bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retórica humanitaria y expulsabilidad: migrantes haitianos y gobernabilidad migratoria en Chile
Authors: Stang Alva Fernanda , Lara Edwards Antonia , Andrade Moreno Marcos
Published: July 2020

En este artículo se analiza el vínculo entre el argumento humanitario y de derechos humanos y el efecto restrictivo, e indirectamente expulsor, de las medidas recientes tomadas en Chile respecto de la migración haitiana. El texto muestra que esta estrategia de apelación a la retórica humanitaria constituye un elemento central del paradigma de la gobernabilidad migratoria, enfoque que sirve de sustento al régimen global de gestión/control de las migraciones, y que se ha ido cristalizando en el pensamiento del Estado chileno sobre la migración internacional desde mediados de la década de 2000. Se conectan además estas medidas con las adoptadas por otros países sudamericanos, en un escenario de regionalización de este régimen.
Assembly of Cu Wirings with Ultrasmooth and High-Adhesive Electroless Cu Seed Layer by Using UV Modification and Low Attenuation of High-Frequency Transmission Property
Authors: Toba Masaya , Nomoto Shuji , Komuro Nobuhito , Mitsukura Kazuyuki , Abe Shinichiro , Masuko Takashi , Kurafuchi Kazuhiko
Published: July 2020

Semiconductor packages for high-performance devices with printed circuit boards having multiwiring layers such as flip-chip ball grid array have been attracting the attention to realize ultrare-liable and low-latency communications in 5G networking. Cu wirings for the package are usually fabricated by via formation by laser for dielectric, desmear, electroless Cu seed formation, photoresist patterning, electrolytic Cu plating, resist stripping, and seed layer etching. Although a desmear process can obtain enough adhesion between dielectric and Cu seed layer by anchoring effect to secure reliabilities, the interface between dielectric and Cu seed layer should be smooth to achieve low attenuation of electric signals at high frequencies. Here, instead of a desmear process, we applied a UV modification for the surface of dielectric to realize a smooth and high-adhesive seed layer against dielectric. We obtained .8 kN/m of peel strength between dielectric and Cu seed layer in spite of surface roughness of the dielectric being 45 nm by a nanolevel anchoring effect at the UV-modified layer. Because of the smooth interface by UV modification, the S21 value of microstrip line was 26% improved compared with that assembled through the desmear process at 60 GHz.
Fabrication of Ceramic Interposers for Module Packaging
Authors: Alizadeh Rana , Porter Kaoru Uema , Cannon Tom , Mantooth H. Alan
Published: July 2020

In this study, low-temperature cofired ceramic (LTCC) and 3D-printed ceramic interposers are designed and fabricated for a double-sided power electronic module. The interposer acts as electrical insulation between two direct-bond copper (DBC) power substrates as well as mechanical support to evenly distribute the weight of the top DBC substrate onto the entire bottom DBC substrate instead of directly onto the bare power semiconductor die. A novel LTCC fabrication process for 14 layers of green tapes with premachined recesses and holes is developed. A similar interposer is 3D printed using a ceramic resin. Finally, the fabricated LTCC and 3D-printed interposers are compared.
A 14-day follow-up of adult non-malarial fever patients seen by mobile clinics in rural Malawi
Authors: Baltzell Kimberly
Published: July 2020

BackgroundWhile health providers consistently use malaria rapid diagnostic tests to rule out malaria, they often lack tools to guide treatment for those febrile patients who test negative. Without the tools to provide an alternative diagnosis, providers may prescribe unnecessary antibiotics or miss a more serious condition, potentially contributing to antibiotic resistance and/or poor patient outcomes. MethodsThis study ascertained which diagnoses and treatments might be associated with poor outcomes in adults who test negative for malaria. Adult patients for rapid diagnostic test of malaria seen in mobile health clinics in Mulanje and Phalombe districts were followed for 14 days. Participants were interviewed on sociodemographic characteristics, health-seeking behaviour, diagnosis, treatment and access to care. Mobile clinic medical charts were reviewed. Two weeks (±2 days) following clinic visit, follow-up interviews were conducted to assess whether symptoms had resolved.ResultsInitially, 115 adult patients were enrolled and 1 (0.88%) was lost to follow-up. Of the 114 adult patients remaining in the study, 55 (48%) were seen during the dry season and 59 (52%) during the wet season. Symptoms resolved in 90 (80%) patients at the 14-day follow-up visit (n=90) with the rest (n=24) reporting no change in symptoms. None of the patients in the study died or were referred for further care. Almost all patients received some type of medication during their clinic visit (98.2%). Antibiotics were given to 38.6% of patients, and virtually all patients received pain or fever relief (96.5%). However, no anti-malarials were prescribed.ConclusionsMobile clinics provide important health care where access to care is limited. Although rapid tests have guided appropriate treatment, challenges remain when a patient’s presenting complaint is less well defined. In rural areas of southern Malawi, simple diagnostics are needed to guide treatment decisions.
Uso de recursos didáticos em atividades de Modelagem Matemática: uma análise de relatos de experiência
Authors: Mendonça Adriana Ferreira , Borges Neto Hermínio
Published: July 2020

Neste artigo busca-se identificar os recursos didáticos evidenciados em atividades de Modelagem Matemática e verificar em que situações eles são inseridos no planejamento docente. Definem-se, com efeito, as categorias recursos planejados e recursos emergentes. A pesquisa qualitativa, exploratória, de caráter bibliográfico, foi realizada em anais de dois congressos — Encontro Paranaense de Modelagem na Educação Matemática (EPMEM) e Conferência Nacional sobre Modelagem na Educação Matemática (CNMEM) — que têm a Modelagem Matemática como escolha de publicação, tomando-se os relatos de experiência. Os resultados mostram que diversos meios são utilizados pelos professores e, na maioria das vezes, planejados, mas, em algumas situações, emergem da necessidade da investigação no encaminhamento da atividade pelos estudantes, o que, neste caso, demanda do professor maior preparo e mais cuidado na condução de atividades de Modelagem. 
Palavras-chave: Modelagem Matemática. Recursos Didáticos. Planejamento.
Análise da contribuição de mapeamento tecnológico (Roadmapping) para a gestão estratégica da inovação: estudo de caso de uma multinacional do setor automotivo
Authors: Sousa Débora Guimarães , Carvalho Rodrigo Baroni , Castro José Márcio
Published: July 2020

O objetivo do artigo é analisar a contribuição da metodologia de mapas tecnológicos (Roadmapping) para o processo de inovação tecnológica em uma organização multinacional do setor automotivo. Foi utilizado um estudo de caso único com observação participante, análise documental e entrevistas semiestruturadas com treze profissionais de diversas áreas que participaram do processo de construção do roadmap. Os resultados apontaram que a ferramenta auxiliou o planejamento estratégico e que as contribuições para a inovação tendem a ser evidenciadas à medida que as ações que surgiram do roadmapping sejam concluídas. O caso estudado evidenciou o potencial do roadmapping em alinhar as perspectivas da estratégia e inovação em um setor caracterizado por intensa evolução tecnológica.
Airline choice model for an international round-trip flight considering outbound and return flight schedules
Authors: Munoz Claudia , Laniado Henry , Córdoba Jorge
Published: July 2020

This paper quantified the impact of outbound and return flight schedule preferences on airline choice for international trips. Several studies have used airline choice data to identify preferences and trade-offs of different air carrier service attributes, such as travel time, fare and flight schedule. However, estimation of the effect return flight schedules have on airline choice for an international round-trip flight has not yet been studied in detail. Therefore, this study introduces attributes related to return flight characteristics and round-trip flight schedule interaction into the airline choice models, which have not previously been reported in the literature. We developed a stated preference survey that includes round-trip fares based on flight schedule combinations and the number of days prior to departure fares was purchased. We applied modelling techniques using a set of stated preference data. A mixed logit model was tested for the presence of heterogeneity in passengers' preferences. Our results indicated that models with attributes related to return flight and its interaction with outbound flight attributes have a superior fit compared with models only based on attributes reported in the literature review. The model found shows that airfare, travel time, arrival preference schedule in the outward journey, departure preference in the return journey and the schedule combination of round-trip flight are significantly affecting passenger choice behaviour in international round-trip flights. Sensitivity analysis of airline service characteristics and their marketing implications are conducted. The analysis reports seven policies with the greatest impact on each airline choice probabilities. It shows that by reducing travel time and airfare and by adopting an afternoon and night schedule preference for outbound and return flight, respectively, the highest probability on airline choice would be reached. This research contributes to the current literature by enhancing the understanding of how passengers choose airlines, considering both outbound and inbound journey characteristics. Thus, this study provides an analytical tool designed to provide a better understanding of international round-trip flight demand determinants and support carrier decisions.
Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)
Authors: Smith Arthur
Published: July 2020

PhySH (Physics Subject Headings) was developed by the American Physical Society and first used in 2016 as a faceted hierarchical controlled vocabulary for physics, with some basic terms from related fields. It was developed mainly for the purpose of associating subjects with papers submitted to and published in the Physical Review family of journals. The scheme is organized at the top level with a two-dimensional classification, with one dimension (labeled “disciplines”) representing professional divisions within physics, and the other dimension (labeled “facets”) providing a conceptual partitioning of terms. PhySH was preceded in use by PACS (“Physics and Astronomy Classification Scheme”), which was in turn preceded by more ad hoc approaches, and this history and related vocabularies or categorizations will also be briefly discussed.
Transfergruppe Pflegeheimversorgung – Koordinaten zu einer neuen Versorgungsform verbinden
Authors: Laag Sonja
Published: July 2020

Im Innovationsfonds befassen sich viele Projekte mit der Verbesserung der medizinisch-pflegerischen Versorgung in Pflegeheimen. Die „Transfergruppe Pflegeheimversorgung“ ermöglicht einen Überblick über bestehende Initiativen im Innovationsfonds sowie über einige, die sich außerhalb des Fonds gebildet haben. Der Beitrag extrahiert in einem zweiten Schritt aus den Erkenntnissen zentrale Aspekte für die Entwicklung einer neuen, kooperativ ausgerichteten Heimversorgungsform und skizziert einen möglichen Transferweg in die Regelversorgung.
Entrepreneurship in Interpreting: A Blue Ocean Strategy Didactic Toolkit for Higher Education Interpreter Training
Authors: Aguirre Fernández Bravo Elena , Guindal Pintado María Dolores
Published: July 2020

This article aims at presenting the reader with a didactic proposal for training higher education interpreting students in entrepreneurial skills by means of introducing a toolkit based on the Blue Ocean Strategy marketing theory. First, the reasons why entrepreneurship is necessary and should thus be an integral part of the interpreting curriculum will be put forward. Second, the Blue Ocean Strategy and its special suitability for the interpreting market will be argued. Third, the transposition of this theory into the interpreting classroom will be explained, with a focus on the approach and development of the lesson plan and didactic materials, which were devised on the basis of a flipped learning teaching methodology. Fourth, the results of the pilot implementation of this toolkit in the dialogue interpreting course Interpretación II: Técnicas de mediación intercultural, a 6 ECTS B.A. in Translation and Interpreting course at the Universidad Pontificia Comillas (Madrid), will be discussed by way of analysing 45 responses to questionnaires designed with the purpose of shedding light on whether perceptions of the interpreting market substantially differ among students who made part of the experimental group that took the Blue Ocean Strategy pilot class (18 subjects) and the control group (27 subjects), who did not receive training in this marketing strategy.
The knowledge network of community health agents
Authors: Broch Daiane , Ramos Deise Taurino , Riquinho Deise Lisboa , Silveira Maicon Rodrigues , Santos Vilma Constancia Fioravante dos
Published: July 2020

Objetivo: Analisar as redes de conhecimentos construídas nas experiências de vida e no trabalho do Agente Comunitário de Saúde (ACS) nas ações de educação em saúde na Estratégia Saúde da Família de uma Gerência Distrital de Porto Alegre/RS. Método: Pesquisa desenvolvida com 25 ACS, no período de agosto de 2015 a fevereiro de 2016, com realização de grupos focais e entrevistas semiestruturadas. A análise ocorreu por meio da categorização temática. Resultados: A primeira categoria envolveu a rede de conhecimento formal: curso introdutório, treinamentos ou nenhuma das opções anteriores; (In)capacitações; e reunião de equipe. E a segunda englobou redes de conhecimento informal: experiência de vida; e colegas e a leitura. Considerações finais: As redes de conhecimento formal e informal complementam-se e potencializam o significado do cuidado em saúde por meio do encontro do conhecimento científico e do saber oriundo das vivências e observações do cotidiano de vida e trabalho.
Nursing diagnoses with coronary patients in the light of Calista Roy’s theory
Authors: Hamadé Daniele do Carmo eleto Hamadé , Moraes Cláudia de Souza , Costa Carolina Cabral Pereira da , Martins Mônica Oliveira Duarte
Published: July 2020

Objetivo: Identificar os diagnósticos de enfermagem nos pacientes coronariopatas à luz da Teoria da Adaptação de Callista Roy. Métodos: Estudo descritivo, transversal, quantitativo, envolvendo 15 pacientes coronariopatas, no período pré-intervenção hemodinâmica. Desenvolveu-se em um hospital universitário do Rio de Janeiro-RJ, de maio a setembro de 2017. Utilizou-se questionário estruturado de acordo com as cinco necessidades básicas (oxigenação, nutrição, eliminação, atividade e repouso e proteção) e o processo complexo (função neurológica) do modo fisiológico de Callista Roy. Resultados: Foram estabelecidos 10 Diagnósticos de Enfermagem da taxonomia II da NANDA: risco de intolerância a atividade, ansiedade, medo, intolerância a atividade, padrão respiratório ineficaz, mobilidade física prejudicada, deambulação prejudicada, náusea, eliminação urinária prejudicada e diarreia. Conclusão: Conclui-se que o modelo da Adaptação de Callista Roy, propiciou o entendimento da vivência dos pacientes com adoecimento coronariano, mediante uma perspectiva de adaptação.
Stable and Selective Dehydrogenation of Methylcyclohexane using Supported Catalytically Active Liquid Metal Solutions – Ga52Pt/SiO2 SCALMS
Authors: Sebastian Oshin , Nair Sharanya , Taccardi Nicola , Wolf Moritz , Søgaard Alexander , Haumann Marco , Wasserscheid Peter
Published: July 2020

The use of gallium‐rich, Supported Catalytically Active Liquid Metal Solution (SCALMS) is a promising new concept to achieve catalysis with atomically dispersed active metal atoms. Expanding our previous work on short alkane dehydrogenation, we present here the application of SCALMS for the dehydrogenation of methylcyclohexane (MCH) to toluene (TOL) using a Ga52Pt alloy (liquid under reaction conditions) supported on silica. Cycloalkane dehydrogenation catalysis has attracted great attention recently in the context of hydrogen storage concepts using liquid organic hydrogen carrier (LOHC) systems. The system under investigation showed high activity and stable conversion of MCH at 450 °C and atmospheric pressure for more than 75 h time‐on‐stream (XMCH=15 %) with stable toluene selectivity (STOL) of 85 %. Compared to commercially available Pt/SiO2, the SCALMS system resulted in higher yields and robustness. Baseline experiments with Pt‐free Ga/SiO2 under identical conditions revealed the decisive influence of Pt dissolved in the liquid Ga matrix.
A lightweight anonymous two‐factor authentication protocol for wireless sensor networks in Internet of Vehicles
Authors: Sadri Mohammad Javad , Rajabzadeh Asaar Maryam
Published: July 2020

Internet of Vehicles (IoV), as the next generation of transportation systems, tries to make highway and public transportation more secure than used to be. In this system, users use public channels for their communication so they can be the victims of passive or active attacks. Therefore, a secure authentication protocol is essential for IoV; consequently, many protocols are presented to provide secure authentication for IoV. In 2018, Yu et al proposed a secure authentication protocol for WSNs in vehicular communications and claimed that their protocol could satisfy all crucial security features of a secure authentication protocol. Unfortunately, we found that their protocol is susceptible to sensor capture attack, user traceability attack, user impersonation attack, and offline sink node's secret key guessing attack. In this paper, we propose a new authentication protocol for IoV which can solve the weaknesses of Yu et al's protocol. Our protocol not only provides anonymous user registration phase and revocation smart card phase but also uses the biometric template in place of the password. We use both Burrow‐Abadi‐Needham (BAN) logic and real‐or‐random (ROR) model to present the formal analysis of our protocol. Finally, we compare our protocol with other existing related protocols in terms of security features and computation overhead. The results prove that our protocol can provide more security features and it is usable for IoV system.
Toxic Mask-ulinity: The Link between Masculine Toughness and Affective Reactions to Mask Wearing in the COVID-19 Era
Authors: Palmer Carl L. , Peterson Rolfe D.
Published: July 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has altered numerous elements of social, political, and economic life. Mask wearing is arguably an essential component of the new normal until substantial progress is made on a vaccine. However, though evidence suggests the practice is a positive for public health and limiting the transmission of COVID-19, there is variation in attitudes toward and practices of mask wearing. Specifically, there appears to be a sex-based divide in mask wearing, with men more likely to resist wearing masks. Utilizing an original survey, we test the correlation between masculinity and mask wearing. We find that identification with norms of masculinity has a significant influence on affective responses toward mask wearing.
Long non-coding RNA CCDC144NL-AS1 sponges miR-143-3p and regulates MAP3K7 by acting as a competing endogenous RNA in gastric cancer
Authors: Fan Hao , Ge Yugang , Ma Xiang , Li Zengliang , Shi Liang , Lin Linling , Xiao Jian , Chen Wangwang , Ni Peidong , Yang Li , Xu Zekuan
Published: July 2020

Gastric cancer (GC) has been one of the most leading cause of cancer-death worldwide. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been found to be related with the carcinogenesis and the development of various cancers, including GC. However, there are still many GC-related lncRNAs functional roles and molecular mechanisms that have not yet been clearly studied. Herein, we report lncRNA CCDC144NL-AS1, which has not been explored in GC, and it is markedly upregulated in GC tissues, which may serve as an independent predictor of poor prognosis. We found that CCDC144NL-AS1 expression was significantly positively associated with a larger tumor size and more pronounced lymph node metastasis. Through a series of in vivo and in vitro functional experiments, we observed that CCDC144NL-AS1 could facilitate cell proliferation, invasion and migration and inhibit cell apoptosis in GC. Further mechanism investigation revealed that CCDC144NL-AS1 acted as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) for sponging miR-143-3p and upregulated the expression of its direct endogenous target MAP3K7 in GC. Taken together, our results elucidate the oncogenic roles of CCDC144NL-AS1/miR-143-3p/MAP3K7 axis in GC progression, providing inspiration for further understanding of the mechanism of GC and making CCDC144NL-AS1 as a potential novel diagnostic and therapeutic target for GC.
High-performance perovskite solar cell using photonic–plasmonic nanostructure
Authors: Tooghi Alireza , Fathi Davood , Eskandari Mehdi
Published: July 2020

In this paper, a coupled optical-electrical modeling method is applied to simulate perovskite solar cells (PSCs) to find ways to improve light absorption by the active layer and ensure that the generated carriers are collected effectively. Initially, a planar structure of the PSC is investigated and its optical losses are determined. To reduce the losses and enhance collection efficiency, a convex light-trapping configuration of PSC is used and the impacts of these nanostructures on all parts of the cell are investigated. In this convex nanostructured PSC, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) is found to be increased when the thickness of the absorbing layer remained unchanged. Then, a plasmonic reflector is applied to trap light inside the perovskite. In this structure, by scattering light through the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect of the Au back-contact, the electromagnetic field is found to concentrate in the active layer. This results in increased perovskite absorption and, consequently, a high current density of the cell. In the final structure, which is the integration of these two structures, optical losses are found to be greatly diminished and the short-circuit current density (Jsc) is increased from 18.63 mA/cm2for the planar structure to 23.5 mA/cm2for the proposed structure. Due to the increased Jscand open-circuit voltage (Voc) caused by the improved carrier collection, the PCE increases from 14.62 to 19.54%.
Creatine and taurine mixtures alleviate depressive-like behaviour in Drosophila melanogaster and mice via regulating Akt and ERK/BDNF pathways
Authors: Kim Suhyeon , Hong Ki-Bae , Kim Singeun , Suh Hyung Joo , Jo Kyungae
Published: July 2020

We investigated the antidepressant effect of creatine (CRE) and taurine (TAU) mixtures on behavioural changes and biomarkers in stress-induced depression in Drosophila melanogaster and a mouse model. Following CRE/TAU mixture administration in the Drosophila model, depression-like state induced by vibration, locomotion, climbing activity, and survival rate were measured. The normal stress (NS) group demonstrated decreased movement than the control (CON) group; movements in the CRE/TAU-treated group (particularly 0.15/0.5%) returned to the CON levels. Antidepressant effects of CRE/TAU mixtures were confirmed in a depressive mouse model induced by chronic mild stress. In behavioural assessments, movement and sucrose preference of the CRE/TAU group increased to a similar level as in the positive control group; hippocampal catecholamine and serotonin levels increased significantly. Stress-related hormones (adrenocorticotropic and corticotropin-releasing hormones) and inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) increased in the NS group but significantly decreased in the CRE/TAU-treated group. Brain signalling protein expression ratio of phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-Akt)/Akt, phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK)/ERK, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) significantly increased in the CRE/TAU-treated group. These results indicate that CRE/TAU-induced antidepressant effects are associated with increased behavioural patterns and downregulation of stress hormones and cytokines, mediated through Akt and ERK/BDNF pathways in vertebrate models.
Alkoxy-functionalized ionic liquid electrolytes: understanding ionic coordination of calcium ion speciation for the rational design of calcium electrolytes
Authors: Gao Xinpei , Liu Xu , Mariani Alessandro , Elia Giuseppe Antonio , Lechner Manuel , Streb Carsten , Passerini Stefano
Published: July 2020

The proof-of-concept demonstration of a rechargeable Ca/V2O5 cell is given, taking advantage of an alkoxy-functionalized ionic liquid-based electrolyte enabling the displacement of the anions from the coordination of the Ca2+ cations.
Enhanced nanoparticle rejection in aligned boron nitride nanotube membranes
Authors: Casanova Serena , Mistry Sritay , Mazinani Saeed , Borg Matthew K. , Chew Y. M. John , Mattia Davide
Published: July 2020

We demonstrate enhanced rejection of nanoparticles and higher water permeance by boron nitride nanotube membranes compared to carbon nanotube ones.
A case study of floor failure characteristics under fully mechanised caving mining conditions in extra-thick coal seams
Authors: Zhang Pingsong , Ou Yuanchao , Sun Binyang , Liu Chang
Published: July 2020

To determine the failure characteristics and evolution regularity of the floor strata during fully mechanised top-coal cave mining in typical deep and extra-thick seams in western China, the 61303 working face of an Ordos mine was selected as the engineering research object. A comprehensive monitoring method combining a BOTDR (Brillouin Optical Time-Domain Reflection) distributed fiber strain test and a borehole resistivity CT (Computerised Tomography) test was adopted. The results show that floor stress distribution of the deep-buried and extra-thick coal seam is significantly affected by the different depths of rock lithology. At the interface of the rock strata with a large difference in the elastic modulus, phenomena such as the asynchronism of strata movement and obvious differences in failure easily occur. The failure depth of the floor strata in the 61303 working face is approximately 15.90 m, and the influence depth of the floor disturbance is approximately 32.70 m. Under the influence of the mining pressure, floor stress distribution and crack evolution have obvious spatial and temporal effects. In different inclined boreholes, the data captured by the cable have different values and the fracture locations of the cable also differ. Compared with a single borehole, multiple boreholes with different inclinations, directions and locations can provide more comprehensive and reliable data trends. The knowledge obtained by this monitoring can provide reference information for the study of floor damage under similar conditions and the formulation of technical measures such as those that prevent mine water disasters.
Circular economy: laying the foundations for conceptual and theoretical development in management studies
Authors: De Angelis Roberta
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This article develops conceptual and paradigmatic clarity in the circular economy literature from a management studies perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

This article uses a systematic literature review for analysing how circular economy is currently understood. It also reflects on how to establish paradigmatic anchoring of the circular economy in the management field.

Findings

Multiple definitions of the circular economy exist, but they depict the circular economy narrowly and fail to incorporate aspects of competitiveness and profitability. Additionally, most of sustainability management research displays shortcomings in the way this literature frames the organisation–nature relationship.

Research limitations/implications

This article aims to support conceptual and theoretical development in the circular economy literature and highlights opportunities for enhanced competitiveness and profitability deriving from circular business model innovation. However, further research is welcomed to assess this connection.

Practical implications

The conceptualisation of the circular economy proposed in this study emphasises aspects of competitiveness and profitability, which is of relevance to management practitioners.

Originality/value

This study addresses current shortcomings in how the circular economy is conceptualised. As a result, it proposes a more comprehensive conceptualisation which also includes competitiveness and profitability aspects and, thereby, is relevant from a management studies perspective. It also provides paradigmatic anchoring to the circular economy concept by suggesting that the sustaincentric paradigm, which has received limited scholarly attention so far, is suitable to inform circular economy research and practice.
Circulating and tissue biomarkers as predictors of bromine gas inhalation
Authors: Juncos Juan Xavier Masjoan , Shakil Shazia , Ahmad Aamir , Aishah Duha , Morgan Charity J. , Dell'Italia Louis J. , Ford David A. , Ahmad Aftab , Ahmad Shama
Published: July 2020

The threat from deliberate or accidental exposure to halogen gases is increasing, as is their industrial applications and use as chemical warfare agents. Biomarkers that can identify halogen exposure, diagnose victims of exposure or predict injury severity, and enable appropriate treatment are lacking. We conducted these studies to determine and validate biomarkers of bromine (Br2) toxicity and correlate the symptoms and the extent of cardiopulmonary injuries. Unanesthetized rats were exposed to Br2 and monitored noninvasively for clinical scores and pulse oximetry. Animals were euthanized and grouped at various time intervals to assess brominated fatty acid (BFA) content in the plasma, lung, and heart using mass spectrometry. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) protein content was used to assess pulmonary injury. Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) was assessed in the plasma to evaluate cardiac injury. The blood, lung, and cardiac tissue BFA content significantly correlated with the clinical scores, tissue oxygenation, heart rate, and cardiopulmonary injury parameters. Total (free + esterified) bromostearic acid levels correlated with lung injury, as indicated by BALF protein content, and free bromostearic acid levels correlated with plasma cTnI levels. Thus, BFAs and cardiac injury biomarkers can identify Br2 exposure and predict the severity of organ damage.
Strangulated right-sided diaphragmatic hernia presenting and treated as lung empyema: beware of the differential diagnosis
Authors: Gupta Sapna , Warrell Daniel , Smith Laurie , Williams Gethin Llewellyn
Published: July 2020

A 78-year-old man with no surgical history or recent trauma presented to the emergency department with sudden onset right-sided chest pain and dyspnoea. He was admitted under the physicians for investigations and was subsequently diagnosed with empyema of the right thorax. After no improvement with intravenous antibiotics, a chest drain was inserted; no pus was drained. He worsened clinically; a repeated CT scan demonstrated an incarcerated loop of small bowel within the right thoracic cavity secondary to a diaphragmatic hernia (DH). The patient had emergency surgery to remove necrotic small bowel and to lavage the thorax. Strangulated DH should be considered as a differential diagnosis where presentation is unusual and empyema does not improve after initial management.
Retroperitoneoscopic drainage of cryptogenic psoas abscess
Authors: Froiio Caterina , Bernardi Daniele Tiziano , Asti Emanuele , Bonavina Luigi
Published: July 2020

Psoas abscess is a rare and occasionally life-threatening condition. In the past, the major cause of psoas abscess was a descending infection originating from spine tuberculosis (Pott’s disease). Subsequently, secondary infection from spondylodiscitis or Crohn’s disease has become the prevalent aetiology. Conventional treatment ranges from antibiotic therapy alone to CT-guided and/or surgical drainage. We present the case of a 67-year-old man with a complex history, including pneumonia, sepsis and previous muscle-skeletal trauma. The patient subsequently developed a psoas abscess that was successfully treated with a minimally invasive retroperitoneoscopic approach and antibiotics. Blood cultures and pus yielded Gram-positiveStreptococcussp, and transesophageal echocardiography identified endocarditis as a possible source of sepsis. Postoperative clinical course was complicated by recurrent sepsis that required a change of antibiotic therapy. The patient was eventually discharged to rehabilitation care without further complications. The retroperitoneoscopic approach is safe and effective for the treatment of cryptogenic psoas abscess.
Consumption of Anthocyanin-Rich Mulberry Fruit Jelly with a High-Fat Meal Decreases Postprandial Serum Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Dyslipidemia Subjects
Authors: On-Nom Nattira , Suttisansanee Uthaiwan , Tongmai Jutamas , Khemthong Chanakan , Chamchan Rungrat , Prangthip Pattaneeya , Hanboonkunupakarn Borimas , Chupeerach Chaowanee
Published: July 2020

Anthocyanin content in berries has been reported to promote antioxidant properties that mitigate the occurrence of noncommunicable diseases. However, only a few studies have investigated the benefits of anthocyanin-rich food products from mulberry fruit to reduce the cardiometabolic risk factor in dyslipidemia subjects. Anthocyanin-rich mulberry fruit jelly was formulated using mulberry fruit powder (MFP), and its activities on serum cardiometabolic risk factors in dyslipidemia subjects were studied. Morus alba var. Chiang Mai was used as the ingredient for MFP jelly containing 14 g MFP (191 mg anthocyanin) per serving size (170 g). To investigate the effect of MFP jelly on reduction of cardiometabolic risk factors, sixteen dyslipidemia subjects were given one serving of MFP jelly every day for seven days. After MFP jelly intervention, fasting blood cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and inflammatory markers including interleukin-6 levels of the subjects were significantly lower. Postprandial blood parameters were measured at 0–240 min after consuming a high-fat meal before and after MFP jelly intervention. Postprandial blood glucose at 30 min (p<0.05) and insulin at 60 and 90 min (p<0.01) were lower in MFP than in placebo jelly. The area under the curve of insulin in MFP jelly was smaller than in placebo by 31.2%. Therefore, MFP jelly intervention increased insulin sensitivity. For antioxidant activity markers, postprandial oxygen radical absorbance capacity after MFP jelly intervention gave a smaller decrease after high-fat meal intake compared to after placebo jelly intervention. Moreover, for the oxidative stress markers, postprandial malondialdehyde level was significantly lower in MFP jelly. Seven days of intervention by one serving size of MFP jelly containing 191 mg of anthocyanins reduced cardiometabolic risk factors by lowering blood total cholesterol, LDL, and inflammation, and improving insulin sensitivity and postprandial blood antioxidant-oxidative stress activity in dyslipidemia subjects. This trial is registered with TCTR20200415003.
Photocatalytic Degradation of Rhodamine B by C and N Codoped TiO2 Nanoparticles under Visible-Light Irradiation
Authors: Le Thuy Thi Thanh , Tran Trinh Dinh
Published: July 2020

C and N codoped TiO2 nanoparticles were synthesized via a solvothermal method. The degradation of Rhodamine B by the photocatalyst C, N-TiO2 was investigated under visible-light irradiation generated by using a 36 W compact fluorescent lamp which is characterized by wavelengths from 400 to 650 nm. The structure and properties of the obtained photocatalyst have been systematically investigated using X-ray diffraction, TEM, UV-Vis, FT-IR, and BET techniques. The experimental results revealed that C, N codoped TiO2 nanoparticles were successfully synthesized, with an average diameter of 9.1 nm. C, N-TiO2 nanoparticles exhibited an energy band gap of 2.90 eV, which were lower than pristine TiO2 (3.34 eV), C-TiO2 (3.2 eV), and N-TiO2 (3.03 eV). The degradation of Rhodamine B by C, N-TiO2 indicated that, under visible-light irradiation, the optimal dose of the photocatalyst was 1.8 g/L, and the removal of Rhodamine B was almost complete after 3 hours of reaction. The photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B in the range of 5–100 mg/L showed that the process followed the first-order kinetics according to the Langmuir–Hinshelwood model. The highest apparent rate constant (0.0427 min−1) was obtained when the initial concentration of Rhodamine B was 5 mg/L, whereas the former decreased with the increase in the initial concentration of Rhodamine B. Moreover, C and N codoped TiO2 nanoparticles presented a high potential for recycling, which was characterized by a removal efficiency of more than 86% after three cycles.
Direct-Acting Oral Anticoagulants Versus Warfarin in Medicare Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease and Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Wetmore James B. , Roetker Nicholas S. , Yan Heng , Reyes Jorge L. , Herzog Charles A.
Published: July 2020

Background and Purpose:

The comparative effectiveness of direct-acting oral anticoagulants, compared with warfarin, for risks of stroke/systemic embolism, major bleeding, or death have not been studied in Medicare beneficiaries with atrial fibrillation and nondialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease.

Methods:

Medicare data from 2011 to 2017 were used to identify patients with stages 3, 4, or 5 chronic kidney disease and new atrial fibrillation who received a new prescription for warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban, or dabigatran. We estimated marginal hazard ratios with 95% CIs for the association of each direct-acting oral anticoagulant, compared with warfarin, for the outcomes of interest using inverse-probability-of-treatment weighted Cox proportional hazards models in as-treated and intention-to-treat analyses.

Results:

A total of 22 739 individuals met criteria (46.3% warfarin, 29.6% apixaban, 17.2% rivaroxaban, 6.9% dabigatran). Across the groups of anticoagulant users, mean age was 78.4 to 79.0 years; 50.3% to 51.4% were women, and 80.3% to 82.8% had stage 3 chronic kidney disease. In the as-treated analysis, for stroke/systemic embolism, hazard ratios, all compared with warfarin, were 0.70 (0.51–0.96) for apixaban, 0.80 (0.54–1.17) for rivaroxaban, and 1.15 (0.69–1.94) for dabigatran. For major bleeding, analogous hazard ratios were 0.47 (0.37–0.59) for apixaban, 1.05 (0.85–1.30) for rivaroxaban, and 0.95 (0.70–1.31) for dabigatran. There was no difference in the risk of all-cause mortality between the direct-acting oral anticoagulants and warfarin. Results of the intention-to-treat analysis were similar.

Conclusions:

Apixaban, compared with warfarin, was associated with decreased risk of stroke/systemic embolism and major bleeding; risks for both outcomes with rivaroxaban and dabigatran did not differ from risks with warfarin.
A Revised Computational Neuroanatomy for Motor Control
Authors: Haar Shlomi , Donchin Opher
Published: July 2020

We discuss a new framework for understanding the structure of motor control. Our approach integrates existing models of motor control with the reality of hierarchical cortical processing and the parallel segregated loops that characterize cortical–subcortical connections. We also incorporate the recent claim that cortex functions via predictive representation and optimal information utilization. Our framework assumes that each cortical area engaged in motor control generates a predictive model of a different aspect of motor behavior. In maintaining these predictive models, each area interacts with a different part of the cerebellum and BG. These subcortical areas are thus engaged in domain-appropriate system identification and optimization. This refocuses the question of division of function among different cortical areas. What are the different aspects of motor behavior that are predictively modeled? We suggest that one fundamental division is between modeling of task and body whereas another is the model of state and action. Thus, we propose that the posterior parietal cortex, somatosensory cortex, premotor cortex, and motor cortex represent task state, body state, task action, and body action, respectively. In the second part of this review, we demonstrate how this division of labor can better account for many recent findings of movement encoding, especially in the premotor and posterior parietal cortices.
The effect of short-course antibiotics on the resistance profile of colonizing gut bacteria in the ICU: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Munck Christian , Sheth Ravi U. , Cuaresma Edward , Weidler Jessica , Stump Stephania L. , Zachariah Philip , Chong David H. , Uhlemann Anne-Catrin , Abrams Julian A. , Wang Harris H. , Freedberg Daniel E.
Published: July 2020

Background

The need for early antibiotics in the intensive care unit (ICU) is often balanced against the goal of antibiotic stewardship. Long-course antibiotics increase the burden of antimicrobial resistance within colonizing gut bacteria, but the dynamics of this process are not fully understood. We sought to determine how short-course antibiotics affect the antimicrobial resistance phenotype and genotype of colonizing gut bacteria in the ICU by performing a prospective cohort study with assessments of resistance at ICU admission and exactly 72 h later.

Methods

Deep rectal swabs were performed on 48 adults at the time of ICU admission and exactly 72 h later, including patients who did and did not receive antibiotics. To determine resistance phenotype, rectal swabs were cultured for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE). In addition, Gram-negative bacterial isolates were cultured against relevant antibiotics. To determine resistance genotype, quantitative PCR (qPCR) was performed from rectal swabs for 87 established resistance genes. Within-individual changes in antimicrobial resistance were calculated based on culture and qPCR results and correlated with exposure to relevant antibiotics (e.g., did β-lactam antibiotic exposure associate with a detectable change in β-lactam resistance over this 72-h period?).

Results

Of 48 ICU patients, 41 (85%) received antibiotics. Overall, there was no increase in the antimicrobial resistance profile of colonizing gut bacteria during the 72-h study period. There was also no increase in antimicrobial resistance after stratification by receipt of antibiotics (i.e., no detectable increase in β-lactam, vancomycin, or macrolide resistance regardless of whether patients received those same antibiotics). This was true for both culture and PCR. Antimicrobial resistance pattern at ICU admission strongly predicted resistance pattern after 72 h.

Conclusions

Short-course ICU antibiotics made little detectable difference in the antimicrobial resistance pattern of colonizing gut bacteria over 72 h in the ICU. This provides an improved understanding of the dynamics of antimicrobial resistance in the ICU and some reassurance that short-course antibiotics may not adversely impact the stewardship goal of reducing antimicrobial resistance.
The effect of crocin supplementation on glycemic control, insulin resistance and active AMPK levels in patients with type 2 diabetes: a pilot study
Authors: Behrouz Vahideh , Dastkhosh Ali , Hedayati Mehdi , Sedaghat Meghdad , Sharafkhah Maryam , Sohrab Golbon
Published: July 2020

Background

Crocin as a carotenoid exerts anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, neuroprotective and cardioprotective effects. Besides, the increasing prevalence of diabetes mellitus and its allied complications, and also patients' desire to use natural products for treating their diseases, led to the design of this study to evaluate the efficacy of crocin on glycemic control, insulin resistance and active adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) levels in patients with type-2 diabetes (T2D).

Methods

In this clinical trial with a parallel-group design, 50 patients with T2D received either 15-mg crocin or placebo, twice daily, for 12 weeks. Anthropometric measurements, dietary intake, physical activity, blood pressure, glucose homeostasis parameters, active form of AMPK were assessed at the beginning and at the end of the study.

Results

Compared with the placebo group, crocin improved fasting glucose level (P = 0.015), hemoglobin A1c (P = 0.045), plasma insulin level (P = 0.046), insulin resistance (P = 0.001), and insulin sensitivity (P = 0.001). Based on the within group analysis, crocin led to significant improvement in plasma levels of glucose, insulin, hemoglobin A1c, systolic blood pressure, insulin resistance and insulin sensitivity. The active form of AMPK did not change within and between groups after intervention.

Conclusions

The findings indicate that crocin supplementation can improve glycemic control and insulin resistance in patients with T2D. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Trial Registration This study has been registered at Clinicaltrial.gov with registration number NCT04163757
Absence of the c.169+50delTAAACAG mutation of SOD1 gene in a sample of keratoconus patients in Brazilian population
Authors: Lopes Alessandro Garcia , de Almeida Júnior Gildásio Castello , Teixeira Ronan Marques , de Mattos Luiz Carlos , Brandão de Mattos Cinara Cássia , Castiglioni Lilian
Published: July 2020

Objective

To determine the presence of the 7-bp deletion c.169+50delTAAACAG in intron 2 of Superoxide Dismutase-1 gene in keratoconic patients from the State of São Paulo, Brazil, which promotes splicing variations, resulting in non-functional Superoxide Dismutase-1 antioxidant proteins, which may damage the corneal structure.

Results

A group of 35 keratoconic patients, from whom 35 peripheral blood samples and 58 samples of corneal fragments were evaluated, and a control group of 89 individuals, from whom 41 blood samples and 149 samples of corneal fragments were collected. After the amplification of DNA fragments by polymerase chain reaction, mutational screening analysis was performed by enzymatic digestion, followed by direct sequencing. The absence of the 7-bp c.169+50delTAAACAG mutation in intron 2 of Superoxide Dismutase-1 gene was detected in the analyzed subjects of the 2 groups, both in the cornea and peripheral blood samples. Then, according to our results, there is no involvement of c.169+50delTAAACAG deletion in the pathogenesis of keratoconus in this population, once it was not detected. But we emphasize that studies involving this deletion must be continued in an attempt to elucidate this issue.