bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scanning diamond NV center magnetometer probe fabricated by laser cutting and focused ion beam milling
Authors: Kainuma Yuta , Hayashi Kunitaka , Tachioka Chiyaka , Ito Mayumi , Makino Toshiharu , Mizuochi Norikazu , An Toshu
Published: December 2021

The nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond have been applied to scanning magnetometer probes combined with atomic force microscopy (AFM) to demonstrate nanometer-scale magnetic sensing and imaging. However, the scanning diamond NV center probe fabrication requires complicated processes including electron-beam lithography and photolithography. In this study, we introduce an alternative method to fabricate a scanning NV probe using laser cutting and focused ion beam (FIB) milling from a bulk diamond hosting an ensemble of NV centers. A few tens of micrometer-sized diamond pieces, cut by laser processing, were attached to the probe end of a quartz tuning-fork-based AFM. Then, it was fabricated into a few-micrometer-sized diamond NV center probe by using a donut-shaped milling pattern in the FIB processing to avoid damage to the diamond probe surface to degrade the NV− charged state at the tip apex. By using a home-built scanning NV magnetometer probe microscopy setup, an optically detected magnetic resonance was measured to detect stray magnetic fields demonstrating the imaging of a magnetic structure of approximately 5-μm periodicity from a magnetic tape. This study offers a method with a higher degree of probe-shape control for scanning NV probe that will broaden its application capabilities.
Introduction to Nanostructures
Authors: Pradhan Karan Kumar , Chakraverty Snehashish
Published: December 2021

Nanostructures generally refer to the material systems that are in the range of 1 to 100 nanometers. In a nanostructure, electrons are normally confined in one of the dimensions, whereas in the other dimensions, they are free to move in all directions. This chapter begins with the origin and gradual development of nanostructures in various disciplines of science and technology. These nanomaterials have tremendous applications in electronics, medicine, agriculture, biomedical engineering, and environmental remediation techniques, which make these materials among the most promising and evolving materials in the recent era. Nanoparticles, nanoribbons, nanographenes, and carbon nanotubes are just the names of a few of these materials. As such, a brief review on these nanomaterials has also been addressed in further discussions.
Mass spectra and decay of mesons under strong external magnetic field *
Authors: Yang Shuyun , Jin Meng , Hou Defu
Published: December 2021

We study the mass spectra and decay process of σ and

mesons under a strong external magnetic field. To achieve this goal, we deduce the thermodynamic potential in a two-flavor, hot and magnetized Nambu–Jona-Lasinio model. We calculate the energy gap equation through the random phase approximation (RPA). Then we use the Ritus method to calculate the decay triangle diagram and self-energy in the presence of a constant magnetic field B. Our results indicate that the magnetic field has little influence on the mass of

at low temperatures. However, for quarks and σ mesons, their mass clearly changes, which reflects the influence of magnetic catalysis (MC). The presence of a magnetic field accelerates the decay of the meson while the presence of a chemical potential will decrease the decay process.
#PlasticsTwitter: The Use of Twitter Data as a Tool for Evaluating Public Interest in Cosmetic Surgery Procedures
Authors: Cohen Samuel A , Tijerina Jonathan D , Amarikwa Linus , Men Clara , Kossler Andrea L
Published: December 2021

Background

Plastic surgeons are increasingly turning to social media to market their services. The newly released Twitter Academic Research Product Track (TARPT) database provides free, customizable analysis of keywords that are included in tweets on the Twitter platform. The TARPT tool may provide valuable insight into public interest in cosmetic surgery procedures.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine TARPT’s utility in tracking and predicting public interest in cosmetic surgery procedures and to examine temporal trends in tweets related to cosmetic facial and body procedures.

Methods

The TARPT tool was used to calculate the total number of tweets containing keywords related to 10 facial cosmetic procedures and 7 cosmetic body procedures from 2010 to 2020. Annual volumes for respective procedures were obtained from annual statistics reports of The Aesthetic Society from 2010 to 2020. Tweet volumes and procedure volumes were compared by univariate linear regression, taking P < 0.05 as the cutoff for significance.

Results

Variations in tweet volume were observed. Univariate linear regression analysis demonstrated statistically significant positive correlations between tweet volumes and procedure volumes for 7 search terms: “eyelid lift,” “facelift,” “lip injections,” “mastopexy,” “butt lift,” “butt implants,” and “liposuction.” Many procedure-related keywords were not significant, demonstrating the importance of careful selection of Twitter search terms.

Conclusions

The TARPT database represents a promising novel source of information for plastic surgeons, with the potential to inform marketing and advertising decisions for emerging trends in plastic surgery interest before these patterns become apparent in surgical or clinical volumes.
Decolonizing the English Literature GCE A-Level via the South African Ex-Centric
Authors: Munslow Ong Jade
Published: December 2021

In this snapshot article, I outline the background and context for the development of research-led teaching activities aimed at students pursuing the WJEC Eduqas GCE A-Level English Literature qualification. The aims of these activities are threefold: first, to assist students’ learning and preparation for the exam component ‘Unseen Prose’ (worth 10% of the overall qualification); second, to extend the impact of AHRC-funded research on South African literature to 16- to 18-year-old learners; and third, to mobilize the first two aims in support of decolonizing efforts in English Studies.
Decolonization is not Convenient
Authors: Cleaves Wallace
Published: December 2021

This article addresses the problematic use of the metaphor of decolonization, which has been used at Leicester and in other medieval programmes to justify their de-funding. Instead of addressing actual de-colonial concerns this movement leads to the effacement of the necessary work to re-evaluate medieval studies and its role in colonialism.
Association between platelet reactivity and long-term bleeding complications following percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with and without diabetes
Authors: Cavallari I , Patti G , Maddaloni E , Veneziano F , Mangiacapra F , Ricottini E , Ussia G P , Grigioni F
Published: December 2021

Background

The association between diabetes mellitus (DM) and bleeding complications following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is controversial. We hypothesized that on-treatment platelet reactivity may have a role in the bleeding risk stratification of such patients.

Purpose

To investigate the role of low platelet reactivity (LPR) in the long-term bleeding risk stratification among patients with and without diabetes undergoing PCI.

Methods

In this observational, retrospective single-center study, 472 patients undergoing PCI for stable coronary artery disease were included. All patients were treated with dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel. Platelet reactivity was assessed using the VerifyNow P2Y(12) assay and LPR was defined by values of platelet reactivity unit (PRU) ≤178. Primary endpoint was the occurrence of all bleeding events at 5 years stratified by DM status and LPR.

Results

Out of the study population included, 30.5% had DM (N=144). LPR was numerically less frequent in patients with DM compared to those without (29.2% vs 37.6%; p=0.077). Overall, 11.9% of patients experienced a bleeding complication at 5-year follow-up; 44.6% of events were classified as major bleedings. The incidence of bleeding events per 1000 patients-year was 34.5 (95% CI 22.3–53.5) in DM and 24.2 (95% CI 17.3–33.8) in no DM (p=0.24). A stepwise increase in the crude rates of bleeding complications was observed across patients with and without DM and LPR (log-rank p=0.004), with those having both conditions being at the highest risk of events (Figure). LPR had a similar value for stratifying the risk of bleeding in patients with and without diabetes (p value for interaction between diabetes and LPR status=0.45).

Conclusions

Approximately 1 out of 3 patients undergoing PCI for stable coronary artery disease on clopidogrel has LPR. The assessment of LPR provides a significant incremental value for the prediction of bleeding events irrespective from DM status. While the presence of DM per se does not increase the risk of bleeding complications, the coexistence of DM and LPR identifies the subgroup at the highest risk of events who could benefit from a short-term and less intensive antiplatelet regimen.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.
Calculation of matrix permeability from velocity and attenuation of ultrasonic S-wave
Authors: Li Guangquan , Xie Chaodi
Published: December 2021

Previously, hydrogeologists and petroleum engineers use seepage experiments to measure permeability. This paper develops a novel method to calculate matrix permeability from velocity and attenuation of an ultrasonic S-wave. At first, permeability is derived as a function of frequency when an S-wave scans a fluid-saturated rock. Substituting the permeability into a previous S-wave model gives theoretical velocity and attenuation, in which the nexus parameter is the average distance of aperture representing pores. Fitting the predicted velocity and quality factor against the measured counterparts yields permeability in the full frequency range. For Berea sandstone, the inverted permeability at low frequency (0.0376 Darcy) is comparable to Darcy permeability (0.075 Darcy), confirming that Berea sandstone is homogenous. For Boise sandstone, the inverted permeability at low frequency is 0.0457 Darcy, much lower than Darcy permeability (1 Darcy). When S-wave scans the rocks, its velocity and attenuation are dominated by matrix pore throats and the inverted permeability represents matrix permeability. Unlike Berea sandstone, Boise sandstone has fractures and widely distributed grain diameters. The fractures and the large pores (due to large grain diameter) are preferential pathways that increase Darcy permeability far more than matrix permeability.
Ensuring trustworthy and ethical behaviour in intelligent logical agents
Authors: Costantini Stefania
Published: December 2021

Autonomous intelligent agents are employed in many applications upon which the life and welfare of living beings and vital social functions may depend. Therefore, agents should be trustworthy. A priori certification techniques (i.e. techniques applied prior to system’s deployment) can be useful, but are not sufficient for agents that evolve, and thus modify their epistemic and belief state, and for open multi-agent systems, where heterogeneous agents can join or leave the system at any stage of its operation. In this paper, we propose/refine/extend dynamic (runtime) logic-based self-checking techniques, devised in order to be able to ensure agents’ trustworthy and ethical behaviour.
Redirecting meiotic DNA break hotspot determinant proteins alters localized spatial control of DNA break formation and repair
Authors: Hyppa Randy W , Cho Joshua D , Nambiar Mridula , Smith Gerald R
Published: December 2021

During meiosis, DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are formed at high frequency at special chromosomal sites, called DSB hotspots, to generate crossovers that aid proper chromosome segregation. Multiple chromosomal features affect hotspot formation. In the fission yeast S. pombe the linear element proteins Rec25, Rec27 and Mug20 are hotspot determinants – they bind hotspots with high specificity and are necessary for nearly all DSBs at hotspots. To assess whether they are also sufficient for hotspot determination, we localized each linear element protein to a novel chromosomal site (ade6 with lacO substitutions) by fusion to the Escherichia coli LacI repressor. The Mug20-LacI plus lacO combination, but not the two separate lac elements, produced a strong ade6 DSB hotspot, comparable to strong endogenous DSB hotspots. This hotspot had unexpectedly low ade6 recombinant frequency and negligible DSB hotspot competition, although like endogenous hotspots it manifested DSB interference. We infer that linear element proteins must be properly placed by endogenous functions to impose hotspot competition and proper partner choice for DSB repair. Our results support and expand our previously proposed DSB hotspot-clustering model for local control of meiotic recombination.
Delay in the Effect of Restricting Community Mobility on the Spread of COVID-19 During the First Wave in the United States
Authors: He Shan , Lee Jooyoung , Langworthy Benjamin , Xin Junyi , James Peter , Yang Yang , Wang Molin
Published: December 2021

Background

It remains unclear how changes in human mobility shaped the transmission dynamic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) during its first wave in the United States.

Methods

By coupling a Bayesian hierarchical spatiotemporal model with reported case data and Google mobility data at the county level, we found that changes in movement were associated with notable changes in reported COVID-19 incidence rates about 5 to 7 weeks later.

Results

Among all movement types, residential stay was the most influential driver of COVID-19 incidence rate, with a 10% increase 7 weeks ago reducing the disease incidence rate by 13% (95% credible interval, 6%–20%). A 10% increase in movement from home to workplaces, retail and recreation stores, public transit, grocery stores, and pharmacies 7 weeks ago was associated with an increase of 5%–8% in the COVID-10 incidence rate. In contrast, parks-related movement showed minimal impact.

Conclusions

Policy-makers should anticipate such a delay when planning intervention strategies restricting human movement.
A comparison of ultrasound echo intensity to magnetic resonance imaging as a metric for tongue fat evaluation
Authors: Yu Jason L , Wiemken Andrew , Schultz Susan M , Keenan Brendan T , Sehgal Chandra M , Schwab Richard J
Published: December 2021

Study Objectives

Tongue fat is associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the standard for quantifying tongue fat. Ultrasound echo intensity has been shown to correlate to the fat content in skeletal muscles but has yet to be studied in the tongue. The objective of this study is to evaluate the relationship between ultrasound echo intensity and tongue fat.

Methods

Ultrasound coronal cross-sections of ex-vivo cow tongues were recorded at baseline and following three 1 mL serial injections of fat into the tongue. In humans, adults with and without OSA had submental ultrasound coronal cross-sections of their posterior tongue. The average echo intensity of the tongues (cow/human) was calculated in ImageJ software. Head and neck MRIs were obtained on human subjects to quantify tongue fat volume. Echo intensity was compared to injected fat volume or MRI-derived tongue fat percentage.

Results

Echo intensity in cow tongues showed a positive correlation to injected fat volume (rho = 0.93, p < .001). In human subjects, echo intensity of the tongue base strongly correlated with MRI-calculated fat percentage for both the posterior tongue (rho = 0.95, p < .001) and entire tongue (rho = 0.62, p < .001). Larger tongue fat percentages (rho = 0.38, p = .001) and higher echo intensity (rho = 0.27, p = .024) were associated with more severe apnea-hypopnea index, adjusted for age, body mass index, sex, and race.

Conclusions

Ultrasound echo intensity is a viable surrogate measure for tongue fat volume and may provide a convenient modality to characterize tongue fat in OSA.
Aphelenchoides besseyi Parasitizing Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) in Brazil
Authors: Favoreto Luciany , Bueno Rafaela , Calandrelli Angélica , França Patrícia P. , Meyer Mauricio C. , Machado Andressa C. Z.
Published: December 2021

Several species of nematodes are known to cause losses to cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) throughout the world. In Brazil, Aphelenchoides besseyi was described as causing damage on soybean, cotton, and common bean, but no report was found about the parasitism of this nematode in cowpea. This study aimed to verify the host reaction of cowpea cultivars to A. besseyi. The experiment was conducted under greenhouse conditions, using two A. besseyi populations as inocula, obtained from symptomatic soybean and cotton plants collected in naturally infested fields. Cultivars Imponente, Aracê, Guariba, Tumucumaque, Nova Era, and Tracuateua were inoculated with 500 A. besseyi of each population, separately, into soil, and after 30 days from the inoculation nematodes were extracted from shoot systems. Both populations were able to parasitize all the cowpea cultivars. Independently of the cultivar, cowpea plants exhibited symptoms of leaf deformation similar to those described for soybean, cotton, and common bean and, in addition, severe brooming was observed, with the interior of the stems being porous and necrotic. To our knowledge, this is the first report of parasitism by A. besseyi of cowpea in Brazil, under greenhouse conditions, increasing the list of hosts of this nematode.
Sensitivity and Resistance Risk Assessment of Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici to Triadimefon in China
Authors: Zhan Gangming , Ji Fan , Zhao Jun , Liu Yue , Zhou Aihong , Xia Minghao , Zhang Juntian , Huang Lili , Guo Jun , Kang Zhensheng
Published: December 2021

Wheat stripe rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), is a destructive disease of wheat that seriously threatens production safety in wheat-producing areas worldwide. In China, the disease has been largely controlled with the fungicide triadimefon. Although high levels of fungicide resistance in other fungal pathogens have been reported, failure to control Pst with any fungicides has seldomly been reported, and fungicide sensitivity of Pst has not been evaluated in China. The distribution of triadimefon-resistant Pst isolates was investigated in the present study. The baseline sensitivity of 446 Pst isolates across the country to triadimefon was determined, and the concentration for 50% of maximal effect showed a unimodal distribution curve, with a mean value of 0.19 μg ml−1. The results indicated a wide range of sensitivity to triadimefon, with more insensitive isolates collected from Pst winter-increasing areas and northwest oversummering areas, whereas more sensitive isolates were collected from southwest oversummering areas and epidemic areas of Xinjiang and Tibet. The majority of the tested Pst isolates were sensitive to triadimefon; only 6.79% had developed varying degrees of resistance. Characterization of parasitic fitness revealed that the triadimefon-resistant isolates exhibited strong adaptive traits in the urediniospore germination rate, latent period, sporulation intensity, and lesion expansion rate. Positive cross-resistance was observed between triadimefon and tebuconazole or hexaconazole, but not between pyraclostrobin or flubeneteram. The point mutation Y134F in the 14α-demethylase enzyme (CYP51) was detected in triadimefon-resistant isolates. A molecular method (kompetitive allele-specific PCR) was established for the rapid detection of Y134F mutants in the Pst population. Two genotypes with one point mutation Y134F conferred resistance to triadimefon in Pst. The risk of resistance to triadimefon in Pst may be low to moderate. This study provided important data for establishment of high throughput molecular detection methods, fungicide resistance risk management, and the development of new target fungicides.
Is It Safe to Prep the External Fixator In Situ During Staged ORIF of Bicondylar Tibial Plateau Fractures? A Retrospective Comparative Cohort Study
Authors: Stenquist Derek S. , Yeung Caleb M. , Guild Theodore , Weaver Michael J. , Harris Mitchel B. , Von Keudell Arvind G.
Published: December 2021

Objectives:

To compare the risk of deep infection and unplanned reoperation after staged open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) of bicondylar tibial plateau (BTP) fractures whether elements of the temporizing external fixator were prepped into the surgical field or completely removed before definitive fixation.

Design:

Retrospective comparative cohort study.

Setting:

Two academic Level 1 trauma centers.

Patients/Participants:

One hundred forty-seven OTA/AO 41-C (Schatzker 6) BTP fractures treated with a 2-stage protocol of acute spanning ex-fix followed by definitive ORIF between 2001 and 2018.

Intervention:

Seventy-eight fractures had retained elements of the original ex-fix prepped in situ during surgery for definitive internal fixation, and 69 had the ex-fix construct completely removed before prepping and draping.

Main Outcome Measures:

Deep infection and unplanned reoperation.

Results:

Among 147 patients treated with staged ORIF, the overall deep infection rate was 26.5% and the reoperation rate was 33.3%. There were high rates of deep infection (26.9% vs. 26.1%, P = 0.909) and unplanned reoperation (30.8% vs. 36.2%, P = 0.483) in both groups, but no difference whether the ex-fix was prepped in or completely removed. Within the retained ex-fix group, there was no difference in infection with retention of the entire ex-fix compared with only the ex-fix pins (28.1% vs. 26.1%, P = 0.842).

Conclusions:

We observed high complication rates in this cohort of OTA/AO 41C BTP fractures treated with staged ORIF, but prepping in the ex-fix did not lead to a significant increase in rates of infection or reoperation. This study provides the treating surgeon with clinical data about a common practice used to facilitate definitive fixation of unstable BTP fractures.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Survey of Information Exchange and Advanced Use of Other Health Information Technology in Primary Care Settings
Authors: Cross Dori A. , Stevens Maria A. , Spivack Steven B. , Murray Genevra F. , Rodriguez Hector P. , Lewis Valerie A.
Published: December 2021

Background:

Advanced use of health information technology (IT) functionalities can support more comprehensive, coordinated, and patient-centered primary care services. Safety net practices may benefit disproportionately from these investments, but it is unclear whether IT use in these settings has kept pace and what organizational factors are associated with varying use of these features.

Objective:

The aim was to estimate advanced use of health IT use in safety net versus nonsafety net primary care practices. We explore domains of patient engagement, population health management (decision support and registries), and electronic information exchange. We examine organizational characteristics that may differentially predict advanced use of IT across these settings, with a focus on health system ownership and/or membership in an independent practice network as key factors that may indicate available incentives and resources to support these efforts.

Research Design:

We conduct cross-sectional analysis of a national survey of physician practices (n=1776). We use logistic regression to predict advanced IT use in each of our domains based on safety net status and other organizational characteristics. We then use interaction models to assess whether ownership or network membership moderate the relationship between safety net status and advanced use of health IT.

Results:

Health IT use was common across primary care practices, but advanced use of health IT functionalities ranged only from 30% to 50% use. Safety net settings have kept pace with adoption of features for patient engagement and population management, yet lag in information exchange capabilities compared with nonsafety net practices (odds ratio=0.52 for federally qualified health centers, P<0.001; odds ratio=0.66 for other safety net, P=0.03). However, when safety net practices are members of a health system or practice network, health IT capabilities are comparable to nonsafety net sites.

Conclusions:

All outpatient settings would benefit from improved electronic health record usability and implementation support that facilitates advanced use of health IT. Safety net practices, particularly those without other sources of centralized support, need targeted resources to maintain equitable access to information exchange capabilities.
Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation After Rectal Cancer Surgery
Authors: van der Heijden J. A. G. , Kalkdijk-Dijkstra A. J. , Pierie J. P. E. N. , van Westreenen H. L. , Broens P. M. A. , Klarenbeek B. R. ,   On behalf of the FORCE trial group
Published: December 2021

Objective:

To investigate the effects of PFR after LAR compared to usual care without PFR.

Summary of background data:

Functional complaints, including fecal incontinence, often occur after LAR for rectal cancer. Controversy exists about the effectiveness of PFR in improving such postoperative functional outcomes.

Methods:

This was a multicenter, randomized controlled trial involving 17 Dutch centers. Patients after LAR for rectal cancer were randomly assigned (1:1) to usual care or PFR and stratified by sex and administration of neoadjuvant therapy. Selection was not based on severity of complaints at baseline. Baseline measurements were taken 3 months after surgery without temporary stoma construction or 6 weeks after stoma closure. The primary outcome measure was the change in Wexner incontinence scores 3 months after randomization. Secondary outcomes were fecal incontinence-related quality of life, colorectal-specific quality of life, and the LARS scores.

Results:

Between October 2017 and March 2020, 128 patients were enrolled and 106 randomly assigned (PFR n = 51, control n = 55); 95 patients (PFR n = 44, control n = 51) were assessable for final analysis. PFR did not lead to larger changes in Wexner incontinence scores in nonselected patients after LAR compared to usual care [PFR: –2.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) –3.3 to –1.4, control: –1.3, 95% CI –2.2 to –0.4, P = 0.13]. However, PFR was associated with less urgency at follow-up (odds ratio 0.22, 95% CI 0.06–0.86). Patients without near-complete incontinence reported larger Wexner score improvements after PFR (PFR: –2.1, 95% CI –3.1 to –1.1, control: –0.7, 95% CI –1.6 to 0.2, P = 0.045). For patients with at least moderate incontinence PFR resulted in relevant improvements in all fecal incontinence-related quality of life domains, while the control group deteriorated. These improvements were even larger when patients with near-complete incontinence were excluded. No serious adverse PFR-related events occurred.

Conclusion:

No benefit was found of PFR in all patients but several subgroups were identified that did benefit from PFR, such as patients with urgency or with at least moderate incontinence and no near-complete incontinence. A selective referral policy (65%–85% of all patients) is suggested to improve postoperative functional outcomes for patients after LAR for rectal cancer.

Trial Registration:

Netherlands Trial Registration, NTR5469, registered on 3 September 2015.
Inhibition of Bruton’s Tyrosine Kinase Activity Attenuates Hemorrhagic Shock-Induced Multiple Organ Dysfunction in Rats
Authors: Patel Nikita M. , Oliveira Filipe R. M. B. , Ramos Hanna Pillmann , Aimaretti Eleonora , Alves Gustavo Ferreira , Coldewey Sina M. , Collino Massimo , Sordi Regina , Thiemermann Christoph
Published: December 2021

Objective:

The aim of this study was to investigate (a) the potential of the Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors acalabrutinib and fenebrutinib to reduce multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) in acute (short-term and long-term follow-up) hemorrhagic shock (HS) rat models and (b) whether treatment with either acalabrutinib or fenebrutinib attenuates BTK, NF-κB and NLRP3 activation in HS.

Background:

The MODS caused by an excessive systemic inflammatory response following trauma is associated with a high morbidity and mortality. The protein BTK is known to play a role in the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, which is a key component of the innate inflammatory response. However, its role in trauma-hemorrhage is unknown.

Methods:

Acute HS rat models were performed to determine the influence of acalabrutinib or fenebrutinib on MODS. The activation of BTK, NF-κB and NLRP3 pathways were analyzed by western blot in the kidney.

Results:

We demonstrated that (a) HS caused organ injury and/or dysfunction and hypotension (post-resuscitation) in rats, while (b) treatment of HS-rats with either acalabrutinib or fenebrutinib attenuated the organ injury and dysfunction in acute HS models and (c) reduced the activation of BTK, NF- kB and NLRP3 pathways in the kidney.

Conclusion:

Our results point to a role of BTK in the pathophysiology of organ injury and dysfunction caused by trauma/hemorrhage and indicate that BTK inhibitors may be repurposed as a potential therapeutic approach for MODS after trauma and/or hemorrhage.
Political factors influencing residents’ support for tourism development in Kashmir
Authors: Bhat Aasif Ali , Majumdar Kakali , Mishra Ram Kumar
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This study aims to examine the relationship between the perceptions of local residents concerning political factors and support for tourism development in the Kashmir region.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data have been collected (n = 650) from the residents of the top five tourist destinations (Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Srinagar, Sonamarg and Kokernag) through a pre-tested questionnaire by multistage sampling method. In presence of non-normal data, the partial least squares structural equation model is applied for analysis. The study is based on the theoretical framework of social exchange theory (SET) and institutional theory of political trust (ITPT).

Findings

Results suggest that trust in government, the perceived economic performance of government and level of power are negative determinants of support for tourism development, which nullifies SET for politically disturbed regions.

Originality/value

The results of this study are useful for the local government and tourism institutions in policy formation and fill the vast gap in tourism literature with a theoretical base. This study is also an addition to the existing literature on city tourism for the politically disturbed region.
Design and slip prevention control of a multi-sensory anthropomorphic prosthetic hand
Authors: Zeng Bo , Liu Hongwei , Song Hongzhou , Zhao Zhe , Fan Shaowei , Jiang Li , Liu Yuan , Yu Zhiyuan , Zhu Xiaorong , Chen Jing , Zhang Ting
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to design a multi-sensory anthropomorphic prosthetic hand and a grasping controller that can detect the slip and automatically adjust the grasping force to prevent the slip.

Design/methodology/approach

To improve the dexterity, sensing, controllability and practicability of a prosthetic hand, a modular and multi-sensory prosthetic hand was presented. In addition, a slip prevention control based on the tactile feedback was proposed to improve the grasp stability. The proposed controller identifies slippages through detecting the high-frequency vibration signal at the sliding surface in real time and the discrete wavelet transform (DWT) was used to extract the eigenvalues to identify slippages. Once the slip is detected, a direct-feedback method of adjusting the grasp force related with the sliding times was used to prevent it. Furthermore, the stiffness of different objects was estimated and used to improve the grasp force control. The performances of the stiffness estimation, slip detection and slip control are experimentally evaluated.

Findings

It was found from the experiment of stiffness estimation that the accuracy rate of identification of the hard metal bottle could reach to 90%, while the accuracy rate of identification of the plastic bottles could reach to 80%. There was a small misjudgment rate in the identification of hard and soft plastic bottles. The stiffness of soft plastic bottles, hard plastic bottles and metal bottles were 0.64 N/mm, 1.36 N/mm and 32.55 N/mm, respectively. The results of slip detection and control show that the proposed prosthetic hand with a slip prevention controller can fast and effectively detect and prevent the slip for different disturbances, which has a certain application prospect.

Practical implications

Due to the small size, low weight, high integration and modularity, the prosthetic hand is easily applied to upper-limb amputees. Meanwhile, the method of the slip prevention control can be used for upper-limb amputees to complete more tasks stably in daily lives.

Originality/value

A multi-sensory anthropomorphic prosthetic hand is designed, and a method of stable grasps control based on slip detection by a tactile sensor on the fingertip is proposed. The method combines the stiffness estimation of the object and the real-time slip detection based on DWT with the design of the proportion differentiation robust controller based on a disturbance observer and the force controller to achieve slip prevention and stable grasps. It is verified effectively by the experiments and is easy to be applied to commercial prostheses.
Understanding students' future intention to engage in sustainability accounting: the case of Malaysia and the Philippines
Authors: Eugenio Teresa , Carreira Pedro , Miettinen Nina , Lourenço Isabel Maria Estima Costa
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The study investigates whether the level of sustainability concerns of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Malaysia and the Philippines is positively associated with accounting students' intentions to engage in sustainability accounting through its effect on students' attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioural control regarding environmental sustainability practices.

Design/methodology/approach

This empirical study relies on a structural equation model computed using data collected through a questionnaire and data collected from the HEIs websites.

Findings

The findings show that the willingness to engage in sustainability accounting is determined by students' subjective norm and perceived behavioural control, but it is not determined by attitude regarding environmental sustainability practices. The authors also found that the greater the concern with sustainability of the HEI in which a student is enrolled, the greater his/her attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioural control towards environmental sustainability, and, indirectly, the greater his/her intention to engage in sustainability accounting.

Originality/value

These findings add to the literature on higher education and sustainability accounting by high-lighting the importance of the HEIs sector in promoting sustainability policies and practices, in acting as role models regarding sustainability issues, and in preparing students for building a sustainable society.
Layoffs and stock market performance during the COVID-19 pandemic: evidence from the US
Authors: Floros Christos , Psillaki Maria , Karpouzis Efstathios
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The authors examine the short-term stock market reaction surrounding US layoffs during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) period. The authors’ specific interest is on any changes that may be observed in US stock markets during the COVID-19 outbreak. This information will help us assess the extent to which policymakers adopted at time revenue and expenditures measures to minimize its negative impact.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors study the linkage between layoffs announced by firms and stock markets in US for the COVID-19 period between March 2020 and October 2020. This period shows important economic figures; a huge number of job cuts announced by blue-chip companies listed in the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) due to widespread economic shutdowns. The authors examine whether and to what extent stock markets in US have reacted to layoff announcements during the COVID-19 pandemic using an event-study methodology.

Findings

The study’s results show that US layoffs during the pandemic did not cause any abnormalities on the stock returns, either positive or negative. Based on the mean-adjusted volume, the authors find that layoffs increase the stocks' trading volume, especially on the event date and the day following the event. US stocks become more volatile on the days following the event. Interestingly, on the event date, the authors find that stocks get the highest abnormal volatility; however, the result is statistically insignificant.

Practical implications

The authors suggest that layoffs announcements follow the business cycle quite closely in most industries. The study’s results have implications for investors, regulators and policymakers as they permit to examine the effectiveness of the measures adopted.

Social implications

The study’s results show that policymakers reduced uncertainty implementing intensive measures quickly and should follow similar policy in the future pandemic and/or unexpected events.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature in two directions: First, to the best of the authors’ knowledge this is the first study that provides empirical evidence and assesses the extent to which a major global shock such as the COVID-19 pandemic may have altered the reaction of US stock markets to layoff announcements. Second, this is the first study on this topic that examines volume and volatility abnormalities, while the authors check the robustness of the findings with different methods to calculate abnormal returns.
Theory and practice of criminal law combating corruption in the Republic of Kazakhstan
Authors: Siubayeva Nursulu Zh. , Kalguzhinova Aigul M. , Ozbekov Darkhan O. , Serikbayeva Saule S. , Amirbek Kamshat S.
Published: December 2021

Purpose

In accordance with the country’s programme documents, the fight against corruption, defined as the most important strategic priority of the national policy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, acquires consistent political and legal support. The purpose of this paper is to study the criminal law combating corruption in the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the methods of historical analysis of the current legal provisions, analysis of the compositions of malfeasances and synthesis were used.

Findings

This study considered the main historical stages and aspects of the development of modern legislation of criminal liability for corruption offences. The authors of this study provided sound proposals for improving the current legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Originality/value

This paper argues the need to develop corruptology as an independent interdisciplinary scientific area, the subject of which would be corruption as a political, sociological, economic, legal and criminological phenomenon; features of corruption and combating it throughout the history of state–legal relations.
Innovation ambidexterity effects on product innovation performance: the mediating role of decentralization
Authors: Ceptureanu Sebastian Ion , Ceptureanu Eduard Gabriel
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to analyse the impact of innovation ambidexterity represented by explorative and exploitative innovation capabilities and their combined effects on product innovation performance and to prove the mediating effect of decentralization.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses partial least squares for structural equation models and SmartPLS version 3.3.1 on a sample of 174 Romanian medium- and large-sized firms from the IT industry to test six research hypotheses. To measure innovation ambidexterity, the orthogonal approach was used, conceptualizing innovation ambidexterity as a multidimensional, second-order construct composed of explorative and exploitative innovation capabilities. Innovation ambidexterity was conceptualized as a multiplicative term of both explorative and exploitative innovation capabilities.

Findings

The empirical results prove that innovation ambidexterity is positively correlated with product innovation performance, while decentralization is mediating the impact of innovation ambidexterity on product innovation performance in the IT industry.

Research limitations/implications

The data was based on self-reported assessments of senior executives. While innovation ambidexterity may influence product innovation performance in the long term, such long-term effects are not assessed. Other studies found a moderating effect between centralization or decentralization and ambidexterity, while we found that it has a mediating effect.

Practical implications

In the context of innovation capability, the combination of explorative or exploitative capabilities may lead to a better synergy. Innovation ambidexterity influences product innovation performance through a synergistic effect, making the simultaneous combination of capabilities useful for firms willing to make efficient use of existing resources and make their capabilities mutually supportive. Moreover, for senior executives, the effects of decentralization as a mediator provide further incentive to include it in their development of firms' innovation capabilities.

Originality/value

This study extends findings of other studies by contributing to a deeper examination of the effects of decentralization, on innovation outcomes by focusing on a specific type of innovation, product innovation. Moreover, since innovation capability is often studied in small firms or in the manufacturing industry, this study contributes to the research on innovation capability and the consequences on innovation capability in the services sector and medium- and large-sized companies. By proving that decentralization mediates the effects of innovation ambidexterity on product innovation performance, it enables reconsideration of the organizational structure role in fostering innovation.
Exploring status of library management technical aspects in Indian schools
Authors: Sharma Navneet Kumar , Tripathi Aditya
Published: December 2021

Purpose

School library is regarded as the heart and soul of the school. It acts as learning resource centre and support the school curriculum in all possible manners. The main aim of this paper is to document the factors associated with library management in selected school libraries in Varanasi, India.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey method is used to conduct this research in which close-ended questions were provided to the school librarians. Simple random sampling was used to collect samples from secondary schools of Varanasi.

Findings

It was found that 34% school libraries affiliated to Central Board of Secondary Education are managed properly and they are termed as first class library. Rest of the schools are not managed as per rules and regulations of school librarianship. Some librarians themselves are not properly aware of the significance of the library and hence the management is suffered accordingly.

Practical implications

This research will help in exploring the existing status of library management in school libraries. The work is designed specifically for school libraries. Simple ranking system for school libraries will be helpful to make an exhaustive school ranking based on library management.

Originality/value

This research will bring on record the ground reality of school librarianship in India and the way they are managed. Simple ranking system for school library is given in this paper that will help to find out which school library is functioning properly or not.
Mobile CRM development for real estate agents
Authors: Antão João , Pereira Rúben , Ribeiro Ricardo
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Real estate agents are professionals who need up-to-date and accurate information about their clients in order to maintain profitable and long-lasting relationships with each of them. A satisfied customer can be very valuable and profitable in the long term. This research focuses on solving the problem of the lack of a mobile Customer Relationship Management (CRM) adapted to the needs of professionals. The importance of solving this problem is related to the importance of optimizing work and resources in a highly abundant information industry.

Design/methodology/approach

It was developed of a CRM for mobile devices capable of managing information about the customers and business partners of each user, which provides a set of features well defined by the professionals. These features were collected through 15 face-to-face interviews and validated with six video conference interviews with industry specialists. For the development and evaluation of this artefact was followed the DSR methodology, corresponding each interview to an iteration of this model.

Findings

From this research resulted a selection of functionalities considered essential to the real estate agent's work. These features were successfully implemented in a mobile application that real estate agents appreciate for its simplicity and that they feel adds real value to their daily lives. Using this service, the productivity and performance of real estate agents might be improved.

Originality/value

It was verified that the mobile CRM solution developed is a desired solution by real estate agents in terms of customer portfolio management, enhancing the evolution of their relationships and monitoring professional's performance.
Fatigue life assessment of polyamide 12 processed by selective laser sintering. Damage modelling according to fracture mechanics
Authors: Salazar Alicia , Cano Aragón Alberto Jesús , Rodríguez Jesús
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Polyamide 12 (PA12) processed by the additive manufacturing technique of selective laser sintering (SLS) is acquiring a leading role in cutting-edge technological sectors pertaining to transport and biomedical among others. In many of these applications, design requirements must ensure fatigue structural integrity. One of the characteristic features of these SLS PA12 is the layer-wise structure that may influence the mechanical response. Therefore, this paper aims to assess the fatigue life behavior of PA12, focusing on the effect of the load direction with respect to the load orientation.

Design/methodology/approach

With the aim of analyzing the effect of the load direction with respect to the layer wise structure, fatigue tests on plain samples of SLS PA12 were carried out with the load applied parallel and perpendicular to the layer planes. The S-N stress life curves and the fatigue limit at 106 cycles were determined at room temperature and at a stress ratio of 0.1. The fracture surfaces were inspected to evaluate the damage evolution, modeled via the fracture mechanics methodology to obtain the fracture parameters.

Findings

The fatigue resistance was better when the load was applied parallel than when was applied perpendicularly to the layered structure. The analysis of the postmortem specimens evidenced three regions. The inspection of the fatigue macro crack growth region revealed that crazing was the mechanism responsible of nucleation and growth of damage till a macroscopic crack was generated, as well as of the consequent crack advancement. The calculated fracture parameters computed from the application of the fracture mechanics approach were similar to those obtained from standardized fracture tests, except when the stress levels were close to the yield strength.

Originality/value

The fatigue knowledge of polymers, and especially of polymers processed via additive manufacturing techniques, is still scarce. Therefore, the value of this investigation is not only to obtain fatigue data that could be used for structural design with SLS PA12 materials but also to advance in the knowledge of damage evolution during the fatigue process.