bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Financial constraints and corporate greenwashing strategies in China
Authors: Xia Fan , Chen Jiaying , Yang Xue , Li Xiaoliang , Zhang Bing
Published: January 2023

Corporate environmental responsibility, in response to the call for sustainable development, has become a critical ethical capital for companies to increase firm values and to obtain resources. However, this also gives rise to the concern of “greenwashing” that companies may selectively release environmental performance information to mislead the public and investors. Using the administrative environmental penalty data of all listed companies in China from 2017 to 2018, this research examines the corporate's greenwashing strategies. Our results show that greenwashing by listed companies in China is widespread, that only 13.6% environmental penalties have been disclosed by companies during our studied period. Companies choose to greenwash environmental performance mainly due to future demand for investment and financing, and companies with higher debt levels are found more likely to engage in greenwashing. Our findings suggest that it is not a rare practice for Chinese companies to risk their business ethics to pursue economic interests. It is necessary to enforce environmental information disclosure for listed companies in China and to increase their costs of unethical behaviors.
Doing well and being responsible: The impact of corporate social responsibility legitimacy on responsible entrepreneurship
Authors: Adomako Samuel , Tran Mai Dong
Published: January 2023

This article examines the influence of corporate social responsibility (CSR) legitimacy on responsible entrepreneurship. It also analyses the contingent factors that influence the relationship between CSR legitimacy and responsible entrepreneurship. While studies on CSR legitimacy are burgeoning, studies analyzing contingent factors and boundary conditions surrounding CSR legitimacy theory are sparse. We extend legitimacy theory by estimating a contingent model that examines the effect of local embeddedness and CSR commitment on the relationship between CSR legitimacy and responsible entrepreneurship. Utilizing time‐lagged data collected from 282 entrepreneurs in Vietnam, we demonstrate that CSR legitimacy positively influences responsible entrepreneurship. Further, we find that local embeddedness exacerbates the potency of CSR legitimacy as a driver of responsible entrepreneurship. Additionally, our results show that this moderation is conditioned by CSR commitment. Specifically, the moderating effect of local embeddedness on the linkage between CSR legitimacy and responsible entrepreneurship is stronger when CSR commitment is high. These findings improve the conceptual scope and generalisability of CSR legitimacy as a driver of responsible entrepreneurship in non‐Western contexts.
Reading and spelling profiles of adult poor readers: Phonological, orthographic and morphological considerations
Authors: Cheema Kulpreet , Fleming Cassidy , Craig Julia , Hodgetts William E. , Cummine Jacqueline
Published: January 2023

Reading and spelling skills are important to communicate in today's literate society, however, the underlying processes of spelling skills are under‐researched compared to reading skills. Our goals were to (a) study how the component skills of phonological, orthographic and morphological awareness are different in adults with and without reading difficulties, and (b) characterize the relationship between the component skills and reading and spelling performance in both skilled and poor readers. Participants (N = 37, N = 15 with reading impairments and N = 22 skilled readers) took part in the study where they completed several literacy‐based measures. We performed a series of mixed ANOVAs to study the between‐group differences in performance and the relationship between different literacy outcomes, respectively. We found evidence for poor phonological and morphological awareness in the poor readers compared to the skilled readers. We also found differential relationships between the component skills and reading and spelling behavior. Specifically, sound awareness was significantly related to reading and spelling measures in the skilled readers, whereas morphological and sound awareness played an important role in the same skills in the poor readers. We discuss these findings in the context of potential remediation strategies for adults with persistent literacy impairments.
Differentiating types of dietary restraint and their momentary relations with loss‐of‐control eating
Authors: Manasse Stephanie M. , Lampe Elizabeth W. , Abber Sophie R. , Fitzpatrick Brighid , Srivastava Paakhi , Juarascio Adrienne S.
Published: January 2023

Objective

Despite evidence supporting the link between dietary restraint (i.e., attempts at dietary restriction) and loss of control (LOC) eating among individuals with binge‐spectrum eating disorders (EDs), some research suggests that dietary restraint may not be linked to LOC eating in all contexts. It is currently unknown how often dietary restraint results in successful dietary restriction, or which types of restraint/restriction confer highest risk for LOC eating. Furthermore, little research has evaluated momentary, temporal associations between dietary restraint and LOC eating. Thus, the present study aimed to (1) characterize dietary restraint and restriction, among individuals with LOC eating, and (2) examine temporal relationships between restraint/restriction and LOC eating within‐ and between‐subjects.

Method

The current study recruited adults with binge spectrum EDs (n = 96, 80.4% female) to complete a 7–14‐day ecological momentary assessment protocol assessing ED symptoms. Multilevel models and linear regression evaluated within‐ and between‐subjects associations between momentary restraint/restriction and LOC eating, respectively.

Results

Attempted avoidance of enjoyable foods, limiting the amount eaten, and any restraint predicted greater likelihood of LOC eating at the next survey. Attempts to delay eating predicted reduced likelihood of LOC eating at the next survey, though this effect was no longer statistically significant after correcting for multiple comparisons. Diagnostic presentation moderated the association between attempted avoidance of enjoyable foods and LOC eating such that this association was significantly stronger for those on the BN‐spectrum.

Discussion

Dietary restraint seems to be more predictive of LOC eating than dietary restriction both within‐ and between‐subjects. Future treatments should target dietary restraint to reduce LOC eating.

Public Significance

Some research suggests that dietary restriction (i.e., reduced calorie intake) and restraint (i.e., attempted restriction) may not be linked to LOC eating in all contexts. We found that dietary restraint is more predictive of LOC eating than dietary restriction both within and between individuals. Future treatments should target dietary restraint to reduce LOC eating.
Prognostic implication of a novel right ventricular injury score in septic patients
Authors: Zhang Hongmin , Zhang Dingding , Wang Xiaoting , Liu Ye , Lian Hui , Zhang Qing , Zhao Hua , Chen Xiukai , Liu Dawei
Published: January 2023

Aims

We aim to investigate the prognostic value of a right ventricular (RV) injury score based on the concept of RV dilation, RV systolic dysfunction, and RV‐pulmonary arterial (PA) decoupling in septic patients and to explore whether the RV injury (RVI) score can be used to grade the severity of RV dysfunction in these patients.

Methods and results

Septic patients admitted to the ICU were prospectively included. We collected haemodynamic and echocardiographic parameters as well as prognostic information. RV dilation was defined as right and left ventricular end‐diastolic area ratio (R/LVEDA) > 2/3. RVSD was defined as tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) < 17 mm, right ventricular fractional area change (FAC) < 35%, or peak velocity of tricuspid annulus via tissue Doppler (S′) < 10 cm/s. RV‐PA decoupling was represented by the TAPSE/pulmonary arterial systolic pressure (PASP) ratio. RVI score were determined by the presence of the following findings: RVSD, RV dilation, and RV‐PA decoupling, that is, one point for each finding. A total of 327 patients were enrolled in this study, among whom 276 survived and 51 died at 30 days after admission. Overall, 18.0% had RV dilation, 35.8% had RVSD, and 21.4% had RV‐PA decoupling, with an appreciable overlap present. A multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that RV dilation (HR: 2.19, 95% CI: 1.19–4.01, P = 0.011), RVSD (HR: 2.25, 95% CI: 1.23–4.13, P = 0.009) and RV‐PA decoupling (HR: 2.08, 95% CI: 1.19–3.65, P = 0.011) were independently associated with a 30 day mortality. Furthermore, RVI score was also an independent predictor, displayed additive effect with respect to 30 day mortality (RVI score 1 vs. RVI score 0, HR: 2.94, 95% CI: 1.20–7.20, P = 0.018; RVI score 2 vs. RVI score 0, HR: 3.20, 95% CI: 1.28–7.98, P = 0.013; RVI score 3 vs. RVI score 0, HR: 7.17, 95% CI: 2.65–19.38, P < 0.001), and had the best performance in model goodness of fit, discrimination and variance explained than the other RV indices.

Conclusions

The RVI score was independently related to 30 day mortality and had the potential to grade the severity of RV dysfunction in septic patients.
CAD‐integrated parametric modular construction design
Authors: Teschemacher Tobias , Bletzinger Kai‐Uwe
Published: January 2023

This publication presents a novel CAD‐integrated avenue for structural analyses of modular constructions, by applying the isogeometric analysis. The approach relies on trimming of segments from an original geometry and allows accordingly to introduce kinematics at the interfaces and to assess the connections of the parametrically defined modules. The proposed research is presented along some exemplary structures.
Multiobjective optimization of free convection through a nonuniform cabinet filled with porous media
Authors: Azzawi Itimad D. J. , Khalil Wissam H. , Al‐damook Amer
Published: January 2023

In the current study, multiobjective optimization and numerical simulation were used to evaluate free convection through a nonuniform cabinet, which has several technical applications, such as cooling techniques, solar air collectors, and heat sinks. The new aspect of the current study is to compute the maximum free convection within an irregular L‐shaped cavity filled with porous media using both computational analysis and response surface methodology (RSM). Moreover, the impacts of constant coefficients, such as aspect ratios of the horizontal (ARh), vertical (ARv), and Darcy numbers (Da) on the Nusselt number (Nuave), Nusselt number maximization (NNM), the temperature of the surface (Ts), and entropy (S) are studied and discussed to evaluate their effect on the thermal performance. The results showed that when Da, ARh, and ARv increase, Nuave improves while the Ts and S decline and the largest desirability is achieved at ARh = 0.9, ARv = 0.9, and Da = 10−1. Additionally, when compared with the subpar design data, the largest gain in NNM was 26.7 times, while the biggest decreases in surface temperature and entropy were 59% and 97%, respectively. As a result, the combination of the numerical simulation and RSM study produces a novel strategy and insightful suggestions for the ideal cooling L‐shaped cabinet design.
Characteristics of attentional bias in meditators: An ERP study
Authors: Xin Zhaoyang , Wang Fei , Lu Zilu , Li Qiaoling
Published: January 2023

Attentional bias is closely related to individual mental health. To explore the effect of mindfulness meditation on attentional bias, we use the dot‐probe task to measure and compare the attentional bias of 16 Shaolin monks with meditation experience (meditator group) and 18 ordinary people without meditation experience (control group). The results were as follows: (1) The control group showed attentional bias to anger stimuli, while the meditator group did not show attentional bias; (2) The P1 amplitude induced by emotion stimuli was significantly less in the meditator group than in the control group; (3) When the control group observed angry‐neutral faces, the P2 amplitude was greater than when they saw neutral‐neutral faces. In comparison, there was no significant difference in P2 amplitude when the meditator group viewed faces with different emotions. This leads us to contend that people highly practiced in meditation can reduce their attentional bias to negative information, and show the cognitive characteristics of “impartial” treatment to external information.
Multiple protein‐patterned surface plasmon resonance biochip for the detection of human immunoglobulin‐G
Authors: Kashyap Ritayan , Boro Pearleshwari Rani , Yasmin Rafika , Nath Jugabrat , Sonowal Durlav , Doley Robin , Mondal Biplob
Published: January 2023

A portable surface plasmon resonance (SPR) measurement prototype integrated with a multiple protein‐patterned SPR biochip is introduced for label‐free and selective detection of human immunoglobulin‐G (H‐IgG). The polyclonal anti‐H‐IgG antibodies derived from goat, rabbit, and mouse were immobilized through polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microchannels to fabricate the patterned SPR biochip. The PDMS surface was functionalized using 3‐aminopropyltrimethoxysilane and bonded to carbodiimide‐activated gold substrates to construct irreversibly bonded hydrophilic microfluidic chip at room temperature. For SPR measurement, a custom‐made system is developed with a high angular scanning accuracy of 0.005° and a wide scanning range of 30°–80° that avoids the conventional requirement of expensive goniometric stages and detector arrays. The SPR biochip immobilized with 750 μg/mL goat anti‐H‐IgG demonstrated detection of H‐IgG with a detection limits of 15 μg/mL, and linear response through a wide concentration range (15–225 μg/mL) of high coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.99661). The selectivity of the sensor was investigated by exposing them to two different non‐specific targets (bovine serum albumin and polyvalent antivenom). The results indicate negligible sensor response towards nonspecific targets (0.25° for 30 μg/mL bovine serum albumin (BSA) and 0.25° for 30 μg/mL polyvalent antivenom) in comparison to H‐IgG (1.5° for 30 μg/mL).
Adverse childhood experiences as context for youth assessment and diagnosis
Authors: Johnson Kaprea F. , Cheng Shonn , Brookover Dana L. , Zyromski Brett
Published: January 2023

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) should be considered as context for assessment and diagnosis of depression, anxiety, and behavioral problems for youth aged 0–18. The researchers conducted a cross‐sectional study, using the public data set from the 2017–2018 National Survey of Children's Health, which represented 52,000 households of a nationally representative sample of children ages 0–17. The parent/caregiver participants reported their children aged 0–5 had higher odds than children aged 6–11 and 12–17 of a one‐unit increase in ACEs, resulting in anxiety, depression, and behavioral problems. Professional counselors can use the results as a basis to consider ACEs‐informed assessment and diagnosis practices when working with youth who present with mental health or behavior problems.
Hydrogen production on nano Al2O3 surface by water splitting using gamma radiation
Authors: Ali Imran , Mahmudov Hokman , Imanova Gunel , Suleymanov Telman , Hameed Ahmed M. , Alharbi Ahmed
Published: January 2023

OBJECTIVES

Due to changes in climate and the estimation of fossil fuel exploitation in the future, there is a great demand for green energy. Therefore, hydrogen production was studied by water splitting using Al2O3 nanoparticles as a radiation catalyst with gamma rays irradiation

EXPERIMENTAL

The effects of different particle sizes, surface area, amounts of radiation catalyst and the time of gamma rays irradiation were studied. The kinetics of hydrogen generated by the water decomposition of the water system with Al2O3 nanoparticles were also studied. It was determined that the hydrogen produced by water splitting with smaller‐sized nanoparticles was 1.4–1.6 times greater than the large‐sized catalysts.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The best conditions were 5 nm particle size, 250 mm2/g surface area, 0.25 g amount and 10 h time (5.97 molecules/100 eV). The equivalent dispersal of radiation nanocatalyst (alumina) in water and greatly more sorption of water on the catalyst surface caused more effective radiolysis. The mechanism of water splitting and radiolysis was also established.

CONCLUSION

The reported method may be used in the future for hydrogen production on an industrial scale. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Biodegradation of phenolic compounds from grape pomace of Vitis vinifera Asyrtiko by Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Belenioti Maria , Mathioudaki Eirini , Spyridaki Evrykleia , Ghanotakis Demetrios , Chaniotakis Nikolaos
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND

Grape pomace from Vitis vinifera Asssyrtiko is an important sub‐product of the Greek wine industry. However, its accumulation is a serious problem with a negative environmental impact. Grape pomace is rich in bioactive compounds and its utilization for alternative uses, such as a fertilizer, is an interesting area of research. On the other hand, its high concentration of phenolic compounds inhibits germination processes. Therefore, there is a need to decrease the high phenolic level in grape pomace before it can be used as a fertilizer. The main objective of our study is the fast reduction of polyphenols in grape pomace, and more specifically catechin and epicatechin in Vitis vinifera Assyrtiko. For this purpose, Chlamydomonas reinhardii was used for polyphenol biodegradation in grape pomace extract. It is shown that the bioremediation proceeds very fast, while the final product has a high potential to be used as a soil conditioner.

RESULTS

The results of this study identify that after 6 days of cultivation, C. reinhardtii was able to reduce the total polyphenolic amount by 43%, while catechin and epicatechin were decreased by 100%. In addition, it is shown that the final aqueous product is rich in minerals, such as sodium, phosphorus and potassium.

CONCLUSIONS

Through this work we were able to develop a method that allows for the efficient decrease of polyphenols in grape pomace. C. reinhardtii biodegrades a sufficient amount of polyphenols in grape pomace with a high rate, while the product obtained 6 days after cultivation contains high concentrations of minerals and low levels of polyphenols. These results suggest that there is a great potential in using the Vitis vinifera Asssyrtiko biodegraded product as a soil conditioner. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Efficient degradation of organophosphorus herbicide by free‐standing 3D reduced graphene oxide supported nFe3O4 catalytic‐activated persulfate
Authors: Zhao Chuanqi , Li Yajuan , Liu Xixiang , Shi Qin , Song Zefeng
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND

Organophosphorus herbicides in water are an increasingly critical environmental problem. Given this challenge, a free‐standing 3D reduced graphene oxide (GO) foam supporting Fe3O4 nanoparticles (3D‐rGO‐Fe3O4) was synthesized using GO as a precursor and applied as an efficient persulfate activator for glyphosate (GLY) degradation.

RESULTS

The effects of Fe3O4 mass, pH, oxidant dosage, temperature and common ions on GLY degradation were investigated in detail. Analytical techniques using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared analysis (FTIR) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) indicated that the 3D foam prevented aggregation of the Fe3O4 nanoparticles by in situ uniform formation on GO nanosheets. The addition of Fe was vitally important for activation of the oxidation system. The results of batch‐scale experiments illustrated that the GLY degradation efficiency reached 96.8% with initial GLY concentration 30 mg L−1, graphene:Fe3O4 mass ratio 1:7, solution pH 4 and persulfate mass 48 mg. High temperatures could significantly facilitate GLY degradation. Additionally, the 3D‐rGO‐Fe3O4 material proved highly stable according to the replicated test results. Furthermore, EPR test results revealed that Na2S2O8 catalytic activation by 3D‐rGO‐Fe3O4 mainly produced ·OH and SO4−·, and the predominant free radical was SO4−· in the current experiment.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that 3D‐rGO‐Fe3O4 has good catalytic activity and stability, and, accordingly, has high application prospects for the remediation of organophosphorus herbicide‐contaminated water. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Characteristics of Nasal Foreign Bodies and Equipment on Complications During Removal Procedures
Authors: Tochigi Kosuke , Miyashita Keisuke , Aoki Satoshi , Sakamoto Hikaru , Omura Kazuhiro , Tanaka Yasuhiro
Published: January 2023

Objective

The treatment of nasal foreign bodies involves safe and reliable removal. Few reports have investigated the relationship between equipment and the incidence of complications.

Methods

This retrospective study included 300 patients with nasal foreign bodies (average: 3.28 years, interquartile range: 2–4 years). Patients' background, characteristics of nasal foreign body, equipment to remove the nasal foreign body, and complications were obtained from medical records. Statistical analysis was performed using Pearson's chi‐square test for associated factors and the incidence of epistaxis among the complications.

Results

Nasal foreign bodies were found and removed in 256 patients. Forceps, hooks, suction, modified paper clips, and cotton swabs were mainly used to remove the nasal foreign bodies. Epistaxis due to the removal procedure was observed in 26 patients. The occurrence of epistaxis differed depending on the equipment (p = 0.077) and was less frequent in suction and paper clips than in forceps (p < 0.05 and p = 0.077). Epistaxis was not observed when a cotton swab was used. Aspiration and septal perforation were not observed. A statistical relationship was not detected between the hardness of foreign bodies and the occurrence of epistaxis (p = 0.251). The incidence of epistaxis was higher in cases nasal foreign bodies remained for 1 day and over than in cases foreign bodies were removed within 1 day (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

This study revealed that suction, modified paper clips, and cotton swabs could be beneficial options for minimizing complications in the removal of nasal foreign bodies.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 133:2553–2557, 2023
Preoperative Prediction of Sinonasal Inverted Papilloma‐associated Squamous Cell Carcinoma (IP‐SCC)
Authors: Park Marn Joon , Cho Wonki , Kim Ji Heui , Chung Yoo‐Sam , Jang Yong Ju , Yu Myeong Sang
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Sinonasal inverted papillomas (IP) can undergo transformation into IP‐squamous cell carcinomas (IP‐SCC). More aggressive treatment plan should be established when IP‐SCC is suspected. Nevertheless, inaccuracy of the preoperative punch biopsy results to detect IP‐SCC from IP raises the need for an additional strategy. The present study aimed to investigate significant clinicoradiological remarks associated with IP‐SCC than IP.

Material and Methods

Postoperative surgical specimens obtained from patients with confirmed IP or IP‐SCC at a single tertiary medical center from 1997 to 2018 were retrospectively evaluated. Patients' demographic and clinical characteristics, preoperative in‐office punch biopsy results, and preoperative computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance images were reviewed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess the odds ratio (OR) associated with IP‐SCC. The area under the curve (AUC) in the receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve was calculated in the prediction model to discriminate IP‐SCC from IP.

Results

The study included 44 IP‐SCC and 301 patients with IP. The diagnostic sensitivity of in‐office punch biopsy to detect IP‐SCC was 70.7%. Multivariate analysis showed that factors significantly associated with IP‐SCC included tobacco smoking >10PY (adjusted‐OR [aOR]: 4.1), epistaxis (aOR: 3.4), facial pain (aOR: 4.2), bony destruction (aOR: 37.6), bony remodeling (aOR: 36.3), and invasion of adjacent structures (aOR: 31.6) (all p < 0.05). Combining all significantly related clinicoradiological features, the ability to discriminate IP‐SCC from IP reached an AUC of 0.974.

Conclusion

IP patients with a history of tobacco smoking, facial pain, epistaxis, and bony destruction, remodeling, or invasion of an adjacent structure on preoperative images may be at higher risk for IP‐SCC.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 133:2502–2510, 2023
Short‐term reduction in cropping intensity improves soil quality of topsoil rather than subsoil
Authors: Yao Wei , Liu Qi , Zhou Jie , Wen Yongkang , Tian Butao , Qi Zhiqiang , Yang Yadong , Zeng Zhaohai , Peixoto Leanne , Zang Huadong
Published: January 2023

Enhancing cropping intensity is the most effective and significant method to improve regional crop production and ensure food security. However, our understanding of the impacts of reduced cropping intensity on soil quality and ecosystem multifunctionality (EMF) with soil depth remains incomplete in tropical regions. Here, we performed a 4‐year field experiment to estimate the impacts of cropping intensity (continuous cropping, winter fallow, and annual fallow) on soil quality and EMF depending on soil depths. We found that reduced cropping intensity improved soil quality at the topsoil (0–10 cm), while it had no significant influences on soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) storage, as well as soil EMF at 0–40 cm. Soil microbes were limited by C and P but not co‐limited by N in all three cropping systems. Reduced cropping intensity exacerbated microbial C limitation at 0–10 cm due to reduced additional C resources (i.e., rice straw and manure) input. Redundancy analysis and Pearson correlation showed that soil N significantly affected the C‐, N‐, and P‐acquisition enzyme activities, and correlated positively with soil organic C, microbial biomass C, and available P. In conclusion, short‐term reduction in cropping intensity improves topsoil quality but not soil EMF under paddy‐upland rotations in the tropical region.
Residual Quantum Effects beyond Mean‐Field Treatment in Quantum Optics Systems
Authors: Huang Yue‐Xun , Li Ming , Chen Zi‐Jie , Zhang Yan‐Lei , Zou Xu‐Bo , Guo Guang‐Can , Zou Chang‐Ling
Published: January 2023

Mean‐field treatment (MFT) is frequently applied to approximately predict the dynamics of quantum optics systems. It simplifies the system Hamiltonian by neglecting the quantum statistics of certain modes that are driven strongly by lasers or couple weakly with other modes. However, the neglected quantum correlations between different modes result in unanticipated quantum effects and might lead to significantly distinct system dynamics. Here, a general and systematic theoretical framework based on perturbation theory in company with MFT is provided to capture these quantum effects. The form of nonlinear dissipation and parasitic Hamiltonian as well as their relationship to the nonlinear coupling rate are predicted. Furthermore, the indicator is also proposed as a measure of the accuracy of mean‐field treatment. As an example, this theory is applied to quantum frequency conversion, in which mean‐field treatment is commonly applied, to test its limitation under strong pump and large coupling strength. The analytical results show excellent agreement with the numerical simulations. This work clearly reveals the residual quantum effects neglected by MFT and provides a more precise theoretical framework for nonlinear optics and quantum optics.
Reading Alterations in Parkinson's Disease Indicate Worse Cognitive Status
Authors: Tsitsi Panagiota , Nilsson Mattias , Seimyr Gustaf Öqvist , Larsson Olof , Svenningsson Per , Markaki Ioanna
Published: January 2023

Background

Reading difficulties are commonly reported in Parkinson's disease (PD). So far, only a few studies have assessed reading in PD, most of them confirming a different pattern in patients compared with healthy populations. Impaired oculomotor control is an early feature of PD. Cognitive deficits, on the other hand, may appear early, but they are most prominent at later stages. Although these two factors are thought to be responsible for the alterations in reading performance, it is unclear how each factor contributes to them.

Objectives

To evaluate eye movements during reading in PD and healthy controls (HCs).

Methods

Data from 42 HCs (36% men) and 48 patients with PD (67% men) at Hoehn and Yahr stages ≤3 were analyzed. PD participants were further divided into 2 groups based on their Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score using a cutoff of ≥26. Eye movements were recorded with Tobii Pro Spectrum, a screen‐based eye tracker with a sampling rate of 1200 Hz.

Results

PD participants performed fewer fixations per second (P = 0.033), with a longer mean (P = 0.037) and standard deviation fixation duration (P = 0.033) than HC, and further analysis showed that only patients with a lower MoCA score performed worse than HCs. Reading parameters were weakly associated with MoCA scores, irrespective of age and education.

Conclusion

Changes in the reading pattern of PD patients are probably attributed to cognitive rather than pure oculomotor alterations.
Minimizers of abstract generalized Orlicz‐bounded variation energy
Authors: Eleuteri Michela , Harjulehto Petteri , Hästö Peter
Published: January 2023

A way to measure the lower growth rate of
is to require
to be increasing in
. If this condition holds with
, then

with boundary values
does not necessarily have a minimizer. However, if
is replaced by
, then the growth condition holds with
and thus (under some additional conditions) the corresponding energy integral has a minimizer. We show that a sequence
of such minimizers converges when
in a suitable
‐type space involving generalized Orlicz growth and obtain the
‐convergence of functionals with fixed boundary values and of functionals with fidelity terms.
Dietary Application of the Microalga Lobosphaera incisa P127 Reduces Severity of Intestinal Inflammation, Modulates Gut‐Associated Gene Expression, and Microbiome in the Zebrafish Model of IBD
Authors: Novichkova Ekaterina , Nayak Sagar , Boussiba Sammy , Gopas Jacob , Zilberg Dina , Khozin‐Goldberg Inna
Published: January 2023

Scope

Microalgae are an emerging nutritional resource of biomolecules with potential to alleviate gut inflammation. The study explores the anti‐inflammatory and immunomodulatory potential of the microalga Lobosphaera incisa P127, which accumulates a rare omega‐6 LC‐PUFA dihomo‐ɣ‐linolenic acid (DGLA) under nitrogen starvation. The therapeutic potential of dietary supplementation with P127 is investigated in the zebrafish model of IBD (TNBS‐induced colitis).

Methods and results

Guts are sampled from zebrafish fed experimental diets for 4 weeks, before and 24 h after TNBS challenge. Diets containing 15% non‐starved (Ns) and 7.5% and 15% N‐starved (St) algal biomass significantly attenuate the severity of gut injury and goblet cell depletion. In contrast, diets containing 7.5% Ns and DGLA ethyl ester have no effect on gut condition. Fish fed 15% St, high‐DGLA biomass, have the fewest individuals with pathological alterations in the gut. Dietary inclusion of Ns and St distinctly modulates gut‐associated expression of the immune and inflammatory genes. Fish fed 15% Ns biomass display a coordinated boost in immune gene expression and show major changes in the gut microbiome prior challenge.

Conclusion

Dietary inclusion of L. incisa biomass at two physiological states, ameliorates TNBS‐induced gut inflammation, suggesting the synergistic beneficial effects of biomass components not limited to DGLA.
The Impact of Zinc on Manganese Bioavailability and Cytotoxicity in HepG2 Cells
Authors: Michaelis Vivien , Kasper Silja , Naperkowski Lisa , Pusse Jan , Thiel Alicia , Ebert Franziska , Aschner Michael , Schwerdtle Tanja , Haase Hajo , Bornhorst Julia
Published: January 2023

Scope

Despite their essentiality, several studies have shown that either manganese (Mn) or zinc (Zn) overexposure may lead to detrimental health effects. Although Mn is transported by some of the SLC family transporters that translocate Zn, the role of Zn in hepatocellular Mn transport and Mn‐induced toxicity have yet to be fully characterized.

Methods and Results

The human hepatoma cell line, HepG2, is utilized. Total cellular Mn and Zn amounts are determined after cells are treated with Zn 2 or 24 h prior to Mn incubation for additional 24 h with inductively coupled plasma‐based spectrometry and labile Zn is assessed with the fluorescent probe FluoZin‐3. Furthermore, mRNA expression of genes involved in metal homeostasis, and mechanistic endpoints associated with Mn‐induced cytotoxicity are addressed. These results suggest that Zn protects against Mn‐induced cytotoxicity and impacts Mn bioavailability to a great extent when cells are preincubated with higher Zn concentrations for longer duration as characterized by decreased activation of caspase‐3 as well as lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release.

Conclusions

Zn protects against Mn‐induced cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells possibly due to decreased Mn bioavailability. Additionally, mRNA expression of metal homeostasis‐related genes indicates possible underlying pathways that should to be addressed in future studies.
Serial multiple mediation of psychological empowerment and job burnout in the relationship between workplace bullying and turnover intention among Chinese novice nurses
Authors: Ren Liping , Kim Hyunli
Published: January 2023

Aim

This study aimed to examine the direct and indirect effects of workplace bullying on turnover intention using the serial multiple mediators of psychological empowerment and job burnout.

Design

A cross‐sectional study was conducted.

Methods

A convenience sample of 506 novice nurses from five Triple A hospitals in China's S province from November 2020 to February 2021 and were evaluated using online questionnaires on workplace bullying, psychological empowerment, job burnout, and turnover intention.

Results

The prevalence of turnover intention was 51.9%. In the serial multiple mediator model, workplace bullying had a direct effect (c = 0.452, p < 0.001) and indirect effect (c' = 0.229, p < 0.001) on turnover intention through the serial multiple mediators of psychological empowerment (B = −0.093, p = 0.020) and job burnout (B = 0.127, p < 0.001); hence, the proposed model explained the total variance of 32.2% in turnover intention.

Patient or public contribution

Nursing managers should use effective measures for strengthening the psychological empowerment to minimize novice nurse burnout and turnover intention resulting from workplace bullying.
Association between working memory updating ability and cognitive reappraisal: An investigation into a modulatory role of the individual's sex
Authors: Zhao Xin , Cai Yaya , Maes Joseph H. R.
Published: January 2023

Cognitive reappraisal has been shown to be an effective emotion regulation strategy that contributes to mental health. Previous studies focused on sex differences in the frequency of use and ability to use this strategy, and the association of fequency of use and ability with executive functioning. However, there is a lack of behavioral studies examining whether the involvement of executive functions in cognitive reappraisal use and ability differs for men and women. Such a sex difference may inform the design of cognitive interventions directed at enhancing cognitive reappraisal use and ability. The present study used a sample of 125 Chinese university students and focused on one key component of executive functioning: working memory updating. Frequency of cognitive reappraisal use was assessed by self‐report. Ability to use cognitive reappraisal and working memory updating capacity were each assessed with a laboratory task. The results revealed no sex difference in cognitive reappraisal use or ability. However, of primary interest, the ability to apply cognitive reappraisal was associated with working memory updating performance, but only for women. If confirmed in further studies, these findings suggest that cognitive interventions in general, and working memory updating trainings more specifically, are more likely to enhance the ability to use cognitive reappraisal as a means to regulate emotions in women than in men.
Validation of valence bond and molecular orbital models in analyzing the anionic hyperconjugation effect on the stability of alkyl and fluorinated carbanions in gaseous phase
Authors: Nguyen Lam H. , Pham‐Tran Nguyen‐Nguyen
Published: January 2023

In this paper, the anionic hyperconjugation occurring in alkyl and fluorinated carbanions in the gaseous phase is examined at density functional theory (DFT) at the level of theory B3LYP/6‐31++G (d,p) with empirical dispersion‐GD3 theory. First, a contribution of this study is to confirm that the C‐H bond in (CH3)3C‐H (isobutane) is more acidic than the C‐H bonds in CH3CH2‐H (ethane) and (CH3)2CH‐H (propane) based on a comparison of conjugate base stability. Also, the natural population analysis (NPA) and CHELPG methods are well‐performed for calculating charge distribution on carbon atoms, and in contrast, the Mulliken population is better for hydrogen atoms to describe the anionic hyperconjugation in the valence bond (VB) model. The molecular orbital model accounts for the stability order of alkyl and perfluorinated carbanions through the number, strength, and overlap geometry between the lone electron pair on carbon atom and the vicinal σ*C‐H/σ*C‐F orbitals. On the other hand, the utility of VB theory becomes invalid because of the strong inductive effect of the fluorine element and the steric repulsion among CF3 groups in perfluorinated carbanions. Also, the hybridization of the carbon atom holding the lone electron pair can become more s‐character or p‐character dependent on the size of surrounding groups.
Process safety analysis using operational data and Bayesian network
Authors: Daley James , Khan Faisal , Amin Md. Tanjin
Published: January 2023

Fault detection and diagnosis (FDD) methods have recently experienced significant advances. These methods provide valuable information from an abnormal situation management perspective. However, traditional FDD methods do not consider system failure analysis, which is required from the process safety perspective. This work seeks to overcome this barrier and presents a methodology to assess process system failure probability based on process operational data and system knowledge. The methodology is built using the principal component analysis (PCA) and a Bayesian network (BN). The PCA is used for FDD, while the BN determines the probability of system failure once a fault is detected. This portion of the network is based on the logical relationship of the data, operational thresholds, and system failure conditions. The proposed methodology is tested and verified on a level‐controlled tank system and the real‐life failure scenario of the 2010 Tesoro heat exchanger explosion. The results suggest that the proposed methodology helps to assess process system failure probability based on process operating conditions. The current work is expected to give a stimulus on digital process safety education.
The diagnostic and prognostic value of growth differentiation factor‐15 in systemic lupus erythematosus‐associated pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Qian Junyan , Ding Yufang , Yang Xiaoxi , Wang Qian , Zhao Jiuliang , Liu Yongtai , Tian Zhuang , Wang Yanhong , Li Mengtao , Zeng Xiaofeng
Published: January 2023

Growth‐differentiation factor (GDF)‐15 is a member of transforming growth factor‐β‐related cytokine and may respond to right ventricular overload. The objective of this article was to assess the diagnosis and prognostic value of GDF‐15 in systemic lupus erythematosus‐associated pulmonary arterial hypertension (SLE‐PAH). Serum samples were obtained from 65 patients with SLE‐PAH, 51 sex and age matched patients of SLE without PAH (SLE‐non‐PAH), and 32 healthy controls. Serum GDF‐15 level was detected by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and the optimal cut‐off point was determined by receiver operating characteristic curve. The primary end‐point was death from any cause and the secondary end‐point was target goal achievement (TGA). Cox regression analyses and Kaplan−Meier method were performed to identify the prognostic value of GDF‐15. Serum GDF‐15 levels were significantly higher in SLE‐PAH patients (1112.14 ± 781.80 pg/mL) than SLE‐non‐PAH patients (810 ± 408 pg/mL) and healthy controls (442 ± 139 pg/mL) at baseline. The optimal cut‐off value of GDF‐15 in the diagnosis of SLE‐PAH was 733 pg/mL (AUC = 0.84). In patients with SLE‐PAH, GDF‐15 level was associated with 6 min walking distance (ρ = −0.385, p = 0.017) and higher serum N terminal‐pro brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) (ρ = 0.605, p < 0.001). Patients with GDF‐15 > 733 pg/mL were more likely to death (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 4.01, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.23−6.27, p = 0.041) and less likely to achieve treatment goal (adjusted HR = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.23−0.79, p = 0.028). In addition, patients with simultaneous elevation of GDF‐15 and NT‐proBNP showed lower proportion of TGA (p = 0.046). In conclusion, GDF‐15 is a new and promising biomarker of development and prognosis in SLE‐PAH. The combination of GDF‐15 and NT‐proBNP may provide more accurate prognostic information.
Long‐term analysis of persistence and size of swallow and martin roosts in the US Great Lakes
Authors: Belotti Maria Carolina T. D. , Deng Yuting , Zhao Wenlong , Simons Victoria F. , Cheng Zezhou , Perez Gustavo , Tielens Elske , Maji Subhransu , Sheldon Daniel , Kelly Jeffrey F. , Horton Kyle G.
Published: January 2023

In this study, we combined a machine learning pipeline and human supervision to identify and label swallow and martin roost locations on data captured from 2000 to 2020 by 12 Weather Surveillance Radars in the Great Lakes region of the US. We employed radar theory to extract the number of birds in each roost detected by our technique. With these data, we set out to investigate whether roosts formed consistently in the same geographic area over two decades and whether consistency was also predictive of roost size. We used a clustering algorithm to group individual roost locations into 104 high‐density regions and extracted the number of years when each of these regions was used by birds to roost. In addition, we calculated the overall population size and analyzed the daily roost size distributions. Our results support the hypothesis that more persistent roosts are also gathering more birds, but we found that on average, most individuals congregate in roosts of smaller size. Given the concentrations and consistency of roosting of swallows and martins in specific areas throughout the Great Lakes, future changes in these patterns should be monitored because they may have important ecosystem and conservation implications.
Efficient Regulation of Polysulfides by MoS2/MoO3 Heterostructures for High‐Performance Li‐S Batteries
Authors: Cheng Pu , Shi liangliang , Li Wenqi , Fang Xiaorong , Cao Dianliang , Zhao Yonggang , Cao Peng , Liu Dequan , He Deyan
Published: January 2023

The notorious shuttle effect and sluggish conversion of polysulfides seriously hinder the practical application of Lithium‐sulfur (Li‐S) batteries. In this study, a novel architecture of MoS2/MoO3 heterostructure uniformly distributed on carbon nanotubes (MoS2/MoO3@CNT) is designed and introduced into Li‐S batteries via decorating commercial separator to regulate the redox reactions of polysulfides. Systematic experiments and theoretical calculations showed that the heterostructure not only provides sufficient surface affinity to capture polysulfides and acts as an active catalyst to promote the conversion of polysulfides, but also the highly conductive CNT enables rapid electron/ion migration. As a result, Li‐S batteries with the MoS2/MoO3@CNT‐PP separator deliver an impressive reversible capacity (1015 mAh g−1 at 0.2 A g−1 after 100 cycles), excellent rate capacity (873 mAh g−1 at 5 A g−1), and low self‐discharge capacity loss (94.6% capacity retention after 7 days of standing). Moreover, even at an elevated temperature of 70 °C, it still exhibits high‐capacity retention (800 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1 after 100 cycles). Encouragingly, when the sulfur load is increased to 8.7 mg cm−2, the high reversible areal capacity of 6.61 mAh cm−2 can be stably maintained after 100 cycles, indicating a high potential for practical application.
Single Unit‐Cell Layered Bi2Fe4O9 Nanosheets: Synthesis, Formation Mechanism, and Anisotropic Thermal Expansion
Authors: Liu Yunpeng , Zhong Jiajun , Liu Ziyi , Wen Wen , Sun Bo , Wang Hao , Yao Lei , Chen Zhongjun , Wang Dongqi , Wu Zhonghua
Published: January 2023

As an important multiferroic material, pure and low‐dimensional phase‐stable bismuth ferrite has wide applications. Herein, one‐pot hydrothermal method was used to synthesize bismuth ferrite. Almost pure Bi2Fe4O9, BiFeO3, and their mixture were successfully obtained by controlling the KOH concentration in the hydrothermal solutions. The as‐prepared Bi2Fe4O9 products were crystalline with Pbam space group, had nanosheet morphology, and tended to aggregate into nanofloret or random stacking. Each Bi2Fe4O9 nanosheet was a single crystal with (001) plane as its exposed surface. Single unit‐cell layered Bi2Fe4O9 nanosheets had a uniform thickness of 1 nm. The surface energies of various (100), (010), and (001) planes were 3.6–4.0, 5.6–15.1, and 1.7–3.0 J m−2, respectively, in the Bi2Fe4O9 crystal. The formation mechanism and structural model of the as‐prepared single unit‐cell layered Bi2Fe4O9 nanosheets have been given. The growth of Bi2Fe4O9 nanosheets was discussed. Thermal analysis showed that the Bi2Fe4O9 phase was stable up to 1260 K. The thermal expansion behavior of the Bi2Fe4O9 nanosheet was nonlinear. The thermal expansion coefficients of the ultrathin Bi2Fe4O9 nanosheets on the a‐, b‐, c‐axes, and on the unit‐cell volume V were determined, showing an anisotropic thermal expansion behavior. This study is helpful for the controllable synthesis of ultrathin Bi2Fe4O9 nanosheets.
Chemical vapor deposition for few‐layer two‐dimensional materials
Authors: Zhang Qing , Geng Dechao , Hu Wenping
Published: January 2023

Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) approach offers a controllable strategy for preparing large‐area and high‐quality few‐layer (mainly bilayer or trilayer) twisted or untwisted two‐dimensional (2D) materials, and is predicted to boost the development of 2D materials from laboratory research to industrial applications.
High Resolution Electrochemical Imaging for Sulfur Vacancies on 2D Molybdenum Disulfide
Authors: Gu Chaoqun , Sun Tong , Wang Zhenyu , Jiang Sisi , Wang Zonghua
Published: January 2023

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) is considered as one of the most promising non‐noble‐metal catalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). To achieve practical application, introducing sulfur (S) vacancies on the inert basal plane of MoS2 is a widely accepted strategy to improve its HER activity. However, probing active sites at the nanoscale and quantitatively analyzing the related electrocatalytic activity in electrolyte aqueous solution are still great challenges. In this work, utilizing high‐resolution scanning electrochemical microscopy, optimized electrodes and newly designed thermal drift calibration software, the HER activity of the S vacancies on an MoS2 inert surface is in situ imaged with less than 20‐nm‐radius sensitivity and the HER kinetic data for S vacancies, including Tafel plot and onset potential, are quantitatively measured. Additionally, the stability of S vacancies over the wide range of pH 0−13 is investigated. This study provides a viable strategy for obtaining the catalytic kinetics of nanoscale active sites on structurally complex electrocatalysts and evaluating the stability of defects in different environments for 2D material‐based catalysts.