bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fostering individual creativity in startups: comprehensive performance measurement systems, role clarity and strategic flexibility
Authors: Frare Anderson Betti , Beuren Ilse Maria
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of comprehensive performance measurement systems (PMS), role clarity and strategic flexibility on the individual creativity of founders/managers of startups.

Design/methodology/approach

The research population comprises 611 Brazilian startups in the e-commerce, retail and wholesale segments. One owner/manager of each startup was contacted by the survey, obtaining 91 valid responses. For data analysis, symmetric and asymmetric techniques were applied, respectively: partial least squares-structural equation modeling and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis.

Findings

The findings show that the comprehensive PMS is an important predictor of individual creativity, role clarity and strategic flexibility. Role clarity has a direct effect on creativity and promotes partial mediation between comprehensive PMS and creativity. Comprehensive PMS and role clarity are of great importance and have high performance in favor of creativity, while strategic flexibility has high performance, but is of low importance. Several causal combinations promote high individual creativity.

Practical implications

It offers founders/managers an insight into the aspects that are worth of efforts to foster individual creativity in their startup.

Originality/value

The key contribution of the study is that the comprehensive PMS, which includes financial, non-financial and other measures for product and process innovation, can directly and indirectly (through role clarity) influence individual creativity.
The sharing economy: a hedge against recession setbacks
Authors: Habibi Mohammad Reza , Kohli Chiranjeev S.
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to provide lessons from the emergence of the sharing economy after the 2008 recession and helps managers prepare more effectively for recessions in the future.

Design/methodology/approach

In this conceptual paper, the authors build on research on the sharing economy and study the best practices contributing to the sharing economy’s emergence and growth after the 2008 recession. The authors identify the key characteristics of this new economic sector and share lessons that can be used by other companies.

Findings

The authors recommend five major takeaways: seeking a more flexible supply; actively watching the trends; leveraging customers like employees; using advanced data science and technology like the sharing economy companies; and proactively avoiding panicked responses. This will help companies succeed during recessionary times – and the boom times that follow.

Originality/value

This is the first paper that, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, investigates the interplay between the sharing economy and recession and highlights practical lessons.
Life dissatisfaction among students: exploring the role of intrapersonal conflict, insufficient efforts and academic stress
Authors: Anju Anju , Amandeep Amandeep , Punia B.K. , Punia Vandana , Garg Naval
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The study focuses on academic stress among the students due to insufficient efforts and intrapersonal conflicts amid the COVID-19 situation. The purpose of this study is to measure the mediating role of academic stress between life dissatisfaction and adequate steps and intrapersonal conflicts.

Design/methodology/approach

The researcher had surveyed 729 students from the two states, including Haryana and Punjab and 716 responses were used for analysis. These respondents were approached in April–May 2020 to explore the impact of COVID-19. The questionnaire was prepared with the help of Google form, including 29 questions. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM) were used to validate the research model and for testing the hypothesis.

Findings

The findings indicate that intra-personal conflict and insufficient efforts have a significant positive relation with academic stress. Also, intrapersonal conflict and insufficient efforts have a significant positive relation with life dissatisfaction. It has been reported that academic stress mediates the relationship between life dissatisfaction and intra-personal conflict. The results also reveal that academic stress is positively and significantly associated with life dissatisfaction.

Originality/value

This is one of the few studies that explored the mediating role of academic stress between life dissatisfaction and insufficient efforts and intrapersonal conflicts.
Novel antimicrobial materials designed for the 3D printing of medical devices used during the COVID-19 crisis
Authors: Furka Samuel , Furka Daniel , Dadi Nitin Chandra Teja Chandra Teja , Palacka Patrik , Hromníková Dominika , Dueñas Santana Julio Ariel , Pineda Javier Díaz , Casas Saul Dueñas , Bujdák Juraj
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This study aims to describe the preparation of antimicrobial material usable in 3D printing of medical devices. Despite the wealth of technological progress at the time of the crisis caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus: Virus that causes current Pandemic situation (COVID-19), the global population had long been exposed beforehand to an acute absence of essential medical devices. As a response, a new type of composite materials intended for rapid prototyping, based on layered silicate saponite (Sap), antimicrobial dye phloxine B (PhB) and thermoplastics, has been recently developed.

Design/methodology/approach

Sap was modified with a cationic surfactant and subsequently functionalized with PhB. The hybrid material in powder form was then grounded with polyethylene terephthalate-glycol (PETG) or polylactic acid (PLA) in a precisely defined weight ratio and extruded into printing filaments. The stability and level of cytotoxicity of these materials in various physiological environments simulating the human body have been studied. The applicability of these materials in bacteria and a yeast-infected environment was evaluated.

Findings

Ideal content of the hybrid material, with respect to thermoplastic, was 15 weight %. Optimal printing temperature and speed, with respect to maintaining antimicrobial activity of the prepared materials, were T = 215°C at 50 mm/s for PETG/SapPhB and T = 230°C at 40 mm/s for PLA/SapPhB. 3 D-printed air filters made of these materials could keep inner air flow at 63.5% and 76.8% of the original value for the PLA/SapPhB and PETG/SapPhB, respectively, whereas the same components made without PhB had a 100% reduction of airflow.

Practical implications

The designed materials can be used for rapid prototyping of medical devices.

Originality/value

The new materials have been immediately used in the construction of an emergency lung ventilator, Q-vent, which has been used in different countries during the COVID-19 crisis.
Commentary on “Older carers of people with learning disabilities: their experiences with local authority assessment processes and personnel”
Authors: Gant Valerie
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a commentary on “Older carers of people with learning disabilities: their experiences with local authority assessment processes and personnel” written by Rachel Forrester-Jones.

Design/methodology/approach

This commentary considers the experiences of older carers in the context of research, legislative and policy changes over the past 30+ years.

Findings

The needs of older carers of adults with learning disabilities are well recognised within the (limited) literature. Less attention has been given to practical strategies to identify and support such carers or to their broader family context.

Originality/value

This commentary highlights that assessors carrying out carers’ needs assessments should consider whether adults with learning disabilities are providing care to their older relative. The recognition of possible mutual or reciprocal care needs to be acknowledged and appropriate support offered.
Commentary on “Exploring new ways of thinking about and developing staff practice: the role of modes of thinking”
Authors: Wijnroks Lex
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a commentary on “Exploring new ways of thinking about and developing staff practice: the role of modes of thinking” written by Roy Deveau, John Ockenden and Petra Bjorne.

Design/methodology/approach

The commentary considers the consistency of Kahneman’s model of thinking fast and slow with brain research.

Findings

The thinking styles of staff undoubtedly influence their responses to people with learning disabilities. Although Kahneman’s model provides a heuristic approach to tackling prejudicial and biased thinking, it risks incomplete solutions through bypassing some of the factors contributing to staff behaviour.

Originality/value

This commentary concludes that Kahneman’s model is not completely consistent with knowledge about how the brain is organized. This should be regarded as a limitation of any model seeking to explain decision-making.
Exploring new ways of thinking about and developing staff practice: the role of modes of thinking
Authors: Deveau Roy , Ockenden John , Björne Petra
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Nobel Prize winner Daniel Kahneman’s work on modes of “thinking” provides a comprehensive text which is little explored in respect of work with people who have an intellectual or developmental disability. This paper aims to explore the potential of this work to change staff development and practice.

Design/methodology/approach

Key themes from Thinking Fast, and Slow (Kahneman, 2011) are described and applied to current staff practice.

Findings

Modes of thinking are relevant and important to understanding and improving manager and staff practice.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first attempt to describe and understand staff thinking and practice using Kahneman’s ideas.
Commentary on “Political engagement in the 2019 UK general election of patients with autism and/or a learning disability detained in a psychiatric hospital”
Authors: Waltz Mitzi
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a commentary on the article “Political engagement in the 2019 UK general election of patients with autism and/or a learning disability detained in a psychiatric hospital”.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper considers the wider issue of political participation by persons with disabilities, especially those whose freedom is restricted.

Findings

Access to voting rights remains problematic for many disabled people. It is crucial that this basic form of political participation is ensured, but there is further to go.

Originality/value

This paper suggests the need for greater attention to and support for disabled peoples’ right to political participation, including people with learning disabilities and autism.
Sustainable tourism and the role of stakeholders in North Cyprus: a literature review
Authors: Ilkhanizadeh Shiva
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to identify the main stakeholders and the extent of their collaboration in the management of sustainable tourism policy planning practices in North Cyprus.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper provides a literature review of previous work.

Findings

This study recommends that the main stakeholder – national government – should actively involve a wider group of stakeholders in a collaborative effort to attain long-term sustainable development goals.

Originality/value

This is the first study to review the literature on sustainable development and the role of different stakeholders in North Cyprus.
Effects of wealth management products on bank risk in China: The role of audit committee effectiveness
Authors: Geng Hongyan , Cheng Maoyong , Zhang Junrui
Published: May 2021

Using data from 114 Chinese banks from 2009 to 2018, we examine the effects of wealth management products (WMPs) on bank risk and the role of audit committee effectiveness. Three main results emerge. First, WMPs increase bank risk, especially insolvency risk, portfolio risk, leverage risk, and ROA volatility. Second, the effects of WMPs on bank risk are weaker in banks whose audit committee members have more financial expertise or longer board tenures. Third, further results show that: (a) principal‐guaranteed WMPs have weaker effects on bank risk than principal‐floating WMPs; (b) the policy known as “Notice 8” issued in 2013 weakens the effects of WMPs on bank risk; and (c) short‐term WMPs have stronger effects on bank risk than medium‐term and long‐term WMPs.
Forced Rating Systems from Employee and Supervisor Perspectives
Authors: CARDINAELS EDDY , FEICHTER CHRISTOPH
Published: May 2021

Many firms use forced rating systems in which supervisors must evaluate employees according to a predefined distribution. We develop new theory suggesting that forced ratings are less likely to enhance performance when supervisors assess subjective dimensions of employee performance (e.g., creativity), but can have some harmful side effects. In a laboratory experiment, employees work on a creative task, and supervisors rate their performance. We do not find any difference in the employees’ performance or effort in a creative task setting between forced and free ratings. We do, however, find that forced ratings create higher stress for employees (ex post stress scales and biomarkers). Higher stress in turn mitigates the positive effect of effort on creativity. Furthermore, we find that actual creativity explains less of supervisors’ ratings of employees’ performance under forced ratings. Instead, factors that are unrelated to actual creativity, such as eloquent writing and strategic gaming behavior, matter more. Results of an additional online experiment confirm that forced ratings work differently in tasks where performance needs to be evaluated subjectively compared to tasks where objective measures are available.
The science of plant‐based foods: Constructing next‐generation meat, fish, milk, and egg analogs
Authors: McClements David Julian , Grossmann Lutz
Published: May 2021

Consumers are increasingly demanding foods that are more ethical, sustainable and nutritious to improve the health of themselves and the planet. The food industry is currently undergoing a revolution, as both small and large companies pivot toward the creation of a new generation of plant‐based products to meet this consumer demand. In particular, there is an emphasis on the production of plant‐based foods that mimic those that omnivores are familiar with, such as meat, fish, egg, milk, and their products. The main challenge in this area is to simulate the desirable appearance, texture, flavor, mouthfeel, and functionality of these products using ingredients that are isolated entirely from botanical sources, such as proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids. The molecular, chemical, and physical properties of plant‐derived ingredients are usually very different from those of animal‐derived ones. It is therefore critical to understand the fundamental properties of plant‐derived ingredients and how they can be assembled into structures resembling those found in animal products. This review article provides an overview of the current status of the scientific understanding of plant‐based foods and highlights areas where further research is required. In particular, it focuses on the chemical, physical, and functional properties of plant‐derived ingredients; the processing operations that can be used to convert these ingredients into food products; and, the science behind the formulation of vegan meat, fish, eggs, and milk alternatives.
Evaluating firearm examiner conclusion variability using cartridge case reproductions
Authors: Law Eric F. , Morris Keith B.
Published: May 2021

The forensic science pattern comparison areas, including fingerprints, footwear, and firearms, have been criticized for their subjective nature. While much research has attempted to move these disciplines to more objective methods, examiners are still coming to conclusions based on their own training and experience. To complement this subjectivity, black box studies are necessary to establish the accuracy of these feature‐comparison methods. However, when cartridges are fired by a firearm to create cartridge case test sets there may be significant variability within the resulting impressions. This can result in different participants receiving test sets with varying levels of difficulty based on differences in impression quality. Therefore, comparison of accuracy between examiners is not straightforward. To compare accuracy between examiners, a method called double‐casting was used to create plastic cartridge case reproductions. Double‐casts of twenty‐one test sets of master cartridge cases were created and mailed to firearm examiners. The double‐casts ensured that all participants were comparing exhibits with the same level of detail. The examiners were tasked with determining if the unknown cartridge case in each set was fired by the same firearm as the three knowns. Automated comparisons were also used to compare the cartridge cases within each set. The results from this study showed that there are differences in examiner conclusions when examining the same evidence. Furthermore, it was shown that automated comparison metrics would benefit examiners as a quality control measure to correct any potential errors and strengthen conclusions.
Effects of microwave vacuum drying on the moisture migration, microstructure, and rehydration of sea cucumber
Authors: He Xiu , Lin Rong , Cheng Shasha , Wang Siqi , Yuan Lijing , Wang Haitao , Wang Huihui , Tan Mingqian
Published: May 2021

Effectsof microwave vacuum drying (MVD) on moisture migration, microstructure, and rehydration of sea cucumber were investigated in this paper. Vacuum condition avoided the exposure of sea cucumber to high temperature. Low‐field nuclear magnetic resonance relaxation results revealed that the peaks of three water components in sea cucumber shifted to short relaxation time during MVD process, and the peak area of major water component—immobilized water—decreased significantly due to water evaporation. Magnetic resonance imaging found that the water in the internal layer of sea cucumber body wall was first removed due to the internal heating of microwave, and then the water in the outer layer. Higher microwave power could promote the moisture transfer motion during drying process, and shorten the drying time. Porous microstructure was observed by Cryo scanning electronic microscope images in sea cucumber dried with microwave power of 200 and 250 W, which might be responsible for high values of rehydration ratio and water holding capacity. High microwave power caused the increase of amino acids content, but had no significant effect on the change of saponins content. In addition, excellent prediction models of moisture ratio have been developed by partial least squares regression analysis based on transverse relaxation data, which proved the feasibility of low‐field nuclear magnetic resonance to monitor moisture changes of sea cucumber during MVD process.

Practical Application

Effects of microwave vacuum drying (MVD) on moisture migration, microstructure, and rehydration of sea cucumber were investigated. Understanding the impacts of MVD drying on water status, texture, and nutritional characteristics of sea cucumber is important to improve the processing quality of dried sea cucumber.
On optimum dynamic temperature profiles for thermal inactivation kinetics determination
Authors: Giannakourou Maria C. , Saltaouras Konstantinos‐Philip , Stoforos Nikolaos G.
Published: May 2021

Determination of inactivation kinetics, associated with thermal processing of foods and obtained from dynamic temperature experiments, requires carefully designed experiments, the primary element being the selection of the appropriate temperature profile along with a carefully planned sampling schedule. In the present work, a number of different dynamic temperature profiles were investigated in terms of their ability to generate accurate kinetic parameters with low confidence intervals (CIs). Although alternative models have been also tested, our work was concentrated on thermal inactivation kinetics that could be described by the classicalD‐zvalues. A pair ofDandzvalues was assumed, and for each temperature profile tested, concentration data at different processing times were generated through the appropriate models. Next, an error (up to ±2.5% or ±5%) was introduced on these theoretical values to generate pseudo‐experimental data, and the back‐calculation of the assumed kinetic parameters by non‐linear regression was performed. The accuracy and the 95% CIs of the estimated kinetic parameters were evaluated; joint confidence regions were also constructed to investigate parameters correlation. The effect of temperature profile pattern, level of error, number of experimental points, and reference temperature was assessed. A stepwise increasing and a single triangle‐pattern temperature profile were the best profiles among those tested. As a general observation, based on different kinetic models investigated, temperature profiles and sampling intervals that result in concentration versus time diagrams having shapes as suggested by the primary model used when isothermally applied are not considered appropriate for parameter estimation.
First Discovery ofDicerorhinus sumatrensisfrom Yanjinggou Provides Insights into the Pleistocene Rhinocerotidae of South China
Authors: CHEN Shaokun , PANG Libo , YAN Yaling , WEI Guangbiao , YUE Zongying
Published: May 2021

The Rhinocerotidae is one of the most common and important families in the Pleistocene mammalian fauna of South China. Since the last century, most of the Pleistocene rhinocerotid fossils were prematurely assigned toRhinoceros sinensis, which has resulted in confusion of taxonomy for decades, especially in South China. The Yanjinggou area in Chongqing Municipality of China, where the neotype ofR. sinensiscame from, has yielded abundant rhinocerotid fossils and is a key area to solve this problem. A recently discovered juvenile skull from a karstic fissure in this area can be referred toDicerorhinus sumatrensis(Fischer, 1814), which is the first confirmed non‐Rhinocerosrhinocerotid from the area. This new finding indicates that non‐Rhinocerosfossils might have been mixed in AMNH collection from Yanjinggou and thus the diagnosis ofRhinoceros sinensisneeds reformation. On the other hand,Stephanorhinus?kirchbergensisis also detected in Granger's collection based on our reobservation. The coexistence ofRhinoceros, DicerorhinusandStephanorhinusshows the higher diversity of Pleistocene rhinocerotids in South China.
Origin of Shallow Jurassic Heavy Oils in the Northwestern Margin of the Junggar Basin, NW China: Constraints from Molecular, Isotopic and Elemental Geochemistry
Authors: HUANG Shaohua , QIN Mingkuan , Xu Qiang , LIU Zhangyue
Published: May 2021

Oil group separation, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis of saturated hydrocarbons, carbon isotope analysis of fractions and tests on trace elements were all carried out to determine the origin of shallow Jurassic heavy oils in the northwestern margin of the Junggar Basin, northwestern China. Results showed that all the crude oils had been subjected to different degrees of biodegradation, on an order ranging from PM 6 to 9, which yielded many unresolved complex mixtures (UCM) and formed a huge spike in the mass chromatogram (M/Z = 85). Two heavy oils from the Karamay area underwent slight biodegradation, characterized by the consistent ratios of biomarker parameters. C21/C23 and C23/H of the two samples were 0.81 and 0.85, while G/H, C27/C29 and C28/C29 were 0.38 and 0.40, 0.16 and 0.27, 0.87 and 0.86, respectively. The isomerization parameters of terpane and steranes were 0.50–0.53, and 0.48–0.49, respectively. The above geochemical indices indicated that the crude oils in the study area were in the marginally mature stage. The parent materials were a mixture, consisting of bacteria, algae and some higher plants, formed under reducing depositional conditions, which is in agreement with the source rocks of the Fengcheng Formation in the Mahu depression. The carbon isotopic compositions of saturated hydrocarbon, aromatic hydrocarbon, NSO and asphaltene were –31‰– to –30.3‰, –29.5‰ to –29.03‰, –29.4‰ to –28.78‰ and –28.62‰ to –28.61‰, respectively. These findings are in agreement with the light carbon isotope of kerogen from the lower Permian Fengcheng Formation. Furthermore, V/Ni and Cr/Mo of all the crude oils were 0.01 to 0.032, 0.837 to 10.649, which is in good agreement with the ratios of the corresponding elements of the extracts from the Fengcheng Fm. carbonate source rock. As a result, a two–stage formation model was established: (1) the oil generated from the carbonate source rocks of the Fengcheng Formation migrated to the Carboniferous, Permian and Triassic traps during the Late Triassic, forming the primary oil reservoirs; (2) during the Late Jurassic period, the intense tectonic activity of Yanshan Episode II resulted in the readjustment of early deep primary reservoirs, the escaped oils gradually migrating to the shallow Jurassic reservoir through cross‐cutting faults, unconformities and sand body layers. The oils then finally formed secondary heavy oil reservoirs, due to long–term biodegradation in the later stage. Therefore, joint methods of organic, isotopic and element geochemistry should be extensively applied in order to confirm the source of biodegradation oils.
Felsic Igneous Rocks in the Hua'aobaote Pb‐Zn‐Ag Polymetallic Orefield, Southern Great Xing'an Range: Genesis, Metallogenetic and Tectonic Significance
Authors: SHANG Zhi , CHEN Yongqing , GUO Xiangguo
Published: May 2021

The Hua'aobaote Pb‐Zn‐Ag Polymetallic orefield is situated in the southern section of the Great Xing'an Range (GXAR), which has experienced extensive magmatism. Since the Paleozoic, there are two stages of magmatism in Hua'aobaote orefield occurred in the Paleozoic and Mesozoic. The Mesozoic magmatism is of great significance for the Pb‐Zn‐Ag Polymetallic mineralization in Hua'aobaote orefield. In this study, new geochemical data was obtained to discuss the timing and petrogenesis of the magmatic rocks and its geodynamic and metallogenic significance. Zircon U‐Pb ages reveal that the felsic igneous rocks from the Hua'aobaote orefield were formed in the Early Permian (294.8 ± 3.2 Ma) and Early Cretaceous (132.6 ± 1.4 Ma). Geochemically, the Early Permian granodiorite porphyrite is characterized by high Sr/Y (42–63) ratios and Mg#(62.24–70.74) values and low heavy rare earth element (HREE) (5.09–6.79 ppm) contents. The granodiorite porphyrite is also characterized by depleted Sr–Nd initial isotopic signatures [∊Nd(t) = 5.91–7.59, (87Sr/86Sr)i= 0.7029–0.7030], exhibiting adakitic characteristics. The Early Cretaceous granite porphyry and rhyolite are A‐type felsic igneous rocks, and demonstrate high SiO2, Na2O + K2O and rare earth element (REE) contents, low CaO and MgO contents, low (87Sr/86Sr)iratios (0.7044–0.7058), and positive∊Nd(t) values (2.57–4.65). Whole‐rock Pb isotopic compositions in granodiorite porphyrite are:206Pb/204Pb = 17.631–18.149,207Pb/204Pb = 15.422–15.450, and208Pb/204Pb = 37.325–37.729. The granite porphyry and rhyolite have initial206Pb/204Pb,207Pb/204Pb, and208Pb/204Pb ratios of 18.106–19.309, 15.489–15.539, and 37.821–38.05, respectively. Sr‐Nd‐Pb isotopic evidence suggests that the Early Permian granodiorite porphyrite is likely to derive from slab melts and modified by peridotitic mantle wedge in the subduction tectonic setting of the Paleo‐Asian Ocean. The Early Cretaceous A‐type felsic igneous rocks were derived from juvenile lower crust, accompanied by limited crustal contamination and various degree of fractional crystallisation during magma emplacement. The Early Cretaceous magmatism and related mineralization were formed in a post‐orogenic tectonic setting that attributed to the closure of the Mongol–Okhotsk Ocean. Pb isotopic data for the various rock units in the study area indicate that the Mesozoic magma source contributed substantial Pb, Zn, and Ag to the Hua'aobaote deposit.
Modeling of the Shale Volume in the Hendijan Oil Field Using Seismic Attributes and Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: TAHERI Mahdi , CIABEGHODSI Ali Asghar , NIKROUZ Ramin , KADKHODAIE Ali
Published: May 2021

Petrophysical properties have played an important and definitive role in the study of oil and gas reservoirs, necessitating that diverse kinds of information are used to infer these properties. In this study, the seismic data related to the Hendijan oil field were utilised, along with the available logs of 7 wells of this field, in order to use the extracted relationships between seismic attributes and the values of the shale volume in the wells to estimate the shale volume in wells intervals. After the overall survey of data, a seismic line was selected and seismic inversion methods (model‐based, band limited and sparse spike inversion) were applied to it. Amongst all of these techniques, the model‐based method presented the better results. By using seismic attributes and artificial neural networks, the shale volume was then estimated using three types of neural networks, namely the probabilistic neural network (PNN), multi‐layer feed‐forward network (MLFN) and radial basic function network (RBFN).
Hydrocarbon Generation Characteristics of Source Rocks from Different Saline Environments in the Dongpu Depression, Bohai Bay Basin, China
Authors: LI Wendu , ZHANG Pengyuan , JIANG Fujie , ZHANG Yunxian , HUANG Renda , XU Tianwu , ZHOU Yongshui , LI Longlong , JIANG Wenli
Published: May 2021

The Dongpu Depression is a secondary salt‐bearing tectonic unit in the Bohai Bay Basin, eastern China. The depositional environment of this depression regarding its Paleogene strata is clearly different in plane, including the saltwater environment (SE) in the north, the freshwater environment (FE) in the south and the brackish water environment (BE) in the middle. The result of oil and gas exploration in the Dongpu Depression shows that more than 90% of the proven oil reserves are distributed in the northern saltwater environment. Previous studies indicate that the organic geochemistry characteristics and the hydrocarbon generation capacity of the source rocks are very clearly diverse under different environments, which results in the significant differences in the proved reserves between the north and the south. In order to further explore the differences in the hydrocarbon generation capacity of the source rocks under distinct depositional environments and the mechanism of their occurrence, three samples from different depositional environments (W18‐5 for SE, H7‐18 for BE, CH9 for FE) were used for confined gold tube pyrolysis experiments. The results show that the CH4 yields of W18‐5, H7‐18 and CH9 increase with increasing temperature, the maximum yields being 405.62 mg/g TOC, 388.56 mg/g TOC and 367.89 mg/g TOC, respectively. The liquid hydrocarbon yields of W18‐5, H7‐18 and CH9 firstly increase with increasing temperature and then decrease after the critical temperatures. The maximum yields of C6–14 are 149.54 mg/g TOC, 140.18 mg/g TOC and 116.94 mg/g TOC, the maximum yields of C14+ being 852.4 mg/g TOC, 652.6 mg/g TOC and 596.41mg/g TOC, respectively for W18‐5, H7‐18 and CH9. To summarize, the order of hydrocarbon potential from high to low is W18‐5, H7‐18 and CH9. On this basis, through analyzing the influencing factors of hydrocarbon differences, this paper reveals that the saltwater environment is characterized by 4 factors: higher salinity, halophilic algae, high paleo‐productivity and a strongly reducing environment, which are beneficial to the enrichment of organic matter and lead to the formation of high levels of sapropelite and exinite. According to the variation of oil and gas components in the pyrolysis experiments, the hydrocarbon generation process is divided into three stages: kerogen cracking, oil cracking and C2–5 cracking. Combined with hydrocarbon generation characteristics and stages, the evolutionary model of hydrocarbon generation for source rocks under different environments is established.
Effect of patient‐led cooperative follow‐up by general practitioners and community pharmacists on osteoporosis treatment persistence
Authors: Poivret Didier , Goetz Christophe , Zevering Yinka , Wilcke Christophe , Noirez Véronique
Published: May 2021

Aim

Osteoporosis is a major risk factor for fractures. Poor persistence with osteoporosis medication hampers outcomes. This study assessed whether encouraging the formation of patient‐led follow‐up cooperatives between general practitioners (GPs) and community pharmacists improved medication persistence.

Methods

All consecutive patients who attended an osteoporosis patient education program were invited to participate. They were given a logbook containing questionnaires they would bring to 6‐monthly visits to their GP and pharmacist. The effect of this 3‐year cooperative follow‐up on persistence with medication and lifestyle changes was assessed.

Results

In total, 121 patients (average age, 67 years; 93% female) participated. Poor cooperation between GPs and pharmacists was noted. Nevertheless, medication persistence ranged from 83% to 91% over the 6 visits. However, since patient drop‐out rates were high and questionnaire return rates were low, a post‐study medical chart review was performed. This confirmed that persistence was high (74%‐83%) at 3 years post‐enrollment, even for oral bisphosphonate‐treated patients (73%‐76%). However, adoption of anti‐osteoporosis lifestyle changes was poor throughout the study: one‐ to two‐thirds of the patients did not alter their diet, physical activity, or surroundings to prevent falls.

Conclusion

One study goal, namely, to encourage GPs and pharmacists to cooperate in patient follow‐up, was not achieved. However, high medication persistence was observed. This may reflect the education program, patient empowerment, personalized attention from study personnel, and being in a study. Patient‐centered approaches can thus significantly increase medication persistence in osteoporosis. Ongoing education may be needed to improve patient adoption of and persistence with lifestyle changes.
On distance based goodness of fit tests for missing data when missing occurs at random
Authors: Dhar Subhra Sankar , Das Ujjwal
Published: May 2021

Various non‐parametric goodness of fit tests have already been investigated in the literature. However, those tests are rarely used in the case of missing observations. We here study the goodness of fit test for missing data based on Lp distances along with Kolmogorov–Smirnov and Cramer–von‐Mises distances when missingness occurs at random. The asymptotic distributions of the proposed test statistics have been derived under contiguous alternatives that enable us to investigate the asymptotic local power of the tests. We also study the performance of the tests for finite samples using simulation, and the tests perform well for those cases. The usefulness of the tests is illustrated on three real data sets.
Intercooperation, flexicurity and their impact on workers: The case of Fagor Electrodomésticos
Authors: Santos‐Larrazabal Josu , Basterretxea Imanol
Published: May 2021

Mondragon cooperatives have used flexible employment, training and labour protection policies to deal with economic crises since the 1970s. These policies were also used in 2013 to alleviate the social consequences of the demise of their biggest industrial cooperative, Fagor Electrodomésticos. This article aims to analyze—through 40 interviews with different stakeholders—the advantages and limitations of wage, working time and functional flexibility policies by framing them under the flexicurity concept. In contrast with previous research on Mondragon cooperatives, this study has found a strong worker‐owner resistance to flexicurity policies, mainly before the firm's bankruptcy. The study has also found the main reasons for worker resistance and for some successful Mondragon cooperatives’ reluctance to offer permanent relocations to redundant Fagor Electrodomésticos’ members. This research will help cooperatives to maintain and improve their flexicurity policies and their resilience. Some findings can be extrapolated to the growing number of firms that aim to implement flexicurity policies without harming their workers’ social welfare.
Morphology of the temporal skull region in tetrapods: research history, functional explanations, and a new comprehensive classification scheme
Authors: Abel Pascal , Werneburg Ingmar
Published: May 2021

The morphology of the temporal region in the tetrapod skull traditionally has been a widely discussed feature of vertebrate anatomy. The evolution of different temporal openings in Amniota (mammals, birds, and reptiles), Lissamphibia (frogs, salamanders, and caecilians), and several extinct tetrapod groups has sparked debates on the phylogenetic, developmental, and functional background of this region in the tetrapod skull. This led most famously to the erection of different amniote taxa based on the number and position of temporal fenestrae in their skulls. However, most of these taxa are no longer recognised to represent natural groupings and the morphology of the temporal region is not necessarily an adequate trait for use in the reconstruction of amniote phylogenies. Yet, new fossil finds, most notably of parareptiles and stem‐turtles, as well as modern embryological and biomechanical studies continue to provide new insights into the morphological diversity of the temporal region. Here, we introduce a novel comprehensive classification scheme for the various temporal morphotypes in all Tetrapoda that is independent of phylogeny and previous terminology and may facilitate morphological comparisons in future studies. We then review the history of research on the temporal region in the tetrapod skull. We document how, from the early 19th century with the first recognition of differences in the temporal region to the first proposals of phylogenetic relationships and their assessment over the centuries, the phylogenetic perspective on the temporal region has developed, and we highlight the controversies that still remain. We also compare the different functional and developmental drivers proposed for the observed morphological diversity and how the effects of internal and external factors on the structure of the tetrapod skull have been interpreted.
TIP30 overcomes gefitinib resistance by regulating cytoplasmic and nuclear EGFR signaling in non–small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Shuai Shuai , Liao Xueyang , Wang Haixia , Liu Lusha , Mei Shiqi , Cao Jiaxin , Wang Senming
Published: May 2021

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) (eg, gefitinib) exert potent therapeutic efficacy in non–small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring EGFR‐activating mutations. However, the resistance to EGFR TKIs limits their clinical therapeutic efficacy. TIP30, a newly identified tumor suppressor, appears to be involved in the regulation of cytoplasmic and nuclear EGFR signaling in NSCLC. Our previous study demonstrated that TIP30 regulated EGF‐dependent cyclin D1 transcription in human lung adenocarcinoma and suppressed tumorigenesis. In the present study, the involvement of TIP30 in combating gefitinib resistance in NSCLC was determined for the first time in vitro and in vivo. Gain and loss of function studies showed that overexpression of TIP30 effectively sensitized cells to gefitinib in vitro, whereas TIP30 inhibition promoted gefitinib cell resistance. Moreover, TIP30 negatively regulated the activation of the p‐AKT and p‐MEK signaling pathways in PC9/GR. Importantly, PC9/GR harbored high levels of nuclear EGFR, and overexpression of TIP30 restored irregular EGFR trafficking and degradation from early endosomes to the late endosomes, decreasing the nuclear accumulation of EGFR, which may partly or totally inhibit EGFR‐mediated induction of c‐Myc transcription. Xenographic tumors induced by overexpression of TIP30 by PC9/GR cells in nude mice were suppressed compared with their original counterparts. Overall, it was revealed that TIP30 overexpression restored gefitinib sensitivity in NSCLC cells and attenuated the cytoplasmic and nuclear EGFR signaling pathways and may be a promising biomarker in gefitinib resistance in NSCLC.
A classification framework for interspecific trade‐offs in aquatic ecology
Authors: Smyth Eric R. B. , Drake D. Andrew R.
Published: May 2021

In some cases, wildlife management objectives directed at multiple species can conflict with one another, creating species trade‐offs. For managers to effectively identify trade‐offs and avoid their undesirable outcomes, they must understand the agents involved and their corresponding interactions. A literature review of interspecific trade‐offs within freshwater and marine ecosystems was conducted to illustrate the scope of potential interspecific trade‐offs that may occur. We identified common pitfalls that lead to failed recognition of interspecific trade‐offs, including, single‐species management and limited consideration of the spatial and temporal scale of ecosystems and their management regimes. We devised a classification framework of common interspecific trade‐offs within aquatic systems. The classification can help managers determine whether the conflict is species based through direct relationships (i.e., predator–prey, competition, other antagonistic relationships) or indirect relationships involving intermediate species (i.e., conflict‐generating species) or whether the conflict is driven by opposing management objectives for species that would otherwise not interact (i.e., nontarget management effects). Once the nature and scope of trade‐offs are understood, existing decision‐making tools, such as structured decision‐making and real‐options analysis, can be incorporated to improve the management of aquatic ecosystems.

Article Impact Statement: A synthesis of interspecific trade‐offs in aquatic ecosystems supports their identification and resolution.
Ethics and governance for internet‐based conservation science research
Authors: Thompson Ruth M. , Hall Jordan , Morrison Chris , Palmer Nicole R. , Roberts David L.
Published: May 2021

Internet‐based research is increasingly important for conservation science and has wide‐ranging applications and contexts, including culturomics, illegal wildlife trade, and citizen science. However, online research methods pose a range of ethical and legal challenges. Online data may be protected by copyright, database rights, or contract law. Privacy rights may also restrict the use and access of data, as well as ethical requirements from institutions. Online data have real‐world meaning, and the ethical treatment of individuals and communities must not be marginalized when conducting internet‐based research. As ethics frameworks originally developed for biomedical applications are inadequate for these methods, we propose that research activities involving the analysis of preexisting online data be treated analogous to offline social science methods, in particular, nondeceptive covert observation. By treating internet users and their data with respect and due consideration, conservationists can uphold the public trust needed to effectively address real‐world issues.
A stepwise approach to laparoscopic right hemicolectomy with D2 excision. An illustrated video guide for training colorectal surgeons ‐ a video vignette
Authors: Walmsley James , Max Samuel , Hughes Gemma , Ahmed Jamil
Published: May 2021

We present a stepwise approach to performing a laparoscopic right hemicolectomy along with D2 excision. The video illustrates a modular approach for set up and resection, performed on a 60‐year‐old male patient, with a cancer in the ascending colon. The procedure is divided into its key steps, which include patient position, port placement and anatomical exposure, medial to lateral dissection with vessel control, sub‐ileal dissection, lateral mobilization, hepatic flexure mobilization and extraction with extracorporeal anastomosis. The key regional anatomy is highlighted alongside diagrams illustrating standard anatomy and common anatomical variants. We believe this video provides a valuable resource for trainee surgeons to expand their understanding regarding steps of the procedure and associated anatomy.
Application of a PBPK model to elucidate the changes of systemic and liver exposures for rosuvastatin, carotegrast, and bromfenac followed by OATP inhibition in monkeys
Authors: Cheng Yaofeng , Liang Xiaomin , Hao Jia , Niu Congrong , Lai Yurong
Published: May 2021

The impact of organic anion‐transporting polypeptide (OATP) inhibition on systemic and liver exposures of three OATP substrates was investigated in cynomolgus monkeys. A monkey physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model was constructed to describe the exposure changes followed by OATP functional attenuation. Rosuvastatin, bromfenac, and carotegrast were administered as a single intravenous cassette dose (0.5 mg/kg each) in monkeys with and without predosing with rifampin (RIF; 20 mg/kg) orally. The plasma exposure of rosuvastatin, bromfenac, carotegrast, and OATP biomarkers, coproporphyrin I (CP‐I) and CP‐III were increased 2.3, 2.1, 9.1, 5.4, and 8.8‐fold, respectively, when compared to the vehicle group. The liver to plasma ratios of rosuvastatin and bromfenac were reduced but the liver concentration of the drugs remained unchanged by RIF treatment. The liver concentrations of carotegrast, CP‐I, and CP‐III were unchanged at 1 h but increased at 6 h in the RIF‐treated group. The passive permeability, active uptake, and biliary excretion were characterized in suspended and sandwich‐cultured monkey hepatocytes and then incorporated into the monkey PBPK model. As demonstrated by the PBPK model, the plasma exposure is increased through OATP inhibition while liver exposure is maintained by passive permeability driven from an elevated plasma level. Liver exposure is sensitive to the changes of metabolism and biliary clearances. The model further suggested the involvement of additional mechanisms for hepatic uptakes of rosuvastatin and bromfenac, and of the inhibition of biliary excretion for carotegrast, CP‐I, and CP‐III by RIF. Collectively, impaired OATP function would not reduce the liver exposure of its substrates in monkeys.
Exploring the Advantages and Disadvantages of the China–Pakistan Free Trade Agreement
Authors: Haq Mirajul , Saeed Javeria , Akram Muhammad
Published: May 2021

This paper explores whether the China–Pakistan Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which entered into effect in 2007, has led to advantages or disadvantages for the participating countries. It assesses the gains and losses associated with the agreement rigorously using two different approaches. First, the revealed comparative advantage index is calculated for 10 commodity groups. This identifies the commodity groups in which the participating countries have a comparative advantage. Second, trade creation and trade diversion are estimated for overall imports and for the commodity‐group level imports. This analysis provides useful information about the commodity groups in which a particular party to the FTA is experiencing an advantage or a disadvantage. The findings of the study show that China has an advantage in producing capital‐intensive goods whereas Pakistan has a comparative advantage in the production of primary and semimanufactured goods. The empirical findings also indicate that, overall, the formation of the bilateral free trade agreement between Pakistan and China enhances trade with member countries as well as with nonparticipating countries.