bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of food availability and climate on the activity budget of Shortridge's langur (Trachypithecus shortridgei) in the Drung Valley, Gaoligong Mountains, China
Authors: Zhang Jia‐Yang , Li Ying‐Chun , Yang Yin , Garber Paul A. , Han Ke‐Guo , Huang Zhi‐Pang , Cui Liang‐Wei , Xiao Wen
Published: January 2023

Food availability and climate represent environmental factors that affect species' social behavior, ranging patterns, diet, and activity budget. From August 2012 to September 2013, we examined the effects of seasonal changes in food availability, temperature, and rainfall on the diet and behavioral ecology of Shortridge's langur (Trachypithecus shortridgei) an Endangered primate species inhabiting moist evergreen broadleaf forests in the Eastern Himalayas. Our field site represents the northernmost latitudinal distribution of this species. Data were collected using scan sampling at 10 min intervals, and analyzed based on generalized linear models. The results indicate that the langurs experienced two feeding peaks (9:00 and 17:00) and two traveling peaks (10:00 and 19:00) during each day. Periods of rest, mainly occurred between 10:00 and 13:00, and overnight. Feeding accounted for 38.5% of the daily activity budget, followed by resting (35%), traveling (24.5%), and socializing (2%). During periods when young leaves were most available, the langurs increased feeding time on young leaves (35% vs. 4%). During periods of maximum fruit availability, the langurs decreased total time spent feeding (36.6% vs. 40.4%), devoted more time to traveling (28.1% vs. 21%), and increased time spent consuming fruit (49.1% vs. 11.8%). During the winter, the langurs increased their consumption of mature leaves (44.5%) and reduced time spent traveling (20.2% vs. 25.4%). Overall, time spent resting was greatest in the spring (47.5%), time spent feeding was greatest during the summer (51.1%), and time spent in traveling was greatest in the autumn (33.2%). The frequency of social interactions remained relatively constant throughout the year. Foraging effort was greatest in the summer, when fruits dominated the diet. Like other species of temperate langurs, T. shortridgei devoted less time to resting, more time to feeding, and was characterized by a greater year‐round foraging effort than tropical/subtropical langurs.
Markers of olfactory dysfunction and progression to dementia: A 12‐year population‐based study
Authors: Laukka Erika J , Ekström Ingrid , Larsson Maria , Grande Giulia , Fratiglioni Laura , Rizzuto Debora
Published: January 2023

Introduction

We evaluated markers of olfactory dysfunction (OD) for estimating hazard of dementia in older adults.

Methods

Mild (hyposmia) and severe (anosmia) OD was classified in a population‐based study of dementia‐free persons (SNAC‐K; n = 2473; mean age = 70 years) using the Sniffin sticks odor identification task. Combined variables were created for objective and subjective OD and for OD and APOE status. Hazard of dementia across 12 years was estimated with Cox regression.

Results

OD was associated with increased hazard of dementia (2.01; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.60‐2.52), with the strongest association for anosmia (2.92; 95% CI 2.14‐3.98). Results remained consistent after adjusting for potential confounders and across age and sex subgroups. APOE ε4 carriers with anosmia had the highest hazard of dementia (ε4: 6.95; 95% CI 4.16‐11.62; ε4/ε4: 19.84; 95% CI 6.17‐63.78).

Discussion

OD is associated with increased risk of dementia, especially severe impairment in combination with genetic risk of Alzheimer's disease.
Simultaneous Stabilization of Lithium Anode and Cathode using Hyperconjugative Electrolytes for High‐voltage Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Zhang Haikuo , Li Ruhong , Chen Long , Fan Yingzhu , Zhang Hao , Zhang Ruixin , Zheng Lei , Zhang Junbo , Ding Shouhong , Wu Yongjian , Ma Baochen , Zhang Shuoqing , Deng Tao , Chen Lixin , Shen Yanbin , Fan Xiulin
Published: January 2023

Although great progress has been made in new electrolytes for lithium metal batteries (LMBs), the intrinsic relationship between electrolyte composition and cell performance remains unclear due to the lack of valid quantization method. Here, we proposed the concept of negative center of electrostatic potential (NCESP) and Mayer bond order (MBO) to describe solvent capability, which highly relate to solvation structure and oxidation potential, respectively. Based on established principles, the selected electrolyte with 1.7 M LiFSI in methoxytrimethylsilane (MOTMS)/ (trifluoromethyl)trimethylsilane (TFMTMS) shows unique hyperconjugation nature to stabilize both Li anode and high‐voltage cathode. The 4.6 V 30 μm Li||4.5 mAh cm−2 lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) (low N/P ratio of 1.3) cell with our electrolyte shows stable cycling with 91 % capacity retention over 200 cycles. The bottom‐up design concept of electrolyte opens up a general strategy for advancing high‐voltage LMBs.
Magnetically separable Ni/Fe3O4: An efficient catalyst for phenoxy carbonylation of aryl iodides using bifunctional o‐chlorophenyl formate as a CO source
Authors: Mahajan Vijay P. , Kolekar Yuvraj A. , Bhanage Bhalchandra M.
Published: January 2023

This work reports the phenoxy carbonylation reactions for the synthesis of aryl esters using magnetically separable nickel supported on Fe3O4. The two main advantages of this process are the use of an inexpensive nickel catalyst and the application of o‐chlorophenyl formate as a both CO source and phenol as a coupling partner. This catalyst is entirely magnetically separable due to the super paramagnetic nature of Fe3O4 and decent reusability potential for up to eight cycles with minimal drops in yields. This protocol tolerates various functionalities of aryl iodides and provided moderate to good yields of corresponding esters. The as‐prepared Ni/Fe3O4 nanoparticles have been characterized using analytical techniques such as FESEM, EDS, TEM, XRD, ICP‐OES, and XPS.
Improving the mechanical properties of 3D printed recycled polypropylene‐based composites through adjusting printing temperature
Authors: Wang Kui , Zhang Zejun , Cai Ruijun , Sun Guangyu , Cheng Ping , Peng Yong
Published: January 2023

This work aimed at investigating the effects of recycling on the mechanical properties of recycled polypropylene (PP)‐based composites and improving the mechanical properties of recycled materials by adjusting the remanufacturing temperature. In this study, 3D printing was selected as the remanufacturing approach and the composites were ground and reextruded up to nine times to simulate mechanical recycling. The gel permeation chromatography results indicated that the recycling led to a reduction in molecular weight, increasing the melt fluidity of the materials. Excessive melt flow of material during printing caused the poor quality of printed parts with macro and micro defects, deteriorating the mechanical properties of the printed specimens. To improve the final quality and mechanical properties of the printed specimens, melt flow during the printing of recycled materials was adjusted by tuning the printing temperature. The results found that the mechanical properties of the recycled PP‐based composites were well enhanced by using tuned printing temperature.
The abundance and localization of claudin‐1 and ‐5 in the adult tomcats (Felis catus) testis, tubules rectus, rete testis, efferent ductules, and epididymis
Authors: Liman Narin
Published: January 2023

Tight junctions (TJ) are the anatomical component of blood‐testis (BTB) and blood‐epididymis (BEB) barriers and contain many proteins, including claudins. The presence of claudins in domestic cat testis and epididymis has not been previously described. This study aimed to determine whether claudin‐1 and claudin‐5 participate in the structure of BTB and BEB and whether their amounts differ between the testis and epididymal segments of adult cats, using Western blotting (WB) and immunohistochemistry. WB results demonstrated that claudin‐1 was significantly lower in the testis than in all epididymal segments and higher in the corpus epididymis than in the cauda, while claudin‐5 in the testis was significantly lower than in the caput and corpus. Claudin‐1 was absent at the Sertoli‐Sertoli junctions, while claudin‐5 was detected at the level of the BTB during stages I and VIII. Both claudins were observed in the pachytene spermatocytes and the developing acrosome of the round and elongating spermatids. Claudin‐5 was also detected in the cytoplasm of some spermatogonia, Sertoli cells, and late spermatid acrosome. In the epididymal segments, both claudins were localized to the area of the tight junctions and along the entire length of the lateral plasma membranes of adjacent principal cells and between principal and basal cells. These results may indicate that in the domestic cat, claudin‐1 and ‐5 participate as both tight junction proteins and adhesion molecules in the BEB's structure, claudin 5 is a component of the BTB, and both proteins may be involved in postmeiotic germ cell development, especially acrosome development.
Profiting from public dissection: A new era of unethical practices
Authors: Keet Kerri , Pillay Pamela , Billings Brendon K. , Satyapal Kapil S. , Kramer Beverley
Published: January 2023

Historically, adverse events have reflected poorly on both the practice of dissection and the perception of the discipline of anatomy. The recent public dissection of a body donor is a regression to an unethical historical practice and was strongly denounced by anatomists around the world. The individual whose donated body was sourced from a ‘for‐profit” company in the United States had not given consent for a public dissection. This violates the ethics surrounding consent and body donation and potentially places the future of body donor programs in jeopardy as it compromises community frameworks around epistemic trust. Recent guiding frameworks by international anatomical associations on the ethical use of bodies have cemented the way in which body donor programs should operate. This viewpoint reflects on past and current events pertaining to public dissections and questions how these indignities may influence the public's interaction with human bodies. The authors argue that public dissection should be prohibited as it is against social mores. Social pressure should be applied to individuals or companies who wish to profit from unethical anatomical practice and legislation prohibiting public dissection should be introduced in those countries where it does not yet exist.
A Bench‐stable 8‐Aminoquinoline Derived Phosphine‐free Manganese (I)‐Catalyst for Environmentally Benign C(α)‐Alkylation of Oxindoles with Secondary and Primary Alcohols
Authors: Saini Parul , Dolui Pritam , Nair Abhishek , Verma Ashutosh , Elias Anil J.
Published: January 2023

Herein, we report a new air‐stable phosphine‐free 8‐AQ (8‐aminoquinoline) based Mn(I) carbonyl complex as the catalyst for the C(α)‐alkylation of oxindoles with alcohols. The Mn complex [(8‐AQ)Mn(CO)3Br] works effectively as a catalyst for the α‐alkylation of oxindoles by both secondary as well as primary alcohols. The procedure has been used for the synthesis of pharmaceutically important recently developed oxindoles such as 3‐(4‐methoxybenzyl)indolin‐2‐one, 3‐(4‐(dimethylamino)benzyl)indolin‐2‐one, 3‐(4‐(dimethylamino)phenyl)‐5‐fluoroindolin‐2‐one and 3‐(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol‐5‐ylmethyl)indolin‐2‐one, which are found to be effective in preventing specific types of cell death in neurodegenerative disorders. Control experiments have been carried out to investigate the reaction mechanism and the crucial role of metal‐ligand cooperation via ‐NH2 moiety during catalysis.
Business productivity and efficiency from aligning with sustainable development goals: Empirical evidence from ASEAN manufacturing firms
Authors: Amornkitvikai Yot , Pholphirul Piriya
Published: January 2023

Businesses' alignment with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is enthusiastically highlighted in practitioner and academic literature. However, based on the existing evidence, it is still debatable whether the adoption of SDGs correlates with firm performance, especially in developing countries. Using Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) manufacturing firms as a case study, we investigate the effects of businesses in developing countries aligning themselves with the SDGs might affect productivity and efficiency. Using 3471 firm‐level data from the World Bank's Enterprise Survey, our results reveal that aligning business strategies with the United Nations' SDGs helps promote productivity and efficiency. Paying higher wages (SDG 8) and promoting skills development (SDG4) can significantly boost productivity and efficiency. Investment in market innovation (SDG9), fostering foreign direct investment (SDGs 5–9), and adopting ISO certifications (SDGs 1–9 and 12–15) help firms increase their productivity and efficiency as well. Although a higher proportion of female workers correlate with reduced productivity and efficiency, supporting female workers with higher skills development (SDGs 4 and 5) and female CEOs (SDG 5) can increase productivity and efficiency. Therefore, policymakers in developing countries should provide supports and incentives for businesses to align their business strategies with the SDGs.
What motivates the purchasing of green apparel products? A systematic review and future research agenda
Authors: Khan Sher Jahan , Badghish Saeed , Kaur Puneet , Sharma Rajat , Dhir Amandeep
Published: January 2023

The contemporary business landscape is witnessing an ever‐increasing concern for environmental sustainability, which has also surfaced in the apparel industry through the introduction of green apparel. Whether the adoption of green apparel is as a result of growing external pressures on firms to adopt green practices or due to deliberate strategies to incorporate sustainable orientation in the making of products, it remains a topical subject—making a comprehensive account of the existing academic literature indispensable. Furthermore, while academic research on green apparel is undoubtedly at an all‐time high, the literature is largely disjointed, necessitating a robust synthesis of the exiting literature to illuminate the existing shortcomings and to provide direction to the future research efforts. A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted to gauge the existing literary work in this field and to identify research gaps. After the critical review of 90 selected studies, four major themes were extracted: consumer apparel purchase, circular economy, consumer awareness, and barriers. After we identified theme‐based critical knowledge gaps in the existing literature, we posed corresponding research questions that provide avenues for future research. The study also constructed a framework with significant practical and theoretical implications. Researchers can obtain a comprehensive understanding of the broader contours of this academic field and, with our meticulously tabulated gaps and potential research questions, explore new dimensions and broaden the horizons of this field.
Examining the effect of prison time on landlords' willingness to rent to exonerees: A test of the stigma‐by‐association framework
Authors: Hamovitch Leah , Pejic Samantha , Zannella Lesley , Deska Jason C.
Published: January 2023

Researchers posit that stigma‐by‐association may account for the discrimination that exonerees experience post‐release. Exonerees who serve a longer prison sentence may experience more stigma than exonerees who spent less time in prison. Across two studies, we examined whether criminal history (exoneree, releasee, or control) or prison time (5 or 25 years) impacted landlords' willingness to rent their apartment. Authors responded to one‐bedroom apartment listings in the Greater Toronto Area, Canada, inquiring about unit availability. The rental inquiries were identical except for criminal history and prison time. Across both studies, results demonstrated that landlords were significantly less likely to respond, and indicate availability, to exonerees and releasees compared to control. Landlords discriminated against exonerees when the exoneree did not mention a formal exoneration (Study 1) and explicitly mentioned that he was exonerated by DNA evidence (Study 2). Prison time had no significant impact. A content analysis of landlords' replies revealed that exonerees and releasees experienced more subtle forms of discrimination compared to individuals without a criminal history. Together, our results demonstrate that individuals who were formerly incarcerated and associated with prison—whether it be for 5 years or 25 years or a rightful or wrongful conviction—experience housing discrimination upon their release.
Acceptance factors of Zara's shopping app among fashion consumers during COVID‐19
Authors: Gil‐Cordero Eloy , Ledesma‐Chaves Pablo , Baena‐Luna Pedro
Published: January 2023

Online sales in the textile sector are undergoing a comprehensive renewal process as a result of COVID‐19. This article analyzes how the pandemic has influenced the ZARA brand in its sales channel through its mobile application (app). This analysis has been carried out through the development of a UTAUT 2 model into which the constructs of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Design have been incorporated. Based on a sample of 736 Spanish people, an anonymous online questionnaire was distributed, and the responses were modeled using structural equations with Smart‐PLS. From the results obtained and their interpretation, it is evident how, when purchasing textile products through the app, consumers are indifferent to the CSR of the brand, while design, ease of condition, and habit are shown as the elements that exert the greatest influence on the buyer. Despite being a growing trend within companies, the importance of CSR actions is not yet a determining factor in the intention to use fashion apps. Perhaps in a situation of uncertainty, consumers seek refuge in a well‐known brand, without assessing whether the company is aligned with the interests of its environment. In times of COVID‐19, users have changed their shopping habits, directly influencing online shopping. But what are the acceptance factors of these apps during this COVID‐19 era? For this study, we have analyzed the ZARA fashion app through a sample of users in Spain, where the app has a higher number of active users.
Consumer privacy concerns in entrepreneurial contexts: Evidence from an online experiment
Authors: Xu Cheng , Sun Yanqi , Wang Jiawei , Yan He , Xiong Wanfang
Published: January 2023

The causal link between customer privacy concerns and organizational nature—specifically, entrepreneurial startups versus mature enterprises—remains unexplored. Using an online experiment, this study examines whether consumers' privacy concerns differ between these two types of organizations. Drawing on protection motivation theory, the study investigates whether customers' privacy concerns are stronger toward entrepreneurial startups than toward mature firms when both declare privacy protection. It further explores whether consumer participation in designing privacy protection mechanisms differently affects consumers' privacy concerns toward start‐ups versus mature firms. The empirical results of an online experiment using a sample of 373 college students support the study hypotheses that (i) for unilateral privacy protection declarations, consumers' privacy concerns are higher toward entrepreneurial startups, and (ii) when consumers are invited to participate in designing privacy protection mechanisms, consumers' privacy concerns toward entrepreneurial startups significantly decrease. Our findings complement the literature on consumer privacy defensive behaviors by highlighting that consumer privacy concerns are associated with the organizational nature and privacy protection initiatives.
Hollow Carbon Cages Derived from Polyoxometalate‐Encapsuled Metal‐Organic Frameworks for Energy‐Saving Hydrogen Production
Authors: Cao Huijie , Wei Tianran , Liu Qian , Zhang Shusheng , Qin Yongji , Wang Hao , Luo Jun , Liu Xijun
Published: January 2023

The electrocatalytic conversion of water‐to‐hydrogen powered by renewable energy is one of the promising strategies to unravel the energy and environment crises. However, a such process usually costs large energy consumption owing to the low efficiency of anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER), which is another vital half reaction of the overall water splitting (OWS) system. Herein, we designed and fabricated hollow nitrogen‐doped carbon nanocages loaded with Ni3N and Co nanoparticles derived from polyoxometalate‐encapsuled metal‐organic frameworks. The catalyst exhibited appealing dual functions for both OER and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), outperforming the Ni‐free and solid samples. Notably, the designed catalyst also showed much enhanced electrochemical performance for glycerol/glucose oxidation reaction when compared with OER. The home‐made two‐electrode electrolyzer, coupled HER with polyalcohol or glucose oxidation reaction, only needs cell voltages of 1.125 and 1.557 V to reach 10 mA cm−2, respectively, which are much smaller than that in 1 M KOH (2.087 V), demonstrating a large amount of energy saving for hydrogen production.
Ti3C2Tx/g‐C3N4/CNTs Ternary Hybrid Film for All‐solid Flexible Supercapacitors and Superb Bandwidth Electromagnetic Wave Absorber
Authors: Zhang Shuai , Huang Ying , Han Xiaopeng , Wang Jiaming , Sun Xu
Published: January 2023

MXene can be used to create bifunctional materials for supercapacitors and electromagnetic wave absorbers by logical composition arrangement and microstructure design. The layered structure, high electrical conductivity, high capacitance, mechanical strength, and flexibility of Ti3C2Tx MXene all make it ideal for use as flexible energy storage devices and electromagnetic wave absorbers. In this study, MXene was innovatively intercalated with g‐C3N4 and CNTs to produce MXCN/CNTs ternary hybrid film. The restacking is successfully avoided, and the layer spacing is increased. Meanwhile, g‐C3N4 makes the interlayer charge density increase, and CNTs establish the interlayer conducting network, both of which greatly improve the charge transfer efficiency. These ternary hybrid films exhibit superior performance for both supercapacitor electrodes and electromagnetic wave absorbers. The specific capacitance of MXCN/CNTs electrode reaches 477.4 F/g at 1 A/g. The energy density of flexible symmetrical all‐solid supercapacitor achieves 25.28 Wh/Kg at 449.99 W/Kg. When bent 180°, the electrochemical performance remains constant. The MXCN/CNTs composites also show excellent electromagnetic wave absorption (EMA) performance. It achieves an optimized absorption intensity of −43.44 dB at 2.6 mm and shows an extremely wide effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 8.94 GHz. This work enhances the application studies of Ti3C2Tx MXene‐based composite materials as multifunctional materials.
Insights into the CO2 Capture Capacity of Covalent Organic Frameworks
Authors: Parmar Saurabh V. , Kumar Nitesh , Shewale Maneesha N. , Avasare Vidya
Published: January 2023

An inexpensive computational method is designed to demonstrate the efficacy of the complex COF toward CO2 capture. The interaction energy calculations of small repeating units of COF precisely demonstrate CO2 uptake capacity at high pressure and effective dual descriptors values of these repeating units of COFs accurately establish their structure‐property relationships under ambient conditions. The computational findings are in consonance with experimental results reported by Yaghi and coworkers. Further, the computationally modelled COFs confirms that the addition of −NH2 increases the effective dual descriptors values of COFs. Whereas an increase in the size of a central aromatic unit of COF6 shows better interactions. Interaction energy and effective dual descriptor calculations demonstrate the CO2 capture abilities of COFs at high pressure and low pressure respectively. The method developed by our group would be useful in high throughput designing and screening of a large number of complex COFs at different pressure.
Aryl Boronic Acids in Columnar Stacked Co‐crystalline Materials: Key‐Factors Governing the Assembly with Quinones
Authors: Petroselli Manuel , Saccone Marco , Cametti Massimo
Published: January 2023

The assembly of aryl boronic acids B with quinones Q into columnar mixed stacked materials, as previously observed in the solid‐state, has been here subjected to a detailed theoretical analysis focusing on the properties of the isolated synthons (HOMO‐LUMO energies, electron affinity, ionization potential, reorganization hole/electron energies, partial Hirshfeld atomic charges and conformation stabilities) as well as those of the 1 : 1 adducts (Hirshfeld analysis, IRI surfaces, Hirshfeld atomic charges, hydrogen bond and slipped stacked π‐π contributions). The overall picture obtained throught this study shows an intricate pattern of interconnected factors contributing to the formation and stability of the BxQy adducts, and it unveils the importance of parameters such as HOMO‐LUMO gap, polarization and charge transfer, in addition to the more evident hydrogen bond and slipped‐stacked π‐π interactions in the formation of 1 : 1 adducts. An explanation has been also given for the presence in some BxQy adducts of the rare anti‐anti conformation for the BO−H group with respect to the most studied and common anti‐syn conformation.
Two‐Tailed RT‐qPCR for the Quantification of A‐to‐I‐Edited microRNA Isoforms
Authors: Voss Gjendine , Ceder Yvonne
Published: January 2023

MicroRNAs are short non‐coding RNAs with important functions in the regulation of gene expression in healthy and diseased tissues. To optimally utilize the biological and clinical information that is contained in microRNA expression levels, tools for their accurate and cost‐effective quantification are needed. While the standard method, qPCR, allows for quick and cheap microRNA quantification, specificity is limited due to the short lengths of microRNAs and the high similarity between closely related microRNA family members. A‐to‐I editing can further diversify the microRNA pool by altering individual nucleotides. There is currently a lack of protocols for the accurate quantification of A‐to‐I‐edited microRNA isoforms using qPCR. Here, we describe a protocol to quantify microRNA editing isoforms using two‐tailed RT‐qPCR, with either SYBR Green or hydrolysis probes. The user will perform reverse transcription of RNA samples, generate standard curves, and quantify the resulting cDNA in the following qPCR step. We also give guidelines for primer design and for the evaluation of assays using synthetic oligonucleotides. These tools are expected to be transferable to any A‐to‐I‐edited microRNA and its isoforms. © 2023 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Two‐tailed reverse transcription of A‐to‐I‐edited microRNAs

Basic Protocol 2: SYBR Green‐based qPCR for A‐to‐I‐edited microRNAs

Alternate Protocol: Hydrolysis probe‐based qPCR for A‐to‐I‐edited microRNAs

Support Protocol: Preparation of standard curves using synthetic RNA oligonucleotides
Overview of Digital Electrophoresis Analysis
Authors: Wang Qi , Chang Neil , Moomaw Butch , Medberry Scott , Gallagher Sean R.
Published: January 2023

Digital imaging is the method of choice for documentation and analysis of electrophoretic separations of protein and DNA. Digital images of gel electropherograms can be obtained rapidly using sCMOS and CCD‐based cameras, and the images can be easily archived and analyzed using image analysis software. This overview defines important key terms and calculations for imaging, explains the capture process, reviews the range of technologies used for image capture, and provides an introduction to the software and methods used for one‐ and two‐dimensional digital image analysis. © 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Little or no maize (Zea mays) grain yield loss occurred in intercrop with mid‐maturity lablab (Lablab purpureus) in northeastern Tanzania
Authors: Gott Jordan , Massawe Prosper , Miller Neil R. , Goerndt Michael , Streubel Jason , Burton Michael G.
Published: January 2023

Intercropping is among sustainable intensification tactics farmers may use to increase or maintain productivity and environmental quality. Effects of planting lablab [Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet] 1 or 2 weeks after planting maize (WAPM) are not well characterized, especially when mid‐maturity lablab cultivars are used. Greenhouse (Springfield, MO) and field studies (Arusha, Tanzania) were conducted in 2018 and 2019 to assess early (≤60 days) and full‐season effects on growth and grain production. The greenhouse study characterized early growth characteristics when lablab was sown 0, 1, or 2 WAPM for each of four cultivars of lablab. “Echo Cream” lablab produced greater vine length and more nodes than other cultivars in the greenhouse. Greenhouse lablab biomass and node number were greatest when sown ≤1 WAPM. The field study compared monoculture and intercrop grain yields. Highest maize yields occurred when lablab was sown ≥1 WAPM, but highest lablab yields occurred when planted at the same time as maize. The maize/lablab intercrop always resulted in favorable land equivalent ratios (LERs) ranging from 1.5 to 2.1. The partial LER of maize yield was not reduced by more than 7% relative to monoculture either year. Lablab yield was negatively affected by planting delay, decreasing about 60% in 2018 and 31% in 2019 in the 2 WAPM planting date treatment. Although twining lablab vines complicate grain harvest, our results demonstrate increased grain production per unit area with maize/lablab intercropping, with a potential for increased farmer income and household nutrition.
How to study the market when you want to add a degree or certificate program
Authors: Felix Elliot
Published: January 2023

Workforce needs are changing. The number of job posts mentioning data analysis increased 50% in the last few years. There are now more people getting MBAs online than on campus. There are 39 million people in the U.S. with some college credit but no degree. There are new credentials and competitors. Google plans to enroll 20,000 learners in their certificate programs in the coming years.
Middle ear adenoma: Cytohistologic features and differential diagnosis
Authors: Almajnooni Abdullah , Vega Matthew , Cheng Lin , Gattuso Paolo , Allen‐Proctor Mary K.
Published: January 2023

Middle ear adenomas are rare, low grade glandular neoplasms with epithelial and neuroendocrine components and with varying patterns of differentiation. Due to the rarity of this tumor, there is a dearth of publications detailing the cytological features. We herein review our institution's pathological database for cytological material between 1992 and 2022 for MEA specimens and discuss possible differential diagnoses based on clinical, pathological, and cytologic data and material.
Distinguishing apathy from depression: A review differentiating the behavioral, neuroanatomic, and treatment‐related aspects of apathy from depression in neurocognitive disorders
Authors: Lanctôt Krista L. , Ismail Zahinoor , Bawa Kritleen K. , Cummings Jeffrey L. , Husain Masud , Mortby Moyra E. , Robert Philippe
Published: January 2023

Objectives

This narrative review describes the clinical features of apathy and depression in individuals with neurocognitive disorders (NCDs), with the goal of differentiating the two syndromes on the basis of clinical presentation, diagnostic criteria, neuropathological features, and contrasting responses to treatments.

Methods

Literature was identified using PubMed, with search terms to capture medical conditions of interest; additional references were also included based on our collective experience and knowledge of the literature.

Results

Evidence from current literature supports the distinction between the two disorders; apathy and depression occur with varying prevalence in individuals with NCDs, pose different risks of progression to dementia, and have distinct, if overlapping, neurobiological underpinnings. Although apathy is a distinct neuropsychiatric syndrome, distinguishing apathy from depression can be challenging, as both conditions may occur concurrently and share several overlapping features. Apathy is associated with unfavorable outcomes, especially those with neurodegenerative etiologies (e.g., Alzheimer's disease) and is associated with an increased burden for both patients and caregivers. Diagnosing apathy is important not only to serve as the basis for appropriate treatment, but also for the development of novel targeted interventions for this condition. Although there are currently no approved pharmacologic treatments for apathy, the research described in this review supports apathy as a distinct neuropsychiatric condition that warrants specific treatments aimed at alleviating patient disability.

Conclusions

Despite differences between these disorders, both apathy and depression pose significant challenges to patients, their families, and caregivers; better diagnostics are needed to develop more tailored treatment and support.
Qualitative analysis of the most locally relevant runoff and erosion parameters for constructing Brazilian scenarios
Authors: Casallanovo Fábio , Santos Gustavo S. , Cione Ana P. , Simone Daniela M. , de Oliveira Kaminski Thamires S. , Chen Wenlin
Published: January 2023

Estimating exposure is one of the most important steps in an environmental risk analysis of crop-protection products to nontarget organisms. Regulatory agencies such as the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA), and European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) all use mathematical exposure models in their regulatory assessment process. Brazil has been discussing the adoption of the Pesticide in Water Calculator (PWC) to be applied in aquatic pesticide risk assessment. Therefore, a qualitative sensitivity analysis (Morris OAT method) was performed to understand which are the most important local parameters in the PWC to estimate environmental concentrations in surface water (EECSW). In addition, an exercise made up of two corn scenarios in two Brazilian regions was developed (Uberlândia [UDI] and Arapoti [ARA]). Two herbicides with different soil-binding properties and modes of action were selected to estimate the EECSW. The results demonstrated that the parameters of importance were different for each site, probably the result of different soil characteristics and meteorological patterns. This outcome suggests that regulatory agencies should consider developing more than one scenario to account for different agricultural regions. For Herbicide 1, the EECSW for UDI were similar to US scenarios, whereas for ARA they were lower. For Herbicide 2, the EECSW for the UDI site was higher than most of the US scenarios, whereas at the ARA site, EECs were similar to four US scenarios and lower than the other six. Local data were used as a refinement, resulting in the decrease in the EECSW for both herbicides in the UDI site. For the ARA site, Herbicide 1 displayed a similar EECSW value, whereas for Herbicide 2, it was lower after the refinement. Overall, these results demonstrated the importance of developing local scenarios to provide more realism to estimate pesticide exposure from its agricultural use and may help regulators to determine and recommend mitigations regarding the use of crop-protection products. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2023;19:1374–1384. © 2023 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).
Impact of appendectomy of a grossly normal appendix on the survival outcomes of mucinous ovarian carcinomas in a tertiary hospital
Authors: Peeyananjarassri Krantarat , Nanthamongkolkul Kulisara , Jiamset Ingporn , Chusook Wuttipong , Boonyapipat Sathana , Buhachat Rakchai
Published: January 2023

Objective

To evaluate the survival outcomes of appendectomy for a grossly normal appendix in patients with mucinous ovarian carcinomas.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study. Patients with mucinous ovarian carcinomas with grossly normal appendices who underwent primary surgery between 2002 and 2022 were enrolled. The overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) of appendectomy and non‐appendectomy groups were analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method and compared using the log‐rank test. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to determine the independent factors associated with OS and PFS.

Results

Of 192 patients, appendectomy was performed in 138 (71.9%). Three (1.6%) patients had primary appendiceal tumors and two (1.0%) had appendiceal metastases of ovarian origin. The median follow‐up time was 68.8 months. The OS and PFS were better in patients in the appendectomy group than in those in the non‐appendectomy group (5‐year OS: 80.72% vs. 65.05%, P = 0.012; 5‐year PFS: 76.32% vs. 58.60%, P = 0.020). Independent factors associated with poor OS and PFS were no omentectomy, peritoneal seeding, and advanced International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage.

Conclusion

Appendectomy of a grossly normal appendix was not an independent prognostic factor for OS and PFS in patients with mucinous ovarian carcinomas.
Beef price spread relationship with processing capacity utilization
Authors: Martinez Charles , Li Pengzhen , Boyer Christopher N. , Yu T. Edward , Maples Joshua G.
Published: January 2023

We investigate the relationships of the often‐publicized live cattle to box beef price spread and weekly and Saturday slaughter capacity utilization (CU). We find that an increase in the price spread in the previous period does positively impact national Saturday slaughter CU under a low price spread regime, but not in the identified middle and high regimes. Also, changes in weekly or Saturday slaughter CU does not impact the price spread except for the high regime. Our results do not support the notion that weekly, or Saturday slaughter CU is used by the beef packers to control the price spread.
Global financial uncertainty
Authors: Caggiano Giovanni , Castelnuovo Efrem
Published: January 2023

We estimate a novel measure of global financial uncertainty (GFU) with a dynamic factor framework that jointly models global, regional, and country‐specific factors. We quantify the impact of GFU shocks on global output with a VAR analysis that achieves set identification via a combination of narrative, sign, ratio, and correlation restrictions. We find that the contraction in world output during the Great Recession would have been 13% milder in absence of GFU shocks. We also find support for a global finance uncertainty multiplier: the more global financial conditions deteriorate after a GFU shock, the larger the world output contraction is.
Chemical industry wastewater treatment by coagulation combined with Fenton and photo‐Fenton processes
Authors: Metin Seda , Çifçi Deniz İzlen
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND

Chemical industry wastewater is challenging to treat because of the various chemicals they contain. In this study, the treatment of chemical industry wastewater, which produces a wide variety of chemical aids, such as foam control agents, and silicones used in the textile, food and cosmetics industries, by coagulation combined with Fenton or photo‐Fenton oxidation processes was investigated. In coagulation studies, optimum pH and coagulant dose were determined with polyaluminum chloride (PAC), polyaluminum chloride hydroxide sulfate (PACS) and FeCl3 coagulants, while Fe2+, H2O2, pH and oxidation time were optimized in Fenton studies.

RESULTS

In the coagulation, higher wastewater treatment was achieved with PAC compared to PACS and FeCl3 coagulants, and 62.6% chemical oxygen demand (COD) and 44.3% total organic carbon (TOC) removal were obtained at 500 mg L−1 PAC and pH 8. In the coagulation and Fenton oxidation, 92.4% COD, 79.7% TOC, 99.8% turbidity, and 96.7% total soluble solids (TSS) were achieved. The application of photo‐Fenton oxidation instead of Fenton oxidation did not cause a significant change in chemical industry wastewater. The cost of chemical industry wastewater treatment by coagulation and Fenton oxidation was calculated as $19.16 m−3, and the cost per kilogram of CODremoved was determined as $2.89 kg−1.

CONCLUSION

In chemical industry wastewater treatment, high TSS and turbidity removal can be achieved by coagulation with PAC, and the wastewater load subjected to Fenton oxidation can be reduced. Efficient wastewater treatment was provided by Fenton oxidation after coagulation. The application of the photo‐Fenton oxidation process instead of Fenton oxidation did not show the expected effect. However, toxicity studies should be performed in treated wastewater using coagulation–Fenton oxidation processes in future studies. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Enhancing butanol production by Clostridium beijerinckii through cathodic electrofermentation approach
Authors: Molognoni Daniele , Vega Maria , de Vrije Truus , Contreras Ana Lopez , Bosch Montse , Bosch‐Jimenez Pau , Borràs Eduard
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND

Biobutanol, produced by solventogenic bacteria like Clostridium beijerinckii through acetone, butanol, and ethanol (ABE) fermentation, is a promising green alternative to fossil fuels. However, this ABE fermentation suffers drawbacks, such as a relatively low productivity that limits its industrial deployment. Electro‐fermentation (EF) can modify the intracellular ratio of oxidized nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide to reduced nicotinamide (NAD+/NADH), a critical factor for butanol synthesis by C. beijerinckii, thus allowing higher product titers (or productivity) to be reached.

RESULTS

The present study focuses on glucose‐based ABE‐EF at laboratory‐scale. Three replicate EF reactors (300 mL) were constructed and used to grow C. beijerinckii. Different cathode materials were electrochemically characterized and tested. The effect of voltage application on process productivity was assessed by performing chronoamperometry tests at constant cathode potential (Ecat), ranging from −0,7 to −1,0 V vs Ag/AgCl. These trials were compared with a benchmark ABE fermentation that was performed without voltage application. Poising Ecat at −0,8 V vs Ag/AgCl resulted in the optimal EF scenario. In these conditions, the specific growth rate of bacteria was 73% higher than the benchmark ABE fermentation, with a productivity of 125,6 mg‐butanol/L/h, a process yield of 0,15 g‐butanol/g‐glucose, and a selectivity for butanol of 87% (34%, 25%, and 11% higher than the benchmark fermentation, respectively). The addition of 0,5 mM neutral red as redox mediator in the broth led to a further improvement of butanol productivity (152,9 mg L h−1), requiring a very low energy consumption of 0,02 kWh/kg‐butanol to run the EF process.

CONCLUSION

Applying EF enhances the ABE fermentation in terms of butanol production, selectivity, and energy consumption. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Low prevalence of influenza viruses and predominance of A(H3N2) virus with respect to SARS‐CoV‐2 during the 2021–2022 season in Bulgaria
Authors: Korsun Neli , Trifonova Ivelina , Dobrinov Veselin , Madzharova Iveta , Grigorova Iliyana , Christova Iva
Published: January 2023

Social distancing, mask‐wearing, and travel restrictions during the COVID‐19 pandemic have significantly impacted the spread of influenza viruses. The objectives of this study were to analyze the pattern of influenza virus circulation with respect to that of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) in Bulgaria during the 2021–2022 season and to perform a phylogenetic/molecular analysis of the hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) sequences of representative influenza strains. Influenza infection was confirmed using real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction in 93 (4.2%) of the 2193 patients with acute respiratory illness tested wherein all detected viruses were subtyped as A(H3N2). SARS‐CoV‐2 was identified in 377 (24.3%) of the 1552 patients tested. Significant differences in the incidence of influenza viruses and SARS‐CoV‐2 were found between individual age groups, outpatients/inpatients, and in the seasonal distribution of cases. Two cases of coinfections were identified. In hospitalized patients, the Ct values of influenza viruses at admission were lower in adults aged ≥65 years (indicating higher viral load) than in children aged 0–14 years (p < 0.05). In SARS‐CoV‐2‐positive inpatients, this association was not statistically significant. HA genes of all A(H3N2) viruses analyzed belonged to subclade 3C.2a1b.2a. The sequenced viruses carried 11 substitutions in HA and 5 in NA, in comparison to the vaccine virus A/Cambodia/e0826360/2020, including several substitutions in the HA antigenic sites B and C. This study revealed extensive changes in the typical epidemiology of influenza infection, including a dramatic reduction in the number of cases, diminished genetic diversity of circulating viruses, changes in age, and seasonal distribution of cases.
Person‐organization fit and turnover intention: The mediating role of need‐supply fit and demand‐ability fit
Authors: kakar Abdul Samad , Rauza Dr , Raziq Abdul , Akhtar Tahir , Mohammad Nida
Published: January 2023

The Great Resignation indicates that many organizations are grappling with the human resource challenge of staff retention and turnover, in which fit plays a prominent role. Extrapolating the role of fit, this study investigates the effects of person‐organization fit, need‐supply fit, and demand‐ability fit on turnover intention. The study also investigates whether need‐supply fit and demand‐ability fit mediates the effect of person‐organization fit on turnover intention. The data gathered from 250 full‐time faculty members was analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS‐SEM) through SmartPLS. The results showed that (i) need‐supply fit and person‐organization fit had a negative and direct impact on turnover intentions, (ii) the impact of demand‐ability fit on turnover intention was insignificant, and (iii) the association between person‐organization fit and turnover intention is mediated by need‐supply fit. These findings are useful for management and practitioners in designing strategies that enhance employees’ compatibility with their workplace and help in reducing employees’ turnover intention. Noteworthily, this is one of the first research to look at the direct and indirect effects of person‐organization fit on turnover intention through need‐supply fit and demand‐ability fit.
Digital business model innovation among small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs)
Authors: Teoh Ming Fang , Ahmad Noor Hazlina , Abdul‐Halim Hasliza , Kan Wen Huey
Published: January 2023

Digital business model innovation (DBMI) has been acknowledged as a new business norm which allows for increased competitiveness. By adopting the dynamic capabilities theory, this research aims to investigate the adoption of DBMI among small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in a developing country. The qualitative data were collected using semi‐structured virtual interviews with SMEs. The findings revealed that the SMEs have redesigned their DBMI through value creation innovation, which refers to the use of new digital technology, new capability, and strong collaboration with new partners to streamline the business processes. SMEs innovate their value proposition by focusing on new product and service offerings and creating profitable customer relationships. Interestingly, SMEs also implement value delivery innovation, utilizing new delivery channels to target new market segments. In terms of value capture innovation, SMEs are concerned with obtaining new sources of revenues at a lower cost structure. Research studies on DBMI in Malaysia are scarce. The originality of this research lies in the exploration of DBMI in the real‐life business context, and the insights it will provide to SMEs and practitioners in the midst of adopting DBMI. The findings offer valuable insights for SMEs, practitioners, and policymakers in emerging economies.