bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantifying the impact of Russia–Ukraine crisis on food security and trade pattern: evidence from a structural general equilibrium trade model
Authors: Feng Fan , Jia Ningyuan , Lin Faqin
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Considering the importance of Russia and Ukraine in agriculture, the authors quantify the potential impact of the Russia–Ukraine conflict on food output, trade, prices and food security for the world.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors mainly use the quantitative and structural multi-country and multi-sector general equilibrium trade model to analyze the potential impacts of the conflict on the global food trade pattern and security.

Findings

First, the authors found that the conflict would lead to soaring agricultural prices, decreasing trade volume and severe food insecurity especially for countries that rely heavily on grain imports from Ukraine and Russia, such as Egypt and Turkey. Second, major production countries such as the United States and Canada may even benefit from the conflict. Third, restrictions on upstream energy and fertilizer will amplify the negative effects of food insecurity.

Originality/value

This study analyzed the effect of Russia–Ukraine conflict on global food security based on sector linkages and the quantitative general equilibrium trade framework. With a clearer demonstration of the influence about the inherent mechanism based on fewer parameters compared with traditional Global Trade Analysis Project (GTAP) models, the authors showed integrated impacts of the conflict on food output, trade, prices and welfare across sectors and countries.
Developing a weighted synergy network–based model for selecting prefabricated construction services
Authors: Qi Xiaomin , Du Qiang , Zou Patrick X.W. , Huang Ning
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a model considering synergy effect for prefabricated construction service combination selection.

Design/methodology/approach

This research defines prefabricated construction service as a service-led construction method that meets the specific requirements of clients. Based on network theory, the multi-dimensional collaborative relationships of the prefabricated construction inter-services are formulated. The synergy effect is quantitatively calculated through the linear weighting of the strengths of collaborative relationships. Further, a weighted synergy network (WSN) is developed, from which a service composition selection model considering the synergy effect is established. Then, a genetic algorithm is employed to implement the model.

Findings

The results showed that (1) when the number of prefabricated construction services is increased, the synergy effect of combination options is enhanced; (2) The finer-grained prefabricated construction services, the stronger the synergy effect of service combination; (3) Clients have heterogeneous preferences for collaborative relationships, and there are differences in the synergy effect of service combination.

Originality/value

The contribution of this research includes proposed a method to quantify the synergy effect from the perspective of collaborative relationships, explored the specific procedure for the prefabricated construction service combination selection under the service-led construction, and provided a reference for promoting the development in construction. Besides, the model proposed could be applied to prefabricated construction service composition selection with diverse research boundaries or client preferences by executing the same procedure.
Visualisation of global research trends and future research directions of digital marketing in small and medium enterprises using bibliometric analysis
Authors: Amiri Amiri Mdoe , Kushwaha Bijay Prasad , Singh Rajkumar
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to undertake a bibliometric analysis of digital marketing research in small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The study examines papers over the last two decades and performed performance analysis, co-citation analysis, bibliographic coupling and scientific mapping.

Design/methodology/approach

The study examines 247 documents retrieved from the Scopus database using bibliometric analysis, performance analysis and thematic clustering. The study looked at the scientific productivity of papers, prolific authors, most influencing papers, institutions and nations, keyword co-occurrence, thematic mapping, co-citations and authorship and country collaborations. VOSviewer was employed as a tool in the research to conduct the performance analysis and thematic clustering.

Findings

The most productive year was 2021 with 56 publications and the most impactful institute and countries are the University of Birmingham, UK, and the country is United Kingdom, respectively. Similarly, the most influential journal is “Industrial Marketing Management”, and the most productive journal is “International Journal of Internet Marketing and Advertising”. Furthermore, the most cited article is “Usage, barriers and measurement of social media marketing: An exploratory investigation of small and medium B2B brands”. The authors also identified five thematic clusters of digital marketing research in SMEs.

Research limitations/implications

It informs and directs researchers on the current state of study in the field of digital marketing literature in SMEs. It also outlines future research directions in this field.

Originality/value

This is the first study which provides the performance analysis and scientific mapping of the digital marketing literature in SMEs.
Employee treatment and Securities Exchange Commission investigations
Authors: Brodmann Jennifer , Unsal Omer
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The authors examine the impact of employee litigation on Securities Action Lawsuits. The authors study whether frequently sued firms are more likely to be investigated by Securities Exchange Commission (SEC). The authors study how labor relations are crucial to corporate governance.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use hand-collected datasets of employee violations, misconducts and lawsuits and test whether bad employee treatment increases the likelihood of SEC probe. The authors' methodology includes panel fixed effects, as well as alternative measures of employee mistreatment and SEC case.

Findings

The authors find that with each increase in employee dispute increases the likelihood of the firm being investigated by the SEC. The authors find that geographically dispersed firms are more likely to be investigated by the SEC when facing employee disputes and that more labor union coverage and a higher unemployment rate triggers more employee allegations and labor-related lawsuits.

Originality/value

The authors' study is the first to investigate how employee relations affect firms involving federal investigation. The authors aim to contribute to the literature by studying (i) the relation between employee mistreatment and legal challenges, (ii) how firm characteristics affect the path from employee disputes to securities class actions and (iii) the impact of employee mistreatment on the corporate governance.
Pre‐stack depth imaging techniques for the delineation of the Carosue Dam gold deposit, Western Australia
Authors: Ziramov Sasha , Young Carl , Kinkela Jai , Turner Greg , Urosevic Milovan
Published: January 2023

In this study, we explore the latest generation of seismic imaging algorithms (migration) that have been successful in the oil and gas exploration industry and apply them in the more challenging hard rock environment. Seismic migration is a crucial processing step required to build an accurate image of the Earth's subsurface. The seismic method applied in a hard rock environment has a specific set of challenges: complex geological settings often comprised of steeply dipping interfaces and heterogeneities (faults, fracture zones, thrusts, etc.); spatially variable zones of alteration, low intrinsic signal‐to‐noise ratio; complex near‐surface conditions (the weathered overburden has a very high contrast in seismic properties with base formations). Here, we present how a dense source–receiver 3D grid in combination with the latest pre‐stack depth imaging techniques can image the geology with a remarkable level of detail and to depths as shallow as the top of fresh rock. We also propose a comprehensive velocity model building strategy applied specifically to the Carosue Dam deposit, Western Australia, which is mainly characterized by volcaniclastic and volcanic rocks within the Carosue Basin disrupted by a complex system of gold‐bearing faults. To arrive at an optimized velocity model for pre‐stack depth imaging, we combine drillhole data with tomographic refinement. Excellent correlation between resultant seismic images and refraction tomography, vertical seismic profiling and drillholes can be attributed to the integrated velocity model building workflow used for depth migration.
Analysis of influencing factors of postoperative myasthenic crisis in 564 patients with myasthenia gravis in a single center
Authors: Jiao Peng , Wu Fanjuan , Liu Yuxing , Wu Jiangyu , Sun Yaoguang , Tian Wenxin , Yu Hanbo , Huang Chuan , Li Donghang , Wu Qingjun , Ma Chao , Tong Hongfeng
Published: January 2023

Objective

To study the influencing factors of myasthenic crisis in patients with myasthenia gravis during perioperative period.

Methods

A total of 564 myasthenia gravis (MG) patients who underwent standard expanded resection of thymoma/thymoma in the Department of Thoracic Surgery of Beijing Hospital from January 2011 to March 2022 were retrospectively included in the study. Clinical indicators such as gender, age, thymoma, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and some others were recorded.

Results

Osserman‐stages IIB + III + IV (odds ratio [OR] 16.091, 95% confidence interval [CI] 5.170–50.076, p value < 0.001), the dosage of pyridostigmine bromide more than 240 mg (OR 6.462, 95% CI 3.110–13.427, p value < 0.001), ASA score 2 and 3 (OR 3.203, 95% CI 1.461–7.020, p value = 0.004), low diffusion lung capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO%) (OR 0.981, 95% CI 0.963–1.000 p value = 0.049), and blood loss greater than 1000 ml (OR 16.590, 95% CI 1.911–144.011, p value = 0.011) were independent risk factors for myasthenic crisis.

Conclusions

Patients with poor Osserman stages, higher preoperative dosage of pyridostigmine bromide, higher ASA score, poor pulmonary function (low DLCO%), and more intraoperative bleeding should be highly vigilant for the occurrence of postoperative myasthenic crisis.
Regional ecological forecasting across scales: A manifesto for a biodiversity hotspot
Authors: Slingsby Jasper A. , Wilson Adam M. , Maitner Brian , Moncrieff Glenn R.
Published: January 2023

Iterative near‐term ecological forecasting has great promise to provide vital information to decision‐makers while improving our ecological understanding, yet several logistical and fundamental challenges remain. The ecoinformatics requirements are onerous to develop and maintain, posing a barrier to entry for regions where funding and expertise are limited, and there are fundamental challenges to developing forecasts that fulfil information needs spanning spatial, temporal and biological scales.

Using the hyperdiverse Cape Floristic Region of South Africa as a case study, we propose that developing regionally focussed sets of ecological forecasts will help resolve logistical challenges faced by under‐resourced regions of the world, while comparison or coupling of models across scales will facilitate new fundamental insights. We review information needs and existing models for the region and explore how they could be developed into a set of linked iterative near‐term forecasts.

Comparing or coupling ecological forecasts from different scales within the same domain has much potential to provide new insights for decision‐makers and ecologists alike. They allow us to quantitatively link processes in space and time, potentially revealing feedbacks, interconnections and emergent properties, while providing powerful tools for testing decision scenarios and identifying trade‐offs or unanticipated outcomes. While the development of multiple or combined ecological forecasts that span scales is not trivial, there are logistical gains to be made from developing shared ecoinformatics pipelines that feed multiple models. Even where useful forecasts do not yet exist, the pipelines can be of great value in their own right, delivering frequent and up‐to‐date information to decision‐makers while providing the basis for forecast development and other scientific research.

Viewed together, regionally focussed approaches to ecological forecasting present a compelling opportunity to overcome logistical constraints and to integrate across multiple scales of organisation, ultimately improving our understanding and management of ecosystems.
Respiratory virome profiles reflect antiviral immune responses
Authors: Rovira Rubió Judit , Megremis Spyridon , Pasioti Maria , Lakoumentas John , Constantinides Bede , Xepapadaki Paraskevi , Bachert Claus , Finotto Susetta , Jartti Tuomas , Andreakos Evangelos , Stanic Barbara , Akdis Cezmi A. , Akdis Mübeccel , Papadopoulos Nikolaos G.
Published: January 2023

Background

From early life, respiratory viruses are implicated in the development, exacerbation and persistence of respiratory conditions such as asthma. Complex dynamics between microbial communities and host immune responses shape immune maturation and homeostasis, influencing health outcomes. We evaluated the hypothesis that the respiratory virome is linked to systemic immune responses, using peripheral blood and nasopharyngeal swab samples from preschool‐age children in the PreDicta cohort.

Methods

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 51 children (32 asthmatics and 19 healthy controls) participating in the 2‐year multinational PreDicta cohort were cultured with bacterial (Bacterial‐DNA, LPS) or viral (R848, Poly:IC, RV) stimuli. Supernatants were analysed by Luminex for the presence of 22 relevant cytokines. Virome composition was obtained using untargeted high throughput sequencing of nasopharyngeal samples. The metagenomic data were used for the characterization of virome profiles and the presence of key viral families (Picornaviridae, Anelloviridae, Siphoviridae). These were correlated to cytokine secretion patterns, identified through hierarchical clustering and principal component analysis.

Results

High spontaneous cytokine release was associated with increased presence of Prokaryotic virome profiles and reduced presence of Eukaryotic and Anellovirus profiles. Antibacterial responses did not correlate with specific viral families or virome profile; however, low antiviral responders had more Prokaryotic and less Eukaryotic virome profiles. Anelloviruses and Anellovirus‐dominated profiles were equally distributed among immune response clusters. The presence of Picornaviridae and Siphoviridae was associated with low interferon‐λ responses. Asthma or allergy did not modify these correlations.

Conclusion

Antiviral cytokine responses at a systemic level reflect the upper airway virome composition. Individuals with low innate interferon responses have higher abundance of Picornaviruses (mostly Rhinoviruses) and bacteriophages. Bacteriophages, particularly Siphoviridae, appear to be sensitive sensors of host antimicrobial capacity, while Anelloviruses are not correlated with TLR‐induced immune responses.
Perceived respect from the adversary group can improve intergroup attitudes in a context of intractable conflict
Authors: Nasie Meytal
Published: January 2023

Respect has been found to play a crucial role in human relationships including intergroup relations. Its presence has a significant positive influence in shaping the character of all relationship interactions. In intractable violent conflicts, there is almost no space for gestures of respect between adversarial parties, and the prevailing phenomenon is a mutual disrespect that fuels the conflict. This study examines a novel and challenging intervention that aims to induce in laboratory experiments, for the first time, perceptions of respect from adversary group members in the context of intractable intergroup conflict. In addition, this research examines the effect of perceived respect from the adversary on attitudes and perceptions towards the adversary group and the conflict. In three experimental studies (N = 1261) in the context of the Israeli‐Palestinian conflict, we manipulated expressions of respect from the Palestinian adversary group members and presented them to Jewish Israelis. Results revealed that, a group involved in a prolonged violent conflict may perceive respect from its adversary outgroup, and the perceived respect from the adversary in turn predicts improvement in attitudes and perceptions towards the adversary group and the conflict. These findings underline the important role of respect in intergroup conflict and its role in mitigating the conflict.
Ginsenoside Rg3 alleviates the migration, invasion, and angiogenesis of lung cancer cells by inhibiting the expressions of cyclooxygenase‐2 and vascular endothelial growth factor
Authors: Lv Qun , Xia Zehai , Huang Yihui , Ruan Zhaoyang , Wang Jianjun , Huang Zhangdan
Published: January 2023

Lung cancer (LC) is a common cancer with high incidence and mortality rates. In recent years, ginsenoside Rg3 (Rg3), a traditional medicine, is widely used for the treatment of LC. Herein, we concentrate on assessing the effect of Rg3 on LC cell migration and invasion. The effects of Rg3 (0, 25, 50, and 100 μg/ml) on the viability, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, and expressions of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)‐related proteins, cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX2), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) of LC cell lines were evaluated by cell counting kit‐8 (CCK‐8), scratch, transwell, tube formation, and western blot assays. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) was performed to assess transfection efficiency. COX2 overexpression plasmid and short hairpin RNA for VEGF (shVEGF) were applied to evaluate whether the effect of Rg3 is related to COX2 and VEGF through rescue assay. In this study, Rg3 significantly dose‐dependently suppressed the viability, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, and protein expressions of N‐cadherin, vimentin, COX2, and VEGF in H1299 and A549 cells, while promoting the expression of E‐cadherin protein. COX2 overexpression markedly reversed the effects of Rg3 on the viability, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, and EMT‐related protein expression levels in LC cells; however, such effects of COX2 overexpression were offset by VEGF knockdown. In sum, Rg3 alleviates the migration, invasion, and angiogenesis of LC cells by inhibiting the expressions of COX2 and VEGF.
Comparable kidney transplant outcomes in selected patients with a body mass index ≥ 40: A personalized medicine approach to recipient selection
Authors: Jacobs Marie L. , Dhaliwal Karanpreet , Harriman David I. , Rogers Jeffrey , Stratta Robert J. , Farney Alan C. , Orlando Giuseppe , Reeves‐Daniel Amber , Jay Colleen
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Many kidney transplant (KT) centers decline patients with a body mass index (BMI) ≥40 kg/m2. This study's aim was to evaluate KT outcomes according to recipient BMI.

Methods

We performed a single‐center, retrospective review of adult KTs comparing BMI ≥40 patients (n = 84, BMI = 42 ± 2 kg/m2) to a matched BMI < 40 cohort (n = 84, BMI = 28 ± 5 kg/m2). Patients were matched for age, gender, race, diabetes, and donor type.

Results

BMI ≥40 patients were on dialysis longer (5.2 ± 3.2 years vs. 4.1 ± 3.5 years, p = .03) and received lower kidney donor profile index (KDPI) kidneys (40 ± 25% vs. 53 ± 26%, p = .003). There were no significant differences in prevalence of delayed graft function, reoperations, readmissions, wound complications, patient survival, or renal function at 1 year. Long‐term graft survival was higher for BMI ≥40 patients, including after adjusting for KDPI (BMI ≥40: aHR = 1.79, 95% CI = 1.09–2.9). BMI ≥40 patients had similar BMI change in the first year post‐transplant (delta BMI: BMI ≥ 40 +.9 ± 3.3 vs. BMI < 40 +1.1 ± 3.2, p = .59).

Conclusions

Overall outcomes after KT were comparable in BMI ≥40 patients compared to a matched cohort with lower BMI with improved long‐term graft survival in obese patients. BMI‐based exclusion criteria for KT should be reexamined in favor of a more individualized approach.
Outcomes of heart transplant recipients bridged with percutaneous versus durable left ventricular assist devices
Authors: Xia Yu , Kim Juka S. , Eng Isabel K. , Nsair Ali , Ardehali Abbas , Shemin Richard J. , Kwon Murray H.
Published: January 2023

Background

The new United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) heart allocation policy prioritizes temporary percutaneous over durable left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) as bridge to transplant. We sought to examine 1‐year outcomes of heart transplant recipients bridged with Impella versus durable LVADs.

Methods

All primary adult orthotopic heart transplant recipients registered in UNOS between January 2016 and June 2021 were analyzed. Recipients were identified as being bridged with isolated durable or percutaneous LVAD at the time of transplant. Baseline characteristics were compared and 1‐year survival was examined using the Kaplan Meier method and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression.

Results

: During our study period, heart transplant recipients bridged with LVADs were divided between 5422(94%) durable and 324(6%) percutaneous options. Impella‐bridged recipients were more likely to be status 1A under the old allocation system (98% vs. 70%, p < .01) and status 2 or higher under the new allocation system (99% vs. 24%, p < .01). Impella‐bridged recipients were less likely to be obese (27% vs. 42%, p < .01), have ischemic cardiomyopathy (27% vs. 34%, p < .01), and were more likely to be on inotropic agents at the time of transplant (68% vs. 6%, p < .01). One‐year post‐transplant survival was not significantly different between the two groups on univariable (HR .87, 95% CI .56–1.37) or multivariable analysis (aHR .63, 95% CI .37–1.07).

Conclusions

Following the UNOS allocation policy change, Impella utilization has increased with no significant difference in 1‐year survival compared to bridge with durable LVADs. Impella may be a reasonable alternative to durable LVADs in select patients.
Efficacy and safety of basal‐first titration order in individuals with type 2 diabetes receiving short‐term intensive insulin therapy: An exploratory analysis of BEYOND V
Authors: Li Yijun , Yu Dongni , Guo Lixin , Mu Yiming , Wan Hailong , Wang Junfen , Xu Binhua , Wang Guoping , Jiang Chengxia , Liang Li , Zhang Jiewen , Liu Jingcheng , Zhang Minlu , Cui Nan
Published: January 2023

Aims

To present the results of an exploratory analysis of the BEYOND V study in which Chinese individuals with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes (T2D) received short‐term intensive insulin therapy (SIIT) during study run‐in (prior to randomization) using a basal‐first insulin titration method.

Materials and methods

This was exclusively an exploratory analysis of the 7‐ to 10‐day run‐in period of BEYOND V. Participants were hospitalized and had oral therapies withdrawn (except metformin). They received SIIT with once‐daily insulin glargine and three‐times‐daily premeal insulin glulisine, titrated daily from a total starting dose of 0.4 to 0.5 units/kg/d, first adjusting insulin glargine to achieve fasting blood glucose (FBG) of 4.4 to 6.1 mmol/L (79 to 119 mg/dL), then insulin glulisine to achieve pre‐meal blood glucose of 4.4 to 6.1 mmol/L. Key outcomes were the proportions of participants achieving FBG and 2‐hour postprandial blood glucose (PBG) targets.

Results

Overall, 397 entered the run‐in (mean 54.2 years, 235 males [59.2%]). At the end of SIIT, 374/396 participants (94.4%) had both FBG <7.0 mmol/L (<126 mg/dL) and 2‐hour PBG <10 mmol/L (<180 mg/dL) and 282/396 (71.2%) had both FBG <6.1 mmol/L (<100 mg/dL) and 2‐hour PBG <10 mmol/L. The mean first time taken to achieve FBG <7 mmol/L, 2‐hour PBG <10 mmol/L, and both, was 4.35, 3.88, and 5.04 days, respectively. Hypoglycaemia occurred in 99 participants (24.9%). There was no severe hypoglycaemia.

Conclusions

Titrating basal insulin first is an effective and safe method of SIIT in individuals with T2D, rapidly achieving target glucose levels with a relatively low rate of hypoglycaemia.
Screening for subclinical synovial proliferation in haemophilia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis comparing physical examination and ultrasound
Authors: van Leeuwen Flora H. P. , Timmer Merel A. , de Jong Pim A. , Fischer Kathelijn , Foppen Wouter
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Ultrasound is increasingly used as addition to physical examination for detection of subclinical joint changes in haemophilia. However, the added value of ultrasound to physical examination for detecting synovial proliferation is not fully established.

Aim

To determine the diagnostic accuracy of swelling at physical examination for ultrasound‐detected synovial proliferation in haemophilia.

Methods

PubMed and EMBASE were searched up to 2 August 2022. Studies reporting original data on occurrence of swelling at physical examination and synovial proliferation on ultrasound of index joints in persons with haemophilia were included. Risk of bias and applicability were assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 (QUADAS‐2) tool. Diagnostic accuracy parameters of swelling at physical examination for ultrasound‐detected synovial proliferation were determined. Summary sensitivity and specificity were calculated using a bivariate random‐effects model.

Results

Fifteen studies reporting on swelling at physical examination and synovial proliferation on ultrasound in 2890 joints of 627 patients were included. Prevalence of subclinical synovial proliferation ranged between 0% and 55%. Sensitivity of swelling was low [summary estimate .34; 95% confidence interval (CI) .24‐.46], while specificity was high (summary estimate .97; CI .92‐.99). Predictive values varied widely due to inter‐study differences in prevalence of synovial proliferation.

Conclusion

Joint swelling has low sensitivity for presence of ultrasound‐detected synovial proliferation in haemophilia, suggesting underestimation of synovial proliferation by physical examination alone. Consequently, ultrasound screening may generate important information on synovial changes which would otherwise remain undetected.
Chinese quince proanthocyanidins enhance frying performance and suppress heterocyclic aromatic amine formation in soybean oil
Authors: Zhang Chen‐Xia , Wang Shou‐Tao , Li Meng‐Le , Ma Wei‐Wei , Zhang Mi , Qin Zhao , Wang Xue‐De , Liu Hua‐Min , Ma Yu‐Xiang
Published: January 2023

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of Chinese quince proanthocyanidins (PAs) on the deterioration and heterocyclic aromatic amine (HAA) formation in soybean oil when used for deep‐fat frying, one tea polyphenol (Tea‐PP) and two PAs (PA‐100 and PA‐140) (200 mg/kg) were added to soybean oils. While all three retarded the accumulation of oil degradation products and enhanced performance of frying oil, as well as reduced the formation of HAAs, both PA‐100 and PA‐140 performed better than Tea‐PP. Adding PA‐100 and PA‐140 not only decreased the increase in oxidation indices and lossy of tocopherols but also inhibited HAA formation by 14.82%–30.64% and 19.52%–54.24%, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that PA‐140 always had a stronger effect than PA‐100 in concurrently enhancing frying performance and suppressing the generation of HAAs. This study provides evidence for using PAs from Chinese quince as the stabilisers of frying oils and inhibitors of HAA formation in these oils in the food industry.
Potential of the passion fruit mesocarp flour as a source of pectin and its application as thickener and gelling agent
Authors: Silva Juliana Resende Gonçalves , de Resende Eder Dutra
Published: January 2023

The industrial processing of passion fruit produces a huge quantity of rinds. This work evaluates the physicochemical and technological characteristics of passion fruit mesocarp flour (MF) and its pectin (PM), aiming to replace the commercial citrus pectin (PC) used as thickener and gelling agent. The pectin PM presented the lower degree of esterification (68.0%), content of galacturonic acids (72.0%) and molar mass than the pectin PC. Gels made with MF, pectin PM and pectin PC were formed at all concentrations (1%, 2% and 3%) and showed non‐Newtonian pseudoplastic fluid behaviour. Gel made with 3% MF (0.75% pectin) presented the higher hardness and viscosity than 1% PC gel, but the lower gel strength. The MF flour and its pectin PM have very good technological potential, when compared to the commercial pectin PC, mainly as thickener agent.
Industrial verification of egg handling for meal preparation: a case study of professional engagement with application of remote design thinking during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: da Silva Gabriela Marcelino , de Paiva Anciens Ramos Gustavo Luis , Barreto Camila , Schiavone Tatiana , de Carvalho da Hora Iracema Maria , Walter Eduardo Henrique Miranda
Published: January 2023

The COVID‐19 pandemic generated impacts on all segments of society, including the food industry, which had to adapt to the reality of greater demand and increased costs. During the pandemic period, the new Brazilian legislation on microbiological food standards came into force, demanding documentary evidence of the adequacy of production processes and food safety. Every day, the need for international cooperation, local actions and agile working methods becomes more evident. The objective of this work was to engage professionals remotely to verify a new egg handling process in a food industry, where powdered eggs were replaced by the in natura form during the pandemic. A process description was developed with a flowchart and microbiological sampling plan to verify the process, using the design thinking method, conducted by videoconference by professionals from four microbiology laboratories together with professors, researchers and industry technicians. The analysis results proved the microbiological adequacy of the egg handling process. The method of remote decision‐making by design thinking and the engagement of different laboratories and professionals intends to subsidise other food and food service industries, making it possible to structure the monitoring and verification of food processes, in an agile and economical way.
Formation of slowly digestible, amylose–lipid complexes in extruded wholegrain pearl millet flour
Authors: Torres‐Aguilar Pablo Cesar , Hayes Anna Marie Rose , Yepez Ximena , Martinez Mario Martinez , Hamaker Bruce Rankin
Published: January 2023

Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) is one of the most promising but underutilised crops in sub‐Saharan Africa. Here, we evaluated the use of extrusion cooking of wholegrain pearl millet related to the formation of amylose–lipid complexes (ALCs) and their potential effect on slowing starch digestion. Thermal properties (differential scanning calorimetry), fatty acid (FA) profiles (derivatization followed by gas chromatography), ALC dissociation (hexane extraction followed by derivatization and gas chromatography) and in vitro starch digestibility (α‐amylase digestion assay) were determined for wholegrain and decorticated pearl millet flours in both native and extruded states. Extrusion cooking melted stable type II complexes naturally present in native flours into type I complexes characterised by a melting endotherm in the 82–112 °C range. Extrusion caused the formation of ALC‐containing mono‐ and polyunsaturated fatty acids, which were not found in native flours. Extruded instant flours exhibited a moderated release of reducing sugars compared to cooked native samples and the effect was more pronounced in the wholegrain flour. This effect was lost when the extruded samples were cooked, though instant flours would retain the effect if rehydrated with warm rather than boiling hot water. When extruded, wholegrain millet had some enhancement of a slow digestion effect.
Low serum zinc concentration is associated with low serum testosterone but not erectile function
Authors: Miyoshi Miho , Tsujimura Akira , Miyoshi Yuto , Uesaka Yuka , Nozaki Taiji , Shirai Masato , Kiuchi Hiroshi , Kobayashi Kazuhiro , Horie Shigeo
Published: January 2023

Objective

To investigate the relation between serum zinc concentration and several factors, including serum testosterone concentration and the score of questionnaires on sexual function in patients with sexual problems.

Methods

This study comprised 720 men (age, 46.3 [21–83] years) with some kind of sexual problem. Age, scores of the Sexual Health Inventory for Men and the Erection Hardness Score, and endocrinologic data including serum concentrations of testosterone, prostate‐specific antigen, and zinc were included in this study. After serum zinc concentration of the men was classified into 5 groups (<70, 70≤ <80, 80≤ <90, 90≤ <100, ≤100 μg/dl), the relation of each parameter with serum zinc concentration was assessed for a trend analysis. Finally, the relation between serum concentrations of zinc and testosterone as well sexual function evaluated by the scores of the questionnaires was investigated.

Results

Only serum testosterone concentration (ptrend = 0.028) and serum cortisol concentration (ptrend = 0.003) showed a statistically significant relation to serum zinc concentration by trend analysis. Interestingly, trend analysis between serum concentrations of testosterone and zinc still showed a significant association after adjustment for serum cortisol concentration (ptrend = 0.032). However, no significant association was found in the relation between serum zinc concentration and the scores of the questionnaires after adjustment for serum concentrations of testosterone and cortisol.

Conclusion

We clearly showed that after adjustment for serum cortisol concentration by trend analysis, serum testosterone concentration decreased as serum zinc concentration decreased, although sexual symptoms were not associated with this decrease.
Production and carbon emission abatement decisions under different carbon policies: supply chain network equilibrium models with consumers’ low‐carbon awareness
Authors: Yang Yuxiang , Xu Xun
Published: January 2023

With the increasing requirements for environmental protection, authorities have enacted different carbon policies to promote sustainable practices. This study considers the competition among different manufacturers and multiple demand markets in the supply chain network. We examine and compare their equilibrium decision conditions under three common carbon policies: carbon cap, carbon cap‐and‐trade, and carbon tax. Results suggest that under lower carbon caps, manufacturers greatly reduce their carbon emissions by reducing production quantities, which causes a decrease in profits. However, an appropriate carbon cap size can not only motivate manufacturers to reduce carbon emissions but also improve their profits. Under a certain price for carbon credit, the effectiveness of a carbon cap‐and‐trade policy is similar to that of a carbon cap policy, but it has more flexibility. Carbon tax is effective, but it brings more tax burden to manufacturers. We provide implications for companies to optimize their production methods to achieve sustainability.
Comment on “Lubauer J, Lohbauer U, Henrich M, Munz M, Lube T, Belli R. Intricacies involving the evaluation of fracture toughness obtained by the surface‐crack‐in‐flexure method. J. Am. Ceram. Soc., 2022;105(12) 7582–7599”
Authors: Quinn George D. , Salem Jonathan A. , Swab Jeffrey J.
Published: January 2023

We have evaluated over fifty materials using small semi–elliptical controlled surface flaws with the Newman–Raju factors. Although occasionally there were nuances and peculiarities, the results were sound and comparable to other methods. So, despite the lengthy discussions and numerous plots in Lubauer et al.’s paper, what is evident is that if one simply follows the guidelines in ASTM C 1421 and the other standards for most ceramics including the SL200B sintered silicon nitride, and polish off the recommended 4.5 to 5 h material, one will obtain the correct results. Excessive indentation forces and excessive material removal to obtain sharp corner, shallow surface cracks are unwise. Removing more than 5 h should only be done to remove lateral cracks. In such cases the Strobl et al. solutions may be useful. These solutions are an interesting alternative to the reputable Newman–Raju factors, but much more experience and verification is needed before they can be accepted. They and the extension of their analysis for precrack angles χ < 70° need to be vetted in a major engineering journal.
Fixing feedback revision rules in online markets
Authors: Bolton Gary , Breuer Kevin , Greiner Ben , Ockenfels Axel
Published: January 2023

Feedback withdrawal mechanisms in online markets aim to facilitate the resolution of conflicts during transactions. Yet, frequently used online feedback withdrawal rules are flawed and may backfire by inviting strategic transaction and feedback behavior. Our laboratory experiment shows how a small change in the design of feedback withdrawal rules, allowing unilateral rather than mutual withdrawal, can both reduce incentives for strategic gaming and improve coordination of expectations. This leads to less trading risk, more cooperation, and higher market efficiency.
Analysis of drying of melon peels using numerical solution of the diffusion equation
Authors: Pereira Maria Tereza Lucena , de Oliveira Farias Vera Solange , da Silva Júnior Aluizio Freire , do Nascimento Lima Amélia Ruth , Vieira Vanessa Bondin , de Medeiros Raquel Alves , da Silva Wilton Pereira , Franco Célia Maria Rufino , de Ataíde Jair Stefanini Pereira
Published: January 2023

The objective of this work was to apply a diffusive model to describe the drying of melon peels and use them to analyze the process for various operating conditions. For this, a numerical solution was developed considering shrinkage and diffusivity as a function of the local moisture content. This solution was obtained considering a boundary condition of the third kind. In the present work, drying of melon peels was carried out in an oven (with and without osmotic pretreatment) at temperatures of 60 and 70°C. The osmotic pretreatments were carried out in binary solutions (sucrose and distilled water) with 20 °Brix at a ratio of 1:3 (g/g) (peel to solution). According to the statistical indicators obtained, the model proposed adequately fitted to the experimental data, providing values for the chi‐square and the coefficient of determination of 7.682 × 10−4 to 2.356 × 10−3 and .99953–.99982, respectively. Both pretreatment and temperature influenced the drying parameters of the process.
Solitaire AB stent mechanical embolization combined with catheter contact thrombolysis for acute renal artery embolism: A case report
Authors: Qiu Shixiang , Li Chao , Li Caiqing , Tang Ziyu , Liao Yunguo , Hu Hong , Zhong Liming
Published: January 2023

Acute renal artery embolization is a rare disease resulting in interruption of blood flow, resulting in renal tissue ischemia or necrosis, and even developing into acute renal failure. It is urgent to diagnose timely, recanalize the occluded renal artery early, and recover renal blood perfusion. Here, the article reports a case of acute renal artery embolization, which was successfully cured by interventional therapy.
The association of post‐traumatic stress disorder with glomerular filtration rate decline
Authors: Koraishy Farrukh M. , Cohen Beth E. , Scherrer Jeffery F. , Whooley Mary , Hajagos Janos , Robinson‐Cohen Cassianne , Hou Wei
Published: January 2023

While major depression is known to be associated with glomerular filtration rate (GFR) decline, there is a lack of data on the association of other mental illnesses like posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with kidney disease. In 640 adult participants of the Heart and Soul Study (mean baseline age of 66.2 years) with a high prevalence cardiovascular disease, hypertension and diabetes, we examined the association of PTSD with GFR decline over a 5‐year follow‐up. We observed a significantly greater estimated (e) GFR decline over time in those with PTSD compared to those without (2.97 vs. 2.11 ml/min/1.73 m2/year; p = .022). PTSD was associated with 91% (95% CI 12%–225%) higher odds of ‘rapid’ versus ‘mild’ (>3.0 vs. <3.0 ml/min/1.73 m2/per year) eGFR decline. These associations remained consistent despite controlling for demographics, medical comorbidities, other mental disorders and psychiatric medications. In conclusion, our study provides evidence that PTSD is independently associated with GFR decline in middle‐aged adults with a high comorbidity burden. This association needs to be examined in larger cohorts with longer follow‐ups.
Cutaneous presentation of bullous multisystem inflammatory syndrome in a child: A diagnosis not to “MIS‐C”
Authors: El‐Hamdi Nadia S. , Dacy Nicole N. , Brown Shannon C. , Fernandez Martin P.
Published: January 2023

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS‐C) is a rare but serious inflammatory response associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection. Mucocutaneous findings are often present but remain poorly defined overall, and more precise dermatologic descriptions are not only necessary to better characterize this syndrome, but may also aid in early diagnosis and prevention of severe deterioration or death. We report the case of a 16‐month‐old boy presenting with a diffuse maculopapular eruption, cheilitis, and vesiculobullous lesions of the scrotum, perianal region, and distal lower extremities. Tense bullae of the genitals and lower extremities have not been previously reported in MIS‐C and add to the spectrum of skin findings associated with the disorder.
What makes public employees want to leave their job? A meta‐analysis of turnover intention predictors among public sector employees
Authors: Hur Hyunkang , Abner Gordon
Published: January 2023

Despite the growing literature that examines the determinants of turnover intention in the public sector, little effort has been made to systematize the findings from this scholarship. To address this research gap, this study conducts the first meta‐analysis of the literature on turnover intention among public sector employees. The meta‐analysis includes 249 effect sizes from 59 studies concerning the relationship between individual demographic variables, work environment characteristics, job characteristics, HRM practices, work motivation and work attitudes, and factors related to the external environment and turnover intention. It finds that predictors related to public employees' job involvement, job exhaustion, job satisfaction, role ambiguity, affective organizational commitment, and participation in decision making are among the strongest predictors of turnover intention. In contrast, individual demographic predictors show small or negligible effects on turnover intention.
Identification of the new HLA‐DRB1*15:213 allele in a French cardiac transplant recipient
Authors: Devriese Magali , Usureau Cedric , Carmagnat Maryvonnick , Da Silva Sephora , Taupin Jean‐Luc
Published: January 2023

The new HLA‐DRB1*15:213 allele results from one nucleotide substitution in exon 3 of HLA‐DRB1*15:02:01.
Identification of a novel HLA‐B allele, HLA‐B*08:304
Authors: Devriese Magali , Usureau Cedric , Carmagnat Maryvonnick , Da Silva Sephora , Taupin Jean‐Luc
Published: January 2023

The novel allele B*08:304 differs from B*08:01:01:01 by one nucleotide substitution in exon 2.
Cryptic, sibling or neither of the two? Integrative species delimitation ofPsylliodesflea beetles with overlapping ranges
Authors: Berrilli Emanuele , Biondi Maurizio , D'Alessandro Paola , Salvi Daniele
Published: January 2023

Species identification and delimitation are particularly challenging for morphologically similar and geographically overlapping species, such as in the case of Western Palaearctic flea beetle speciesPsylliodes kiesenwetteriKutschera, 1864 andPsylliodes ruffoiLeonardi, 1975. In this study, we implemented an integrative taxonomic approach based on a comprehensive geographic assessment of morphological and genetic variation, including 142 adult specimens from 15 sympatric and allopatric populations. Results of species delimitation methods using the barcode marker COI show that molecular identification and delimitation betweenP. kiesenwetteriandP. ruffoiare straightforward. Single‐locus and multi‐locus phylogenetic analyses indicate these two species have a large genetic divergence and belong to two distinct clades of thePsylliodes gibbosaspecies group. Morphological identification based on qualitative characters shows great differences in identification success depending on the character used. Characters of male and female genitalia perform very well, but can only be assessed on fully sclerified individuals, whereas the colour of antennae was discovered as a new reliable diagnostic character both for teneral and fully sclerified individuals. Morphological identification is particularly sharp when multiple characters are used in combination or when a morphometric approach is performed. In conclusion, despite overall morphological similarity,P. kiesenwetteriandP. ruffoiare not cryptic species neither they are sibling species, as they belong to distinct clades within thegibbosaspecies group, and they can be reliably distinguished by morphological characters. This study substantiates the relevance of a range‐wide assessment of morphological and genetic variation, including individuals from the type locality, and both sympatric and allopatric populations, for taxonomic assessment of morphologically similar species with overlapping ranges.
On the mean width ratio of convex bodies
Authors: Markesinis Eleftherios
Published: January 2023

Given two convex bodies in . The mean width ratio of and is defined by , where the infimum is over all linear transformations of for which . For symmetric and containing the origin not necessarily symmetric convex bodies we show that , where is an absolute constant.
Dirichlet spectrum for one linear form
Authors: Schleischitz Johannes
Published: January 2023

For , we determine the Dirichlet spectrum in with respect to a linear form and the maximum norm as the entire interval [0, 1]. This natural result improves on the recent work of Beresnevich et al. and complements a subsequent paper by the authors where the analogous result was proved for simultaneous approximation. Various generalizations that can be obtained by similar methods as in the latter paper are indicated. We believe that our results are an important step toward resolving the very open analogous problem for a general system of linear forms.