bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corrosion monitoring method of 304 stainless steel in a simulated marine–industrial atmospheric environment: electrochemical noise method
Authors: Hu Jiezhen , Deng Junhao , Deng Peichang , Wang Gui
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to study the use of electrochemical noise (EN) technology in the corrosion continuous monitoring of stainless steel (SS) in an atmospheric environment.

Design/methodology/approach

An EN electrode was designed and fabricated to acquire the EN of 304 SS in the atmospheric environment. The statistical analysis and shot noise analysis were used to analyze the EN, and the surface morphology analysis of 304 SS was used to verify the EN analysis results.

Findings

The activation state, passive film formation and pitting corrosion of 304 SS can be clearly distinguished by the amplitude and frequency change of EN. The metastable pitting corrosion and steady-state pitting corrosion can be identified with the shot noise parameters q and fn. Under the existence of chloride ion, the stability of 304 SS passive film decreases and the steady-state corrosion pits of 304 SS are more likely to form with the reduction of thin electronic layer (TEL) pH. The critical TEL pH of 304 SS corrosion is a pH between 3 and 4.

Originality/value

In an atmospheric environment, the EN technology was used in the corrosion continuous monitoring of SS.
Emission analysis for a new tubular aeroengine combustor in atmospheric test rig conditions
Authors: Topal Ahmet , Turan Onder
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to have semiempirical correlations for carbon monoxide (CO), unburned hydrocarbon (UHC) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions that are collected and calibrated by using experimental data of a tubular-type combustor.

Design/methodology/approach

Combustor uses a coflow radial-type air-blast atomizer and is especially designed for the empirical correlation issues. Air mass flow rate, air inlet temperature and air-to-fuel ratio parameters have been changed and different inlet conditions have been created for combustor tests. Six different inlet temperatures from 475 to 350 K have been set for each air mass flow rate. Air mass flow rate values from 0.035 to 0.050 kg/s have been used to create varied combustor aerodynamic loadings.

Findings

Increasing combustor inlet temperature decreases the CO and UHC emissions. However, it has an adverse effect in NOx emissions. Moreover, CO and UHC emissions have an increasing trend by the mass flow rate rise that results an extra aerodynamic loading.

Research limitations/implications

It is difficult to obtain real operating parameters for the combustor. Therefore, as a different approach in respect of the literature, rig test parameters have been used for thermodynamic calculations. Additionally, emission calculations of the combustor design point have been performed based on a conditioned test environment. Moreover, combustor outlet temperature and emission values have been scanned and mean values used for the analysis.

Practical implications

To perform preliminary calculations for these pollutants, designers need experimentally calibrated correlations for the similar combustors.

Social implications

If the application area of the designed engine is a civil aircraft, emissions are one of the most important issues because of the strict regulations of International Civil Aviation Organization. Therefore, aviation companies are continuously working on reducing of emissions.

Originality/value

A comprehensive study for the preliminary emission calculation of newly designed gas turbine combustors was performed to investigate semiempirical correlations in the atmospheric test rig.
Analysing value creation in social housing construction in remote communities – application to Nunavik (Canada)
Authors: Suárez José Luis , Gosselin Louis , Lehoux Nadia
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Remote and isolated indigenous communities in Nunavik (Canada) currently face a number of housing related challenges. This paper proposes a conceptual framework to identify the factors affecting value creation within the supply chain of social housing construction in that region. The term “social” refers to the fact that governments subsidise construction and operation of these buildings intended for low-income households.

Design/methodology/approach

The research used a literature review and information collected from 3 semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders to identify the desired features of improvement or solutions (e.g. prefabrication) with respect to value creation. A SWOT analysis, an influence/dependence map and a causal loop diagram were developed to represent the supply chain.

Findings

Local job creation and the number of buildings to build were identified as the key factors that can roughly represent value creation. Energy resources, construction time, type and amount of labour force, shipping constraints, number of replacement parts and waste disposal were identified as the main factors constraining the range of solutions to implement.

Practical implications

The framework can be used to support the decision-making in supply chain management and the design of solutions for remote areas such as Nunavik.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to analyse value creation in social building construction in remote and isolated communities such as those from Nunavik. Conceptual models achieved within the framework allowed identifying the factors that could roughly represent this value creation, as well as logical relationships that link them with other factors.
Modified unipolar SPWM inverter for solar PV applications using MATLAB/Simulink model interfaced with dSPACE DS1104
Authors: L. Ashok Kumar , R. Kumaravel
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to check the Solar Photovoltaic (PV) inverter working condition with modified unipolar switching pulse. The gate pulse for the inverter switches is generated in MATLAB simulation and interfaced with hardware protype. Simulation results can be compared with hardware results.

Design/methodology/approach

A considerable amount of research has been done on different Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) techniques. Based on the findings, a modified Unipolar Sinusoidal PWM technique was created with one reference signal and two carrier signals+ (one for the positive half cycle and the other for the negative half cycle) and simulated in the MATLAB/Simulink platform. The prototype inverter module receives the simulated switching pulses via dSPACE DS1104 hardware software interfacing board. The hardware implementation has been done, and the hardware results compared with simulation results for various input voltage levels using resistive load.

Findings

This modified switching pulse has dead band and additional hardware setup is not required. 3-phase multi-level inverter output waveform has been achieved with six switches in this method and with low filter values, pure sine wave output can be obtained in simulation. By this method of switching pulse generation and testing, for every modification in switching pulse hardware gate driver is not required. Resulting time consumption and money investment are lower.

Originality/value

Modified Unipolar SPWM pulse generation technique is novel method for solar PV inverter. The switching pulse has been designed and tested in both MATLAB/Simulation and hardware prototype inverter. Hardware and software results are identical. This method of pulse generation and hardware implementation has not been done anywhere before.
Macroeconomic co-benefits of DRR investment: assessment using the Dynamic Model of Multi-hazard Mitigation CoBenefits (DYNAMMICs) model
Authors: Yokomatsu Muneta , Mochizuki Junko , Joseph Julian , Burek Peter , Kahil Taher
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The authors present a dynamic macroeconomic model for assessment of disaster risk reduction (DRR) policies under multiple hazards. The model can be used to analyze and compare various potential policies in terms of their economic consequences. The decomposition of these effects into multiple benefits helps policy makers and other stakeholders better understand the ex ante and ex-post advantages of DRR investments. The purpose of this paper is to address these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

A dynamic real business cycle model is at the core of this research. In the model multiple natural hazards modeled stochastically cause shocks to the economy. Economic outcomes, most importantly, output can be assessed before and after disasters and under various DRR policies. The decomposition of benefits aims to quantify the concept of triple dividends.

Findings

In case study applications in Tanzania and Zambia, the authors find that investments into physical infrastructure and risk transfer instruments generate a variety of benefits even in the absence of disaster. A land use restriction with planned relocation for example reduces output in the short run but in the long run increases it. Overall, policy effects of various DRR interventions evolve in a nonmonotonic manner and should be evaluated over a long period of time using dynamic simulation.

Originality/value

The novelty of this study lies in the economic quantification of multiple benefits described in the triple dividends literature. This helps comparing ex ante, ex-post and volatility-related economic effects of multiple disasters and related physical and financial DRR investment options. As observed in the case studies, the model can also identify overlooked temporal heterogeneity of co-benefits of DRR investments.
How designed work environment and enacted work interactions impact creativity and work–life balance
Authors: Mattarelli Elisa , Cochis Carlotta , Bertolotti Fabiola , Ungureanu Paula
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This paper investigates how (1) a work environment designed to sustain creativity (i.e. through flexible arrangements and elements of the social-organizational work environment) and (2) the amount of enacted work interactions among employees, interpreted as facilitators of new idea generation (i.e. outdegree centrality in instrumental networks), differently impact creativity and work–life balance.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a quantitative study in a knowledge-intensive multinational company and collected data through a survey on a sample of 207 workers.

Findings

Findings highlight that flexible work arrangements are positively related to increased work–life balance but not to creativity, whereas having access to a social-organizational work environment designed to foster creativity is associated to an increased level of idea generation, but to a reduction in work–life balance. In addition, centrality in instrumental social networks is also associated to a reduction of work–life balance. Findings thus point to a potential trade-off between structures aimed at increasing creativity and initiatives aimed at engendering work–life balance.

Originality/value

The research contributes to the current debate on new organizational practices for innovation and creativity, highlighting their unexpected implications for workers. The research also contributes to the literature on work–life balance by unraveling previously unexplored antecedents, i.e. social networks and the social-organizational work environment designed for creativity.
Training satisfaction relative to turnover intention: the mediating role of employee loyalty
Authors: Albtoosh Qais , Ngah Abdul Hafaz , Yusoff Yusliza Mohd
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to focus on Turnover intention (TI) which is gaining significance in the Jordanian government sector as well as in many other international institutions. Organizations tend to seek valuable benefits from the human resource capital they have to achieve their competitive advantages. However, TI becomes a global issue as well as in Jordanian public context. The research framework of this study is based on the satisfaction and social psychological literature.

Design/methodology/approach

By applying the convenience sampling method, data were collected through an online questionnaire; 354 respondents from the governmental sector participated in this study. Data were analyzed using the statistical software Smart PLS.

Findings

Results revealed that mind wandering (MW) has a negative impact on training satisfaction (TS) while trainer efficacy (TE) has a positive impact on TS. Meanwhile, work–life conflict (WLC) was not significantly related to TS. TS has a negative impact on TI and a positive impact on employee loyalty (EL). However, EL has a negative impact on TI, and, at the same time, it mediates the relationship between TS and TI. Moreover, the study demonstrates sequential mediation for TI.

Originality/value

The research adds to the body of knowledge by testing a new framework. Moreover, it introduces sequential mediation for TI.
Effectiveness of sponsoring the video assistant referee system: a comparative exploratory study
Authors: Alonso Dos Santos Manuel , Sánchez-Franco Manuel J. , Torres-Moraga Eduardo , Calabuig Moreno Ferran
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This study explores the effect of video assistant referee (VAR) sponsorship on spectator response and compares it with advertising and conventional sponsorship.

Design/methodology/approach

An experiment with 809 subjects is conducted by analyzing 20 one-minute video clip stimuli from a Premier League soccer game divided into four formats: two formats of VAR sponsorship, advertising, and conventional sponsorship.

Findings

The results show that the indicators of recall, credibility, and perceived congruence improve when the VAR sponsorship format is used.

Originality/value

This is the first manuscript to examine the effectiveness of a new type of sponsorship: VAR sponsorship. This manuscript provides metrics that will guide practitioners on whether to use this type of sponsorship.
Open problems in medical federated learning
Authors: Yoo Joo Hun , Jeong Hyejun , Lee Jaehyeok , Chung Tai-Myoung
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This study aims to summarize the critical issues in medical federated learning and applicable solutions. Also, detailed explanations of how federated learning techniques can be applied to the medical field are presented. About 80 reference studies described in the field were reviewed, and the federated learning framework currently being developed by the research team is provided. This paper will help researchers to build an actual medical federated learning environment.

Design/methodology/approach

Since machine learning techniques emerged, more efficient analysis was possible with a large amount of data. However, data regulations have been tightened worldwide, and the usage of centralized machine learning methods has become almost infeasible. Federated learning techniques have been introduced as a solution. Even with its powerful structural advantages, there still exist unsolved challenges in federated learning in a real medical data environment. This paper aims to summarize those by category and presents possible solutions.

Findings

This paper provides four critical categorized issues to be aware of when applying the federated learning technique to the actual medical data environment, then provides general guidelines for building a federated learning environment as a solution.

Originality/value

Existing studies have dealt with issues such as heterogeneity problems in the federated learning environment itself, but those were lacking on how these issues incur problems in actual working tasks. Therefore, this paper helps researchers understand the federated learning issues through examples of actual medical machine learning environments.
Apigenin in cancer therapy: Prevention of genomic instability and anticancer mechanisms
Authors: Moslehi Masoud , Rezaei Sepideh , Talebzadeh Pourya , Ansari Mohammad Javed , Jawad Mohammed Abed , Jalil Abduladheem Turki , Rastegar‐Pouyani Nima , Jafarzadeh Emad , Taeb Shahram , Najafi Masoud
Published: September 2022

The incidence of cancer has been growing worldwide. Better survival rates following the administration of novel drugs and new combination therapies may concomitantly cause concern regarding the long‐term adverse effects of cancer therapy, for example, second primary malignancies. Moreover, overcoming tumour resistance to anticancer agents has been long considered as a critical challenge in cancer research. Some low toxic adjuvants such as herb‐derived molecules may be of interest for chemoprevention and overcoming the resistance of malignancies to cancer therapy. Apigenin is a plant‐derived molecule with attractive properties for chemoprevention, for instance, promising anti‐tumour effects, which may make it a desirable adjuvant to reduce genomic instability and the risks of second malignancies among normal tissues. Moreover, it may improve the efficiency of anticancer modalities. This paper aims to review various effects of apigenin in both normal tissues and malignancies. In addition, we explain how apigenin may have the ability to protect usual cells against the genotoxic repercussions following radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Furthermore, the inhibitory effects of apigenin on tumours will be discussed.
Impact of a selective narrow network with comprehensive patient navigation on access, utilization, expenditures, and enrollee experiences
Authors: Brown Timothy T. , Hague Emily , Neumann Alicia , Rodriguez Hector P. , Shortell Stephen M.
Published: September 2022

Objective

To examine the effect of enrollee switching from a broad‐network accountable care organization (ACO) health maintenance organization (HMO) to a “high performance” ACO‐HMO with a selective narrow network and comprehensive patient navigation system on access, utilization, expenditures, and enrollee experiences.

Data Sources

Secondary administrative data were obtained for 2016–2020, and primary interview and survey data in 2021.

Study Design

Fixed‐effects instrumental variable analyses of administrative data and regression analyses of survey data. Outcomes included access, utilization, expenditures, and enrollee experience. Background information was gathered via interviews.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

We obtained medical expenditure/enrollment and access data on continuously enrolled members in a broad‐network ACO‐HMO (n = 24,555), a subset of those who switched to a high‐performance ACO‐HMO in 2018 (n = 7664); interviews of organizational leaders (n = 13); and an enrollee survey (n = 512).

Principal Findings

Health care effectiveness data and information Set (HEDIS) access measures were not different across plans. However, annual utilization dropped by 15.5 percentage points (95% CI: 18.1, 12.9) more in the high‐performance ACO‐HMO, with relative annual expenditures declining by $1251 (95% CI: $1461, $1042) per person per year. High‐performance ACO‐HMO enrollees were 10.1 percentage points (95% CI 0.001, 0.201) more likely to access primary care usually or always as soon as needed and 11.2 percentage points (95% CI 0.007, 0.217) more likely to access specialty care usually or always as soon as needed. Plan satisfaction was 7.1 percentage points (95% CI: −0.001, 0.138) higher in the high‐performance ACO‐HMO. Interviewees noted the comprehensive patient navigation system was designed to ensure patients remained in the narrow network to receive care.

Conclusions

ACO and HMO contracts with selective narrow networks supported by comprehensive patient navigation can reduce expenditures and improve specialty access and patient satisfaction compared to broad‐network plans that lack these features. Payers should consider implementing narrow networks with comprehensive support systems.
Advances in functional photonic crystal materials for the analysis of chemical hazards in food
Authors: Dai Shijie , Li Qianjin , Li Wei , Zhang Yaodan , Dou Menghua , Xu Ruimin , Wang Tingting , Lu Xiaoyue , Wang Fenying , Li Jianlin
Published: September 2022

Chemical contaminants in food generally include natural toxins (mycotoxins, animal toxins, and phytotoxins), pesticides, veterinary drugs, environmental pollutants, heavy metals, and illegal additives. Developing a low‐cost, simple, and rapid detection technology for harmful substances in food is urgently needed. Analytical methods based on different advanced materials have been developed into rapid detection methods for food samples. In particular, photonic crystal (PC) materials have a unique surface periodic structure, structural color, a large surface area, easy integration with photoelectronic and magnetic devices which have great advantages in the development of rapid, low‐cost, and highly sensitive analytical methods. This review focuses on the PC materials in the view of their fabrication processes, functionalized recognition components for the specific recognition of hazardous substances, and applications in the separation, enrichment, and detection of chemical hazards in real samples. Suspension array based on three‐dimensional PC microspheres by droplet‐based microfluidic assembly is a great promising and powerful platform for food safety detection fields. For the PCs selective analysis, biological antibodies, aptamers, and molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) could be modified for specific recognition of target substances, particularly MIPs because of their low‐cost and easy mass production. Based on these functional PCs, various toxic and hazardous substances can be selectively enriched or recognized in real samples and further quantified in combination of liquid chromatography method or optical detection methods including fluorescence, chemiluminescence, and Raman spectroscopy.
The impact of antimeric lower limb length asymmetry on adult stature estimation
Authors: Ingvoldstad Megan E. , Walter Brittany S.
Published: September 2022

Antimeric lower limb length asymmetry is frequently noted when measuring human skeletal remains. As lower limb bones are often used to estimate stature from unidentified remains, the forensic anthropologist who notes a disparity must then determine which lower limb bone or bones will produce an estimate that most accurately and precisely captures the unknown individual's stature. To help forensic anthropologists make informed decisions when remains exhibit lower limb antimeric asymmetry, left and right femora and fibulae maximum lengths were analyzed from 78 DPAA‐identified individuals with measured statures. Results revealed 87.2% of individuals exhibited lower limb antimeric asymmetry, statistically significant differences between lower limb lengths, decreasing estimate accuracy when asymmetry increased, and that using a 99% prediction interval for disparities ≥5.0 mm nearly ensured documented measured stature would be captured. These findings were validated on independent samples of 20 adult males from the DPAA and 146 males and females from the Terry, Hamann‐Todd, and Bass Collections. Preliminary results were largely supported; however, the accuracy reduction with increasing asymmetry observed in the DPAA data was not replicated. Based on these findings, we encourage bilateral measurement taking to identify lower limb antimeric asymmetry, caution against combining bone lengths from opposite sides, and recommend using a 99% prediction interval when lower limb length antimeric asymmetry is ≥5.0 mm and if using the FORDISC 3 Trotter M Stats database. When C Stats or F Stats are used, the prediction intervals associated with these less homogeneous databases are large enough to absorb error due to antimeric asymmetry.
Estimating the effect of death penalty moratoriums on homicide rates using the synthetic control method
Authors: Oliphant Stephen N.
Published: September 2022

Research Summary

Research examining death penalty deterrence has been characterized as inconclusive and uninformative. The present analysis heeds a recommendation from prior research to examine single‐state changes in death penalty policy using the synthetic control method. Data from the years 1979–2019 were used to construct synthetic controls and estimate the effects of death penalty moratoriums on homicide rates in Illinois, New Jersey, Washington, and Pennsylvania. Moratoriums on capital punishment resulted in nonsignificant homicide reductions in all four states.

Policy Implications

Inconsistent with a deterrence hypothesis, no evidence of a deterrent effect attributable to death penalty statutes was found. Given the gravity and finality of state‐sanctioned execution, it is important that policy makers consider the weight of evidence of the death penalty's capacity to deter, as well as issues of equity, justice, and fairness, in their decision making about death penalty policy.
Drying date plum (Diospyros lotus L.) fruit: Assessing rehydration properties, antioxidant activity, and phenolic compounds
Authors: Hassan Awadalgeed M. A. , Zannou Oscar , Pashazadeh Hojjat , Ali Redha Ali , Koca Ilkay
Published: September 2022

Date plum (Diospyrus lotus L.) is an edible fruit from the Ebenaceae family, rich in nutrients, and having tremendous medicinal properties. This paper attempted to show the influence of different parameters of convective drying such as temperature (50, 60, 70, and 80°C) and air velocity (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 m/s) on the shrinkage and microstructure, rehydration properties, antioxidant activity, and phenolic compounds of date plum. The drying caused significant changes in the color, actual size, and distribution of the fruit cells of date plum. The total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) of fresh date plum were 0.81 ± 0.00 mg GAE/g, 0.23 ± 0.10 mg ECE/g, 7.15 ± 1.09 mmol ISE/g, and 14.92 ± 0.88 mmol/TE, respectively. The drying at 70°C had the highest values of TPC, TFC, gallic acid, chlorogenic and syringic acids, catechin, quercetin‐3‐glucoside, resveratrol, and DPPH. The drying air velocities showed no significant effects on the antioxidant contents and the antioxidant activity. Of the models applied to the drying kinetics, the Midilli model was found as the best model to describe the drying kinetics of date plum. In addition, the Weibull model was found as the most successful among the models applied to the rehydration kinetics of date plum. According to the achieved findings, the convective drying temperature of 70°C is the optimum temperature to produce the dehydrated date plum.

Practical Application

This work has revealed the drying conditions responsible for preserving the phenolic compounds, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant features of D. lotus L. The study found the optimum drying conditions, and Midilli and Weibull models were the most fitted models to describe the drying and rehydration behaviors of D. lotus L. fruits, respectively. The drying provides a reasonable value of the possibility of continuous consumption of the fruits dried afforded on off‐seasons. The dried fruits are widely used for multipurpose and have been extensively used in food industries due to their rich nutraceutical and antioxidant compounds.
Shallow shotgun sequencing of the microbiome recapitulates 16S amplicon results and provides functional insights
Authors: Stothart Mason R. , McLoughlin Philip D. , Poissant Jocelyn
Published: September 2022

Prevailing 16S rRNA gene‐amplicon methods for characterizing the bacterial microbiome of wildlife are economical, but result in coarse taxonomic classifications, are subject to primer and 16S copy number biases, and do not allow for direct estimation of microbiome functional potential. While deep shotgun metagenomic sequencing can overcome many of these limitations, it is prohibitively expensive for large sample sets. Here we evaluated the ability of shallow shotgun metagenomic sequencing to characterize taxonomic and functional patterns in the faecal microbiome of a model population of feral horses (Sable Island, Canada). Since 2007, this unmanaged population has been the subject of an individual‐based, long‐term ecological study. Using deep shotgun metagenomic sequencing, we determined the sequencing depth required to accurately characterize the horse microbiome. In comparing conventional vs. high‐throughput shotgun metagenomic library preparation techniques, we validate the use of more cost‐effective laboratory methods. Finally, we characterize similarities between 16S amplicon and shallow shotgun characterization of the microbiome, and demonstrate that the latter recapitulates biological patterns first described in a published amplicon data set. Unlike for amplicon data, we further demonstrate how shallow shotgun metagenomic data provide useful insights regarding microbiome functional potential which support previously hypothesized diet effects in this study system.
The utility of bispectral index monitoring in flexible bronchoscopy: A single‐center, retrospective observational study
Authors: Yamada Jun , Hazama Daisuke , Tachihara Motoko , Kawanami Yuki , Kawaguchi Aki , Yatani Atsuhiko , Sato Hiroki , Mimura Chihiro , Katsurada Naoko , Yamamoto Masatsugu , Nishimura Yoshihiro , Kobayashi Kazuyuki
Published: September 2022

Background

The desired depth of sedation during flexible bronchoscopy is one in which verbal contact is possible whenever necessary. Although it is common that the depth of sedation is assessed by validated instruments such as the modified observer's assessment of alertness and sedation (MOAA/S) score, the repeated stimulation associated with the assessment can affect the sedation. The bispectral index (BIS) has been widely used for general anesthesia due to its objective and noninvasive nature. However, the utility of BIS monitoring and a target BIS value for use during bronchoscopy have not been fully elucidated.

Methods

We performed a retrospective observational study to assess the utility of the BIS value for monitoring conscious sedation during bronchoscopy at Kobe University Hospital from August 2020 to April 2021.

Results

Eighteen patients underwent bronchoscopy with BIS monitoring. The BIS value significantly correlated with the MOAA/S score (r = 0.2, p < 0.01), and the correlation was stronger in sufficiently sedated patients (r = 0.486, p < 0.01). The lowest MOAA/S score during the procedure was highly correlated with the BIS value (r = 0.625, p < 0.01). The BIS monitoring seemed to be more sensitive to changes in the sedation level than the MOAA/S score, heart rate and mean arterial pressure. The median BIS value at an MOAA/S score of 3–4, the desired depth of sedation, was 82.0.

Conclusions

BIS value is useful for monitoring sedation during bronchoscopy. This study suggests that a BIS value of 82 reflects an adequate level of sedation.
How can universities promote academic freedom? Insights from the front line of the gender wars
Authors: Suissa Judith , Sullivan Alice
Published: September 2022

The UK Government's Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill is currently progressing through Parliament. The bill is designed to strengthen free speech and academic freedom in higher education, in response to what former Education Secretary Gavin Williamson describes as ‘the rise of intolerance and cancel culture upon our campuses’. But is there really a crisis of academic freedom in British universities?

To see that there is, say Judith Suissa and Alice Sullivan, we need only look at the contemporary reality of suppression of debate on sex and gender. The evidence they catalogue of suppression of research, of blacklisting, harassment and smear campaigns, of no‐platforming, disinvitations and shutting down of events, is incontrovertible. The recent experience of scholars and students wishing to discuss the material reality and political salience of sex makes complacency about academic freedom a luxury we cannot afford.

Suissa and Sullivan set out a powerful argument for the role of academic freedom in pursuing truth within the academy and developing democracy beyond it. They effectively counter attempts to narrow the scope of academic freedom so as to render it compatible with no‐platforming. And they lay out a series of practical steps administrators can take to ensure that universities are places where an expansive and pluralistic intellectual climate prevails.

This is a timely and compelling intervention in a vexed but urgent public debate. For their clear‐sighted diagnosis of where and how academic freedom has been eroded in our universities, and for their judicious account of what must be done to rebuild it, Suissa and Sullivan deserve a wide and attentive hearing.
The immunological role of B7‐H4 in pregnant women with Sars‐Cov2 infection
Authors: Duan Liyan , Reisch Beatrix , Mach Pawel , Kimmig Rainer , Gellhaus Alexandra , Iannaccone Antonella
Published: September 2022

Problem

T‐cells are key players in fighting the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). The checkpoint molecule B7‐H4, a member of the B7 family, can inhibit T‐cell activation and proliferation by inhibiting NF‐kb expression. We aimed to elucidate the immunological role of soluble B7‐H4 (sB7‐H4) and B7‐H4 in pregnant women suffered from an acute Sars‐Cov2 infection.

Methods

Expression levels of sB7‐H4 and cytokines were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. B7‐H4 and cytokines mRNA expression was analyzed by qPCR, and B7‐H4 and NF‐κb (p65) protein levels were investigated by western blot and immunofluorescence staining in placenta chorionic villous and decidual basalis tissues of COVID‐19 affected women and healthy controls.

Results

Fibrinoid necrosis in the periphery of placental villi was increased in the COVID‐19‐affected patients. sB7‐H4 protein in maternal and cord blood serum and IL‐6/IL‐10 were increased while leukocytes were decreased during SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Serum sB7‐H4 level was increased according to the severity of SARS‐Cov‐2 infection. Cytokines (IL‐6, IL‐18, IL‐1β, TNF‐α), B7‐H4 mRNA and protein in the decidual basalis tissues of COVID‐19‐infected pregnant women were significantly increased compared to healthy controls. IL‐18 and IL‐1β were significantly increased in the placenta chorionic villous samples of COVID‐19 affected patients, while NF‐κb (p65) expression was decreased.

Conclusions

The expression of the immunological marker sB7‐H4 correlated with the severity of COVID‐19 disease in pregnant women. sB7‐H4 and B7‐H4 can be used to monitor the progression of COVID‐19 infection during pregnancy, and for evaluating of the maternal immune status.
Altered non‐coding RNA profiles of seminal plasma extracellular vesicles of men with poor semen quality undergoing in vitro fertilization treatment
Authors: Oluwayiose Oladele A. , Houle Emily , Whitcomb Brian W. , Suvorov Alexander , Rahil Tayyab , Sites Cynthia K. , Krawetz Stephen A. , Visconti Pablo , Pilsner J. Richard
Published: September 2022

Background

Currently, the precise mechanisms that underline male infertility are still unclear. Accumulating data implicate non‐coding RNA cargo of seminal plasma extracellular vesicles due to their association with poor semen quality and higher expression levels relative to vesicle‐free seminal plasma.

Method

We assessed sperm‐free seminal plasma extracellular vesicle non‐coding RNA profiles from 91 semen samples collected from male participants of couples seeking infertility treatment. Men were classified into two groups (poor, n = 32; normal, n = 59) based on World Health Organization semen cutoffs. Small RNA sequencing reads were mapped to standard biotype‐specific transcriptomes in the order micro RNA > transfer RNA > piwi‐interacting RNA > ribosomal RNA  > ribosomal RNA > circular RNA > long non‐coding RNA using STAR. Differential expression of normalized non‐coding RNA read counts between the two groups was conducted by EdgeR (Fold change ≥1.5 and (false discovery rate [FDR] < 0.05).

Result

Small RNA sequencing identified a wide variety of seminal plasma extracellular vesicle non‐coding RNA biotypes including micro RNA, ribosomal RNAs, piwi‐interacting RNAs, transfer RNA, long non‐coding RNAs as well as circular RNAs, and fragments associated with pseudogenes, and nonsense‐mediated decay. The expression levels of 57 seminal plasma extracellular vesicle non‐coding RNAs (micro RNA: 6, piwi‐interacting RNA: 4, ribosomal RNA: 6, circular RNA: 34, and long non‐coding RNA: 7) were altered in men with poor semen quality relative to normal semen parameters, many (60%) of which were circular RNA species. Ontology analysis of differentially expressed micro RNAs and circular RNAs showed enrichment in functional terms related to cellular communication and early development.

Conclusion

This is the first study to generate comprehensive seminal plasma extracellular vesicle non‐coding RNA profiles in a clinical setting and to determine the differences between men with normal and abnormal semen parameters. Thus, our study suggests that seminal plasma extracellular vesicle non‐coding RNAs may represent novel biomarkers of male reproductive phenotypes.
Hyperinflammatory syndrome resembling haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis following axicabtagene ciloleucel and brexucabtagene autoleucel
Authors: Porter Timothy J. , Lazarevic Ana , Ziggas Jamie E. , Fuchs Ephraim , Kim Kiryoung , Byrnes Helen , Luznik Leo , Bolaños‐Meade Javier , Ali Syed Abbas , Shah Nirali N. , Wagner‐Johnston Nina , Jain Tania
Published: September 2022

Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis‐like toxicity following chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR‐HLH) is being increasingly recognized, while published data are limited and criteria for recognition are elusive. We describe three patients who developed CAR‐HLH after infusion of brexucabtagene autoleucel (n = 2) or axicabtagene ciloleucel (n = 1). All three patients presented following cytokine release syndrome, with fever, recurrent or worsening cytopenias, hyperferritinaemia, elevated soluble interleukin (IL)‐2 receptor, hypofibrinogenaemia, hypertriglyceridaemia, elevated liver transaminases, and decreasing C‐reactive protein and IL‐6. Clinical improvement following treatment with anakinra (n = 2) and ruxolitinib (n = 1) was observed. Our report offers an opportunity for prompt recognition and initiation of potentially life‐saving treatment for CAR‐HLH.
Do we have to exclude all relapsed diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma patients not in complete remission from autologous stem cell transplant?
Authors: Gisselbrecht Christian , Sibon David
Published: September 2022

Treatment of relapsed/refractory diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma remains a challenge with the advent of chimaeric antigen receptor CAR‐T cell treatment. Whether or not eligibility criteria should replace the standard autologous transplantation is debated. By using PET‐derived parameters, the report of Cherng and colleagues suggests that patients with positive residual mass can have a five‐year survival of 54% with standard treatment.
The pathogenesis of organ fibrosis: Focus on necroptosis
Authors: Hao Min , Han Xin , Yao Zhouhui , Zhang Han , Zhao Mengting , Peng Mengyun , Wang Kuilong , Shan Qiyuan , Sang Xianan , Wu Xin , Wang Lu , Lv Qiang , Yang Qiao , Bao Yini , Kuang Haodan , Zhang Hongyan , Cao Gang
Published: September 2022

Fibrosis is a common process of tissue repair response to multiple injuries in all chronic progressive diseases, which features with excessive deposition of extracellular matrix. Fibrosis can occur in all organs and tends to be nonreversible with the progress of the disease. Different cells types in different organs are involved in the occurrence and development of fibrosis, that is, hepatic stellate cells, pancreatic stellate cells, fibroblasts and myofibroblasts. Various types of programmed cell death, including apoptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis and necroptosis, are closely related to organ fibrosis. Among these programmed cell death types, necroptosis, an emerging regulated cell death type, is regarded as a huge potential target to ameliorate organ fibrosis. In this review, we summarize the role of necroptosis signalling in organ fibrosis and collate the small molecule compounds targeting necroptosis. In addition, we discuss the potential challenges, opportunities and open questions in using necroptosis signalling as a potential target for antifibrotic therapies.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed issue on Translational Advances in Fibrosis as a Therapeutic Target. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v180.22/issuetoc
Design, synthesis, and anticancer evaluation of N6‐hydrazone purine derivatives with potential antiplatelet aggregation activity
Authors: Wei Chaochun , Zhou Liying , Yang Yifan , Niu Lexuan , Yan Hong
Published: September 2022

In our research on novel anticancer agents, a series of N6‐hydrazone purine derivatives were designed and synthesized by analysis of a pharmacophore model for ATP‐competitive inhibitors. The activities screening results showed that N6‐hydrazone purine derivatives 21 and 26 not only showed potential antiproliferative activity against the A549 and MCF‐7 cell lines comparable to Vandetanib as a positive control but also had moderate antiplatelet aggregation activity. In order to investigate the possible targets, a molecular docking study was carried out on the fourteen kinases associated with anticancer and antiplatelet aggregation activities. The results indicated that compounds 21 and 26 had the potential activity to target VEGFR‐2, PI3Kα, EGFR, and HER2 kinases. The inhibition of the kinases assay showed that compound 26 could target VEGFR‐2, PI3Kα, and EGFR (IC50 = 0.822, 3.040 and 6.625 μM). All results indicated that compound 26 will be an encouraging framework as potential new multi‐target anticancer agent with potential antiplatelet aggregation activity.
Police violence and abuse against street‐connected adolescents in Bangladesh: A qualitative study of lived experiences
Authors: Bromfield Nicole F. , Reza Hasan , Sultana Shirin
Published: September 2022

This article explores the lived experiences of Bangladeshi street‐connected adolescents related to police violence and abuse, using data collected from qualitative in‐depth interviews with adolescents aged 10–17. Using a purposive sampling technique, 33 semi‐structured in‐depth interviews were conducted. Data were thematically analysed, and three major thematic areas emerged: (1) police as perpetrators of harm against street‐connected adolescents, (2) the police's failure in their duty to protect street‐connected adolescents and (3) police officers acting as judges, juries and executioners of so‐called street justice against street‐connected adolescents. Findings support the need for urgent reforms in the country related to child protection.
Complementing Connoisseurship With Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Frank Steven J. , Frank Andrea M.
Published: September 2022

Though humanistic in spirit and scholarship, the practice of art history has long recognized the value of science‐based investigative techniques, particularly for questions involving artwork authentication. Modes of investigation now include analysis of chemical composition and physical structure in addition to the traditional principles of connoisseurship and provenance research. We propose the use of a new tool − convolutional neural networks − to extend scientific analysis to the visual features of two‐dimensional artwork. Trained on the works of an artist under study and visually comparable works of other artists, our system can identify forgeries and propose attributions. It can also assign classification probabilities within a work, revealing mixed authorship and identifying the contributions of different hands. We describe and illustrate performance in connection with Old Master paintings and drawings. With one interesting exception, our system's attributions match those of authoritative experts for paintings whose authorship has been the subject of longstanding controversy. Although computational, our approach supplements and depends on human expertise in judging an artwork's authenticity and lived history.
Serial blood pressure measurements, left ventricular remodelling and cardiovascular outcomes
Authors: Lyngbakken Magnus Nakrem , Kvisvik Brede , Berge Trygve , Pervez Mohammad Osman , Aagaard Erika Nerdrum , Ariansen Inger , Omland Torbjørn , Tveit Arnljot , Steine Kjetil , Røsjø Helge
Published: September 2022

Background

Hypertension is a risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease. Whether serial blood pressure (BP) measurements are more closely associated with subclinical left ventricular (LV) remodelling and better predict risk of cardiovascular events over individual BP measurements are not known.

Methods

We assessed systolic BP, diastolic BP and pulse pressure at several time points during adulthood in 1333 women and 1211 men participating in the Akershus Cardiac Examination 1950 Study. We defined serial BP measurements as the sum of averaged BPs from adjacent consecutive visits indexed to total exposure time between measurements. We assessed the associations between serial and individual BP measurements and (1) LV structure, function and volumes and (2) incident myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, heart failure and cardiovascular death.

Results

All indices of higher serial BP measurements were associated with increased indexed LV mass, and the associations were stronger than those of individual BP measurements. Serial diastolic BP pressure was strongly and inversely associated with LV systolic function, while higher serial systolic BP was primarily associated with higher LV volumes. Both serial systolic (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 1.10, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.17) and diastolic BPs (IRR 1.14, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.27) were associated with increased incidence of clinical events.

Conclusion

In healthy community dwellers without established cardiovascular disease, different serial BP indices associate strongly with LV remodelling and cardiovascular outcomes. Whether the use of serial BP indices for guiding treatment is superior to individual measurements should be explored in additional prospective studies.
Development of an In SituU‐Th Disequilibrium Dating Method Utilising Multiple‐Spot Femtosecond Laser Ablation‐CRC‐ICP‐MS
Authors: Niki Sota , Kosugi Shuhei , Iwano Hideki , Danhara Tohru , Hirata Takafumi
Published: September 2022

In situ 238U‐230Th dating was conducted using an ICP‐mass spectrometer coupled with a laser ablation sampling system (LA‐ICP‐MS). To minimise the contribution of mass spectrometric interferences on 230Th, a kinetic energy discrimination technique using a collision/reaction cell (CRC) system was employed. The major problem associated with the CRC‐ICP‐MS system is the lower transmission efficiencies of ions than sector field mass spectrometers. To improve the signal‐to‐background ratio for analytes, a combination of a multiple‐spot laser ablation (msLA) system together with a sensitivity‐enhanced dry plasma cone was employed. Analytical accuracy was evaluated through analyses of three zircon reference materials (GJ‐1, OD‐3 and Plešovice) and the resulting 230Th/238U ratios for GJ‐1 and Plešovice zircons agreed with the secular equilibrium value. The developed technique was applied to Quaternary volcanic zircon and monazite samples from Japan. The resulting ages are 113.5 +5.4‐5.2 ka for the Toya tephra, 105.1 +6.4‐6.1 ka for the Sambe Kisuki tephra, 55.2 +7.7‐7.2 ka for the Hikageyama lava and 16.2 +4.2‐4.1 ka for the Susaki pumice (95% confidence levels). The resulting ages are consistent with previous chronological constraints including zircon fission track ages. The data obtained here demonstrate clearly that the combination of the CRC‐ICP‐MS system and the msLA protocol can become a powerful analytical tool for in situ U‐Th disequilibrium dating.