bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Empowering Women through Work-Life Balance Policies and Practices
Authors: Westover Jonathan
Published: November 2024

This article examines strategies for empowering women through effective work-life balance policies and practices. It reviews literature demonstrating the disproportionate work-life challenges faced by women and the negative career impacts that can result without organizational support. Key policies shown to address these challenges and improve job satisfaction for women are discussed, including flexible work arrangements, paid family and medical leave, child and elder care support, extended career breaks/sabbaticals, and visible leadership commitment. Tangible examples are then provided of how leading companies in healthcare, technology, and legal sectors have successfully implemented combinations of such policies. The results for these organizations include higher retention rates, greater diversity, improved employee satisfaction and loyalty, and enhanced business performance. The article translates this research foundation into practical recommendations, concluding that holistic integration of evidence-based work-life balance solutions within HR practices and culture builds an inclusive environment where all talents can thrive.
Cooperation or Collaboration: Which Really Drives the Employee Experience?
Authors: Westover Jonathan
Published: November 2024

Abstract: This article explores the key differences between cooperation and collaboration and their relative impacts on employee experience in today's workplace. Through a review of relevant academic literature and examples from management consulting experiences, cooperation is defined as the coordination of individual efforts without shared ownership, most effective for routine tasks. Collaboration is characterized as a collective process requiring interdependent work, shared goals and outcomes, and trust—critical for complex problem-solving. The article argues that true collaboration cultivates more meaningful work, autonomy, social support, continuous learning and organizational commitment among employees. It maintains fostering collaborative ways of working through intentional cultural changes can unlock higher engagement, performance, innovation and retention compared to relying solely on cooperation. Practical recommendations are provided for organizations seeking to embed collaboration as a core value and operating practice.
NEP 2020: A Roadmap towards Innovative Pedagogy to Promote Enjoyable Learning
Authors:   Parishkar College of Global Excellence, Dixit Dr. Mohit , Dixit Khushboo ,   Poddar International College
Published: November 2024

The 21st century is an age of cataclysmic change and creativity. India needs an educated workforce in huge numbers. Traditional teaching methodology is outdated and the best methods need to be identified to improve the required skills of teachers and students. There is a strong need to change pedagogy from traditional fact-based lectures to interactive learning to promote lasting and applicable skills. To solve this problem, innovation in teaching and learning has become essential. Adopting different methods and strategies as mentioned in the article will help to achieve the desired result. This article describes innovative teaching pedagogies and methods used by various educational institutions in the country. Innovation is a continuous process and faculty members apply innovative methods to enhance the quality of education to develop creativity and empower people and ultimately achieve the Human Development Index of our country.
Study The Bacterial Resistance of Antibiotic From Opportunistic Bacteria
Authors: Hussein Zahraa Ali , Talib Zahraa Ammar
Published: November 2024

Globally, antibiotic resistance results in considerable morbidity and mortality. The introduction of antibiotics in the 1900s led to the belief that humans had triumphed over microorganisms. Bacteria's ability to develop antibiotic resistance was swiftly recognized. Antimicrobial resistance seems to be prevalent in the majority of harmful microorganisms. The main mechanisms of resistance include restricting drug absorption, altering a drug target, inactivating a drug, and active efflux. These mechanisms may be intrinsic or obtained from other microorganisms. Comprehending these systems will improve the treatment of infectious diseases and facilitate the development of antimicrobial agents capable of withstanding microbial resistance.
The Effect Of Financial Performance, Good Corporate Governance, Asset Structure, Dividend Policy On Debt Policy
Authors: Jogo Boro Brechmans Aditia , Nugroho Lucky , Putra Yananto Mihadi , Ali Anees Janee
Published: November 2024

This study aims to examine the effect of Financial Performance, Good Corporate Governance, Asset Structure and Dividend Policy on Debt Policy. The sample used in this study used companies incorporated in the LQ-45 index listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) in the period 2017 to 2022.
The number of samples used was 108. The sample method used in this study was purposive sampling, while the data analysis used was regression of panel data using the SPSS program. The results of this study show that Return On Assets, Return On Equity (ROE), Institutional Ownership (IP) have a significant effect on debt policy, while Managerial Ownership (KM), asset structure (SA) and dividend payment ratio (DPR) do not have a significant effect on debt policy.
The Effectiveness of Leader Negative Affection on Employees Perspective
Authors: Fajri Annisa , Djastuti Indi
Published: November 2024

This study investigates the effect of a leader's negative affection expression on the leader's effectiveness by mediating the type of inference. Such mediation have not been widely discussed in the previous literature. The findings of this study show that a leader's negative affection, both directly and via mediating the type of inference (motive and nature), has a negative impact on the leader's efficacy. This study provides evidence that there is a direct and indirect influence on the leader's negative affection expression and the leader's effectiveness. The results of this study are also able to confirm the research gap that there are still inconsistent results from the findings on the negative affection of leaders and their outcomes in the form of leader performance.
Planificación urbana y arquitectura colonial en la Villa de Oropesa, Perú: un análisis Arqueológico e Histórico
Authors: Quispe Conya Wilber
Published: November 2024

Este estudio se centra en la planificación urbana y la arquitectura colonial de la villa de Oropesa, ubicada en Perú. A través de un enfoque arqueológico e histórico, se analizan diversos aspectos de la villa, incluyendo su ubicación, límites, vías de acceso, y características fisiográficas y geológicas. Se presentan antecedentes etnohistóricos, históricos y arqueológicos de la zona, así como un marco teórico que sustenta la investigación.
Los objetivos del estudio incluyen la identificación y análisis de los elementos arquitectónicos coloniales y el contexto urbano monumental de Oropesa. Además, se realiza un diagnóstico de la situación actual del centro histórico y se proponen estrategias de revitalización. Los hallazgos revelan la importancia de Oropesa como un ejemplo representativo de la planificación urbana colonial en América Latina, destacando la Iglesia de la Virgen de Ermita (Asunción) como un elemento arquitectónico significativo. Este estudio contribuye a la comprensión de la urbanización colonial y ofrece una base para futuras investigaciones en el campo de la arqueología urbana y la arquitectura colonial.
La Arqueología de Sumbilca (Huaral): develando las características de una Sociedad Prehispánica Tardía Desconocida
Authors: Van Dalen Luna Pieter D.
Published: November 2024

El presente trabajo presenta un panorama sobre la arqueología del distrito de Sumbilca en la margen izquierda del río Añasmayo. Las investigaciones arqueológicas han permitido identificar las características de una sociedad prehispánica tardía no conocida que hemos denominado como cultura Sumbilca, con asentamientos emplazados en zonas elevadas, arquitectura de planta circular, sin presentar edificios kullpis como es el caso de los sitios Atavillos de la otra margen del río Añasmayo. Los sitios arqueológicos se distribuyen a diferentes alturas, según la topografía del área, con sitios de diversas funciones. Esta zona ha tenido mucha relación con las sociedades de la actual provincia de Canta como el actual distrito de Huamantanga.
Mito y realidad: origen del río Apurímac
Authors: Espinoza Martínez Héctor
Published: November 2024

En los diversos pueblos y comunidades campesinas de la cuenca alta del río Apurímac existen una serie de mitos y leyendas referentes al origen de este río. Los estudios realizados desde la arqueología y la antropología nos permiten conocer de cerca la mitología etnográfica que pueda interpretar de manera más clara las concepciones del génesis de este río y las sociedades humanas que se desenvolvieron en este territorio. No cabe duda que dentro de la concepción doméstica y ceremonial religiosa de estas poblaciones actuales, el río cumple un papel muy importante en el devenir social de esta entidad territorial que abarca Cusco y Apurímac.
Investigation of the Genotoxicity of Malathion to Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) Using Comet Assay
Authors: khan Fida Ullah , Khan Ahmad Ullah , lodhi Faisal Ahmad , khan Wasibullah , Khalid Meraj
Published: November 2024

Malathion, an organophosphorus insecticide, used around the world, can be harmful to the environment because it doesn’t break down easily, especially in aquatic ecosystems. As it accumulates in these environments, it can cause serious damage, disrupting biodiversity and harming water quality. This study assessed the genotoxic effects of malathion on the blood cells of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). Firstly, the LC50 value of malathion for 96 hours’ exposure was identified to be 2.42 ppm. The fish were then subjected to three varying concentrations of malathion: 0.403 ppm/day, 0.605 ppm/day, and 1.21 ppm/day, over periods of 10, 20, and 30 days. The control group remained unexposed to malathion. The results indicated that DNA damage was significant across all concentrations after 10 days (P < 0.05). Moreover, after 20 and 30 days of trials, the extent of DNA damage exhibited a markedly significant increase (P < 0.000).The comet assay was used to evaluate the extent of DNA damage in the fish, taking into account exposure time and dosage. Our results show that higher concentrations and longer exposures aggravated DNA damage. Authorities must regulate and monitor the inappropriate use of malathion, as this study demonstrated its significant genotoxic effects on Ctenopharyngodon idella.
Stylometry for real-world expert coders: a zero-shot approach
Authors: Gurioli Andrea , Gabbrielli Maurizio , Zacchiroli Stefano
Published: November 2024

Code stylometry is the application of stylometry techniques to determine the authorship of software source code snippets. It is used in the industry to address use cases like plagiarism detection, code audits, and code review assignments. Most works in the code stylometry literature use machine learning techniques and (1) rely on datasets coming from in vitro coding competition for training, and (2) only attempt to recognize authors present in the training dataset (in-distribution authors). In this work we give a fresh look at code stylometry and challenge both these assumptions: (1) we recognize expert authors who contribute to real-world open-source projects, and (2) we show how to accurately recognize authors not present in the training set (out-distribution authors). We assemble a novel open dataset of code snippets for code stylometry tasks consisting of 114,400 code snippets, authored by 104 authors having contributed 1,100 snippets each. We develop a K-nearest neighbors algorithm (k-NN) classifier for the code stylometry task and train it on the dataset. Our system achieves a top accuracy of 69% among five randomly selected in-distribution authors, thus improving state of the art by more than 20%. We also show that when moving from in-distribution to out-distribution authors, the classification performances of the k-NN classifier remain the same, achieving a top accuracy of 71% among five randomly-selected out-distribution authors.
Probability-boosting technique for combinatorial optimization
Authors: Kantabutra Sanpawat
Published: November 2024

In many combinatorial optimization problems we want a particular set of k out of n items with some certain properties (or constraints). These properties may involve the k items. In the worst case a deterministic algorithm must scan n−k items in the set to verify the k items. If we pick a set of k items randomly and verify the properties, it will take about (n/k)k verifications, which can be a really large number for some values of k and n. In this article we introduce a significantly faster randomized strategy with very high probability to pick the set of such k items by amplifying the probability of obtaining a target set of k items and show how this probability boosting technique can be applied to solve three different combinatorial optimization problems efficiently. In all three applications algorithms that use the probability boosting technique show superiority over their deterministic counterparts.
Enhancing AppAuthentix recommender systems using advanced machine learning techniques to identify genuine and counterfeit android applications
Authors: M. Ramnath , C. Yesubai Rubavathi
Published: November 2024

Smartphone app expansion needs strict security measures to avoid fraud and danger. This study overcomes this issue by identifying apps differently. This new solution uses convolutional neural network (CNN), natural language processing (NLP), and the strong AppAuthentix Recommender algorithm to secure app stores and boost customer confidence in the digital marketplace. Since the app ecosystem has grown, counterfeit and harmful applications have risen, threatening consumers and app merchants. These risks need advanced technology that can distinguish malware from legitimate apps. A complex prediction model using CNNs for image analysis, NLP for text feature extraction, and the novel AppAuthentix Recommender algorithm to properly identify legitimate and counterfeit mobile applications is the goal of this research. The whole strategy secures app stores and authenticates apps. The urgent need to safeguard app markets and users against unauthorized and hazardous programs sparked this study. Our cutting-edge solutions make mobile app consumers’ digital lives safer and app marketplaces more trustworthy. CNN, NLP, and AppAuthentix Recommender yielded amazing results in this investigation. Mobile app authenticity may be estimated with 98.25% accuracy. This technology greatly improves app store security and enables mobile app verification. In conclusion, our work offers a novel way to app identification at a time of rapid mobile app development. CNN, NLP, and AppAuthentix Recommender have dramatically enhanced app store security. These new solutions may boost mobile app security and consumer confidence.
On Top Local Homology Modules
Authors: Tognon C.H.
Published: November 2024

In this article, we can to relate the theory of local cohomology, with respect to an ideal, to the theory of local homology modules. With the results of the article, we show the importance of local homology theory as a study tool within of the commutative algebra theory.
A Narrative Review on Emerging Technologies in Medicine: Opportunities and Challenges in Modern Healthcare
Authors: Kalluru Pavan Kumar Reddy , Cherukuri Apoorva , Bejugam Vishal Reddy , Sharma Shriya , Gaddipati Sarvani , Goguri Sumaja Reddy , Kalluru Haritha Reddy
Published: November 2024

Recent years have seen an unparalleled exploration of novel technological developments for the betterment of the healthcare industry and have profoundly changed how medical professionals approach the diagnosis, treatment, and management of a wide range of health disorders. Technologies ranging from nanotechnology to self-healing materials, from quantum mechanics to the semantic web, have surfaced. Integration of these innovative technologies holds great promise and potential for improving healthcare delivery, patient outcomes, cost-effectiveness, control of logistic burden, and effortless management of huge healthcare data. However, in addition to their possible advantages, these inventions often bring special difficulties that need to be overcome in order to reach their full potential. Regulatory compliance, interoperability, ethical considerations, and healthcare disparities must be effectively managed in order to ensure meaningful access to these breakthroughs and safeguard patient well-being while considering data privacy and security. This review article explores the state of latest technologies that can be used in the medical domains at the moment.
Integration of Great Water Repellence and Imaging Performance on a Superhydrophobic PDMS Microlens Array by Femtosecond Laser Microfabrication
Authors: Li Minjing , Yang Qing , Chen Feng , Yong Jiale , Bian Hao , Wei Yang , Fang Yao , Hou Xun
Published: December 2018

Microlens arrays (MLAs), as the important optical devices, are easily polluted by the water droplets or power‐like‐contaminates in the air. Endowing the artificial MLAs with anti‐water and self‐cleaning abilities remains great challenge. In this paper, the authors report a novel method for fabricating superhydrophobic polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) MLAs by the combination of femtosecond laser wet etching and femtosecond laser direct writing methods. The resultant surface is composed of a convex MLA and the surrounding rough micro/nanoscale hierarchical structures. Water droplet on the surface of the as‐prepared MLA shows a contact angle of 162° and can easily roll away when the substrate is slightly tilted 0.5°. In addition to their excellent imaging performance, such ultralow adhesive and ultrahigh superhydrophobicity also endows the as‐prepared MLA with excellent anti‐water ability as well as the self‐cleaning function relative to the normal MLA. The authors believe that the anti‐water and self‐cleaning MLAs will potentially have many important applications in solar cells, medical endoscopes, and other optical systems that are often used in the humid environment or outdoors.
Interaction of Ultrathin Films of Ethylene Carbonate with Oxidized and Reduced Lithium Cobalt Oxide—A Model Study of the Cathode|Electrolyte Interface in Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Buchner Florian , Fingerle Mathias , Kim Jihyun , Späth Thomas , Hausbrand René , Behm R. Jürgen
Published: December 2018

Aiming at a detailed, molecular‐scale understanding of the initial stages of the solid|electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation in Li‐ion batteries, the interaction of the common electrolyte solvent component ethylene carbonate (EC) with fully lithiated LiCoO2 and reduced LiCoO2−δ films as model electrodes for the cathode is investigated. The results are compared with previous findings for pristine and lithiated highly oriented pyrolytic graphite, serving as model anode. Employing X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy measurements, it is found that vapor deposition of EC on LiCoO2 and LiCoO2−δ at 80 K results in molecularly adsorbed EC, both in the monolayer and in the multilayer regime. XPS measurements detect significant changes of the adlayer between 170 and 255 K, indicating competing desorption and decomposition. Synchrotron‐based XPS measurements reveal a very similar decomposition pattern upon EC deposition on LiCoO2 at close to ambient temperatures. In both cases, the remaining adlayer is mostly composed of Li‐containing CO, COC, CH, and CC moieties such as Li2CO3, ROCO2Li, (CH2OCO2Li)2, and Li2O2. The activated decomposition of EC is caused by interaction with the oxide surface or, more specifically, with surface Li. This process can be considered as the initial stage of the chemical SEI formation.
Decolonizing Mental Health Services for Indigenous Clients: A Training Program for Mental Health Professionals
Authors: Lewis Melissa E. , Hartwell Erica E. , Myhra Laurelle L.
Published: December 2018

Culturally appropriate mental health services are essential for Indigenous people who suffer the greatest mental health disparities of any ethnic group in the U.S. However, few mental health professionals receive training to work with this population. To fill this gap, a 90‐minute training was created to increase knowledge of and empathy for Indigenous people and culture and therefore, improve mental health services for Indigenous patients. This training is grounded in cultural competency, cultural humility, and decolonialism. The training is presented here for mental health professionals, agencies, and administrators to use as a guide. The training aims to increase knowledge, awareness, and skills and has been implemented in a variety of settings receiving positive feedback from participants and administrators.
Cobalt‐Catalyzed Carbonylative Cyclization of Allyl Propargyl Ethers with Benzene‐1,3,5‐triyl Triformate as the CO Source
Authors: Zhou Chao , Liu Yahui , Ying Jun , Qi Xinxin , Peng Jin‐Bao , Wu Xiao‐Feng
Published: December 2018

A facile and efficient approach for the establishment of the cyclopentenone skeleton via cobalt‐catalyzed carbonylative cyclization of allyl propargyl ethers has been developed. Using benzene‐1,3,5‐triyl triformate (TFBen) as the CO source, various bicyclic cyclopentenones were synthesized in good yields (61–86%).
High iso Aldehyde Selectivity in the Hydroformylation of Short‐Chain Alkenes
Authors: Iu Leo , Fuentes José A. , Janka Mesfin E. , Fontenot Kevin J. , Clarke Matthew L.
Published: December 2018

The hydroformylation of propene to give predominantly iso‐butanal has been achieved; class‐leading selectivity is possible even at higher temperatures that deliver fast conversion. Racemic rhodium complexes of bidentate phospholane phosphites derived from tropos‐biphenols and unusual solvent systems are the key to the selectivity observed.
Homo‐molecular Fluorescence Complementation for Direct Visualization of Receptor Oligomerization in Living Cells
Authors: Song Daesun , Jung Yongwon
Published: December 2018

Cell surface receptor oligomerization is an attractive target process for drug screening. However, simple but reliable (and thus high‐throughput) visualization methods for receptor oligomerization are still lacking. Herein, we report on a new single‐construct homo‐molecular fluorescence complementation (Homo‐FC) probe, which shows strong fluorescence signals by oligomerization of fused receptors in living cells with unexpectedly low background signals. Importantly, this high signal‐to‐noise ratio was not affected by expression level variations of fused receptors. The Homo‐FC probe was developed by optimized flopped fusion of split fragments of superfolder green fluorescence protein and subsequent surface charge engineering. Homo‐FC reliably visualized the oligomerization of diverse natural receptors such as GPCR, EGFR, and even cytosolic DAI.
Neutron Spectroscopy: An Under‐Utilised Tool for Organic Electronics Research?
Authors: Cavaye Hamish
Published: December 2018

Neutron scattering is a well‐established technique that has proven to be an invaluable tool in myriad fields of chemical and physical research. Neutrons offer unique ways to study in situ or operando functional materials due to their highly penetrating nature and specific interactions with the nuclei of different isotopes. While some neutron scattering techniques, such as neutron diffraction (ND), neutron reflectometry (NR), and small‐angle neutron scattering (SANS), have already been heavily adopted by the scientific community for use in the research of organic electronics, there are a number of techniques that are far less widely used: spectroscopic neutron scattering. This article aims to highlight these “under‐utilised” techniques, to emphasise their potential use within the field of organic electronics, and to increase awareness of their utility among new research communities.
Reusable dry adhesives based on ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer with strong adhesion
Authors: Yuan Lifang , Wang Zhiwei , Li Yingqi , Wu Tianzhun
Published: December 2018

This work proposed the design and fabrication method for T‐shaped dry adhesives based on stretchable ethylene‐vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer, with strong normal adhesion strength up to 70 N cm−2. As fabricated adhesives based on the inexpensive soft replication process have comprehensive advantages including easy demolding applicable for various curable materials; self‐cleaning characteristic based on excellent nonwetting characteristics to both water and oil; reversible adhere/detach cycling for reusability. The flexible and transparent EVA dry adhesive films were readily fabricated to be novel dry‐adhesive coatings decorated on various substrates and shapes. We also explored the adhere and detach mechanism for the significantly enhanced adhesion of T‐shaped EVA microstructures, which indicated the increased contact area and the friction dissipation between the undercut and the substrate contribute to the adhesion enhancement, while the excellent elastic deformation of EVA may play an important role for adhesion enhance during the pulling‐off process. These results showed the great potential of high‐performance T‐shaped EVA‐based polymer dry adhesives for practical applications. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47296.
Rheokinetic study of acrylic reactive mixtures dedicated to fast processing of fiber‐reinforced thermoplastic composites
Authors: Charlier Quentin , Fontanier Jean‐Charles , Lortie Frédéric , Pascault Jean‐Pierre , Gerard Jean‐François
Published: December 2018

This study focuses on the characterization of acrylic reactive mixtures designed for liquid composite molding (LCM) and yielding thermoplastic matrices for composite applications. Conversion degree, complex viscosity, and cure exothermicity are tracked during the radical polymerization. Results show that these systems suffer from Trommsdorff's effect, that is, the polymerization is highly exothermic. The rheological study also highlights a limit of injectability for LCM processes around a conversion degree of 10%. The vitrification curve, which correlates conversion degree to glass‐transition temperature, has been established for methyl methacrylate/poly(methyl methacrylate) mixtures. It constitutes a useful tool to identify the thermal conditions required to reach a full monomer conversion and thus, to manage the residual monomer content. The use of such acrylic‐based reactive solutions for fast LCM processing appears appropriate as fully polymerized matrices were obtained in less than 5 min at 90 °C. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47391.
Active learning in a real‐world bioengineering problem: A pilot‐study on ophthalmologic data processing
Authors: Persano Adorno Dominique , Bellomonte Leonardo
Published: December 2018

Active learning is a format alternative to the conventional lecture/recitation/laboratory; research results have reported that it is suitable to encourage student inquiry and foster peer mentoring. Although the availability of computer‐based learning materials in biomedical sciences is increasing, there are relatively few studies aimed to integrate traditional methods of teaching with inquiry‐based approaches utilizing these Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) tools. This paper describes a pilot‐study on a comprehensive active laboratory course about digital ophthalmologic signal classification, experienced by a group of undergraduates in Bio‐Electronic Engineering. During the activity, the students became able to discriminate healthy subjects from patients affected by two retinal pathologies: Achromatopsia or Congenital Stationary Night Blindness. The study was based on the analysis and classification of the electroretinograms, that record the retinal response to a light flash. To process electroretinographic data, a software based on the Empirical Mode Decomposition and an Artificial Neural Network was used. Our findings indicate that this laboratory experience can be considered effective in improving student's reasoning skills and that students acting as investigators achieve a better outcome, presumably because this activity satisfies their psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness.
Value of radiotherapy in addition to esophagectomy for stage II and III thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: Analysis of surveillance, epidemiology, and end results database
Authors: Yu Jing , Ouyang Wen , Li Yi , Hu Jing , Xu Yu , Wei Yongchang , Liao Zhengkai , Liu Yu , Zhang Junhong , Xie Conghua
Published: December 2018

To determine the value of radiotherapy in addition to esophagectomy for stage II and III TESCC. We searched the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database for all cases of stage II‐III TESCC. Patients were grouped as those receiving pre‐ or postoperative radiotherapy plus esophagectomy and those receiving esophagectomy alone. Overall survival (OS) and cancer‐specific survival (CSS) were compared between the groups. Among the 3292 patients, multimodality treatments (pre‐ or postoperative radiotherapy plus surgery) were more effective than surgery alone (5‐year, OS: 17.3% vs 7.9%; P < 0.001; CSS: 51.8% vs 34.9%; P < 0.001). Among the patients receiving multimodality treatments, multivariate analyses revealed stage to be the most significant prognostic factor for OS (II vs III, HR, 0.726; P < 0.001), but the sequence of radiotherapy and surgery was only of the marginal significance (pre‐ vs postoperative, HR, 0.875; P = 0.093). Preoperative radiotherapy provided significantly better survival than postoperative radiotherapy in stage III disease (5‐year, OS: 13.0% vs 11.0%, P < 0.04; CSS: 49.2% vs 31.7%, P < 0.003), but not in stage II disease (5‐year OS: 23.5% vs 21.0%, P = 0.519; CSS: 62.0% vs 53.4%, P = 0.075). Radiotherapy in addition to esophagectomy provides better outcomes than esophagectomy alone for in stage II‐III TESCC. Preoperative radiotherapy followed by surgery appears to be the optimal treatment strategy in stage III TESCC.
Combining multimodal imaging and treatment features improves machine learning‐based prognostic assessment in patients with glioblastoma multiforme
Authors: Peeken Jan C. , Goldberg Tatyana , Pyka Thomas , Bernhofer Michael , Wiestler Benedikt , Kessel Kerstin A. , Tafti Pouya D. , Nüsslin Fridtjof , Braun Andreas E. , Zimmer Claus , Rost Burkhard , Combs Stephanie E.
Published: December 2018

Background

For Glioblastoma (GBM), various prognostic nomograms have been proposed. This study aims to evaluate machine learning models to predict patients' overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) on the basis of clinical, pathological, semantic MRI‐based, and FET‐PET/CT‐derived information. Finally, the value of adding treatment features was evaluated.

Methods

One hundred and eighty‐nine patients were retrospectively analyzed. We assessed clinical, pathological, and treatment information. The VASARI set of semantic imaging features was determined on MRIs. Metabolic information was retained from preoperative FET‐PET/CT images. We generated multiple random survival forest prediction models on a patient training set and performed internal validation. Single feature class models were created including "clinical," "pathological," "MRI‐based," and "FET‐PET/CT‐based" models, as well as combinations. Treatment features were combined with all other features.

Results

Of all single feature class models, the MRI‐based model had the highest prediction performance on the validation set for OS (C‐index: 0.61 [95% confidence interval: 0.51‐0.72]) and PFS (C‐index: 0.61 [0.50‐0.72]). The combination of all features did increase performance above all single feature class models up to C‐indices of 0.70 (0.59‐0.84) and 0.68 (0.57‐0.78) for OS and PFS, respectively. Adding treatment information further increased prognostic performance up to C‐indices of 0.73 (0.62‐0.84) and 0.71 (0.60‐0.81) on the validation set for OS and PFS, respectively, allowing significant stratification of patient groups for OS.

Conclusions

MRI‐based features were the most relevant feature class for prognostic assessment. Combining clinical, pathological, and imaging information increased predictive power for OS and PFS. A further increase was achieved by adding treatment features.
Take a closer look at your school's approach to disclosing student‐athlete injuries, status
Authors: O'Brien Timothy
Published: December 2018

When it comes to the disclosure of a student‐athlete's injuries and/or playing status, the only thing that's consistent on a nationwide basis is that these issues are handled in an inconsistent manner. Some coaches and programs tend to release more information, while others take a more conservative and guarded approach to disclosure by providing relatively few or no comments or information.
Gain insight into preventing academic misconduct
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: December 2018

WASHINGTON, D.C. — You work hard to protect and improve the brand and image of your college athletics department. And although you know how much damage academic misconduct cases could inflict upon your department, you might unknowingly overlook some of the key steps to help ensure that your coaches, staff, and student‐athletes avoid academic violations.
An Extended Approach for the Development of Fluorogenic trans‐Cyclooctene–Tetrazine Cycloadditions
Authors: Siegl Sebastian J. , Galeta Juraj , Dzijak Rastislav , Vázquez Arcadio , Del Río‐Villanueva Miguel , Dračínský Martin , Vrabel Milan
Published: December 2018

Inverse‐electron‐demand Diels–Alder (iEDDA) cycloaddition between 1,2,4,5‐tetrazines and strained dienophiles belongs among the most popular bioconjugation reactions. In addition to its fast kinetics, this cycloaddition can be tailored to produce fluorescent products from non‐fluorescent starting materials. Here we show that even the reaction intermediates formed in iEDDA cycloaddition can lead to the formation of new types of fluorophores. The influence of various substituents on their photophysical properties and the generality of the approach with use of various trans‐cyclooctene derivatives were studied. Model bioimaging experiments demonstrate the application potential of fluorogenic iEDDA cycloaddition.
A near miss: Autonomic dysfunction in a 2% total burn surface area burn patient with ventilator‐dependent amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: King Becky B. T. , Wiktor Arek J. , Wagner Anne L.
Published: December 2018

Key Clinical Message

While minor burns in the general population do not have significant cardiovascular effects, in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients they can precipitate fatal autonomic dysfunction. Our case serves as an important example in which a small 2% total burn surface area burn resulted in cardiovascular derangements that could have precipitated a serious cardiac event and death.
Cerebral vasculitis associated with an Echovirus 6 meningoencephalitis—Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Cauwenberghs Laura , Bruynseels Peggy , Demeyere Nathan , van den Akker Machiel
Published: December 2018

Key Clinical Message

When a previously healthy child presents to the hospital with a stroke, generally a Varicella zoster virus vasculopathy seems most likely. However, other causes of a local cerebral vasculitis are possible and need to be explored.
Retarding Phase Transformation During Cycling in a Lithium‐ and Manganese‐Rich Cathode Material by Optimizing Synthesis Conditions
Authors: Hu Bei , Lou Xiaobing , Li Chao , Geng Fushan , Yang Mengchu , Shen Ming , Hu Bingwen
Published: December 2018

Li‐rich layered oxides with superior energy density have become appealing alternative cathode materials for next‐generation lithium‐ion batteries. However, they still suffer from voltage decay and irreversible capacity loss due to an undesirable phase transition. Normally, the phase transition is caused by the reduction of Mn ions and migration of the transition metals. In order to address this issue, we herein report a facile and efficient strategy to fabricate a well‐structured Li‐rich layered Li1.2Ni0.13Co0.13Mn0.54O2 by an optimized sol‐gel method. Experimentally we find that the as‐synthesized layered oxide delivers a high initial discharge capacity as high as 279 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C and remains a capacity of 250 mA g−1 after 100 cycles when used as a cathode for lithium‐ion batteries. Mn L‐edge and O K‐edge soft X‐ray absorption spectra reveal that the reduction of Mn ions and the migration of transition metals have been well mitigated.
On the dependency between principal components: Application to determine the rank of a matrix in an evolutionary process
Authors: Bayat Elaheh Talebanpour , Hemmateenejad Bahram , Akhond Morteza , Bordbar Mohammad Mahdi , Baumann Knut
Published: December 2018

Principal component analysis (PCA) is a versatile and well‐established approach to explore the relationship between observations represented by their descriptor variables. The latter relationship can be visualized by score plots, ie, the representation of the observations in low dimensional space. The important hyperparameter of PCA is the choice of the correct dimensionality for representing the observations since it bears information about the number of varying analytes contributing to the studied signals. Therefore, the latter dimension is also called the chemical rank of the system. In this paper, a new method for exploring the dependency between principal components of an evolutionary process is proposed. The dependency was quantitatively characterized by two measures: maximum information coefficient (MIC) and distance correlation (DC). Since the dependency measures could discriminate between chemical and nonchemical factors, this concept was used for rank determination. The performance of MIC‐derived indices in terms of detecting meaningful chemical information was better than the one based on indices derived from DC. The performance of each dependency measure in rank estimation was investigated in several simulations and with various real data sets. From the accuracy results and computation time, the proposed methods were compared with previously published rank determination methods. The results showed that MIC could provide accurate estimation of chemical rank in the reasonable timescale rather than DC and also the published rank estimation methods, in the most situations.
The Influence of Service Innovation Capability for Self‐Service Technology Investment
Authors: Tsou Hung‐Tai , Chen Lu‐Jui
Published: December 2018

The purpose of this paper is to predict self‐service technology (SST) investment from the extents of service innovation capability (SIC) and electronic customer relationship management (e‐CRM) practices. This study proposes a theoretical framework that delineates the relationships among SIC, e‐CRM practices, and SST investment. The results indicate that SIC has positive impacts on e‐CRM practices, which in turn are positively related to SST investment. Moreover, e‐CRM practices have partial mediating effects on the relationships between SIC and SST investment as well as have partial moderating effects on the relationships between SIC and SST investment. © 2018 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cutaneous granular cell tumor clinically mimicking ectopic breast diagnosed on fine needle aspiration cytology
Authors: Keloth Thara , Sreerekha Jinkala , Gochhait Debasis , Kekade Shailesh , Siddaraju Neelaiah , Sistla Sarath
Published: December 2018

Granular cell tumor (GCT) is a rare benign neoplasm of Schwannian origin which accounts of 0.5% of soft tissue tumors. Although the most common site for GCT is tongue, it can occur at any site. GCT presenting as cutaneous nodule is rare, however cases have been reported in literature. We hereby document a case of 30 year female with a hyper‐pigmented cutaneous nodule of anterior chest wall on the milk‐line mimicking as an ectopic breast, diagnosed as GCT on fine needle aspiration cytology. We also add a note on the differential diagnoses of GCT with differentiating cytological features to emphasize on the correct diagnosis of GCT pre‐operatively.
The impact of OTU sequence similarity threshold on diatom‐based bioassessment: A case study of the rivers of Mayotte (France, Indian Ocean)
Authors: Tapolczai Kálmán , Vasselon Valentin , Bouchez Agnès , Stenger‐Kovács Csilla , Padisák Judit , Rimet Frédéric
Published: December 2018

Extensive studies on the taxonomic resolution required for bioassessment purposes have determined that resolution above species level (genus, family) is sufficient for their use as indicators of relevant environmental pressures. The high‐throughput sequencing (HTS) and meta‐barcoding methods now used for bioassessment traditionally employ an arbitrary sequence similarity threshold (SST) around 95% or 97% to cluster sequences into operational taxonomic units, which is considered descriptive of species‐level resolution. In this study, we analyzed the effect of the SST on the resulting diatom‐based ecological quality index, which is based on OTU abundance distribution along a defined environmental gradient, ideally avoiding taxonomic assignments that could result in high rates of unclassified OTUs and biased final values. A total of 90 biofilm samples were collected in 2014 and 2015 from 51 stream sites on Mayotte Island in parallel with measures of relevant physical and chemical parameters. HTS sequencing was performed on the biofilms using the rbcL region as the genetic marker and diatom‐specific primers. Hierarchical clustering was used to group sequences into OTUs using 20 experimental SST levels (80%–99%). An OTU‐based quality index (IdxOTU) was developed based on a weighted average equation using the abundance profiles of the OTUs. The developed IdxOTU revealed significant correlations between the IdxOTU values and the reference pressure gradient, which reached maximal performance using an SST of 90% (well above species level delimitation). We observed an interesting and important trade‐off with the power to discriminate between sampling sites and index stability that will greatly inform future applications of the index. Taken together, the results from this study detail a thoroughly optimized and validated approach to generating robust, reproducible, and complete indexes that will greatly facilitate effective and efficient environmental monitoring.
Native lagomorphs suppress grass establishment in a shrub‐encroached, semiarid grassland
Authors: Abercrombie Samuel T. , Koprowski John L. , Nichols Mary H. , Fehmi Jeffrey S.
Published: December 2018

Shrub encroachment into arid grasslands has been associated with reduced grass abundance, increased soil erosion, and local declines in biodiversity. Livestock overgrazing and the associated reduction of fine fuels has been a primary driver of shrub encroachment in the southwestern United States, but shrublands continue to persist despite livestock removal and grassland restoration efforts. We hypothesized that an herbivory feedback from native mammals may contribute to continued suppression of grasses after the removal of livestock. Our herbivore exclusion experiment in southeastern Arizona included five treatment levels and allowed access to native mammals based on their relative body size, separating the effects of rodents, lagomorphs, and mule deer. We included two control treatments and replicated each treatment 10 times (n = 50). We introduced uniform divisions of lawn sod (Cynodon dactylon) into each exclosure for 24‐hr periods prior to (n = 2) and following (n = 2) the monsoon rains and used motion‐activated cameras to document herbivore visitations. In the pre‐monsoon trials, treatments that allowed lagomorph access had less sod biomass relative to other treatments (p < 0.001), averaging 44% (SD 36%) and 29% (SD 45%) remaining biomass after the 24‐hr trial periods. Following the onset of monsoons, differences in remaining biomass among treatments disappeared. Desert cottontails (Sylvilagus audubonii) were detected more frequently than any of the other 11 herbivore species present at the site, accounting for 83% of detections during the pre‐monsoon trials. Significantly more (p < 0.001) desert cottontails were detected during the pre‐monsoon trials (2,077) compared to the post‐monsoon trials (174), which coincided with biomass removal from lagomorph accessible treatments. We conclude that desert cottontails are significant consumers of herbaceous vegetation in shrub‐encroached arid grasslands and they, along with other native herbivores, may act as a biotic feedback contributing to the competitive advantage and persistence of shrubs.
The Effect of Cracks on the In‐plane Electrical Conductivity of PEFC Catalyst Layers
Authors: Tranter T. G. , Tam M. , Gostick J. T.
Published: December 2018

Fuel cell catalyst layers are a mixture of carbon, ionomer and platinum that are usually applied to the membrane during electrode assembly and can vary in structure for a number of reasons including the method of application, thickness of the layer, milling and heat treatments. Under some conditions significant cracking can occur which may or may not be beneficial to overall fuel cell performance but certainly has an effect on the catalyst's effective transport properties. The influence of cracking on the in‐plane electrical conductivity is studied experimentally and numerically through an image‐based approach. The conductivity is found to depend strongly on the crack structure which can be predicted with image based modelling. This fact is useful for determining the bulk conductivity from cracked samples for diagnostic purposes.
Transplantation for Alcoholic Hepatitis: Are We Achieving Justice and Utility?
Authors: Solga Steven F. , Serper Marina , Young Rebecca A. , Forde Kimberly A.
Published: December 2018

Early liver transplantation for alcoholic hepatitis is a potentially life‐saving treatment. As this practice becomes increasingly common, however, the liver transplant community is taking a fresh look at a familiar challenge: best stewardship of donor organs. Herein, we examine a few basic, necessary ethical and practical concerns relevant to this indication.
Global Review of Institutional Reforms in the Irrigation Sector for Sustainable Agricultural Water Management, Including Water Users’ Associations
Authors: Gany A. Hafied A. , Sharma Prachi , Singh Sahdev
Published: December 2018

This paper reviews institutional reforms in the irrigation sector for sustainable agricultural water management (AWM) undertaken in 14 countries and regions, including Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Nepal, South Korea, Sudan, Chinese Taipei, Turkey and Ukraine. These regions represent a vast diversity of geography, climate, governance, socio‐economic conditions and level of development. In those countries with smaller land areas and high‐technology manufacturing, such as Japan and Korea, agriculture is now being viewed as technology‐driven food factories of the future. Meanwhile, for countries with a significant base population and increasing growth rates, such as China, India and Indonesia, agriculture seems to dominate the development debate. The comparative evaluation analyses the issues regarding institutional and organizational reforms focusing on the legal and organizational framework structure including water users' associations (WUAs) for water supply services, participatory irrigation management (PIM) and management transfer, and public–private partnership (PPP) towards sustainable irrigation and drainage (I&D) and agricultural water management (AWM). Despite the diverse geography and institutional frameworks, food security remains a major concern in all the countries and regions reviewed in this paper. The formation and functioning of WUAs, ageing I&D infrastructure and its operation and management (O&M) appear to be the major institutional and PPP challenges for sustainable AWM in the immediate future. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.