bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determinants of Equity Ownership Stake in Foreign Entry Decisions: A Systematic Review and Research Agenda
Authors: Chhabra Ankita , Popli Manish , Li Yi 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIn international business (IB), the level of equity ownership adopted by a firm is an important decision. In this study, we review and synthesize the findings of 105 empirical studies published in prominent IB and management journals on the determinants of equity ownership stake in foreign investment decisions, published between 1991 and 2020. Three primary theoretical lenses ‒ organizational learning perspective, transaction cost economics and institutional perspective – are adopted to catalogue and synthesize the existing literature. We find that, despite the proliferation of IB studies on antecedents of level of equity ownership decisions, many unanswered questions remain. We also find that theoretical fault lines impede progress in this research stream. Based on the literature review, we suggest a research programme that includes accounting for the behavioural view of decision‐making in the organization, shifting from an atomistic perspective to a network perspective of the firm, having a better understanding of the process of internationalization and considering industry heterogeneity as well as the host country's characteristics.
Pricing decisions with different time sequences in a cross‐border dual‐channel supply chain
Authors: Chen Xue , Li Bo , An Simin , Li Yanran 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis paper investigates pricing decisions with different time sequences in a cross‐border dual‐channel supply chain, in which the manufacturer produces products in country A and sells them to country B via a retail channel and an online channel. Meanwhile, we design three scenarios, the manufacturer‐led earlier scenario, the manufacturer‐led later scenario, and the retailer‐led scenario, to analyze the effects of time sequences when the manufacturer is risk neutral or risk averse. Through modeling and analysis, it is concluded that whether the manufacturer is risk averse or not, the manufacturer prefers the manufacturer‐led earlier scenario and the retailer's preference is the retailer‐led scenario. That is, when considering the time sequences, the players are encouraged to make all decisions in the first stage. Moreover, this paper analyzes the effects of the exchange rate and delivery lead time on the players’ pricing decisions. The theoretical and numerical analyses also show that the effects of an increasing exchange rate on the profits of the manufacturer and retailer are associated with the cost of the online channel. Additionally, while reducing the delivery lead time can attract customers, a moderate delivery lead time is more advantageous for the manufacturer. Finally, we further verify the robustness of the impacts of time sequences when the manufacturer is risk averse. Interestingly, if the cost of the online channel is higher, then the risk‐averse behavior benefits the retailer.
Effects of thermal environment on dehydroxylation of porous silica preform in two‐step CVD synthesis
Authors: Ma Qianli , Li Chengshuai , Shang Chunli , Zheng Lili , Fang Haisheng 
Published: January 2021

AbstractTwo‐step chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method is a promising technique for industrial fabrication of low‐hydroxyl silica glass ingot, in which a porous silica preform is first synthesized by flame hydrolysis deposition, which is subsequently sintered and vitrified to form silica glass. During sintering hydroxyls can be easily removed through the small pores in porous silica preform, which is called dehydroxylation. A deep understanding of the heat and mass transport characteristics involved in the dehydroxylation process is prerequisite to its controlling. In our previous work, a numerical model was developed to simulate the sintering and dehydroxylation of porous silica preform considering heat and mass transfer in porous media at high temperatures, chemical reaction of dehydroxylation, and volume shrinkage of preform. The results revealed that the dehydroxylation effect largely depends on the temperature fields in the furnace. In present work, the influences of thermal environments, including heating curve, heater position, and crucible structure on the dehydroxylation process of porous silica preform are systematically studied by numerical methods. Based on the results, increasing temperature at either stage is helpful for hydroxyl removal as well as increasing the hydroxyl distribution uniformity. However, long‐time exposure to 1500°C will instead worsen the dehydroxylation effect. Compared to top or bottom heating, side heating is more beneficial to hydroxyl removal. To improve the dehydroxylation condition at the bottom of porous silica preform, a novel crucible structure is designed which shows better performance than the ordinary crucible. At last, an optimized heating scheme is proposed in this study, which obtains much better dehydroxylation effect than other cases.
Lithium disilicate glass produced at high pressure: Characterization of structural, thermal and mechanical properties
Authors: Resende Leonardo , Balzaretti Naira M. , Pereira Altair S. , Vasconcellos Marcos A. Z. , Buchner Silvio 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIn this work, high‐density lithium disilicate (LS2) vitreous systems were produced by melting and quenching under high pressure (7.7 GPa) following two distinct experimental routes. In the first case, LS2glass was remelted at 7.7 GPa and 1600°C and, then, quenched. In the second case, a stoichiometric mixture of precursor oxides (Li2O and SiO2) was melted at 1600°C and 7.7 GPa before quenching. A reference LS2glass sample was produced at atmospheric pressure using conventional melting and quenching procedure. The samples were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, differential thermal analysis, and instrumented ultramicro hardness measurements. X‐ray diffraction confirmed that all samples were amorphous and thermal analysis suggests that different glassy structures were produced depending on the route of synthesis. Hardness and elastic modulus of the glasses produced under high pressure were higher than those of the reference glass, reflecting the irreversible densification effect induced by the high‐pressure processing.
Corrosion behavior of calcium–magnesium–aluminosilicate (CMAS) on sintered Gd2SiO5 for environmental barrier coatings
Authors: Kim Seung‐Hyeon , Nagashima Nobuo , Matsushita Yoshitaka , Kim Byung‐Nam , Jang Byung‐Koog 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe Gd2SiO5 performed high‐temperature corrosion behavior on calcium–magnesium– aluminosilicate (CMAS) for environmental barrier coatings (EBCs). The synthesized Gd2O3‐SiO2 powder was prepared to fabricate a sintered Gd2SiO5 by spark plasma sintering (SPS) at 1400°C for 20 min. CMAS was sprinkled on the sintered Gd2SiO5 surface and exposed for 2, 12, and 48 h at 1400°C by isothermal heat treatment. The main corrosion factor is Ca, and Ca2Gd8(SiO4)6O2 phase is formed by reacting with Gd2SiO5. Extended morphology of Ca2Gd8(SiO4)6O2 particles observed in the reaction area become thicker as the heat treatment time increases as the CMAS is dissolved. According to the results of high‐temperature X‐ray diffraction (HT‐XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), CMAS melted at 1243°C or a higher temperature formed the reaction area. The Ca2Gd8(SiO4)6O2 phase was recrystallized and grown due to the reaction of Gd2SiO5 and Ca of the CMAS components.
Designing a New Empathy‐Oriented Prototyping Toolkit for the Design Thinking Process: Creativity and Design Sensibility
Authors: Lee Hyun‐Kyung , Park Joo Eun 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis study examined the effectiveness of a new empathy‐oriented prototyping toolkit that was carefully developed to aid empathy gaining in students who find it difficult to express their ideas using only traditional paper‐based prototyping materials. The toolkit has a simple structure and uses basic geometric three‐dimensional forms made of various surface materials, such as rubber, wood, metal, acrylic and marble, which evoke distinct tactile sensations. The toolkit substitutes the items used in paper‐based prototyping, such as construction paper, glue, scissors, paper cups and permanent markers, in the prototyping stage of the design thinking workshop process. Students’ thoughts are expressed in three‐dimensional forms while they empathise with other students through conversation. The materials used are sophisticated, empathy‐oriented and provide easy access to rapid prototyping. Herein, we (1) explain the components of the developed toolkit, (2) provide a specific curriculum guide, (3) show the results of student experimentation with the toolkit in the prototyping stage of the design thinking workshop process and (4) demonstrate the toolkit’s effectiveness by observing the students’ creations and statements. Open coding and selective coding were used to analyse the themes that emerged from the interviews by students who participated in the workshop. We argue that the new prototyping toolkit can significantly promote students’ creativity and design sensibility.
The Impact of Multimedia Effect on Art Learning: Eye Movement Evidence from Traditional Chinese Pattern Learning
Authors: Ye Li , Su Hanjun , Zhao Jing , Hang Yongxin 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAt the beginning of 2020, the COVID‐19 epidemic continued to spread and became a global pandemic. Affected by the epidemic, online teaching has become the new normal. As the main form of online education, multimedia learning has attracted more and more attention. The study of traditional patterns has always been a particularly important element of art study in China due to cultural heritage and precious resources. Chinese traditional patterns are an important object of learning because of the heritage. This study examines students’ understanding of the composition and evolution of traditional Chinese patterns in bronze mirrors by using different multimedia learning materials. A two by two factorial design is employed. The dependent variables includes (1) subjects’ post‐test scores and (2) the data of subjects’ eye‐movement behaviour. Data shows that students who use the animation with narration allocate a greater amount of visual attention than students who use animation with on‐screen text. The students who use simulation with on‐screen text demonstrated a greater amount of visual attention than students who use received simulation with narration. Furthermore, this empirical study confirmed a direct, positive correlation between the length of the subjects’ eye fixation behaviour and the depth of learning. This result also provides evidence to prove that the use of multimedia learning materials is helpful in art education, especially in the study of the various elements of traditional Chinese art.
Application of convolutional neural network on early human embryo segmentation during in vitro fertilization
Authors: Zhao Mingpeng , Xu Murong , Li Hanhui , Alqawasmeh Odai , Chung Jacqueline Pui Wah , Li Tin Chiu , Lee Tin‐Lap , Tang Patrick Ming‐Kuen , Chan David Yiu Leung 
Published: January 2021

AbstractSelection of the best quality embryo is the key for a faithful implantation in in vitro fertilization (IVF) practice. However, the process of evaluating numerous images captured by time‐lapse imaging (TLI) system is time‐consuming and some important features cannot be recognized by naked eyes. Convolutional neural network (CNN) is used in medical imaging yet in IVF. The study aims to apply CNN on day‐one human embryo TLI. We first presented CNN algorithm for day‐one human embryo segmentation on three distinct features: zona pellucida (ZP), cytoplasm and pronucleus (PN). We tested the CNN performance compared side‐by‐side with manual labelling by clinical embryologist, then measured the segmented day‐one human embryo parameters and compared them with literature reported values. The precisions of segmentation were that cytoplasm over 97%, PN over 84% and ZP around 80%. For the morphometrics data of cytoplasm, ZP and PN, the results were comparable with those reported in literatures, which showed high reproducibility and consistency. The CNN system provides fast and stable analytical outcome to improve work efficiency in IVF setting. To conclude, our CNN system is potential to be applied in practice for day‐one human embryo segmentation as a robust tool with high precision, reproducibility and speed.
KYNU, a novel potential target that underpins CD44‐promoted breast tumour cell invasion
Authors: Al‐Mansoob Maryam , Gupta Ishita , Stefan Rusyniak Radoslaw , Ouhtit Allal 
Published: January 2021

AbstractUsing a validated tetracycline‐off‐inducible CD44 expression system in mouse model, we have previously demonstrated that the hyaluronan (HA) receptor CD44 promotes breast cancer (BC) metastasis to the liver. To unravel the mechanisms that underpin CD44‐promoted BC cell invasion, RNA samples were isolated from two cell models: (a) a tetracycline (Tet)‐Off‐regulated expression system of the CD44s in MCF‐7 cells and; (b) as a complementary approach, the highly metastatic BC cells, MDA‐MB‐231, were cultured in the presence and absence of 50 µg/mL of HA. Kynureninase (KYNU), identified by Microarray analysis, was up‐regulated by 3‐fold upon induction and activation of CD44 by HA; this finding suggests that KYNU is a potential novel transcriptional target of CD44‐downtstream signalling. KYNU is a pyridoxal phosphate (PLP) dependent enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of NAD cofactors from tryptophan that has been associated with the onset and development of BC. This review will attempt to identify and discuss the findings supporting this hypothesis and the mechanisms linking KYNU cell invasion via CD44.
It’s more than just interoception: The insular cortex involvement in alcohol use disorder
Authors: Campbell Erin J. , Lawrence Andrew J. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractUnderstanding brain structures and circuits impacted by alcohol use disorder is critical for improving our future prevention techniques and treatment options. A brain region that has recently gained traction for its involvement in substance use disorder is the insular cortex. This brain region is multi‐functional and spatially complex, resulting in a relative lack of understanding of the involvement of the insular cortex in alcohol use disorder. Here we discuss the role of the insular cortex in alcohol use disorder, particularly during periods of abstinence and in response to alcohol and alcohol‐related cues and contexts. We also discuss a broader role of the insular in alcohol‐associated risky decision making and impulse control. Finally, we canvas potential challenges associated with targeting the insular cortex to treat individuals with alcohol use disorder.
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Effect of melatonin on visceral fat deposition, lipid metabolism and hepatic lipo‐metabolic gene expression in male rats
Authors: Wang Linfeng , McFadden Joseph W. , Yang Gaiqing , Zhu Heshui , Lian Hongxia , Fu Tong , Sun Yu , Gao Tengyun , Li Ming 
Published: January 2021

AbstractMelatonin (MT) influences lipid metabolism in animals; however, the mechanistic effect of melatonin on liver fat and abdominal adipose deposition requires further clarity. In order to study the effects of melatonin on lipid metabolism, and hepatic fat and abdominal adipose deposition in animals, twenty Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats of 6 weeks of age with similar bodyweight were randomly divided into two groups: control (CTL) and MT‐treated (10 mg/kg/day). During a 60‐day experiment, food intake and bodyweight were measured daily and weekly respectively. At the end of treatment, blood samples were collected to collect plasma to quantify hormones and metabolic indicators of lipid metabolism. In addition, organ and abdominal adipose depots including liver, and omental, perirenal, and epididymal fat were weighed. Liver tissue was sampled for sectioning, long‐chain fatty acid (LCFA) quantification, and gene chip and Real‐time quantitative PCR (qPCR) analyses. The results showed that liver weight and index (ratio of liver weight to body weight) in MT group reduced by 20.69% and 9.63% respectively; omentum weight and index reduced by 59.88% and 54.93% respectively, and epididymal fat weight reduced by 45.34% (p = 0.049), relative to CTL. Plasma lipid indices, triglyceride (TG), high‐density lipoprotein (HDL), low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) and total cholesterol (TC) with MT treatment decreased significantly compared with the control. Fat and 8 LCFA content in liver in MT group also decreased. Gene chip and qPCR demonstrated that there were 289 genes up‐regulated and 293 genes down‐regulated by MT. Further analysis found that the mRNA expression of lipolysis‐related genes increased, while the mRNA expression of lipogenesis‐related enzymes decreased (p < 0.05) with MT. This study concluded that melatonin greatly affected fat deposition, and hepatic LCFA supply and the expression of genes associated with lipogenesis and lipolysis.
Linguistic Proximity and the Labour Market Performance of Immigrant Men in Canada
Authors: Adserà Alícia , Ferrer Ana 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe ability to speak the language of the destination country plays a key role in the labour market performance of immigrants. To assess the influence of language on economic assimilation, we combine large samples of the restricted version of the Canadian Census (1991–2006) with both a measure of proximity to English of the most used language in the immigrant’s country of origin, and information about wages and the occupational skills required for the jobs immigrant men hold. Immigrant men whose language is more distant from English earn lower wages and work in jobs requiring more physical strength and fewer social and analytical skills, than the jobs of similar native‐born workers. More importantly, linguistic distance imposes a relatively larger wage penalty on college‐educated upon entry into the country than on non‐college educated individuals. However, both the wage and the analytical skill requirements of the jobs held by college‐educated immigrant men from linguistically distant countries increase markedly with time in the country, while their physical strength requirements decline moderately. Our analysis suggests that facilitating language acquisition may speed up the labour market assimilation of immigrant men in Canada.
Absolute targets for HCV elimination and national health policy paradigms: Foreseeing future requirements
Authors: Kondili Loreta A. , Craxì Antonio , Aghemo Alessio 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe World Health Organization (WHO) targets for eliminating HCV by 2030 may be overambitious for many high‐income countries. Recent analyses (ie, data from 2017 to 2019) show that only 11 countries are on track for meeting WHO’s elimination targets. For a country to be truly on track, it is important that the majority of infected individuals be identified and treated. There is still a need for country and population‐specific evaluations within the different HCV screening and treatment strategies available, in order to assess their cost‐effectiveness and sustainability and support an evidence‐based policy for HCV elimination. Any health policy model is affected by the diversity and quality of the available data and by gaps in data. Given the differences among countries, comparing progress based on fixed global targets will not necessarily be suitable in the same measure for each country. In a recent document, the European Collaborators of Polaris Observatory provide insight into the limitations of the current WHO targets. The absolute targets identified by each country in accordance with the measures set by WHO would be essential in reaching the HCV elimination. All analytic models to assess the progress towards HCV elimination are based on projections to 2030 not including the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on hepatitis‐related services. With specific regard to the achievement of WHO hepatitis elimination goals, all measures that will be put in place during and after COVID‐19 pandemic could be transferred in increasing diagnosis and linkage to care of people with hepatitis.
Rodent models of cholestatic liver disease: A practical guide for translational research
Authors: Gijbels Eva , Pieters Alanah , De Muynck Kevin , Vinken Mathieu , Devisscher Lindsey 
Published: January 2021

AbstractCholestatic liver disease denotes any situation associated with impaired bile flow concomitant with a noxious bile acid accumulation in the liver and/or systemic circulation. Cholestatic liver disease can be subdivided into different types according to its clinical phenotype, such as biliary atresia, drug‐induced cholestasis, gallstone liver disease, intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, primary biliary cholangitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis. Considerable effort has been devoted to elucidating underlying mechanisms of cholestatic liver injuries and explore novel therapeutic and diagnostic strategies using animal models. Animal models employed according to their appropriate applicability domain herein play a crucial role. This review provides an overview of currently available in vivo animal models, fit‐for‐purpose in modelling different types of cholestatic liver diseases. Moreover, a practical guide and workflow is provided which can be used for translational research purposes, including all advantages and disadvantages of currently available in vivo animal models.
An improved, versatile and efficient modular plasmid assembly system for expression analyses of genes in Xanthomonas oryzae
Authors: Zou Lifang , Zhang Cuiping , Li Yilang , Yang Xiaofei , Wang Yanyan , Yan Yichao , Yang Ruihuan , Huang Mengsang , Haq Fazal , Yang Ching‐Hong , Chen Gongyou 
Published: January 2021

AbstractXanthomonas oryzae pathovars oryzae (Xoo) and oryzicola (Xoc) infect rice, causing bacterial blight and bacterial leaf streak, respectively, which are two economically important bacterial diseases in paddy fields. The interactions of Xoo and Xoc with rice can be used as models for studying fundamental aspects of bacterial pathogenesis and host tissue specificity. However, an improved vector system for gene expression analysis is desired for Xoo and Xoc because some broad host range vectors that can replicate stably in X. oryzae pathovars are low‐copy number plasmids. To overcome this limitation, we developed a modular plasmid assembly system to transfer the functional DNA modules from the entry vectors into the pHM1‐derived backbone vectors on a high‐copy number basis. We demonstrated the feasibility of our vector system for protein detection, and quantification of virulence gene expression under laboratory conditions and in association with host rice and nonhost tobacco cells. This system also allows execution of a mutant complementation equivalent to the single‐copy chromosomal integration system and tracing of pathogens in rice leaf. Based on this assembly system, we constructed a series of protein expression and promoter‐probe vectors suitable for classical double restriction enzyme cloning. These vector systems enable cloning of all genes or promoters of interest from Xoo and Xoc strains. Our modular assembly system represents a versatile and highly efficient toolkit for gene expression analysis that will accelerate studies on interactions of X. oryzae with rice.