bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic, Epigenetic, and Hormonal Regulation of Fruit Development and Ripening inCapsicumL. Species
Authors: Kumar Ajay , Kumar Sushil , Anju Thattantavide , Ramchiary Nirala
Published: June 2021

Fruits are not only important for the plants but also for ensuring sustainable food security of the burgeoning global population. Considering the huge nutritional and ecological importance of fruits, investigation of mechanisms, and factors governing their development and ripening is crucial. The investigation of fruit development in several economically important crops such as tomato, strawberry, grape, and banana includingCapsicumsuggest that early fruit development is largely dependent on auxins and gibberellins (GAs) whereas later ripening is dependent on ethylene or abscisic acid (ABA). The initial development is relatively conserved whereas the ripening of fruits can be either climacteric or non‐climacteric depending on the presence or absence of respiratory burst and ethylene production respectively. Climacteric fruit ripening is mediated by ethylene, and it is well studied in tomato and banana, whereas non‐climacteric fruit ripening requires ABA and much of the information on it comes from strawberry and grape. The genusCapsicumL. shows rich diversity in fruit traits such as shape, colour, size, and even in its ripening behaviour. Early fruit development in different species ofCapsicumappears similar to other fruit crops, whereas later fruit ripening behaviour in different species ofCapsicumcan be either climacteric or non‐climacteric depending upon evolution of ethylene and respiratory burst. It has been found that, even different cultivars of the same species ofCapsicumshow variation in ripening behaviour suggesting interspecific and intraspecific complexities in fruit ripening responses. Until a few years, a majority of the papers have focussed on the non‐climacteric nature of fruit ripening inCapsicum. However, recent studies have shown substantial involvement of ethylene and ethylene related genes in fruit ripening ofCapsicumsuggesting the existence of extensive common regulons between climacteric and non‐climacteric fruits. Recent studies have also suggested the involvement of several epigenetic mechanisms such as non‐coding RNAs (ncRNAs) and cytosine methylation in regulating fruit development and ripening. With the advent of new tools in the omics field such as genomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, and epigenomics, there is considerable progress in understanding the fruit development and complex nature of ripening inCapsicum. Nevertheless, consolidated information onCapsicumfruit development and its complex nature of ripening is not available. In this article, an attempt is made to present up to date consolidated information on the development and ripening ofCapsicumfruit with an emphasis on its genetic, epigenetic, and hormonal regulation.
Germanium Nanosheets with Dirac Characteristics as a Saturable Absorber for Ultrafast Pulse Generation
Authors: Mu Haoran , Liu Yani , Bongu Sudhakara Reddy , Bao Xiaozhi , Li Lei , Xiao Si , Zhuang Jincheng , Liu Chen , Huang Yamin , Dong Yemin , Helmerson Kristian , Wang Jiaou , Liu Guanyu , Du Yi , Bao Qiaoliang
Published: June 2021

Bulk germanium as a group‐IV photonic material has been widely studied due to its relatively large refractive index and broadband and low propagation loss from near‐infrared to mid‐infrared. Inspired by the research of graphene, the 2D counterpart of bulk germanium, germanene, has been discovered and the characteristics of Dirac electrons have been observed. However, the optical properties of germanene still remain elusive. In this work, several layers of germanene are prepared with Dirac electronic characteristics and its morphology, band structure, carrier dynamics, and nonlinear optical properties are systematically investigated. It is surprisingly found that germanene has a fast carrier‐relaxation time comparable to that of graphene and a relatively large nonlinear absorption coefficient, which is an order of magnitude higher than that of graphene in the near‐infrared wavelength range. Based on these findings, germanene is applied as a new saturable absorber to construct an ultrafast mode‐locked laser, and sub‐picosecond pulse generation in the telecommunication band is realized. The results suggest that germanene can be used as a new type of group‐IV material for various nonlinear optics and photonic applications.
A study on melt recycling of bio‐based polypropylene/thermoplastic starch compound
Authors: Tavanaie Mohammad Ali , Ghahari Amir Hossein
Published: June 2021

The compulsion to use bioplastics has increased significantly today. One of the important aspects of plastics is their recyclability. Therefore, the important question of this research is that although bio‐based compounds containing starch are sensitive to thermal‐mechanical recycling processes, are such products thermally recyclable? To answer the question, polypropylene (PP)/thermoplastic starch (TPS) compound granules were extruded up to five times, and in the other part, single‐extruded granules were blended at different ratios with virgin granules by extrusion. In order to characterize these samples, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, rotational disc rheometry, tensile properties, and appearance evaluation were used. The results showed that it is possible to recycle PP/TPS granules up to four times repetition of the extrusion operation and the fifth repetition also showed slight changes. There was also a blend of single‐extruded granules with virgin material up to a 50:50% composition without significant variation.
Modeling a Fluidized Bed Dryer through Computational Fluid Dynamics and the Discrete Element Method
Authors: Pérez Cortés Sebastian Alexander , Aguilera Carvajal Yerko Rafael , Vargas Norambuena Juan Pablo , Norambuena Vásquez Javier Antonio , Jarufe Troncoso Juan Andrés , Hurtado Cruz Juan Pablo , Muñoz Lagos Angélica Patricia , Jara Muñoz Pamela Paz
Published: June 2021

The internal phenomena of a concentrate dryer were studied to significantly improve the modeling and design of a melting process. The present study coupled computational fluid dynamics and the differentiated elements method to obtain detailed information about complex phenomena in the simulated obtention of copper metal while keeping fluids physically stable. It was possible to understand the behavior from the point of view of the fluid and dynamics with acceptable margins of error. The study is part of the critical process line at Caletones Smelter in Chile, which produces ca. 450 000 tons of fine copper per annum, representing 2 % of total annual global copper demand and making the subject of this study highly relevant.
Advanced Evaluation of a Biomass Externally Fired Hydrogen Production Combined Cycle
Authors: Moharramian Anahita , Habibzadeh Amin , Soltani Saeed , Rosen Marc A. , Mahmoudi Seyed Mohammad Seyed
Published: June 2021

Hydrogen is produced by an externally fired combined cycle and can be consumed in different ways. For the present study, both common and realistic thermodynamic and exergoeconomic analyses were applied. With the realistic method, the results are not necessarily in accordance with common analyses. The compressor pressure ratio (rp) and the gas turbine inlet temperature (TIT) are the varying parameters in common analyses. Varying rp identifies optimum energy and exergy efficiencies. With the common exergy analysis, the gasifier and the heat recovery steam generator have low exergy efficiencies, but the modified analysis assigns high exergy efficiencies to them.
Zr‐MOF Combined with Nanofibers as an Efficient and Flexible Capacitive Sensor for Detecting SO2
Authors: Zhang Xiuling , Zhai Zhenyu , Wang Jiaona , Hao Xiaoke , Sun Yaxin , Yu Shuyan , Lin Xiaoqiu , Qin Yue , Li Congju
Published: June 2021

The fabrication of gas sensors with flexible properties and sensitive performances is of great importance for improving wearable sensing electronics. Herein, we coated a metal‐organic framework (UiO‐66‐NH2) on flexible electrospun polyvinylidenefluoride (PVDF) nanofibers as sensing layer for real‐time monitoring of toxic SO2 at room temperature. The developed capacitive sensor possesses a great bending flexibility, excellent cycling stability, high detection sensitivity, light weight as well as portable ability. The fabricated sensor possesses a short response time with 435 s and 185 s towards 150 ppm and 1 ppm, respectively. Importantly, the flexible sensor still maintained outstanding sensing behavior with the retention value of 98.4% in the detection of SO2 at 10 ppm after bending 2000 times. In addition, significant cycling performance was desirably achieved, and the response value of the sensor was also kept at about 88.7% towards 50 ppm SO2, compared with original sensor after 20 days. This strategy can provide promising applications for the development of wearable devices for the detection of harmful gases.
A Semimechanistic Pharmacokinetic Model for Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate and Drug–Drug Interactions With Antiretroviral and Antituberculosis Treatment
Authors: Francis Jose , Mngqibisa Rosie , McIlleron Helen , Kendall Michelle A , Wu Xingye , Dooley Kelly E. , Firnhaber Cynthia , Godfrey Catherine , Cohn Susan E. , Denti Paolo ,   the A5093, A5283, A5338 study teams
Published: June 2021

Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate is an injectable hormonal contraceptive, widely used by women of childbearing potential living with HIV and/or tuberculosis. As medroxyprogesterone acetate is a cytochrome P450 (CYP3A4) substrate, drug–drug interactions (DDIs) with antiretroviral or antituberculosis treatment may lead to subtherapeutic medroxyprogesterone acetate concentrations (< 0.1 ng/mL), resulting in contraception failure, when depot medroxyprogesterone is dosed at 12‐week intervals. A pooled population pharmacokinetic analysis with 744 plasma medroxyprogesterone acetate concentrations from 138 women treated with depot medroxyprogesterone and antiretroviral/antituberculosis treatment across three clinical trials was performed. Monte Carlo simulations were performed to predict the percentage of participants with subtherapeutic medroxyprogesterone acetate concentrations and to derive alternative dosing strategies. Medroxyprogesterone acetate clearance increased by 24.7% with efavirenz coadministration. Efavirenz plus antituberculosis treatment (rifampicin + isoniazid) increased clearance by 52.4%. Conversely, lopinavir/ritonavir and nelfinavir decreased clearance (28.7% and 15.8%, respectively), but lopinavir/ritonavir also accelerated medroxyprogesterone acetate’s appearance into the systemic circulation, thus shortening the terminal half‐life. A higher risk of subtherapeutic medroxyprogesterone acetate concentrations at Week 12 was predicted on a typical 60‐kg woman on efavirenz (4.99%) and efavirenz with antituberculosis treatment (6.08%) when compared with medroxyprogesterone acetate alone (2.91%). This risk increased in women with higher body weight. Simulations show that re‐dosing every 8 to 10 weeks circumvents the risk of subtherapeutic medroxyprogesterone acetate exposure associated with these DDIs. Dosing depot medroxyprogesterone every 8 to 10 weeks should eliminate the risk of subtherapeutic medroxyprogesterone acetate exposure caused by coadministered efavirenz and/or antituberculosis treatment, thus reducing the risk of contraceptive failure.
Diagnostic utility of flow cytometry based coated‐platelets assay as a biomarker to predict thrombotic or hemorrhagic phenotype in acute stroke
Authors: Dave Rutvi Gautam , Geevar Tulasi , Aaron Sanjith , Ninan Benjamin Rohit , Mammen Joy , Kumar Snehil , Vijayan Ramya , Gowri Mahasampath , Nair Sukesh C
Published: June 2021

Background

Coated‐platelets are sub‐population of platelets “coated” with highly procoagulant proteins and phosphatidylserine that sustains thrombin generation. They are produced upon dual agonist stimulation by collagen and thrombin. This study was conducted to assess if there was any difference in the levels of coated‐platelets in patients with primary intracranial hemorrhage (PICH) and ischemic stroke due to large artery atherosclerosis (LAA) as compared to healthy controls, and to see if coated‐platelet levels had any influence on the hemorrhagic transformation (HT) of ischemic stroke.

Methods

Coated‐platelet levels were determined by flow cytometry using fluorescently tagged Annexin V antibody to identify phosphatidylserine exposed on the surface of platelets activated by dual agonists (convulxin and thrombin) in cross‐sectional cohort of 75 patients with stroke and 34 controls.

Results

Patients with PICH (n = 35) had significantly lower coated‐platelets than the controls (adjusted mean ± SE, 21.0 ± 1.9% vs. 36.1 ± 1.7%, p < 0.001), while patients with LAA (n = 30) had significantly higher coated‐platelets than controls (adjusted mean ± SE, 51.9 ± 1.5% vs. 36.1 ± 1.7%, p < 0.001). Patients with subsequent HT of ischemic stroke (n = 10) had significantly lower coated‐platelet levels at admission compared to those without HT (adjusted mean ± SE, 18.1 ± 2.6% vs. 51.9 ± 1.5%, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Coated‐platelet levels are significantly different in patients with hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke as compared with controls. Lower levels of coated‐platelets measured by flow cytometry may be earliest predictor of subsequent HT in patients with ischemic stroke even before the radiological changes suggestive of HT are visualized.
A multi‐data ensemble approach for predicting woodland type distribution: Oak woodland in Britain
Authors: Ray Duncan , Marchi Maurizio , Rattey Andrew , Broome Alice
Published: June 2021

Interactions between soil, topography, and climatic site factors can exacerbate and/or alleviate the vulnerability of oak woodland to climate change. Reducing climate‐related impacts on oak woodland habitats and ecosystems through adaptation management requires knowledge of different site interactions in relation to species tolerance. In Britain, the required thematic detail of woodland type is unavailable from digital maps. A species distribution model (SDM) ensemble, using biomod2 algorithms, was used to predict oak woodland. The model was cross‐validated (50%:50% ‐ training:testing) 30 times, with each of 15 random sets of absence data, matching the size of presence data, to maximize environmental variation while maintaining data prevalence. Four biomod2 algorithms provided stable and consistent TSS‐weighted ensemble mean results predicting oak woodland as a probability raster. Biophysical data from the Ecological Site Classification (forest site classification) for Britain were used to characterize oak woodland sites. Several forest datasets were used, each with merits and weaknesses: public forest estate subcompartment database map (PFE map) for oak‐stand locations as a training dataset; the national forest inventory (NFI) “published regional reports” of oak woodland area; and an “NFI map” of indicative forest type broad habitat. Broadleaved woodland polygons of the NFI map were filled with the biomod2 oak woodland probability raster. Ranked pixels were selected up to the published NFI regional area estimate of oak woodland and matched to the elevation distribution of oak woodland stands, from “NFI survey” sample squares. Validation using separate oak woodland data showed that the elevation filter significantly improved the accuracy of predictions from 55% (p = .53) to 83% coincidence success rate (p < .0001). The biomod2 ensemble, with masking and filtering, produced a predicted oak woodland map, from which site characteristics will be used in climate change interaction studies, supporting adaptation management recommendations for forest policy and practice.
Plant–plant interactions change during succession on nurse logs in a northern temperate rainforest
Authors: Woods Carrie L. , Maleta Katy , Ortmann Kimmy
Published: June 2021

Plant–plant interactions change through succession from facilitative to competitive. At early stages of succession, early‐colonizing plants can increase the survival and reproductive output of other plants by ameliorating disturbance and stressful conditions. At later stages of succession, plant interactions are more competitive as plants put more energy toward growth and reproduction. In northern temperate rainforests, gap dynamics result in tree falls that facilitate tree regeneration (nurse logs) and bryophyte succession. How bryophyte‐tree seedling interactions vary through log succession remains unclear. We examined the relationships of tree seedlings, bryophyte community composition, bryophyte depth, and percent canopy cover in 166 1.0 m2 plots on nurse logs and the forest floor in the Hoh rainforest in Washington, USA, to test the hypothesis that bryophyte‐tree seedling interactions change from facilitative to competitive as the log decays. Tree seedling density was highest on young logs with early‐colonizing bryophyte species (e.g., Rhizomnium glabrescens) and lowest on decayed logs with Hylocomium splendens, a long‐lived moss that reaches depths >20 cm. As a result, bryophyte depth increased with nurse log decay and was negatively associated with tree seedling density. Tree seedling density was 4.6× higher on nurse logs than on the forest floor, which was likely due to competitive exclusion by forest floor plants, such as H. splendens. Nurse logs had 17 species of bryophytes while the forest floor had six, indicating that nurse logs contribute to maintaining bryophyte diversity. Nurse logs enable both tree seedlings and smaller bryophyte species to avoid competition with forest floor plants, including the dominant bryophyte, H. splendens. H. splendens is likely a widespread driver of plant community structure given its dominance in northern temperate forests. Our findings indicate that plant–plant interactions shift with succession on nurse logs from facilitative to competitive and, thus, influence forest community structure and dynamics.
Eutrophication reduces seagrass contribution to coastal food webs
Authors: Cui Lijun , Jiang Zhijian , Huang Xiaoping , Chen Qiming , Wu Yunchao , Liu Songlin , Li Jinlong , Macreadie Peter I.
Published: June 2021

Food sources and food web structure in seagrass meadows are important determinants of ecosystem functions and services. However, there is little information on the effect of eutrophication on food source contributions and food web structure in seagrass meadows. Here we used stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen (δ13C and δ15N) to investigate how do different levels of nutrient enrichment affect the diets of consumers and food web structure within tropical seagrass meadows. We found that the diet contributions of macroalgae (mean 24% ± 12% for fish, 21% ± 5% for invertebrates), particulate organic matter (mean 19% ± 12% for fish, 18% ± 8% for invertebrates), and sediment organic matter (mean 24% ± 13% for fish, 21% ± 8% for invertebrates) to fish and invertebrates were all higher in seagrass meadows with higher nutrient concentrations, while seagrass and epiphytes contributed more to consumers in seagrass meadows with lower nutrient concentrations. Meanwhile, higher nutrient concentrations decreased the trophic position (mean 2.6 ± 0.5 in high‐nutrient level, 3.4 ± 0.6 in low‐nutrients level) of consumers and food chain length (2.5 in high‐nutrient level, 2.9 in low‐nutrients level). Higher nutrient concentrations reduced the contribution of seagrass carbon to consumers through the grazing food chain, but enhanced the flow of macroalgal carbon to consumers through the grazing food chain. Overall, eutrophication modified the food web structure of seagrass meadows. We recommend that measures be taken to decrease nutrient input into seagrass ecosystems to maintain its important functions and services.
Effect of chronic administration with human thioredoxin‐1 transplastomic lettuce on diabetic mice
Authors: Watanabe Rie , Ashida Hiroki , Kobayashi‐Miura Mikiko , Yokota Akiho , Yodoi Junji
Published: June 2021

Scope

Human thioredoxin‐1 (hTrx‐1) is a defensive protein induced by various stresses and exerts antioxidative and anti‐inflammatory effects. Previously, we described a transplastomic lettuce overexpressing hTrx‐1 that exerts a protective effect against oxidative damage in a pancreatic β‐cell line. In this study, we treated diabetic mice (Akita mice) with exogenous hTrx‐1 and evaluated the effects.

Methods and results

Treatment with drinking water and single applications of exogenous hTrx‐1 did not influence the feeding, drinking behavior, body weight, blood glucose, or glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels in Akita mice. However, chronic administration of a 10% hTrx‐1 lettuce‐containing diet was associated with a significant reduction from the baseline of HbA1c levels compared with mice fed a wild‐type lettuce‐containing diet. It also resulted in an increased number of goblet cells in the small intestine, indicating that mucus was synthesized and secreted.

Conclusion

Our results revealed that the administration of an hTrx‐1 lettuce‐containing diet improves the baseline level of HbA1c in Akita mice. This effect is mediated through goblet cell proliferation and possibly related to protection against postprandial hyperglycemia by mucus, which results in the improvement of blood glucose control. These findings suggest that the hTrx‐1 lettuce may be a useful tool for the continuous antioxidative and antidiabetic efficacies of the hTrx‐1 protein.
Chemical and molecular examinations of some cowpea genotypes using simple sequence repeat and intersimple sequence repeat DNA markers in relation to their cooking quality
Authors: Soaud Salma A. , Abdel‐Sayyed Salama M. , Mahgoub Elsayed M. I. , Korma Sameh A. , Cacciotti Ilaria , Ali Abdelmoneim H. , Siddeeg Azhari , Wafa Hany A. M.
Published: June 2021

Cowpea is a leguminous crop that has received widespread attention due to its high nutritional value. However, it is prone to losing some of its nutritional content due to the long cooking process. In this study, fourteen cowpea genotypes were evaluated for their chemical properties before and after cooking, along with the effect of different cooking treatments on the cooking time, considered as the main indicator of the cooking quality. Moreover, the correlation between molecular markers (simple sequence repeat (SSR) and intersimple sequence repeat (ISSR)) and the cooking time of cowpea genotypes was determined. The obtained results showed significant differences between all the investigated genotypes before and after the cooking procedure, reflecting significant genotypic and heritability estimates. Kareem 7 and Greenish Black Balady genotypes showed the shortest cooking time. Microwave's treatment manifested the shortest cooking time compared with the other treatments, which appeared as a new approach to improve the cooking quality of cowpea seeds. Spearman's rank correlation showed that the calculated values were smaller than the tabulated value at 0.05, reflecting the existence of a rank correlation between SSR/ISSR‐PCR banding products and the cooking time of cowpea genotypes. Such a study appeared to be a new approach, particularly in Egypt for the proper selection of the optimal cowpea seed on the basis of its cooking quality.
The effects of nano‐zinc oxide morphology on functional and antibacterial properties of tapioca starch bionanocomposite
Authors: Tamimi Naser , Mohammadi Nafchi Abdorreza , Hashemi‐Moghaddam Hamid , Baghaie Homa
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of nano‐zinc oxide (ZnO‐N) morphology on the functional and antimicrobial properties of tapioca starch films. For this reason, nanosphere (ZnO‐ns), nanorod (ZnO‐nr), and nanoparticle of ZnO (ZnO‐np) at 0.5%, 1.0%, and 2.0% were added to the starch film. Then, physicochemical, mechanical, and barrier properties were evaluated. Also, UV–visible and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra and antibacterial activity of prepared nanocomposite films against Escherichia coli were examined. The results revealed that the ZnO‐ns had the most effects on mechanical, physicochemical, and barrier properties. The highest values of the tensile strength (14.15 MPa) and Young's modulus (32.74 MPa) and the lowest values of elongation at break (10.40%) were obtained in the films containing 2% of ZnO nanosphere. In terms of UV transmission, ZnO‐nr showed the most significant impact morphology. FTIR spectra indicated that interactions for all morphologies were physical interaction, and there are no chemical reactions between starch structure and nanoparticles. The antibacterial effect of the ZnO‐ns was higher than that of other morphologies. In summary, ZnO‐ns was the best morphology for using ZnO‐N in starch‐based nanocomposite films.
The impact of a convertible bond on the leverage of a firm
Authors: Borumand Majid , Shamsa Kaveh
Published: June 2021

The important issue of the impact of convertible bonds on the capital structure of firms has not attracted much attention. The authors use a binomial tree approach to price a convertible bond with convertibility throughout its life to calculate its debt and equity contribution to the capital structure. The authors will show that treatment of the convertible bonds by simply assigning its straight bond value portion to the debt, and the equity option portion to the owner's equity is not consistent with the foundations of finance theory and drastically overstates the debt component of these bonds and their contribution to the firm's leverage.
Combined detection of procalcitonin, heparin‐binding protein, and interleukin‐6 is a promising assay to diagnose and predict acute pancreatitis
Authors: Zhong Yuhong , Yu Zhongqi , Wang Lin , Yang Xufeng
Published: June 2021

Background

Acute pancreatitis (AP), one of the most common clinical emergencies, is characterized by variable clinical features and inadequate diagnostic methods. At present, the commonly used indicators do not have high specificity and do not necessarily reflect disease severity. We therefore aimed to investigate diagnostic and prognostic value of plasma procalcitonin, heparin‐binding protein, and interleukin‐6 for acute pancreatitis by separate detection and joint detection.

Methods

The study involved 451 participants, including 343 AP patients and 108 healthy controls. We analyzed the association of the three biomarkers with the severity and prognosis of AP.

Results

A statistically significant increase in the mean plasma analyte levels was detected in the study group compared to the control group. Multivariate comparison showed that plasma levels of PCT, HBP, and IL‐6 were all significantly different among the three groups at different sampling times (1st, 3rd, 7th, and 10th day of admission) (p < 0.01). The combination of the three indicators had significantly higher diagnostic value than either the individual markers or pairwise combinations (p < 0.001). The levels of the three were all significantly higher in severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) patients than in non‐SAP patients (p < 0.001); meanwhile, patients with high levels had a worse prognosis than those with low levels (p < 0.05). In multivariate analysis adjusted for age and sex, high levels of PCT, HBP, and IL‐6 were found to be independently associated with the development of AP.

Conclusions

It dramatically improved the diagnostic power of AP when PCT, HBP, and IL‐6 were combined; high PCT, HBP, and IL‐6 levels within 3 days of admission may be the potentially useful indicators for predicting SAP.
Attitudes, barriers and facilitators of hospital pharmacists conducting practice‐based research: a systematic review
Authors: Reali Savannah , Lee Teresa , Bishop Jaclyn , Mirkov Sanja , Johnson Jacinta , McCourt Elizabeth , Hughes Jeffery , Pont Lisa , Page Amy Theresa , Penm Jonathan
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Practice‐based research is essential in enhancing medication knowledge, quality use of medicines, the scope of the pharmacy profession and improving patient outcomes. This systematic review aims to uncover the attitudes of hospital pharmacists towards practice‐based research and their perceptions of the barriers and facilitators to undertaking practice‐based research.

Methods

A systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature databases from 1 January 2000 to 11 March 2021 was conducted. Peer‐reviewed empirical studies exploring hospital pharmacists’ perceptions of – as well as barriers and facilitators to – practice‐based research were included and a descriptive synthesis used to identify common themes.

Results

Nine studies were included in this review. Barriers and facilitators across four broad themes were related to pharmacist capacity and capability, workplace environment, research resources, and research culture. Hospital pharmacists had a high interest in conducting research, but limited research experience. Common barriers identified were lack of time, workplace support, funding, research culture, and competing priorities. Having a post‐graduate qualification and a positive attitude towards research facilitated research participation. Departmental support, designated research time and creation of research networks and forums were seen as facilitators for practice‐based research.

Conclusion

Hospital pharmacists recognise the importance of practice‐based research in improving knowledge, patient care and advancing pharmacy practice. However, large variation has been reported for their confidence and experience in practice‐based research. Building research capacity and capability by supporting post‐graduate research qualification, providing designated time and creating research networks may strengthen the research culture amongst hospital pharmacists.
Osteoporosis in older people
Authors: Inderjeeth Charles A. , Inderjeeth Keenan A.
Published: June 2021

Osteoporosis prevalence is increasing with an ageing demographic. Osteoporosis and fracture risk increases with age due to falls, frailty and comorbidities. Although there is a paucity of data in older populations over 70 years of age, the available evidence suggests that they benefit from multifactorial intervention including management of comorbidities, polypharmacy, fall risk, vitamin D and calcium optimisation and pharmacological interventions. Although the reduction in risk from these strategies is similar to younger people, the absolute risk reduction is greater in older people due to higher absolute fracture risk. Older people, however, present unique challenges. Although the imperative to treat is greater, there are multiple competing factors: frailty, comorbidities, drug interactions, greater likelihood of medical interventions for periodontal and dental disease, gastrointestinal issues limiting oral therapies and cognitive issues affecting adherence. Pharmacists are well placed as a key member of the multidisciplinary team to optimise management of this cohort.
A novel surgical technique to correct caudal and high dorsal septal deviations: L‐shape cutting and suturing on the septal L‐strut (L‐septoplasty)
Authors: Lee Tae‐Hoon , Kim Tae‐Koon , Kim Soon‐Joon , Nam Jung Gwon
Published: June 2021

Objectives

In general, deviation of the L‐strut of the nasal septum is more challenging to correct than the middle and has less favorable results. This study aimed to develop a technique to correct the L‐strut while preserving nasal support effectively and introduce the L‐septoplasty technique and its effects.

Methods

Patients with caudal and high dorsal septal deviations who underwent the L‐septoplasty technique were retrospectively analyzed. Preoperative and three‐month postoperative comparative assessments included the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale and minimal cross‐sectional area (MCA).

Results

Thirty patients seen at a tertiary care center were included. NOSE scale scores improved from 47.2 to 13.6, which was statistically significant (P < .001). MCA increased from 0.43 cm2 to 0.74 cm2 (P < .001). During the 3‐month follow‐up period, deviation correction was well maintained in all patients, and no surgical complications, such as saddle nose deformity, occurred.

Conclusion

The L‐septoplasty technique is effective in simultaneously correcting caudal and high dorsal septal deviations without any complications.

Level of evidence

4.
State aid and the learning‐by‐doing effect on product pricing
Authors: Szabó Balázs , Danka Sándor
Published: June 2021

Product pricing is challenging for most companies due to its strategic nature and because numerous factors affect it. Recently, government support also started to gain high impact on business decisions especially in case of new products or new companies. The paper investigates how state aid, accumulated productivity knowledge, and the efficiency of learning determine product pricings dynamic nature. With the help of a multiperiod model, we analyze the interrelation of price and profit, demand and price, learning and pricing, and cost and demand. Results also include the analytical denouements, graphical illustrations, and observations of the optimal conditions.
Novel centrality metrics for studying essentiality in protein‐protein interaction networks based on group structures
Authors: Rasti Saeid , Vogiatzis Chrysafis
Published: June 2021

In this work, we introduce centrality metrics based on group structures, and we show their performance in estimating importance in protein‐protein interaction networks (PPINs). The centrality metrics introduced are extensions of well‐known nodal metrics. However, instead of focusing on a single node, we focus on that node and the set of nodes around it. Furthermore, we require the set of nodes to induce a specific pattern or structure. The structures investigated range from the “stricter“ induced stars and cliques, to a “looser” definition of a representative structure. We derive the computational complexity of all metrics and provide mixed integer programming formulations; due to the problem complexity and the size of PPINs, using commercial solvers is not always viable. Hence, we propose a combinatorial branch‐and‐bound solution approach. We conclude by showing the effectiveness of the proposed metrics in identifying essential proteins inHelicobacter pyloriand comparing them to nodal metrics.
An infrequent cause of neonatal upper airway obstruction: Congenital nasal pyriform aperture stenosis presenting to a remote facility
Authors: Lahiff Tahne Joseph , Sotutu Viliame , Sarachandran Smrdhi , Speed Lucas , Saddi Vishal
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Congenital nasal pyriform aperture stenosis (CNPAS) is a rare congenital condition of structural nasal obstruction. Respiratory distress, stertor, and poor feeding are often presenting features.

Case Presentation

We report a case of a newborn diagnosed with CNPAS at 3 weeks of life. The diagnosis was missed on a nasoendoscopy at day 3 of life but was realised following a facial CT when the infant presented with ongoing symptoms of upper airway obstruction. Nasal dilation was performed successfully.

Conclusion

CNPAS should be considered in any neonate with upper airway obstruction. A normal nasoendoscopy does not exclude the diagnosis.
Identification of the nonlinear systems based on the kernel functions
Authors: Li Jimei , Ding Feng , Yang Erfu
Published: June 2021

Constructing an appropriate membership function is significant in fuzzy logic control. Based on the multi‐model control theory, this article constructs a novel kernel function which can implement the fuzzification and defuzzification processes and reflect the dynamic quality of the nonlinear systems accurately. Then we focus on the identification problems of the nonlinear systems based on the kernel functions. Applying the hierarchical identification principle, we present the hierarchical stochastic gradient algorithm for the nonlinear systems. Meanwhile, the one‐dimensional search methods are proposed to solve the problem of determining the optimal step sizes. In order to improve the parameter estimation accuracy, we propose the hierarchical multi‐innovation forgetting factor stochastic gradient algorithm by introducing the forgetting factor and using the multi‐innovation identification theory. The simulation example is provided to test the proposed algorithms from the aspects of parameter estimation accuracy and prediction performance.
Benchmarking and learning garbage collection delays for resource‐restricted graphical user interfaces
Authors: McCarthy Harry , Koay Abigail , Dawson Michael , Kent Kenneth B. , Patros Panos
Published: June 2021

Tablets, smartphones, and wearables have limited resources. Applications on these devices employ a graphical user interface (GUI) for interaction with users. Language runtimes for GUIs employ dynamic memory management using garbage collection (GC). However, GC policies and algorithms are designed for data centers and cloud computing, but they are not necessarily ideal for resource‐constrained embedded devices. In this article, we present GUI GC, a JavaFX GUI benchmark, which we use to compare the performance of the four GC policies of the Eclipse OpenJ9 Java runtime on a resource‐constrained environment. Overall, our experiments suggest that the default policy Gencon registered significantly lower execution times than its counterparts. The region‐based policy, Balanced, did not fully utilize blocking times; thus, using GUI GC, we conducted experiments with explicit GC invocations that measured significant improvements of up to 13.22% when multiple CPUs were available. Furthermore, we created a second version of GUI GC that expands on the number of controllable load‐stressing dimensions; we conducted a large number of randomly configured experiments to quantify the performance effect that each knob has. Finally, we analyzed our dataset to derive suitable knob configurations for desired runtime, GC, and hardware stress levels.
A new positivity‐preserving domain decomposition method for the 2‐D diffusion equation
Authors: Jia Dongxu
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we propose a new domain decomposition method for the 2‐D diffusion equation. The scheme is positivity‐preserving with essential parallelism. First, we decompose the domain into many sub‐domains, and then some new schemes are used on the sub‐domains according to dimension. Moreover, only local communication is needed at each time level in the parallel programs. The method of discrete functional analysis is used to prove that the scheme is unconditionally stable with second‐order accuracy. At last, some numerical tests are given to verify the theoretical results.
Histories of a Conspiracy, Zinder, 1906: Rethinking Colonial Occupation
Authors: Lefebvre Camille
Published: June 2021

By tracing the history of what French colonizers considered a conspiracy against them, this paper seeks to reconstruct the complexity of the first phase of colonial occupation in Zinder (Niger) during the early twentieth century. It draws on three types of source, corresponding to three successive moments and to three different perspectives on the event: the archives of the colonial investigation, carried out by French officers to justify their action; the personal journals and notes of the interpreter Moïse Landeroin, who did not believe the accusations and opposed his superiors; and finally the letters written in Arabic by one of the defendants, Malam Yaro, to plead his innocence. These letters enable a new reading of what took place in 1906 by highlighting the social intricacies of Zinder society. Using more diverse sources thus makes it possible to reconstruct the different timelines of the occupation and to reveal the blind spots of a purely colonial interpretation of the event.
Periodizing the End of Slavery: Colonial Law, the League of Nations, and Slave Resistance in the Nigerien Sahel, 1920s–1930s
Authors: Rossi Benedetta
Published: June 2021

When, how, and why—if at all—did slavery end in the Nigerien Sahel? What processes facilitated the emancipation of enslaved persons? What were the strategies of colonial administrators, slave-owners, slave-traders, slaves, and slave descendants? In the first two decades following France’s occupation of the Central Sahel, legal abolition did not lead to the suppression of slavery, because laws were not at first enforced. But in the 1920s the internationalization of abolitionism that followed the creation of the League of Nations resulted in the activation of anti-slavery laws. This article argues that emancipation was initially propelled by the establishment of international surveillance mechanisms with the power to (de-)legitimize colonial rule at a time when no one was actively seeking to end slavery in this region. The first section highlights the ambiguities of European abolitionism and reveals the web of connections between the League of Nations, the French state, and French administrators on the ground. The second section develops a microanalysis of slave resistance, showing how some enslaved and trafficked persons, especially young women, profited from global institutional transformations to incriminate their owners and traffickers. The final section considers the contemporary recollections of an elderly woman, who in her youth experienced circumstances analogous to those described earlier in the article. Her perceptions, and those of others like her, exist today in a context marked by tension between circumscribed proslavery discourses and national grassroots abolitionism.
Rewarding in International Human Rights Law?
Authors: McInerney-Lankford Siobhán
Published: June 2021

Compliance in international law remains a challenge and the search to understand whether and why states comply with international human rights law endures as well. This essay endorses van Aaken and Simsek's contention that rewarding is an important yet underexplored mechanism for ensuring compliance with international law, but suggests that certain features of international human rights law may make rewarding less apposite in the human rights sphere for three interrelated reasons. First, compliance with international human rights law depends on domestic as well as international action, potentially rendering rewarding between states less relevant. Second, the unique and complex structure of international human rights law obligations and their measurement may make an assessment of the effectiveness of rewarding more difficult, at least for certain categories of rights and obligations. Third, rewarding may be inappropriate in international human rights law given its core normative purpose of protecting human dignity. As such, this essay explores whether rewarding can or should be pursued in international human rights law.
The abduction of General Kreipe in Crete: bloodless or bloody?
Authors: Ogden Alan
Published: June 2021

This article examines the German reaction to the abduction by the SOE (Special Operations Executive) of General Kreipe in Crete in May 1944 and questions whether the operation should have been launched. Observance of the Laws and Customs of War as defined at the time had been compromised by SOE's charter from the outset, and the reaction of the occupying powers – Germany and Italy – to partisan warfare evolved accordingly. The article concludes by highlighting the legal findings of the American Military Tribunal at the Nuremberg trial of the ‘Balkan Generals’ and contrasts them with the Athens trial of Generals Müller and Bräuer.
Capitalism and democracy in the twenty-first century: does it still take two to tango?
Authors: Marenco Matteo
Published: June 2021

This article reviews three books that offer thought-provoking insights on a central political science question, namely the relationship between capitalism and democracy in the twenty-first century. First, ‘Democracy and Prosperity’ by Iversen and Soskice posits a symbiotic relationship between capitalism and democracy. Advanced capital thrives on nationally rooted institutions, hence it needs democratic politics. A majority of voters ask for pro-advanced-capital reforms, hence democratic politics needs advanced capital. Second, ‘Capitalism, Alone’ by Milanovic depicts a troubled coexistence between capitalism and democracy. The former's tendency to concentrate economic and political power in the hands of the few is the main reason why democratic politics is under pressure. Third, ‘The Age of Surveillance Capitalism’ by Zuboff suggests a negative relationship between digital capitalism and democracy. Surveillance capitalism increasingly acts as a control means of individuals' behaviour, which undermines democracy at its roots. The last section brings the three contributions together. It maintains that a mutually beneficial coexistence between capitalism and democracy currently faces both internal (from within) and external (from without) challenges. In line with Milanovic and Zuboff, it argues that the concentration of economic and political power in the hands of the few is the most apparent from-within challenge. Drawing on Milanovic, it contends that rise of China as a global power combining capitalism with non-democracy challenges the relationship between capitalism and democracy from without. Finally, it contends that the environmental question and the pandemic represent two windows of opportunity for democracy to recover lost ground and re-establish a more balanced relationship with capitalism.
CEO Leadership, Strategic Decision Comprehensiveness, and Firm Performance: The Moderating Role of TMT Cognitive Conflict
Authors: Yi Yaqun , Chen Yu , He Xiaoming
Published: June 2021

Managers make comprehensive strategic decisions to cope with environmental challenges. Questions remain regarding how different types of leadership styles influence top management team (TMT) strategic decision comprehensiveness (SDC) and firm performance. This study explores the impact of two different CEO leadership styles on TMT SDC and subsequent firm performance, considering the moderating role of TMT cognitive conflict. Based on data from 357 questionnaires of 126 firms in China, we found that 1) CEO empowering leadership positively affects SDC; 2) CEO directive leadership generates an inverted U-shaped effect on SDC; 3) the effect of SDC on firm performance is positive; and 4) TMT cognitive conflict weakens the relationship between CEO empowering leadership and SDC. This study takes a systematic approach by integrating CEO-TMT dynamics into SDC, which in turn affects firm performance, and thus offers a holistic view of how upper echelons influence firm performance.
Technology Decomposition and Technology Recombination in Industrial Catch-up for Large Emerging Economies: Evidence from Chinese Manufacturing Industries
Authors: Chen Xiaoling , Guo Bin , Guo Jingjing , Li Wen Helena
Published: June 2021

The influence of technological learning on industry-level catch-up has long drawn substantial attention in the catch-up research field. However, the underlying mechanisms of technological learning and the unique catch-up context in large emerging economies are much less explored. To explain the technological learning processes of latecomers that face the technology gap and strive to build differentiated competitive advantage, this study builds on the absorptive capacity perspective and deconstructs technological learning processes into two mechanisms: technology decomposition and technology recombination. The former entails decomposing advanced technologies into pieces, parts, or modules, while the latter entails the process of capturing market opportunities through recombining knowledge from diverse sources into commercial products through localized innovations and adaptations. Then, we propose a unique ‘ladder-like’ catch-up context (i.e., technology ladder and market ladder) and investigate how the technological learning process and the unique catch-up context jointly affect industrial catch-up performance in China. Using seven-year panel data from Chinese manufacturing industries, the results indicate that only technology recombination has a significantly positive relationship with industrial catch-up performance. In addition, the market ladder strengthens the positive impact of technology recombination on industrial catch-up, while the technology ladder weakens the positive impact of technology decomposition on catch-up.