bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Le Parti québécois et la social-démocratie
Authors: Milner Henry
Published: October 2020

Dès sa fondation, malgré une certaine diversité originelle, le programme du Parti québécois s’est affiché comme social-démocrate. Au pouvoir de 1976 à 1986, le parti a respecté ses engagements progressistes, mais le caractère social-démocrate du parti a été contesté davantage quand, après la défaite du « Oui » en 1980, il a été reporté au pouvoir l’année suivante alors que le contexte idéologique n’était plus le même. Sur le plan international, la social-démocratie connaissait une crise d’identité. Ébranlé par la récession de 1982 et les attaques de la droite contre le keynésianisme et l’étatisme en général, le projet social-démocrate battait de l’aile, au Québec comme ailleurs au Canada et dans le reste du monde. C’est dans ce contexte que le gouvernement péquiste a fait face à une crise économique qui a mis en péril la relation du parti avec les syndicats, cet élément central du projet social-démocrate, y inclus sa dimension internationale. Même dans le contexte difficile des années 1980, je maintiens que le parti, lorsqu’il était au pouvoir, a continué d’être inspiré par les programmes des partis et des gouvernements sociaux-démocrates. Ce texte met l’accent sur des expériences au niveau international, dont celles où j’étais directement impliqué, ainsi que les relations du gouvernement avec les syndicats.
Houston, Houston, ¿qué hacemos si Houston no ha existido nunca? ('fake news' y negacionismo científico)
Authors: López-Borrull Alexandre
Published: October 2020

La crisis sanitaria de la COVID-19 ha sacudido de forma evidente nuestros cimientos: aquella normalidad que formaba parte de nuestro día a día, nos gustara o no. La propia sociedad de la información y el conocimiento, a menudo ya amortizada como concepto, ha visto cómo la información alrededor de la pandemia pasaba a ser un problema, tanto que, por primera vez, la OMS hablaba en marzo de 2020 de infodemia, refiriéndose a un exceso de información, mucha de la cual sería falsa.
‘Audio branding’: Spotify en el escenario COVID-19
Authors: Costa Gálvez Lola
Published: October 2020

Spotify permite crear contenido de marca relevante para el consumidor con un enfoque original. Sin embargo, estas acciones están en una fase embrionaria. En este artículo presentamos algunos ejemplos de audio branding en la plataforma surgidos a propósito del periodo de confinamiento por la COVID-19.
The Difference Between Preferred & Common Stocks in Europe from the Market Perspective
Authors:   University of Economics, Prague, Faculty of Finance and Accounting, Brabenec Tomas , Poborsky Frantisek ,   University of Economics, Prague, Faculty of Finance and Accounting, Saßmannshausen Sean Patrick ,   Ostbayerische Technische Hochschule Regensburg
Published: October 2020

Companies listed on the stock market must devote a great deal of attention to their market position. They must increase their competitive advantage in the undeniably key process of the issuance of stocks. As the issuance of preferred stocks has increased after the last crisis and in the current period of low interest rates in Europe, they are becoming more favoured investment instruments, we decided to analyse the real properties of preferred stocks in Europe in order to increase the efficiency of joint-stock companies. Using a dataset comprising all companies having both common and preferred stocks issued and traded on European markets between 2009- 2016, we determined the relationship of risk (measured by beta coefficients) and price volatility among common and preferred stocks and bonds in Europe. Our findings show beta coefficients of preferred stocks as systematically lower than beta coefficients of common stocks. Considering a difference of up to 10% as negligible, however, preferred stocks showed a similar or higher beta coefficient than corresponding common stocks of the same company in 53% of cases, whereas for 33% of cases, the difference is only ±10%. Coefficients of variation in prices showed a similar relationship, with only a negligible portion of preferred stocks bearing fixed (stable) dividends. This result implies that currently traded preferred stocks in Europe in fact do not possess such characteristics they are typically said to have, and in many cases they incur as comparable a risk as do common stocks. This essential information should help to increase the efficiency and competitiveness of joint-stock companies.
How Do Gender Inequalities in Health Relate to the Competitiveness of Developed Countries? An Empirical Study
Authors:   Technical University of Košice, Faculty of Mining, Ecology, Process Control and Geotechnologies, Gavurova Beata , Ivankova Viera ,   University of Presov, Faculty of Management, Rigelsky Martin ,   University of Presov, Faculty of Management, Kmecova Iveta ,   Institute of Technology and Business, Faculty of Corporate Strategy
Published: October 2020

Public health plays an important role in the spectrum of economic indicators. Simultaneously, the competitiveness of countries is a key economic indicator, and this interconnection requires special attention, especially in the decision-making process of public policies. The main objective of the presented study was to evaluate the effects of selected health indicators on the competitiveness of developed countries. The following health variables were collected for the analysed period from 2010 to 2018: four variables of Life Expectancy (LE) and three variables of Perceived Health Status (PHS). Each variable was observed from the perspective of gender differentiation and gender inequalities. The Global Competitiveness Index (GCI) was also used in the analyses as an economic variable. The research sample included all countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The analytical data processing consisted of descriptive analysis, difference analysis (Wilcoxon Test), regression analysis (Panel regression model) and correlation analysis (Spearman's ρ). Regarding the results, all health variables showed differences between men and women. The results of the regression analysis revealed a very strong and significant effect of LE and PHS on the competitiveness of individual economies. The correlation analysis confirmed all relations. Improving the health of men and women is likely to increase the competitiveness of developed countries. As a result, it provides space for further research and policy-making in each country.
An Empirical Study on the Impact of Sustainability Reporting on Firm Value
Authors:   Tomas Bata University in Zlín, Faculty of Management and Economics, Nguyen Thi Thuc Doan
Published: October 2020

Value relevance is an attractive exploratory topic for firms due to its influence on a firm’s competitiveness. Investigating potential factors that have an impact on firm value can provide management with the insights in how to enhance value. The aim of this paper is to explore the association between sustainability reporting and firm value to gain an awareness of the value relevance of sustainability disclosures. The study concentrates on large listed German firms as research objects to reduce the influence of firm size, legislation and geographic differences. Moreover, instead of observing diverse sustainability reporting guidelines in one research, this paper focuses on the current most popular guidance, the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). With this focus, it is more likely to achieve a relevant comparability among the firms’ sustainability reporting. This concentration also leads to the main research question of whether large listed German firms which have a higher adherent level to GRI guidance tend to have greater firm value. The research applies Multiple Regression to test the above relationship by involving 485 observations from 97 large listed German firms within the research period from 2013 to 2017. Along with the main model, a robustness test was performed to explore the connection in the context of a four-month period after the year-end deadline to issue sustainability reports in accordance with German Law. The findings indicate a significant negative relation between firm value and a firm’s GRI adherent level of sustainability reporting.
How to Drive Brand Engagement and eWOM Intention in Social Commerce: A Competitive Strategy for the Emerging Market
Authors: Phan Quyen Phu Thi , Pham Nhat Tan , Nguyen Lien H.L
Published: October 2020

Brand engagement and eWOM intention have been found to be critical factors driving competitive advantage for companies, as the evolution of social networking sites has changed the perspective of how companies engage with customers. Based on social exchange theory, the current research proposes an empirical model that emphasizes (1) the unique role of social commerce characteristics, including personalization, socialization, and information availability, in enhancing consumer-brand engagement, (2) the connection between consumer-brand engagement and eWOM intention, and (3) the moderating influence of trust towards such connection. A survey of 248 Facebook users with online shopping experience was employed. By using PLS-graph 3.0, structural equation modelling, the findings demonstrate that personalization and socialization positively influence brand engagement, which in turn leads to eWOM intention. Furthermore, trust moderates the brand engagement-eWOM intention relationship. Unexpectedly, information availability has shown no significant effect on brand engagement. The study encompasses the knowledge of social exchange theory into the social commerce environment by investigating the linkage between the social commerce environment and brand engagement. It contributes value to marketing theories by describing the moderating role of trust from the viewpoint of Gen Y. In addition, the study’s findings may shed light on how firms in emerging markets can increase competitiveness by stimulating brand engagement and eWOM intention, as well as enhancing consumer trust in the comments regarding the products/services within the social commerce environment.
Enhancing the Innovation Performance of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Through Network Embeddedness
Authors: Pomegbe Wisdom Wise Kwabla , Li Wenyuan , Dogbe Courage Simon Kofi , Otoo Charles Oduro Acheampong
Published: October 2020

Based on Resource Based Theory (RBT), the competitiveness of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) depends on the uniqueness of resources used in the production and delivering of goods and services. Moreover, the innovation capability of SMEs is critical in enhancing their uniqueness. Various factors, however, could potentially influence SME innovation performance. This present study thus focuses on how SME innovation performance could be enhanced through the three dimensions of network embeddedness (relational, structural and cognitive). Founded on Resource Dependency Theory (RDT), the study seeks to demonstrate how SMEs could tap into the rich external resources within the networks they are embedded in. The study was based on 388 SMEs selected using a purposive sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was used for the data collection, with the data analyzed by structural equation modeling performed in Amos (v.20). The findings revealed that relational, structural and cognitive embeddedness had a positive effect on innovation performance, while structural embeddedness had the greatest impact on SME innovation performance. As such, SMEs seeking to improve their innovation performance through networks should pay critical attention to the network tie and density. Past studies on network embeddedness and innovation performance have shown conflicting results, and therefore this present study makes a notable contribution to the ongoing debate. Past studies have indicated a positive, negative, inverted u-shape, and even no significant relationship at all between the various dimensions of network embeddedness and innovation performance.
Debunking an old theory
Authors: Spix Teresa , Gittis Aryn
Published: October 2020

Recording the neural activity of cells in the brain of patients with Parkinson's disease challenges long-standing assumptions about how this disease manifests at the cellular level.
Farmers Knowledge, Practices and Health Problems Associated with Pesticides Use in West Tripoli, Libya
Authors: Lagili Hamza S. Abdalla , Ayouz Hesham , Gunduz Serife , Williams Ndifreke Etuk , Bamisile Olusola , Kamalu Onyinyechi Jas
Published: October 2020

Aims: This study focuses on farmers’ knowledge, practices and health problems associated with pesticide use in west Tripoli, Libya.

Study Design: This study concentrated on the farmer being above 18 years, a permanent resident in the study area and the respondent’s willingness obliged to the study protocols and complete the study.

Place and Duration of Study: The study is a cross-sectional one among 300 farmers in the West Tripoli district of the Libya which concentrated on the adult population conducted in 2017.

Methodology: The associations between pesticide-handling practices, knowledge and attitude and factors potentially influencing them were explored by means of t-test, ANOVA and descriptive statistics using the statistical software SPSS 20.0. The reliability of the construct was examined using Cronbach’s alpha which was not below 0.700 indicating excellent internal consistency.

Results: Farmers re-spray the crops with surplus pesticide mixture. They throw away surplus pesticide mixture on uncultivated land wash and reuse emptied pesticide containers to store water. Knowledge associated with pesticide use and practices associated with it was also not statistically significant related to attitudes towards educational level. Awareness of pesticide use and handling and therefore showed that there was no statistically significant difference between a male and female farmers’ awareness of pesticide use and handling. There is no significant relationship between farmer’s monthly income and knowledge regarding pesticide use and there was linear relationship practices with respect to pesticides used and symptoms experienced after exposure to pesticides. Level of education affect farmer’s knowledge and practices associated with pesticide use and the ANOVA, F = 1.489 and p =.000 (> 0.05) suggests that the test was not statistically significant, on how gender affect the awareness of pesticide use and handling the result showed that there was no statistically significant difference (t (298) = -.460, p = .664 > 0.05) between male and female farmers’ awareness of pesticide use and handling. Therefore, male and female gender do not affect the awareness of pesticide use and handling.

Conclusion: The results of farmers practices regarding the use of protective measures and hygiene practices with the potential for exposure to pesticides indicates that farmers use gloves, face mask, respirator and boots. Moreover, the farmers keep their working clothe at home and the spraying methods used are knapsack, hand- held can, and tractor and can be concluded that the danger of exposure increase when farmers disregard safety directives on the correct utilization of pesticides, PPE utilization and using sanitary practices.
Production of Ready-to-Bake Whole Grain Barley Cake Mix with Improved Quality
Authors: Khalek Mokhtar Harb Abd-El-
Published: October 2020

Due to the busy and fast paced lifestyle in modern times, the demand for healthy and ready-to-cook foods has increased to a great extent. In the present study, ready-to-bake whole grain barley cake mix formulas were developed by the use of different additive (i.e. carboxymethyl cellulose CMC, maltodextrin and emulsifier), and were assessed with the aim of achieving nutritional benefits, shorter preparation times and improved cake quality.  Results showed that incorporation of the aforementioned additives into the dry mix formulations led to the production of cakes with lower fat content and caloric value (up to 7.1%) less than the control cake, with improved physical characteristics such as higher volume and specific volume. Texture profile analysis showed an enhancement in cake textural properties such as lower hardness, springiness and chewiness. Sensory evaluation of test cakes demonstrated a general improvement in sensory attributes like cell structure, crumb grain and softer texture. Flavor of cakes in which 100% of fats was replaced by maltodextrin received significantly lower score. However, and in term of total sensory score, most of the developed cake mix formulas had significantly higher sensory scores than their control counterpart.
Towards Sustainable Development: Exploring the Knowledge of Environmental Impact Assessment among Undergraduates in a Nigerian University
Authors: Nnebue Queencallista N Sidney- , Garba Anita O. , Fadiora Gbenga E. , Etim Felicia C. , Ezenagu Amanda N. , Nnebue Chinomnso C.
Published: October 2020

Background: Efficient project management suffices that decision makers are adequately informed on the impacts of their actions and inactions on the environment.

Objective: To explore the knowledge of environmental impact assessment (EIA) among undergraduates of the faculty of environmental sciences in a university in Nigeria.                                               

Materials and Methods: This was a cross sectional survey of 350 undergraduates selected via multistage sampling technique. Data were obtained using self- administered semi-structured questionnaires, and analysed using statistical package for social sciences software version 22. Statistical significance were done using Chi-square test at p value < 0.05.

Results: Two hundred and eighteen (62.3%) respondents reported awareness of EIA and cited their sources of information on EIA as 111(50.6%) schools, 109 (50%) textbooks, etc. Only (12.6%) out of 350 respondents had good level of knowledge on EIA. Fifty one (14.6%) out of 350 respondents reported ever participated in EIA process, while 34 (9.7%) were participating in EIA process currently. The level of knowledge of EIA process among respondents significantly vary with [gender, p=0.002) and marital status, p= 0.032)] respectively.

Conclusions: This study found apparently poor awareness of EIA, poor knowledge of EIA and poor participation in the EIA process. The level of knowledge on EIA vary significantly with gender and marital status. We recommend comprehensive but targeted, need- based environmental education to help create awareness, impart knowledge and equip these students with EIA strategies and skills to handle environmental challenges.
Effect of Using Conjectures and Story-telling in Mathematics Learning: A Phenomenological Study of Two Teachers' Teaching Styles
Authors: Bahadur K. C. Lila
Published: October 2020

The purpose of this study was to describe the personal experience on the effect of story-telling and using conjecture in mathematics learning. This research was designed in hermeneutic phenomenological study. Accidental sampling procedure was used in this study since the researcher was as an external observer of B Ed students majoring mathematics. The researcher was innocent of pedagogical approach of student-teachers. Taking two student-teachers and their students of class eight as participants, their perceptions were noticed. Data were collected on the way of practice teaching external observation from two secondary schools of Butwal and Tilottama Municipality and analyzed with hermeneutic phenomenological approach. Research revealed that story telling is the way of humanizing mathematics, motivates students to the subject matter and the conjecture promotes students' cognitive faculties, logical thinking and develop the Heuristic capacity.
Evaluation of Serum Interleukin-6 and C-Reactive Protein Levels among Women During Term Labour
Authors: James Ubongabasi A. , Imaralu John O. , Esiaba Ijeoma
Published: October 2020

Aims: To determine the serum concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) as well as level of leukocytosis, as inflammatory contributory factors in women with uncomplicated term pregnancies before, during and after labour.

Study Design:  This is a cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of Babcock University Teaching Hospital (BUTH) and Department of Biochemistry, Babcock University, Ogun State Nigeria between June 2019 and February 2020.

Methodology: 45 venous blood samples were obtained from 34 selected women and grouped into three; prenatal (≥ 32 weeks, n = 18), labour (4 to 6 cm dilation, n = 12) and postnatal (≤ 24 hour postpartum, n = 15). Sixteen blood samples were also obtained from the umbilical cord. Levels of CRP and IL-6 were determined by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) techniques and the leukocyte count, by hematologic method. Differences in statistical mean were evaluated by one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Bonferroni post hoc comparison. The level of significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results: Concentration of serum IL-6 was significantly high during labour (1354.79 ± 189.16 pg/mL) compared to the prenatal (14.94 ± 4.86 pg/mL, P < .001) and postnatal (13.17 ± 3.06 pg/mL, P < .001) periods. The low level of CRP observed during active labour compared to the prenatal and postnatal periods did not reach significant difference. The levels of these inflammatory markers were low in the cord blood. Leukocyte counts (P = .011) as well as neutrophils (P = .014) and MID cell fractions (P = .004) were significantly higher during the postnatal period.

Conclusion: The high levels of serum IL-6 observed in this study supports human term labour as an inflammatory event not associated with increased leukocytosis.
Modeling of a Condenser in Dynamic Operation Using Comsol Multiphysics Software
Authors: Fannou Jean-Louis Comlan , Doko Kouandété Valéry , Prodjinonto Vincent , Lamarche Louis , Kajl Stanislaw , Degan Gérard , Sanya Emile A.
Published: October 2020

This paper is about modelling in dynamic operation the heat exchanger system using as condenser in one dimension characterized by two coaxial tubes with ribbed inner tube by using the equations of mass, momentum and energy conservation. The Comsol PDE interface is used to simulate the monophasic and biphasic flows of refrigerant. Heat transfer in water and inner wall of the condenser are modeled with two Heat Transfer Interfaces (solid, fluid) in Comsol software.

The model has been validated by comparing the numerical and experimental results obtained with the direct expansion geothermal heat pump. The analysis of the comparative results shows that the obtained model adequately fits the experimental data with an average deviation of less than 5%. Therefore, it proves that it's a good model which can be used for simulation purposes. This developed numerical model was used to simulate the superheating, condensing and subcooling phases in the condenser. Vapor quality, pressure, enthalpy of the refrigerant and water temperature are also simulated.
Synergistic antibacterial activity of monoterpenes in combination with conventional antimicrobials against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria
Authors: Pereira de Lira Maria Helena , Fernandes Queiroga Moraes Gustavo , Macena Santos Girlene , Patrício de Andrade Júnior Francisco , De Oliveira Pereira Fillipe , Oliveira Lima Igara
Published: October 2020

Introduction: bacterial infections are a public health problem. Besides, the emergence of strains resistant to antimicrobials has
contributed to the search for new alternatives, such for the terpenes with antimicrobial potential. Objectives: the objective of this
study was to determine the possible interaction of isolated monoterpenes (-)-Carveol, Geraniol, Citronellol, α-terpineol, R-(-) Carvone,
(-)-Menthol, Linalool, D-Dihydrocarvone, and (-)-Terpine-4-ol with conventional antimicrobials (Chloramphenicol, Minocycline,
Amoxicillin and Ciprofloxacin) when they are evaluated on Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Bacillus subtilis,
Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains. Methodology: the minimum inhibitory concentrations of these test drugs
were determined using the microdilution method. The Checkerboard method was used to assess the interactions, by determining
the fractional inhibitory concentration index (FIC index). Results: aamong the monoterpenes, only Carveol, Citronellol, and Geraniol
presented antimicrobial activity (MIC < 1024 μg/mL). They presented synergistic effects against Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC-9027
(FIC index ≤ 0.5) when in combination with Minocycline. Conclusion: this study contributes to the development of new approaches
to control bacterial resistance and to the possibility of discovering new drugs.
Barack Obama
Authors: Oliveira Marília Gerhardt de
Published: October 2020

JUNHO DE 2020 - foram suficientes pouco mais de 15 minutos (a partir de um texto-base muito bem elaborado)
para o brilhantismo de verdadeiro Estadista de Barack Obama se diferenciar anos luz do atual Presidente USA/EUA,
ao se pronunciar sobre as manifestações espontâneas a partir do assassinato brutal e injustificável de George Floyd.
Aliás, causa perplexidade ao mundo civilizado o atual Presidente USA/EUA ser modelo para quem, eleito, tem
a responsabilidade de honrar a Presidência no Brasil, assim como o dever irremovível de respeitar nossa Constituição
Cidadã de 1988.
Evidencia-se ainda maior a importância do Estadista Barack Obama por ter inspirado e transformado uma
geração de estado-unidenses, de todas as etnias e credos, a marcharem irmanados pelas ruas de USA/EUA exigindo
mudanças na Justiça e na Segurança Pública, objetivando qualificar a vida em sociedade
Estudo Prospectivo do Grafeno Aplicado a Polímeros em Patentes
Authors: Lima Cintia Maria Carneiro Franco , Quintella Guilherme Da Mata , Rodrigues Lílian Maria Tosta Simplício
Published: October 2020

 

O grafeno, alótropo do carbono, é um material estratégico que apresenta uma diversidade de aplicações tecnológicas por causa das suas propriedades. A pesquisa das famílias de patentes foi realizada no banco internacional de dados europeu com o auxílio do software Orbit, versão 2019, na classificação internacional C08F. A pesquisa foi realizada a partir dos dados de domínio tecnológico, de produção anual de patentes, de P&D e dos mercados de aplicação de polímeros em grafeno, os players, e, por fim, foi realizada uma análise do status legal dessas patentes. Essa análise permitiu identificar tendências de contínuo desenvolvimento nessa tecnologia e constatar que os maiores players e investidores atuam nos mercados chineses.

 
DECRETO 24.645/1934: BREVE HISTÓRIA DA “LEI ÁUREA” DOS ANIMAIS
Authors: Ataide Junior Vicente de Paula , Brizola Paula Mendes Thiago
Published: October 2020

O propósito deste trabalho é apurar as origens históricas e as fontes materiais do Decreto 24.645, de 10 de julho de 1934, considerado o primeiro estatuto jurídico geral do Direito Animal brasileiro, além de evidenciar os seus usos práticos, na época em que foi editado, não apenas na defesa dos direitos animais, como também na defesa dos direitos humanos. Para tanto, utiliza-se da pesquisa histórica, a partir do levantamento das principais publicações e notícias realizadas em jornais naquele período, como também do cotejo com a legislação estrangeira que pode ter subsidiado a elaboração da proposta legislativa. Termina por certificar que este diploma legal permanece vigente e apto para fundamentar, além da ocorrência do crime de maus-tratos, a capacidade de ser parte dos animais não-humanos.
Relationship Between Gastrointestinal Transit, Medsger Gastrointestinal Severity, and University of California–Los Angeles Scleroderma Clinical Trial Consortium Gastrointestinal Tract 2.0 Symptoms in Patients With Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: McMahan Zsuzsanna H. , Tucker Ana E. , Perin Jamie , Volkmann Elizabeth R. , Kulkarni Subhash , Ziessman Harvey A. , Pasricha Pankaj J. , Wigley Fredrick M.
Published: October 2020

Objective

Systemic sclerosis (SSc)–associated gastrointestinal (GI) complications are attributed to a variety of factors, including diet, microbiota dysbiosis, or GI transit abnormalities. Our objective was to examine the contribution of abnormal GI transit to SSc Medsger GI severity scores and/or University of California Los Angeles Scleroderma Clinical Trial Consortium Gastrointestinal Tract (UCLA GIT) 2.0 symptoms.

Methods

Patients with SSc and GI symptoms (n = 71) and healthy controls (n = 18) underwent whole gut transit (WGT) scintigraphy to assess transit from the esophagus to the colon. The presence of delayed transit and percent emptying in each GI region were measured. We compared the WGT measurements between categories of the Medsger GI severity score (0–4) and across UCLA GIT 2.0 domains and total score (0–3).

Results

A total of 88% of patients had >1 abnormal region of the gut on WGT scintigraphy. All patients requiring total parenteral nutrition had delayed small bowel transit, compared to only approximately 11% of patients in other Medsger GI severity groups (P ≤ 0.01). Severe colonic transit delays were more likely in patients with Medsger GI scores of 3 (pseudo‐obstruction and/or malabsorption) compared to other Medsger GI groups (P = 0.02). Seventy‐percent of these patients had ≤30% colonic emptying at 72 hours. Modest associations were noted between gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms and delayed esophageal (r = –0.31, P = 0.05) and gastric emptying (r = –0.32, P = 0.05).

Conclusion

These data are important in providing evidence that SSc bowel disease affects transit of GI content and that delay in transit accounts in part for both bowel symptoms and Medsger GI severity. Prospective studies examining the benefit of early therapeutic intervention targeting GI transit abnormalities in patients at high risk for severe GI complications are needed.
Unlocking the Potential of Mechanochemical Coupling: Boosting the Oxygen Evolution Reaction by Mating Proton Acceptors with Electron Donors
Authors: Curcio Antonino , Wang Jian , Wang Zheng , Zhang Zhiqi , Belotti Alessio , Pepe Simona , Effat Mohammed B. , Shao Zongping , Lim Jongwoo , Ciucci Francesco
Published: October 2020

The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is the bottleneck of many sustainable energy conversion systems, including water splitting technologies. The kinetics of the OER is generally sluggish unless precious metal‐based catalysts are used. Perovskite oxides have shown promise as alternatives to these expensive materials. However, for several perovskites, including SrCoO3−δ, the rate‐limiting step is proton‐transfer. In this study, it is shown that such a kinetic limitation can be overcome by coupling those perovskites with MoS2 mechanochemically. By studying composites of SrMO3−δ (M = Co, Fe, Ti) and MoS2, the role that the formed heterointerfaces play in enhancing the activity is investigated. Mechanochemically mating SrCoO3−δ and MoS2 increases the mass activity toward OER by a factor of ten and led to a Tafel slope of only 37 mV dec−1. In contrast, combining MoS2 with SrFeO3−δ or SrTiO3−δ, two materials whose OER is not limited by proton‐transfer, does not result in an improvement of the performance. The experimental measurements and first‐principle calculations reveal that the MoS2 at the MoS2@SrCoO3−δ heterointerfaces is both an electron and a proton acceptor, thereby facilitating deprotonation of the perovskite and resulting in faster OER kinetics.
Effects of Braiding Parameters on Tissue Engineered Vascular Graft Development
Authors: Zbinden Jacob C. , Blum Kevin M. , Berman Alycia G. , Ramachandra Abhay B. , Szafron Jason M. , Kerr Katherine E. , Anderson Jennifer L. , Sangha Gurneet S. , Earl Conner C. , Nigh Noah R. , Mirhaidari Gabriel J. M. , Reinhardt James W. , Chang Yu‐Chun , Yi Tai , Smalley Ryan , Gabriele Peter D. , Harris Jeremy J. , Humphrey Jay D. , Goergen Craig J. , Breuer Christopher K.
Published: October 2020

Tissue engineered vascular grafts (TEVGs) using scaffolds fabricated from braided poly(glycolic acid) (PGA) fibers coated with poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS) are developed. The approach relies on in vivo tissue engineering by which neotissue forms solely within the body after a scaffold has been implanted. Herein, the impact of altering scaffold braid design and scaffold coating on neotissue formation is investigated. Several combinations of braiding parameters are manufactured and evaluated in a Beige mouse model in the infrarenal abdominal aorta. Animals are followed with 4D ultrasound analysis, and 12 week explanted vessels are evaluated for biaxial mechanical properties as well as histological composition. Results show that scaffold parameters (i.e., braiding angle, braiding density, and presence of a PGS coating) have interdependent effects on the resulting graft performance, namely, alteration of these parameters influences levels of inflammation, extracellular matrix production, graft dilation, neovessel distensibility, and overall survival. Coupling carefully designed in vivo experimentation with regression analysis, critical relationships between the scaffold design and the resulting neotissue that enable induction of favorable cellular and extracellular composition in a controlled manner are uncovered. Such an approach provides a potential for fabricating scaffolds with a broad range of features and the potential to manufacture optimized TEVGs.
Curcumol Overcomes TRAIL Resistance of Non‐Small Cell Lung Cancer by Targeting NRH:Quinone Oxidoreductase 2 (NQO2)
Authors: Zhang Jing , Zhou Ye , Li Nan , Liu Wan‐Ting , Liang Jun‐Ze , Sun Yue , Zhang Wei‐Xia , Fang Run‐Dong , Huang Sheng‐Ling , Sun Zheng‐Hua , Wang Yang , He Qing‐Yu
Published: October 2020

Resistance to tumor‐necrosis‐factor‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (TRAIL) of cancer cell remains a key obstacle for clinical cancer therapies. To overcome TRAIL resistance, this study identifies curcumol as a novel safe sensitizer from a food‐source compound library, which exhibits synergistic lethal effects in combination with TRAIL on non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). SILAC‐based cellular thermal shift profiling identifies NRH:quinone oxidoreductase 2 (NQO2) as the key target of curcumol. Mechanistically, curcumol directly targets NQO2 to cause reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, which triggers endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress‐C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) death receptor (DR5) signaling, sensitizing NSCLC cell to TRAIL‐induced apoptosis. Molecular docking analysis and surface plasmon resonance assay demonstrate that Phe178 in NQO2 is a critical site for curcumol binding. Mutation of Phe178 completely abolishes the function of NQO2 and augments the TRAIL sensitization. This study characterizes the functional role of NQO2 in TRAIL resistance and the sensitizing function of curcumol by directly targeting NQO2, highlighting the potential of using curcumol as an NQO2 inhibitor for clinical treatment of TRAIL‐resistant cancers.
Understanding the Design Principles of Advanced Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Battery Cathodes: From Transport Kinetics to Structural Engineering, and Future Perspectives
Authors: Yong Bo , Ma Dingtao , Wang Yanyi , Mi Hongwei , He Chuanxin , Zhang Peixin
Published: October 2020

Rechargeable aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs) have attracted extensive attention and are considered to be promising energy storage devices, owing to their low cost, eco‐friendliness, and high security. However, insufficient energy density has become the bottleneck for practical applications, which is greatly influenced by their cathodes and makes the exploration of high‐performance cathodes still a great challenge. This review underscores the recent advances in the rational design of advanced cathodes for AZIBs. The review starts with a brief summary and evaluation of cathode material systems, as well as the introduction of proposed storage mechanisms. Then, fundamental problems associated with ion and electron transport behaviors inside the electrode will be pointed out and followed by potential solutions, aiming to reveal the correlation between cathode architecture design and efficient transport kinetics through structural engineering. Afterward, the structural engineering for designing advanced cathodes, including interlayer intercalation, doping effects, defect engineering, surface coatings, composite formation, and morphology control, are summarized and discussed from the view of experimental and theoretical results. Finally, the critical research challenges and future perspectives on advanced cathode materials as well as the potential developing directions of AZIBs are also given.
A Review of the Design of Advanced Binders for High‐Performance Batteries
Authors: Zou Feng , Manthiram Arumugam
Published: October 2020

Polymer binders as a critical component in rechargeable batteries provide the electrodes with interconnected structures and mechanical strength to maintain the electronic/ionic transfer during battery cycling. The conventional binders, such as polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), are not ideal candidates due to their relatively low adhesiveness, weak mechanical strength, and poor functionality for high‐energy‐density batteries with a thick electrode and/or a high‐capacity electrode. Nevertheless, the binder has not yet received the attention that reflects its importance in batteries. The requirements of high energy density batteries make essential the exploration of advanced polymeric binders, which possess particular functions. In this review, state‐of‐the‐art binder design strategies are sorted in terms of the challenges of various electrodes (anodes and cathodes for lithium ion batteries (LIBs) and sulfur cathodes for Li–S batteries), which have been commercialized or have the potential for practical cells. A deep insight into how the polymeric binders improve the cell performance and the design principle of new binders is also provided. Finally, a perspective on the direction of future binder development for high‐energy‐density batteries with long cycle life is presented.
Microporous Induced Fully Printed Pressure Sensor for Wearable Soft Robotics Machine Interfaces
Authors: Sekine Tomohito , Abe Mai , Muraki Kosuke , Tachibana Shogo , Wang Yi-Fei , Hong Jinseo , Takeda Yasunori , Kumaki Daisuke , Tokito Shizuo
Published: October 2020

Soft robotics machine interfaces are desirable for facilitating handling of objects in soft robotics applications. High‐speed responses of the interfaces are crucial for achieving statement conversions in novel robotics systems. Herein, a novel scheme for synthesizing a functional ink for producing fully printed soft pressure sensors that are highly responsive for detection of an applied vertical force is presented. The sensor consists of carbon nanotubes and polymeric soft materials, and achieves good response characteristics because of the microporous sensing layer. The fabricated sensor shows high performance for detecting forces with a high‐speed response. Novel wearable robotics machine interfaces for the printed soft sensor and a soft robotic hand are fabricated to facilitate object manipulation. The artificial sensor for a switching system demonstrates successful gripping and release of an object when controlled by a switch. Further, these findings show that the switching performance of the sensor is suitable for the machine interface for switching applications. This implies that the fabrication of a sensing system for remotely controlled soft robots is possible. Thus, high‐sensitivity printed devices for tactile machine interfaces in the form of a wearable e‐skin are experimentally demonstrated.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Barluenga‐Valdes Type Cross‐Coupling Reaction: Alkenylation of 7‐Azaindoles
Authors: Raina Gaurav , Kannaboina Prakash , Ahmed Qazi Naveed , Mondal Krishanu , Das Parthasarathi
Published: October 2020

An efficient coupling method between sulfonylhydrazones and 7‐azaindoles using Pd(OAc)2 as catalyst and dppf as ligand providing flexible and convergent access to different vinyl 7‐azaindoles is achieved. A wide variety of olefins were obtained up to 86% yields via the coupling of numerous electronically distinct hydrazones with different 7‐azaindoles under the present catalytic conditions. The protocol was further extended to other heteroarenes such as indoles, quinolines, isoquinolines, and pyridine. The imperative feature of these protocols is its ease at the gram scale and their potential to get transformed into different valuable constructs.
Current state of drug analysis in Japanese emergency departments: a nationwide survey
Authors: Otani Norio , Hifumi Toru , Kitamoto Takeshi , Kobayashi Kentaro , Nakaya Nobuaki , Tomioka Joji
Published: October 2020

Aim

In 1999, the Japanese Society for Clinical Toxicology proposed 15 toxicants that would be useful for analysis: methanol, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, bromovalerylurea, tricyclic acid, acetaminophen, salicylic acid, theophylline, organic phosphorus pesticides, carbamate pesticides, glufosinate, paraquat, arsenic, cyanide, and methamphetamine. We aimed to reveal the current state of drug analysis for acute poisoning in the emergency department of Japanese hospitals.

Methods

From 1 April, 2017, we undertook a questionnaire survey in the emergency departments of 546 hospitals designated as educational institutions for emergency physicians.

Results

Responses were obtained from 246 hospitals (45.1%). Among drug abuse screening kits for qualitative testing, 80.9% used the Triage Drugs of Abuse Panel and 7.3% used Instant‐View M‐1. Analytical results have always been immediately obtained by 2.8% of facilities for methanol, 19.5% for barbiturates, 2.4% for benzodiazepines, 0.8% for bromovalerylurea, 1.2% for tricyclic acid, 12.2% for acetaminophen, 4.1% for salicylic acid, 44.3% for theophylline, 2.0% for organic phosphorus pesticides, 1.6% for carbamate pesticides, 1.2% for glufosinate, 2.4% for paraquat, 0.8% for arsenic, 1.2% for cyanide, and 1.2% for methamphetamine.

Conclusion

In the treatment of acute poisoning, drug analysis is important for both clinical judgment and academic verification. However, many of the 15 toxicants proposed to be useful for analysis in 1999 are not yet immediately analyzed in the emergency department of Japanese hospitals. Furthermore, it is necessary to develop inexpensive testing systems and to provide insurance points for testing so that analysis can be carried out by emergency departments.
Exoskeleton for Biofunctionality Protection of Enzymes and Proteins for Intracellular Delivery
Authors: Dutta Saikat
Published: October 2020

Driven by the challenges to protect and restore biofunctionality of enzymes and proteins due to fluctuation of temperature, pH, and solvents, desired tolerances against the intracellular microenvironment can be gained via sheltering enzyme and proteins into nanoscale cages of exoskeleton, one of which involves confinement into the pore and channels of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). While confining biomolecules, such framework exoskeleton and nanoscale cages should drive the enzyme embedding process and induce the formation of the resulting biocomposite suitable for intracellular delivery for therapeutic applications. Translational challenges faced by framework materials such as ZIF‐8 exoskeleton along with few more MOFs for armoring biofunctionality modulation of enzymes and proteins for intracellular delivery efficiency are highlighted. Herein, enzyme embedding patterns, encapsulation of oxidase enzymes, hybrid protein–MOFs, protected protein delivery, and mechanism of biofunctionality protection are discussed. Furthermore, an attempt is made to highlight the scope of exoskeleton biocomposites.
Mallet finger in an anaesthetist following tracheal intubation
Authors: de Vena Franks P. L. , Lightfoot N. J.
Published: October 2020

We describe an unusual work‐related mallet finger injury sustained by an anaesthetist at the time of induction of anaesthesia. Although injuries in healthcare workers are common, they are rarely described in the literature, and this is the first time that such an injury has been described in this setting. The injury was managed non‐surgically and after a significant time away from clinical duties, the anaesthetist made a good recovery and returned to clinical work. Potential contributing factors and preventative strategies are discussed in order to help anaesthetists avoid similar injuries occurring in future.
Fabrication and characterization of adenine‐grafted carbon‐modified amorphous ZnO with enhanced catalytic activity
Authors: Chowhan Bushra , Gupta Monika , Sharma Neha
Published: October 2020

Sustainability has become a countersign and guiding rule for current field of nanocatalysis. Herein, we report a cost‐effective, greener, clean, and proficient process for the formation of adenine‐grafted carbon‐modified amorphous ZnO nanocatalyst (ZnO@AC) derived from garment industry waste (waste cotton cloth). Due to adenine functionality, catalyst provides consistent dispersion of ZnO providing catalytically active sites for the synthesis of pyrano[2,3‐d]pyrimidines and bis(pyrazol‐5‐ole) and alters the electron–hole pair recombination without notable mass‐transfer limitation. The photocatalytic evaluation of ZnO@AC was performed on methyl orange (MO) dye under UV light and 87.3% degradation efficiency resulted in 75 min. Moreover, the catalyst was recyclable and could be reused up to eight runs, making it more sustainable. The morphology of ZnO@AC remained intact with the slight agglomeration of ZnO nanoparticles (nps) after eight recoveries according to the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) image of the used catalyst.
Identification of Unique Aldehyde Dimers in Sorghum Wax Recovered after Fermentation in a Commercial Fuel Ethanol Plant
Authors: Moreau Robert A. , Sharma Megan E. , Nuñez Alberto , Mullen Charles A. , Powell Michael J. , Jones Kerby , Harron Andrew , Cafmeyer Jeffrey T.
Published: October 2020

Sorghum wax can be extracted from the surface of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) kernels. It is composed mostly of a mixture of unsaturated C28 and C30 alkanes, fatty acids, fatty alcohols, and fatty aldehydes. Like carnauba wax, sorghum wax is a hard wax with a high melting point and it has potential edible and industrial applications. The yield of sorghum wax from the surface of sorghum kernels is 0.2–0.5 g of wax per 100 g of kernels. Sorghum wax can also be recovered from the “distillers oil” which is obtained after fermentation of sorghum (milo) or sorghum/corn blends in dry grind fuel ethanol plants. This distillers sorghum wax can potentially be obtained in yields of up to 10% by chilling the distillers oil to precipitate the wax and then recovering it via centrifugation or filtration. Like sorghum kernel wax, distillers sorghum wax is mainly composed of C28 and C30 alkanes, alcohols, and aldehydes in the molecular weight (MW) range of 350–450. However, we found that 7–49% w/w of distillers sorghum wax is composed of larger wax components with MW of 799–912. Analysis via high‐resolution atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry (APCI) and gas chromatography with electron ionization mass spectrometry (GC/MS‐EI) resulted in exact mass data and fragmentation patterns that suggested that these high MW compounds are monounsaturated fatty aldehyde dimers, likely formed by aldol condensation. Further confirmation supporting the GC/MS data for the aldol reaction was obtained by comparison with similar aldol products.