bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
El ataque posicional en balonmano: validación de un sistema de observación
Authors: Quiñones Rodríguez Yarisel , Morillo-Baro Juan Pablo , Reigal Rafael E. , Morales-Sánchez Verónica , Vázquez-Diz Juan Antonio , Hernández-Mendo Antonio
Published: January 2020

En este estudio se presenta un instrumento de observación para analizar las acciones de ataque posicional en el balonmano de alto nivel. La herramienta ha sido diseñada ad hoc mediante un sistema mixto de formatos de campo y sistema de categorías exhaustivas y mutuamente excluyentes (E/ME). La conforman 12 criterios y 62 categorías, que proponen como principales criterios la situación que produce el desequilibrio, los medios tácticos colectivos empleados y la ejecución de la decisión. Se realizó un análisis de Calidad del Dato y un análisis de Generalizabilidad. Se estimaron los coeficientes de correlación (Pearson, Spearman, Tau b de Kendall) y el índice de Kappa de Cohen para ambos sexos. Las correlaciones estimadas para sexo masculino fueron de (.97-.99) para la fiabilidad intraobservador y (.89-.98) en la interobservador. El índice de la Kappa de Cohen resultó 0.94 y 0.82 respectivamente. El sexo femenino obtuvo en el coeficiente de correlación intraobservador (.95-.97) y (.87-.98) en el inter. El índice de la Kappa de Cohen fue 0.91 en la concordancia inter y 0,81 en la intra. Los resultados han mostrado índices adecuados de correlación, así como excelentes resultados de la Generalizabilidad con un valor G relativo y G absoluto de .99 en el acuerdo interobservador y 1.00 para el acuerdo intraobservador. Como aspecto novedoso, se realizó un análisis de invarianza para demostrar que no existen diferencias por razón de género en la utilización de la herramienta. Los datos generados del estudio aseguran que la herramienta de observación presenta una elevada validez, precisión y fiabilidad.
Les populations amérindiennes du Canada, des postes du Domaine du Roy et de l’Acadie, 1680-1763
Authors: Dubois Paul-André , Morin Maxime
Published: January 2020

Cet article porte sur la démographie des populations autochtones catholiques du Canada, de la région de Tadoussac et de l’Acadie entre 1680 et 1763. Les auteurs examinent ici la validité de différents ratios permettant d’estimer une population entière compte tenu de son nombre de guerriers. Les résultats de ces calculs permettront de mieux connaître la démographie de ces groupes autochtones au cours de cette période.
Le territoire, source de guérison
Authors: Guay Christiane , Delisle L’Heureux Catherine
Published: January 2020

Pour les Premières Nations, la guérison est un processus de changement à la fois global, collectif et décolonial qui a pour but de faire face aux fractures sociales et aux déséquilibres qu’ont engendrés les siècles de colonisation. Le présent texte porte sur le potentiel de guérison du territoire chez les Innus d’Uashat mak Mani-utenam. En s’appuyant sur les récits de plusieurs membres de la communauté, les auteures montrent que le territoire permet de maintenir en vie l’identité et la culture innues et de s’attaquer au malaise identitaire. Le territoire est considéré comme ayant un effet positif sur les relations familiales et communautaires, ainsi que sur les liens intergénérationnels qui sont au coeur des processus de transmission culturelle. Il est aussi conçu comme bénéfique pour les Innus en tant qu’individus pour qui le territoire est un lieu de ressourcement, voire un lieu doté d’un pouvoir thérapeutique.
Indigénisation et inculturation
Authors: Robinaud Marion
Published: January 2020

Le présent article propose d’éclairer les modalités de l’évangélisation des Premières Nations dans l’Ouest canadien dans la seconde moitié duxxe siècle à travers la culture matérielle. Les objets liturgiques et les objets de piété situés à l’intérieur de trois églises catholiques implantées au coeur de réserves autochtones (en Alberta et en Colombie-Britannique) sont décrits et analysés au regard de l’ethnographie traditionnelle. En prenant en considération les significations nord-amérindiennes de certains objets transformés dans un souci d’adaptation à la culture locale, plusieurs malentendus et maladresses émergent. Entre formes hybrides, métissages et truchements, les marqueurs esthétiques de l’adaptation aux cultures nord-amérindiennes permettront de discuter les concepts d’inculturation et d’indigénisation.
La transition vers la maternelle des enfants ayant un trouble du spectre de l’autisme : une revue narrative
Authors: Girard Stéphanie , Dugas Claude , Dionne Carmen
Published: January 2020

Il est reconnu que la transition vers le milieu scolaire est une étape cruciale et complexe pour tous les enfants et leurs familles, et particulièrement pour les enfants ayant des besoins particuliers. La présente revue narrative vise à identifier comment la transition vers la maternelle d’enfants ayant un trouble du spectre de l’autisme (TSA) a été abordée dans la littérature scientifique en s’appuyant sur les résultats de 13 études datées de 2004 à 2019. Cette synthèse a permis de mettre en lumière les principaux indicateurs utilisés pour évaluer la qualité et la réussite de cette transition. De plus, des défis ont été identifiés, notamment en lien avec la communication/collaboration impliquant les intervenants et les parents ainsi que le processus d’individualisation de la transition.
L’état des connaissances sur la Fransaskoisie : une analyse de la recherche produite entre 1960 et 2018
Authors: Dubois Janique , Poplyansky Michael
Published: January 2020

Cet article révèle la présence d’une recherche engagée dans le contexte fransaskois. À partir d’une analyse des études consacrées à cette communauté, les auteurs dégagent les principaux courants thématiques et méthodologiques qui ont marqué la recherche sur les Fransaskois depuis les années 1960. Ils mettent en lumière la longue histoire de partenariats entre l’université et la communauté et analysent le rôle des réseaux universitaires et des groupes de recherche dans la production des savoirs. Enfin, l’article rend compte de l’effet de la recherche sur la capacité d’agir de la communauté fransaskoise.
El uso de estrategias de marketing digital para la promoción turística de las comunidades autónomas españolas
Authors: Ramos Vecino Nuria , Fernández Portillo Antonio , Almodóvar González Manuel
Published: January 2020

Purpose: Modern management methods and the constant innovations in business demand to be considered the territories as a product. Due to this, strategies derived from marketing arise, but applied to the digital age that exists today. This is what is called digital marketing and is very useful and indispensable in the current territory management. The practical objective of this research will be to check the application and effectiveness level of some of these digital marketing strategies in Spain to be able to give an overview of the implementation of strategies in each of the Spanish autonomous communities.

Design/methodology: To this end, the methodology used has been the development of a model applied to all of them, consisting of a series of searches on Internet search engines as well as the Google Trends tool. Subsequently, it has been possible to classify them based on a specific methodology focused on online searches.

Findings: Considering the main limitation in the development of this research, which is that the data on the internet are highly fluctuating, it can be concluded that the results show a situation, in general, optimal, and highlights that internet users and tourists, as the true pillars of digital tourism promotion. They, with their comments and personal evaluations of the destinations, give them the true value that other tourists perceive.

Research limitations/implications: These results have business and social implications. This is very useful for the application of new strategies in these territories to achieve greater tourism and economic development.

Originality/value: This research is a pioneer in showing all the strategies carried out by all the Spanish autonomous communities, as well as the position in which they are in relation to each other in this field.
La comunicación como factor clave en la experiencia del consumidor para la fijación del precio
Authors: Herrera Pérez Ariana Paola
Published: January 2020

Purpose: The objective of the current research is to analyze the communication as one of the drivers of customer experience and its influence in price selection. The traditional mechanism that businesses of the catering sector use to establish the sales price for the public it is based only in costs, leaving aside the perceived value of client at a perceived level.

Findings: The results show that the customers would be willing to pay five times more for a personalized and differentiated service, as such, a key factor identified in the service process is the bidirectional communication between the service provider and the client. Through this implementation it has been corroborated that the individual is really paying for what the product or service represents at a perceived level, relegating the rational part to a second level.

Research limitations/implications: The implication of the presented results is of a managerial nature, with a focus in the decision process of price selection. Nevertheless, the data collected are in regards to a single type of catering service, and thus, do not allow for a generalization of the results obtained.

Originality/value: The present research it´s characterized by its valuable and unpublished study of the relationship between communication and customer experience as a mechanism of price selection from a holistic perspective, isolating costs as the main drivers of the calculation and taking the customer experience as an important variable.
A Community-Based Evaluation of Brief Guided Mindfulness in the Management of Stress and Difficult Emotions
Authors: MacDonald Shaya , Korol Susan , Vassallo Todd , MacDougall Cathy
Published: January 2020

The current study evaluated the effectiveness of a novel three-hour Guided Mindfulness Program on participants’ management of depression, anxiety and stress. The intervention included an educational component emphasizing the psychological value of mindfulness practice combined with a practical training component in mindfulness techniques. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale was administered at three points in time before and after participation in the program. Additionally, semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore perceived quality of life, happiness, and stress 4 to 8 weeks following the program. All participants reported improvements in overall well-being and reported significant decreases in negative affect when comparing pre-program scores (baseline) to follow-up scores. Notably, qualitative interview results indicated that participants attributed most positive post-program results to informal mindfulness practice.
A Benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐c′]Dithiophene‐4,8‐Dione‐Based Polymer Donor Achieving an Efficiency Over 16%
Authors: Chao Pengjie , Chen Hui , Zhu Yulin , Lai Hanjian , Mo Daize , Zheng Nan , Chang Xiaoyong , Meng Hong , He Feng
Published: January 2020

It is of great significance to develop efficient donor polymers during the rapid development of acceptor materials for nonfullerene bulk‐heterojunction (BHJ) polymer solar cells. Herein, a new donor polymer, named PBTT‐F, based on a strongly electron‐deficient core (5,7‐dibromo‐2,3‐bis(2‐ethylhexyl)benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐c′]dithiophene‐4,8‐dione, TTDO), is developed through the design of cyclohexane‐1,4‐dione embedded into a thieno[3,4‐b]thiophene (TT) unit. When blended with the acceptor Y6, the PBTT‐F‐based photovoltaic device exhibits an outstanding power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 16.1% with a very high fill factor (FF) of 77.1%. This polymer also shows high efficiency for a thick‐film device, with a PCE of ≈14.2% being realized for an active layer thickness of 190 nm. In addition, the PBTT‐F‐based polymer solar cells also show good stability after storage for ≈700 h in a glove box, with a high PCE of ≈14.8%, which obviously shows that this kind of polymer is very promising for future commercial applications. This work provides a unique strategy for the molecular synthesis of donor polymers, and these results demonstrate that PBTT‐F is a very promising donor polymer for use in polymer solar cells, providing an alternative choice for a variety of fullerene‐free acceptor materials for the research community.
3D Multiscale Gradient Pores Impregnated with Ag Nanowires for Simultaneous Pressure and Bending Detection with Enhanced Linear Sensitivity
Authors: Sharma Vivek Vishal , Kim Kyeong Nam , Han Gi Hyeon , Gwak Eun‐Ji , Woo Jeong‐Hyun , Kang Sung Bum , Choi Kyoung Jin , Kim Ju‐Young , Baik Jeong Min
Published: January 2020

Developing a successful strategy to fabricate multifunctional sensors with high linear sensitivity is crucial for enhancing tactile interactions of the human body with the surrounding environment. Here, a stretchable multifunctional sensor consisting of stretchable porous film with multiscale aligned pores and Ag nanomesh electrode is reported. Due to the gradient in pore size and porosity inside the film, the sensor can detect bending and pressure simultaneously and independently as well as bending direction with quite high linear sensitivity up to 2 kPa. The 12 sensors are attached onto the tip and two joints each of four human fingers of one hand, and the capacitance changes measured by grabbing two different balls provide exact information associated with various hand gestures.
Heterogeneous Single Atom Electrocatalysis, Where “Singles” Are “Married”
Authors: Zang Wenjie , Kou Zongkui , Pennycook Stephen J. , Wang John
Published: January 2020

There is an intensive search for heterogeneous single atom catalysts (SACs) of high activity, efficiency, durability, and selectivity for a wide variety of electrocatalytic conversion and chemical reactions, such as the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), oxygen evolution/reduction reaction (OER and ORR), CO2 reduction reaction (CO2 RR), and nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR). With the downsizing from nanoparticles and clusters to single atoms, there are steady changes in the bond and coordination environment for each and every atom involved. Indeed, the single atoms in these electrocatalysts are not “singles”; they are “married” to the supporting surfaces, and their performance is controlled by the bonding and coordination with the substrate surfaces. Herein, an overview is presented on the brief history leading to the rapid development of SACs and their current status, by focusing on their synthesis, control of composition, strategies to realize single atoms with the desired bonds and coordination, and targeted performance in selected reactions. Their applications in the selected spectrum of energy conversion and chemical reactions are discussed, in relation to their structures at varying length scales down to the atomic level. A particular emphasis is placed on on‐going research activities, together with the future perspectives and particular challenges for SACs.
Rational Design of Core@shell Structured CoSx@Cu2MoS4 Hybridized MoS2/N,S‐Codoped Graphene as Advanced Electrocatalyst for Water Splitting and Zn‐Air Battery
Authors: Nguyen Dinh Chuong , Tran Duy Thanh , Doan Thi Luu Luyen , Kim Do Hwan , Kim Nam Hoon , Lee Joong Hee
Published: January 2020

A novel hybrid of small core@shell structured CoSx@Cu2MoS4 uniformly hybridizing with a molybdenum dichalcogenide/N,S‐codoped graphene hetero‐network (CoSx@Cu2MoS4‐MoS2/NSG) is prepared by a facile route. It shows excellent performance toward the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline medium. The hybrid exhibits rapid kinetics for ORR with high electron transfer number of ≈3.97 and exciting durability superior to commercial Pt/C. It also demonstrates great potential with remarkable stability for HER and OER, requiring low overpotential of 118.1 and 351.4 mV, respectively, to reach a current density of 10 mA cm−2. An electrolyzer based on CoSx@Cu2MoS4‐MoS2/NSG produces low cell voltage of 1.60 V and long‐term stability, surpassing a device of Pt/C + RuO2/C. In addition, a Zn‐air battery using cathodic CoSx@Cu2MoS4‐MoS2/NSG catalyst delivers a high cell voltage of ≈1.44 V and a power density of 40 mW cm−2 at 58 mA cm−2, better than the state‐of‐the‐art Pt/C catalyst. These achievements are due to the rational combination of highly active core@shell CoSx@Cu2MoS4 with large‐area and high‐porosity MoS2/NSG to produce unique physicochemical properties with multi‐integrated active centers and synergistic effects. The outperformances of such catalyst suggest an advanced candidate for multielectrocatalysis applications in metal‐air batteries and hydrogen production.
Integration of poultry litter and mineral nitrogen on growth and yield of winter canola
Authors: Lin Yaru , Watts Dexter B. , Torbert H. Allen , Howe Julie A. , Feng Yucheng
Published: January 2020

Canola (Brassica napinsL.) has the potential to be used as a winter crop in the southeastern United States, but little is known about its nitrogen management when grown in this region. Increasing fertilizer costs have increased interest in using poultry litter (PL) as an alternative nutrient source for crops in this region. However, evaluation of the use of PL on canola growth and yield is lacking. Thus, a field study was conducted at Shorter, AL (loamy sand soil) and Prattville, AL (fine sandy loam soil) using a randomized complete block design with four replications. Fertility treatments consisted of an unfertilized control (P0U0), commercial fertilizer N (urea, 180 kg N ha−1, P0U180), PL at 68 kg N ha‐1with 112 kg N ha−1urea (P68U112), PL at 112 kg N ha−1with 68 kg N ha−1urea (P112U68), and PL at 180 kg N ha−1(P180U0). Overall, the combination of PL and urea application significantly increased canola growth (plant height and aboveground biomass) and elevated grain yield compared with PL application alone or with the control. The P68U112treatment resulted in an equivalent aboveground biomass, grain yield, and N uptake compared with the recommended urea treatment. This study suggests that a combination of PL and commercial fertilizer N could provide sustainable canola yield production in the southeastern United States.
Leaf nitrogen metabolism during reproductive phase is crucial for sustaining lint yield of densely populated cotton genotypes
Authors: Khan Aziz , Najeeb Ullah , Xiangjun Kong , Munsif Fazal , Jie Zheng , Zhou Ruiyang
Published: January 2020

Planting density and genotype choice are important agronomic techniques to achieve high crop yields. This study explored how planting density and genotypes affect cotton (Gossypium hirsutumL.) leaf N metabolism and lint yield. Treatments included three planting densities (low, 3.00 × 104; moderate, 6.00 × 104; and high, 9.00 × 104plants ha−1) and two genotypes (Zhongmiang16 and J‐4B). A randomized complete block design with split plot arrangement was used. Planting density of 6.00 × 104ha−1positively influenced leaf physio‐biochemical attributes and boll production. The high planting density reduced lint yield by suppressing leaf soluble sugar, protein, amino acid, chlorophylla, chlorophyllb, nitrate N and nitrite N content, nitrite reductase, and nitrate reductase activity. Moderate‐density crop produced 15.9 and 10.7% more lint yield than low‐ and high‐density planting, respectively. This high yield was the result of improved leaf level functioning (e.g., increased pigmentation and N metabolism during late reproductive growth), which increased C assimilation. Favorable leaf microclimate could also have sustained activities of leaf nitrate and nitrite reductase and increased amino acid and protein contents, with better distribution of N metabolic assimilates. Late reproductive structure development closely allied with leaf physiological attributes under a short growing season. Cotton genotypes, irrespective of their architectural variation, produced higher lint yield when grown at 6 × 104ha−1in a short cropping season.
Evaluation of Charged Defect Energy in Two‐Dimensional Semiconductors for Nanoelectronics: The WLZ Extrapolation Method
Authors: Xia Sha , Wang Dan , Chen Nian‐Ke , Han Dong , Li Xian‐Bin , Sun Hong‐Bo
Published: January 2020

Defects play a central role in controlling the electronic properties of two‐dimensional (2D) materials and realizing the industrialization of 2D electronics. However, the evaluation of charged defects in 2D materials within first‐principles calculation is very challenging and has triggered a recent development of the WLZ (Wang, Li, Zhang) extrapolation method. This method lays the foundation of the theoretical evaluation of energies of charged defects in 2D materials within the first‐principles framework. Herein, the vital role of defects for advancing 2D electronics is discussed, followed by an introduction of the fundamentals of the WLZ extrapolation method. The ionization energies (IEs) obtained by this method for defects in various 2D semiconductors are then reviewed and summarized. Finally, the unique defect physics in 2D dimensions including the dielectric environment effects, defect ionization process, and carrier transport mechanism captured with the WLZ extrapolation method are presented. As an efficient and reasonable evaluation of charged defects in 2D materials for nanoelectronics and other emerging applications, this work can be of benefit to the community.
Microencapsulation of sulfur by calcium alginate
Authors: Anozie Uche C. , Ju Lu‐Kwang
Published: January 2020

The sulfur blooms on surface of rubber compounds cause loss of the needed tack for formation of multiply articles like tires. Although insoluble sulfur can be used to mitigate this problem, it is expensive to manufacture with a complex and hazardous process. This work examines an alternative approach that involves microencapsulation of soluble sulfur in alginate‐based matrix. The formulations and procedures are developed and evaluated. Alginate crosslinking time, controlled temperature change (e.g., from 10 to 36°C), and the drying method were found to be critical to achieving high encapsulation efficiencies. The higher temperature (36°C) helped with the mass transfer limited removal of CS2 used for dissolving sulfur, and treatment of crosslinked beads with oil prior to air‐drying improved sulfur encapsulation. Formulated beads had higher than 65% sulfur content (>80%, oil‐free basis) with almost 90% of the beads being <150 μm. The process parameters can be adjusted to make even smaller beads.
Side‐reactions in diisocyanate‐derived bulk polyurea synthesis
Authors: Stern Theodor
Published: January 2020

Polyureas comprise a versatile family of polymers, widely applied mainly due to their outstanding mechanical properties. Nevertheless, due to the inherently very high reactivity of the isocyanate groups, polyurea synthesis is accompanied by crosslinking side‐reactions, strongly affecting the polymers properties, and possible applications. The present research focused on the direct investigation and diagnostic determination in solid state, of the possible chemical structures formation in bulk polyurea synthesis, using a combination of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and solid‐state 13C Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis. Syntheses of polyureas were hereby designed to yield a very high density of the newly formed chemical structures and, consequently obtaining strong and accurate diagnostic analytical signals. The results of the present research, conclusively revealed that even in so‐designed linear polyureas, there is a predominant occurrence of biuret formation and a significantly lower urea group occurrence. Polyureas of a 2:1 excess of diisocyanate:diamine, exhibited an almost exclusive biuret content. Synthesis of a new branched and crosslinked polymer using a monoamine and diisocyanate, provided strong evidence of a preferential further side‐reaction of isocyanate groups with formed biurets, rather than with the very abundantly remaining urea groups to form new biurets. An energetically‐favorable mechanism for the further side‐reaction of formed biurets is hereby suggested. Solid‐state 13C NMR analysis results were highly consistent with the FTIR results.
Perturbation to aquatic photosynthesis due to high energy muons from cosmic ray bursts due to neutron star mergers
Authors: Rodríguez‐López Lien , Cárdenas Rolando , González‐Rodríguez Lisdelys , Peñate Liuba , Parra Oscar , Urrutia Roberto
Published: January 2020

In this work, we propose a modification of the E‐model (Cullen, Neale, and Lesser) mathematical model for aquatic photosynthesis to include the action of ionizing radiation. We evaluated, with this modified model, the perturbations that muons from neutron star fusions could cause in the biological process of aquatic photosynthesis. It is shown that neutron star fusions not far from the solar system have the potential to considerably deplete aquatic photosynthesis.
Modifying Post‐Translational Modifications: A Strategy Used by Archaea for Adapting to Changing Environments?
Authors: Eichler Jerry
Published: January 2020

In concert with the selective pressures affecting protein folding and function in the extreme environments in which they can exist, proteins in Archaea have evolved to present permanent molecular adaptations at the amino acid sequence level. Such adaptations may not, however, suffice when Archaea encounter transient changes in their surroundings. Post‐translational modifications offer a rapid and reversible layer of adaptation for proteins to cope with such situations. Here, it is proposed that Archaea further augment their ability to survive changing growth conditions by modifying the extent, position, and, where relevant, the composition of different post‐translational modifications, as a function of the environment. Support for this hypothesis comes from recent reports describing how patterns of protein glycosylation, methylation, and other post‐translational modifications of archaeal proteins are altered in response to environmental change. Indeed, adjusting post‐translational modifications as a means to cope with environmental variability may also hold true beyond the Archaea.
Effects of socially appropriate singing on the vocal stereotypy of children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Thomas Benjamin R. , Charlop Marjorie H. , Lim Nataly , Gumaer Caitlyn
Published: January 2020

This study evaluated the effects of children with autism spectrum disorder engaging in socially acceptable singing on their vocal stereotypy. A multiple‐baseline across four participants with embedded multielement designs was used to assess the effects of the singing intervention upon later occurrence of vocal stereotypy for each participant. Results showed that fewer instances of vocal stereotypy occurred during and after singing intervention sessions. Additionally, two children began to emit appropriate singing after intervention, which suggests that the topography of their vocal stereotypy (e.g., monosyllabic or screeching sounds) was altered to some extent. Overall, results suggest positive implications for teaching appropriate vocal behaviors as functional replacements for vocal stereotypy.
Laparoscopic repeat liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma: a multicentre propensity score-based study
Authors: Morise Z , Aldrighetti L , Belli G , Ratti F , Belli A , Cherqui D , Tanabe M , Wakabayashi G , Cheung T T , Lo C M , Tanaka S , Kubo S , Okamura Y , Uesaka K , Monden K , Sadamori H , Hashida K , Kawamoto K , Gotohda N , Chen K H , Kanazawa A , Takeda Y , Ohmura Y , Ueno M , Ogura T , Suh K S , Kato Y , Sugioka A , Nitta H , Yasunaga M , Halium N A , Laurent A , Kaneko H , Otsuka Y , Kim K H , Cho H-D , Lin C C-W , Ome Y , Seyama Y , Troisi R I , Berardi G , Roteller F , Wilson G C , Geller D A , Soubrane O , Yoh T , Kaizu T , Kumamoto Y , Han H-S , Ekmekcigil E , Dagher I , Fuks D , Gayet B , Buell J F , Ciria R , Briceno J , O'Rourke N , Lewin J , Edwin B , Shinoda M , Abe Y , Hilal M Abu , Alzoubi M
Published: January 2020

Background

In the absence of randomized controlled data and even propensity-matched data, indications for, and outcomes of, laparoscopic repeat liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain uncertain. This study aimed to clarify the current indications for laparoscopic repeat liver resection for HCC, and to evaluate outcomes.

Methods

Forty-two liver surgery centres around the world registered patients who underwent repeat liver resection for HCC. Patient characteristics, preoperative liver function, tumour characteristics, surgical method, and short- and long-term outcomes were recorded.

Results

Analyses showed that the laparoscopic procedure was generally used in patients with relatively poor performance status and liver function, but favourable tumour characteristics. Intraoperative blood loss (mean(s.d.) 254(551) versus 748(1128) ml; P < 0·001), duration of operation (248(156) versus 285(167) min; P < 0·001), morbidity (12·7 versus 18·1 per cent; P = 0·006) and duration of postoperative hospital stay (10·1(14·3) versus 11·8(11·8) days; P = 0·013) were significantly reduced for laparoscopic compared with open procedures, whereas survival time was comparable (median 10·04 versus 8·94 years; P = 0·297). Propensity score matching showed that laparoscopic repeat liver resection for HCC resulted in less intraoperative blood loss (268(730) versus 497(784) ml; P = 0·001) and a longer operation time (272(187) versus 232(129); P = 0·007) than the open approach, and similar survival time (12·55 versus 8·94 years; P = 0·086).

Conclusion

Laparoscopic repeat liver resection is feasible in selected patients with recurrent HCC.
Common‐factor stochastic volatility modelling with observable proxy
Authors: Fang Yizhou , Lysy Martin , Mcleish Don
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Multi‐asset modelling is of fundamental importance to financial applications such as risk management and portfolio selection. In this article, we propose a multivariate stochastic volatility modelling framework with a parsimonious and interpretable correlation structure. Building on well‐established evidence of common volatility factors among individual assets, we consider a multivariate diffusion process with a common‐factor structure in the volatility innovations. Upon substituting an observable market proxy for the common volatility factor, we markedly improve the estimation of several model parameters and latent volatilities. The model is applied to a portfolio of several important constituents of the S&P500 in the financial sector, with the VIX index as the common‐factor proxy. We find that the prediction intervals for asset forecasts are comparable to those of more complex dependence models, but that option‐pricing uncertainty can be greatly reduced by adopting a common‐volatility structure.The Canadian Journal of Statistics48: 36–61; 2020 © 2020 Statistical Society of Canada
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of the Small Interfering Ribonucleic Acid, Givosiran, in Patients With Acute Hepatic Porphyria
Authors: Agarwal Sagar , Simon Amy R. , Goel Varun , Habtemariam Bahru A. , Clausen Valerie A. , Kim Jae B. , Robbie Gabriel J.
Published: January 2020

Givosiran is a small interfering ribonucleic acid agent that was recently approved in the United States for the treatment of acute hepatic porphyria (AHP). This phase I study evaluated the safety, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic profile of subcutaneously (SC) administered givosiran in patients with acute intermittent porphyria, the most common AHP type. Givosiran was rapidly absorbed from the SC injection site with peak plasma concentrations achieved within 0.5–5 hours followed by elimination with a short half‐life of 4–10 hours. Plasma exposures of AS(N‐1)3′ givosiran, an active metabolite with equal potency as givosiran, was 35%–75%. Givosiran treatment resulted in a rapid and dose‐dependent reduction in urinary aminolevulinic acid (ALA) and porphobilinogen (PBG) towards the upper limit of normal (ULN) in AHP patients. Greater and more sustained reductions in ALA and PBG were achieved with once monthly dosing compared with once quarterly dosing. After monthly dosing, trough ALA levels were reduced to below the ULN, approximately 95% reduction from baseline, at both the 2.5 and 5.0 mg/kg doses.
Hydrogen‐Bonding Donor‐Acceptor Stenhouse Adducts
Authors: Mallo Neil , Tron Arnaud , Andréasson Joakim , Harper Jason B. , Jacob Lorrie S. D. , McClenaghan Nathan D. , Jonusauskas Gediminas , Beves Jonathon E.
Published: January 2020

The binding of donor‐acceptor Stenhouse adducts (DASAs) bearing hydrogen‐bond recognition groups by Hamilton‐type receptors significantly influenced their photoswitching properties by altering thermal barriers to isomerization. The thermal barrier between the most stable linear isomer and the photogenerated isomer is lowered on binding to a receptor, and this barrier is crucial for switching properties. The thermal isomerization was shown to proceed via a stepwise linear‐enol‐keto mechanism in DMSO where the tautomerisation barrier is within 2 kJ ⋅ mol−1 of that of the rate‐determining step, which may be important for analyzing switching properties.
High Soil Test Phosphorus Effect on Corn Yield
Authors: Winsor Susan
Published: January 2020

Low corn prices have farmers scrutinizing their nutrient dollar return on investment (ROI). A recent University of Nebraska–Lincoln study examines phosphorus (P) application level ROI in continuous corn over six years. The most cost‐effective method of fertilizer P use proved to be a P‐replacement approach with the P rate equal to the P removed from the previous harvest. The research also found that maintaining soil P availability levels above 25 ppm (Bray‐1) wasn't justified. Earn 0.5 CEUs in Nutrient Management by reading this article and taking the quiz at www.certifiedcropadviser.org/education/classroom/classes/706.
Porous Metal–Organic Frameworks Containing Reversible Disulfide Linkages as Cathode Materials for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Shimizu Takeshi , Wang Heng , Matsumura Daiju , Mitsuhara Kei , Ohta Toshiaki , Yoshikawa Hirofumi
Published: January 2020

Three porous disulfide‐ligand‐containing metal–organic frameworks (DS‐MOFs) and two nonporous coordination polymers with disulfide ligands (DS‐CPs) with various structural dimensionalities were used as cathode active materials in lithium batteries. Charge/discharge performance examinations revealed that only porous DS‐MOF‐based batteries exhibited significant capacities close to the theoretical values, which was ascribed to the insertion of electrolyte ions into the DS‐MOFs. The insolubility of porous 3 D DS‐MOFs in the electrolyte resulted in cycling performances superior to that of their 1 D and 2 D porous counterparts. Battery reactions were probed by instrumental analyses. The dual redox reactions of metal ions and disulfide ligands in the MOFs resulted in higher capacities, and the presence of reversible electrochemically dynamic S−S bonds stabilized the cycling performance. Thus, the strategy of S−S moiety trapping in MOFs and the obtained correlation between the structural features and battery performance could contribute to the design of high‐performance MOF‐based batteries and the practical realization of Li‐S batteries.
Supplemental program offers boost to students with learning challenges
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: January 2020

Along with the legally mandated services provided under its Disability Resource Center, the University of Arizona operates a Strategic Alternative Learning Techniques Center that offers supplemental educational and counseling assistance to students with learning and attentional challenges. SALT Center Executive Director Gabrielle Miller described the components of what is believed to be one of the oldest such support centers.
Automated Scalable Spray Coating of SnO2 for the Fabrication of Low‐Temperature Perovskite Solar Cells and Modules
Authors: Taheri Babak , Calabrò Emanuele , Matteocci Fabio , Di Girolamo Diego , Cardone Giorgio , Liscio Andrea , Di Carlo Aldo , Brunetti Francesca
Published: January 2020

In the renewable energy field, the use of hybrid perovskite materials has opened up new directions to fabricate cost‐effective and highly efficient photovoltaic devices. Despite impressive power conversion efficiency (PCE), exceeding 25.2%, demonstrated on lab‐scale devices, scalability and stability of device are still topical issues. In this context, large‐area deposition procedures and automated fabrication protocols are required to achieve high throughput serial production of modules and panels. In this work, a spray‐coated tin oxide (SnO2) layer processed at low temperature for the realization of planar perovskite solar cells (PSCs) and modules is demonstrated. Using sprayed Np‐SnO2 as the electron transport layer (ETL), a CH3NH3PbI3‐based solar device shows a maximum PCE of 16.77% (avg. 15.01%) comparable to 17% (avg. 15.5%) with respect to spin‐coated Np‐SnO2. Unencapsulated spray‐ and spin‐coated PSCs stored in 25 °C and 50% relative humidity show shelf life stability by retaining 85% of the initial PCE value after more than 1000 h. Moreover, the feasibility of fabrication of the modules with 15 cm2 active area is demonstrated, which reaches 9.37% of PCE from uniform spray‐deposited SnO2 film on a large area (20 × 20 cm2).
Studies on One‐Step‐Synthesized Hydrated Vanadium Pentoxide for Efficient Hole Transport in Organic Photovoltaics
Authors: Ravi Remya , Deb Biswapriya
Published: January 2020

Recently, the use of nonfullerene acceptors (NFA) and high‐mobility less corrosive hole transport materials in organic photovoltaics (OPV) has led to the power conversion efficiency (PCE) values ≈15% for single‐junction and ≈18% for tandem‐junction cells. Herein, the development of hydrated vanadium pentoxide (HVO) films with excellent hole transport/electron blocking capabilities via a facile synthetic route with low environmental footprint is reported. Polymer solar cells (PSC) are fabricated with both standard and inverted polymer solar cell (IPSC) architectures using the standard bulk heterojunction blends P3HT:PC61BM and low‐bandgap PBDTT‐FTTE:PC71BM to evaluate their transport characteristics. The standard cells for comparison are made of high‐quality poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)/polystyrene‐sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) hole transport layers (HTLs). Universal improvement is observed in the PCE by replacing the PEDOT:PSS with HVO (3.3–4.65% for P3HT:PC61BM; 5.34–7.12% for PBDTT‐FTTE:PC71BM). In the next step, the conventional ZnO electron transport layer (ETL) is replaced by an in‐house developed Nafion‐modified ZnO (NM‐ZnO) that shows a further efficiency boost of ≈39% (PCE 9.9%). Finally, the energy positioning of PBDTT‐FTTE:PC71BM is tuned by manipulating the molecular stacking through thermal treatment that leads to a champion efficiency 11.14%. IPSCs with HVO HTL show a superior shelf‐life over the course of 20 weeks.
Identifying delirium in Parkinson disease: A pilot study
Authors: Lawson Rachael A. , Richardson Sarah J. , Yarnall Alison J. , Burn David J. , Allan Louise M.
Published: January 2020

Introduction

People with Parkinson disease (PD) may be at increased risk of delirium and associated adverse outcomes. Delirium is an acute neuropsychiatric syndrome defined by confusion and inattention and is common in older adults. Previous studies may have underestimated the prevalence of delirium in PD because of overlapping symptoms, lack of awareness, and poorly defined criteria. We aimed to identify the prevalence and incidence of delirium in inpatients with PD.

Measurements

Participants were inpatients with PD admitted over a 4‐month period. Delirium prevalence was classified using a standardised assessment at a single visit on the basis of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders fifth edition (DSM‐5) criteria. To capture remaining time in hospital, incident delirium was diagnosed using detailed clinical vignettes and a validated consensus method.

Results

Forty‐four PD patients consented to take part in the study, accounting for 53 admissions. Delirium prevalence was 34.0% (n = 18); reviewing participants over the duration of their hospital stay identified 30 (56.6%) incident delirium cases. The admitting team screened 24.5% for delirium, and delirium was documented in eight (14.8%) patients' medical notes. Patients with delirium were significantly older, had higher frailty scores, and had a longer hospital stay (P < .05 for all).

Conclusions

Delirium is common in PD inpatients at admission and incidence increases during hospital stay, but delirium is commonly missed. Our results highlight the importance of screening for delirium throughout patients' stay in hospital. Future studies should consider frequent evaluation over the duration of hospital stay to identify emergent delirium during the admission.
Cu/Oil nanofluids flow over a semi‐infinite plate accounting an experimental model
Authors: Soleimani Seyed Soroush , Jahandari Soheil , Aberoumand Sadegh , Rahmani Aida , Shokrgozar Ali
Published: January 2020

In this study, the flow of Cu/oil nanofluids over an impermeable semi‐infinite plate was investigated. A complete single‐phase modeling of nanofluids flowing over a semi‐infinite plate was performed, bringing into account, real experimental data of oil‐based nanofluids. The empirical correlations revealed that the viscosity and thermal conductivity of the pure oil and oil‐based nanofluids strongly depend on temperature. The similarity transformation method was utilized to transform governing partial differential equations into coupled nonlinear ordinary differential equations solved by employing the standard Runge–Kutta. The results showed that even low volumetric fraction of copper/oil nanofluids noticeably enhanced the heat transfer; however, such behavior was not predicted accounting the classic modeling of nanofluids. Furthermore, both hydrodynamics and thermal characteristics were reliant on the thermal boundary conditions, which this seems to have received a marginal focus in the existing literature.
ADAPTIVE FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT†
Authors: Emami Kamran
Published: January 2020

Based on the worldwide experiences, the most important challenges of flood engineers are:

managing substantial increase of flood risks with limited resources;

avoiding adverse environmental consequences of flood control projects;

coping with uncertainty in all relevant aspects.

Now in second decade of the 21st century, it has become obvious, that the approach to flood management is increasingly adaptive and non‐structural. In the last decades, adaptive management has been extensively utilized in environmental and restoration projects. In this context, adopting the strategies of adaptive management in water engineering and flood management appears to offer great advantages. Adaptive management is a structured, iterative process of optimal decision making in the face of uncertainty, with an aim to reducing uncertainty over time via system monitoring. The strategies of adaptive flood management are as follows:

adaptability (changing threat to opportunity);

flexible decision making (to cope with uncertainties);

monitoring and vigilance;

learning while doing;

application of new knowledge and technologies;

avoiding costly irreversible mistakes;

updating the objectives;

extensive risk recognition;

focus on long‐term management rather than construction;

resilience;

harmony with environment;

passive and active adaptive management;

stakeholders participation;

enhanced real time reactions.

© 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of different polyaniline emeraldine compositions in electrodepositing ginsenoside encapsulated poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) microcapsules coating: Physicochemical characterization and in vitro evaluation
Authors: Lukman Siti Khadijah , Saidin Syafiqah
Published: January 2020

Even though drug‐eluting stent (DES) has prominently reduced restenosis, however, its complication of delayed endothelialization has caused chronic side effect. A coating of ginseng‐based biodegradable polymer could address this issue due to its specific therapeutic values. However, deposition of this type of stable coating on metallic implant often scarce. Therefore, in this study, different polyaniline (PANI) emeraldine compositions were adopted to electrodeposit ginsenoside encapsulated poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) microcapsules coating. The coating surfaces were analyzed using attenuated total reflectance‐Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, contact angle, and atomic force microscopy instruments. A month coating stability was then investigated with an evaluation of in vitro human umbilical vein endothelial cell analyses consisted of cytotoxicity and cells attachment assessments. The 1.5 mg PANI emeraldine has assisted the formation of stable, uniform, and rounded microcapsules coating with appropriate wettability and roughness. Less than 1.5 mg PANI emeraldine was not enough to drive the formation of microcapsules coating while greater than 1.5 mg caused the deposition of melted microcapsules. The similar coating also has promoted greater cells proliferation and attachment compared to other coating variation. Therefore, the utilization of electrodeposition to deposit a drug‐based polymer coating could be implemented to develop DES, in accordance to stent implantation which ultimately aims for enrich endothelialization.
UHMWPE‐MWCNT‐nHA based hybrid trilayer nanobiocomposite: Processing approach, physical properties, stem/bone cell functionality, and blood compatibility
Authors: Naskar Sharmistha , Panda Asish K. , Jana Ashirbad , Kanagaraj Subramani , Basu Bikramjit
Published: January 2020

The development of polymeric nanocomposites for biomedical applications remains a major challenge in terms of tailored addition of nanoparticles to realize the simultaneous enhancement of fracture resistance and cell/blood compatibility. To address this, the present work has been planned to determine whether small addition of surface functionalized multiwalled‐carbon‐nanotube, MWCNT (<1.5 wt%) and egg‐shell derived nanosized hydroxyapatite, nHA (<10 wt%) to ultrahigh‐molecular‐weight‐polyethylene (UHMWPE) can significantly improve the physical properties as well as biocompatibility. The difference in mouse osteoblast and human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSc) proliferation has been validated using both the monolithic composite and a trilayered composite with two different UHMWPE nanocomposites on either face with pure polymer at the middle. The combination of rheology and micro‐CT with fractography reveals the homogeneous dispersion of nanofillers, leading to mechanical property enhancement. The quantitative analysis of cell viability and cell spreading by immunocytochemistry method, using vinculin and vimentin expression, establish significant cytocompatibility with hMSc and osteoblast cells onto the trilayer hybrid nanobiocomposite substrates. The hemocompatibility of the investigated composites under the controlled flow of rabbit blood in a microfluidic device reveals the signature of reduced thrombogenesis with reduction of platelet activation on UHMWPE nanocomposite w.r.t. unreinforced UHMWPE. An attempt has been made to discuss the blood compatibility results in the backdrop of the bovine serum albumin adsorption kinetics. Summarizing, the present study establishes that the twin requirement of mechanical property and cyto/hemo‐compatibility can be potentially realized in developing trilayer composites in UHMWPE‐nHA‐MWCNT system.