bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EFFECTS OF TRIRD PARTY LOGISTICS (3PL) PARTICIPATION ON MAQUILADORAS COMPANIES: AN EXPLORATION WITH STRUCTURAL EQUATIONS
Authors: Avelar Sosa Liliana , GARCIA ALCARAZ JORGE LUIS , MEJÍA MUÑOZ JOSE , DIAZ REZA JOSE
Published: July 2022

This paper presents the effects between Logistics Network and Value-Added activities 3PL environments and its effect on the Financial and Strategic Performance of Mexican Maquiladoras companies. The significant increase in outsourcing transportation services in freight transport at the border Mexico-United States has inspired this research. The paper presents four hypotheses, tested with data from 158 responses to a questionnaire applied to engineers from the manufacturing industry in Ciudad Juarez (Mexico). The hypotheses were tested statistically using the partial least squares technique. Results indicate that a good design of a Logistics Network has a positive effect on Strategic Performance through transport logistics planning to reduce distribution times and costs. Additionally, the Value-Added services offered by a 3PL positively affect Strategic Performance through labeling-marking, packaging, and reassembling of products. Also, the Strategic Performance has a positive effect on Financial Performance through flexibility and risk minimization of 3PL provider, and this is the enormous effect that arguing theoretically and demonstrating empirically that the outsourcing of 3PL incremented the economic benefits to the quantity of 76.20% between Financial Performance and provides a reference to make decisions according to strategies to incorporate 3PL in such maquiladora industries.
Keywords: 3PL, strategic performance, financial performance, structural equations
FATIGUE ANALYSIS OF A RACK TOOL TO INCREASE MILLING PRODUCTIVITY
Authors: YAÑEZ CONTRERAS PEDRO , YÁÑEZ GÓMEZ JOSE ANTONIO , Santander  Bastida Francisco Javier , LEON RODRIGUEZ MIGUEL , MEDINA FLORES JOSE MARTIN , POBLANO SALAS CARLOS AGUSTIN , BARCEINAS SANCHEZ JOSE DOLORES OSCAR
Published: July 2022

In recent years, the automotive industry has had remarkable technological growth. Organizations strive to have in their processes more advanced technologies that allow them to create a competitive advantage over others within the same field. The spline rolling and the threading process have evolved in line with the significant demand for quality products from major automakers in the automotive industry. Product consumers of the automotive industry demand quality at low prices, which results in the need to maximize resources for auto-parts manufacturing. In this work, an improvement in the performance of a spline forming rack from 5,000 to 25,000 pieces is reported. A conceptual design of such rack was developed in which the geometry of the tooth was modified; then, employing a finite element analysis, using ANSYS Version R19.2., the average fatigue life of 25,000 cycles was obtained. Finite element results were validated by on-site experimental tests using the Digital Image Correlation (DIC) technique. Finally, the tooling was manufactured and put into operation, reaching 32,785 rolled parts; with this performance, the initial goal of at least 25,000 parts was surpassed. Subsequently, three forming racks were fabricated, from which an average yield of 30,269 rolled parts was obtained.

Keywords: Fatigue, Digital Image Correlation technique (DIC), Finite element analysis, Rolling process.
USER EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS FOR HYPERLOOP PASSENGER’S CABIN
Authors: HERMOSILLA FERNANDEZ CARLOS , MAGAL ROYO TERESA
Published: July 2022

Although Hyperloop technology is still in its early stages, its technical and economic potential will become a revolution in the transport industry in Europe that will serve to unify it.
The development of Hyperloop technology should focus on improving propulsion technology issues and keep an eye on the human and perceptual aspects during the traveling, which could be a key factor when engineers develop the passenger cabins and implement advanced prototypes to market.
Regarding the user experience will serve in the future to create and develop an interior design for the Hyperloop cabin that adapts to the sensory stimulation features and practical needs of the user during the journey. The synergy between the Hyperloop technology and the traveler experience will help as a bridge for the citizens of the future who use this new type of transport with confidence.
The article aims to analyze the most critical aspects used to evaluate future transport through user experience methodologies. That should be considered a fundamental part of the interior space design of the cabin through common areas and specific services.
It describes two essential aspects in the design of future Hyperloop cabins or pods. On the one hand, the user experience methodologies related to the perception of comfort and safety in this new transport allow evaluation of the expectations in its use in the future. On the other hand, the description of the cognitive factors that influence the interior cabins' design affects the development of future devices such as passengers' seats in the pod.
Keywords: Hyperloop, user experience, passenger pod, taxonomy, neurodesign, user-centered design, interaction
EVOLUTION CHARACTERISTICS AND INFLUENCING FACTORS OF OZONE POLLUTION DURING LARGE-SCALE EVENTS
Authors: JIA JIA , Qiao Haibing , Li Guirong , Zuo Qiting , Yin Weihong
Published: July 2022

The impact of temporary control measures on regional air quality during large-scale events is the focus of current research. Most of them focus on the discussion of environmental particulate matter concentration, while the changes in O3 concentration during such periods have not been explored. To reveal the variation characteristics of environmental O3 concentration during large-scale events, the ozone pollution control during the 2019 National Games in Zhengzhou, China was considered as an example and the six pollution parameters of state-controlled stations, meteorological parameters, and online volatile organic compound (VOC) component data was used. The evolution law of O3 pollution in Zhengzhou before and after the implementation of control measures was discussed, and the changes in NOx and the components of VOCs in different control stages were compared. The positive matrix factorization model was used to analyze the contribution of different types of pollution sources to the O3 mass concentration in Zhengzhou during the observation period. Results show that during the National Games, the concentration of O3 decreased by 45.2% and 29.3% compared with that before control and during Stage-I of control, respectively. The concentration of alkanes, olefins, and alkynes decreased significantly during the National Games, whereas the concentration of aromatic hydrocarbons increased by 6.5%. The pollution sources with the highest contribution of VOCs in Zhengzhou were as follows: motor vehicle tail gas source (the average contribution was 32.8%), natural gas/oil source (26.3%), solvent use source (20.4%), industrial process source (13.9%), and natural plant source (6.7%). The research conclusion revealed the evolution characteristics of O3 concentration and the causes of pollution during large-scale activities.
Key Words: O3 pollution, VOCs, Control measures, the National Games, PMF source apportionment
LIQUIDATION VALUE ESTIMATION OF AN INSOLVENCY COMPANY
Authors: OLABARRIETA DE FRUTOS UNAI , SAN JOSE RUIZ DE AGUIRRE LEIRE , RETOLAZA AVALOS JOSE LUIS , ARAUJO ANDRES
Published: July 2022

It is common for companies to consider their continuity or liquidation. This decision should be based on the contraposition of the liquidation and going concern values, as Hart (2000) explains in his formula for the efficiency of the judicial insolvency resolution process.
THE OPEN BALKAN AS A DEVELOPMENT DETERMINANT OF THE WESTERN BALKAN COUNTRIES
Authors: M. Rikalović Gojko , S. Molnar Dejan , N. Josipović Sonja
Published: July 2022

The paper starts from the concept of the Open Balkan as a community of countries in the Western Balkans, aimed at strengthening their economic cooperation and development for faster integration in the European Union. Significant attention is paid to the analysis of the interdependence of (in)stability of the state and the economic development of small countries. The position of the Open Balkan and its members is also analysed on the basis of the selected global composite indices. An important subject of the analysis is also the condition of institutional capacities of the members of the Open Balkan and their institutional cooperation from the perspective of faster progress towards the European integration. Two main hypotheses have been tested in the paper: (H1) CEEs countries are not a homogeneous group of countries; and (H2) The Western Balkans is a relatively homogeneous regional integration. To test the convergence hypothesis between 16 Central and Eastern European countries (CEEs), annual data from World Bank’s database on the value of real gross domestic product per capita (in constant dollars 2017, PPP) in the period 2000-2026 were used (projected values for the period until 2026). We employed the method developed by Phillips & Sul (2007) that allows identification of clusters of convergence on the basis of an algorithm that is data-driven and thereby avoids a priori classification of the data into subgroups. Based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that Serbia is the “locomotive” of the Western Balkans and that all countries in this area should join the regional initiative for cooperation, the Open Balkan.
Physical mechanism of perovskite solar cell based on double electron transport layer
Authors: Zhou Yang , Ren Xin-Gang , Yan Ye-Qiang , Ren Hao , Du Hong-Mei , Cai Xue-Yuan , Huang Zhi-Xiang ,   Information Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China,   Key Laboratory of Target Recognition and Feature Extraction of Anhui Province, Lu’an 237000, China,   Key Laboratory of Electromagnetic Environmental Sensing of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China,   Chengdu Yunda Technology Co., Ltd., Chengdu 611731, China,   School of Electronic Engineering and Intelligent Manufacturing, Anqing Normal University, Anqing 246133, China
Published: July 2022

With their excellent photoelectric properties, perovskite solar cells have become the most promising photovoltaic devices in recent years. However, owing to defects and energy level misalignment, the non-radiative recombination loss of the perovskite solar cell will increase, which hinders the its efficiency and operational stability from being improved further. Therefore, it is very important to reduce the loss caused by energy level misalignment for realizing high-efficiency perovskite solar cells. In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, perovskite solar cell with dual electron transport layer (ETL) is studied in this work. The dual-layer structure forms a stepped conduction band structure to reduce the conduction band offset between the active layer and the transport layer, which reduces the interface recombination between the two structures and improves device performance. In addition, the influences of the defect density on the cell performance for the two ETL structures are also discussed. With the continuous increase of the defect density, the performance of the single-layer structure decreases more obviously. While the dual ETL structure can alleviate the performance dependence on the defect density in comparison with the single ETL structure. Therefore, the use of dual ETL can improve the performance of perovskite solar cells and defect tolerance, which provides guidance for designing high-performance solar cells.
Fact-checking as digital media literacy in higher education
Authors: Tekoniemi Siling , Kotilainen Sirkku , Maasilta Mari , Lempiäinen Kirsti
Published: July 2022

Information disorder is a growing phenomenon, and fact-checking has long been recognized as an effective practice to evaluate media. Still, knowledge about fact-checking is not coherent in higher education institutions, not even in the field of media education. The paper is based on two case studies exploring the teaching of fact-checking in higher education as a European survey and evaluation of a workshop online in the critical-pragmatic framework with mixed methods. Findings highlight a need for developing fact-checking teaching in higher education as digital media literacy. Digital media literacy shows out as linkages to algorithm-based communication and, hands-on educational practices developing mindsets of master students instead of more traditional teaching as the mainstream in the survey. Even media studies mostly seem to have teaching on fact checking, there is a lack of learning materials, game-based educational approach, and integration fact-checking-related subjects (e.g., propaganda, disinformation) in educational sciences together with broadening the field of media education in higher education in Europe and beyond.
Learning Outcomes in HMD-VR: a Literature Review
Authors: Lähtevänoja Antti , Vesisenaho Mikko , Vasalampi Kati , Holopainen Jani , Häkkinen Päivi
Published: July 2022

While the educational technology has developed to the point that Extended Reality (XR), including immersive Virtual Reality (VR) can be used in education, the learning outcomes of these technologies in the large scale is still quite unknown. This literature review aims to take a comprehensive look to the field of immersive VR in to find out where the learning outcomes of HMD-VR stands out, and how they compare to other technologies and methods. The main result of this paper is that while HMD-based Virtual Reality Learning Environments (VRLEs) may not be superior compared to other technologies such as desktop-based VR environments regarding direct learning outcomes, a clear indication towards increased learning motivation and engagement can be seen.
Dopamine receptor activation elicits a possible stress-related coping behavior in a wild-caught songbird
Authors: Florkowski Melanie R. , Yorzinski Jessica L.
Published: July 2022

Animals experience stress throughout their lives and exhibit both physiological and behavioral responses to cope with it. The stress response can become harmful when prolonged and increasing evidence suggests that dopamine plays a critical role in extinguishing the stress response. In particular, activation of the D2 dopamine receptor reduces glucocorticoids and increases coping behavior,i.e., behavioral responses to adverse stimuli that reduce the harmful effects of stress. However, few studies have examined the effects of dopamine on the stress responses of wild species. We therefore tested the hypothesis that activation of the D2 dopamine receptor influences coping-like behavior in a wild-caught species. We recorded behavior of house sparrows (Passer domesticus) before and after they received injections of D2 dopamine agonists, D2 dopamine antagonists, or saline. House sparrows are common in urban environments and understanding how they cope with stress may help us better understand how animals cope with urban stressors. We found that the birds significantly increased biting of inanimate objects after the agonist but there was no change following the antagonist or saline. The biting of inanimate objects may be a mechanism of behavioral coping. This change in biting behavior was not correlated with general movement. This study supports the hypothesis that D2 dopamine receptor activation is involved in the regulation of the stress response in a wild bird.
Characterization of the complete chloroplast genome sequences of six Dalbergia species and its comparative analysis in the subfamily of Papilionoideae (Fabaceae)
Authors: Li Changhong , Liu Yu , Lin Furong , Zheng Yongqi , Huang Ping
Published: July 2022

Dalbergia spp. are numerous and widely distributed in pantropical areas in Asia, Africa and America, and most of the species have important economic and ecological value as precious timber. In this study, we determined and characterized six complete chloroplast genomes of Dalbergia species (Dalbergia obtusifolia, D. hupeana, D. mimosoides, D. sissoo, D. hancei, D. balansae), which displayed the typical quadripartite structure of angiosperms. The sizes of the genomes ranged from 155,698 bp (D. hancei) to 156,419 bp (D. obtusifolia). The complete chloroplast genomes of Dalbergia include 37 tRNA genes, eight rRNA genes and 84 protein-coding genes. We analysed the sequence diversity of Dalberigia chloroplast genomes coupled with previous reports. The results showed 12 noncoding regions (rps16-accD, trnR-UCU-trnG-UCC, ndhE-ndhG, trnG-UCC-psbZ, rps8-rpl14, trnP-UGG-psaJ, ndhH-rps15, trnQ-UUG-rps16, trnS-GCU-psbI, rps12-clpP, psbA-trnK-UUU, trnK-UUU-intron), and four coding regions (rps16, ycf1, rps15 and ndhF) showed many nucleotide variations that could be used as potential molecular markers. Based on a site-specific model, we analysed the selective pressure of chloroplast genes in Dalbergia species. Twenty-two genes with positively selected sites were detected, involving the photosynthetic system (ndhC, adhD, ndhF, petB, psaA, psaB, psbB, psbC, psbK and rbcL), self-replication category of genes (rpoA, rpoC2, rps3, rps12 and rps18) and others (accD, ccsA, cemA, clpP, matK, ycf1 and ycf2). Additionally, we identified potential RNA editing sites that were relatively conserved in the genus Dalbergia. Furthermore, the comparative analysis of cp genomes of Dalbergieae species indicated that the boundary of IRs/SSC was highly variable, which resulted in the size variation of cp genomes. Finally, phylogenetic analysis showed an inferred phylogenetic tree of Papilionoideae species with high bootstrap support and suggested that Amorpheae was the sister of the clade Dalbergieae. Moreover, three genera of the Pterocarpus clade showed a nested evolutionary relationship. These complete cp genomes provided valuable information for understanding the genetic variation and phylogenetic relationship of Dalbergia species with their relatives.
Community Acquired Pneumonia in Bangladesh: Sensitivity Pattern, Clinical Courses and Outcome of a Cross Sectional Population
Authors: Kausar Mohammad Abu , Paul Sujat , Nasir Morshed , Rahman Mohammed Habibur , Hoque S. M. Kumrul , Nazir Nayana
Published: July 2022

Background: Pneumonia acquired outside the hospital by an immune-competent individual is defined as community acquired pneumonia (CAP). It is to be distinguished, on the basis of a wider spectrum of pathogens, from nosocomial pneumonia from pneumonia in an immune-compromised host. Community-acquired pneumonia is associated with a significant mortality and morbidity. Etiology of CAP varies geographically and the understanding of local epidemiology plays an important role in decision making for empirical treatment before test results are available. Primary decisions about empirical antimicrobial treatment required knowledge of predominant microbial patterns and their sensitivities.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify the bacterial etiology of CAP, their sensitivity towards empirical therapy and to observe the clinical course as well as short term outcome in hospitalized adult patients.

Methodology: It was one year-long observational prospective study on 87 patients diagnosed with CAP admitted in Chattogram Medical College Hospital, second largest tertiary care hospital during August 2018 to July 2019. Sputum for Gram and Z-N staining, culture and sensitivity, blood for culture, sensitivity and PCR for Streptococcus pneumonia, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Legionella pneumophila and Chlamydophila pneumonia were done. Patients were followed up for in-hospital outcome and 30-day mortality.

Results: The mean age was 49.59 years and male - female ratio was 1.56: 1. Fever, chest pain and cough were the most common clinical findings. Klebsiella pneumoniae was identified (39.1%) in the majority of the patients, followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (10.3%), Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli (5.7%). Staphylococcus aureus was positive in blood culture of one patient. Four samples were positive in PCR and identified Streptococcus pneumoniae. The sensitivity to meropenem, levofloxacin and amikacin was highest. The mean duration of hospital stay was 6.34 ± 2.37 days along with in-hospital mortality and 30-day mortality was 6.9% and 16.1% respectively.

Conclusion: The bacteriologic profile of community acquired pneumonia revealed Gram-negative bacteria as pre-dominant organism by conventional sputum and blood culture. But need for further serologic tests for atypical and viral pathogens and development of institutional antibiogram to facilitate the choice for empirical therapy is required.
Screening Root Traits of Rice Landraces Seedlings (Oryza sativa L.) Under Induced Drought Stress using Hydroponic System
Authors: Priya S. Jeeva , Vincent S. , Joel A. John , Sritharan N.
Published: July 2022

Drought is one of the most abiotic stress factor that limit the rice production worldwide. Drought stress induces the osmotic stress to plants. This study was conducted under hydroponics system with the three rice landraces 337 – IC116006, 101 – IC464685 and 224 – IC463809 along with drought tolerant check variety Anna (R) 4 under drought stress during seedling stage. The treatments were applied at 20 days old seedlings by imposing stress with PEG 6000 (-7 bar) along with control. The root traits viz., root length, root fresh weight, root dry weight, root volume, root tissue density and lateral root numbers were measured ten days after stress. In this study, the landrace 337 – IC116006 was observed as a tolerant, 101- IC464685 was observed as a moderately tolerant whereas landrace 224- IC463809 was observed as a susceptible. The root traits are the indicators which could contribute for the vigour and growth of the rice landraces at their later stage. The positive adaptive drought tolerance of rice landraces during seedling stage can be utilized as a trait in the breeding programs development for the drought tolerant cultivar.
Anti-Ulcer and Blood-Boosting Effect of Diet Supplemented with Daedalea quercina from Ogbomoso, Oyo State, South West of Nigeria on Indomethacin Induced Gastric Ulcer In Rats
Authors: Omeonu Francis Chukwumma , Jonathan Segun Gbolagade , Salami Adeola Temitope , Azuh Victor Okechukwu , Ado Benjamin Vandelun
Published: July 2022

Gastric Ulcer is a common ailment in Nigeria, with synthetic drug treatment becoming less effective, hence, herbal remedies are being sought. Daedalea quercina (Dq) has been shown to have significant therapeutic potential, but little is known about its anti-ulcer and blood-enhancing qualities, which is why this study was conducted.

Fifty male wistar rats (100-110g; n=5) were divided into two sets of five groups respectively for days 7 and 14 treatments. Blood samples were collected on days 7 and 14 for full blood count. Gastric ulceration was induced in the rats using indomethacin (40 mg/kg p.o) after 24 hours fast on days 8 and 15. Animals were euthanised 4 hours after ulceration, stomachs were excised and analysed for malondialdehyde, sulfhydryl, nitrite, mucin and H+K+-ATPase activity, using standard procedures while tissues from the stomach were harvested and processed for routine histology. Data were expressed as Mean ±SEM, analysed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and p≤ 0.05 was significant.

Haematological indicators were not significantly affected with the treatment. Significant differences were observed with nitric oxide, mucin, sulfhydryl, and hydrogen-peroxide and H+/K+-ATPase.

Daedalea quercina treatment groups demonstrated anti-ulcer and blood-boosting activities through the synergistic activities of increased nitrite and antioxidant pathways.
Machine Capability Enhancement to Address Lacking Epoxy Coverage during Die Attach Process of QFN Packages
Authors: Dinglasan Jerome J.
Published: July 2022

Epoxy coverage on die attach process is one of the important characteristics of a QFN semiconductor product. Epoxy condition on a die contributes to the product performance physically and electrically. Complete epoxy coverage satisfies the manufacturing requirement and resulting to customer’s confidence. As the products becomes complex and innovative, certain difficulties are met on the production line. Incomplete epoxy coverage caused by epoxy hardening cannot be prevented as minor machine aid and other unscheduled machine idle time are present. This manuscript will discuss and focus on how to address the said phenomenon by automation principle and augmented process with the idea of industry 4.0.
In-vitro Activity of Medicinal Plant Crude Extract and In-vivo Toxicity Testing of Dichloromethane Root Extract of Citrus limon in laboratory Rabbits
Authors: Guya S. O. , Njagi Eliud N. M. , Guantai A. N. , Langat-Thoruwa Caroline C. , Murilla Grace , Kurgat Richard , Okoth Sylvance , Chemuliti Judith , Muleke C. I.
Published: July 2022

Aims: To identify viable phytomedicines traditionally employed for the treatment of malaria in Kenya that could be developed into antimalarial agents.

Study Design: Quantitative analysis of antiplasmodial activities and brine shrimp bioassays were carried out using standard procedures. The experiment was set in duplicate for each concentration of the drug and average IC50 determined.

Place and Duration of Study: Seven indigenous plants: Achyranthes aspera, Heinsiacrinita, Bridelia cathartica, Citrus limon, Microglossapyrifolia, Vernoniaglabra and Carissa edulis obtained from Kilifi and Homa-Bay counties in Kenya were evaluated for their anti-Plasmodium falciparum potential. Collection of samples and analysis took about three months from April 2018.

Methodology: Both Chemical and aqueous crude extraction methods were carried out to identify the most active extracts against P. Falciparum and then isolate pure active phytochemicals. Pure compounds were subjected to Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Infra-Red (IR) and Mass Spectroscopy (MS) analyses for structure elucidation.

Results: Four extracts (hexane, dichloromethane (DCM),methanoland water) of seven different species of plants were analyzed for their anti-plasmodial activities.W2 and D6 strains of Falciparum were tested. However, the three most active extracts were from Citrus lemon roots (DCM) with IC50 value of 7.017 µg/mL, C. edulis root (aqueous) with IC50 value of 8.054 µg/Ml and B. Cathertical eaves (methanol) with IC50 value of 15.647 µg/Ml. However, three pure compounds were obtained; suberosin IC5026.7 (Strain W2), 53.1 (Strain D6) and xanthyletin IC501580 (Strain W2) from C. limon (DCM) and spinasterol IC50 43.2 (Strain W2) from M. pyrifolia (hexane).

Conclusion: The three different species of plants with most active compounds have demonstrated their potentiality in treatment for falciparum malaria. Structures of the isolated three compounds can be modelled to synthesis of anti- plasmodial drugs as they are active in vitro.
The Link between Business Strategy, Competitive Advantage and Firm Value Msme's Constructions and Real Estate during COVID-19 Pandemic in Indonesia
Authors: Farida Ida
Published: July 2022

Construction and real estate SMEs are the contributors to economic development in Indonesia. This means the company must set its business strategy, so that its business continues to grow in the future, even though the company is a small and medium business. This study was conducted to know the relationship between business strategy and competitive advantage on firm value in construction and real estate MSMEs in Indonesia during the COVID-19 pandemic. The sample selection technique uses simple random sampling, which is a sampling technique from the population that is carried out randomly without seeing and paying attention to the similarities or strata that exist in the population. The analytical method in this study uses the Partial Least Square (PLS) method through a variance-based structural equation model (SEM) statistical test tool. The test results of this study found that business strategy and competitive advantage had a positive and significant impact on the firm value of SMEs construction and real estate services in Indonesia. The ability of the control variable to influence the relationship between the independent and dependent variables is also proven to be strong to contribute statistically. This finding can be used as knowledge of strategic management and management accounting in the future, especially about company value in MSMEs in construction and real estate services in Indonesia.
Professional Profile: Facilitating Research Education to Research-Naïve, Healthcare Professionals
Authors:   Grand Canyon University, Miranda Sophia
Published: July 2022

Having available research education for novice researchers and other healthcare professionals not currently in the field, allows them to gain knowledge of federal regulations and guidelines associated with conducting human subject research in a healthcare setting. Research education also provides optimal procedures to conduct a successful research study. Therefore, the purpose of facilitating the Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC) 101 training to research-naïve healthcare professionals is to further their exposure to the field and expand their knowledge on the foundation of research, theories, design, and methodologies that are used to conduct clinical and social behavioral research. Additionally, there is an end-of-training exam that allows the learner to demonstrate their knowledge on what they learned during the training, to ensure that each learner retains the knowledge given. As a result, the primary outcome to this activity is the knowledge gained by the learner.
Cautions When Using Race and Ethnicity in Administrative Claims Data Sets
Authors: Nead Kevin T. , Hinkston Candice L. , Wehner Mackenzie R.
Published: July 2022

This Viewpoint discusses how ongoing evaluation of existing race and ethnicity data collection standards in administrative claims data sets will improve the quality of data available, though it will also require resources.
Indentation Pop‐in Behavior of CoCrFeNiAlx High‐Entropy Alloy
Authors: Meng Lu , Xiao Gesheng , Cui Weiling , Shu Xuefeng
Published: July 2022

Indentation pop‐in behavior of CoCrFeNiAl0.1, CoCrFeNiAl0.3, and CoCrFeNiAl0.6 high‐entropy alloys (HEAs) at different loading rates is investigated using instrumental nanoindentation. Experimental results show that the increase in either loading rate or the aluminum atomic content (Alx) of the alloy all have a reducing effect on the pop‐in behavior on the load–displacement curve. Meanwhile, both conditions exert a lagging effect on the triggered depth of the first pop‐in event and significantly affect the bursting width. The first pop‐in event is characterized using the previous phenomenological model and the effects of loading rate and Alx are quantitatively analyzed through combining the elastic deformation energy prior to the first pop‐in and the energy dissipation during the indentation process. In addition, the activation volumes for pop‐in event are evaluated to be about 4–13 Ω much higher than that in pure metal, revealing the multiatom‐coordinated migration process in HEAs.
A Review on Graphene‐Based Electromagnetic Functional Materials: Electromagnetic Wave Shielding and Absorption
Authors: Xia Yuxing , Gao Weiwei , Gao Chao
Published: July 2022

Electromagnetic (EM) functional materials play an increasingly important role in solving EM wave pollution in both modern military and civil fields. Graphene‐based materials are the most promising candidates in the applications of EM wave shielding and absorption owing to their remarkable structures and enhanced EM properties. Designing graphene‐based materials with elaborately controlled microstructures and optimized EM properties can effectively improve EM energy attenuation and conversion. Herein, the study begins with the EM attenuation mechanism, and multiscale design strategies of graphene‐based EM functional materials are outlined, including molecular‐scale, micro/nanoscale structure, macroscale structure, and integration of multiscale assembly design strategies. Applications in the EM wave shielding and absorption fields are reviewed, focusing on the latest advances in graphene‐based assemblies such as films, fabrics, and composites. Finally, the current challenges and future directions in this fast‐growing field are predicted.
Tuning the Magnetization of Manganese (II) Carbonate by Intracrystalline Amino Acids
Authors: Lang Arad , Polishchuk Iryna , Confalonieri Giorgia , Dejoie Catherine , Maniv Ariel , Potashnikov Daniel , Caspi El'ad N. , Pokroy Boaz
Published: July 2022

Incorporation of organic molecules into the lattice of inorganic crystalline hosts is a common phenomenon in biomineralization and is shown to alter various properties of the crystalline host. Taking this phenomenon as a source of inspiration, it is shown herein that incorporation of specific single amino acids into the lattice of manganese (II) carbonate strongly alters its inherent magnetic properties. At room temperature, the magnetic susceptibility of the amino‐acid‐incorporating paramagnetic MnCO3 decreases, following a simple rule of mixtures. When cooled below the Néel temperature, however, the opposite trend is observed, namely an increase in magnetic susceptibility measured in a high magnetic field. Such an increase, accompanied by a drastic change in the Néel phase transformation temperature, results from a decrease in MnCO3 orbital overlapping and the weakening of superexchange interactions. It may be that this is the first time that the magnetic properties of a host crystal are tuned via the incorporation of amino acids.
Engineering Grain Boundaries in Two‐Dimensional Electronic Materials
Authors: Yang Seong‐Jun , Choi Min‐Yeong , Kim Cheol‐Joo
Published: July 2022

Engineering the boundary structures in 2D materials provides an unprecedented opportunity to program the physical properties of the materials with extensive tunability and realize innovative devices with advanced functionalities. However, structural engineering technology is still in its infancy, and creating artificial boundary structures with high reproducibility remains difficult. In this review, various emergent properties of 2D materials with different grain boundaries, and the current techniques to control the structures, are introduced. The remaining challenges for scalable and reproducible structure control and the outlook on the future directions of the related techniques are also discussed.
Biomedical Photoacoustic Imaging for Molecular Detection and Disease Diagnosis: “Always‐On” and “Turn‐On” Probes
Authors: Zeng Yun , Dou Taotao , Ma Lei , Ma Jingwen
Published: July 2022

Photoacoustic (PA) imaging is a nonionizing, noninvasive imaging technique that combines optical and ultrasonic imaging modalities to provide images with excellent contrast, spatial resolution, and penetration depth. Exogenous PA contrast agents are created to increase the sensitivity and specificity of PA imaging and to offer diagnostic information for illnesses. The existing PA contrast agents are categorized into two groups in this review: “always‐on” and “turn‐on,” based on their ability to be triggered by target molecules. The present state of these probes, their merits and limitations, and their future development, is explored.
Structures of the Most Twisted Thioamide and Selenoamide: Effect of Higher Chalcogens of Twisted Amides on N−C(X) Resonance
Authors: Zhao Qun , Li Guangchen , Nareddy Pradeep , Jordan Frank , Lalancette Roger , Szostak Roman , Szostak Michal
Published: July 2022

Amide bond replacement with planar isosteric chalcogen analogues has an important implication for the properties of the N−C(X) linkage in structural chemistry, biochemistry and organic synthesis. Herein, we report the first higher chalcogen derivatives of non‐planar twisted amides. The synthesis of twisted thioamide in a versatile system has been accomplished by direct thionation without cleavage of the σ N−C bond. The synthesis of twisted selenoamide has been accomplished by selenation with Woollins’ reagent. The structures of higher chalcogen analogues of non‐planar amides were unambiguously confirmed by X‐ray crystallography. Reactivity studies were conducted to determine the effect of isologous N−C(O) to N−C(X) replacement on the properties of the amide linkage. Computational studies were employed to evaluate structural and energetic parameters of amide bond alteration in higher chalcogen amides. The study provides the first experimental evidence on the effect of chalcogen isologues on the structural and electronic properties of the non‐planar amide N−C(X) linkage.
Flexible, short‐duration outreach sessions in the human anatomy laboratory provide authentic, humanistic experiences
Authors: Ruth Aidan A. , Nesbitt Allison , Johnson Laura E.
Published: July 2022

Anatomy laboratories can provide rich opportunities for outreach to K‐12 and college students interested in pursuing careers in health, medicine, or science. At the University of Missouri, the Department of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences has designed flexible, one‐hour interactive sessions that typically cover basic anatomical concepts using whole‐body donors. In order to evaluate whether short‐duration programs were impactful in increasing enthusiasm for anatomy and the health professions sciences, we used mixed methods to study participant experience covering three topics: (1) enthusiasm for anatomy, (2) interest in pursuing a career in healthcare professions, and (3) perception of the importance of whole‐body donation. The same questions were asked pre‐ and post‐session, and the post‐session survey had additional questions related to student satisfaction. Quantitative analyses showed an increased interest in anatomy and appreciation for whole‐body donation following the session. Students also perceived that they had a better understanding of the body and what it would be like to attend a health professions school. Thematic analysis revealed an appreciation for contextualizing the size, position, and hands‐on feel of anatomical structures, and emphasized that students felt that they understood the body better after having seen a donor's anatomy. This work shows that short‐duration, flexible outreach sessions involving whole‐body donors can provide students with a rare opportunity to confirm their contextual understanding of anatomy, and provide students with an authentic, and humanistic experience.
Free‐Standing Pearl‐Chains‐like MoO2 Hierarchical Nanowires with Enhanced Pseudocapacitive Energy Storage
Authors: Shi Changwei , Feng Shihao , Li Xinyuan , Zhang Jianyong , Mai Liqiang
Published: July 2022

Nanostructure construction is an efficient strategy to achieve high pseudocapacitive behavior with excellent charge storing ability and good cyclability. In this work, we constructed a novel pearl‐chains‐like MoO2 nanowires (MoO2 PNWs) on nickel foam via a facile solvothermal method. The formation mechanism can be inferred from the oriented growth and self‐assembly process under the contribution of benzyl alcohol and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). The MoO2 PNWs deliver a high specific capacitance of 1254 F g−1 at 1 A g−1, outstanding rate performance with 73 % retention from 1 to 20 A g−1, and 91.5 % retention of capacitance after 2000 cycles at 10 A g−1. The outstanding performance is attributed to the continuous electron conductive path, short ion diffusion length and enlarged electrode‐electrolyte interface provided by the pearl chains like hierarchical nanowire, and good electrical conductivity owing to the free‐standing structures.
Recent trends in extraction, purification, and antioxidant activity evaluation of plant leaf‐extract polysaccharides
Authors: Ahmad Muhammad Muneeb , Chatha Shahzad Ali Shahid , Iqbal Yasir , Hussain Abdullah Ijaz , Khan Ikramullah , Xie Fengwei
Published: July 2022

This review elaborates on current advances in the extraction, purification, and antioxidant activity of plant leaf‐extract polysaccharides. Polysaccharides are widely used as important ingredients in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. Researchers have been investigating useful sources of natural polysaccharides and developing green and feasible extraction procedures for polysaccharides. This review examines different methods for extracting polysaccharides from leaves, and discusses their advantages and limitations. Purification techniques for plant leaf‐based polysaccharides were also highlighted, together with their antioxidant effects. Among different extraction methods, pressurized‐liquid extraction and enzyme‐assisted extraction are considered to be better for large‐scale extraction of polysaccharides from plant leaves. This review could contribute to the design of leaf waste processes at a commercial level for the sustainable recovery of polysaccharides. © 2022 The Authors. Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining published by Society of Industrial Chemistry and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Abnormal growth and morphogenesis of placenta at term is linked to adverse fetal development after perigestational alcohol consumption up to early gestation in mouse
Authors: Gualdoni Gisela Soledad , Pérez‐Tito Leticia , Barril Camila , Sobarzo Cristian , Cebral Elisa
Published: July 2022

Background

Gestation alcohol consumption produces fetal growth restriction and malformations by affecting the embryo–fetal development. Recently a relationship between abnormal placentation and fetal malformation and intrauterine growth retardation has been suggested. However, the effects of perigestational alcohol ingestion up to early pregnancy on the placenta at term and its association with fetal abnormalities are little known.

Methods

In female mice, ethanol 10% in water was administered for 15 days previous and up to days 4 (D4), 8 (D8), or 10 (D10) of gestation (TF), and gestation continues without ethanol exposure. Control females (CF) received ethanol‐free water. At day 18, feto‐placental units and implantation sites were studied.

Results

TF had increased resorptions and only fetuses from D8‐TF and D10‐TF had significantly increased weights versus CF. D4 and D10‐TF‐placentas had significantly reduced weights. All TF had increased junctional zone (JZ) and reduced labyrinth (Lab) areas (PAS‐histology and morphometry) compared with CF. Fetuses with mainly with craniofacial abnormalities and skeletal defects (Alizarin red staining), significantly increase; while the fetal bone density (alizarin color intensity, ImageJ) was reduced in D4, D8 and D10‐TF versus CF. Although all TF‐placentas were histo‐structural affected, TF‐abnormal fetuses had the most severe placental anomalies, with junctional abundant glycogenic cells into the labyrinth, disorganized labyrinthine vascularization with signs of leukocyte infiltrates and feto‐maternal blood mix.

Conclusions

Perigestational alcohol consumption up to early gestation induces at term fetal growth alterations, dysmorphology and defective skeleton, linked to deficient growth and abnormal morphogenesis of placenta, highlighting insight into the prenatal etiology of FASD.
Hypothesis: By‐products of vascular disruption carried in the CSF affect prenatal brain development
Authors: Lubinsky Mark
Published: July 2022

Prenatal CNS disruptions can be associated with physically separate findings. Examples include cognitive issues in septo‐optic dysplasia and sporadic and WNT1‐related unilateral cerebellar hypoplasia, and physical findings such as thinning of the corpus callosum, ventriculomegaly, hippocampal abnormalities, olfactory tract and bulb hypoplasia, and distant cortical dysplasias with schizencephaly. Similar effects to toxicities with intraventricular hemorrhage in prematurity could occur earlier in development. CSF transportation of disruption by‐products would provide access to vulnerable areas through inflammatory effects on blood–brain barrier permeability. Outcomes are influenced by location and volume of byproducts in the CSF, timing, transport, and inflammatory responses. A particular association of vermis disruption with cognitive issues may be related to CSF flow distortions that avoid toxin dilutions in the third ventricle. Symmetrical contralateral cortical dysplasia with schizencephaly may reflect immunovascular field‐related vulnerabilities seen in situations such as vitiligo.
Pin1/YAP pathway mediates matrix stiffness‐induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition driving cervical cancer metastasis via a non‐Hippo mechanism
Authors: Yang Long , Li Jingwen , Zang Guangchao , Song Sijie , Sun Zhengwen , Li Xinyue , Li Yuanzhu , Xie Zhenhong , Zhang Guangyuan , Gui Ni , Zhu Shu , Chen Tingting , Cai Yikui , Zhao Yinping
Published: July 2022

Cervical cancer metastasis is an important cause of death in cervical cancer. Previous studies have shown that epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) of tumors promotes its invasive and metastatic capacity. Alterations in the extracellular matrix (ECM) and mechanical signaling are closely associated with cancer cell metastasis. However, it is unclear how matrix stiffness as an independent cue triggers EMT and promotes cervical cancer metastasis. Using collagen‐coated polyacrylamide hydrogel models and animal models, we investigated the effect of matrix stiffness on EMT and metastasis in cervical cancer. Our data showed that high matrix stiffness promotes EMT and migration of cervical cancer hela cell lines in vitro and in vivo. Notably, we found that matrix stiffness regulates yes‐associated protein (YAP) activity via PPIase non‐mitotic a‐interaction 1 (Pin1) with a non‐Hippo mechanism. These data indicate that matrix stiffness of the tumor microenvironment positively regulates EMT in cervical cancer through the Pin1/YAP pathway, and this study deepens our understanding of cervical cancer biomechanics and may provide new ideas for the treatment of cervical cancer.
Clinical features of acquired erythrocytosis: Low levels of serum erythropoietin in a subset of non‐neoplastic erythrocytosis patients
Authors: Mori Yosuke , Araki Marito , Morishita Soji , Imai Misa , Edahiro Yoko , Ito Masafumi , Ochiai Tomonori , Shirane Shuichi , Hashimoto Yoshinori , Yasuda Hajime , Ando Jun , Ando Miki , Komatsu Norio
Published: July 2022

Background

Acquired erythrocytosis can be classified into polycythemia vera (PV) and non‐neoplastic erythrocytosis (NNE). The vast majority of PV patients harbor JAK2 mutations, but differentiating JAK2 mutation‐negative PV from NNE is challenging due to a lack of definitive molecular markers.

Methods

We studied the clinical features of 121 patients with erythrocytosis of which 47 (38.8%) were JAK2 mutation‐positive and also fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for PV, and 67 (55.4%) JAK2 mutation‐negative erythrocytosis patients who were diagnosed as NNE. Diagnosis was strictly based on driver mutation analysis and central pathology review.

Results

No JAK2 mutation‐negative PV patients were found in our cohort. The NNE group showed significantly younger (p < 0.01) age with higher frequency of smoking (p < 0.001), alcohol consumption (p < 0.001), and diabetes mellitus (p < 0.05), whereas the PV group (n = 47) showed significantly higher white blood cell count, platelet count, and lactate dehydrogenase (p < 0.001). Although serum erythropoietin (EPO) levels were significantly higher in NNE compared to PV (p < 0.001), approximately 40% of the NNE patients had EPO levels below the lower range of normal, fulfilling a minor diagnostic criterion of PV and raising the possibility of PV misdiagnosis.

Conclusion

Low EPO levels in JAK2 mutation‐negative erythrocytosis may not be a reliable diagnostic criterion for distinguishing PV from NNE.