bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Degradation of acetaminophen (ACT) by ozone/persulfate oxidation process: experimental and degradation pathways
Authors: Khashij Maryam , Mehralian Mohammad , Goodarzvand Chegini Zahra 
Published: April 2020

Purpose
The purpose of this study to investigate acetaminophen (ACT) degradation efficiencies by using ozone/persulfate oxidation process in a batch reactor. In addition, the effects of various parameters on the ACT removal efficiency toward pathway inference of ACT degradation were investigated.

Design/methodology/approach
The experiments were in the 2 L glass vessels. Ozone gas with flow rate at 70 L.h−1 was produced by ozone generator. After the adjustment of the pH, various dosages of persulfate (1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 mmol.L−1) were then added to the 500 mL ACT-containing solution with 150 mg.L−1 of concentration. Afterward, ozone gas was diffused in glass vessels. The solution after reaction flowed into the storage tank for the detection. The investigated parameters included pH and the amount of ozone and persulfate addition. For comparison of the ACT degradation efficiency, ozone/persulfate, ozone and persulfate oxidation in reactor was carried out. The ACT concentration using a HPLC system equipped with 2998 PDA detector was determined at an absorbance of 242 nm.

Findings
ACT degradation percentage by using ozone or persulfate in the process were at 63.7% and 22.3%, respectively, whereas O3/persulfate oxidation process achieved degradation percentage at 91.4% in 30 min. Degradation efficiency of ACT was affected by different parameter like pH and addition of ozone or persulfate, and highest degradation obtained when pH and concentrations of persulfate and ozone was 10 and 3 mmol.L−1 and 60 mg.L−1, respectively. O3, OH• and SO4− were evidenced to be the radicals for degradation of ACT through direct and indirect oxidation. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometer analysis showed intermediates including N-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl) formamide, hydroquinone, benzoic acid, 4-methylbenzene-1,2-diol, 4-aminophenol.

Practical implications
This study provided a simple and effective way for degradation of activated ACT as emerging contaminants from aqueous solution. This way was conducted to protect environment from one of the most important and abundant pharmaceutical and personal care product in aquatic environments.

Originality/value
There are two main innovations. One is that the novel process is performed successfully for pharmaceutical degradation. The other is that the optimized conditions are obtained. In addition, the effects of various parameters on the ACT removal efficiency toward pathway inference of ACT degradation were investigated.
French law on CSR due diligence paradox
Authors: Delalieux Guillaume , Moquet Anne-Catherine 
Published: April 2020

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the functioning of the French Law No 2017-399 relating to the duty of vigilance of parent companies and ordering companies, a law defended by labor unions and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) as an answer to the ineffectiveness of corporate social responsibility (CSR) mechanisms of multi-national corporation.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors try to determine to what extent the new mechanisms brought by this law could improve or not the failure of existing CSR mechanisms.

Findings
The authors find out that internal weaknesses of the law, which is based on voluntary CSR instruments and without penalties, internal mechanisms of the French judicial system or external economic factors, might considerably limit the effectiveness of the law.

Originality/value
Even if for the first time, French judges might be asked to evaluate the reasonableness of the CSR practices of firms, one of the paradoxical effects of this law might be to institutionalize soft law mechanisms such as CSR certification or reporting, the proponents of this law precisely wanted to get rid of at the origin.
Deriving successful venture capital deal profile through decision tree analysis in Indian context
Authors: Mishra Sarita , Bag Dinabandhu 
Published: April 2020

PurposeThis study is based on the development of predictive classification for the success of a venture capital (VC) deal derived from both qualitative and quantitative indicators.Design/methodology/approachDecision tree analysis has used for devising the success model of VC deal. Various deal characteristics are considered in this study as the observable component of success.FindingsThe finding of this analysis indicates that the success of the deal does not only depend on the final outcome like post company valuation (POST_COMP), realised revenue (RREV) but also depends on various observable contractual characteristics like syndication, use of convertible security and ownership percentage with some noticeable deal features.Practical implicationsThis study increases the further scope of study on a contractual mechanisms such as allocation of cash flow right and control right in the deal contract between venture investor and entrepreneur firm. This could give a better understanding of success path of a venture deal.Originality/valueThis study has attempted to derive a performance model based on observable attributes of a VC deal.
Bitcoin—A hype or digital gold? Global evidence
Authors: Uddin Md Akther , Ali Md Hakim , Masih Mansur 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThis study explores whether Bitcoin constitutes as a hedging instrument whilst seeking portfolio diversification opportunities among sustainable, conventional and Islamic asset classes since Bitcoin emerges as a distinct alternative investment and asset class across the world. We apply multivariate generalised autoregressive conditional heteroscedastic‐dynamic conditional correlation and continuous wavelet transforms based on the recent data set ranging from August 18, 2011, to September 10, 2018. First, our findings show that Bitcoin returns are mean‐reverting which implies that its value tends to come down to mean value in the long run and not completely crushed to zero irrespective of price changes suggesting Bitcoin as a sustainable asset class. Second, the time‐invariant model shows that Bitcoin offers portfolio diversification opportunities with almost all equity indices, in particular, Dow Jones Islamic followed by FTSE 4 Good index. Finally, the time‐variant analysis reconfirms that Bitcoin offers portfolio diversification benefits both in the short and long run. These findings carry meaningful policy considerations for fund managers and cross‐country investors.
Intra‐articular delivery of umbilical cord‐derived mesenchymal stem cells temporarily retard the progression of osteoarthritis in a rat model
Authors: Xing Dan , Wu Jun , Wang Bin , Liu Wei , Liu Wenjing , Zhao Yu , Wang Liu , Li Jiao Jiao , Liu Aifeng , Zhou Qi , Hao Jie , Lin Jianhao 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAimMesenchymal stem cell (MSC)‐based therapy is being explored in treating osteoarthritis (OA). Human umbilical cord‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC‐MSCs) are least reported. In this study, we investigated the effects of single intra‐articular injections of hUC‐MSCs on a rat OA model.MethodhUC‐MSCs were isolated from the Wharton's jelly of the human umbilical cord and identified. Eighteen Sprague‐Dawley rats were used for the OA model. All rats were divided into 3 groups: hyaluronic acid (HA)+MSCs (n = 6), HA (n = 6), and control group (n = 6). One by 106 hUC‐MSCs in 100 μL HA, 100 μL HA or 100 μL saline were injected into the knee joint 4 weeks post‐surgery as a single dose. Cartilage degeneration was evaluated at 6 and 12 weeks after treatment with macroscopic examination, micro‐computed tomography analysis, behavioral analysis, and histology.ResultsAt 6 weeks, the HA + MSCs group had a significantly better International Cartilage Repair Society score in the femoral condyle compared to the HA and control groups. Histological analysis also showed more proteoglycan and less cartilage loss, with lower modified Mankin score in the HA + MSCs group. However, at 12 weeks there were no significant differences between groups from macroscopic examination and histological analysis. Subchondral bone sclerosis of the medial femoral condyle and behavioral tests showed no significant differences between groups at 6 and 12 weeks.ConclusionThese findings indicate that single injection of hUC‐MSCs can have temporary effects on decelerating the progression of cartilage degeneration in OA rats, but may not inhibit OA progression in the long‐term.
Impeller geometry definition of the transventricular assist device
Authors: de Andrade Gustavo , Horikawa Oswaldo , Drigo Evandro , Andrade Aron , Cardoso Jose 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAccording to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death worldwide, except Africa, where Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome is the leading cause of death. In this scenario, the ventricular assist device (VAD) remains the unique alternative to extend patient life until heart transplantation. At Dante Pazzanese Institute of Cardiology, the research and development of an axial flow VAD to be fully implantable within the heart was started. This pump, denominated Transventricular Assist Device (TVAD), can be surgically implanted through a small left intercostal incision in a minimally invasive manner. The goal of this work is to analyze the impeller geometries of the TVAD, to avoid high shear stresses in the fluid and aim for the best conditions to support the circulatory system using computational fluid dynamics and in vitro tests. Different rotor geometries were selected according to the literature; based on the results, the best rotor was elected. This rotor contains a pair of spiral blades of constant and relatively high pitch, which pumps liquid at a flow rate of 3 L/min at 73 mm Hg. It is also expected that this rotor presents a moderate hemolysis since the shear rate is acceptable.
Neural tube defects in four Shetland sheepdog puppies: clinical characterisation and computed tomography investigation
Authors: Thomas ZM , Podadera JM , Donahoe SL , Foo TSY , Weerakoon L , Mazrier H 
Published: April 2020

BackgroundHere, we report on the occurrence of neural tube defects (NTDs) in four related Shetland sheepdog puppies. NTDs present as a range of congenital malformations affecting the spine, skull and associated structures. Despite the severity of these malformations and their relatively high prevalence in humans, the aetiology is not well understood. It is even less well characterised in veterinary medicine.Case reportAffected puppies were investigated using computed tomography (CT) and then necropsy. CT identified a range of brain and spine abnormalities in the affected animals, including caudal anencephaly, encephalocele, spina bifida and malformed vertebrae. Other observed abnormalities in these puppies, including cranioschisis, atresia ani and hydrocephalus, may be secondary to, or associated with, the primary NTDs identified.ConclusionThis case report describes multiple related cases of NTDs in an Australian cohort of dogs. This study also highlights the potential of advanced imaging techniques in identifying congenital anomalies in stillborn and neonatal puppies. Further research is required to investigate the aetiology of NTDs in this group of affected Shetland sheepdogs.
Linear body measurements and productivity of subtropicalHolstein–Friesiandairy calves
Authors: Hewitt A , Olchowy TWJ , James AS , Fraser B , Ranjbar S , Soust M , Alawneh JI 
Published: April 2020

ObjectiveThe study aimed to describe growth parameters and to quantify the association between linear body measurements as predictors of liveweight (LW) of Holstein–Friesian (HF), and HF crossbred dairy calves in Queensland. A secondary objective was to quantify the effect of disease events on LW change.Study DesignLongitudinal study.MethodsFortnightly LW, hip height (HH), hip width (HW) and heart girth (HG) measurements were recorded from 16 male and 28 female HF calves from birth until weaning. The association between linear body measurement and the effect of a disease event on LW change were explored using linear mixed‐effects modelling with random intercepts and random slopes.ResultsHG was the best body measure used individually as a predictor of calf LW (R2 = 82%; P < 0.001), while the combined use of HG, HW and HH was the most accurate predictor of calf LW between birth and weaning (R2 = 90%; P < 0.001). HW, average feed intake and total feed intake were significantly affected by disease events (P < 0.05). On average, total average LW loss associated with a single pneumonia event was estimated at 14.6 kg (95% CI = 10.5 to 18.7 kg; P < 0.05).ConclusionsCalves of this study performed at a level consistent with the previously published reports. Growth performance was significantly compromised by pneumonia. HW was found to be the least predictive individual measure, and the combined use of HH, HW and HG had the most accurate prediction of calf liveweight from birth to weaning.
Mapping Learning Analytics initiatives in Latin America
Authors: Cechinel Cristian , Ochoa Xavier , Lemos dos Santos Henrique , Carvalho Nunes João Batista , Rodés Virginia , Marques Queiroga Emanuel 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe growth of Learning Analytics (LA) as a research field has been extensively documented since its beginnings. This paper provides a broad overview of the publications that Latin American authors have published in the last years by performing a quantitative review of the literature (from 2011 to 2019). A total of 282 papers were collected and categorized according to a multidimensional model composed of seven dimensions (data collected, stakeholders targeted, goals of the paper, techniques employed, maturity of the tool, research approaches and ethical issues). The paper describes how the field has evolved over the years in Latin America, presenting the main characteristics of the papers from different perspectives (year, type of venue, language) together with the descriptives of the categorized dimensions and the relations between them. At last, papers are presented in number by countries and institutions, and we perform an authorship and coauthorship analysis with information extracted from the selected papers.
Near‐infrared fluorescence imaging for intraoperative margin assessment during robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy
Authors: Sentell Katherine T. , Ferroni Matthew C. , Abaza Ronney 
Published: April 2020

ObjectivesTo demonstrate how using a standardised dosing strategy of indocyanine green (ICG) dye with near‐infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging can be used to differentiate renal tumours from normal renal parenchyma during robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN).Patients and MethodsWe reviewed a prospectively collected database of 361 consecutive RAPNs using NIRF between June 2011 and March 2018, and determined the rate at which differential fluorescence was achieved. Tumour and kidney fluorescence or afluorescence were recorded intraoperatively and compared to histological results on final pathology.ResultsOf 330 tumours, after 31 exclusions for nonvisible tumours due to adherent fat, completely intrarenal location or for incomplete data, 288 (87.3%) successfully exhibited differential fluorescence. Among the predominant histologies, 249 of 277 (89.9%) renal cell carcinomas did not fluoresce, as well as 23 of 32 (71.9%) oncocytomas. Real‐time gross assessment of resection margin for fluorescence yielded a positive margin rate on final pathology of 0.30%.ConclusionWhen administered with a standardised ICG‐dosing strategy, NIRF successfully achieved differential fluorescence in a large majority of tumours during RAPN with an exceedingly low positive margin rate.
International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire‐Satisfaction: psychometric testing of a new patient‐reported outcome measure for the evaluation of satisfaction after urological surgery
Authors: Uren Alan D. , Cotterill Nikki , Hashim Hashim , Worthington Jo , Kapoor Dharmesh , Abrams Paul 
Published: April 2020

ObjectivesTo evaluate the psychometric properties of a new patient‐reported outcome measure (PROM), the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire‐Satisfaction (ICIQ‐S), to assess satisfaction after urological surgery. Subjects/Patients and MethodsFollowing item development, the developmental ICIQ‐S (dICIQ‐S) was used within in a randomised control trial comparing two types of surgery for male prostatic obstruction at 1.5, 3, and 12 months after surgery. Reliability was assessed by Cronbach’s α and construct validity by the correlation of scores with concurrently administered PROMs of known validity: ICIQ‐Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS), International Prostate Symptom Score, and the ICIQ‐LUTS Quality of Life. ResultsA total of 410 men were included in the trial. Missing data was generally low for the dICIQ‐S [mean (range) 1.6 (<1–3.1)%] except for the items ‘complications’ 6.8% and ‘satisfaction with sex‐life’ 9.2%. High ceiling effects were found in all items. Factor analysis identified six items related to surgical outcomes (Cronbach’s α 0.89), which have formed the scored part of the ICIQ‐S, together with a standalone overall satisfaction item, scored 0–10. Seven additional unscored items, related to satisfaction with experiences and expectations, were also retained. As hypothesised, post‐surgery dICIQ‐S scores were correlated with reduced symptoms and improved quality of life as measured by the concurrent PROMs.ConclusionThe results support the validity and reliability of a scored six‐item domain for evaluating satisfaction with surgical outcomes, together with a standalone scored overall satisfaction item. The further unscored seven standalone items are anticipated to be used as the basis for adaptation and further validation of the ICIQ‐S in different patient populations.
Fine needle aspiration cytology with the aid of immunocytochemistry on cell‐block confirms the diagnosis of solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas
Authors: Singh Priya , Kumar Pankaj , Rohilla Manish , Gupta Parikshaa , Gupta Nalini , Dey Pranab , Srinivasan Radhika , Rajwanshi Arvind , Nada Ritambhara 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIntroductionTo determine the diagnostic efficacy of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in cases of pancreatic solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (PSPN) with emphasis on the cytomorphological features and to evaluate the contribution of immunocytochemistry on FNAC cell‐block (CB) in cases of PSPN.MethodsIt is a retrospective study in which ultrasound‐guided FNAC of pancreatic lesions diagnosed as PSPN between years 2009 and July 2019 were reviewed along with cytohistological correlation. Immunocytochemistry on CB was performed, wherever required.ResultsA total of 16 patients with a cytological diagnosis of PSPN of the pancreas were identified. The most common cytological findings were characteristic branching pseudopapillary fragments with central thin, delicate capillaries associated with the amorphous myxoid substance, surrounded by tumour cells with mild pleomorphism. Immunocytochemistry was performed on CB of six cases. The tumour cells revealed nucleocytoplasmic positivity for β‐catenin, cytoplasmic positivity for vimentin, membranocytoplasmic positivity for CD10 and nuclear positivity for progesterone receptor in all the cases, while they were negative for chromogranin, CD56, pan‐cytokeratin and epithelial membrane antigen. The resected histopathological specimen was available in 10cases, and all were confirmed as PSPN.ConclusionAlthough PSPN has a characteristic cytomorphology, cell‐block immunocytochemistry on FNA material confirms the diagnosis in problematic cases and excludes other pancreatic tumours, thus helping in appropriate management.
Variation in juvenile steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) dispersal in relation to age and growth performance
Authors: Anderson Austin John , Kennedy Brian Patrick 
Published: April 2020

AbstractVolitional dispersal is a ubiquitous strategy characteristic of species across major faunal groups. Dispersal during the juvenile life stage is of interest because early performance can be critical for determining future success (survival/reproduction). For salmonids, dispersal can influence local density, competition, individual growth and survival, though drivers of dispersal at meso‐scales are rarely quantified. Here, we evaluate dispersal of tagged juvenile steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) through habitat units in extended stream reaches (500 m) at sites across a watershed from July to October 2017. Our aim was to quantify the frequency and spatial extent of dispersal, identify links to biotic and abiotic factors, evaluate the implications for individual growth and test for associations between dispersal and migration initiation. Dispersal rates varied between sites, but were consistently higher for age 1+ than for age 0 steelhead (avg. 21% vs. 6% respectively). Age 1+ dispersal probability was positively correlated with time between recapture events and body mass, and negatively correlated with growth rate, maximum temperature experienced and age 1+ density. At sites where there appeared to be growth benefits to remaining sedentary compared to moving, proportionally fewer fish performed dispersal. We found no links between dispersal and timing or probability of migration initiation the following spring. Our results support the hypothesis that although dispersal over intermediate scales (10–1,000 m) might be rare, it could be an important strategy that permits fish to seek out better opportunities (foraging, shelter or otherwise) in underutilised areas.
Non‐memory subjective cognitive concerns predict incident motoric cognitive risk syndrome
Authors: Nester C. , Ayers E. , Rabin L. , Verghese J. 
Published: April 2020

Background and purposeMotoric cognitive risk syndrome (MCR) is a predementia condition that combines slow gait and subjective cognitive concerns. As the earliest markers of MCR are relatively unknown, the role of subjective cognitive concerns was investigated to predict incident MCR in a well‐characterized prospective cohort of non‐demented older adults.MethodsNon‐demented MCR‐free older adults (n = 476) from the Central Control of Mobility in Aging cohort completed gait, subjective cognition and neuropsychological assessment at baseline and follow‐up. Subjective concerns were analyzed via responses to 12 items from three validated measures, the Late‐Life Function and Disability Instrument – Disability Component, the Activities of Daily Living Prevention Instrument and the Geriatric Depression Scale, and were independent of items utilized to diagnose MCR. Cox proportional hazard models examined the association between cognitive concerns and incident MCR.ResultsAfter 2.36 ± 1.4 years, 28 participants developed MCR. Executive functioning (adjusted hazard ratio 2.458, 95% confidence interval 1.094–5.524, P = 0.029) and mental clarity concerns (adjusted hazard ratio 3.917, 95% confidence interval 1.690–9.077, P = 0.001) were associated with incident MCR, controlling for age, sex, education and gait speed.ConclusionsSubjective cognitive concerns in non‐memory cognitive domains predict incident MCR. Although most MCR studies assess cognitive concerns about memory, our findings suggest the need to broaden the scope of subjective cognitive assessment to enhance the accuracy of diagnosis and prediction of future cognitive decline.