bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi-objective optimization of a spoke-type permanent magnet motor with fractional-slot concentrated windings for EVs
Authors: Liu Suying , Huang Jinlin
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a spoke-type fractional-slot concentrated windings (FSCW) PM machine for EVs driving system to improve torque density. To further improve electromagnetic performance, the multi-objective optimization design is processed based on response surface (RS) model and simulated annealing cuckoo search (SA-CS) algorithm.

Design/methodology/approach

The spoke-type FSCW PM machine is designed and optimized to meet the requirement of EVs driving system. First, a spoke-type FSCW PM machine is designed and some of key parameters are obtained based on equivalent magnetic circuit (EMC) method. Then, the RS model and modified SA-CS algorithm are proposed to obtain higher torque, lower torque ripple and higher efficiency.

Findings

After verification by finite element method for no-load and load performance, the optimal machine has higher torque density, lower torque ripple and higher efficiency compared with initial machine. Finally, a 20 kW prototype is manufactured and tested to verify the validity of the proposed optimization design method.

Originality/value

This paper designs a high torque density spoke-type FSCW PM machine, which is superior for EVs driving system. Meanwhile, a novel modified SA-CS algorithm is applied to the field of electrical machine multi-objective optimal design.
Digital preservation in institutional repositories: a systematic literature review
Authors: Barrueco José Manuel , Termens Miquel
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to carry out a literature review on the implementation of digital preservation policies, strategies and actions by institutional repositories. The objective is to identify, out of the published experiences, at which level they are fulfilling the function of ensuring the long-term availability of the deposited materials.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a systematic literature review methodology, a total of 21 articles from international refereed journals published between 2009 and 2020 are reviewed.

Findings

The research production on this subject is very limited. The scarce number of published articles proves that the interest of repository managers has been focused on issues other than to assure the long-term availability of the assets they store. The literature review has not found clear evidence about how institutional repositories are implementing digital preservation. It is particularly striking the lack of works focused on the situation in European countries. More field studies are needed. They would allow to extract conclusions and produce best practices to help managers to improve preservation strategies.

Originality/value

This study has shown that one of the main functions of repositories is not being dealt with as promised by repository managers. More work in this area is needed. In particular, it is necessary for a study at the European level to gather detailed data that will allow to draw a portrait of the current situation, extract conclusions and produce best practices to help managers to improve or develop preservation strategies.
Multilateral development banks: understanding their impact on start-up development in Latin America
Authors: Dams Carolina , Sarria Allende Virginia , Murcia María José
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the relative performance of multilateral development banks venture capital funds (MDBVCs) compared to that of government-sponsored venture capital funds (GVCs), assessing their impact on invested start-ups.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the authors survey the literature to understand the performance drivers of public programs designed to foster venture capital (VC). Second, the authors analyze the characteristics of multilateral development banks (MDBs) VC-related efforts. Third, based on their goals, structure, governance and management processes, the authors propose and test the hypothesis that MDBs initiatives outperform comparable public programs, overcoming the main limitations of the latter.

Findings

The authors find that start-ups funded by MDBVCs outperform GVC-funded start-ups in terms of access to subsequent financing and international expansion. Consistent with previous studies, the authors find that start-ups funded by private VCs show the highest levels of performance.

Originality/value

The paper features an unstudied actor – i.e. MDBVCs-, and an unstudied region – i.e., Latin America-, using a unique data set of 437 start-ups that received VC investments in 7 Latin American countries during the study period 2000–2018.
“Most Americans like their privacy.” Exploring privacy concerns through US guests’ reviews
Authors: D’Acunto David , Volo Serena , Filieri Raffaele
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This study aims to explore US hotel guests’ privacy concerns with a twofold aim as follows: to investigate the privacy categories, themes and attributes most commonly discussed by guests in their reviews and to examine the influence of cultural proximity on privacy concerns.

Design/methodology/approach

This study combined automated text analytics with content analysis. The database consisted of 68,000 hotel reviews written by US guests lodged in different types of hotels in five European cities. Linguistic Inquiry Word Count, Leximancer and SPSS software were used for data analysis. Automated text analytics and a validated privacy dictionary were used to investigate the reviews by exploring the categories, themes and attributes of privacy concerns. Content analysis was used to analyze the narratives and select representative snippets.

Findings

The findings revealed various categories, themes and concepts related to privacy concerns. The two most commonly discussed categories were privacy restriction and outcome state. The main themes discussed in association with privacy were “room,” “hotel,” “breakfast” and several concepts within each of these themes were identified. Furthermore, US guests showed the lowest levels of privacy concerns when staying at American hotel chains as opposed to non-American chains or independent hotels, highlighting the role of cultural proximity in privacy concerns.

Practical implications

Hotel managers can benefit from the results by improving their understanding of hotel and service attributes mostly associated with privacy concerns. Specific suggestions are provided to hoteliers on how to increase guests’ privacy and on how to manage issues related to cultural distance with guests.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the hospitality literature by investigating a neglected issue: on-site hotel guests’ privacy concerns. Using an unobtrusive method of data collection and text analytics, this study offers valuable insights into the categories of privacy, the most recurrent themes in hotel guests’ reviews and the potential relationship between cultural proximity and privacy concerns.
The US shale oil production, market forces and the US export ban
Authors: Taneri Ilayda , Dogan Nukhet , Berument M. Hakan
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to use the novel data from the primary vision to determine the main financial and economic drivers of this revolutionary shale oil production and how these drivers changed after 2016 when the US removed its oil-exporting ban.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the authors use the vector autoregressive model to assess the dynamic relationships among the Frac Count (FSCN) from the primary vision and the set of financial/macro-economic variables and how this dynamic relationship is altered with the effects of the US export ban before and after the lifting of the export ban.

Findings

The empirical evidence reveals that a positive shock to New York Mercantile Exchange, Standard and Poor’s 500, rig count, West Texas Intermediate or the US ending oil stocks increase the FSCN but higher interest rates and oil production decrease the FSCN. After the US became one of the major oil producers, it removed its crude export ban in December 2015. The empirical evidence suggests that the shale oil industry gets more integrated with the financial system and becomes more efficient in its production process in the post-2016 era after the export ban was removed.

Originality/value

The purpose of this paper is to use the novel data from the primary vision to determine the main financial and economic drivers of this revolutionary shale oil production and how these drivers changed after 2016 when the US removed its oil-exporting ban.
Effectiveness of industry-university-research cooperation in China: impact of innovation input and open innovation environment
Authors: Xia Huosong , Weng Juan , Zhang Justin
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Industry–university–research cooperation (IURC) is a crucial way to build an innovative country. How to improve the effectiveness of IURC has become an important issue to be solved urgently.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper studies the data of industry, university and research activities in various regions of China from 2016 to 2018 and analyzes the impact mechanism of innovation input and open innovation environment on the effectiveness of IURC based on innovation value chain theory.

Findings

This research finds that innovative talent input has an inverted U-shaped impact on the effectiveness of IURC. When there are more innovative funds invested, the marginal effect of IURC will decrease. When innovative talent input exceeds a certain value, the open innovation environment can alleviate the positive marginal effect of its decline.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature and provides practical guidelines for improving the efficacy of IURC.
The impact of the work-family conflict on employee engagement, performance, and turnover intention
Authors: Ribeiro Neuza , Gomes Daniel , Oliveira Ana Rita , Dias Semedo Ana Suzete
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The incompatibility between the sphere of work and the family is a reality that plagues many workers today. The difficult articulation of these two domains leads to the experience of the phenomenon called work–family conflict (WFC). This paper aims to assess the impact that WFC may have on employee engagement and performance, as well as on their turnover intention. It is also intended to test the mediating effect of engagement on the relationship between WFC and performance, and between WFC and the turnover intention.

Design/methodology/approach

One hundred and sixty-seven employees from various Portuguese organizations were surveyed. Respondents reported their perceptions of own WFC, engagement, performance and turnover intention.

Findings

The results revealed that employees who feel a higher WFC have lower levels of engagement and greater intention to leave the organization. The WFC showed no relation to performance. Engagement takes on the mediating role in the relationship between WFC and the turnover intention.

Practical implications

The relevance of this study is related to the implications that it may bring to companies in the context of implementing work–family balance strategies to reduce the referred conflict.

Originality/value

This study contributes to WFC literature by attempting to integrate in the same model four concepts in a single study to provide a model that depicts the chain of effects between WFC, engagement, individual performance and turnover intention, which has never been done in the Portuguese context.
Lean production systems, social sustainability performance and green competitiveness: the mediating roles of green technology adoption and green product innovation
Authors: Afum Ebenezer , Sun Zhuo , Agyabeng-Mensah Yaw , Baah Charles
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the interrelationships between lean production, green technology adoption, green product innovation, social sustainability performance and green competitiveness. The study further investigates the mediation roles of green technology adoption and green product innovation between lean production systems, social sustainability performance and green competitiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

The quantitative research approach is used for the study. Data for the study is garnered from 197 managers of manufacturing firms in Ghana via a self-administered questionnaire. Structural equation modeling, specifically partial least square is applied as the methodological tool to test all hypotheses.

Findings

Results of the study suggest that lean production systems have a significant positive impact on green technology adoption, green product innovation and green competitiveness. However, lean production systems are found to have an insignificant impact on social performance. The results further confirm the mediation roles of both green technology adoption and green product innovation between lean production systems, social sustainability performance and green competitiveness; thus indicating that lean production systems create an efficient condition for firms to adopt green technologies and produce innovative green-based products to leverage superior social sustainability performance and green competitiveness.

Originality/value

This study proposes and develops a comprehensive research model that is supported by the natural resource-based view theory to investigate the link between lean production systems, green technology adoption, green product innovation, social sustainability performance and green competitiveness from an emergent country perspective.
Does trust in zakat institution enhance entrepreneurs’ zakat compliance?
Authors: Bin-Nashwan Saeed Awadh , Abdul-Jabbar Hijattulah , Aziz Saliza Abdul
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Although zakat is a principal way to redistribute wealth, a unique practice designed to achieve a sustainable Islamic economic and social system, zakat institutions and agencies in most Muslim countries still suffer from the perplexing issue of low zakat collections, ascribing this to the level of compliance among zakat payers. To provide more insight into this lacuna, this study aims to examine the role of trust in zakat institution through the relationship between socio-economic determinants (i.e. religiosity, moral reasoning, peer influence and system fairness) and zakat compliance decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

From a typical Islamic country, Yemen, a random sample of 274 entrepreneurs was drawn for a self-administered survey. To estimate and analyze the compliance model, SmartPLS structural equation modeling was used.

Findings

The results show that all hypothesized direct relationships are supported. Importantly, the trust-moderated interactions of religiosity, moral reasoning and peer influence on zakat compliance are significant, although its interaction with zakat system fairness is not.

Practical implications

The results should be helpful for policymakers and responsible institutions in Muslim communities to understand how different levels of trust can play an important role in Zakat payers’ compliance to boost or erode zakat funds. This research also contributes important inferences for managers about the necessity of inculcating religious and moral values among zakat payers, formulating a fair system and embarking on sensitization programs in society.

Originality/value

The research enriches the scanty literature by validating a viable compliance model drawing on the socio-economic theory of regulatory compliance. Moreover, the model integrates the moderating role of trust in socio-economic perspectives of zakat compliance.
Are small finance banks acting as catalysts for financial inclusion in India? A phenomenological study
Authors: Joshi Girish , Kohli Bindya , Nalawade Sandeep
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate whether small finance banks (SFBs) in India are working towards financial inclusion through qualitative studies.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a phenomenological approach in which semi-structured interviews were conducted with the employees of two SFBs in Mumbai with different specializations. Employee experience was captured to grasp, interpret and code data for the creation of different themes.

Findings

This research shows that the current literature on financial inclusion is inadequate to explain the behavior of the needy in India. Study found multiple themes of financial inclusion, namely, financial literacy, self-esteem, use of technology, prompt repayment, credit identity, cross-referencing and financial stability. Although overall results are positive, to generalize the results, SFBs need to spend some more time in business. The findings of this study can be of global benefit to micro-finance organizations of a similar scale to achieve financial inclusion and business improvement.

Research limitations/implications

This qualitative study was performed at a single location and with a limited sample size, which underlines the need for repeated exercises at multiple locations with a larger sample size to establish a broader logical generality. It also points out the need for a study of employee themes to enhance the business processes of SFBs.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this qualitative study is first attempt to figure out the extent of work done by SFBs in India in promoting financial inclusion. Themes related to financial inclusion can provide further thought process for policymakers for financial inclusion and business improvement. Findings refer not only to Indian organizations but also to small banks around the world to recognize the underpinnings of financial inclusion and what small banks and micro-finance institutions can do to make it meaningful.
Basel III in India: a double-edged sword
Authors: Rizvi Noor Ulain , Kashiramka Smita , Singh Shveta
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a holistic understanding of the state of implementation of the Basel III regulation in India. It offers essential insights related to its impact on the macroeconomy, non-performing assets, capital flows and modifications required for the Indian banking sector. Another central aspect of this study is the identification of challenges faced by bankers in implementing Basel III in India.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted with the help of a well-structured close-ended questionnaire. It was based on six themes identified after a comprehensive review of the literature. Seven experts validated the construction of the questionnaire. A total of 18 responses (42.8%) were received.

Findings

The findings substantiate the importance of Basel III regulations. Although high costs and roadblocks are involved in its implementation, yet, the benefits are notable. Banking experts sense the necessity to modify the Tier 1 ratio, risk-weights and ratings. It is felt that credit ratings will impact the capital and investment flows received by India.

Research limitations/implications

The number of responses limits the ability to conduct several statistical tests.

Practical implications

The findings support the industry’s view that Basel III focuses more on industrialized countries and that many emerging countries lack the technology and infrastructure to implement it.

Originality/value

Since the implementation of Basel, the norm is a continuous process; the findings provide vital insights to regulators and academicians focusing on the Indian banking sector about its current state to aid in developing a future roadmap. This paper delivers important values as follows: a holistic view of banking experts on Basel III in India, required modifications, its impact and future scope of research in this area.
An investigation on energy consumption and part quality of stereolithography apparatus manufactured parts
Authors: Hui Jizhuang , Yan Zhiqiang , Lv Jingxiang , Liu Yongsheng , Ding Kai , Chan Felix T.S.
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the influences of process parameters on part quality, electrical energy consumption. Moreover, the relationship between part quality and energy consumption of UTR9000 photosensitive resin fabricated by stereolithography apparatus (SLA) was also assessed.

Design/methodology/approach

Main effect plots and contour maps were used to analyze the interactions and effects of various parameters on energy consumption and part quality, respectively. Then, a growth rate was used defined as the percentage of the value of energy consumption (or the part quality) of the sample compared to the minimum value of the energy consumption (or the same part quality), to jointly analyze relationships between part quality and energy consumption on a specific process parameter.

Findings

The part qualities can be improved with increased energy consumption via adjusting layer thickness, without further increasing energy consumption through adjusting laser power, over-cure and scanning distance. Energy consumption can be highly saved while slightly decreasing the tensile strength by increasing layer thickness from 0.09 mm to 0.12 mm. Energy consumption and surface roughness can be decreased when setting laser power near 290 mW. Setting an appropriate over-cure of about 0.23 mm will improve tensile strength and dimensional accuracy with a little bit more energy consumption. The tensile strength increases nearby 5% at a scanning distance of 0.07 mm compared to that at a scanning distance of 0.1 mm while the energy consumption only increases by 1%.

Originality/value

In this research, energy consumption and multiple part quality for SLA are jointly analyzed first to accelerate the development of sustainable additive manufacturing. This can be used to assist designers to achieve energy-effective fabrication in the process design stage.
Rob Gray (1952–2020): A personal perspective on his achievements at the University of Dundee in the 1990s
Authors: Collison David
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to pay tribute to Rob Gray’s achievements at the University of Dundee in the 1990s – a significant period in the development of the field of social and environmental accounting research.

Design/methodology/approach

Memories and reflections.

Findings

A personal perception of Rob’s drive, motivations and generosity of spirit.

Originality/value

A portrayal of someone who deserves to be remembered for what he accomplished, and for the collegiate and supportive example he set for others in pursuing social and environmental awareness and responsibility.
Empirical testing of a model on supply chain management adoption in India using the case study method
Authors: Sahu Srichandan , Rao Kambhampati Venkata Satya Surya Narayana
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to empirically test a theoretical model on supply chain management (SCM) adoption in India.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study used a multiple case research method to study the phenomenon. The findings are based on analysis of the SCM adoption processes in three large manufacturing organizations from the aluminium, steel and fertilizer industries.

Findings

The present study tested four propositions. Three of the propositions were empirically validated and one proposition was revised. The key findings are: one, a lack of recognition by an organization of higher advantages because of SCM adoption as compared to the costs leads to SCM non-adoption. Two, a lack of organizational readiness factors such as a collaborative and innovative culture, higher absorptive capacity and slack resources leads to the non-adoption of SCM. Three, a lack of institutional pressure and marketing activities of the SCM vendors on an organization lead to the non-adoption of SCM.

Originality/value

The major contribution of the present study is that it has empirically validated the theoretical model for SCM adoption in India. The findings of the present study have both theoretical and practical implications. Theoretically, a model of SCM adoption was validated. The study provides managerial connotations for SCM vendors, consultants, practitioners and policy implications for policymakers.
Have institutional investors stocks portfolio strategies affected oil prices in a financialization context?
Authors: Focacci Antonio
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether management strategies implemented by non-commercial traders may be identified as a key factor in affecting oil price paths in the conventional pre- and post-financialization periods.

Design/methodology/approach

By using a vector autoregressive approach the dynamic analysis of the daily stock indexes for some of the most important world economies and the oil prices is conducted starting from 1992 to the end of 2020.

Findings

The findings do not support the idea that the financial markets act as a privileged conduit in transmitting the shocks to the oil spot quotations.

Originality/value

Such a direct assessment has not been previously proposed in literature wherein – under a financial perspective – the returns are generally taken into consideration.
Market knowledge impacts on product and process innovation: evidence from travel agencies
Authors: Chen Kuan-Yang , Altinay Levent , Chen Po-Yuan , Dai You-De
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between the attributes of market knowledge (depth/breadth) and particular types of (process/product) innovation. The mediating mechanism of ambidextrous (exploratory/exploitative) capabilities is also investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from 153 travel agencies from two phases of data collection in Taiwan were analyzed using the structural equation modeling method.

Findings

Market knowledge depth directly and positively impacts product and process innovation. Market knowledge breadth indirectly and positively impacts product and process innovation. Ambidextrous capabilities affect process and product innovation and mediate the effect of market knowledge breadth on the two innovations.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides different theoretical views, such as dynamic capability and organizational learning, to supplement the explanation of knowledge-based theory in the relationship between market knowledge and innovation.

Practical implications

This study encourages firms to accumulate market knowledge depth and breadth and facilitate ambidextrous capabilities for innovation.

Originality/value

Seldom has research explored the relationships between the attributes of market knowledge and types of innovation simultaneously to extend the input-process-output context. This study has done so and forwards the possibility that ambidextrous capability is critical mechanism.
High gain antenna for n260- & n261-bands and augmentation in bandwidth for mm-wave range by patch current diversions
Authors: Wadhwa Deepinder Singh , Malik Praveen Kumar , Khinda Jaspal Singh
Published: July 2021

Purpose

A compact low-cost antenna structure is proposed to augment the impedance-bandwidth in mm-wave range. Beside it, the paper also aimed to enhance high gain for n260 and n261-bands, suitable for futuristic communication systems.

Design/methodology/approach

Design consists of radiating patch and a partial ground plane with semi-circle arc for smooth flow of current. The lower corners of patch are gradually clipped away to make the patch nearly elliptical. Further, two tilted slots at an angle α = 15° are etched at the edges of the patch to augment bandwidth for mm-wave range. These slots divert the periphery current of semi elliptical patch towards center portion of antenna which ensures the participation in radiation of central portion of patch. The upper corners are also clipped away to limit the copper losses and smoothly flow of current. The proposed antenna is designed using HFSS and it is structured on inexpensive FR4 substrate of size 27.5 × 20 mm2.

Findings

It supports enormous −10 dB bandwidth of 5.86–40GHz (148.89%) even though use of high loss-tangent material and high gain for 28 GHz (27.50–28.35 GHz) n261–band and 37 GHz (37–38.6 GHz) and 39 GHz (38.6–40GHz) n260–bands with a peak-gain of 8.76 dBi, 10.8 dBi and 9.92 dBi, respectively.

Originality/value

The proposed methodology of design is very useful to enhance impedance bandwidth to cover all C–, X–, Ku–, K– and Ka–band even though use of low cost material with high loss tangent. In recent literature, the designs were implemented with a costly material and having very low loss tangent and covers partial suggest bands.
Application of Industry 4.0 in LPG condition monitoring and emergency systems using IoT approach
Authors: Hasan Md. Zahid , Ahammed Rubel
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The Purpose of this research is to initiate the “Fourth Industrial Revolution” by using the Internet of things (IoT), which can be applied to flammable gas condition monitoring and detection of gas leakage and activate fire extinguisher in case of fire accidents. Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) leakage and explosions cause many injuries and death each year. By developing an automated and remote LPG ppm condition monitoring and fire extinguisher activation system with the help of a cyber-physical system, the rate of accidents and injuries can be reduced to a significant amount.

Design/methodology/approach

The IoT enabled the sensors to transmit LPG concentration value reading to a mobile app or cloud server and control actuators by connecting all in the same network. In case of a fire accident, the solenoid valve automatically or can be activated by an android application manually, which will be pre-installed in mobile phones. Another advantage of this system is that the gas cylinder or flammable particle source can be closed by closing the solenoid valves attached to their outlets. The first challenge of Industry 4.0 is to develop a cyber-physical system where all physical entities can be monitored and controlled over the internet or another way remotely or from a single point.

Findings

This fire extinguisher system can be used everywhere and in all types of firefighting because all types of fire extinguishers are commercially available in cylinders where solenoid valves can be used instead of conventional valves. This system will reduce human effort in the fire safety system and reduce the number of losses owing to fire accidents by taking all actions automatically and from a safe distance. The reliability analysis of this system indicated that the working condition for the best outcome is 20–35°C and the baud rate of the controller should be 11.5 kHz.

Originality/value

The study of pieces of the literature summarizes that this work is unique in terms of the application of Industry 4.0 in the fire safety system and reliability analysis of this system helped to determine the operating condition for the best performance of this system. Some LPG condition monitoring system was developed using IoT before but had many limitations such as working capability during load shading or emergency cases.
Population reinforcement and demographic changes needed to stabilise the population of a migratory vulture
Authors: Oppel Steffen , Saravia Victoria , Bounas Anastasios , Arkumarev Volen , Kret Elzbieta , Dobrev Vladimir , Dobrev Dobromir , Kordopatis Panagiotis , Skartsi Theodora , Velevski Metodija , Petrovski Nenad , Bino Taulant , Topi Mirjan , Klisurov Ivaylo , Stoychev Stoycho , Nikolov Stoyan C.
Published: July 2021

One approach to stabilise small and declining populations is to breed individuals in captivity and release them into the wild to reinforce existing populations while working to reduce threats. Population reinforcement programmes require long‐term commitments to be successful and can divert limited resources from other conservation measures. A rigorous evaluation whether reinforcement can stabilise a population is therefore essential to justify investments.

Many migratory species incur high mortality during their first migration, and releasing captive‐bred birds at an older age may therefore benefit reinforcement programmes for migratory birds. We examine whether a small and declining population of a long‐distance migratory raptor—the Egyptian VultureNeophron percnopterus—can be stabilised using population reinforcement that reduces mortality during the first migration. We used an integrated population model to evaluate realistic reinforcement and survival improvement scenarios to estimate how many captive‐bred birds would need to be released to stabilise the population.

Survival probability of wild juveniles during their first year (0.296; 95% CI 0.234–0.384) was too low for a stable population (population growth rate 0.949; 95% CI 0.940–0.956), but captive‐bred juveniles released in their second calendar year had improved survival (0.566; 95% CI 0.265–0.862) during their first year in the wild.

Reinforcement of 15 birds per year for 30 years was insufficient to achieve a neutral or positive population growth rate. However, reinforcement reduced the probability of extinction by 2049 from 48% without reinforcement to <1% if 12 or more birds were released every year for 30 years. A 6% increase in annual survival probability would likely lead to a stable population without any reinforcement.

Synthesis and applications. Although releasing captive‐bred birds can reduce high juvenile mortality during first migration and assist in postponing local extinction, further improvements of survival in the wild are required to safeguard a migratory population where threats in the wild will persist for decades despite management.
General anaesthetics as ‘awakening agents’? Re‐appraising the evidence for suggested ‘pressure reversal’ of anaesthesia
Authors: George Ben M. , Pandit Jaideep J.
Published: July 2021

Increasing ambient pressure has been suggested to reverse general anaesthesia and provides support for the ‘lipid theory’. Anaesthetic dissolution into cell membranes is said to cause their expansion to a critical volume. This triggers a sequence of events as basis of a unitary theory of anaesthestic mechanism. Pressure is argued to restore membrane volume to below critical level, reversing this process. We wished to review the original literature to assess internal consistency within and across papers, and to consider if alternative interpretations were possible. A literature search yielded 31 relevant ‘pressure reversal’ papers for narrative review, and 8 papers that allowed us to re‐plot original data more consistently as ‘dose‐response’ curves for the anaesthetics examined. Original studies were heterogenous for end‐points, pressure ranges, species, and agents. Pressure effects were inconsistent, with narcosis at certain pressures and excitation at others, influenced by carrier gas (e.g., nitrogen vs helium). Pressure reversal (a right‐ or downward‐shift on the re‐plotted dose‐response curves) was evident, but only in some species and at certain pressures and anaesthetic concentrations. However, even more striking was a novel ‘awakening’ effect of anaesthetics: i.e., anaesthetics reversed the narcotic effect of pressure, but this was limited to certain pressures at generally low anaesthetic concentrations. Contrary to the established view, ‘pressure reversal’ is not a universal phenomenon. The awakening effect of anaesthetics – described here for the first time ‐ has equal evidence to support it, within the same literature, and is something that cannot be fully explained. Pressure cannot meaningfully be used to gain insight into anaesthetic mechanisms because of its heterogenous, non‐specific and unpredictable effects on biological systems.
Molidustat for the treatment of anemia in Japanese patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis: a single‐arm, open‐label, phase 3 study
Authors: Akizawa Tadao , Nobori Kiyoshi , Matsuda Yoshimi , Taki Kentaro , Hayashi Yasuhiro , Hayasaki Takanori , Yamamoto Hiroyasu
Published: July 2021

This 36‐week, open‐label, single‐arm, phase 3 study investigated the safety and efficacy of molidustat in Japanese patients with renal anemia undergoing peritoneal dialysis. Molidustat was titrated every 4 weeks to maintain Hb levels within the target range (≥11.0 and <13.0 g/dL). The primary efficacy outcome was the responder rate, defined as the proportion of patients who met all of the following criteria: (1) mean Hb levels in the target range during the evaluation period (Weeks 30–36); (2) ≥50% of Hb values within the target range during the evaluation period; and (3) no rescue treatment before the end of the evaluation period. Overall, 51 patients received molidustat. The responder rate (95% CI) during the evaluation period was 54.9% (40.3, 68.9). Overall, 98.0% of patients experienced at least 1 adverse event during the study. No deaths were reported. Molidustat maintained Hb levels in the prespecified range in more than half of the patients and was well tolerated.
Metabolic engineering of Escherichia coli for biosynthesis of β‐nicotinamide mononucleotide from nicotinamide
Authors: Liu Yang , Yasawong Montri , Yu Bo
Published: July 2021

The β‐nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) is a key intermediate of an essential coenzyme for cellular redox reactions, NAD. Administration of NMN is reported to improve various symptoms, such as diabetes and age‐related physiological decline. Thus, NMN is attracting much attention as a promising nutraceutical. Here, we engineered an Escherichia coli strain to produce NMN from cheap substrate nicotinamide (NAM) and glucose. The supply of in vivo precursor phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate (PRPP) and ATP was enhanced by strengthening the metabolic flux from glucose. A nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase with high activity was newly screened, which is the key enzyme for converting NAM to NMN with PRPP as cofactor. Notably, the E. coli endogenous protein YgcS, which function is primarily in the uptake of sugars, was firstly proven to be beneficial for NMN production in this study. Fine‐tuning regulation of ygcS gene expression in the engineered E. coli strain increased NMN production. Combined with process optimization of whole‐cell biocatalysts reaction, a final NMN titre of 496.2 mg l‐1 was obtained.
Quantifying the Response of Nitrogen Speciation to Hydrology in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Using a Multilevel Modeling Approach
Authors: Bertani Isabella , Bhatt Gopal , Shenk Gary W. , Linker Lewis C.
Published: July 2021

Excessive nitrogen (N) inputs to coastal waters can lead to severe eutrophication and different chemical forms of N exhibit varying levels of effectiveness in fueling primary production. Efforts to mitigate N fluxes from coastal watersheds are often guided by models that predict changes in N loads as a function of changes in land use, management practices, and climate. However, relatively little is known on the impacts of such changes on the relative fractions of different N forms. We leveraged a long‐term dataset of N loads from over 100 river stations to investigate how the fraction, that is, the ratio of to total N (/TN), changes as a function of spatio‐temporal changes in TN loads in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. We built a hierarchical model that separates the response of to changes in TN load occurring at different scales: Across river stations, where differences in TN loads are largely driven by spatial differences in anthropogenic inputs, and within stations, where inter‐annual variability in hydrology is a key driver of changes in TN loads. Results suggest that while increases in TN loads resulting from changes in anthropogenic inputs lead to an increase in the fraction, a decrease in the fraction may occur when increases in TN loads are driven by increased streamflow. These results are especially relevant in watersheds that may experience changes in N loads due to both management decisions and climate‐driven changes in hydrology.
Mathematical prediction model of computed tomography signs is superior to intraoperative frozen section in the diagnosis of ground‐glass nodular invasive adenocarcinoma of the lung
Authors: Tang Jizheng , Cui Yong , Li Bowen , Xue Xingxing , Tian Feng
Published: July 2021

Background

At present, lobectomy is still the standard treatment for lung cancer. Judging whether a lesion is invasive adenocarcinoma (IA) has important guiding significance for determining the scope of surgical resection. The commonly used methods are intraoperative frozen sections and computed tomography (CT) signs. There is still controversy about the accuracy of both in judging the invasiveness of ground‐glass nodules (GGNs).

Methods

The clinical data of patients with GGNs who underwent surgery were collected. According to the results of univariate analysis, the variables with statistical differences were selected and included in logistic regression multivariate analysis. The predictive variables were determined and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn in order to achieve the area under the curve (AUC) value.

Results

According to the results of logistic regression analysis, the longest diameter and maximum CT value of nodules were independent risk factors for IA. The mathematical prediction model of CT signs was determined, and the ROC curves of CT signs and intraoperative frozen sections (FS) were drawn, respectively. The AUC values under the curves were calculated to be 0.873 and 0.807, respectively. The mathematical prediction model of intraoperative frozen section combined with CT signs was established. A ROC curve was drawn and the AUC was calculated to be 0.925.

Conclusions

The diagnostic accuracy of CT signs in judging whether nonbenign GGNs were IA was higher than that of intraoperative FS. Combined with CT signs and intraoperative FS to establish a mathematical prediction model, the diagnostic accuracy of judging whether nonbenign GGNs are IA is significantly improved.
Characterising menotactic behaviours in movement data using hidden Markov models
Authors: Togunov Ron R. , Derocher Andrew E. , Lunn Nicholas J. , Auger‐Méthé Marie
Published: July 2021

Movement is the primary means by which animals obtain resources and avoid hazards. Most movement exhibits directional bias that is related to environmental features (defined as taxis when biased orientation is voluntary), such as the location of food patches, predators, ocean currents or wind. Numerous behaviours with directional bias can be characterised by maintaining orientation at an angle relative to the environmental stimuli (menotaxis), including navigation relative to sunlight or magnetic fields and energy‐conserving flight across wind. However, new methods are needed to flexibly classify and characterise such directional bias.

We propose a biased correlated random walk model that can identify menotactic behaviours by predicting turning angle as a trade‐off between directional persistence and directional bias relative to environmental stimuli without making a priori assumptions about the angle of bias. We apply the model within the framework of a multi‐state hidden Markov model (HMM) and describe methods to remedy information loss associated with coarse environmental data to improve the classification and parameterisation of directional bias.

Using simulation studies, we illustrate how our method more accurately classifies behavioural states compared to conventional correlated random walk HMMs that do not incorporate directional bias. We illustrate the application of these methods by identifying cross wind olfactory foraging and drifting behaviour mediated by wind‐driven sea ice drift in polar bears (Ursus maritimus) from movement data collected by satellite telemetry.

The extensions we propose can be readily applied to movement data to identify and characterise behaviours with directional bias towards any angle, and open up new avenues to investigate more mechanistic relationships between animal movement and the environment.
Effectiveness of a care transitions intervention for older adults discharged home from the emergency department: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Jacobsohn Gwen C. , Jones Courtney M. C. , Green Rebecca K. , Cochran Amy L. , Caprio Thomas V. , Cushman Jeremy T. , Kind Amy J. H. , Lohmeier Michael , Mi Ranran , Shah Manish N.
Published: July 2021

Background

Improving care transitions following emergency department (ED) visits may reduce post‐ED adverse events among older adults (e.g., ED revisits, decreased function). The Care Transitions Intervention (CTI) improves hospital‐to‐home transitions; however, its effectiveness at improving post‐ED outcomes is unknown. We tested the effectiveness of the CTI with community‐dwelling older adult ED patients, hypothesizing that it would reduce revisits and increase performance of self‐management behaviors during the 30 days following discharge.

Methods

We conducted a randomized controlled trial among patients age ≥ 60 discharged home from one of three EDs in two states. Intervention participants received a minimally modified CTI, with a home visit 24 to 72 h postdischarge and one to three phone calls over 28 days. We collected demographic, health status, and psychosocial data at the initial ED visit. Medication adherence and knowledge of red flag symptoms were assessed via phone survey. Care use and comorbidities were abstracted from medical records. We performed multivariate regressions for intention‐to‐treat and per‐protocol (PP) analyses.

Results

Participant characteristics (N = 1,756) were similar across groups: mean age 72.4 ± 8.6 years and 53% female. Of those randomized to the intervention, 84% completed the home visit. Overall, 12.4% of participants returned to the ED within 30 days. The CTI did not significantly affect odds of 30‐day ED revisits (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.97, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.72 to 1.30) or medication adherence (AOR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.60 to 1.32). Participants receiving the CTI (PP) had increased odds of in‐person follow‐up with outpatient clinicians during the week following discharge (AOR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.01 to 1.51) and recalling at least one red flag from ED discharge instructions (AOR = 1.34 95% CI = 1.05 to 1.71).

Conclusions

The CTI did not reduce 30‐day ED revisits but did significantly increase key care transition behaviors (outpatient follow‐up, red flag knowledge). Additional research is needed to explore if patients with different conditions benefit more from the CTI and whether decreasing ED revisits is the most appropriate outcome for all older adults.
Multispecies biofilm removal by XP‐endo Finisher and passive ultrasonic irrigation: A scanning electron microscopy study
Authors: Teves Abel , Blanco Daniel , Casaretto Mario , Torres John , Alvarado Débora E. , Coaguila‐Llerena Hernán , Faria Gisele , Jaramillo David E.
Published: July 2021

The aim was to assess the effect of XP‐endo Finisher (XPF) on multispecies biofilm removal, in comparison with passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) and conventional syringe irrigation (CSI), by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Fifty mandibular first premolars were instrumented, longitudinally sectioned. The split halves were incubated for 4 days with a broth obtained from three bacteria strains: Enterococcus faecalis, Eikenella corrodens and Streptococcus anginosus. Subsequently, the re‐approximated split halves were irrigated with 4% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) or water using CSI, and the final irrigation protocols were CSI with 4% NaOCl (CSI+4%NaOCl), PUI+4%NaOCl, XPF+4%NaOCl and CSI+water. The analysis of biofilm removal was performed using SEM images. There were no differences between PUI and XPF (P > 0.05), and both groups promoted higher biofilm removal than CSI+4%NaOCl and CSI+water groups (P < 0.05). It can be concluded the multispecies biofilm removal was significantly improved using XPF and PUI when compared to CSI.