bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge, skills and attitudes required for Japanese library staff based on job advertisements
Authors: Matsumoto Naoki
Published: September 2022

Purpose

In relation to institution type and employment status, this study aims to identify the requisite skills, knowledge and attitudes (SKAs) listed in job advertisements for Japanese library staff.

Design/methodology/approach

This study collected data on 545 posts advertised on major Japanese librarian job advertisement websites from March 2019 to January 2021. The data included institution type, employment length, application requirements and job descriptions. Job descriptions were classified into 16 categories based on required SKAs. Data were analyzed using content, cross-tabulation and cluster analyses.

Findings

The results demonstrate that 82.2% of job advertisements targeted nonregular employees. The essential SKAs are the client and technical services. The job advertisements for nonregular employees had detailed descriptions of the requisite generic and soft skills and knowledge, whereas these competencies were not specified in the advertisements for regular employees.

Originality/value

To the best of the author's knowledge, this is the first comprehensive study on job advertisements in Japanese libraries. This serves as a benchmark for the content and methods of continuing education for librarians. It also demonstrates the impact of Japan's social and historical environment on job advertisements and related research.
Development of self-cleaning polydimethylsiloxane/nano-calcium carbonate-titanium dioxide coating with fog-resistance response for building glass
Authors: Syafiq Amirul , Rahim Nasrudin Abd. , Balakrishnan Vengadaesvaran , Pandey A.K.
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This paper introduced the simple synthesis process of self-cleaning coating with fog-resistance property using hydrophobic polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) polymer and nano-calcium carbonate (nano-CaCO3) and titanium dioxide (TiO2).

Design/methodology/approach

The synthesis method of PDMS/nano-CaCO3-TiO2 is based on sol-gel process. The crosslinking between PDMS and nanoparticles is driven by the covalent bond at temperature of 50°C. The 3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane is used as binder for nanoparticles attachment in polymer matrix. Two fabrication methods are used, which are dip- and spray-coating methods.

Findings

The prepared coated glass fulfilled the requirement of standard self-cleaning and fog-resistance performance. For the self-cleaning test BS EN 1096-5:2016, the coated glasses exhibited the dust haze value around 20%–25% at tilt angle of 10°. For the antifog test, the coated glasses showed the fog haze value were below 2% and the gloss value were above 85%. The obtained results completely achieved the standard antifog value ASTM F659-06 protocol.

Research limitations/implications

Findings will provide an infrastructure support for the building glass to enhance building’s energy efficiency, cleaning performance and friendly environment.

Practical implications

This study proposed the simple synthesis method using hydrophobic polymer and nano-CaCO3 and nano-TiO2, which can achieve optimum self-cleaning property at low tilt angle and fog-resistance performance for building glass.

Social implications

The research findings have high potential for building company, cleaning building company and government sector. The proposed project capable to reduces the energy consumption about 20% per annum due to labor cost, time-consuming and safety during manual cleaning.

Originality/value

The novel method to develop self-cleaning coating with fog-resistance using simple synthesis process and fabrication method for building glass application.
Identifying factors that impact online teaching effectiveness during COVID-19
Authors: Mohandas Lakshmy , Sorgenfrei Nathalia , Drankoff Lauren , Sanchez Ivan , Furterer Sandra , Cudney Elizabeth , Laux Chad , Antony Jiju
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This study aims to identify critical online teaching effectiveness factors from instructors’ perspectives and experiences during COVID-19.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a qualitative phenomenology approach. In addition, the research used a snowball sample to identify faculty in the engineering and engineering technology fields with experience in online teaching and learning. All interviews were conducted online by the researchers. The interview questions were based on findings in the current literature. Further, the questions were open-ended.

Findings

The analysis identified eight major themes that impact online teaching effectiveness: class recordings; course organization; collaboration; engagement; exam, assignment and quiz grades; games; valuable course content; and student timely feedback and response.

Research limitations/implications

The study was not designed to be generalizable to the entire population of professors who teach online classes but to gain insights from faculty who taught online courses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Practical implications

Faculty can use the factors identified for online teaching effectiveness to enhance their course design and delivery while teaching online or blended courses.

Originality/value

This research provides insights into factors that impact online teaching effectiveness during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Linking shared leadership with pharmaceutical team sales performance in Pakistan: a dual mediation model
Authors: Sabir Muhammad , Shoukat Muhammad Haroon , Shah Syed Asim , Selem Kareem M. , Shaukat Hira
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The pharmaceutical retail industry faces leadership challenges, emphasizing the importance of a mechanism to support sales managers. This paper aims to demonstrate how shared leadership (SL) might improve team performance (TP), with knowledge sharing (KS) and psychological safety (PS) serving as dual mediation effects.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used social learning theory (SLT) to support their hypotheses. Using a purposive sampling technique, 440 respondents (65 leaders and 375 team members) from 65 pharmaceutical sales teams in Pakistan were obtained through data collection from dyad sources. The authors also used partial least square-structured equation modeling (PLS-SEM) using SmartPLS 3.3.9 to assess the measurement model and the direct paths testing. The authors also used PROCESS macro version 4 to examine dual mediation effects.

Findings

The results revealed that SL does not directly impact TP; rather, it depends on the dual mediating mechanisms of KS and PS.

Originality/value

This is an initial attempt to establish a conceptual model based on SLT, with KS and PS acting as dual mediation mechanisms. This research contributes to the current knowledge of team leadership by concentrating on how SL approaches might promote TP in the pharmaceutical sector.
Unveiling the relation between the challenges and benefits of operational excellence and industry 4.0: a hybrid fuzzy decision-making approach
Authors: Razavi Hajiagha Seyed Hossein , Amoozad Mahdiraji Hannan , Moradi Samin , Garza-Reyes Jose Arturo , Alaei Saeed
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Operational excellence (OpEx) is a direction toward learning and developing an excellent culture in all aspects of an organization. To reach this culture, revolutionizing activities using industry 4.0 (i4.0) technologies might be a significant empowering tool. This study aims to identify the challenges and benefits of both concepts and investigate their interrelationship to be considered in applying industry 4.0 technologies toward operational excellence.

Design/methodology/approach

The challenges and benefits of OpEx and i4.0 are identified and finalized by reviewing the literature. The causal relations between the considered factors are extracted using the fuzzy DEMATEL (Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory) method. Then, the analytical network process (ANP) is applied to determine the importance and weight of the factors (challenges and benefits of OpEx and i4.0) according to the constructed network.

Findings

The findings illustrated a strong network structure between the factors. First, the causal factors included OpEx and i4.0 challenges, while the OpEx challenges also affected the i4.0 challenges. Both group challenges had a significant effect on OpEx and i4.0 benefits. This means that challenges are the causal factors to be considered in the alignment of i4.0 toward OpEx. Among the OpEx challenges, lack of strategic planning and proper infrastructure were the main influential factors. In contrast, lack of government support and undeveloped business models were identified as the main challenges of i4.0.

Originality/value

OpEx and i4.0 concepts are reviewed and their pros and cons are studied. Previous studies determined an interaction among these concepts. However, from a practical viewpoint, the relation between the challenges and benefits of i4.0 and OpEx was studied for the first time for their alignment.
Hospital‐at‐Home: Multistakeholder Considerations for Program Dissemination and Scale
Authors: KADAKIA KUSHAL T. , BALATBAT CELYNNE A. , SIU ALBERT L. , COHEN I. GLENN , WILKINS CONSUELO H. , DZAU VICTOR J. , OFFODILE ANAEZE C.
Published: September 2022

Policy Points

Hospital‐at‐Home (HaH) is a home‐based alternative for acute care that has expanded significantly under COVID‐19 regulatory flexibilities.

The post‐pandemic policy agenda for HaH will require consideration of multistakeholder perspectives, including patient, caregiver, provider, clinical operations, technology, equity, legal, quality, and payer.

Key policy challenges include reaching a consensus on program standards, clarifying caregivers’ issues, creating sustainable reimbursement mechanisms, and mitigating potential equity concerns.

Key policy prescriptions include creating a national surveillance system for quality and safety, clarifying legal standards for care in the home, and deploying payment reforms through value‐based models.
Information Coordination: Does Preannouncement Media Coverage Improve Earnings Expectations?*
Authors: Xu Nina
Published: September 2022

This study examines whether and how media coverage improves price discovery before earnings announcements. Given the broad reach and timeliness of media coverage, understanding its role in forming earnings expectations is important. I posit that the media specialize in searching for and screening news, while institutional investors and financial analysts specialize in interpreting and integrating information. I expect these coordinated efforts to improve earnings expectations and preempt upcoming earnings announcements. Consistent with this prediction, I find (i) preannouncement media coverage is negatively associated with price revaluations during earnings announcements, (ii) preannouncement media coverage is positively associated with institutional investors' information acquisition and financial analysts' forecast frequency, and (iii) institutional information acquisition and analyst forecast activity are two mechanisms by which media coverage preempts upcoming earnings. My main results are robust to short‐window tests and identification concerns. Overall, my findings suggest that media coverage coordinates information efforts and accelerates the incorporation of information in prices, facilitating preannouncement price discovery.
The treatment of mature permanent teeth with irreversible pulpitis by cervical pulpotomy: A systematic review
Authors: Skitioui Mohamed , Seck Anta , Niang Seydina Ousmane , Fikhar Anass , Touré Babacar
Published: September 2022

Pulpotomy has been used in primary teeth and immature permanent teeth. However, with the advent of new bioactive material, the procedure is shifting towards permanent teeth with mature apices of roots. The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the success of pulpotomy on mature permanent teeth with acute irreversible pulpitis and to compare it with root canal treatment or between the effectiveness of the bioactive material used. The following databases were searched: PubMed, Cochrane Library: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov, International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. After using the keywords predefined, the electronic search yielded a total of 86 articles. After undergoing a thorough screening and eligibility process, only four articles were finally selected. Unexpectedly, pulpotomy demonstrated a better tendency for success in such cases over the years. This shows that pulpotomy is not inferior to root canal treatment for permanent treatment of irreversible pulpitis. In addition, the results obtained showed that pulpotomy is rapid, biologically reliable and more cost‐effective in all situations compared to root canal therapy. Complete pulpotomy appears to have a high success rate as a permanent treatment of irreversible pulpitis and could be considered as an alternative to root canal therapy. Pulpotomy is not inferior to root canal treatment for a permanent treatment of irreversible pulpitis. In addition, the results obtained have shown that complete pulpotomy is faster and more profitable in all situations compared to root canal treatment. Furthermore, with the advent of new so‐called bioactive materials, the use of this therapeutic is increasingly considered. This is why a review based on studies of reliable articles is above all necessary to be able to generalise the indication of this therapy.
DNA methylation reprogramming of genomic imprints in the mammalian germline: A TET‐centric view
Authors: Caldwell Blake A. , Bartolomei Marisa S.
Published: September 2022

The mammalian genome undergoes extensive epigenetic reprogramming twice during development, once during gestation when primordial germ cells (PGCs) are specified from somatic cells and a second time after fertilization in the preimplantation embryo. PGC differentiation into germ cells involves DNA demethylation and subsequent remethylation. DNA demethylation takes place in two waves in the mouse germline, an early phase where most of the genome is demethylated by replication coupled passive demethylation, and a second phase predominated by active DNA demethylation. Imprinted genes, CpG islands on the inactive X chromosome of females, and germline‐specific genes are among those loci that are demethylated late. The Ten‐Eleven Translocation (TET) family of 5 mC dioxygenases has emerged as active demethylating enzymes that are critical to achieving a DNA hypomethylated state, with TET1 being the most important for imprinted genes. Here, we discuss DNA methylation dynamics in the mammalian genome, with a particular emphasis on DNA demethylation in the germline and the requirement for TET1 in imprinted gene reprogramming.
Liver transplant‐free survival according to alkaline phosphatase and GLOBE score in patients with primary biliary cholangitis treated with ursodeoxycholic acid
Authors: de Veer Rozanne C. , Harms Maren H. , Corpechot Christophe , Thorburn Douglas , Invernizzi Pietro , Janssen Harry L. A. , Battezzati Pier M. , Nevens Frederik , Lindor Keith D. , Floreani Annarosa , Ponsioen Cyriel Y. , Mayo Marlyn J. , Parés Albert , Mason Andrew L. , Kowdley Kris V. , Trivedi Palak J. , Hirschfield Gideon M. , Bruns Tony , Dalekos George N. , Gatselis Nikolaos K. , Verhelst Xavier , Lammers Willem J. , Hansen Bettina E. , van Buuren Henk R. , van der Meer Adriaan J. ,   the Global PBC Study Group
Published: September 2022

Background

After 1 year of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) may have a normal GLOBE score despite high alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels.

Aim

To assess the association between ALP and liver transplantation (LT)‐free survival according to the GLOBE score

Methods

Among patients with a normal or elevated GLOBE score in the Global PBC cohort, the association between ALP after 1 year of UDCA and the risk of LT/death was assessed. The LT‐free survival was compared with that of a matched general population.

Results

After 1 year of UDCA, ALP was associated with the risk of LT/death (aHR 1.31, 95% CI 1.003–1.72, p = 0.048) among 2729 patients with a normal GLOBE score. The 10‐year LT‐free survival among these patients with an ALP >2.0 × ULN was 94.0% (95% CI 90.1–97.9) for those <50 years, and 82.6% (95% CI 76.5–88.7) for those ≥50 years, which was significantly lower (p = 0.040) and similar (p = 0.736) to that of the matched population, respectively. The 10‐year LT‐free survival in patients ≥50 years with normal GLOBE score and normal ALP (90.8%, 95% CI 87.7–93.9) was significantly higher (p = 0.022) than the matched population. Among 1045 patients with an elevated GLOBE score, ALP was associated with LT/death only in those <50 years (aHR 1.38, 95% CI 1.06–1.81, p = 0.016).

Conclusion

The LT‐free survival of patients with PBC with a normal GLOBE score is optimal in case of normal ALP levels, also in relation to the general population. Despite their generally favourable prognosis, an elevated ALP level may still indicate a need for add‐on therapy.
Carnosol attenuated atrophy of C2C12 myotubes induced by tumour‐derived exosomal miR‐183‐5p through inhibiting Smad3 pathway activation and keeping mitochondrial respiration
Authors: Kuang Ji‐Xia , Shen Qiang , Zhang Rui‐Qin , Fang Qiao‐Yu , Deng Xue , Fan Meng , Cheng Chun‐Ru , Zhang Xiong‐Wen , Liu Xuan
Published: September 2022

Cancer‐derived exosomes are involved in the development of cancer cachexia. Carnosol, which exhibited ameliorating effects on cancer cachexia of C26 tumour‐bearing mice in our previous study, alleviated atrophy of C2C12 myotubes induced by exosomes of C26 tumour cells in the present study. MiR‐183‐5p was found to be rich in C26 cells and C26 exosomes, and miR‐183‐5p mimic could directly induce atrophy of C2C12 myotubes. Carnosol at 5 to 20 μM could dose‐dependently ameliorate the myotube atrophy induced by miR‐183‐5p. Four and a half LIM domain protein 1 (FHL1) was shown to be the direct target of miR‐183‐5p. Increase in myostatin, p‐Smad3, MuRF‐1, Atrogin‐1, HIF‐1α and p‐STAT3 and decrease in mitochondrial respiration were also induced by miR‐183‐5p mimic in C2C12 myotubes. Carnosol could not affect the decrease in FHL‐1 and the activation of STAT3 pathway but could significantly alleviate the increase in myostatin, p‐Smad3, MuRF‐1, Atrogin‐1 and the decrease in mitochondrial respiration induced by miR‐183‐5p. The protective effects of carnosol on myotubes against atrophy of C2C12 myotubes induced by miR‐183‐5p, based on both its inhibiting effects on MuRF‐1 and Atrogin‐1‐mediated protein degradation and its ability of keeping the mitochondrial respiration, might contribute to its ameliorating effects on cancer cachexia.
Nomogram to differentiate benign and malignant thyroid nodules in the American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System level 5
Authors: Hu Ting , Li Zhengyi , Peng Chuan , Huang Libing , Li Huifang , Han Xu , Long Xingzhang , Huang Wei , Zou Ruhai
Published: September 2022

Objectives

To develop and validate a nomogram for differentiating benign and malignant thyroid nodules of American College of Radiology (ACR) Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI‐RADS) level 5 (TR5) and improving the performance of the guideline.

Methods

From May 2018 to December 2019, 640 patients with TR5 nodules were retrospectively included in the primary cohort. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to determine the risk factors for thyroid cancer. A nomogram was established on the basis of multivariable analyses; the performance of the nomogram was evaluated with respect to discrimination, calibration, and clinical usefulness. The nomogram model was also compared to the ACR score model. External validation was performed and the independent validation cohort contained 201 patients from April 2021 to January 2022.

Results

Multivariable analyses showed that age, tumour location, multifocality, concomitant Hashimoto's disease, neck lymph node status reported by ultrasound (US) and ACR score were the independent risk factors for thyroid cancer (all p < .05). The nomogram showed good discrimination, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.786 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.742–0.830) and 0.712 (95% CI: 0.615–0.809) in the primary cohort and external validation cohort, respectively. Decision curve analysis demonstrated the clinical usefulness of the model. Compared to the ACR score model, the nomogram showed higher AUC (0.786 vs. 0.626, p < .001) and specificity (0.783 vs. 0.391).

Conclusions

The presented nomogram model, based on age, tumour features and ACR score, can differentiate benign and malignant thyroid nodules in TR5 and had a high specificity.
Evaluation of peritumoral inflammatory infiltration and its relationship with different prognostic factors in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Jowkar Farideh , Sari Aslani Fatemeh , Pourian Behnaz , Nozari Farnoosh
Published: September 2022

Background

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is one of the most common skin cancers. Prognostic factors, such as tumor thickness, play a crucial role in the management of these patients. Peritumoral inflammatory infiltration has been shown to influence the prognosis of malignancies. This study aimed to determine different prognostic factors and investigate peritumoral inflammatory infiltration in patients with cSCC.

Methods

The study population consisted of 272 patients with a diagnosis of cSCC. Clinical data, such as age and tumor location, were extracted from pathology reports, and other information was gathered by contacting the patients via phone calls. All pathology slides were reviewed by an expert dermatopathologist, and the histopathological features and prognostic factors were evaluated.

Results

The highest number of tumors was found in the scalp and forehead (21.3%), while the lowest number was found in the trunk and thighs (3.31%). The highest mean tumor thickness was observed in the group with no inflammatory cells; on the other hand, the lowest tumor thickness was found in the group of lymphocytes and plasma cells. The group with severe eosinophilic infiltration had the highest mean tumor thickness, while the group with no eosinophilic infiltration had the lowest mean tumor thickness.

Conclusion

Depending on the type of peritumoral inflammatory cells, the prognosis of cSCC may be predictable.
Creative Long Covid: A qualitative exploration of the experience of Long Covid through the medium of creative narratives
Authors: Pearson Mark , Singh Prerna , Bartel Heike , Crawford Paul , Allsopp Gail
Published: September 2022

Background

Healthcare is witnessing a new disease with the emergence of Long Covid; a condition which can result in myriad symptoms, varying in frequency and severity. As new data are emerging to help inform treatment guidelines, the perspectives of those living with Long Covid are essential in informing healthcare practice. The research aimed to collect the narratives of people living with Long Covid to better understand the lived experience of this condition. In attempting to narrate complex or traumatic experiences the arts and humanities can offer alternative ways of expressing embodied narratives, representing rich sources of meaning. Therefore, the research specifically sought to elicit creative expressions from participants with lived experience of Long Covid.

Methods

Data were collected via an online repository where participants could submit their pieces of creative writing. Data were collected between August 2021 and January 2022 and a total of 28 submissions were received from participants. These were mostly written creative narratives. However, a small number were submitted as audio or video files of spoken word poetry or songs. Data collection was stopped once data saturation was achieved.

Results

The submissions were subjected to thematic analysis and five themes were generated. These five themes are Identity, social relationships, symptoms, interaction with healthcare systems and time. The results provide an insight into the experience of Long Covid as detailed by the participants' creative narratives.

Conclusion

The results from this study provide a unique insight into the lived experience of Long Covid. In relation to clinical practice, the results suggest that adjustment reaction and loss of sense of self could be added as common symptoms.

Patient and Public Contribution

Before undertaking the research, Long Covid community groups were contacted to discuss the potential value of this study and it was widely supported. One of the leading Long Covid support groups was also involved in disseminating information regarding the project. As part of ongoing work within this project, members of the team are actively disseminating the results within Long Covid communities and seeking to develop arts‐based workshops specifically for people with Long Covid.
User experience of self‐reported computerized medical history taking for acute chest pain: The Clinical Expert Operating System Chest Pain Danderyd Study
Authors: Sundberg Kay , Adeli Athena , Brandberg Helge , Spaak Jonas , Koch Sabine , Sundberg Carl J. , Zakim David , Kahan Thomas , Fritzell Kaisa
Published: September 2022

Background and Objective

Chest pain is one of the most common complaints in emergency departments (EDs). Self‐reported computerized history taking (CHT) programmes can be used for interpretation of the clinical significance of medical information coming directly from patients. The adoption of CHT in clinical practice depends on reactions and attitudes to the technology from patients and their belief that the technology will have benefits for their medical care. The study objective was to explore the user experience of the self‐reported CHT programme Clinical Expert Operating System (CLEOS) in the setting of patients visiting an ED for acute chest pain.

Methods

This qualitative interview study is part of the ongoing CLEOS‐Chest Pain Danderyd Study. A subset (n = 84) of the larger sample who had taken part in self‐reported history taking during waiting times at the ED were contacted by telephone and n = 54 (64%) accepted participation. An interview guide with open‐ended questions was used and the text was analysed using directed content analysis.

Results

The patients' experiences of the CLEOS programme were overall positive although some perceived it as extensive. The programme was well accepted and despite the busy environment, patients were highly motivated and deemed it helpful to make a diagnosis. Six categories of user experience emerged: The clinical context, The individual context, Time aspect, Acceptability of the programme, Usability of the programme and Perceptions of usefulness in a clinical setting.

Conclusions

The programme was well accepted by most patients in the stressful environment at ED although some found it difficult to answer all the questions. Adjustments to the extent of an interview to better suit the context of the clinical use should be a future development of the programme. The findings suggest that CHT programmes can be integrated as a standard process for collecting self‐reported medical history data in the ED setting.
Exit regulation in the People's Republic of China: Law, policy and practice
Authors: Song Lili
Published: September 2022

In the past 20 years, there have been increasing media reports of individuals being banned from exiting the People's Republic of China (PRC). This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current PRC mechanisms for regulating the exit of PRC and foreign citizens. It proposes that the PRC uses three types of exit regulation mechanisms. First, restrictions on access to passports serve to preclude targeted PRC citizens from obtaining the document necessary for international travel. Second, PRC and foreign citizens with valid passports could be prohibited from exiting the PRC on extensive grounds. Third, the criminalization of unauthorized departure serves to punish and deter the clandestine exit of PRC citizens. In relation to each mechanism, it outlines the legal grounds for imposing restrictions or punishment and provides illustration with recent cases. It also identifies a number of shortcomings of the PRC exit regulation system, including fragmented and overly broad legislation in some aspects, inconsistency of legislation, overly decentralized distribution of power among institutions and insufficient safeguard for procedural transparency.
Room temperature flash of single crystal titania: Electronic and optical properties
Authors: Yadav Devinder , Yuan Yakun , Gopalan Venkatraman , Raj Rishi , Jo Seohyeon
Published: September 2022

A single‐crystal specimen of rutile (titania) was flashed repetitively, while increasing the electric field after each cycle. As expected, the flash onset temperature continued to drop modestly at higher fields. However, when the field was increased from 400 to 450 V cm–1, the flashed onset fell dramatically down to room temperature. We have investigated the electrical and optical properties of this room temperature flashed specimen (called SZ). The specimen was electronically conducting. Optical absorption spectroscopy revealed a narrow band of new energy levels that were generated just below the conduction band. The gap between the conduction band and this flash‐induced energy level agreed with the peak in the electroluminescence spectrum. Optical second harmonic generation (SHG) is reported. The flash‐on condition significantly lowered the SHG, which rebounded when the flash was turned off. This result suggests that the structure becomes more centrosymmetric in the state of flash, which may represent a disordered state of defects. The possibility of studying flash behavior at room temperature, without a furnace (as in SZ type specimens), opens a considerable simplification for in‐situ characterization of flash behavior. For example, a possible relationship between memristor physics and the flash phenomenon can be studied.
Influence of β‐Si3N4 whiskers on sintering and crystallization of fused silica ceramics
Authors: Huang Ming , Peng Zhi‐hang , Zhang Wen , Xiang Yang , Cao Feng
Published: September 2022

Fused silica ceramics are widely applied for radome materials, crucibles, and vanes, but the mechanical properties were deteriorated due to the cristobalite crystallization. The fused silica ceramics added with by β‐Si3N4 whiskers were prepared by a slip‐casting method to retard the cristobalite crystallization. The influences of the sintering environments and the β‐Si3N4 whiskers on the microstructure and phase structure were investigated. The silanol (Si‐(OH)n) and oxygen vacancies (VO) in the fused silica in formed in different conditions were studied by Fourier Transform Infra‐Red (FT‐IR) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and the results indicated that the ball‐milled produced a large amount of the silanol groups onto the surface of the fused silica particles. The fused silica heated in the vacuum created the maximum oxygen vacancies (24.2%) on the surfaces. Silanol groups reacted with the β‐Si3N4 whiskers, and the O atoms in the silanol groups were fixed into the bulk materials. And the crystallization kinetics and the activation energy of Si3N4w/SiO2 ceramics at the temperature ranging from 1200 to 1400°C were calculated based on the JMA(Johnson‐Mehl‐Avrami) model. The activation energy of the fused silica ceramics with the addition of the β‐Si3N4 is 506.2 kJ/mol, increased by 23.6% than that of the pure fused silica ceramic.
Reactive flash sintering in a bilayer of zirconia and lanthana: Measurement of the diffusion coefficient in real time
Authors: Jalali Syed I. A. , Raj Rishi
Published: September 2022

Reactive flash sintering is a process where off‐the‐shelf powders of elemental oxides can be simultaneously sintered and reacted to form a multicomponent oxide in a matter of seconds at low furnace temperatures. The fact that several cation species, each residing within their own particles, can migrate over distances of several micrometers, and mix on the atomic scale to form multicomponent oxides, so quickly, is quite remarkable. The question arises as to the rate of this solid‐state diffusion phenomenon. In this paper, we present measurements of this diffusion coefficient from live flash experiments. The results are obtained from millimeter scale bilayers of yttria‐stabilized zirconia and lanthana where the flash initiates in the zirconia layer and then migrates into the lanthana layer, forming lanthanum zirconates. The velocities of migration of the flash‐front, coupled with measurements of the length scale of the profile of zirconium and lanthanum interdiffusion, across the bilayer interface, provide an estimate of the effective diffusion coefficient. These measurements give a value for the cation diffusion to lie in the range of 2.5 × 10−10 m2 s−1 at 1380°C, with an activation energy of 200–250 kJ mol−1. In comparison, the cation diffusion coefficient in yttria‐stabilized zirconia, at 1350°C, is stated to be 1.1 × 10−20 m2 s−1 with an activation energy of ∼550 kJ mol−1. A pause for reflection.
The correlation between maternal serum sST2, IL‐33 and NT‐proBNP concentrations and occurrence of pre‐eclampsia in twin pregnancies: A longitudinal study
Authors: Xiang Qianqian , Chen Yang , Gu Xunke , Yang Yike , Wang Yan , Zhao Yangyu
Published: September 2022

The primary objective of this study was to determine the longitudinal profile of serum sST2 (soluble suppression of tumorigenicity 2), IL‐33 (interleukin‐33) and NT‐proBNP (N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide) concentrations in twin pregnancies with pre‐eclampsia (PE) and those normotensive twins. The secondary objective was to test whether the change of serum sST2,IL‐33 and NT‐proBNP is related to PE in twin pregnancies. This is a longitudinal nested case–control study and all 156 dichorionic (DC) pregnancies were from a prospective cohort of twin pregnancies who received antenatal care and gave two live births at Peking University Third Hospital between October 2017 and September 2020. Four to five milliliters of peripheral blood of each pregnant woman were collected during the following three intervals: (1) 6–11+6 weeks; (2) 24–27+6 weeks; (3) 28–31+6 weeks. We found that sST2 and NT‐proBNP levels increased as pregnancy progressed in normotensive twin pregnancies and further increased in PE group, while no differences were found in IL‐33 levels throughout pregnancy. Then the correlation of biomarker levels with the occurrence of PE was assessed. Our results indicated that combining maternal serum sST2 and NT‐proBNP levels yielded the highest predictive value on the occurrence of PE significantly higher than the predictive value of any markers alone. Interestingly, the predictive value of second trimester (AUC = 0.876, 95%CI 0.824–0.928, LR−0.338, LR+7.67, p < 0.001)was higher than that of early‐third trimester (AUC = 0.832, 95%CI 0.769–0.896, LR−0.29, LR+3.845, p < 0.001). Serum sST2 and NT‐proBNP concentrations during second and early‐third trimester were associated with the occurrence of PE in twin pregnancies.
Risk of melanoma in congenital melanocytic nevi of all sizes: A systematic review
Authors: Scard Camille , Aubert Hélène , Wargny Matthieu , Martin Ludovic , Barbarot Sebastien
Published: September 2022

Congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN) are commonly encountered benign skin lesions in newborns. Larger CMN is associated with a higher lifetime risk of developing melanoma. However, the level of risk is unclear when CMN are small or medium‐sized. Our objective was to assess melanoma risk in patients with CMN of all size categories. A literature review with meta‐analysis was performed. Prevalence and incidence densities of melanoma at onset were calculated in the entire study population and according to CMN size, type of treatment and location of the CMN. A total of 91 melanomas were reported in 7915 patients (1.15%, 95% CI, 0.93–1.41). The overall incidence density was 0.057% person‐years (95% CI, 0.044–0.071). The risk ratio of melanoma incidence densities was 21.9 (95% CI, 8.55–56.3) in large to giant CMN compared with small to medium CMN at 15 years of age. The incidence density was higher in CMN located on the trunk and as well as in those which were untreated or partially treated versus complete excision. Our review suggests patients with CMN of medium, large and giant size are at risk of melanoma, whereas the risk remains unknown for small CMN.
Gamma irradiation for shelf‐stable and ready‐to‐eat shrimp chili paste
Authors: Sirisoontaralak Porntip , Chaitavornwong Natchanan , Kitthanadeachakorn Thanadech , Nakornpanom Nantarat Na , Vongsawasdi Punchira
Published: September 2022

Gamma irradiation was applied to extend the shelf life of ready‐to‐eat shrimp chili paste stored at ambient temperature. Doses of 2–8 kGy did not affect aw, pH, color, and antioxidant properties of shrimp chili paste. Noticeable change in TBARs was noticed at 4 kGy, but panelists gave similar sensorial acceptability scores among samples. Gamma irradiation at 4 kGy could completely eliminate Escherichia coli intentionally inoculated in shrimp chili paste. However, gamma irradiation at 8 kGy was recommended because it could only sterilize RTE shrimp chili paste in cooperation with panelists overall acceptance. The RTE shrimp chili paste irradiated at 8 kGy was microbiologically safe throughout 6 months of ambient storage, whereas non‐irradiated chili paste was spoiled with a bacterial count above 6 log cfu/g. During storage with the presence of oxygen, alteration of color values, and increasing in lipid oxidation were noticed. However, panelists still accepted irradiated RTE shrimp chili paste at the end of storage.

Novelty impact statement

Gamma irradiation is recommended as an alternative process to extend the shelf life of RTE shrimp chili paste under ambient condition without modification of product qualities and storage conditions. Gamma irradiation could replace chemical food preservatives and thermal process, which demolished aroma volatiles of chili paste. Important hindrances in terms of preparation hassle and short shelf‐life at ambient condition of RTE chili paste are resolved. Thus, potential markets in Southeast Asian, Asian, USA, and Europe could be expanded. These insights could be profitably applied to create other convenient and travelable condiments and table sauces.
Selection of barley varieties with increased non‐starch polysaccharides using chemometric methods for their bread‐making potential
Authors: Kanwal Nida , Pasha Imran , Shukat Rizwan , Zia Anjum
Published: September 2022

This study aimed to check the bread‐making potential of indigenous barley varieties comprising high non‐starch polysaccharides (NSPs). For this purpose, all the available barley varieties in four provinces of Pakistan were characterized for their β‐glucan and total arabinoxylan content. Barley varieties with increased NSPs were selected (one variety from each province) using chemometric methods. The selected varieties were used in the development of wheat barley composite flour bread. Total arabinoxylans and β‐glucan content in Pakistani barley varieties ranged between 3.89 ± 0.085% to 6.23 ± 0.155% and 2.65 ± 0.053% to 6.97 ± 0.191%, respectively. Based upon chemometric characterization four best varieties (one best variety from each province) were selected for bread preparation. Rakhshan‐10 (from Balochistan) and Jau‐e‐Paghmbari (from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) were identified as the top varieties with the highest NSPs. Among varieties procured from Punjab and Sindh province; Sultan‐17 and Sadabahar comprised the highest NSPs. Different treatment combinations of wheat barley composite flour were made by replacing wheat flour with barley flour up to 30%. The prepared breads were evaluated for their physico‐chemical and sensory attributes. An increasing percentage of barley flour in wheat flour significantly increased crude protein, crude fiber, and NSPs. Barley varieties Sultan‐17 and Sadabahar did not have a significant influence on sensory attributes of bread up to 20% however, Rakhshan‐10 and Jau‐e‐Paghmbari had a significant effect, particularly on the color of crumb, texture, and loaf volume.

Novelty impact statement

This study investigates the bread‐making characteristics of barley varieties with different concentrations of non‐starch polysaccharides (NSPs) and showed a good potential for developing fiber‐enriched bread using barley varieties comprising high NSPs. However, the bread recipe needs to be optimized concerning the concentration of barley flour as well as sensory characteristics. The findings of this preliminary study will help food industries to distinguish different indigenous barley varieties to get good quality end products with increased nutritional value.
Delaying postharvest senescence and improving antioxidant capacity of kiwifruits cv. Hayward by preharvest selenium application
Authors: Ghafouri Mahshid , Razavi Farhang , Arghavani Masoud , Gheshlaghi Ebrahim Abedi
Published: September 2022

The present research was conducted to investigate the efficacy of preharvest selenium (Se) application as foliar spraying of 0, 1, 2, and 3 mg L−1 Se at 110, 125, and 140 days after full bloom on senescence and nutritional quality of kiwifruit during storage at 1°C for 90 days. Here, we found that 2 mg L−1 Se spraying remarkably delayed the senescence of kiwifruit by preserving ascorbic acid accumulation while enhancing superoxide dismutase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase enzymes activity. In addition, promoting phenols and flavonoid accumulation and DPPH scavenging capacity in kiwifruit during postharvest cold storage could be ascribed to higher phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase along with lower polyphenol oxidase enzyme activity. By endogenous Se accumulation, kiwifruits exhibited lower electrolyte leakage and malondialdehyde accumulation demonstrating protective membrane integrity. These findings suggest that delaying senescence while improving the antioxidant capacity of kiwifruit by Se foliar spraying could be ascribed to higher endogenous Se accumulation accompanied by enhancing ROS scavenging enzymes activity and promoting phenylpropanoid pathway activity.

Novelty impact statement

Se enrichment of fruits and vegetables by foliar spraying exhibits great benefits for human health while avoiding postharvest losses.

Preharvest Se application in the present study significantly increased the antioxidant capacity and endogenous Se accumulation and delayed senescence of kiwifruit during cold storage.

The results suggest that the preharvest 2 mg L−1 Se spraying may be a beneficial strategy for supplying kiwifruit with higher bioactive molecules accumulation which is crucial for consumer health.
The chemical and microbiological characteristics of Awa‐bancha, Japanese post‐fermented tea
Authors: Kongbantad Jaruwan , Takagi Hiroshige , Tamura Hirotoshi , Takata Goro , Yokota Natsumi , Fukui Chika , Khanongnuch Chartchai
Published: September 2022

Awa‐bancha is a traditional Japanese post‐fermented tea made by residents in Tokushima Prefecture in the Shikoku region. Tea was picked, boiled, rubbed, anaerobic fermented, and dried in the process of making Awa‐bancha. Nevertheless, the details of making Awa‐bancha differs depending on the producer, such as how the tea leaves are boiled, the weight of the stones, and the length of anaerobic fermentation. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the chemical and microbiological characteristics of Awa‐bancha among different producers. The result explicated that the total phenolic compounds of Awa‐bancha extracted by water at 95°C for 10 min ranged from 20.41 ± 0.66 to 35.49 ± 3.90 mg GAE/g DW, the average DPPH activity was 877.4 ± 307.81 mmol Trolox/g DW, and the average α‐glucosidase inhibition activity (IC50) was 2.27 ± 0.63 mg/ml. The result revealed that Awa‐bancha differed due to differences in statistical analysis labels (p ≤ 0.05), resulting in various chemical functionality among the producers. Suggesting that processing or fermentation of Awa‐bancha may influence the bioactive compound in tea leaves changing from epicatechin (EC) to other compounds as well as HPLC analysis results show Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg) is the main bioactive compound in Awa‐bancha. The higher the acidity produced from the fermentation process, the higher concentration of the reducing sugar and total phenolic compounds, which affect antioxidant activity and α‐glucosidase inhibition activity. Furthermore, the results show that Lactiplantibacillus plantarum is the dominating bacteria in Awa‐bancha which is well known as a probiotic and beneficial to the human gastrointestinal tract by producing antimicrobial substances. According to this study, based on its health benefits, Awa‐bancha could be possibly considered one of the functional drinks in the food industry.

Novelty Impact Statement

This study focused on the diversity of Awa‐bancha, a traditional post‐fermented tea from various producers in Kamikatsu Town, Tokushima, Japan and discovered a statistically significant difference in reducing sugar content and total phenolic content. Additionally, it was discovered that the chemical functionality of the Awa‐bancha product was related to its higher acidity, higher polyphenolic content, antioxidant activity, and glucosidase inhibitory activity.
Nanofibers added with citral: Characterization and their application to postharvest control of Fusarium pseudocircinatum in bananas
Authors: Iñiguez‐Moreno Maricarmen , Calderón‐Santoyo Montserrat , Barros‐Castillo Julio César , Miss‐Zacarías Dulce María , Díaz José Alfredo , Ragazzo‐Sánchez Juan Arturo
Published: September 2022

The use of essential oils (EOs) in the food industry is limited due to their susceptibility to environmental conditions. Therefore, this study aimed to encapsulate citral into nanofibers of pullulan and whey protein concentrate (WPC) to control Fusarium crown rot in bananas. Nanofibers without beads, able to prevent thermal and photodegradation of citral, were obtained by the electrospinning process. Besides, citral produced a significant change in the infrared spectra of nanofibers, reaching a loading efficiency of the process estimated by thermogravimetry was 19%. Finally, the nanofibers added with citral reduced 66% of the infection produced by Fusarium pseudocircinatum in bananas. Therefore, the nanofibers of pullulan/WPC are an alternative to encapsulate citral and protect it from environmental conditions, providing an eco‐friendly coating that contributes to the management of Fusarium crown root in bananas.

Novelty impact statement

The use of whey protein concentrate and pullulan allowed to obtain nanofibers able to provide thermal and photoprotection to citral. Citral addition did not affect the nanofiber morphology and slight changes in the infrared spectra were observed. Nanofibers with the essential oil reduced 66% of the development of Fusarium crown root in bananas, being an alternative to postharvest biocontrol in these fruits at 25°C.