bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A total crapshoot? Evaluating bioinformatic decisions in animal diet metabarcoding analyses
Authors: O'Rourke Devon R. , Bokulich Nicholas A. , Jusino Michelle A. , MacManes Matthew D. , Foster Jeffrey T.
Published: July 2020

Metabarcoding studies provide a powerful approach to estimate the diversity and abundance of organisms in mixed communities in nature. While strategies exist for optimizing sample and sequence library preparation, best practices for bioinformatic processing of amplicon sequence data are lacking in animal diet studies. Here we evaluate how decisions made in core bioinformatic processes, including sequence filtering, database design, and classification, can influence animal metabarcoding results. We show that denoising methods have lower error rates compared to traditional clustering methods, although these differences are largely mitigated by removing low‐abundance sequence variants. We also found that available reference datasets from GenBank and BOLD for the animal marker gene cytochrome oxidase I (COI) can be complementary, and we discuss methods to improve existing databases to include versioned releases. Taxonomic classification methods can dramatically affect results. For example, the commonly used Barcode of Life Database (BOLD) Classification API assigned fewer names to samples from order through species levels using both a mock community and bat guano samples compared to all other classifiers (vsearch‐SINTAX and q2‐feature‐classifier's BLAST + LCA, VSEARCH + LCA, and Naive Bayes classifiers). The lack of consensus on bioinformatics best practices limits comparisons among studies and may introduce biases. Our work suggests that biological mock communities offer a useful standard to evaluate the myriad computational decisions impacting animal metabarcoding accuracy. Further, these comparisons highlight the need for continual evaluations as new tools are adopted to ensure that the inferences drawn reflect meaningful biology instead of digital artifacts.
Ruthenium Catalyzed Divergent Alkylation and Olefination of Methyl 1,3,5‐Triazines with Alcohols
Authors: Su Chengwu , Zeng Ming , Zhang Chen , Cui Dong‐Mei
Published: July 2020

An efficient ruthenium‐catalyzed divergent alkylation and olefination of methyl 1,3,5‐triazines with alcohols have been developed. The selectivity can be rationally tuned by the judicious choice of ruthenium catalyst, wherein Ru(PPh3)3Cl2 delivers alkylated 1,3,5‐triazines and RuCl3 gives olefinated 1,3,5‐triazines in up to 98 % yield. Following this simple, facile, and high atom economical protocol, a broad range of products was prepared in moderate to good yields and tolerated heterocyclic or benzylic alcohols containing functionalities. The overall transformation operates through dehydrogenation of primary alcohols under the reaction conditions to provide the corresponding aldehydes, which further undergo condensation with methyl 1,3,5‐triazines.
Metal‐Free Synthesis of Imidazo[2,1‐b]thiazoles from Thioimidazoles and Ketones Mediated by Selectfluor
Authors: Zhao Jinwu , Xiao Qiannan , Chen Jiaxi , Xu Jingxiu
Published: July 2020

This paper presents a practical and efficient strategy for the preparation of imidazol[2,1‐b]‐thiazoles from thioimidazoles and ketones mediated by Selectfluor. The proposed mechanism suggests that this transformation took place through electrophilic thiolation at an α‐carbon of ketones by sulfur cation, which is produced by the oxidation of thioimidazole by Selectfluor. This metal‐free protocol tolerated various ketones, including methyl ketones or non‐methyl ketones, aryl ketones or aliphatic ketones. The experimental results indicated that steric hindrance of the substituents at the α‐position of ketones or on the aromatic ring of aryl ketones had significant influence on the yields of imidazol[2,1‐b]‐thiazoles. Thioimidazole and benzothioimidazoles were well tolerated while 5‐substituted benzothioimidazoles provided the mixture of the corresponding 6‐substituted and 7‐substituted benzoimidazo[2,1‐b]thiazole products.
Coalition of Thermo–Opto–Electric Effects in Ferroelectrics for Enhanced Cyclic Multienergy Conversion
Authors: Vats Gaurav , Peräntie Jani , Juuti Jari , Seidel Jan , Bai Yang
Published: July 2020

The concept of multisource energy harvesting (of light, kinetic, and thermal energy) using a single material has recently been proposed. Herein, the realization of this novel concept is discussed and insight into the electric field‐assisted modulation of photocurrent and pyroelectric current in a bandgap‐engineered ferroelectric KNBNNO ((K0.5Na0.5)NbO3‐2 mol% Ba(Ni0.5Nb0.5)O3−δ) is provided. Thereafter, direct current (DC) electrical modulation under the simultaneous inputs of light and thermal changes for photovoltaic and pyroelectric effects, respectively, is utilized to achieve several orders of increase in the output current density. This is attributed to a light‐assisted increase in the material's electrical conductivity and ferroelectric photovoltaic effect. The phenomena of electro–optic and thermo–electro–optic DC modulations are further used to propose two novel energy‐conversion cycles. The performance of both the proposed energy conversion cycles is compared with that of the Olsen cycle. The electro–optic and thermo–electro–optic cycles are found to harvest 7–10 times more energy than the Olsen cycle alone, respectively. Moreover, both energy‐conversion cycles offer broader flexibility and ease in operating conditions, thus paving a way toward the practical applications of multisource energy harvesting with a single material for enhanced energy‐conversion capability and device/system compactness.
Conversion of Estrone to 17β-Estradiol: A Potential Confounding Factor in Assessing Risks of Environmental Estrogens to Fish
Authors: Tapper Mark A. , Kolanczyk Richard C. , LaLone Carlie A. , Denny Jeffrey S. , Ankley Gerald T.
Published: July 2020

Feminization of male fish and the role of endocrine-active chemicals in this phenomenon has been an area of intense study for many years. Estrone (E1), a natural steroid, is found in aquatic environments sometimes at high concentrations relative to the estrogenic steroids 17β-estradiol (E2) and 17α-ethynylestradiol. However, E1 has been less thoroughly studied than E2 or 17α-ethynylestradiol due in part to a relatively lower potency in metabolically limited estrogen receptor (ER) binding/activation assays. Recent evidence suggests that in vivo biotransformation of E1 to E2 may occur in fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) residing in environments with high concentrations of E1, such as near wastewater treatment plants. The enzymes likely responsible for this biotransformation, 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (17βHSDs), have been well characterized in mammals but to a lesser extent in fish species. In the present study, a novel systematic analysis of amino acid sequence data from the National Center for Biotechnology Information database demonstrated that multiple 17βHSD isoforms are conserved across different fish species. Experimentally, we showed that metabolically active hepatic cytosolic preparations from 2 commercially important salmonid species, rainbow trout and lake trout, biotransformed E1 to E2 to a degree sufficient to alter results of competitive ER binding assays. These results from in silico and in vitro analyses indicate that E1 and biotransformation may play a significant role in adverse effects on development and reproduction of a variety of fish species in contaminated aquatic environments. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:2028–2040. Published 2020. This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Pharmacological Premature Termination Codon Readthrough of ABCB11 in Bile Salt Export Pump Deficiency: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Amzal Rachida , Thébaut Alice , Lapalus Martine , Almes Marion , Grosse Brigitte , Mareux Elodie , Collado‐Hilly Mauricette , Davit‐Spraul Anne , Bidou Laure , Namy Olivier , Jacquemin Emmanuel , Gonzales Emmanuel
Published: July 2020

Background and Aims

Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 2 (PFIC2) is a severe hepatocellular cholestasis due to biallelic mutations in ABCB11 encoding the canalicular bile salt export pump (BSEP). Nonsense mutations are responsible for the most severe phenotypes. The aim was to assess the ability of drugs to induce readthrough of six nonsense mutations (p.Y354X, p.R415X, p.R470X, p.R1057X, p.R1090X, and p.E1302X) identified in patients with PFIC2.

Approach and Results

The ability of G418, gentamicin, and PTC124 to induce readthrough was studied using a dual gene reporter system in NIH3T3 cells. The ability of gentamicin to induce readthrough and to lead to the expression of a full‐length protein was studied in human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293), HepG2, and Can 10 cells using immunodetection assays. The function of the gentamicin‐induced full‐length protein was studied by measuring the [3H]‐taurocholate transcellular transport in stable Madin‐Darby canine kidney clones co‐expressing Na+‐taurocholate co‐transporting polypeptide (Ntcp). Combinations of gentamicin and chaperone drugs (ursodeoxycholic acid, 4‐phenylbutyrate [4‐PB]) were investigated. In NIH3T3, aminoglycosides significantly increased the readthrough level of all mutations studied, while PTC124 only slightly increased the readthrough of p.E1302X. Gentamicin induced a readthrough of p.R415X, p.R470X, p.R1057X, and p.R1090X in HEK293 cells. The resulting full‐length proteins localized within the cytoplasm, except for BsepR1090X, which was also detected at the plasma membrane of human embryonic kidney HEK293 and at the canalicular membrane of Can 10 and HepG2 cells. Additional treatment with 4‐PB and ursodeoxycholic acid significantly increased the canalicular proportion of full‐length BsepR1090X protein in Can 10 cells. In Madin‐Darby canine kidney clones, gentamicin induced a 40% increase of the BsepR1090X [3H]‐taurocholate transport, which was further increased with additional 4‐PB treatment.

Conclusion

This study constitutes a proof of concept for readthrough therapy in selected patients with PFIC2 with nonsense mutations.
Financial conservatism, firm value and international business risk: Evidence from emerging economies around the global financial crisis
Authors: Machokoto Michael , Areneke Geofry , Nyangara Davis
Published: July 2020

The increase in debt‐free or under‐levered firms (financial conservatism) is one of the most recent stylized puzzles that cannot be explained within the context of extant capital structure theories. In this paper, we exploit the 2008–09 contractions in credit supply in a quasi‐natural experiment to examine whether financial conservatism affects firm value. Using a large sample of firms from seven African countries over the period 2003–2012, we find strong evidence that financial conservatism mitigates the adverse effect of contractions in credit supply on firm value for both local and international firms. Our results suggest that financial conservatism is an effective strategy for managing risks arising from contractions in credit supply and international business exposure. These findings provide novel empirical evidence on the value relevance of financial conservatism which shields firms from the adverse and far‐reaching effects of contractions in credit supply.
Economic integration and the currency and equity markets nexus
Authors: Aftab Muhammad , Ahmad Rubi , Ismail Izlin , Phylaktis Kate
Published: July 2020

The paper examines the impact of economic integration on the relationship between the currency and equity markets for a group of Asian emerging economies using both linear and non‐linear frameworks. We first derive the dynamic conditional correlations between the two markets and then examine the impact of economic integration on their relationship. Our main results are: (a) there is a negative correlation between real exchange rate changes and equity return differentials for all countries apart from China, which becomes deeper during the global financial crisis (GFC) for some of the countries; (b) economic integration, both real and financial, has an asymmetric impact on the relationship between the two markets both in the short‐run and in the long‐run; and (c) applying a linear framework does not bring out the impact of financial integration.
Psychometric comparison of Chinese and English versions of the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire with bilingual Hong Kong Chinese students
Authors: Hutchison Ashley N. , Yeung Dannii Y. , Gerstein Lawrence H. , Wettersten Kara B.
Published: July 2020

The Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ; Gross & John, 2003) assesses two emotion regulation (ER) strategies: cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression. Researchers have used the ERQ in cross‐national studies, such as with participants in Hong Kong. There is inconsistency in psychometric equivalence data for the ERQ in Chinese among adults, and prior research in Hong Kong contradicted the ERQ's original factor structure (Matsumoto et al., 2008). The present study examined the factor structure, reliability and validity of a translated Traditional Chinese‐ERQ and the English‐ERQ with Hong Kong college students. Results revealed that both versions replicated the original two‐factor structure of the ERQ (Gross & John, 2003). Evidence of the measure's convergent, discriminant and predictive validity was obtained as well. Implications for cross‐cultural scale validation particularly with Hong Kong Chinese students are discussed.
Cinchonine inhibits osteoclast differentiation by regulating TAK1 and AKT, and promotes osteogenesis
Authors: Jo You‐Jin , Lee Hye In , Kim Narae , Hwang Donghyun , Lee Jiae , Lee Gong‐Rak , Hong Seong‐Eun , Lee Hana , Kwon Minjeong , Kim Nam Young , Kim Hyun Jin , Park Jin Ha , Kang Ye Hee , Kim Han Sung , Lee Soo Young , Jeong Woojin
Published: July 2020

Cinchonine (CN) has been known to exert antimalarial, antiplatelet, and antiobesity effects. It was also recently reported to inhibit transforming growth factor β‐activated kinase 1 (TAK1) and protein kinase B (AKT) through binding to tumor necrosis factor receptor‐associated factor 6 (TRAF6). However, its role in bone metabolism remains largely unknown. Here, we showed that CN inhibits osteoclast differentiation with decreased expression of nuclear factor of activated T‐cells, cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1), a key determinant of osteoclastogenesis. Immunoblot and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis as well as the reporter assay revealed that CN inhibits nuclear factor‐κB and activator protein‐1 by regulating TAK1. CN also attenuated the activation of AKT, cyclic AMP response element‐binding protein, and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ coactivator 1β (PGC1β), an essential regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis. Collectively, these results suggested that CN may inhibit TRAF6‐mediated TAK1 and AKT activation, which leads to downregulation of NFATc1 and PGC1β resulting in the suppression of osteoclast differentiation. Interestingly, CN not only inhibited the maturation and resorption function of differentiated osteoclasts but also promoted osteoblast differentiation. Furthermore, CN protected lipopolysaccharide‐ and ovariectomy‐induced bone destruction in mouse models, suggesting its therapeutic potential for treating inflammation‐induced bone diseases and postmenopausal osteoporosis.
Effectiveness of an adaptive eLearning intervention on dental students’ learning in comparison to traditional instruction
Authors: Alwadei Abdurahman H. , Tekian Ara S. , Brown Blasé P. , Alwadei Farhan H. , Park Yoon Soo , Alwadei Saleh H. , Harris Ilene B.
Published: July 2020

There is a great deal of excitement in higher education about the value of adaptive learning to personalize learning paths according to students’ individual needs. The authors explored the impact of an Adaptive Learning Platform (ALP) on learning, by comparing learning effectiveness between dental students who used the ALP in a blended learning environment formatively and summatively compared with students who did not use the ALP (i.e., face‐to‐face), as measured by students’ performance on the final exam in a single review preparatory course during the academic years 2013–2018. Paired t‐tests showed significant improvement in post‐test scores across different course instructional modalities (P < 0.01). The learning gain was greater for students who studied using the ALP summatively (t = 26.20) than those who used it formatively or studied using a face‐to‐face format (t = 13.10 and 14.13, respectively). Controlling for pre‐test scores, analysis of covariance tests indicate that: (1) intervention groups (formative and summative ALP) scored significantly higher than the traditional group (B = 9.34 points, P < 0.01, for summative ALP group) and (B = 4.47 points, P < 0.05, for formative ALP group), and (2) summative ALP group scored significantly higher than formative ALP group (B = 4.84 points, P < 0.05). This study provides empirical evidence that an adaptive learning intervention can have a significant impact on student learning performance. The success of any adaptive learning system relies mainly on sound instructional design. Technology will continue to grow at an overwhelming pace; the cautionary note the authors highlight is that conceptions of pedagogy, complemented by technology, must guide the development of adaptive learning systems.
Serum bikunin isoforms in congenital disorders of glycosylation and linkeropathies
Authors: Haouari Walid , Dubail Johanne , Lounis‐Ouaras Samra , Prada Pierre , Bennani Rizk , Roseau Charles , Huber Céline , Afenjar Alexandra , Colin Estelle , Vuillaumier‐Barrot Sandrine , Seta Nathalie , Foulquier François , Poüs Christian , Cormier‐Daire Valérie , Bruneel Arnaud
Published: July 2020

Bikunin (Bkn) isoforms are serum chondroitin sulfate (CS) proteoglycans synthesized by the liver. They include two light forms, that is, the Bkn core protein and the Bkn linked to the CS chain (urinary trypsin inhibitor [UTI]), and two heavy forms, that is, pro‐α‐trypsin inhibitor and inter‐α‐trypsin inhibitor, corresponding to UTI esterified by one or two heavy chains glycoproteins, respectively. We previously showed that the Western‐blot analysis of the light forms could allow the fast and easy detection of patients with linkeropathy, deficient in enzymes involved in the synthesis of the initial common tetrasaccharide linker of glycosaminoglycans. Here, we analyzed all serum Bkn isoforms in a context of congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG) and showed very specific abnormal patterns suggesting potential interests for their screening and diagnosis. In particular, genetic deficiencies in V‐ATPase (ATP6V0A2‐CDG, CCDC115‐CDG, ATP6AP1‐CDG), in Golgi manganese homeostasis (TMEM165‐CDG) and in the N‐acetyl‐glucosamine Golgi transport (SLC35A3‐CDG) all share specific abnormal Bkn patterns. Furthermore, for each studied linkeropathy, we show that the light abnormal Bkn could be further in‐depth characterized by two‐dimensional electrophoresis. Moreover, besides being interesting as a specific biomarker of both CDG and linkeropathies, Bkn isoforms' analyses can provide new insights into the pathophysiology of the aforementioned diseases.
Evaluation of Primary Liver Cancers Using Hepatocyte‐Specific Contrast‐Enhanced MRI: Pitfalls and Potential Tips
Authors: Kim Jae Hyun , Yoon Jeong Hee , Joo Ijin , Lee Jeong Min
Published: July 2020

When radiologists interpret hepatic focal lesions seen on dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, it is important not only to distinguish malignant lesions from benign ones but also to distinguish nonhepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) malignancies from HCCs. In addition, most major guidelines, including those of the American Association for the Study of Liver Disease, European Association for the Study of the Liver, and Korean Liver Cancer Association and National Cancer Center, allow for the noninvasive imaging diagnosis of HCC in at‐risk patients. However, ~40% of HCC cases show atypical imaging features mimicking non‐HCC malignancies. Furthermore, several benign and malignant lesions, such as flash‐filling hemangioma and intrahepatic mass‐forming cholangiocarcinoma, frequently look like HCC. In contrast, although multiparametric MRI options, including hepatobiliary phase and diffusion‐weighted imaging, provide useful information that could help address these challenges, there remain several unresolved issues with regard to the noninvasive diagnostic criteria characterizing HCC. In this article, we discuss the typical imaging features and challenging situations related to primary liver cancers in MRI, while considering how to make a correct diagnosis.

Level of Evidence

5

Technical Efficacy Stage

3
Effect of annealing temperature on thermo‐diffusional boron doping of silicon nanowire arrays probed by Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Efimova A. I. , Lipkova E. A. , Gonchar K. A. , Presnov D. E. , Eliseev A. A. , Pavlikov A. V. , Timoshenko V. Yu.
Published: July 2020

Arrays of silicon nanowires (SiNWs) with characteristic transverse nanowire size of the order of 100 nm were fabricated by metal‐assisted chemical etching of monocrystalline silicon wafers followed by thermo‐diffusional doping with boron and studied by means of Raman spectroscopy considering the Fano effect related to the free charge carriers (holes) in SiNWs. The hole concentration of the order of 1020 cm−3 was shown to be achieved for SiNWs annealed at 950–1000°C and the peak intensity of Raman scattering of SiNWs dropped exponentially with the increasing free‐hole concentration. The obtained results can be used for the express diagnostics of the electrical properties of silicon nanostructures for applications in optoelectronics, sensorics, and thermoelectric devices.
A three‐phase solvent extraction system combined with deep eutectic solvent‐based dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction for extraction of some organochlorine pesticides in cocoa samples prior to gas chromatography with electron capture detection
Authors: Mardani Asghar , Afshar Mogaddam Mohammad Reza , Farajzadeh Mir Ali , Mohebbi Ali , Nemati Mahboob , Torbati Mohammadali
Published: July 2020

A sample pretreatment method based on the combination of a three‐phase solvent extraction system and deep eutectic solvent‐based dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction has been introduced for the extraction of four organochlorine pesticides in cocoa samples before their determination by gas chromatography‐electron capture detection. A mixture of sodium chloride, acetonitrile, and potassium hydroxide solution is added to cocoa bean or powder. After vortexing and centrifugation of the mixture, the collected upper phase (acetonitrile) is removed and mixed with a few microliters of N,N‐diethanol ammonium chloride: pivalic acid deep eutectic solvent. Then it is rapidly injected into deionized water and a cloudy solution is obtained. Under optimum conditions, the limits of detection and quantification were found to be 0.011‐0.031 and 0.036‐0.104 ng/g, respectively. The obtained extraction recoveries varied between 74 and 92%. Also, intra‐ (n = 6) and interday (n = 4) precisions were less than or equal to 7.1% for the studied pesticides at a concentration of 0.3 ng/g of each analyte. The suggested method was applied to determine the studied organochlorine pesticide residues in various cocoa powders and beans gathered from groceries in Tabriz city (Iran) and aldrin and dichlobenil were found in some of them.
Women in Otolaryngology: Experiences of Being Female in the Specialty
Authors: Lawlor Claire , Kawai Kosuke , Tracy Lauren , Sobin Lindsay , Kenna Margaret
Published: July 2020

Objectives

A broad survey of women otolaryngologists on the current state of the field, including opportunities for advancement, support of family leave, and prevalence of harassment, has not been performed since 1998. An update on the experiences of female otolaryngologists is vital to continue to advance the specialty.

Study Design

Anonymous web‐based survey.

Methods

Survey of members of the Women in Otolaryngology (WIO) section of the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (all members of the AAO‐HNS that identify as female are automatically members of this section). Distributed via AAO‐HNS.

Results

Five hundred thirty‐five responses out of 2303 total WIO members (response rate of 23.2%). Respondents ranged in age from 25 to >65 years. Respondents reported that in the residency programs they attended, 29% of residents, 13% of faculty, and 7% of department leaders were women. Forty‐four percent disagreed that their department leaders and 39% disagreed that their male co‐residents were supportive of women starting families in training. Younger respondents were more likely to feel that their department leaders were supportive of female residents, maternity leave, etc. Harassment in the current work environment did not differ by age; 53% reported harassment‐free, 31% subtle undertones, 8% noticeable tones, 2% significant harassment. Harassment in the workplace varied by region; the greatest level of harassment was in the Midwest.

Conclusions

Women otolaryngologists continue to experience harassment in the workplace. It is encouraging that younger otolaryngologists feel more supported by their departments in both their careers and their personal lives. This survey highlights critical areas for continued growth within our specialty.

Level of Evidence

IV Laryngoscope, 131:E380–E387, 2021
Corrosion behavior of UCX, KHR35, and KHR45 alloys in molten nitrates
Authors: Brito‐Hernandez Daniel , Lopez‐Sesenes Roy , Haro Sergio , Porcayo‐Calderon Jesus , Gonzalez‐Rodriguez Jose G.
Published: July 2020

The corrosion behavior of three high‐Ni, high‐Cr alloys, that is, UCX, KHR35, and KHR45 alloys, in a mixture of 60% NaNO3–40% KNO3 at 600°C has been evaluated by using weight loss tests, potentiodynamic polarization curves, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements. Cr contents ranged between 23.25 and 43.2 wt.%, whereas Ni ranged between 36.6 and 50.3 wt.%. For comparison, the same studies were performed on 304‐type stainless steel (304SS). Tests were complemented with detailed scanning electronic microscope and X‐ray diffraction studies. Results showed that that the three high‐Ni, high‐Cr alloys had lower weight loss than that for 304SS. Polarization tests indicated the formation of a passive layer in all cases. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy data have shown that the corrosion mechanism for all the alloys was charge transfer from the alloy to the molten salt. Finally, X‐ray patterns showed the presence of Cr2O3 in all tested alloys, which is responsible for the observed passive behavior and their corrosion resistance.
Interpretation of entropy generation in Williamson fluid flow with nonlinear thermal radiation and first‐order velocity slip
Authors: Qayyum Sumaira , Khan M. Ijaz , Masood Faria , Chu Yu‐Ming , Kadry Seifedine , Nazeer Mubbashar
Published: July 2020

This research article investigates the impacts of magnetohydrodynamics (MHD), nonlinear thermal radiation, Darcy‐Forchheimer porous medium, viscous dissipation, first‐order velocity slip, and convective boundary condition on the entropy generation optimization in flow of non‐Newtonian fluid (Williamson fluid) towards a flat and stretchable surface. A general entropy equation is derived for thermal heat irreversibility, porosity irreversibility, Joule heating irreversibility, and fluid friction irreversibility. The bvp4c (built‐in‐shooting) technique is utilized to solve the governing equations for the entropy generation. Our obtained results highlight that enhancement in the thermal radiation and magnetic causes an abrupt change in the entropy generation rate. Moreover, the heat transfer rate and velocity gradient (skin friction) are calculated numerically subject to pertinent parameter, and the results are displayed in tabular form.
Optical soliton solutions for the generalized Kudryashov equation of propagation pulse in optical fiber with power nonlinearities by three integration algorithms
Authors: Zayed Elsayed M. E. , Alngar Mohamed E. M.
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we employ three integration algorithms, namely, the well‐known Kudryashov method, the new Kudryashov method, and the unified Riccati equation expansion method to extract optical soliton solutions for the generalized Kudryashov equation with power nonlinearities. Straddled soliton, bright solitons, dark solitons, and singular solitons have been found.
Effects of a person‐centred and thriving‐promoting intervention on nursing home staff job satisfaction: A multi‐centre, non‐equivalent controlled before–after study
Authors: Vassbø Tove Karin , Bergland Ådel , Kirkevold Marit , Lindkvist Marie , Lood Qarin , Sandman Per‐Olof , Sjögren Karin , Edvardsson David
Published: July 2020

Aim

To evaluate the effects of a person‐centred and thriving‐promoting intervention in nursing homes on staff job satisfaction, stress of conscience and the person‐centredness of care and of the environment.

Design

A multi‐centre, non‐equivalent control group, before–after trial design.

Methods

Staff (N = 341) from six nursing homes in Australia, Norway and Sweden were assigned to the intervention or the control group and both groups were evaluated before the intervention, immediately after and by 6 months follow‐up. Staff completed a questionnaire about job satisfaction (primary endpoint), stress of conscience and the person‐centredness of care and of the environment (secondary endpoints). Linear regression models were used to identify the mean scores and to analyse group differences to test the effects of the intervention.

Results

The intervention had no statistically significant effects on staff job satisfaction, level of stress of conscience or the perceived person‐centredness of care and of the environment.
Metabolic Implications of Exposure to Light at Night: Lessons from Animal and Human Studies
Authors: Fleury Giulia , Masís‐Vargas Anayanci , Kalsbeek Andries
Published: July 2020

Lately, the incidence of overweight, obesity, and type 2 diabetes has shown a staggering increase. To prevent and treat these conditions, one must look at their etiology. As life on earth has evolved under the conditions of nature’s 24‐hour light/dark cycle, it seems likely that exposure to artificial light at night (LAN) would affect physiology. Indeed, ample evidence has shown that LAN impacts many metabolic parameters, at least partly via the biological clock in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus. This review focuses on the impact of chronic and acute effects of LAN of different wavelengths on locomotor activity, food intake, the sleep/wake cycle, body temperature, melatonin, glucocorticoids, and glucose and lipid metabolism. While chronic LAN disturbs daily rhythms in these parameters, experiments using short‐term LAN exposure also have shown acute negative effects in metabolically active peripheral tissues. Experiments using LAN of different wavelengths not only have indicated an important role for melanopsin, the photopigment found in intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells, but also provided evidence that each wavelength may have a specific impact on energy metabolism. Importantly, exposure to LAN has been shown to impact glucose homeostasis also in humans and to be associated with an increased incidence of overweight, obesity, and atherosclerosis.
Metabolic Effects of Light at Night are Time‐ and Wavelength‐Dependent in Rats
Authors: Masís‐Vargas Anayanci , Ritsema Wayne I.G.R. , Mendoza Jorge , Kalsbeek Andries
Published: July 2020

Objective

Intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells are most sensitive to short wavelengths and reach brain regions that modulate biological rhythms and energy metabolism. The increased exposure nowadays to artificial light at night (ALAN), especially short wavelengths, perturbs our synchronization with the 24‐hour solar cycle. Here, the time‐ and wavelength dependence of the metabolic effects of ALAN are investigated.

Methods

Male Wistar rats were exposed to white, blue, or green light at different time points during the dark phase. Locomotor activity, energy expenditure, respiratory exchange ratio (RER), and food intake were recorded. Brains, livers, and blood were collected.

Results

All wavelengths decreased locomotor activity regardless of time of exposure, but changes in energy expenditure were dependent on the time of exposure. Blue and green light reduced RER at Zeitgeber time 16‐18 without changing food intake. Blue light increased period 1 (Per1) gene expression in the liver, while green and white light increased Per2. Blue light decreased plasma glucose and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (Pepck) expression in the liver. All wavelengths increased c‐Fos activity in the suprachiasmatic nucleus, but blue and green light decreased c‐Fos activity in the paraventricular nucleus.

Conclusions

ALAN affects locomotor activity, energy expenditure, RER, hypothalamic c‐Fos expression, and expression of clock and metabolic genes in the liver depending on the time of day and wavelength.
Exchange rate pass‐through to restaurant and hotel prices in the United States: The role of energy prices and tourism development
Authors: Usman Ojonugwa , Iorember Paul Terhemba , Jelilov Gylych
Published: July 2020

This study incorporates energy prices and tourism development into the standard purchasing power parity doctrine to investigate exchange rate pass‐through to restaurant and hotel prices in the United States over the period 2001:Q4 to 2017:Q4. We apply the multiple structural breaks cointegration test and flexible autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) method. Our empirical results provide evidence that exchange rate appreciation reduces restaurant and hotel prices while an increase in energy prices and tourism development causes the prices of restaurant and hotel to rise. However, the pass‐through of exchange rate, energy prices, and tourism development is incomplete in both the long‐ and short‐run with the long‐run pass‐through having a stronger effect. Furthermore, the causality results show that restaurant and hotel prices have predictive power for exchange rate. Causality between restaurant and hotel prices and tourism development has a feedback effect. We also find that exchange rate Granger causes not only energy prices but tourism development while tourism development causes energy prices. The policy implications for these results are carefully outlined in the study.
Multidimensional financial inclusion index for Indian states
Authors: Yadav Vishal , Singh Bhanu Pratap , Velan Nirmala
Published: July 2020

The study proposes a multidimensional financial inclusion index (FII) for 27 Indian states. The separate demand and supply FII is constructed across the states for the period 2004–2017. The Human Development Index (HDI) methodology developed by the United Nation Development Programme (UNDP) is adopted in the construction of current FII. After the launch of Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojna (PMJDY) in 2014, there is no study in the Indian market attempted to examine the status of financial inclusion across the states over a longer period. The current study fills this gap by proposing the demand and supply FII. The major findings of the study show that the level of FII measure tends to indicate marginal improvement in the level of financial inclusion across states during 2004–2017. Most of the northern and north‐eastern states were found to be under low financial inclusion. On the other hand, most of the high financially included states were also better in terms of HDI and literacy. Further, PMJDY was unable to augment financial inclusion across the states because of marginal impact of the scheme which helped only a few states to move from low to medium FII states. On the contrary, the rise in the dormant account, low HDI and illiteracy across the majority of the states were the major reason behind the failure of PMJDY. Hence, structural reforms are warranted in the policy framework to provide financial services to poorest among the poor at low or no cost for better economic outcomes.
The wrinkling concept applied to plasma‐deposited polymer‐like thin films: A promising method for the fabrication of flexible electrodes
Authors: Thiry Damien , Vinx Nathan , Damman Pascal , Aparicio Francisco J. , Tessier Pierre‐Yves , Moerman David , Leclère Philippe , Godfroid Thomas , Desprez Sylvain , Snyders Rony
Published: July 2020

In this communication, we report on an innovative solvent‐free method that allows for the design of nano‐/micropatterns with tuneable dimensions. Our approach is based on the spontaneous wrinkling phenomenon taking place in a bilayer system formed by a mechanically responsive bottom plasma polymer layer and a top aluminum thin film. The dimensions of the wrinkles can be adjusted in a wide range (i.e., from nanometer to micrometer range) by modulating the cross‐linking density as well as the thickness of the plasma polymer layer. Finally, it is demonstrated that these wrinkled surfaces could efficiently be used as flexible electrodes. The whole set of our data unambiguously reveals the attractiveness of our method for the fabrication of the micro‐/nanopattern with dimensions on demand.
Origin, selection, and spread of diamide insecticide resistance allele in field populations of diamondback moth in east and southeast Asia
Authors: Uesugi Ryuji , Jouraku Akiya , Sukonthabhirom na Pattalung Suprada , Hinomoto Norihide , Kuwazaki Seigo , Kanamori Hiroyuki , Katayose Yuichi , Sonoda Shoji
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

The investigation of molecular mechanisms and evolution of resistance to insecticides is an ongoing challenge, as researchers must provide guidance to manage the resistance to achieve sustainable production in agriculture. Predicting, monitoring, and managing insecticide resistance requires information on the origins, selection, and spread of resistance genes. The resistance of Plutella xylostella (L.) against diamide insecticides is becoming an increasingly severe problem in east and southeast Asia. In this study, the evolution of resistance was investigated using a resistance allele [ryanodine receptor (RyR); G4946E mutation] and its flanking regions, as well as mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (mtCOI).

RESULTS

The sequences of the flanking region of the G4946E and mtCOI suggested that the G4946E mutation has a key role in resistance. Furthermore, the G4946E mutation has multiple origins, and congenic resistant mutations have spread across east and southeast Asia, despite substantial geographical barriers. In addition, the susceptibility of field populations partially recovered during winter, based on the observed decrease in the G4946E (resistant allele) frequency. Finally, the resistance level indexed by the frequency of the E4946 allele was significantly lower in non‐overwintering regions than in overwintering regions.

CONCLUSION

The information of the present study is useful to monitor resistance using molecular markers and to develop strategies to delay the evolution of diamide resistance.
On developing an exponentially weighted moving average chart under progressive setup: An efficient approach to manufacturing processes
Authors: Abbas Zameer , Nazir Hafiz Zafar , Akhtar Noureen , Riaz Muhammad , Abid Muhammad
Published: July 2020

The exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) control chart is a memory chart that is widely used in process monitoring to spot small and persistent disturbances in the process parameter(s). This chart requires normality of the quality characteristic(s) of interest and a smaller choice of smoothing parameter. Any deviations from these conditions affect its performance in terms of efficiency and robustness. For the said two concerns, this study develops a new mixed EWMA chart under progressive setup (mixed EWMA–progressive mean [MEP] chart). The proposed MEP chart combines the advantages of robustness (under nonnormal scenarios) and high sensitivity to small and persistent shifts in the process mean. The performance of the proposed MEP control chart is evaluated in terms of average run length and some other characteristics of run length distribution. The assessment of the proposed chart is made under standard normal, student's t, gamma, Laplace, logistic, exponential, contaminated normal and lognormal distributions. The performance of the proposed MEP chart is also compared with some existing competitors including the classical EWMA, the classical cumulative sum (CUSUM), the homogenously weighted moving average, the mixed EWMA–CUSUM, the mixed CUSUM–EWMA and the double EWMA charts. The analysis reveals that the proposal of this study offers a superior design structure relative to its competing counterparts. An application from substrates manufacturing process (in which flow width of the resist is the key quality characteristic) is also provided in the study.
Planning constant‐stress accelerated life tests with multiple stresses based on D‐optimal design
Authors: Zhang Xiangxiang , Yang Jun , Kong Xuefeng
Published: July 2020

With the rapid technological advances, products are becoming more reliable. Then, multistress accelerated life testing (MALT) has been adopted in engineering to obtain failure information in a limited time. In order to make the testing procedure more efficient, it is necessary to better design the test plan. However, to date, relevant research on planning of MALT is limited. Multiple stresses will lead to plenty of stress‐level combinations that require too much cost and time to implement. Besides, there may be interactions among multiple stresses, which need more experiments for parameter estimation. To solve these problems, we propose a novel planning method for constant‐stress MALT under lognormal distribution using D‐optimal design, which can reduce required test points efficiently and deal with second‐order effects in models. In ALT, the log‐linear model is often used to describe the life‐stress relationship. Hence, D‐optimal design is adopted in this paper to select test points from the whole test region. Then, optimal unit allocation plans are formulated under V/D‐optimality criterion, respectively, where type I and type II censoring are both discussed. A real case of light‐emitting device (LED) is presented to compare the proposed approach with other two existing methods. The results show that the proposed method performs better than other two existing methods both in prediction accuracy and estimation precision. Moreover, a sensitivity analysis reveals the robustness of the optimal plans determined by the proposed method.
Entrepreneurship in emerging economies
Authors: Foo Maw‐Der , Vissa Balagopal , Wu Brian
Published: July 2020

Research Summary

The economic center of gravity is shifting from mature markets to emerging regions. This shift provides a good opportunity to broaden and deepen our theoretical base of concepts and frameworks because emerging and mature regions differ significantly in their institutional regimes. Hence entrepreneurial resource mobilization in emerging regions could differ significantly because of theoretical differences in actors' action logics and resource governance. The eight papers in this special issue provide new empirical evidence on antecedents and consequences of entrepreneurial resource mobilization efforts in emerging regions. Here, we briefly summarize the state of the field, introduce the articles by situating them in a novel theoretical framework on entrepreneurial resource mobilization, and finally using our framework, we suggest opportunities for future research on entrepreneurship in emerging regions.

Managerial Summary

Entrepreneurship research has advanced mainly using empirical data from the developed economies of North America and Western Europe. Because emerging economies differ markedly in their institutional development from developed economies, this prior research is less likely to be useful to understand entrepreneurship in emerging regions ‐ which are increasingly crucial components of the global economy. This special issue contains eight articles addressing different aspects of the entrepreneurial resource mobilization process using diverse research methods on empirical data drawn from a broad range of emerging economies. This introduction describes the state of the field prior to the special issue, introduces the special issue articles and identifies topics that still need further investigation. We distill the current state of knowledge and offer a roadmap for future scholarship.
Embedding Ethical Impact Assessment in Nanosafety Decision Support
Authors: Malsch Ineke , Isigonis Panagiotis , Dusinska Maria , Bouman Evert A.
Published: July 2020

Nanotechnology is a key enabling technology, which is developing fast and influences many aspects of life. Nanomaterials are already included in a broad range of products and industrial sectors. Nanosafety issues are still a matter of concern for policy makers and stakeholders, but currently, there is no platform where all stakeholders can meet and discuss these issues. A comprehensive overview of all the issues in one single dashboard presenting the output of a decision support system is also lacking. This article outlines a strategy for developing one innovative part of a modular decision support system, designed to support the work of a new Risk Governance Council (RGC) for nanomaterials which will be established through the combined efforts of the GOV4NANO, NANORIGO, and RiskGONE H2020 projects. This new module will consist of guidelines for Ethical Impact Assessment (EIA) for nanomaterials and nanoenabled products. This article offers recommendations for adapting the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) prestandard on Ethical Impact Assessment CWA (CEN Workshop Agreement) 17145‐2:2017 (E), to fit into the more‐encompassing decision support system for risk governance of nanomaterials within the RiskGONE project.
Risk Governance of Emerging Technologies Demonstrated in Terms of its Applicability to Nanomaterials
Authors: Isigonis Panagiotis , Afantitis Antreas , Antunes Dalila , Bartonova Alena , Beitollahi Ali , Bohmer Nils , Bouman Evert , Chaudhry Qasim , Cimpan Mihaela Roxana , Cimpan Emil , Doak Shareen , Dupin Damien , Fedrigo Doreen , Fessard Valérie , Gromelski Maciej , Gutleb Arno C. , Halappanavar Sabina , Hoet Peter , Jeliazkova Nina , Jomini Stéphane , Lindner Sabine , Linkov Igor , Longhin Eleonora Marta , Lynch Iseult , Malsch Ineke , Marcomini Antonio , Mariussen Espen , de la Fuente Jesus M. , Melagraki Georgia , Murphy Finbarr , Neaves Michael , Packroff Rolf , Pfuhler Stefan , Puzyn Tomasz , Rahman Qamar , Pran Elise Rundén , Semenzin Elena , Serchi Tommaso , Steinbach Christoph , Trump Benjamin , Vrček Ivana Vinković , Warheit David , Wiesner Mark R. , Willighagen Egon , Dusinska Maria
Published: July 2020

Nanotechnologies have reached maturity and market penetration that require nano‐specific changes in legislation and harmonization among legislation domains, such as the amendments to REACH for nanomaterials (NMs) which came into force in 2020. Thus, an assessment of the components and regulatory boundaries of NMs risk governance is timely, alongside related methods and tools, as part of the global efforts to optimise nanosafety and integrate it into product design processes, via Safe(r)‐by‐Design (SbD) concepts. This paper provides an overview of the state‐of‐the‐art regarding risk governance of NMs and lays out the theoretical basis for the development and implementation of an effective, trustworthy and transparent risk governance framework for NMs. The proposed framework enables continuous integration of the evolving state of the science, leverages best practice from contiguous disciplines and facilitates responsive re‐thinking of nanosafety governance to meet future needs. To achieve and operationalise such framework, a science‐based Risk Governance Council (RGC) for NMs is being developed. The framework will provide a toolkit for independent NMs' risk governance and integrates needs and views of stakeholders. An extension of this framework to relevant advanced materials and emerging technologies is also envisaged, in view of future foundations of risk research in Europe and globally.