bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beyond HRM’s Performance Management: Towards Strategic Workforce Resilience
Authors: Mendy John
Published: June 2021

HRM professionals’ reliance on using teamwork, organisational planning and managerially- controlled appraisal measures within the framework of High Performance Organisation (HPO) and High Performance Work Systems (HPWS) has outlived its useful applicability and sustainability in today’s SME crisis-ridden environment. This chapter highlights the gap between the HRM discipline, whose measures to resolve the organisational performance problem have instead resulted in a deepening of the performance crisis in resource-constrained SMEs and an urgent need to address such a fundamental problem through the creation, development and sustenance of more innovative measures. A critique of HPO and HPWS’s structural and systemic approach to solve the effective organisational performance implementation gap led to an additional discovery, which is how to solve the performance problem competently and sustainably such that SMEs have a more strategically viable future. The study’s interpretivism paradigm backed up by a survey of 85 management and staff respondents in a longitudinal study spanning 7 years in the UK highlighted 6 important themes. These were combined to develop a new ‘Strategic Workforce Resilience Management Model’ as a way to solve the SME performance quagmire. This fills the performance implementation and strategic sustainability gaps and introduces resilience characteristics into the way HRM professionals should be managing the performance problem. The limitations, the implications and future research areas are discussed.
GDP Almost Perfectly Predicts Survival
Authors: G. Bechtel Gordon , Bechtel Timothy
Published: June 2021

This article extends results reported by Bechtel, G. and Bechtel, T. (2021). These previous findings induce the hypothesis confirmed here; namely, that gross domestic product GDP nearly perfectly predicts survival in the world’s entire population. The fractional polynomial regressions here are run over the pre-pandemic period 1991–2016. During the subsequent pandemic, the American Center for Disease Control reported that life expectancy at birth in the USA dropped one year during the first six months of 2020, the largest drop since World War 11. The drops in African and Hispanic life expectancy at birth during this period were 2.7 and 1.9 years (Aljazeera; Democracy Now, February 18, 2021). The USA is the worst covid-19-effected population. It is now imperative to confirm that life expectancy at birth is well predicted from GDP in all nations over 1991–2018. This pre-pandemic control for each nation will accurately calibrate it’s subsequent yearly survival drops due to Covid-19. This is especially important in light of the trade war between the United States and China, which has increased the need for accurate measurement of the human effects of this war.
Chitosan Based Biocomposites for Hard Tissue Engineering
Authors: Dabbarh Fouad , Elbakali-Kassimi Noureddin , Berrada Mohammed
Published: June 2021

Bone is the second most transplanted organ, just after blood. It provides structural support, protection for organs and soft tissues. It holds some critical biological processes such as the bone marrow blood forming system. It is responsible for storing and supplying minerals such calcium and phosphate. Bone is a connective tissue formed by two predominant phases: an inorganic phase containing mainly apatitic calcium and phosphate and an organic phase made of fibrous type I collagen. This natural biocomposite has many biological features such osteoconductivity, osteoinductivity, osteogenicity and is subject to a continuous remodeling process through osteoclastic and osteoblastic activities. In biomedical engineering, the restoration of damaged hard tissue with autologous bone is not always possible or even the best option. The development of some safe and low-cost alternatives such as biocomposites that mimic organic and calcified bone materials have shown very good results and offer an alternative to autologous bone implants. However, the mechanical properties of biocomposites still present a big challenge as a hard tissue substitute. This chapter reviews the properties of bone substitute materials chitosan and calcium phosphates, discusses strategies used in the treatment of calcified hard tissues as well as new approaches developed in this field.
Eleven new species of Amblypsilopus Bigot (Diptera: Dolichopodidae: Sciapodinae) and a key to the species of Madagascar and adjacent islands
Authors: Grichanov Igor Ya.
Published: June 2021

Eleven new species of Amblypsilopus Bigot, 1888 from Madagascar are described and illustrated: A. analamazaotra sp. nov., A. andasibensis sp. nov., A. ankarana sp. nov., A. bairae sp. nov., A. fianarantsoa sp. nov., A. freidbergi sp. nov., A. friedmani sp. nov., A. leonidi sp. nov., A. marinae sp. nov., A. olgae sp. nov., and A. romani sp. nov. New species differ from other representatives of the genus in morphology of male surstylus and cercus mainly and male secondary sexual characters on legs. A. flavus (Vanschuytbroeck, 1962) is redescribed. Presently, ca 60 species of Amblypsilopus are known from the Afrotropical region, and 25 species are found on Madagascar. Western Indian Ocean species are associated with the Indo-Pacific A. pallidicornis group, the Pantropical A. abruptus group and the Madagascan A. stuckenbergi group of species. An identification key to males of 28 species of Madagascar and adjacent islands is compiled for the first time.
Music of Karol Szymanowski in the intertextual dialogue
Authors: Mika Bogumila
Published: June 2021

In this paper I delineate how two aspects of the music of Karol Symanowski-subjective and objective-enter into intertextual dialogue with other musical pieces. The subjective aspect of intertextual dialogue is defined as Symanowskis use in his own music of fragments of the works of various composers and of folk music. The objective aspect of intertextual dialogue is defined as citations from or allusions to Symanowskis work by other Polish composers. The problem of intertextuality in music remains important when considering participation of a single musical work in 'the world of musical art in general, as well as in the world of common human experience.
Panic at the proms (perhaps the explanation lies in his background)
Authors: Finn Geraldine
Published: June 2021

This paper has been written as both a celebration of the music of Harrison Birtwistle-"the most forceful and uncompromisingly original British composer of his generation" according to the New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians - and as a response, at once playful and polemic, to the critics and commentators who struggle to name, claim, frame and contain it within the familiar categories and tropes of contemporary music interpretation. My particular focus is Panic which is exemplary in this respect and what Birtwistle cognoscendi have a habit of referring to as 'his background to 'explain' the idiosyncratic difficulty and difference of his work, as in the quotation cited as my subtitle.
'Harmony of the spheres' in the musical 'vitrage' of 'the thirteen-star flower of Cassiopeia': Micro- and macro-manipulation with time and space
Authors: Otašević Olga
Published: June 2021

This paper deals with an analysis of the phantasy for orchestra Trinaestozvezdani cvet Kasiopeje [The Thirteen-star Flower of Cassiopeia] by Vladimir Trmčić (1983). Special attention is paid to the motivic analysis of the work and general aesthetical premises of the program, which influenced the formation of the musical flow. The static nature, sustained tones and micropolyphony enable the composer to experiment with time, space, intervals, timbres, resulting in music with an immanent logic guided by the movement of energy masses.
From "Bach" to "Bach's son": The work of aesthetic ideology in the historical reception of Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach
Authors: Cvejić Žarko
Published: June 2021

The paper explores the historical correlation between the marginalization of C. P. E. Bach in his posthumous critical reception in the early and mid 19th century and the paradigm shift that occurred in the philosophical, aesthetic, and ideological conception of music in Europe around 1800, whereby music was reconceived as a radically abstract and disembodied art of expression, as opposed to the Enlightenment idea of music as an irreducibly sensuous, sonic art of representation. More precisely, the paper argues that the cause of C. P. E. Bach's marginalization in his posthumous critical reception should not be sought only in the shadow cast by his father, J. S. Bach, and the focus of 19th and 20th-century music historiography on periodization, itself centred around "great men", but also in the fundamental incompatibility between this new aesthetic and philosophical ideology of music from around 1800 and C. P. E. Bach's oeuvre, predicated as it was on an older aesthetic paradigm of music, with its reliance on musical performance, especially improvisation, itself undervalued in early and mid 19th-century music criticism for the same reasons. Other factors might also include C.P. E. Bach's use of the genre of fantasia, as well as the sheer stylistic idiosyncrasy of much of his music, especially the fantasias and other works he wrote für Kenner ("for connoisseurs"). This might also explain why his music was so quickly sidelined despite its pursuit of "free" expression, a defining ideal of early to mid 19th-century music aesthetics.
O Ensino Religioso, a relação educador-educando e a Base Nacional Comum Curricular – BNCC e o Currículo Referência de Minas Gerais – CRMG
Authors: Baptista Paulo Agostinho Nogueira , Siqueira Giseli Do Prado
Published: June 2021

O Ensino Religioso — ER teve uma virada paradigmática fundamental na década de 1970 com Wolfgang Gruen, ao distinguir Catequese e Ensino Religioso Escolar — ERE. Concebeu para o ER, a partir de Tillich, a religiosidade como categoria antropológica e como seu objeto de ensino: educar a dimensão de sentido da vida, o que não deixa de incluir o fenômeno religioso. Essa virada histórica e epistemológica, até desconhecida de muitos pesquisadores, hoje tem enorme significado, ainda mais com a Base Nacional Comum Curricular — BNCC e os currículos que cada estado da federação tem elaborado, como o Currículo Referência de Minas Gerais — CRMG. Gruen já pensava e atuava, na década de 1970, na “Ciência das Religiões” (UFJF) como curso formador do docente desse componente curricular. Nessa perspectiva, o objetivo deste artigo, a partir de pesquisa bibliográfica e documental, é recuperar essa história e refletir sobre as suas implicações para a relação educador-educando, tendo como referência a BNCC e o CRMG. As conclusões mostram a inovação de Gruen e como ele estava atento às questões da época e a grandes educadores como Paulo Freire.
Diez años citando a Kropotkin
Authors: Sanz Martos Sandra
Published: June 2021

Para los que escribimos sobre comunidades de práctica o aprendizaje, trabajo colaborativo y, en general, todo aquello que conlleve algo de intercambio de experiencias, información y conocimiento, citar al geógrafo y naturalista Piotr Kropotkin (1902) es obligado. Porque, al fin y al cabo, lo que mueve a la cooperación y la solidaridad es un principio innato en el hombre basado en la ayuda mutua.
Some Properties of Generalized Fibonacci Numbers: Identities, Recurrence Properties and Closed Forms of the Sum Formulas ∑nk=0 xkWmk+j
Authors: Soykan Yüksel
Published: June 2021

In this paper, closed forms of the summation formulas ∑nk=0 xkWmk+j for generalized Fibonacci numbers are presented. As special cases, we give summation formulas of Fibonacci, Lucas, Pell, Pell-Lucas, Jacobsthal, Jacobsthal-Lucas numbers. We present the proofs to indicate how these formulas, in general, were discovered. Of course, all the listed formulas may be proved by induction, but that method of proof gives no clue about their discovery. Moreover, we give some identities and recurrence properties of generalized Fibonacci sequence.
Prevalence, Circulation and Characterization of Multi-resistant Bacteria at Omar Bongo Ondimba Army Instruction Hospital in Libreville
Authors: Mba Thiery Ndong , Mbongo-Kama Anita Christel Elvire , Obiang Cédric Sima , Misso Rick Léonid Ngoua Meye , Mafoumbi Arnault , Ondo Joseph Privat , Engonga Louis Clément Obame , Mickala Patrick , Emvo Edouard Nsi
Published: June 2021

Multi-resistant bacteria (MRB) pose a global health problem. They lead to increased morbidity, mortality and hospital costs. The main objective of this study is to study the prevalence, circulation and characterization of multi-resistant bacteria.

This is a prospective cross-sectional study of 4 examinations. Bacterial identification was performed using Gram stains, oxidase, catalase, filamentation tests and the Api 20 STAPH, Api 20E systems. The assessment of sensitivity to antibiotics is based on the liquid diffusion method and on the ATB G, ATBTM-EU and ATBTM STAPH galleries previously soaked in antibiotics.

The most common multidrug resistant bacteria were Klebsiella pneumonia, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter cloacae, MRSA and Acinetobacter baumanii. The number of multi-resistant bacteria from cytobacteriological urine examinations was 17, or 43.59% of all isolates. The prevalence of multi-resistant bacteria was 57.14% in blood cultures. In the collection of material from the hospital, the prevalence of multi-resistant strains was 72.73%. The prevalence of multi-resistant strains was 40% in the pus samples.

These results can help define the research perspectives and strategies to be developed to better control the emergence and spread of multi-resistant bacteria in the hospital environment.
Response of Zucchini Plants to Nano and Organic Fertilizers Application Grown in Sandy Soil
Authors: Shaheen Alaa Eldeen A. , Fattah A. K. Abdel
Published: June 2021

Nanotechnology and organic fertilization are represented the most important tools for agriculture and anticipated to become a driving economic force in the near future. Two field experiments were carried out on sandy soil at El Ismailia Research Station, Agriculture Research Center Egypt, to study the effects of application of nitrogen fertilizer, as black urea, Nano black urea and organic fertilizer FMY, nutrients and productivity of Cucurbita pepo L. Two rates of FMY at 50 and 100 m3 ha-1 was applied to the soil with soil application of black urea and Nano black urea) with applied both as foliar application on plants. A split-plot design with four replications for each treatment was used, during the two summer seasons of 2019 and 2020. Results obtained showed that yield components of plants increased with applied Nano black urea and black urea accompanied with application both rates of FMY. The Nano black urea accompanied with FMY applied at a rate of 100 m3 ha-1 give the highest yield values. However, effective treatment was foliar Nano black urea application with a rate of 0.5 ppm with organic fertilizer FMY at rate of 100 m3 ha-1 and gave the highest significant values of fruits yield (300, 327, 342, 356 and 373 g plant-1 for five times picked, respectively. On the other hands, in foliar application, fruits weight yield was higher than the first cut. Nutrients contents showed almost a trend as all parameters under study the superior treatment was at Nano black urea foliar application a rate of 0.5 ppm with 100 m3 ha-1 of FMY with high availability of nutrients at the studied soil.
3D Printing of Functional Magnetic Materials: From Design to Applications
Authors: Zhang Chengqian , Li Xiangjia , Jiang Laiming , Tang Daofan , Xu Han , Zhao Peng , Fu Jianzhong , Zhou Qifa , Chen Yong
Published: June 2021

The research of functional magnetic materials has become a hot topic in the past few years due to their fast, long‐range, and precise response in diverse environments. Functional magnetic devices using different magnetic materials and structure designs have been developed and demonstrated good advantages to enable various applications. However, the required magnetic materials and structure designs for diverse functions also increase the fabrication difficulties while developing such devices. 3D printing technology presents a powerful and promising manufacturing approach to rapidly fabricate functional magnetic devices of complex geometries in multiple materials and scales. Here, various 3D printing strategies and the underlying mechanisms of functional magnetic materials for several primary applications are systematically reviewed, including, magnetic anisotropy for property enhancement, magnetic robots, magnetic components in electronics, and magneto‐thermal devices. Finally, the current challenges and future perspectives in engineering 3D printed functional magnetic devices are discussed.
Multimodal Digital X‐ray Scanners with Synchronous Mapping of Tactile Pressure Distributions using Perovskites
Authors: Jang Jiuk , Ji Sangyoon , Grandhi G. Krishnamurthy , Cho Han Bin , Im Won Bin , Park Jang‐Ung
Published: June 2021

Visual and tactile information are the key intuitive perceptions in sensory systems, and the synchronized detection of these two sensory modalities can enhance accuracy of object recognition by providing complementary information between them. Herein, multimodal integration of flexible, high‐resolution X‐ray detectors with a synchronous mapping of tactile pressure distributions for visualizing internal structures and morphologies of an object simultaneously is reported. As a visual‐inspection method, perovskite materials that convert X‐rays into charge carriers directly are synthesized. By incorporating pressure‐sensitive air‐dielectric transistors in the perovskite components, X‐ray detectors with dual modalities (i.e., vision and touch) are attained as an active‐matrix platform for digital visuotactile examinations. Also, in vivo X‐ray imaging and pressure sensing are demonstrated using a live rat. This multiplexed platform has high spatial resolution and good flexibility, thereby providing highly accurate inspection and diagnoses even for the distorted images of nonplanar objects.
A Tumor‐Microenvironment‐Responsive Nanocomposite for Hydrogen Sulfide Gas and Trimodal‐Enhanced Enzyme Dynamic Therapy
Authors: Liu Bin , Liang Shuang , Wang Zhao , Sun Qianqian , He Fei , Gai Shili , Yang Piaoping , Cheng Ziyong , Lin Jun
Published: June 2021

Recently, enzyme dynamic therapy (EDT) has drawn much attention as a new type of dynamic therapy. However, the selection of suitable nanocarriers to deliver chloroperoxidase (CPO) and enhancement of the level of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in the tumor microenvironment (TME) are critical factors for improving the efficiency of EDT. In this study, a rapidly decomposing nanocomposite is designed using tetra‐sulfide‐bond‐incorporating dendritic mesoporous organosilica (DMOS) as a nanocarrier, followed by loading CPO and sodium‐hyaluronate‐modified calcium peroxide nanoparticles (CaO2‐HA NPs). The nanocomposite can effectively generate singlet oxygen (1O2) for tumor therapy without any exogenous stimulus via trimodal‐enhanced EDT, including DMOS‐induced depletion of glutathione (GSH), H2O2compensation from CaO2‐HA NPs in mildly acidic TME, and oxidative stress caused by overloading of Ca2+. As tetra‐sulfide bonds are sensitive to GSH, DMOS can generate hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas as a new kind of H2S gas nanoreactor. Additionally, the overloading of Ca2+can cause tumor calcification to accelerate in vivo tumor necrosis and promote computed tomography imaging efficacy. Therefore, a novel H2S gas, EDT, and Ca2+‐interference combined therapy strategy is developed.
Organic Non‐Wettable Superhydrophobic Fullerite Films
Authors: Saran Rinku , Fox David , Zhai Lei , Chanda Debashis
Published: June 2021

A long‐standing quest in material science has been the development of non‐wettable superhydrophobic films based on a single organic material, without the requirement of fluorination or silane treatment. Here, such films and coatings, which are developed using colloidal gels of fullerite C60 and C70 nanocrystals, are described. It is illustrated that despite the high surface energy of these van der Waals molecular crystals their gelation can create films having self‐affine fractal surfaces with multiscale roughness. Water droplets on resulting surfaces of fullerite films bead like a pearl resting in a Fakir state with contact angle exceeding 150°. The films are extremely water repellent and non‐wettable; when submerged in water they stay dry up to 3 h even at a water depth of two feet and exhibit the plastron effect. A series of experiments are presented to provide comprehensive inspection of water droplet dynamics on these films. These include rolling, bouncing, squeezing, freezing, melting, evaporating; along with acidic and alkaline tests. Non‐wettable films of such materials are unique as fullerites get photosensitized instantaneously generating extremely high yields (≈100%) of singlet oxygen (1O2) that can destroy viruses and bacteria; thereby enabling their use in rheology, water purification, and medicinal devices.
Enantioselective Aza‐Friedel‐Crafts Reaction of Heteroarenes with in situ Generated Isoxazolium Ions via Chiral Phosphoric Acid Catalysis
Authors: Cheng You‐Song , Chan Shih‐Hsien , Rao Gunda Ananda , Gurubrahamam Ramani , Chen Kwunmin
Published: June 2021

An asymmetric organocatalytic aza‐Friedel‐Crafts reaction was developed to give the enantioenriched Δ4‐isoxazoline scaffold bearing a quaternary‐substituted stereogenic centre in good‐to‐excellent yields and enantioselectivity (50–99%, 55–>99% ee). This protocol involves the in situ generated isoxazolium ions in the presence of a chiral phosphoric acid followed by the heteroarene addition through asymmetric counteranion‐directed catalysis.

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Enantioselective Total Synthesis of (−)‐Spiroxins A, C, and D
Authors: Shu Xin , Chen Chong‐Chong , Yu Tao , Yang Jiayi , Hu Xiangdong
Published: June 2021

Spiroxins A, C, and D are metabolites that have been identified in the marine fungal strain LL‐37H248. Their unique polycyclic structures and intriguing biological activities make them attractive targets for the synthetic community. Based on a scalable enantioselective epoxidation of 5‐substituted naphthoquinone, an oxidation/spiroketalization cascade, ortho‐selective chlorination of the phenol unit, and oxime‐ester‐directed acetoxylation, an enantioselective total synthesis of (−)‐spiroxins A and C and the first total synthesis of (−)‐spiroxin D have been achieved.
Redundant Attempted Solutions: 50 Years of Theory, Evolution, and New Supporting Data
Authors: Vitry Grégoire , de Scorraille Claude , Hoyt Michael F.
Published: June 2021

The theory of redundant attempted solutions (RAS) is described from its origins to today. Based in cybernetics and introduced at the Mental Research Institute in Palo Alto, California, the main principle of RAS is that repeating an unsuccessful solution may actually serve to perpetuate and further entrench a problem. A true reducer of complexity, a definition of RAS is presented that appreciates biopsychosocial dimensions of diagnosis and intervention. Data are also presented from SYPRENE, a systemic therapy practice research network that documents the use of strategic interventions to stop RAS.
Novel dioxidomolybdenum complexes containing ONO chelators: Synthesis, physicochemical properties, crystal structures, Hirshfeld surface analysis, DNA binding/cleavage studies, docking, and in vitro cytotoxicity
Authors: M. C. Vineetha , Joy Francis , Krishna P. Murali , T. P. Vinod , Venkataraman Sriram Krishnan , Agarwal Anil K. , Nair Yamuna , Kurup M. R. Prathapachandra
Published: June 2021

A series of dioxidomolybdenum (VI) complexes, [MoO2(ESB)H2O]·DMF (1), [MoO2(ESB)MeOH] (2), and [MoO2(ESB)H2O]·EtOH (3), containing 3‐ethoxysalicylaldehyde benzoylhydrazone have been synthesized and analysed using various spectral and analytical techniques such as elemental analyses, IR spectra, UV–Vis absorption spectra, X‐ray crystallography, and Hirshfeld surface analysis. Based on the elemental and spectral analysis, six‐coordinate geometry was assigned for these complexes wherein the hydrazone ligand binds to the metal centre in its dianionic enolate form through ONO donor set. Distorted octahedral geometry of complexes 1 and 2 was evidenced from their crystal structures, which is typical for many cis‐dioxido complexes of MoVI. The proligand and the new complexes were examined for their DNA binding, DNA cleavage, and cytotoxic properties. The DNA binding efficiency of the compounds in terms of their binding constants (Kb) of the metal complexes was observed to be 1.3727 × 105 M−1, 3.0194 × 104 M−1, and 1.13206 × 104 M−1 for [MoO2(ESB)H2O]·DMF (1), [MoO2(ESB)MeOH] (2), and [MoO2(ESB)H2O]·EtOH (3), respectively, indicating that these complexes strongly bind to DNA. To determine the binding interactions of the complexes with DNA and protein (BSA), molecular docking studies were carried out. Gel electrophoresis study reveals the fact that the complexes cleaved supercoiled pUC‐18 DNA to nicked form (Form II) in the presence and absence of H2O2. The complexes showed significantly high cytotoxicity against MCF‐7 (breast cancer cells).
Organoruthenium (II) complexes featuring pyrazole‐linked thiosemicarbazone ligands: Synthesis, DNA/BSA interactions, molecular docking, and cytotoxicity studies
Authors: Khanvilkar Priyanka , Dash Soumya R. , Banerjee Devjani , Vohra Aliasgar , Devkar Ranjitsinh , Chakraborty Debjani
Published: June 2021

A series of pyrazol‐derived thiosemicarbazone ligands (L1–L4) were synthesized and reacted with [Ru(p‐cymene)(μ‐Cl)Cl]2 to yield a series of “piano‐stool”‐type binuclear ruthenium (II)–arene‐thiosemicarbazone complexes (C1–C8) of the general type [(Ru(η6‐p‐cym)L)2(μ‐im/azpy)] Cl1–2 (L = diphenylpyrazole thiosemicarbazone; cym = p‐cymene; im = imidazole; azpy = 4,4′‐azopyridine). The thiosemicarbazone ligands act as N and S donors binding to the Ru(II) center via the imine nitrogen and the thione sulfur atoms. The complexes were characterized by NMR, FTIR, UV–Vis spectroscopy, and ESI+ mass spectrometry. The binding of the complexes to calf thymus deoxyribonucleic acid (CT‐DNA) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) was evaluated, and it has been established that the binuclear complexes have good binding efficacies with DNA (Kb = 104–105 M−1) and BSA (Ka = 105–106 M−1). This is attributed to the arene moieties present in the ligands of the complexes that can have hydrophobic interactions with DNA/BSA. Ethidium bromide (EB) displacement studies and DNA viscosity measurements revealed intercalative interaction of the complexes with DNA. Static interaction of the complexes with BSA was revealed by fluorescence quenching studies. Molecular docking studies confirmed base stacking, H‐bonding, and hydrophobic interactions with the biomolecules. In vitro antiproliferative studies of the complexes affirmed that the complexes are cytotoxic towards the HeLa (human cervical cancer) cell line with IC50 values in range of 17.3–41.3 μM.
Preparation of polypropylene with high melt strength by wet reaction blending of lignin
Authors: Tian Bo , Li Jinfeng , Li Zhigang , Dong Wei , Zhang Nan , Zhao Hongtao , Liu Yuguang , Di Mingwei
Published: June 2021

In this paper, the melt strength of polypropylene is shown to be significantly improved by lignin‐cooperative construction of heterophase network structure and the evolution mechanism of lignin on the topology of polypropylene is investigated. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) analysis shows that the free radicals generated by polypropylene irradiation can remain active for 2 weeks; rheological studies show that lignin promotes the formation of heterogeneous network structures in polypropylene, and its melt is characterized by long‐chain branching. Phase angle‐complex modulus, complex viscosity‐complex modulus, Han's, and Cole–Cole curves are used to analyze the liquid–solid transformation, and the results indicate that the enhanced interfacial action is due to the formation of the heterogeneous network structures. The mechanical properties show that the impact strength is increased by 1.8 times due to the synergistic effect of lignin and acrylamide. SEM shows the formation of a fibrous network structure around the lignin, which undergoes interfacial yielding, improving the interfacial interaction between the components.
Applying automated object detection in archaeological practice: A case study from the southern Netherlands
Authors: Verschoof‐van der Vaart Wouter B. , Lambers Karsten
Published: June 2021

Within archaeological prospection, Deep Learning algorithms are developed to detect objects within large remotely sensed datasets. These approaches are generally tested in an (ideal) experimental setting but have not been applied in different contexts or ‘in the wild’, that is, incorporated in archaeological prospection. This research explores the applicability, knowledge discovery—on both a quantitative and qualitative level—and efficiency gain resulting from employing an automated detection tool called WODAN within (Dutch) archaeological practice. WODAN has been used to detect barrows and Celtic fields in LiDAR data from the Dutch Midden‐Limburg area, which differs in archaeology, geo‐(morpho)logy and land‐use from the Veluwe in which it was developed. The results show that WODAN was able to detect potential barrows and Celtic fields, including previously unknown examples, and provided information about the structuring of the landscape in the past. Based on the results, combined human‐computer strategies are argued, in which automated detection has a complementary, rather than a substitute role, to manual analysis. This can offset the inherent biases in manual analysis and deal with the problem that current automated detection methods only detect objects similar to the pre‐defined target class(es). The incorporation of automated detection into archaeological prospection, in which the results of automated detection are used to highlight areas of interest and to enhance and add detail to existing archaeological predictive maps, seems logical and feasible.
Using Q‐methodology to determine students' perceptions of interprofessional anatomy education
Authors: Mackinnon Chelsea , Akhtar‐Danesh Noori , Palombella Andrew , Wainman Bruce
Published: June 2021

Interprofessional education (IPE) prepares healthcare students for collaboration in their future careers. The purpose of this study was to determine which aspects of the IPE Program in Anatomy at McMaster University contributed to the development of healthcare student's interprofessional skills. Q‐methodology was used to identify the students' common viewpoints of the IPE experience. A total of 26/28 (93%) of students in the course from the medical, nursing, midwifery, physician assistant, occupational therapy, and physiotherapy programs participated in this study. Students were asked to sort a Q‐sample of 43 statements about the IPE dissection course derived from previous qualitative studies of the program. Using the centroid factor extraction and varimax rotation, three salient factors (groups) emerged, namely: (1) Anatomy IPE Enthusiasts, (2) Practical IPE Advocates, and (3) Skeptical IPE Anatomists. The Anatomy IPE Enthusiasts believed that students from different disciplines brought unique anatomical knowledge and each group member guided others through difficult material. The Practical IPE Advocates expressed that they would be stronger advocates for interprofessional teams in the future because of the course. The Skeptical IPE Anatomists strongly disagreed that learning with students from different disciplines helped them gain an understanding of their roles in the context of other healthcare professionals and felt that there was little benefit from the IPE program compared to other non‐interprofessional programs. These findings about student attitudes are critical to drive an evidence‐based evolution of the IPE dissection course, since students' perceptions can have a profound influence on interprofessional collaboration in the workplace.
An initial preparation for human cadaveric dissection ameliorates the associated mental distress in students
Authors: Chaudhuri Joydeep Dutta
Published: June 2021

It is universally recognized that cadaveric dissection is an essential part of anatomy training. However, it has been reported to induce mental distress in some students and impair their intrinsic motivation (IM) to study. One of the postulated reasons for this behavior is the lack of adequate information and preparation of students for cadaveric dissection. Therefore, it is hypothesized that providing relevant information prior to cadaveric dissection will ameliorate the mental distress, enhance the IM of students, and improve their academic performance. A cohort of occupational therapy students enrolled in an anatomy course were psychologically prepared for cadaveric dissection. Students were provided with a curated list of YouTube videos and peer‐reviewed journal articles related to cadaveric dissection prior to the commencement of the anatomy course. All students were also required to attend an oral presentation immediately before commencing dissection. The control group included students who had not been provided with any resources in preparation for cadaveric dissection. Compared to the control group, students who had been prepared demonstrated better quality of cadaveric dissection, improved academic performance, reported less mental distress and greater IM. Moreover, students reported the oral presentation to be most relevant and journal articles to be least useful in their preparation. Therefore, this is an effective approach in the amelioration of mental distress and improvement of performance in anatomy students. Consequently, this study represents a paradigm shift in the pedagogy of anatomy, and could represent a vital element in the evolution of a revitalized anatomy curriculum.
Neural network‐assisted robotic vision system for industrial applications
Authors: Krishnan Megha G. , Ashok Sankar
Published: June 2021

This paper investigates the performance of neural networks in positioning an industrial robot manipulator based on image feedback. Visual servoing regulates the pose of the robot manipulator in accordance with the target image data. As the servoing proceeds, the end‐effector positions to its final pose as the image feature error exponentially decreases to zero. In this paper, the trained network moves the robot manipulator from an arbitrary initial pose to an intermediate posture based on the reference image features given. Then, fine‐tuning based on the traditional visual servoing method is performed to achieve an accurate pick‐and‐place task with minimum iterations. The experimental results prove the capability of the neural network architectures to predict the desired pose using local image descriptor, corner points. This paper investigates the performance of two neural network designs applied to visual positioning and compares them with the traditional image‐based visual servoing (IBVS) method in terms of execution time.
A review on algebraic extensions in general relativity
Authors: Hess Peter O.
Published: June 2021

A brief review on algebraic extensions of general relativity is presented. After a short summary of first attempts by Max Born and Albert Einstein, all possible algebraic extensions will be discussed, with the pseudo‐complex (pc) extension left as the only viable one, because it does not contain ghost solutions. Also some metric extensions are presented, such as the non‐symmetric gravitation theory and the Finsler metric. Some predictions of the pc extension are discussed, such as the structure of light emission of an accretion disk around a black hole, the redshift at the surface of a compact star as a function in the azimuthal angle, and whether there is an upper limit for the mass of a neutron star.
Legionella pneumophila recovery using Legiolert and a traditional culture method
Authors: McCuin Randi M. , Bartrand Timothy A. , Clancy Jennifer L.
Published: June 2021

Methods for recovery and identification of Legionella spp. in water have not been improved significantly since the traditional culture method using buffered charcoal yeast extract (BCYE) agar was developed in 1979. Variations to the BCYE method include sample concentration techniques, acid and heat treatment of samples, and inclusions of antibiotics and dyes in the medium to improve Legionella recovery. A new culture method—Legiolert—was developed and is targeted specifically for recovery and enumeration of Legionella pneumophila, the pathogen responsible for >97% of Legionella pneumonia cases. This study assessed the performance of the Legiolert and BCYE methods in water samples. A total of 247 potable water samples were collected and analyzed using both methods. Mean recoveries in reagent water were similar for both methods (~70%), while Legiolert was more likely than BCYE to detect L. pneumophila when it is present in low numbers.

Article Impact Statement

The Legiolert method for enumeration of Legionella pneumophila in water is a significant improvement over the buffered charcoal yeast extract method and should be adopted.
The impact of expanding health insurance coverage for anti‐cancer drugs on cancer survival in Korea
Authors: Cho Do‐Yeon , Park Juhee , Kim Dong‐Sook
Published: June 2021

Background

To reduce out‐of‐pocket costs, the Korean government expanded health insurance reimbursement in anti‐cancer drugs for cancer patients in 2013. Our objective was to examine the impact of the benefit coverage expansion policy on healthcare utilization and overall survival (OS) among patients with six types of solid cancer after the policy of expanding health insurance coverage.

Methods

This study analyzed a before‐and‐after retrospective cohort of patients newly diagnosed with six types of solid cancer (stomach cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, liver cancer, breast cancer, and prostate cancer) from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2015 in Korea. The intervention was the expansion of reimbursement in 2013. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate the policy effect.

Results

In total, 142,579 before and 147,760 patients after the benefit expansion, and after matched by age, gender, and stage, 132,440 before and 132,440 patients after policy were included in the analysis. Almost total medical expenditure increased for five types of cancer increased. The expansion of health insurance reimbursement was associated with significantly lower overall mortality compared with pre‐policy mortality for all six cancer sites.

Conclusion

The policy of expanding health insurance reimbursement might have been associated with a significant increase in survival among cancer patients by ensuring access to health care and medicine. Although the reimbursement expansion timing differs for each cancer, it is believed that eliminating delayed treatment might rather lead to reduce medical expenses and improve health outcomes.
Diagnostic value of gamma‐glutamyl transpeptidase to alkaline phosphatase ratio combined with gamma‐glutamyl transpeptidase to aspartate aminotransferase ratio and alanine aminotransferase to aspartate aminotransferase ratio in alpha‐fetoprotein‐negative hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Li Jiang , Tao Haisu , Zhang Erlei , Huang Zhiyong
Published: June 2021

Background

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of gamma‐glutamyl transpeptidase to alkaline phosphatase ratio (GAPR) combined with gamma‐glutamyl transpeptidase to aspartate aminotransferase ratio (GAR) and alanine aminotransferase to aspartate aminotransferase ratio (AAR) in alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP)‐negative hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

A total of 925 AFP‐negative patients, including 235 HCC patients, 213 chronic hepatitis (CH) patients, and 218 liver cirrhosis (LC) patients, as well as 259 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. The differences of laboratory parameters and clinical characteristics were analyzed by Mann–Whitney U or Kruskal–Wallis H‐test. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to determine the diagnostic value of GAPR, GAR, and AAR in AFP‐negative HCC (AFP‐NHCC) patients.

Results

GAPR, GAR, and AAR were important parameters closely related to AFP‐NHCC. The combination of GAPR, GAR, and AAR was most effective in differentiating AFP‐NHCC group from control group (AUC = 0.875), AFP‐negative CH group (AUC = 0.733), and AFP‐negative LC group (AUC = 0.713). GAPR combined with GAR and AAR exhibited a larger AUC than single ratio or pairwise combination for distinguishing AFP‐NHCC group with TNMⅠstage, BCLC stage A, and tumor size less than 3 cm. The diagnostic value of GAPR combined with GAR and AAR was higher in AFP‐NHCC and was also reflected in the TNM stage, Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage and tumor size.

Conclusions

GAPR combined with GAR and AAR were effective diagnostic markers of AFP‐NHCC, especially in patients with good liver function, early stage or small size.
Body‐worn cameras decrease use of incidents of physical force, research finds
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: June 2021

New research has found that the use of body‐worn cameras is effective and cost efficient and has led to an overall decrease in incidents involving physical force with officers, according to a report recently published by the University of Chicago Crime Lab and the Council on Criminal Justice's Task Force on Policing.
Frailty, malnutrition, and the endocrine system impact outcome in patients undergoing aortic valve replacement
Authors: Al‐Kassou Baravan , Shamekhi Jasmin , Weber Marcel , Germeroth Jana , Gillrath Jana , Feldmann Katharina , Sedaghat Alexander , Werner Nikos , Treede Hendrik , Becher Marc Ulrich , Tiyerili Vedat , Grube Eberhard , Zimmer Sebastian , Nickenig Georg , Sinning Jan‐Malte
Published: June 2021

Background

Frailty is a multidimensional syndrome that affects mortality after aortic valve replacement (AVR). Malnutrition is often associated with the development of frailty. However, data regarding the association of frailty with nutritional status and underlying endocrinological dysregulation in patients with severe aortic valve stenosis are limited.

Objectives

We aimed to systematically screen for frailty and malnutrition, to evaluate for underlying endocrinological disorders and inflammation, and to assess the ability of these parameters to predict outcomes after AVR.

Methods

Our study included 373 patients undergoing transcatheter and surgical AVR. Frailty was assessed using the Fried Frailty Phenotype (FFP), Essential Frailty Toolset, Lawton‐Brody, and Katz Index. Malnutrition was measured using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA‐LF) and Controlling Nutritional Status. Outcomes of interest were 30‐day and one‐year mortality.

Results

The prevalence of frailty ranged from 6.4% to 65.7% and malnutrition from 5.9% to 10.5%, depending on the evaluation tool. Both parameters were associated with higher levels of cortisol and parathormone as well as lower levels of IGF‐1, testosterone, DHEAS, and c‐reactive protein. Malnutrition was associated with increased 30‐day mortality, and both frailty and malnutrition with increased one‐year mortality. In a multivariate analysis, malnutrition measured by the MNA‐LF (OR: 2.32 [95%CI: 1.19–4.53], p = 0.01) and frailty as assessed by the FFP (OR: 1.42 [95%CI: 1.02–1.96], p = 0.03) were independent predictors of one‐year mortality.

Conclusion

The prevalence of frailty and malnutrition varies significantly depending on the assessment tool. Both syndromes share common endocrinological alterations. Frailty and malnutrition are independent risk factors for mortality after AVR.
Cochlear reimplantation from mid‐scala to lateral wall electrode array: Surgical and hearing outcome
Authors: Lyutenski Stefan , Zellhuber Nina , Helbig Ralf , James Paul , Bloching Marc
Published: June 2021

A mid‐scala cochlear implant electrode array, which was inserted with an atraumatic round window approach, could be replaced with longer lateral wall electrode array. Deeper electrode insertion seems to have beneficial influence on the hearing quality.
Photoredox Catalysis Using Heterogenized Iridium Complexes**
Authors: Materna Kelly L. , Hammarström Leif
Published: June 2021

Heterogenized photoredox catalysts provide a path for sustainable chemical synthesis using highly tunable, reusable constructs. Here, heterogenized iridium complexes as photoredox catalysts were assembled via covalent attachment to metal oxide surfaces (ITO, ZrO2, Al2O3) in thin film or nanopowder constructs. The goal was to understand which materials provided the most promising constructs for catalysis. To do this, reductive dehalogenation of bromoacetophenone to acetophenone was studied as a test reaction for system optimization. All catalyst constructs produced acetophenone with high conversions and yields with the fastest reactions complete in fifteen minutes using Al2O3 supports. The nanopowder catalysts resulted in faster and more efficient catalysis, while the thin film catalysts were more robust and easily reused. Importantly, the thin film constructs show promise for future photoelectrochemical and electrochemical photoredox setups. Finally, all catalysts were reusable 2–3 times, performing at least 1000 turnovers (Al2O3), demonstrating that heterogenized catalysts are a sustainable catalyst alternative.
In Silico Characterization of Masitinib Interaction with SARS‐CoV‐2 Main Protease
Authors: Martínez‐Ortega Ulises , Figueroa‐Figueroa Diego I. , Hernández‐Luis Francisco , Aguayo‐Ortiz Rodrigo
Published: June 2021

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection continues to be a global health problem. Despite the current implementation of COVID‐19 vaccination schedules, identifying effective antiviral drug treatments for this disease continues to be a priority. A recent study showed that masitinib (MST), a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, blocks the proteolytic activity of SARS‐CoV‐2 main protease (Mpro). Although MST is a potential candidate for COVID‐19 treatment, a comprehensive analysis of its interaction with Mpro has not been done. In this work, we performed molecular dynamics simulations of the MST‐Mpro complex crystal structure. The effect of the protonation states of Mpro H163 residue and MST titratable groups were studied. Furthermore, we identified the MST substituents and Mpro mutations that affect the stability of the complex. Our results provide valuable insights into the design of new MST analogs as potential treatments for COVID‐19.
Pathology Grand Rounds in a postpandemic world
Authors: Gutmann Edward J.
Published: June 2021

Virtual academic talks, including Grand Rounds lectures, became common during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. As pathology departments now consider adopting virtual Grand Rounds, they should be mindful of the potential unique benefits of in‐person visits for Pathology Grand Rounds.
The Drude‐Smith Equation and Related Equations for the Frequency‐Dependent Electrical Conductivity of Materials: Insight from a Memory Function Formalism
Authors: Chen Wei‐Chen , Marcus Rudolph A.
Published: June 2021

The Drude‐Smith equation is widely used for treating the frequency‐dependent electrical conductivity of materials in the terahertz region. An attractive feature is its sparsity of adjustable parameters. A significant improvement over Drude theory for these materials, the theory includes backscattering of the charge carriers. It has nevertheless been criticized, including by Smith himself, because of the arbitrariness of a step in the derivation. We recall a somewhat similar behavior of back scattering in fluids observed in molecular dynamics computations and discussed in terms of memory functions. We show how theories such as Drude‐Smith and Cocker et al. are examples of a broader class of theories by showing how they also arise as particular cases of a memory function formalism that divides the interactions into short and long range.