bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Market efficiency and volatility persistence of cryptocurrency during pre‐ and post‐crash periods of Bitcoin: Evidence based on fractional integration
Authors: Yaya OlaOluwa S. , Ogbonna Ahamuefula E. , Mudida Robert , Abu Nuruddeen
Published: July 2020

This article investigates both market efficiency and volatility persistence in 12 cryptocurrencies during pre‐crash and post‐crash periods. The article contributes to the debate on the market efficiency of cryptocurrencies in the presence of volatility, considering robust fractional integration methods in both linear and nonlinear setups. We find that markets of Bitcoin and most altcoins considered in our study can be dubbed as efficient, and are also highly volatile, particularly, in the post‐crash period that we are experiencing now. The volatilities are more likely to persist for a shorter period than volatilities in the pre‐crash period. Our work, therefore, renders important information to cryptocurrency market participants and portfolio managers.
Debt policy, firm value, and the macroeconomic environment nexus: Evidence from non‐financial sector firms in Ghana
Authors: Suhaibu Iddrisu , Abdul‐Malik Abdulai
Published: July 2020

This study examines the debt policy and firm value nexus with a sample of 10 non‐financial sector firms. Data on the firms and other macroeconomic variables spanning from 2006 to 2015 were sourced from Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) and Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) databases. We shed further light on the interaction between the two magnitudes considering the influence of the macroeconomic environment. The interaction is modelled in two separate panel multiple regression frameworks controlling for the fixed and random effects of the model estimators. LLC unit root test, normality test, collinearity test and Hausman test were conducted on the data prior to the estimation of the models. The study found that debt policy in the presence of market imperfections (tax effects) has statistically significant impact on firm value, but the effect is transmitted through either ROA or ROE, and that the macroeconomic environment is important in the debt policy‐firm value nexus; as GDP growth and inflation respectively impacts positively and negatively on both stances of firm performance (ROA; ROE).We recommend that government's macroeconomic policy target tradeoff on economic growth and price stability should be in tandem with corporate management's objective to maximize firm value, and that institutional investors must diversify to minimize their exposure to negative inflationary effects and to take advantage of shifts in economic growth.
Living‐donor kidney transplantation for a patient with hypoparathyroidism, deafness, and renal dysplasia syndrome
Authors: Nishimura Nobutaka , Hori Shunta , Omori Chihiro , Miyake Makito , Anai Satoshi , Torimoto Kazumasa , Aoki Katsuya , Tanaka Nobumichi , Yoneda Tatsuo , Fujimoto Kiyohide
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Hypoparathyroidism, sensorineural deafness, and renal dysplasia syndrome is an autosomal dominant rare genetic disease. Some patients with hypoparathyroidism, sensorineural deafness, and renal dysplasia syndrome may present with renal calcification (nephrocalcinosis) and disorder. We report the first case of living‐donor kidney transplantation for a patient with hypoparathyroidism, sensorineural deafness, and renal dysplasia syndrome.

Case presentation

This case pertains to a 26‐year‐old woman who was diagnosed with congenital hypoparathyroidism 1 month after birth, following which vitamin D supplementation was initiated. In 20XX, she developed nephrocalcinosis and was confirmed to have a GATA3 mutation; hence, she was diagnosed with hypoparathyroidism, sensorineural deafness, and renal dysplasia syndrome. In 20XX + 7, ABO‐incompatible living‐donor kidney transplantation was performed. Her renal function improved, and graft calcification was not observed.

Conclusion

Over intake of vitamin D caused nephrocalcinosis. The renal function was improved after living‐donor kidney transplantation and the patient’s serum calcium levels normalized without vitamin D supplementation. Therefore, kidney transplantation should be considered a treatment option for patients with hypoparathyroidism, sensorineural deafness, and renal dysplasia syndrome.
Management of Murray–Darling Basin, Australia
Authors: Ballard Clarke
Published: July 2020

The Murray–Darling Basin covers parts of four States of Australia and the whole of the Australian Capital Territory. As at 2002, its water management was well regarded internationally.

Basin flows are low and variable. The most reliable streams show variations of about 12:1 between maximum and minimum annual natural flows. The longest tributary, the Darling, has a ratio of infinity.

It was recognized in the 1980s that extractions from the system, largely for irrigation, had to be constrained. That led to the introduction of the “Murray‐Darling Basin Cap” which limited extractions and recognized the probability of average inflows declining, which was already being predicted by climate change modelling.

The “millennium drought” of 2000–2009 was very severe and led to fears that the drop in inflows was happening faster than modelling was predicting.

In 2007, the National Government, on the eve of an election, declared that the Basin had been mismanaged for a century by the States and legislated to transfer management powers from the States to the Commonwealth. That transfer has been pursued since then by National Governments of both major parties.

Government claims to have “taken the politics out of Basin management and returned to the science.” The evidence is that the exact opposite has occurred.

The paper traces the history of water management in the Basin. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Leadership development for early‐career educators: Association report on the ADEA summer program for emerging academic leaders
Authors: Oakley Marnie , Zhang Meng Becky , O'Donnell Jean , Potter Brad , Apollonio Susan , Stewart Jeffery C.B. , Haden N. Karl , Valachovic Richard W. , Rodriguez Tobias E.
Published: July 2020

There is a continuous challenge in academic health education to retain early career faculty members and staff. Attrition rates in the field can be as high as 42% in the first five years of an individual's career and are principally due to a sense that academic careers do not progress at a satisfactory rate. In response to this ongoing issue, the American Dental Education Association launched the Summer Program for Emerging Academic Leaders (ADEA EL) in 2012. The program has supported 301 participants from over 74 academic programs and private practice institutions. This current study describes data collected from program participants in an effort to conduct a thorough review of the program. In all, pre‐ and post‐program data were assessed from faculty members and staff who have participated in the program over its eight‐year history. The outcomes of this mixed‐methods study describe an assessment of the curriculum (including changes that have occurred over the tenure of the program), the fit of the intended learning outcomes, reasons why a program such as the ADEA EL is needed, and what can be done to provide additional leadership resources and support for faculty members in dental education. This study represents the first time a longitudinal report of a professional development program designed exclusively for early‐career faculty and staff has been described in the literature. Its outcomes are intended to be supportive of institutions and other programs focused on support and retention of early faculty and staff.
Robust combined ring oscillators: Delay description approach
Authors: Soltani Zanjani Masoud , Khatib Farzan , Chabok Seyyed J. S. M.
Published: July 2020

This article presents a set of ring oscillators design using three types of inverters. Symbolical delay calculations are performed and dependency on the supply voltage is investigated for each inverter. Based on delay descriptions, combined structures show the potential to behave more stable than simple structures. Mostly combined structures reduce speed as the cost of realizing less sensitive circuits. The analysis yields more robust ring oscillators vs noisy conditions, specifically supply voltage ripples and temperature deviations. Based on calculations, seven possible structures are simulated exploiting TSMC 0.18 μm CMOS. Additionally, combined ring oscillators are more robust against supply voltage ripples and temperature variations. The cost of this robustness is reduced oscillation frequency value. Based on the structure, in CMOS technology expresses 3% oscillation frequency deviation against 30% supply variation. The new combined structures demonstrate high potential to be used in larger circuits and systems like phase loops and clock generator.
Parenteral Nutrition–Associated Liver Disease in Adult Inpatients Receiving Commercial Premixed Parenteral Nutrition for More Than 2 Weeks
Authors: Park Hyo Jung , Lee Sanghoon , Jung Soo‐Min , Seo Jeong‐Meen
Published: July 2020

Background

Long‐term use of parenteral nutrition (PN) may elicit complications, including PN‐associated liver disease (PNALD), which may yield critical outcomes. This study intended to investigate the development of complications associated with commercial premixed PN in adult patients.

Methods

Adult patients who received nutrition support with commercial PN without enteral intake for >14 consecutive admission days were included in the analysis.

Results

Seventy‐two adults, from 2001 to 2016, were reviewed. Mean length of hospital stay was 43.0 days. A mean of 27.3 days of PN was given. Mean energy supplied by PN was 29 kcal/kg/d. Ten patients (13.8%) developed PNALD. Length of stay was significantly longer (P = .034), and duration of PN administration was significantly longer (P = .022) in patients who developed PNALD. The proportion of PN products with soybean oil–based lipids was significantly higher, and fish oil– or medium‐chain triglyceride–containing combination lipids were significantly lower in the patient group with PNALD (P = .02). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that longer duration of days receiving PN support was an independent risk factor for PNALD (odds ratio, 1.052; P = .029).

Conclusion

: The incidence of PNALD in hospitalized adult patients who received daily PN support with commercial premixed 3‐in‐1 products for >2 weeks was 13.8%. Longer duration of days receiving PN support was an independent risk factor for PNALD.
Combination of continuous digestion by peptidase and spectral similarity comparisons for peptide sequencing
Authors: Yang Chao , Liu Jianhui , Hu Yechen , Dai Zhongpeng , Liang Zhen , Shan Yichu , Zhang Lihua , Zhang Yukui
Published: July 2020

Peptide sequencing is critical to the quality control of peptide drugs and functional studies of active peptides. A combination of peptidase digestion and mass spectrometry technology is common for peptide sequencing. However, such methods often cannot obtain the complete sequence of a peptide due to insufficient amino acid sequence information. Here, we developed a method of generating full peptide ladders and comparing their MS2 spectral similarities. The peptide ladders, of which each component was different from the next component with one residue, were generated by continuous digestion by peptidase (carboxypeptidase Y and aminopeptidase). Then, based on the characteristics of peptide ladders, complete sequencing was realized by comparing MS2 spectral similarity of the generated peptide ladders. The complete amino acid sequences of bivalirudin, adrenocorticotropic hormone, and oxytocin were determined with high accuracy. This approach is beneficial to the quality control of drug peptides as well as the identification of novel bioactive peptides.
Reducing Unnecessary Biopsy of American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System Category 4 Nodules
Authors: Xu Lei , Zhou Yibo , Li Yingru , Lu Bin , Liu Tian
Published: July 2020

Objectives

To assess the effectiveness of strain elastography (SE), Virtual Touch tissue imaging and quantification (VTIQ; Siemens Medical Solutions, Mountain View, CA) and their combination (SE + VTIQ) in distinguishing benign from malignant American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System category 4 nodules (TR4) to reduce unnecessary biopsy.

Methods

In this retrospective study, 985 thyroid nodules from 920 patients were initially enrolled and examined with conventional ultrasound, SE, and VTIQ. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of SE, VTIQ, and SE + VTIQ were calculated respectively. An area under the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was applied to evaluate the diagnostic efficiency of SE, VTIQ, and SE + VTIQ in the differentiation of benign and malignant TR4 nodules.

Results

A total of 864 patients with 922 TR4 nodules were enrolled ultimately, as 63 thyroid nodules from 56 patients were excluded because they did not meet the inclusion criteria of this study. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of SE, VTIQ, and SE + VTIQ were 72.4% versus 86.3% versus 82.1%, 77.7% versus 80.5% versus 83.5%, 70.6% versus 76.1% versus 80.2%, 73.4% versus 76.3% versus 83.5%, and 75.5% versus 79.7% versus 82.8%, respectively. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the diagnosis of TR4 nodules by SE, VTIQ, and SE + VTIQ were 0.751, 0.817, and 0.844.

Conclusions

In spite of a slight decrease in the sensitivity, the application of combining SE and VTIQ techniques can improve the specificity and accuracy of TR4 nodule diagnosis, which can help reduce unnecessary biopsies of TR4 nodules.
A new landmark for the identification of the facial nerve during parotid surgery: A cadaver study
Authors: Al‐Qahtani Khalid Hussain , AlQahtani Fahad Mohammad , Muqat Mahmoud Mohammad , AlQahtani Mubarak Shaie , Al‐Qannass Ali M. , Islam Tahera , Alharbi Jabir , Sebaih Haneen , Alqarni Mohammad , Hakami Hadi
Published: July 2020

Objective

Precise knowledge of facial nerve anatomy is crucial for parotid surgery. Although several surgical landmarks to identify the facial nerve have been described in literature, their position is variable, inconsistent, and difficult to follow in some cases. The purpose of this study was to prove that the facial nerve trunk (FNT) is located midway between the mastoid tip (MT) and osteocartilaginous junction of the external auditory canal (EAC).

Methods

A prospective study of 7 frozen cadaver specimens, of which 13 facial sides were dissected. The distances between the osteocartilaginous junction and the MT, between the FNT and the MT, and between the FNT and the osteocartilaginous junction were recorded, respectively.

Results

The distance between the osteocartilaginous junction and the MT ranged from 17 to 21 mm, with a mean of 19.5 mm (SD = ±1.19). The mean distances between the osteocartilaginous junction and the FNT and between the MT and the FNT were 9.2 mm (±1.58) and 10.3 mm (±1.79), respectively.

Conclusion

The FNT was consistently located close to the midpoint between mastoid tip inferiorly and bony‐cartilaginous junction of the EAC superiorly.

Level of Evidence

NA
Pathways coordinating oocyte attrition and abundance during mammalian ovarian reserve establishment
Authors: Grive Kathryn J.
Published: July 2020

The mammalian ovarian reserve is comprised of a finite pool of primordial follicles, representing the lifetime reproductive capacity of females. In most mammals, the reserve is produced during embryonic and early postnatal development with oocyte numbers peaking during mid‐to‐late gestation, and then experiencing a dramatic decline continuing until shortly after birth. Oocytes remaining after the bulk of this attrition are subsequently surrounded by a layer of somatic pre‐granulosa cells with these units then referred to as “primordial follicles.” The complex and varied cell death mechanisms intrinsic to this process are not only characteristic of, but also essential for, the proper formation of this pool of follicles, and as a result must be immaculately balanced to ensure long‐term fertility and reproductive health. Too few follicles can lead to Primary Ovarian Insufficiency, resulting in fertility loss and other features of aging, such as an overall shorter lifespan. On the other hand, whereas an excess of follicles might extend reproductive lifespan, this might also be the underlying etiology of other ovarian pathologies. The last decade, in particular, has vastly expanded our understanding of oocyte attrition and determinants of ovarian reserve abundance. By continuing to decipher the intricacies underlying the cell death processes and development of the initial primordial follicle pool, we may be in a much better position to understand idiopathic cases of premature follicle depletion and improve ovarian health in reproductive‐age women.
Post‐hoc physiological waveform extraction from motion estimation in simultaneous multislice (SMS) functional MRI using separate stack processing
Authors: Hocke Lia M. , Frederick Blaise B.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Motion estimation is an essential step in functional MRI (fMRI) preprocessing. Usually, fMRI processing software packages (eg, FSL and AFNI) automatically estimate motion parameters in order to counteract the effects of motion. However, the time courses of the motion estimation for fMRI data also contain information about physiological processes. Here, we show that respiration and cardiac signals can be extracted from motion estimation at significantly higher bandwidth than is possible with current methods.

Method

To detect motion at high effective temporal resolution (HighRes), the motion parameters of stacks of simultaneously acquired slices were estimated separately, then combined. This method was validated by extracting physiological motion signals from resting state fMRI (rsfMRI) data (Enhanced Nathan Kline Institute—Rockland Sample) and comparing them to respiration belt and pulse oximeter signals.

Results

HighRes motion time‐courses with an effective sampling rate of 15.5 and 11.4 Hz were extracted from repetition time (TR) = 0.645 and 1.4 s data, respectively. Respiration waveforms were extracted with significantly higher accuracy than the original motion parameters. Even cardiac waveforms could be extracted, despite the fact that the sampling time or TR values were too long to sample cardiac frequencies.

Conclusion

HighRes motion traces provide insight into the subjects’ motion at higher frequencies than can be estimated using standard techniques. In its simplest form, this technique can recover accurate respiration signals and may reveal additional complexity in brain motion.
Fast and high‐resolution myelin water imaging: Accelerating multi‐echo GRASE with CAIPIRINHA
Authors: Piredda Gian Franco , Hilbert Tom , Canales‐Rodríguez Erick Jorge , Pizzolato Marco , von Deuster Constantin , Meuli Reto , Pfeuffer Josef , Daducci Alessandro , Thiran Jean‐Philippe , Kober Tobias
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Although several MRI methods have been explored to achieve in vivo myelin quantification, imaging the whole brain in clinically acceptable times and sufficiently high resolution remains challenging. To address this problem, this work investigates the acceleration of multi‐echo T2 acquisitions based on the multi‐echo gradient and spin echo (GRASE) sequence using CAIPIRINHA undersampling and adapted k‐space reordering patterns.

Methods

A prototype multi‐echo GRASE sequence supporting CAIPIRINHA parallel imaging was implemented. Multi‐echo T2 data were acquired from 12 volunteers using the implemented sequence (1.6 × 1.6 × 1.6 mm3, 84 slices, acquisition time [TA] = 10:30 min) and a multi‐echo spin echo (MESE) sequence as reference (1.6 × 1.6 × 3.2 mm3, single‐slice, TA = 5:41 min). Myelin water fraction (MWF) maps derived from both acquisitions were compared via correlation and Bland‐Altman analyses. In addition, scan‐rescan datasets were acquired to evaluate the repeatability of the derived maps.

Results

Resulting maps from the MESE and multi‐echo GRASE sequences were found to be correlated (r = 0.83). The Bland‐Altman analysis revealed a mean bias of −0.2% (P = .24) with the limits of agreement ranging from −3.7% to 3.3%. The Pearson’s correlation coefficient among MWF values obtained from the scan‐rescan datasets was found to be 0.95 and the mean bias equal to 0.11% (P = .32), indicating good repeatability of the retrieved maps.

Conclusion

By combining a 3D multi‐echo GRASE sequence with CAIPIRINHA sampling, whole‐brain MWF maps were obtained in 10:30 min with 1.6 mm isotropic resolution. The good correlation with conventional MESE‐based maps demonstrates that the implemented sequence may be a promising alternative to time‐consuming MESE acquisitions.
The dynamics of crude oil price and the real estate market in Saudi Arabia: A Markov‐switching approach
Authors: Alola Andrew Adewale
Published: July 2020

The volatility evidence of the International crude oil prices has overtime been linked to the dynamics and sector performances of states' economies. By employing the Markov switching regression model over daily time series data from October 3, 2005 to March 29, 2018, this study examines the response of the Saudi Arabia real estate market to the crude oil price dynamics. An empirical observation revealed that there is statistical evidence of significant and positive impact of crude oil price return on the real estate market in the regimes. Am empirical evidence shows that the impact is higher in Regime 2 even as the global factor (proxied by volatility index) is evidently significant. Although the regimes are persistent, the expected regime duration of the stable regime is of the higher quarter. This investigation is statistically significant and robust, especially when OPEC price of crude oil is used in lieu of the Europe Brent price. By a further estimation techniques, it affirms that the model exhibits nonlinearity rather than a linear relationship. The estimation result encourages more strict energy policies such as the implementetion of energy diversification policy among others, thus rendering a panacea to Saudi Arabia's energy and the real estate challenges.
The forming process of polymer melt droplet deposition three‐dimensional printing
Authors: Ma Haopeng , Jiao Zhiwei , Wang Chengshuo , Luo Bin , Yang Weimin
Published: July 2020

The polymer droplet deposition technology is a rapidly developing three‐dimensional (3D) printing technology, and is becoming a research hotspot. In this study, the qualitative relationship between the temperature‐field distribution and the forming quality was determined by using the finite‐element analysis, that is, the “birth and death of element” technology, the ANSYS parametric design language command. We obtained the relationship between process parameters and droplet size and droplet spacing through orthogonal experiments, and the theoretically optimal process parameters for droplet formation and arrangement were determined. We studied the relationship between the 3D spacing (Wx, Wy, and Wz) in the droplets and the product forming quality. We further optimized the theoretically optimal process parameters in the actual droplet deposition experiment, and finally determined the actual optimal droplet deposition process parameters as follows: the jet frequency is 14 Hz, the screw rotation speed is 10 rpm, the printing speed is 30 mm/s, and the printing distance is 1 mm. This article theoretically analyzed the influence of the polymer droplet deposition process on the forming quality from thermodynamic simulation and experiments that provide a theoretical basis for further improving the forming quality of the process.
Experimental Vapor Pressures of Hexahydro‐1,3,5‐trinitro‐1,3,5‐triazine (RDX) and Hexahydro‐1,3,5‐trinitroso‐1,3,5‐triazine (TNX)
Authors: Bikelytė Greta , Härtel Martin A. C. , Klapötke Thomas M.
Published: July 2020

In this work experimental vapor pressures of hexahydro‐1,3,5‐trinitro‐1,3,5‐triazine (RDX) and hexahydro‐1,3,5‐trinitroso‐1,3,5‐triazine (TNX) were measured with transpiration method. Corresponding enthalpies of sublimation were determined to be (130.9±2.1) kJ mol−1 and (108.1±1.6) kJ mol−1, respectively. Along with the experimental data fitting equations are reported and p‐T data extrapolated to 298.15 K to be 0.71 μPa for RDX and 823 μPa for TNX.
Synergetic Li–Ca Co‐Doping for Ce Valence Conversion in Yttrium Aluminum Garnet
Authors: Hovhannesyan Karine L. , Derdzyan Marina V. , Novikov Artur , Petrosyan Ashot G. , Dujardin Christophe
Published: July 2020

Herein, optical‐quality single crystals of yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG):Ce,Ca,Li are grown by the vertical Bridgman method. Substitution and charge compensation mechanisms of Li+ are considered based on optical absorption in as‐grown and γ‐ray‐irradiated single crystals and their luminescence decay and rise time under X‐ray excitation. The measurements are conducted on single crystals with impurity concentrations varying over a wide range. A suitable combination of Ca and Li concentration is able to control the cerium valence, which plays a major role in the time response under ionizing radiation.
Radiative Decay of Bound Electron Pairs into Unbound Interacting Electrons in 2D Materials with Two‐Band Spectrum
Authors: Shchamkhalova Bagun S. , Sablikov Vladimir A.
Published: July 2020

Bound electron pairs (BEPs) arising due to peculiarities of the band structure of topologically non‐trivial materials are of interest as charge and spin carriers with energies in the bandgap. Moreover, being composite bosons, they can also possess completely unusual collective properties. In this regard, highest importance is the problem of their decay time. The processes of radiative decay of BEPs are studied, considering the electron–electron interaction in the final state, into which the BEPs decay. It is found that the decay time of singlet BEPs lies in the nanosecond range and significantly exceeds other characteristic electron relaxation times. The radiative decay of triplet BEPs is impossible.
Encapsulation of Sexithiophene Molecules in Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes Using Supercritical CO2 at Low Temperature
Authors: Cadena Ana , Botka Bea , Székely Edit , Kamarás Katalin
Published: July 2020

Successful encapsulation of sexithiophene (6T) molecules by two different methods is presented: sublimation filling at 400 °C and nanoextraction from supercritical carbon dioxide (sc‐CO2) at 50 °C. Differences in the Raman spectra of the two samples indicate thermally induced polymerization during sublimation filling, increasing the electronic conjugation length of the chains inside the nanotubes. The thermal reaction is proven by heating the sc‐CO2‐filled nanotubes after encapsulation. Although the conjugation length in the thiophene chain is increasing upon heating, no Raman signatures of graphene nanoribbons are observed.
An improved measure of quality loss for notching processes
Authors: Wu Chia Huang , Hsu Ya Chen , Pearn Wen Lea
Published: July 2020

Nowadays, electronic products are progressively becoming thinner, lighter, and more convenient for people to use. Printed circuit boards, and especially integrated circuit (IC) substrates, are among the essential component of these products. The IC substrate not only protects circuits, fixes lines, and conducts heat, but is also the critical component that provides signal connectivity between the chip, the printed circuit boards, and other crucial parts during the packaging process. The process capability index Cpm is commonly used to assess the product quality loss for decision making in modern semiconductor packaging manufacturing. For high‐definition products, packaging processes often have very strict quality requirements and thus the quality inspection procedure is time‐consuming and complicated. Therefore, because of the limitation of manpower and capacity of the inspection instruments, the collected sample for quality assessment may be with small to moderate sample sizes. In this paper, we introduce an unbiased estimator for Cpm and provide a step‐by‐step parametric bootstrap procedure for obtaining a composite lower confidence bound on Cpm. To compare with the approaches discussed in the literature, numerical simulations are conducted under various process parameter settings. The results show that for small to moderate sample sizes, the proposed method applying the unbiased estimator has more accurate coverage rates than the existing methods. At the end of this paper, an application of quality loss assessment in notching processes is demonstrated.
Invasive macrophytes induce context‐specific effects on oxygen, pH, and temperature in a hydropeaking reservoir
Authors: Moore Thomas P. , Clearwater Susan J. , Duggan Ian C. , Collier Kevin J.
Published: July 2020

Dense macrophyte beds are known to produce extreme diurnal oxygen and temperature conditions in shallow lakes. However their influences in managed hydropeaking reservoirs has received limited attention. We measured dissolved oxygen, pH and water temperature in the Lake Karāpiro hydroreservoir, northern New Zealand, across a gradient of proportional water‐column height occupied by the invasive macrophytes Egeria densa and Ceratophyllum demersum, which dominated in the upper‐riverine (variable water inflow) and lower‐lacustrine (variable water level) sections, respectively. Hypoxia and anoxia events that occurred inside invasive macrophyte beds during their summer peak biomass accumulation period were more pronounced for C. demersum than for E. densa, and within the bottom 20% of the water column. In contrast, pH and temperature changed little in relation to proportional macrophyte height. Macrophyte species differences in the production of hypoxia and anoxia events increased when site‐specific hydropeaking management covariates (depth, inflows, water level) were accounted for. This association with hydropeaking likely resulted from contrasting hydrodynamics in the lower‐lacustrine and upper‐riverine lake sections, where oxygen can decrease with higher water levels and lower water inflow rates, respectively. During the course of our study, some macrophyte beds were treated with herbicide, enabling us to document prolonged and sustained hypoxic/anoxic conditions near the bottom following spraying. These results underscore the adverse effects of invasive macrophytes on water physicochemical attributes that sustain aquatic biota, and highlight the context‐dependent nature of these effects moderated by reservoir management for hydropeaking and macrophyte control.
Gas permeability and water retention of a repacked silty sand amended with different particle sizes of peanut shell biochar
Authors: Chen Zhongkui , Chen Chaowei , Kamchoom Viroon , Chen Rui
Published: July 2020

Biochar has been used as an eco‐friendly enhancer to alter soil microstructure and improve the mechanical and hydraulic properties of soil. Recent studies observed that variation in biochar particle size can affect its ability to alter soil microstructures. This poses a challenge to select the proper biochar particle size to manipulate soil properties to favor agricultural applications including crop cultivation or engineering design, such as landfill cover. This study experimentally investigated the influence of biochar particle size on soil microstructures and its effects on water retention and gas permeability (kg) of a repacked biochar‐amended soil (BAS). Peanut shell biochar with four different sizes, ranging from finer than 0.25 to >2 mm, was amended into silty sand. Change in microstructure of BAS was observed using a mercury intrusion porosimeter. Results indicated that the particle size of biochar played a significant role in altering soil microstructures. The addition of smaller biochar particles (i.e., <0.25 mm) decreased soil mesopores and macropores by ∼19%, resulting in greater water retention and reduction of kg by ∼31% at ∼0.35 air‐filled porosity. However, the mesopores and macropores of soil amended with larger biochar particles (i.e., >2 mm) increased threefold. This resulted in a reduction of water retention at low matric potential (i.e., lower than −3 kPa) and increased kg by up to 93% at ∼0.35 air‐filled porosity. These findings indicate that application of smaller biochar particles can enhance the water retention ability of the silty sand and reduce soil kg, which is beneficial to the water and air management of the biochar‐amended soil layers (i.e., as an aeration layer or sealing layer).
Combination product of dermal matrix, human mesenchymal stem cells, and timolol promotes diabetic wound healing in mice
Authors: Yang Hsin-ya , Fierro Fernando , So Michelle , Yoon Daniel J. , Nguyen Alan Vu , Gallegos Anthony , Bagood Michelle D. , Rojo-Castro Tomas , Alex Alan , Stewart Heather , Chigbrow Marianne , Dasu Mohan R. , Peavy Thomas R. , Soulika Athena M. , Nolta Jan A. , Isseroff R. Rivkah
Published: July 2020

Diabetic foot ulcers are a major health care concern with limited effective therapies. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-based therapies are promising treatment options due to their beneficial effects of immunomodulation, angiogenesis, and other paracrine effects. We investigated whether a bioengineered scaffold device containing hypoxia-preconditioned, allogeneic human MSCs combined with the beta-adrenergic antagonist timolol could improve impaired wound healing in diabetic mice. Different iterations were tested to optimize the primary wound outcome, which was percent of wound epithelialization. MSC preconditioned in 1 μM timolol at 1% oxygen (hypoxia) seeded at a density of 2.5 × 105 cells/cm2 on Integra Matrix Wound Scaffold (MSC/T/H/S) applied to wounds and combined with daily topical timolol applications at 2.9 mM resulted in optimal wound epithelialization 65.6% (24.9% ± 13.0% with MSC/T/H/S vs 41.2% ± 20.1%, in control). Systemic absorption of timolol was below the HPLC limit of quantification, suggesting that with the 7-day treatment, accumulative steady-state timolol concentration is minimal. In the early inflammation stage of healing, the MSC/T/H/S treatment increased CCL2 expression, lowered the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1B and IL6 levels, decreased neutrophils by 44.8%, and shifted the macrophage ratio of M2/M1 to 1.9 in the wound, demonstrating an anti-inflammatory benefit. Importantly, expression of the endothelial marker CD31 was increased by 2.5-fold with this treatment. Overall, the combination device successfully improved wound healing and reduced the wound inflammatory response in the diabetic mouse model, suggesting that it could be translated to a therapy for patients with diabetic chronic wounds.
Facile Engineering of Anti‐Inflammatory Nanotherapies by Host‐Guest Self‐Assembly
Authors: Yang Guoyu , Wu Peng , Yu Cong , Zhang Jianxiang , Song Jinlin
Published: July 2020

Anti‐inflammatory drugs have been broadly used for the treatment of different diseases, but many of them have low water‐solubility, thereby leading to poor bioavailability and limited clinical benefits. Herein we report host‐guest assembly of nanotherapies based on different hydrophobic anti‐inflammatory drugs, in which β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD)‐conjugated polyethyleneimine (PEICDs) were used as host polymers. The spontaneous assembly and nanotherapy formation by PEICDs was first demonstrated using a nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug indomethacin, showing high loading efficiencies and loading contents. Besides inclusion interactions, hydrogen‐bonding and electrostatic forces are responsible for effective host‐guest assembly. Moreover, this facile and robust approach can be generalized to other hydrophobic drugs. Due to the amorphous distribution of loaded drug molecules in nanotherapies, they can be rapidly and completely released, with the release rate relevant to the binding free energy between drug and β‐CD. Accordingly, this host‐guest assembly strategy is promising for developing effective anti‐inflammatory nanotherapies.
EDOT Based Terpolymers: Facile Synthesis via Direct C‐H Arylation and Barrier Layer in Dye Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Panigrahi Pranshula , Mallick Manoj K. , Mohanty Smita , Nayak Sanjay K. , Palai Akshaya K.
Published: July 2020

We report the synthesis and characterization of three 3,4‐ethylene dioxythiophene (EDOT) based terpolymers. The polymers were synthesized in excellent yield via direct C−H arylation reaction between EDOT, 9,9‐di‐(2’‐ethylhexyl)‐2,7‐dibromofluorene and 1,3‐dibromo‐7‐tert‐butylpyrene. The solubility of these terpolymers in common organic solvents has been facilitated by the presence of alkyl side chains. The synthesized polymers have been characterized through gel permeation chromatography, 1H‐Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H‐NMR), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), Ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy (UV‐Vis), and fluorescence spectroscopy. The polymers show optical band gaps in the range of 2.06 ‐ 2.17 eV and HOMO levels of −4.71 eV to −4.70 eV relative to vacuum as determined by UV visible and Cyclic Voltammetry respectively. Dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSC) using selected terpolymer (TP‐1) as a barrier layer have been fabricated and enhancement in photovoltaic properties was evaluated.
The Study on Higher Alcohols Synthesis from Syngas over CuZnAl Catalysts Derived from Hydrotalcite‐Like Precursors
Authors: Zhang Sai , Gao Zhihua , Liu Yan , Bai Nan , Huang Wei
Published: July 2020

A series of CuZnAl catalysts with different Al contents were derived from hydrotalcite‐like precursors prepared by the coprecipitation method. Activity evaluation of the catalyst for higher alcohols synthesis from syngas was investigated, and the catalysts were characterized by XRD, BET, H2‐TPR, CO2‐TPD‐MS and CO‐TPD‐MS. The results revealed that different Al content showed an influence on the dispersion of the reducible Cu species, the specific surface area, the surface alkali strength and the adsorption capacity of CO, which affecting the CO conversion and the selectivity of higher alcohols. Catalysts with strong interaction between CuO and Al species, more medium and strong basic sites, and adequate CO dissociation adsorption benefited production of higher alcohols.
Synthesis and In Vitro Evaluation of Anti‐Leukemic Potency of Some Novel Azo‐Naphthol Dyes Conjugated with Metal Nanoparticles as Photosensitizers for Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Khalifa Mohamed E. , Elkhawass Elham A. , Ninomiya Masayuki , Tanaka Kaori , Koketsu Mamoru
Published: July 2020

Synthesis of some new mono azo organic compounds, based on 1‐arylazo‐2‐naphthol nucleus is performed by diazo‐coupling strategy of β‐naphthol with different 1ry aromatic amines. Interestingly, the monoazo products undergo functionalized reactions to obtain the target azo naphthol derivatives (3–14). The synthesized dyes are conjugated with gold and/ or silver nanoparticles by electrostatic interaction. Photodynamic therapeutic efficiencies of the synthesized naphthol azo dyes and their conjugates have been evaluated against promyelocytic leukemia cell lines (HL‐60) in dark and light conditions. Dye‐Nanometal conjugates act as photosensitizers (PSs) exhibiting an enhancement of the optical properties as well as in photodynamic therapeutic efficiencies in variable degrees depending on dye structure.
Progress in Cyclizations of 4‐Acetylenic Ketones: Synthesis of Furans and Pyrroles
Authors: Wang Yeming , Zhang Chaoqun , Li Shizhe
Published: July 2020

4‐Acetylenic ketones are a class of useful and important synthons with functionalized alkynes and carbonyl groups in one molecular skeleton. They displayed unique reactivity via cyclizations that provided access to multi‐functional furans and pyrroles. This minireview offers a comprehensive coverage of the development of their multifaceted reactivity for synthetic applications in furans and pyrroles.
Two Routes for the Synthesis of Phosphorothioates via P‐S Coupling Reaction of Dialkyl Phosphites with Thiols or a Mixture of Alkyl Halides and Thiourea in the Presence of CaO
Authors: Kaboudin Babak , Noori Fariba , Dehghani Leila , Alavi Sajedeh , Kazemi Foad
Published: July 2020

In this report, two routes for the synthesis of phosphorothioatesviaa P−S cross coupling reaction of thiols with dialkyl phosphites or a three component reaction of alkyl halides, thiourea and dialkyl phosphite in the presence of CaO has been studied. By presented methods, various phosphorothioates are obtained under transition metal‐free condition. The reactions are proceeded with formation of a known intermediate of disulfideviathe oxidation of thiols and followed by nucleophilic substitution of dialkyl phosphite with the disulfide intermediate gave phosphorothioate.
Diversity‐oriented Functionalization of Cyclodienes Through Selective Cycloaddition/Ring‐opening/Cross‐metathesis Protocols; Transformation of a “Flatland” into Three‐dimensional Scaffolds With Stereo‐ and Regiocontrol
Authors: Kiss Loránd , Benke Zsanett , Remete Attila M. , Fülöp Ferenc
Published: July 2020

This article presents selective transformations of some readily available cyclodienes through simple chemical procedures into novel functionalized small‐molecular entities. The syntheses hereby described involved selective cycloadditions, followed by ring‐opening metathesis of the resulting β‐lactam or isoxazoline derivatives and selective cross‐metathesis by differentiation of the olefin bonds on the alkenylated heterocycles. The cross‐metathesis transformations have been detailed, which were performed under various experimental conditions with the aim of exploring chemodiscrimination of the olefin bonds and delivering the corresponding functionalized β‐lactam or isoxazoline derivatives.
Use of plants in the remediation of arsenic‐contaminated waters
Authors: Berg Elisa C. , Borges Alisson C.
Published: July 2020

Arsenic‐contaminated waters represent environmental and public health problems. The use of plants has emerged as a viable, cost‐effective, and low environmental impact alternative to treat these polluted waters. This review presents studies published in the year 2019 on phytoremediation covering the effects observed on plants, trends in plant species selection and treatment of arsenic‐rich biomass. Studies on application of this technology are exposed through constructed (treatment) wetlands, and a brief contextualization on the impacts of arsenic contamination was also performed.

Practitioner points

Arsenic is a toxic element that can be found in aquatic environments, and phytoremediation is a promising technology for treating waters contaminated by this pollutant.

Constructed wetlands are a form of wastewater treatment that uses phytoremediation and other processes to remove arsenic from waters.

Trends in future studies involve understanding the plants physiological anti‐stress responses, treatment of contaminated biomass and application of constructed wetlands on a full scale.
Non‐holonomic rolling of a ball on the surface of a rotating cylinder
Authors: Ivanova Tatiana B.
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we investigate the motion of a homogeneous heavy ball rolling without slipping on the surface of a rotating cylinder in two settings: a setting without dissipation and a setting with rolling friction torque which is proportional to the angular velocity of the ball. In both cases we assume that there exists a non‐holonomic constraint that corresponds to the condition that there be no slipping at the point of contact. In the first case, the system of five differential equations on the level set of first integrals is reduced to quadratures. To define possible types of motion, we carry out a bifurcation analysis of the reduced system. In the case with friction we show that all trajectories shift on average downward and the ball falls.
The Fourth Industrial Revolution and Changes to Working Life: What Supports Adult Employees in Adapting to New Technology at Work?
Authors: Nygren Hanna , Virolainen Maarit , Hämäläinen Raija , Rautopuro Juhani
Published: July 2020

This chapter aims to increase current understanding of adults’ individual learning pathways and needs when adapting to new technology. We review adults’ overall technology skills and depict, through chosen examples, how adults have adapted to technological change in their working lives. We present prior research on the challenges that the Fourth Industrial Revolution poses to adults’ further education, and based on the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC), we review adults’ problem-solving skills in technology-rich environments. Overall, the findings emphasize the importance of design-based education and the need for companies to flexibly address adults with skill-shortages, who need to develop their problem-solving abilities in technology-rich environments.
Robotics in Manufacturing—The Past and the Present
Authors: Li Ming , Milojević Andrija , Handroos Heikki
Published: July 2020

Based on a case of a real-world fully automated robot-based manufacturing system, this chapter discusses the requirements and the reality of constructing such systems, the underlying know-how needed for successful construction and operating of fully automated manufacturing systems and future directions in fully automated manufacturing systems.
Maintenance-Management in Light of Manufacturing 4.0
Authors: Urbani Michele , Petri Dario , Brunelli Matteo , Collan Mikael
Published: July 2020

Global competition is driving the evolution of the Industry 4.0 paradigm in the manufacturing industry. In this context, maintenance can play an increasingly important role in assuring a satisfactory level of asset reliability and availability and in improving organization performance. This chapter gives an overview on maintenance policies commonly used in daily practice and presents the principles of the cutting-edge approach to predictive maintenance—prognostics and health management (PHM). Advanced predictive maintenance approaches and their technical and cost-savings potential in connection with the concept of digital twins are discussed.
Industrial Additive Manufacturing Business Models—What Do We Know from the Literature?
Authors: Savolainen Jyrki , Collan Mikael
Published: July 2020

The chapter presents results from a literature study of academic literature on business models based on additive manufacturing. The directions the existing literature is taking are presented and discussed—the underlying assumptions of the reviewed business models are critically examined and gaps in the research identified. New business models and components of business models are discussed and presented and the relationship of the new ideas is discussed in light of the previous literature.
Additive Manufacturing Cases and a Vision for a Predictive Analytics and Additive Manufacturing Based Maintenance Business Model
Authors: Urbani Michele , Collan Mikael
Published: July 2020

This chapter discusses two real-world cases of how additive manufacturing can be used in enhancing results in heart surgery and in cutting costs in the business of maintenance and refurbishing metal dies, both without a radical change in the business model. In addition to the two real-world cases we present a vision of how additive manufacturing technologies, together with predictive analytics, digitalization, and a high level of international networking could revolutionize the business models of international maintenance service businesses.