bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pulsed electric field and mild heating for milk processing: a review on recent advances
Authors: Alirezalu Kazem , Munekata Paulo E S , Parniakov Oleksii , Barba Francisco J , Witt Julian , Toepfl Stefan , Wiktor Artur , Lorenzo Jose M
Published: July 2019

Pulsed electric field (PEF) treatment consists of exposing food to electrical fields between electrodes within a treatment chamber, which can improve the preservation of fresh‐like products such as milk. Although several studies support the use of PEF technology to process milk at low temperature, these studies reported microbial reductions of around 3 log10 cycles and also indicated a limited impact of PEF on some endogenous and microbial enzymes. This scenario indicates that increasing the impact of PEF on both enzymes and microorganisms remains a major challenge for this technology in milk processing. More recently, combining PEF with mild heating (below pasteurization condition) has been explored as an alternative processing technology to enhance the safety and to preserve the quality of fresh milk and milk products. Mild heating with PEF enhanced the safety of milk and derived products (3 log10–6 log10 cycles reduction on microbial load and drastic impact on the activity enzymes related to quality decay). Moreover, with this approach, there was minimal impact on enzymes of technological and safety relevance, proteins, milk fat globules, and nutrients (particularly for vitamins) and improvements in the shelf‐life of milk and selected derived products were obtained. Finally, further experiments should consider the use of milk processed by PEF with mild heating on cheese‐making. The combined approach of PEF with mild heating to process milk and derived products is very promising. The characteristics of current PEF systems (which is being used at an industrial level in several countries) and their use in the liquid food industry, particularly for milk and some milk products, could advance towards this strategy. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Starch–gelatin film as an alternative to the use of plastics in agriculture: a review
Authors: Rosseto Marieli , Krein Daniela DC , Balbé Naiana P , Dettmer Aline
Published: July 2019

BACKGROUND

The technological advances in agriculture, driven by the increased demand for food attributed to population growth, have led to the search for technologies that allow greater control over the variables that interfere in crop yield. Several techniques stand out for optimizing yield capacity, including cultivation in a protected environment, mulching and low tunneling. To expand the use of these techniques, synthetic petroleum‐based polymers are employed due to their low cost, easy processing, and lightness. However, they take a long time to degrade, and, since they are discarded at the end of each cycle of cultivation, end up accumulating in the environment causing irreversible damage.

RESULTS

The use of biodegradable films, made of starch and/or a protein source such as gelatin, has been studied as a promising alternative. Both stand out because of their film‐forming ability, and because they come from abundant sources and are biodegradable.

CONCLUSION

This study aimed to review the current findings on starch and gelatin films that can be used as alternatives to conventional plastics in agricultural crops. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Rapid analysis and characterization of multiple constituents of corn silk aqueous extract using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography combined with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Wang Yumei , Liu Qi , Fan Songjie , Yang Xueting , Ming Linlin , Wang Huimin , Liu Jianhua
Published: July 2019

Corn silk is a well‐known traditional Chinese medicine that has been widely used for its antidiabetic, antioxidant, antihyperlipidemic, and other effects in China for thousands of years. Numerous studies have revealed that corn silk contains multiple bioactive constituents that are beneficial for human health. However, the constituents of corn silk in vivo remain ambiguous. In this study, high‐throughput ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography combined with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry technology using multivariate statistical analysis was established to systematically investigate the constituents migrating into blood from corn silk aqueous extract. As a result, 76 compounds were identified, including caffeic acid and ten of its derivatives, (E)‐p‐coumaric acid and two of its derivatives, ferulic acid and four of its derivatives, and five flavones. Among the identified constituents, 21 constituents, including nine prototype components and 12 metabolites derived from eight components, were characterized in sequence. Based on the significance of the results, the applied approach was powerful for the accurate determination and rapid screening of bioactive components from corn silk aqueous extract. The obtained results are valuable for the in‐depth understanding and further pharmacological study of corn silk aqueous extract.
Supramolecular Assembly of Oriented Spherulitic Crystals of Conjugated Polymers Surrounding Carbon Nanotube Fibers
Authors: Armas Jeremy A. , Reynolds Karina J. , Marsh Zachary M. , Fernández‐Blázquez Juan P. , Ayala Denzel , Cronin Adam D. , Del Aguila Jeremy , Fideldy Rikki , Abdou John P. , Bilger David W. , Vilatela Juan J. , Stefik Morgan , Scott Gregory E. , Zhang Shanju
Published: July 2019

The directed assembly of conjugated polymers into macroscopic organization with controlled orientation and placement is pivotal in improving device performance. Here, the supramolecular assembly of oriented spherulitic crystals of poly(3‐butylthiophene) surrounding a single carbon nanotube fiber under controlled solvent evaporation of solution‐cast films is reported. Oriented lamellar structures nucleate on the surface of the nanotube fiber in the form of a transcrystalline interphase. The factors influencing the formation of transcrystals are investigated in terms of chemical structure, crystallization temperature, and time. Dynamic process measurements exhibit the linear growth of transcrystals with time. Microstructural analysis of transcrystals reveals individual lamellar organization and crystal polymorphism. The form II modification occurs at low temperatures, while both form I and form II modifications coexist at high temperatures. A possible model is presented to interpret transcrystallization and polymorphism.
New Mexico settles with three BH providers following prior system upheaval
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: July 2019

Six years ago, 15 behavioral health organizations in New Mexico were upended and services disrupted following a state audit that accused providers of massive Medicaid fraud. The state suspended Medicaid payments to the providers, citing “credible allegations of fraud,” essentially forcing behavioral health organizations considered the largest in the state to curtail services, close operations or leave the state.
Kaiser clinicians push for MH fixes with new campaign launch
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: July 2019

In an ongoing push to pressure Kaiser Permanente to provide timely mental health care access to patients, the union representing Kaiser's nearly 4,000 mental health clinicians on July 16 launched a digital ad campaign. The move follows the clinicians' rejection of a contract proposal by the insurer, and a separate strike in San Francisco earlier this month to address long wait times for children needing care for mental health disorders.
Direct muscle neurotization with long acellular nerve allograft: A case report
Authors: Tuffaha Sami H. , Meaike Jesse D. , Moran Steven L.
Published: July 2019

Nerve repair and nerve transfer are the optimal approaches to restore function to denervated muscle. When the distal‐most portion of the nerve entering the muscle is compromised, these are not possible and direct muscle neurotization (DMN) is considered. We describe the first reported case of DMN with acellular nerve allograft. The patient is a 25 year old male who sustained a blast injury to the patient's proximal leg with segmental injury to the deep peroneal nerve resulting in complete foot drop with 0/5 dorsiflexion and toe extension. Given complete obliteration of the distal nerve, we performed direct neurotization of the tibialis anterior muscle with a 7 cm acellular nerve allograft coapted to the proximal stump of the deep peroneal nerve. At 3 years after surgery, the patient regained 5/5 strength with dorsiflexion and toe extension and normal gait. This case supports the use of acellular nerve allografts to restore function to denervated muscle when the distal nerve stump is not available for nerve repair or transfer and there is a desire to avoid the morbidity of autologous nerve graft harvest.
Automatic tandem and ring reconstruction using MRI for cervical cancer brachytherapy
Authors: Hrinivich William T. , Morcos Marc , Viswanathan Akila , Lee Junghoon
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The MRI‐guided cervical cancer brachytherapy provides unparalleled soft‐tissue contrast for target and normal tissue contouring, but eliminates the ability to use conventional metallic fiducials for radiation source path reconstruction as required for treatment planning. Instead, the source path is reconstructed by manually aligning a library model to the signal void produced by the applicator, which takes time intraoperatively and precludes fully automated treatment planning. The purpose of this study is to present and validate an algorithm to automatically reconstruct tandem and ring applicators using MRI for cervical cancer brachytherapy treatment planning.

Methods

Applicators were reconstructed using T2‐weighted MR images acquired at 1.5 T from 33 brachytherapy fractions including 10 patients using a model‐to‐image registration algorithm. The algorithm involves (a) image filtering and maximum intensity projection to highlight the applicator, (b) ring center identification using the circular Hough transform, and (c) three‐dimensional surface model registration, optimized by maximizing the image intensity gradient normal to the model surface. Two independent observers manually reconstructed all applicators, enabling the calculation of interobserver variability and establishing a ground truth. Algorithm variability was calculated by comparing algorithm results to each individual observer, and algorithm accuracy was calculated by comparing algorithm results to the ground truth. The algorithm variability and accuracy were compared to the interobserver variability using paired t‐tests.

Results

Mean ± SD interobserver variability was 0.83 ± 0.31 mm and 0.78 ± 0.29 mm for the ring and tandem, respectively. The algorithm had mean ± SD variability and accuracy of 0.72 ± 0.32 mm (P = 0.02) and 0.60 ± 0.24 mm (P = 0.0005) for the ring, and 0.70 ± 0.29 mm (P = 0.11) and 0.58 ± 0.24 mm (P = 0.004) for the tandem, respectively.

Conclusions

The algorithm variability and accuracy were within the interobserver variability measured in this study. The algorithm accuracy and mean execution time of 10.0 s are sufficient for clinical tandem and ring reconstruction, and are a step toward fully automated tandem and ring brachytherapy treatment planning.
Impact of Abdominal Obesity on Proximal and Distal Aorta Wall Thickness in African Americans: The Jackson Heart Study
Authors: Mzayek Fawaz , Wang Lisa E. , Relyea George , Yu Xinhua , Terry James G. , Carr Jeffrey , Hundley Gregory W. , Hall Michael E. , Correa Adolfo
Published: July 2019

Objective

Abdominal obesity and wall thickness of the central arteries have been associated with higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Despite the higher burden of overweight and cardiovascular disease among African Americans, limited data are available on the association of abdominal obesity with aortic wall thickness in African Americans. We assessed the cross‐sectional and the longitudinal associations of abdominal obesity with aortic intima‐media thickness (aIMT) in a cohort of African Americans from the Jackson Heart Study.

Methods

Data on aIMT and repeated measures of waist circumference (WC) and waist to height ratio from 1,572 participants, as well as on abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), visceral adipose tissue (VAT), and aIMT from 1,223 participants, were analyzed. aIMT was measured at proximal ascending aorta (PA‐aIMT), proximal descending aorta (PD‐aIMT), and distal aorta (bifurcation) using cardiac magnetic resonance. SAT and VAT were measured using computerized tomography.

Results

WC and WHtR were longitudinally associated with PA‐aIMT and PD‐aIMT; SAT and VAT were associated with PA‐aIMT only. Only WC was associated with distal aIMT.

Conclusions

Abdominal obesity measures are associated with increased proximal aIMT in adult African Americans. Only WC is associated with wall thickness in all three segments of the aorta.
Solution‐Based Determination of Dissociation Constants for the Binding of Aβ42 to Antibodies
Authors: Zhang Tao , Nagel‐Steger Luitgard , Willbold Dieter
Published: July 2019

Amyloid β‐peptides (Aβ) play a major role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, numerous monoclonal antibodies against Aβ have been developed for basic and clinical research. The present study applied fluorescence based analytical ultracentrifugation and microscale thermophoresis to characterize the interaction between Aβ42 monomers and three popular, commercially available antibodies, namely 6E10, 4G8 and 12F4. Both methods allowed us to analyze the interactions at low nanomolar concentrations of analytes close to their dissociation constants (KD) as required for the study of high affinity interactions. Furthermore, the low concentrations minimized the unwanted self‐aggregation of Aβ. Our study demonstrates that all three antibodies bind to Aβ42 monomers with comparable affinities in the low nanomolar range. KD values for Aβ42 binding to 6E10 and 4G8 are in good agreement with formerly reported values from SPR studies, while the KD for 12F4 binding to Aβ42 monomer is reported for the first time.
Relationship between respiratory function and need for NIV in childhood SMA
Authors: Kapur Nitin , Deegan Sean , Parakh Ankit , Gauld Leanne
Published: July 2019

Background

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) causes progressive respiratory muscle weakness but respiratory function (RF) in those using noninvasive ventilation (NIV) is not well described.

Objective

To describe RF in childhood SMA and assess differences between those using and not using NIV.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study of childhood SMA assessed polysomnography (PSG), spirometry, forced oscillation technique (FOT), lung clearance index (LCI), sniff nasal inspiratory pressures, peak cough flow, maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressure, and NIV use and indication.

Results

Twenty‐five children (median age [interquartile range], 8.96 [5.63] years; 10 F) with SMA 1 (n = 3), 2 (n = 15), and 3 (n = 7) were recruited. Spirometry and FOT testing was feasible in children as young as 3 years. Ten (40%) required NIV, 5 for sleep‐disordered breathing (SDB), and 5 initiated during lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI). Children requiring NIV were older (median, 10.52 vs 5.67 years; P < .02) with more abnormal forced vital capacity (FVC) z‐score (−5.70 vs −1.39, P < .02), Rsr8 z‐score (1.97 vs 0.50, P = .04), and LCI (8.84 vs 7.34, P = .01). Two had normal RF and SDB. For FVC z‐score less than −2.5 and LCI greater than 7.5, the odds ratio for NIV was 10.70 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.39‐82.03) and 2 (95% CI, 0.40‐10.31), respectively. All children with LCI greater than 8 used NIV. FVC z‐score and LCI are associated with maximum transcutaneous carbon dioxide on PSG (r = 0.43, P < .001).

Conclusion

NIV is common in SMA. Normal RF does not exclude SDB. Children with more abnormal FVC and LCI should be considered at risk of starting NIV during/following an LRTI.
Outcomes of pulmonary vascular disease in infants conceived with non‐IVF fertility treatment and assisted reproductive technologies at 1 year of age
Authors: Fineman David C. , Baer Rebecca J. , Chambers Christina D. , Rajagopal Satish , Maltepe Emin , Rinaudo Paolo F. , Fineman Jeffrey R. , Jelliffe‐Pawlowski Laura L. , Steurer Martina A.
Published: July 2019

Background

Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) have been associated with the development of endothelial dysfunction.

Objective

To determine potential differences in outcomes associated with pulmonary vascular disease in infants born to mothers receiving any infertility treatment including ART and non‐IVF fertility treatments (NIFTs).

Design/Methods

The sample was derived from an administrative database containing detailed information on infant and maternal characteristics for live‐born infants in California (2007‐2012) with gestational age (GA) 22 to 44 weeks. Cases were defined as infants with ICD‐9 code for pulmonary vascular disease (PVD) and records for ART/NIFT. Controls were randomly selected at a 1:4 ratio. The primary outcome was 1‐year mortality. Crude and adjusted odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated.

Results

We identified 159 cases and 636 controls. Mothers that utilized ART/NIFT were older, to be of the Caucasian race, to have pre‐eclampsia, private insurance, and education >12 years (P < .001). Cases compared to controls were more premature, had lower birth weights, and were more often the product of a multiple gestation pregnancy (P < .001). Cases had a higher 1‐year mortality (18.2% vs 9.1%; OR: 2.2; 95% CI: 1.4, 3.6), more severe PVD (86.2% vs 72.3%; OR: 2.4; 95% CI: 1.5, 3.9), and a longer hospital stay (66.7 ± 73.0 vs 32.5 ± 47.2 days; P < .001) than controls. However, when adjusting for GA these differences become statistically insignificant.

Conclusion

Children born following ART/NIFT with PVD had increased mortality compared to infants with PVD but without ART/NIFT. The primary driver of this relationship is prematurity.
A Val‐202‐Phe α‐tubulin mutation and enhanced metabolism confer dinitroaniline resistance in a single Lolium rigidum population
Authors: Chen Jinyi , Chu Zhizhan , Han Heping , Goggin Danica E , Yu Qin , Sayer Chad , Powles Stephen B
Published: July 2019

BACKGROUND

A Lolium rigidum population collected from Western Australia was previously reported as highly resistant to dinitroaniline herbicides mainly due to a Val‐202‐Phe substitution in the target site α‐tubulin protein. To further determine the contribution of the 202 mutation to resistance, two sub‐populations, respectively comprising the 202 mutant and wild‐type (WT) individuals, were isolated from within the same resistant population and subject to dinitroaniline herbicide doses. A rice transgenic study was conducted to demonstrate whether the amino acid substitution at the 202 residue confers resistance. In addition, as indicated in the phenotyping and genotyping study, non‐target enhanced trifluralin metabolism was further examined in the same population.

RESULTS

The 202 mutants were more resistant than the wild‐type plants. Rice calli transformed with the L. rigidum mutant α‐tubulin gene (Val‐202‐Phe) were more resistant to dinitroaniline herbicides relative to calli transformed with the wild‐type gene. Also, enhanced trifluralin metabolism was detected in the 202 mutants in comparison to the susceptible seedlings.

CONLCUSION

Both target‐site Val‐202‐Phe α‐tubulin mutation and non‐target‐site enhanced trifluralin metabolism co‐exist in this dinitroaniline‐resistant L. rigidum population. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Benefits and drawbacks of moving to biosimilar medicines
Authors: Houlton Sarah
Published: July 2019

The recent introduction of four biosimilars to the anti‐TNF monoclonal antibody adalimumab has raised the prospect of significant cost savings for the NHS. But what are biosimilar medicines, how easy is it to switch patients and how likely is it that large savings will be possible?
Barriers to prescribing cannabis‐based medicines
Authors: Dowden Angela
Published: July 2019

Last November, the government moved cannabis‐based medicinal products out of Schedule 1 into Schedule 2 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations, meaning they can now legally be prescribed. However, conflicting advice from different authorities, sourcing difficulties and a lack of guidelines have meant that few patients have so far been able to access these medicines.
Hypertension clinic drug choices: tips for pharmacist prescribers
Authors: Girvin Briegeen
Published: July 2019

In the second of our two‐part series on helping pharmacist independent prescribers set up and run a hypertension clinic in primary care, Briegeen Girvin discusses the factors to consider when prescribing and monitoring antihypertensive drugs and statins.
Fertility intention‐induced relocation: The mediating role of housing markets
Authors: Li Ang
Published: July 2019

This study provides an empirical investigation on the impact of fertility intentions on residential relocation behaviours of partnered women during periods of housing price inflation in Australia. The finding suggests that there is a significant impact of fertility intentions on residential mobility. Couples with strong fertility intentions tend to move from one owner‐occupied dwelling to another with more capacity in more affordable local government areas. However, there is substantial heterogeneity around housing market conditions. The translation of fertility intention into relocation was not observed in housing markets with high affordability pressures. This study extends previous research on fertility intention and relocation behaviour by considering how housing market conditions can interfere the translation of fertility intentions into residential moves and the realisation of fertility intentions in births.
Thinking about the nature of educational research: Going beyond superficial theoretical scripts
Authors: Norwich Brahm
Published: July 2019

This paper questions the idea that there are two opposing paradigms of educational research, often called positivist versus interpretivist. It argues that the ‘paradigm’ term has been used to avoid philosophical discussions about the nature of educational research. This has been done by understanding ‘paradigms’ to reflect metaphysical positions about connected epistemological and ontological assumptions. Problems with this conception of ‘paradigms’ are discussed including how to justify combining different research methods. The paper also criticises treating pragmatism as a ‘paradigm’ by distinguishing between everyday pragmatism and philosophical pragmatism. Philosophical pragmatism is presented as a diverse approach that is naturalistic, fallibilistic and overcoming of false dichotomies, that can risk leading to a self‐defeating relativism. How these have been addressed is then discussed. This has involved introducing some transcendental or impersonal elements into pragmatism without reverting to a metaphysical realism. This involves a discussion of various philosophical perspectives, pragmatic realism, evolutionary epistemology and critical realism, as relevant to educational research. The final section draws on a version of Dewey's pragmatist model of enquiry. informed by some of Habermas's early and later epistemological ideas as the basis for thinking about educational research that encompasses flexible and combined methodological approaches. The paper places research methodology in a central focus in educational research with its links to epistemology and methods. It concludes that pragmatist assumptions contribute to understanding educational research, its methodologies and the design of plural and flexible research methods, even if there are continuing philosophical investigations.
The use of palaeoecological and contemporary macroinvertebrate community data to characterize riverine reference conditions
Authors: Seddon Emma , Hill Matthew , Greenwood Malcolm T. , Mainstone Christopher , Mathers Kate , White James C. , Wood Paul J.
Published: July 2019

Defining reference conditions is a crucial element in quantifying the extent of anthropogenic modification and for identifying restoration targets in riverine ecosystems. Despite palaeoecological approaches being widely applied in lakes to establish reference conditions, their use in lotic ecosystems remains limited. In this study, we examine contemporary, historical (1930 and 1972), and palaeoecological macroinvertebrate biodiversity and biomonitoring scores in Eastburn Beck, a headwater tributary of the River Hull (UK) to determine if palaeoecological approaches can be used to characterize lotic system reference conditions. Palaeoecological samples comprised a greater gamma diversity (18 taxa) than contemporary samples (8 taxa), samples taken in 1972 (11 taxa) and 1930 (8 taxa). Palaeoecological samples supported taxonomically different Gastropoda, Trichoptera, and Coleoptera (GTC) communities compared with contemporary and historical samples (1930 and 1972). Results from biomonitoring indices using the GTC community indicated that the palaeochannel had (a) similar invertebrate biological quality, (b) a less energetic flow regime, and (c) increased fine sediment deposits compared with the contemporary channel. The results clearly illustrate that palaeoecological data can provide a suitable method to characterize reference conditions for lotic habitats. However, it is important to recognize that faunal data from palaeochannel deposits provide a short‐term “snapshot” of the conditions within the river immediately prior to its hydrological isolation. River restoration activities should therefore draw on multiple lines of evidence, including palaeoecological information where possible, to characterize a range of reference conditions to reflect the highly dynamic nature of lotic ecosystems.
Amnion membrane hydrogel and amnion membrane powder accelerate wound healing in a full thickness porcine skin wound model
Authors: Murphy Sean V. , Skardal Aleksander , Nelson Ronald A. , Sunnon Khiry , Reid Tanya , Clouse Cara , Kock Nancy D. , Jackson John , Soker Shay , Atala Anthony
Published: July 2019

There is a need for effective wound treatments that retain the bioactivity of a cellular treatment, but without the high costs and complexities associated with manufacturing, storing, and applying living biological products. Previously, we developed an amnion membrane-derived hydrogel and evaluated its wound healing properties using a mouse wound model. In this study, we used a full thickness porcine skin wound model to evaluate the wound-healing efficacy of the amnion hydrogel and a less-processed amnion product comprising a lyophilized amnion membrane powder. These products were compared with commercially available amnion and nonamnion wound healing products. We found that the amnion hydrogel and amnion powder treatments demonstrated significant and rapid wound healing, driven primarily by new epithelialization versus closure by contraction. Histological analysis demonstrated that these treatments promote the formation of a mature epidermis and dermis with similar composition to healthy skin. The positive skin regenerative outcomes using amnion hydrogel and amnion powder treatments in a large animal model further demonstrate their potential translational value for human wound treatments.

Significance statement This study demonstrates the efficacy of amnion hydrogel and amnion powder wound healing products in a large animal model. This further demonstrates their potential translational value for human wound treatments.
Toward achieving environmental sustainability target in Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development countries: The role of real income, research and development, and transport infrastructure
Authors: Danish  , Zhang JianWu , Hassan Syed Tauseef , Iqbal Kashif
Published: July 2019

The transport sector due to growing population significantly contributes to greenhouse gases, and its share in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are increasing around the world. Therefore, this study investigates the linkage between research and development (R&D), transport, real income, and transport's CO2 in Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries from 1990 to 2015. The study uses long‐run robust panel estimation methods such as mean group, fully modified ordinary least square, and DK standard regression that allow for heterogeneity and cross‐sectional dependence in the panel data analysis. The study finds that real income and population density contributes to CO2 emissions. Furthermore, transport infrastructure has an insignificant impact on CO2 emissions. However, R&D has a diminishing negative impact that lowers CO2 emissions. The control over the high population density and investment in R&D in clean energy production projects are necessary to combat the high rate of transport's CO2 emissions in OECD countries.
How enhancing gender inclusion affects inequality: Thresholds of complementary policies for sustainable development
Authors: Asongu Simplice A. , Odhiambo Nicholas M.
Published: July 2019

This study investigates how enhancing gender inclusion affects inequality in 42 African countries for the period 2004–2014. The empirical evidence is based on the generalised method of moments. Three inequality indicators are used, namely, the Gini coefficient, Atkinson index, and Palma ratio. The two gender inclusion measurements used include female labour force participation and female employment. The following main findings are established. There are positive net effects on inequality from the enhancement of gender inclusion dynamics. An extended threshold analysis is used to assess critical masses at which further increasing gender inclusion enhances inequality. The established thresholds are as follows: (a) 55.555 “employment to population ratio, 15+, female (%)” for the nexus with the Gini coefficient. (b) 50 “labour force participation rate, female (% of female population ages 15+)” and between 50 and 55 “employment to population ratio, 15+, female (%)”, for the Atkinson index. (c) 61.87 “labour force participation rate, female (% of female population ages 15+)” for the Palma ratio. These established thresholds are worthwhile for sustainable development because, beyond the critical masses, policymakers should complement the gender inclusion policy with other measures designed to reduce income inequality. Some complementary measures that can be taken on board beyond the established thresholds could focus on enhancing, inter alia, information and communication technology, infrastructural development, financial inclusion, and inclusive education.
Nanoscale Engineering of Graphene‐Viologen Based 3D Covalent Organic Polymer Interfaces Leading to Efficient Charge‐Transfer for Pseudocapacitive Energy Storage
Authors: Singh Dheeraj Kumar , Chakraborty Soumita , Dhiman Shikha , Sampath Srinivasan , George Subi J. , Eswaramoorthy Muthusamy
Published: July 2019

Viologen based covalent organic polymer (COP) interfaced with graphene at the nanoscale showed pseudocapacitive energy storage associated with redox‐active moieties. The positively charged viologen moieties endow charge storage as well as easy wetting of the electrode. The non‐conducting COP grown over conducting graphene enhances its performance by extensive interface formation. All the redox states of viologen moieties can be reversibly attained without significant polarization when it is interfaced with graphene. However, the COP (devoid of graphene) shows irreversible/pseudo‐reversible behavior due to lack of electron conducting pathways. The intimate and dense conducting pathways in graphene‐COP composites facilitates the charge transfer across interface leading to effective and reversible participation of redox moieties across the entire range over 1000 cycles. Also, we show that the strategy being universal in nature and aid in electron transfer in dense 3D networks which lacks traditional π‐π stacking of 2D crystalline networks (COF).
Financial analyst coverage and corporate social performance: Evidence from natural experiments
Authors: Qian Cuili , Lu Louise Y. , Yu Yangxin
Published: July 2019

Research summary

This study examines the impact of financial analysts on a firm's corporate social performance (CSP). We integrate research on time horizons with stakeholder theory and argue that, in response to short‐term pressure from financial analysts, firms and their managers become more short‐term focused and limit investment in socially responsible activities. Using broker mergers and closures in the United States as exogenous shocks to analyst coverage and a difference‐in‐differences research design, we find that an exogenous decrease in analyst coverage leads to better CSP, establishing a causal relationship between analyst coverage and the level of a firm's CSP. The impact of financial analysts on a firm's CSP is exacerbated if the terminated analyst works for a larger brokerage house and has more general‐ and firm‐specific experiences.

Managerial summary

This study looks at the relationship between financial analysts, a key stakeholder group of the capital market, and a firm's socially responsible activities. Using a sample of U.S. publicly listed firms during the period of 2001–2013, our study finds novel evidence that the pressure to meet earnings target set by financial analysts hinders a firm's socially responsible performance. In addition, this pressure is more salient for firms with analysts that work for large brokerage houses and have more experiences. This study provides new insights to corporate social responsibility research by evaluating the impact of financial analysts on firms' social engagement.
The case for humble expectations: CEO humility and market performance
Authors: Petrenko Oleg V. , Aime Federico , Recendes Tessa , Chandler Jeffrey A.
Published: July 2019

Research Summary

In this study, we investigate the effect of chief executive officer (CEO) humility on firm's market performance. We argue and find that firms with more humble CEOs will have better market performance but not because they actually perform better but, rather, because they benefit from an expectation discount in the market. Specifically, we show that, all else equal, financial analysts announce lower earnings per share expectations for firms with more humble CEOs. This expectation discount sets the stage for those firms to meet or beat analysts' expectations resulting in improved market performance for firms with humble CEOs. We find support for our ideas with a sample of Standard & Poor's (S&P) 500 CEOs, operationalizing CEO humility with a videometric technique.

Managerial Summary

In this study, we investigate the effect of CEO humility on firm's market performance. We show that firms with more humble CEOs will outperform other firms in the market because financial analysts tend to set lower market expectations for firms with more humble CEOs increasing the probability that they will outperform those expectations. Rather counterintuitively, these firms do not have better market performance because they perform better but because they face lower expectations. Ultimately, the study demonstrates the importance of CEO characteristics for external evaluations and perceptions about the firm with significant effects on investment performance.
Synthesis of CaO2 Nanocrystals and Their Spherical Aggregates with Uniform Sizes for Use as a Biodegradable Bacteriostatic Agent
Authors: Shen Song , Mamat Marhaba , Zhang Shengchang , Cao Jin , Hood Zachary D. , Figueroa‐Cosme Legna , Xia Younan
Published: July 2019

As a solid precursor to O2 and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), calcium peroxide (CaO2) has found widespread use in applications related to disinfection and contaminant degradation. The lack of uniform nanoparticles, however, greatly limits the potential use of this material in other applications related to medicine. Here, a new route to the facile synthesis of CaO2 nanocrystals and their spherical aggregates with uniform, controllable sizes is reported. The synthesis involves the reaction between CaCl2 and H2O2 to generate CaO2 primary nanocrystals of 2–15 nm in size in ethanol, followed by their aggregation into uniform, spherical particles with the aid of poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP). The average diameter of the spherical aggregates can be easily tuned in the range of 15–100 nm by varying the concentrations of CaCl2 and/or PVP. For the spherical aggregates with a smaller size, they release H2O2 and O2 more quickly when exposed to water, resulting in superior antimicrobial activity. This study not only demonstrates a new route to the synthesis of uniform CaO2 nanocrystals and their spherical aggregates but also offers a promising bacteriostatic agent with biodegradability.
Local Immunomodulation Using an Adhesive Hydrogel Loaded with miRNA‐Laden Nanoparticles Promotes Wound Healing
Authors: Saleh Bahram , Dhaliwal Harkiranpreet Kaur , Portillo‐Lara Roberto , Shirzaei Sani Ehsan , Abdi Reza , Amiji Mansoor M. , Annabi Nasim
Published: July 2019

Chronic wounds are characterized by impaired healing and uncontrolled inflammation, which compromise the protective role of the immune system and may lead to bacterial infection. Upregulation of miR‐223 microRNAs (miRNAs) shows driving of the polarization of macrophages toward the anti‐inflammatory (M2) phenotype, which could aid in the acceleration of wound healing. However, local‐targeted delivery of microRNAs is still challenging, due to their low stability. Here, adhesive hydrogels containing miR‐223 5p mimic (miR‐223*) loaded hyaluronic acid nanoparticles are developed to control tissue macrophages polarization during wound healing processes. In vitro upregulation of miR‐223* in J774A.1 macrophages demonstrates increased expression of the anti‐inflammatory gene Arg‐1 and a decrease in proinflammatory markers, including TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐6. The therapeutic potential of miR‐223* loaded adhesive hydrogels is also evaluated in vivo. The adhesive hydrogels could adhere to and cover the wounds during the healing process in an acute excisional wound model. Histological evaluation and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis show that local delivery of miR‐223* efficiently promotes the formation of uniform vascularized skin at the wound site, which is mainly due to the polarization of macrophages to the M2 phenotype. Overall, this study demonstrates the potential of nanoparticle‐laden hydrogels conveying miRNA‐223* to accelerate wound healing.
Classification‐Based Control for Wireless Networked Control Systems with Lossy Multipacket Transmission
Authors: Zhao Yun‐Bo , He Jiang‐Tao , Zhu Qiao‐Hui , Huang Tao , Yu Shi‐Ming
Published: July 2019

A classification‐based control approach is proposed for wireless networked control systems with lossy multipacket transmission. This approach takes advantage of a state reconstruction process to deal with the distinct feature of partial failure of data transmission caused by multipacket transmission, and then classifies the difference of the latest received system states and reconstructed ones to design a classification‐based controller. The closed‐loop stability of the system is proven using the switched systems theory. By considering more communication characteristics of multipacket transmission, the proposed approach is shown to give rise to a better system performance by a numerical example. © 2019 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Impact of solid residence time (SRT) on functionally relevant microbial populations and performance in full‐scale enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) systems
Authors: Onnis‐Hayden Annalisa , Majed Nehreen , Li Yueyun , Rahman Sheikh Mokhlesur , Drury Douglas , Risso LeAnna , Gu April Z.
Published: July 2019

Investigations of the impact of solid residence time (SRT) on microbial ecology and performance of enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) process in full‐scale systems have been scarce due to the challenges in isolating and examining the SRT from other complex plant‐specific factors. This study performed a comprehensive evaluation of the influence of SRT on polyphosphate‐accumulating organisms (PAOs) and glycogen‐accumulating organisms (GAOs) dynamics and on P removal performance at Clark County Water Reclamation District Facility in Las Vegas, USA. Five parallel treatment trains with separated clarifiers were operated with five different SRTs ranging from 6 to 40 days. Microbial community analysis using multiple molecular and Raman techniques suggested that the relative abundances and diversity of PAOs and GAOs in EBPR systems are highly affected by the SRT. The resultant EBPR system stability and performance can be potentially controlled and optimized by manipulating the system SRT, and shorter SRT (<10 days) seems to be preferred.

Practitioner points

Phosphorus removal performance and kinetics are highly affected by the operational solid residence time (SRT), with lower and more stable effluent P level achieved at SRT < 10 days.

Excessive long SRTs above that needed for nitrification may harm EBPR performance; additionally, excessive long SRT may favor GAOs to dominate over PAOs and thus further reducing efficient use of rbCOD for EBPR.

Microbial population abundance and diversity, especially those functionally relevant PAOs and GAOs, can impact the P removal performances, and they are highly dependent on the operational solid residence time.

EBPR performance can be potentially controlled and optimized by manipulating the system SRT, and shorter SRT (≤10 days) seems to be preferred at the influent rbCOD/P ratio and environmental conditions as in the plant studied.
Advances of nanotechnology in osteochondral regeneration
Authors: Deng Cuijun , Xu Chang , Zhou Quan , Cheng Yu
Published: July 2019

In the past few decades, nanotechnology has proven to be one of the most powerful engineering strategies. The nanotechnologies for osteochondral tissue engineering aim to restore the anatomical structures and physiological functions of cartilage, subchondral bone, and osteochondral interface. As subchondral bone and articular cartilage have different anatomical structures and the physiological functions, complete healing of osteochondral defects remains a great challenge. Considering the limitation of articular cartilage to self‐healing and the complexity of osteochondral tissue, osteochondral defects are in urgently need for new therapeutic strategies. This review article will concentrate on the most recent advancements of nanotechnologies, which facilitates chondrogenic and osteogenic differentiation for osteochondral regeneration. Moreover, this review will also discuss the current strategies and physiological challenges for the regeneration of osteochondral tissue. Specifically, we will summarize the latest developments of nanobased scaffolds for simultaneously regenerating subchondral bone and articular cartilage tissues. Additionally, perspectives of nanotechnology in osteochondral tissue engineering will be highlighted. This review article provides a comprehensive summary of the latest trends in cartilage and subchondral bone regeneration, paving the way for nanotechnologies in osteochondral tissue engineering.

This article is categorized under:

Implantable Materials and Surgical Technologies > Nanomaterials and Implants

Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology

Implantable Materials and Surgical Technologies > Nanotechnology in Tissue Repair and Replacement
Flow units and rock type for reservoir characterization in carbonate reservoir: case study, south of Iraq
Authors: Al-Jawad Sameer Noori , Saleh Afrah Hassan
Published: July 2019

The current work is focused on the rock typing and flow unit classification for reservoir characterization in carbonate reservoir, a Yamama Reservoir in south of Iraq (Ratawi Field) has been selected, and the study is depending on the logs and cores data from five wells which penetrate Yamama formation. Yamama Reservoir was divided into twenty flow units and rock types, depending on the Microfacies and Electrofacies Character, the well logs pattern, Porosity–Water saturation relationship, flow zone indicator (FZI) method, capillary pressure analysis, and Porosity–Permeability relationship (R35) and cluster analysis method. Four rock types and groups have been identified in the Yamama formation depending on the FZI method, where the first group represents the bad reservoir quality (FZI-1) (Mudstone Microfacies and Foraminiferal wackestone Microfacies), the second group reflects a moderate quality of reservoir (FZI-2) (Algal wackestone–Packstone Microfacies and Bioclastic wackestone–Packstone Microfacies), the third group represents good reservoir quality (FZI-3) (Peloidal Packstone–Grainstone Microfacies), and the fourth group represents a very good reservoir quality (FZI-4) (Peloidal–oolitic Grainstone Microfacies). Capillary pressure curves and cluster analysis methods show four different rock types: a very good quality of reservoir and porous (Mega port type) (FZI-4) (Peloidal–oolitic Grainstone Microfacies) with a low irreducible Water saturation (Swi), good quality of reservoir and porous (Macro port type) (FZI-3) (Peloidal Packstone–Grainstone Microfacies), moderate quality of reservoir (Meso port type) (FZI-2) (Algal wackestone–Packstone Microfacies and Bioclastic wackestone–Packstone Microfacies), and a very fine-grained with bad reservoir quality (Micro port type) (FZI-1) (Mudstone Microfacies and Foraminiferal wackestone Microfacies) and with the higher displacement of pressure). These capillary pressure curves support the subdivision of the main reservoir unit to flow units.
Reorganization of Multinational Companies in the Western European Chemical Industry: Transformations in Industrial Management and Labor, 1960s to 1990s
Authors: MARX CHRISTIAN
Published: July 2019

Multinationals experienced a great growth after the European postwar boom. Factors in the 1970s included increasing competition from the United States, the emerging European market, as well as ongoing economic crises and changes in the international economy. The articles analyzes three case studies of Western European chemical companies—Hoechst, Akzo, and Rhône-Poulenc—to show the consequences of structural changes on management and the workforce. This article argues that (1) domestic export-oriented supplement investments lost importance, and the domestic workforce had a harder time meeting qualification requirements; (2) organizational changes incorporated divisional competitive elements into a company’s organization of work; and (3) managers had to learn to respect national path dependencies and specific skills of the local workforce. Furthermore, it illustrates the developments of the workforce in Europe and abroad and stresses the importance of nationality within the management of multinationals.