bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Process optimization of high entropy alloys by laser additive manufacturing
Authors: Dada Modupeola , Popoola Patricia , Mathe Ntombi , Pityana Sisa , Adeosun Samson , Aramide Olufemi , Lengopeng Thabo 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAerospace components and their coatings are required to possess excellent surface properties over a wide temperature range. Stainless steels, titanium, nickel superalloy, and more recently high entropy alloys (HEAs) have been used to improve the exterior properties of these components. In this study, AlTiCrFeCoNi and AlCoCrFeNiCu HEAs were successfully fabricated using laser additive manufacturing to produce coatings on an A301 steel base plate. The influence of the laser parameters (laser power and scan speed) on the microstructure and hardness properties were also investigated. The results revealed that coatings homogeneously adhered to the baseplate. The optimum processing parameters for both alloys with defect‐free structures at a preheat temperature of 400°C, were at 1200‐1600 W at 8‐12 mm/s with the layers composed of both face centred‐cubic (FCC) and body centred‐cubic (BCC) phases. The laser parameters affected the quality and hardness properties of the alloys. The results showed that optimizing the laser parameters achieved by preheating temperature invariably improved the performance of the alloys with potential coatings and structural applications.
Effectiveness of exercise‐based interventions in patients with anorexia nervosa: A systematic review
Authors: Quiles Marcos Yolanda , León Zarceño Eva , López López José Antonio 
Published: August 2020

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to conduct a systematic review of research that has evaluated the outcomes of exercise‐based interventions in anorexia nervosa (AN) patients.MethodWe searched for studies in the MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, PsycInfo, Scopus and SPORTDiscus databases. We followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines throughout the selection process, and used Cochrane tools to assess the risk of bias in the primary studies. In cases where sufficient information was available, outcomes were pooled using meta‐analytic techniques.ResultsTen studies were included in the review. Results showed similar changes in body mass index in both experimental and control conditions (difference in mean changes of −0.53, 95% CI −1.52 to 0.46). We found no differences in depression or anxiety as a result of implementing exercise programmes. Studies using resistance or strength exercise programmes reported an increase in lower and upper body strength and in skeletal muscle mass in the intervention groups.ConclusionThe incorporation of a supervised physical exercise programme to the usual treatment may be appropriate for AN patients. Exercise interventions should only be performed when they are safe for AN patients and should be focused on resistance/strength or flexibility exercises. The results from this systematic review should be interpreted with caution because the studies reviewed showed serious methodological problems.
The effect of long‐term aerial exposure on intertidal mudflat erodibility
Authors: Nguyen Hieu M. , Bryan Karin R. , Pilditch Conrad A. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIntertidal zones by definition are exposed to air at low tide, and the exposure duration can be weeks (e.g. during neap tides) depending on water level and bed elevation. Here we investigated the effect of varying exposure duration (6 h to 10 days) on intertidal mudflat erosion (measured using the EROMES device), where the effects of water content and biofilm biomass (using chlorophyll‐a content as a proxy, Chl‐a μg g−1) were taken into account. Sediments were collected between spring and summer (in October 2018, January 2019 and February 2019) from an intertidal site in the Firth of Thames, New Zealand. Longer exposure duration resulted in more stable sediments [higher erosion threshold (Ƭcr, N m−2) and lower erosion rate (ER, g m−2 s−1)]. After 10 days, exposure increased Ƭcr by 1.7 to 4.4 times and decreased ER by 11.6 to 21.5 times compared with 6 h of exposure. Chl‐a and water content changed with exposure duration and were significantly correlated with changes in Ƭcr and ER. The stability of sediments after two re‐submersion periods following exposure was also examined and showed that the stabilizing effect of exposure persisted even though water content had increased to non‐exposure levels. Re‐submersion was associated with an increase in Chl‐a content, which likely counteracted the destabilizing influence of increased water content. A site‐specific model, which included the interplay between evaporation and biofilm biomass, was developed to predict water content as a function of exposure duration. The modelled water content (WMod.) explained 98% of the observed variation in water content (WObs.). These results highlight how the exposure period can cause subtle changes to erosion regimes of sediments. An understanding of these effects (e.g. in sediment transport modelling) is critical to predicting the resilience of intertidal zones into the future, when sea‐level rise is believed to exacerbate erosion in low‐lying areas. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Corporate finance policies, subsidies and R&D: Evidence from China
Authors: Huang Wei , Sattar Mahnoor 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThis paper develops an agency theory based conceptual framework to investigate the interconnections among corporate finance policies, subsidies and R&D investment. We empirically test our predictions using a sample of listed high‐tech firms from China during 2007–2015. Our baseline results support a positive subsidies‐R&D relationship. Subsequent tests using non‐linear models further point out that this relationship is inverted U‐shaped. In line with our conceptual framework, we show that the marginal effect of subsidies is diminishing and turns negative particularly among firms with higher dividend payout, lower investment efficiency, and lesser cashflow constraints. These findings ascertain the importance of internal corporate governance structure in facilitating regulatory policy implementation and effectiveness.
Terrorism and global business performance
Authors: Tauringana Venancio , Tingbani Ishmael , Okafor Godwin , Sha'ven Widin B. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThis paper contributes to the literature on business performance by investigating the relationship between terrorism and global business performance at country level. A measure of a country's distance from the frontier score of the World Bank's Doing Business index is used to proxy for business performance. The results of the fixed‐effects estimations based on 173 countries over 7 years (2009–2017) show that terrorism has no significant relationship with global business performance. We then partition our sample into developed, developing and fragile countries. The results still show that there is no robust significant relationship between terrorism and business performance for the sub‐samples of developed and developing countries. However, the results based on the fragile countries' sub‐sample suggest a significant negative relationship between terrorism and business performance. The results are consistent with an alternative measure of business performance and estimation technique that controls for endogeneity.
The effects of psychological capital and empowerment on entrepreneurial spirit: The case of Naghadeh County, Iran
Authors: Haji Latif , Valizadeh Naser , Karimi Hamid 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe main purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of psychological capital on villagers' entrepreneurial spirit through the mediating role of psychological empowerment. Present study is an applied research, which was based on structural equation modelling in terms of the method of analysis. Statistical population was villagers of Nahgadeh County (N = 12,155) that was estimated using Krejcie and Morgan sampling table (n = 375). The samples were selected using stratified random sampling method. Research tool was a structured questionnaire which its validity confirmed by a panel of experts. Furthermore, the reliability of the research instrument was accomplished through Cronbach's alpha coefficients (0.86 ≤ α ≤ 0.92). Structural equation modelling was employed in order to test the hypotheses. The results indicated that direct effect of psychological capital on psychological empowerment (t = 3.61, γ = 0.24) was positive and significant. Besides, psychological capital (t = 4.28, γ = 0.28) and psychological empowerment (t = 8.67, γ = 0.59) positively and significantly affected entrepreneurial spirit. The analysis of indirect effects demonstrated that the indirect effect of psychological capital on entrepreneurial spirit was significant (γ = 0.42). Finally, it should be mentioned that independent variables could account for 57% variance of entrepreneurial spirit and fitness indices of the model were at an acceptable level.
Financial contagion in real economy: The key role of policy uncertainty
Authors: Samitas Aristeidis , Kampouris Elias , Umar Zaghum 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThis paper studies the spread of the Subprime Crisis and the European Sovereign Debt Crisis from Eurozone countries to the real economy by examining 10 sectors in major developed and emerging stock markets. First, we employ Cappiello et al., Journal of Financial Economics, 2006, 4, 537–572 model and copula functions to detect and cross‐check the correlations and the contagion thereafter. Second, we uncover evidence of correlation behaviour between policy uncertainty indexes and stock market returns. The results demonstrate that no country and sector was immune to spillover effects, highlighting the limited effectiveness of policy makers for both the Subprime Crisis and the European Sovereign Debt Crisis. The empirical application provides evidence of significant volatility and tail dependence from the financial sector to many real sectors in the U.S. economy. Additionally, there is clear evidence that certain sectors, particularly Healthcare, Telecommunications, Utilities and Technology, were less severely affected by the crisis, as observed by Baur, Journal of Banking & Finance, 2011, 36, 2680–2692.
Advanced adrenocortical carcinoma successfully treated with gemcitabine plus capecitabine as second‐line chemotherapy
Authors: Yamamoto Akinaru , Nakai Yasutomo , Oka Toshiki , Kanaki Tomohiro , Yamamoto Yoshiyuki , Nagahara Akira , Nakayama Masashi , Kakimoto Ken‐ichi , Nishimura Kazuo 
Published: August 2020

IntroductionAdrenocortical carcinoma is a rare malignant tumor with an unfavorable prognosis in the advanced stage for which second‐/third‐line chemotherapy is not well established.Case presentationA 34‐year‐old woman was referred to our institution for left adrenal tumor with multiple liver metastases and tumor thrombus extending to the inferior vena cava. According to her clinical diagnosis of adrenocortical carcinoma (T4N0M1, European Network for the Study of Adrenal Tumors stage IV), we resected the left adrenal tumor and tumor thrombus. Pathological examination confirmed the adrenocortical carcinoma diagnosis. After four courses of etoposide, doxorubicin, cisplatin, and mitotane therapy, the liver metastases progressed, and we started gemcitabine, capecitabine, and mitotane therapy as second‐line chemotherapy. After 7 months, significant shrinkage of the liver metastases was observed, and they remained stable over 16 months.ConclusionWe reported a case of advanced adrenocortical carcinoma with significant shrinkage of liver metastases following gemcitabine, capecitabine, and mitotane therapy, with the effect maintained over 16 months.
Investment profitability and economic efficiency of the drip irrigation system: Evidence from Egypt*
Authors: Ali Abdelrahman , Xia Chunping , Jia Cheng , Faisal Muhammad 
Published: August 2020

AbstractModern irrigation systems are key to improving the productivity of water and land units. This study assesses the economic aspects of the drip irrigation system (DIS) by calculating the investment profitability and economic efficiency of the DIS for growing tomatoes in Egypt. One hundred tomato farmers were surveyed. Financial discounted criteria were used in addition to data envelopment analysis to estimate the economic efficiency of growing tomatoes using the DIS. The results showed that investment in the DIS is lucrative, with an increase of 67% in the net return per hectare, compared with results using non‐drip irrigation. The benefit–cost ratio amounted to 1.35, the net present value was US$1720, and the internal rate of return was 44%. The data envelopment analysis results revealed that most farms achieved technical and allocative efficiencies; however, cost and scale efficiencies still need improvement. These results could guide policymakers when designing irrigation transformation strategies that involve the use of micro‐credit to encourage small farmers to change from conventional irrigation systems to DISs. Agricultural extension agencies should organize intensive training programmes for small farmers on how to operate and maintain the DIS. These policies will accelerate the adoption of irrigation modernization and help vulnerable farmers maximize productivity and achieve sustainability in the use of limited resources.
Probabilistic time‐driven activity‐based costing
Authors: Sánchez Marisa A. , Batista Marianela De 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThis article proposes a Probabilistic Time‐driven Activity‐based costing model. Time consumption is represented using probabilistic variables and Monte Carlo simulation technique is used to forecast total cost. The simulation experiments provide data to estimate a confidence interval for the total cost of a cost object. Hence, simulation can easily address variations in time forecasts and provide a more realistic characterization of total cost. The definition of the number of resources (e.g., employees) as decision variables allows analyzing alternatives and answer “what‐if questions”. The proposal would be very useful for an operation manager in analyzing uncertain scenarios and providing information indicating under what conditions different cost estimates are feasible.
Cyclometalated iridium(III) complexes containing 2‐phenyl‐2H‐indazole ligand: Synthesis, photophysical studies, and DFT calculations
Authors: Dou Shao‐Bin , Jia Xing‐Liang , Liu Zhi‐Jun , Meng Ya‐Qi , Mo Zheng‐Rong , Li Gao‐Nan , Niu Zhi‐Gang 
Published: August 2020

AbstractHeteroleptic cyclometalated iridium(III) complexes (Ir1–Ir5) featuring piz‐based ligands and acetylacetone ancillary ligand are synthesized and characterized. Their photophysical and electrochemical properties were studied, and DFT calculations were used to further support the experiment results. All the complexes emit yellow color with quantum yields of 12.2–56.5% in dichloromethane solution at room temperature, and the emission originates from a hybrid 3MLCT/3ILCT/3LLCT excited state.
Performance evaluation of an amplicon‐based next‐generation sequencing panel for BRCA1 and BRCA2 variant detection
Authors: Park Kuenyoul , Kim Min Kyu , Lee Taegeun , Hong Jinyoung , Kim Hyun‐Ki , Ahn Sunyoung , Lee Young‐Jae , Kim Jisun , Lee Shin‐Wha , Lee Jong Won , Lee Woochang , Chun Sail , Son Byung Ho , Jung Kyung Hae , Kim Yong‐Man , Min Won‐Ki , Ahn Sei‐Hyun 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundAs next‐generation sequencing (NGS) technology matures, various amplicon‐based NGS tests for BRCA1/2 genotyping have been introduced. This study was designed to evaluate an NGS test using a newly released amplicon‐based panel, AmpliSeq for Illumina BRCA Panel (AmpliSeq panel), for detection of clinically significant BRCA variants, and to compare it to another amplicon‐based NGS test confirmed by Sanger sequencing.MethodsWe reviewed BRCA test results done by NGS using the TruSeq Custom Amplicon kit from patients suspected of hereditary breast/ovarian cancer syndrome (HBOC) in 2018. Of those, 96 residual samples with 100 clinically significant variants were included in this study using predefined criteria: 100 variants were distributed throughout the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. All target variants were confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Duplicate NGS testing of these samples was performed using the AmpliSeq panel, and the concordance of results from the two amplicon‐based NGS tests was assessed.ResultsNinety‐nine of 100 variants were detected in duplicate BRCA1/2 genotyping using the AmpliSeq panel (sensitivity, 99%; specificity, 100%). In the discordant case, one variant (BRCA1 c.3627dupA) was found only in repeat 1, but not in repeat 2. Automated nomenclature of all variants, except for two indel variants, was in consensus with Human Genome Variation Society nomenclature.ConclusionOur findings confirm that the analytic performance of the AmpliSeq panel is satisfactory, with high sensitivity and specificity.
Boron removal with modified polyamide RO modules by cross‐linked glutaric dialdehyde grafting
Authors: Chen Boxian , Li Fuzhi , Zhao Xuan 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDReverse osmosis (RO) plays an increasingly important role in boron removal. In this study, novel polyamide RO membranes and modules with high boron rejection were fabricated by cross‐linked glutaric dialdehyde (GA) grafting. To evaluate the influence of GA grafting on membrane materials, the surface properties before and after modification were analyzed.RESULTSThe results showed that the membrane morphology changed distinctly after GA modification. All modified membranes became more hydrophilic as the water contact angle decreased from 60° to 35°. The zeta potential of RO membrane surface increased from −6.23 mV to 17.27 mV, which indicated that the surface charge altered from negative to positive. The rejection of boron increased from 76.65% to 90.14% and the boron permeability coefficient decreased from 3.71 to 0.79. Furthermore, the rejection of boron for modified module was >90% over a 5–22 ppm range of boron concentration. The rejection of boron also stabilized at ≈90% beyond 3000 min.CONCLUSIONThe modified RO membrane modules with high boron rejection and acceptable flux could be used in boron removal. The approach in this study can improve the separation properties of boron for commercially available modules without disassembling. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI)
The first report of two homozygous sequence variants in FKRP and SELENON genes associated with syndromic congenital muscular dystrophy in Iran: Further expansion of the clinical phenotypes
Authors: Mohamadian Malihe , Naseri Mohsen , Ghandil Pegah , Bahrami Afsane , Momen Ali Akbar 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundCongenital muscular dystrophy (CMD) refers to hypotonia and delayed motor development that is manifested at or near the birth. Additional presentations have been observed in CMD syndromes.MethodsThorough clinical examinations were performed on two unrelated Iranian families with typical symptoms of CMD and uncommon features such as intellectual disability and nephrolithiasis. The genomic DNA of probands were subjected to whole exome sequencing. Following the detection of candidate variants with a bioinformatic pipeline, the familial co‐segregation analysis was carried out using polymerase chain reaction‐based Sanger sequencing.ResultsWe identified a missense homozygous variant in the fukutin‐related protein (FKRP) gene (c.968G>A, p.Arg323His) related to CMD‐dystroglycanopathy type B5 (MDDGB5) and a frameshift homozygous variant in the selenoprotein N (SELENON) gene (c.1446delC, p.Asn483Thrfs*11) associated with congenital rigid‐spine muscular dystrophy 1 (RSMD1), which were completely segregated with the phenotypes in the families. These variants were not found in either the 1000 Genomes Project or the Exome Aggregation Consortium. The present study provides the first report of these homozygous sequence variants in Iran. Moreover, our study was the first observation of nephrolithiasis in FKRP‐related dystroglycanopathy and intellectual disability in SELENON‐related myopathies. Based on in silico studies and molecular docking, these variations induced pathogenic effects on the proteins.ConclusionsOur findings extend the genetic database of Iranian patients with CMD and, in general, the phenotypical spectrum of syndromic CMD. It is recommended to consider these variants for a more accurate clinical interpretation, prenatal diagnosis and genetic counseling in families with a history of CMD, especially in those combined with cognitive impairments or renal dysfunctions.
Fetal Flow Quantification in Great Vessels Using Motion‐Corrected Radial Phase Contrast MRI: Comparison With Cartesian
Authors: Goolaub Datta Singh , Xu Jiawei , Schrauben Eric , Sun Liqun , Roy Christopher W. , Marini Davide , Seed Mike , Macgowan Christopher K. 
Published: August 2020

BackgroundPhase contrast MRI in the great vessels is a potential clinical tool for managing fetal pathologies. One challenge is the uncontrollable fetal motion, potentially corrupting flow quantifications.PurposeTo demonstrate improvements in fetal blood flow quantification in great vessels using retrospectively motion‐corrected golden‐angle radial phase contrast MRI relative to Cartesian phase contrast MRI.Study TypeMethod comparison.Phantom/SubjectsComputer simulation. Seventeen pregnant volunteers.Field Strength/Sequence1.5T and 3T. Cartesian and golden‐angle radial phase contrast MRI.AssessmentThrough computer simulations, radial (with and without retrospective motion correction) and Cartesian phase contrast MRI were compared using flow deviations. in vivo Cartesian and radial phase contrast MRI measurements and reconstruction qualities were compared in pregnancies. Cartesian data were reconstructed into gated reconstructions (CINEs) after cardiac gating with metric optimized gating (MOG). For radial data, real‐time reconstructions were performed for motion correction and MOG followed by CINE reconstructions.Statistical TestsWilcoxon signed‐rank test. Linear regression. Bland–Altman plots. Student's t‐test.ResultsSimulations showed significant improvements (P < 0.05) in flow accuracy and reconstruction quality with motion correction ([mean/peak] flow errors with ±5 mm motion corruption: Cartesian [35 ± 1/115 ± 7] mL/s, motion uncorrected radial [25 ± 1/75 ± 2] mL/s and motion‐corrected radial [1.0 ± 0.5/−5 ± 1] mL/s). in vivo Cartesian reconstructions without motion correction had lower quality than the motion‐corrected radial reconstructions (P < 0.05). Across all fetal mean flow measurements, the bias [limits of agreement] between the two measurements were −0.2 [−76, 75] mL/min/kg, while the linear regression coefficients were (Mradial = 0.81 × MCartesian + 29.8 [mL/min/kg], r2 = 0.67). The corresponding measures for the peak fetal flows were −23 [−214, 167] mL/min/kg and (Pradial = 0.95 × PCartesian–1.2 [mL/min/kg], r2 = 0.80). Cartesian reconstructions of low quality showed significantly higher estimated mean and peak (P < 0.05) flows than the corresponding radial reconstructions.Data ConclusionSimulations showed that radial phase contrast MRI with motion compensation improved flow accuracy. For fetal measurements, motion‐corrected radial reconstructions showed better image quality than, and different flow values from, Cartesian reconstructions.Level of Evidence 1.Technical Efficacy Stage 1.J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2021;53:540–551.