bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Le travail et son contenu, un angle mort dans les représentations des dirigeants
Authors: Gilbert Patrick , Noël Florent
Published: May 2021

Les mutations technologiques, économiques et sociales conduisent à faire état d’une « crise du travail ». Or, toute crise appelle des réponses gestionnaires non seulement au niveau macro, mais aussi au niveau micro des organisations productives. Dès lors se pose la question de la manière dont les équipes dirigeantes se saisissent du travail, identifient les enjeux associés et se représentent les actions nécessaires pour répondre à ces défis contemporains. Une enquête réalisée auprès de 33 dirigeants d’entreprises montre que le travail, qu’ils mettent à distance, est largement délégué au management de proximité. Les cadres dirigeants limitent leurs préoccupations à la gestion des seuls salariés sur lesquels reposent leur conception de l’avantage stratégique.
Les détaillants face au défi du commerce connecté : une étude multisectorielle
Authors: Bressolles Grégory , Viot Catherine
Published: May 2021

Les détaillants ne sont pas épargnés par la transformation digitale. Ils doivent aujourd’hui relever le défi du commerce connecté, qui tend vers une intégration des canaux. En mobilisant le cadre théorique de l’ambidextrie organisationnelle, la stratégie de digitalisation de six détaillants français et canadiens, appartenant à trois secteurs a été étudiée selon la méthode des cas. Quatre types de changements sont mis au jour : des changements organisationnels, de proposition de valeur, logistiques et relatifs au partage de la valeur et aux KPI utilisés.
Des expatriés de retour frustrés mais fidèles à leur organisation. Analyse d’un paradoxe à l’aide de la théorie du don/contre-don
Authors: Vignal Jérémy , Oiry Ewan
Published: May 2021

Cet article analyse le comportement paradoxal des expatriés de retour frustrés mais fidèles à leur organisation à partir d’une théorie encore émergente en sciences de gestion, celle du don/contre-don de Marcel Mauss. En considérant une expérience d’expatriation comme un « fait social total » qui inclut le passé, le présent et le futur de l’individu et articule l’ensemble des dimensions personnelles et professionnelles, nous proposons une perspective renouvelée sur la période du retour d’expatriation et formulons des préconisations managériales qui prennent en compte les mécanismes nouveaux mis en évidence.
Designing a Lesson Plan About Teaching French Grammar as a Foreign Language from a Social Constructivist Approach
Authors: Soylu Baştuğ Dilek , Broutin Jonathan
Published: May 2021

In modern methods, in line with the social constructivist and action-oriented approaches, knowledge should be (co-) constructed by the learner in interaction with his or her learning environment which has been established by the teacher prior to the session. A social constructivist approach can be described as learning-centered. This approach indicates learning as an interactive process. This study aims to define how learners build instructional sequences based on the European Common Language Reference Framework (CEFR) and action-oriented methods by using authentic documents including metalanguage. The sequence is for adult learners at A2 level. They are Turkish students who are at least 19 years old and they have participated in a one-year preparatory class with the aim of reaching B1 level. We will analyze the context of the procedure teaching and the profile of the learners to whom it will be passed. At the end of these introductory analyzes, which are important for the development of an audience-specific learning sequence, we will create a sequence guide with additional activity sheets for students.
In silico characterization and homology modeling of cytosolic APX gene predicts novel glycine residue modulating waterlogging stress response in pigeon pea
Authors: Tyagi Anshika , Sharma Sandhya , Srivastava Harsha , Singh Nagendra Kumar , Gaikwad Kishor
Published: May 2021

Ascorbate peroxidase (APX) is a member of the family of heme-containing peroxidases having a similar structure with Cytochrome c peroxidase (CCP) that effectively scavenge cytosolic and chloroplastic hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) under various stresses. In this study, computational characterization and homology analysis of APX protein from waterlogging tolerant (ICPL 84023) and sensitive (ICP 7035) pigeon pea genotypes were carried out resulting in 100% homology with Glycine max in case of former and 99% in later genotypes respectively with 97.39% alignment coverage among each other. The model structure was further refined by various tools like PROCHECK, ProSA, and Verify3D. The planned model of the APX enzyme was then tested to dock with H2O2along with molecular dynamics (MD) simulation analysis. The docked complex of ICPL 84023 showed the best G-score (23.39 kcal/mol) in comparison to ICP 7035 (16.74 kcal/mol) depicting the higher production of APX for scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) production making this genotype more tolerant. The important binding residues in the ICPL 84023-H2O2complex (SER1, THR4, GLU23, and GLY13) have shown less fluctuation than the ICP 7035-H2O2 complex (SER1, THR4, and GLU23). Overall, our results showed that amino acid residue glycine in ICPL 84023 APX gene has a high binding affinity with H2O2 which could be a key factor associated with waterlogging stress tolerance in pigeon pea.
A Study on Statistical Methods for Prediction of Service Life of Fire Trucks
Authors: Chun Chang-Sub , Kim Seung-Mo
Published: May 2021

The current methods of calculating the economic productivity of fire pumpers reduce the value of the vehicle based on its lifetime use. However, it is reasonable to base the service time of a fire pumper on its original function. In this study, we proposed the use of the functional approach to determine the productivity of fire pumpers as opposed to the use of the economic approach. The Korea Fire Institute is a professional institution that inspected 342 fire pumpers in 2019. In all, 102 pumpers were found to be malfunctioning. The number was modified to 100 cases considering the production date and results of statistical analysis. Next, we determined a mean time to failure (MTTF) of 7.65 years based on the service time data using Weibull distribution; this MTTF is 2.35 years shorter than the current mean service time of the pumpers, so this study selected a reasonable service time of 8 years for a pumper.
Job Satisfaction Differences by Gender Role Identity among Female Firefighters
Authors: Kim Tae-Wan
Published: May 2021

This study was conducted to prepare fundamental data, improve job satisfaction, and assess the job satisfaction differences by gender role identity among female firefighters. This study was carried out through a structured self-administered questionnaires survey among 193 female firefighters in a fire station in Kyeong-Nam province. The independent variable was gender role identity type (30 items), and the dependent variable was job satisfaction (33 items). The collected data was analyzed using the SPSS (IBM. Ver. 25.0) statistical package program. There was a positive effect of both types in gender role identity on job satisfaction among female firefighters. When controlling the independent variable affecting job satisfaction, the level of job satisfaction was higher in both types of gender role identity than other factors.
High Oxidation Potential ≈6.0 V of Concentrated Electrolyte toward High‐Performance Dual‐Ion Battery
Authors: Tong Xiaoyu , Ou Xuewu , Wu Nanzhong , Wang Haiyan , Li Jin , Tang Yongbing
Published: May 2021

Dual‐ion batteries (DIBs) show the advantages of high working voltage, cost‐effectiveness, and environmental friendliness, but conventional electrolytes commonly cannot satisfy simultaneously the requirements of wide voltage range and high‐concentration, leading to poor cycling durability and limited energy density. In this work, an electrolyte system with 4.0 m lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI) dissolved in tetramethylene sulfone, which shows merits of i) high oxidation potential ≈6.0 V to enable the insertion/deinsertion of FSI− reversibly at the graphite cathode, ii) dramatically suppressed gas formation under high working voltage, and iii) significantly elevated full‐cell DIB energy density, is developed. The DIB constructed with such an electrolyte is able to exhibit 113.3 mAh g−1 capacity and ≈4.6 V medium discharge voltage at 200 mA g−1, along with 94.7% capacity retention after 1000 cycles. Moreover, this DIB delivers an energy density of ≈180 Wh kg−1 (including electrolyte which contributes to the capacity and electrode materials), one of the best performances amongst the related work on DIBs.
Supramolecular Self‐Assembled Multi‐Electron‐Acceptor Organic Molecule as High‐Performance Cathode Material for Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wu Meng‐Siou , Luu Nhu T. H. , Chen Teng‐Hao , Lyu Hailong , Huang Te‐Wei , Dai Sheng , Sun Xiao‐Guang , Ivanov Alexander S. , Lee Jui‐Chin , Popovs Ilja , Kaveevivitchai Watchareeya
Published: May 2021

Organic electrode materials possess many advantages such as low toxicity, sustainability, and chemical/structural tunability toward high energy density. However, to compete with inorganic‐based compounds, crucial aspects such as redox potential, capacity, cycling stability, and electronic conductivity need to be improved. Herein, a comprehensive strategy on the molecular design of small organic electron‐acceptor‐molecule—hexaazatrianthranylene (HATA) embedded quinone (HATAQ) is reported. By introducing conjugated quinone moieties into the electron‐deficient hexaazatriphenylene‐derivative core, HATAQ with highly extended π‐conjugation can yield extra‐high capacity for lithium storage, delivering a capacity of 426 mAh g−1 at 200 mA g−1 (0.4C). At an extremely high rate of 10 A g−1 (19C), a reversible capacity of 209 mAh g−1 corresponding to nearly 85% retention is obtained after 1000 cycles. A unique network of unconventional lock‐and‐key hydrogen bonds in the solid‐state facilitates favorable supramolecular 2D layered arrangement, enhancing cycling stability. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the capacity and rate capability of HATAQ are found to be the best ever reported for organic small‐molecule‐based cathodes. These results together with density functional theory studies provide proof‐of‐concept that the design strategy is promising for the development of organic electrodes with exceptionally high energy density, rate capability, and cycling stability.
Comments on “Highly Selective Removal of Perfluorinated Contaminants by Adsorption on All‐Silica Zeolite Beta”
Authors: Kopinke Frank‐Dieter
Published: May 2021

A recent study in this journal describes a new high‐performence adsorbent—all‐silica zeolite Beta—for removal of perfluorinated alkylated substances from contaminated water. The authors compare the new zeolite adsorbent with the most widely used adsorbent, which is activated carbon. Due to significant practical implications, this comparison is examined in the following.
Pharma‐molecule Transport across Bacterial Membranes: Detection and Quantification Approaches by Electrochemistry and Bioanalytical Methods
Authors: Golubchik Alon , Lopes Luma Clarindo , Singh Vikram , Kuss Sabine
Published: May 2021

Antibiotic resistance is a significant challenge encountered by healthcare systems on a global scale. Knowledge about membrane transport of antibiotics and other pharmacologically relevant molecules in bacteria is crucial towards understanding and overcoming antibiotic resistance, as drug resistance often depends on drug transport. This comprehensive literature review discusses the detection and quantification of membrane transport of pharma‐molecules in bacteria and highlights the importance of molecule transport to antibiotic resistance. This review emphasizes electrochemical and electrophysiological methods of detection and quantification. The results of this literature review reveal a substantial diversity in methods and types of quantitative information collected.
Cationic Heterobimetallic Mg(Zn)/Al(Ga) Combinations for Cooperative C–F Bond Cleavage
Authors: Friedrich Alexander , Eyselein Jonathan , Langer Jens , Färber Christian , Harder Sjoerd
Published: May 2021

Low‐valent (MeBDI)Al and (MeBDI)Ga and highly Lewis acidic cations in [(tBuBDI)M+⋅C6H6][(B(C6F5)4−] (M=Mg or Zn,MeBDI=HC[C(Me)N‐DIPP]2,tBuBDI=HC[C(tBu)N‐DIPP]2, DIPP=2,6‐diisopropylphenyl) react to heterobimetallic cations [(tBuBDI)Mg–Al(MeBDI)+], [(tBuBDI)Mg–Ga(MeBDI)+] and [(tBuBDI)Zn–Ga(MeBDI)+]. These cations feature long Mg–Al (or Ga) bonds while the Zn–Ga bond is short. The [(tBuBDI)Zn–Al(MeBDI)+] cation was not formed. Combined AIM and charge calculations suggest that the metal–metal bonds to Zn are considerably more covalent, whereas those to Mg should be described as weak AlI(or GaI)→Mg2+donor bonds. Failure to isolate the Zn–Al combination originates from cleavage of the C−F bond in the solvent fluorobenzene to give (tBuBDI)ZnPh and (MeBDI)AlF+which is extremely Lewis acidic and was not observed, but (MeBDI)Al(F)‐(μ‐F)‐(F)Al(MeBDI)+was verified by X‐ray diffraction. DFT calculations show that the remarkably facile C–F bond cleavage follows a dearomatization/rearomatization route.
High‐Spin‐Imidocobaltkomplexe mit Imidylradikalcharakter**
Authors: Reckziegel Alexander , Kour Manjinder , Battistella Beatrice , Mebs Stefan , Beuthert Katrin , Berger Robert , Werncke C. Gunnar
Published: May 2021

Wir berichten über die Synthese trigonaler Imidylcobaltkomplexe [Co(NAryl)L2]−, (L=N(Dipp)SiMe3, Dipp=2,6‐Diisopropylphenyl), mit sehr langen Co‐NAryl‐Bindungen von etwa 1.75 Å. Ihre elektronische Struktur wurde mit einer Vielzahl von physikalischen und spektroskopischen Methoden wie EPR oder Röntgenabsorptionsspektroskopie untersucht, was zu ihrer Beschreibung als höchst ungewöhnliche Imidylcobaltkomplexe führt. Computergestützte Analysen bestätigen diese Ergebnisse und zeigen weiter, dass der High‐Spin‐Zustand für den Imidylcharakter verantwortlich ist. Der Austausch des Dipp‐Substituenten am Imid durch die kleinere Mesitylfunktion (2,4,6‐Trimethylphenyl) bewirkt die unerwartete Me3Si‐Verschiebung vom Ligandenrückgrat zum Imidylstickstoff und offenbart einen hochreaktiven, nukleophilen Charakter der Imidyleinheit.
Enhanced Electrochemical Performance of Aprotic Li‐CO2 Batteries with a Ruthenium‐Complex‐Based Mobile Catalyst
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Bai Wen‐Long , Cai Zhi‐Peng , Cheng Jin‐Huan , Kuang Hua‐Yi , Dong Bo‐Xu , Wang Yu‐Bo , Wang Kai‐Xue , Chen Jie‐Sheng
Published: May 2021

Li‐CO2 batteries are regarded as next‐generation high‐energy‐density electrochemical devices. However, the greatest challenge arises from the formation of the discharge product, Li2CO3, which would accumulate and deactivate heterogenous catalysts to cause huge polarization. Herein, Ru(bpy)3Cl2 was employed as a solution‐phase catalyst for Li‐CO2 batteries and proved to be the most effective one screened so far. Spectroscopy and electrochemical analyses elucidate that the RuII center could interact with both CO2 and amorphous Li2C2O4 intermediate, thus promoting electroreduction process and delaying carbonate transformation. As a result, the charge potential is reduced to 3.86 V and over 60 discharge/charge cycles are achieved with a fixed capacity of 1000 mAh g−1 at a current density of 300 mA g−1. Our work provides a new avenue to improve the electrochemical performance of Li‐CO2 batteries with efficient mobile catalysts.
Electronic‐State Manipulation of Surface Titanium Activates Dephosphorylation Over TiO2 Near Room Temperature
Authors: Wang Quan , Yi Xianfeng , Chen Yu‐Cheng , Xiao Yao , Zheng Anmin , Chen Jian Lin , Peng Yung‐Kang
Published: May 2021

Dephosphorylation that removes a phosphate group from substrates is an important reaction for living organisms and environmental protection. Although CeO2 has been shown to catalyze this reaction, cerium is low in natural abundance and has a narrow global distribution (>90 % of these reserves are located within six countries). It is thus imperative to find another element/material with high worldwide abundance that can also efficiently extract the phosphate out of agricultural waste for phosphorus recycle. Using para‐nitrophenyl phosphate (p‐NPP) as a model compound, we demonstrate that TiO2 with a F‐modified (001) surface can activate p‐NPP dephosphorylation at temperatures as low as 40 °C. By probe‐assisted nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), it was revealed that the strong electron‐withdrawing effect of fluorine makes Ti atoms (the active sites) on the (001) surface very acidic. The bidentate adsorption of p‐NPP on this surface further promotes its subsequent activation with a barrier ≈20 kJ mol−1 lower than that of the pristine (001) and (101) surfaces, allowing the activation of this reaction near room temperature (from >80 °C).
Semi‐aromatic copoly(ether ether amide): Synthesis and properties
Authors: Ren Hao‐hao , Li Peng‐cheng , Wu Ya‐nan , Hu Jin‐bo , Zhang Gang , Yan Yong‐gang
Published: May 2021

A series of semi‐aromatic copoly(ether ether amide)s (hydroquinone (HQ) (0%)‐HQ (100%)) were synthesized by 1,1‐bis(4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐1‐phenylethane (BHPPE), 1,4‐benzenediol (HQ) and 1,6‐N,N′‐bis(4‐fuorobenzamide) hexane (BFBH) in this work. The inherent viscosities of copoly(ether ether amide)s were in the range of 0.487–0.769 dl g−1. Following with increase of the content of HQ, the resultant polymers were converted from amorphous to crystalline. The copolymers were found to have high glass transition temperatures (Tg) of 141.4–155.6°C and weight‐loss temperature (T5%) of 423.3–434.3°C. They can be hot‐pressed into films with tensile strength of 63.3–87.6 MPa, and storage modulus over 0.8 GPa at about 150°C, indicating good thermal and mechanical property of the obtained copolymers. The results of rheological property showed that the copolymers had good melt flowability and thermal stability. Additionally, the introduction of HQ improved the corrosion resistance of copolymers, the obtained polymers HQ (60%), HQ (80%) and HQ (100%) exhibited better corrosion resistance than that of HQ (0%). Especially, HQ (80%) and HQ (100%) were insoluble in organic polar solvents such as DMSO, DMF because of their crystalline nature, indicating that they had potential to be applied to the corrosion‐resistant materials.
Mono‐ and Di‐Mesoionic Carbene‐Boranes: Synthesis, Structures and Utility as Reducing Agents
Authors: Stein Felix , Kirsch Marius , Beerhues Julia , Albold Uta , Sarkar Biprajit
Published: May 2021

Mesoionic carbenes (MIC) of the 1,2,3‐triazol‐5‐ylidene type are currently popular ligands in organometallic chemistry. Their use in main group chemistry has been rather limited. In this contribution we present mono‐ and di‐MIC‐boranes with MICs based on triazolylidenes. The synthesis involves in‐situ deprotonation of the corresponding triazolium salts and their reaction with boranes to form the desired compounds. Whereas this reaction route worked well for all triazolium salts derived from the 1,4‐regioisomer of the triazoles, for the methlyene‐bridged bi‐triazolium salt derived from a 1,5‐substiuted triazole, we observed the unexpected decomposition of the bi‐triazolium and the formation of a triazole‐borane with a new N−B bond. All compounds were characterized via multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and single crystal X‐ray diffraction. Furthermore, the MIC‐boranes were used as reducing agents for the reduction of the C=O of aldehydes to the corresponding alcohols.
The pro‐inflammatory response of macrophages regulated by acid degradation products of poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) nanoparticles
Authors: Ma Shufang , Feng Xinxing , Liu Fangxiu , Wang Bin , Zhang Hua , Niu Xufeng
Published: May 2021

Poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA) shows great potentials in biomedical applications, in particular with the field of biodegradable implants and control release technologies. However, there are few systematic and detailed studies on the influence of PLGA degradation behavior on the immunogenicity. In this study, in order to develop a method for dynamically assessing the immunological response of PLGA throughout the implantation process, PLGA particles are fabricated using an o/w single‐emulsion method. The physicochemical characterizations of the prepared PLGA particles during in vitro hydrolytic degradation are investigated. Then, a series of immunological effects triggered by PLGA by‐products formed with degradation process are evaluated, including cell viability, apoptosis, polarization and inflammatory reaction. THP‐1 human cell line is set as in vitro cell model. Our results show that PLGA degradation‐induced acid environment decreases cell viability and increases cell apoptosis, which is a potential factor affecting cell function. In particular, the macrophages exhibit up‐regulations in both M1 subtype related surface markers and pro‐inflammatory cytokines with the degradation process of PLGA, which indicates the degradation products of PLGA can convert macrophages to the pro‐inflammatory (M1) polarization state. All these findings provide the mechanism of PLGA‐induced inflammation and lay the foundation for the design of next‐generation PLGA‐based biomaterials endowed with immunomodulatory functions.
Effects of electron beam irradiation on quality of weever fillets during refrigerated storage
Authors: Xu Dalun , Zhang Han , Zhang Lingyue , Huang Tao , Jia Ru , Lu Jiafang , Yang Wenge
Published: May 2021

The effects of electron beam irradiation doses (1–7 kGy) on the quality of weever (Lateolabrax japonicus) were investigated during refrigerated storage. The obtained results showed that lower irradiation dose (1–3 kGy) could dramatically extend shelf‐life of weever fillets, guarantee hardness, and chewiness during storage. Biochemical properties of myofibrillar protein (MP) indicated that higher irradiation dose (5 and 7 kGy) significantly accelerated MP oxidization by the increase of carbonyl contents, reducing the sulfhydryl contents and Ca2+‐ATPase activity during storage. Thus, low irradiation dose in combination with refrigerated storage could delay protein oxidation and be more suitable for fresh‐keeping of weever meat. This may provide possible reference for the application of irradiation technology in weever preservation.
Improvements of Fibrosis and Disease Activity Are Associated With Improvement of Patient‐Reported Outcomes in Patients With Advanced Fibrosis Due to Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis
Authors: Younossi Zobair M. , Stepanova Maria , Noureddin Mazen , Kowdley Kris V. , Strasser Simone I. , Kohli Anita , Ruane Peter , Shiffman Mitchell L. , Sheikh Aasim , Gunn Nadege , Caldwell Stephen H. , Huss Ryan S. , Myers Robert P. , Wai‐Sun Wong Vincent , Alkhouri Naim , Goodman Zachary , Loomba Rohit
Published: May 2021

Patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) are important endpoints for clinical trials. The impact of investigational drugs on PROs of patients with advanced nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) was investigated. Patients with NASH with bridging fibrosis or compensated cirrhosis were enrolled in a phase 2, randomized, placebo‐controlled study of selonsertib, firsocostat, or cilofexor, alone or in two‐drug combinations (NCT03449446). PROs included Short Form 36 (SF‐36), Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire (CLDQ)‐NASH, EuroQol Five Dimension (EQ‐5D), Work Productivity and Impairment (WPAI), and 5‐D Itch before and during treatment. A total of 392 patients with NASH (mean ± SD, 60 ± 9 years old; 35% men; 89% white; 72% diabetes; and 56% compensated cirrhosis) were included. Baseline Physical Functioning (PF) and Bodily Pain of SF‐36 and Fatigue and Worry of CLDQ‐NASH were significantly lower in patients with cirrhosis (total CLDQ‐NASH score mean ± SD, 4.91 ± 1.06 with cirrhosis vs. 5.16 ± 1.14 without cirrhosis; P < 0.05). Lower baseline PRO scores were independently associated with age, female sex, greater body mass index, diabetes, clinically overt fatigue, and comorbidities (all P < 0.05). After 48 weeks of treatment, patients with ≥1‐stage fibrosis improvement without worsening of NASH experienced improvement in EQ‐5D and five out of six CLDQ‐NASH domains (P < 0.05). Patients with ≥2‐point decrease in their nonalcoholic fatty liver disease activity score (NAS) also had improvements in PF and Role Physical scores and all domains of CLDQ‐NASH (P < 0.05). Progression to cirrhosis was associated with a decrease in PF scores of SF‐36 (P ≤ 0.05). Fibrosis regression was independently associated with greater improvements in PF and EQ‐5D scores, while NAS improvement was associated with improvement in fatigue and pruritus (all P < 0.05). Conclusion: Patients with advanced NASH experienced improvement in their PROs after fibrosis regression or improvement in disease activity.
Development of a Hybrid Product Breakdown Structure and Variability Model
Authors: Helmeid Evan R.
Published: May 2021

In transforming from a project‐based engineering approach to a product line engineering (PLE) approach, the engineering teams must have support throughout the transition from evolving tools and methodologies. As an example, the Product Breakdown Structure (PBS) is traditionally a construction‐based decomposition of a complex system, where subsystems reflect a breakdown of the engineering elements with appropriate technical interfaces, subassemblies, and team responsibility delineations. However, when used for a product line with myriad variants, a traditional PBS format provides insufficient detail and structure. As such, using standard desktop software, the author developed a hybrid PBS‐Variability Model (VM), combining the familiar PBS structure with variability modeling aspects based on feature modeling and decision modeling approaches. This resulted in an engineering artifact recognizable as a PBS and easy to adapt to design evolution, yet sufficiently expansive to initially characterize variability. In this way, the traditional PBS evolves to the hybrid PBS‐VM before transitioning to a complete variability model, thereby supporting the engineering teams transitioning from a project‐based engineering approach to a PLE approach. In this paper, the author describes the traditional PBS limitations, the hybrid model development process with a custom‐developed syntax description, the resulting hybrid model, and conclusions on appropriate product line usage.
Product Line Engineering for Digital Product‐Services
Authors: Chalé Góngora Guillermo , Robic Pierre‐Olivier , Beuche Danilo
Published: May 2021

Digitizing the value chain brings along new business opportunities to organizations wishing to adopt a service‐oriented approach. This trend, referred to as digital transformation, has taken over the business world in recent years. Digital technologies allow a company to move towards outcome‐based commitments, pricing, and contracts with its customers. However, these technologies can also make product portfolio management more challenging. Whereas transforming a product offering into a product‐service offering through digitization does not in itself revolutionize product line systems engineering processes and methods, it is of the utmost importance to consider this transformation concerns more than a new culture or using new technology and requires, first and foremost, an alignment with an organization's global strategy and structure.

In this paper, we present a conceptual framework that helps define a high‐level strategy to implement a product‐service offer in an organization. The distinctive framework aspects include the Product‐Service Product Line or PSPL concept (a product line of product‐services), the elements to define the PSPL business model (pricing model, pricing metrics, and commitment types), a product‐services typology, and a product line engineering method extension for architecting the PSPL (notably, a specific service building block type to support a composable design approach and a feature model including service‐related, socio‐technical features).
Anti‐counterfeiting strategy unfolded: A closer look to the case of a large multinational manufacturer
Authors: Rullani Francesco , Beukel Karin , De Angelis Matteo
Published: May 2021

Research Summary

We examine in detail how one large mobile phone manufacturer develops its anti‐counterfeit strategy and seizes counterfeit products on the market. We couple qualitative data (observations from 150 counterfeit sales points worldwide, two focus groups, a survey with 151 respondents, interviews with 90 informants) with econometric analysis of 3,333 fights the focal firm undertook against more than 2,000 counterfeiters in 75 countries over 6 years (2006–2011). We focus on firm's seizure of counterfeit products when consumers' safety is at risk. As the firm is more sensitive to product safety than counterfeiters, we found that the firm generally performs larger seizures when unsafe products are involved, but this is less true in the firm's main market, likely because higher profitability offers higher incentives to counterfeiters.

Managerial Summary

In companies' fight against counterfeiters, product safety plays a pivotal role. We suggest that companies have a particularly high incentive to seize counterfeit products when the product carries potential safety risks, because the occurrence of safety issues seriously harms its reputation. This research explores the anti‐counterfeit strategy undertaken by a large manufacturer operating in the market of mobile phones and in the market of ancillary products (e.g., batteries and chargers). Results show that larger seizures occur in the ancillary rather than in the mobile phone market because while authentic companies have high incentives to seize mobile phone and accessories, as both involve safety risks, counterfeiters have a greater incentive in the main market and thus put less effort in ancillary markets.
Enhanced Diamagnetic Repulsion of Blood Cells Enables Versatile Plasma Separation for Biomarker Analysis in Blood
Authors: Kwon Seyong , Oh Jieung , Lee Min Seok , Um Eujin , Jeong Joonwoo , Kang Joo H.
Published: May 2021

A hemolysis‐free and highly efficient plasma separation platform enabled by enhanced diamagnetic repulsion of blood cells in undiluted whole blood is reported. Complete removal of blood cells from blood plasma is achieved by supplementing blood with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs), which turns the blood plasma into a paramagnetic condition, and thus, all blood cells are repelled by magnets. The blood plasma is successfully collected from 4 mL of blood at flow rates up to 100 µL min−1 without losing plasma proteins, platelets, or exosomes with 83.3±1.64% of plasma volume recovery, which is superior over the conventional microfluidic methods. The theoretical model elucidates the diamagnetic repulsion of blood cells considering hematocrit‐dependent viscosity, which allows to determine a range of optimal flow rates to harvest platelet‐rich plasma and platelet‐free plasma. For clinical validations, it is demonstrated that the method enables the greater recovery of bacterial DNA from the infected blood than centrifugation and the immunoassay in whole blood without prior plasma separation.
Chromium (VI) promotes EMT by regulating FLNA in BLCA
Authors: Sheng Fei , Chen Ke‐Xin , Liu Jian , Li Jing‐Xian , Liang Ge‐Hong , Xu Yong , Du E , Zhang Zhi‐Hong
Published: May 2021

Hexavalent chromium (Cr (VI)), which is a recognized human carcinogen, is widely used in industrial production of raw materials. Evidence verifies that environmental contaminants in the urine can induce malignant transformation in the urinary bladder tract, and our data indicate that Cr (VI) could promote the proliferation and migration and inhibit the apoptosis of bladder cancer (BLCA) cells. However, the molecular mechanism remains ambiguous. We find that Filamin A (FLNA) is overexpressed in BLCA, and Cr (VI) promotes epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition by regulating FLNA in BLCA. Thus, inhibiting the expression of FLNA may be a prospective method for limiting the BLCA progression caused by Cr (VI) exposure.
Werte beim frühen Carnap: Von den Anfängen bis zum Aufbau
Authors: Carus A. W.
Published: May 2021

Die frühesten Zeugnisse zu Carnaps philosophischer Entwicklung bekunden einen klaren und bewußten Nonkognitivismus, wie vor allem an einem Vortrag aus dem Jahre 1911 gezeigt wird. Wie man weiß, bekannte sich Carnap nach etwa 1929 auch zum Nonkognitivismus, dem er 1963 als erster sogar diesen Namen gab. Zwei Dokumente werden aber manchmal als Gegenbeispiele angeführt, ein nichtveröffentlichter Aufsatz über „Deutschlands Niederlage“ aus dem Jahre 1918, und der skizzenhafte § 152 desAufbau; es fragt sich also, ob es eine Episode zwischen seinen philosophischen Anfängen und 1929 gab, in der Carnap seinen Nonkognitivismus zeitweise aufgab. Diese Frage wird anhand einer Interpretation dieser zwei Texte verneint. Es wird angedeutet, dass Carnaps Nonkognitivismus von Anfang an sich relativ geradlinig zu einem „Funktionalismus“ im weitesten Sinn entwickelte, in Richtung auf einen „globalen Funktionalismus“ wie ihn heute Huw Price vertritt.
Die Entwicklung von Carnaps Aufbau 1920–1928
Authors: Damböck Christian
Published: May 2021

Der logische Aufbau der Welt wurde 1928 publiziert, zwei Jahre nachdem Carnap sich in Wien mit dem Manuskript des (danach in gekürzter und bearbeiteter Form publizierten) Buches habilitiert hatte. Entstanden ist Carnaps Buch jedoch in einer Zeit, in der dieser noch nicht in Wien tätig war. Die Niederschrift erfolgte im Jahr 1925 in Buchenbach bei Freiburg; die Vorgeschichte reicht zurück bis ins Jahr 1920. Wie viel Wien oder Wiener Kreis steckt also eigentlich im Aufbau? Wie sehr spiegelt der Aufbau umgekehrt die philosophische Situation in Carnaps frühem Umfeld in Jena und Freiburg wieder? Ist der Aufbau ein Stück österreichische oder ein Stück deutsche Philosophie oder beides? Um diese Fragen auf einer soliden empirischen Grundlage beantworten zu können, wird hier das vorhandene Material ausgewertet, das die Entstehung von Carnaps Buch dokumentiert. Dabei handelt es sich, neben (a) den publizierten Texten Carnaps aus dieser Zeit, um folgende Quellen: (b) Carnaps Tagebücher und Leselisten, (c) verschiedene Briefwechsel, (d) Manuskripte und Fragmente aus den Nachlässen von Carnap, Hans Reichenbach, Moritz Schlick, Franz Roh und anderen.
Rudolf Carnap: Philosoph der Neuen Sachlichkeit
Authors: Dahms Hans-Joachim
Published: May 2021

Rudolf Carnap hat nur im Vorwort zum „Logischen Aufbau der Welt“ Bemerkungen zum Verhältnis seiner wissenschaftlichen Arbeit zur Kunst und Architektur seiner Zeit veröffentlicht. Aber sein emphatisches Bekenntnis zur Moderne der 20er-Jahre hat bisher nur selten Aufmerksamkeit in der philosophiegeschichtlichen Sekundärliteratur gefunden. In meinem Beitrag versuche ich in den ersten beiden Abschnitten, seinen kulturellen Hintergrund seit seiner Schul- und Studentenzeit zu skizzieren und dann seine persönlichen Kontakte und Austauschbeziehungen mit Vorkämpfern der Moderne wie Franz Roh und Siegfried Giedion zu beschreiben. Nach diesen Vorbereitungen wird die Frage gestellt, ob und in wieweit Carnaps Philosophie selbst als ein Teil der Bewegung der Neuen Sachlichkeit verstanden werden kann oder sogar muss. Zur Beantwortung werden eine Reihe von Charakteristika dieses Zeitgeist-Phänomens aus den – gleichzeitig mit Carnaps „Aufbau“ erschienenen Werken der Genannten – herauspräpariert und dann untersucht, ob diese Kriterien sich auch im Werk Carnaps finden. Das Ergebnis ist, dass man ihn mit Fug und Recht als „Philosoph der Neuen Sachlichkeit“ bezeichnen kann.
Was bedeutet Carnaps „Reinigung“ der Erkenntnistheorie?
Authors: Uebel Thomas
Published: May 2021

In einem Vortrag am Ende seiner in diesem Band untersuchten Schaffensperiode beschrieb Carnap die bisherige Entwicklung der wissenschaftlichen Philosophie und skizzierte den nächsten Schritt. Gegenstand des gegenwärtigen Aufsatzes ist die Darstellung dieser weiteren Entwicklung. Besprochen werden die Probleme, die die vormalige Erkenntnistheorie bei der “Reinigung” von metaphysischen Schlacken und unangemessenen Psychologismen zu überwinden hatte, und Carnaps Lösung, die rein logische Untersuchungen mit empirischer Wissenschaftstheorie arbeitsteilig verband und somit unterschiedlichen Ansprüchen zu genügen suchte.
Realism and Anti-Realism in Young Carnap
Authors: Friedl Johannes
Published: May 2021

The rejection of metaphysical questions is a constant in Carnap’s thought. The first part of the paper delves into the question of the basic tenets of Carnap’s anti-metaphysics. Tying up to the accounts of authors like Michael Friedman and Werner Sauer, the author examines the relation between verificationism and so-called logical criteria, arguing not only that verificationism is secondary, but that the integration of both instruments in Carnap’s early philosophy faces difficulties. The second part focuses on the application of these instruments to the realism/idealism dispute. The author tries to show that Carnap’s position in the Aufbau is neither neutral in regard to traditional aspects of this dispute nor stable in itself, but (in different respects) involves concessions to both realism and idealism. In historical perspective, it is shown that almost all of the issues of the famous protocol-sentence debate are already present in unfolding young Carnap’s treatment of the problem of realism.
The 3d $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 6 bootstrap: from higher spins to strings to membranes
Authors: Binder Damon J. , Chester Shai M. , Jerdee Max , Pufu Silviu S.
Published: May 2021

Abstract

We study the space of 3d $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 6 SCFTs by combining numerical bootstrap techniques with exact results derived using supersymmetric localization. First we derive the superconformal block decomposition of the four-point function of the stress tensor multiplet superconformal primary. We then use supersymmetric localization results for the $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 6 U(N)k × U(N + M)−k Chern-Simons-matter theories to determine two protected OPE coefficients for many values of N, M, k. These two exact inputs are combined with the numerical bootstrap to compute precise rigorous islands for a wide range of N, k at M = 0, so that we can non-perturbatively interpolate between SCFTs with M-theory duals at small k and string theory duals at large k. We also present evidence that the localization results for the U(1)2M × U (1 + M)−2M theory, which has a vector-like large-M limit dual to higher spin theory, saturates the bootstrap bounds for certain protected CFT data. The extremal functional allows us to then conjecturally reconstruct low-lying CFT data for this theory.
Rates of Bile Acid Diarrhoea After Cholecystectomy: A Multicentre Audit
Authors: Farrugia Alexia , Attard Joseph Anthony , Hanmer Stuart , Bullock Stuart , McKay Siobhan , Al‐Azzawi Marwa , Ali Roshneen , Bond‐Smith Giles , Colleypriest Ben , Dyer Sarah , Masterman Benjamin , Okocha Michael , Osborne Alan , Patel Rikhilroy , Sallam Mahmoud , Selveraj Emmanuel , Shalaby Samar , Sun Wenrui , Todd Fraser , Ward Joel , Windle Rebecca , Khan Saboor , Williams Nigel , Arasaradnam Ramesh P.
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Bile acid diarrhoea (BAD) can occur due to disruption to the enterohepatic circulation, e.g. following cholecystectomy. Post‐cholecystectomy diarrhoea has been reported in 2.1–57.2% of patients; however, this is not necessarily due to BAD. The aim of this study was to determine the rates of bile acid diarrhoea diagnosis after cholecystectomy and to consider investigation practices.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of electronic databases from five large centres detailing patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy between 2013 and 2017 was cross‐referenced with a list of patients who underwent 75SeHCAT testing. A 7‐day retention time of <15% was deemed to be positive. Patient demographics and time from surgery to investigation were collected and compared for significance (p < 0.05).

Results

A total of 9439 patients underwent a laparoscopic cholecystectomy between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2017 in the five centres. In total, 202 patients (2.1%) underwent investigation for diarrhoea via 75SeHCAT, of which 64 patients (31.6%) had a 75SeHCAT test result of >15%, while 62.8% of those investigated were diagnosed with bile acid diarrhoea (BAD). In total, 133 (65.8%) patients also underwent endoscopy and 74 (36.6%) patients had a CT scan. Median time from surgery to 75SeHCAT test was 672 days (SD ± 482 days).

Discussion/Conclusion

Only a small proportion of patients, post‐cholecystectomy, were investigated for diarrhoea with significant time delay to diagnosis. The true prevalence of BAD after cholecystectomy may be much higher, and clinicians need to have an increased awareness of this condition due to its amenability to treatment. 75SeHCAT is a useful tool for diagnosis of bile acid diarrhoea.
Interspecies information systems
Authors: van der Linden Dirk
Published: May 2021

This article introduces a new class of socio-technical systems, interspecies information systems (IIS) by describing several examples of these systems emerging through the use of commercially available data-driven animal-centered technology. When animal-centered technology, such as pet wearables, cow health monitoring, or even wildlife drones captures animal data and inform humans of actions to take towards animals, interspecies information systems emerge. I discuss the importance of understanding them as information systems rather than isolated technology or technology-mediated interactions, and propose a conceptual model capturing the key components and information flow of a general interspecies information system. I conclude by proposing multiple practical challenges that are faced in the successful design, engineering and use of any IIS where animal data informs human actions.
Dietary magnesium requirement on dietary minerals and physiological function of juvenile hybrid sturgeon (Acipenser schrenckii♀ × Acipenser baerii♂)
Authors: Zhang Yuanyuan , Fan Ze , Wu Di , Li Jinnan , Xu Qiyou , Liu Hongbai , Wang Liansheng
Published: May 2021

Sturgeons are an economically important freshwater aquacultural fish in China and elsewhere. Research was conducted to study the magnesium requirement of juvenile hybrid sturgeon (Acipenser schrenckii♀ × Acipenser baerii♂) based on mineral composition, proximate chemical analysis, antioxidant enzyme levels, and growth metrics. Different levels of magnesium supplements (43.2, 157.3, 326.5, 549.6, 743.9, 938.4, and 1118.2 mg kg−1) were fed to juvenile sturgeon for 8 weeks. Five hundred twenty-five juvenile hybrid sturgeons (an average initial body weight of 7.65 g) were randomly divided into 7 groups with 3 replicates each (25 fish per replicate, tanks of 100×50×50 cm, dissolved oxygen ≥ 5.0 mg L−1, 12 light:12 dark) and fed 4 times per day with the experimental diets containing 40.78% crude protein and 10.03% crude fat. The body tissues and blood of fish were then sampled and analyzed. Growth performance was not significantly different between treatments (P>0.05). The optimal dietary magnesium requirement for hybrid sturgeon was estimated to be 355.16, 573.6, or 584.6 mg kg−1 dietary magnesium based on whole-body Mg retention, the whole-body or vertebrae magnesium content versus dietary magnesium levels. The whole-body calcium to phosphorus ratio of the 43.2 and 326.5 mg kg−1 groups was significantly higher than that of the 938.4 mg kg−1 group (P< 0.05). A dietary magnesium concentration of 350–700 mg kg−1 improved the antioxidant capacity by decreasing the serum malondialdehyde and enhancing serum superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase activities.
Correction to: Supramolecular associations between atypical oxidative phosphorylation complexes of Euglena gracilis
Authors: Miranda-Astudillo H. V. , Yadav K. N. S. , Boekema E. J. , Cardol P.
Published: May 2021

A Correction to this paper has been published: 10.1007/s10863-021-09890-8
Further steps on the reconstruction of convex polyominoes from orthogonal projections
Authors: Dulio Paolo , Frosini Andrea , Rinaldi Simone , Tarsissi Lama , Vuillon Laurent
Published: May 2021

A remarkable family of discrete sets which has recently attracted the attention of the discrete geometry community is the family of convex polyominoes, that are the discrete counterpart of Euclidean convex sets, and combine the constraints of convexity and connectedness. In this paper we study the problem of their reconstruction from orthogonal projections, relying on the approach defined by Barcucci et al. (Theor Comput Sci 155(2):321–347, 1996). In particular, during the reconstruction process it may be necessary to expand a convex subset of the interior part of the polyomino, say the polyomino kernel, by adding points at specific positions of its contour, without losing its convexity. To reach this goal we consider convexity in terms of certain combinatorial properties of the boundary word encoding the polyomino. So, we first show some conditions that allow us to extend the kernel maintaining the convexity. Then, we provide examples where the addition of one or two points causes a loss of convexity, which can be restored by adding other points, whose number and positions cannot be determined a priori.
Treatment and prognostic factors of pituicytoma: a single-center experience and comprehensive literature review
Authors: Wei Liu-Dong , Li Chao , Li Da , Liu Xing-Ju , Li Run-Ting , Li Lian-Wang , Wang Jun-Mei , Zhou Da-Biao
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Preoperative diagnosis of pituicytomas is difficult, and management and prognostic factors remain ambiguous. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the radiological characteristics of pituicytoma, to assess the risk factors affecting tumor progression, and to propose the optimal treatment regimen based on comprehensive analysis.

Methods

We reviewed the clinical data of 22 patients with pituicytoma confirmed pathologically in our institution. In addition, 93 cases of pituicytoma in the previous literature were recruited. The individual data of 115 patients were analyzed to evaluate the adverse factors affecting pituicytoma progression.

Results

In the combined cohort, 3 of 61 patients who underwent gross-total resection (GTR) developed recurrence (4.9%); of the 54 patients who received non-GTR, 19 progressed (35.2%). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis verified male gender (HR 2.855, 95% CI 1.008–8.089; p = 0.048), TS (transsphenoidal surgery; HR 3.559, 95% CI 1.015–12.476; p = 0.047), and non-GTR (HR 4.388, 95%CI 1.240–15.521; p = 0.022) were independent unfavorable factors for pituicytoma progression. A multivariate logistic regression model verified that tumor diameter ≥ 1.85 cm (OR 4.859, 95% CI 1.335–17.691; p = 0.016) was independent adverse factors for GTR. Compared with TS, OT (open transcranial) is more likely to have postoperative complications (OR 3.185, 95% CI 1.020–9.944; p = 0.046), especially vision deterioration (OR 37.267, 95% CI 4.486–309.595; p = 0.001).

Conclusion

Based on our findings, GTR was advocated as an optimal treatment for pituicytomas. However, in order to avoid damage to important structures, partial resection is acceptable. After that, adjuvant radiotherapy is recommended for male patients with high Ki-67 index, and the remaining patients can be followed up closely. When the tumor recurs or progresses, it is recommended to re-operate and remove the lesion completely as far as possible. If GTR is still not possible, postoperative radiotherapy for the residual tumor is recommended.