bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patient-specific Guides Using 3-dimensional Reconstruction Provide Accuracy and Reproducibility in Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
Authors: Yoon Jong Pil , Kim Dong Hyun , Jung Jae Wook , Lee Chang-Hwa , Min Seunggi , Lee Hyun Joo , Kim Hee-June
Published: February 2020

Background: We aimed to evaluate whether the use of our novel patient-specific guide (PSG) with 3-dimensional reconstruction in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) would allow accurate and reliable implantation of the glenoid and humeral components.Methods: 20 fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders were used. The PSG group (n=10) and conventional group (n=10) was evaluated the accuracy and reproducibility of implant positioning between before and after surgery on the computed tomography image.Results: The superoinferior and anteroposterior offset in the glenoid component were 0.42 ± 0.07, 0.50 ± 0.08 in the conventional group and 0.45 ± 0.03, 0.46 ± 0.02 in the PSG group. The inclination and version angles were -1.93° ± 4.31°, 2.27° ± 5.91° and 0.46° ± 0.02°, 3.38° ± 2.79°. The standard deviation showed a smaller difference in the PSG group. The anteroposterior and lateromedial humeral canal center offset in the humeral component were 0.45 ± 0.12, 0.48 ± 0.15 in the conventional group and 0.46 ± 0.59 (p=0.794), 0.46 ± 0.06 (p=0.702) in the PSG group. The PSG showed significantly better humeral stem alignment.Conclusions: The use of PSGs with 3-dimensional reconstruction reduces variabilities in glenoid and humerus component positions and prevents extreme positioning errors in RTSA.
Arthroscopic-assisted Latissimus Dorsi Tendon Transfer for the Management of Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears in Middle-aged Physically Active Patients
Authors: Lim Tae Kang , Bae Kyu Hwan
Published: February 2020

Background: Latissimus dorsi (LD) tendon transfer is used as a treatment option for massive irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears, and recently, an arthroscopic-assisted technique was introduced. This study was undertaken to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of arthroscopic-assisted LD tendon transfer for the management of irreparable rotator cuff tears in active middle-aged patients.Methods: The records of five patients (two males) with irreparable tears involving the supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons managed by arthroscopic-assisted LD tendon transfer were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scale, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon’s (ASES) scores, the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) scale, and ranges of motion. Postoperative integrities of transferred tendon were evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging in 4 patients and by ultrasound in one.Results: Mean patient age was 55 years (range, 48?61 years), and mean follow-up period was 20 months (range, 12.0?27.2 months). Mean VAS score significantly improved from 6.6 ± 2.6 preoperatively to 1.8 ± 2.5 postoperatively (p=0.009), mean ASES score increased from 67.6 ± 9.2 to 84.6 ± 15.1, and mean UCLA score from 18.0 ± 1.4 to 28.8 ± 8.5 (all p<0.001). Postoperative imaging of the transferred LD tendon showed intact repair in 4 patients. The remaining patient experienced LD transfer rupture and a poor outcome.Conclusions: Arthroscopic-assisted LD tendon transfer improved shoulder pain and function in patients with massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears, and may be an option for this condition, especially in physically active patients.
Identifying Speaking Strategies Used by EFL Students at the Northern Border University
Authors: Sayed Osama H.
Published: February 2020

This study aimed to identify the type and the frequency of speaking strategies used by EFL students at the Northern Border University (NBU). Descriptive analytical method was used in this study. The study sample included two hundred ninety (290) undergraduate students (males & females). Participants were selected by means of cluster random sampling from the colleges in three clusters (science colleges, health colleges, and humanity colleges). To achieve the study objectives, a self-report questionnaire was used to elicit information about speaking strategies from the study participants. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used in the present study through using the latest version of the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS). Results revealed that NBU students are not active strategy users. Their overall use of speaking strategies is medium. Significant differences were detected between male and female students in all speaking strategy subcategories in favor of females. In light of the study findings, pedagogical implications as well as some recommendations for needed strategy instruction and suggestions for further research were discussed.
Wine Tourism as a Factor Contributing to the Local Development of Rural Areas in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship
Authors: Głąbiński Zbigniew , Koźmiński Czesław
Published: February 2020

Purpose. Assessing agro-climatic conditions for wine growing in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship and presenting selected conditions for the development of wine tourism. Methods. The main factors influencing the possibilities of wine tourism development were identified on the basis of existing data on the climate of the West Pomeranian Voivodeship, tourist traffic statistics and applicable formal and legal conditions related to viticulture as well as wine production and sales in Poland. Findings. Potential areas with agroclimatic conditions that are favourable for viticulture were identified in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship, and the areas that are most predestined for the development of wine tourism were selected in the region due to the analysed factors. Research and conclusions limitations. The limited number of meteorological stations and their uneven distribution in the voivodeship prevented the separation of additional sub-areas of viticulture due to varied physiographic conditions. The considerations were based on existing archival data and legal acts. So far, no empirical research has been conducted among winemakers in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship. The next stage of research should involve confronting the presented applications with the experience of vineyard owners in the field of their business Practical implications. The presented considerations and conclusions may encourage farmers and investors to establish new vine plantations, as well as contribute to raising the local and regional authorities’ awareness of the fact that wine tourism can be a factor positively affecting residents’ standard of living. Originality. The West Pomeranian Voivodeship is one of the most visited regions in Poland, however, tourist traffic is concentrated in a narrow coastal zone. The vast majority of publications on tourism development problems relate to this area, and only a few deal with the lake zone. Furthermore, arable lands are treated marginally in tourism-related research. Type of paper. The article is based on archival data and a review of literature.
Faith
Authors: Hickey-Moody Anna ,   DePaul University
Published: February 2020

This essay advances a new materialist philosophy of faith. Mobilizing affect, I show that a change in the capacity to act, such as that created through belief or non-belief, is an experience that unites both secular and religious people. Belief in the superiority of secular culture over religious culture, or vice versa, are affectively similar corporeal orientations.
A valorização das debêntures: fatores evidenciados na literatura
Authors: Confessor Kliver Lamarthine Alves , Dos Santos Joséte Florencio
Published: February 2020

Diante do crescimento do mercado de debêntures verificado nos últimos anos e pela expectativa de conhecer quais são os aspectos que influenciam a valorização das debêntures, a presente pesquisa realizou um mapeamento de quais são os fatores discutidos na literatura nacional que influenciam na valorização deste título, para tanto realizou uma análise bibliográfica em artigos científicos publicados em eventos e periódicos, bem como teses de doutorado e mestrado. Isto permitiu identificar 18 estudos anteriores cujo os aspectos identificados como relevantes para a valorização das debêntures se dividem em dois grupos: os que permitem uma melhor avaliação da empresa como rating, setor, infraestrutura e principalmente o desempenho financeiro das empresas emissoras e grupo dos fatores que transmitem maior informação referente aos aspectos da emissão e que contribuem para que o debenturista possua mais garantias de receber os juros e o principal conforme o espectro da emissão, destacam-se: vencimento da emissão, volume da emissão, banco coordenador e as garantias.
A avaliação da acessibilidade web em portais governamentais: o Paraná Inteligência Artificial (PIÁ)
Authors: Duarte Priscila da Silva , Ramos Noézia Maria , Ribeiro Denise Queiroz , Bastos Adriana de Fátima Valente
Published: February 2020

Desde o início dos anos 1990, o governo brasileiro tenta acompanhar as tendências internacionais de gestão pública para transformar a sua relação com os cidadãos. Um dos recursos para atingir esse propósito são os portais governamentais disponibilizados na internet que, se acessíveis, podem propiciar maior participação dos cidadãos. Com base nisso, o objetivo geral desse artigo é avaliar a acessibilidade web do portal governamental Paraná Inteligência Artificial (PIÁ) e os objetivos específicos são: descrever os principais recursos assistivos utilizados para a acessibilidade de pessoas com deficiência visual; identificar as principais violações que dificultam/impedem o acesso às informações e aos serviços do governo estadual; e organizar uma síntese de melhorias. Para isso, a metodologia utilizada foi a qualitativa do tipo exploratória e descritiva. Foram realizadas a observação e a análise documental do portal, com o auxílio das ferramentas eScanner, NVDA, TalkBack e Checklist de Acessibilidade Manual para Deficientes Visuais, as quais foram manuseadas por três pessoas com níveis diferenciados de deficiência visual. Os resultados demonstraram que o PIÁ é um portal parcialmente acessível, no qual alguns dos principais recursos disponibilizados são: uma página sobre acessibilidade; parágrafos curtos; mapa do site; opções de alteração de fundo e texto. Já em relação às violações, pode-se citar: os links não abrem na mesma página que o usuário está navegando e a maioria das páginas para as quais o cidadão é redirecionado não apresenta o mínimo das diretrizes de acessibilidade. Como sugestão de melhoria, aconselha-se a consulta constante de usuários que são deficientes visuais e/ou grupos de referência para que esse portal governamental possa se tornar acessível também aos membros dessa comunidade.
Controle e monitoramento de contratos terceirizados no setor público: a perspectiva de gestores e fiscais de contratos de um órgão público federal
Authors: Neves Tiago Roberto Lopes das , Gasparetto Valdirene
Published: February 2020

Este estudo tem como objetivo verificar como ocorre o controle e o monitoramento de contratos terceirizados de um órgão público federal, a partir da percepção de gestor e fiscais de contratos, tendo como lente de análise a literatura sobre custos de transação. Para tanto, foi realizado um estudo de caso em um órgão público federal, de caráter descritivo e exploratório, e com abordagem qualitativa. Os dados foram coletados por meio da realização de entrevistas semiestruturadas com os fiscais e o gestor dos contratos, além de análise documental. Os resultados apontam que os serviços analisados apresentam baixos custos de transação (baixa especificidade de ativos e incerteza ambiental, e alta mensurabilidade dos serviços), e que os controles são utilizados de maneira conjunta, com a prevalência do controle de comportamento. O controle de resultados é utilizado principalmente nos contratos mais recentes, mediante a implementação de metas de desempenho, e o controle social para desenvolver laços relacionais ou delimitar os comportamentos aceitáveis pelo órgão. Além disso, observou-se que parte das atividades de monitoramento são transferidas para as empresas contratadas, corroborando os estudos anteriores sobre a temática, os quais sugerem que os baixos custos de transação implicam na contratação também de funções de monitoramento dos serviços prestados.
A cocriação de valor em estabelecimentos hoteleiros por meio do site TripAdvisor
Authors: Dantas Bruna Lourena de Lima , Leal Janayna Souto , Peixoto Amanna Ferreira , Mano Rayane Fernandes , Abreu Nelsio Rodrigues de
Published: February 2020

A Lógica Dominante do Serviço (SDL) apresenta a ideia da cocriação de valor como um processo dialógico, em que consumidores e empresas interagem para criar valor. Logo, o objetivo do artigo é analisar o processo da cocriação de valor em estabelecimentos hoteleiros na cidade de João Pessoa/PB por meio do site TripAdvisor. A pesquisa adotou uma abordagem qualitativa, em que foram entrevistados os participantes do processo da cocriação no ambiente hoteleiro: os gerentes dos hotéis mais bem avaliados pelos usuários do site na referida cidade, bem como 12 hóspedes que fizeram as suas avaliações no site TripAdvisor. Para a análise das entrevistas, foi utilizada a técnica da análise de conteúdo. Em termos de resultados, observou-se que alguns aspectos contribuem significativamente para a criação de valor, quais sejam a localização, conforto e atendimento, além do desejo dos clientes terem as suas expectativas atendidas e superadas. Dessa forma, percebeu-se que as avaliações no site TripAdvisor são fundamentalmente úteis para a criação de valor antes da hospedagem, cujos usuários entrevistados disseram buscar informações sobre os hotéis em que pretendem se hospedar neste portal.
Short-term Traffic Flow Prediction Using Artificial Intelligence with Periodic Clustering and Elected Set
Authors: Doğan Erdem
Published: February 2020

Forecasting short-term traffic flow using historical data is a difficult goal to achieve due to the randomness of the event. Due to the lack of a solid approach to short-term traffic prediction, the researchers are still working on novel approaches. This study aims to develop an algorithm that dynamically updates the training set of models in order to make more accurate predictions. For this purpose, an algorithm called Periodic Clustering and Prediction (PCP) has been developed for use in short-term traffic forecasting. In this study, PCP was used to improve Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) predictive performance by improving the training set of ANN to predict short-term traffic flow using selected clusters. A large amount of traffic data collected from the US and UK motorways was used to determine the PCP ability to increase the ANN performance. The robustness of the proposed approach was determined by the performance measures used in the literature and the mean prediction errors of PCP were significantly below other approaches. In addition, the studies showed that the percentage errors of PCP predictions decreased in response to increasing traffic flow values. Considering the obtained positive results, this method can be used in real-time traffic control systems and in different areas needed.
Multi-criteria Analysis of Indicators of the Public Transport Infrastructure
Authors: Ušpalytė-Vitkūnienė Rasa , Šarkienė Edita , Žilionienė Daiva
Published: February 2020

Public transport is a key element of sustainable transport in medium and large cities. Therefore, it is important that city residents want to use it. This paper aims to determine the criteria of the public transport infrastructure which have the most influence on passenger satisfaction with the public transport system. The criteria of public transport infrastructure of stops, vehicles, and route network were analysed. The primary attention was focused on rating these criteria from the most to the least important one. The analysis of scientific papers, specialized literature, Europe Union regulations, Lithuanian legislation, and recommendations were used to explore the necessary criteria that have a significant effect on the popularity of public transport, its functionality and gives a reference on how to raise the willingness of the citizens to use public transport. The experts (14 experts were involved) and social surveys (440 respondents were involved) were used to identify the evaluation criteria of public transport infrastructure and to investigate the state of these criteria. These criteria were grouped into three larger groups according to their nature (public transport infrastructure of stops, vehicles and route network) and were rated and prioritized by the multi-criteria analysis. The results reflect the priorities of criteria parameters of public transport infrastructure. The results show that when investing in public transport infrastructure, the main priority should be attributed to the infrastructure elements, such as public transport priority in the streets, then shelters, lighting, cleanness of bus stops and vehicles, which are physically appreciable. These parameters have the most significant impact on improving the level of service of public transport infrastructure in urban areas.
Evaluation of Effectiveness of Speed Reduction Markings on Driving Speed in Highway Tunnel Entrance and Exit Areas
Authors: Zhu Tong , Wang Changshuai , Yang Chenxuan , Zhao Runqing
Published: February 2020

Tunnels are critical areas for highway safety because the severity of crashes in tunnels tends to be more serious. Controlling vehicle speed is regarded as a feasible measure to reduce the accident rate in the tunnel entrance and exit areas. This paper aims to evaluate the effectiveness of three types of speed reduction markings (SRMs) in tunnel entrance and exit zones by conducting a driving simulation experiment. For this study, 25 drivers completed the driving tasks in the day and night scenarios. The vehicle speed and acceleration data were collected for analysing and the relative speed contrast, time mean speed and acceleration were adopted as indices to evaluate the effectiveness of SRMs. The repeated ANOVA test results revealed that SRMs have a significant effect in reducing vehicle speed, especially in the exit zone. Colour Anti-skid Markings (CASMs) produced a more obvious deceleration in the entrance zone. In the entrance zone, a similar downward trend was performed in the situation of NSRMs and SRMs, but a lower speed occurred in case of SRMs. Besides, CASMs work better and cause an obvious gap of 10 km/h in daytime and 5 km/h at night compared to the speed without SRMs. In the exit zone, the present study supports the conclusion that the drivers are prone to accelerate. Our results showed that the drivers accelerated in case of NSRMs, while they slowed down in case of SRMs. Thus, SRMs are necessarily implemented in the highway tunnel entrance and exit zones. Our study also indicates that though CASMs result in lower speed at night, the Transverse Speed Reduction Markings(TSRMs) have a better performance than CASMs in daytime. The investigation provides essential information for developing a new marking design criterion and intelligent driver support systems in the highway tunnel zones.
Analysis of Dynamic Characteristics of Pilots Under Different Intentions in Complex Flight Environment
Authors: Wang Haibo , Si Haiqing , Li Yao , Pan Ting , Zong Yitong , Jiang Naiqi
Published: February 2020

Intention is the main embodiment of human cerebral conscious activities, which has an important influence on guiding the realization of human behaviour. It is a vital prerequisite for analysing the dynamic characteristics of pilots with different intentions. Considering the intention law of the generation, transfer and reduction, this paper analyses dynamic characteristics of pilots with different intentions, starting from the factors of effect on the intention. Taking airfield traffic pattern as an example for simulating flight experiments, the pilot’s multi-source dynamic data of human – aircraft – environment system under different intentions and their psycho-physiological-physical characteristics were recorded. Based on Matlab, one-way analysis of variance was used to extract variables with significant changes, and the variables under different intentions were compared and analysed. The results show that the conventional pilots are more conducive to control the aircraft to keep a stable flight attitude. This study is of great significance for perfecting the warning system of flight safety and improving the pilot’s micro-behaviour assessment system.
Suppressing proteasome mediated processing of topoisomerase II DNA-protein complexes preserves genome integrity
Authors: Sciascia Nicholas , Wu Wei , Zong Dali , Sun Yilun , Wong Nancy , John Sam , Wangsa Darawalee , Ried Thomas , Bunting Samuel F , Pommier Yves , Nussenzweig André
Published: February 2020

Topoisomerase II (TOP2) relieves topological stress in DNA by introducing double-strand breaks (DSBs) via a transient, covalently linked TOP2 DNA-protein intermediate, termed TOP2 cleavage complex (TOP2cc). TOP2ccs are normally rapidly reversible, but can be stabilized by TOP2 poisons, such as the chemotherapeutic agent etoposide (ETO). TOP2 poisons have shown significant variability in their therapeutic effectiveness across different cancers for reasons that remain to be determined. One potential explanation for the differential cellular response to these drugs is in the manner by which cells process TOP2ccs. Cells are thought to remove TOP2ccs primarily by proteolytic degradation followed by DNA DSB repair. Here, we show that proteasome-mediated repair of TOP2cc is highly error-prone. Pre-treating primary splenic mouse B-cells with proteasome inhibitors prevented the proteolytic processing of trapped TOP2ccs, suppressed the DNA damage response (DDR) and completely protected cells from ETO-induced genome instability, thereby preserving cellular viability. When degradation of TOP2cc was suppressed, the TOP2 enzyme uncoupled itself from the DNA following ETO washout, in an error-free manner. This suggests a potential mechanism of developing resistance to topoisomerase poisons by ensuring rapid TOP2cc reversal.
Determining the scale at which variation in a single gene changes population yields
Authors: McGale Erica , Valim Henrique , Mittal Deepika , Morales Jimenez Jesús , Halitschke Rayko , Schuman Meredith C , Baldwin Ian T
Published: February 2020

Plant trait diversity is known to influence population yield, but the scale at which this happens remains unknown: divergent individuals might change yields of immediate neighbors (neighbor scale) or of plants across a population (population scale). We use Nicotiana attenuata plants silenced in mitogen-activated protein kinase 4 (irMPK4) – with low water-use efficiency (WUE) – to study the scale at which water-use traits alter intraspecific population yields. In the field and glasshouse, we observed overyielding in populations with low percentages of irMPK4 plants, unrelated to water-use phenotypes. Paired-plant experiments excluded the occurrence of overyielding effects at the neighbor scale. Experimentally altering field arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal associations by silencing the Sym-pathway gene NaCCaMK did not affect reproductive overyielding, implicating an effect independent of belowground AMF interactions. Additionally, micro-grafting experiments revealed dependence on shoot-expressed MPK4 for N. attenuata to vary its yield per neighbor presence. We find that variation in a single gene, MPK4, is responsible for population overyielding through a mechanism, independent of irMPK4’s WUE phenotype, at the aboveground, population scale.
A transcriptional co-expression network-based approach to identify prognostic biomarkers in gastric carcinoma
Authors: Liu Danqi , Zhou Boting , Liu Rangru
Published: February 2020

Background

Gastric carcinoma is a very diverse disease. The progression of gastric carcinoma is influenced by complicated gene networks. This study aims to investigate the actual and potential prognostic biomarkers related to survival in gastric carcinoma patients to further our understanding of tumor biology.

Methods

A weighted gene co-expression network analysis was performed with a transcriptome dataset to identify networks and hub genes relevant to gastric carcinoma prognosis. Data was obtained from 300 primary gastric carcinomas (GSE62254). A validation dataset (GSE34942 and GSE15459) and TCGA dataset confirmed the results. Gene ontology, the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis, and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were performed to identify the clusters responsible for the biological processes and pathways of this disease.

Results

A brown transcriptional module enriched in the organizational process of the extracellular matrix was significantly correlated with overall survival (HR = 1.586, p = 0.005, 95% CI [1.149–2.189]) and disease-free survival (HR = 1.544, p = 0.008, 95% CI [1.119–2.131]). These observations were confirmed in the validation dataset (HR = 1.664, p = 0.006, 95% CI [1.155–2.398] in overall survival). Ten hub genes were identified and confirmed in the validation dataset from this brown module; five key biomarkers (COL8A1, FRMD6, TIMP2, CNRIP1 and GPR124 (ADGRA2)) were identified for further research in microsatellite instability (MSI) and epithelial-tomesenchymal transition (MSS/EMT) gastric carcinoma molecular subtypes. A high expression of these genes indicated a poor prognosis.

Conclusion

A transcriptional co-expression network-based approach was used to identify prognostic biomarkers in gastric carcinoma. This method may have potential for use in personalized therapies, however, large-scale randomized controlled clinical trials and replication experiments are needed before these key biomarkers can be applied clinically.
Perception of Forest Stakeholders on Logging Ban in Cross River State, Nigeria
Authors: Obaji Alobi, Alobi , Abua Ogar, David , Ado Anoh, Regina , Michael Ifebueme, Nzube
Published: February 2020

The study examined the perception of forest stakeholders on the ban on logging in Cross River State, Nigeria. The research was carried out from October, 2014 to January, 2015. Data was collected through the administration of structured questionnaire to 351 respondents that were randomly selected from four forest stakeholders, including: forest communities, Forestry Commission staff, timber dealers and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) on environment. One local government area was selected purposively, from each of the three senatorial districts of the state. Findings shows that majority (86.9 percent) of the respondents were males, in the age brackets of 30-50 years, while 8.5 percent were in the age brackets of 20-29 years of age. Most of the respondents (62.4 percent) had secondary education, while farming, civil service, trading and logging, constitute 81.8 percent of the respondents’ occupation. Findings revealed that majority of the respondents from forestry commission (100 percent), timber dealers (100 percent), forest communities (98.3 percent) and NGOs (96.2 percent) were aware of the ban on logging. Most of the respondents from forestry commission (42.3 percent), timber dealers (41.4 percent), forest communities (45.0 percent) and NGOs (38.5 percent) agreed that the reason behind the ban on logging was to protect and conserve the State’s remaining forests. Findings revealed that the ban on logging did not reduce timber exploitation as claimed by 65.4, 74.3, 55.5 and 61.5 percent of the respondents from forestry commission, timber dealers, forest communities and NGOs respectively. Furthermore, 65.4, 95.7, 87.8 and 53.8 percent of the respondents from the stakeholders affirmed that prices of sawn wood increased during ban. Result also indicated that there was a significant increase (P< 0.05) in the prices of sawn wood during the ban. Majority (96.2, 61.4, 86.9 and 61.5 percent) of the respondents attested that some people who depend on logging activities, lost their means of livelihoods and majority (92.3, 85.7, 91.3 and 96.2 percent) of the respondents agreed that taskforce members were corrupt. Again, majority of the respondents from forestry commission (69.2 percent), timber dealers (90.0 percent) and forest communities (59.0 percent) agreed that they want the ban on logging lifted.
Isolation and Molecular Characterization of Candida SPP from Poultry with Symptoms of Candidiasis in Ado Ekiti, Nigeria
Authors: Fagbohun E. D. , Ayantola K. J. , Dada A. T.
Published: February 2020

Aim: The aim of this study is to isolate, identify and characterize Candida spp from cloacal swabs of poultry or birds in Ekiti State University poultry farm, Ago-aduloju poultry farm and Federal Polytechnic of Ado Ekiti poultry farm using molecular method.

Place and Period of Study: The study was carried out in the Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, Nigeria in August 2016.

Methodology: Fifty samples of poultry droppings were collected from three farms within Ado Ekiti. The samples were inoculated on Sabourand dextrose agar amended with chloramphenicol. All the fungal isolates were isolated using pour plate method. The isolates were identified based on their morphological, cultural characteristics and molecular analysis.

Results: Eight isolates were obtained from a total of fifty samples. Four isolates were identified as Candida albicans strain E10-15 while the fifth isolates was Candida zemplinina strain MCR9. The result showed that three of the eight isolates had small amplicon which were not enough to give the sequence identity of the isolates while the remaining five isolates had large amplicon.

Conclusion: The result of the work demonstrated that poultry birds harbor Candida albicans which is a potential pathogenic yeast. This study signifies the need to discover more environmental niches for yeast especially of Candida species and also recommends that poultry birds should always be treated with proper antibiotics to avoid candidiasis.
Defining Pain That Does Not Interfere With Activities Among Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Authors: Lee Yvonne C. , Katz Patricia , Quebe Amanda , Sun Luna , Patel Himanshu , Gaich Carol L. , Michaud Kaleb
Published: February 2020

Objective

The objectives of this study were to: 1) characterize the distribution of noninterfering pain (defined as the pain intensity level at which individuals can function without interference) across different aspects of life among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and 2) identify clinical characteristics associated with differing levels of noninterfering pain.

Methods

Patients with RA in FORWARD, The National Databank for Rheumatic Diseases completed 8 items from the Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) pain interference item bank that asked about interference with activities. If subjects reported pain interference, they were asked, “At what level would pain no longer interfere with this activity?” on a scale of 0 to 10. Subjects were also asked, “At what level of pain would you be able to do everything you want to do?” Multiple linear regression analyses examined associations between clinical characteristics and noninterfering pain.

Results

A total of 3,949 patients with RA completed the questionnaires. Pain interference was most common for daily activities and least common for ability to concentrate. The mean ± SD level at which pain no longer interfered with activities ranged from 2.7 ± 2.1 for ability to fall/stay asleep to 3.1 ± 2.0 for social activities. Overall, the mean ± SD threshold for noninterfering pain was 2.8 ± 1.9. The mean ± SD level of pain at which patients could do everything they wanted to do was 2.3 ± 1.9. More severe pain intensity was associated with higher noninterfering pain.

Conclusion

The mean pain level that did not interfere with activities was 3. High pain intensity was associated with high self‐reported noninterfering pain.
Recent Progress of Heterojunction Ultraviolet Photodetectors: Materials, Integrations, and Applications
Authors: Chen Jiaxin , Ouyang Weixin , Yang Wei , He Jr‐Hau , Fang Xiaosheng
Published: February 2020

Ultraviolet photodetectors (UV PDs) with “5S” (high sensitivity, high signal‐to‐noise ratio, excellent spectrum selectivity, fast speed, and great stability) have been proposed as promising optoelectronics in recent years. To realize high‐performance UV PDs, heterojunctions are created to form a built‐in electrical field for suppressing recombination of photogenerated carriers and promoting collection efficiency. In this progress report, the fundamental components of heterojunctions including UV response semiconductors and other materials functionalized with unique effects are discussed. Then, strategies of building PDs with lattice‐matched heterojunctions, van der Waals heterostructures, and other heterojunctions are summarized. Finally, several applications based on heterojunction/heterostructure UV PDs are discussed, compromising flexible photodetectors, logic gates, and image sensors. This work draws an outline of diverse materials as well as basic assembly methods applied in heterojunction/heterostructure UV PDs, which will help to bring about new possibilities and call for more efforts to unleash the potential of heterojunctions.
Crosslink‐Enhanced Emission Effect on Luminescence in Polymers: Advances and Perspectives
Authors: Tao Songyuan , Zhu Shoujun , Feng Tanglue , Zheng Chengyu , Yang Bai
Published: February 2020

The crosslink‐enhanced emission effect was first proposed to explore the strong luminescence of nonconjugated polymer dots possessing only either non‐emissive or weakly emissive sub‐luminophores. Interesting phenomena in recent research indicate such enhancement caused by extensive crosslinking appears in diverse luminescent polymers with sub‐luminophores (electron‐rich heteroatomic moieties) or luminophores (conjugated π domains). This enhancement can promote the emission from nonluminous to luminous, from weakly luminous to strongly luminous, and even convert the pathway of radiative transitions. The concept of the crosslink‐enhanced emission effect should be updated and extended to an in‐depth spatial effect, such as electron overlap and energy splitting in confined domains by effective crosslinking, more than initial immobilization. This Minireview outlines the development of the crosslink‐enhanced emission effect from the perspective of the detailed classification, inherent mechanism and applicable systems. An outlook on the further exploration and application of this theory are also proposed.
Bewertung von Küchen‐Dunstabzugssystemen in energieeffizienten Gebäuden
Authors: Kah Oliver , Bräunlich Kristin , Hartmann Thomas , Knaus Christine , Broege Martina , Bruns Alfred
Published: February 2020

Technische Entwicklungen im Gebäudebereich werden in jüngerer Vergangenheit maßgeblich durch höhere Komfortansprüche und Anforderungen an die Energieeffizienz bestimmt. Im Rahmen des vorgestellten Forschungsvorhabens wurde für Dunstabzugssysteme der energetische Einfluss in Wohngebäuden, die Wirksamkeit der Systeme in Bezug auf die Reduzierung von Küchendünsten sowie die Wechselwirkung mit dem Gebäude und anderen technischen Systemen untersucht.

Eine gute Erfassung der Küchendünste ist mitentscheidend für eine wirksame Reduzierung der Raumluftbelastung. Es konnte ein neues Verfahren zur qualitativen Bewertung der Wrasenerfassung erprobt werden. Die Ergebnisse deuten auf erhebliche Unterschiede zwischen den untersuchten Dunstabzugssystemen hin. Ferner zeigten Labormessungen, dass Umluft‐Dunstabzugssysteme mit Geruchsfilter deutlich bzgl. Geruchsreduzierung differieren.

Abluft‐Dunstabzugssysteme erzeugen einen Unterdruck in der Wohneinheit. Aufgrund der hohen Luftdichtheit von energieeffizienten Gebäuden können sich im Abluftbetrieb sicherheitsrelevante Unterdrücke in Wohnungen einstellen. Abhängig vom zulässigen Unterdruck werden geeignete Lösungen vorgestellt. Ferner verursachen Abluft‐Dunstabzugssysteme zusätzliche Wärmeverluste, die bisher z. B. in Energiebilanzverfahren nicht berücksichtigt werden. Modellrechnungen zeigen, dass der zusätzliche Wärmeverlust bei energieeffizienten Gebäuden eine relevante Größenordnung erreichen kann.
Engineering of Sn and Pre‐Lithiated Sn as Negative Electrode Materials Coupled to Garnet Ta‐LLZO Solid Electrolyte for All‐Solid‐State Li Batteries
Authors: Ferraresi Giulio , Uhlenbruck Sven , Tsai Chih‐Long , Novák Petr , Villevieille Claire
Published: February 2020

All‐solid‐state batteries using garnet‐type solid electrolyte are considered as a promising solution for the next generation energy storage systems but to date they still suffer from low ionic conductivity compared to organic liquid electrolytes and poor interfacial contact between the electroactive materials and the electrolyte. Here we propose several proof‐of‐concept level strategies to enhance the interfacial contact between the electroactive material Sn and the solid electrolyte Ta‐LLZO doped (hereafter called LLZTa) to enable proper electrochemical cycling. First, we demonstrate that the conventional slurry‐based technique is not appropriate to ensure cycling of a Sn based electrode in all‐solid‐state batteries due to poor interfacial contact. Then, we demonstrate (proof‐of‐concept) that thin films deposition is a more suitable approach to ensure electrochemical activity but the large volume changes of Sn during alloying process is leading to a rapid cell failure. This last challenge was overcome by the use of a chemically pre‐lithiated Sn thin film which then delivers, after an activation process, specific charge close to the theoretical one (900 mAh/g) at C/30 rate and T=80 °C.
Nonmonetary and nonreciprocal freecycling: Motivations for participating in online alternative giving communities
Authors: Liu Fan , Johnson Zachary , Massiah Carolyn , Lowrey Tina M.
Published: February 2020

This research examines consumers' participation in a nonmonetary, nonreciprocal form of online consumer exchange wherein consumers may decide to give only, receive only, or both give and receive. Given the lack of financial incentives or relational norms that would traditionally drive participation in this societally beneficial consumption activity for which we advance the term alternative giving, this research examines consumers' participation motivations. Are consumers, as prior research suggests, motivated to participate in alternative giving activities on the basis of prosocial motives or for other reasons? Through a content analysis of the online Freecycle Network, we found that participation is driven primarily by fundamental consumer needs and wants, though other prosocial, less materialistic factors are also drivers. Our findings also identify an inconsistency in product categories between what givers offer and what receivers seek, suggesting that supply–demand imbalances can emerge within alternative giving communities.
Modeling the Electrical Conductive Paths within All‐Solid‐State Battery Electrodes
Authors: Sangrós Giménez Clara , Helmers Laura , Schilde Carsten , Diener Alexander , Kwade Arno
Published: February 2020

All‐solid‐state batteries constitute a very promising energy storage device. Two very important properties of these battery cells are the ionic and the electrical conductivity, which describe the ion and the electron transport through the electrodes, respectively. In this work, a numerical method is presented to model the electrical conductivity, considering the outcome of discrete‐element method simulations and the intrinsic conductivities of both the active material particles and the conductive additive particles. The results are calibrated and validated with the help of experimental data of real manufactured electrodes. The tortuosity, which strongly influences the ionic conductivity, is also presented for the analyzed electrodes, taking their microstructure into account.
Gas–Solid Heterogeneous Postsynthetic Modification of Imine‐Based Covalent Organic Frameworks
Authors: Martín‐Illán Jesús A. , Royuela Sergio , Mar Ramos M. , Segura José L. , Zamora Félix
Published: February 2020

The copper‐catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) click reaction is among the most extensively used strategies for the post‐polymerization modification of COFs. This work shows a new procedure for the postsynthetic functionalization of imine‐based COFs by using a heterogeneous solid–gas reaction between alkyne‐functionalized COFs and azides in the absence of a copper catalyst. This new alternative represents a step forward towards a greener postsynthetic modification of COFs opening a high potential for the development of new applications.
One Way Traffic: Base‐to‐Backbone Hole Transfer in Nucleoside Phosphorodithioate
Authors: Kaczmarek Renata , Ward Samuel , Debnath Dipra , Jacobs Taisiya , Stark Alexander D. , Korczyński Dariusz , Kumar Anil , Sevilla Michael D. , Denisov Sergey A. , Shcherbakov Viacheslav , Pernot Pascal , Mostafavi Mehran , Dembinski Roman , Adhikary Amitava
Published: February 2020

The directionality of the hole‐transfer processes between DNA backbone and base was investigated by using phosphorodithioate [P(S−)=S] components. ESR spectroscopy in homogeneous frozen aqueous solutions and pulse radiolysis in aqueous solution at ambient temperature confirmed initial formation of G.+‐P(S−)=S. The ionization potential of G‐P(S−)=S was calculated to be slightly lower than that of guanine in 5′‐dGMP. Subsequent thermally activated hole transfer from G.+ to P(S−)=S led to dithiyl radical (P‐2S.) formation on the μs timescale. In parallel, ESR spectroscopy, pulse radiolysis, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations confirmed P‐2S. formation in an abasic phosphorodithioate model compound. ESR investigations at low temperatures and higher G‐P(S−)=S concentrations showed a bimolecular conversion of P‐2S. to the σ2‐σ*1‐bonded dimer anion radical [‐P‐2S
2S‐P‐]− [ΔG (150 K, DFT)=−7.2 kcal mol−1]. However, [‐P‐2S
2S‐P‐]− formation was not observed by pulse radiolysis [ΔG° (298 K, DFT)=−1.4 kcal mol−1]. Neither P‐2S. nor [‐P‐2S
2S‐P‐]− oxidized guanine base; only base‐to‐backbone hole transfer occurs in phosphorodithioate.
Surface Design for Immobilization of an Antimicrobial Peptide Mimic for Efficient Anti‐Biofouling
Authors: Hasan Abshar , Lee Kyueui , Tewari Kunal , Pandey Lalit M. , Messersmith Phillip B. , Faulds Karen , Maclean Michelle , Lau King Hang Aaron
Published: February 2020

Microbial surface attachment negatively impacts a wide range of devices from water purification membranes to biomedical implants. Mimics of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) constituted from poly(N‐substituted glycine) „peptoids“ are of great interest as they resist proteolysis and can inhibit a wide spectrum of microbes. We investigate how terminal modification of a peptoid AMP‐mimic and its surface immobilization affect antimicrobial activity. We also demonstrate a convenient surface modification strategy for enabling alkyne–azide „click“ coupling on amino‐functionalized surfaces. Our results verified that the N‐ and C‐terminal peptoid structures are not required for antimicrobial activity. Moreover, our peptoid immobilization density and choice of PEG tether resulted in a „volumetric“ spatial separation between AMPs that, compared to past studies, enabled the highest AMP surface activity relative to bacterial attachment. Our analysis suggests the importance of spatial flexibility for membrane activity and that AMP separation may be a controlling parameter for optimizing surface anti‐biofouling.
Does natural environment prefer the right to the left? Governors' partisanship and corporate environmental performance
Authors: Yu Byungjun , Zeng Saixing , Meng Xiaohua , Ma Hanyang , Sun Daxin
Published: February 2020

This study investigates the relationship between governors' partisanship and the corporate environmental performance of firms in South Korea. According to political ideology perspective, governors' partisanship closely influences the policy directions and preferences of the provincial administration. Conservative (red) governors tend to induce and encourage competition among firms by deregulating and offering policy benefits to businesses at the provincial level. In response to increased competition in provinces governed by red governors, firms commit to aggressive environmental initiatives as a strategic differentiation tool, in contrast to their behavior in provinces controlled by liberal (blue) governors. Moreover, we examine a contingent role of the provincial Congress. According to the principle of checks and balances, the positive impact of red governors on a firm's environmental performance is stronger when the provincial Congress is controlled by the liberal (blue) party, with its checks and balances on the red governors. This study extends an institutional theory by exploring institutional setting mechanisms at the provincial level.
Stable resource polymorphism along the benthic littoral–pelagic axis in an invasive crayfish
Authors: Lang Iris , Evangelista Charlotte , Everts Rebecca Marie , Loot Géraldine , Cucherousset Julien
Published: February 2020

Although intraspecific variability is now widely recognized as affecting evolutionary and ecological processes, our knowledge on the importance of intraspecific variability within invasive species is still limited. This is despite the fact that understanding the linkage between within‐population morphological divergences and the use of different trophic or spatial resources (i.e., resource polymorphism) can help to better predict their ecological impacts on recipient ecosystems. Here, we quantified the extent of resource polymorphism within populations of a worldwide invasive crayfish species, Procambarus clarkii, in 16 lake populations by comparing their trophic (estimated using stable isotope analyses) and morphological characteristics between individuals from the littoral and pelagic habitats. Our results first demonstrated that crayfish occured in both littoral and pelagic habitats of seven lakes and that the use of pelagic habitat was associated with increased abundance of littoral crayfish. We then found morphological (i.e., body and chelae shapes) and trophic divergence (i.e., reliance on littoral carbon) among individuals from littoral and pelagic habitats, highlighting the existence of resource polymorphism in invasive populations. There was no genetic differentiation between individuals from the two habitats, implying that this resource polymorphism was stable (i.e., high gene flow between individuals). Finally, we demonstrated that a divergent adaptive process was responsible for the morphological divergence in body and chela shapes between habitats while difference in littoral reliance neutrally evolved under genetic drift. These findings demonstrated that invasive P. clarkii can display strong within‐population phenotypic variability in recent populations, and this could lead to contrasting ecological impacts between littoral and pelagic individuals.