immunoassay showed a high sensitivity in samples with cycle threshold value <30, which ranged from 92.81% to 95.40%, independently of symptoms. PPV and NPV were 93.81% and 84.72%, respectively. The κ coefficient was 0.79 (95% confidence interval: 0.73–0.84), showing substantial agreement between both tests. The results suggest Elecsys SARS‐CoV‐2 Antigen immunoassay could be used as an alternative to RT‐PCR testing, or in complement with it, to identify infectious individuals and reduce SARS‐CoV‐2 transmission.
An inquiry into transformational leadership, knowledge management strategies, and employee creativity
Authors: Lee Joonghee , Seol Hyun Do
Published: October 2021

This paper aims to propose that knowledge management strategies (KMS) and transformational leadership (TFL) could be ways of enhancing the two components of individual creativity (domain‐relevant skills and creative‐thinking skills), as well as examine the mediating role of knowledge sharing (KS). A theoretical model concerning the connections between two KMS (codification and personalization), TFL, and the two components of individual creativity is proposed. The model is then empirically tested using partial least squares (PLS) of a survey data set of 287 employees of 42 companies in South Korea. TFL is significantly linked with the domain‐relevant skills and creative‐thinking skills via KS. Further, codification and personalization strategies are only indirectly associated with domain‐relevant skills via KS. This paper produces knowledge on a type of consequence of KMS that has been largely unexplored in previous research, the effect of KMS on individual creativity. Also, it promotes moving the KM literature to the next stage where the impact of KM practices is a contingent and contextual issue.
A case for addressing the unresolved role of permeable shelf sediments in ocean denitrification
Authors: Chua Emily J. , Huettel Markus , Fennel Katja , Fulweiler Robinson W.
Published: October 2021

The marine nitrogen cycle is a main driver of ocean productivity and affects global climate. Despite decades of study, we still have an incomplete understanding of the role of the marine nitrogen cycle in the Earth system. While marine sediments play a major role in nitrogen cycling in the ocean, magnitudes and mechanisms are largely unconstrained. Recent research suggests that permeable sandy sediments on the highly energetic and dynamic continental shelf are key components of the marine nitrogen cycle, but data to quantify their contribution are lacking. Here, we use insights from measurements and modeling studies to substantiate the hypothesis that shelf sediments are an overlooked driver of the marine nitrogen cycle. Specifically, we propose that permeable shelf sediments are sites for intense nitrogen conversions and suggest a three‐pronged approach to address unresolved controversies.
Construction and Properties of Double‐Crosslinked Hydrogels Based on Host–Guest Interactions/UV Polymerization
Authors: Li Huayu , Kuang Lei , Li Jinlong , Zhu Yunping
Published: October 2021

Supramolecular hydrogels based on host–guest interactions have inherent flaw that the host molecules easily slide on or fall off the linear guest molecules, causing collapse of the networks. Hence, a double‐crosslinking strategy is introduced in this study. The primary crosslinking formed via host–guest interactions between α‐cyclodextrin (α‐CD) and poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate (PEGDMA) or between α‐CD and four‐arm poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate (4arm PEG‐MA). Then, secondary networks among PEGDMA or 4arm PEG‐MA formed via UV‐induced crosslinking. Results show that the fracture stress and fracture strain of PEGDMA‐α‐CD double‐crosslinked hydrogels (P‐C‐U) increases up to 0.63 MPa and 71%, respectively, which significantly affected by molecular weight of PEGDMA. The double‐crosslinking strategy helps increase the toughness up to 12.9 MJ m−3 (P6k‐0.025M‐C‐U) and 17.23 MJ m−3 (4P10k‐0.025M‐C‐U), as well as impart a certain degree of fatigue resistance to both PEGDMA hydrogels and 4arm‐PEG‐MA hydrogels, which is believed to be due to the energy dissipation mechanism introduced in the structure. The swelling capacity of double‐crosslinked hydrogels is decreased compared to that with single‐UV‐crosslinked hydrogels, may be because the double‐crosslinking strategy increases the crosslinking density of the hydrogel structure. In addition, both the molecular weight and concentration of PEGDMA and 4arm‐PEG‐MA influences the swelling capacity of the double‐crosslinked hydrogels.
Ineffective implementation of corporate governance? A call for greater transparency to reduce agency cost
Authors: Tahir Samya , Nazir Mian Sajid , Qamar Muhammad Ali Jibran , Boyer M. Martin
Published: October 2021

This study uses a moderated‐mediation model to examine the conditional indirect effect of corporate governance on agency cost. Based on a sample of 155 firms during the period of 2013–2019, results of our study are consistent with agency cost hypothesis that managers and controlling shareholders make suboptimal investments when disclosure quality is less in firms. The findings of the study have implications for regulatory bodies responsible for ensuring the effective execution of corporate governance mechanisms. Likewise, in response to calls for additional control devices such as voluntary disclosures, it is important to set voluntary reporting standards.
Urinary 11‐dehydrothromboxane B2 aspirin efficacy testing is sensitive to perioperative inflammation in pediatric solid‐organ transplant patients
Authors: Boucher Alexander A. , Francisco Brenton J. , Pfeiffer Amanda , Martin Matthew , Martin Janine , Shova Amy , Nathan Jaimie D. , Tiao Gregory M. , Luchtman‐Jones Lori
Published: October 2021

Background

Evidence for aspirin efficacy testing in pediatrics is limited, especially outside of cardiology, yet thrombotic events have high morbidity in other areas such as pediatric transplant surgery. Debates about whether thromboembolic events while on aspirin represent “aspirin resistance” or “high on‐treatment platelet reactivity” persist, given the poor intertest agreement between testing platforms.

Procedure

This prospective observational study involved measuring aspirin efficacy using ex vivo testing of platelet aggregation (VerifyNow‐Aspirin, VN) and urine 11‐dehydrothromboxane B2 (AsprinWorks, UTxB2) contemporaneously at up to three time points after major noncardiac organ transplant surgery. The collection days (CD) were the second and seventh days after stable aspirin dosing and then a convalescent time point 2‐9 months later.

Results

Fifty‐five participants (age range, 0‐21 years) were enrolled, having undergone total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation (N = 36), orthotopic liver transplantation (N = 18), and combined liver‐kidney transplantation (N = 1). Platelet reactivity measured by VN remained unchanged, whereas UTxB2, which was elevated postoperatively, decreased significantly from CD1 to CD2 and CD3. Discordance in therapeutic efficacy was noted per manufacturer cutoffs, with therapeutic VN results in 86% of tests, whereas 12% of UTxB2 were therapeutic. Age‐based stratification of UTxB2 results using previously published pediatric median levels increased overall UTxB2 therapeutic rates (80%) and intertest concordance (67% vs 27% if using adult range). No thrombotic events were observed.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that urine thromboxane production may be an underappreciated reflection of postoperative inflammation. Validation of pediatric normal ranges for UTxB2 is a critical next step.
Proteomic analysis of the lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) heart and blood: The beginning of a comprehensive lake trout protein database
Authors: Dupree Emmalyn J. , Manzoor Zaen , Alwine Shelby , Crimmins Bernard S. , Holsen Thomas M. , Darie Costel C.
Published: October 2021

Lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) are a top‐predator species in the Laurentian Great Lakes that are often used as bioindicators of chemical stressors in the ecosystem. Although many studies are done using these fish to determine concentrations of stressors like legacy persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic chemicals, there are currently no proteomic studies on the biological effects these stressors have on the ecosystem. This lack of proteomic studies on Great Lakes lake trout is because there is currently no complete, comprehensive protein database for this species. Here, we employed proteomics approaches to develop a lake trout protein database that could aid in future research on this fish, in particular exposomics and adductomics. The current study utilized heart tissue and blood from two lake trout. Our previous work using lake trout liver revealed 4194 potential protein hits in the NCBI databases and 3811 potential protein hits in the UniProtKB databases. In the current study, using the NCBI databases we identified 838 proteins for the heart and 580 proteins for the blood tissues in the biological replicate 1 (BR1) and 1180 potential protein hits for the heart and 561 potential protein hits for the blood in BR2. Similar results were obtained using the UniProtKB databases. This study builds on our previous work by continuing to build the first comprehensive lake trout protein database and provides insight into protein homology through evolutionary relationships. This data is available via the PRIDE partner repository with the dataset identifier PXD023970.
Patient competencies, coping self‐efficacy, and coping: Do they change during oncological inpatient rehabilitation and beyond?
Authors: Giesler Juergen M. , Weis Joachim , Caspari Reiner , Dauelsberg Timm , Hoffmann Wilfried , Körber Jürgen , Bartsch Hans‐Helge
Published: October 2021

Objective

The construct of Patient Competencies (PCs) has been suggested to allow a more comprehensive understanding of cancer patients' abilities to confront emotion‐ and problem‐focused coping tasks arising from the diagnosis, treatment and survivorship of cancer. While providing a reliable and valid measure of PCs, research thus far has not clarified whether PCs change across time and/or through intervention. This study asks whether PCs change during oncological inpatient rehabilitation and beyond.

Methods

N = 377 breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer patients from clinics for oncological rehabilitation were included to complete self‐report measures of PC, coping and self‐efficacy for coping with cancer at the beginning and the end of rehabilitation and 9 months afterward. In order to determine differences between tumor diagnostic groups and changes across time 3 (tumor site) x 3 (time) repeated measures analyses of variance were computed.

Results

Tumor diagnostic groups differed only marginally in PCs, coping self‐efficacy and coping. The PCs of self‐regulation and managing distress and coping self‐efficacy improved slightly during rehabilitation but returned to initial levels at 9 months. Differential improvement was evident in the competencies of seeking information and interest in social services. Two of five coping behaviors decreased markedly from the end of rehabilitation to follow‐up.

Conclusions

This study suggests that oncological inpatient rehabilitation may contribute to advancing PCs, albeit to a limited extent. Aside from addressing conceptual, diagnostic and measurement issues, future research should clarify which interventions may be most effective for advancing problem‐ and emotion‐focused PCs.
Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid‐19) vaccination recommendations in special populations and patients with existing comorbidities
Authors: Mohseni Afshar Zeinab , Babazadeh Arefeh , Janbakhsh Alireza , Mansouri Feizollah , Sio Terence T. , Sullman Mark J. M. , Carson‐Chahhoud Kristin , Hosseinzadeh Rezvan , Barary Mohammad , Ebrahimpour Soheil
Published: October 2021

Vaccination against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is a crucial step in ending the current worldwide pandemic. However, several particularly vulnerable groups in the population were not included in sufficient numbers in coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid‐19) vaccine trials. Therefore, as science advances, the advice for vaccinating these special populations against Covid‐19 will continue to evolve. This focused review provides the latest recommendations and considerations for these special populations (i.e., patients with rheumatologic and autoimmune disorders, cancer, transplant recipients, chronic liver diseases, end‐stage renal disease, neurologic disorders, psychiatric disorders, diabetes mellitus, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, human immunodeficiency virus, current smokers, pregnant and breastfeeding women, the elderly, children, and patients with allergic reactions) using the currently available research evidence.
Stackable Aromatic Dipeptide Ring Structures toward Nanotube Formation: Thermodynamics and Interactions in Gas‐Phase and Solution
Authors: Visayas Benjoe Rey B. , Mayes Maricris L.
Published: October 2021

Increasing attention has been drawn towards self‐assembling dipeptide nanotube materials (NT) for their tunable properties. Despite recent advances, a fundamental understanding of the conditions that drive the self‐assembly process is still lacking. Here, we report the structures, thermodynamics, and underlying interactions of the nanotube forming potential of cyclic and linear aromatic dipeptides phenylalanine‐tyrosine, tryptophan‐tyrosine, and dityrosine via the piecewise self‐assembly mechanism. The cyclic dipeptides have better favorability of oligomerization in the gas phase than the linear dipeptides, largely due to the enthalpic gain of forming more hydrogen bonds, suggesting that the piecewise mechanism is plausible for vapor deposition methods. Oligomerization in solution, which would require desolvation of free monomers, was shown to be thermodynamically unfavorable, especially in polar solvents, demonstrating the need for an external stimulus for the crystallization of NTs. The generated oligomeric rings show structural robustness and symmetry, allowing excellent stacking potential in both lateral and axial directions. The nature of the sidechains significantly affects the stabilizations within the oligomeric structure. The insights generated can be used as a basis for dipeptide modifications that could enhance targeted NT properties for different applications.
In Situ Grown CoMn2O4 3D‐Tetragons on Carbon Cloth: Flexible Electrodes for Efficient Rechargeable Zinc–Air Battery Powered Water Splitting Systems
Authors: Janani Gnanaprakasam , Surendran Subramani , Choi Hyeonuk , Han Mi‐Kyung , Sim Uk
Published: October 2021

The integration of energy conversion and storage systems such as electrochemical water splitting (EWS) and rechargeable zinc–air battery (ZAB) is on the vision to provide a sustainable future with green energy resources. Herein, a unique strategy for decorating 3D tetragonal CoMn2O4 on carbon cloth (CMO–U@CC) via a facile one‐pot in situ hydrothermal process, is reported. The highly exposed morphology of 3D tetragons enhances the electrocatalytic activity of CMO–U@CC. This is the first demonstration of such a bifunctional activity of CMO–U@CC in an EWS system; it achieves a nominal cell voltage of 1.610 V @ 10 mA cm−2. Similarly, the fabricated rechargeable ZAB delivers a specific capacity of 641.6 mAh gzn−1, a power density of 135 mW cm−2, and excellent cyclic stability (50 h @ 10 mA cm−2). Additionally, a series of flexible solid‐state ZABs are fabricated and employed to power the assembled CMO–U@CC‐based water electrolyzer. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first demonstration of an in situ‐grown binder‐free CMO–U@CC as a flexible multifunctional electrocatalyst for a built‐in integrated rechargeable ZAB‐powered EWS system.
Smart Nanogatekeepers for Tumor Theranostics
Authors: Zhang Xunfa , Chen Yang , He Xian , Zhang Yachao , Zhou Mei , Peng Chengjun , He Zhonggui , Gui Shuangying , Li Zhenbao
Published: October 2021

Nanoparticulate drug delivery systems (nano‐DDSs) are required to reliably arrive and persistently reside at the tumor site with minimal off‐target side effects for clinical theranostics. However, due to the complicated environment and high interstitial pressure in tumor tissue, they can return to the bloodstream and cause secondary side effects in normal organs. Recently, a number of nanogatekeepers have been engineered via structure‐transformable/stable strategies to overcome this undesirable dilemma. The emerging structure‐transformable nanogatekeepers for tumor imaging and therapy are first overviewed here, particularly for nanogatekeepers undergoing structural transformation in tumor microenvironments, cell membranes, and organelles. Thereafter, intelligent structure‐stable nanogatekeepers through reversible activation and artificial individualization receptors are overviewed. Finally, the ongoing challenges and prospects of nanogatekeepers for clinical translation are briefly discussed.
Enhanced Chemodynamic Therapy and Chemotherapy via Delivery of a Dual Threat ArtePt and Iodo‐Click Reaction Mediated Glutathione Consumption
Authors: Jin Qiao , Yan Siqi , Hu Hao , Jin Long , Pan Yuliang , Zhang Jun , Huang Jia , Xiao Haihua , Cao Peiguo
Published: October 2021

Cisplatin has been used as standard regimen for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but its therapeutic efficacy is greatly limited by the drug resistance. Cisplatin alone cannot achieve an ideal therapeutic outcome. Herein, a dual threat hybrid artemisinin platinum (ArtePt) is synthesized to combine chemodynamic therapy (CDT) with chemotherapy. On the one hand, artesunate can react with intracellular ferrous ion to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) via Fenton reaction for CDT. On the other hand, cisplatin can target DNA for chemotherapy. However, GSH in cancer cells can effectively consume free radicals and detoxify cisplatin simultaneously, which compromised the efficacy of CDT and chemotherapy. Hence, an amphiphilic polymer with an iodine atom in the side chain is designed and encapsulated ArtePt to form NP(ArtePt). This iodine containing polymer NP(ArtePt) can effectively deplete intracellular GSH via an Iodo‐Click reaction, thereby enhancing the effect of CDT as well as chemotherapy. Thereafter, a patient‐derived xenograft model of hepatic carcinoma (PDXHCC) is established to evaluate the therapeutic effect of NP(ArtePt), and a significant antitumor effect is achieved with NP(ArtePt). Overall, this study provides an effective strategy to combine CDT with chemotherapy to enhance the efficacy of cisplatin via Iodo‐Click reaction, opening a new avenue for the cancer treatment.
Lead Sources in Perovskite Solar Cells: Toward Controllable, Sustainable, and Large‐Scalable Production
Authors: Ran Chenxin , Wang Yue , Gao Weiyin , Xia Yingdong , Chen Yonghua , Huang Wei
Published: October 2021

Organic–inorganic hybrid Pb halide perovskites have gained much attention as the most promising next generation photovoltaics, and the certificated power conversion efficiency of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) has recently reached 25.5%. For the typical solution‐processed film, the features of solutes in the precursor solution greatly influence the characteristics of the deposited film. While for Pb‐based perovskites, PbI6 octahedral is the key component of the perovskite framework, and thus the Pb source particularly plays a significant role in determining the crystallization, structural, and optoelectronic properties of the solution‐processed perovskite film. In this review, the state‐of‐the‐art studies that focus on disclosing the key role of Pb source in the performance improvement of PSCs are systematically summarized. In addition, a comprehensive discussion on the effect of various Pb sources (e.g., Pb halides, Pb salts, Pb chalcogens, metallic Pb, and recycled Pb compounds) on the crystallization kinetics and photovoltaic characteristics of perovskite film is given. Also, the significant role of Pb source in producing large‐scale PSCs in a controllable and sustainable manner is highlighted. This review is expected not only to put steps forward for the future commercialization of PSCs, but also to inspire more ideas in many other optoelectronic devices regarding raw material engineering.
Analysis of Adverse Influence of Metal Vapor to Arc Movement Between Electrodes with External Magnetic Field Applied by Numerical Simulation
Authors: Ren Zhenwei , Nemoto Yusuke , Suzuki Yuki , Yamamoto Shinji , Asanuma Gaku , Onchi Toshiyuki , Iwao Toru
Published: October 2021

The demand and sustainable development goals for electric vehicles (EVs) have been increasing. A quick charging circuit is an essential technology for EVs. To protect this circuit from faults or accidents, rapid interruption of the arc generated by the switching of direct current contactors (DCCs) is required. However, the DCCs have small sizes and close boundaries against an arc stretch toward the extinguishing chamber. The metal vapor generated by the electrodes causes the arc to remain between the electrodes instead of stretching forward, because the gas electrical conductivity increases when the metal vapor contaminates it. In this study, the arc movements with and without consideration of the metal vapor were simulated numerically to elucidate the influence of metal vapor on arc mobility. It was observed that the metal vapor generated from the electrodes causes the reattachment phenomenon to occur several times on the anode side, which increases the time of arc stretching into the extinguishing chamber. © 2021 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.