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Much marketing research focuses on what individual consumers need or want for consumption and how they satisfy these needs or wants themselves. However, consumers often give up money, time, or preferences to help others address their consumption needs and wants across the customer journey. The authors introduce the unifying construct of "consumption sacrifice," defined as the willing and intentional act of incurring a cost to the self—in money, time, or preferences—when making a consumption decision, with expected direct benefits to one's partner. The authors offer examples of consumption sacrifices along the customer journey and suggest that this construct offers a new lens through which to examine the existing literature on choices involving others. The authors put forward the view that sacrifices are often invisible to recipients—and thus underrecognized and underappreciated—failing to achieve their full potential. At the same time, different sacrifice motives (partner‐focused, relationship‐focused, self‐focused) may affect the extent to which actors care about making sacrifices visible to recipients. Finally, the authors propose future research questions, including what leads consumers to perform more visible sacrifices, what drives the invisibility of sacrifices among recipients, and what are the consequences of performing and receiving invisible sacrifices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bony fishes play a pivotal role in Ecuador's social, economic, and ecological aspects. However, the current state of scientific knowledge on this group remains poorly understood. This study aims to assess the scientific output related to Ecuadorian bony fishes, identifying both well‐researched and understudied areas. A scientometric analysis was conducted using the Scopus database, evaluating 265 peer‐reviewed publications on marine and freshwater bony fishes. The results revealed that 55.5% of studies focused on marine environments, 41.9% on freshwater ecosystems, and 2.6% on mixed environments. The earliest study was published more than 130 years ago, with a marked increase in research output since 2018. Geographic and regional disparities in research efforts were evident, with the Galapagos Islands hosting the highest number of studies at the provincial level and the coastal region leading in regional publications. Additionally, there has been a notable increase in the participation of women in research over time; however, it remains significantly below parity. English was the dominant language in these publications. On average, the delay between data collection and publication was 8.43 years, which may lead to outdated or ineffective management decisions. This underscores the importance of continually updating data to ensure the accuracy of conservation status assessments. Both marine and freshwater species that were endemic have been less studied compared to non‐endemic species. Most of the studied species were categorized as “least concern,” although a significant proportion of species classified as “data deficient” have started to be investigated by Ecuadorian researchers. The categories “endangered” and “near threatened” were the least studied, highlighting the urgent need for conservation initiatives targeting these vulnerable taxa. Biases in the number of studies among families, species, and geographic distribution indicate the need to expand research efforts to underrepresented taxa and regions. This analysis underscores the necessity of diversifying methodologies and broadening the research focus to more comprehensively address the challenges associated with the conservation and management of bony fishes in Ecuador. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The inclusion of synthetic amino acids in poultry nutrition plays a crucial role in both enhancing the synthesis of immunoglobulins and elevating the overall comprehensiveness of the amino acid profile. Objectives: This research examined the effects of consuming threonine (Thr) in various forms levels with low or high oil on broiler chickens' growth and immunity. Methods: We investigate the growth performance, feed efficiency, immune response, intestinal morphology, absorptive capacity, and expression of some genes related to the feed intake (Pro‐opiomelanocortin [POMC]), fatty acid synthesis (Acetyl‐CoA Carboxylase [ACC]), immunity (lipopolysaccharide‐induced tumour necrosis like alpha factor [LITAF]), and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70). Eight groups of chicks were used, including four dietary Thr levels (100%, 115%, 130%, or 145%) with two oil levels (mixture of sunflower 50% and soybean oils 50%): (control) and high. Results: The higher dietary Thr level (145%) with high oil inclusion significantly increased ACC and POMC gene expression, resulting in the lowest feed intake, body weight gain (BWG), and liver fat content. Combining high oil with 115% Thr was the optimum for the broilers. The birds have significant (p ≤.05) growth performance, immune parameters, and intestinal health, as well as the lowest expression of ACC, POMC, HSP70, and LITAF, which was reflected in better feed conversion ratio and lower incidence of fatty liver, thermo‐resistance, and immune status of the birds. Conclusions: The combination of high oil and 115% Thr levels optimises broiler health and productivity, enhancing growth, immune function, and gut health. This diet lowers the expression of genes associated with fatty liver and stress, leading to better feed efficiency, thermo‐resistance, and overall well‐being. Adopting these dietary adjustments can improve broiler performance and economic viability in poultry farming by enhancing essential productivity metrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Methods Results Conclusions Attrition in surgical residencies remains a significant issue, with traditional research focusing mainly on individual and programme factors. This study explores the role of clinical teachers (CTs) in influencing attrition rates. CTs are essential in moulding residents' training, serving both as enablers of workplace learning and guardians of their medical fields.We employed a hermeneutic phenomenology framework to understand the sociocultural impacts on attrition. Data were collected through semi‐structured interviews involving 19 CTs, 3 residents who left the programme and 2 who underwent remediation, following a six‐step hermeneutic phenomenological analysis process.The entrenched ‘good surgeon’ narrative within the department demanded selflessness and total dedication, which CTs reinforced, thereby normalising a rigorous and challenging environment. This has led to attrition when residents fail to meet these challenges or choose to disengage from the system. We illustrated that CTs were pivotal in perpetuating these expectations, contributing significantly to resident attrition.CTs played a crucial role in resident attrition by enforcing a stringent cultural norm within surgical training programmes. Addressing this issue requires a visible change in CTs' role to foster a more supportive educational environment. Emphasising the beneficial aspects of the ‘good surgeon’ narrative and mitigating its adverse impacts is essential for reducing attrition rates and assisting all residents, including those facing challenges, in successfully completing their training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial intelligence (AI) uses sophisticated algorithms to "learn" from large volumes of data. This could be used to optimise recruitment of blood donors through predictive modelling of future blood supply, based on previous donation and transfusion demand. We sought to assess utilisation of predictive modelling and AI blood establishments (BE) and conducted predictive modelling to illustrate its use. A BE survey of data modelling and AI was disseminated to the International Society of Blood transfusion members. Additional anonymzed data were obtained from Italy, Singapore and the United States (US) to build predictive models for each region, using January 2018 through August 2019 data to determine likelihood of donation within a prescribed number of months. Donations were from March 2020 to June 2021. Ninety ISBT members responded to the survey. Predictive modelling was used by 33 (36.7%) respondents and 12 (13.3%) reported AI use. Forty‐four (48.9%) indicated their institutions do not utilise predictive modelling nor AI to predict transfusion demand or optimise donor recruitment. In the predictive modelling case study involving three sites, the most important variable for predicting donor return was number of previous donations for Italy and the US, and donation frequency for Singapore. Donation rates declined in each region during COVID‐19. Throughout the observation period the predictive model was able to consistently identify those individuals who were most likely to return to donate blood. The majority of BE do not use predictive modelling and AI. The effectiveness of predictive model in determining likelihood of donor return was validated; implementation of this method could prove useful for BE operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Policy Studies Journal is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Aim: Successional changes in functional diversity provide insights into community assembly by indicating how species are filtered into local communities based on their traits. Here, we assess successional changes in taxonomic and functional richness, evenness and redundancy along gradients of climate, soil pH and forest cover. Location: Neotropics. Time period: Last 0–100 years. Major taxa studied: Trees. Methods: We used 22 forest chronosequence studies and 676 plots across the Neotropics to analyse successional changes in Hill's taxonomic and functional diversity of trees, and how these successional changes vary with continental‐scale gradients in precipitation, soil pH and surrounding forest cover. Results: Taxonomic and functional richness and functional redundancy increased, while taxonomic and functional evenness decreased over time. Functional richness and evenness changed strongly when not accounting for taxonomic richness, but changed more weakly after statistically accounting for taxonomic richness, indicating that changes in functional diversity are largely driven by taxonomic richness. Nevertheless, the successional increases in functional richness when correcting for taxonomic richness may indicate that environmental heterogeneity and limiting similarity increase during succession. The taxonomically‐independent successional decreases in functional evenness may indicate that stronger filtering and competition select for dominant species with similar trait values, while many rare species and traits are added to the community. Such filtering and competition may also lead to increased functional redundancy. The changes in taxonomically‐independent functional diversity varied with resource availability and were stronger in harsh, resource‐poor environments, but weak in benign, productive environments. Hence, in resource‐poor environments, environmental filtering and facilitation are important, whereas in productive environments, weaker abiotic filtering allows for high initial functional diversity and weak successional changes. Main conclusion: We found that taxonomic and functional richness and functional redundancy increased and taxonomic and functional evenness decreased during succession, mainly caused by the increasing number of rare species and traits due to the arrival of new species and due to changing (a)biotic filters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Companies are increasingly collaborating with virtual influencers (VIs) as endorsers for their social media campaigns, yet they often lack awareness of the risks and opportunities involved. VIs are AI‐generated, and visually presented as an interactive, real‐time animated entity in a digital environment. Grounding on the uncanny valley theory, this study investigates how the anthropomorphism of VIs influences consumer behavior. Through two experimental studies, we investigate the effect of a VI's level of anthropomorphism on consumer intentions, revealing the mediating role of uncanniness. Specifically, we find that highly anthropomorphized VIs may elicit a greater sense of uncanniness among consumers. Interestingly, the second study unveils that, in the presence of social cues, the influence of anthropomorphism on uncanniness is attenuated. From a theoretical perspective, these findings contribute to the existing literature on the uncanny valley theory and reveal the role of social cues in mitigating consumers' sense of uncanniness. Alongside this, it offers practical insights for practitioners navigating the complexities of managing VIs in digital marketing endeavors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Galectin‐12 is a tissue‐specific galectin that has been largely defined by its role in the regulation of adipocyte differentiation and lipogenesis. This study aimed to evaluate the role of galectin‐12 in the differentiation and polarization of neutrophils within a model of acute myeloid leukemia HL‐60 cells. All‐trans retinoic acid and dimethyl sulfoxide were used to induce differentiation of HL‐60 cells which led to the generation of two phenotypes of neutrophil‐like cells with opposite changes in galectin‐12 gene (LGALS12) expression and different functional responses to N‐formyl‐ l‐methionyl‐ l‐leucyl‐ l‐phenylalanine. These phenotypes showed significant differences of differentially expressed genes on a global scale based on bioinformatics analysis of available Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) data sets. We also demonstrated that HL‐60 cells could secrete and accumulate galectin‐12 in cell culture medium under normal growth conditions. This secretion was found to be entirely inhibited upon neutrophilic differentiation and was accompanied by an increase in intracellular lipid droplet content and significant enrichment of 22 lipid gene ontology terms related to lipid metabolism in differentiated cells. These findings suggest that galectin‐12 could serve as a marker of neutrophilic plasticity or polarization into different phenotypes and that galectin‐12 secretion may be influenced by lipid droplet biogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Benchmarking has been proposed to reflect surgical quality and represents the highest standard reference values for desirable results. We sought to determine benchmark outcomes in patients after surgery for drug‐resistant mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE). Methods: This retrospective multicenter study included patients who underwent MTLE surgery at 19 expert centers on five continents. Benchmarks were defined for 15 endpoints covering surgery and epilepsy outcome at discharge, 1 year after surgery, and the last available follow‐up. Patients were risk‐stratified by applying outcome‐relevant comorbidities, and benchmarks were calculated for low‐risk ("benchmark") cases. Respective measures were derived from the median value at each center, and the 75th percentile was considered the benchmark cutoff. Results: A total of 1119 patients with a mean age (range) of 36.7 (1–74) years and a male‐to‐female ratio of 1:1.1 were included. Most patients (59.2%) underwent anterior temporal lobe resection with amygdalohippocampectomy. The overall rate of complications or neurological deficits was 14.4%, with no in‐hospital death. After risk stratification, 377 (33.7%) benchmark cases of 1119 patients were identified, representing 13.6%–72.9% of cases per center and leaving 742 patients in the high‐risk cohort. Benchmark cutoffs for any complication, clinically apparent stroke, and reoperation rate at discharge were ≤24.6%, ≤.5%, and ≤3.9%, respectively. A favorable seizure outcome (defined as International League Against Epilepsy class I and II) was reached in 83.6% at 1 year and 79.0% at the last follow‐up in benchmark cases, leading to benchmark cutoffs of ≥75.2% (1‐year follow‐up) and ≥69.5% (mean follow‐up of 39.0 months). Significance: This study presents internationally applicable benchmark outcomes for the efficacy and safety of MTLE surgery. It may allow for comparison between centers, patient registries, and novel surgical and interventional techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims to explore the role of brand personality self‐congruity (BPC) in affecting consumers' purchase behavior in a particular setting: video‐based social media (i.e., TikTok). Moreover, we test the moderating role of consumers' emotional attachment to the influencer and the mediating role of brand engagement in affecting purchase intention. Finally, we delve into the antecedents of influencer effectiveness and their relationship with consumers' actual purchases. To do so, we leverage two quantitative studies (n1 = 248; n3 = 247) and a qualitative one. Results from Study 1 indicate that the lower consumers perceive the gap between the brand personality and self‐image, the more they are inclined to engage with and purchase a brand. Moreover, we find that the emotional attachment to the influencer does not play a role in influencing purchase intention, positing that emotional attachment and BPC have different emotion dynamics with different purchase outcomes. Building on Study 1, Study 2 leverages a focus group to identify the antecedents of influencer effectiveness. Results highlight that a sense of indulgence appears in the minds of consumers when confronted with brands that have a lower congruity with their self. This sense of indulgence, in the case of low BPC, hinders the ability of the influencer to create an engagement between the brand and the consumer. Finally, Study 3 quantitatively tests the antecedents of influencer effectiveness under two conditions (entertaining vs. informative content type) highlighting the different influence of the antecedents on individuals with high (vs. low) BPC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work examines the trade‐offs that consumers in relationships make between the overall quality of an activity (i.e., experience quality) and the ability to share the activity in physical proximity to a relationship partner (i.e., togetherness). A pilot study and five experiments demonstrate that consumers value togetherness (vs. experience quality) relatively more when they share the experience with a close (vs. distant) relationship partner. Importantly, this work documents a novel mechanism underlying the value that consumers place on togetherness: a desire to create shared memories. Supportive of this mechanism, the extent to which consumers value togetherness (vs. experience quality) is increased when outcomes for the self and the partner are asymmetrical (vs. symmetrical) if choosing to be apart and is reduced when the experience is framed as utilitarian (vs. hedonic) and when consumers are reminded that they can create shared memories even when apart. Taken together, this work extends previous research on shared consumption by documenting a desire to create shared memories as a novel driver of consumer decision‐making in the context of close relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a simple, sensitive, and precise flow injection system was optimized and applied to ascorbic acid determination with a carbon paste electrode modified with the Schiff base copper complex. The modified sensor showed increased sensitivity toward ascorbic acid oxidation with a decrease of oxidation potential by 200 mV. Under optimized flow parameters, working potential, gasket thickness, sample and reaction coil volumes, and flow rate, the developed flow system gave a linear response from 5 to 75 μmol/L of ascorbic acid. The calculated limit of detection was 4.5 μmol/L, calculated as 3σ/s which corresponds to the absolute value of 40 ng for the 50 μL sample coil. The precision for six consecutive injections of 5 and 75 μmol/L ascorbic acid solutions was determined as a relative standard deviation of 5.8 % and 1.5 %, respectively. The flow injection system enabled up to 120 analyses per hour. An optimized flow system was applied to the determination of ascorbic acid in dietary supplements, after simple preparation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article deals with the dynamic penetration of 3D‐printed panels with auxetic and conventional honeycomb unit cell‐based cores. The geometry of the unit cells and their periodic assembly in the resulting lattices are selected to ensure the same relative density and overall weight of the individual sample types. Such a similarity of both specimen types allows for the evaluation of differences between conventional and auxetic lattices in terms of penetration characteristics and deformation energy mitigation properties. Dynamic penetration of the samples is performed using a fully strain‐gauge instrumented open Hopkinson pressure bar at three impact velocities resulting in three loading scenarios. All the performed experiments are captured by two optical cameras for detailed observation and to track the impactor movement using digital image correlation. The force‐penetration depth relation is used to evaluate the elastic and postyield compression characteristics of the lattices together with their deformation energy mitigation capabilities. The results show that the main differences in the deformation response of the lattices consist of lower overall stiffness and effective yielding of the auxetic lattices at a higher penetration depth. Numerical simulation using an explicit solver is performed to analyze the deformation mechanism of the individual core types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pegozafermin is a long‐acting glycoPEGylated analog of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) in development for the treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and severe hypertriglyceridemia. In a phase Ib/IIa placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, multiple ascending dose study in patients with NASH (NCT04048135), administration of pegozafermin resulted in clinically meaningful reductions in hepatic fat fraction (HFF), with a favorable safety and tolerability profile. We aimed to characterize the relationship between pegozafermin dosing, exposure and effects on HFF reduction. We used pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) modeling of data from the phase Ib/IIa study to identify model parameters and covariates affecting the exposure–response relationship. Clinical simulations were performed to help support dose selection for larger studies. Pegozafermin exposure was adequately described by a one compartment PK model, with one additional transit absorption compartment. PK/PD modeling demonstrated that HFF reduction was significantly related to pegozafermin exposure. HFF outcomes were correlated with average pegozafermin concentrations regardless of weekly dosing (q.w.) or dosing every 2 weeks (q2w). The significant PK/PD model covariates included baseline body weight, alanine aminotransferase level, and liver volume. Simulations showed that the 30 mg q.w. dose approximated the full PD effect; almost all patients would benefit from a greater than or equal to 30% HFF reduction, suggesting fibrosis regression. Furthermore, 44 mg q2w dosing (~22 mg q.w.) appeared to be an effective regimen for HFF reduction. Our modeling supports the feasibility of q.w. and q2w dosing for achieving favorable treatment outcomes in patients with NASH, and provides the rationale for dose selection for the phase IIb ENLIVEN study (NCT04929483). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pharmacometric models were used to investigate the utility of biomarkers in predicting the efficacy (Crohn's Disease Activity Index [CDAI]) of brazikumab and provide a data‐driven framework for precision therapy for Crohn's disease (CD). In a phase IIa trial in patients with moderate to severe CD, treatment with brazikumab, an anti‐interleukin 23 monoclonal antibody, was associated with clinical improvement. Brazikumab treatment effect was determined to be dependent on the baseline IL‐22 (BIL22) or baseline C‐reactive protein (BCRP; predictive biomarkers), and placebo effect was found to be correlated with the baseline CDAI (a prognostic biomarker). A maximal total inhibition on CDAI input function of 50.6% and 42.4% was predicted for patients with extremely high BIL22 or BCRP, compared to a maximal total inhibition of 20.9% and 17.8% for patients with extremely low BIL22 or BCRP, respectively, which were mainly due to the placebo effect. We demonstrated that model‐derived baseline biomarker levels that achieve 50% of maximum unbound systemic concentration of 22.8 pg/mL and 8.03 mg/L for BIL22 and BCRP as the cutoffs to select subpopulations can effectively identify high‐response subgroup patients with improved separation of responders when compared to using the median values as the cutoff. This work exemplifies the utility of pharmacometrics to quantify biomarker‐driven responses in biologic therapies and distinguish between predictive and prognostic biomarkers, complementing clinical efforts of identifying subpopulations with higher likelihood of response to brazikumab. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In‐solution hybridisation enrichment of genetic variation is a valuable methodology in human paleogenomics. It allows enrichment of endogenous DNA by targeting genetic markers that are comparable between sequencing libraries. Many studies have used the 1240k reagent—which enriches 1,237,207 genome‐wide SNPs—since 2015, though access was restricted. In 2021, Twist Biosciences and Daicel Arbor Biosciences independently released commercial kits that enabled all researchers to perform enrichments for the same 1240 k SNPs. We used the Daicel Arbor Biosciences Prime Plus kit to enrich 132 ancient samples from three continents. We identified a systematic assay bias that increases genetic similarity between enriched samples and that cannot be explained by batch effects. We present the impact of the bias on population genetics inferences (e.g. Principal Components Analysis, ƒ‐statistics) and genetic relatedness (READ). We compare the Prime Plus bias to that previously reported of the legacy 1240k enrichment assay. In ƒ‐statistics, we find that all Prime‐Plus‐generated data exhibit artefactual excess shared drift, such that within‐continent relationships cannot be correctly determined. The bias is more subtle in READ, though interpretation of the results can still be misleading in specific contexts. We expect the bias may affect analyses we have not yet tested. Our observations support previously reported concerns for the integration of different data types in paleogenomics. We also caution that technological solutions to generate 1240k data necessitate a thorough validation process before their adoption in the paleogenomic community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interactions between genetic and environmental risk factors contribute to the aetiology of complex human diseases. Genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) have revealed that most of the genetic variants associated with complex diseases are located in the non‐coding part of the genome, preferentially within enhancers. Enhancers are distal cis‐regulatory elements composed of clusters of transcription factors binding sites that positively regulate the expression of their target genes. The generation of genome‐wide maps for histone marks (e.g., H3K27ac), chromatin accessibility and transcription factor and coactivator (e.g., p300) binding profiles have enabled the identification of enhancers across many human cell types and tissues. Nonetheless, the functional and pathological consequences of the majority of disease‐associated genetic variants located within enhancers seem to be rather minor under normal conditions, thus questioning their medical relevance. Here we propose that, due to the prevalence of enhancer redundancy, the pathological effects of many disease‐associated non‐coding genetic variants might be preferentially (or even only) manifested under environmental stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seizures resulting from cerebral autoimmunity are either acutely symptomatic in the context of autoimmune encephalitis (AIE) with neural surface antibodies, or they are indicative of an enduring predisposition to seizures, that is, epilepsy. Here, we propose a practical definition for autoimmune encephalitis‐associated epilepsy (AEAE): Seizures associated with antibodies against glutamic acid decarboxylase, paraneoplastic syndromes, or Rasmussen encephalitis are classified as AEAE. AEAE secondary to AIE with antibodies against the N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor, leucine‐rich glioma inactivated protein 1, contactin‐associated protein‐2, or γ‐aminobutyric acid‐B receptor can be diagnosed if the following criteria are met: seizures persist for at least 2 years after immunotherapy initiation; no signs of encephalitis on magnetic resonance imaging and no fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography hypermetabolism; normal cerebrospinal fluid cell count; and a substantial decrease in antibody titers. This classification corresponds to different disease mechanisms. While AIE results from the pathogenic effects of neural antibodies, AEAE is probably the consequence of encephalitis‐related tissue damage and thereby mainly structurally mediated. The distinction between AIE and AEAE also has practical consequences: In AIE, immunotherapy is usually highly beneficial, whereas anti‐seizure medication has little effect. In AEAE, immunotherapy is less promising and the usual anti‐seizure interventions are preferable. In addition, the diagnosis of AEAE has social consequences in terms of driving and professional limitations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Ecology is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Liposome‐encapsulated folic acid is incorporated into the films made from sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) (2 mas%) and a mixture of CMC and solagum (9:1 w/w) using the film‐forming cast solution method. Histidine is used to increase solubility for folic acid in liposomes (1–5 mg mL−1), and propylene glycol is used as a film plasticizer (2.6 mas%). The obtained films (50–60 µm tick) containing 3.12–20.19 mg of folic acid per gram of film are envisaged to be used as patches for transdermal delivery of folic acid. Therefore, some physical, mechanical, release and structural attributes of the films are scrutinized. Folic acid gives yellow color to the films and contributes to stronger chemical bonds which result in improved strength of the film. Liposomes prolong the release of folic acid from films to 24 h without adverse effects on mechanical properties of the films, but degrade homogeneity of the films, which can be ascribed to its agglomeration within the film matrix as revealed by atomic force microscopy. According to the release at pH 5.5, the film formulation based on a blend of CMC and solagum containing 3 mg mL−1 liposome‐encapsulated folic acid is recommended. Practical Application: Folic acid is effective in reducing oxidative stress levels in the skin and neutralizing the harmful free radicals and is also essential for various metabolic reactions in the body. However, the limited solubility of folic acid linked with its poor absorption in an organism, low storage stability, short half‐life upon oral consumption, specific food preferences of some people, extensive liver metabolism, and pregnancy‐induced vomiting point to a large potential in transdermal usage of folic acid. This has motivated us to design new multicomponent polymer‐lipid systems as an alternative solution to overcome some of these drawbacks. The results obtained for these multicomponent films pointed to their potential for prolonged release of folic acid to 24 h, which can also be useful for scientists interested in encapsulating similar poorly soluble compounds in CMC patches. The finding can be also valuable information for pharmaceutical manufacturers and scientists worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple modification of bare glassy carbon electrode by electropolymerization of glycine by cyclic voltammetry was applied to the detection of ibuprofen. The polyglycine modified glassy carbon electrode was characterized by cyclic voltammetry and the electroactive surface area was determined. The study of ibuprofen in acetic acid buffer (0.25 M, pH 4.0) presented an electrocatalytic effect toward ibuprofen oxidation, increasing the current response and decrease of oxidation potential, at the modified electrode compared to the bare. Under the optimal conditions, the modified electrode gave a linear response in the ibuprofen concentration range of 10 to 200 μM, obtained correlation coefficient was 0.9993. the calculated limit of detection (3Sb/m) was 1.0 μM and the limit of quantification (10Sb/m) was 3.5 μM. the sensor was successfully used for the determination of ibuprofen in pharmaceutical preparations with satisfactory recoveries, 93–107 %. The new sensor showed good selectivity, repeatability, and reproducibility with satisfactory stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nonsyndromic cleft lip with/without cleft palate (nsCL/P) is a congenital malformation of multifactorial etiology. Research has identified >40 genome‐wide significant risk loci, which explain less than 40% of nsCL/P heritability. Studies show that some of the hidden heritability is explained by rare penetrant variants. Methods: To identify new candidate genes, we searched for highly penetrant de novo variants (DNVs) in 50 nsCL/P patient/parent‐trios with a low polygenic risk for the phenotype (discovery). We prioritized DNV‐carrying candidate genes from the discovery for resequencing in independent cohorts of 1010 nsCL/P patients of diverse ethnicities and 1574 population‐matched controls (replication). Segregation analyses and rare variant association in the replication cohort, in combination with additional data (genome‐wide association data, expression, protein–protein‐interactions), were used for final prioritization. Conclusion: In the discovery step, 60 DNVs were identified in 60 genes, including a variant in the established nsCL/P risk gene CDH1. Re‐sequencing of 32 prioritized genes led to the identification of 373 rare, likely pathogenic variants. Finally, MDN1 and PAXIP1 were prioritized as top candidates. Our findings demonstrate that DNV detection, including polygenic risk score analysis, is a powerful tool for identifying nsCL/P candidate genes, which can also be applied to other multifactorial congenital malformations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Commission plans to reduce pesticides and fertilizer use in agriculture substantially under its Green Deal's Farm to Fork strategy. Policy alternatives are needed to overcome these input reductions, for instance by allocating R&D towards commodities most affected by climage change and improving the precision of input use. Since climate change is likely to impact agriculture negatively, productivity measures that account for all inputs and climate change impacts can help to weigh such policy responses. We adopt U.S. farm‐level data and a multi‐output and multi‐input production technology to estimate relative farm productivity performances with climatic effects. Exploiting long‐term weather patterns, we find comparative advantages among some crop farms and ample productivity improvement potential across all of them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Enabling universal access to safe blood components should be a key component of every country's national healthcare strategy. This study aimed to assess the current status of infrastructure and resources of blood transfusion services (BTS) in low‐ and middle‐income countries. Materials and Methods: A cross‐sectional survey was designed to gather information on blood donations, components, redistribution, testing resources and quality management systems (QMSs). The survey was distributed to the International Society of Blood Transfusion members between October 2021 and November 2021. Results: A total of 54 respondents from 20 countries responded to the survey. This included hospital‐based BTS/blood centres (46%), national blood centres (11%)and national and regional blood services (11%). Voluntary non‐remunerated, replacement and paid donors accounted for 94.2%, 84.6% and 21.1% of donations, respectively. Apheresis donation was available in 59.6% of institutions. National/regional criteria for redistribution of blood components were reported by 75.9% of respondents. Blood components incurred payment charges in 81.5% of respondents' institutions, and payments were borne by patients in 50% of them. Testing methods, such as manual (83%), semi‐automated (68%) or fully automated (36.2%), were used either alone or in combination. QMSs were reported in 17 institutions, while accreditation and haemovigilance were reported in 12 and 8 countries, respectively. Conclusion: QMS was implemented in most of the countries despite the common use of paid donations and the lack of advanced testing. Efforts to overcome persistent challenges and wider implementation of patient blood management programmes are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a labor‐constrained aggregate model of growth that explains stagnation and inequality as the result of structural change, which is defined as an exogenous increase in the employment share of low‐productivity services. Productivity growth is increasing in the labor share, reminiscent of induced technical change. Productivity and real wage growth further are assumed to respond negatively to structural change. We label the positive (negative) difference between these effects dominant Lewis (Baumol) dynamics. In steady state, and across two model variants, structural change leads to stagnation. Only the model version with Keynesian aggregate demand, dominant Lewis dynamics and a weak profit squeeze also exhibits a falling labor share, and hence conforms to key stylized facts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern functional food companies are focused on the development of products offering multiple health benefits through combining various functional ingredients. Following this trend, the aim of the present study was to enrich a probiotic oat beverage with antioxidants by the addition of chokeberry juice. It was necessary to assess how different quantities of chokeberry juice affected the antioxidant activity of the oat beverage and the fermentation potential of the starter monoculture of Lactobacillus plantarum Pro in the liquid oat matrix. Results show that the starter culture was well tolerant to chokeberry juice of up to 20% added before fermentation. Also, fermentation of the oat matrix with aronia juice was proved to increase the total antioxidant activity of the product compared to the addition of aronia juice after fermentation. The sensory evaluation of four beverage variants confirmed that supplementation with chokeberry juice improves the sensory acceptance of a fermented oat beverage. Novelty impact statement: The study explored the possibility to extend the functionality of a probiotic oat beverage by supplementation with chokeberry juice. The addition of up to 20% chokeberry juice did not inhibit the growth of the probiotic starter culture and its fermentation activity. The addition of chokeberry juice before fermentation resulted in higher antioxidant activity of the beverage compared to the addition after fermentation, and sensory evaluation of four beverage variants confirmed that supplementation with chokeberry juice improves the sensory acceptance of the fermented oat beverage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: The use of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) convalescent plasma (CCP) in the treatment of patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome‐2 infection has been controversial. Early administration of CCP before hospital admission offers a potential advantage. This manuscript summarizes current trials of early use of CCP and explores the feasibility of this approach in different countries. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire was distributed to the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT) CCP working group. We recorded respondents' input on existing trials on early/outpatient CCP and out‐of‐hospital (OOH)/home transfusion (HT) practices in their countries and feedback on challenges in initiating home CCP infusion programmes. In addition, details of existing trials registered on clinicaltrials.gov were summarized. Results: A total of 31 country representatives participated. Early/OOH CCP transfusion studies were reported in the United States, the Netherlands, Spain and Brazil. There were a total of six published and five ongoing trials on the prophylactic and therapeutic early use of CCP. HT was practised in Australia, the UK, Belgium, France, Japan, Nigeria, the Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Norway, the United States and some provinces in Canada. Thirty‐four representatives indicated a lack of OOH CCP or HT in their institutions and countries. Barriers to implementation of OOH/HT included existing legislation, lack of policies pertaining to outpatient transfusion, and associated logistical challenges, including lack of staffing and resources. Conclusion: Early administration of CCP remains a potential option in COVID‐19 management in countries with existing OOH/HT programmes. Legislation and regulatory bodies should consider OOH/HT practice for transfusion in future pandemics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aims to evaluate the effect of cosmetic formulations on the skin permeation of phloridzin acetates, therefore in vitro transdermal delivery of these bioactive compounds across Strat‐M membrane is investigated. The formulations tested are gel emulsion, oil in water emulsion (O/W emulsion), gel in oil emulsion, liquid crystal emulsion, and liposomes dispersed in gel. The release of esters from the O/W emulsion is diffusion‐controlled (n = 0.5), while release kinetics from gel‐based formulations depends on coupled diffusion and polymer relaxations effect (0.5 < n < 1). The highest values of effective diffusion coefficient are obtained after release from O/W emulsion (24.64 × 10−10 m2 min−1 for phloridzin acetate and 6.55 × 10−10 m2 min−1 for phloridzin diacetate). The lag phase lasting from 1 h (gel emulsion) to 5 h (liquid crystal emulsion) indicates that esters permeation is significantly affected by the formulation used. Formulations in which the water is continuous phase are the most appropriate carrier system for transdermal delivery of phloridzin esters. Additionally, liposomes are successfully applied as carrier systems for the controlled release of esters, although it should be noted that liposomes without cholesterol show remarkable stability (ζ = −43 mV) and homogeneity (polydispersity index = 0.198). Practical application: Phloridzin is a flavonoid glycoside that possesses many beneficial activities such as antioxidant, UV‐protecting, and anti‐inflammatory activity, so the use of this flavonoid and its derivatives in numerous cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations seems very attractive. Results obtained in this study give a comprehensive insight into the release mechanism of phloridzin acetates from emulsions and liposomes, enable the selection of optimum cosmetic formulations depending on the application, and provide significant scientific contribution in the field of topical administration of bioactive flavonoid derivatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID‐19 pandemic exerted a profound impact on health systems worldwide. Moreover, significant concerns were raised in terms of middle‐ and long‐term consequences of postponing care in non‐COVID patients. The primary aim of the study was to describe the remote pharmaceutical care service (telepharmacy) during the COVID‐19 pandemic in the Republic of Srpska (RS), Bosnia and Herzegovina. The secondary aim was to identify service users' needs and concerns and to describe community pharmacists' interventions. Ten community pharmacists were appointed by the Pharmaceutical Society of the RS to deliver telepharmacy services. After obtaining users' verbal permission, pharmacists documented issues discussed with them. The prospective data collection included the period from April 13 to May 21, 2020. Descriptive and statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics software (ver. 22). A total of 71 service users' charts were analyzed. Telepharmacy users were on average 61.31 ± 13.27 years of age, with almost equal gender distribution. Patients with chronic or acute/subacute conditions were predominant with a share of 84.5%. Chronic diseases were the main reason for searching pharmacists' consultation (74.6%), 7% had a complaint about worsening of a chronic condition, 9.9% reported only acute/subacute conditions as ambulatory conditions, whereas 15.5% asked information about coronavirus or COVID‐19. The vast majority of patients' and users' needs were addressed by a pharmacist during counseling and only 15.5% of the patients required immediate referral to a doctor for refill/prescribing purposes. Remote pharmaceutical care service (telepharmacy) is deemed a convenient model in the RS during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Patients and users presented with explicit and specific needs and concerns, both COVID‐ and non‐COVID‐related, which should not be neglected. Community pharmacists showed a high level of resilience and ability in addressing patients' needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Given the high variation of perceptions of women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI), qualitative meta-synthesis in this field appears warranted. We aimed to synthesize evidence on women's experiences of SUI by analyzing qualitative data. Methods: A literature search of Medline, Embase, Scopus, PsycInfo, and CINAHL databases was performed by a CHORUS Working Group, from inception to August 2020. Qualitative studies on women's perspectives on SUI were included. Thematic analysis was used as a conceptual approach to analyze the data and develop a set of overarching themes. The quality of studies was assessed based on the Critical Appraisal Skills Program tool. Results: Seven studies were included. Six themes encompassing women's perspectives on SUI emerged: experiencing SUI, awareness of SUI, treatments for SUI, sexuality, communication, and psychosocial effects. The quality appraisal of the studies showed good coherence. Conclusion: This study revealed six overarching themes, of which treatment had the highest prevalence. Assessment of women's perceptions of SUI in the context of a qualitative meta-synthesis may inform policy and practice around this condition, may guide and help set research priorities, and will ideally contribute to the development of a Core Outcome Set for SUI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prices and the allocation of resources are essential components of efficient markets. Yet due to market failures or other imperfections, observed prices, and the allocation of resources can diverge from socially optimum equilibria, misinforming private and public decision making and distorting welfare. In this study, we present a two‐step framework for valuing market inefficiencies and the foregone monetary value from disequilibrium. Specifically, we measure the degree that observed prices and quantities diverge from equilibrium and capture this divergence in terms of foregone revenue impacts. Empirically, we illustrate this framework using Indian agricultural data, where we estimate that on average and over the study period this particular market has been underpriced and overproduced compared to the estimated efficient equilibrium. The potential additional gains in value to Indian agriculture from correcting this market disequilibrium ranges from $11 billion USD to $75 billion USD depending on the degree of disequilibrium and the adjustment level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Zirconate systems having the composition 3HfO2·15SiO2·xY2O3·(82 − x)ZrO2, where x = 2, 7 and 12 mol% Y2O3, were synthesized by a sol‐gel method. The analysis of X‐ray diffraction data showed the presence of the t‐ZrO2, m‐ZrO2, m‐HfO2, Y2SiO5 and Y2Si2O7 crystalline phases in a ceramic nanomixture. Spectroscopic data show that the increase of the Y2O3 content of samples determines the increase of the t‐ZrO2, m‐HfO2 and silicate crystalline phases. Gap energy values decrease almost linearly with increasing Y2O3 content of samples. A detailed study of XANES data does not show a significant difference with increasing Y2O3 content of the samples suggesting an appreciable stability of the hafnium ions +4 oxidation state and their microvicinity. EXAFS results show that the local structure around the Hf cation is similar to that from the monoclinic crystalline HfO2 where the Hf–O coordination number tends to 7. The bond lengths of Hf–O shells show small deviations from ∼2.12 Å and the Hf–metal paths become more structured by increasing the Y2O3 content of the samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Funeral rituals perform important social functions for families and communities, but little is known about the motives of people planning funerals. Using mixed methods, we examine funeral planning as end-of-life relational spending. We identify how relational motives drive and manifest in funeral planning, even when the primary recipient of goods and services is dead. Qualitative interviews with consumers who had planned pre- COVID funerals (N = 15) reveal a caring orientation drives funeral decision-making for loved ones and for self-planned funerals. Caring practices manifest in three forms: (a) balancing preferences between the planner, deceased, and surviving family; (b) making personal sacrifices; and (c) spending amount (Study 1). Archival funeral contract data (N = 385) reveal supporting quantitative evidence of caring-driven funeral spending. Planners spend more on funerals for others and underspend on their own funerals (Study 2). Preregistered experiments (N = 1,906) addressing selection bias replicate these results and find generalization across different funding sources (planner-funded, other-funded, and insurance; Studies 3A-3C). The findings elucidate a ubiquitous, emotional, and financially consequential decision process at the end of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is the most dangerous of the mycotoxins that contaminate cereal seeds naturally. A stress lignin formation is linked with the accumulation of reactive oxygen species causing a change in the redox status and formation of stable organic radicals, constituting the first layer of defense. The relationship between AFB1 and changes in lignin organic free radicals in seeds is not known, nor is the part of the seed that is more targeted. Using optical and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, we investigated AFB1‐induced changes in lignin and organic free radicals in seeds, and whether the inner and outer seed fractions differ in response to increasing AFB1. RESULTS: Different changes in the content of lignin and free radicals with increasing AFB1 concentrations were observed in the two seed fractions. There was a significant positive linear correlation (R = 0.9923, P = 0.00005) between lignin content and AFB1 concentration in the outer fraction, and no correlation between the lignin content and the AFB1 concentration in the inner fraction. We found a positive correlation between the area of the green spectral emission component (C4) and the AFB1 concentration in the outer fraction. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, the results showed, for the first time, that maize seed fractions respond differently to aflatoxin with regard to their lignin and organic free radical content. Lignin content and (C4) area may be reliable indicators for the screening of lignin changes against AFB1 content in the seeds, and thus for seed protection capacity. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper surveys current debates on the distributive cycle. The literature builds on Goodwin's seminal 1967 chapter titled "A growth cycle." We review theoretical motivations for the distributive cycle, which, despite significant differences, all imply that macroeconomic activity leads the labor share in a counterclockwise cycle in the activity‐labor share plane. Subsequently, we summarize and update evidence on the existence of a distributive cycle, with a focus on the post‐war U.S. macroeconomy. We analyze activity and labor share series and their interaction in the frequency domain, and also employ standard vector autoregressions. Results confirm the distributive cycle for the U.S. post‐war period. We contextualize results vis‐à‐vis current debates: (1) we consider a financial cycle, to rebut the theoretical possibility of "pseudo‐Goodwin" cycles, (2) demonstrate that a suppressed labor share and stagnation are compatible with short‐run Goodwin cycles, and argue that this link presents the way forward for research on secular stagnation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogels are promising materials for biomedical applications due to highly hydrated, porous, permeable structure with possibility to accommodate living cells, drugs, or bioactive factors. In this paper, we reported poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA)/gelatin IPN hydrogels, synthesized by free‐radical polymerization, with adjustable mechanical, structural, physicochemical, and biological characteristics. The influence of methacrylic acid (MAA), gelatin, and cross‐linker in the precursor solution on hydrogels properties was investigated. The increasing concentration of MAA, gelatin, and cross‐linker led to better mechanical properties, lower porosity, and water content. The compressive mechanical properties of hydrogels were significantly better in comparison to a single‐network PMAA hydrogel, while the obtained compressive strength values up to 16 MPa were comparable with tough hydrogels. The increasing concentration of MAA and cross‐linker reduced fatigue resistance and degradability, while the increase in gelatin content acted in the opposite way. Swelling tests in different pH conditions demonstrated strong pH‐sensibility of the hydrogels, which was more pronounced as MAA concentration was higher, and gelatin and cross‐linker concentrations were lower. In addition, the hydrogels strongly promoted the proliferation of human periodontal ligament stem cells and MRC‐5 cells as assayed by MTT assay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Academy of Dentistry for Persons with Disabilities (ADPD) is an organization that aims to improve special care dentistry practice at individual and community levels. The ADPD Board, led by President Dr. David Fray and President-Elect Dr. Hakan Tuncer, is addressing important issues such as dental care for persons with disabilities, fellowship programs, insurance coverage, and interprofessional partnerships. They are also focused on improving education, research, and communication within the special care dentistry community. Membership in ADPD is open to all members of the Special Care Dentistry Association. [Extracted from the article]

ATP has been previously identified as an autocrine signaling factor that is co‐released with insulin to modulate and propagate β‐cell activity within islets of Langerhans. Here, we show that β‐cell activity and insulin secretion essentially rely on the presence of extracellular ATP. For this, we monitored changes of the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i oscillations) as an immediate read‐out for insulin secretion in live cell experiments. Extensive washing of cells or depletion of extracellular ATP levels by recombinant apyrase reduced [Ca2+]i oscillations and insulin secretion in pancreatic cell lines and primary β‐cells. Following ATP depletion, [Ca2+]i oscillations were stimulated by the replenishment of ATP in a concentration‐dependent manner. Inhibition of endogenous ecto‐ATP nucleotidases increased extracellular ATP levels, along with [Ca2+]i oscillations and insulin secretion, indicating that there is a constant supply of ATP to the extracellular space. Our combined results demonstrate that extracellular ATP is essential for β‐cell activity. The presented work suggests extracellular ATPases as potential drug targets for the modulation of insulin release. We further found that exogenous fatty acids compensated for depleted extracellular ATP levels by the recovery of [Ca2+]i oscillations, indicating that autocrine factors mutually compensate for the loss of others. Thereby, our results contribute to a more detailed and complete understanding of the general role of autocrine signaling factors as a fundamental regulatory mechanism of β‐cell activity and insulin secretion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the rarity of recurrent pelvic organ prolapse after obliterative procedures and the paucity of data in the literature on this topic, optimal management is challenging. We describe a technique of reversal of colpocleisis in an 81‐year‐old woman with recurrent prolapse as the first step in a staged, reconstructive procedure. Basic principles underlying our approach include multidisciplinary team involvement, detailed preoperative planning, and a series of investigations including different imaging modalities and a meticulous stepwise surgical technique. The distortion of anatomical planes, anticipated scarring, and close proximity of pelvic organs specifically bladder and rectum are important considerations. In our case, the multidisciplinary surgical team included urogynecologists, a urologist, and a colorectal surgeon. Detailed preoperative planning was agreed following multiple patient and team consultations. Preoperative investigations included ultrasound and videourodynamics. Intraoperatively, cystoscopy and sigmoidoscopy were performed to identify anatomical landmarks and planes, rule out fistulae, and evaluate for anatomical distortions involving pelvic organs. Subsequently, reversal of the colpocleisis was undertaken and uneventful. Postoperative recovery was uncomplicated and a sacrospinous fixation, anterior vaginal repair, and perineorrhaphy were performed as a secondary restorative procedure for the correction of recurrent prolapse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiative cooling is an emerging cooling technology that can passively release heat to the environment. To obtain a subambient cooling effect during the daytime, chemically engineered structural materials are widely explored to simultaneously reject sunlight and preserve strong thermal emission. However, many previously reported fabrication processes involve hazardous chemicals, which can hinder a material's ability to be mass produced. In order to eliminate the hazardous chemicals used in the fabrication of previous works, this article reports a white polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) sponge fabricated by a sustainable process using microsugar templates. By substituting the chemicals for sugar, the manufacturing procedure produces zero toxic waste and can also be endlessly recycled via methods widely used in the sugar industry. The obtained porous PDMS exhibits strong visible scattering and thermal emission, resulting in an efficient temperature reduction of 4.6 °C and cooling power of 43 W m−2 under direct solar irradiation. In addition, due to the air‐filled voids within the PDMS sponge, its thermal conductivity remains low at 0.06 W (m K)−1. This unique combination of radiative cooling and thermal insulation properties can efficiently suppress the heat exchange with the solar‐heated rooftop or the environment, representing a promising future for new energy‐efficient building envelope material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of Gromov hyperbolic graphs has many applications. In this paper we study the hyperbolicity constant of hexagonal systems. In particular, we compute the hyperbolicity constant of every catacondensed hexagonal system. Besides, we obtain upper and lower bounds of general hexagonal systems. Since the hyperbolicity constant of a graph measures the deviation of the graph from a tree, we also study the chemical graphs with small hyperbolicity constant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Let D be a digraph with set of vertices V(D) and set of arcs A(D). Recently, the Randić index of D was extended to digraphs as1RD=12∑uv∈AD1dD+udD−v,where dD+u and dD−v are the out‐degree and in‐degree of u and v, respectively. In this paper we study the extremal values of R over the set of all orientations of hexagonal chains with k hexagons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]