bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on the preparation and performance of anti-dust self-cleaning film on Mars dusty environment
Authors: Yang Minglei , He Guangyu , Chen Jiao , Zhang Zhaolu , Yang Guanjun , Sun Zezhou
Published: December 2021

Equipment such as the Mars rover whose energy absorption conversion function of the power supply system can reduce or even get completely lost in a dusty environment is always affected by the adhesion of dust particles. The antidust self-cleaning film is an effective method to reduce the deposition of dust and ensure the operational performance of the equipment. In this study, perfluorocarbon (PFC) film can be used as a potential self-cleaning film because of its excellent properties such as stability and low surface energy and was prepared using plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition. The dust removal efficiency of the PFC film-coated sample and the bare glass substrate sample was measured and calculated by three different masses of the dust vertical free-fall approach. The results demonstrated that, by comparison, the self-cleaning film exhibited excellent dust removal performance. Specifically, for the PFC film, the dust removal efficiency was 88.86%, 92.80%, and 98.11%, and optical transmittance was about 92%; these values are better than that of the glass substrate. Moreover, the dust adhesion and resistance mechanism was explored and analyzed, which indicated that decreasing the surface roughness and surface energy can effectively reduce the adhesion of the dust on the sample surface. The results will be of major theoretical significance and practical engineering value for long-term service in power systems that are placed in a dusty environment.
Effect of capping layers on the near-surface region of SrVO3 films
Authors: Caspi Shaked , Shoham Lishai , Baskin Maria , Weinfeld Kamira , Piamonteze Cinthia , Stoerzinger Kelsey A. , Kornblum Lior
Published: December 2021

Surfaces of correlated electron oxides are of significant interest from both fundamental and applied perspectives. Many such oxides feature a near-surface region (NSR) that differs from the bulk’s properties. The NSR can significantly affect the interpretation of the material’s electronic structure, especially for those in thin film form, and have detrimental effects for applications such as field effect devices and catalysts. In this work, we study the changes in the composition and the electronic structure of the NSR of SrVO3 (SVO) thin films. We employ x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and compare TiOx-capped SVO films to identical uncapped films that were exposed to ambient conditions. The significant overoxidation of the SVO surface in the bare film, illustrated by a primary V5+ component, is prevented by the TiOx layer in the capped film. The capped film further exhibits a decrease in Sr surface phases. These results demonstrate the importance and potential of such capping layers in preserving the bulk properties of correlated oxides in their NSR, enabling more accurate probes for their underlying physics and offering a route for their integration into devices.
Daytime eating prevents internal circadian misalignment and glucose intolerance in night work
Authors: Chellappa Sarah L. , Qian Jingyi , Vujovic Nina , Morris Christopher J. , Nedeltcheva Arlet , Nguyen Hoa , Rahman Nishath , Heng Su Wei , Kelly Lauren , Kerlin-Monteiro Kayla , Srivastav Suhina , Wang Wei , Aeschbach Daniel , Czeisler Charles A. , Shea Steven A. , Adler Gail K. , Garaulet Marta , Scheer Frank A. J. L.
Published: December 2021

Appropriate meal timing, despite mistimed sleep, maintains internal circadian alignment and prevents glucose intolerance.
PLK1 regulates the PrimPol damage tolerance pathway during the cell cycle
Authors: Bailey Laura J. , Teague Rebecca , Kolesar Peter , Bainbridge Lewis J. , Lindsay Howard D. , Doherty Aidan J.
Published: December 2021

PrimPol is regulated by PLK1 phosphorylation to restrict repriming and prevent genomic instability.
FOXN1 forms higher-order nuclear condensates displaced by mutations causing immunodeficiency
Authors: Rota Ioanna A. , Handel Adam E. , Maio Stefano , Klein Fabian , Dhalla Fatima , Deadman Mary E. , Cheuk Stanley , Newman Joseph A. , Michaels Yale S. , Zuklys Saulius , Prevot Nicolas , Hublitz Philip , Charles Philip D. , Gkazi Athina Soragia , Adamopoulou Eleni , Qasim Waseem , Davies Edward Graham , Hanson Imelda , Pagnamenta Alistair T. , Camps Carme , Dreau Helene M. , White Andrea , James Kieran , Fischer Roman , Gileadi Opher , Taylor Jenny C. , Fulga Tudor , Lagerholm B. Christoffer , Anderson Graham , Sezgin Erdinc , Holländer Georg A.
Published: December 2021

A dominant transcription factor mutation disrupting nuclear liquid phase separation causes human immunodeficiency.
Revolutionizing car body manufacturing using a unified steel metallurgy concept
Authors: Lu Qi , Lai Qingquan , Chai Zhisong , Wei Xiaolu , Xiong Xiaochuan , Yi Hongliang , Huang Mingxin , Xu Wei , Wang Jianfeng
Published: December 2021

Multiple steel grades used in a car body were unified in chemistry to revolutionize automotive manufacturing and recycling.
Mitochondrial C1qbp promotes differentiation of effector CD8
+
T cells via metabolic-epigenetic reprogramming
Authors: Zhai Xingyuan , Liu Kai , Fang Hongkun , Zhang Quan , Gao Xianjun , Liu Fang , Zhou Shangshang , Wang Xinming , Niu Yujia , Hong Yazhen , Lin Shu-Hai , Liu Wen-Hsien , Xiao Changchun , Li Qiyuan , Xiao Nengming
Published: December 2021

C1qbp promotes epigenetic and transcriptional regulation of effector CD8
+
T cell differentiation through up-regulation of OXPHOS.
Bursty gene expression and mRNA decay pathways orchestrate B cell activation
Authors: Zhou Yi , Murre Cornelis
Published: December 2021

This article reveals that “bursty” HLH gene expression and HLH mRNA decay pathways instruct clonal B cell activation.
In vivo genome-wide CRISPR screens identify SOCS1 as intrinsic checkpoint of CD4
+
T
H
1 cell response
Authors: Sutra Del Galy Aurélien , Menegatti Silvia , Fuentealba Jaime , Lucibello Francesca , Perrin Laetitia , Helft Julie , Darbois Aurélie , Saitakis Michael , Tosello Jimena , Rookhuizen Derek , Deloger Marc , Gestraud Pierre , Socié Gérard , Amigorena Sebastian , Lantz Olivier , Menger Laurie
Published: December 2021

Inactivation of SOCS1 optimizes adoptive T cell therapy including human CAR-T cell composition and efficacy.
DDX17 is an essential mediator of sterile NLRC4 inflammasome activation by retrotransposon RNAs
Authors: Wang Shao-bin , Narendran Siddharth , Hirahara Shuichiro , Varshney Akhil , Pereira Felipe , Apicella Ivana , Ambati Meenakshi , Ambati Vidya L. , Yerramothu Praveen , Ambati Kameshwari , Nagasaka Yosuke , Argyle Dionne , Huang Peirong , Baker Kirstie L. , Marion Kenneth M. , Gupta Kartik , Liu Bo , Hinton David R. , Canna Scott W. , Sallam Tamer , Sadda Srinivas R. , Kerur Nagaraj , Gelfand Bradley D. , Ambati Jayakrishna
Published: December 2021

DDX17 senses retrotransposon RNA and activates a noncanonical NLRC4 inflammasome.
Supplemental Material: Late Triassic successive amalgamation between the South China and North China blocks: Insights from structural analysis and magnetic fabrics study of the Bikou Terrane and its adjacent area, northwestern Yangtze block, central China
Authors: Xue Zhenhua , Lin Wei , al. et
Published: December 2021

Text: Basic principles of anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS); Figure S1: Photographs of supplementary shearing indicators of the structural kinematics; Figure S2: Complete magnetic hysteresis data set for specimen selected from 34 sites; Figure S3: Measurements of isothermal remanent magnetization of specimen selected from 34 representative sites of the Bikou Terrane; Figure S4: Thermo-magnetic experiments of specimen selected from 12 representative sites; Figure S5: Mrs/Ms versus Hcr/Hc diagram from the selected specimen of the representative sites to define the size of magnetite; Figure S6: Stereographic projection of the AMS directional fabrics and structural fabrics.
Association between meteorological factors and audiogram configurations in patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhang Jilei , Ji Shangwei , Ma Xin , Yu Lisheng , Jing Yuanyuan
Published: December 2021

Objective

We aimed to determine the association between meteorological factors and sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) audiogram configurations.

Design

Retrospective review of medical records from 1 October 2007 to 31 December 2018.

Setting

A tertiary hospital.

Participants

510 patients with SSNHL who had data on the exact date of SSNHL onset and underwent audiological evaluation within 14 days were included.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Daily values of meteorological factors, including maximum and minimum temperature, mean temperature and its day-to-day change, diurnal temperature range, atmospheric pressure, mean and maximum wind speed and relative humidity, and seasonal distributions.

Results

Among the 510 patients (259 women (50.8%); mean (SD) age, 46.4 (15.5) years), 108 (21.2%) displayed ascending patterns, 143 (28.0%) displayed descending patterns, 129 (25.3%) displayed flat patterns and 130 (25.5%) displayed profound patterns of audiograms. The diurnal temperature range on the day of SSNHL onset in patients with profound patterns was significantly higher than that in patient with ascending (mean difference (MD), 2.2°C; 95% CI, 0.7°C to 3.7°C; p=0.001) and descending (MD, 1.5°C; 95% CI, 0.1°C to 2.9°C; p=0.031) patterns. The relative humidity was the highest on the day of SSNHL onset in patients with ascending patterns and showed a significant difference compared with that in patients with profound patterns (MD, 8.0%; 95% CI, 0.7% to 15.3%; p=0.026). Seasonal distribution did not differ among patients with different audiogram configurations.

Conclusions

Profound audiogram patterns correlated with high diurnal temperature range, while ascending audiogram patterns correlated with high relative humidity in patients with SSNHL. No correlation was observed between seasons and audiogram configurations.
Depressive symptoms in adults in rural and urban regions of Canada: a cross-sectional analysis of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging
Authors: St John Philip D , Menec Verena , Tate Robert , Newall Nancy E , Cloutier Denise , O'Connell Megan
Published: December 2021

Objectives

Previous studies on depression in rural areas have yielded conflicting results. Features of rural areas may be conducive or detrimental to mental health. Our objective for this study was to determine if there are rural–urban disparities in depressive symptoms between those living in rural and urban areas of Canada.

Design

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of a prospective cohort study, which is as representative as possible of the Canadian population—the Tracking Cohort of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging. For this cohort, data were collected from 2010 to 2014. Data were analysed and results were obtained in 2020.

Participants

21 241 adults aged 45–85.

Measures

Rurality was grouped as urban (n=11 772); peri-urban (n=2637); mixed (n=2125; postal codes with both rural and urban areas); and rural (n=4707). Depressive symptoms were measured using the 10-item Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression. We considered age, sex, education, marital status and disease states as potential confounding factors.

Results

The adjusted beta coefficient was −0.24 (95% CI −0.42 to −0.07; p=0.01) for rural participants, −0.17 (95% CI −0.40 to 0.05; p=0.14) for peri-urban participants and −0.30 (95% CI −0.54 to −0.05; p=0.02) for participants in mixed regions, relative to urban regions. Risk factors associated with depressive symptoms were similar in rural and urban regions.

Conclusions

The small differences in depressive symptoms among those living in rural and urban regions are unlikely to be relevant at a clinical or population level. The findings do suggest some possible approaches to reducing depressive symptoms in both rural and urban populations. Future research is needed in other settings and on change in depressive symptoms over time.
Using qualitative research methods to understand how surgical procedures and devices are introduced into NHS hospitals: the Lotus study protocol
Authors: Elliott Daisy , Blencowe Natalie S , Cousins Sian , Zahra Jesmond , Skilton Anni , Mathews Johnny , Paramasivan Sangeetha , Hoffmann Christin , McNair Angus GK , Ochieng Cynthia , Richards Hollie , Hossaini Sina , Scroggie Darren L , Main Barry , Potter Shelley , Avery Kerry , Donovan Jenny , Blazeby Jane M
Published: December 2021

Introduction

The development of innovative invasive procedures and devices are essential to improving outcomes in healthcare. However, how these are introduced into practice has not been studied in detail. The Lotus study will follow a wide range of ‘case studies’ of new procedures and/or devices being introduced into NHS trusts to explore what information is communicated to patients, how procedures are modified over time and how outcomes are selected and reported.

Methods and analysis

This qualitative study will use ethnographic approaches to investigate how new invasive procedures and/or devices are introduced. Consultations in which the innovation is discussed will be audio-recorded to understand information provision practice. To understand if and how procedures evolve, they will be video recorded and non-participant observations will be conducted. Post-operative interviews will be conducted with the innovating team and patients who are eligible for the intervention. Audio-recordings will be audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically using constant comparison techniques. Video-recordings will be reviewed to deconstruct procedures into key components and document how the procedure evolves. Comparisons will be made between the different data sources.

Ethics and dissemination

The study protocol has Health Research Authority (HRA) and Health and Care Research Wales approval (Ref 18/SW/0277). Results will be disseminated at appropriate conferences and will be published in peer-reviewed journals. The findings of this study will provide a better understanding of how innovative invasive procedures and/or devices are introduced into practice.
Perceptions of the functioning and effectiveness of nursing regulators in Ghana and South Africa: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Christmals Christmal Dela , Aziato Lydia , Rispel Laetitia Charmaine
Published: December 2021

Objective

Nursing regulators are important governance structures for nurses who are critical to the achievement of universal health coverage (UHC). This study examined the perspectives of the heads of nursing education institutions (NEIs) in Ghana and South Africa on the functioning and effectiveness of the respective nursing regulators.

Design

This was a cross-sectional survey.

Setting

This study was conducted in Ghana and South Africa

Participants

Heads of accredited NEIs in Ghana (n=65) and in South Africa (n=39).

Results

In South Africa, the mean score for overall functioning of the South African Nursing Council (SANC) was 4.6 (SD 1.97), whereas the mean score for overall functioning of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Ghana (N&MC) was 7.1 (SD 1.7) (p<0.0001). Similarly, the mean score for effectiveness of the SANC by NEIs was 5.1, compared with the mean effectiveness score of 7.2 for the N&MC (p<0.001).

Compared to the SANC, the heads of NEIs scored the N&MC higher on each of the six functional areas of policy-making (Ghana=7.06; SA=4.56); accreditation (Ghana=7.40; SA=4.10) legal and disciplinary actions (Ghana=6.45; SA=5.52); examination (Ghana=7.84; SA=5.00); registration (Ghana=8.27; SA=5.96) and communication and transparency (Ghana=6.87; SA=6.05).

Conclusion

Both the N&MC and SANC are well-established regulators and are vital to ensure that the nursing workforce in each country is able to deliver quality healthcare, thereby contributing to UHC and population health improvements. However, the study findings suggest the need for concerted efforts to improve the functioning and effectiveness of the regulators, especially the SANC. The six functional areas could guide the necessary improvements in regulator functioning and effectiveness, in partnership with relevant stakeholders.
Higher exhaled nitric oxide at 6 weeks of age is associated with less bronchiolitis and wheeze in the first 12 months of age
Authors: Da Silva Sena Carla Rebeca , de Queiroz Andrade Ediane , de Gouveia Belinelo Patricia , Percival Elizabeth , Prangemeier Benjamin , O'Donoghue Christopher , Terry Sandrine , Burke Tanya , Gunning William , Murphy Vanessa E , Robinson Paul D , Sly Peter D , Gibson Peter G , Collison Adam M , Mattes Joerg
Published: December 2021

Background

Nitric oxide in exhaled air (eNO) is used as a marker of type 2 immune response-induced airway inflammation. We aimed to investigate the association between eNO and bronchiolitis incidence and respiratory symptoms in infancy, and its correlation with eosinophil protein X (EPX).

Methods

We followed up infants at 6 weeks of age born to mothers with asthma in pregnancy and measured eNO during natural sleep using a rapid response chemiluminescense analyser (CLD88; EcoMedics), collecting at least 100 breaths, interpolated for an expiratory flow of 50 mL/s. EPX normalised to creatinine was measured in urine samples (uEPX/c). A standardised questionnaire was used to measure symptoms in first year of life. Associations were investigated using multiple linear regression and robust Poisson regression models.

Results

eNO levels were obtained in 184 infants, of whom 125/184 (68%) had 12 months questionnaire data available and 51/184 (28%) had uEPX/c measured. Higher eNO was associated with less respiratory symptoms during the first 6 weeks of life (n=184, ß-coefficient: –0.49, 95% CI –0.95 to –0.04, p=0.035). eNO was negatively associated with uEPX/c (ß-coefficient: –0.004, 95% CI –0.008 to –0.001, p=0.021). Risk incidence of bronchiolitis, wheeze, cold or influenza illness and short-acting beta-agonist use significantly decreased by 18%–24% for every unit increase in eNO ppb.

Conclusion

Higher eNO levels at 6 weeks of age may be a surrogate for an altered immune response that is associated with less respiratory symptoms in the first year of life.
Inequity in smoking cessation clinical trials testing pharmacotherapies: exclusion of smokers with mental health disorders
Authors: Talukder Saki Rubaiya , Lappin Julia M , Boland Veronica , McRobbie Hayden , Courtney Ryan James
Published: December 2021

Objectives

People suffering from mental health disorder (MHDs) are often under-represented in clinical research though the reasons for their exclusion are rarely recorded. As they have higher rates of smoking and nicotine dependence, it is crucial that they are adequately represented in clinical trials of established pharmacotherapy interventions for smoking cessation. This review aims to examine the practice of excluding smokers with MHDs and reasons for such exclusion in clinical trials evaluating pharmacotherapy treatments for smoking cessation.

Data source

The Cochrane database of systematic reviews was searched until September 2020 for reviews on smoking cessation using pharmacotherapies.

Study selection

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) within the selected Cochrane reviews were included.

Data extraction

Conducted by one author and independently verified by three authors.

Data synthesis

We included 279 RCTs from 13 Cochrane reviews. Of all studies, 51 (18.3%) explicitly excluded participants with any MHDs, 152 (54.5%) conditionally excluded based on certain MHD criteria and 76 (27.2%) provided insufficient information to ascertain either inclusion or exclusion. Studies of antidepressant medications used for smoking cessation were found to be 3.33 times more likely (95% CI 1.38 to 8.01, p=0.007) to conditionally exclude smokers with MHDs than explicitly exclude compared with studies of nicotine replacement therapy.

Conclusion

Smokers with MHDs are not sufficiently represented in RCTs examining the safety and effectiveness of smoking cessation medications. Greater access to clinical trial participation needs to be facilitated for this group to better address access to appropriate pharmacotherapeutic interventions in this vulnerable population.
Predicting mortality and readmission based on chief complaint in emergency department patients: a cohort study
Authors: Sørensen Søren Flink , Ovesen Stig Holm , Lisby Marianne , Mandau Mia Hansen , Thomsen Ida Katrine , Kirkegaard Hans
Published: December 2021

Background

Emergency department (ED) patients present with complaints and not diagnoses. Characterization and risk stratification based onchief complaintcan therefore help clinicians improve ED workflow and clinical outcome. In this study we investigated the 30-day mortality and readmission among ED patients based on chief complaint.

Methods

In this cohort study we retrieved routinely collected data from electronic medical records and the Danish Civil Registration System of all ED contacts from July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017. All patients triaged with one chief complaint using the Danish Emergency Process Triage system were included. Patients with minor injuries were excluded. The chief complaint assigned by the triaging nurse was used as exposure, and 30-day mortality and 30-day readmission were the primary outcomes. Logistic regression was used to determine crude and adjusted ORs with reference to the remaining study population.

Results

A total of 41 470 patients were eligible. After exclusion of minor injuries and patients not triaged, 19 325 patients were included. The 30-day mortality and 30-day readmission differed significantly among the chief complaints. The highest 30-day mortality was observed among patients presenting with altered level of conscousness (ALOC) (8.4%, OR=2.0, 95% CI 1.3 to 3.1) and dyspnea (8.0%, OR=2.1, 95% CI 1.6 to 2.6). 30-day readmission was highest among patients presenting with fever/infection (11.7%, OR=1.9, 95% CI 1.4 to 2.4) and dyspnea (11.2%, OR=1.7, 95% CI 1.4 to 2.0).

Discussion

Chief complaint is associated with 30-day mortality and readmission in a mixed ED population. ALOC and dyspnea had the highest mortality; fever/infection and dyspnea had the highest readmission rate. This knowledge may assist in improving and optimizing symptom-based initial diagnostic workup and treatment, and ultimately improve workflow and clinical outcome.

Level of evidence

Level III.
Genes and proteins associated with ribeye area and meat tenderness in a commercial Nellore cattle population
Authors: Frezarim Gabriela B. , Fonseca Larissa F.S. , Salatta Bruna M. , Silva Danielly B.S. , Bresolin Tiago , Oliveira Seno Leonardo de , Barufatti Alexéia , Ferro Jesus Aparecido , Albuquerque Lucia Galvão
Published: December 2021

Despite several studies on genetic markers and differentially expressed genes related to ribeye area (REA) and tenderness traits in beef cattle, there is divergence in the results regarding the genes associated with these traits. Thirteen genes associated with or exhibiting biological functions that might influence such phenotypes were included in this study. A total of five genes for REA (IGF-1, IGF-2, MSTN, NEDD4, and UBE4A) and eight genes for meat tenderness (CAPN1, CAPN2, CAST, HSPB1, DNAJA1, FABP4, SCD, and PRKAG3) were selected from previous studies on beef cattle. Genes and their respective proteins expression were validated in a commercial population of Nellore cattle using quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) and advanced mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS) techniques, respectively. The MSTN gene was upregulated in animals with low REA. The CAPN1, CAPN2, CAST, HSPB1, and DNAJA1 genes were upregulated in animals with tough meat. The proteins translated by these genes were not differentially expressed. Our results confirm the potential of some of the studied genes as biomarkers for carcass and meat quality traits in Nellore cattle.
Rapid and tunable growth of a well-ordered hexagonal nanoporous anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) structure by two-step high-temperature anodization
Authors: Azher Kashif , Akhtar Maaz , Chang Shao-Fu , Chen Shih-Hsun
Published: December 2021

In this study, we have developed a swift and well-ordered growth of a nanoporous anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) structure using two-step high temperature anodization of the pure aluminum substrate. The pre-anodization surface treatment of the aluminum substrate assisted in the formation of well-organized nanoporous structures. The two-step anodization process was performed in 0.3 mol/L of oxalic acid at 20 °C with 40 and 45 V to obtain tunable pore diameters. The high temperature of the electrolyte solution facilitated the rapid growth of the nanoporous AAO structure. The top surface image of AAO shows a well-ordered nanoporous structure with an average pore diameter of 70 nm at 40 V and 100 nm at 45 V. The SEM cross-sectional view also illustrates the well-ordered nano-channel and the elemental mapping elaborates the presence of aluminum and oxygen. The thickness of the nanoporous AAO structure was determined using SEM for three anodization time spans (20, 24, and 28 h), in which an increasing trend was observed. The fabricated AAO has a higher thickness and a well-ordered nanoporous structure, which shows that it can be used as a template for fabricating nanostructured materials.
Solving the electron and muon $$g-2$$ anomalies in $$Z'$$ models
Authors: Bodas Arushi , Coy Rupert , King Simon J. D.
Published: December 2021

We consider simultaneous explanations of the electron and muon $$g-2$$

g
-
2

anomalies through a single $$Z'$$

Z
′

of a $$U(1)'$$

U

(
1
)

′

extension to the Standard Model (SM). We first perform a model-independent analysis of the viable flavour-dependent $$Z'$$

Z
′

couplings to leptons, which are subject to various strict experimental constraints. We show that only a narrow region of parameter space with an MeV-scale $$Z'$$

Z
′

can account for the two anomalies. Following the conclusions of this analysis, we then explore the ability of different classes of $$Z'$$

Z
′

models to realise these couplings, including the SM$$+U(1)'$$

+
U

(
1
)

′

, the N-Higgs Doublet Model$$+U(1)'$$

+
U

(
1
)

′

, and a Froggatt–Nielsen style scenario. In each case, the necessary combination of couplings cannot be obtained, owing to additional relations between the $$Z'$$

Z
′

couplings to charged leptons and neutrinos induced by the gauge structure, and to the stringency of neutrino scattering bounds. Hence, we conclude that no $$U(1)'$$

U

(
1
)

′

extension can resolve both anomalies unless other new fields are also introduced. While most of our study assumes the Caesium $$(g-2)_e$$

(
g
-
2
)

e

measurement, our findings in fact also hold in the case of the Rubidium measurement, despite the tension between the two.
Expectation values of minimum-length Ricci scalar
Authors: Pesci Alessandro
Published: December 2021

In this paper, we consider a specific model, implementing the existence of a fundamental limit distance [Formula: see text] between (space or time separated) points in spacetime, which in the recent past has exhibited the intriguing feature of having a minimum-length Ricci scalar [Formula: see text] that does not approach the ordinary Ricci scalar [Formula: see text] in the limit of vanishing [Formula: see text]. [Formula: see text] at a point has been found to depend on the direction along which the existence of minimum distance is implemented.

Here, we point out that the convergence [Formula: see text] in the [Formula: see text] limit is anyway recovered in a relaxed or generalized sense, which is when we average over directions, this suggesting we might be taking the expectation value of [Formula: see text] promoted to be a quantum variable.

It remains as intriguing as before the fact that we cannot identify (meaning this is much more than simply equating in the generalized sense above) [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] in the [Formula: see text] limit, namely, when we get ordinary spacetime. Thing is like if, even when [Formula: see text] (read here the Planck length) is far too small to have any direct detection of it feasible, the intrinsic quantum nature of spacetime might anyway be experimentally at reach, witnessed by the mentioned special feature of Ricci, not fading away with [Formula: see text] (i.e. persisting when taking the [Formula: see text] limit).
Intellectual Structure of Knowledge Management: A Bibliometric Analysis of the Journal of Information and Knowledge Management
Authors: Nasrallah Nohade , Atayah Osama F. , El Khoury Rim , Hamdan Allam , Obaid Shaher
Published: December 2021

The Journal of Information and Knowledge Management (JIKM) published its first issue in 2002 and celebrated its 19th birthday in 2020. This study aims to assess JIKM performance over its lifetime between 2002 and 2020 by extracting data from the Scopus database and using a combined approach of bibliometric and content analysis. More specifically, we evaluate JIKM’s productivity and stature, discuss its performance compared to other journals, and identify key contributing (authors, institutions, and countries), citation pattern, and conceptual structure. The results highlight JIKM’s growing presence, which is reflected in the dual rise of publication activity and accumulated citation. JIKM becomes one of the preeminent journals in the area of knowledge management, with a broad range of scientific actors’ contributions (authors, institutions and countries) from all over the world. Furthermore, using a bibliographic coupling, keywords’ analysis, and co-authorship analysis, we analyse JIKM’s content and identify the most frequent themes discussed. The analysis reveals that JIKM has expanded its scope from knowledge management to a new array of emerging technologies’ topics such as artificial intelligence and data mining. Graphical visualization of similarities (VOSviewer and Rstudio) shows that the major themes published are clustered into four groups, mainly (i) sustainable knowledge, (ii) emerging technologies, (iii) information management, and (iv) organization culture and knowledge sharing.
Effect of Business Intelligence on Competitive Advantage Case of Ankara IT Sector
Authors: Öztürk Sümeyye , Ünal Aslihan , Kılınç Izzet
Published: December 2021

The main purpose of this research is to examine the effect of business intelligence (BI) on competitive advantage in Ankara IT sector. For this purpose, we followed a qualitative research design phenomenology and conducted face-to-face semi-structured interviews with BI staff of 14 organizations defined according to criterion sampling method. We applied inductive qualitative content analysis to interview data. As a result, four main themes emerged: (1) BI adoption (2) competition, (3) organizations, and (4) recommendations. We found that BI has a positive effect on competitive advantage, but the nature of competition in sector is unfair and changeable according to the origin of the product. Leader foreign companies adopt differentiation strategy in gaining competitive advantage and there is a severe competition between the sector leaders. Companies that produce domestic BI solutions adopt low-cost strategy, but they are far away from the high-level competition among foreign companies. Government support and guidance are required for domestic BI solutions to be competitive.
Interview with Charlie Hargood
Authors: Atzenbeck Claus
Published: December 2021

Dr Charlie Hargood is a Principal Academic in Games Technology in the Department of Creative Technology at Bournemouth University, UK. He has long been a contributor to Hypertext research and the ACM Hypertext Conference where he has twice won ACM SIGWeb's Engelbart Award. He is also Information Director for the ACM SIGWeb executive committee, and organiser for the Narrative and Hypertext Workshop (NHT) - the longest running workshop series at ACM Hypertext. Charlie's particular research expertise is in narrative systems which he has long explored as Hypertextual models of story representation, and novel Hypertextual mediums such as locative narrative.
Upcoming SIGWEB supported conferences
Authors: Roßner Daniel
Published: December 2021

The Special Interest Group on Hypertext and the Web, SIGWEB was created in 1989 to support the community participating in the annual ACM Hypertext Conference. In its fourth decade, SIGWEB continues its efforts to support a wide range of communities and conferences. Recently, the Web Conference's legal and financial sponsorship was transferred to SIGWEB and thus joins the family of seven annual conferences in 2022. SIGWEB supports several specialized conferences, short courses, and workshops of different sizes, as well as the annual Hypertext Conference. SIGWEB sponsored conferences focus on timely topics in applied and computational hypertext and Web disciplines and provide a place for members and the entire applied Hypermedia and Web community to exchange ideas and to meet with and expand their network of colleagues. In this article, we provide a brief overview of SIGWEB sponsored conferences, in addition to events that are in cooperation with SIGWEB.

Due to the current Corona crisis, many event organizers opted for an online conference format or allow remote participation. These conferences are marked accordingly.
Numerical Analysis of the Seismic Response of Tunnel Composite Lining Structures across an Active Fault
Authors: Ding Zude , Liao Mingrong , Xiao Nanrun , Li Xiaoqin
Published: December 2021

The mechanical properties of high‐toughness engineering cementitious composites (ECC) were tested, and a damage constitutive model of the materials was constructed. A new aseismic composite structure was then built on the basis of this model by combining aseismic joints, damping layers, traditional reinforced concrete linings, and ECC linings. A series of 3D dynamic‐response numerical models considering the composite structure‐surrounding rock‐fault interaction were established to explore the seismic response characteristics and aseismic performance of the composite structures. The adaptability of the structures to the seismic intensity and direction was also discussed. Results showed that the ECC material displays excellent tensile and compressive toughness, with respective peak tensile and compressive strains of approximately 300‐ and 3‐fold greater than those of ordinary concrete at the same strength grade. The seismic response law of the new composite lining structure was similar to that of the conventional composite structure. The lining in the fault zone and adjacent area showed obvious acceleration amplification responses, and the stress and displacement responses were fairly large. The lining in the fault zone was the weak part of the composite structures. Compared with the conventional aseismic composite structure, the new composite lining structure effectively reduced the acceleration amplification and displacement responses in the fault area. The damage degree of the new composite structure was notably reduced and the damage area was smaller compared with those of the conventional composite structure; these findings demonstrate that the former shows better aseismic effects than the latter. The intensity and direction of seismic waves influenced the damage of the composite structures to some extent, and the applicability of the new composite structure to lateral seismic waves is significantly better than that to axial waves. More importantly, under the action of different seismic intensities and directions, the damage degree and distribution area of the new composite structure were significantly smaller than those of the conventional composite lining structure.
The Effect of Parenting Styles on Children’s Familiarity with Traffic Signs
Authors: Rezaei Parastoo , Aghabayk Kayvan , Bates Lyndel
Published: December 2021

The community, and especially the family, affects children’s traffic safety. Parents influence children’s current and future traffic behaviors. Numerous studies have demonstrated a relationship between parenting style and children’s behavioral problems such as antisocial behaviors and delinquency, so the modification of parenting styles could have a positive impact on the interactions between parents and children. In the literature on children’s traffic safety, parental influence has long been recognized as an important aspect of research, but parent-related factors are mostly unknown. In particular, a factor that can affect parents’ attitudes and children’s views of road safety is parenting style. Therefore, this study aims to examine children’s knowledge of traffic signs utilizing a parenting styles’ perspective. The determining role of demographic characteristics in traffic skills is critical and is investigated in this study. In this study, 1011 preschool, first-, second-, and third-grade students were interviewed and information about parenting styles and demographic characteristics were collected from questionnaires completed by parents. Through interviews, children’s familiarity with law enforcement and informative signs was assessed. Results indicated that older children and those with higher socioeconomic status had better skills in this field. The results also showed that parents could improve their children’s understanding of signs by less use of inconsistent discipline and corporal punishments. Parental negligence, contradictory use of corporal punishment, and nonuse of positive behaviors are some factors which are most likely related to children’s knowledge of traffic signs and rules. The findings of this study can guide parents and assist relevant authorities to implement policies to more effectively train young children by developing practical and targeted resources.
Quantitative Investigation of Hand Grasp Functionality: Hand Joint Motion Correlation, Independence, and Grasping Behavior
Authors: Liu Yuan , Zeng Bo , Zhang Ting , Jiang Li , Liu Hong , Ming Dong
Published: December 2021

Modeling and understanding human grasp functionality are fundamental in prosthetics, robotics, medicine, and rehabilitation, since they contribute to exploring motor control mechanism, evaluating grasp function, and designing and controlling prosthetic hands or exoskeletons. However, there are still limitations in providing a comprehensive and quantitative understanding of hand grasp functionality. After simultaneously considering three significant and essential influence factors in daily grasping contained relative position, object shape, and size, this paper presents the tolerance grasping to provide a more comprehensive understanding of human grasp functionality. The results of joint angle distribution and variance explained by PCs supported that tolerance grasping can represent hand grasp functionality more comprehensively. Four synergies are found and account for

93
%
±
1.5
%

of the overall variance. The ANOVA confirmed that there was no significant individual difference in the first four postural synergies. The common patterns of grasping behavior were found and characterized by the mean value of postural synergy across 10 subjects. The independence analysis demonstrates that the tolerance grasping results highly correlate with unstructured natural grasping and more accurately correspond to cortical representation size of finger movement. The potential for exploring the neuromuscular control mechanism of human grasping is discussed. The analysis of hand grasp characteristics that contained joint angle distribution, correlation, independence, and postural synergies, presented here, should be more representative to provide a more comprehensive understanding of hand grasp functionality.
Grain Yield and Nitrogen Uptake of Maize (Zea mays L.) as Affected by Soil Management Practices and Their Interaction on Cambisols and Chernozem
Authors: Nigussie Ashenafi , Haile Wassie , Agegnehu Getachew , Kiflu Alemayehu
Published: December 2021

Although numerous factors contribute to wide yield gaps, low external inputs, particularly N, and poor cropping practices such as soil tillage and monocropping are among the major factors affecting low maize production. In view of this, field experiments were implemented on two sites with Cambisols and Chernozem soil types in two consecutive years to evaluate the impacts of different soil management practices on the grain yield and quality, nitrogen uptake, and selected soil properties. A three-factor experiment was arranged as a split-split plot arrangement randomized complete block design with three replications. The minimum tillage (MT) and conventional tillage (CT) were used as the main plot, haricot bean-maize rotation and maize monocropping were used as the subplot, and four levels of nitrogen fertilization (control, 20 t ha-1 compost, 46 kg N ha−1 + 10 t ha−1 compost, and 92 kg N ha−1) were used as the sub-subplot. Analysis of variance showed that soil management practices were significantly affecting grain yield, N-uptake, and soil properties. In sites, the conventional tillage and rotation system increased the grain yield and N-uptake in contrast to the minimum tillage and monocropping, respectively. Similarly, nitrogen evidently affected the grain yield, N-uptake, and selected soil properties. However, tillage methods differed in their effects on soil chemical properties; soil organic carbon and total nitrogen concentrations were improved through MT compared to CT. Grain yield was signiﬁcantly associated with NDVI, grain N-content, and N-uptake. Therefore, a CT plus haricot bean-maize rotation system with the addition of solely 92 kg N ha−1 and integrated 46 kg N ha−1 + 10 t compost ha−1 could be recommended for Hawassa Zuria (Cambisols) and Meskan (Chernozem) districts, respectively. However, in order to ensure sustainable maize production in the investigated areas, an integrated N treatment with MT and a rotation system may be recommended, which could improve soil properties.
Molecular Alterations of Circulating Cell-Free DNA in the Pathological Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Guo Wenbo , Lu Jilin , Yan Linlin , Sun Debin , Gong Longlong , Shi Wei
Published: December 2021

Background. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most malignant cancers. Early diagnosis of HCC is important to reduce the mortality rate. The aim of this study is to explore the plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) mutation profile in the pathological progression of HCC and to investigate the significance of plasma cfDNA mutations in the early diagnosis of HCC. Methods. Thirty-seven patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), eight with liver cirrhosis (LC), and eleven with HCC were enrolled in this cohort. Plasma cfDNA and white blood cell DNA were isolated, and plasma cfDNA mutation profiles were detected using a targeted gene panel. Results. The sequencing results of plasma cfDNA showed that HCC-related gene mutations were present in patients with CHB and LC. The mutation burden of HCC-related genes increased from CHB and LC to HCC. In patients with HCC, the average mutation burden of NRAS (10.1%), TP53 (7.4%), PTEN (4.2%), and APOB (2.6%) was the highest. The average mutation burden of PTEN, APOB, FRAS1, KDM6A, DDR2, TTK, NRAS, TP53, PTPRB, MPL, FCRL1, HN1, and SFN gradually increased from CHB and LC to HCC. The mutation burden of 18 HCC-related genes had an area under the receiver operating characteristics of 0.92 for the diagnosis of HCC. Conclusions. The mutation burden of HCC-related genes increased from CHB and LC to HCC. An optimal combination of cfDNA mutations in the gene panel for diagnosing HCC in patients with CHB and LC was selected. Our study indicates that somatic mutations in plasma cfDNA may serve as potential biomarkers for early HCC diagnosis.
Whipple’s Pancreatoduodenectomy in the Background of Chronic Liver Disease (CLD): An Institutional Experience
Authors: Ray Samrat , Jena Suvendu S. , Yadav Amitabh , Prasad Das Sri Aurobindo , Mehta Naimish N. , Nundy Samiran
Published: December 2021

Introduction. Whipple’s pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) is a formidable operation, associated with a high risk of morbidity and mortality. In the setting of an underlying chronic liver disease, the incidence of complications and mortality increases manifold. Patients and Outcomes. Of the 112 Whipple’s PD performed between 2018 to 2020 at a high-volume HPB and liver transplant centre, 4 patients underwent the surgery in the background of an underlying chronic liver disease (CLD). All except one were performed in Child’s A cirrhotics. There was a single 30-day mortality in this series of 4 patients that occurred in the background of Child’s B cirrhosis. On follow-up at 1 year, there was one more mortality in the series, owing to liver decompensation following chemotherapy. Conclusion. Judicious preoperative selection criteria, adequate preoperative nutritional and physiological optimisation, and prudent weighing of risk vs. benefit of undergoing Whipple’s PD in periampullary malignancies in the setting of CLD are the major determinants of the surgical outcome.
Ethanol Extract of Pomegranate (Punica granatum) Peel in Increasing the Expression of Caspase-3 in DSS-Induced Mice
Authors: Kusmardi Kusmardi , Azzahra Baihaqi Lyanna , Estuningtyas Ari , Sahar Nurhuda , Sunaryo Hadi , Tedjo Aryo
Published: December 2021

Background. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a malignancy derived from the glandular epithelial cells in the colon. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are more likely to develop CRC. Cancer proliferation is characterized by the loss of inhibition of apoptosis, which involves caspase-3 activation. This study examined the effects of the pomegranate peel extract on the expression of caspase-3 in mice crypt cells induced by dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) 2%. Methods. The experimental study was done in six groups. All treatments were done in 42 days. The groups were all induced by DSS through water drinking, except for the normal group, which was only given water. The treatments given included the pomegranate extract in two doses (240 mg and 480 mg/kg bw/day), aspirin, and ellagic acid. The specimens were then fixated and stained for the immunohistochemistry scoring for the expression of caspase-3, which was then analyzed statistically. Results. The H-scores of each treatment group were 213.23 ± 8.32 (DSS group), 243.81 ± 18.69 (normal group), 226.10 ± 12.38 (pomegranate peel extract of 240 mg/kg/d), 238.84 ± 15.81 (pomegranate peel extract of 480 mg/kg/d), 227.47 ± 12.15 (aspirin), and 224.01 ± 18.39 (ellagic acid). Statistical differences were found in one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post hoc analysis among the DSS group, normal group, and dose 2 group (pomegranate peel extract of 480 mg/kg/day). Conclusions. The ethanol extract of pomegranate was able to induce apoptosis, which was demonstrated by the increase of caspase-3 expression.