bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
REASEARCH ON PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS IN INDUSTRIAL ENTERPRISES ACROSS LITHUANIA AND THE WAYS TO SUGGEST INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS / PERSONALO VALDYMO PROBLEMŲ TYRIMAS LIETUVOS PRAMONĖS ĮMONĖSE IR INOVATYVUS JŲ SPRENDIMAS
Authors: Meldiuk Jurgita , Toločka Eligijus
Published: October 2013

The article analyzes the issues of personnel management in Lithuanian industrial companies. Some personnel management methods are offered as a solution to the encountered problems. The findings of the paper are based on sociological research showing that the main question addressed to personnel management is a conflict between a supervisor and an employee, the loss of authority power and inability to solve problems. Santrauka Straipsnyje tiriamos personalo valdymo problemos Lietuvos pramonės įmonėse. Jų sprendimus siūloma orientuoti taikant inovatyvius personalo valdymo problemų sprendimo metodus. Straipsnio išvados pagrįstos atlikto praktinio tyrimo rezultatais, pagal kuriuos nustatyta, kad pagrindinė personalo valdymo problema yra dažna konfrontacija ir konfliktai tarp pavaldinio ir vadovo, vadovo autoriteto nebuvimas ir nemokėjimas spręsti problemų.
INFLUENCE OF CUTTING PARAMETERS ON THE SURFACE ROUGHNESS AND HOLE DIAMETER OF DRILLING MAKING PARTS OF ALLUMINIUM ALLOY / PJOVIMO PARAMETRŲ ĮTAKA GRĘŽIAMŲ SKYLIŲ SKERSMENIMS IR PAVIRŠIŲ ŠIURKŠTUMUI GAMINANT DETALES IŠ ALIUMINIO
Authors: Stasiūnas Andrius , Jurevičius Mindaugas
Published: October 2013

The article researches the drilling process of an aluminium alloy. The paper is aimed at analyzing the influence of cutting speed, feed and hole depth considering hole diameter and hole surface roughness of aluminum alloy 6082 in the dry drilling process and at making empirical formulas for cutting parameters. The article also describes experimental techniques and equipment, tools and measuring devices. Experimental studies have been carried out using different cutting parameters. The obtained results have been analyzed using computer software. According to the existing techniques for measuring, surface roughness and hole diameters have been measured, empirical models have been created and the results of the conducted experiments have been inspected. The findings and recommendations are presented at the end of the work.

Santrauka

Nagrinėjamas aliuminio gręžimo procesas. Darbo tikslai – išnagrinėti pjovimo greičio, pastūmos ir skylės gylio įtaką gręžiamų skylių skersmenims ir paviršių šiurkštumui aliuminio lydinio 6082 sausojo gręžimo proceso metu bei sudaryti empirines formules pjovimo parametrams nustatyti. Analizuojamas gręžimo procesas. Aprašyta eksperimento metodika, naudota įranga, įrankiai ir matavimo prietaisai. Naudojant skirtingus pjovimo parametrus buvo atlikti eksperimentiniai tyrimai. Gauti rezultatai buvo analizuojami pasitelkiant kompiuterinę programinę įrangą. Pagal jau sukurtas matavimo metodikas buvo matuojamas skylių paviršių šiurkštumas ir skersmenys. Sukurti empiriniai modeliai ir atlikti patvirtinamieji jų patikrinimo eksperimentai. Pateiktos išvados ir rekomendacijos.
INVESTIGATION INTO THE ACCURACY OF COLOURS REPRODUCED BY THE RICOH PRINTER / SPAUSDINTUVO „RICOH“ SPALVŲ REPRODUKAVIMO TIKSLUMO TYRIMAS
Authors: Gedvila Andrius , Sidaravičius Jonas
Published: October 2013

The paper investigates the reproduction accuracy of Ricoh Aficio colour 3006 printer. The study has been conducted analyzing four-color (CMYK) gradation curves – the compliance of zonal absorbance with standard references and printing stability of gradation scales. The obtained colours have been measured spectrophotometrically determining the coordinates of colours CIE L*a*b* and differences in colours ΔE. Eight printing regimes and their settings have been examined. It has been found that the printer Ricoh has inaccurately colour grading. However, the quality of colour reproduction is sufficient for printing data not requiring high accuracy of colour reproduction. Colour grading significantly differs from the theoretical approaches, though some regimes (Gamma, Brightness, CMYK simulation) allows achieving theoretical values. Despite the high inaccuracy of gradation, differences in colour are not high enough due to corrections made by software. Santrauka Darbe tirtas spalvinio spausdintuvo ,,Ricoh Aficio 3006“ spalvų atgaminimo tikslumas. Tyrimas atliktas analizuojant keturių spalvų (CMYK) gradacines kreives – zoninių optinių tankių atitiktį etalonui ir gradacinių skalių spausdinimo stabilumą pagal zoninių optinių tankių verčių sklaidą. Spalvų iškraipymas tirtas spektrofotometriniu metodu nustatant spalvų CIE L*a*b* koordinates ir spalvų skirtumus ΔE lyginant su etalonu. Tyrimai atlikti esant 8 spausdinimo režimams ir keičiant tų režimų nustatymus. Nustatyta, kad spausdintuvas „Ricoh“ spalvas atkuria netiksliai, tačiau spalvų atgaminimo kokybė patenkinama, esant spalvų reprodukavimo aukštos kokybės nereika­laujantiems darbams. Spalvų gradacijos gerokai skiriasi nuo teorinių, bet kai kurie režimai („Gamma“, „Brightness“, „CMYK Simulation“) leidžia atspaudų gradacijas priartinti prie teorinių. Nepaisant didelių gradacinių skirtumų visų spalvų skir­tumas lyginant su teoriniu nėra didelis galimai dėl spausdintuvo programinio spalvų koregavimo.
DEVELOPMENT OF PEG-CONTAINING BRUSH COPOLYMER: THEIR EFFECT ON RESISTANCE TO PROTEIN ADSORPTION BEHAVIORS
Authors: Shih Ting-Yu , Yang Jean-Dean , Chen Yu-Hua , Hong Chia-Wei , Yang Mei-Ju , Chen Jui-Hsiang
Published: October 2013

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) has been grafted onto surface of many medical devices to reduce or eliminate protein adsorption that often leads to infection or inflammatory responses. Besides commonly used surface activation strategies, here in this work, the novel functional brush copolymer poly (vinyl alcohol)-g-PEG-co-polyurethane (PVA-g-(PEG-co-PU)) was first synthesized, characterized, and evaluated. PVA is used here as a versatile backbone platform for grafting functional molecules. On the one hand, the PU molecules can attach to the surface of desired PU-based implants, on the other hand, the presence of densely grafted PEG at the materials–tissue interface effectively impedes nonspecific protein adsorption. These copolymers with various grafting ratio of PEG and PU were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and gel permeation chromatography. The brush copolymers that were obtained were further coated on the PU surface and contact angle measurements were performed. It was found that the brush copolymers turn the surface more hydrophilic with increasing PEG grafting density. Furthermore, the effects of PEG ratio on protein adsorption-resistant behavior were investigated. Protein adsorption was found to be the lowest on the surfaces with the highest PEG grafting density on PVA backbone. The study demonstrated unique brush copolymer to work as a potentially useful coating material.
Job Hunting Experiences of Bicultural Students in Japan
Authors: Pickl-Kolaczia Brigitte
Published: October 2013

The subject of this chapter is the Japanese job application process from the perspective of half-Japanese university students. The chapter first introduces the reader to the Japanese labor market and the topic of biculturals in general and hafu (half-Japanese) in Japan in particular. The main part of the chapter is an empiric study consisting of interviews with five half-Japanese students in various stages of the process of finding a job after graduation. In addition to possessing multiple language skills, biculturals benefit from a broader cultural perspective, which might be assumed to be an advantage when seeking a job. However, hafu are often viewed as outsiders wherever they go due to their being different. This chapter aims to show the difficulties hafu encounter as well as the benefits from which they profit.
Ethos, Pathos, and Logos of Doing Business Abroad
Authors: Tran Ben
Published: October 2013

Marketing, by definition, is the performance of business activities of directing the flow of products and services from producer to consumer. By definition, international marketing is the performance of marketing activities across two or more countries. Transcultural marketing, by definition, is the performance of business activities of directing the flow of products and services from producer to consumer across two or more countries’ core ethos, pathos, and logos. The root of all countries’ core ethos, pathos, and logos is its culture. The purpose of this chapter is to analyze transcultural marketing for incremental and radical innovation based on the key factor of culture in transcultural. As such, Geert Hofstede’s five dimensions of national culture are utilized and analyzed in relation to transcultural marketing. Hofstede’s fifth dimension is long-term orientation (and) is the most difficult because it is the newest of the dimensions and the least familiar to Western researchers.
Strategic Transcultural Marketing Management and Global Competitiveness
Authors: Camillo Angelo A. , Holt Svetlana , Marques Joan
Published: October 2013

An organization achieves competitive advantage if it delivers above average profits in its industry. Strategic management has many definitions. In this context, the authors define global strategic management as a bundle of decisions and acts based on resources and capabilities that a manager undertakes that decide the long-term competitive position of the firm. The past and current economic conditions are evidence that global strategy will never be perfect but an ongoing effort to achieve optimal results for all stakeholders. Hence, the task for the global leaders has become increasingly challenging and hypercompetitive. While these leaders materialize their vision and accomplish their mission, they also build a strong leadership culture. However, successful executives are too busy or do not have the capability to develop new skills to plan and execute their long- and short-term strategies. To narrow the gap between achievement and acquiring new skills, business schools from across the globe offer Executive Education Programs that help them expand their skills. These programs can be highly specialized and individually designed for specific companies in a given industry. Present and future global leaders must stay current with competitive trends and ahead of the competition to achieve and sustain competitive advantage in their industry.
Robust Adaptive Unscented Particle Filter
Authors: Xue Li , Gao Shesheng , Zhong Yongmin
Published: October 2013

This paper presents a new robust adaptive unscented particle filtering algorithm by adopting the concept of robust adaptive filtering to the unscented particle filter. In order to prevent particles from degeneracy, this algorithm adaptively determines the equivalent weight function according to robust estimation and adaptively adjusts the adaptive factor constructed from predicted residuals to resist the disturbances of singular observations and the kinematic model noise. It also uses the unscented transformation to improve the accuracy of particle filtering, thus providing the reliable state estimation for improving the performance of robust adaptive filtering. Experiments and comparison analysis demonstrate that the proposed filtering algorithm can effectively resist disturbances due to system state noise and observation noise, leading to the improved filtering accuracy.
Technical Architecture of Enabling Body of Knowledge System for Effective Learning and Information Dissemination
Authors: Zhang Liang-Jie , Zhang Jia
Published: October 2013

In the current era of knowledge explosion, many fields are witnessing a tremendous amount of research and practice reported on a regular basis. How to help people effectively and efficiently study state-of-the-art knowledge in a specific field has become an urgent task yet highly challenging. On top of the Internet as an unstructured knowledge base, this paper reports the design and development of a Body of Knowledge portal (BoK), which can be used as a novel learning environment. Leveraging the key technologies of services computing (Web 2.0, Web services and Service-Oriented Architecture), a BoK provides a uniform gateway for researchers and practitioners to seamlessly study and organize knowledge from heterogeneous data sources. A service-oriented knowledge delivery mechanism is key to a BoK centered on configurable delivery protocols. As services computing having evolved as the foundational discipline supporting modern services industry, the authors used the field as an example to illustrate the technical architecture that enables the establishment of BoK in services computing. Information dissemination of BoK on mobile delivery platform is explored as well. Performance data analysis is also reported on the BoK infrastructure.
Thermoregulation and Stress Hormone Recovery After Exercise Dehydration: Comparison of Rehydration Methods
Authors: McDermott Brendon P. , Casa Douglas J. , Lee Elaine , Yamamoto Linda , Beasley Kathleen , Emmanuel Holly , Anderson Jeffrey , Pescatello Linda , Armstrong Lawrence E. , Maresh Carl
Published: October 2013

Context:

Athletic trainers recommend and use a multitude of rehydration (REHY) methods with their patients. The REHY modality that most effectively facilitates recovery is unknown.

Objective:

To compare 5 common REHY methods for thermoregulatory and stress hormone recovery after exercise dehydration (EXDE) in trained participants.

Design:

Randomized, cross-over, controlled study.

Patients or Other Participants:

Twelve physically active, non–heat-acclimatized men (age = 23 ± 4 years, height = 180 ± 6 cm, mass = 81.3 ± 3.7 kg, V̇o2max = 56.9 ± 4.4 mL·min−1·kg−1, body fat = 7.9% ± 3%) participated.

Intervention(s):

Participants completed 20-hour fluid restriction and 2-hour EXDE; they then received no fluid (NF) or REHY (half-normal saline) via ad libitum (AL), oral (OR), intravenous (IV), or combination IV and OR (IV + OR) routes for 30 minutes; and then were observed for another 30 minutes.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Body mass, rectal temperature, 4-site mean weighted skin temperature, plasma stress hormone concentrations, and environmental symptoms questionnaire (ESQ) score.

Results:

Participants were hypohydrated (body mass −4.23% ± 0.22%) post-EXDE. Rectal temperature for the NF group was significantly greater than for the IV group (P = .023) at 30 minutes after beginning REHY (REHY30) and greater than OR, IV, and IV + OR (P ≤ .009) but not AL (P = .068) at REHY60. Mean weighted skin temperature during AL was less than during IV + OR at REHY5 (P = .019). The AL participants demonstrated increased plasma cortisol concentrations compared with IV + OR, independent of time (P = .015). No differences existed between catecholamine concentrations across treatments (P > .05). The ESQ score was increased at REHY60 for NF, AL, OR, and IV (P < .05) but not for IV + OR (P = .217). The NF ESQ score was greater than that of IV + OR at REHY60 (P = .012).

Conclusions:

Combination IV + OR REHY reduced body temperature to a greater degree than OR and AL REHY when compared with NF. Future studies addressing clinical implications are needed.
Concussion-Assessment and -Management Techniques Used by Athletic Trainers
Authors: Lynall Robert C. , Laudner Kevin G. , Mihalik Jason P. , Stanek Justin M.
Published: October 2013

Context:

Understanding concussion-assessmment and -management practices that athletic trainers (ATs) currently use will allow clinicians to identify potential strategies for enhancing the quality of care provided to patients.

Objective:

To assess current clinical concussion diagnostic and return-to-participation practices among ATs.

Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Setting:

Web-based survey.

Patients or Other Participants:

A link to the survey was sent randomly to a convenience sample of 3222 members of the National Athletic Trainers' Association. A total of 1053 (32.7%) certified ATs (experience as an AT = 11.2 ± 9.1 years) responded to the survey.

Intervention(s):

Prospective participants received electronic correspondence informing them of the purpose of the study and providing a link to the Web-based survey instrument. A reminder e-mail was sent approximately 6 weeks later, and the survey remained online for a total of 8 weeks.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

We collected information on the annual number of concussions assessed and tools employed to diagnose, manage, and safely return an athlete to participation. Descriptive statistics were computed for each variable.

Results:

Participants reported observing 10.7 ± 11.0 concussions per year. Clinical examination (n = 743, 70.6%) was the most commonly reported means for evaluating and diagnosing concussion. Less than half of our respondents employed the Standardized Assessment of Concussion (n = 467, 44.3%), any variation of the Romberg test (n = 461, 43.8%), and computerized neuropsychological testing (n = 459, 43.6%). Clinical examination (n = 773, 73.4%), return-to-participation guidelines (n = 713, 67.7%), physician recommendation (n = 660, 62.7%), or player self-report (n = 447, 42.5%) contributed to the return-to-participation decisions of ATs. Only 20.8% (n = 219) of ATs reported using all 3 recommended domains of the concussion battery.

Conclusions:

Our study demonstrated a growth in the number of ATs incorporating objective clinical measures of concussion as a part of their concussion management. Conversely, fewer ATs reported using a standard clinical examination in their concussion assessment. These findings suggest ATs must continue to increase their use of both objective concussion assessment tools and the standard clinical examination.
Feedback in Clinical Education, Part I: Characteristics of Feedback Provided by Approved Clinical Instructors
Authors: Nottingham Sara , Henning Jolene
Published: October 2013

Context

Providing students with feedback is an important component of athletic training clinical education; however, little information is known about the feedback that Approved Clinical Instructors (ACIs; now known as preceptors) currently provide to athletic training students (ATSs).

Objective

To characterize the feedback provided by ACIs to ATSs during clinical education experiences.

Design

Qualitative study.

Setting

One National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I athletic training facility and 1 outpatient rehabilitation clinic that were clinical sites for 1 entry-level master's degree program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education.

Patients or Other Participants

A total of 4 ACIs with various experience levels and 4 second-year ATSs.

Data Collection and Analysis

Extensive field observations were audio recorded, transcribed, and integrated with field notes for analysis. The constant comparative approach of open, axial, and selective coding was used to inductively analyze data and develop codes and categories. Member checking, triangulation, and peer debriefing were used to promote trustworthiness of the study.

Results

The ACIs gave 88 feedback statements in 45 hours and 10 minutes of observation. Characteristics of feedback categories included purpose, timing, specificity, content, form, and privacy.

Conclusions

Feedback that ACIs provided included several components that made each feedback exchange unique. The ACIs in our study provided feedback that is supported by the literature, suggesting that ACIs are using current recommendations for providing feedback. Feedback needs to be investigated across multiple athletic training education programs to gain more understanding of certain areas of feedback, including frequency, privacy, and form.
Short-term incentive schemes for hospital managers
Authors: Malambe Lucas , Bussin Mark
Published: October 2013

Orientation: Short-term incentives, considered to be an extrinsic motivation, are commonly used to motivate performance. This study explored hospital managers’ perceptions of short term incentives in maximising performance and retention.Research purpose: The study explored the experiences, views and perceptions of private hospital managers in South Africa regarding the use of short-term incentives to maximise performance and retention, as well as the applicability of the findings to public hospitals.Motivation for the study: Whilst there is an established link between performance reward schemes and organisational performance, there is little understanding of the effects of short term incentives on the performance and retention of hospital managers within the South African context.Research design, approach, and method: The study used a qualitative research design: interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 19 hospital managers, and a thematic content analysis was performed.Main findings: Short-term incentives may not be the primary motivator for hospital managers, but they do play a critical role in sustaining motivation. Participants indicated that these schemes could also be applicable to public hospitals.Practical/managerial implications: Hospital managers are inclined to be more motivated by intrinsic than extrinsic factors. However, hospital managers (as middle managers) also seem to be motivated by short-term incentives. A combination of intrinsic and extrinsic motivators should thus be used to maximise performance and retention.Contribution/value-add: Whilst the study sought to explore hospital managers’ perceptions of short-term incentives, it also found that an adequate balance between internal and external motivators is key to implementing an effective short-term incentive scheme.
Effects of Dietary Supplementation with the Solanaceae Plant Alkaloid Anatabine on Joint Pain and Stiffness: Results from an Internet-Based Survey Study
Authors: Lanier Ryan K. , Gibson Kainen D. , Cohen Amy E. , Varga Maria
Published: October 2013

Anatabine is a Solanaceae plant family alkaloid marketed in the United States as a dietary supplement. It has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects in vivo and in vitro, and may be useful for musculoskeletal aches and pains. The purpose of this internet-based survey study was to provide more information about anatabine users who report benefits for joint pain or stiffness. Of the 282 survey respondents, 232 (82%) reported a benefit from anatabine supplementation for one or more joint pain conditions, most commonly the knee, wrists/hands/fingers, shoulder, and back, most often due to osteoarthritis or injury to the joint. Mean scores of joint pain and stiffness were significantly ( P < 0.0001) reduced after starting anatabine supplementation, and for most respondents joint pain was virtually eliminated. Around 90% of all individuals rated the effect of anatabine supplementation as good or excellent for joint pain, stiffness, functionality, and overall effects. These results provide evidence that anatabine supplementation can lead to substantial improvement of musculoskeletal aches, pains, and stiffness, and can provide benefits in some individuals for various medical conditions in multiple joint locations.
Threshold effects of hazard mitigation in coastal human–environmental systems
Authors: Lazarus E. D.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. Despite improved scientific insight into physical and social dynamics related to natural disasters, the financial cost of extreme events continues to rise. This paradox is particularly evident along developed coastlines, where future hazards are projected to intensify with consequences of climate change, and where the presence of valuable infrastructure exacerbates risk. By design, coastal hazard mitigation buffers human activities against the variability of natural phenomena such as storms. But hazard mitigation also sets up feedbacks between human and natural dynamics. This paper explores developed coastlines as exemplary coupled human–environmental systems in which hazard mitigation is the key coupling mechanism. Results from a simplified numerical model of an agent-managed seawall illustrate the nonlinear effects that economic and physical thresholds can impart into coupled-system dynamics. The scale of mitigation action affects the time frame over which human activities and natural hazards interact. By accelerating environmental changes observable in some settings over human time scales of years to decades, climate change may temporarily strengthen the coupling between human and environmental dynamics. However, climate change could ultimately result in weaker coupling at those human time scales as mitigation actions increasingly engage global-scale systems.
The potential of an observational data set for calibration of a computationally expensive computer model
Authors: McNeall D. J. , Challenor P. G. , Gattiker J. R. , Stone E. J.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. We measure the potential of an observational data set to constrain a set of inputs to a complex and computationally expensive computer model. We use each member in turn of an ensemble of output from a computationally expensive model, corresponding to an observable part of a modelled system, as a proxy for an observational data set. We argue that, given some assumptions, our ability to constrain uncertain parameter inputs to a model using its own output as data, provides a maximum bound for our ability to constrain the model inputs using observations of the real system. The ensemble provides a set of known parameter input and model output pairs, which we use to build a computationally efficient statistical proxy for the full computer model, termed an emulator. We use the emulator to find and rule out "implausible" values for the inputs of held-out ensemble members, given the computer model output. As we know the true values of the inputs for the ensemble, we can compare our constraint of the model inputs with the true value of the input for any ensemble member. Measures of the quality of constraint have the potential to inform strategy for data collection campaigns, before any real-world data is collected, as well as acting as an effective sensitivity analysis. We use an ensemble of the ice sheet model Glimmer to demonstrate our measures of quality of constraint. The ensemble has 250 model runs with 5 uncertain input parameters, and an output variable representing the pattern of the thickness of ice over Greenland. We have an observation of historical ice sheet thickness that directly matches the output variable, and offers an opportunity to constrain the model. We show that different ways of summarising our output variable (ice volume, ice surface area and maximum ice thickness) offer different potential constraints on individual input parameters. We show that combining the observational data gives increased power to constrain the model. We investigate the impact of uncertainty in observations or in model biases on our measures, showing that even a modest uncertainty can seriously degrade the potential of the observational data to constrain the model.
A new endophytic species of Chaetomium from Jatropha podagrica
Authors: Sharma Rohit , Kulkarni Girish , Sonawane Mahesh S. , Shouche Yogesh S.
Published: October 2013

A new endophytic species of Chaetomium from fruits of Jatropha podagrica is described from Maharashtra State, India. A combined sequence dataset of the ITS region, LSU rDNA, and β-tubulin genes supports recognition of this fungus as a new species that is largely concordant
with morphological characters. Chaetomium jatrophae is characterized by spirally coiled, predominantly unbranched, and coarsely roughened terminal ascomatal hairs and elongate-ellipsoidal ascospores with a subapical or lateral germ pore. It is a mesophilic Chaetomium species
with a temperature maximum of 40±0.2°C.
A reassessment of excavated Tuber species from China based on morphology and ITS rDNA sequence data
Authors: Fan Li , Cao Jin-Zhong , Li Yu
Published: October 2013

A composite study was made of the morphology and phylogeny of Chinese Tuber species that produce ascomata with a cavity at the base (excavated ascomata). One new species, T. neoexcavatum, was found and is here described. It is characterized by brown ascomata with distinctly
verrucose surface and prosenchymatous peridium. The presence of T. excavatum in China is still in doubt. A key is provided for all excavated species of Tuber.
Taxonomic studies on Mucor inaequisporus, isolated for the first time in South America
Authors: de A. Santiago André Luiz C.M. , Rodrigues André , Canedo Enzo M. , Filho Edson R.
Published: October 2013

Mucor inaequisporus (Mucorales, Mucoromycotina) was isolated from Syzygium cumini, a common introduced tree species in Brazil. It is distinguished from similar species by producing straight or undulate sporangiophores with randomly distributed irregular swellings.
The columellae are mostly pyriform at 25 °C, but oblong, conic, ellipsoid, and obovoid columellae were also found. The sporangiospores vary in size and shape, with a minor proportion exhibiting an irregular shape. ITS-based phylogenetic analyses reveal that M. inaequisporus is closely
related to M. amphibiorum and M. nederlandicus. This species can grow between 20 and 30 °C with optimal development at 25 °C, but variations in the shape of sporangiospores and columellae caused by incubation under different temperatures were observed. No growth was detected
at 10 and 40 °C.
Glomus mume and Kuklospora spinosa: two new species of Glomeromycota from China
Authors: Cai Bang-ping , Guo Liang-dong , Chen Jun-yu , Zhang Qi-xiang
Published: October 2013

Two new arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal species, Glomus mume (Glomerales) and Kuklospora spinosa (Diversisporales), were isolated from rhizosphere soil of Prunus mume in China. Glomus mume resembles G. taiwanense, but differs by its spore
walls swelling to a globose to subglobose structure in or near the middle of the spore apex. Kuklospora spinosa resembles K. colombiana but differs by the fine spines covering the middle-layer of the outer spore wall.
Studies of North American macrofungi, 1. Validation of Lactarius rubidus comb. nov. and Leccinellum quercophilum sp. nov.
Authors: Kuo Michael , Methven Andrew S. , Minnis Andrew M. , Halling Roy E.
Published: October 2013

Two mycorrhizal taxa are described: Lactarius rubidus from the west coast and Leccinellum quercophilum from eastern North America. Lactarius rubidus is a new combination for Lactarius fragilis var. rubidus, here validated after a previous invalid
publication. Leccinellum quercophilum is a new species. Detailed macro- and microscopic descriptions, ITS and LSU sequences, illustrations of microscopic features, and plates are presented for each species; a type study of Lactarius fragilis var. rubidus is also provided.
Cladonia dunensis sp. nov. from southern Brazil, with notes on the genus in beach dune environments
Authors: Gumboski Emerson Luiz , Beilke Flavio , Eliasaro Sionara
Published: October 2013

Cladonia dunensis is described. The new species resembles C. celata in the corticate and scyphose podetia that are simple at first before branching fastigiately but differs in forming squamulose podetia and producing psoromic acid. Seven Cladonia species are reported
for the first time from beach dune environments in the coastal plain of Santa Catarina State, southern Brazil.
Coniolepiota spongodes (Agaricaceae, Basidiomycota) in Bangladesh and China
Authors: Hosen Md. Iqbal , Yang Zhu L.
Published: October 2013

The genus Coniolepiota is recorded for the first time from Bangladesh and China. Coniolepiota spongodes is characterized by its gray lilac to purple floccose basidiomata and relatively small smooth ellipsoid to oblong basidiospores. A detailed morphological description,
photographs and line drawings, with confirmation of the phylogenetic position of newly reported taxon are provided herein.
Ramichloridium strelitziae associated with sooty blotch and flyspeck on Ravenala madagascariensis in China
Authors: Hao Baojun , Li Wenhuan , Chen Chen , Gao Liu , Zhang Rong , Wang Baotong , Sun Guangyu , Gleason Mark L.
Published: October 2013

The first report of Ramichloridium strelitziae from China is documented. In a survey of host plants for SBFS fungi, we isolated the fungus from colonies on stems of Ravenala madagascariensis collected from Haikou, Hainan, China. It is distinguished from the other species
in the genus by morphological characters and phylogenetic analysis based on ITS sequences.
Polycoccum anatolicum sp. nov. on Lepraria incana and a key to Polycoccum species known from Turkey
Authors: Halici Mehmet Gökhan , Akgül Hatice Esra , Öztürk Celaleddin , Kiliç Emre
Published: October 2013

Polycoccum anatolicum is described as new from the thallus of Lepraria incana on the trunk of a Prunus sp. in western Turkey and represents the first Polycoccum known to occur on Lepraria. The new species is typical with its relatively small subglobose
ascomata and verruculose relatively large ascospores. It is compared with similar Polycoccum species, and a key to Polycoccum species known from Turkey is provided.
Further additions to the macrolichen mycota of Vietnam
Authors: Jayalal Udeni , Aptroot André , Nguyen Thi Thuy , Dzung Nguyen Anh , Joshi Santosh , Oh Soon-Ok , Hur Jae-Seoun
Published: October 2013

Seven new records of foliose lichens are reported from Chu Yang Sin National Park of Dak Lak province in Vietnam. Morphological, anatomical and chemical characteristics are described for Heterodermia obscurata, Hypotrachyna flavida, Leptogium ulvaceum, Parmotrema
sancti-angelii, Parmeliella brisbanensis, Physma byrsaeum, and Sticta marginifera.
La «carrera» de las personas que sufren de esclerosis múltiple: tres momentos clave. De la irrupción de la enfermedad al «trabajo biográfi co»
Authors: Colinet Séverine
Published: October 2013

El objetivo de esta investigación es entender de qué manera se puedeaplicar el concepto de «carrera» a una enfermedad crónica específi cacomo es la esclerosis múltiple. Esta investigación se centra en las«carreras» según se habla en el Interaccionismo simbólico ensociología. La investigación cualitativa se basa en treinta entrevistassemi-directivas, cuatro entrevistas colectivas con personas afectadasde esclerosis múltiple en asociaciones y hospitales franceses, y enveintitrés observaciones realizadas durante un período de un año. Tresfases en las «carreras» de los sujetos ponen de manifi esto la llegada dela enfermedad: la irrupción de los síntomas, el anuncio del diagnósticoque corresponde a la confi rmación de la entrada en la enfermedad yque marca «un antes y un después de la enfermedad», y la elaboracióndel «trabajo biográfi co». Según la manera en cómo se vive y se entra enlas «carreras» de la enfermedad, éstas serán más o menos complejas ydiferentes, como también las formas de trayectorias biográfi cas.
Attentional Biases and Nonsuicidal Self-Injury Urges in Adolescents
Authors: Goreis Andreas , Pfeffer Bettina , Hajek Gross Carola , Klinger Diana , Oehlke Sofia M. , Zesch Heidi , Claes Laurence , Plener Paul L. , Kothgassner Oswald D.
Published: July 2024

Importance

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a significant clinical concern among adolescents. Exposure to NSSI-related content on social media platforms has been suspected to potentially act as a trigger for NSSI.

Objective

To use free-viewing eye-tracking and dot-probe paradigms to examine attentional bias and psychophysiological responses to NSSI-related pictorial and textual stimuli in adolescents with and without a history of NSSI.

Design, Setting, and Participants

From June 2022 to April 2023, adolescent participants in Vienna, Austria with and without a history of NSSI were exposed to NSSI-related stimuli in this nonrandomized controlled trial. Data were analyzed from December 2023 to January 2024.

Exposure

Exposure to NSSI-related stimuli.

Main Outcomes and Measures

During both tasks, subjective arousal, NSSI urges, and autonomic nervous system activity were assessed.

Results

A total of 50 adolescents in 2 groups, 25 who engaged in NSSI (mean [SD] age 15.86 [1.14] years; 19 female participants [76%]) and 25 who did not (mean [SD] age 16.40 [1.71] years; 19 female participants [76%]) were included. Adolescents with a history of NSSI—but not those without a history of NSSI—showed a clear attentional bias toward NSSI-related images during eye-tracking, as indicated by increased initial fixations (500 ms stimulus presentation mean difference, 28.64%; 95% CI, 18.31%-38.98%; P < .001; 1000 ms stimulus presentation mean difference, 18.50%; 95% CI, 9.05%-27.95%; P < .001) and longer fixation durations (500 ms mean difference, 29.51 ms; 95% CI, 4.3-54.72 ms; P < .001; 1000 ms mean difference, 39.83 ms; 95% CI, 6.90-72.76 ms; P < .001), regardless of stimulus duration. This bias was associated with a heightened urge to engage in NSSI (d = 1.22; 95% CI, 0.69-1.73; P < .001), a trend not seen in adolescents without a history of NSSI. Similarly, in the dot-probe task, only the NSSI group showed an attentional bias toward NSSI images but not toward trauma images, emphasizing the specificity of their attentional bias. Physiological measures revealed no significant differences, suggesting that viewing NSSI images is not associated with increased autonomic arousal. Textual NSSI content did not provoke an attentional bias or heighten NSSI urges in either group.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this nonrandomized controlled trial of 50 adolescents, results highlighted a specific attentional bias toward NSSI-related pictorial stimuli in adolescents with a history of NSSI, particularly a difficulty in disengaging from NSSI images. These findings contribute to understanding maladaptive information processing in NSSI and suggest implications for clinical management and cognitive models addressing NSSI triggers.

Trial Registration

German Clinical Trials Register identifier: DRKS00025905.
An Epiretinal Roller Coaster Effect
Authors: Kalogeropoulos Dimitrios , De Salvo Gabriella , Antonakis Serafeim
Published: July 2024

This case report describes a diagnosis of epiretinal membrane with retinal traction in a patient with known bilateral age-related macular degeneration.
Intraoperative Pathology Consultation in Patients With p16-Positive Unknown Primary Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Awad Daniel R. , Konanur Anisha , Ferris Robert L. , Kim Seungwon , Duvvuri Umamaheswar , Chiosea Simion I.
Published: July 2024

Importance

Current guidelines recommend intraoperative frozen section(s) during diagnostic surgery for squamous cell carcinoma for unknown primary tumors (SCCUP).

Objective

To determine the utility of intraoperative pathology consultation during transoral robotic surgery (TORS) in localizing primary tumors and influencing need for adjuvant therapy.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A retrospective case series including 47 adult patients with human papillomavirus (HPV)–associated SCCUP who underwent TORS/oropharyngectomy between January 2016 and February 2023 was carried out at a single tertiary care hospital. The analysis took place on May 13, 2024.

Exposures

Nodal stage, tonsillectomy history, extranodal extension (ENE).

Main Outcomes and Measures

Intraoperative pathology consultation and final pathology results were compared with surgical outcomes, including margin revision, need for second procedure and/or radiation with or without chemotherapy.

Results

This study included 47 adult patients. Mean (range) age was 61 (41-79) years; patients were mostly men (37 [79%]). Overall, primary tumors were identified in 37 patients (79%), including all cases with positive nodes involving more than 1 neck level. Patients whose primary tumor was not found tended to have tobacco use history (8/10 vs 13/37 [35%]; difference, 45%; 95% CI, 16%-74%) and absence of ENE (8/10 vs 15/37 [41%]; difference, 39%; 95% CI, 10%-68%). Primary tumor was identified intraoperatively in 18 of 37 patients (49%). SCCs identified intraoperatively were significantly larger than SCCs found on permanent sections only: mean (SE), 1.2 (0.13) cm vs 0.5 (0.1) cm (difference, 0.7 cm; 95% CI, 0.53-1.94). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of intraoperative consultation was 49% (95% CI, 33%-64%), 100% (95% CI, 100%-100%), 100%, and 34% (95% CI, 19%-53%), respectively. Margins were revised in 11 of 18 patients (61%) whose primary tumor was identified intraoperatively (during original procedure) and in 3 of 19 patients (16%) whose primary tumor was identified on permanent pathologic findings only (during a second procedure) (11/18 [61%] vs 3/19 [16%]; difference, 45%; 95% CI, 17%-73%). However, there was no significant difference in the use of adjuvant radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy or need for a second procedure based on intraoperative primary tumor localization.

Conclusion and Relevance

In this case series study, the sensitivity and negative predictive value of intraoperative pathology consultation among 47 patients was less than 50%. Given the lack of influence on the need for radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy or second procedure, the practical utility of routine intraoperative frozen section requires further scrutiny.
High‐Performance Neutral‐Color Semitransparent Organic Photovoltaics with Optical and Thermal Management
Authors: Yu Jiangsheng , Liu Xin , Zhou Jie , Li Gang
Published: July 2024

Neutral‐color semitransparent organic photovoltaics (ST‐OPVs) offer potential opportunities to improve solar energy harvesting in integrated buildings. Here, high‐performance multifunctional neutral‐color ST‐OPVs are successfully fabricated by integrating a Ag/TeO2/Ag/TeO2‐based Fabry–Perot resonant optical coating (FPOC). Two coupled resonators of FPOCs are successfully fabricated to manipulate two adjacent transmission peaks in the visible region (380–780 nm) and high reflection from 1200 to 2500 nm, revealing its excellent color rendering index (CRI) tunability and thermal insulation. The 75 nm FPOC‐integrated ST‐OPV exhibits a CRI of 97.31, a high average visible transmittance of 43.15%, and a light utilization efficiency of 3.90% with superior thermal insulation properties, where the highest total and near‐infrared solar‐energy‐rejected dual functional efficiencies are 2.92% and 3.47%, respectively. The record CRI value of 99.23 is achieved for the 65 nm FPOC‐integrated ST‐OPVs. Attributed to the angular tolerance of FPOC, the neutral‐color ST‐OPVs exhibit good angular insensitivity up to ±60°. The results demonstrate the flexibility and multifunctionality of visible dual‐band‐pass Ag/TeO2/Ag/TeO2‐based FPOC for constructing neutral‐color, heat‐insulated, and angular‐insensitive ST‐OPVs, opening up a new avenue for the realization of smart power windows.
Exploring Single‐Phase Asymmetric Multiple‐Quantum‐Well Architectures in Chiral Hybrid Perovskites via Kinetically Controlled Self‐Assembly
Authors: Ye Huang , Bie Jie , Wang Yifei , Wang Peng , Guan Qianwen , Zhu Tingting , Li Lina , Chen Shuang , Liu Xitao , Luo Junhua
Published: July 2024

Chiral hybrid perovskites (CHPs) with inherent chirality, dimensional tunability, and excellent semiconducting features are proved to be an ideal platform to study spin and helicity‐related physical phenomenon. However, due to their intrinsic thermodynamic unfavorability, there are many CHPs with exotic structures, such as superlattice‐type 2D heterostructures, which are covered by their transient lifespan caused by phase instability during the crystallization process. This limitation hinders the attempt to further explore and understand the chiral structure‐function relationship. Here, CHPs (R/SCPEA)2PbI4·(R/SCPEA)2FAPb2I7 (R/S1‐2, R/S‐CPEA = (R/S)‐1‐(4‐chlorophenyl)ethylammonium FA = formidinum) is obtained with asymmetric multiple‐quantum‐well architectures through kinetically‐controlled self‐assembly. Structural analysis identified the unique natural monolayer‐bilayer recurring heterostructures of 1–2 with sub‐nanometer accuracy and potentially non‐degenerate chiral environment. Such novel structures in 1–2 provide them fascinating multiple absorption‐emission features. Meanwhile, the chirality of 1–2 is confirmed by vibrational circular dichroism and angle‐dependent photocurrent measurement, provoking its potential in chiral optoelectronic devices. The work extends the understanding of CHP growth and will stimulate further exploration and synthesis of extraordinary chiral heterostructures, which may pave the way for the development of chiral optoelectronics and spintronics.
Synchronously Manipulating the D−A Interaction and Planarity in Semiconducting Polymers to Achieve 84.7% Photothermal Conversion Efficiency for NIR‐II Imaging‐Guided Tumor Therapy
Authors: Hu Xiankun , Jia Qian , Fang Qiyu , Song Chaoqi , Zhang Ruili , Liang Ying , Yang Zhanglei , Wu Jinting , Li Hongbo , Zhao Tingxing , Zhao Deping , Wang Zhongliang
Published: July 2024

Exploiting photothermal agents with second‐near‐infrared (NIR‐II, 1000−1700 nm) emission and a high photothermal conversion efficiency (PCE) is an appealing and challenging task. Herein, by simultaneously tailoring the D−A interaction and planarity in fluorophores, two donor‐acceptor (D−A) −type semiconducting polymers (SPs), T‐BTP and B‐BTP, are constructed. Compared with T‐BTP, B‐BTP shows increased intramolecular interactions and improved molecular planarity, leading to bathochromic‐shift absorption, NIR‐II emission, and high PCE. Notably, the B‐BTP NPs achieve a remarkable PCE of 84.7%, which is among the highest PCEs of SPs in NIR‐II fluorescence imaging‐guided photothermal therapy (PTT). Because of these promising features, B‐BTP NPs are successfully used in NIR‐II vascular imaging and cancer therapy. This study provides valuable guidelines for the development of high‐performance NIR‐II SPs.
In Situ Formation of Gel Electrolyte with Enhanced Diffusion Kinetics and Stability for Achieving Fast‐Charging Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Liu Xiaofei , Guo Leyi , Zhang Zibo , Wang Jian , Lin Hongzhen , Li Gaunwu , Ou Xing , Wang Dong , Zheng Weitao
Published: July 2024

In situ formation of gel polymer electrolytes (GPE) has been a promising candidate to address individual limitations of liquid/solid electrolytes and interfacial stability. However, the controllable conversion of liquid electrolyte (LE) precursor to GPE remains a great challenge with lower lithium‐ion transport, which is far from the demand for fast‐charging properties. Herein, a strategy of gradient polymerization of forming GPE is pioneered, stabilizing the electrolyte/electrode interface with an accelerated Li+ migration feature. As demonstrated by theoretical simulations and visualization experiment results, the formation mechanism of GPE via a partial inhibitory mechanism of Lithium nitrate (LiNO3) to control the solvent polymerization is comprehensively investigated, exhibiting the preferential interaction between nitrate anion (NO3−) and the Lewis acidic site in lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI). Consequently, a stable amorphous GPE with high Li+ conductivity (5.10 mS cm−1) and an inorganic solid electrolyte interphase (SEI)‐dominate layer derived from spectroscopical measurements are achieved on the graphite electrode surface. The as‐prepared lithium iron phosphate (LFP)||graphite pouch cell stabilizes the capacity of 109.80 mAh g−1 (capacity retention: 80.02%) after 715 cycles at 5 C/1 C (charge/discharge), corresponding to the energy density of 277.64 Wh kg−1. This work provides a facile but practical approach to designing a highly stable GPE for fast‐charging lithium‐ion batteries.