bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Administrative simplification strategy with reference to the Egyptian case
Authors: Gobba Reem Mostafa
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to clarify the added value to governments when adopting an Administrative Simplification Strategy (ASS) to reduce administrative burdens, and its impact on both citizens and investors satisfaction. The paper highlights the difference between the traditional and strategic concepts of simplifying administrative procedures, Moreover, the paper discusses the most important steps and tools for the implementation of ASS. The paper, also, sheds light on the efforts of the Egyptian Government to simplify administrative procedures and adopt ASS.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts the descriptive analytical approach to describe and analyses the basic features of the subject data from different resources includes journal articles, published papers and books, to conclude a theoretical framework of ASS. (concepts, Implementation steps, Tools, Objectives, operations and content). For the Egyptian case, the researchers uses historical perspective to analyze the efforts of the Egyptian government to simplify administrative procedures in the last decades and the content of the available ministerial decisions, presidential decrees, for example The last ministerial decisions concerning the one-stop supreme committee, were chosen as evidence of the government's interest in this matter and the analysis of the tasks entrusted to the committee to do, The decision of transfer the dependency of the ERRADA was also chosen and analyzed to indicate the extent of the government's interest in it and to what extent there is an enhancement of its role .The authors also analyzed some recent conferences and seminars and compared the administrative reform efforts with the theoretical framework of the ASS to clarify the dimensions related to ASS in Egypt.

Findings

On the theoretical level, the ASS is an umbrella term that includes various simplification projects at all the levels of governmental units. ASS leads to the improvement of governmental services provided to both citizens and investors. It is a defensive exploratory strategy that involves multiple goals and processes and requires political support, institutional framework and the comprehensive review of all related legislations, to ensure the successful implementation. Studying the Egyptian case, it is noted that the Egyptian government has not directly adopted an ASS. Yet, it has approved some stages within the framework of the adapted administrative reform plans.

Originality/value

This paper represents a framework for administrative simplification as an integrated strategy at the macro level. The strategy focuses on the overall view of the government, its integrated goals, innovation and the added value, by providing high-quality services and reducing the administrative burdens, as to improve services provided to society and ease of life, as well as to increase the level of living and citizens’ satisfaction.
Investigating the determinants of online infaq intention during the COVID-19 pandemic: an insight from Indonesia
Authors: Aji Hendy Mustiko , Albari Albari , Muthohar Muchsin , Sumadi Sumadi , Sigit Murwanto , Muslichah Istyakara , Hidayat Anas
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This study aims to investigate Muslims’ online infaq intention during COVID-19 deadly outbreak. This study examined the model comprising two major theories, namely, the theory of reasoned action (TRA) with additional Muslim intrinsic religiosity and social presence theory (SPT).

Design/methodology/approach

A structural equation modeling (SEM) approach is used to test the measurement and structural model. In the structural model, SEM is chosen due to its effectivity in estimating direct and indirect effects in a single model. An online questionnaire is distributed to respondents who are purposively selected all over Indonesia regions comprising all major islands. In total, there are 571 respondents collected; however, only 560 of them are usable.

Findings

This study shows that all hypotheses generated from the TRA and SPT significantly affect online infaq intention. Surprisingly, Muslim intrinsic religiosity does not affect both attitude toward online infaq and online infaq intention. To further explain the result, a post hoc analysis is conducted. Accordingly, it is found that Muslim intrinsic religiosity has an indirect significant effect on online infaq intention through social presence.

Research limitations/implications

This study has several limitations. First, even though the sample already represented all parts of Indonesia, the sample is distributed mainly to those live in Java Island. Second, due to its difficulty in pursuing proportional distribution of the sample, the results are more subjective to more dominant respondent demographics. Third, this study captures cross-sectioned phenomena of an online infaq intention during COVID-19 pandemic. Fourth, as the topic of this study is concerned about Islamic charity, the Qur’an- and sunnah-based research framework will make this study more valuable. However, such a framework has not been widely developed.

Practical implications

This study provides a managerial implication for online infaq fundraisers in Indonesia, in which trustworthiness and “social touch” are important to drive the Muslims in making a monetary donation. The online infaq can be an efficient Islamic philanthropic tool to solve social problems during the COVID-19 outbreak. Therefore, the central authority should encourage profit and non-profit social organizations in Indonesia to make a strategic collaboration in providing online infaq service and its distribution. Collaboration may increase perceived trust and social presence.

Originality/value

Due to a limited study on the topic of online infaq behavioral intention during COVID-19 situation, therefore, this study provides added value to the literature by examining factors determining online infaq intention during COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia. This study combines the extended TRA and SPT in a single model.
Joint estimation of SOC and SOH for lithium-ion batteries based on EKF multiple time scales
Authors: Li Peiqing , Wang Huile , Xing Zixiao , Ye Kanglong , Li Qipeng
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The operation state of lithium-ion battery for vehicle is unknown and the remaining life is uncertain. In order to improve the performance of battery state prediction, in this paper, a joint estimation method of state of charge (SOC) and state of health (SOH) for lithium-ion batteries based on multi-scale theory is designed.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, a joint estimation method of SOC and SOH for lithium-ion batteries based on multi-scale theory is designed. The venin equivalent circuit model and fast static calibration method are used to fit the relationship between open-circuit voltage and SOC, and the resistance and capacitance parameters in the model are identified based on exponential fitting method. A battery capacity model for SOH estimation is established. A multi-time scale EKF filtering algorithm is used to estimate the SOC and SOH of lithium-ion batteries.

Findings

The SOC and SOH changes in dynamic operation of lithium-ion batteries are accurately predicted so that batteries can be recycled more effectively in the whole vehicle process.

Originality/value

A joint estimation method of SOC and SOH for lithium-ion batteries based on multi-scale theory is accurately predicted and can be recycled more effectively in the whole vehicle process.
The alleviation effect of knowledge integration on anxiety in parental vaccine decision-making supported by online communities
Authors: Wang Ping , Fan Wenli , Li Qiao
Published: December 2020

Purpose

To support vaccine decision-making, a growing number of parents use online communities to obtain informational and emotional support; however, relatively high information heterogeneity and polarization in the online environment make it challenging for parents to make informed vaccine decisions based on the systematic processing of conflicting information. In this context, this study aims to focus on the relationship between parents’ knowledge integration and rational and experiential decision-making and the mediating effect of anxiety on this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

A theoretical model incorporating the direct and indirect effects of knowledge integration and anxiety on decision-making is proposed and tested through partial least squares structural equation modeling with survey data from 223 parents.

Findings

Knowledge integration negatively affects anxiety. Knowledge integration has a direct positive effect on rational decision-making and an indirect negative effect on experiential decision-making.

Practical implications

These insights into the key role of knowledge integration in parental vaccine decision-making under information heterogeneity and polarization provide support for practical strategies to encourage knowledge integration and alleviate anxiety in online communities.

Originality/value

This study underscores the importance of knowledge integration in vaccine decision-making under information heterogeneity and polarization and reveals distinct mechanisms underlying the effects of knowledge integration on decision-making dominated by rational and experiential modes. The findings also provide insights into the information processing mechanisms underlying the knowledge integration of subjects with insufficient prior knowledge in the non-organizational context.
Who responds to whom and for what? A grounded theory analysis of social responsibility in the 1857 Frankfurt Bienfaisance Congress
Authors: Good Jason , Husted Bryan W. , Palomares-Aguirre Itzel , Garcia-de-la-torre Consuelo
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine and interpret the characteristics of social responsibility in general, and business responsibility in particular, that were evident during a period in European history that was plagued by widespread social problems and change. Based on that interpretation, the authors explore the lessons those characteristics may have for social responsibility in a contemporary world that is facing similar conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a qualitative analysis of the proceedings of the Bienfaisance Congress held in Frankfurt in 1857, where societal leaders from different nations met to answer the question, who has responsibility for whom, and for what? The authors use grounded theory, as it is operationalized in what is known as the “Gioia template,” to conduct a structured analysis of this particular text, and to in turn produce a theoretical interpretation of how that question was answered.

Findings

The interpretation from this study is that congress participants articulated certain established dimensions of responsibility (individual, organizational, national), as well as one new dimension (international), and did so by differentiating boundaries of responsibility; in turn, the authors suggest that these dimensions and boundaries work together to form a nested system of responsibilities.

Research limitations/implications

There is limited empirical evidence available that documents the variety of responsibility-based initiatives that were being conducted during the 19th century. An analysis of the congress proceedings allows us to gain a better understanding of how the 19th-century world, particularly the upper echelons of European society, approached the question of under what conditions actors in different domains have responsibility for another. While the implications are limited by the analysis of the proceedings of one congress that was attended by elites, they do provide a snapshot of how Europe sought to articulate a system of bounded responsibilities during a time of widespread social problems and change.

Practical implications

Although the nested system of responsibilities framework that emerged from the grounded theory analysis is not applicable to all situations, it should sensitize policymakers and business leaders to the need to address social problems in a systemic way.

Originality/value

The authors both present a systems-based framework for understanding how responsibility is differentiated among actors (individual, organizational, state and international) and demonstrate how a theoretical interpretation of historical documents can be accomplished through the use of grounded theory, as operationalized through the Gioia template.
Coming together after a tragedy: how the S.S. Eastland disaster of 1915 affected welfare capitalism and helped shape the Hawthorne studies
Authors: Zoller Yaron J. , Muldoon Jeff
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to conduct a historical study using both primary (archival data) and secondary sources to evaluate the social conditions of the community of employees at Hawthorne Works between 1907 and 1933.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper evaluates the historical and social context of the 1915 Eastland disaster, specifically, the effects of the Eastland disaster on the community and the company to improve understanding of the contextual background and conditions which influenced the Hawthorne studies. This will also serve as a case study of crisis management.

Findings

The findings of the paper argue that the Eastland disaster likely contributed to the expansion of welfare capitalism practices by Western Electric in the 1920s–1930s and established the social and communal conditions which made the Hawthorne studies (1924–1933) possible.

Originality/value

Rather than evaluating the Hawthorne studies themselves, this paper focuses on social factors which made the Hawthorne Works plant site and the community serving it an ideal locale to host the famous studies as part of Western Electric’s practice of welfare capitalism and a distraction from the traumatic event which scarred the community and urged the Western Electric company to react. This study also provides an early example of crisis management.
Online order in the age of many publics
Authors: Kettemann Matthias C. , Tiedeke Anna Sophia
Published: December 2020

Purpose

In online digital spaces, the public/private distinction is challenged in many different ways. The purpose of this paper is to show that the normative order of the internet is a suitable lens through which the complex relationship of private and public norms and their impact on communication spheres and today’s and tomorrow’s dynamic public can be understood.

Design/methodology/approach

Habermas’ conception of the public sphere provides us with the ideal starting point for our normative analysis of German court cases concerning the application of public law in privately-owned online communication spaces. The normative analysis allows us to pose an important theoretical question regarding the necessity and circumstances of a codification of a (private) online order.

Findings

This research paper shows that a reconsideration of the Kantian theory enables the transcendental constitution of normativity – and of new publics, is necessary because normativity that learns from its environment can no longer be described by referring to traditional categories of, and criteria for, subjectivity. The research paper shows that the normative order of the internet is based on and produces a liquefied system characterized by self-learning normativity.

Originality/value

This paper offers a unique perspective on the norm building process in privately-owned online communication spaces and poses an important theoretical question that helps to better understand the emerging normative orders, the shift in our view on “publics” and offers a useful analytical tool for a better explain, predict and legitimize the creation of new order-internal norms.
The business responsibility matrix: a diagnostic tool to aid the design of better interventions for achieving the SDGs
Authors: Sinkovics Noemi , Sinkovics Rudolf R. , Archie-Acheampong Jason
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to propose an integrative framework that enables the mapping of firm activities along two dimensions of responsible business behavior: a width and a depth dimension. Width includes associative, peripheral, operational and embedded responsibility. In terms of depth, we identify delinquent, neutral, nascent, enhanced and advanced levels of responsibility.

Design/methodology/approach

The responsibility matrix is developed by drawing on the literature and the ambition to provide a more nuanced map of a firm’s activities and its contributions toward the sustainable development goals (SDGs).

Findings

The matrix enables the classification of firm activities into different functional categories based on how they relate to a firm’s business model. Further, the meaningfulness of each activity can be identified by determining its depth.

Research limitations/implications

Mapping all the relevant activities of a multinational firm onto the responsibility matrix enables managers and policymakers to identify areas where transformation is most needed. Further, multinational firms can use the matrix to map the activities of their value chain partners and design more effective standards and interventions.

Practical implications

The business responsibility matrix represents a diagnostic tool that enables the detailed mapping of firm capabilities and the identification of areas where further capacity building is necessary and where pockets of excellence exist.

Social implications

The responsibility matrix offers a benchmarking tool for progress that can be used in conjunction with existing guidelines and initiatives such as the United Nations (UN) Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the UN Global Compact and the Global Reporting Initiative.

Originality/value

The responsibility matrix acknowledges that firms can engage with the SDGs through different types of activity (width dimension). Simultaneously, it recognizes that activities in the same category can have varying levels of effectiveness (depth dimension).
Factors affecting on perception and knowledge of portion size in young adults
Authors: Gezmen Karadağ Makbule , Ağagündüz Duygu , Yıldıran Hilal , Arslan Sabriye , Toka Onur
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the perception and knowledge of standard food/meal portion size and related factors in young adults.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study was conducted on 1,000 volunteer young adults, consisting of 504 men and 496 women (18 and 28 years). The portion size of food/meal, amount of food measuring utensils and also nutritional knowledge were evaluated via a questionnaire and some visual materials.

Findings

Knowledge of portion sizes, amount of food each utensil holds and nutrition was evaluated via a questionnaire and some visual materials. Knowledge of portion size with respect to food groups (p = 0.015), meals (p < 0.001) and food measuring utensils (p = 0.002) and nutritional knowledge scores (p = 0.011) differed based on body mass indexes (BMI). Women had on mean a higher nutritional knowledge score than men (2.0 ± 1.3, 1.9 ± 1.1 points, respectively). The probability of having knowledge about food measuring utensils was 1.4-fold greater for individuals who had been previously educated about nutrition (p = 0.034). Individuals of the faculty of health sciences had higher mean scores for all portion scores (p < 0.05).

Originality/value

The study findings highlighted that portion knowledge and perception of young adults were affected by gender, BMI, enrolled faculty and nutritional knowledge status. This is the first study, through which the portion knowledge and perception subcomponents (food, meal and measuring utensils) are evaluated, indicating each subcomponent to be affected by distinct factors.
Immediacy as news experience: exploring its multiple dimensions in print and online contexts
Authors: Omar Bahiyah , Al-Samarraie Hosam , Wright Bianca
Published: December 2020

Purpose

News research scholars define immediacy as constant news updating, whereas scholars in other fields conceptualize it more broadly as meaning closeness. The present study explicates the concept of immediacy and proposes a multidimensional notion of news immediacy that reflects physical and psychological closeness to the news.

Design/methodology/approach

A scale for measuring multifaceted immediacy was developed and tested in a between-subjects design experiment. Four dimensions were extracted from the analysis: transportation, involvement, vividness and timeliness.

Findings

The results reveal greater immediacy in online than print news contexts. Involvement is key to the experience of immediacy in both contexts; yet the feeling of being transported to the places of the news events was stronger among online than print news users. The latter relied more on vividness of the news presentation to attain closeness to the news.

Originality/value

Implications of the study were discussed.
The accounting meta-metaphor of the Hollow Men by T. S. Eliot
Authors: Brown Alistair M.
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Using the theory of sensibility and McClellandet al.’s (2013) metaphorical analysis, this study aims to analyse the accounting metaphors and meta-metaphor of The Hollow Men, a poem written by T. S. Eliot.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis uses McClellandet al.’s (2013) five-step procedure to ascertain the poem’s metaphor use.

Findings

The Hollow Men depicts accountants as ritualistic and accounting voices as quiet and meaningless while its meta-metaphor conveys accounting as rites and shadows.

Research limitations/implications

Although The Hollow Men’s use of Form 4 metaphors, where neither figurative nor literal source term is named, places an onus on the reader to infer meaning from accounting metaphor use, the analysis provides readers with a valuable structure for evincing accounting metaphors that present pervasive accounting issues facing the modern world.

Practical implications

Accountants, according to The Hollow Men, are hollow, devotees to plunderers and property and rain dancers. The Hollow Men situates the quest for accounting as a ritual for order and the preservation of the status quo.

Social implications

The Hollow Men’s mages of accounting immersion in rites and shadows accord with the conceptual metaphors of accounting as magic and accounting as history.

Originality/value

The originality of this study rests in its introduction to McClellandet al.’s (2013) metaphorical analysis of accounting research.
The role of national distance in international business: a review from 1980 to 2017
Authors: Zhou Zhibin , Kwon Jongwook , Zhang Bo , Li Junjian , Kim Hak cho , Heo Ji Hyun
Published: December 2020

Purpose

During the past several decades, national distance (ND) increasingly became a vital cornerstone in international business (IB) research, as both explicit and implicit distance are parts of the essential reasons for IB activities. However, there are various and chaotic methods to measure ND in the last literature; therefore, this paper aims to suggest legitimate uses of ND in the IB field and the best ND dimensions for various situations.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper used a historical overview of the theoretical background and conceptual development of ND based on the past four decades worth of studies in leading 17-IB journals using Google Scholar. The authors also focus on multiform ND measurement methods and details through qualitative and quantitative analysis based on previous studies’ data collection.

Findings

This research summarized the common measurement methods and elements of different ND and proposed solutions based on a multifaceted analysis.

Originality/value

The micro analysis examines each type of ND in terms of the proportion of variables, issues, measurement methods, representative proxies beyond previous studies. This research also tried to provide clarity and suggest solutions to these problems through our macro& micro-analysis.
Recent developments of inkjet-printed flexible sensing electronics for wearable device applications: a review
Authors: Kathirvelan Jayaraman
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to encompass the technological advancements in the area of flexible sensing electronics fabrication particularly for wearable device development applications. In the recent past, it is evident that there is a tremendous growth in the field of flexible electronics and sensors fabrication technologies all around the world. Even though, there is a significant amount of research has been carried in the past decade, but still there is a huge need for exploring novel materials for low temperature processing, optimized printing methods and customized printing devices with accurate feature control.

Design/methodology/approach

The author has done an extensive literature survey in the proposed area and found that the researchers are showing significant interest in exploring novel materials, new conductive ink processing methods suitable for additive manufacturing, and fabrication technologies for developing the plastic substrate-based flexible electronics for the on growing demands of wearable devices in the market.

Findings

The author has consolidated some of the recent advancements in the area of flexible sensing electronics using the inkjet-printing platform carried out by the researchers. The novel customized inkjet-printing technology, materials selections for device development, compatibility of the materials for the inkjet-printing process and the interesting results of the devices fabricated are highlighted in this paper.

Originality/value

The author has reported the novel inkjet-printing platforms explored by researchers in the recent past for various applications which primarily includes gas sensing. The author has consolidated in a crisp manner about the technology, materials compatible for inkjet-printing, and the exciting results of the printed devices. The author has reported the advantages and challenges of the proposed methods by the researchers. This work will bridge the technical gap in the inkjet-printing technology and will be useful for the researchers to take forward the research work on this domain to the next level.
Benchmarking the barriers of sustainable consumer behaviour
Authors: Sheoran Monika , Kumar Divesh
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The earth is under massive stress due to current level of consumption which has crossed the sustaining capacity of our planet. Thus, the need of the hour is to promote sustainable production and consumption. The purpose of this study is to identify the basic barriers of sustainable consumer behaviour which are hindering the adoption of sustainable consumption.

Design/methodology/approach

This article is divided into two parts. The first part consists of a literature review based on 128 articles (1995 to 2020), which are spread over a period of 25 years. Based on the literature review, nine barriers of sustainable consumer behaviour were identified and put into three categories. In the second part, fuzzy analytical hierarchy process has been used to know about the relative weight of each barrier so that benchmarking/prioritising of basic barriers of sustainable consumer behaviour can be done.

Findings

This article identifies critical barriers affecting the acceptance of sustainable electronic products. High price, a perception of no environmental impact, no benefit in personal image, lesser use by family and friends, lack of awareness about the products etc. emerged as the potential barriers which need prime attention. The relative weight of each of these barriers has also been arrived at in this article which is expected to be beneficial for policymakers to focus upon important barriers. Impact of many of these barriers can be reduced through innovative approaches and solutions.

Research limitations/implications

This article will be helpful in future research in the field of sustainable consumer behaviour. Through the understanding of the barriers of sustainable consumer behaviour, companies, governments and industries can take suitable initiatives by modifying the policies and practices to reduce the impact of these barriers so that consumer behaviour can be made more sustainable.

Originality/value

The current article tries to identify the critical barriers to adoption of sustainable electronic products by the consumers. An extensive literature review, expert suggestions and consumer survey have been adopted to identify nine barriers. Although, multiple researches have been done in the field of sustainable consumer behaviour and adoption of sustainable electronic products, there is no research article which solely focuses on implementing Fuzzy analytical hierarchical process (AHP) approach to rank the barriers faced by consumers for adoption of sustainable electronic products. It has been concluded that high price of sustainable electronic products is the most critical barrier in adoption of sustainable consumer behaviour. Moreover, the relative ranking obtained with the help of Fuzzy AHP can be used by policymakers and organisations to promote and implement sustainability in consumer behaviour.
Cyber incivility and knowledge hoarding: Does interactional justice matter?
Authors: Aljawarneh Nader Mohammad , Alomari Khaled Abd kader , Alomari Ziyad Saleh , Taha Omar
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The current explanations in the cyber incivility and knowledge hoarding literature suffer from two problems. The first is a lack of cogent explanation of cyber incivility and knowledge hoarding from social exchange theory (SET) perspective. The second is the unexplained attenuating propensity of justice on the connection between cyber incivility and knowledge hoarding, more specifically, interactional justice.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a simple random sampling method to obtain cross-sectional data from 223 employees working in IT and telecommunication service companies in Jordan. The obtained data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) technique also known as variance-based structural equation modeling.

Findings

By applying SET theoretical lens and PLS-SEM, the authors show that cyber incivility exerts strong impact on knowledge hoarding, and interactional justice may not always function as a buffer. That is, the association between cyber incivility and knowledge hoarding is not impacted by interactional justice levels.

Originality/value

The contribution of this paper builds on the lack of practical comprehension on the association between cyber incivility and knowledge hoarding and the role played by interactional justice. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.
Coefficient of friction of dry sliding Al 6061-T6 alloy under different loading conditions
Authors: I. Srinivasula Reddy , Kaliveeran Vadivuchezhian
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on the effect of normal load, sliding speed and temperature on the coefficient of friction of Al 6061-T6 alloy under dry sliding conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

Dry sliding experiments were conducted using rotary type pin on disk tribometer. Pins with 3 mm radius of contact and circular disks of 165 mm diameter were fabricated to simulate Hertzian contact configuration. Experiments were conducted by applying three different normal loads (1, 1.5 and 2 kg) and three different sliding speeds (1.25, 2 and 3 m/s) at different temperatures [room temperature (31 ± 1 °C), 60 °C, 100 °C and 150 °C].

Findings

Coefficient of friction at end of the first cycle of sliding, stabilized stage, unsteady state and steady state are reported elaborately in this study. Adhesive and abrasive wear mechanisms were observed in the dry sliding of Al 6061- T6 alloy contacts from the microscopic analysis of worn contact surfaces. The coefficient of friction was more influenced by the increase in normal load than the increase in sliding speed and temperature.

Practical implications

The results obtained from this study are significant for the design of aluminium-to-aluminium contacts in aerospace engineering and automobile engineering.

Originality/value

This study reveals the coefficient of friction of aluminium-to-aluminium (Al 6061-T6 alloy) contacts under cylinder on flat contact configuration.
Analysis of the residual stresses and deformations during the autogenous GTAW process
Authors: Savaş Atilla
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) process is a widely used process that produces quality weldments. But the high heat generation from the GTAW arc can cause extreme temperatures as high as 20,000°C. The residual stresses and deformations are high accordingly. One of the methods for decreasing residual stresses and deformations is to change the welding pattern. In the literature, there are not so many examples of modeling dealing with welding patterns. This paper aims to investigate the influence of welding patterns on the deformations.

Design/methodology/approach

In this work, back-stepping patterns and partitioning of the weld line were investigated and the distortions and residual stresses were calculated. By doing this, temperature-dependent thermophysical and thermo-mechanical material properties were used. The temperature distribution and deformation from experiments with the same welding conditions were used for validation purposes.

Findings

Seven different welding patterns were analyzed. There is only one pattern with a single partition. There are three patterns investigated for both two and three partitioned weldings. The minimum deformation and the optimum residual stress combination is obtained for the last pattern, which is a three partitioned and diverging pattern.

Originality/value

The most important aspect of this paper is that it deals with welding patterns, which is not much studied beforehand. The other important thing is that the structural part and the thermal part of the simulation were coupled mutually and validated according to experiments.
Cell sorting reveals few novel prokaryote and photosynthetic picoeukaryote associations in the oligotrophic ocean
Authors: Farnelid Hanna , Turk‐Kubo Kendra , Zehr Jonathan P.
Published: December 2020

Close associations between single‐celled marine organisms can have a central role in biogeochemical processes and are of great interest for understanding the evolution of organisms. The global significance of such associations raises the question of whether unidentified associations are yet to be discovered. In this study, fluorescence‐activated cell sorted photosynthetic picoeukayote (PPE) populations and single cells were analysed by sequencing of 16S rRNA genes in the oligotrophic North Pacific Subtropical Gyre. Samples were collected during two cruises, spanning depths near the deep chlorophyll maximum, where the abundance of PPEs was highest. The association between the widespread and significant nitrogen (N2)‐fixing cyanobacterium, UCYN‐A and its prymnesiophyte host was prevalent in both population and single‐cell sorts. Several bacterial sequences, affiliating with previously described symbiotic taxa were detected but their detection was rare and not well replicated, precluding identification of novel tightly linked species‐specific associations. Similarly, no enrichment of dominant seawater taxa such as Prochlorococcus, SAR11 or Synechococcus was observed suggesting that these were not systematically ingested by the PPE in this study. The results indicate that apart from the UCYN‐A symbiosis, similar tight species‐specific associations with PPEs are unusual in the oligotrophic ocean.
Endometriosis with infertility: A comprehensive review on the role of immune deregulation and immunomodulation therapy
Authors: Kolanska Kamila , Alijotas‐Reig Jaume , Cohen Jonathan , Cheloufi Meryem , Selleret Lise , d’Argent Emmanuelle , Kayem Gilles , Valverde Enrique E. , Fain Olivier , Bornes Marie , Darai Emile , Mekinian Arsene
Published: December 2020

Background

Endometriosis is a multifactorial pathology dependent on intrinsic and extrinsic factors, but the immune deregulation seems to play a pivotal role. In endometriosis‐associated infertility, this could raise the benefit of immunomodulatory strategies to improve the results of ART. In this review, we will describe (1) sera and peritoneal fluid cytokines and immune markers; (2) autoantibodies; and (3) immunomodulatory treatments in endometriosis with infertility.

Methods

The literature research was conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library with the following keywords: “endometriosis”, “unexplained miscarriage”, “implantation failure”, “recurrent implantation failure » and « IVF‐ICSI », « biomarkers of autoimmunity”, “TNF‐α”, “TNF‐α antagonists”, “infliximab”, “adalimumab”, “etanercept”, “immunomodulatory treatment”, “steroids”, “intralipids”, “intravenous immunoglobulins”, “G‐CSF”, “pentoxyfylline”.

Results

Several studies analyzed the levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines in sera and peritoneal fluid of endometriosis‐associated infertility, in particular TNF‐α. Various autoantibodies have been found in peritoneal fluid and sera of infertile endometriosis women even in the absence of clinically defined autoimmune disease, as antinuclear, anti‐SSA, and antiphospholipid autoantibodies. In few uncontrolled studies, steroids and TNF‐α antagonists could increase the pregnancy rates in endometriosis‐associated infertility, but well‐designed trials are lacking.

Conclusion

Endometriosis is characterized by increased levels of cytokines and autoantibodies. This suggests the role of inflammation and immune cell deregulation in infertility associated with endometriosis. The strategies of immunomodulation to regulate these immune deregulations are poorly studied, and well‐designed studies are necessary.
Robotic‐assisted radiosurgery for the treatment of vasoproliferative tumours
Authors: Schmelter Valerie , Fuerweger Christoph , Muacevic Alexander , Priglinger Siegfried G. , Foerster Paul , Liegl Raffael
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Vasoproliferative tumours (VPT) are a rare but benign entity that can lead to severe visual acuity deterioration. There is no standard of care, and depending on the degree of clinical features, including tumour size and dissemination, visual acuity and subretinal fluid, treatment options include observation, cryotherapy and brachytherapy. Particularly in larger tumours, brachytherapy has advantages over other options, although higher radiation doses and the need for surgical application are disadvantages of this otherwise effective treatment option. CyberKnife radiosurgery might represent an alternative therapeutic option as no surgical intervention is needed and radiation doses are lower.

Methods

All patients diagnosed with vasoproliferative tumors who were treated with CyberKnife radiosurgery with a minimum follow‐up time of 12 months were included in this case series. We recorded visual acuity, number of lesions, central retinal thickness with optical coherence tomography (OCT) and reflectivity using A‐scan standardizes echography every three months.

Results

A total of four patients with a median age of 34 years (range: 24 – 51) who were observed over an average of 26.5 months (range: 17 – 49 months) matched our inclusion criteria. We appreciated stabilization or increase in visual acuity in all four patients and a regression in tumour thickness with subsequent increase in internal reflectivity as a marker of increasing fibrosis.

Conclusion

We observed good visual and functional outcome following CyberKnife therapy for VPT. We believe that further studies should be pursued to evaluate CyberKnife therapy for the treatment of VPT not treatable with cryo‐ or lasertherapy.
‘I’m calling in regard to my son’: Entitlement, obligation, and opportunity to seek help for others
Authors: Tennent Emma
Published: December 2020

From mundane acts like lending a hand to high‐stakes incidents like calling an ambulance, help is a ubiquitous part of the human experience. Social relations shape who we help and how. This paper presents a discursive psychology study of an understudied form of help – seeking help for others. Drawing on a corpus of recorded calls to a victim support helpline, I analysed how social relations were demonstrably relevant when callers sought help for others. I used membership categorization analysis and sequential conversation analysis to document how participants used categories to build and interpret requests for help on behalf of others. Categorical relationships between help‐seekers, help‐recipients, and potential help‐providers were consequential in determining whether callers’ requests were justified and if help could be provided. The findings show that different categorical relationships configured seeking help for others as a matter of entitlement, obligation, or opportunity. Analysing the categories participants use in naturally occurring social interaction provides an emic perspective on seeking help for others. This kind of help‐seeking offers a fruitful area for discursive psychology to develop new conceptualizations of help and social relations.
CREB3L1 overexpression as a potential diagnostic marker of Philadelphia chromosome–negative myeloproliferative neoplasms
Authors: Morishita Soji , Yasuda Hajime , Yamawaki Saya , Kawaji Hideya , Itoh Masayoshi , Edahiro Yoko , Imai Misa , Kogo Yasushi , Tsuneda Satoshi , Ohsaka Akimichi , Hayashizaki Yoshihide , Ito Masafumi , Araki Marito , Komatsu Norio
Published: December 2020

Discrimination of Philadelphia‐negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (Ph‐MPNs) from reactive hypercytosis and myelofibrosis requires a constellation of testing including driver mutation analysis and bone marrow biopsies. We searched for a biomarker that can more easily distinguish Ph‐MPNs from reactive hypercytosis and myelofibrosis by using RNA‐seq analysis utilizing platelet‐rich plasma (PRP)‐derived RNAs from patients with essential thrombocythemia (ET) and reactive thrombocytosis, and CREB3L1 was found to have an extremely high impact in discriminating the two disorders. To validate and further explore the result, expression levels of CREB3L1 in PRP were quantified by reverse‐transcription quantitative PCR and compared among patients with ET, other Ph‐MPNs, chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), and reactive hypercytosis and myelofibrosis. A CREB3L1 expression cutoff value determined based on PRP of 18 healthy volunteers accurately discriminated 150 driver mutation–positive Ph‐MPNs from other entities (71 reactive hypercytosis and myelofibrosis, 6 CML, and 18 healthy volunteers) and showed both sensitivity and specificity of 1.0000. Importantly, CREB3L1 expression levels were significantly higher in ET compared with reactive thrombocytosis (P < .0001), and polycythemia vera compared with reactive erythrocytosis (P < .0001). Pathology‐affirmed triple‐negative ET (TN‐ET) patients were divided into a high– and low–CREB3L1‐expression group, and some patients in the low‐expression group achieved a spontaneous remission during the clinical course. In conclusion, CREB3L1 analysis has the potential to single‐handedly discriminate driver mutation–positive Ph‐MPNs from reactive hypercytosis and myelofibrosis, and also may identify a subgroup within TN‐ET showing distinct clinical features including spontaneous remission.
Immunological interpretation of minipuberty: Minipuberty as the driving force of sexual dimorphism in the immune response
Authors: Karaoglan Murat , Nacarkahya Gulper
Published: December 2020

Background/Objective

Although the physiology of minipuberty is well established, it is not fully explained why it occurs. It has been suggested that minipuberty contributes to the development of reproductive organs, somatic growth, cognitive/behavioural and sex‐specific brain development. Given the well‐known trade‐off between the reproductive/endocrine and immune systems in adults, the immunological approach to minipuberty, which is characterized by transient activation of the hypothalamo‐pituitary gonadal (HPG) axis, seems to be ignored.

This study focused on the relationship of the lymphocyte subsets with gonadotrophin and sex hormones during the minipuberty.

Materials and Methods

A total of 121 newborns (58 male) were included in this cross‐sectional study. The hormone and lymphocyte subsets studied were as follow: follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) estradiol (E), testosterone (T), CD19, CD16/56, CD3, CD3/CD4, CD3/CD8 and HLA‐DR as lymphocyte activation marker.

Results

The mean FSH levels were higher in females (15.15 ± 10.12 mIU/ml vs, 2.61 ± 1.74 mIU/ml) and LH in males (5.80 ± 2.51 mIU/ml vs. 1.91 ± 12.89 mIU/ml) (P < .001 for each). The mean percentages of the CD3/CD4 levels were higher in females (54.61 ± 6.70% vs. 51.17 ± 6.77%) and CD3/CD8 in males (21.49 ± 4.82% vs. 17.31 ± 3.66%) (P < .001 for each). In the females, the mean FSH levels negatively correlated with CD3/CD4 (rFSH‐CD3/CD4 = −0.423, P = .001) and positively correlated with CD3/CD8 (rFSH‐CD3/CD8 = 0.311, P = .013). In the males, LH positively correlated with CD3/CD4 (rLH‐CD3/CD4 = 0.406, P < .001) and negatively correlated with CD3/CD8 (rLH‐CD3/CD8 = −0.486, P < .001).

Conclusion

This study showed that the mean CD3/CD4 levels were higher in female and CD3/CD8 in male newborns, indicating that there was a sexual dimorphism in favour of immunostimulant in females and immunosuppressor components of immune response in males during the minipuberty. These interactions point to sex‐specific trade‐off between reproductive/endocrine and immune systems, which it reflects the an investment favouring in the reproductive system against the immune response during minipuberty, which is critical period for adult fertility, especially in males.
The novel Nrf2 activator CDDO‐EA attenuates cerebral ischemic injury by promoting microglia/macrophage polarization toward M2 phenotype in mice
Authors: Lei Xia , Li Hanxia , Li Min , Dong Qiwei , Zhao Huayang , Zhang Zongyong , Sun Baoliang , Mao Leilei
Published: December 2020

The aim of present study was to explore whether 2‐cyano‐3, 12‐dioxooleana‐1, 9‐dien‐28‐oic acid (CDDO)‐ethylamide (CDDO‐EA) attenuates cerebral ischemic injury and its possible mechanisms using a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model in C57BL/6 mice. Our results showed that intraperitoneal injection (i.p.) of CDDO‐EA (2 and 4 mg/kg) augmented NFE2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) expression in ischemic cortex after MCAO. Moreover, CDDO‐EA (2 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly enhanced Nrf2 nuclear accumulation, associated with increased cytosolic HO‐1 expression, reduced neurological deficit and infarct volume as well as neural apoptosis, and shifted polarization of microglia/macrophages toward an antiinflammatory M2 phenotype in ischemic cortex after MCAO. Using an in vitro model, we confirmed that CDDO‐EA (100 μg/mL) increased HO‐1 expression and primed microglial polarization toward M2 phenotype under inflammatory stimulation in BV2 microglial cells. These findings suggest that a novel Nrf2 activator CDDO‐EA confers neuroprotection against ischemic injury.