bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discourses of (hetero)sexism in popular music
Authors: Coffey-Glover Laura , Handforth Rachel
Published: August 2019

This article analyses interview data to explore how participants negotiated discourses of (hetero)sexism in relation to the controversial pop songBlurred Lines.Our previous work, based on questionnaire data, interrogated interpretations ofBlurred Lines(Handforth, Paterson, Coffey-Glover & Mills 2017) and showed how participants drew on discourses of sexism in their responses. Several participants experienced significant conflict in their interpretations, and here we focus on these more complex interpretations, considering the “small stories” (Bamberg & Georgakopoulou 2008) identified in follow-up interviews with participants. Individual narratives acted as mechanisms through which participants linkedBlurred Linesto wider issues such as rape culture, drawing parallels between these and their own lives. Following research in queer linguistics (King 2014;Leap 2014;Motschenbacher 2010) our use of thematic analysis, corpus linguistic tools and narrative analysis highlights the various subject positions that participants negotiated in their storytelling, and how these positions both echoed and challenged normative understandings of gender and sexuality.
An examination of individual responses to ischemic preconditioning and the effect of repeated ischemic preconditioning on cycling performance
Authors: Slysz J.T. , Petrick H.L. , Marrow J.P. , Burr J.F.
Published: August 2019

Purpose: To use repeated control trials to measure within‐subject variability and assess the existence of responders to ischemic preconditioning (IPC). Secondly, to determine whether repeated IPC can evoke a dosed ergogenic response. Methods: Twelve aerobically fit individuals each completed three control and three IPC 5‐km cycling time trials. IPC trials included: (i) IPC 15‐min preceding the trial (traditional IPC), (ii) IPC 24‐h and 15‐min preceding (IPC × 2), (iii) IPC 48‐h, 24‐h, and 15‐min preceding (IPC × 3). IPC consisted of 3 × 5‐min cycles of occlusion and reperfusion at the upper thighs. To assess the existence of a true response to IPC, individual performance following traditional IPC was compared to each individual's own 5‐km TT coefficient of variation. In individuals who responded to IPC, all three IPC conditions were compared to the mean of the three control trials (CONavg) to determine whether repeated IPC can evoke a dosed ergogenic response. Results: 9 of 12 (75%) participants improved 5‐km time (−1.8 ± 1.7%) following traditional IPC, however, only 7 of 12 (58%) improved greater than their own variability between repeated controls (true responders). In true responders only, we observed a significant mean improvement in 5‐km TT completion following traditional IPC (478 ± 50 s), IPC × 2 (481 ± 51 s), and IPC × 3 (480.5 ± 49 s) compared to mean CONavg (488 ± 51s; p < 0.006), with no differences between various IPC trials (p > 0.05). Conclusion: A majority of participants responded to IPC, providing support for a meaningful IPC‐mediated performance benefit. However, repeated bouts of IPC on consecutive days do not enhance the ergogenic effect of a single bout of IPC.
Influence of fused deposition modeling process parameters on the transformation of 4D printed morphing structures
Authors: Kačergis Lukas , Mitkus Rytis , Sinapius Michael
Published: August 2019

4D printing combines additive layer manufacturing processes with smart materials to create structures that are able to change shape or properties over time under the influence of environmental stimuli. The article presents 3D printed multi-material shape-variable structures imitating a hinge. Fused deposition modelling was used because it provides the ability to pre-program structures during the printing process by varying printing parameters. The structures are printed with PLA and TPU and remain flat after printing until they are exposed to a stimulus - heat. The main objective of this article is to present the possibilities of the aforementioned pre-programming step which can be adapted by varying the printing process and design parameters of the printed part. Experimental results are presented investigating the influence of printing speed, temperature of the build plate and number of active layers in the structure. Furthermore, the repeatability of deformations after a small number of cycles is investigated. The obtained results prove that the deformation of the structures can be controlled by printing parameters and a variety of bending degrees can be obtained by manipulating them. Hot water is used as a stimulus in the study to activate the structures but it is believed that other direct and indirect heating sources are also applicable. The research could help predict the behaviour of deformation of shape-morphing structures by selecting certain printing and design parameter values.
Gustatory cues to kinship among males moderate the productivity of females
Authors: Lymbery Samuel J , Simmons Leigh W
Published: August 2019

Males of many species harm females as a byproduct of intrasexual competition, but this harm can be reduced if males are less competitive in the presence of familiar relatives. We determined the cue males use to identify competitors in this context. We assessed genetic variance in a putative kin recognition trait (cuticular hydrocarbons) in male seed beetles Callosobruchus maculatus and found that five hydrocarbons had significant components of additive genetic variance and could serve as relatedness cues. Next, we tested whether hydrocarbons were the mechanism males use to distinguish the social identities of competitors when strategically adjusting their competitiveness/harmfulness. Pairs of female and male C. maculatus were mated in the presence of hydrocarbons extracted from males that differed in their relatedness and familiarity to the focal male. Females were more productive after mating in the presence of extracts from the focal male’s nonrelatives, if those extracts were also unfamiliar to the focal male. Relatedness had no effect on productivity when extracts were familiar to the focal male. These results may be reconciled with those of previous studies that manipulated the relatedness and familiarity of competing males if the difference between the effect of harmfulness on productivity following a single mating and the effect on lifetime reproductive fitness after multiple matings is accounted for. This study provides a novel demonstration of the mechanism of social recognition in the moderation of sexual conflict.
Induction of immunological tolerance to myelinogenic glial-restricted progenitor allografts
Authors: Li Shen , Oh Byoung Chol , Chu Chengyan , Arnold Antje , Jablonska Anna , Furtmüller Georg J , Qin Hua-Min , Boltze Johannes , Magnus Tim , Ludewig Peter , Janowski Mirosław , Brandacher Gerald , Walczak Piotr
Published: August 2019

White matter repair through transplantation of allogeneic glial progenitors is now feasible in immune-deficient animals, but the immunological barrier precludes its clinical translation. Li et al. develop a strategy based on co-stimulation blockade that induces immunological hyporesponsiveness and supports long-term functionality of allotransplanted myelinating oligodendrocytes.
On seismic ambient noise cross-correlation and surface-wave attenuation
Authors: Boschi Lapo , Magrini Fabrizio , Cammarano Fabio , van der Meijde Mark
Published: August 2019

We derive a theoretical relationship between the cross correlation of ambient Rayleigh waves (seismic ambient noise) and the attenuation parameter α associated with Rayleigh-wave propagation. In particular, we derive a mathematical expression for the multiplicative factor relating normalized cross correlation to the Rayleigh-wave Green’s function. Based on this expression, we formulate an inverse problem to determine α from cross correlations of recorded ambient signal. We conduct a preliminary application of our algorithm to a relatively small instrument array, conveniently deployed on an island. In our setup, the mentioned multiplicative factor has values of about 2.5–3, which, if neglected, could result in a significant underestimate of α. We find that our inferred values of α are reasonable, in comparison with independently obtained estimates found in the literature. Allowing α to vary with respect to frequency results in a reduction of misfit between observed and predicted cross correlations.
Maximum magnitude of subduction earthquakes along the Japan-Kuril-Kamchatka trench estimated from seismic moment conservation
Authors: Hirose Fuyuki , Maeda Kenji , Yoshida Yasuhiro
Published: August 2019

We estimated the maximum magnitude of earthquakes in the Japan-Kuril-Kamchatka trench subduction zone with a method based on the conservation of seismic moment and the record of interplate seismicity from 1977 to 2017. The key point of this method is to base calculations on the tectonic moment rate instead of the total seismic moment rate. We modeled a seismic-moment-frequency distribution for the Japan-Kuril-Kamchatka trench on the basis of the truncated Gutenberg–Richter (G–R) law, the formula published by Utsu in 1974, the gamma distribution, and the tapered G–R law. We estimated the maximum magnitude along the Japan-Kuril-Kamchatka trench as ∼10 under the truncated G–R law and ∼11 under Utsu's formula, although the latter may be an overestimate. Therefore, the 2011 Tohoku earthquake, of moment magnitude 9.2, may not be the largest possible event in this area. The recurrence interval for magnitude 10 events based on the truncated G–R law is 4000 yr. Although these two models perform equally well in terms of Akaike Information Criterion, the range of the 95 per cent confidence level is consistently narrower for the truncated G–R law than for Utsu's formula. The estimated maximum magnitude depends not only on the model used, but also on the parameters that constitute the tectonic moment. It is essential to accumulate more seismic data and achieve more precise estimates of tectonic moment to improve estimates of maximum magnitude.
Postoperative liver dysfunction after total arch replacement combined with frozen elephant trunk implantation: incidence, risk factors and outcomes
Authors: Yang Lijing , Li Jun , Wang Guyan , Zhou Hui , Fang Zhongrong , Shi Sheng , Lei Guiyu , Zhang Congya , Chen Yimeng , Yang Xiying
Published: August 2019

OBJECTIVES

The authors aimed to clarify the incidence and risk factors of postoperative liver dysfunction (PLD) in patients undergoing total arch replacement combined with frozen elephant trunk implantation and to determine the association of PLD with short-term outcomes.

METHODS

Data from 672 adult patients undergoing total arch replacement with frozen elephant trunk from January 2013 until December 2016 at Fuwai Hospital were analysed retrospectively. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify the risk factors for PLD.

RESULTS

The overall incidence of PLD was 27.5%, which was associated with higher in-hospital mortality (PLD 4.9% vs No PLD 0.8%, P = 0.002) and 30-day mortality (PLD 9.2% vs No PLD 2.5%, P < 0.001) and a higher incidence of major adverse events (PLD 54.6% vs No PLD 23.4%, P < 0.001). In the multivariable analysis, preoperative hypotension [odds ratio (OR) 1.97, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.14–3.41; P = 0.02), coronary artery disease (OR 2.64, 95% CI 1.17–5.96; P = 0.02), prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass duration (OR 1.01, 95% CI 1.00–1.01; P < 0.001), increased preoperative alanine transferase (OR 1.01, 95% CI 1.00–1.01; P < 0.001), preoperative platelet count <100 × 109/l (OR 3.99, 95% CI 1.74–9.14; P = 0.001) and increased intraoperative erythrocyte transfusion (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.01–1.12; P = 0.02) were identified as independent risk factors for PLD.

CONCLUSIONS

PLD was associated with increased mortality and morbidity. Among the independent risk factors for PLD, cardiopulmonary bypass duration and erythrocyte transfusion could be modifiable. A skilled surgical team and an ideal blood protection strategy may be helpful to protect liver function.
Finite-Gap CMV Matrices: Periodic Coordinates and a Magic Formula
Authors: Christiansen Jacob S , Eichinger Benjamin , VandenBoom Tom
Published: August 2019

We prove a bijective unitary correspondence between (1) the isospectral torus of almost-periodic, absolutely continuous CMV matrices having fixed finite-gap spectrum ${\textsf{E}}$ and (2) special periodic block-CMV matrices satisfying a Magic Formula. This latter class arises as ${\textsf{E}}$-dependent operator Möbius transforms of certain generating CMV matrices that are periodic up to a rotational phase; for this reason we call them “MCMV.” Such matrices are related to a choice of orthogonal rational functions on the unit circle, and their correspondence to the isospectral torus follows from a functional model in analog to that of GMP matrices. As a corollary of our construction we resolve a conjecture of Simon; namely, that Caratheodory functions associated to such CMV matrices arise as quadratic irrationalities.
Socioeconomic status and education level are associated with dyslipidemia in adults not taking lipid-lowering medication: a population-based study
Authors: Espírito Santo Luçandra R , Faria Thaís O , Silva Carla Silvana O , Xavier Lorena A , Reis Vivianne C , Mota Gabriel A , Silveira Marise F , Mill José Geraldo , Baldo Marcelo P
Published: August 2019

Background

Socio-economic disparities account for changes in the lipid profile in developing countries. We aimed to investigate the association between blood lipids and socio-economic and educational strata in adults not taking lipid-lowering medications.

Methods

A cross-sectional, population-based study enrolled 1614 individuals not taking lipid-lowering medications. Sociodemographic characteristics, monthly income, education level and the number of consumer goods available at home were obtained and individuals were classified into five socio-economic categories. Blood lipids were obtained in fasting participants.

Results

In men, the higher the socio-economic or educational stratum, the higher the total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) and triglyceride (TG) levels and the lower the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), after controlling for age, body mass index, hypertension, smoking habit and physical activity. In women, the higher socio-economic strata were associated with elevated total cholesterol and HDL-c, while lower total cholesterol, LDL-c and TG levels were found in those with higher education levels. Also, individuals in the upper socio-economic strata had higher levels of total cholesterol and LDL-c, showing more than two times higher odds of having multiple alterations in blood lipids (men: OR 2.99 [95% CI 1.23 to 5.07]; women: OR 2.31 [95% CI 1.09 to 5.83]).

Conclusions

Dyslipidemia is highly prevalent in developing countries. Individuals in the highest socio-economic category are the ones at higher risk for dyslipidemia. This phenomenon calls for strategies to stimulate healthy diet habits and a physically active lifestyle to minimize health problems.
Effects of different emulsifiers on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and digestive enzyme activity in weanling pigs1
Authors: Bai Guangdong , He Wei , Yang Zheng , Fu Huiyang , Qiu Shengnan , Gao Feng , Shi Baoming
Published: August 2019

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of diets supplemented with sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate (SSL), polyglycerol fatty acid ester (PGFE), and combined emulsifiers (0.02% SSL and 0.08% PGFE) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and plasma lipid profiles in weaned piglets and to further evaluate the possible effects of feeding exogenous emulsifiers on digestive enzyme activities and liver bile acid (BA) metabolism. Twenty-eight barrows (age at 35 d, Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) with an initial BW of 10.13 ± 0.16 kg were randomly assigned to 4 dietary treatment groups (7 pigs/treatment). Dietary treatment groups included the following: 1) basal diet (Control, CTR); 2) basal diet with 0.1% SSL (SSL); 3) basal diet with 0.1% PGFE (PGFE); and 4) basal diet with 0.08% PGFE+0.02% SSL (PG-SL). SSL diet increased ADG and ADFI of piglets during day 0 to 17 (P < 0.05) compared with the CTR treatment. Piglets fed emulsifier diets experienced a significant improvement in the digestibility of nutrients (DM, CP, ether extract, energy, calcium, and phosphorus) during the first 17 d (P < 0.05). The level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) was lower in the PGFE and PG-SL treatment groups than in the CTR treatment group (P < 0.05). Feeding emulsifier diets increased the lipase activity of the pancreas when compared with the CTR diet (P < 0.05). Moreover, the emulsifier diets significantly increased the mRNA expression of FXR (P < 0.05) and decreased the mRNA expression of CYP27A1 (P < 0.05) in the liver. In conclusion, the addition of emulsifiers improved nutrient digestibility and increased the mRNA expression of FXR BA receptors while inhibiting the mRNA expression of BA biosynthesis by CYP27A1 in weanling piglets.
‘We Want Experts’: Fracking and the Case of Expert Excess
Authors: Hawkins Joanne
Published: August 2019

The assumption that the democratisation of environmental law is central to ensuring the legitimacy of decisions permeates the literature. Using an empirically grounded counter narrative, this article confronts and contests that assumption. It argues that in the context of shale gas/fracking, public understanding positions expertise not as an obstacle to legitimacy, but rather as a foundational factor. This involves a role in which experts fulfil a publicly delegated role, the delineation of which warrants a form of participation that repositions its purpose and value. However, this conceptualisation of an expert’s role, and the type of participation required, demonstrates a fundamental public misunderstanding about what experts can deliver: ‘expert excess’. This article argues that we, as scholars, need to reflect upon: (1) the weight given to empirical perceptions of legitimacy and participation when developing theoretical models; (2) why there is such a misconception around what experts can deliver in decision-making.
Imagining the World Otherwise: Jean-Luc Nancy and John Caputo on the Poetics of Creation
Authors: Deketelaere Nikolaas
Published: August 2019

This article compares Jean-Luc Nancy and John Caputo’s poetics of creation. Against the horizon of the death of God (or ‘de-theologisation’), the issue of the world emerges for both, simultaneously reinforcing the need to think the event of its creation in an elaboration of Christianity’s self-deconstruction. The article argues that, even though they differ in how they articulate their respective understandings of the event and of creation, they nevertheless accomplish a similar result: a thinking of the world in terms of the ‘anarchy of creation’, or the groundlessness associated with the event in which the world exists. Subsequently, it shows how both Nancy and Caputo suggest that the creative event in which both the world and God exist can only be brought to words poetically—in a discourse on the creative forms in which this event takes shape or is made sense of—and follows Caputo in his conclusion that this means that theology must become theopoetics: a consideration of how the creative imagination allows us to do the im-possible, to see that possibility does not coincide with actuality, to imagine the world otherwise, as the kingdom that is coming.
Using negative-latency gravitational wave alerts to detect prompt radio bursts from binary neutron star mergers with the Murchison Widefield Array
Authors: James Clancy W , Anderson Gemma E , Wen Linqing , Bosveld Joel , Chu Qi , Kovalam Manoj , Slaven-Blair Teresa J , Williams Andrew
Published: August 2019

We examine how fast radio burst (FRB)-like signals predicted to be generated during the merger of a binary neutron star (BNS) may be detected in low-frequency radio observations triggered by the aLIGO/Virgo gravitational-wave detectors. The rapidity, directional accuracy, and sensitivity of follow-up observations with the Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) are considered. We show that with current methodology, the rapidity criterion fails for triggered MWA observations above 136 MHz for BNS mergers within the aLIGO/Virgo horizon, for which little dispersive delay is expected. A calculation of the expected reduction in response time by triggering on ‘negative latency’ alerts from aLIGO/Virgo observations of gravitational waves generated by the BNS inspiral is presented. This allows for observations up to 300 MHz where the radio signal is expected to be stronger. To compensate for the poor positional accuracy expected from these alerts, we propose a new MWA observational mode that is capable of viewing one-quarter of the sky. We show the sensitivity of this mode is sufficient to detect an FRB-like burst from an event similar to GW 170817 if it occurred during the ongoing aLIGO/Virgo third science run (O3).
Mycoprotein as a possible alternative source of dietary protein to support muscle and metabolic health
Authors: Coelho Mariana O C , Monteyne Alistair J , Dunlop Mandy V , Harris Hannah C , Morrison Douglas J , Stephens Francis B , Wall Benjamin T
Published: August 2019

The world’s population is expanding, leading to an increased global requirement for dietary protein to support health and adaptation in various populations. Though a strong evidence base supports the nutritional value of animal-derived dietary proteins, mounting challenges associated with sustainability of these proteins have led to calls for the investigation of alternative, non–animal-derived dietary protein sources. Mycoprotein is a sustainably produced, protein-rich, high-fiber, whole food source derived from the fermentation of fungus. Initial investigations in humans demonstrated that mycoprotein consumption can lower circulating cholesterol concentrations. Recent data also report improved acute postprandial glycemic control and a potent satiety effect following mycoprotein ingestion. It is possible that these beneficial effects are attributable to the amount and type of dietary fiber present in mycoprotein. Emerging data suggest that the amino acid composition and bioavailability of mycoprotein may also position it as a promising dietary protein source to support skeletal muscle protein metabolism. Mycoprotein may be a viable dietary protein source to promote training adaptations in athletes and the maintenance of muscle mass to support healthy aging. Herein, current evidence underlying the metabolic effects of mycoprotein is reviewed, and the key questions to be addressed are highlighted.
Impediments to Financial Trade: Theory and Applications
Authors: Gârleanu Nicolae , Panageas Stavros , Yu Jianfeng
Published: August 2019

We propose a tractable model of an informationally inefficient market featuring nonrevealing prices, general preferences and payoff distributions, but not noise traders. We show the equivalence between our model and a substantially simpler one in which investors face distortionary investment taxes depending on both their identity and the asset class. This equivalence allows us to account for such phenomena as underdiversification. We further employ the model to assess approaches to performance evaluation and find that it provides a theoretical basis for some intuitive practices, such as style analysis, that have been adopted by finance professionals.

Authors have furnished an Internet Appendix, which is available on the Oxford University Press Web site next to the link to the final published paper online.
ATP emerged to induce protein folding, inhibit aggregation and increase stability
Authors: Kang Jian , Lim Liangzhong , Song Jianxing
Published: August 2019

By NMR characterization of effects of ATP and related molecules on the folding and dynamics of the ALS-causing C71G-PFN1 and nascent hSOD1, we reveal for the first time that ATP has a general capacity in inducing protein folding with the highest efficiency known so far. This capacity was further identified to result from triphosphate, a key intermediate in prebiotic chemistry, which, however, can severely trigger protein aggregation. Remarkably, by joining adenosine and triphosphate together, ATP integrates three abilities to simultaneously induce protein folding, inhibit aggregation and increase thermodynamic stability. Our study implies that the emergence of ATP might represent an irreplaceable step essential for the Origin of Life, and decrypts a principle for engineering small molecules with three functions to treat aggregation-associated ageing and diseases.

One sentence summary

By joining adenosine and triphosphate, ATP integrates three abilities to control protein homeostasis for the Origin of Life.
Simulating individually targeted transcranial electric stimulation for experimental application
Authors: Radecke Jan-Ole , Khan Asad , Engel Andreas K. , Wolters Carsten H. , Schneider Till R.
Published: August 2019

Transcranial electric stimulation (tES) induces electric fields that are subject to a complex interaction with individual anatomical properties, such as the low-conducting human skull, the distribution of cerebrospinal fluid or the sulcal depth, as well as stimulation target location and orientation. This complex interaction might contribute to the heterogenous results that are commonly observed in applications of tES in humans. Targeted tES, on the other hand, might be able to account for some of these individual factors. In the present study, we used the finite-element method (FEM) and head models of twenty-one participants to evaluate the effect of individually targeted tES on simulated intracranial current densities. Head models were based on an automated segmentation algorithm to facilitate processing in experimental sample sizes. We compared a standard stimulation montage to two individually optimized tES montages using an Alternating Direction Method of Multipliers (ADMM) and a Constrained Maximum Intensity (CMI) approach. A right parietal target was defined with three different orientations. Individual current densities showed varying intensity and spatial extent near the lower limit at which physiological efficacy of electric fields can be assumed. Both individually optimized targeting algorithms were able to control the electric field properties, with respect to intensities and/or spatial extent of the electric fields. Still, across head models, intensity in the stimulation target was constrained by individual anatomical properties. Thus, our results underline the importance of targeted tES in enhancing the effectiveness of future tES applications and in elucidating the underlying mechanisms.
Chromatin activation as a unifying principle underlying pathogenic mechanisms in multiple myeloma
Authors: Ordoñez Raquel , Kulis Marta , Russiñol Nuria , Chapaprieta Vicente , Beekman Renée , Meydan Cem , Duran-Ferrer Martí , Verdaguer-Dot Núria , Clot Guillem , Vilarrasa-Blasi Roser , Garate Leire , Miranda Estíbaliz , Carrasco Arantxa , Ezponda Teresa , Vilas-Zornoza Amaia , Lara-Astiaso David , Dupéré-Richer Daphné , Martens Joost H.A. , Torrents David , El-Omri Halima , Taha Ruba Y , Calasanz Maria J. , Paiva Bruno , Miguel Jesus San , Flicek Paul , Gut Ivo , Melnick Ari , Mitsiades Constantine S. , Licht Jonathan D. , Campo Elias , Stunnenberg Hendrik G. , Agirre Xabier , Prosper Felipe , Martin-Subero Jose I.
Published: August 2019

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell neoplasm associated with a broad variety of genetic lesions. In spite of this genetic heterogeneity, MMs share a characteristic malignant phenotype whose underlying molecular basis remains poorly characterized. In the present study, we examined plasma cells from MM using a multi-epigenomics approach and demonstrated that when compared to normal B cells, malignant plasma cells showed an extensive activation of regulatory elements, in part affecting co-regulated adjacent genes. Among target genes upregulated by this process, we found members of the NOTCH, NFkB, mTOR1 signaling and p53 signaling pathways. Other activated genes included sets involved in osteoblast differentiation and response to oxidative stress, all of which have been shown to be associated with the MM phenotype and clinical behavior. We functionally characterized MM specific active distant enhancers controlling the expression of thioredoxin (TXN), a major regulator of cellular redox status, and in addition identifiedPRDM5as a novel essential gene for MM. Collectively our data indicates that aberrant chromatin activation is a unifying feature underlying the malignant plasma cell phenotype.
Fabrication of Mn–Co–Ni-coated layer on AISI 304 stainless steel for protection of Cr evaporation by electroplating process
Authors: Taweesup Kattareeya , Khotsombat Sirirat , Chubanjong Kongkwan , Wutthiseelanon Siraphatsorn
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This study aims to improve the oxidation resistance of SS304 stainless steel by fabrication of Mn–Co–Ni-coated layer. Mn–Co–Ni coating with the thickness ranging from 1.76 to 8.50 micron were prepared by electroplating process on SS304 stainless steel, focusing on the plating time which play significant roles on the performance of the film thickness and crystallize size.

Design/methodology/approach

Mn–Co–Ni coating layer was applied on AISI 304 stainless steel using electroplating process with solution consisted of cobalt sulfate (CoSO4), manganese sulfate (MnSO4) and nickel sulfate (NiSO4). Variation of Mn–Co–Ni coating, the morphology of the film and oxidation kinetics were investigated by using scanning electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction analysis. Furthermore, the sample with coating layer was tested by oxidation and Cr evaporation test.

Findings

From the formation parameter due to plating time for the conversion coating, it was found that plating time plays significant roles in the performance of the coating thickness and crystallize size. The crystallize size has an inverse relation to the full width at half maximum of diffraction peak. Film thickness higher than 6.07 micron causes a decrease in oxidation resistance and an increase of Cr evaporation from SS304 stainless steel. In this study, the Mn–Co–Ni coating with a thickness lower than 3.77 micron showed coating protection of oxidation better than SS304 substrate.

Originality/value

The effect of coating thickness was investigated to understand the properties of the coating. Furthermore, oxidation and Cr evaporation test were applied to evaluate the oxidation resistance of the coating layer.
Building a business model for a new form of hospitality: the albergo diffuso
Authors: Fissi Silvia , Romolini Alberto , Gori Elena
Published: August 2019

Purpose

In recent years, tourists have become more interested in discovery the authenticity of a destination. The albergo diffuso (AD) is a response to this new requirement of tourist experience. The AD indeed is based on an accommodation solution with rooms distributed in various buildings across a village. The purpose of this study is to analyze the AD business model supporting the development of this emerging business opportunity in the accommodation industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is conducted with a multiple case study approach, collecting data from different sources such as semi-structured interviews and archival research. The cases are all located in Italy where the AD was applied for the first time.

Findings

The AD business model is based on business idea, value creation and innovation. The business idea is based on the aim to contribute to the renaissance of a village with an emotional link between the entrepreneur and the village. Regarding the value creation, the AD is a form of accommodation that offers more than a hotel experience. The tourist can live like a resident and experiencing local traditions and culture. The innovation is indeed related to the services that are totally different from a traditional hotel.

Originality/value

Considering the previous studies, this research tries to fill the gap concerning the necessity to define the characteristics of the AD business model and to understand the key elements at the base of this hospitality approach.
Barcelona’s peer-to-peer tourist accommodation market in turbulent times
Authors: Benítez-Aurioles Beatriz
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the impact of sociopolitical instability on the peer-to-peer market for tourist accommodation.

Design/methodology/approach

The author studies for the case of Barcelona the impacts of the events occurring in the past months of 2017, which consisted of a terrorist attack and the calling for a referendum on the independence of Catalonia, by fitting a fixed effects regression model to a data panel of Airbnb listings, using New York and Paris as a control group.

Findings

The results show that, after controlling for individual and time effects, listing reviews and revenues fall in the last quarter of 2017 and do not recover until the second quarter of the next year, in spite of a notable effort to decrease prices in the same period. They also indicate that peer-to-peer hosts react fast to demand shocks and as those from traditional markets.

Originality/value

This is the first study to evaluate the impact of terrorism or political uncertainty in the peer-to-peer market and the first to evaluate their combined effect in any market.
Learning, friendship and social contexts
Authors: Mamas Christoforos , Daly Alan J. , Struyve Charlotte , Kaimi Irene , Michail George
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a social network analysis (SNA) toolkit aiming to enable leaders, educators and researchers work together to deepen their understanding of classroom social network dynamics. In doing so, the authors provide both theoretical and practical steps in building a bridge between theory and practice and a step-by-step introduction to designing and implementing SNA to understand socially responsive classrooms. To make the case, the authors present data that were collected through an SNA survey completed by eighth graders in two highly diverse classrooms in Southern California.

Design/methodology/approach

Driven by an SNA perspective, the authors highlight the potential value of examining social interdependencies and interconnectedness among students in a classroom network. The SNA toolkit was employed to calculate social network measures and develop network maps for each classroom.

Findings

The toolkit has shown to provide a comprehensive platform in gaining important insights into students’ social relationships, particularly those who are underserved and at higher risk of exclusion. The findings have shown that some of the students in the two classrooms were more likely to remain on the periphery of their social networks, particularly those who are traditionally more likely to be marginalized including students with disabilities as well as racially and linguistically diverse students.

Originality/value

The toolkit in the hands of leaders and teachers may provide a powerful tool for personalized professional development and act as a catalyst in bridging the gap between research and practice.
After the crisis: repairing a corporate image
Authors: Sawalha Ihab Hanna
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the effectiveness of image-repair strategies adopted by organizations to restore their public image and reputation following crisis situations, the lessons learned from these cases and the significance of contextual factors that are likely to affect image-repair efforts and strategies adopted.

Design/methodology/approach

Three cases have been reviewed in this paper: Weather, Jordan; Nestlé Waters, Jordan; and Victoria College School, Jordan. Information was obtained from published materials, such as YouTube commentaries, local newspapers and online news agents, primarily the Jordan Times, which is considered the number one daily in the country. The discussion of these cases is original and based on academic theory and literature.

Findings

Organizations differ in terms of the ways they respond to corporate crises and the strategies they are likely to adopt to restore/recover their reputation and public image.

Practical implications

Corporate reputation or public image is an asset that is built over time. Organizations within all industries seek to secure positive images in the minds of people. The image of an organization however can be threatened by crises. Trust and public image decline when stakeholders feel they have not been adequately informed in times of crises regarding the different attributes of the situation or how the organization is dealing with the crisis. Organizations have the choice to adopt one image-repair strategy at a time or a combination of strategies according to the requirements of the situation.

Originality/value

Image-repair strategies have been examined in American and European contexts but have, to the author’s knowledge, never been examined in the context of Arab organizations and more specifically in the context of Jordanian organizations. This paper therefore provides a new insight into how to apply these strategies in a unique and new context and will also motivate future research in this regard.
Are teacher-credentialing programs providing enough training in multiculturalism for pre-service teachers?
Authors: Delk Tricia Denise
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore how multicultural curriculum and instruction in a teacher-credentialing program prepared pre-service teachers to work with diverse students.

Design/methodology/approach

The research method used was a qualitative approach. The research design was a descriptive single embedded case study to interview pre-service teachers who were in their second semester in a teacher-credentialing program at a university on the west coast and pre-service teachers who were in their final semester in the same teacher-credentialing program. Pre-service teachers discussed their disappointment in the program for their lack of training in how to work with culturally diverse students.

Findings

The findings from the study will add to the body of knowledge specific to teacher-credentialing programs, curriculum developers and universal design for learning on K-12 education.

Research limitations/implications

As schools become more diverse, an important role of teacher-credentialing courses is to train future teachers with the knowledge to assist culturally diverse students. If teachers were multicultural teachers, they would be better prepared to instruct culturally diverse students and could acknowledge sociocultural resources and information that students bring to the classroom.

Originality/value

The study is essential because training teachers to instruct culturally diverse students is critical as student demographics become more diverse.
Experimental studies and theoretical models for concrete columns confined with FRP composites: a review
Authors: Gora Abdurra’uf M. , Jaganathan Jayaprakash , Anwar M.P. , Leung H.Y.
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Advanced fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites have been increasingly used over the past two decades for strengthening, upgrading and restoring degraded civil engineering infrastructure. Substantial experimental investigations have been conducted in recent years to understand the compressive behaviour of FRP-confined concrete columns. A considerable number of confinement models to predict the compressive behaviour of FRP-strengthened concrete columns have been developed from the results of these experimental investigations. The purpose of this paper is to present a comprehensive review of experimental investigations and theoretical models of circular and non-circular concrete columns confined with FRP reinforcement.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews previous experimental test results on circular and non-circular concrete columns confined with FRP reinforcement under concentric and eccentric loading conditions and highlights the behaviour and mechanics of FRP confinement in these columns. The paper also reviews existing confinement models for concrete columns confined with FRP composites in both circular and non-circular sections.

Findings

This paper demonstrates that the performance and effectiveness of FRP confinement in concrete columns have been extensively investigated and proven effective in enhancing the structural performance and ductility of strengthened columns. The strength and ductility enhancement depend on the number of FRP layers, concrete compressive strength, corner radius for non-circular columns and intensity of load eccentricity for eccentrically loaded columns. The impact of existing theoretical models and directions for future research are also presented.

Originality/value

Potential researchers will gain insight into existing experimental and theoretical studies and future research directions.
Transcriptomic characterisation of the optimised rat model of Walker 256 breast cancer cell‐induced bone pain
Authors: Shenoy Priyank A. , Kuo Andy , Leparc German , Hildebrandt Tobias , Rust Werner , Nicholson Janet R. , Corradini Laura , Vetter Irina , Smith Maree T.
Published: August 2019

In patients with breast cancer, metastases of cancer cells to the axial skeleton may cause excruciating pain, particularly in the advanced stages. The current drug treatments available to alleviate this debilitating pain condition often lack efficacy and/or produce undesirable side effects. Preclinical animal models of cancer‐induced bone pain are key to studying the mechanisms that cause this pain and for the success of drug discovery programs. In a previous study conducted in our laboratory, we validated and characterised the rat model of Walker 256 cell‐induced bone pain, which displayed several key resemblances to the human pain condition. However, gene level changes that occur in the pathophysiology of cancer‐induced bone pain in this preclinical model are unknown. Hence, in this study, we performed the transcriptomic characterisation of the Walker 256 cell line cultured in vitro to predict the molecular genetic profile of this cell line. We also performed transcriptomic characterisation of the Walker 256 cell‐induced bone pain model in rats using the lumbar spinal cord and lumbar dorsal root ganglia tissues. Here we show that the Walker 256 cell line resembles the basal‐B molecular subtype of human breast cancer cell lines. We also identify several genes that may underpin the progression of pain hypersensitivities in this condition, however, this needs further confirmatory studies. These transcriptomic insights have the potential to direct future studies aimed at identifying various mechanisms underpinning pain hypersensitivities in this model that may also assist in discovery of novel pain therapeutics for breast cancer‐induced bone pain.
Combined Approach for Determining Diuron in Sugarcane and Soil: Ultrasound‐Assisted Extraction, Carbon Nanotube‐Mediated Purification, and Gas Chromatography–Electron Capture Detection
Authors: Chen Bi , Wang Xiaoming
Published: August 2019

Diuron is a urea herbicide that is frequently detected in surface water, groundwater, and marine waters. However, there are few methods or guidelines reported on ensuring the quality of sugarcane and soil. In this study, a method was developed for detecting diuron to ensure the quality and safety of food and sugar. Mass spectrometry was used to identify 3,4‐dichloroaniline as a marker for the thermal decomposition of diuron, and thus, as a representative component for quantitative diuron analysis. This approach can be used to rapidly detect trace amounts of diuron. In addition, ultrasound‐assisted extraction (UAE) and carbon nanotube column purification were used in conjunction with gas chromatography–electron capture detection to detect diuron. The method was then evaluated for its accuracy, detection limit, and viability. The effects of extraction solvent, ultrasound time, and ultrasound power on the extraction efficiency of the analyte from sugarcane and soil were also investigated. The efficiency and optimum conditions of UAE were examined through single‐factor experiments and Box–Behnken design (BBD). The optimal extraction conditions were identified as follows: acetonitrile as the extraction solvent, extraction temperature of 27 °C, extraction time of 3.4 min, and ultrasound power of 70 W. Under these conditions, high linearity was achieved for diuron concentrations of 0.01 to 5.0 mg/L, and the purification correlation coefficient was consistently greater than 0.998. Hence, gas chromatography, combined with UAE and BBD, offers superior efficiency extraction, which is sufficiently accurate and precise for pesticide residue analysis.

Practical Application

We developed an accurate and cost‐effective method for detecting diuron (a commonly used herbicide) in soil and sugar samples. We performed experiments to determine the optimum detection conditions for our method. This method can be used for online monitoring of sugar manufacturing processes to ensure food safety and quality.
Characterization of Volatile Compounds by SPME‐GC‐MS During the Ripening of Kedong Sufu, a Typical Chinese Traditional Bacteria‐Fermented Soybean Product
Authors: Fan Xuejing , Liu Gefei , Qiao Yali , Zhang Yanjiao , Leng Cong , Chen Hongyu , Sun Jiahui , Feng Zhen
Published: August 2019

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the volatile profile of Kedong sufu, which is a typical bacteria‐fermented soybean product in China, using solid phase microextraction coupled to gas chromatography and mass spectrometry and to reveal the evolution and diversity of flavor substances for this specialty. A total of 75 compounds were identified, including 35 esters, 4 alcohols, 4 phenols, 4 aldehydes, 7 acids, 10 ketones, and 11 other compounds from sufu samples during ripening. Some volatile compounds increased with ripening time, especially hexadecenoic acid ethyl ester, methoxy acetic acid pentyl ester, benzene propanoic acid ethyl ester, ethyl 9‐hexadecenoate, ethyl oleate, ethanol, 3‐methyl‐1‐butanol, 5‐methoxy‐1‐pentanol, and eugenol; these compounds enriched the flavors and provided the typical savory taste of Kedong sufu.

Practical Application

This research elucidated the formation of flavor substances in sufu. For traditional fermented foods, this study provides a scientific basis for promoting the generation of typical flavor substances and for the precise determination of maturity time.
EndoCuff‐assisted colonoscopy could improve adenoma detection rate: A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Jian Hai Xu , Feng Bing Cheng , Zhang Yan , Qu Jun Yan , Li Yue Yue , Zuo Xiu Li
Published: August 2019

Objective

This meta‐analysis aimed to evaluate whether EndoCuff‐assisted colonoscopy (EAC) could improve adenoma detection rate (ADR) compared with standard colonoscopy (SC).

Methods

PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases were searched for articles published up to March 2019. All pure randomized controlled trials comparing ADR between EAC and SC groups were included. Dichotomous data were pooled to obtain the odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval (CI), whereas continuous data were pooled using a mean difference with 95% CI. Review Manager Version 5.3 was used for data analysis.

Results

Thirteen randomized controlled trials consisting of 9038 patients (EAC: 4574; SC: 4464) were included. The EAC group showed significant superiority over the SC group in ADR (odds ratio 1.37, 95% CI 1.15–1.62). However, there were no differences between the EAC and SC groups in adverse events, cecal intubation rate, and cecal intubation time.

Conclusions

EAC could significantly improve ADR without increasing adverse events, especially for operators with low ADRs. In addition, no significant difference was observed in cecal intubation time and cecal intubation rate between EAC and SC.