bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digital working during the COVID-19 pandemic: how task–technology fit improves work performance and lessens feelings of loneliness
Authors: Abelsen Simen Nordbø , Vatne Svenn-Helge , Mikalef Patrick , Choudrie Jyoti
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the relationship between information and communication technologies (ICTs) use and work performance during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Specifically, it aims to understand what the role of task–technology fit is, and what effect this has on feelings of loneliness of individuals and their subsequent work performance. As a large proportion of workers are required to work from home during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, understanding what aspects contribute to higher performance and reduced negative psychological outcomes is of increased practical and research interest.

Design/methodology/approach

To explore these questions, a quantitative approach that employed a sample population of 357 individuals who worked from home during the COVID-19 pandemic was used. Using a convenience, purposive and snowball sampling approach the authors collected data through a custom-built online questionnaire, and analyzed the data using structural equation modeling (SEM).

Findings

The results highlight the effect that high task–technology fit has in both directly and indirectly influencing work performance of individuals. The authors find that by designing ICTs based on task–technology fit principles, individuals are less likely to experience feelings of loneliness while working from home and are more prone to perform better in their work-related tasks.

Originality/value

This study offers a new perspective on the role fit of tasks with technology have on influencing psychological states, and indirectly influencing work-related outcomes. The authors, therefore, expand the understanding about why task–technology fit is sought after by explaining part of the psychological mechanisms through which it has an effect on work performance.
Development and characterization of enzymatic biosensor based on lipase from porcine pancreas for propylparaben detection
Authors: Snani Leila , Zougar Saida , Benamia Fatiha , Ghodbane Ilhem
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the immobilization of porcine pancreatic lipase (PPL), in an organic matrix by a covalent cross-linking method to sense propylparaben (PP) present in aqueous solution.

Design/methodology/approach

PPL immobilization was performed by the covalent cross-linking method, using bovine serum albumin (BSA) in the presence of saturated glutaraldehyde vapor (GA). The preparation of the enzymatic membrane involves the incorporation of porcine pancreatic lipase (PPL), bovine serum albumin (BSA) and glycerol into a phosphate buffer solution (PBS). Characterization of this sensor was performed by impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The effect of experimental conditions such as PPL activity, potential, scan rate, PP concentration, pH and presence of interfering elements were studied by cyclic voltammetry.

Findings

Under the optimal experimental conditions, a number of significant factors were optimized. The method exhibited good linearity in the range of 10–14to 10–9 mol/L with a good correlation coefficient of 0.957, detection limit (LOD) of 3.66 × 10–15 mol/L and high sensitivity of 1.086 mA mol−1L. The authors also obtained a very good coverage rate of the surface equal to 91.44%, and hydrolytic activity of lipase is evaluated to 26.64 mmol min−1. The stability and the interference were also evaluated. The equivalent circuit used to explain the electrochemical behavior of modified electrode is a Randle circuit.

Practical implications

The main application of biosensors is the detection of biomolecules that are either indicators of a disease. For example, electrochemical biosensing techniques can be used as clinical tools to detect breast tumors, because these compounds (PP) were found in breast tumors.

Originality/value

The result registered in this paper indicates that the developed sensor is an efficient, fast, simple and inexpensive analytical tool that can be used for the analysis of water containing PP.
Synchrony erodes spatial portfolios of an anadromous fish and alters availability for resource users
Authors: Sullaway Genoa H. , Shelton Andrew O. , Samhouri Jameal F.
Published: September 2021

Environmental forces can create spatially synchronous dynamics among nearby populations. However, increased climate variability, driven by anthropogenic climate change, will likely enhance synchrony among spatially disparate populations. Population synchrony may lead to greater fluctuations in abundance, but the consequences of population synchrony across multiple scales of biological organization, including impacts to putative competitors, dependent predators or human communities, are rarely considered in this context.

Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha stocks distribute across the Northeast Pacific, creating spatially variable portfolios that support large ocean fisheries and marine mammal predators, such as killer whales Orcinus orca. We rely on a multi‐population model that simulates Chinook salmon ocean distribution and abundance to understand spatial portfolios, or variability in abundance within and among ocean distribution regions, of Chinook salmon stocks across 17 ocean regions from Southeast Alaska to California.

We found the expected positive correlation between the number of stocks in an ocean region and spatial portfolio strength; however, increased demographic synchrony eroded Chinook salmon spatial portfolios in the ocean. Moreover, we observed decreased resource availability within ocean fishery management jurisdictions but not within killer whale summer habitat. We found a strong portfolio effect across both Southern Resident and Northern Resident killer whale habitats that was relatively unaffected by increased demographic synchrony, likely a result of the large spatial area included in these habitats. However, within the areas of smaller fishing management jurisdictions we found a weakening of Chinook salmon portfolios and increased but inconsistent likelihood of low abundance years as demographic synchrony increased.

We suggest that management and conservation actions that reduce spatial synchrony can enhance short‐term ecosystem resilience by promoting the stabilizing effect multiple stocks have on aggregate Chinook salmon populations and overall resource availability.
Fitness cost and compensation mechanism of sulfonamide resistance genes (sul1, sul2, and sul3) in Escherichia coli
Authors: Zhou Yuqiao , Fang Jiehong , Davood Zaeim , Han Jianzhong , Qu Daofeng
Published: September 2021

The fitness cost of antibiotic resistance is a crucial factor to determine the evolutionary and transmission success of resistant bacteria. Exploring the fitness cost and compensation mechanism of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in bacteria may effectively reduce the transmission of drug‐resistant genes in the environment. Engineered bacteria with the same genetic background that carry sulfonamide resistance gene were generated to explore the fitness cost of sulfonamide resistance gene in Escherichia coli. There were significant differences in the protein expression of the two‐component system pathway (fliZ, fliA, fliC and lrhA), folate biosynthesis pathway (sul1, sul2 and sul3), ABC transporter system (ugpC, rbsA and gsiA), and outer membrane pore protein OmpD through the comparative analysis of differential proteins compared to sensitive bacteria. Thus, we could speculate the possible fitness compensation mechanism. Finally, quantitative Real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR) was used to verify the functions of some differential proteins at the transcriptional level. The fitness cost and compensatory evolution of antibiotic resistance are an essential part of bacterial evolution.
Social vulnerability and the impact of policy responses to COVID‐19 on disabled people
Authors: Mladenov Teodor , Brennan Ciara Siobhan
Published: September 2021

In this paper, we propose a conceptual framework for understanding the impact of the policy responses to COVID‐19 on disabled people. These responses have overwhelmingly focused on individual vulnerability, which has been used as a justification for removing or restricting rights. This suggests the need to shift the attention towards the social determinants of disabled people's vulnerability. We do this by bringing literature on social vulnerability in disaster risk management or ‘disaster studies’ in contact with key concepts in disability studies such as the social model of disability, independent living, intersectionality, and biopower. Empirically, we draw on the findings of the global COVID‐19 Disability Rights Monitor (www.covid‐drm.org), as well as on reports from academic journals, civil society publications, and internet blogs. We put the proposed conceptual framework to work by developing a critical analysis of COVID‐19 policies in three interrelated areas—institutional treatment and confinement of disabled people, intersectional harms, and access to health care. Our conclusion links this analysis with strategies to address disabled people's social vulnerability in post‐pandemic reconstruction efforts. We make a case for policies that address the social, economic, and environmental conditions that disproportionately expose disabled people to natural disasters and hazards.
Angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors stimulate cerebral arteriogenesis
Authors: Hillmeister Philipp , Nagorka Stephanie , Gatzke Nora , Dülsner Andre , Li Kangbo , Dai Mengjun , Bondke Persson Anja , Lauxmann Martin A. , Jaurigue Jonnel , Ritter Oliver , Bramlage Peter , Buschmann Eva , Buschmann Ivo
Published: September 2021

Aim

Arteriogenesis constitutes the most efficient endogenous rescue mechanism in cases of cerebral ischaemia. The aim of this work was to investigate whether angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) stimulates, and angiotensin II receptor type 1 blockers (ARB) inhibits cerebral collateral growth by applying a three‐vessel occlusion (3‐VO) model in rat.

Methods

Cerebral collateral growth was measured post 3‐VO (1) by assessing blood flow using the cerebrovascular reserve capacity (CVRC) technique, and (2) by assessing vessel diameters in the posterior cerebral artery (PCA) via the evaluation of latex angiographies. A stimulatory effect on arteriogenesis was investigated for ACEi administration ± bradykinin receptor 1 (B1R) and 2 (B2R) blockers, and an inhibitory effect was analysed for ARB administration. Results were validated by immunohistochemical analysis and mechanistic data were collected by human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) viability or scratch assay and monocyte (THP‐1) migration assay.

Results

An inhibitory effect of ARB on arteriogenesis could not be demonstrated. However, collateral growth measurements demonstrated a significantly increased CVRC and PCA diameters in the ACEi group. ACEi stimulates cell viability and migration, which could be partially reduced by additional administration of bradykinin receptor 1 inhibitor (B1Ri).

ACEi inhibits the degradation of pro‐arteriogenic bradykinin derivatives, but combined ACEi + B1Ri + B1Ri (BRB) treatment did not reverse the stimulatory effect. Yet, co‐administration of ACEi + BRB enhances arteriogenesis and cell migration.

Conclusion

We demonstrate a potent stimulatory effect of ACEi on cerebral arteriogenesis in rats, presumable via B1R. However, results imply a pleiotropic and compensatory effect of ACEi on bradykinin receptor‐stimulated arteriogenesis.
A stage of limbo: A meta‐synthesis of refugees' liminality
Authors: Hartonen Ville R. , Väisänen Pertti , Karlsson Liisa , Pöllänen Sinikka
Published: September 2021

The asylum regime encloses tens of millions of applicants for international protection in camps and different types of reception centres, to wait even decades for their cases to be resolved. Simultaneously both within and outside the nation state, asylum seekers and refugees occupy a social space outside the natural order of things, a stage of limbo. By incorporating the classical anthropological concepts oflimboandliminalityto the methodological possibilities of meta‐ethnography, we conducted to our knowledge the first meta‐synthesis of 17 scientific peer‐reviewed articles with the aims of defining what constitutes the concept of a stage of limbo and investigating refugees' and asylum seekers' agency as they cope when navigating in it. By dissecting detailed descriptions of forced migrants' experiences of liminality, our synthesis identified four key concepts involved in negotiations of agency in a stage of limbo:process of eligibility,spatial–temporal inconsistency,ontological insecurityandactions.
Modelling presence versus abundance for invasive species risk assessment
Authors: Jarnevich Catherine S. , Sofaer Helen R. , Engelstad Peder
Published: September 2021

Aim

Invasive species prevention and management can be guided by comparisons of invasion risk across space and among species. Species distribution models are widely used to assess invasion risk and typically estimate suitability for species presence. However, suitability for presence may not capture patterns of abundance and impact. We asked how models estimating suitability for presence versus suitability for abundance aligned in their implications for risk assessment.

Location

Western United States.

Methods

We developed ensembles of species distribution models for presence and for abundance for four invasive plants. We visualized the distribution of presence and abundance in environmental and geographic space and compared model outputs using criteria relevant for decision‐making: a comparison of risk across management units for each species, and a ranking of risk among species for each management unit.

Results

We found good overall agreement between models of presence versus abundance in the relative risk across management units and among species. However, the area predicted to be suitable for invasive species presence was often substantially higher than the area predicted to be suitable for abundance, especially within uninvaded management units.

Main conclusions

Models of suitability for invasive species presence and abundance yielded similar assessments of relative risk in comparisons across space and species. In addition, we found patterns of presence and abundance in environmental space can guide modelling decisions and model interpretation. Suitability for abundance can improve relative risk assessment when abundance locations occupy a well‐defined subset of the environmental space corresponding to presence. Where abundance locations occur throughout this environmental space, as was particularly striking for Taeniatherum caput‐medusae, suitability for presence may better reflect risk of ongoing population increases and spread. This species is at risk of becoming abundant across a substantial portion of the western United States.
Left ventricular global longitudinal strain in COVID‐19 recovered patients
Authors: Mahajan Sudhanshu , Kunal Shekhar , Shah Bhushan , Garg Shobhit , Palleda Girish M. , Bansal Ankit , Batra Vishal , Yusuf Jamal , Mukhopadhyay Saibal , Kumar Suresh , Tyagi Sanjay , Gupta Anubha , Gupta Mohit D.
Published: September 2021

Objectives

Myocardial injury during active coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) infection is well described; however, its persistence during recovery is unclear. We assessed left ventricle (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) using speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) in COVID‐19 recovered patients and its correlation with various parameters.

Methods

A total of 134 subjects within 30–45 days post recovery from COVID‐19 infection and normal LV ejection fraction were enrolled. Routine blood investigations, inflammatory markers (on admission) and comprehensive echocardiography including STE were done for all.

Results

Of the 134 subjects, 121 (90.3%) were symptomatic during COVID‐19 illness and were categorized as mild: 61 (45.5%), moderate: 50 (37.3%) and severe: 10 (7.5%) COVID‐19 illness. Asymptomatic COVID‐19 infection was reported in 13 (9.7%) patients. Subclinical LV and right ventricle (RV) dysfunction were seen in 40 (29.9%) and 14 (10.5%) patients, respectively. Impaired LVGLS was reported in 1 (7.7%), 8 (13.1%), 22 (44%) and 9 (90%) subjects with asymptomatic, mild, moderate and severe disease, respectively. LVGLS was significantly lower in patients recovered from severe illness(mild: ‐21 ± 3.4%; moderate: ‐18.1 ± 6.9%; severe: ‐15.5 ± 3.1%; p < 0.0001). Subjects with reduced LVGLS had significantly higher interleukin‐6 (p < 0.0001), C‐reactive protein (p = 0.001), lactate dehydrogenase (p = 0.009), serum ferritin (p = 0.03), and troponin (p = 0.01) levels during index admission.

Conclusions

Subclinical LV dysfunction was seen in nearly a third of recovered COVID‐19 patients while 10.5% had RV dysfunction. Our study suggests a need for closer follow‐up among COVID‐19 recovered subjects to elucidate long‐term cardiovascular outcomes.
Ultrasonographic measurements of femoral vessel diameter in neonates weighing less than 2.5 kg
Authors: Liu Wei‐Li , Lin Ming‐Chih , Chan Sheng‐Ching , Chen Shu‐Nung , Lin Ting‐Yu , Jan Sheng‐Ling
Published: September 2021

Background

Cannulation in low birth weight (LBW) neonates using larger sheaths could increase the risk of vascular injury. This study investigated the relationship between body weight (BW) and diameter of femoral vessels in LBW neonates and whether BW can be used to predict femoral vessel diameter.

Methods

The cohort included 100 neonates weighing < 2.5 kg (.57–2.42 kg) with a gestational age of 24–39 weeks. Vascular ultrasonography was used to measure diameters of the bilateral femoral arteries (FA) and veins (FV). The cohort was divided into four groups according to weight: group‐A, 2–2.49 kg (n = 28); group‐B, 1.5–1.99 kg (n = 38); group‐C, 1–1.49 kg (n = 21); and group‐D, < 1 kg (n = 13); or according to BSA: group‐A, BSA > .16 m2 (n = 25); group‐B, .13–.16 m2 (n = 40); group‐C, .1–.13 m2 (n = 22); and group‐D, < .1 m2 (n = 13).

Results

The median vessel diameters (mm) in groups A–D according to weight were FA, 1.96, 1.86, 1.78, and 1.53, and FV, 2.30, 2.28, 2.13, and 1.87, respectively. The median vessel diameters (mm) in groups A‐D according to BSA were FA, 1.96, 1.86, 1.76, and 1.53, and FV, 2.30, 2.28, 2.05, and 1.87, respectively. There were positive correlations between BW and femoral vessel diameter (correlation coefficient: .56 and .55 between BW and FA and FV, respectively) (p < 0.001), and between BSA and femoral vessel diameter (correlation coefficient: .56 and .55 between BSA and FA and FV, respectively) (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

BW is a predictor of femoral vessel diameter in LBW newborns. This finding may help to avoid using larger sheath in smaller vessels.
Quantifying neural efficiency and neural capacity across the brain during a working memory task using a quadratic model of neural–cognitive relationships
Authors: Steffener Jason , al Aïn Syrina , Frasnelli Johannes
Published: September 2021

Task‐based functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) neuroimaging for the study of cognitive neuroscience provides insight into how the brain responds to increasing cognitive demands. Theoretical models of neural–cognitive relationships define neural efficiency and neural capacity as two parameters to describe the rate of gain of brain activity and the upper limits of the increases, respectively. Although qualitatively well described, there are limited discussions and demonstrations of estimating these parameters from data. The current work presents a method using a quadratic equation model of cognitive demands. The methods were applied to 21 healthy young adults while engaging in four levels of the verbal n‐back working memory task (0, 1, 2 and 3‐back). Measures of the area under the curve captured both linear and curvilinear responses to quantify the locations and amounts of task‐related increases in brain activity. In addition, we calculated voxel‐wise maps of neural efficiency and neural capacity. Results showed increases in brain activation in regions typically involved in working memory. The relationships between increasing cognitive demands and brain activity also differed across the brain within and between individuals, as indicated by differential neural efficiency and neural capacity values. This approach provides tools for evaluating current theories about the relationships between brain activity and cognition. Neural efficiency and neural capacity provide physiological measures of brain activity, which will help evaluate how age, disease and intervention processes affect brain activity. Finally, all presented methods are readily applicable using standard current software packages for neuroimaging.
MapReduce paradigm: DNA sequence clustering based on repeats as features
Authors: Dasari Chandra Mohan , Bhukya Raju
Published: September 2021

Clustering is one of the major operations to analyse genome sequence data. Sophisticated sequencing technologies generate huge DNA sequence data; consequently, the complexity of analysing sequences is also increased. So, there is an enormous need for faster sequence analysis algorithms. Most of the existing tools focused on alignment‐based approaches, which are slow‐paced for sequence comparison. Alignment‐free approaches are more successful for fast clustering. The state‐of‐the‐art methods have been applied to cluster small genome sequences of various species; however, they are sensitive to large size sequences. To subdue this limitation, we propose a novel alignment‐free method called DNA sequence clustering with map‐reduce (DCMR). Initially, MapReduce paradigm is used to speed up the process of extracting eight different types of repeats. Then, the frequency of each type of repeat in a sequence is considered as a feature for clustering. Finally, K‐means (DCMR‐Kmeans) and K‐median (DCMR‐Kmedian) algorithms are used to cluster large DNA sequences by using extracted features. The two variants of proposed method are evaluated to cluster large genome sequences of 21 different species and the results show that sequences are very well clustered. Our method is tested for different benchmark data sets like viral genome, influenza A virus, mtDNA, and COXI data sets. Proposed method is compared with MeshClust, UCLUST, STARS, and ClustalW. DCMR‐Kmeans outperforms MeshClust, UCLUST, and DCMR‐Kmedian with respect to purity and NMI on virus data sets. The computational time of DCMR‐Kmeans is less than STARS, DCMR‐Kmedian, and much less than UCLUST on COXI data set.
Interaction of constituents of MDT regimen for leprosy with Mycobacterium leprae HSP18: impact on its structure and function
Authors: Chakraborty Ayon , Ghosh Rajesh , Biswas Ashis
Published: September 2021

Mycobacterium leprae, the causative organism of leprosy, harbors many antigenic proteins, and one such protein is the 18‐kDa antigen. This protein belongs to the small heat shock protein family and is commonly known as HSP18. Its chaperone function plays an important role in the growth and survival of M. leprae inside infected hosts. HSP18/18‐kDa antigen is often used as a diagnostic marker for determining the efficacy of multidrug therapy (MDT) in leprosy. However, whether MDT drugs (dapsone, clofazimine, and rifampicin) do interact with HSP18 and how these interactions affect its structure and chaperone function is still unclear. Here, we report evidence of HSP18‐dapsone/clofazimine/rifampicin interaction and its impact on the structure and chaperone function of HSP18. These three drugs interact efficiently with HSP18 (having submicromolar binding affinity) with 1 : 1 stoichiometry. Binding of these MDT drugs to the ‘α‐crystallin domain’ of HSP18 alters its secondary structure and tryptophan micro‐environment. Furthermore, surface hydrophobicity, oligomeric size, and thermostability of the protein are reduced upon interaction with these three drugs. Eventually, all these structural alterations synergistically decrease the chaperone function of HSP18. Interestingly, the effect of rifampicin on the structure, stability, and chaperone function of this mycobacterial small heat shock protein is more pronounced than the other two MDT drugs. This reduction in the chaperone function of HSP18 may additionally abate M. leprae survivability during multidrug treatment. Altogether, this study provides a possible foundation for rational designing and development of suitable HSP18 inhibitors in the context of effective treatment of leprosy.
Civil servants' preferences for nonprofit contractors: A conjoint analysis
Authors: Zhang Youlang , Shao Zijie
Published: September 2021

Although governments frequently contract nonprofit organizations (NPOs) to provide public services, little is known about why civil servants are more willing to direct funding to some NPOs than to others. Based on previous research on government funding for NPOs, this study proposes a theoretical framework that combines NPOs' internal and external management strategies to explain civil servants' preferences for funding specific NPOs. On the basis of an original conjoint experiment of 1206 civil servants from China between 2020 and 2021, the analysis found that civil servants generally value the characteristics of rationalization, professionalization, collaboration, cooptation, and a prior history of receiving funding from the government in NPOs. A series of robustness checks were used to validate the theorized relationships. These findings have important implications for both future research and efforts to promote government–NPO contracting.
Individual effects of l‐arginine or l‐lysine on stability of pork or chicken emulsion sausages with partial replacement of porcine backfat by soybean oil
Authors: Wang Yan , Hu Yue , Li Yakai , Li Rui , Pan Dongmei , Fang Hongmei , Ye Yongkang , Xu Baocai , Zhou Cunliu
Published: September 2021

The individual effects of l‐arginine or l‐lysine on the physical (cooking loss (CL), total expressible fluid (TEF) and expressible fat (EFAT)) and chemical (thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARS), and carbonyl and total sulphhydryl (T‐SH) content) stability of pork or chicken emulsion sausage with partial replacement of porcine backfat by soybean oil were determined. l‐arginine or l‐lysine increased pH but decreased CL, TEF and EFAT. Confocal laser scanning microscopy revealed that supplementation with l‐arginine or l‐lysine caused more regular and uniform oil droplets, for enhanced physical stability of pork or chicken sausage. Subjected to the same treatments, chicken sausage displayed higher physical stability than pork sausage. Overall, chicken sausages treated with l‐arginine or l‐lysine had lower TBARS and carbonyl content but higher T‐SH content than the corresponding control during storage; for pork sausages, l‐arginine or l‐lysine treatment generally resulted in higher TBARS throughout storage, lower carbonyl content during the initial 14 days and higher T‐SH content on days 7 and 14 but lower T‐SH content on days 1 and 21. Generally, l‐arginine/l‐lysine effectively increased the chemical stability of chicken sausage but decreased the chemical stability of pork sausage.
Dynamic changes in wax and cutin compounds and the relationship with water loss in 'Red Fuji' and 'Golden Delicious' apples during shelf life
Authors: Chen Di , Sun Zongyan , Wu Kunsheng , Zhang Qiaoli , Song Yanping , Wang Tingyu , Fu Daqi , Cao Jiankang , Luo Yunbo , Qu Guiqin
Published: September 2021

Knowledge of the dynamic composition changes of combined cuticular wax and cutin in apples during their shelf life is scarce. Therefore, this issue was addressed using GC‐MS analyses of the respective epidermal components in 'Red Fuji' and 'Golden Delicious' apples at 5 days intervals during the shelf life of 25 days. Water loss from the apples was also assessed. The proportion of total n‐alkanes decreased in cuticular wax, whereas total acids increased gradually, and cutin monomer content significantly changed during the first 5 days. The predominant wax compound, nonacosane (C29), decreased by 40.13% and 26.22% in 'Red Fuji' and 'Golden Delicious' apples, respectively. The cutin monomers 10,16‐dihydroxy hexadecanoic acid (10,16‐diOH C16:0) and 9,10,18‐trihydroxyoctadecanoic acid (9,10,18‐triOH C18:0) were detected only at the beginning of shelf life in apples of both cultivars. Regression analysis indicated that the rate of water loss significantly correlated with eight components. Our results expand the understanding of the dynamics of both wax and cutin compounds in postharvest apples and help to target specific compounds to maintain the quality of apples throughout their shelf life.
Low fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols dietversustraditional dietary advice for functional dyspepsia: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Goyal Omesh , Nohria Sahil , Batta Shaveta , Dhaliwal Armaan , Goyal Prerna , Sood Ajit
Published: September 2021

Background and Aim

Prospective trials evaluating efficacy of specific diet restriction in functional dyspepsia (FD) are scarce. We aimed to assess efficacy of low fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAP) diet in FD, compared with traditional dietary advice (TDA).

Methods

In this prospective, single‐blind trial, patients with FD (Rome IV) were randomized into low FODMAP diet (LFD) and TDA groups, for 4 weeks (phase I). In phase II (4–12 weeks), LFD group was advised systematic re‐introduction of FODMAPs. Symptom severity and quality of life were assessed using “Short‐Form Nepean Dyspepsia Index (SF‐NDI).” Primary outcome was symptomatic response (symptom score reduction of ≥ 50%), at 4 weeks. Study was registered with CTRI (2019/06/019852).

Results

Of 184 patients screened, 105 were randomized to LFD (n = 54) and TDA (n = 51) groups. At 4 weeks, both groups showed significant reduction in SF‐NDI symptom scores compared with baseline, with no significant difference in inter‐group response rates [LFD: 66.7% (36/54); TDA: 56.9% (29/51);P = 0.32]. On sub‐group analysis, patients with postprandial distress syndrome or bloating had significantly better symptomatic response with LFD (P = 0.04). SF‐NDI quality of life scores improved significantly in both groups. On multivariate analysis, factors predicting response to LFD were bloating and male gender. Incidences of adverse events (minor) were similar in both groups.

Conclusions

In patients with FD, LFD and TDA lead to significant symptomatic and quality of life improvement. Patients with postprandial distress syndrome or bloating respond significantly better to LFD. Therefore, dietary advice for FD should be individualized according to FD subtype.
Organizing cultural dimensions within and across six frameworks: A human development perspective
Authors: Yeganeh Kia Hamid
Published: September 2021

This paper aims to organize and classify cultural dimensions within and across six widely‐employed cultural frameworks by relying on modernization theory and the human development perspective. The study adopts a 4‐stage approach. In stage 1, the cultural dimensions in each framework are dichotomized. In stage 2, using Aristotelian categories, cultural dimensions are divided into meaningful hierarchical categories based on their essential features. In stage 3, cultural dimensions are organized according to modernization theory and human development perspective. In stage 4, the inter‐correlations are calculated, and an integrative model of cultural dimensions is proposed. The paper offers insights into the dynamics of cultural values and discusses the relationship between culture, social change, human development, and modernization.
Petrology and geochemistry of lunar feldspathic meteorite Northwest Africa 11111: Insights into the lithology of the lunar farside highlands
Authors: Fu Xiaohui , Cao Haijun , Chen Jian , Hou Xuting , Ling Zongcheng , Xu Lin , Zou Yongliao , Tang Chipui , Hsu Weibiao
Published: September 2021

We performed a petrological, mineralogical, and geochemical study of the lunar feldspathic meteorite Northwest Africa (NWA) 11111. This meteorite contains several types of lithic clasts, including feldspathic clasts, mafic‐rich clasts, granulites, impact melt breccias, minor basaltic clasts, and highly evolved clasts cemented in a recrystallized fine grain matrix. Both mineral chemistry and geochemical characteristics indicate a lunar origin for NWA 11111. The bulk analysis suggests that NWA 11111 is a typical feldspathic lunar meteorite, which is consistent with its large population of anorthositic clasts and plagioclase fragments. A comparison of geochemical data made by lunar orbiter missions indicates that this meteorite was likely launched from the Feldspathic Highland Terrane on the lunar farside. The chemical zoning, coupled with extensive exsolution lamellae (up to 20 μm in width) occurring in pyroxene across three sections of NWA 11111, demonstrates that this meteorite contains components derived from the surface to about 10 km of lunar crust. Magnesian anorthosite clasts are commonly present in the meteorite, indicating that magnesian anorthosite probably represents an important lithology in the lunar farside crust. Basaltic clasts in NWA 11111 range from a very low‐Ti to a low‐Ti mare basalt, possibly representing cryptomare on the lunar farside. Although a KREEPy signature for NWA 11111 is not evident, highly evolved clasts containing various silica polymorphs and/or K‐feldspar are present. They may originate from late‐stage residual liquids. Lithic clasts and mineral fragments within NWA 11111 provide new insights into the diversity of lunar crust lithology and magmatic processes on the lunar farside. This meteorite also offers rocky materials from a wide vertical section of lunar crust.
A window into racial and socioeconomic status disparities in preschool disciplinary action using developmental methodology
Authors: Sabol Terri J. , Kessler Courtenay L. , Rogers Leoandra Onnie , Petitclerc Amelie , Silver Jamilah , Briggs‐Gowan Margaret , Wakschlag Lauren S.
Published: September 2021

There are large differences in expulsions and suspensions on the basis of race starting in preschool and divergent explanations for their cause. The current study explores how developmental methodology can shed light on this vexing issue. We leverage two measures: (1) childcare provider complaints about children's behavior and their recommended disciplinary action (measured by parent report); and (2) observed disruptive behavior measured by a laboratory‐based standardized observation tool, the Disruptive Behavior Diagnostic Observation Schedule (DB‐DOS), among a large, sociodemographically diverse sample of children (n  430; mean age  4.79 years). We identified three latent class profiles on the basis of race/socioeconomic status (SES) and found disparities in childcare provider complaints based on profile membership. More specifically, children classified in the Black/Hispanic, poor and Black, nonpoor profiles both had significantly higher childcare provider complaints compared with children in the White/Hispanic, nonpoor profile. By contrast, there were no differences in observed disruptive behavior based on race/SES profiles. Finally, childcare provider complaints in preschool were associated with lower cognitive performance in elementary school, above and beyond observed disruptive behavior in preschool and race/SES profiles. Implications for classroom practice and contributions to the national debate on school disciplinary policies are discussed.
CRISPR‐Cas9 mediated OsMIR168a knockout reveals its pleiotropy in rice
Authors: Zhou Jianping , Zhang Rui , Jia Xinyu , Tang Xu , Guo Yachong , Yang Han , Zheng Xuelian , Qian Qian , Qi Yiping , Zhang Yong
Published: September 2021

MicroRNA168 (MIR168) is a key miRNA that targets the main RNA‐induced silencing complex component Argonaute 1 (AGO1) to regulate plant growth and environmental stress responses. However, the regulatory functions of MIR168 need to be further elucidated in rice. In this paper, we generated clean OsMIR168a deletion mutants by CRISPR‐Cas9 strategy. We then phenotypically and molecularly characterized these mutants. The rice OsMIR168a mutants grew rapidly at the seedling stage, produced more tillers and matured early. Compared to the wild‐type plants, the mutants were shorter at maturity and produced smaller spikelets and seeds. Analysis of gene expression showed that the transcription levels of OsMIR168a’s target genes such as OsAGO1a, OsAGO1b and OsAGO1d were elevated significantly in the OsMIR168a mutants. Intriguingly, OsAGO18, a member of a new AGO clade that is conserved in monocots, was confirmed to be a target of OsMIR168a not only by informatic prediction but also by expression analysis and a cell‐based cleavage assay in the OsMIR168a mutants. Many protein‐coding genes and miRNAs showed differential expression in the OsMIR168a mutants, suggesting OsMIR168a exerts a major transcriptional regulatory role, likely through its potential target genes such as OsAGO1s and OsAGO18. KEGG enrichment analysis of these differentially expressed genes pointed to OsMIR168a’s involvement in important processes such as plant hormone signalling transduction and plant–pathogen interaction. These data collectively support that the complex regulation module of OsMIR168a‐OsAGO1/OsAGO18‐miRNAs‐target genes contributes to agronomically important traits, which sheds light on miRNA‐mediated crop breeding.
Mobile App Adoption and Its Differential Impact on Consumer Shopping Behavior
Authors: Ba Sulin , He Shu , Lee Shun‐Yang
Published: September 2021

The mobile application (app) market is one of the fastest growing markets in recent years. In this study, we investigate how app adoption changes customers’ hotel booking behaviors using a dataset of around 16,000 randomly selected customers’ hotel booking and stay information from one of the largest hotel chains in China. Our analyses find that customer purchase frequency and total sales increased after app adoption. Additional investigation shows that customers’ search behaviors also evolved post‐adoption. Specifically, customers tended to book rooms earlier and select options with less discount, which indicates that app users reduced their search intensity after app adoption. We further investigate the differential impact of mobile app adoption on sales, taking into account consumer heterogeneity in price sensitivity and purchase frequency. We find that both price‐sensitive and ‐insensitive customers increased the number of bookings, and they tended to book earlier post‐adoption. Furthermore, price‐sensitive customers on average booked more expensive rooms with less discount after app adoption, suggesting that these customers likely decreased their search effort. In terms of hotel stay frequency, app adoption increased low‐frequency customers’ purchase frequency but did not have any significant effect on high‐frequency customers. These analyses provide a more nuanced view of how mobile apps change consumer search and purchase behaviors. Our findings have important managerial implications. With a better understanding of customer behaviors, firms can provide incentives to customers who are more likely to be affected by mobile app adoption.
On the existence and regularity of solutions of semihyperbolic patches to 2‐D Euler equations with van der Waals gas
Authors: Barthwal Rahul , Raja Sekhar T.
Published: September 2021

This article is concerned in establishing the existence and regularity of solution of semihyperbolic patch problem for two‐dimensional isentropic Euler equations with van der Waals gas. This type of solution appears in the transonic flow over an airfoil and Guderley reflection and is very common in the numerical solution of Riemann problems. We use the idea of characteristic decomposition and bootstrap method to prove the existence of a global smooth solution, which is uniformly continuous up to the sonic curve. We also prove that the sonic curve is continuous. Further, we show the formation of shock as an envelope for positive characteristics before reaching their sonic points.
Use of confocal microscopy imaging for in vitro assessment of adipose‐derived mesenchymal stromal cells seeding on acellular dermal matrices: 3D reconstruction based on collagen autofluorescence
Authors: Paganelli Alessia , Tarentini Elisabetta , Benassi Luisa , Scelfo Daniel , Pisciotta Alessandra , Rossi Elena , Magnoni Cristina
Published: September 2021

Background

Both mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and acellular dermal matrices (ADMs) represent fascinating therapeutic tools in the wound healing scenario. Strategies aimed at combining these two treatment modalities are currently under investigation. Moreover, scarcity of quantitative, nondestructive techniques for quality assessment of engineered tissues poses great limitations in regenerative medicine and collagen autofluorescence‐based imaging techniques are acquiring great importance in this setting.

Objective

Our goals were to assess the in vitro interactions between ADSCs and ADMs and to analyze extracellular‐matrix production.

Methods

Adipose‐derived MSCs (ADSC) were plated on 8‐mm punch biopsies of a commercially available ADM (Integra®). Conventional histology with hematoxylin‐eosin staining, environmental scanning electron microscopy, and confocal‐laser scanning microscopy were used to obtain imaging of ADSC‐seeded ADMs. Collagen production by ADSCs was quantified by mean fluorescence intensity (MFI), expressed in terms of positive pixels/field, obtained through ImageJ software processing of three‐dimensional projections from confocal scanning images. Control conditions included: fibroblast‐seeded ADM, ADSC‐ and fibroblast‐induced scaffolds, and Integra® alone.

Results

ADSCs were efficiently seeded on Integra® and were perfectly incorporated in the pores of the scaffold. Collagen production was revealed to be significantly higher when ADSCs were seeded on ADM rather than in all other control conditions. Collagen autofluorescence was efficiently used as a surrogate marker of ECM production.

Conclusions

Combined therapies based on MSCs and collagenic ADMs are promising therapeutic options for chronic wounds. Not only ADSCs can be efficiently seeded on ADMs, but ADMs also seem to potentiate their regenerative properties, as highlightable from fluorescence confocal imaging.
Approaches to investigate crop responses to ozone pollution: from O3‐FACE to satellite‐enabled modeling
Authors: Montes Christopher M. , Demler Hannah J. , Li Shuai , Martin Duncan G. , Ainsworth Elizabeth A.
Published: September 2021

Ozone (O3) is a damaging air pollutant to crops. As one of the most reactive oxidants known, O3 rapidly forms other reactive oxygen species (ROS) once it enters leaves through stomata. Those ROS in turn can cause oxidative stress, reduce photosynthesis, accelerate senescence, and decrease crop yield. To improve and adapt our feed, fuel, and food supply to rising O3 pollution, a number of Free Air Concentration Enrichment (O3‐FACE) facilities have been developed around the world and have studied key staple crops. In this review, we provide an overview of the FACE facilities and highlight some of the lessons learned from the last two decades of research. We discuss the differences between C3 and C4 crop responses to elevated O3, the possible trade‐off between productivity and protection, genetic variation in O3 response within and across species, and how we might leverage this observed variation for crop improvement. We also highlight the need to improve understanding of the interaction between rising O3 pollution and other aspects of climate change, notably drought. Finally, we propose the use of globally modeled O3 data that are available at increasing spatial and temporal resolutions to expand upon the research conducted at the limited number of global O3‐FACE facilities.
Weed germinable seedbanks of rice–wheat systems in the Eastern Indo‐Gangetic Plains: Do tillage and edaphic factors explain community variation?
Authors: Lowry Carolyn J. , Brainard Daniel C. , Kumar Virender , Smith Richard G. , Singh Madhulika , Kumar Pankaj , Kumar Ajay , Kumar Vipin , Joon Rajiv K. , Jat Raj K. , Poonia Shishpal , Malik Ram K. , McDonald Andrew
Published: September 2021

Zero tillage (ZT) is widely promoted throughout India's Eastern Indo‐Gangetic Plains (IGP) because of its potential to increase wheat productivity and resilience to abiotic stresses. Weeds remain a major barrier to ZT adoption, yet it remains unclear how ZT will influence weed communities in the Eastern‐IGP. The primary objective of this study was to characterise the composition of the germinable weed seedbank sampled just prior to the wheat phase of rice–wheat farms in Bihar and Eastern Uttar Pradesh, and examine whether adoption of ZT wheat has shifted weed community composition compared to conventional tillage (CT). Additionally, we examined whether edaphic properties and topography (upland vs. lowland) explain variation in germinable weed seedbank communities. In December 2014, we evaluated the germinable seedbank from 72 fields differing in their historic (>=3 year) tillage practices (ZT vs. CT) in three regions: Samastipur–Vaishali–Muzaffarpur (SVM), Ara–Buxar and Maharajgunj–Kushinagar. Weed community composition and species richness varied by region and topography. ZT adoption was associated with lower relative density of Chenopodium album in the germinable seedbank and lower emergence of Phalaris minor seedlings within farmers’ fields. In upland topographies of the SVM region, ZT adoption was also associated with greater relative abundance of Solanum nigrum in the weed seedbank. However, differences between tillage systems in individual species were not large enough to result in detection of differences at the whole‐community level. Variation in edaphic properties, most notably soil texture and pH, explained 51% of the variation in the weed seedbank community. Our work suggests several frequent but poorly understood species (e.g. Mazus pumilus and Grangea maderaspatana) in Eastern IGP for which future research should quantify their effects on crop yields. Finally, future work surveying weed species abundance at harvest could further determine the dominant problematic species in these regions.
Nonlinear Analysis of a Class of Inversion-Based Compliant Cross-Spring Pivots
Authors: Li Shiyao , Hao Guangbo , Chen Yingyue , Zhu Jiaxiang , Berselli Giovanni
Published: September 2021

This article presents a nonlinear model of an inversion-based generalized cross-spring pivot (IG-CSP) using the beam constraint model (BCM), which can be employed for the geometric error analysis and the characteristic analysis of an inversion-based symmetric cross-spring pivot (IS-CSP). The load-dependent effects are classified into two ways, including the structure load-dependent effects and beam load-dependent effects, where the loading positions, geometric parameters of elastic flexures, and axial forces are the main contributing factors. The closed-form load–rotation relationships of an IS-CSP and a noninversion-based symmetric cross-spring pivot (NIS-CSP) are derived with consideration of the three contributing factors for analyzing the load-dependent effects. The load-dependent effects of IS-CSP and NIS-CSP are compared when the loading position is fixed. The rotational stiffness of the IS-CSP or NIS-CSP can be designed to increase, decrease, or remain constant with axial forces, by regulating the balance between the loading positions and the geometric parameters. The closed-form solution of the center shift of an IS-CSP is derived. The effects of axial forces on the IS-CSP center shift are analyzed and compared with those of a NIS-CSP. Finally, based on the nonlinear analysis results of IS-CSP and NIS-CSP, two new compound symmetric cross-spring pivots are presented and analyzed via analytical and finite element analysis models.