bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of importing activities on technological and non-technological innovation: evidence from Chilean firms
Authors: Montégu José Pablo , Pertuze Julio A. , Calvo Carolina
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The authors analyzed the effects of importing activities on both technological and non-technological innovation in Chile. They contribute to the literature by hypothesizing and testing the idea that importing activities can foster the introduction of product, process, marketing and organizational innovations in emerging market firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used a combination of two economic surveys that included 1,347 Chilean companies. To test their hypotheses, they applied a variant of the Crépon-Duguet-Mairesse (CDM) model (Créponet al., 1998) accounting for technological and non-technological innovation outputs. Specifically, four alternative innovation output indicators were used to measure the introduction of product, process, marketing and organizational innovations.

Findings

The results revealed that importing activities had positive effects on technological and non-technological innovation. Importers showed a significant advantage in the introduction of product, marketing and organizational innovations. Firms that both import and export (i.e. two-way traders) had an even greater advantage in the introduction of new or significantly improved products.

Originality/value

The authors demonstrated a relationship between importing activities and both technological and non-technological innovation that is novel and relevant, particularly at a historical moment when COVID-19 poses huge economic challenges to emerging market firms. As trade disruptions caused by the pandemic have predisposed some governments to favor protectionist policies, the authors warn that erecting barriers against imports can hamper the innovative success of local businesses.
A simple cornea model for the tribological performance assessment of the lubricating eye drops
Authors: Göcerler Hakan , Medina Simon , Adler Michael , Brenner Josef , Tadler Andreas , Nagl Michael , Hohenadl Christine
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Dry eye syndrome is one of the most common reasons for eye-related discomfort which, without treatment, in some cases may even lead to corneal damage. Blinking, baseline and reflex lachrymation and drainage compromise the topical application of therapeutics demanding repeated, often hourly applications of common lubricants. In contrast, topically administered chitosan-N-acetylcysteine-based eye drops were reported to sustain on the ocular surface for more than 24 h. The thiolated biopolymer can interact with the corneal mucin layer thereby forming covalent disulphide bridges, which may contribute to extended residence times.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the tribological characteristics of four different lubricants including hyaluronic acid and chitosan-N-acetylcysteine containing commercially available eye drops were investigated. For this purpose, a representative test setup was developed, which mimics the contact between the cornea and the eyelid wiper. Gels with different elastic properties coated with a mucin layer were used as a substrate to mimic the corneal surface. Tests were conducted with a micro-tribometer, and friction values were recorded. Contact zones were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to investigate wear and thiol bonding on the surface.

Findings

Results revealed the lowest average coefficient of friction values for chitosan-N-acetylcysteine-based eye drops and substrate dependence of the test setup.

Originality/value

In this study, the authors introduced an in vitro system to test different types of eye drops so that chemical interaction with the mucin layer can be observed. These interactions change the tribological performance significantly and must be considered to have results relevant to the actual application.
Study on the application of big data techniques for the third-party logistics using novel support vector machine algorithm
Authors: Sun Feifei , Shi Guohong
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to effectively explore the application effect of big data techniques based on an α-support vector machine-stochastic gradient descent (SVMSGD) algorithm in third-party logistics, obtain the valuable information hidden in the logistics big data and promote the logistics enterprises to make more reasonable planning schemes.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the forgetting factor is introduced without changing the algorithm's complexity and proposed an algorithm based on the forgetting factor called the α-SVMSGD algorithm. The algorithm selectively deletes or retains the historical data, which improves the adaptability of the classifier to the real-time new logistics data. The simulation results verify the application effect of the algorithm.

Findings

With the increase of training times, the test error percentages of gradient descent (GD) algorithm, gradient descent support (SGD) algorithm and the α-SVMSGD algorithm decrease gradually; in the process of logistics big data processing, the α-SVMSGD algorithm has the efficiency of SGD algorithm while ensuring that the GD direction approaches the optimal solution direction and can use a small amount of data to obtain more accurate results and enhance the convergence accuracy.

Research limitations/implications

The threshold setting of the forgetting factor still needs to be improved. Setting thresholds for different data types in self-learning has become a research direction. The number of forgotten data can be effectively controlled through big data processing technology to improve data support for the normal operation of third-party logistics.

Practical implications

It can effectively reduce the time-consuming of data mining, realize the rapid and accurate convergence of sample data without increasing the complexity of samples, improve the efficiency of logistics big data mining, reduce the redundancy of historical data, and has a certain reference value in promoting the development of logistics industry.

Originality/value

The classification algorithm proposed in this paper has feasibility and high convergence in third-party logistics big data mining. The α-SVMSGD algorithm proposed in this paper has a certain application value in real-time logistics data mining, but the design of the forgetting factor threshold needs to be improved. In the future, the authors will continue to study how to set different data type thresholds in self-learning.
Unpacking the framework of unsolicited proposal for public private partnership projects – the Indian case
Authors: Mallisetti Varaprasad , Dolla Tharun , Laishram Boeing
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The most recent advent of the unsolicited proposal in the public private partnership mode of infrastructure procurement has changed the duties and roles of private and public sector agencies. Also, they have increased the practitioners' difficulties to work out strategic mechanisms and methods to manage these unsolicited proposals (USP) effectively. So, this study aims to understand how well equipped are the Indian USP guidelines for managing procurement.

Design/methodology/approach

Content analysis with coding procedures was carried to understand the regulations of USP frameworks of India over the four stages of USP procurement.

Findings

The findings show that there are severe flaws in various states' frameworks. The states have flaws in their policies in implementation features across the stages of USP such as defined objectives, the absence of fees and review timeframes in the submission, time frame and guidance on benchmarking and market testing in evaluation and development, time frame for bidding and access to information in procurement stages.

Originality/value

The USP implementation framework developed as part of this study can direct the policymakers and practitioners to improve public procurement regulations and the necessary changes for the successful implementation of USPs. In doing this, the private sector is enabled to develop more competitive and innovative proposals.
Exploring infiltration behaviour by organised crime groups
Authors: Fourie Mariska , Steenkamp Philip , McIntyre-Louw Jacqui-Lyn , Oellermann Clinton
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a holistic view of infiltration behaviour by organised crime groups (OCGs), with a specific focus on the methods used to access the legal market, including factors that drive an organised crime group to pursue infiltration. The act of infiltration is examined as a business decision; therefore, factors such as the surrounding community, the availability of criminal opportunities and broader implications, are considered.

Design/methodology/approach

Initially, the concept of an organised crime group is explored by, where possible, identifying trends in behaviour and structure. The act of infiltration is dissected, including the infiltration behaviour of OCGs and their related decision-making processes.

Findings

Infiltration actions are complex; therefore, any countervailing combatting and preventative actions will need to follow suit. OCGs pursue infiltration only when deemed feasible and to their benefit in furthering their illicit actions. Criminal opportunities are pursued across the entire economic sector. When these groups participate in a legal market, their criminality infects the healthy market and leaves it ill and contagious to the rest of the licit economy.

Originality/value

Infiltration is organic, as it indicates growth or adjustment to changing market conditions. Criminal opportunities are widespread, and their creation is often unintentional–the legal economy casts a shadow. Combatting organised crime, entrenched in the lawful community, requires that the focus should be on the susceptibility of potential infiltration targets through the possible infiltration methods. Furthermore, a broader perspective is needed when considering the underlying motivation for infiltration–it may not only be to generate profit.
Evaluating the knowledge, attitudes and practices of adults on food safety: a cross-sectional sample from Turkey
Authors: Göbel Pınar , Şanlier Nevin , Yilmaz Sine , Toka Onur , Açikalin Büşra , Kocabaş Şule
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the levels of food safety knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of consumer.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 1,161 volunteers were included in this study, which has been developed to measure the knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of adults on food safety. Study data were collected through an online survey technique.

Findings

A statistically significant difference was determined between male and female participants and also at the education level considering total food safety attitude and practice scores (p < 0,001). It was determined that university graduates had higher scores at all scales than the median scores. When an assessment was made on the body mass index of the participants, it was seen that the implementation and attitude scales were statistically different from each other, and in paired comparisons on these scales, the average scores of normal-weight individuals were observed higher in the sub-dimensions than slightly obese individuals (p < 0.007; p < 0.001).

Research limitations/implications

Even though the population of the study was adults living in different cities, the results should not be generalized to all adults and the whole country. Also, the fact that the answers to the questions were not face-to-face, could create a bias. Although the reliability coefficient was found to be high, the data reported by the individuals participating in the study about their behavior formed the study results.

Originality/value

This study makes an important contribution to the literature. Determining the knowledge, attitude and behavior of consumers about food safety is important in ensuring food safety.
Co-opetition, corporate responsibility and sustainability: why multi-dimensional constructs matter
Authors: Kumar Amit , Connell Julia , Bhattacharyya Asit
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This study aims to set out to develop and validate a new instrument to measure the multi-dimensional nature of co-opetition in corporate responsibility and sustainability (CRS). It is anticipated that this instrument will prove useful to firms wanting to adopt measures that support relevant sustainability strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

The scale development concerns three separate components, namely, item generation through expert interviews; a pilot study conducted for scale purification; and a final study for scale confirmation and validation, respectively. The final study comprises 215 firms across 11 sectors in Australia that engage in co-opetitive alliances for CRS activities.

Findings

This study empirically validates the distinctiveness of three dimensions (commonality-driven, competition-driven and collaboration-driven) of co-opetition in relation to CRS resulting in a 15-item multi-dimensional scale. The three dimensions were found to be important aspects both in terms of scale validity and organisational consideration.

Research limitations/implications

This study proposes a new research area regarding the proposed framework, as well as practical strategies for practitioners when considering co-opetition and their firm’s engagement in CRS activities.

Originality/value

Prior studies in similar areas have mainly comprised conceptual or qualitative approaches and do not tend to focus on all three aspects of co-opetition, corporate social responsibility and sustainability.
Genomics and transcriptomics insights into luteolin effects on the beta‐rhizobial strain Cupriavidus necator UYPR2.512
Authors: Rodríguez‐Esperón M. C. , Eastman G. , Sandes L. , Garabato F. , Eastman I. , Iriarte A. , Fabiano E. , Sotelo‐Silveira J. R. , Platero R.
Published: November 2021

Cupriavidus necator UYPR2.512 is a rhizobial strain that belongs to the Beta‐subclass of proteobacteria, able to establish successful symbiosis with Mimosoid legumes. The initial steps of rhizobium‐legumes symbioses involve the reciprocal recognition by chemical signals, being luteolin one of the molecules involved. However, there is a lack of information on the effect of luteolin in beta‐rhizobia. In this work, we used long‐read sequencing to complete the genome of UYPR2.512 providing evidence for the existence of four closed circular replicons. We used an RNA‐Seq approach to analyse the response of UYPR2.512 to luteolin. One hundred and forty‐five genes were differentially expressed, with similar numbers of downregulated and upregulated genes. Most repressed genes were mapped to the main chromosome, while the upregulated genes were overrepresented among pCne512e, containing the symbiotic genes. Induced genes included the nod operon and genes implicated in exopolysaccharides and flagellar biosynthesis. We identified many genes involved in iron, copper and other heavy metals metabolism. Among repressed genes, we identified genes involved in basal carbon and nitrogen metabolism. Our results suggest that in response to luteolin, C. necator strain UYPR2.512 reshapes its metabolism in order to be prepared for the forthcoming symbiotic interaction.
Multi‐family therapy for separated parents in conflict and their children: intervention development and pilot evaluation
Authors: Mortimer Rose , Morris Emma , Pursch Benita , Roe Alice , Sleed Michelle
Published: November 2021

Evidence demonstrates the deleterious impact of ongoing and poorly resolved parental conflict on children’s wellbeing. ‘No Kids in the Middle’ (NKM) is a multi‐family programme that aims to help high‐conflict separated parents find new ways of communicating. The aim of this study was to adapt, deliver and evaluate NKM in three UK pilot sites. This paper reports findings from interviews exploring families’ experiences of this intervention, and questionnaires which measured change for families over the course of the programme. Parents reported reductions in hostility and conflict when discussing parenting issues. Children reported improved wellbeing with respect to family life, and a reduction in ‘avoidance’ with respect to talking or thinking about parental conflict. Parents reported reduced internalising symptoms in children. The findings indicate that NKM could be a promising intervention for high‐conflict separated parents and their children, deliverable by frontline practitioners.

Practitioner points

Inter‐parental conflict can negatively impact children’s wellbeing

Multi‐family therapy may be a promising approach for separated parents experiencing co‐parenting conflict

After the NKM multi‐family programme, parents reported reduced levels of hostility and conflict when discussing parenting issues

At the end of the NKM programme, children reported improved wellbeing with respect to family life, and a reduction in ‘avoidance’ with respect to talking or thinking about family conflict. Relatedly, parents reported reduced internalising symptoms in children
Ginsenoside Rb1 alleviates liver injury induced by 3‐chloro‐1,2‐propanediol by stimulating autophagic flux
Authors: Lu Jianing , Lu Jing , Bu Xiujuan , Li Yazhuo , Ge Guangcai , Guan Shuang
Published: November 2021

In recent years, foodborne pollutants have become a hot issue in the field of food safety. 3‐chloro‐1,2‐propanediol (3‐MCPD) is a widely existing food contaminant. In our previous study, it was confirmed that 3‐MCPD can block autophagic flux by inhibiting lysosomal function, thus causing liver injury. Ginseng is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine that contains a variety of bioactive ingredients, among which ginsenoside Rb1 (Gs‐Rb1) is the most abundant. In this study, we aim to use Gs‐Rb1 to improve 3‐MCPD‐induced autophagic flux blockage to alleviate liver injury. First, a nontoxic dose of Gs‐Rb1 was identified by screening with the MTT method in which Gs‐Rb1was added to HepG2 cells and co‐treated with 3‐MCPD. We found that Gs‐Rb1 effectively enhanced the cell activity inhibited by 3‐MCPD. Meanwhile, apoptosis data showed that Gs‐Rb1 significantly alleviated the apoptosis of HepG2 cells induced by 3‐MCPD. Subsequently, we found that Gs‐Rb1 could alleviate autophagic flux blockage caused by 3‐MCPD in a dose‐dependent manner by detecting autophagy‐related protein levels and transfecting mRFP‐GFP‐LC3 adenovirus. On this basis, we used Western blotting and qPCR to explore whether miR‐128 was involved in the alleviation effect of Gs‐Rb1 on autophagic flux blockade induced by 3‐MCPD. The results showed that Gs‐Rb1 inhibited the expression of miR‐128 and promoted the nuclear expression and target gene transcription of TFEB. Finally, the findings were confirmed by using a hsa‐miR‐128 inhibitor and mimic. We found that hsa‐miR‐128 inhibitor alleviated the autophagic flux blockage and apoptosis caused by 3‐MCPD and Gs‐Rb1 also had a certain alleviation effect on the autophagic flux blockage and apoptosis caused by hsa‐miR‐128 mimic. This study elaborated the mechanism by which Gs‐Rb1 alleviates hepatotoxicity induced by foodborne 3‐MCPD by stimulating autophagic flux via miR‐128‐targeted TFEB, which provides a reliable theoretical basis and target for the use of natural substances to reduce the harm of food processing pollutants on the human body.

Practical Application

We found that natural ginsenoside Rb1 can alleviate liver injury induced by 3‐MCPD(a toxic substance found in foods such as refined vegetable oil, soy sauce, and baby milk powder), which is conducive to the development and utilization of ginseng and has practical significance for the prevention of foodborne liver injury.
Alpha2‐receptor agonists as adjuvants for brachial plexus nerve blocks—A systematic review with meta‐analyses
Authors: Andersen Jakob H. , Karlsen Anders , Geisler Anja , Jæger Pia , Grevstad Ulrik , Dahl Jørgen B. , Mathiesen Ole
Published: November 2021

Background

We review the efficacy and safety of dexmedetomidine and clonidine as perineural or systemic adjuvants for brachial plexus blocks (BPB).

Methods

We included randomised controlled trials on upper limb surgery with BPBs in adults, comparing dexmedetomidine with clonidine or either drug with placebo. The primary outcome was duration of analgesia. Secondary outcomes included adverse and serious adverse events. The review was conducted using Cochrane standards, trial sequential analyses (TSA) and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE).

Results

We included 101 trials with 6248 patients. Overall, duration of analgesia was prolonged with both clonidine (176 min [TSA adj. 95% CI: 118, 205, p < .00001; 33 trials]) and dexmedetomidine (292 min [TSA adj. 95% CI: 245 329, p < .00001; 53 trials]), but was longer for dexmedetomidine than clonidine (205 min [TSA adj. 95% CI: 157, 254, p < .00001; 19 trials]). Compared with placebo, dexmedetomidine was associated with bradycardia (RR 4.2 [95% CI 2.2, 8.3]), and both clonidine (RR 4.5 [95% CI 1.1, 18.3]) and dexmedetomidine (RR 3.9 [95% CI 2.0, 7.5]) were associated with hypotension. Serious adverse events were mostly related to block technique. GRADE‐rated quality of evidence was low or very low.

Conclusion

Alpha2‐receptor agonists used as adjuvants for BPBs lead to a prolonged duration of analgesia, with dexmedetomidine as the most efficient. Alpha2‐receptor agonists were associated with increased risk of cardiovascular adverse events. The quality of evidence was low to very low.
Early cancer cachexia phenotype predicts survival of advanced urothelial cancer patients treated with pembrolizumab
Authors: Yamamoto Shumpei , Fukushima Hiroshi , Fukuda Shohei , Uehara Sho , Yasuda Yosuke , Tanaka Hajime , Yoshida Soichiro , Yokoyama Minato , Matsuoka Yoh , Fujii Yasuhisa
Published: November 2021

Aim

We aimed to explore the association between cancer cachexia phenotypes in the early phase of treatment induction and the prognosis of advanced urothelial cancer (aUC) patients receiving pembrolizumab.

Methods

This retrospective study included 31 aUC patients treated with pembrolizumab as a second‐ or later‐line therapy. Patients were categorized into three early cancer cachexia phenotypes by changes in skeletal muscle and total adipose indices calculated using computed tomography images taken immediately before and within 3 months after the initiation of pembrolizumab: No Wasting (NW, 11 patients), Fat‐Only Wasting (FW, 13), and Muscle and Fat Wasting (MFW, seven). Its association with objective response rate (ORR), progression‐free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were evaluated.

Results

The median follow‐up period was 5.7 months. The median number of cycles of pembrolizumab was five. The ORR in NW/FW/MFW was 86%/38%/0%, respectively (p = 0.001). The PFS and OS rates were the best in NW, followed in order by FW and MFW (PFS, 69%/45%/0% at 12 months, p = 0.008; OS, 100%/65%/0% at 12 months, p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis including posttherapeutic cachexia‐associated parameters, cancer cachexia phenotype (MFW vs. FW/NW) was an independent predictor of poor OS (hazard ratio 8.59, p < 0.001) along with an increase in neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (p = 0.028).

Conclusion

Early cancer cachexia phenotypes were significantly associated with the survival of aUC patients treated with pembrolizumab. In contrast to the very early progression and poor prognosis in the MFW group, long‐term survival can be expected in the NW/FW groups.
Endometriosis and the workplace: Lessons from Australia’s response to COVID‐19
Authors: Armour Mike , Ciccia Donna , Stoikos Chelsea , Wardle Jon
Published: November 2021

Endometriosis is known to impact work productivity. The COVID‐19 pandemic resulted in a shift in working practices for many, with an increase in working from home and/or flexible working hours. The aim of this online cross‐sectional study was to determine if these changes resulted in changes in symptom management and productivity in Australian people with endometriosis. Three hundred and eighty‐nine people responded to the survey. The majority of respondents found that their endometriosis symptoms were much easier to manage, and they were more productive. A key factor was flexibility in work hours and the increased ability to self‐manage their time.
Experience with polyethylene glycol allergy‐guided risk management for COVID‐19 vaccine anaphylaxis
Authors: Brockow Knut , Mathes Sonja , Fischer Jörg , Volc Sebastian , Darsow Ulf , Eberlein Bernadette , Biedermann Tilo
Published: November 2021

Background

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) may elicit anaphylaxis to COVID‐19 mRNA vaccines, and guidance for patients at risk is needed.

Methods

In retrospective patients with PEG allergy collected from 2006 till 2019, clinical, skin, and basophil activation test (BAT) characteristics discriminative for PEG allergy were analyzed and compared with the literature. In 421 prospective real‐life patients asking for allergy workup for COVID‐19 vaccine hypersensitivity in 2020/2021, risk assessment was performed and tolerance of the recommended vaccination approach was assessed.

Results

Ten patients with PEG allergy were found in the retrospective cohort. Patients reacted with immediate anaphylaxis (100%) not only to PEG‐based laxatives/bowel preparations or injections, but also to cold medication, antiseptics, analgetics, or antibiotics. Skin tests ± BAT with PEG ± elicitors were positive in 10/10. Provocation tests were positive in 7/9 patients. From the prospective cohort, 370/421 patients self‐reporting increased risk for vaccine allergy lacked criteria necessitating allergy workup and were recommended for routine vaccination. A total of 51/421 patients were tested, and three (6%) with PEG allergy were identified, whereas 48 patients remained negative in skin tests. Vaccination was recommended in all those patients. No hypersensitivity reactions were reported to vaccination including six PEG‐allergic patients tolerating COVID‐19 vaccination.

Conclusions

Taking a detailed history excluded PEG allergy in most referred patients and enabled direct safe vaccination. Immediate urticaria/anaphylaxis to typical elicitors identified patients requiring PEG allergy workup. Skin tests ± BAT identified PEG allergy and helped to select the vaccine and the vaccination approach. Even PEG‐allergic patients can tolerate COVID‐19 vaccines.
A Novel Bayesian Functional Spatial Partitioning Method with Application to Prostate Cancer Lesion Detection Using MRI
Authors: Masotti Maria , Zhang Lin , Leng Ethan , Metzger Gregory J. , Koopmeiners Joseph S.
Published: November 2021

Spatial partitioning methods correct for nonstationarity in spatially related data by partitioning the space into regions of local stationarity. Existing spatial partitioning methods can only estimate linear partitioning boundaries. This is inadequate for detecting an arbitrarily shaped anomalous spatial region within a larger area. We propose a novel Bayesian functional spatial partitioning (BFSP) algorithm, which estimates closed curves that act as partitioning boundaries around anomalous regions of data with a distinct distribution or spatial process. Our method utilizes transitions between a fixed Cartesian and moving polar coordinate system to model the smooth boundary curves using functional estimation tools. Using adaptive Metropolis-Hastings, the BFSP algorithm simultaneously estimates the partitioning boundary and the parameters of the spatial distributions within each region. Through simulation we show that our method is robust to shape of the target zone and region-specific spatial processes. We illustrate our method through the detection of prostate cancer lesions using magnetic resonance imaging.
Novel 1,3,5‐triazine‐nicotinohydrazide derivatives induce cell arrest and apoptosis in osteosarcoma cancer cells and inhibit osteosarcoma in a patient‐derived orthotopic xenograft mouse model
Authors: Su Qing , Xu Baolin , Tian Zhoubin , Gong Ziling
Published: November 2021

The present study deals with developing novel 1,3,5‐triazine‐nicotinohydrazide derivatives as potent CDK9 inhibitors in a straightforward synthetic route with potent anti‐osteosarcoma activity. The most potent CDK9 inhibitor compound5kinhibits proliferation of MG‐63 cells via induction of apoptosis and G2/M cell cycle arrest. It reduces tumor progression in the patient‐derived orthotopic xenograft (PDOX) mouse model with significant antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activity. In tumor tissue homogenates, it caused significant inhibition of CDK9 and inhibited the phosphorylation of RNAPII ser2 and reduced MCL‐1 expression in Western blot analysis. Compound5kalso showed considerable bioavailability in SD mice. Our results demonstrated that compound5kinhibits growth of OS in vitro and in vivo via inhibition of CDK9 which attenuated the downstream phosphorylation of RNAPII ser2 and represses expression of the anti‐apoptotic protein, MCL‐1 for the induction of apoptosis in OS.
Lessons from other disciplines for setting management thresholds for biodiversity conservation
Authors: Hilton Mairi , Walsh Jessica C. , Liddell Erin , Cook Carly N.
Published: November 2021

Successful, state‐dependent management, in which the goal of management is to maintain a system in a desired state, involves defining the boundaries between different states. Once these boundaries have been defined, managers require a strategic action plan with thresholds that initiate management interventions to either maintain or return the system to a desired state. This approach to management is widely used across diverse industries from agriculture, to medicine, to information technology, but it has only been adopted in conservation management relatively recently. Conservation practitioners have expressed a willingness to integrate this structured approach in their management systems, but they have also voiced concerns, including lack of a robust process for doing so. Given the widespread use of state‐dependent management in other fields, we conducted an extensive review of the literature on threshold‐based management to gain insight into how and where it is applied and identify potential lessons for conservation management. We identified 22 industries using 75 different methods for setting management thresholds in 843 studies. Methods spanned six broad approaches, including expert driven, statistical, predictive, optimization, experimental, and artificial intelligence methods. The objectives of each of these studies influenced the approaches used, including the methods for setting thresholds and selecting actions, and the number of thresholds set. The role of value judgments in setting thresholds was clear; studies across all industries frequently involved experts in setting thresholds, often accompanied by computational tools to simulate the consequences of proposed thresholds under different conditions. Of the 30 conservation studies examined, two‐thirds used expert‐driven methods, consistent with prior evidence that experience‐based information often drives conservation management decisions. The methods we identified from other disciplines could help conservation decision makers set thresholds for management interventions in different contexts, linking monitoring to management actions and ensuring that conservation interventions are timely and effective.
Vergleichende Metaanalyse zur Behandlung atropher Aknenarben mit Erbium‐Laser versus CO2‐Laser
Authors: Husein‐ElAhmed Husein , Steinhoff Martin
Published: November 2021

Fortschritte in der Lasertechnologie haben es in letzter Zeit ermöglicht, Textur, Erscheinungsbild und Elastizität der Haut bei Aknenarben zu verbessern. Es gibt allerdings noch keine vergleichenden Studien zu den gebräuchlichsten fraktionierten Lasersystemen bei Aknenarben. Das Ziel dieser Metaanalyse ist der Vergleich der klinischen Ergebnisse der Behandlung von Aknenarben mit Erbium‐Laser oder CO2‐Laser. Dazu wurden die Datenbanken PUBMED, EMBASE und Cochrane Library herangezogen. Es wurden die Verbesserung der Narben nach Beurteilung durch die Untersucher sowie durch die Patienten verglichen. Fünf Studien wurden eingeschlossen. Die Narben‐Verbesserung war durch beide Laser‐Behandlungen ähnlich, sowohl nach Beurteilung durch die Untersucher (RR: 0,60 95 %‐KI: 0,35–1,02) als auch durch die Patienten (RR: 0,99 95 %‐KI: 0,79–1,25). Nach Ausschluss von Studien mit hohem Verzerrungsrisiko durch Sensitivitätsanalyse war der CO2‐Laser dem Erbium‐Laser überlegen (RR: 0,47 95 %‐KI: 0,24–0,93). Die Subgruppen‐Analyse konnte allerdings keine signifikante Überlegenheit des CO2‐Lasers gegenüber dem nichtablativen (RR: 0,65 95 %‐KI: 0,34–1,24) oder dem ablativen Erbium‐Laser (RR: 0,60 95 %‐KI: 0,35–1,02) bestätigen. Nach Einschätzung der Untersucher war das klinische Ansprechen auf den CO2‐Laser im Vergleich zum Erbium‐Laser geringfügig besser. Insgesamt fanden sich keine wesentlichen Unterschiede in der Effektivität der beiden Laser‐Technologien. Die beiden Resurfacing‐Technologien könnten sich jedoch ergänzen, da sie Stärken bei unterschiedlichen klinischen Problemen zeigen.
Design Management Staircase as a Measuring Unit: Understanding Design in Cairo Startups
Authors: Attia Jomana G. , Lotfi Nariman G.
Published: November 2021

Although there is a great need for Design, limited research is conducted on Design Management (DM) in the Middle East compared to Europe. One development in Cairo in the past decade is the increase of startups, generating a diversity of offerings. It is believed that the higher a company is on the DM Staircase, the more revenue it gets, among other benefits. Since Cairo startups are aiming to raise the Egyptian economy, this paper aims to define where Design lies by using the staircase as a measuring unit to plot startups against. Narrative interviews were conducted and processed to gain understanding from entrepreneurs and identify common terminologies used by startups. This paper addresses whether DM is adopted in Cairo but under different terminologies. It was found that existing Design terminology is frequently used in English which is not yet translated to Arabic, leading to miscommunication. Moreover, the paper concludes the plotting of startups against the DM Staircase to classify their Design integration. It was found that the level of DM involvement for the startups interviewed was at the lowest two levels. Therefore, this plotting paves the way for business consultants to help elevate startups onto the DM Staircase.
Net loss statistics underestimate carbon emissions from mangrove land use and land cover change
Authors: Bukoski Jacob J. , Dronova Iryna , Potts Matthew D.
Published: November 2021

Converting mangroves to other land cover types can induce large emissions of carbon dioxide, depending on the type of land use and land cover (LULC) change. However, mangroves may also recover their ecosystem carbon stocks rapidly following restoration, potentially offsetting carbon stock losses. While studies have quantified these tradeoffs at global scales using coarse metrics, fewer studies have quantified them at national scales at higher resolution. Here, we used high‐resolution data sets of LULC for mangroves in Thailand to quantify district‐level gross and net changes in mangrove carbon stocks from ~1960 to 2014. We found emissions based on gross gain and loss statistics (7.18 ± 0.24 million Mg C) to be greater than those associated with emissions based on net area change statistics (1.65 ± 0.26 million Mg C) by a factor of four. The difference in estimates arises from slower rates of carbon stock recovery following reforestation relative to carbon stock loss following LULC change. Overall, we found the greatest gains in mangrove carbon stocks to be from mangrove expansion in areas of accreting sediments, which were strongly correlated with district‐level extent of undisturbed mangroves. Our results show that net loss statistics may greatly underestimate emissions associated with LULC change in mangroves. Additionally, our findings suggest that gains in mangrove carbon stocks associated with natural establishment at the periphery of standing mangroves may offset substantial carbon stock losses at national scales.
Does cultural diversity contribute to the sustainable development of trade? Empirical evidence from 288 Chinese cities
Authors: Liu Jiayue , Hu Ying , Xie Jing , Li Bo
Published: November 2021

There is mounting theoretical and empirical research that explains the reasons for the rapid expansion of China's export trade, but they mostly ignore the effects of cultural differences. To fill this gap, this paper provides an empirical investigation of how cultural diversity affects the sustainable development of trade, which is defined as the goal of maintaining certain volume of trade and making trade growth sustainable. The findings are as follows. (1) Cultural diversity can significantly promote the sustainable development of trade. (2) Entrepreneurship is the possible channel wherein cultural diversity affects the sustainable development of trade, including innovation entrepreneurship and business entrepreneurship. (3) Further studies demonstrate that economic openness has a significant moderating effect on the relationship between cultural diversity and the sustainable development of trade. That is, the higher the level of openness of a city, the stronger the promotion of cultural diversity to the sustainable development of trade. This study not only deepens understanding on the relationship between culture and trade but also provides important policy implications for many countries that have high migration rates.
Synthesis of n‐HAP using different precursors and dependence of Vickers hardness on the structure by tuning sintering temperature
Authors: Ishtiaque Md. Saif , Das Harinarayan , Hoque S. Manjura , Choudhury Shamima
Published: November 2021

Three sets of starting materials Ca(NO3)2·4H2O and (NH4)2HPO4; Ca(OH)2 and H3PO4; Ca(OH)2 and (NH4)2HPO4 were chosen for the preparation of different precursors of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (n‐HAP) by wet chemical precipitation technique denoted by HAP‐1, HAP‐2, HAP‐3. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) studies show that n‐HAP of all three types exhibited single‐phase in the as‐prepared condition. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) studies of as‐prepared samples showed characteristic needle‐like particles with a width of 5 nm, which were fully crystalline exhibited by the lattice fringe in HRTEM, and single‐phase demonstrated by SAED patterns. The samples were pelletized and annealed at varying temperatures in the range of 600°C–1400°C. The results indicated that HAP‐1 and HAP‐3 samples showed phase decomposition at 1400°C to form β‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP) while for HAP‐2 no such decomposition occurred up to 1400°C. Data from the Vickers hardness test revealed that the hardness value up to 2.5 GPa was attained at the sintering temperature of 1200°C for HAP‐1 and HAP‐3. The hardness values are consistently higher for HAP‐2 than HAP‐1 and HAP‐3 at all sintering temperatures and attained a value of 3 GPa at 1200°C. Thus, synthesizing n‐HAP by using H3PO4; Ca(OH)2 bestows highest Vickers hardness.
Maintenance exercises for urinary continence after rehabilitation following radical prostatectomy: Follow‐up study
Authors: Terzoni Stefano , Ferrara Paolo , Bellati Giulia , Mora Cristina , Pinna Helené , Borelli Silvia , Destrebecq Anne
Published: November 2021

In a previous paper, we presented a complete pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) program; follow‐up data and maintenance exercises for such program have yet to be studied. The role of PFMT for urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy is known in literature; the rehabilitation program should be tailored to the patient's needs, and should include maintenance exercises upon completion of the rehabilitation program. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of a maintenance programme of PFMT on urinary incontinence. After rehabilitation with PFMT, described in previous papers, patients with urinary leakages after radical retropubic prostatectomy followed the maintenance program described in this paper in a prospective study. Leakages were assessed after 3, 6, 12 and 18 months from rehabilitation. Two hundred and seventy‐three patients were included; 216 (79.1%) achieved continence at the end of the rehabilitation programme described in the previous paper; the 57 who remained incontinent were significantly older (66 vs. 71 years, p < 0.001). Continence was maintained in 78.7%, 77.3%, 76.9% and 74.4% of the patients surveyed at 3, 6, 12 and 18 months respectively. The maintenance program proposed in this paper illustrates in detail the body positions, the number of contractions and the moments of the day in which the exercises should be performed. The long‐term effects data support the efficacy of this program.

Highlights

Pelvic floor muscle training is an effective method for treating urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy.

In a previous paper, we have shown the efficacy of a complete series of exercises.

This paper presents the maintenance programme dedicated at supporting continence in the long run, up to 18 months.
Enhancement of UV laser‐induced damage resistance of the fluoride‐containing phosphate glasses by regulating the intrinsic defects
Authors: Li Shengwu , Wan Rui , Ma Yuan , Wang Pengfei
Published: November 2021

Low fluorine content containing fluorophosphate glasses have promising potential as ultraviolet (UV) optics to be used in high‐energy laser systems. Systematic studies on the iron‐doped and iron‐free fluoride‐containing phosphate glasses that were prepared at high and low melting temperatures explore the underlying interrelationship among the glass preparation conditions, intrinsic defects in produced glasses, and the anti‐laser‐damage properties. For the iron‐doped fundamental frequency (1ω) absorptive glass, melting at high‐temperature (1200°C) can reduce the extrinsic “impurity” concentration of Fe3+ ions, resulting in tiny increase of optical bandgap (by 1.6%) but significant reduce of the absorption coefficient by 34% at 355 nm. However, only tiny increase of the laser‐induced damage threshold (LIDT) was achieved. For the iron‐free third harmonic frequency (3ω) transparent glass, low‐temperature (1000°C) melting process significantly reduced the absorptive intrinsic defects content of PO3‐EC, PO4‐EC, and phosphorous oxygen‐bonded hole center defects, which made the UV absorption edge blue‐shifted by 50 nm and the optical bandgap increased by ∼18%. The UV (355 nm) LIDT was significantly enhanced by ∼27%. Much lower absorption coefficient and larger bandgap of the iron‐free glass relative to the iron‐doped one endow it with larger a LIDT. In short, optimizing the glass melting temperature is a feasible method to enhance the UV laser‐induced damage resistance of the fluoride‐containing phosphate glasses through controlling the content of the extrinsic or intrinsic defects in produced glasses. The general routine is to achieve both the lower UV absorptive defect concentration (i.e., lower UV absorption at 355 nm) and the lower non‐bridged oxygen ratio (i.e., denser glass network), as well as a larger optical bandgap (i.e., reduced probability of avalanche ionization breakdown), which together contribute to the enhancement of the anti‐laser‐damage performance of the investigated fluoride‐containing phosphate glasses.
Heterostructure interface effect on the ORR/OER kinetics of Ag–PrBa0.5Sr0.5Co2O5+δ for high‐efficiency Li–O2 battery
Authors: Zou Lu , Lu Zhao , Wang Ziling , Chi Bo , Pu Jian
Published: November 2021

Developing high‐efficiency and cost‐effective bifunctional electrocatalysts toward the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is an urgent issue for the oxygen‐based electrochemical devices. Herein, an interface engineering concept has been proposed to achieve high‐performance Ag–PBSC (Ag–PrBa0.5Sr0.5Co2O5+δ) heterostructure nanofibers catalyst. Benefiting from the significant ligand action and interparticle cooperation of exsolved Ag NPs and PBSC double perovskite, ORR/OER catalytic kinetics have been successfully boosted. In details, the PBSC double perovskite possessing abundant oxygen vacancies can provide oxygen channels and facilitate the transfer of electrons and oxygen. The embedded Ag NPs can deliver superior catalytic durability for the heterostructure interface. As expected, the as‐synthesized Ag‐PBSC heterostructure catalyst performs a favorable electrochemical performance in the oxygen‐based applications. In alkaline media, the catalyst exhibits an excellent activity for ORR (Eonset: 0.88 V vs. RHE and E1/2: 0.72 V vs. RHE) and OER (1.67 V at 10 mA cm–2). When adopting the Ag–PBSC heterostructure catalyst in LOBs, the corresponding battery provides an outperforming capacity performance (13 000 mAh g–1), low discharge–charge polarization (1.37 V), and considerable cycling performance (128 cycles at the restricted capacity of 3 000 mAh g–1 and 400 mA g–1). Apparently, the work described here confirms that the interface engineering of perovskites can open up opportunities to develop highly active and durable heterostructure electrocatalysts for multitudinous oxygen‐based electrochemical applications.
4D flow MRI hemodynamic biomarkers for cerebrovascular diseases
Authors: Wåhlin Anders , Eklund Anders , Malm Jan
Published: November 2021

Alterations in cerebral blood flow are common in several neurological diseases among the elderly including stroke, cerebral small vessel disease, vascular dementia, and Alzheimer's disease. 4D flow magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a relatively new technique to investigate cerebrovascular disease, and makes it possible to obtain time‐resolved blood flow measurements of the entire cerebral arterial venous vasculature and can be used to derive a repertoire of hemodynamic biomarkers indicative of cerebrovascular health.

The information that can be obtained from one single 4D flow MRI scan allows both the investigation of aberrant flow patterns at a focal location in the vasculature as well as estimations of brain‐wide disturbances in blood flow. Such focal and global hemodynamic biomarkers show the potential of being sensitive to impending cerebrovascular disease and disease progression and can also become useful during planning and follow‐up of interventions aiming to restore a normal cerebral circulation.

Here, we describe 4D flow MRI approaches for analyzing the cerebral vasculature. We then survey key hemodynamic biomarkers that can be reliably assessed using the technique. Finally, we highlight cerebrovascular diseases where one or multiple hemodynamic biomarkers are of central interest.
The Association Between School District‐Based Policies Related to Concussions and Concussions Among High School Students
Authors: Miller Gabrielle F. , Sarmiento Kelly , Haarbauer‐Krupa Juliet , Everett Jones Sherry
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the effectiveness of school district concussion policies on reducing the concussion prevalence among students.

METHODS

Data from the 2016 School Health Policies and Practices Study and 2017 Youth Risk Behavior Survey for 10 school districts were linked. The outcome variable was having a sports‐ or physical activity‐related concussion during the 12 months before of the survey. Exposure variables were 2 district policies, including district‐funded professional development and prioritizing return to the classroom before returning to athletics. Logistic regression models estimated the odds of a concussion among students in districts with one, both, or neither policy (referent).

RESULTS

In districts with district‐funded professional development, the odds of students self‐reporting ≥2 sports‐ or physical activity‐related concussions were 1.4 times higher than in districts with neither policy. In districts with a policy prioritizing a return to the classroom before returning to athletics, the odds of students self‐reporting ≥2 concussions were significantly lower (OR = 0.6) than in districts with neither policy.

CONCLUSION

School district concussion policies may have positive effects by identifying and reducing multiple concussions among students.