bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Flexible working schedules in SMEs: Evidence from a developing country
Authors: Peprah Augustine Awuah , Agyemang Collins Badu , Damoah Obi Berko Obeng 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThere has been a sustained interest in flexible work schedules (FWSs) because of the opportunities they offer in improving organizational efficiency and providing a more work–life balanced role for employees. Yet, less research attention has been focused on FWSs in SMEs in developing countries, which leaves much to be concerned about FWSs, its application and impacts in SMEs in developing countries especially in the context of Africa. Drawing on the theory of work adjustment and job demand‐resource model and using a survey data on SMEs from Ghana, the study theorizes and tests the relationship between FWSs and SMEs perceived profitability, employees' career satisfaction and productivity. The results from the analysis indicate that FWSs in SMEs in developing countries are positively associated with (perceived) profitability, employees' career satisfaction and productivity. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Tailings facility failures in the global mining industry: Will a ‘transparency turn’ drive change?
Authors: Kemp Deanna , Owen John R. , Lèbre Éléonore 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIn this article, we critically analyse emerging regulatory controls around the design and management of tailings facilities in the global mining industry. Following several high profile, catastrophic tailings facility failures, a Global Tailings Review (GTR) was established to develop a new industry Standard. We describe the precursors to the GTR and review the public disclosure requirements of 19 separate industry‐endorsed standards and certification schemes. On several criteria, the GTR Standard requires unprecedented levels of public disclosure by mining companies. Does this amount to a ‘transparency turn’ in tailings management? We argue that while improved disclosure provisions may provide visibility for investors, regulators and other stakeholders, the socialisation of transparency norms is a highly complex, contingent and ultimately fragile endeavour. Using indicators relevant to achieving transparency, we demonstrate the contextual variability into which mining companies will be disclosing information. Our analysis highlights the sheer number of tailings facilities in locations with multi‐dimensional complexity, including low levels of literacy and governance, with correspondingly high levels of inequality and corruption. We discuss these conditionalities in relation to the GTR Standard, and conclude by outlining future research priorities.
Early and late pace‐maker implantation after transcatheter and surgical aortic valve replacement
Authors: Biancari Fausto , Pykäri Jouni , Savontaus Mikko , Laine Mika , Husso Annastiina , Virtanen Marko , Maaranen Pasi , Niemelä Matti , Mäkikallio Timo , Tauriainen Tuomas , Eskola Markku , Raivio Peter , Valtola Antti , Juvonen Tatu , Airaksinen Juhani 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundConduction defects requiring permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation are frequent complications occurring after surgical (SAVR) and transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).MethodsPatients who underwent TAVR or SAVR with a bioprosthesis from the nationwide FinnValve registry were the subjects of this study. Patients with prior PPM, who received a sutureless prosthesis, or required cardiac resynchronization therapy or implantable cardioverter defibrillator were excluded from this analysis.ResultsFour thousand and ten patients underwent SAVR and 1,897 underwent TAVR. TAVR had an increased risk of PPM implantation at 30‐day (10.1% vs. 3.5%, unadjusted OR 3.11, 95%CI 2.56–3.87) and 5‐year (15.7% vs. 8.6%, unadjusted SHR, 2.12, 95%CI 1.81–2.48) compared to SAVR. PPM implantation within 30 days from the index procedure did not increase the risk of 5‐year mortality after either SAVR or TAVR. Among 1,042 propensity score matched pairs, TAVR had an increased risk of PPM implantation at 30‐day (9.9% vs. 4.7%, p < .0001) and 5‐year (14.7% vs. 11.4%, p = .001), but late (>30 days) PPM implantation at 5‐year (4.7% vs. 6.9% SHR 0.72, 95%CI 0.47–1.10) was comparable to SAVR. The types of prosthesis had an impact on 30‐day PPM implantation after TAVR, but not on late (>30 days) PPM implantation.ConclusionsAlthough the risk of 30‐day PPM implantation is higher after TAVR compared to SAVR, late (>30 days) PPM implantation was comparable with these treatment methods. PPM implantation within 30 days did not affect late survival.
The constrictive consequences of pericardial calcifications
Authors: Egorova Anastasia D. , Schalij Martin J. , Kiès Philippine 
Published: August 2020

AbstractA 53‐year‐old man presented with symptomatic severe pulmonary valve regurgitation. He underwent a diagnostic catheterization. A heavily calcified pericardium and the pressure tracings illustrate typical features of constrictive pericarditis physiology, including the "square root sign." This condition is important to recognize given the progressive nature and poor prognosis if untreated.
Catalytic Oxygen Removal from Synthetic Coke Oven Gas: A Comparison of Sulfided CoMo/γ‐Al2O3 and NiMo/γ‐Al2O3 Catalysts with Pt/γ‐Al2O3 as Benchmark Catalyst
Authors: Wiesmann Thomas , Youn Suh Sung , Kaluza Stefan , Lohmann Heiko , Zeidler‐Fandrich Barbara 
Published: August 2020

AbstractFor the oxygen removal from coke oven gas (COG) the catalytic activity of commercial catalysts CoMo/γ‐Al2O3 and NiMo/γ‐Al2O3 was evaluated after a sulfidation pretreatment and compared to the Pt/γ‐Al2O3 reference catalyst. Elemental analysis and temperature‐programmed desorption showed that the oxidation reaction and the associated oxidation of active sulfidic centers is the main cause of deactivation despite the presence of other reductants, such as hydrogen. This approach could allow an appropriate sulfide catalyst to be designed for oxygen removal corresponding to the typical COG composition in the presence of H2S.
Impact of corporate social responsibility attributions on employee's extra‐role behaviors: Moderating role of ethical corporate identity and interpersonal trust
Authors: Afridi Sajjad A. , Afsar Bilal , Shahjehan Asad , Khan Wajid , Rehman Zia U. , Khan Muhammad A. S. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractInterest in individual‐level outcomes of corporate social responsibility (CSR) is gaining momentum in academic and managerial circles. This study investigated whether employees attributed different motives to CSR efforts and if these motives influenced employee's extra‐role behaviors (proactivity, knowledge sharing, creativity, and adaptivity). We also tested the moderating role of interpersonal trust and ethical corporate identity on the link between CSR attributions and employee's extra‐role behaviors. Data were collected from 360 employees and 117 supervisors from the hotel industry of Pakistan. Using hierarchical regression analyses, results show that CSR attributions affected employee's extra‐role behaviors. Moreover, interpersonal trust and ethical corporate identity were found to moderate the relationship between CSR attributions and extra‐role behaviors. Directions for future research and implications for practice are discussed.
Modification of the anterior‐posterior tongue rotation flap for oral tongue reconstruction
Authors: Lu Junqin , Chen Yahong , Xia Rong‐Hui , Shen Yi , Zheng Zhiwei , Sun Jian 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and long‐term outcome of a modification of the anterior‐posterior tongue rotation flap used for reconstruction of tongue following cancer ablation. From April 2016 to September 2017, 21 consecutive patients with tumor classification (T2), lymph node classification (N0) tongue cancer on the anterior and middle one‐third portion were selected for this study. A modification of the anterior‐posterior tongue rotation flap was selected for tongue reconstruction after the cancer resection. Patient's scorings of swallowing, chewing, speech and taste were recorded. Patient after tongue flap reconstruction acquired satisfied tongue movement that allows normal functional outcomes for swallowing, chewing, speech and taste. Local tumor recurrence was not observed during the follow‐up examination (range, 12‐24 months). The modification of the anterior‐posterior tongue rotation flap was a safe and reliable treatment for medium‐size tongue cancer (T2N0), especially suitable to patients who cannot endure prolonged surgery.
CRISPR/Cas9 knock‐in toward creating a Rett syndrome cell model with a synonymous mutation in the MECP2 gene
Authors: Khalili Alashti Shayan , Fallahi Jafar , Jokar Arezoo , Fardaei Majid 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundRett syndrome is an X‐linked dominant neurodevelopmental disease caused by mutation in the methyl‐CpG‐binding protein 2 (MECP2) gene. This gene encodes a methylated DNA‐binding protein, which acts as a transcriptional regulatory factor. The present study aimed to establish a cell model of Rett syndrome with the MECP2 synonymous mutation c.354G>T (p.Gly118Gly). In addition, the molecular mechanism of pathogenesis of this mutation was also investigated.MethodsTo create a cell line containing the synonymous variant in MECP2 locus, the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9‐mediated homology‐directed repair precise gene editing method was used. In addition, employing the synthesis of cDNA, the effect of this variant on splicing was investigated.ResultsUsing this model and molecular analysis, we found that the c.354G>T synonymous variant created a novel 5' cryptic splice donor site within the exon 3 of MECP2 gene, which resulted in the deletion of 25 nucleotides at the 3' end of exon 3 and presumably protein truncation.ConclusionsThe results of the present study show that an apparently neutral synonymous polymorphism, which may be commonly classified as non‐pathogenic, may indeed lead to the creation of an aberrant splice site, thereby resulting in disease.
Rapid, random‐access, and quantification of hepatitis B virus using the Cepheid Xpert HBV viral load assay
Authors: Auzin Ali M. , Slavenburg Serena , Peters Cas , Boland Greet , Rahamat‐Langendoen Janette , Melchers Willem J.G. , Schuurman Rob 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundMonitoring viral load (VL) is an essential part of the management of patients chronically infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV). The commercial HBV VL assays currently available are generally performed on high‐throughput platforms for batch wise testing of plasma samples, with relatively long turn‐around‐times. Rapid VL testing could provide immediate input to clinical decision making.MethodsOne hundred two stored plasma samples from 102 patients who were previously tested for HBV VL by the Cobas Ampliprep/Taqman or Cobas 4800 (Roche, Pleasanton, CA), were analyzed by the recently introduced Cepheid Xpert HBV Viral Load Assay. Thirty‐one of the 102 samples were negative for HBV DNA and 71 out of 102 samples had a detectable VL. HBV DNA loads ranged from <20 to 5E8 IU/mL. HBV genotypes (A, B, C, D, E, and G) were known for 52 of the VL positive samples. Correlation of VL results between both assays was determined by the Pearson correlation coefficient (r2). The level of concordance was assessed using the Bland‐Altman analysis.ResultsHBV VLs correlated well between both assays, across all genotypes (Pearson correlation coefficient r2 = 0.987). Six samples exceeded a 0.5  log difference between assays. Bland‐Altman analysis demonstrated a mean of the difference of −0.107 log and a standard deviation of 0.271 log.ConclusionHigh correlation was observed between the Roche Cobas HBV Viral Load tests and the Xpert HBV Viral Load Assay, thus enabling rapid, random access, and accurate HBV VL assessment.
Comparative analysis of antiviral efficacy of FDA‐approved drugs against SARS‐CoV‐2 in human lung cells
Authors: Ko Meehyun , Jeon Sangeun , Ryu Wang‐Shick , Kim Seungtaek 
Published: August 2020

AbstractDrug repositioning represents an effective way to control the current COVID‐19 pandemic. Previously, we identified 24 FDA‐approved drugs which exhibited substantial antiviral effect against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in Vero cells. Since antiviral efficacy could be altered in different cell lines, we developed an antiviral screening assay with human lung cells, which is more appropriate than Vero cell. The comparative analysis of antiviral activities revealed that nafamostat is the most potent drug in human lung cells (IC50 = 0.0022 µM).
Experimental study of the kinetics of reaction of chlorine atoms with tetrahydrofuran and fully deuterated tetrahydrofuran
Authors: Szymański Sebastian , Sarzyński Dariusz S. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe overall rate constants for H‐abstraction (kH) from tetrahydrofuran and D‐abstraction (kD) from fully deuterated tetrahydrofuran by chlorine atoms in the temperature range of 298‐547 K were determined. In both cases, very weak negative temperature dependences of the overall rate constants were observed, described by the expressions: kH = (1.55 ± 0.13) × 10−10 exp(52 ± 28/T) cm3 molecule−1 s−1 and kD = (1.27 ± 0.25) × 10−10exp(55 ± 62/T) cm3 molecule−1 s−1. The experimental results show that the value of the kinetic isotope effect (kH/kD), amounting to 1.21 ± 0.10, is temperature independent at 298‐547 K.
A New Approach toward Investigation of Structure of Terminal Units of Poly(1,3‐Pentadiene) using T2‐Filtered NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Rozentsvet Victor A. , Sablina Nelly A. , Ulyanova Daria M. , Kuznetsova Marianna G. , Kostjuk Sergei V. , Tolstoy Peter M. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractA new method for the identification of the structure of terminal units in poly(1,3‐pentadiene) synthesized by cationic mechanism is developed. The conducting of NMR experiments with a T2 filter allows the intensities of the spectral signals of carbon and hydrogen atoms of main chain groups of poly(1,3‐pentadiene) with a short relaxation time to be decreased and significantly increases the intensities of signals of carbon and hydrogen atoms of head and end groups, which are characterized by higher mobility. Using 1D NMR spectroscopy with a T2 filter as well as 2D heteronuclear single‐quantum correlation and heteronuclear multiple‐bond correlation NMR spectroscopy, it is found that the position of four out of five carbon atoms of the head group fully coincides with the position of spectral signals of carbon atoms of trans‐1,2‐ and trans‐1,4‐ units of a main polymer chain. This new method allows the identification of the signals of all carbon atoms in head trans‐1,4‐ group of poly(1,3‐pentadiene).
Study of Silica‐Supported Chromocene Catalysts for Ethylene Polymerization
Authors: Wang Kai , Gao Yuli , Yi Jianjun , Zhao Ning , Jin Yulong , He Xuelian , Liu Boping 
Published: August 2020

AbstractUltrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) has drawn great interest from researchers because it possesses many excellent properties such as superb strength and impact resistance, which other polyolefin cannot achieve. A silica‐supported chromocene catalyst, for the production of UHMWPE, is successfully developed. The polyethylene (PE) produced by the chromocene catalyst can achieve a molecular weight (MW) of over 3 × 106 g mol−1 with narrow molecular weight distribution (MWD) a value of approximately three. The activity calculated by Cr per unit reaches the maximum when the loading of Cr is 1.7 wt%. With the increasing loading of chromocene, the MW shows a small increase and the MWD becomes narrower. The chromocene catalyst for ethylene polymerization also shows a significant hydrogen response. With 0.01 MPa hydrogen added into the ethylene polymerization, the MW of the PE decreases immensely to only 0.7 × 106 g mol−1 and the MWD is broadened from <3 to ≈12. If the amount of hydrogen increases, the MW continues to decrease and the MWD becomes wider. The MW of the PE produced by the chromocene catalyst can be regulated easily by adjusting the amount of hydrogen.
LC resonant circuits based matching networks for continuous mode MMIC power amplifiers
Authors: Xu Yang , Zhu Anding 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThis article presents a practical design methodology to construct output matching networks for broadband continuous mode monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) power amplifiers (PAs). Unlike conventional harmonic manipulation approaches, combinations of parallel and series LC resonant circuits are utilized to build the matching networks as it can generate frequency‐dependent components and locate the varying impedance of continuous mode. With a proper design, the impedance variation in frequency domain can be mapped to the frequency response of the matching network at the fundamental frequency and the second harmonic simultaneously. Matching network design procedures are demonstrated and results show that the frequency response of the network has very good approximation with the desired continuous mode conditions. A prototype PA is implemented on 0.25‐μm gallium nitride (GaN) MMIC process, and tested with both continuous‐wave and modulated signals. Measurement results show 50.82% maximum drain efficiency and 8.5 dB gain can be achieved across the operation bandwidth of 5.4 to 6.4 GHz.
Design of a compact patch antenna with boresight filtering gain response
Authors: Liu Yanqun , Li Shunli , Yang Mei , Zhao Hongxin , Yin Xiaoxing 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIn this paper, a novel compact microstrip patch antenna with a boresight filtering gain response is proposed. The proposed antenna consists of a radiating patch, a ground plane, two pairs of slots respectively etched on the radiating patch and the ground plane, two shorted vias connecting the radiating patch and the ground plane. The slots on the ground plane not only provide a gain null in the lower transition band, but also introduce a new low‐resistance resonance which is beneficial to widen the impedance bandwidth. The slots on the radiating patch provide another gain null in the upper transition band. The two shorted vias are used to further adjust the reflection coefficient and the gain performance of the antenna. Since no extra circuits are introduced, the proposed antenna is compact. A prototype operating at 3.0 GHz was fabricated and measured. It demonstrates that the proposed antenna has a bandwidth of 3.5% and a gain of 6.0 dBi in a profile of 0.015 λ0. At the same time, a good filtering gain response is realized.
The effect of stroke on micturition associated brain activity: A pilot fMRI study
Authors: Kreydin Evgeniy I. , Gad Parag , Gao Bingchen , Liu Charles Y. , Ginsberg David A. , Jann Kay 
Published: August 2020

AbstractObjectiveCerebral stroke is a unique model for studying the role of the brain in lower urinary tract (LUT) control. By its nature, stroke must change the activity of the brain to cause LUT dysfunction. The objective of this study was to describe changes in micturition‐related brain activity in patients who develop LUT symptoms (LUTS) after a cerebral stroke.Materials and MethodsHealthy controls (HC, n = 10) and patients who developed storage LUTS after a cerebral stroke (n = 7) were recruited. Functional magnetic resonance imaging was used to assess brain activity in each subject. In the task‐based block design, blood‐oxygen‐level‐dependent (BOLD) signal was detected during rest, active bladder filling, and bladder voiding. BOLD signal intensity was compared between HCs and stroke subjects during bladder filling, voiding, and voiding initiation.ResultsStroke subjects exhibited higher activity in the periaqueductal gray and cerebellum during bladder filling and bladder voiding. HCs exhibited more intense activity in higher centers, such as the cingulate cortex, motor cortex, and the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in each of the phases examined.ConclusionsSubjects with stroke‐related LUTS exhibit a specific pattern of brain activity during bladder filling and voiding. There appears to be a greater reliance on primitive centers (cerebellum, midbrain) than in healthy controls during both phases of the micturition cycle. We hypothesize that these findings may reflect loss of connectivity with higher brain centers after a stroke.
Validation of the best practice policy statement on urodynamic antibiotic prophylaxis for the high‐risk patient in the era of antibiotic stewardship
Authors: Fox Cristina , Kim Michelle J. , Kuo Yen‐Hong , Fromer Debra L. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAimsTo validate the recommendations of the Society of Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine, and Urogenital Reconstruction (SUFU) 2017 Best Practice Policy Statement (BPPS) for Urodynamic Antimicrobial Prophylaxis in high‐risk patients.MethodsAfter institutional review board approval, 489 patients who underwent urodynamics (UDS) in the absence of antibiotic prophylaxis were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were stratified according to the SUFU BPPS risk factors (neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction [NLUTD], elevated postvoid residual [PVR], immunosuppression, age over 70, catheter use, and orthopedic implants).χ2, Fisher's exact test, Studentttest, and univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to assess the associations between these risk factors and postprocedural urinary tract infection (UTI).ResultsTwenty‐two (4.5%) patients developed symptomatic postprocedural UTI. Univariate analysis revealed statistical differences in the incidence of UTI in patients with elevated PVR and NLUTD groups. The variables that were associated with UTI on multivariate analysis were elevated PVR (odds ratio [OR]: 4.91, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.92‐12.56,P = .001) and NLUTD (OR: 4.84, 95% CI, 1.75‐3.37,P = .002). The data analysis for all other high‐risk groups failed to show significant correlations with UTI on univariate or multivariate analysis. Patients with three risk factors were more likely to develop UTI than patients with 1 or 2 risk factors. No patient developed pyelonephritis, sepsis, or joint infection.ConclusionsElevated PVR, NLUTD, and possessing three risk factors were significant predictors for post‐UDS UTI. All other risk factors were not associated with postprocedural UTI. Morbidity associated with UTI was low. Antimicrobial prophylaxis for these conditions should be reconsidered.
Effect of glass microspheres and fabric weave structure on mechanical performance of hemp/green epoxy composites
Authors: Abbas Zaheer , Shahid Salma , Nawab Yasir , Shaker Khubab , Umair Muhammad 
Published: August 2020

AbstractDespite many advantages, poor mechanical properties are a limiting factor in market growth of natural fiber composites. This work is focused on improvement in the mechanical properties of hemp/green epoxy composites by using four different weave structures and by adding glass microspheres (GMS) to the resin. The reinforcement was fabricated in four different weave designs (matt, satin, hybrid weave A, and hybrid weave B) and four different percentages of GMS (0%, 2%, 3.5%, and 5% on the weight of resin) were also mixed in the green epoxy resin. Four layered composites were fabricated by using vacuum bagging technique. The tensile, flexural and impact tests were conducted. The results showed that the tensile strength of composites with satin weave reinforcement is better than other weaves, due to longer warp thread float and lesser number of intersection points. While, during flexural and pendulum (Charpy) impact testing, matt weave composite showed better results due to its stable and robust structure as compared to the other weave composites. Keeping the weave design constant, the composites with 5% GSM showed better tensile, flexural and impact behavior. Both factors (weave design and GMS percentage) showed a statistically significant effect on the mechanical test results.