bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Compression shorts reduce prenatal pelvic and low back pain: a prospective quasi-experimental controlled study
Authors: Szkwara Jaclyn M. , Hing Wayne , Pope Rodney , Rathbone Evelyne 
Published: June 2019

BackgroundCommon prenatal ailments negatively impact performance of activities of daily living and it has been proposed that the use of dynamic elastomeric fabric orthoses, more commonly referred to as compression garments, during pregnancy might aid in the reduction of pain from these ailments, allowing for improved functional capacity. However, the effectiveness of such garments in this context has not been established. This study aims to determine whether compression shorts are effective and thermally safe in the prevention and management of prenatal pelvic and low back pain (LBP).MethodA prospective quasi-experimental controlled study using parallel groups without random allocation was conducted, involving 55 childbearing women (gestational weeks 16–31) recruited from hospital and community-based maternity care providers. The compression shorts group (SG) wore SRC Pregnancy Shorts in addition to receiving usual care. The comparison group (CG) received usual care alone. Primary outcome measures—Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) and secondary measures Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire - 7 (PFIQ-7) and SF-36 Short Form Health Survey—were assessed fortnightly over 6-weeks for both groups. The compression SG self-assessed daily their body temperatures to monitor thermal impact. Data analysis involved descriptive analyses of the primary and secondary outcome measures scores by group and time-point, and multivariable linear regressions to assess between-group differences in change scores at 6-weeks from baseline while controlling for baseline factors.ResultsAfter controlling for baseline scores, gestational weeks and parity, statistically significant differences in NPRS and RMDQ change scores between groups were in favour of the compression SG. At 6-weeks, mean (SD) NPRS change scores in the compression SG and CG were significantly different, at −0.38 (2.21) and 2.82 (2.68), respectively,p= 0.003. Mean (SD) RMDQ change scores in the compression SG and CG were also significantly different, at 0.46 (3.05) and 3.64 (3.32), respectively,p= 0.009. A total of 883 (99.7%) of the reported daily self-assessed body temperatures ranged between 35.4 and 38.0 °C when wearing the compression shorts. At 6-weeks, mean (SD) PFIQ-7 and SF-36 change scores in the compression SG and CG were not significantly different.ConclusionCompression shorts are effective and thermally safe for prenatal management of pelvic and LBP.RegistrationTrial registration was not required (Australian Government Department of Health Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), 2018).
The lacewingCeraeochrysa caligataas a potential biological agent for controlling the red palm miteRaoiella indica
Authors: Viteri Jumbo Luis O. , Teodoro Adenir V. , Rêgo Adriano S. , Haddi Khalid , Galvão Andréia S. , de Oliveira Eugênio Eduardo 
Published: June 2019

BackgroundCompared to chemical control, the use of naturally occurring biological agents to control invasive pests is less threatening to the environment and human health.ObjectivesHere, we assessed the ability of immature stages of the lacewingCeraeochrysa caligata(Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) to prey upon different developmental stages of the red palm miteRaoiella indica(Acari: Tenuipalpidae), one of the most destructive invasive pests of palm trees in Neotropical regions.MethodsIncreasing densities of three stages ofR. indica(eggs, immature stages, and adult females) were offered toC. caligatain coconut leaf arenas. The immature stages ofC. caligatawere less than 24 h old and were starved before being transferring to the arenas. The amount of prey consumed was recorded 6 h after releasing theC. caligata.ResultsOur results indicated that the ability ofC. caligatato feed uponR. indicaincreased with the larval development of the predator. Higher feeding levels and shorter handling times were recorded for the first and second instars ofC. caligatawhen preying upon the eggs and immature stages ofR. indica.Furthermore,C. caligataindividuals of different stages exhibited differential functional responses according to prey type (i.e., eggs, immatures, or adult females ofR. indica).Ceraeochrysa caligatasecond instar individuals exhibited a sigmoid increase in consumption rate with increasing prey availability (i.e., a type III functional response) when preying upon immature stages ofR. indica. However, when preying uponR. indicaadult females,C. caligatasecond instar individuals exhibited a type II functional response (i.e., an increase in consumption rate with increasing prey availability, before reaching a plateau). Predator individuals of the first and third instar stages exhibited a type II functional response for all prey types.ConclusionsCollectively, our findings demonstrate thatC. caligata, especially at the second instar stage, has potential as a tool for ecological management of the red palm mite.
Dissecting the Contemporary Clerkship: Theory‐based Educational Trial of Videos Versus Lectures in Medical Student Education
Authors: Yiu Stella H. M. , Spacek Alena M. , Pageau Paul G. , Woo Michael Y. C. , Curtis Lee A. , Frank Jason R. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundDespite increasing use of the flipped classroom (FC) technique in undergraduate medical education, the benefit in learning outcomes over lectures is inconsistent. Best practices in preclass video design principles are rarely used, and it is unclear if videos can replace lectures in contemporary medical education.MethodsWe conducted a prospective quasi‐experimental controlled educational study comparing theory‐based videos to traditional lectures in a medical student curriculum. Medical students enrolled in an emergency medicine clerkship were randomly assigned to either a lecture group (LG) or a video group (VG). The slide content was identical, and the videos aligned with cognitive load theory‐based multimedia design principles. Students underwent baseline (pretest), week 1 (posttest), and end‐of‐rotation (retention) written knowledge tests and an observed structured clinical examination (OSCE) assessment. We compared scores between both groups and surveyed student attitudes and satisfaction with respect to the two learning methods.ResultsThere were 104 students who participated in OSCE assessments (49 LG, 55 VG) and 101 students who participated in knowledge tests (48 LG, 53 VG). The difference in OSCE scores was statistically significant 1.29 (95% confidence interval = 0.23 to 2.35, t(102) = 2.43, p = 0.017), but the actual score difference was small from an educational standpoint (12.61 for LG, 11.32 for VG). All three knowledge test scores for both groups were not significantly different.ConclusionsVideos based on cognitive load theory produced similar results and could replace traditional lectures for medical students. Educators contemplating a FC approach should devote their valuable classroom time to active learning methods.
Experimental validation of indirect conduction theory and effect of particle roughness on wall‐to‐particle heat transfer
Authors: Mishra Ipsita , Lattanzi Aaron M. , LaMarche Casey Q. , Morris Aaron B. , Hrenya Christine M. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractConduction between a flat wall and solid particles is important to heat transfer in various industrial unit operations. Predicting heat transfer in such systems requires theories for the two relevant modes of heat transfer: conduction through the particle‐wall contact area (direct conduction), and conduction through the interstitial fluid surrounding the particles in the near‐wall region (indirect conduction). While the former mechanism is well understood, experimental exploration of the latter is lacking. Here, experimental heat transfer coefficients for packed‐beds of glass and steel particles are compared to computational fluid dynamics–discrete element method simulations, which include an existing theory for indirect conduction. Reasonable agreement is found when the particle Biot number (Bi) is much less than unity (steel), but significant differences occur for Bi ~ 1 (glass). Additionally, the surface morphology of the glass particles is modified to experimentally elucidate the effects of roughness on particle‐wall heat transfer.
Enhanced Charge Transport by Incorporating Formamidinium and Cesium Cations into Two‐Dimensional Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Gao Liguo , Zhang Fei , Chen Xihan , Xiao Chuanxiao , Larson Bryon W. , Dunfield Sean P. , Berry Joseph J. , Zhu Kai 
Published: June 2019

AbstractOrganic‐inorganic hybrid two‐dimensional (2D) perovskites (n≤5) have recently attracted significant attention because of their promising stability and optoelectronic properties. Normally, 2D perovskites contain a monocation [e.g., methylammonium (MA+) or formamidinium (FA+)]. Reported here for the first time is the fabrication of 2D perovskites (n=5) with mixed cations of MA+, FA+, and cesium (Cs+). The use of these triple cations leads to the formation of a smooth, compact surface morphology with larger grain size and fewer grain boundaries compared to the conventional MA‐based counterpart. The resulting perovskite also exhibits longer carrier lifetime and higher conductivity in triple cation 2D perovskite solar cells (PSCs). The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 2D PSCs with triple cations was enhanced by more than 80 % (from 7.80 to 14.23 %) compared to PSCs fabricated with a monocation. The PCE is also higher than that of PSCs based on binary cation (MA+‐FA+ or MA+‐Cs+) 2D structures.
Efficient and Selective Carboligation with Whole‐Cell Biocatalysts in Pickering Emulsion
Authors: Röllig Robert , Plikat Christoph , Ansorge‐Schumacher Marion B. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractPickering emulsions (PEs) are particle‐stabilized multiphase systems with promising features for synthetic applications. Described here is a novel, simplified set‐up employing catalytically active whole cells for simultaneous emulsion stabilization and synthetic reaction. In the stereoselective carboligation of benzaldehyde to (R)‐benzoin catalyzed by a benzaldehyde lyase in E. coli, the set‐up yielded maximum substrate conversion within very short time, while economizing material demand and waste. Formation and activity of freshly produced PEs were enhanced when the catalytic whole cells were covered with hydrophobic silicone prior to PE formation. Benchmarked against other easy‐to‐handle whole‐cell biocatalysts in pure organic solvent, neat substrate, an aqueous emulsion in substrate, and a micro‐aquatic system, respectively, the cell‐stabilized PE outperformed all other systems by far.
Knockdown of β‐N‐acetylglucosaminidase gene disrupts molting process in Heortia vitessoides Moore
Authors: Lyu Zihao , Chen Jingxiang , Li Zhixing , Cheng Jie , Wang Chunyan , Lin Tong 
Published: June 2019

Abstractβ‐N‐acetylglucosaminidase (NAG) is a key enzyme in insect chitin metabolism and plays an important role in many physiological activities of insects. The HvNAG1 gene was identified from the Heortia vitessoides Moore (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) cDNA library and its expression patterns were determined using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The results indicated that HvNAG1 mRNA levels were high in the midgut and before molting, and 20E could induce its expression. Subsequently, the HvNAG1 gene was knocked down via RNA interference to identify its functions. We found that 3 μg of dsNAG1 resulted in optimal interference at 48 and 72 hr after injection, causing a decrease in NAG1 protein content, which resulted in abnormal or lethal phenotypes, and a sharp decrease in the survival rate. These results indicate that HvNAG1 plays a key role in the molting process of H. vitessoides. However, the silencing of HvNAG1 had no significant effect on the chitin metabolism‐related genes tested in this study. Our present study provides a reference for further research on the utility of key genes involved in the chitin metabolic pathway in the insect molting process.
Do Hertzsprung‐gap stars show any chemical anomaly?
Authors: Takeda Yoichi , Jeong Gwanghui , Han Inwoo 
Published: June 2019

AbstractWith the aim of investigating how the surface abundances of intermediate‐mass stars off the main sequence (evolving toward the red‐giant stage) are affected by the evolution‐induced envelope mixing, we spectroscopically determined the abundances of Li, C, N, O, and Na for selected 62 late A through G subgiants, giants, and supergiants, which are often called “Hertzsprung‐gap stars,” by applying the synthetic spectrum‐fitting technique to Lii6708, Ci5380, Ni7460, Oi6156–8, and Na i6161 lines. A substantially large star‐to‐star dispersion (≳2dex) was confirmed for the Li abundances, indicating that this vulnerable element can either suffer significant depletion before the red‐giant stage or almost retain the primordial composition. Regarding C, N, O, and Na possibly altered by dredge‐up of nuclear‐processed products, their abundances turned out to show considerable scatter. This suggests that these abundance results are likely to suffer appreciable uncertainties, the reason for which is not clear but might be due to some kind of inadequate modeling for the atmospheric structure. Yet, paying attention to the fact that the relative abundance ratios between C, N, and O should be more reliable (because systematic errors may be canceled as lines of similar properties are used for these species), we could confirm a positive correlation between [O/C] (ranging from ∼0 to ∼+0.5 dex) and [N/C] (showing a larger spread from ∼0 to ∼+1 dex), which is reasonably consistent with the theoretical prediction. This observational detection of C deficiency as well as N enrichment in our program stars manifestly indicates that the dredge‐up of H‐burning product can take place before entering the red‐giant stage, with its extent differing from star to star.
Measuring corporate governance performance beyond the financial metrics: A study based on deposit money banks in Nigeria
Authors: Onwuka Ifeanyi Onuka , Okoro Blessing Chinemere , Onodugo Vincent A. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractStudies on corporate governance and firm performance have traditionally used financial metrics such as return on investment, return on assets, return on equity, profitable after tax, earnings per share, firm value (Tobin's q), and other quantifiable matrices. These performance measurement indicators, however, do not fully account for the social and environmental benefits derivable from corporate activities. This study differed from this approach by measuring corporate performance of deposit money banks in Nigeria using the sustainability reporting and triple bottom line (TBL) framework. Two TBL‐compliance metrics were developed that tracks the performance of banks along the TBL parameters, which is more robust than the usual financial indicators. Six banks were selected for the study and were assigned scores based on their relative achievement in the adoption process of 17 identified metrics in the TBL framework. The results showed that Nigerian banks lacked behind in corporate governance performance based on TBL framework. On the aggregate, the level of spending on corporate social activities as a percentage of profit after tax was less than 1% for the 10‐year period reviewed (2013–2017). The study showed that all the sampled banks had put in place policy framework that is in tandem with the TBL template, but there is still a mix match between the policy enunciation and concrete investments needed to be fully TBL complaint. The study recommended that Nigerian banks should devote more resources towards meeting the increasing social, environmental, and ecological demands on them in line with global best practices.
Examining economic and technology‐related barriers of small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises internationalisation: An emerging economy context
Authors: Rahman Mahfuzur , Akter Mansura , Odunukan Kenny , Haque Shamim Ehsanul 
Published: June 2019

AbstractIn today's global marketplace, small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly looking at internationalisation strategies to boost growth, profitability, and competitiveness. However, challenges, such as, sociocultural differences, political institutions, limited resources, competitive challenges, market threats, and economic and technological barriers all hinder SMEs from entering and competing favourably in the international markets. Considering the important link between lack of resources and internationalisation of SMEs, this study examined economic and technology‐related barriers of SMEs internationalisation from a neglected yet emerging market context in Bangladesh. To compare the relative importance of these two particular categories of barriers, this study developed and validated a partial least square‐based structural equation model (PLS‐SEM) with primary data gathered from questionnaires from 212 Bangladeshi SMEs. The findings of the paper suggest that technology‐related barriers seem slightly more influential than economic barriers. As the difference is very low, importance should be given to both types of barriers as found. Conceptually, this study extends this area of research by reframing economic and technology‐related barriers of internationalisation as a hierarchical reflective model within an emerging economy context. Empirically, it confirms that PLS‐SEM can be used to compare the relative importance of these two types of barriers. Practically, policy makers can give slightly more priorities on the technology‐related barriers where it is not possible to give equal importance to both because of limited resource and research neglect on developing economies.
Eco‐innovation and firm growth in the circular economy: Evidence from European small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises
Authors: Demirel Pelin , Danisman Gamze Ozturk 
Published: June 2019

AbstractAs the circular economy (CE) concept gains growing popularity among consumers and producers, small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) increasingly look for ways to reorganize their offering and operations to integrate into the CE. This study examines the impact of (a) circular eco‐innovations and (b) external funding available for CE activities on the growth of European SMEs using a data set of 5,100 SMEs across 28 European countries in 2016. Findings reveal that a significant threshold investment (i.e., higher than 10% of revenues) into circular eco‐innovations is required for SMEs to benefit from investing into the CE. Moreover, the majority of circular eco‐innovations fail to boost the growth rates of SMEs, with the exception of investments into eco‐design innovations. Although traditional forms of debt and grant finance targeted to CE activities are found to have no or negative impact on the growth of SMEs, equity finance (i.e., angel and venture capital investments) contributes positively to their growth. The study offers insights into the lower levels of SME engagement in the CE as well as policy implications for improving engagement.
Optical Control of the GTP Affinity of K‐Ras(G12C) by a Photoswitchable Inhibitor
Authors: Ge Zhihua , Yang Zhuojin , Liang Jingshi , Dong Duoling , Zhu Mingyan 
Published: June 2019

AbstractPhotocontrol of protein activity is an emerging field in biomedicine. For optical control of a mutant small GTPase K‐Ras(G12C), we developed small‐molecule inhibitors with photoswitchable efficacy, where one configuration binds the target protein and exert different pharmacological effects upon light irradiation. The compound design was based on the structure feature of a previously identified allosteric pocket of K‐Ras(G12C) and the chemical structure of covalent inhibitors, and resulted in the synthesis and characterization of two representative azobenzene‐containing compounds. Nucleotide exchange assays demonstrated the different efficacy to control the GTP affinity by photoswitching of one potent compound PS‐C2, which would be a useful tool to probe the conformation of mutational K‐Ras. Our study demonstrated the feasibility of designing photoswitchable modulators from allosteric covalent inhibitor of small GTPases.
Just‐in‐time learning–multiple subspace support vector data description used for non‐Gaussian dynamic batch process monitoring
Authors: Lv Zhaomin , Yan Xuefeng , Jiang Qingchao , Li Ning 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBatch process data are time‐varying dynamic and non‐Gaussian distributed. In addition, for multivariate statistical process monitoring, their variability can be overwhelmed when considering local variability behavior. To address the abovementioned issues, an improved batch process monitoring approach is presented that integrates just‐in‐time learning and multiple subspace support vector data description (JITL‐MSSVDD). A new multiple subspace segmentation method is proposed that classifies a contribution array that is calculated on the mixing matrix of independent component analysis (ICA). Offline, the variable subspace segmentation rule can be obtained from the proposed method. The subspace monitoring models can reduce the risk of the variability being overwhelmed. Online, local modeling samples are collected through JITL, which can reduce the impact of the time‐varying dynamic on modeling accuracy. Then, in accordance with the variable subspace segmentation rule, which is obtained offline, MSSVDD models are constructed to solve non‐Gaussian problems. The advantage of the proposed JITL‐MSSVDD is demonstrated through the standard test model fed‐batch penicillin fermentation process.
On Bartlett correction of empirical likelihood for regularly spaced spatial data
Authors: Chen Kun , Chan Ngai H. , Wang Man , Yau Chun Y. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBartlett correction constitutes one of the attractive features of empirical likelihood because it enables the construction of confidence regions for parameters with improved coverage probabilities. We study the Bartlett correction of spatial frequency domain empirical likelihood (SFDEL) based on general spectral estimating functions for regularly spaced spatial data. This general formulation can be applied to testing and estimation problems in spatial analysis, for example testing covariance isotropy, testing covariance separability as well as estimating the parameters of spatial covariance models. We show that the SFDEL is Bartlett correctable. In particular, the improvement in coverage accuracies of the Bartlett‐corrected confidence regions depends on the underlying spatial structures.The Canadian Journal of Statistics47: 455–472; 2019 © 2019 Statistical Society of Canada