bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of intracardiac echocardiography on readmission morbidity and mortality following atrial fibrillation ablation
Authors: Deshpande Saurabh , Sawatari Hiroyuki , Ahmed Raheel , Nair Rakesh Gopinathan , Khan Hassan , Khanji Mohammed Y. , Somers Virend K. , Chahal C. Anwar A. , Padmanabhan Deepak
Published: September 2022

Introduction

The use of intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) is beneficial during the ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). Evidence is conflicting regarding the clinical impact of using ICE on arrhythmia recurrence and mortality.

Methods

Patients undergoing catheter ablation of AF during 2010–2017 were identified using the International Classification of Diseases‐9th and 10th Revision‐Clinical Modification (ICD‐9‐CM and ICD‐10‐CM) from the Nationwide Readmissions Database. Propensity matching was used to generate a control group. Patient demographics, Charlson comorbidity indexes, time from discharge to readmission, and the reason of readmission were extracted.

Results

From 2010 to 2017, 51 129 patients were included in the analysis out of which ICE was used in 8005 (15.7%) patients. The in‐hospital mortality at readmission was significantly higher in the patients without ICE use (2.9% vs. 1.7%, p = .02). The length of stay (LOS) at readmission was significantly higher in non‐ICE arm (median [interquartile range, IQR]: 3 [2–6] vs. 2 [3–5] days, p < .0001) with similar healthcare‐associated cost (HAC) in both the groups (median [IQR]: US$7507.3 [4057.8–15 474.2] vs. 7339.4 [4024.8–15 191.6], p = .43). Freedom from readmission was 12% higher (hazard ratio [HR] [95% confidence interval, CI]: 0.88 [0.83–0.94], p < .0001) with the use of ICE at 90‐day follow‐up, which was driven by 24% reduction in heart failure (HF) at follow‐up (HR [95% CI]: 0.76 [0.60–0.96], p = .02).

Conclusions

ICE use during AF ablation procedure reduces readmissions at 90 days by 12%, driven by a 24% decrease in HF‐related admissions. The non‐ICE arm showed a significantly higher LOS which offsets marginally higher HAC in the ICE arm.
Orai3 mediates Orai channel remodelling to activate fibroblast in pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Yu Changhui , Zhou Zicong , Huang Wufeng , Li Xiumei , Zou Fei , Meng Xiaojing , Cai Shaoxi
Published: September 2022

Orai family are a calcium channel of cell membrane extracellular Ca2+ influx which participates in tissue fibrosis. But the roles of Orai3 have less attention on the mechanism of regulating lung fibrosis. In this study, we found that Orai3 expression was increased significantly in BLM‐induced lung fibrosis. The knockdown of Orai3 decreased TGF‐β1‐induced fibroblast proliferation, ECM production, activation of NFAT1 and Calpain/ERK signal pathway and glycolysis levels. Orai3 interacting with Orai1 was increased in BLM‐induced lung fibrosis and TGF‐β1‐induced fibroblast, while the Stim1 interacting with Orai1 and SOCE activity was suppressed, leading in a high and stable extracellular Ca2+ influx. Furthermore, the over‐expression of Orai3 did not enhance Orai3 interacting with Orai1 under TGF‐β1 free fibroblast. And then, the deeper mechanism of TGF‐β1‐induced increased SEPTIN4 promoted Orai3 interacting with Orai1. Our results indicated that Orai3 could be one of the therapy targets for PF in which remodels Orai channel, suppresses SOCE activity and activated fibroblast to alleviate fibrosis progress.
Delayed regression of laser‐induced choroidal neovascularization in TNFα‐null mice
Authors: Iwanishi Hiroki , Yamanaka Osamu , Sumioka Takayoshi , Yasuda Shingo , Miyajima Masayasu , Saika Shizuya
Published: September 2022

We investigated the effects of lacking TNFα on the development and regression of Argon‐laser‐induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in mice. We lasered ocular fundus for induction of CNV in both wild‐type (WT) and TNFα‐null (KO) mice. Fluorescence angiography was performed to examine the size of CNV lesions. Gene expression pattern of wound healing‐related components was examined. The effects of exogenous TNFα on apoptosis of human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMECs) and on the tube‐like structure of the cells were investigated in vitro. The results showed that Argon‐laser irradiation‐induced CNV was significantly larger in KO mice than WT mice on Day 21, but not at other timepoints. Lacking TNFα increased neutrophil population in the lesion. The distribution of cleaved caspase3‐labelled apoptotic cells was more frequently observed in the laser‐irradiated tissue in a WT mouse as compared with a KO mouse. Exogenous TNFα induced apoptosis of HRMECs and accelerated regression of tube‐like structure of HRMECs in cell culture. Taken together, TNFα gene knockout delays the regression of laser‐induced CNV in mice. The mechanism underlying the phenotype might include the augmentation of neutrophil population in the treated tissue and attenuation of vascular endothelial cell apoptosis.
Editorial Perspective: Maximising the benefits of intervention research for children and young people with developmental language disorder (DLD) – a call for international consensus on standards of reporting in intervention studies for children with and at risk for DLD
Authors: Frizelle Pauline , McKean Cristina , Eadie Patricia , Ebbels Susan , Fricke Silke , Justice Laura M. , Kunnari Sari , Leitão Suze , Morgan Angela T. , Munro Natalie , Murphy Carol‐Anne , Storkel Holly L. , Van Horne Amanda Owen
Published: September 2022

Current methods for reporting interventions do not allow key questions of importance to practitioners, service providers, policy‐makers and people with DLD to be answered, and hence limit the implementation of effective interventions in the real world. To extend the existing EQUATOR guidelines to the context of speech language therapy/pathology for children with language disorder and to provide more specific guidance on participants, interventions and outcomes within the CONSORT checklist (used to improve the reporting of randomised controlled trials) and TIDieR (Template for Intervention Description and Replication) to ensure consistency of reporting. We will develop a core team to include representatives from each of the key groups who will either use or be influenced by the final reporting guidance across different countries. To achieve each set of aims, we will conduct reviews of the literature (which present typologies of intervention characteristics in (D)LD and related disorders); carry out focus groups; and use systematic consensus methods such as the Delphi technique, nominal group technique or consensus development conferences. Through the development and adoption of standard intervention reporting criteria, we anticipate that we will overcome the numerous barriers for practitioners, services and policy‐makers in applying intervention evidence to practice. We believe that establishing international consensus on reporting guidelines would significantly accelerate progress in DLD research and the ease with which it can be used in clinical practice, by capitalising on the growth in intervention studies to enable international collaboration and new methodologies of data pooling, meta‐analyses and cross‐study comparisons.
Erythrina stem borer moth in California – New taxonomic status and implications for control of this emerging pest
Authors: Sourakov Andrei , Zhang Jing , Cong Qian , Song Leina , Grishin Nick V.
Published: September 2022

During the last 10 years, the Erythrina stem borer moth, Terastia meticulosalis, emerged as a pest of cultivated coral trees (Erythrina spp.) in California. Erythrina trees are valued for their moderate drought resistance and beautiful flame‐like flowers. They are beloved enough to be considered Los Angeles's official “City Tree.” Thus, they are a valuable horticultural crop and are grown by many nurseries and occur throughout the landscape in coastal southern California. Coral trees have been heavily affected by T. meticulosalis recently. Using whole genome sequencing techniques, we analysed the origins of this and other infestations of Erythrina in coastal areas and found that they have likely originated from the repeated expansions of the native range of the species in Arizona, a process possibly driven by climatic factors and/or movement of plants by humans. We also found sufficient genetic differences between the western population of the moth and the rest of the New World populations to describe a new western subspecies, T. meticulosalis occidentalis Sourakov & Grishin ssp. n. (type locality USA: CA, San Diego Co., La Jolla). These findings are of economic importance for future attempts to control the moth's impact on activities surrounding the horticultural use of Erythrina spp. by the Californian landscape and nursery industries.
Optimization of process variables for preparation of horse gram flour incorporated high fiber nutritious biscuits
Authors: Joshi Homi , Awasthi Pratima , Shahi Navin C.
Published: September 2022

The present study aims at optimizing the process variables for development of horse gram flour incorporated biscuits, high in protein and dietary fiber. Box–Behnken design was employed to optimize the levels of three independent variables viz. flour: fat ratio, % whole wheat flour (WWF) replaced by horse gram flour (HF) and baking time (minutes) and their effects were determined over the response parameters that is, overall acceptability, fat content (g/100 g), dietary fiber (g/100 g), hardness and color difference (ΔE). Results showed that increasing the flour: fat ratio and % of WWF replaced by HF significantly decreased (p < 0.05) the overall acceptability. Fat content of biscuits was also significantly affected by the flour: fat ratio and % of HF. The hardness and dietary fiber content of biscuits was found to be positively correlated with flour: fat ratio and % WWF replaced by HF. It was observed that prolonging the baking time led to an increase (p < 0.05) in the hardness and color difference of biscuits. The optimized nutritious biscuits were obtained at flour: fat ratio 4.15:1, 23.5% WWF replaced by HF and baking time 29 min. Horse gram flour incorporated biscuits thus optimized were high in dietary fiber (9.37 g/100 g) and low in fat (16.41 g/100 g). Other responses predicted in terms of OA, hardness and color difference (ΔE) were 7.03, 31.53 N and 8.01 respectively. The study thus explains that the under‐utilized grain legume – horse gram can be successfully incorporated to develop fiber rich nutritious biscuits with good consumer acceptability.

Novelty Impact Statement

In this study, response surface methodology (RSM) was used to develop and optimize horse gram flour incorporated biscuits by supplementing horse gram flour to whole wheat flour in different ratios. These biscuits being high in dietary fiber, protein and low in fat may be a better alternative for the commercially available biscuits, especially for the diabetics. Also, this may improve the status of underutilized indigenous legume horse gram.
Endoscopic radial incision versus endoscopic balloon dilation as initial treatments of benign esophageal anastomotic stricture
Authors: Zhang Zhao‐Chao , Xu Jia‐Qi , Xu Jia‐Xin , Xu Mei‐Dong , Chen Shi‐Yao , Zhong Yun‐Shi , Zhang Yi‐Qun , Chen Wei‐Feng , Ma Li‐Li , Qin Wen‐Zheng , Hu Jian‐Wei , Cai Ming‐Yan , Yao Li‐Qing , Li Quan‐Lin , Zhou Ping‐Hong
Published: September 2022

Background and Aim

We aim to evaluate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic radial incision (ERI) versus endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) treatment of naïve, recurrent, and refractory benign esophageal anastomotic strictures.

Methods

One hundred and one ERI, 145 EBD, and 42 ERI combined with EBD sessions were performed in 136 consecutive patients with benign esophageal anastomotic stricture after esophagectomy at Zhongshan Hospital from January 2016 to August 2021. Baseline characteristics, operational procedures, and clinical outcomes data were retrospectively evaluated. Parameters and recurrence‐free survival (RFS) were compared between ERI and EBD in patients with naïve or recurrent or refractory strictures. Risk factors for re‐stricture after ERI were identified using univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

Twenty‐nine ERI versus 68 EBD sessions were performed for naïve stricture, 26 ERI versus 60 EBD for recurrent strictures, and 46 ERI versus 17 EBD for refractory stricture. With comparable baseline characteristics, RFS was greater in the ERI than the EBD group for naïve strictures (P = 0.0449). The ERI group had a lower 12‐month re‐stricture rate than the EBD group (37.9% vs 61.8%, P = 0.0309) and a more prolonged patency time (181.5 ± 263.1 vs 74.5 ± 82.0, P = 0.0233). Between the two interventions, recurrent and refractory strictures had similar RFS (P = 0.0598; P = 0.7668). Multivariate analysis revealed initial ERI treatment was an independent predictive factor for lower re‐stricture risk after ERI intervention (odds ratio = 0.047, P = 0.001). Few adverse events were observed after ERI or EBD (3.0% vs 2.1%, P = 0.6918).

Conclusions

ERI is associated with lower re‐stricture rates with better patency and RFS compared with EBD for naive strictures.
A mixed‐method evaluation of cadaver surgery training for gynecologic oncology
Authors: Tamate Masato , Matsuura Motoki , Kanao Hiroyuki , Saito Tsuyoshi
Published: September 2022

Aim

Traditional surgical training techniques with using patients, and new advances with live animals, artificial models, and simulation methods have several shortcomings. There are a few reports on the usefulness of cadaver surgery training (CST) in gynecology. Herein, we used a mixed‐method evaluation to qualitatively and quantitatively explore the educational efficacy of CST by conducting CST programs at the Sapporo Medical University, Japan.

Methods

In 2020, we conducted two CST programs with 45 participants—13 residents, 8 specialists recognized by Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 23 certified endoscopists recognized by Japan Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics Endoscopy and Minimally Invasive Therapy, 15 specialists recognized by Japan Society of Gynecologic Oncology, and 14 certified endoscopists cum oncology. Three participants observed the procedure virtually and 42 were physically present. Laparoscopic radical hysterectomy and pelvic exenteration were performed on five Thiel‐embalmed cadavers. Participants were asked to complete pre‐ and post‐training surveys that included qualitative questions, concerning the purpose and cost of CST, and quantitative questions, testing anatomical knowledge.

Results

We observed that the rate of score improvement to the quantitative questions increased from 58.6% pre‐CST to 75.6% post‐CST. Furthermore, oncology specialists and those who performed more surgeries and faced more complications during surgeries recorded high percentage of correct answers. Multiple regression analysis statistically confirmed these results.

Conclusions

This study confirmed the educational efficacy of CST.
Oral agents for acute severe hypertension in children with minimal or no symptoms
Authors: Hijazzi Sally , Moon Kwi , Larkins Nicholas G
Published: September 2022

Acute hypertension is common among children admitted to hospital, and large or rapid increases in blood pressure place children at risk of complications such as posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome. Guidelines in the United States and Europe now include definitions guiding the identification of acute severe hypertension (otherwise known as hypertensive crisis) and its management. This review discusses these recommendations and the appropriate use of oral antihypertensive agents for children with minimal or no symptoms. We focus on the role of oral calcium channel blockers, including isradipine (a second‐generation dihydropyridine), given recent changes to regulatory approvals in Australia. The differing pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of agents are compared, with the aim of facilitating directed drug selection and dosing.
Good health care for a good life? The case of down syndrome
Authors: van den Driessen Mareeuw Francine A. , Coppus Antonia M. W. , Delnoij Diana M. J. , de Vries Esther
Published: September 2022

People with Down syndrome have complex health care needs which are not always fully met. Health care improvements are required to better meet these needs. Quality indicators are an important tool for improving health care. However, quality indicators for health care for people with Down syndrome are scarce. Existing quality indicators focus on medical (physical) needs or the clinical setting, even though it is acknowledged that quality measures should reflect the total of quality aspects relevant to the population at stake, which may encompass aspects beyond the medical domain. These aspects beyond the medical domain are the focus of the current paper, which aims to provide insight into the way people with Down syndrome live their lives, how health care may fit in, and how this may impact the development of quality indicators. The paper is based on data originating from interviews with people with Down syndrome and their parents as well as focus groups with support staff members working in assisted living facilities for people with intellectual disability. The data revealed a lot of variation in how people with Down syndrome live their lives. Nevertheless, we were able to identify 11 topics, which we grouped into three overarching themes: (1) Being different yet living a normal life; (2) Down syndrome‐(un)friendly society and services; and (3) family perspective. The variation in our data stresses the importance of health care that takes a person's life into account beyond the medical domain, as exemplified by the identified topics. Our findings also show that a good life is not merely depending on good health care supported by well‐defined quality indicators, but on (support in) all life domains.
Internal promotion and the Bosman ruling: Evidence from the English Premier League
Authors: Radoman Mihailo , Voia Marcel C.
Published: September 2022

The analysis of English Premier League clubs' reliance on internal versus external sources for competitive game‐time opportunities to unproven players is motivated by relevant labour economics literature. Two uniquely created data sets are utilized to establish robust results supporting the notion that certain clubs' youth programmes provide greater first‐team playing time opportunities through internal sources. This information is further used to create a unique index for youth development reputation of the clubs. In addition to this index and the original data set, this paper creates a link between existing internal versus external hiring labour literature and a club's decision to give game‐time opportunities to new players externally or resort to their internal hiring. Foreign sourced players become more prevalent in the league after the Bosman ruling, and their probability of game‐time selection is positively correlated with club stature. Survival analysis results also establishes a presence of heterogeneity at the youth club level that signals differences in player career prospects generated by their youth training, which is supplementary to the number of opportunities given to youth players by these clubs. This model also shows that the Bosman ruling positively impacts the career duration of youth players as opposed to its negative effect on game‐time selection, which signals that even though competitive game‐time opportunities are more limited, the quality of internally sourced players is higher as a result of increased competitive pressures brought upon by the Bosman ruling.
Tobacco leaf tissue rapidly detoxifies direct salt loads without activation of calcium and SOS signaling
Authors: Graus Dorothea , Li Kunkun , Rathje Jan M. , Ding Meiqi , Krischke Markus , Müller Martin J. , Cuin Tracey Ann , Al‐Rasheid Khaled A. S. , Scherzer Sönke , Marten Irene , Konrad Kai R. , Hedrich Rainer
Published: September 2022

Salt stress is a major abiotic stress, responsible for declining agricultural productivity. Roots are regarded as hubs for salt detoxification, however, leaf salt concentrations may exceed those of roots. How mature leaves manage acute sodium chloride (NaCl) stress is mostly unknown.

To analyze the mechanisms for NaCl redistribution in leaves, salt was infiltrated into intact tobacco leaves. It initiated pronounced osmotically‐driven leaf movements. Leaf downward movement caused by hydro‐passive turgor loss reached a maximum within 2 h.

Salt‐driven cellular water release was accompanied by a transient change in membrane depolarization but not an increase in cytosolic calcium ion (Ca2+) level. Nonetheless, only half an hour later, the leaves had completely regained turgor. This recovery phase was characterized by an increase in mesophyll cell plasma membrane hydrogen ion (H+) pumping, a salt uptake‐dependent cytosolic alkalization, and a return of the apoplast osmolality to pre‐stress levels. Although, transcript numbers of abscisic acid‐ and Salt Overly Sensitive pathway elements remained unchanged, salt adaptation depended on the vacuolar H+/Na+‐exchanger NHX1.

Altogether, tobacco leaves can detoxify sodium ions (Na+) rapidly even under massive salt loads, based on pre‐established posttranslational settings and NHX1 cation/H+ antiport activity. Unlike roots, signaling and processing of salt stress in tobacco leaves does not depend on Ca2+ signaling.
Paraneoplastic pemphigus associated with Castleman disease: A multicenter case series
Authors: Barry Kelly K. , Plumptre Isabella , Bazewicz Christopher G. , Green Brian P. , Treat James R. , Hughes Meagan , Morel Kimberly D. , Wiss Karen , Liang Marilyn G.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Paraneoplastic pemphigus (PNP) is a rare, often fatal, autoimmune blistering disease of the skin and mucous membranes. In children, PNP is frequently associated with Castleman disease (CD). This series describes five cases of PNP associated with CD.

Methods

Data were collected retrospectively from the medical records of patients with a diagnosis of PNP and CD from January 2013 to June 2022. Patients ≤22 years old with clinical and immunopathologic evidence of PNP were included; CD was diagnosed histopathologically.

Results

Two children, two adolescents, and one young adult (two males, three females) were included. The average age at disease presentation was 11.8 years (range: 7–22 years). Oral (n = 5) and anogenital (n = 3) mucositis were common. Four patients had “unicentric” CD (UCD); one patient had “multicentric” CD (MCD). Castleman tumors were in the retroperitoneum (n = 4) or axilla (n = 1). One patient had myasthenia gravis without thymoma. Three patients had bronchiolitis obliterans (BO). Three patients had complete resection of their CD; two had partial resection. Three patients remain alive with a median follow‐up of 13 months (range: 12 months to 13 years); two are clinically stable with resolution of mucocutaneous lesions; one has persistent BO requiring ongoing ventilatory support. Patients who remain alive had UCD with complete resection; all deceased patients had partial resection and BO.

Conclusion

Most patients had UCD, and the retroperitoneum was the most common location. Patients with MCD, incomplete resection, and BO died; patients with UCD and complete resection remain alive, even in the setting of BO. Consideration of PNP is critical when pediatric patients present with mucositis as PNP may be clinically indistinguishable from more common causes of mucositis.
A framework to guide research and practice response to emerging infectious diseases: Genomic‐to‐global considerations
Authors: Prescott Stephanie , Schminkey Donna , Abukhalaf Danielle , DeGuzman Pamela , Dreisbach Caitlin
Published: September 2022

Newly emerging infectious diseases (EIDs), like the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) virus, are becoming increasingly common. Due to geographic, political, social, behavioral, and genomic differences, some populations are more vulnerable to infectious disease spread than others. The purpose of this article is to present a framework for research and practice response to emergent infectious diseases that addresses multiple transdisciplinary actions to limit exposure or mitigate adverse outcomes for individuals and communities. Recent experience with new strains of emergent infectious diseases reinforces the importance of intervening at multiple levels, from genomics to political messaging to create multipronged, transdisciplinary interventions to contain the threat. In particular, incorporation of genomics into public health nursing practice of infectious diseases management can enhance existing regional‐, community‐, and individual‐level health promotion and protection efforts, thus impacting long‐term health outcomes.
State regulation of Nigeria's maritime ports: Exploring the impact of port concession on both the regulator and the operators
Authors: Iwuoha Victor Chidubem , Okafor Nneka Ifeoma , Ifeadike Emmanuel
Published: September 2022

Extant literature neglects the impact of state regulation in a dual structure of port governance by both the government and private terminal operators (via the public‐private partnership). Using the Nigerian experience, this article interrogates the impact of the implementation of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) regulatory frameworks on the management of 2006 port concession in the maritime industry. Based on qualitative and content analysis of data, the article argues that poor articulation and implementation of the NPA regulatory frameworks are implicated in the level of port asset management, operational efficiency, quality of port service, compliance capacity of terminal operators, and patronage system in the maritime industry. The terminal operators capitalize on the complications and gaps in the NPA regulatory frameworks to substantially subvert the government's port control and undermine effective port‐asset management in the maritime industry.

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Serving two masters? Optimizing mobile ad contracts with heterogeneous advertisers
Authors: Ghoshal Abhijeet , Mookerjee Radha , Sun Zhen
Published: September 2022

Our research question is motivated by a real problem faced by an existing demand aggregator. The aggregator represents multiple advertisers, each of whom signs one of two types of contracts with the aggregator for bidding on an RTB (real‐time bidding) platform. A quality contract occurs on a cost‐per‐impression (CPM, i.e., cost per thousand impressions) basis. The advertiser is promised a minimum number of impressions and pays a CPM that is a function of the targeting quality as measured by the realized click‐through rate (CTR). In a performance contract the advertiser pays on a CPC (cost‐per‐click) basis constrained by a budget. We develop and solve a generalized profit maximization problem that jointly optimizes the aggregator's bidding and allocation decisions. The allocation policy optimally assigns each arriving bidding opportunity to a specific advertiser. The bidding policy then computes a bid amount for that allocation based on the estimated click probability of the opportunity. Our solution has nice theoretical properties. First, neither policy depends on the memory carried in the system, that is, the sequence of previous states and decisions, making the solution easy to implement. Second, the allocation policy is shown to have a threshold structure. This enables the assignment of arriving opportunities into one of two distinct sets, each corresponding to a specific advertising contract type. The assessment of the impact of the change in various parameters on the solution is used to derive several interesting and important implications for the management of advertising contracts.
Entrepreneurial alertness and business model innovation in dynamic markets: international performance implications for SMEs
Authors: Lew Yong Kyu , Zahoor Nadia , Donbesuur Francis , Khan Huda
Published: September 2022

A significant yet rarely probed question in the international entrepreneurship literature is to what extent and when entrepreneurial alertness (EA) manifests into international performance for small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs). Using survey data from 214 SMEs in the United Arab Emirates, this study investigates the relationships between EA, business model innovation (BMI), domestic market dynamism and internationalisation scope of SMEs. The study finds that BMI (i.e., entrepreneurial action) significantly mediates the relationship between EA (i.e., entrepreneurial capability) and SMEs' internationalisation scope (i.e., international performance). Furthermore, when domestic market dynamism is high, the effect of BMI on internationalisation scope is strengthened. These findings provide theoretical and practical implications for international entrepreneurship research in the SME context.
The 30th anniversary of hurricane Andrew: Evolution of the Florida homeowners insurance market
Authors: Carrillo Gabriel , Telljohann Dana , Nyce Charles
Published: September 2022

Hurricane Andrew made landfall in Homestead, Florida as a category 5 hurricane on August 24, 1992. This 30‐year anniversary review examines the changes within the Florida and coastal United States homeowners insurance markets. We review market changes specifically related to market concentration, risk pricing, and volatility. We find that most states have become less concentrated since the early 1990s. We also find that risk pricing has changed since Hurricane Andrew with the creation of a new catastrophe market where insurers rely on catastrophe models to help price catastrophe‐prone risks. Finally, we see that most states did not experience much volatility over the 30 years following Hurricane Andrew, with Florida being an exception. This is most likely due to the large population growth, increase in fraudulent claims, and high litigation costs. Overall, Hurricane Andrew changed how the insurance industry viewed catastrophic events and thus changed how they manage, model, and price catastrophe‐prone areas.
Impact of cultural tightness on vaccination rate
Authors: Jones James , Trombley Timothy E. , Trombley Michael P.
Published: September 2022

We find that cultural tightness, that is, the level of social punishment for violating norms, is associated with lower vaccination rates against COVID‐19 across both states and counties in the United States. This is consistent with individuals in tighter cultures being more likely to base risk management decisions on social norms rather than on advice from experts and leaders. It is also consistent with our documentation of a social norm against COVID‐19 vaccination. This implies that when a society depends on individual action to help manage society‐wide risks, social norms can influence the degree to which individuals in tighter societies will engage in actions that minimize the overall risk to the society.
Effect of Behcet's disease‐associated oral ulcers on oral health related quality of life
Authors: Ali Shereen , Nagieb Clair Sobhy , Fayed Hala Lotfy
Published: September 2022

Aim

The current study assessed the clinical characteristics of patients suffering from Behcet's disease (BD)‐associated oral ulcers and investigated the effect of these oral ulcers on the oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL).

Methods

This study included BD patients suffering from active oral ulcers, defined by the revised International Criteria for BD (ICBD) criteria. We collected BD and oral ulcers characteristics. The oral ulcer activity index and OHRQoL were measured by composite index (CI) and Oral Health Impact Profile‐14 (OHIP‐14), respectively.

Results

Genital and ocular manifestations were the most frequent. Ocular manifestations were the main diagnostic manifestation. The mean age of BD diagnosis and first oral ulcer appearance were 32.15 ± 8.96 and 29.62 ± 9.04, respectively. Minor oral ulcers were more frequent; solitary or multiple. CI revealed that pain was more severe than functional disability. OHIP‐14 showed that patients suffered more often from pain and difficulties in eating. Patients reported feeling tense, being irritable, doing usual job with difficulty, and having less satisfying life.

Conclusion

BD‐associated oral ulcers lead to poor quality of life. Female gender, multiple ulcers, and buccal mucosa were associated with more severe pain and functional disability as well as poorer quality of life.
Multi‐omics provides new insights into the domestication and improvement of dark jute (Corchorus olitorius)
Authors: Yang Zemao , Tian Shilin , Li Xiangkong , Dai Zhigang , Yan An , Chen Zhong , Chen Jiquan , Tang Qing , Cheng Chaohua , Xu Ying , Deng Canhui , Liu Chan , Kang Ling , Xie Dongwei , Zhao Jian , Chen Xiaojun , Zhang Xiaoyu , Wu Yupeng , Li Alei , Su Jianguang
Published: September 2022

Jute (Corchorus sp.) is the most important bast fiber crop worldwide; however, the mechanisms underlying domestication and improvement remain largely unknown. We performed multi‐omics analysis by integrating de novo sequencing, resequencing, and transcriptomic and epigenetic sequencing to clarify the domestication and improvement of dark jute Corchorus olitorius. We demonstrated that dark jute underwent early domestication and a relatively moderate genetic bottleneck during improvement breeding. A genome‐wide association study of 11 important agronomic traits identified abundant candidate loci. We characterized the selective sweeps in the two breeding stages of jute, prominently, soil salinity differences played an important role in environmental adaptation during domestication, and the strongly selected genes for improvement had an increased frequency of favorable haplotypes. Furthermore, we speculated that an encoding auxin/indole‐3‐acetic acid protein COS07g_00652 could enhance the flexibility and strength of the stem to improve fiber yield. Our study not only provides valuable genetic resources for future fiber breeding in jute, but also is of great significance for reviewing the genetic basis of early crop breeding.
Investigation of a High-Pressure Turbine Stage in a High-Speed Rotating Transient Test Facility for Rotor Tip Study and a Parametric Study for Improved Heat Transfer Calculation
Authors: Singh Deepanshu , Beard Paul F. , Cardwell David , Chana Kam S.
Published: September 2022

The first part of the paper presents commissioning of a single-stage high-pressure (HP) turbine employed in a series of extensive experiments to study the aerodynamics and heat transfer on the rotor surface and casing liner. The Oxford Turbine Research Facility (OTRF), a high-speed rotating transient test facility has the capability to take unsteady aerodynamic and heat transfer measurements at engine representative conditions with a variety of inlet temperature profiles including radial distortion and swirl. A temperature profile survey was conducted at the inlet of the HP nozzle guide vane (NGV). Static and total pressure and temperature measurements have been taken at various locations on the rig including NGV surface, inlet and exit, and rotor exit to establish rig operating conditions. Detailed description of mass flow rate measurements along with calculation of heat loss factor in the rig is presented. The second part of the paper presents a parametric study performed to improve heat transfer measurement calculations from high-frequency response thin-film gauges. The effect of parameters like material properties and thickness of substrate on heat flux has been studied. A detailed uncertainty analysis for heat flux is also presented. A thermal model calibrated with analytical solutions has been developed to optimize thin-film gauge configurations and to study side-conduction effects.
Modal Identification of Bladed Disks by Time–Frequency Analysis of the Nonsynchronous Response
Authors: Carassale Luigi , Guida Roberto , Marrè-Brunenghi Michela
Published: September 2022

In some circumstances, it is impossible to exploit resonance crossings to identify the modal properties of rotor disks. In these cases, the identification process must rely on nonsynchronous vibrations and becomes challenging for two reasons. First, the signals are weak (compared to the levels measured during resonance crossings) and random, thus an averaging procedure is necessary. Second, the dynamical system is time-variant due to the variation of the rotor speed. This paper presents a modal identification procedure formulated in the framework of the time–frequency analysis. A region of the time–frequency plane is stretched to map the system into a fictitious linear time-invariant (LTI) system. Then, the power spectral density function (PSD) of the response is computed by an averaging procedure. Finally, the modal properties are estimated through an output-only modal identification algorithm. The procedure is applied to simulated and experimental data regarding a bladed disk of a steam turbine.
Large Eddy Simulation Investigation of Low Rossby Number Buoyant Flow in Rotating Cavities
Authors: Sun Zixiang , Gao Feng , Chew John W. , Amirante Dario
Published: September 2022

Flow and heat transfer in axial compressor disk cavities involve strong interaction of axial throughflow at the disk bores with centrifugal buoyant flow in the cavities. This paper presents large eddy simulation (LES) of flow and heat transfer in rotating cavities with a heated shroud and a relatively weak axial cooling throughflow. The conditions considered for a single cavity configuration correspond to Rossby numbers Ro=0.2 and 0.3, rotational Reynolds numbers ReΩ=3.2× 105 and 7.7×105, and buoyancy parameters βΔT=0.24 and 0.26. Reasonable agreement of the results with shroud heat transfer measurements was confirmed for the Ro=0.2 condition for which test data were available. A dual cavity configuration for Ro=0.3 and ReΩ=3.2× 105 is also modeled. The simulations show that, at low Ro conditions, flow reversals occur along the length of the bore flow path, upstream and downstream of the rotating cavities. With the dual cavity strong, unsteady interactions between the flows in the two cavities occur. These flow interactions result in less stable flow structures, higher air temperatures within the cavities and lower shroud and disk heat transfer compared to the single cavity case. FFT analysis reveals a complex phase-locking mechanism between flows in the two cavities.
Preparation and Characterization of Red Mud Modified Chitosan-PVA Composite Membrane for Direct Methanol Fuel Cell
Authors: Murmu Rabiranjan , Roy Debashis , Patra Sarat Chandra , Sutar Harekrushna , Choudhary Bishnu
Published: September 2022

A novel cost-effective chitosan-polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-red mud (RM) hybrid membranes are developed and their morphological and physiochemical properties are studied. The addition of RM enhanced IEC and bound water content in composite membranes. The hydroxyl groups are consumed due to the interaction with silica oxides and depleted the crystalline phase of the composites. The tensile strength and modulus of the composite membranes were reduced. The addition of RM improves the thermal stability of the composite membrane and shifts the degradation process to a higher temperature. The RM nanoparticles depleted the hooping sites for methanol transport in the composite membrane and the permeability value reported in the modified membrane was one order lower than the Nafion (N117) membrane. The proton conductivity of the composite membranes is obtained by fitting the EIS data in an equivalent circuit model. The composite membrane provides higher proton conductivity at reduced relative humidity conditions and the proton transport was governed by Grotthus mechanism. The modified membrane provides the maximum power density of 44 mW/cm2 at a current density of 140 mA/cm2. The durability test was conducted at a current density of 0.15 A/cm2 and 70 °C for 144 h to evaluate fuel cell performance and voltage decay. The durability study confirms that the modified membrane provides higher cell stability with marginal drop in cell voltage (1.76%). The reduction of methanol cross-over and the enhancement of membrane selectivity increases power density of the direct methanol fuel cell.
Investigation of Wear Property and Strengthening Mechanism of Hot-Rolled Medium Manganese Steel on Condition of Slurry Erosion Wear
Authors: Wang Qingliang , Wang Junxiang
Published: September 2022

In order to further expand the application field of medium manganese steel, its wear property and strengthening mechanism under the slurry erosion wear were studied in this paper. At different erosion angles and velocities, the erosion-wear resistance of medium manganese steel was superior to the martensitic wear-resistant steel. The formation of wear-hardened layer caused by the work-hardening effect was the fundamental reason for wear strengthening. The depth of the wear-hardening layer was nearly 400 µm and surface hardness was above 495 HV. The wear strengthening mechanism was attributed to the combined strengthening, including the martensitic transformation, twin, and dislocation strengthening. The maximum value of erosion wear-rate appeared at 60 deg erosion angle and the minimum value occurred at 90 deg erosion angle. The erosion-wear damage included three aspects of the micro-cutting, erosion peeling caused by the plastic deformation, and local gouging abrasion. The change of erosion angle led to the change of normal and tangential force components of erosion particles on the wear surface, which changed the main wear mechanism of erosion wear. With the change of erosion angle from low to high, the main wear mechanism gradually changed from the micro-cutting wear to the erosion peeling wear and local gouging abrasion.
Extreme Environmental Loading: Long-Term Distributions of Crests, Kinematics and Loads
Authors: Gibson Richard , Swan Chris
Published: September 2022

The prediction of extreme environmental loading is critical to the assessment of the structural integrity of all fixed offshore installations. In the last ten years significant improvements have been made both in our understanding of the applied loads and our ability to model them. In particular, the importance of the following processes has been highlighted: the effects of nonlinearities beyond second-order on wave crest elevations; and both the occurrence and the effects of wave breaking on kinematics high in the water column. These effects must be included in a long-term assessment of loading. The calculation of which requires the following: a long-term model for the metocean environment; short-term models for wave processes and wave loading; and an assessment of model uncertainty. This paper presents an efficient Monte Carlo methodology through which the long - term distributions can be defined. This has been developed within the LOADS JIP. It utilises the present best practice in long-term metocean modelling, short-term models that incorporate the latest knowledge, and a rigorous assessment of epistemic uncertainties. The paper provides the results of a long-term analysis of crest elevations, kinematics, and loading for a location within the North Sea. It contrasts the findings with historical calculations and discusses the implications.
A Probabilistic Structural Reliability Assessment of Existing North Sea Platforms
Authors: Kent John , Randell David , Rose Stephen , Feld Graham , Fakas Emmanuel
Published: September 2022

There are four key areas in the SRA of fixed jackets that have been impacted by recent advances in our understanding of extreme offshore wave conditions. These are: the probability distribution of crest heights in extreme seas; the occurrence of breaking waves and their associated enhanced near-surface kinematics; the calculation of wave-in-deck loading where inundation occurs; and, the probabilistic incorporation of multiple structural failure modes. The authors have applied the new approaches for platforms in the Central and Northern North Sea to assess the impact on the estimated structural reliability. The paper describes the experience of using the new methods on one of these platforms in terms of: the sensitivities of the approach to various assumptions; the simplifying assumptions that were used to make the problem more tractable; the computational complexity associated with adopting the full probabilistic approach that is inherent within the new methods; and, the overall impact of using the methods on the calculated structural reliability.
Life Extension and Integrity Management of Ageing Pipelines
Authors: Sharp John V. , Salama Mamdouh , Ersdal Gerhard , Stacey Alexander
Published: September 2022

There are large number of export pipelines installed and operating worldwide, conveying fluids from offshore fields to available land-based processing facilities. Many of these pipelines have now exceeded that original design life and are now in an ageing phase.

There are two main time dependent degradation mechanisms for pipeline, namely corrosion and fatigue. Consideration of these is critical in establishing the safe operating life of a pipeline, whether it is the original life or the extended life. In addition, there are other degradation mechanisms, such as erosion and accidental damage, for example from trawl boards or extreme storms. Operational pressure fluctuations and changes such as the hydrocarbon composition can also be a major source of long-term degradation. An example would be the presence of H2S, due to reservoir souring with time. This may give rise to sulphide stress corrosion cracking for pipelines that are not originally designed for sour service.

Pipeline integrity management is a key process to ensure continuing safety and loss prevention, which is particularly important for ageing pipelines. Assessment of pipeline integrity can be conducted using several industry standards and guidelines.

In many countries, pipelines that can cause a major accident or loss require regulatory approval. For example, in the UK this includes the preparation of a ‘major accident prevention document’, which assesses hazards, evaluates risk, together with a safety management system.

Inspection of pipelines has developed over many years enabling damage to be detected effectively, both internally and externally. Monitoring of fluids is also undertaken on a regular basis, to provide data on the condition of the line. Repair of damage pipelines has been undertaken using both welding and clamp technology. Robotic repair of damaged pipelines is also developing.

This paper will investigate the required assessment process for the life extension of ageing pipelines and the integrity management of these in the life extension phase, which requires a similar treatment to the assessment and management of aging structures.