bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A printability assessment framework for fabricating low variability nickel-niobium parts using laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing
Authors: Zhang Bing , Seede Raiyan , Whitt Austin , Shoukr David , Huang Xueqin , Karaman Ibrahim , Arroyave Raymundo , Elwany Alaa
Published: July 2021

Purpose

There is recent emphasis on designing new materials and alloys specifically for metal additive manufacturing (AM) processes, in contrast to AM of existing alloys that were developed for other traditional manufacturing methods involving considerably different physics. Process optimization to determine processing recipes for newly developed materials is expensive and time-consuming. The purpose of the current work is to use a systematic printability assessment framework developed by the co-authors to determine windows of processing parameters to print defect-free parts from a binary nickel-niobium alloy (NiNb5) using laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) metal AM.

Design/methodology/approach

The printability assessment framework integrates analytical thermal modeling, uncertainty quantification and experimental characterization to determine processing windows for NiNb5 in an accelerated fashion. Test coupons and mechanical test samples were fabricated on a ProX 200 commercial LPBF system. A series of density, microstructure and mechanical property characterization was conducted to validate the proposed framework.

Findings

Near fully-dense parts with more than 99% density were successfully printed using the proposed framework. Furthermore, the mechanical properties of as-printed parts showed low variability, good tensile strength of up to 662 MPa and tensile ductility 51% higher than what has been reported in the literature.

Originality/value

Although many literature studies investigate process optimization for metal AM, there is a lack of a systematic printability assessment framework to determine manufacturing process parameters for newly designed AM materials in an accelerated fashion. Moreover, the majority of existing process optimization approaches involve either time- and cost-intensive experimental campaigns or require the use of proprietary computational materials codes. Through the use of a readily accessible analytical thermal model coupled with statistical calibration and uncertainty quantification techniques, the proposed framework achieves both efficiency and accessibility to the user. Furthermore, this study demonstrates that following this framework results in printed parts with low degrees of variability in their mechanical properties.
Experimental study on tensile strength of copper microparticles filled polymer composites printed by fused deposition modelling process
Authors: Adibi Hamed , Hashemi Mohammad Reza
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the variables of the fused deposition modelling (FDM) process and improve their effect on the mechanical properties of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) components reinforced with copper microparticles.

Design/methodology/approach

In the experimental approach, after drying the ABS granule, it was mixed with copper microparticles (at concentrations of 5%, 8% and 10%) in a single screw extruder to fabricate pure ABS and composite filaments. Then, by making the components by the FDM process, the tensile strength of the parts was determined through tensile strength tests. Taguchi DOE method was used to design the experiments in which nozzle temperature, filling pattern and layer thickness were the design variables. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) and signal-to-noise analysis were conducted to determine the effectiveness of each FDM process parameter on the ultimate tensile strength of printed samples. Following that, the main effect analysis was used to optimize each process parameter for pure ABS and its composite at different copper contents.

Findings

The study allows the layer thickness and filling pattern had the highest effects on the ultimate tensile strength of the printed materials (pure and composite) in the FDM process. Moreover, the results show that the ultimate tensile strength of the ABS composite containing 5% copper was nearly 12.3% higher than the pure ABS part. According to validation tests, the maximum error of experiments was about 0.96%.

Originality/value

In this paper, the effect of copper microparticles (as filling agent) was investigated on the ultimate tensile strength of printed ABS material during the FDM process.
Post-pandemic pressures to pivot: tech transformations in luxury hotels
Authors: Bharwani Sonia , Mathews David
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This study is an empirical exploration of the tech-based transformation strategies being adopted by luxury hotels in India to assuage the fear psychosis and restore guest confidence in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. It sheds light on the “new normal” and its overarching implications for hotel operations from the user experience perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed method strategy was adopted for data collection. Qualitative data was gathered from a video analysis of two webinars with high-profile panels of thought leaders about the challenges arising from the global health crisis and related post-pandemic recovery strategies. This data has been triangulated with desk research and data collected through an online survey which sought to map guest sentiments with respect to resuming the use of hospitality services and their attitude towards the proposed tech transformation initiatives in the Indian luxury hospitality industry.

Findings

The research data indicates that despite their pandemic-related trepidations, people still have a strong urge to be social and to travel. Technology can play a pivotal role in creating safe spaces for social distancing, facilitating a contactless guest interface to alleviate guest concerns for safe hygiene and rebuilding customer confidence to address the trust deficit.

Practical implications

Hospitality organisations must be discerning in the investments they make in new technology and contactless experiences because hasty investments in extensive automation may be perceived as gimmicky by guests. Intelligent and astute use of technology tools can minimise human error, optimise service efficiency and enhance guest experience through elevated levels of personalised hospitality in luxury hotels by judiciously marrying high touch with high tech.

Originality/value

This study is the one of the first empirical explorations of the tech transformation strategies adopted by luxury hotels in the Indian context in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It explores their efforts for the continued co-creation of high value experiences based on consumer perspectives, with implications for both hospitality and tourism theory and practice.
Rural women entrepreneurship: a systematic literature review and beyond
Authors: Aggarwal Monika , Johal Ramanjit Kaur
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Rural women entrepreneurship has been a domain attracting academicians and governments. This paper aims to to annotate existing literature in order to find a nexus between rural women and entrepreneurship using a systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis. Further, it has a certain scope and direction of existing research by critically analysing the work published in the domain of rural women entrepreneurship.

Design/methodology/approach

Out of 213 documents, 192 were published during last 20 years till October 2020 in Scopus journals that were downloaded using the keywords “Women Entrepreneurship” OR “Female Entrepreneurs” OR “Women Entrepreneurs” OR “Female Entrepreneurship” AND rural were accepted for further processing. VOS-Viewer software has been used to present bibliometric analysis. A thematic analysis of top 10 papers and 26 open access papers has also been done.

Findings

It was found that research interest in the said domain gained momentum in the last decade only. India is the top country that is publishing maximum papers; the United Kingdom has the maximum citations. The existing studies have focussed on factors influencing entrepreneurship, impact of gender and role of government schemes in fostering entrepreneurship. It is recommended that future studies may explore few inadequately explored grey areas including impact of entrepreneurial education, microcredit and information technology on rural women entrepreneurship.

Originality/value

This literature review article contributes to the existing literature by identifying the scope and direction of the existing literature. Further, it helps in identifying the least explored areas that can be taken up for the conduct of future research.
Comparison of the time course of atopic dermatitis from birth to 19 years old among generations of patients in Japan
Authors: Tanaka Akio , Morioke Satoshi , Ohya Yukihiro , Shimojo Naoki , Takahashi Masakazu , Tanaka Maiko , Takahagi Shunsuke , Kan Takanobu , Iwamoto Kazumasa , Saito Ryo , Hide Michihiro
Published: July 2021

Atopic dermatitis (AD) mostly develops in early childhood and tends to resolve with age. However, its time course in severity before and after adolescence varies widely among patients. To investigate the course of disease severity from birth to 19 years old of adult patients with AD, we conducted a nationwide Web‐based survey of 3090 Japanese adult subjects diagnosed with AD, using a questionnaire to choose a pattern that most resembled their own out of 10 courses of AD severity. Patients in the 20s and 30s age groups tended to choose the option “gradually improved” or “improved by the age of 12”, but patients in the 40s or older age group tended to choose the option “aggravation between the age of 12 and 19”. Those who chose “AD development at age 20 or older” increased as the generation was older. This survey revealed that the time course of AD severity from birth to 19 years old varies depending on the generation targeted in this study. It is presumed that the acquired factors affecting the natural history of AD have changed over the past 50 years in Japan.
The effect of lanthanum on growth and gene expression in a facultative methanotroph
Authors: Crombie Andrew T.
Published: July 2021

The biological importance of lanthanides has only recently been identified, initially as the active site metal of the alternative methanol dehydrogenase (MDH) Xox‐MDH. So far, the effect of lanthanide (Ln) has only been studied in relatively few organisms. This work investigated the effects of Ln on gene transcription and protein expression in the facultative methanotroph Methylocella silvestris BL2, a widely distributed methane‐oxidizing bacterium with the unique ability to grow not just on methane but also on other typical components of natural gas, ethane and propane. Expression of calcium‐ or Ln‐dependent MDH was controlled by Ln (the lanthanide switch) during growth on one‐, two‐ or three‐carbon substrates, and Ln imparted a considerable advantage during growth on propane, a novel result extending the importance of Ln to consumers of this component of natural gas. Two Xox‐MDHs were expressed and regulated by Ln in M. silvestris, but interestingly Ln repressed rather than induced expression of the second Xox‐MDH. Despite the metabolic versatility of M. silvestris, no other alcohol dehydrogenases were expressed, and in double‐mutant strains lacking genes encoding both Ca‐ and Ln‐dependent MDHs (mxaF and xoxF5 or xoxF1), growth on methanol and ethanol appeared to be enabled by expression of the soluble methane monooxygenase.
Jobs and job quality between the eve of the Great Recession and the eve of COVID‐19
Authors: Bourquin Pascale , Waters Tom
Published: July 2021

In 2019, the employment rate among 25‐ to 64‐year‐olds in the UK reached 80 per cent – the highest on record, and considerably higher than the 76 per cent rate recorded shortly before the Great Recession. In this paper, we investigate the growth in employment between the eve of the Great Recession and the eve of COVID‐19 across several dimensions. We analyse which sectors, demographic groups and regions accounted for the rise. We also investigate how job ‘quality’ – in both financial and non‐financial terms – has changed. We find that almost all demographic groups and regions saw a rise in employment, especially those with low pre‐existing employment rates and those near the bottom of the income distribution. Hourly pay growth was very weak over the period, with the median actually slightly falling. Other indicators of job quality show a more mixed picture: employees seem to have greater appreciation of their work and firm, but perceive less security and flexibility in their job.
Long‐run growth of ambulatory surgery centers 1990–2015 and Medicare payment policy
Authors: Munnich Elizabeth L. , Richards Michael R.
Published: July 2021

Objective

To examine long‐run growth in the ambulatory surgery center (ASC) industry and potential factors influencing its trajectory.

Data sources

National data for all Medicare‐certified ASCs (1990–2015) and outpatient discharge records from the state of Florida in 2007.

Study Design

We documented the number of ASCs in the United States over time and decomposed the trend into underlying ASC market entry and exit behavior. We then examined the plausibility of 2008 Medicare payment reforms to influence the trend changes.

Data Extraction Methods

Data on ASC openings and closures are obtained from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Provider of Service files. Secondary data on ASC volume in Florida are obtained from the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration.

Principal Findings

The number of ASCs in the United States grew 5%–10% annually between 1990 and 2007 but by 1% or less beginning in 2008. This change coincided with substantive reductions in Medicare payments for key ASC services. The annual number of new ASCs was as much as 50% lower following the payment change.

Conclusions

ASCs are an important competitor for outpatient services, but growth has slowed dramatically. Sharp changes in new ASC entry align with less generous Medicare fees.
Energy and crop price cycles before and after the global financial crisis: A new approach
Authors: Vatsa Puneet , Miljkovic Dragan
Published: July 2021

Using the newly developed Hamilton filter, we decompose prices of three primary energy sources (crude oil, coal and natural gas) and five significant crops (corn, palm oil, rice, soybean and wheat) to isolate their cyclical components. Then, we apply time‐difference analyses to study their co‐movement. Analysing 15 energy price–crop price pairs over two periods, 1990–2009 and 2010–2020, we find that the correlations between coal and crop prices have weakened significantly during the 2010s, while correlations of crude oil and natural gas prices with crop prices have strengthened. Until 2009, crude oil and natural gas prices led crop prices, whereas during the 2010s they lagged crop prices. We conclude that the global financial crisis marked a pivotal shift in the associations between energy and crop prices. The results underscore the importance of examining the associations between specific crop and energy prices rather than aggregated indices; furthermore, using crude oil as a proxy for energy prices is not suitable—an aggregated approach that presumes the predominance of one energy source apropos different crops may yield incorrect results.
Informative and corrective responsive packaging: Advances in farm‐to‐fork monitoring and remediation of food quality and safety
Authors: Zhang Xinhui , Guo Mingming , Ismail Balarabe B. , He Qiao , Jin Tony Z. , Liu Donghong
Published: July 2021

Microbial growth and fluctuations in environmental conditions have been shown to cause microbial contamination and deterioration of food. Thus, it is paramount to develop reliable strategies to effectively prevent the sale and consumption of contaminated or spoiled food. Responsive packaging systems are designed to react to specific stimuli in the food or environment, such as microorganisms or temperature, then implement an informational or corrective response. Informative responsive packaging is aimed at continuously monitoring the changes in food or environmental conditions and conveys this information to the users in real time. Meanwhile, packaging systems with the capacity to control contamination or deterioration are also of great interest. Encouragingly, corrective responsive packaging attempting to mitigate the adverse effects of condition fluctuations on food has been investigated. This packaging exerts its effects through the triggered release of active agents by environmental stimuli. In this review, informative and corrective responsive packaging is conceptualized clearly and concisely. The mechanism and characteristics of each type of packaging are discussed in depth. This review also summarized the latest research progress of responsive packaging and objectively appraised their advantages. Evidently, the mechanism through which packaging systems respond to microbial contamination and associated environmental factors was also highlighted. Moreover, risk concerns, related legislation, and consumer perspective in the application of responsive packaging are discussed as well. Broadly, this comprehensive review covering the latest information on responsive packaging aims to provide a timely reference for scientific research and offer guidance for presenting their applications in food industry.
No Fans, No Home Advantage?
Authors: Jackson Alan
Published: July 2021

For much of the Covid-19 pandemic so far, English Premier League football has been played behind closed doors, without fans in the stands. Alan Jackson considers what effect this may have had on so-called “home advantage”
Immigrant status, citizenship, and victimization risk in the United States: New findings from the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS)*
Authors: Xie Min , Baumer Eric P.
Published: July 2021

Until recently, national‐level data on criminal victimization in the United States did not include information on immigrant or citizenship status of respondents. This data‐infrastructure limitation has hindered scientific understanding of whether immigrants are more or less likely than native‐born Americans to be criminally victimized and how victimization may vary among immigrants of different statuses. We address these issues in the present study by using new data from the 2017–2018 National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) to explore the association between citizenship status and victimization risk in a nationally representative sample of households and persons aged 12 years and older. The research is guided by a theoretical framing that integrates insights from studies of citizenship with the literature on immigration and crime, as well as with theories of victimization. We find that a person's foreign‐born status (but not their acquired U.S. citizenship) confers protection against victimization. We also find that the protective benefit associated with being foreign born does not extend to those with ambiguous citizenship status, who in our data exhibit attributes similar to the known characteristics of undocumented immigrants. We conclude by discussing the implications of our findings and the potential ways to extend the research.
Legume–rhizobium dance: an agricultural tool that could be improved?
Authors: Basile Laura A. , Lepek Viviana C.
Published: July 2021

The specific interaction between rhizobia and legume roots leads to the development of a highly regulated process called nodulation, by which the atmospheric nitrogen is converted into an assimilable plant nutrient. This capacity is the basis for the use of bacterial inoculants for field crop cultivation. Legume plants have acquired tools that allow the entry of compatible bacteria. Likewise, plants can impose sanctions against the maintenance of nodules occupied by rhizobia with low nitrogen‐fixing capacity. At the same time, bacteria must overcome different obstacles posed first by the environment and then by the legume. The present review describes the mechanisms involved in the regulation of the entire legume–rhizobium symbiotic process and the strategies and tools of bacteria for reaching the nitrogen‐fixing state inside the nodule. Also, we revised different approaches to improve the nodulation process for a better crop yield.
Nodal metabolic tumour volume on baseline 18F‐FDG PET/CT and overall survival in stage II and III NSCLC patients undergoing curative‐intent chemoradiotherapy/radiotherapy
Authors: Alipour Ramin , Bucknell Nick , Bressel Mathias , Everitt Sarah , MacManus Michael , Siva Shankar , Hofman Michael S , Akhurst Tim , Hicks Rodney J , Iravani Amir
Published: July 2021

Introduction

This study aims to investigate whether nodal metabolic tumour volume (nMTV) and nodal total lesion glycolysis (nTLG) on Fluorine‐18 fluoro‐deoxy‐glucose positron emission tomography–computed tomography (18F‐FDG PET/CT) in inoperable node‐positive stage II and III non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are independent predictors of overall survival (OS) in patients undergoing curative‐intent chemoradiotherapy/radiotherapy (CRT/RT).

Methods

Data from two prospective trials between 2004 and 2016 were analysed retrospectively. Primary, nodal and total metabolic tumour volume and total lesion glycolysis (pMTV, nMTV, tMTV, pTLG, nTLG and tTLG, respectively) were derived from baseline 18F‐FDG PET/CT. Cox regressions were used to model OS by 18F‐FDG PET/CT parameters adjusting for overall stage.

Results

89 patients with stage II (8%) and stage III (92%) were included. The median age at diagnosis was 67 years; 62% were male. The median follow‐up was 6.9 years; the median OS was 2.2 years (95% CI 1.7–3.1). The median pMTV, nMTV and tMTV were 14 mL (range 0–360), 8 mL (range 0–250) and 34 mL (range 3–384), respectively. In 3 patients, the primary lesion could not be delineated from the central hilar mass. There was no association between nMTV (adjusted HR 1.04, 95% CI 0.95–1.15, P‐value 0.43), pMTV (adjusted HR 1.0, 95% CI 0.96–1.04, P‐value 0.92), tMTV (adjusted HR 1.0, 95% CI 0.97–1.04, P‐value 0.88), nTLG, pTLG or tTLG and OS. Consistent results were noted when patients with central hilar lesions were excluded from analysis.

Conclusion

In node‐positive stage II and III NSCLC patients who underwent 18F‐FDG PET/CT‐guided target delineation curative‐intent concurrent CRT/RT, metabolic parameters did not appear to provide independent prognostication.
Nodular‐type central squamous cell lung carcinoma cured by intraluminal bronchoscopic treatment: A case report
Authors: Aoki Hikaru , Uchimura Keigo , Imabayashi Tatsuya , Matsumoto Yuji , Higashiyama Masahiro , Watanabe Shun‐Ichi , Tsuchida Takaaki
Published: July 2021

Primary squamous cell carcinoma (SqCC) often occurs in the trachea and bronchi. Recently, intraluminal bronchoscopic treatment (IBT) has emerged as an option for curative treatment, not just surgery, in patients with central early‐stage SqCC (CES‐SqCC). However, patients that can be cured by IBT are limited. We report a rare case of CES‐SqCC that was surgically confirmed to be cured by IBT alone. A 72‐year‐old woman had a nodular bronchial tumor at the bifurcation of right upper and intermediate bronchi. For histological diagnosis, the tumor was resected and incinerated using high‐frequency snare (HFS). Obtained specimens were diagnosed as SqCC; wedge resection of the bifurcation was performed to remove the residual lesion. However, no malignant findings were found in the excised specimens. Some patients with CES‐SqCC may be cured by aggressive diagnostic bronchoscopy. The risk of postoperative complications cannot be ignored because the surgery requires bronchoplasty in patients with CES‐SqCC. For patients with CES‐SqCC, surgical resection may be avoided by detailed assessment of residual lesion with radial probe endobronchial ultrasonography (RP‐EBUS).
Robotany: A portable, low‐cost platform for precise automated aerial imaging of field plots
Authors: Potter James J. , Tan Sylvia , Penczykowski Rachel M.
Published: July 2021

The 1 m2 quadrat is a standard field survey tool in ecology. Traditionally, a researcher places a square frame on the ground and manually records data about organisms (typically plants) within that quadrat. Collecting data through this method can require a great deal of time on‐site. For some studies, it would be more efficient to collect data as images in the field, and then extract desired data from the images later. Equipment currently available for precise aerial imaging of plants is most applicable to large‐scale settings (e.g. entire fields) or controlled environments (e.g. greenhouses or growth chambers). There is a lack of technology suited to 1 × 1 m quadrat surveys of natural communities.

To satisfy this need, we developed a portable, low‐cost platform (‘Robotany’) that automatically takes a set of data samples to precisely cover a 1 m2 field plot. The current design is optimized for taking aerial photographs of short herbaceous plants in mowed or grazed habitats, at a spatial resolution of 24 non‐overlapping photographs per 1 m2, using a digital single‐lens reflex (DSLR) camera with the lens 55 cm above the ground. Novel attachment and actuation methods allow for fast, convenient assembly and disassembly, and the waterproof frame can be disinfected with ethanol.

The device was reliable and precise in its initial two summers of field testing (ca. 200 plots imaged). These images were of sufficient resolution to identify common plant taxa, and to collect information on plant size, flowering status, and damage by foliar pathogens and herbivores. The apparatus was robust to frequent disassembly, transport and reassembly.

The on‐site time and labour of quadrat‐based field surveys can be greatly reduced with this device. For some applications, images may replace on‐site (manual) data collection from quadrats. For other applications, the images may complement on‐site data collection, as a digital back‐up and source of additional data (e.g. high‐resolution spatial mapping of plant species or traits, or types of ground cover). The Robotany is modular and can be adapted to different research needs, including replacement of the camera with a different type of sampler.
Influence of time to procurement, incubation and release of organ cultured donor corneas on graft failure after Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty
Authors: Gram Niels , Shehab Anders , Ivarsen Anders , Hjortdal Jesper
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the time from death to procurement, to preservation or the storage time of donor corneas preserved in organ culture influenced the clinical outcome of patients undergoing Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) for Fuchs endothelial keratoplasty.

Methods

We conducted a registry‐based study on 776 patients undergoing DSAEK. Data on time from donor death to cornea retrieval (DRT), time from death to preservation (DPT), the preservation time and donor cornea characteristics: age, sex and endothelial cell density (ECD) at the time of release for surgery, were extracted from The Danish Cornea Bank Registry. Data on recipient follow‐up were collected from a corneal graft registry. The primary outcome was presence of graft failure within a period from 2 months to 2 years after surgery. Secondary outcomes were DRT, DPT, ECD ≤2300 and gender mismatch between donor and recipient.

Results

Graft failure occurred in 26 patients. The mean preservation time for failed grafts was 34.1 ± 10.0 days (mean ± SD) and 27.3 ± 10.6 days (mean ± SD) for the clear, functional grafts at the 2‐year follow‐up. A preservation time of >29 days compared with ≤29 days was associated with a lower survival (HR 2.33, 95% CI on 1.06–5.14, p = 0.036) and an increased risk of graft failure (RR 1.53, 95% CI on 1.11–2.10, p = 0.009). For the secondary outcome variables, no difference in the risk of graft failure was observed and did not appear to impact the survival rate of DSAEK patients.

Conclusion

Preservation time of donor cornea was associated with graft survival and a prolonged preservation time of more than 4 weeks seemed to lower the 2‐year survival.
Droplet digital polymerase chain reaction assay for identifying and quantifying pork products
Authors: Ampaporn Kessara , Phasuk Yupin , Duangjinda Monchai
Published: July 2021

Halal products are growing in consumer markets worldwide, and pork meat is classified as non‐halal. Manufacturers of processed foods and products must ensure that their products follow Islamic dietary law because pork is prohibited for Muslims. Droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (ddPCR) is a novel method for identifying pig species and quantifying pork products. This experiment aimed to investigate pork species and establish the proportion of pork in meat products using the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene (CYTB). The study found that the correlation coefficient between the meat weight and DNA concentration of pork was 0.997, and the correlation coefficient between the DNA concentration and the target DNA copy number of pork was 0.998. The accuracy of the ddPCR assay was verified using a sample of a known proportion of pork, and it was revealed that this method is highly precise in quantifying pork products. Nine products contained an undeclared meat proportion (90%). The limit of detection for pork was 0.0001 ng. The analysis indicated that the ddPCR assay has high accuracy and sensitivity for quantifying pork products. Therefore, the predictive model can be used in routine laboratories for quality assurance of halal food products.
Identification of the core rumen bacterial taxa and their population dynamics during the fattening period in Japanese Black cattle
Authors: Miura Hiroto , Hashimoto Takuya , Kawanishi Yukiko , Kawauchi Hiroki , Inoue Ryo , Shoji Noriaki , Saito Kunihiko , Sekiya Mario , Saito Yosuke , Yasuda Jumpei , Yonezawa Chiemi , Endo Tetsushiro , Kasuya Hirotaka , Suzuki Yutaka , Kobayashi Yasuo , Koike Satoshi
Published: July 2021

The rumen microbiota comprises a vast range of bacterial taxa, which may affect the production of high‐quality meat in Japanese Black cattle. The aim of this study was to identify core rumen microbiota in rumen fluid samples collected from 74 Japanese Black cattle raised under different dietary conditions using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. In the rumen of fattening Japanese Black cattle, 10 bacterial taxa, showing >1% average relative abundance and >95% prevalence, irrespective of the dietary conditions and the fattening periods, were identified as the core rumen bacterial taxa, which accounted for approximately 80% of the rumen microbiota in Japanese Black cattle. Additionally, population dynamics of the core rumen bacterial taxa revealed two distinct patterns: Prevotella spp. and unclassified Bacteroidales decreased in the mid‐fattening period, whereas unclassified Clostridiales, unclassified Ruminococcaceae, Ruminococcus spp., and unclassified Christensenellaceae increased during the same period. Therefore, the present study reports the wide distribution of the core rumen bacterial taxa in Japanese Black cattle, and the complementary nature of the population dynamics of these core taxa, which may ensure stable rumen fermentation during the fattening period.
Evaluation of colorimetric pH strips for wild animal meat using image analysis
Authors: Watanabe Akira , Kinoshita Kazunari , Muramoto Takayuki , Nakai Mizuho , Suzuki Yuiko , Inoue Sakumi , Hirata Shigeki
Published: July 2021

Colorimetric pH strips (MColorpHast™) are very convenient to use, but the decision of pH is based on an individual's color perception and is, therefore, subjective. We developed a pH calculation program for the image of coloring strips on CIE1976 (L*a*b* color space), which slightly underestimated human judgment as the color of pH darker. This image analysis and three individuals' judgments were used for evaluating the strip's features for various qualities of meat from wild animals, and the results were compared with the assessments based on potentiometric pH. In both methods, dipping the strips in distilled water just before use improved the regression coefficient compared with that mentioned in the manual. The image analysis showed higher correlation than human judgments but slightly underestimate pH by a maximum of 0.13 unit from the regression line of the potentiometric pH. In addition, the image analysis revealed meat pigment changed pH higher on the color scale in the lower meat pH region. The strips must be used according to the manual, but dipping is effective when the meat surface is dry, and keeping the strips from touching the meat drip is important in lower pH region because the pigment affects the color of pH.
Tiny steps towards greater knowledge: An osteological review with novel data on the Atlantic Forest toadlets of the Brachycephalus ephippium species group
Authors: Folly Manuella , de Luna‐Dias Cyro , Miguel Ingrid R. , Ferreira Julio C. , Machado Alessandra , Tadeu Lopes Ricardo , Pombal José P.
Published: July 2021

Brachycephalus is a small, endemic genus of anurans that occur throughout the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Recent analyses corroborated the monophyly of two species groups within this genus (B. ephippium and B. pernix), whereas the B. didactylus group appears to be polyphyletic. Herein, we compare and describe the skeletal system of all species from the Brachycephalus ephippium species group. We investigated diagnostic characters that are potentially useful to delimit similar species, confirmed the previously proposed genus definition and added six extra characters. We propose an osteological diagnosis for each species of the B. ephippium group, evaluating and describing intraspecific variations. Our results suggest that adults of B. ephippium group have ornamented parotic plates, ornamented post‐orbital crests, absence of quadratojugal and neopalatines, distal end of the otic ramus of squamosal expanded towards the parotic plate, reduced zygomatic ramus of the squamosals, posterolateral projection of the crista parotica, presence of ornamented spinal plates (except B. alipioi) and ornamented paravertebral plates. We highlighted the importance of including more than one specimen per species when dealing with miniaturized taxa. A comparison with other Brachycephalus species groups and with Ischnocnema was also provided. Lastly, we suggest some characters to be included in future phylogenetic analysis.
A nationwide survey on central nervous system multiple myeloma in Japan: analysis of prognostic and treatment factors that impact survival
Authors: Yamashita Takeshi , Takamatsu Hiroyuki , Kawamura Koji , Sunami Kazutaka , Hagiwara Shotaro , Itagaki Mitsuhiro , Takahashi Tsutomu , Kondo Tadakazu , Ikeda Takashi , Watakabe‐Inamoto Kyoko , Handa Hiroshi , Imaizumi Yoshitaka , Kuroda Junya , Murakami Jun , Nakamura Yuichi , Nakazawa Hideyuki , Ozaki Shuji , Okura Miyuki , Takeuchi Masami , Nagai Hirokazu , Hanamura Ichiro , Nakao Shinji , Iida Shinsuke
Published: July 2021

This nationwide multicentre retrospective study was performed to analyze clinical features that predict the prognosis of central nervous system invasion in multiple myeloma (CNS‐MM, approximately 1% of MM). Overall, of the 77 adult patients with CNS‐MM identified between 2005 and 2016, those diagnosed at MM diagnosis (n = 3) had longer overall survival (OS) than those diagnosed at relapse (n = 74; median: 48·5 vs 2·7 months). Therefore, we compared the relapsed MM with CNS‐MM in patients with any treatment (n = 60). Multivariate analyses revealed that lenalidomide treatment [hazard ratio (HR) 0·27, P = 0·003], intrathecal chemotherapy (IT; HR 0·54, P = 0·05), and radiation therapy (RTx; HR 0·33, P < 0·001) for CNS‐MM had a positive effect on longer OS. These factors were used to develop a scoring system combining the number of treatments with lenalidomide, IT, and RTx (0, 1, 2, 3). The OS of CNS‐MM patients was stratified based on these factors, with a median OS of 1·1, 4·5, and 7·5 months for patients with zero, one, two to three favourable features, respectively (0 vs 1, P = 0·0002; 1 vs 2–3, P = 0·08). Multimodal treatment including lenalidomide in addition to conventional IT and RTx can improve OS.
Gamification approaches for open innovation implementation: A conceptual framework
Authors: Gimenez‐Fernandez Elena , Abril Carmen , Breuer Henning , Gudiksen Sune
Published: July 2021

In today's business environment, knowledge sources for innovation are widely distributed n the economy, pushing firms to shift from a closed to an open model of innovation. However, the successful implementation of an open innovation model requires overcoming the inertia that hinders organizations facing environmental changes. The aim of this research is to build a conceptual framework of how gamification approaches might help firms overcome inertia in open innovation implementation following an organizational change perspective. After a systematic literature review, we posit that a gamification approach can help firms overcome inertia shortcomings with respect to the three stages of organizational change that are needed to implement open innovation: unfreezing, moving and institutionalizing. This research sheds light on the barriers to open innovation and contributes to the theoretical literature on gamification. Organizations can take advantage of the new opportunities in gamification to manage the challenges of implementing an open innovation process.
Circulating regulatory T cells in adult-onset Still's disease: Focusing on their plasticity and stability
Authors: Shimojima Yasuhiro , Ichikawa Takanori , Kishida Dai , Takamatsu Ryota , Sekijima Yoshiki
Published: July 2021

We investigated the characteristics of regulatory T cells in adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD) with a focus on their plasticity, stability and relationship to disease severity. The proportion of circulating CD4+CD25+forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3+) cells (Tregs) and intracellular expression of effector cytokines, including interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-17 and IL-4, was analysed in 27 untreated patients with AOSD (acute AOSD), 11 of the 27 patients after remission and 16 healthy controls (HC) using flow cytometry. The suppressive ability of Tregs was also evaluated. Regression analyses of the results were performed. The proportion of Tregs was significantly lower in patients with acute AOSD than in the HC. The expression levels of IFN-γ, IL-17 and IL-4 in Tregs were significantly increased in patients with acute AOSD. IFN-γ and IL-4 expression levels were inversely correlated with the proportion of Tregs and positively correlated with serum ferritin levels. Decreased expression of FoxP3 in CD4+CD25+ cells, which was correlated with increased expression of IL-17, and impaired suppressive function were observed in Tregs in acute AOSD. However, these aberrant findings in Tregs, including the reduced circulating proportion and functional ability and altered intracellular expression levels of cytokines and FoxP3, were significantly improved after remission. In acute AOSD, Tregs show plastic changes, including effector cytokine production and reductions in their proportion and functional activity. IFN-γ and IL-4 expression levels in Tregs may be associated with disease severity. Also, down-regulation of FoxP3 may be related to IL-17 expression in Tregs. Importantly, the stability of Tregs can be restored in remission.
Geometric accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging–derived virtual 3‐dimensional bone surface models of the mandible in comparison to computed tomography and cone beam computed tomography: A porcine cadaver study
Authors: Probst Florian Andreas , Burian Egon , Malenova Yoana , Lyutskanova Plamena , Stumbaum Maria Juliane , Ritschl Lucas Maximilian , Kronthaler Sophia , Karampinos Dimitrios , Probst Monika
Published: July 2021

Background

Providing accurate 3‐dimensional virtual bone surface models is a prerequisite for virtual surgical planning and additive manufacturing in craniomaxillofacial surgery. For this purpose, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be a radiation‐free alternative to computed tomography (CT) and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Purpose

The aim of this study was to assess the geometric accuracy of 3‐dimensional T1‐weighted MRI‐derived virtual bone surface models of the mandible in comparison to CT and CBCT.

Materials and methods

Specimens of the mandible from porcine cadavers were scanned with (1) a 3‐dimensional T1‐weighted MRI sequence (0.6 mm isotropic voxel) optimized for bone imaging, (2) CT, and (3) CBCT. Cortical mandibular structures (n = 10) were segmented using semiautomated and manual techniques. Imaging‐based virtual 3‐dimensional models were aligned with a high‐resolution optical 3‐dimensional surface scan of the dissected bone (=ground truth) and global geometric deviations were calculated (mean surface distance [MSD]/root‐mean‐square distance [RMSD]). Agreement between the imaging modalities was assessed by equivalence testing and Bland–Altman analysis.

Results

Intra‐ and inter‐rater agreement was on a high level for all modalities. Global geometric deviations (MSD/RMSD) between optical scans and imaging modalities were 0.225 ± 0.020 mm/0.345 ± 0.074 mm for CT, 0.280 ± 0.067 mm/0.371 ± 0.074 mm for MRI, and 0.352 ± 0.076 mm/0.454 ± 0.071 mm for CBCT. All imaging modalities were statistically equivalent within an equivalence margin of ±0.3 mm, and Bland–Altman analysis indicated high agreement as well.

Conclusions

The results of this study indicate that the accuracy and reliability of MRI‐derived virtual 3‐dimensional bone surface models is equal to CT and CBCT. MRI may be considered as a reliable alternative to CT and CBCT in computer‐assisted craniomaxillofacial surgery.
Alleviating human poverty: A successful model promoting wildlife conservation in China
Authors: Zhao Xumao , Garber Paul A. , Li Ming
Published: July 2021

Protecting biodiversity and reducing human poverty is a global challenge to all countries, including China, which has high biodiversity, large urban centers, and a large human population. Here, we discussed the effects of policies designed to alleviate poverty (Ecological Emigration, Ecological Restoration and Ecotourism) on the conservation status of primates in China. We present evidence that improving human well‐being and increasing the income of poor people in rural areas of China over the past two decades has had a positive effect on the population persistence of several species of nonhuman primates. However, we also identify inadequacies in the implementation of this policy which include the construction of infrastructures that fragment remaining forests and disrupt opportunities for gene flow, as well as practices associated with reforestation and the planting of monocultures rather than restoring natural habitat. Accordingly, we suggest that prioritizing biodiversity protection and habitat restoration in the implementation of China's current economic policies to alleviate poverty represents a successful model for wildlife conservation.
Is Hegelian recognitionsecond‐personal? Hegel says “no”
Authors: Stern Robert
Published: July 2021

The aim of this paper is to consider the relations between the Hegelian conception of recognition, which is championed by Axel Honneth and others, and the conception of second‐personal authority put forward by Stephen Darwall. It is argued that despite appearances to the contrary, they are not to be as easily aligned as some might suspect or hope, and in particular that an individual can be granted recognition in an Hegelian sense, without being granted second‐personal authority. This view is defended by appeal to key texts on Hegelian recognition from Hegel'sPhenomenology of Sprit: the account of confession and forgiveness, and of the master/slave dialectic.
Nudging fisheries and aquaculture research towards food systems
Authors: Simmance Fiona A. , Cohen Philippa J. , Huchery Cindy , Sutcliffe Sarah , Suri Sharon K. , Tezzo Xavier , Thilsted Shakuntala H. , Oosterveer Peter , McDougall Cynthia , Ahern Molly , Freed Sarah , Byrd Kendra A. , Wesana Joshua , Cowx Ian G. , Mills David J. , Akester Michael , Chan Chin Yee , Nagoli Joseph , Wate Jillian T. , Phillips Michael J.
Published: July 2021

Food system is a powerful concept for understanding and responding to nutrition and sustainability challenges. Food systems integrate social, economic, environmental and health aspects of food production through to consumption. Aquatic foods are an essential part of food systems providing an accessible source of nutrition for millions of people. Yet, it is unclear to what degree research across diverse disciplines concerning aquatic foods has engaged food systems, and the value this concept has added. We conducted a systematic review of fisheries, aquaculture and aquatic food literature (2017–2019) to determine the following: the characteristics of this research; the food systems components and interrelations with which research engaged; and the insights generated on nutrition, justice, sustainability and climate change. Sixty five of the 88 reviewed articles focussed on production and supply chains, with 23 considering human nutrition. Only 13% of studies examined low‐ and middle‐income countries that are most vulnerable to undernutrition. One third of articles looked beyond finfish to other aquatic foods, which illuminated values of local knowledge systems and diverse foods for nutrition. When aggregated, reviewed articles examined the full range of food system drivers—biophysical and environmental (34%), demographic (24%) and socio‐cultural (27%)—but rarely examined interactions between drivers. Future research that examines a diversity of species in diets, system‐wide flows of nutrients, trade‐offs amongst objectives, and the nutritional needs of vulnerable social groups would be nudging closer to the ambitions of the food systems concept, which is necessary to address the global challenges of equity, nutrition and sustainability.
Accelerated method for the alclad alloy fatigue curve construction by the surface relief pattern
Authors: Karuskevich Mikhail , Maslak Tetiana
Published: July 2021

Highlights

Action of fluctuating loads leads to the formation of the surface deformation relief.

The intensity of the surface deformation relief indicates accumulated fatigue damage.

The surface relief at the initial stage of the metal fatigue is extremely informative.

The initial rate of the damage provides the possibility to construct a fatigue curve.
Implementation of advance care planning amid the COVID‐19 crisis: A narrative review and synthesis
Authors: Hirakawa Yoshihisa , Saif‐Ur‐Rahman KM , Aita Kaoruko , Nishikawa Mitsunori , Arai Hidenori , Miura Hisayuki
Published: July 2021

Advance care planning is considered an important issue in end‐of‐life care for older adults. The ongoing COVID‐19 pandemic has interrupted the healthcare system and end‐of‐life care tremendously. This review aimed to explore available articles on advance care planning amid the pandemic and analyze qualitatively. PubMed and Google Scholar were searched on February 2021 using the relevant keywords. Retrieved articles were screened applying inclusion criteria. Any article describing advance care planning during the COVID‐19 era was included. A qualitative content analysis was conducted. In total, 20 articles incorporating 5542 participants from five countries were included. Among the articles, eight were primary studies and the rest were perspective papers or secondary analysis. From the qualitative content analysis six major themes emerged namely palliative care, lack of coordination among acute care, hospital palliative care, and long‐term care, community‐based advance care planning, real‐time dissemination of scientific information on the regional pandemic situation, online system and legislation. The COVID‐19 pandemic had decreased the uptake of advance care planning. Findings of the review suggested simplification of the procedure regarding advance care planning, implementation of community‐based advance care planning and utilization of online resources to enhance the process. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2021; 21: 779–787.