bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Highly sensitive quantification of carbon monoxide (CO)in vivoreveals a protective role of circulating hemoglobin in CO intoxication
Authors: Mao Qiyue , Kawaguchi Akira T. , Mizobata Shun , Motterlini Roberto , Foresti Roberta , Kitagishi Hiroaki 
Published: October 2020

AbstractCarbon monoxide (CO) is a gaseous molecule known as the silent killer. It is widely believed that an increase in blood carboxyhemoglobin (CO-Hb) is the best biomarker to define CO intoxication, neglecting the important fact that CO accumulation in tissues is the most likely direct cause of mortality. There is no reliable method other than gas chromatography to accurately determine CO content in tissues. Here we report the properties and usage of hemoCD1, a synthetic supramolecular compound composed of an iron(II)porphyrin and a cyclodextrin dimer, as an accessible reagent for a simple colorimetric assay to quantify CO in biological samples. The assay was validated in various organ tissues collected from rats under normal conditions and after exposure to CO by inhalation. The kinetic profile of CO in blood and tissues after CO treatment suggested that CO accumulation in tissues is prevented by circulating Hb, revealing a protective role of Hb in CO intoxication. Furthermore, hemoCD1 was usedin vivoas a CO removal agent, showing that it acts as effective adjuvant to O2ventilation to eliminate residual CO accumulated in organs, including the brain. These findings open new therapeutic perspectives to counteract the toxicity associated with CO poisoning.
Does well banking performance attract FDI? Empirical evidence from the SAARC economies
Authors: Tahir Muhammad , Alam Md Badrul 
Published: October 2020

PurposeThis paper empirically examines the perceived relationship between banking sector performance and FDI inflows, thereby highlighting an underexplored area in the existing literature.Design/methodology/approachTo provide evidence from the South Asian context, this study selected five economies of the same region based on the data availability. A panel dataset, collected from the internationally reliable sources for the period 1998–2017, is analyzed with the help of different econometric techniques, including pooled least squares, fixed effects, generalized least square and two stages least squares.FindingsThe results indicate a significant negative relationship between banking sector performance and FDI inflows while demonstrating a significant positive association of inflation and trade openness with FDI inflows Moreover, higher per capita income, which is one of the indicators of a growing economy, exerts a statistically significant positive impact on FDI inflows. Finally, institutional factors have not played a significant role in attracting FDI in the sampled countries.Practical implicationsThe results demonstrate a unique outcome from the perspective of the relationship between banking sector performance and FDI inflows, and hence policymakers of the developing countries in general and South Asian countries in particular would benefit from the current study significantly.Originality/valueThe obtained results are original as we have provided comprehensive evidence on the relationship between FDI and banking sector performance in the SAARC context for the first time.
Electrical energy prediction using a surface fitting model for an on-farm direct expansion bulk milk cooler (DXBMC) in South Africa
Authors: Mhundwa Russel , Simon Michael 
Published: October 2020

Purpose
This paper aims to show that a simplified surface fitting model can be efficient in determining the energy consumption during milk cooling by an on-farm direct expansion bulk milk cooler (DXBMC). The study reveals that milk volume and the temperature gradient between the room and the final milk temperature can effectively be used for predicting the energy consumption within 95% confidence bounds.

Design/methodology/approach
A data acquisition system comprised a Landis and Gyr E650 power meter, TMC6-HE temperature sensors, and HOBO UX120-006M 4-channel analog data logger was designed and built for monitoring of the DXBMC. The room temperature where the DXBMC is housed was measured using a TMC6-HE temperature sensor, connected to a Hobo UX120-006M four-channel analog data logger which was configured to log at one-minute intervals. The electrical energy consumed by the DXBMC was measured using a Landis and Gyr E650 meter while the volume of milk was extracted from on the farm records.

Findings
The results showed that the developed model can predict the electrical energy consumption of the DXBMC within an acceptable accuracy since 80% of the variation in the electrical energy consumption by the DXBMC was explained by the mathematical model. Also, milk volume and the temperature gradient between the room and final milk temperature in the BMC are primary and secondary contributors, respectively, to electrical energy consumption by the DXBMC. Based on the system that has been monitored the findings reveal that the DXBMC was operating within the expected efficiency level as evidenced by the optimized electrical energy consumption (EEC) closely mirroring the modelled EEC with a determination coefficient of 0.95.

Research limitations/implications
Only one system was monitored due to unavailability of funding to deploy several data acquisition systems across the country. The milk blending temperatures, effects of the insulation of the DXBMC, were not taken into account in this study.

Practical implications
The developed model is simple to use, cost effective and can be applied in real-time on the dairy farm which will enable the farmer to quickly identify an increase in the cooling energy per unit of milk cooled.

Social implications
The developed easy to use model can be used by dairy farmers on similar on-farm DXBMC; hence, they can devise ways to manage their energy consumption on the farm during the cooling of milk and foster some energy efficiency initiatives.

Originality/value
The implementation of the developed model can be useful to dairy farmers in South Africa. Through energy optimization, the maintenance of the DXBMC can be determined and scheduled accordingly.
Lean implementation within healthcare: imaging as fertile ground
Authors: Radcliffe Eloise , Kordowicz Maria , Mak Caroline , Shefer Guy , Armstrong David , White Patrick , Ashworth Mark 
Published: October 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to understand the barriers and enablers to lean implementation as part of an imaging quality improvement programme from a socio-cultural perspective.Design/methodology/approachAn in-depth 33 month ethnographic study, using observation and qualitative interviews, examined the process of lean implementation as part of an improvement programme.FindingsImplementation of lean was more successful compared with other reports of lean in healthcare settings. Key enablers of lean were high levels of multidisciplinary staff involvement and engagement; the professional credibility of facilitators and clinicians as early adopters, all within a wider culture of relatively strong inter-professional relationships in the imaging department. These enablers combined with the more routinised and standardised nature of imaging pathways compared to some other acute specialties suggest that imaging is fertile ground for lean, linked to the manufacturing origins of lean.Practical implicationsWhen introducing lean within healthcare settings, special attention needs to be paid to the specific healthcare context and the existing cultures of inter-professional relationships. Fostering an improvement culture and engagement with training, together with adequate financial resource, are a key to contributing to the level of acceptability of an improvement tool such as lean.Originality/valueThis ethnographic study, bringing together rich multi-source data, has provided a detailed insight into the cultural workings of the process of lean implementation within a complex healthcare system.
A non-instantaneous inventory model of agricultural products considering deteriorating impacts and pricing policies
Authors: Hasan Md. Rakibul , Mashud Abu Hashan Md , Daryanto Yosef , Wee Hui Ming 
Published: October 2020

Purpose
External factors such as improper handling, extreme weather and insect attacks affect product quality. It is most obvious in fruit products which have a high deterioration rate. Moreover, decaying fruits will increase the deteriorating of other good ones. The purpose of this study is to derive the optimal pricing and replenishment decisions for agricultural products considering the effect of external factors that induce deterioration.

Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, the study investigates ways to reduce the product deterioration rate by separating the near defective items from the other good products and accelerating the quick sales of the near defective items at a discounted price. The objective is to maximize the total profit by optimizing the selling price and the replenishment cycles. Two scenarios are investigated. In the first scenario, the retailer offers a selling price discount for near defective products to stimulate customer demand. In the second scenario, the retailer does not offer such discounts.

Findings
An algorithm to solve the model is derived. Further, numerical examples are developed to compare the total profit for the two scenarios. Theoretical derivations and graphical results show the concavity of the profit function. Finally, the sensitivity analysis shows that the total profit of the discount model is higher.

Originality/value
This study contributes to a new pricing and inventory decision model. The research provides insights to retailers on making optimal pricing and replenishment decisions for non-instantaneous deterioration items, as well as reducing the external factors that influence higher deterioration rate through separating good products from the near defective ones which are sold at a discount to induce the sale.
Influence of roadways on heavy metal content in soils and yerba mate tissue in southern Brazil
Authors: Frigo Cleiton , Magri Ederlan , Barbosa Julierme Zimmer , Sarteretto Laudete Maria , Araujo Eloá Moura , Melo Vander Freitas de , Prior Stephen Arthur , Motta Antônio Carlos Vargas 
Published: October 2020

PurposeVehicular road traffic may represent an important soil and plant contamination source. In this context, the concentration of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, As, Sb, Ni, Cu, Fe, Al, Mn and Zn) and macronutrients (Ca, Mg, K and P) was evaluated in yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil.) cultivations and in soils adjacent to highways.Design/methodology/approachThe investigated yerba mate cultivations were located in southern Brazil. Plant tissue (young and old leaves and branches) and soil (0–10 cm) samples were collected at five distances from the highway (0–10, 10–20, 20–30, 30–40 and 40–50 m). Plant tissue was analyzed with and without washing to evaluate contributions from particulate deposition.FindingsAlthough increases in soil pseudo-total concentrations of Cd, Cu, Ni, Zn, Fe, Mn, Ca and Mg were observed only at the Erechim site, geoaccumulation indices and enrichment factors (EFs) did not indicate any heavy metal pollution. These results indicate the existence of natural variation in soil. Cadmium was more concentrated in branches than in leaves, while the opposite was observed for Pb. High levels of Mn and Al were found in foliar tissue. In summary, highway proximity did not lead to heavy metal contamination of yerba mate under the evaluated conditions.Originality/valueThis research explores the possibility of heavy metal pollution in plantations of yerba mate adjacent to highways and indicates natural concentrations of toxic elements that exceed current legislation, which was an important discovery regarding the yerba mate production chain.
Behavioural responses to warming differentially impact survival in introduced and native dung beetles
Authors: Mamantov Margaret A. , Sheldon Kimberly S. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAnthropogenic changes are often studied in isolation but may interact to affect biodiversity. For example, climate change could exacerbate the impacts of biological invasions if climate change differentially affects invasive and native species. Behavioural plasticity may mitigate some of the impacts of climate change, but species vary in their degree of behavioural plasticity. In particular, invasive species may have greater behavioural plasticity than native species since plasticity helps invasive species establish and spread in new environments. This plasticity could make invasives better able to cope with climate change.Here our goal was to examine whether reproductive behaviours and behavioural plasticity vary between an introduced and a nativeOnthophagusdung beetle species in response to warming temperatures and how differences in behaviour influence offspring survival.Using a repeated measures design, we exposed small colonies of introducedO. taurusand nativeO. hecateto three temperature treatments, including a control, low warming and high warming treatment, and then measured reproductive behaviours, including the number, size and burial depth of brood balls. We reared offspring in their brood balls in developmental temperatures that matched those of the brood ball burial depth to quantify survival.We found that the introducedO. taurusproduced more brood balls and larger brood balls, and buried brood balls deeper than the nativeO. hecatein all treatments. However, the two species did not vary in the degree of behavioural plasticity in response to warming. Differences in reproductive behaviours did affect survival such that warming temperatures had a greater effect on survival of offspring of nativeO. hecatecompared to introducedO. taurus.Overall, our results suggest that differences in behaviour between native and introduced species are one mechanism through which climate change may exacerbate negative impacts of biological invasions.
Symbiotic soil fungi enhance resistance and resilience of an experimental grassland to drought and nitrogen deposition
Authors: Jia Yangyang , van der Heijden Marcel G. A. , Wagg Cameron , Feng Gu , Walder Florian 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Ecosystem stability is threatened by multiple global change factors such as drought and elevated nitrogen deposition. Yet, it is still poorly understood whether soil organisms can buffer against such perturbations. Here we focus on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), a common and widespread group of soil fungi. AMF form symbiotic associations with the majority of terrestrial land plants and promote a range of ecosystem services including plant production, diversity and nutrient cycling.

We tested whether AMF have the ability to enhance the resistance and resilience of plant communities under soil moisture deficit (hereby drought) and nitrogen deposition. Grassland microcosms with 11 different plant species were established with and without AMF and exposed to elevated nitrogen levels and to an intermittent period of drought.

Drought strongly reduced plant productivity and nitrogen cycling, but had limited effects on plant diversity. Nitrogen enrichment reduced plant diversity and increased nitrogen leaching and N2O emissions. The presence of AMF enhanced plant productivity, plant diversity and reduced nitrogen losses. AMF facilitated the resistance of plant productivity and nitrogen cycling to drought and the recovery of the plant community structure back to its pre drought state. Furthermore, AMF also mitigated the adverse effects of nitrogen enrichment on the resistance of multiple ecosystem functions to drought.

Synthesis. Our work highlights the integral role of AMF for the stability of ecosystem functioning; AMF are not only able to promote resistance to harsh conditions of global change but also improve resilience by enabling plant communities to recover. These findings underline AMF's insurance capacity to buffer ecosystems against global change.
Time to antimicrobial therapy in septic shock patients treated with an early goal‐directed resuscitation protocol: A post‐hoc analysis of the ARISE trial
Authors: Bulle Esther B , Peake Sandra L , Finnis Mark , Bellomo Rinaldo , Delaney Anthony ,   on behalf of the ARISE Investigators,   ARISE Investigators
Published: October 2020

AbstractObjectiveIntravenous antimicrobial therapy within 1 h of the diagnosis of septic shock is recommended in international sepsis guidelines. We aimed to evaluate the association between antimicrobial timing and mortality in patients presenting to the ED with septic shock.MethodsPost‐hoc analysis of 1587 adult participants enrolled in the Australasian Resuscitation in Sepsis Evaluation (ARISE) multicentre trial of early goal‐directed therapy for whom the time of initial antimicrobial therapy was recorded. We compared participants who had initiation of antimicrobials within the first hour (early) or later (delayed) of ED presentation. A propensity score model using inverse probability of treatment weighting was constructed to account for confounding baseline covariates. The primary outcome was 90‐day mortality.ResultsThe median (interquartile range) time to initiating antimicrobials was 69 (39–112) min with 712 (44.9%) participants receiving the first dose within the first hour of ED presentation. Compared with delayed therapy, early administration was associated with increased baseline illness severity score and greater intensity of resuscitation pre‐randomisation (fluid volumes, vasopressors, invasive ventilation). All‐cause 90‐day mortality was also higher; 22.6% versus 15.5%; unadjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.58 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.16–2.15), P = 0.004. After inverse probability of treatment weighting, the mortality difference was non‐significant; OR 1.30 (95% CI 0.95–1.76), P = 0.1. Live discharge rates from ICU (OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.72–0.91; P = 0.80) and hospital (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.82–1.06; P = 0.29) were also not different between groups.ConclusionIn this post‐hoc analysis of the ARISE trial, early antimicrobial therapy was associated with increased illness severity, but 90‐day adjusted mortality was not reduced.
Institutional and cross‐institutional research clusters: A community detection analysis of #IAG2019Hobart
Authors: Williamson Wayne 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAcademic conferences create an opportunity to disseminate new research, network with like‐minded researchers, and make new connections. The use of Twitter at these conferences continues to expand. This article focuses on how the Twitter data generated during conferences can be visually analysed in terms of community detection, connectivity, and information flows. Using social network analysis techniques and an online survey, the article analyses the subgroups within the entire network, their institutional affiliations, and research interest, and then focuses on the roles of the highly connected Twitter uses in the network. Through in‐depth analysis, the data revealed both how Australian geography academics use Twitter during a conference and how they cluster based on affiliations and research interest and also identified the information bridges in the social media conference network generated by using #IAG2019Hobart. The article concludes with some recommendations for further research.
Coniferaldehyde ameliorates the lipid and glucose metabolism in palmitic acid‐induced HepG2 cells via the LKB1/AMPK signaling pathway
Authors: Gai Hongyu , Zhou Fang , Zhang Yuxin , Ai Jingya , Zhan Jicheng , You Yilin , Huang Weidong 
Published: October 2020

AbstractImpaired lipid and glucose metabolism in the liver is a crucial characteristic of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Coniferaldehyde (CA), a kind of phenolic compound found in many edible plants, has multiple biological and pharmacological functions. However, since the effect and molecular mechanism of CA on hepatic lipid and glucose metabolism disorders in NAFLD remain unknown, this study investigated its impact on the lipid and glucose metabolism of palmitic acid (PA)‐induced HepG2 cells. Compared with the HepG2 cells treated only with PA, supplementation with 25, 50, and 100 µM CA reduced the levels of intracellular triglyceride (by 7.11%, 19.62%, and 31.57%) and total cholesterol (by 8.46%, 23.32%, and 27.17%), and enhanced glucose uptake (by 40.91%, 57.49%, and 61.32%) and intracellular glycogen content (by 12.75%, 41.27%, and 53.77%). Moreover, CA supplementation downregulated the expression of sterol regulatory element‐binding protein‐1, fatty acid synthase, and stearoyl‐CoA desaturase 1 related to lipogenesis while upregulating the expression of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1α related to fatty acid oxidation. CA supplementation also upregulated the glucose transporter 2 protein expression and phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase 3β while downregulating the phosphorylation of glycogen synthase. Most importantly, most of these effects of CA were reversed by pretreatment with AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) inhibitor and small interfering RNA‐liver kinase B1 (LKB1). In conclusion, CA ameliorated the lipid and glucose metabolism in PA‐induced HepG2 cells via the LKB1/AMPK signaling pathway.Practical ApplicationIn this study, coniferaldehyde appeared to be effective in ameliorating hepatic lipid and glucose metabolism disorders in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by reducing the levels of intracellular triglyceride and total cholesterol and enhancing glucose uptake and intracellular glycogen content via the LKB1/AMPK signaling pathway in vitro. Therefore, our findings provide new evidence in support of that supplementation with coniferaldehyde or food rich in coniferaldehyde might be considered as a viable dietary intervention strategy for preventing and treating nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.