bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Additives on the Reversible Oxygen Reduction Reaction/Oxygen Evolution Reaction in the Mg2+‐Containing Ionic Liquid N‐Butyl‐N‐Methylpyrrolidinium Bis(Trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide
Authors: Eckardt M. , Alwast D. , Schnaidt J. , Behm R. J.
Published: April 2020

The influence of different additives on the oxygen reduction reaction/oxygen evolution reaction (ORR/OER) in magnesium‐containing N‐butyl‐N‐methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide ([BMP][TFSI]) on a glassy carbon electrode was investigated to gain a better understanding of the electrochemical processes in Mg–air batteries. 18‐Crown‐6 was used as a complexing agent for Mg ions to hinder the passivation caused by their reaction with ORR products such as superoxide and peroxide anions. Furthermore, borane dimethylamine complex (NBH) was used as a potential water‐removing agent to inhibit electrode passivation by reacting with trace impurities of water. The electrochemical processes were characterized by differential electrochemical mass spectrometry to monitor the consumed and evolved O2 in the ORR/OER and determine the number of transferred electrons. Crown ether and NBH efficiently masked Mg2+. A stochiometric excess of crown ether resulted in reduced formation of a passivation layer, whereas at too high concentrations the reversibility of the ORR/OER was diminished.
V6O13−δ@C Nanoscrolls with Expanded Distances between Adjacent Shells as a High‐Performance Cathode for a Knittable Zinc‐Ion Battery
Authors: Lin Yutong , Zhou Fangshuo , Xie Mingxue , Zhang Sen , Deng Chao
Published: April 2020

Herein, the defective vanadate oxide (V6O13‐δ)/C (denoted as DVOC) nanoscrolls with large distance between adjacent shells are constructed as a cathode material for ZIBs. By simultaneously enlarging the distance between adjacent shells and engineering the defective structure for oxide crystal, the DVOC nanoscrolls achieve fast kinetics, high reversibility and good energy storage capability. The formation process of DVOC nanoscrolls is investigated and a self‐assembling‐rolling sequential mechanism is disclosed. Moreover, the fiber‐shaped flexible ZIBs are fabricated based on the DVOC cathode. Their admirable volumetric energy density, good high rate capability and excellent cycling stability demonstrate the superiority of the unique structure. Therefore, this work not only introduces a new strategy to improve the properties of vanadium oxides but also provide a new strategy for the design of knittable power sources for flexible electronics.
Core‐Twisted Tetrachloroperylenediimides: Low‐Cost and Efficient Non‐Fullerene Organic Electron‐Transporting Materials for Inverted Planar Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Singh Anupriya , Chen Hung‐Cheng , Chen Yang‐Fang , Lu Yu‐Jung , Wong Ken‐Tsung , Chu Chih‐Wei
Published: April 2020

Herein, core‐twisted tetrachloroperylenediimides (ClPDIs) were introduced as new efficient electron‐transporting materials (ETMs) to replace the commonly used fullerene acceptor PC61BM in inverted planar perovskite solar cells (PSCs). ClPDI showed a low‐lying lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy level of −3.95 eV, which was compatible with the conduction band of CH3NH3PbI3−xClx (−3.90 eV). In addition, the role of the length of the alkyl side chain at the imide position of ClPDI in modulating the molecular solubility, aggregation capacity for charge‐transport properties, surface hydrophobicity, and PSC performance was investigated. The device based on ClPDI‐C4 (ClPDI with n‐butyl side chains) as ETM achieved a maximum power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 17.3 % under standard AM 1.5G illumination, which iwas very competitive with that of the reference device employing PC61BM/C60 (PCE=17.2 %) as ETM. Moreover, the devices with ClPDIs as ETMs exhibited better device stability than that with PC61BM/C60. This work highlights the great potential of ClPDI derivatives as low‐cost (≈2.0 USD g−1) and effective ETMs to obtain efficient solution‐processed inverted PSCs. This class of ClPDI derivatives is expected further promote the performance and stability of PSCs after extended investigation.
Ropivacaine inhibits proliferation, invasion, migration and promotes apoptosis of papillary thyroid cancer cells via regulating ITGA2 expression
Authors: Qin Aichun , Liu Qiong , Wang Jingfang
Published: April 2020

The present study aimed to investigate the roles of Ropivacaine in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) and identify the possible mechanisms. The expression of integrin alpha‐2 (ITGA2) in TC cell lines was tested using Western blotting and RT‐qPCR. Subsequently, the level of ITGA2 in human PTC cell line (TPC‐1) was measured following intervention with a series of concentrations of Ropivacaine. Then, cell counting kit‐8 (CCK‐8) assay and colony formation assay were executed for detecting proliferation of cells after transfection with ITGA2 pcDNA3.1. The expression of proliferation‐related protein was determined by Western blotting. Additionally, the abilities of TPC‐1 cell invasion and migration were examined using Transwell assay and scratch wound healing assay. Apoptosis of TPC‐1 cells was analyzed using TUNEL assay and the expressions of apoptosis‐related proteins were tested via West blotting. The results suggested that ITGA2 was highly expressed in TC cell lines, especially in TPC‐1 cells. Ropivacaine decreased the expression of ITGA2 in a dose‐dependent manner. Moreover, after treatment with Ropivacaine, cell proliferation was inhibited accompanied by changes of proliferation‐related protein expressions, which was reversed following co‐transfection with ITGA2 pcDNA3.1. Furthermore, Ropivacaine concentration‐dependently suppressed invasion and migration of TPC‐1 cells, whereas these inhibitory effects were attenuated after ITGA2 overexpression. Furthermore, apoptosis was promoted, coupled with a decrease of Bcl‐2 expression and increases of Bax, cleaved caspase‐3 and cleaved caspase‐9 expression, in Ropivacaine‐treated TPC‐1 cells, which was restored following ITGA2 overexpression. These findings demonstrated that Ropivacaine could suppress proliferation, invasion, migration, and accelerate apoptosis of PTC cells via regulating ITGA2 expression.
Reducing uncertainty in species management: forecasting secondary spread with expert opinion and mechanistic models
Authors: Chenery Emily S. , Drake D. Andrew R. , Mandrak Nicholas E.
Published: April 2020

Predicting the spatial and temporal dynamics of invasive species is critical for successful management intervention, yet substantial uncertainty exists about how species will interact with human pathways when introduced to new ecosystems. We demonstrate a novel approach for quantifying uncertainty when predicting the uptake, movement, and establishment of invasive species by combining mechanistic modeling of the spread process with expert opinion of the demographic factors that govern species performance. We demonstrate the utility of this approach using a case study involving the transfer potential of nonindigenous species (NIS) in the Laurentian Great Lakes basin (GLB). A survey using structured expert judgment was completed by 24 North American taxonomic experts, covering 60 species ofNISestablished in theGLB. Experts estimated species‐specific demographic parameters describing population growth and establishment potential, which were incorporated into an existing mechanistic model of human‐mediated spread via ballast water with species‐specific spread rates (number of ports or lakes invaded/year) as outputs. Expert judgments within each group varied widely, indicating that generalizable rates of spread across taxa are unlikely and highlighting the value of cross‐taxon comparisons. Most species were predicted to establish throughout theGLBwithin 10 yr, assuming status quo management conditions. Sensitivity analysis for expert performance‐based weighting demonstrated that most model outputs were insensitive to weighting (<1% difference over baseline) and shows the robustness of the joint model. Overall, the joint expert opinion and predictive modeling method demonstrates a novel means of handling sparse data when forecasting invasion dynamics. Divergent estimates resulted in a range of likely spread rates, but improved upon traditional best‐guess approaches. Incorporating joint methods into ecological decision‐making frameworks has clear implications for invasive species management but may also inform other ecological scenarios where data are scarce and conservation action is urgent.
Teaching R in the undergraduate ecology classroom: approaches, lessons learned, and recommendations
Authors: Auker Linda A. , Barthelmess Erika L.
Published: April 2020

Learning ecology requires training in data management and analysis. Because of its transparent and flexible nature, R is increasingly used for data management and analysis in the field of ecology. Consequently, job postings targeting candidates with a bachelor's degree and a required knowledge of R have increased over the past ten years. In this paper, we begin by presenting data from the last ten years demonstrating the increase in the use of R, an open‐source programming environment, in ecology and its prevalence as a required skill in job descriptions. We then discuss our experiences teaching undergraduates R in two advanced ecology classes using different approaches. One approach, in a course with a field laboratory, focused on collecting, cleaning, and preparing data for analysis. The other approach, in a course without a field laboratory, focused on analyzing existing datasets and applying the results to content discussed in the lecture portion of the course. Our experiences determined that each approach had strengths and weaknesses. We recommend that above all, instructors of ecology and related subjects should be encouraged to include R in their coursework. Furthermore, instructors should be aware of the following: Learning R is a separate skill from learning statistics; writing R assignments is a significant time commitment for course preparation; and there is a tradeoff between teaching R and teaching content. Determining how one's course fits into the curriculum and identifying resources outside of the classroom for students’ continued practice will ensure that R training is successful and will extend beyond a one‐semester course.
Do plant–microbe interactions support the Stress Gradient Hypothesis?
Authors: David Aaron S. , Thapa‐Magar Khum B. , Menges Eric S. , Searcy Christopher A. , Afkhami Michelle E.
Published: April 2020

The Stress Gradient Hypothesis (SGH), which predicts increasing ratios of facilitative:competitive interactions with increasing stress, has long been a guiding framework for conceptualizing plant–plant interactions. Recently, there has been a growing recognition of the roles of microbes in mitigating or exacerbating environmental stress for their plant hosts. As such, we might predict, based on the SGH, that beneficial microbial effects on plant performance should be positively associated with stress. Specifically, we hypothesized that support for the SGH would depend on the host plant's habitat specialization such that species that specialize in high stress habitats and thus likely coevolved with the resident microbes would exhibit stronger support for the SGH than non‐specialist plant species. We further hypothesized that support for the SGH would vary with germination frequency, since boosting germination of low‐frequency germinators is one effective means by which microbes can benefit plant species performance. Here, we explore whether plant–microbial interactions support the SGH using 12 plant species native to the Florida rosemary scrub. We conducted factorial experiments that manipulated the presence of microbes in nine soils collected along an elevational stress gradient, and recorded germination frequency and biomass. Microbes increased the germination frequency of four species, all of which had relatively low germination rates. Furthermore, we found support for the SGH in nearly one‐half of the species examined, with soil microbes facilitating germination with increasing stress for 5 of the 12 species tested, and none of the species exhibiting the opposite trend. Support for the SGH was not predicted by either the plant hosts' habitat specialization or germination frequency. In contrast to germination, biomass results showed little support for the SGH, with four of 12 species refuting and one species supporting SGH predictions. Taken together, our study documents that interactions between the soil microbial community and plant species along a stress gradient can support the SGH, but emphasizes that these effects are life‐history‐stage dependent. This work also identifies a common mechanism (germination facilitation) by which microbes can benefit plant species in stressful habitats.
Mitigating systematic error in topographic models for geomorphic change detection: accuracy, precision and considerations beyond off‐nadir imagery
Authors: James Mike R. , Antoniazza Gilles , Robson Stuart , Lane Stuart N.
Published: April 2020

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and structure‐from‐motion photogrammetry enable detailed quantification of geomorphic change. However, rigorous precision‐based change detection can be compromised by survey accuracy problems producing systematic topographic error (e.g. ‘doming’), with error magnitudes greatly exceeding precision estimates. Here, we assess survey sensitivity to systematic error, directly correcting topographic data so that error magnitudes align more closely with precision estimates. By simulating conventional grid‐style photogrammetric aerial surveys, we quantify the underlying relationships between survey accuracy, camera model parameters, camera inclination, tie point matching precision and topographic relief, and demonstrate a relative insensitivity to image overlap. We show that a current doming‐mitigation strategy of using a gently inclined (<15°) camera can reduce accuracy by promoting a previously unconsidered correlation between decentring camera lens distortion parameters and the radial terms known to be responsible for systematic topographic error. This issue is particularly relevant for the wide‐angle cameras often integrated into current‐generation, accessible UAV systems, frequently used in geomorphic research. Such systems usually perform on‐board image pre‐processing, including applying generic lens distortion corrections, that subsequently alter parameter interrelationships in photogrammetric processing (e.g. partially correcting radial distortion, which increases the relative importance of decentring distortion in output images). Surveys from two proglacial forefields (Arolla region, Switzerland) showed that results from lower‐relief topography with a 10°‐inclined camera developed vertical systematic doming errors > 0·3 m, representing accuracy issues an order of magnitude greater than precision‐based error estimates. For higher‐relief topography, and for nadir‐imaging surveys of the lower‐relief topography, systematic error was < 0·09 m. Modelling and subtracting the systematic error directly from the topographic data successfully reduced error magnitudes to values consistent with twice the estimated precision. Thus, topographic correction can provide a more robust approach to uncertainty‐based detection of event‐scale geomorphic change than designing surveys with small off‐nadir camera inclinations and, furthermore, can substantially reduce ground control requirements. © 2020 The Authors. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Fiscal transparency, fiscal forecasting and budget credibility in developing countries
Authors: ElBerry Nada Azmy , Goeminne Stijn
Published: April 2020

Fiscal transparency entails fiscal information disclosure, ensuring good quality of such information, public and parliamentary scrutiny, and the oversight of fiscal risks, while the concept of budget credibility involves an assessment of the extent of conformity of budgetary outturn to the planned forecasts. There are two main channels through which fiscal transparency can affect budget credibility: politicians' incentives to manipulate fiscal forecasts or deviate from the plans, and the uncertainty‐reducing effect in the light of fiscal risks. This study empirically examines the impact of the dimensions of fiscal transparency on deviations from budgetary forecasts, and hence budget credibility, in developing countries using regression analysis. The results show that an improvement in the oversight of fiscal risks arising from public sector entities plays a very significant role in decreasing the deviations from budgetary forecasts in developing countries. The study accords with the view that a relatively less important weight should be attached to the fiscal disclosure component in analyzing fiscal transparency, and it sheds light on the importance of ensuring good quality of disclosed information through more independence of audit bodies in developing countries in order to enhance the credibility of their budgets.
Distribution of rocks in Pınarbaşı Ophiolite from central Anatolia (Turkey) based on analysis of ASTER and Landsat‐8 data
Authors: Çörtük Rahmi Melih , Çelik Ömer Faruk , Alkan Anıl , Özkan Mutlu , Özyavaş Aziz
Published: April 2020

The Late Cretaceous Pınarbaşı Ophiolite (PO), located at central Turkey is represented by distinct rock types (e.g., harzburgite, dunite, pyroxenite, gabbro) that can be observed in many ophiolites around the world. In this study, the classification of rock types of PO in the Eastern Tauride Belt (Turkey) was made using the advanced spaceborne thermal emission and reflection radiometer and Landsat‐8 satellite images. The developed colour–band ratio composite images together with principal component analysis and minimum noise fraction transformations implemented to the remote sensing data efficiently delineate the spatial distribution of pyroxenites, metamorphic sole rocks, and gabbros in the study area. In addition, a body of serpentinized dunites, pyroxenites, metamorphic sole rocks, and listwaenites that has not been recognized before was identified within PO using remote sensing techniques. The promising results of the image processing were verified by detailed field observations and petrographic analysis. The satellite‐based remote sensing approaches of this work can be applicable for mapping ophiolitic rock types in PO in particular as well as other ophiolites from similar geographical regions around the world.
Geochronological and geochemical data of paragneiss and amphibolite from the Chencai Group in South China: Implications for petrogenesis and tectonic significance
Authors: Lu Kejia , Li Longming , Lin Shoufa , Ren Shenglian , Feng Lamei , Han Xu , Ge Yanpeng , Jiang Jian , Wang Lei , Wang Bo
Published: April 2020

We carried out an integrated study of zircon U–Pb geochronology, Hf isotopes and geochemistry on the paragneisses and amphibolites from the Chencai area, South China. The detrital zircon ages of four paragneisses range from 2974 to 501 Ma with the main peak at ca. 820 Ma. The detrital materials with Neoproterozoic age may derive from the Jiangnan Orogen and those of Palaeo–Mesoproterozoic age may come from the Wuyi terrane. The youngest age indicates that the protoliths of the paragneisses were formed after ca. 501 Ma. The εHf(t) values (−20.6 to +20.9) of the detrital zircons suggest that the detrital materials of the protoliths are composed of old crustal and juvenile materials. The geochemical characteristics suggest that the protoliths of the paragneisses are greywackes, which formed in an active continental margin or continental island arc environment. The metamorphic ages of the three amphibolites are 428 ± 4, 430 ± 4, and 438 ± 3 Ma. The protoliths of the amphibolites are tholeiites, which can be divided into two groups. Group 1 is characterized by low ∑REE contents and (La/Yb)N ratios showing left‐inclined REE patterns and Nb, Ta depletion which resembles N‐MORB. Group 2 has higher ∑REE contents and (La/Yb)N ratios, with Eu negative anomalies showing affinity to E‐MORB. The data show that the Chencai Group is composed of oceanic crust remnants and continental crust materials, indicating it should be a subduction accretionary complex rather than a metasedimentary sequence and thus it cannot be regarded as the Precambrian basement of the Cathaysia Block.
Chitosan composite hydrogels cross‐linked by multifunctional diazo resin as antibacterial dressings for improved wound healing
Authors: Gao Lilong , Zhang Hui , Yu Bing , Li Wenlong , Gao Fei , Zhang Ke , Zhang Hongbo , Shen Youqing , Cong Hailin
Published: April 2020

Skin lesions and injuries can increase the risk of pathogen infections. Developing efficacious wound dressings could effectively prevent bacterial infection and accelerate wound healing. Herein, we developed chitosan composite hydrogels cross‐linked by multifunctional diazo resin (DR) as antibacterial dressings for improved wound healing. The composite hydrogels were in situ formed by electrostatic interactions, chelation interactions, and covalent bonds between carboxylated chitosan and DR under ultraviolet assisted without small photosensitizer. The resultant hydrogels (noted as DR‐CCH) showed good stability at different DR concentrations in physiological buffers. The antibacterial assays showed the DR‐CCH could inhibit and kill Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. What is more, our hydrogels could accelerate wound healing in vivo. The present study demonstrates this composite DR‐CCH with trace zinc has potential for accelerated wound healing.
Long‐term cochlear implantation outcomes in patients following head injury
Authors: Lubner Rory J. , Knoll Renata M. , Trakimas Danielle R. , Bartholomew Ryan A. , Lee Daniel J. , Walters Brad , Nadol Joseph B. , Remenschneider Aaron K. , Kozin Elliott D.
Published: April 2020

Objective

In cases of a severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss following head injury, the cochlear implant (CI) is the primary option for auditory rehabilitation. Few studies, however, have investigated long‐term CI outcomes in patients following head trauma, including those without temporal bone fracture (TBF). Herein, the aim of this study is to examine CI outcomes following cases of head injury with and without TBF.

Methods

Audiometric outcomes of patients who received a CI due to a head injury resulting in severe to profound hearing loss at two tertiary care hospitals were analyzed. Patients were divided into those who received a CI in a fractured temporal bone (group A, n = 11 patients corresponding to 15 ears) and those who received a CI in a non‐fractured temporal bone (group B, n = 8 patients corresponding to nine ears). Primary outcomes included duration of deafness prior to CI and postoperative consonant‐nucleus‐constant whole word (CNC) scores.

Results

Nineteen patients (84% male), corresponding to 24 CIs, were identified. Fifteen CI were performed on ears with TBF (group A), and nine CI were performed on ears without TBF (group B). No patients had an enlarged vestibular aqueduct (EVA). The mean duration of deafness was 5.7 and 11.3 years in group A and group B, respectively. The mean duration of CI follow‐up (CI experience) was 6.5 years in group A and 2.1 years in group B. The overall mean postoperative CNC score for all subjects was 68.6% (±21.2%, n = 19 with CNC testing). There was no difference in CNC score between group A and group B (69.8% and 66% respectively, P = .639).

Conclusion

The study is among the largest series examining long‐term outcomes of CI after head injury. CI is an effective method for auditory rehabilitation in patients after head injury.

Level of evidence

IV.
Interaction of two strongly divergent archaellins stabilizes the structure of the Halorubrum archaellum
Authors: Pyatibratov Mikhail G. , Syutkin Alexey S. , Quax Tessa E. F. , Melnik Tatjana N. , Papke R. Thane , Gogarten Johann Peter , Kireev Igor I. , Surin Alexey K. , Beznosov Sergei N. , Galeva Anna V. , Fedorov Oleg V.
Published: April 2020

Halophilic archaea from the genus Halorubrum possess two extraordinarily diverged archaellin genes, flaB1 and flaB2. To clarify roles for each archaellin, we compared two natural Halorubrum lacusprofundi strains: One of them contains both archaellin genes, and the other has the flaB2 gene only. Both strains synthesize functional archaella; however, the strain, where both archaellins are present, is more motile. In addition, we expressed these archaellins in a Haloferax volcanii strain from which the endogenous archaellin genes were deleted. Three Hfx. volcanii strains expressing Hrr. lacusprofundi archaellins produced functional filaments consisting of only one (FlaB1 or FlaB2) or both (FlaB1/FlaB2) archaellins. All three strains were motile, although there were profound differences in the efficiency of motility. Both native and recombinant FlaB1/FlaB2 filaments have greater thermal stability and resistance to low salinity stress than single‐component filaments. Functional supercoiled Hrr. lacusprofundi archaella can be composed of either single archaellin: FlaB2 or FlaB1; however, the two divergent archaellin subunits provide additional stabilization to the archaellum structure and thus adaptation to a wider range of external conditions. Comparative genomic analysis suggests that the described combination of divergent archaellins is not restricted to Hrr. lacusprofundi, but is occurring also in organisms from other haloarchaeal genera.
Teacher uses quarantine time to max out credits
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: April 2020

In the wake of the COVID‐19 global pandemic changing the face of the world and causing, in the United States, shelter‐in‐place measures, Tara Lopez Donohoe has decided to put her time in self‐isolation to good use: She's going back to (online) campus.
Betting shops in the public eye: A commentary
Authors: Jones Peter , Comfort Daphne , Hall Tim
Published: April 2020

Betting shops are a familiar feature in towns and cities throughout the UK. However, in recent years, increasing social and political concerns have been expressed about the presence of betting shops in high streets and about the role of betting shops in encouraging gambling. Such concerns include the concentration of betting shops in areas of social deprivation, the impact of such shops on the vitality of and viability of town centres, the perceived links between betting shops and both anti‐social behaviour and criminal activity and the presence of Fixed Odds Betting Terminals in betting shops. This commentary paper outlines the origin and characteristics of betting shops, explores some of the recent concerns betting shops have attracted and offers some brief concluding reflections on the impact of policy responses to these concerns.
The effect of an intervention program on the knowledge and attitudes among medical staff regarding adverse drug reaction reporting
Authors: Shchory Miri Potlog , Goldstein Lee Hilery , Arcavi Lidia , Shihmanter Renata , Berkovitch Matitiahu , Levy Amalia
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are a growing important public health problem; however, underreporting of ADRs is very common. The aim of the current study was to explore the effect of an intervention program on the knowledge and attitudes among physicians and nurses regarding ADRs reporting.

Methods

A multicentre study consisted of three phases: filling out a questionnaire; an intervention program; filling out the same questionnaire again. The intervention program consisted of posters, lectures, and distant electronic learning. The questionnaire contained questions about personal/professional demographic variables, and statements regarding knowledge and attitudes regarding ADR reporting.

Results

The data revealed that the intervention program significantly elevated the “Objective knowledge” (P < 0.01) and “Practical knowledge” (P < 0.02) score as compared to the control group, while no significant differences were found regarding “Acquired knowledge” (P = 0.14). Seniority (P = 0.01) and experience in internal medicine (P = 0.05) were demonstrated as significant factors determining the knowledge of the staff. Obligation was the main motive for reporting in 80% of participants.

After the intervention, no differences were found in the “Attitude related to the motive for reporting” or “Attitude related to the commitment to report”, between the two groups. However, “Attitude related to the need to report” score significantly improved after the intervention (P = 0.04).

Conclusions

The intervention program increased knowledge and attitudes regarding ADRs reports. Seniority had the most effect on the influence of the intervention program. The data from this study encourages the necessity to hold ongoing intervention programs in order to improve ADRs reporting rate.
Investment, value, and the making of entrepreneurship in India
Authors: Ghosh Ipshita
Published: April 2020

In recent years, a new class of entrepreneurs and investors has emerged in India. In this article, based on fourteen months of ethnographic fieldwork with start‐ups in Delhi, I examine how entrepreneurs are valued by investors and the sociocultural implications of this process. I make two arguments. First, the criteria used to judge creditworthiness, including personal networks, technological capability, and ability to undertake speculative risk, serve as signals of an entrepreneur's value to prospective investors. Second, as investors acknowledge, the investment is made in the specific personhood of the entrepreneur rather than the business plan. Therefore the process of seeking investment capital, far from being simply a means of scaling one's business, is an act of cultural construction. The entrepreneur's value as wealth‐in‐people is not judged objectively; rather, it is created through the process of pitching and securing investment commitments. One of the contributions of this research is to center the real and perceived relationship between entrepreneurs and investors in studying start‐up spaces in India. Examining this relationship reveals the forms of economic, sociocultural, and moral value that are interwoven with each other. The multiple, often contradictory meanings attached to entrepreneurship are negotiated through the prism of investment, which emerges as a dynamic site for constructing and contesting entrepreneurial identities.
Navigating the emerging market context: Performance implications of effectuation and causation for small and medium enterprises during adverse economic conditions in Russia
Authors: Shirokova Galina , Osiyevskyy Oleksiy , Laskovaia Anastasiia , MahdaviMazdeh Hossein
Published: April 2020

Research Summary

This study aims to broaden the understanding of effectuation and causation by investigating their effectiveness for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the emerging market context during adverse economic conditions. We embrace a holistic view of the performance implications of these behavioral logics, theorizing and empirically testing their impact not only on the level of firm performance but also on its variability. The findings suggest that emerging market conditions create significant contingencies in the relationships between effectuation, causation, and firm performance, substantively affecting their effectiveness. In particular, we demonstrate that for the firms affected by adverse conditions, causation brings marginal performance improvements while also making it highly unreliable (variable), whereas effectuation leads to performance improvements coupled with higher reliability.

Managerial Summary

Entrepreneurial actions can be based on one of two behavioral logics: causation (rigorous forward‐looking analysis, relying on well‐prepared plans, pre‐defined goals, and required resources) or effectuation (leveraging the existing resources and controlling the environmental uncertainty through creating new markets, products, and opportunities). We investigate the effectiveness of these logics for Russian SMEs navigating adversity in the emerging market context. The results suggest that causation leads to performance improvements, yet these become marginal and highly unreliable if a firm finds itself in adverse conditions. Effectuation, on the other hand, is a costly and unreliable strategy in stable times, yet leads to reliable performance improvements in volatile contexts.
Eppikajutsuto (a Japanese herbal medicine) regulates mTOR and induces apoptosis in oral cancer cells
Authors: Makita Haruna , Endo Kazuhira , Shirai Akiko , Kawasaki Kanji , Mishima Rei , Kasahara Yoshiya , Ishikawa Kazuya , Ueno Takayoshi , Nakanishi Yosuke , Kondo Satoru , Wakisaka Naohiro , Yoshizaki Tomokazu , Ogawa‐Ochiai Keiko
Published: April 2020

Aim

The effectiveness of Japanese traditional (Kampo) medicine is gradually attracting attention worldwide. It is typically known to be effective against cancer as a supportive therapy, but the antitumor effect of Kampo formulas is not fully established. We therefore evaluated the antitumor effect of eppikajutsuto.

Methods

We evaluated the antitumor effect of eppikajutsuto by cell viability assay, western blotting, and apoptotic cell assay using an oral squamous cell carcinoma cell line OSC‐19.

Results

We found that the administration of eppikajutsuto to OSC‐19 in vitro inhibited cell proliferation, induced apoptosis, and suppressed mTOR activation.

Conclusions

The results suggested that eppikajutsuto might exhibit antitumor effect against OSC‐19 in vitro by suppressing mTOR activation. However, additional studies in vitro and in vivo are required to confirm the antitumor effect of eppikajutsuto.
The prevalence of redundant nerve roots in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis is body position dependent: a retrospective observational study with repeated measures design in an upright MRI scanner
Authors: Papavero Luca , Ebert Stella , Marques Carlos J.
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Redundant nerve roots (RNRs) are a negative prognostic factor in patients with central lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). Forty percent of candidates for surgical decompression show RNRs (RNR+) on preoperative conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We investigated the prevalence of RNRs in three functional postures (standing, neutral sitting and flexed sitting) with an upright MRI (upMRI).

Methods

A retrospective observational study with a repeated measures design. Thirty surgical candidates underwent upMRI. Sagittal and axial T2-weighted images of the three functional postures were evaluated. The segmental length of the lumbar spine (sLLS), the lordotic angle (LA) and the dural cross-sectional area (DCSA) were measured in each body position. Generalized linear mixed models were carried out. The 0.05 level of probability was set as the criterion for statistical significance.

Results

The prevalence of RNRs decreased from 80% during standing to 16.7% during flexed sitting (p < 0.001). The sLLS increased significantly from standing to neutral sitting in both RNR groups (p < 0.001). The increase from neutral sitting to flexed sitting was only significant (p < 0.001) for the group without RNRs (RNR−). The LA decreased significantly for both RNR groups from standing to flexed sitting (p < 0.001). The DSCA increased significantly in the RNR− group (p < 0.001) but not in the RNR+ group (p = 0.9).

Conclusion

The prevalence of RNRs is body position dependent. Increases in DCSA play a determinant role in resolving RNRs.
Patellar fixation graft via suture anchors versus tunnel techniques during isolated MPFL reconstruction for recurrent patellofemoral instability: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Migliorini Filippo , Driessen Arne , Quack Valentin , Schenker Hanno , Tingart Markus , Eschweiler Jörg
Published: April 2020

Introduction

There is still a lack of evidence concerning the patellar fixation of the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) graft in selected patient with recurrent instability. The purpose of the present study was to investigate and compare clinical outcomes and further complications of isolated MPFL reconstruction via suture anchors versus tunnel techniques for recurrent patellofemoral instability.

Materials and methods

This systematic review of the literature was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. In September 2019, the main databases were accessed. All the clinical trials performing isolated MPFL reconstruction in patients with recurrent patellofemoral instability were included in the present study. Only articles fixing the MPFL graft through suture anchors and/ or patellar tunnel techniques were included in the analysis.

Results

Data from 46 papers (1712 patients) were recorded. The mean follow-up was 40 ± 18 months. No differences were found in Kujala, Lysholm and Tegner score, International Knee Documentation Committee, visual analogic scale, range of motion and re-dislocation rate. The suture anchors fixation group detected reduced rate of apprehension test (OR: 0.6; p = 0.03), revision surgeries (OR: 0.4; p = 0.02) and anterior knee pain (OR: 0.05; p < 0.0001) and reduced not-classified complications (OR: 0.18; p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Both the suture anchors and the bone-tunnels are a feasible option for isolated MPFL reconstruction in patients with recurrent patellofemoral instability. Patellar fixation via suture anchors evidenced a reduced rate of anterior knee pain, revision surgeries, apprehension test and an overall reduced complication compared to the bone-tunnel technique.
Parental death by external causes and risk of hospital-treated deliberate self-harm in bereaved offspring
Authors: Burrell Lisa Victoria , Mehlum Lars , Qin Ping
Published: April 2020

Previous studies have reported an increased risk of hospital-treated deliberate self-harm (DSH) in offspring who have lost a parent, but inconclusive findings regarding differences between loss from suicide and accidents. The present study aimed to investigate the association between parental death by external causes before age 18 and hospital-treated DSH, and potential differences between different accidents and suicide. This nested-case–control study was based on data from longitudinal Norwegian registers. Subjects comprised 12,526 people born between 1970 and 2003 who received acute somatic treatment because of DSH at hospitals and associated services between 2008 and 2013 (cases), and 222,362 controls matched for gender and date of birth with no recorded DSH treatment. Information concerning deceased parent’s death and offspring’s DSH treatment and socioeconomic data was merged. Data were analysed with conditional logistic regression. Results indicated that offspring who had lost a parent to suicide (OR 2.32, 95% CI 1.92–2.80) and death by accidents such as falls, poisoning, and drowning (OR 1.79, 95% CI 1.38–2.33) had a significantly increased risk of hospital-treated DSH compared to offspring who had not experienced such loss. Parental bereavement from transport accidents and other external causes were not associated with significantly increased risks. No differences were evident for different genders of deceased, ages at bereavement, or genders of bereaved. The improved identification of bereaved offspring at particular risk of hospital-treated DSH should be utilized to implement effective prevention and treatment programs in specialist healthcare aimed at the individuals at highest risk.
Global distribution of carbonate rocks and karst water resources
Authors: Goldscheider Nico , Chen Zhao , Auler Augusto S. , Bakalowicz Michel , Broda Stefan , Drew David , Hartmann Jens , Jiang Guanghui , Moosdorf Nils , Stevanovic Zoran , Veni George
Published: April 2020

Karst regions offer a variety of natural resources such as freshwater and biodiversity, and many cultural resources. The World Karst Aquifer Map (WOKAM) is the first detailed and complete global geodatabase concerning the distribution of karstifiable rocks (carbonates and evaporites) representing potential karst aquifers. This study presents a statistical evaluation of WOKAM, focusing entirely on karst in carbonate rocks and addressing four main aspects: (1) global occurrence and geographic distribution of karst; (2) karst in various topographic settings and coastal areas; (3) karst in different climatic zones; and (4) populations living on karst. According to the analysis, 15.2% of the global ice-free continental surface is characterized by the presence of karstifiable carbonate rock. The largest percentage is in Europe (21.8%); the largest absolute area occurs in Asia (8.35 million km2). Globally, 31.1% of all surface exposures of carbonate rocks occur in plains, 28.1% in hills and 40.8% in mountains, and 151,400 km or 15.7% of marine coastlines are characterized by carbonate rocks. About 34.2% of all carbonate rocks occur in arid climates, followed by 28.2% in cold and 15.9% in temperate climates, whereas only 13.1 and 8.6% occur in tropical and polar climates, respectively. Globally, 1.18 billion people (16.5% of the global population) live on karst. The highest absolute number occurs in Asia (661.7 million), whereas the highest percentages are in Europe (25.3%) and North America (23.5%). These results demonstrate the global importance of karst and serve as a basis for further research and international water management strategies.
Responsible Firm Behaviour in Political Markets: Judging the Ethicality of Corporate Political Activity in Weak Institutional Environments
Authors: Liedong Tahiru Azaaviele
Published: April 2020

While support for corporate political activity (CPA) is well echoed in the literature, little has been done to empirically examine its ethicality. Moreover, existing ethical CPA frameworks assume normative and rational leanings that are insufficient to provide a comprehensive account of CPA ethicality. Utilizing the Ghanaian context, adopting a multiple case study design involving 28 Directors from 22 firms, and employing a grounded theory approach, I explore how the ethicality of CPA is determined in weak institutional environments. The findings reveal that business executives evaluate ethics at three levels (i.e. context, organizational and strategy) using three principles (i.e. utilitarianism, justice and institutions). Leveraging this knowledge, I present an eclectic framework that bridges the long-standing gap between normative ethical prescriptions and lived ethical realities. In doing so, I move away from abstraction to give “voice” to the actors involved in CPA. I also present a model that shows how the ethical judgement process is influenced by managerial intuition and interactive personal and organizational experiences. This article has important theoretical and practical implications for ethical business-government relations in developing countries.
A nuclear periodic table
Authors: Hagino K. , Maeno Y.
Published: April 2020

There has been plenty of empirical evidence which shows that the single-particle picture holds to a good approximation in atomic nuclei. In this picture, protons and neutrons move independently inside a mean-field potential generated by an interaction among the nucleons. This leads to the concept of nuclear shells, similar to the electronic shells in atoms. In particular, the magic numbers due to closures of the nucleonic shells, corresponding to noble gases in elements, have been known to play an important role in nuclear physics. Here we propose a periodic table for atomic nuclei, in which the elements are arranged according to the known nucleonic shells. The nuclear periodic table clearly indicates that nuclei in the vicinity of the magic numbers can be understood in terms of a shell closure with one or two additional nucleons or nucleon holes, while nuclei far from the magic numbers are characterized by nuclear deformation.
Process Monitoring of Moisture Content and Mass Transfer Rate in a Fluidised Bed with a Low Cost Inline MEMS NIR Sensor
Authors: Avila Claudio R. , Ferré Joan , de Oliveira Rodrigo Rocha , de Juan Anna , Sinclair Wayne E. , Mahdi Faiz M. , Hassanpour Ali , Hunter Timothy N. , Bourne Richard A. , Muller Frans L.
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The current trend for continuous drug product manufacturing requires new, affordable process analytical techniques (PAT) to ensure control of processing. This work evaluates whether property models based on spectral data from recent Fabry–Pérot Interferometer based NIR sensors can generate a high-resolution moisture signal suitable for process control.

Methods

Spectral data and offline moisture content were recorded for 14 fluid bed dryer batches of pharmaceutical granules. A PLS moisture model was constructed resulting in a high resolution moisture signal, used to demonstrate (i) endpoint determination and (ii) evaluation of mass transfer performance.

Results

The sensors appear robust with respect to vibration and ambient temperature changes, and the accuracy of water content predictions (±13 % ) is similar to those reported for high specification NIR sensors. Fusion of temperature and moisture content signal allowed monitoring of water transport rates in the fluidised bed and highlighted the importance water transport within the solid phase at low moisture levels. The NIR data was also successfully used with PCA-based MSPC models for endpoint detection.

Conclusions

The spectral quality of the small form factor NIR sensor and its robustness is clearly sufficient for the construction and application of PLS models as well as PCA-based MSPC moisture models. The resulting high resolution moisture content signal was successfully used for endpoint detection and monitoring the mass transfer rate.
Innovation and growth in the UK pharmaceuticals: the case of product and marketing introductions
Authors: Bokhari Farasat A. S. , Mariuzzo Franco , Bennato Anna Rita
Published: April 2020

New drug introductions are key to growth for pharmaceutical firms. However, not all innovations are the same and they may have differential effects that vary by firm size. We use quarterly sales data on UK pharmaceuticals in a dynamic panel model to estimate the impact of product (new drugs) and marketing (additional pack varieties) innovations within a therapeutic class on a firm’s business unit growth. We find that product innovations lead to substantial growth in both the short and long run, whereas a new pack variety only produces short-term effects. The strategies are substitutes but the marginal effects are larger for product innovations relative to additional packs, and the effects are larger for smaller business units. Nonetheless, pack introductions offer a viable short-term growth strategy, especially for small- and medium-sized businesses.
Kripke Semantics for Intuitionistic Łukasiewicz Logic
Authors: Lewis-Smith A. , Oliva P. , Robinson E.
Published: April 2020

This paper proposes a generalization of the Kripke semantics of intuitionistic logicIL appropriate forintuitionistic Łukasiewicz logicIŁL —a logic in the intersection betweenIL and (classical) Łukasiewicz logic. This generalised Kripke semantics is based on theposet sumconstruction, used in Bova and Montagna (Theoret Comput Sci 410(12):1143–1158, 2009). to show the decidability (and PSPACE completeness) of the quasiequational theory of commutative, integral and bounded GBL algebras. The main idea is that$$w \Vdash \psi $$w⊩ψ—which forILis a relation between worldswand formulas$$\psi $$ψ, and can be seen as a function taking values in the booleans$$(w \Vdash \psi ) \in {{\mathbb {B}}}$$(w⊩ψ)∈B—becomes a function taking values in the unit interval$$(w \Vdash \psi ) \in [0,1]$$(w⊩ψ)∈[0,1]. An appropriate monotonicity restriction (which we callsloping functions) needs to be put on such functions in order to ensure soundness and completeness of the semantics.