bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of green strategies and eco‐innovation on Mexican automotive industry sustainable and financial performance: Sustainable supply chains as a mediating variable
Authors: Rodríguez‐González Rubén Michael , Maldonado‐Guzman Gonzalo , Madrid‐Guijarro Antonia 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThis work focuses on the study of how green strategies (GBS) and eco‐innovation (EI) contribute to increasing sustainable and financial performance in the context of the Mexican manufacturing industry, and whether these relationships are mediated by the practices involved in sustainable supply chains (SSCs). This analysis is carried out through an empirical study of a sample of 460 companies in the automotive industry. The results reveal direct positive effects of GBS and EI on performance both, sustainable and financial. In spite of the key role played by SSC, this variable only exerts a mediating effect on the sustainable performance. Nevertheless, although the significant direct effect of sustainable supply chains on financial performance is not verified, there is an indirect effect of supply chains on financial performance through their influence on sustainable development. The findings reveal important implications for managers. They provide rational arguments (increase in performance) that should motivate companies in the Mexican automotive industry to incorporate values, standards, and actions focused on reducing the effects of their activities on the environment. These considerations will lead to a change in behavior which is better aligned with global environmental demands.
Long non‐coding RNA OIP5‐AS1 (Cyrano): A context‐specific regulator of normal and disease processes
Authors: Wooten Serena , Smith Keriayn N. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractLong non‐coding (lnc) RNAs have been implicated in a plethora of normal biological functions, and have also emerged as key molecules in various disease processes. OIP5‐AS1, also commonly known by the alias Cyrano, is a lncRNA that displays broad expression across multiple tissues, with significant enrichment in particular contexts including within the nervous system and skeletal muscle. Thus far, this multifaceted lncRNA has been found to have regulatory functions in normal cellular processes including cell proliferation and survival, as well as in the development and progression of a myriad disease states. These widespread effects on normal and disease states have been found to be mediated through context‐specific intermolecular interactions with dozens of miRNAs and proteins identified to date. This review explores recent studies to highlight OIP5‐AS1's contextual yet pleiotropic roles in normal homeostatic functions as well as disease oetiology and progression, which may influence its utility in the generation of future theranostics.
An efficient virtual machine allocation using single stage weapon target assignment model in cloud software‐defined network environment
Authors: Padmavathy T. , Anitha R. 
Published: January 2022

SummaryWith the rapid growth of the Internet, technological advancements, and the increasing number of cloud users, a paradigm transformation towards separate data and control planes with a centralized control point is taking place. As a result of this separation, software‐defined networks (SDNs) have distinct software controllers for routers and the capacity to manage network behavior. Virtual machine placement (VMP) and virtual machine migration (VMM) are two examples of SDN usage in data centers. The issue of VMP in cloud environments is a significant challenge that has been widely researched but not fully resolved. In this research, we used the single stage weapon target assignment (SSWTA) to model the virtual machine allocation (VMA) for jobs in order to maximize the resource utilization of the physical machines (PMs) by reducing idle time. Furthermore, this research proposes three algorithms: job assignment algorithms, PM allocation (PMA) using the least recently used (LRU) policy, and optimal VMA. The proposed VMA's performance is compared to other related VMA models such as first fit decreasing, and it is determined to be efficient in terms of resource utilization.
Physiological functional traits explain morphological variation of Ulva prolifera during the drifting of green tides
Authors: Guan Chen , Zhao Xinyu , Qu Tongfei , Zhong Yi , Hou Chengzong , Lin Zhihao , Xu Jinhui , Tang Xuexi , Wang Ying 
Published: January 2022

AbstractUlva prolifera green tides, one of the greatest marine ecological disasters, originate in the southern Yellow Sea of China and obtain the highest biomass in Haizhou Bay (latitude around 35° N) during northward drift. U. prolifera shows different morphologies from southern Haizhou Bay (SH) to northern Haizhou Bay (NH). Owing to the distinct nutrient environments between SH and NH, we hypothesized that thalli in NH with poor nutrients increased the surface area to volume ratio (SA:VOL) to better absorb nutrients. Here, we tested this hypothesis by comparing the SA:VOL of thalli in SH and NH. The results showed that the thalli in NH had a lower SA:VOL than those in SH, and SA:VOL had positive relationships with temperature and nutrients, contrary to the general hypothesis. The novel results suggested that morphological differences of U. prolifera were the result of developmental state rather than environmental acclimation. Indicators of reproduction (reproductive allocation ratio) were negatively related to variation in tissue contents of C, N, P, and crude protein, whereas indicators of growth (tissue contents of C, N, P, and crude protein) showed significant positive influences on SA:VOL. The results indicated that a trade‐off relationship between reproduction and growth existed in the northward drift. All the results suggested that physiological functional traits affected morphological variation of U. prolifera in different environmental conditions during the drifting of green tides. This study presents new insights into the opportunist species nature of U. prolifera through morphological variation and associated functional consequences.
Heat transfer and pressure drop through mono and hybrid nanofluid‐based photovoltaic‐thermal systems
Authors: Hormozi Moghaddam Mohsen , Karami Maryam 
Published: January 2022

AbstractUsing nanofluids in photovoltaic‐thermal systems enhances the overall efficiency; however, increasing the pressure drop and pumping power, because of the higher viscosity of nanofluids, is a challenging factor for the nanofluid‐based systems. In the present study, the thermohydraulic performance of the photovoltaic‐thermal system is compared using two water‐based nanofluids including hybrid Ag‐MgO and carbon nanotubes (CNT) nanofluids, as the working fluids. The effect of type and flow rate of the working fluid, nanoparticle concentration, and channel height on the friction factor and Nusselt number is studied using the numerical model. The model is validated using the experimental and numerical results and found that the relative errors of the results are less than 3.8% and 5.2%, respectively, which confirmed the model accuracy. The results showed that at a flow rate of 8 L/h, the volume fraction of 2%, and channel height of 10 mm, the system electrical efficiency, thermal efficiency, and friction factor using CNT nanofluid are, respectively, 0.04%, 1.31%, and 62% higher than those using base fluid and 0.03%, 0.89%, and 53% higher than those using Ag‐MgO nanofluid. It is also found that although increasing the nanoparticle concentration and decreasing the channel height improves the system efficiency, it increases the friction factor and pressure drop. Comparing the results using the mono and hybrid nanofluids showed that the thermal performance of the photovoltaic‐thermal system using CNT nanofluid is slightly better; however, the hydraulic system performance using hybrid Ag‐MgO nanofluid is improved.
Evaluation of dust production efficiencies in sandy sediments
Authors: Bhattachan Abinash , Tatlhego Mokganedi , Dintwe Kebonye , D'Odorico Paolo , Okin Gregory S. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractSeveral studies have shown that dust emission (vertical flux, F) can be considered a constant fraction (k) of the saltating flux (horizontal flux, Q), that is,
. This coefficient of proportionality, or dust production efficiency factor, is often called the ‘k factor’ and is fundamentally related to soil properties especially soil texture. Beyond regional and global modeling applications, a practical utility of k is for air quality regulatory agencies where k can be used to estimate F based on only measurements of Q, which is more easily measured in the field. Only a few studies have directly estimated the k factor from soils within potential dust sources even though dust models that represent the sandblasting process typically utilize k. The goal of this study was to compare two methods to calculate k from sandy sediments and compare those estimates with an empirical method of calculating the k factor. The first method (method 1) used the difference between F calculated from two sets of sediment samplers whereas the second method (method 2) used a set of aerosol monitors to measure F. We found that the range of k values from our study are consistent with soil texture‐based estimates of k and also have the correct order of magnitude. Thus, any of the methods described in our study are appropriate for estimation of k for sandy soils.
Predictors of the amount of intake of Ready‐To‐Use‐Therapeutic foods among children in outpatient therapeutic programs in Nairobi, Kenya
Authors: Ochola Sophie , Ogada Irene A. , Odera Colleta A. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractReady‐to‐use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) therapy is a standard protocol for treating children with severe acute malnutrition (SAM) admitted in Out‐Patient Therapeutic Programmes (OTP). The amount of RUTF to be consumed by a child is based on weight (200 kcal/kg body weight/day) as stipulated in the Kenya Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition (IMAM) protocol for timely weight gain. There is limited information on the determinants of consumption of the correct amount of RUTF. This study sought to fill this gap by establishing the associations between the caregivers' and the child's characteristics and the amount of RUTF the child ate within a 24‐h recall period. We used a cross‐sectional study design and interviewed 200 caregivers of children 6–23 months of age admitted in four OTP centers in Nairobi Kenya. We used a researcher‐administered questionnaire to collect information from the caregivers. Seventy‐three percent of the children ate the recommended amount of RUTF. A smaller proportion (54.4%) of younger children (6–11 months of age) ate the recommended amount of RUTF compared to older children (12–17 months old and 18–23 months old at 89.1% and 82.8%, respectively). The predictors of consumption of the correct amount of RUTF were child's birth order—firstborn (AOR 29.92; 95% CI: 5.67–157.93) and children's age; 12–17 months old (AOR 5.19; 95% CI: 2.18–12.36) and 18–23 months (AOR 6.19 95% CI: 2.62), indicating that firstborn and older children were more likely to consume the correct amounts of RUTF. Caregivers' knowledge and correct practices in feeding a child with RUTF also predicted the consumption of the correct amount of RUTF. In conclusion, maternal and child characteristics are determinants of the consumption of the correct amount of RUTF by children in OTP.
Assessment of readiness for launching cloud computing services: The case of Ethio‐Telecom in Ethiopia
Authors: Mengesha Getachew H. , Musa Philip F. , Negash Solomon , Leuleged Ruth , Munchus George 
Published: January 2022

AbstractA nation's telecom system plays an important role in its socio‐economic development. This case study assesses the technical and organizational readiness of Ethio‐Telecom to implement Cloud Computing services to serve Africa's fast‐growing demand for Cloud Computing. The study used the STOPE (Strategy, Technology, Organization, People, and Environment) model as a theoretical base. A structured survey questionnaire was used to gather data from 100 mid and operational level employees. An interview was conducted with top‐level officials to elicit information about the strategic direction of the company. We used structural equation modeling software for analyses and model testing. The SMART PLS results point to the appropriateness of the STOPE model for the assessment of Ethio‐Telecom's Cloud Computing readiness. Additional analysis revealed that Ethio‐Telecom's Strategy, Technology, Organization, and Environmental dimensions need only minor improvements while the People dimension requires significant improvements to successfully implement Cloud Computing services. We mapped interview and document analysis data to the STOPE model constructs. This qualitative approach further validated the results we got in the quantitative analysis. We believe the mixed methodology, SMART PLS for quantitative analysis and e‐Learning Readiness Survey to determine individual dimension readiness, and quantitative analysis, used in this study have added to the body of knowledge.
Data set and fitting dependencies when estimating protein mutant stability: Toward simple, balanced, and interpretable models
Authors: Bæk Kristoffer T. , Kepp Kasper P. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractAccurate prediction of protein stability changes upon mutation (ΔΔG) is increasingly important to evolution studies, protein engineering, and screening of disease‐causing gene variants but is challenged by biases in training data. We investigated 45 linear regression models trained on data sets that account systematically for destabilization bias and mutation‐type bias BM. The models were externally validated on three test data sets probing different pathologies and for internal consistency (symmetry and neutrality). Model structure and performance substantially depended on training data and even fitting method. We developed two final models: SimBa‐IB for typical natural mutations and SimBa‐SYM for situations where stabilizing and destabilizing mutations occur to a similar extent. SimBa‐SYM, despite is simplicity, is essentially non‐biased (vs. the Ssym data set) while still performing well for all data sets (R ~ 0.46–0.54, MAE = 1.16–1.24 kcal/mol). The simple models provide advantage in terms of interpretability, use and future improvement, and are freely available on GitHub.
The diagnostic value of second ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration for thyroid nodules
Authors: Zhao Na , Yao Ming , Han Ruoling , Chen Wei , Zhang Fengjuan , Feng Yafeng 
Published: January 2022

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of doing a second ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration (US‐FNA) for thyroid nodules of different sizes that could not be diagnosed by the first US‐FNA.MethodsOne hundred and forty‐three patients (162 nodules) were diagnosed with suspected malignant thyroid nodules in a routine ultrasound examination, but since the diagnosis could not be confirmed by the cytology of the samples collected in the first US‐FNA, the patients underwent US‐FNA again 3 months later. The ultrasound results, cytology results, and postoperative pathology of these nodules were collected. The nodules were divided into three groups according to the largest diameter (L) of the thyroid nodules: Group 1, L < 0.5 cm, 26 nodules; Group 2, L = 0.5–1.0 cm, 76 nodules; and Group 3, L > 1.0 cm, 60 nodules.ResultsIn the second US‐FNA, the overall diagnosis rate of the 162 thyroid nodules that could not be given a definitive diagnosis by the first US‐FNA was 51.8% (84/162). The definitive diagnosis rates of the nodules in Groups 1, 2, and 3 were 30.8% (8/26), 67.1% (51/76), and 41.7% (25/60), respectively. The diagnosis rate was the highest in Group 2, and the differences between this group and the other two groups were statistically significant (χ2 = 10.489, 8.801, p < 0.05 for both). The diagnostic accuracy rates of Groups 1, 2, and 3 were 100% (8/8), 96.1% (49/51), and 92% (23/25), respectively.ConclusionSecond US‐FNA is highly recommended for such nodules.
An insight into microscopy and analytical techniques for morphological, structural, chemical, and thermal characterization of cellulose
Authors: Chakraborty Ishita , Rongpipi Sintu , Govindaraju Indira , B Rakesh , Mal Sib Sankar , Gomez Esther W. , Gomez Enrique D. , Kalita Ranjan Dutta , Nath Yuthika , Mazumder Nirmal 
Published: January 2022

AbstractCellulose obtained from plants is a bio‐polysaccharide and the most abundant organic polymer on earth that has immense household and industrial applications. Hence, the characterization of cellulose is important for determining its appropriate applications. In this article, we review the characterization of cellulose morphology, surface topography using microscopic techniques including optical microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. Other physicochemical characteristics like crystallinity, chemical composition, and thermal properties are studied using techniques including X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, Raman spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis. This review may contribute to the development of using cellulose as a low‐cost raw material with anticipated physicochemical properties.Highlights
Morphology and surface topography of cellulose structure is characterized using microscopy techniques including optical microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy.
Analytical techniques used for physicochemical characterization of cellulose include X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis.
Optimizing the nutrition support care model: Analysis of survey data
Authors: Mundi Manpreet S. , Mechanick Jeffrey I. , Mohamed Elfadil Osman , Patel Jayshil J. , Bonnes Sara L. , Blackmer Allison B. , Christian Vikram J. , Hennessy Sara A. , Hurt Ryan T. , Jain Ajay , Kaspar Matthew B. , Katz Jennifer , Labossiere Reginald , Limketkai Berkeley N. , McCarthy Paul J. , Morrison Chet A. , Newberry Carolyn , Pimiento Jose M. , Rosenthal Martin D. , Taylor Beth , McClave Stephen A. ,   ASPEN Physician Engagement Committee
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundMalnutrition is underrecognized and underdiagnosed, despite high prevalence rates and associated poor clinical outcomes. The involvement of clinical nutrition experts, especially physicians, in the care of high‐risk patients with malnutrition remains low despite evidence demonstrating lower complication rates with nutrition support team (NST) management. To facilitate solutions, a survey was designed to elucidate the nature of NSTs and physician involvement and identify needs for novel nutrition support care models.MethodsThis survey assessed demographics of NSTs, factors contributing to the success of NSTs, elements of nutrition education, and other barriers to professional growth.ResultsOf 255 respondents, 235 complete surveys were analyzed. The geographic distribution of respondents correlated with population concentrations of the United States (r = 90.8%, p < .0001). Most responding physicians (46/57; 80.7%) reported being a member of NSTs, compared with 56.5% (88/156) of dietitians. Of those not practicing in NSTs (N = 81/235, 34.4%), 12.3% (10/81) reported an NST was previously present at their institution but had been disbanded. Regarding NSTs, financial concerns were common (115/235; 48.9%), followed by leadership (72/235; 30.6%), and healthcare professional (HCP) interest (55/235; 23.4%). A majority (173/235; 73.6%) of all respondents wanted additional training in nutrition but reported insufficient protected time, ability to travel, or support from administrators or other HCPs.ConclusionCore actions resulting from this survey focused on formalizing physician roles, increasing interdisciplinary nutrition support expertise, utilizing cost‐effective screening for malnutrition, and implementing intervention protocols. Additional actions included increasing funding for clinical practice, education, and research, all within an expanded portfolio of pragmatic nutrition support care models.
Causes of readmissions for patients discharged on enteral nutrition
Authors: Palchaudhuri Sonali , Mehta Shivan J. , Snider Christopher K. , Parsikia Afshin , Hudson Lauren , Compher Charlene , Lewis James D. , Wu Gary D. , Pickett‐Blakely Octavia 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackground and AimsPatients discharged with enteral nutrition (EN) through an enteral access device (DCENs) are noted to have increased hospital readmissions, but data on the readmission causes are limited. We assessed the proportion of these readmissions attributed to EN and determined the contributing factors to readmissions.MethodsUsing electronic health record data, we conducted a retrospective cohort study of all hospital encounters in an academic, urban hospital from July 2017 to December 2019 with discharge with EN to find all unplanned readmissions at the same hospital within 90 days. For each readmission, we evaluated through chart review whether discharge documentation identified the primary cause of readmission to be EN‐related and evaluated for EN‐related plan adjustments upon discharge.ResultsOver the 30‐month period, there were 224 and 442 readmissions within 30 and 90 days for DCENs, respectively. EN‐related readmissions accounted for 20.5% of 30‐day readmissions and 16.7% of 90‐day readmissions. Among these, 44.6% (33 of 74) documented enteral access device issues, 40.5% (30 of 74) cited gastrointestinal symptoms that the team attributed to EN, and 14.9% (11 of 74) cited sodium imbalance. The EN plan was changed in 97.3% (72 of 74) of EN‐related readmissions and 32.3% (119 of 368) of EN‐unrelated admissions. 52.0% of 90‐day readmissions were within 90 days of initiating EN.Conclusion20.5% of readmissions for DCENs are related to EN, with 52.0% occurring within 90 days of initiating EN. Quality improvement interventions targeting postdischarge care may decrease hospital readmissions in this high‐risk and medically complex patient population.