bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk-supported case-based reasoning approach for cost overrun estimation of water-related projects using machine learning
Authors: Sohrabi Hossein , Noorzai Esmatullah
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The present study aims to develop a risk-supported case-based reasoning (RS-CBR) approach for water-related projects by incorporating various uncertainties and risks in the revision step.

Design/methodology/approach

The cases were extracted by studying 68 water-related projects. This research employs earned value management (EVM) factors to consider time and cost features and economic, natural, technical, and project risks to account for uncertainties and supervised learning models to estimate cost overrun. Time-series algorithms were also used to predict construction cost indexes (CCI) and model improvements in future forecasts. Outliers were deleted by the pre-processing process. Next, datasets were split into testing and training sets, and algorithms were implemented. The accuracy of different models was measured with the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) and the normalized root mean square error (NRSME) criteria.

Findings

The findings show an improvement in the accuracy of predictions using datasets that consider uncertainties, and ensemble algorithms such as Random Forest and AdaBoost had higher accuracy. Also, among the single algorithms, the support vector regressor (SVR) with the sigmoid kernel outperformed the others.

Originality/value

This research is the first attempt to develop a case-based reasoning model based on various risks and uncertainties. The developed model has provided an approving overlap with machine learning models to predict cost overruns. The model has been implemented in collected water-related projects and results have been reported.
Microscopic and mesoscopic/macroscopic structural characteristics of material extrusion Steel 316L: influence of the fabrication process
Authors: Obadimu Solomon O. , Kourousis Kyriakos I.
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The material extrusion (ME) process induces variations in the final part’s microscopic and macroscopic structural characteristics. This viewpoint article aims to uncover the relation between ME fabrication parameters and the microstructural and mesostructural characteristics of the ME BASF Ultrafuse Steel 316L metal parts. These characteristics can affect the structural integrity of the produced parts and components used in various engineering applications.

Design/methodology/approach

Recent studies on the ME BASF Ultrafuse Steel 316L are reviewed, with a focus on those which report microstructural and mesostructural characteristics that may affect structural integrity.

Findings

A relationship between ME fabrication parameters and subsequent microstructural and mesostructural characteristics is discussed. Common microstructural and mesostructural/macrostructural defects are also highlighted and discussed.

Originality/value

This viewpoint article attempts to bridge the existing gap in the literature, highlighting the influence of ME fabrication parameters on Steel 316L parts fabricated via this additive manufacturing method. Moreover, this article identifies and discusses important considerations for the purposes of selecting and optimising the structural integrity of ME-fabricated Steel 316L parts.
Compliance and governance: evidence from financial institutions in Taiwan
Authors: Liang Shao-Huai , Lin Hsuan-Chu , Hsiao Hui-Yu
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether financial institutions, which are highly regulated entities, experience fewer sanctions and have lower penalties (mandatory and regulatory) if they have better corporate governance performance (voluntary).

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses unique corporate governance data endorsed by the authorities and sanction information for financial institutions in Taiwan from 2014 to 2020 to examine whether regulatory compliance is associated with corporate governance for financial institutions. This study also examines the moderating effects of shareholding concentration, governmental shareholding and foreign institution shareholding on this relationship.

Findings

The positive association between compliance and governance is found. In addition, partial results show that the positive relationship is less profound when the shareholder concentration is higher and more profound when government shareholdings are higher.

Originality/value

The findings of this study support the premise that a well-structured, non-mandatory corporate governance evaluation mechanism, that is actively established and monitored by the appropriate authorities, may influence the compliance performance of financial institutions which is mandatory and minimum social requirements.
Healthcare workers' autonomy: testing the reciprocal relationship between job autonomy and self-leadership and moderating role of need for job autonomy
Authors: van Dorssen-Boog Pauline , van Vuuren Tinka , de Jong Jeroen , Veld Monique
Published: September 2022

Purpose

While both perceived job autonomy and self-leadership are assumed to be important for optimal functioning of healthcare workers, their mutual relationship remains unclear. This cross-lagged study aims to theorize and test that perceived job autonomy and self-leadership have a reciprocal relationship, which is moderated by need for job autonomy.

Design/methodology/approach

Two-wave panel data were used to measure cross-lagged relationships over a time period of three months. Self-leadership is indicated by both self-leadership strategies and self-leadership behavior. The data were analyzed using hierarchical multiple regression (HMR).

Findings

Job autonomy was not causally nor reverse related to self-leadership strategies, but did relate to self-leadership behavior in both directions. Need for job autonomy did not influence the causal and reverse relationships between job autonomy and self-leadership (strategies and behavior). Instead, need for job autonomy discarded the influence of job autonomy on self-leadership behavior, and predicted self-leadership behavior over time.

Practical implications

For optimizing healthcare jobs, human resource management (HRM) policy makers need to consider other interventions such as training self-leadership, or developing an autonomy supportive work environment, since job autonomy does not lead to more use of self-leadership strategies.

Originality/value

This study used a cross-lagged study design which gives the opportunity to investigate causal relationships between job autonomy and self-leadership. Both self-leadership strategies and self-leadership behavior are included.
Regulatory barriers to implementing sustainable buildings in Kosovo
Authors: Hoxha Visar , Lecaj Veli
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the regulatory barriers to achieving sustainable buildings in Kosovo. The present paper focuses on regulatory barriers viewed from the perspective of construction industry experts in achieving sustainable buildings.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study uses a qualitative research method and semi-structured interviews as a research instrument. The present study interviews around 20 experts in construction and property management, property development, spatial planning and energy management.

Findings

The study finds that Kosovo building laws and regulations provide for the materials assessment criteria, but the materials assessment criteria are only for mechanic strength. The study further finds that the sustainability concept is not included and incorporated in Kosovo's urban planning laws and regulations. The study also finds that despite specific clauses mentioning energy performance certificates in the Law on Energy Performance of Buildings in Kosovo, energy performance certificates appears to be not enforced and the nature of the barrier is more organizational rather than regulatory. Finally, the study finds that Kosovo laws are silent as far as green labeling of building materials is concerned.

Practical implications

The implication of the present finding is that policymakers in Kosovo not only should include clear sustainable materials assessment criteria in the law, but also enforce those criteria through testing and inspection mechanisms included in the law and implemented in practice through funding and organizational support. Nonetheless, policymakers in Kosovo should contemplate amending the urban planning laws in Kosovo and include both the term of sustainability at the planning level and conformity guidelines for sustainable design that can be done at the administrative directive level. Further, the clauses in the law do not suffice if the clauses are not accompanied by specific systemic and organizational support in the issuance of energy performance certificates. Policymakers in Kosovo should be proactive in designing clauses that specify green labeling standards for materials; however, these labeling standards should not adversely affect the cost of construction and reduce the demand for real estate.

Originality/value

The study is the first qualitative study about the perception of construction professionals in Kosovo, regarding the regulatory barriers of sustainable buildings in Kosovo.
Sustainability materiality research: a systematic literature review of methods, theories and academic themes
Authors: Fiandrino Simona , Tonelli Alberto , Devalle Alain
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This systematic literature review (SLR) aims to examine the extent of academic knowledge of sustainability materiality research. There is no academic review of this field; therefore, this study aims to close this research gap.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper systematically reviews the existing literature on sustainability materiality research. Papers were qualitatively classified and analysed in accordance with the theoretical underpinning, research methods and academic themes of sustainability materiality research.

Findings

The findings of the review show that scholarly work on sustainability materiality has increased exponentially since the 2010s. In terms of research methods, scholars have examined sustainability using content analysis techniques and qualitative approaches. A common theoretical foundation was missing, but an increasing number of articles have been anchored to stakeholder theory. The academic themes have progressively enriched empirical evidence on the evaluation of materiality in sustainability information.

Research limitations/implications

This review can be useful as an academic basis to open avenues for strengthening theoretical and empirical research on new emerging issues regarding double materiality and dynamic materiality.

Originality/value

This paper conducts the first SLR of academic knowledge on sustainability materiality research. Eight academic themes are proposed to classify sustainability materiality. Thus, it is an aid to future research in this area.
The effect of layer height and post-curing temperature on the shape memory properties of smart polymers in vat photopolymerization
Authors: Danielak Anna , Chauhan Siddharth Singh , Islam Aminul , Andrzejewski Jacek , Pedersen David Bue
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the influence of layer thickness and post-curing temperature on shape memory properties in components manufactured by stereolithography.

Design/methodology/approach

Layer thicknesses of 20 and 100 µm and 22 and 45°C for post-curing temperature were selected following the design of experiments approach. Tensile and bending tests were applied for quantitative evaluation of the shape memory effect (SME). Qualitative analysis was performed using complex geometries and computed tomography as a measurement tool. Additionally, the degree of photopolymerization and glass transition temperature (Tg) were evaluated.

Findings

The tensile test resulted in fixity and recovery ratio values close to 100%. In bending, they varied between 97%–111% for fixity and 88%–95% for recovery. The layer thickness was found to have a higher influence on the SME. In complex structures, SME was dependent on geometry and less sensitive to variation in process parameters. The post-curing temperature had a higher influence on the photopolymerization and Tg. Average Tg of 77.5°C was achieved at 45°C, compared to 73.1°C at 22°C.

Originality/value

In the current state of the art in the processing of shape memory polymers with vat photopolymerization typically, the chemical composition or the thermal and deformation patterns are studied. The effect of the processing parameters is, however, not explored. This paper aims to close the research gap and facilitate the process optimization towards high fixing and recovery characteristics.
Lessons in love: Countering student belief in romantic love myths
Authors: Standley Jeff
Published: September 2022

The Department for Education recently administered new Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) guidance, one of the aims of which is to foster students’ ability to develop and maintain healthy romantic relationships in adulthood. However, while an education aimed at developing this capacity in young people is welcomed, the RSE guidance does not directly address conceptions of romantic love that shape how we actually conduct our love lives. Romantic love myths are a fundamental part of cultures across the world and greatly influence our behaviour and decision-making in romantic relationships. Belief in these myths is associated with negative relationship outcomes. Therefore, if we wish to improve students’ capacity to effectively negotiate future relationships, RSE must directly address conceptions of romantic love and its associated myths. This paper proposes five criteria against which to assess student beliefs to determine appropriate educational responses to them. Given love's complex nature, and the manner in which related beliefs are held, it is argued that addressing this topic through open philosophical exploration would be a prudent educational approach to adopt within the classroom. This may temper some of the potential harms of love myths while respecting the right of students to freely hold and pursue their own conceptions of love.
The protein scaffold calibrates metal specificity and activation in MerR sensors
Authors: Mendoza Julián I. , Lescano Julián , Soncini Fernando C. , Checa Susana K.
Published: September 2022

MerR metalloregulators are the central components of many biosensor platforms designed to report metal contamination. However, most MerR proteins are non‐specific. This makes it difficult to apply these biosensors in the analysis of real environmental samples. On‐demand implementation of molecular engineering to modify the MerR metal preferences is innovative, although it does not always yield the expected results. As the metal binding loop region (MBL) of these sensors has been proposed to be the major modulator of their specificity, we surgically switched this region for that of well‐characterized specific and non‐specific homologues. We found that identical modifications in different MerR proteins result in synthetic sensors displaying particular metal‐detection patterns that cannot be predicted from the nature of the assembled modules. For instance, the MBL from a native Hg(II) sensor provided non‐specificity or specificity toward Hg(II) or Cd(II) depending on the MerR scaffold into which it was integrated. These and other evidences reveal that residues outside the MBL are required to modulate ion recognition and transduce the input signal to the target promoter. Revealing their identity and their interactions with other residues is a critical step toward the design of more efficient biosensor devices for environmental metal monitoring.
Multi‐level metabolic engineering of Escherichia coli for high‐titer biosynthesis of 2′‐fucosyllactose and 3‐fucosyllactose
Authors: Li Mengli , Li Chenchen , Luo Yejiao , Hu Miaomiao , Liu Zhu , Zhang Tao
Published: September 2022

Fucosyllactoses (FL), including 2′‐fucosyllactose (2′‐FL) and 3‐fucosyllactose (3‐FL), have garnered considerable interest for their value in newborn formula and pharmaceuticals. In this study, an engineered Escherichia coli was developed for high‐titer FL biosynthesis by introducing multi‐level metabolic engineering strategies, including (1) individual construction of the 2′/3‐FL‐producing strains through gene combination optimization of the GDP‐L‐fucose module; (2) screening of rate‐limiting enzymes (α‐1,2‐fucosyltransferase and α‐1,3‐fucosyltransferase); (3) analysis of critical intermediates and inactivation of competing pathways to redirect carbon fluxes to FL biosynthesis; (4) enhancement of the catalytic performance of rate‐limiting enzymes by the RBS screening, fusion peptides and multi‐copy gene cloning. The final strains EC49 and EM47 produced 9.36 g/L for 2′‐FL and 6.28 g/L for 3‐FL in shake flasks with a modified‐M9CA medium. Fed‐batch cultivations of the two strains generated 64.62 g/L of 2′‐FL and 40.68 g/L of 3‐FL in the 3‐L bioreactors, with yields of 0.65 mol 2′‐FL/mol lactose and 0.67 mol 3‐FL/mol lactose, respectively. This research provides a viable platform for other high‐value‐added compounds production in microbial cell factories.
Direct and indirect health‐related costs of systemic sclerosis in New Zealand
Authors: Padala Sree Deepika , Lao Chunhuan , Solanki Kamal , White Douglas
Published: September 2022

Aim

To study the economic impact of systemic sclerosis (SSc) in the patients attending Rheumatology clinics in Waikato Hospital, Hamilton, New Zealand (NZ). There is currently no bottom‐up data on this in NZ.

Methods

This is a retrospective cross‐sectional questionnaire‐based study, including demographics, costs related to SSc, quality of life measures including the short‐form survey (SF‐36) the scleroderma health assessment questionnaire‐visual analog scale (SHAQ‐VAS), the NZ index of Deprivation (NZiDep), and work limitations questionnaire (WLQ). Direct health costs include patient‐reported costs and costs incurred by the public health system. Indirect costs include calculated loss of work productivity. Comparisons were made between age, gender, disease duration, and disease subtype (diffuse, limited, and overlap syndromes).

Results

Participants fulfilled the 2013 ACR/EULAR criteria for SSc. The study was completed by 86 (65.5%) patients, 77 (90%) were females, 19 (22%) had diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc), 72 (83%) were NZ European (NZE), seven(8%) were Māori or NZE/Māori. Seventy‐six (41.8%) were employed. The average total costs for 6 months were NZ$ 444.50 with the highest costs in the dcSSc sub‐group at NZ$ 598.00. The costs incurred by the Hospital for the 2018/2019 fiscal year was NZ$ 3091 per patient. The SF‐36 score was lower compared with the general population, mean SHAQ was 0.82. Mean summative WLQ scores were: Time management 21.7, Physical demands 62.5, Interpersonal 23.6, Output demands 23.8. The calculated percentage productivity loss was 46.5%.

Conclusions

This study has shown high health‐related costs of SSc in NZ, with reduction in employment, work productivity, and quality of life. The contributors to the costs included physical disability and loss of productivity.
Gouty sacroiliitis: A case report of an often‐overlooked cause of inflammatory back pain
Authors: Guo Qi‐Hong , Lu Jun‐Guang , Zheng Bao‐Lin , Li Ting , Chen Shih‐Hsuan
Published: September 2022

Gout is a chronic disease caused by monosodium urate crystal deposition, typically affecting the big toe, midfoot, and ankle. As it rarely involves the sacroiliac joints, it could be easily misdiagnosed as spondylarthritis. Here, we report the case of a patient with a long history of gout with recurrent low back pain. Computed tomography of the sacroiliac joint suggested sacroiliac arthritis, puncture biopsy indicated gout granuloma, and polarized light microscopy confirmed monosodium urate crystal deposits.
Archaeology in 2021: Repatriation, reclamation, and reckoning with historical trauma
Authors: Montgomery Lindsay M. , Supernant Kisha
Published: September 2022

Archaeology in 2021 was characterized by a continued call to use the tools of the discipline to document the violence of settler colonialism in the past and present, pushing anthropology to reckon with its own role in perpetuating historical trauma. The tension between disciplinary reflection and reform was most clearly articulated in the use of archaeological geophysics to detect the unmarked graves of incarcerated Indigenous children who died at residential and boarding schools in Canada and the United States. The highly publicized investigation of these schools has brought renewed attention to issues of repatriation and historical reclamation for many communities impacted by settler colonialism. These discussions have reverberated throughout the discipline, prompting revisions to the Society for American Archaeology's “Statement Concerning the Treatment of Human Remains,” reopening conversations around an African American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, and informing debates around the ethics of DNA research. These conversations are part of a larger movement toward decolonizing the field by using archaeological methods to explore marginalized histories and support communities most impacted by the violences of settler colonialism.
Well‐being and experiences of adults in German federal states under pandemic conditions
Authors: Wolgast Anett , Bruns Katherine , Werner Laura , Reinhaus David
Published: September 2022

Research on people's experiences during the Covid‐19‐pandemic provides growing evidence on subjective well‐being and distress under pandemic conditions, however mainly at a country, not state level. The relationship between positive and negative experiences is described in Diener's conceptualization of subjective well‐being. We assumed that people who experience well‐being and positive affect through connectedness with nature, and social support during the pandemic feel relatively less alone, distressed, depressed, self‐focused, and thoughtless. We further assumed changes in these constructs during the pandemic. The aim of this research was to examine the concurrent relationships between these positive and negative experiences of German adults simultaneously as well as their changes over 3 weeks in 2020. Owing to German federalism, we expected these changes to differ between German states. A sample of 1,038 adults responded to an online questionnaire twice (April and May 2020). A structural equation model including 16 factors and 12 covariates yielded the expected negative relationships and different mild change effects between the German states. For example, adults' connectedness with nature increased while loneliness and distress decreased in Saxony, whereas thoughtlessness increased in Bavaria. The results imply a new finding that different changes in adults' positive and negative experiences during the pandemic exist.
Origin of Lower Cretaceous quartzose arenites in northern India and the Indus Basins of Pakistan—The result of provenance composition, weathering or diagenesis?
Authors: Beaumont Hazel , Burley Stuart D. , Breitfeld Tim , Gould Thomas , Clarke Stuart M.
Published: September 2022

Lower Cretaceous (Aptian‐Albian) sandstones of the Ghaggar‐Hakra Formation in the Barmer Basin of northwest Rajasthan, India, have a complex depositional history which is confusing given they are quartzose arenites. The heavy mineral grains are very well‐rounded, and the assemblage is dominated by zircon and rutile grains suggesting that the sediments have been recycled multiple times, whilst the presence of staurolite indicates a metapelite provenance component. Petrographical analysis suggests that extreme diagenesis cannot account for the quartzose arenite composition, despite Early Cretaceous soil formation and at least two periods of subsequent telogenetic modification. An alternative explanation to extreme chemical weathering in the provenance area is that the Ghaggar‐Hakra sandstones are multi‐cycle sediments derived, at least in part, from the quartzose arenites of the Cambrian Jodhpur Group. This analysis suggests that variations in detrital mineralogy across the Western India Rift System and Indus Basins are the result of transcontinental fluvial transport systems sourcing sediment from specific basement highs (Nagar Parker High, Devikot High, Deodar Ridge and Aravalli Mountain Range) mixed with varying proportions of sediment derived from sandstones of the Jodhpur Group. Consequently, we suggest that Cretaceous fluvial systems were controlled by the local palaeogeographies within the failed rifts of the Barmer and Cambay Basins and that both basins formed barriers to sediment transport from the Aravalli Mountain Range across the northwest Indian plate and into surrounding basins.
What do fiscal stimulus packages mean for household debt?
Authors: Olivero María Pía , Dvalishvili Mikheil
Published: September 2022

We study the links between fiscal stimulus packages during times of crisis and households' liabilities. We do so by using household‐level data on income and liabilities from the Consumer Expenditure Survey, and estimating an empirical model along those in the literature on the consumption effects of these packages. We find that receiving a check from the government tends to translate into a reduction in outstanding liabilities for American households. This effect is robust to controlling for income levels and household size. The effects are driven by households whose income is below the median and by those who remain employed during the crisis.
Usability of cellulose‐based binder in water‐based flexographic ink
Authors: Sonmez Sinan , Salam Abdus , Fleming Paul D. , Pekarovicova Alexandra , Wu Qingliu
Published: September 2022

Packaging must have a good commercial appearance and is generally obtained by ink transferred to its substrate. It is important that the ink used in packaging printing is produced from environmentally friendly and sustainable raw materials as well as being suitable for the printing system. The increasing demand in the field of printed packaging and the scarcity of resources to meet this demand have accelerated the search for new sources for inks. For this purpose, inks produced in the laboratory using a modified cellulose‐based binder, a commercial acrylic resin and a commercial soybean protein were compared with a commercial ink. As a result of the study, it was determined that the printability properties of the ink obtained by using the modified cellulose‐based binder were better than the ink obtained with commercial soybean protein. It was determined that it showed printability properties close to the ink produced with commercial acrylic binders. By using modified cellulose‐based water‐based flexographic ink instead of other commonly used binders, more environmentally friendly sustainable inks can be produced.
Combining neuroanatomical features to support diagnosis of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders
Authors: Fraize Justine , Garzón Pauline , Ntorkou Alexandra , Kerdreux Eliot , Boespflug‐Tanguy Odile , Beggiato Anita , Delorme Richard , Hertz‐Pannier Lucie , Elmaleh‐Berges Monique , Germanaud David
Published: September 2022

Aim

To identify easily accessible neuroanatomical abnormalities useful for diagnosing fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) in fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) but more importantly for the probabilistic diagnosis of non‐syndromic forms (NS‐FASD).

Method

We retrospectively collected monocentric data from 52 individuals with FAS, 37 with NS‐FASD, and 94 paired typically developing individuals (6–20 years, 99 males, 84 females). On brain T1‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging, we measured brain size, corpus callosum length and thicknesses, vermis height, then evaluated vermis foliation (Likert scale). For each parameter, we established variations with age and brain size in comparison individuals (growth and scaling charts), then identified participants with abnormal measurements (<10th centile).

Results

According to growth charts, there was an excess of FAS with abnormally small brain, isthmus, splenium, and vermis. According to scaling charts, this excess remained only for isthmus thickness and vermis height. The vermis foliation was pathological in 18% of those with FASD but in no comparison individual. Overall, 39% of those with FAS, 27% with NS‐FASD, but only 2% of comparison individuals presented with two FAS‐recurrent abnormalities, and 19% of those with FAS had all three. Considering the number of anomalies, there was a higher likelihood of a causal link with alcohol in 14% of those with NS‐FASD.

Interpretation

Our results suggest that adding an explicit composite neuroanatomical–radiological criterion for FASD diagnosis may improve its specificity, especially in NS‐FASD.

What this paper adds

Neuroanatomical anomalies independent of microcephaly can be measured with clinical‐imaging tools.

Small‐for‐age brain, small‐for‐brain‐size callosal isthmus or vermian height, and disrupted vermis foliation are fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)‐recurrent anomalies.

Associations of these anomalies are frequent in fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) even without FAS, while exceptional in typically developing individuals.

These associations support higher likelihood of causal link with alcohol in some individuals with non‐syndromic FASD.

A new explicit and composite neuroanatomical–radiological criterion can improve the specificity of FASD diagnosis.
Influences of adding media additives on synthesis of gamma‐aminobutyric acid in fermentation of defatted rice bran extract with lactic acid bacteria
Authors: Lai Quoc Dat , Doan Ngoc Thuc Trinh , Nguyen Hoang Dung
Published: September 2022

Gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA), a main inhibitory neurotransmitter in brain, is a nonproteinogenic amino acid. The production of GABA from rice bran by lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus brevis) is an approach for maximising the potential of agricultural byproduct and reducing production cost. The use of media additives enhances the efficiency of GABA production, but their effects on cells and biomass in fermentation must be assessed to determine the appropriate concentration and efficiency. The influences of CaCl2 (0–1.5% w/v), Tween 80 (0–0.9% w/v), MnSO4 (0–0.6% w/v) and Pyridoxine hydrochloride (0–90 ppm) at different concentrations on GABA production by defatted rice bran extract fermentation using Lb. brevis VTCC‐B397 were evaluated. The changes in cell density, GABA content, reducing sugar content and pH value were observed. Consequently, the impact of media additive compounds on growth, development and GABA synthesis of Lb. brevis was demonstrated. Results showed that CaCl2, MnSO4 and Tween 80 positively affected GABA production from defatted rice bran extract by fermentation method.
Relations between white coat effect of blood pressure and arterial stiffness
Authors: Cao Rong , Yue Jianwei , Gao Ting , Sun Gang , Yang Xiaomin
Published: September 2022

The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity (b‐a PWV) and white coat effect (WCE), that is the difference between the elevated office blood pressure (BP) and the lower mean daytime pressure of ambulatory BP, in a mixed population of normotention, untreated sustained hypertension, sustained controlled hypertension, sustained uncontrolled hypertension, white coat hypertension, white coat uncontrolled hypertension. A total of 444 patients with WCE for systolic BP (54.1% female, age 61.86 ± 13.3 years) were enrolled in the study. Patients were separated into low WCE (<9.5 mm Hg) and high WCE (≥9.5 mm Hg) according to the median of WCE. The subjects with a high WCE showed a greater degree of arterial stiffness than those with a low WCE for systolic BP values (P < .05). The b‐a PWV were 17.2 ± 3.3 m/s and 18.4 ± 3.4 m/s in low WCE and high WCE, respectively. The b‐a PWV increased with the increase of WCE, showing a positive correlation between them (P > .05 for non‐linearity). The significant association between the high WCE and the b‐a PWV was confirmed by the results of multiple regression analysis after adjusting for confounding factors (β = .78, 95% Cl .25‐1.31, P = . 004). Similar results were observed in subgroups. In conclusion, WCE is significantly associated with arterial stiffness. More research is needed to determine the WCE and target organ damage.
Prognostic value of tumor‐infiltrating immune cells in clinical early‐stage oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Huang Zhengxian , Lu Yanwen , Wang Wenjin , Xie Nan , Yi Chen , Xiong Gan , Xu Xiuyun , Zhang Ming , Wang Cheng
Published: September 2022

Background

Tumor‐infiltrating immune cells (TIICs) are critical components of tumor immune microenvironment (TIME), which play crucial roles during tumor initiation, development, and progression. However, the prognostic value of TIICs is still not well documented in clinical early‐stage oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). In this study, we aimed to assess the prognostic value of TIICs in clinical early‐stage OSCC and develop a nomogram based on TIICs to predict the prognosis.

Methods

Eighty patients with clinical early‐stage (cT1,2N0M0) OSCC were enrolled in this study. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to evaluate the infiltration of TIICs, including CD8+ T cells, CD57+ NK cells, CD163+ macrophage, and CD20+ B cells. Overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) curves were plotted by the Kaplan–Meier method. Cox's proportional hazards regression models were performed to assess the prognostic value of TIICs. Finally, a nomogram was established to predict the OS based on TIICs infiltration and assessed by concordance index (C‐index) and calibration curve.

Results

High infiltrations of CD57+ NK cells and CD20+ B cells indicated a better OS in clinical early‐stage OSCC. Moreover, high infiltration of CD20+ B cells favored a longer DFS. Of note, low infiltrations of CD57+ NK cells and CD20+ B cells were independent prognostic factors for poor OS in clinical early‐stage OSCC. The nomogram that combined CD57+ NK cells with CD20+ B cells could predict the OS in clinical early‐stage OSCC, and the C‐index was 0.801 (95% CI: 0.679–0.924). The calibration plot showed that prediction and observation are well matched.

Conclusions

High infiltration of CD57+ NK cells and CD20+ B cells indicate a favorable OS in clinical early‐stage OSCC. The nomogram constructed based on TIICs might be used for predicting the prognosis in clinical early‐stage OSCC.
Can apps be used to formulate fluid therapy plans in veterinary medicine?
Authors: Zduoba Simona Aukse , House John , Rowe Sam
Published: September 2022

Background

Formulating sophisticated fluid therapy plans can be complicated and time consuming. Consequently, veterinarians in the field who lack experience, time, or confidence may formulate suboptimal fluid therapy plans.

Objectives

Compare conventional and app‐guided fluid therapy plans for simulated cases of neonatal calf diarrhea.

Participants

Third and fourth year veterinary students (n = 55) from The University of Sydney.

Methods

We developed a web app to assist fluid therapy formulation (http://calfaid.com) that was evaluated in a randomized case simulation trial. Participants were instructed to perform fluid therapy calculations and formulate an integrated fluid therapy plan for case scenarios using conventional methods and using the fluid therapy app. Responses were scored by a blinded study investigator using an a priori scoring guide and groups (conventional vs. app‐guided) were compared using linear mixed models.

Results

On average, total scores for app‐guided fluid therapy calculations were 20.6% points higher (95% confidence interval [CI], 14.1‐27.1) than calculations completed using the conventional method (88.2% vs. 67.5%, respectively). On average, total scores for app‐guided integrated fluid therapy plans were 14.2% points higher (95% CI, 6.3‐22.2; 65.8% vs. 51.2%). Eighty percent of respondents indicated they would prefer to use the app‐guided method over the conventional method.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

Our findings suggest that fluid therapy plans can be improved using apps.
Seasonality in hip fracture among haemodialysis patients and kidney transplant recipients in South Korea
Authors: Yoon Hye Eun , Lee Yeon Hee , Lee Joo Eun , Lee Jungkuk , Kim Hoseob , Chung Byung Ha , Shin Seok Joon
Published: September 2022

Aim

The seasonality of hip fracture in haemodialysis (HD) patients and kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) have not been reported. We assessed seasonal variations in hip fractures among patients with end‐stage kidney disease who undergo maintenance HD and KTRs.

Methods

Using the Korean National Health Insurance System database from January 2012 to December 2017, monthly counts of hip fracture were calculated among HD patients (n = 77 420) and KTRs (n = 8921). The 6‐year normalized monthly fraction and seasonal fractions of hip fractures were calculated. A cosinor analysis was performed to determine the seasonality of the monthly incidence of hip fractures.

Results

The 6‐year average monthly fraction of hip fractures was lowest in June and highest in October in HD patients, and lowest in February and highest in November in KTRs. The 6‐year average seasonal fraction among HD patients was lowest in summer and highest in winter, and lowest in summer and highest in autumn among KTRs, but there was no significant difference. The incidence ratio of hip fractures was lowest in June and highest in January in HD patients, and lowest in August and highest in November in KTRs. On cosinor analysis, HD patients showed significant seasonality in hip fracture incidence, with a trough in summer and a peak in winter (p = .031), whereas KTRs did not exhibit a significant trend (p = .44).

Conclusion

Hip fractures occurred more frequently in winter and less frequently in summer in patients undergoing HD, whereas KTRs did not show a seasonal trend.
Trajectory and determinants of agreement between parental and physicians' reports of childhood atopic dermatitis
Authors: Peng Zhuoxin , Braig Stefanie , Kurz Deborah , Weiss Johannes M. , Weidinger Stephan , Brenner Hermann , Rothenbacher Dietrich , Genuneit Jon
Published: September 2022

Background

Parent self‐administered reports are commonly used in studies on childhood atopic dermatitis (AD) but data on its validity are sparse. We aimed to examine the agreement between parent‐ and physician‐reported measures of childhood AD throughout early life and identify the determinants.

Methods

In this prospective cohort study, we used data of 449 infants and their mothers recruited in the Ulm SPATZ Health Study in Germany. Longitudinal data of parental and children's caring physicians' reports were used to assess the point and cumulative agreement of parent‐ and physician‐reported AD diagnoses, AD onset age, and trend of agreement at child ages between 1 and 6 years overall and by child and parent demographics and health conditions. A Generalized Estimating Equation model was fitted to identify factors associated with the sensitivity of parent reports.

Results

The point agreement between parent‐ and physician‐reported AD was substantial at the age of 1 (kappa = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.51–0.75) but declined with age and became fair after the age of 3 (kappa < 0.40). The cumulative agreement remained moderate at the age of 6 (kappa = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.43–0.60). Parents had a bias towards delayed reporting of the AD onset age. The AD severity was the only strong determinant for the agreement of AD diagnoses and largely explained the variance of the sensitivity of parent reports.

Conclusion

The disagreement between parent‐ and physician‐reported AD increases with child age, likely due to the change of AD severity. Using parent‐reported data might miss a substantial portion of mild childhood AD cases.
The weight of Wittgenstein's standard metre
Authors: Müller Thomas
Published: September 2022

Paragraph 50 of Wittgenstein'sPhilosophical Investigationsfamously says that there is one thing of which one can neither state that it is 1 m long nor that it isn't: the standard metre in Paris. Consensus appears to be that (1) exegetically speaking, Wittgenstein affirms this claim, and (2) systematically, whether or not one agrees with it, the practice of using a material artefact as a measurement standard has important philosophical consequences. In this paper, in contrast, we show that (1') Wittgenstein does not affirm the standard metre claim and (2') historical facts about material length standards do not warrant deeper philosophical conclusions. References to material measurement standards in the literature gravely distort the actual metrological practices of developing and using such standards.
Comprehensive transcriptional profiling and functional study of lymphangiogenic growth factor in placentome of early‐stage pregnant water buffalo
Authors: A. R. Pooja , Pandey Yogesh , Punetha Meeti , Kala Anju , Samad Hari Abdul , Singh Gyanendra , Chouhan Vikrant Singh
Published: September 2022

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the expression and localization of lymphangiogenic factors (VEGF‐C and VEGF‐D), their receptor (VEGFR3) and lymphatic endothelial marker (LYVE1) in buffalo placenta during early pregnancy [EP], and to investigate the functional role of lymphangiogenic growth factors in placental lymphangiogenesis. The mRNA and protein expression of VEGF‐C, VEGF‐D, their receptor VEGFR3 and LYVE1 showed significant expression in EP1 (29–42 days) and EP2 stages (51–82 days) both in caruncle (maternal part) and cotyledon (foetal part) of the buffalo placenta. Immunoreactivity of VEGF‐C, VEGF‐D and LYVE1 was observed around the endometrial gland, in lymphatics and trophoblast cells, whereas VEGFR3 mainly localized in lymphatics of the caruncle and cotyledons. Cultured trophoblast cells were treated with VEGF‐C/VEGF‐D (50, 100 and 150 ng/ml) and combined doses of VEGF‐C and VEGF‐D (150 ng/ml) each for different time durations (24, 48 and 72 h). The mRNA expression of LYVE1 and PCNA was significantly (p < .001) upregulated with VEGF‐C and VEGF‐D and combined treatment (@150 ng/ml), as well as significantly downregulating Caspase‐3 at 48 and 72 h. Thus, the present study provides evidence that lymphangiogenic factors are expressed in buffalo placental compartments and they may play a significant role in the regulation of placental function in water buffaloes.
The influence of international trade on labour productivity in services: The case of Brazil in the 1990s
Authors: Gardner H. Stephen , Paz Lourenço S. , Ssozi John
Published: September 2022

In the developing world, services account for a rising share of domestic employment and international trade. Thus, it is important to know whether trade liberalization contributes to labour productivity in services. We explore this question, examining the 1990–2000 Brazilian trade liberalization. We find that growth of imports and exports strengthened labour productivity in services, but the contribution was smaller in subsectors with more college graduates, and this negative offset was larger in subsectors that received large foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows. Improved access to imported manufactured intermediate inputs raised downstream services' labour productivity and downstream manufacturing firms benefitting from tariff cuts enacted by trade partners generated spillovers that improved the labour productivity of upstream service subsectors. However, FDI inflows and investments in human and physical capital modified these downstream factors. We conclude that the Brazilian trade liberalization strengthened productivity in services, but unequally across subsectors.
Language Learning on Campus and Beyond – Heritage Languages, Independent Learning, and 21st Century Skills for All
Authors: Smith Kathleen Stein
Published: September 2022

Language skills and cultural knowledge are essential in a globalized and interconnected world, and in an increasingly multilingual society. US students lag behind in language learning, partly due to lack of access and opportunity, and educators can play a key role in empowering all interested students to develop their language skills. Language educators and college faculty can play a leadership role in support of heritages languages and heritage language learning, the development of independent study skills for all, and the development of free online language learning materials. Online programs can play a significant role in increasing access and affordability of language learning for all. Language educators can work both within their institutions and in partnership with language stakeholder groups, including parents, to increase sustainable motivation for languages, language learning, and language use, both in-person and online.
Impact of Disc Wheel Geometry on Aerodynamic Performance: A Computational Fluid Dynamics Investigation
Authors: Malizia Fabio , Blocken Bert
Published: September 2022

Aerodynamic drag is the main resistive force in cycling at high speeds and on flat terrain, so reducing it is critical to improving cyclist performance. Aerodynamic comparisons have been made in the past between different types of wheels, and disk wheels were often the best performers. However, to the best of our knowledge, there are no studies in the available literature on how modifications to the disk wheel geometry can improve its performance. Therefore, this paper studies and compares the aerodynamics of disk wheels with flat side disks and with curved side disks (lenticular). Moreover, semilenticular front wheels with an asymmetrical shape are introduced. All but one of the simulated (semi-)lenticular wheels perform better than the flat disk wheels at all yaw angles, e.g., the maximum CD reduction was 5.5%, 10.9%, and 87.5% at 0 deg, 4 deg, and 8 deg yaw angle, respectively. Semilenticular wheels provide a lower CD at medium and large yaw angles compared to corresponding symmetric lenticular wheels. Moreover, the large influence of the ratio of tire width to wheel width on the aerodynamic drag of cycling wheels is confirmed. These results will help riders in their wheel choice and will help manufacturers to design future disk wheels.
Numerical Investigation of Bladeless Compressor on Different Disk Spaces and Diffuser Configurations
Authors: Tiwari Ravi Nath , Eleftheriou Konstantinos , Ferrari Mario Luigi , Efstathiadis Theofilos , Traverso Alberto , Kalfas Anestis
Published: September 2022

The cost-effectiveness of turbomachinery is a key aspect within the small-size compressor market. For this reason, Tesla turbomachinery, invented by Nikola Tesla in 1913, could be a good solution, particularly for low volumetric flow applications, where volumetric compressors are usually used. It consists of a bladeless rotor that stands out for its ease of construction and its ability to maintain almost the same performance as size decreases. One of its advantages is that it can run either as a turbine or as a compressor with minor modifications at the stator. The objective of this paper is to investigate a 3 kW Tesla compressor, which design was derived from an analogous Tesla expander prototype (58% isentropic efficiency from the numerical study), by conducting a computational fluid dynamic analysis for different disk gaps and diffuser configurations. The potential of the Tesla compressor is shown to be quite promising, with a peak isentropic efficiency estimated at 53%. Although bladeless compressor is a simple turbomachinery device, different parts, i.e., diffuser, tip clearance, and volute need to be optimized. Utilizing computational fluid dynamics algorithms, different disk gaps and different diffusers are simulated in order to increase the overall performance of the compressor and understand the flow dynamic behavior behind this technology. The dimensionless Ekman number is used to express the optimum disk space of the compressor rotor. Thus, the overall performance of the Tesla compressor is improved by 5–10% points compared to the initial model. Simultaneously, diffuser optimization strategies are applied and proved that there is a direct impact on the optimum design conditions, improving the pressure ratio at high mass flow rates.