bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring local knowledge and socio‐economic factors for touristic attractiveness and sustainability
Authors: De Lucia Caterina , Pazienza Pasquale , Balena Pasquale , Caporale Diana
Published: August 2019

The present study investigates residents' perception of tourism as a sustainable development driver and explores the reasons why residents recognize their own place of residence as an attractive tourism destination. The work considers one of Italy's most visited tourist destinations (Puglia) and uses quantitative (i.e., inferential and text mining) and qualitative (i.e., survey) approaches. Main results reveal that socio‐economic and environmental factors positively affect residents' perception of tourism as a driver of sustainable development. Furthermore, the spatial dimensions of the territories of Puglia, perceived by indigenous local knowledge, are key elements for tourist attractiveness of its destinations.
Subsidized or stressed? Shifts in freshwater benthic microbial metagenomics along a gradient of alkaline coal mine drainage
Authors: Bier Raven L. , Wernegreen Jennifer J. , Vilgalys Rytas J. , Ellis Joseph Christopher , Bernhardt Emily S.
Published: August 2019

Chemical pollution mixtures enter aquatic environments and interact with microorganisms in eclectic ways with disparate consequences for microbial ecosystem services. Can using a thermodynamic framework help to determine the net influence of a chemical mixture on the functional capacity of benthic microbial communities? We examined this question by comparing benthic stream microbial communities exposed to a gradient of neutral‐alkaline coalmine effluent. Using a combination of approaches (metagenomics, quantitative polymerase chain reaction [qPCR], and functional assays), we show that functional genes and pathways of microbial communities growing in mine effluent differed in composition, but not diversity. The majority of functional genes and pathways that changed decreased at sites exposed to mine effluent, resulting in lower abundances of nitrogenase and methanogen genes and fermentation pathways. However, selenate reductase gene abundance increased with water and sediment concentration of an ecologically important contaminant at mined sites: selenium. Denitrification genes nosZ and nirK differed between sites: metagenome‐based nosZ increased with dissolved nitrate concentration and qPCR‐based nirK had a hump‐shaped pattern across the mining gradient. Osmoprotectant gene abundance did not change. Extracellular enzyme assays and alkaline phosphatase gene relative abundance suggested that mined stream microbial communities may be constrained by phosphorus bioavailability. Subsidies and stressors related to changes in a set of functional genes and pathways, but differences were not consistently predictable using thermodynamic expectations. This suggests that pairing hypotheses for expected subsidies and stressors with post hoc explorations can yield valuable directions for future study of how microbial functional capacity responds to pollutant mixtures.
Lower Limb Somatosensory Discrimination Is Impaired in People With Parkinson's Disease: Novel Assessment and Associations With Balance, Gait, and Falls
Authors: Gorst Terry , Marsden Jonathan , Freeman Jenny
Published: August 2019

Background

People with Parkinson's disease (PD) have often compromised walking and balance. This may be the result of the impaired lower limb tactile and proprioceptive sensation. Existing clinical measures may not be sufficiently sensitive to uncover these sensory impairments.

Objective

To determine whether novel measures of lower limb somatosensory discrimination are psychometrically robust and associated with mobility outcomes in people with PD.

Methods

Lower limb somatosensation was assessed on 2 occasions, 3 to 7 days apart, using the following 3 novel tests: gradient discrimination, roughness discrimination, and step height discrimination. Static and dynamic balance (Brief Balance Evaluations Systems Test), falls incidence, falls confidence (Falls Efficacy Scale), and gait (speed and step length) were also obtained. The participants were 27 people with PD and 27 healthy controls.

Results

Novel tests showed good to excellent intrarater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.72–0.92). Significantly higher gradient and step height discrimination thresholds (P < 0.01) were demonstrated in the participants with PD when compared with the healthy controls, indicating worse position sense at the ankle, knee, and hip. Significant correlations were identified between gradient discrimination and falls incidence (r = 0.55), falls confidence (r = 0.44), and balance (r = 0.63), but not gait (r = 0.21). Step height discrimination was significantly correlated with balance (r = 0.54). Foot roughness discrimination was not significantly different between people with PD and healthy controls and was not significantly correlated with mobility measures (P > .05).

Conclusion

These novel tests are psychometrically robust and identify impaired lower limb position sense, which was associated with balance and falls in this sample of PD patients. Interventions targeting somatosensory processing in PD may improve aspects of balance and reduce falls risk. Further research is warranted.
The Parkinson's Disease Activities of Daily Living, Interference, and Dependence Instrument
Authors: Deal Linda S. , Flood Emuella , Myers Daniela E. , Devine Jacob , Gray David L.
Published: August 2019

Background

Individuals with Parkinson's disease often experience periods of off time when their motor symptoms are poorly controlled, significantly impacting their lives.

Objectives

To identify the consequences of motor fluctuations on day‐to‐day activities and areas of unmet treatment priority among individuals with moderate to advanced Parkinson's disease, to assess whether existing patient‐reported outcome instruments adequately capture these consequences and priorities, and based on these evaluations, to adapt an existing or develop a new instrument.

Methods

The research was conducted in 2 stages: concept exploration and content confirmation. Concept exploration included direct input from individuals with Parkinson's disease representing the intended context of use via concept elicitation interviews. Content confirmation and item refinement was achieved through 5 rounds of cognitive debriefing. Final rounds of cognitive debriefing also included usability testing of the draft instrument for electronic data capture.

Results

Concept elicitation interviews were conducted among 29 individuals with Parkinson's disease (55% male; mean age 60.8 years). Concept saturation was achieved quickly with more than 90% of concepts identified by the end of the 16th interview. None of the existing outcome instruments were found to be fit for purpose in the intended context of use; therefore, a new instrument was developed. After 5 rounds, cognitive debriefing participants indicated clear and consistent interpretation of the items.

Conclusions

Evidence from this study supports the content validity of the Parkinson's Disease Activities of Daily Living, Interference and Dependence Instrument as the basis of a clinical trial endpoint for capturing priority treatment benefit outcomes to individuals with moderate to advanced Parkinson's disease experiencing motor fluctuations.
The impact of political instability on risk‐taking in the banking sector: International evidence using a dynamic panel data model (System‐GMM)
Authors: Rezgallah Hamed , Özataç Nesrin , Katircioğlu Salih
Published: August 2019

This paper contributes to the existing literature by investigating the impact of political instability risk on risk‐taking in the banking sector of 75 countries, which is the first attempt for this nexus to the best of our knowledge. The dynamic panel data model (System‐GMM) showed that political instability risk significantly increases risk‐taking in the banking sector. Besides, corruption levels and government ineffectiveness are the most important channels of political instability that affect the banking sector risk. The results also actively support the “too big to fail” hypothesis. Finally, the robustness results confirm the conclusions derived from the baseline System‐GMM model.
Prediction of the ENSO and EQUINOO indices during June–September using a deep learning method
Authors: Saha Moumita , Nanjundiah Ravi S.
Published: August 2019

The Equatorial Indian Ocean Oscillation (EQUINOO) and El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) are important climatic oscillations over the Indian and Pacific oceans influencing the inter‐annual variation of the Indian monsoon. The study of these indices, including their relationship and influence over various climatic phenomena, is the main focus in the literature. However, an attempt is made here to predict the indices for different temporal periods. Though ENSO prediction is established by many statistical and numerical models, the prediction of the EQUINOO index is not much studied. A deep‐learning method using an autoencoder is proposed for the prediction of the EQUINOO and ENSO. An autoencoder assists in feature learning. The learned features are ranked using linear and nonlinear correlation studies. This assists in identifying a set of potential predictors, used for indices prediction, with an ensemble of regression trees and decision forest models. Predictors identified by nonlinear correlation are observed to predict with better accuracy as compared with linear correlation. The predicted indices show high correlation against the observed values. The EQUINOO prediction is provided with a high lead of 7 months with a 0.88 correlation co‐efficient (p < 0.001) and the ENSO with a lead of 1 month with a 0.87 correlation co‐efficient (p < 0.001) between the observed and predicted indices. Moreover, the proposed method proves efficient in predicting the positive or negative index values with an appropriate sign. The ENSO prediction by the proposed approach is observed to be comparable with the existing models.
Three dimensional steady‐state locus for dry monodisperse granular materials: DEM numerical results and theoretical modelling
Authors: Redaelli Irene , di Prisco Claudio
Published: August 2019

In this paper, steady‐state conditions for ideal monodisperse dry granular materials are both theoretically and numerically analysed. A series of discrete element (DEM) numerical simulations have been performed on a periodic cell by imposing stress paths characterized by different Lode angles, pressures, and deviatoric strain rates. The dependence of the material response on both inertial number and loading path has been discussed in terms of void ratio, fabric, and granular temperature. DEM numerical results have been finally compared with the prediction of an already conceived model based on both kinetic and critical state theories, here suitably modified to account for three‐dimensional conditions.
A‐stable two‐step time integration methods with controllable numerical dissipation for structural dynamics
Authors: Zhang Jie
Published: August 2019

A comprehensive study of A‐stable linear two‐step time integration methods for structural dynamics analysis is presented in this paper. An optimal A‐stable linear two‐step (OALTS) time integration method is revealed with desirable performance on low‐frequency accuracy and high‐frequency numerical dissipation properties. The OALTS time integration method is implemented in a direct integration manner for the second‐order equations of structural dynamics; is implicit, A‐stable, and second‐order accurate in displacement, velocity, and acceleration, simultaneously; is easily started; and is numerical dissipation controllable. The OALTS time integration method shows desirable performance on spectral radius distribution, dissipation and dispersion errors, and overshooting behavior, where the results of some typical algorithms in the literature are also compared. Benchmark examples with/without physical damping are performed to validate the accuracy, stability, and efficiency of the OALTS time integration method.
Operating theatre nurses’ self‐reported clinical competence in perioperative nursing: A mixed method study
Authors: Blomberg Ann‐Catrin , Lindwall Lillemor , Bisholt Birgitta
Published: August 2019

Aims

The aim of this study was to investigate how operating theatre nurses (OTNs) self‐rated their clinical competence and describe their experience of important factors for the development of clinical competence in perioperative nursing.

Design

A cross‐sectional study with a mixed‐method approach was chosen. Data were collected through a modified version of the questionnaireProfessional Nurse Self‐Assessment Scale of Clinical Core Competence I,which was supplemented with an open‐ended question.

Methods

Data were collected from 303 operating theatre nurses in Sweden. Statistics analysis was used to identify the relationship between the participants' background variables. The open‐ended question was analysed by using a qualitative conventional content analysis.

Results

Academic degree and professional experience of perioperative nursing were significant for the development of clinical competence. Academic degree appeared to affect operating theatre nurses’ leadership and cooperation in the surgical team, as well as how consultations took place with other professionals.
Sustainable synthesis of cyclic carbonates from bio‐based polyether polyol: the structure characterization, rheological behaviour and thermal properties
Authors: Błażek Kamila , Datta Janusz , Cichoracka Alicja
Published: August 2019

The cycloaddition of CO2 to epoxides represents a green efficient method to form bis(cyclic carbonate)s. The main purpose of the work reported in this paper was to examine the effect of the gas flow rate (20, 40, 60 and 100 mL min–1) during carbonation on the conversion yield, chemical structure, rheological behaviour and thermal properties of the prepared compounds. A series of new bis(cyclic carbonate)s was obtained from bio‐based polyether polyol. The syntheses were performed in the absence of toxic solvents and the process did not require the use of elevated pressure. The progressive structural changes and the presence of characteristic chemical groups were monitored by attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The characterization of the structure by 1H NMR and 13C NMR also confirmed the formation of cyclic carbonate moieties. The non‐Newtonian behaviour and the optimal mathematical model (Herschel–Bulkley) were verified by rheological measurements. The materials obtained could be used as a chemical intermediate to synthesize advanced materials based upon polyurethanes without using isocyanates. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Premature mortality of people with personality disorder in the Nottingham Study of Neurotic Disorder
Authors: Tyrer Peter , Tyrer Helen , Yang Min
Published: August 2019

It is known that people with personality disorders die prematurely. This may be connected to high levels of co‐morbidity with other psychiatric disorders. To test whether mortality was independent, deaths were examined in a 31‐year cohort study of anxious and depressed patients (Nottingham Study of Neurotic Disorder) who also had their personality status assessed at baseline. The severity of personality disturbance was assessed using a method previously used to separate personality disorders into ICD‐11 categories. Over the follow‐up period, 71 of the cohort of 201 patients had died. Age at death was 5.1 (M) and 5.2 (F) years younger in those with personality disorder compared with no personality disorder, but after adjusting for age at randomization and clinical diagnosis at baseline, these differences reduced to 1.5 (M) and 1.6 (F) years. The longevity of the group was 12 to 18 years less than the general population (p < 0.0001), reinforcing previous findings of premature mortality in common mental illness. Analysis of causes of death showed no meaningful differences in personality groups. The hypothesis that premature death in personality disturbance is independent of mental health status was not supported in this study, despite other evidence from this cohort that general clinical outcome is worse in those with personality disorder. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regime‐dependent statistical post‐processing of ensemble forecasts
Authors: Allen Sam , Ferro Christopher A. T. , Kwasniok Frank
Published: August 2019

A number of realizations of one or more numerical weather prediction (NWP) models, initialised at a variety of initial conditions, compose an ensemble forecast. These forecasts exhibit systematic errors and biases that can be corrected by statistical post‐processing. Post‐processing yields calibrated forecasts by analysing the statistical relationship between historical forecasts and their corresponding observations. This article aims to extend post‐processing methodology to incorporate atmospheric circulation. The circulation, or flow, is largely responsible for the weather that we experience and it is hypothesized here that relationships between the NWP model and the atmosphere depend upon the prevailing flow. Numerous studies have focussed on the tendency of this flow to reduce to a set of recognisable arrangements, known as regimes, which recur and persist at fixed geographical locations. This dynamical phenomenon allows the circulation to be categorized into a small number of regime states. In a highly idealized model of the atmosphere, the Lorenz ‘96 system, ensemble forecasts are subjected to well‐known post‐processing techniques conditional on the system's underlying regime. Two different variables, one of the state variables and one related to the energy of the system, are forecasted and considerable improvements in forecast skill upon standard post‐processing are seen when the distribution of the predictand varies depending on the regime. Advantages of this approach and its inherent challenges are discussed, along with potential extensions for operational forecasters.
A density functional theory study on mechanisms of [4 + 2] annulation of enal with α‐methylene cycloalkanone catalyzed by N‐heterocyclic carbene
Authors: He Nan , Zhu Yanyan , Zhu Zhenhua , Yang Yankai , Zhang Wenjing , Wei Donghui , Qu Lingbo , Tang Mingsheng , Chen Hongsheng
Published: August 2019

Density functional theory was used to study the reaction mechanisms of the N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC)‐catalyzed [4 + 2] annulation reaction between enal and α‐methylene cycloalkanone for the formation of tricyclic benzopyran‐2‐one. The simulations suggest that the energy‐favorable catalytic cycle includes five steps: (a) the nucleophilic addition of enal by NHC catalyst; (b) [1, 2]‐proton transfer for the formation of Breslow intermediate; (c) [1, 4]‐proton transfer for the formation of enolate intermediate; (d) the [4 + 2] cycloaddition process, product formation; and (e) catalyst regeneration. The proton transfer process was particularly designed in two independent ways, the direct proton transfer and the Brønsted acid DBU∙H+‐mediated proton transfer. Our study reveals that [1, 2]‐proton transfer process is the rate‐determining step with the accessible energy barrier, which agrees with the experimental observation. Further analysis of the global reaction index confirmed that NHC was primary used as a Lewis base during the reaction processes. The frontier molecular orbital (FMO) analysis indicates that the introduction of the NHC catalyst facilitates the reaction to occur due to the narrower energy gap of FMO.
Almost sure stability of second‐order nonlinear stochastic system with Lévy noise via sliding mode control
Authors: Li Mengling , Deng Feiqi , Liu Xinzhi
Published: August 2019

The almost sure stability of second‐order nonlinear stochastic system with Lévy noise is studied by sliding mode control method. A conventional linear sliding mode surface is first constructed, by employing stochastic analysis technique combined with Lyapunov function method, sufficient conditions are established to ensure the almost sure stability of the system dynamics. Then, a nonsingular terminal sliding mode control technique is used for our system, corresponding controller is designed to guarantee the desired performance. Finally, two examples are given to show the validity of our results.
Variability of hydrological connectivity and fish dynamics in a wide subtropical–temperate floodplain
Authors: Abrial Elie , Espínola Luis A. , Rabuffetti Ana P. , Eurich Maria F. , Paira Aldo R. , Blettler Martin C.M. , Amsler Mario L.
Published: August 2019

Fish are subject to diverse stimulus in floodplain rivers resulting from interactions between environmental factors. In such complex and interconnected ecosystems, fish assemblages are thus highly dynamic across space and time. Here, we analysed fish assemblage structures in lotic/lentic habitats of a geomorphic unit of the Middle Paraná River during summer, autumn, and winter of seven consecutive years. We observed that three main factors trigger significant structural changes: seasonality, habitat characteristics, and floodplain connectivity. The last one appears to have a determinant role on fish structures. Processes of connection/isolation of floodplain environments produced significant variations in fish abundance and species richness. Main results showed that some ecological processes can be largely explained by connectivity variations, such as fish dispersal in the floodplain, fish concentration in remnant floodplain lakes, and migrations back to permanent floodplain water bodies. This study provided a quantitative measurement of connectivity to understand fish dynamics in a giant floodplain and highlights the importance of similar investigations to preserve the fish fauna in these rather unique ecosystems.
Experientially diverse customers and organizational adaptation in changing demand landscapes: A study of US cannabis markets, 2014–2016
Authors: Hsu Greta , Kovács Balázs , Koçak Özgecan
Published: August 2019

Research Summary

In this study, we contribute to strategy and organizational theories of organizational adaptation by developing theory about the kinds of customers that facilitate an organization's ability to adapt to changing demand‐side conditions. We propose that customers who have previously interacted with diverse types of organizations in the market convey informationally rich feedback that better enables organizations to understand and adapt to change—particularly in more rapidly changing contexts. We further expect that organizations that position themselves congruently with market preferences will be stronger market competitors. We test and find support for our arguments using a unique dataset of over 8,000 cannabis dispensaries operating in seven states that were listed on Weedmaps.com between July 2014 and June 2016.

Managerial Summary

Performance of organizations in changing markets depends on their ability to adapt to evolving customer preferences. Such adaptation requires understanding how preferences evolve—not only among existing customers, but also in the broader market in which the organization competes. We propose that feedback from customers who have previously interacted with diverse types of organizations in the market enables organizations to understand customer expectations and adapt to changing demand landscapes by positioning themselves accordingly. We find support for these arguments in legalized cannabis markets within seven U.S. states. Dispensaries that get more feedback from experientially diverse customers position themselves in ways that are more congruent with the preferences of customers in their market. Furthermore, dispensaries who are more congruent with market preferences survive longer, bring in a greater number of new consumers, and are generally more appealing to those consumers.
Development of Blood‐Cell‐Selective Fluorescent Biodots for Lysis‐Free Leukocyte Imaging and Differential Counting in Whole Blood
Authors: Zheng Xin Ting , Tan Yen Nee
Published: August 2019

Complete blood count with leukocyte (white blood cell, WBC) differential is one of the most frequently ordered clinical test for disease diagnosis. Herein, multifunctional fluorescent carbon dots derived from biomolecules (biodots) for rapid lysis‐free whole blood analysis are developed. Specifically, two types of biodots are molecularly engineered through hydrothermal synthesis for differential blood cells labeling. Type I biodots synthesized from amino acid (serine/threonine) precursors and passivated with polyethylenimine can label both red blood cells (RBCs) and WBCs with excellent contrast in fluorescence intensity, enabling direct counting of leukocytes in whole blood samples without a tedious RBC lysis step. It also allows three‐part leukocyte differential counting by flow cytometry without using expensive fluorophore‐conjugated antibodies. On the other hand, Type II biodots synthesized from the same amino acid precursors but passivated with a biopolymer (chitosan) are able to selectively lyse RBCs with greater than 98% efficiency to allow simultaneous fluorescent labeling of leukocytes for WBC counting in whole blood. It is envisioned that these novel nanoreagents, which eliminate the cumbersome lysis and antibody conjugation steps for selective labeling of different blood cells, would revolutionize disease diagnostics toward achieving faster, cheaper, and more accurate whole blood analyses in one test.
Non‐Newtonian Fluid State K–Na Alloy for a Stretchable Energy Storage Device
Authors: Zhang Liyuan , Li Yuqian , Zhang Shengzhao , Wang Xiuli , Xia Xinhui , Xie Dong , Gu Changdong , Tu Jiangping
Published: August 2019

Potassium–sodium alloy (KNA) is defined as an attractive candidate for energy storage devices in space probes. Nevertheless, high surface tension and fluidity of KNA make the electrode difficult to shape which results in unstable electrochemical properties. In this contribution, a low surface tension and paintable non‐Newtonian fluid state KNA and Super P composite (KNA@C) fabricated by a simple stirring strategy is reported. The formation of hydroxides in the KNA@C composite gives rise to stable liquid alloy–electrolyte and liquid alloy–current collector interfaces. Moreover, the KNA@C coating can be well adhered on the surface of the current collector, and keeps stable under bending, folding, and stretching. In addition, an energy conversion device with stretchable and flexible properties is assembled based on the KNA@C anode. Excitingly, the blub keeps shining even extending the device to more than 200% and twisting it to ±90° repeatedly. This research provides an optimistic prospect to achieve stretchable and flexible dendrite‐free alkali metal batteries.
Targeted Migration of Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells to Secondary Lymphoid Organs Enhances Their Immunomodulatory Effect and Prolongs the Survival of Allografted Vascularized Composites
Authors: Ma Tian , Luan ShaoLiang , Tao Ran , Lu Di , Guo LingLi , Liu JieJie , Shu Jun , Zhou XiangBin , Han YuDi , Jia YiQing , Li Guo , Zhang Hui , Han WeiDong , Han Yan , Li Hong
Published: August 2019

The targeted delivery of therapeutic agents to secondary lymphoid organs (SLOs), which are the niches for immune initiation, provides an unprecedented opportunity for immune intolerance induction. The alloimmune rejection postvascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) is mediated by T lymphocytes. Human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) possess the superiority of convenient availability and potent immunoregulatory property, but their therapeutic results in the VCA are unambiguous thus far. Chemokine receptor 7 (CCR7) can specifically guide immune cells migrating into SLOs. There, the genes of CCR7–GFP or GFP alone were introduced into hASCs by lentivirus. hASCs/CCR7 maintained the multidifferentiation and immunoregulatory abilities, but it gained the migration capacity elicited by secondary lymphoid organ chemokine (SCL) (CCR7 ligand) in vitro. Noteworthily, intravenously infused hASCs/CCR7 targetedly relocated in the T-cell aggression area in SLOs. In a rat VCA model, hASCs/GFP transfusion had a rare effect on the allografted vascularized composite. However, hASCs/CCR7 infusion potently prolonged the grafts’ survival time. The ameliorated pathologic exhibition and the regulated inflammatory cytokines in the peripheral blood were also observed. The altered axis of Th1/Th2 and Tregs/Th17 in SLOs may underlie the downregulated rejection response. Moreover, the proteomic examination of splenic T lymphocytes also confirmed that hASCs/CCR7 decreased the proteins related to cytokinesis, lymphocyte proliferation, differentiation, and apoptotic process. In conclusion, our present study demonstrated that targeted migration of hASCs/CCR7 to SLOs highly intensifies their in vivo immunomodulatory effect in the VCA model for the first time. We believe this SLO-targeting strategy may improve the clinical therapeutic efficacy of hASC for allogeneic and autogenic immune disease. Stem Cells  2019;37:1581–1594
Fluid transport properties of normal concrete substrate and a new green fiber reinforced concrete overlay composite
Authors: Hassan Mohd H. , Abo Sabah Saddam H. , Bunnori Norazura M. , Megat Johari Megat A.
Published: August 2019

The fluid transport properties of normal concrete (NC) substrate as old concrete and ultra‐high performance fiber reinforced concrete called Green Universiti Sains Malaysia Reinforced Concrete (GUSMRC) as a repair material were investigated. GUSMRC is a new green concrete in which 50% of its volume contains ultra‐fine palm oil fuel ash. The NC substrate surfaces were first subjected to different surface treatments (grinding and sand‐blasting) prior to casting the GUSMRC repair material to form the NC/GUSMRC composite. The GUSMRC was bonded to the old concrete using the overlay and half–half layering conditions. The fluid transport properties of the monolithic GUSMRC (repair material) were also assessed. Results showed that GUSMRC has a high resistance against fluid and gas penetration and can be employed as a repair material to enhance the old concrete impermeability. The overlay layering condition improved the NC/GUSMRC composite impermeability by 2–2.8 times more than the half–half layering, and the surface treatment method had a negligible impact on the composite impermeability.
Experimental and theoretical study on the shear behavior of single‐ and multi‐span T‐ and I‐shaped post‐tensioned beams
Authors: Huber Patrick , Huber Tobias , Kollegger Johann
Published: August 2019

In recent years, the assessment of the shear resistance of existing post‐tensioned multispan bridges has become a frequent task for civil engineers. New models developed for this purpose need to be verified, since the number of shear‐related results of tests executed under real loading conditions at the interior support of multispan systems is very limited. In this study, eight shear tests carried out on four specimens are presented. The effects of different prestressing grades, cross‐sections, and amounts of transverse reinforcement are investigated. Two test setups were used in order to reproduce the internal forces occurring at the interior and end supports, respectively, of actual multispan bridges. With the aid of close‐range photogrammetry, detailed measurements of the kinematics of the critical flexural‐shear cracks were performed. In this study, it is demonstrated that arching action plays a major role for the shear capacity of slender post‐tensioned beams. The predictions of the shear capacity determined with various shear design models show that these models are conservative, especially with respect to the shear capacity for the region around the interior supports. However, the evaluation of the models also shows that the flexural‐shear crack model yields very promising results of the shear capacity of post‐tensioned beams with low shear reinforcement ratios.
Structural, electrical, thermal, and gas sensing properties of new conductive blend nanocomposites based on polypyrrole/phenothiazine/silver‐doped zinc oxide
Authors: Ramesan M. T. , Greeshma K. P. , Parvathi K. , Anilkumar T.
Published: August 2019

The main aim of this study is to investigate the effect of silver‐doped zinc oxide (Ag‐ZnO) loading on the structural, morphological, thermal and electrical properties, and gas sensing behavior of polypyrrole (PPy)/phenothiazine (PTZ)‐blend nanocomposites. The composites are characterized by FTIR, XRD, SEM, TEM, DSC, TGA, and impedance studies. FTIR spectra exhibit the presence of Ag‐ZnO in the PPy/PTZ blend. XRD analysis shows that the semicrystalline behavior of the polymer blend is greatly enhanced by the addition of Ag‐doped ZnO particles. Uniform dispersion of nanoparticles in the polymer is obtained from SEM analysis. The TEM images confirm the presence of spherically shaped nanoparticles in PPy/PTZ blend with a size of 10–25 nm. The DSC measurement indicates that the glass transition temperature of PPy/PTZ blend was significantly improved in the presence of Ag‐doped ZnO nanoparticles. The thermal decomposition temperature of nanocomposite obtained from TGA shows an increase with increase in the content of Ag‐ZnO particles. The incorporation of Ag‐doped ZnO nanoparticles to PPy/PTZ blend exhibit increase in the AC conductivity and dielectric properties of the nanocomposite, due to the pilling of charges at the extended interface of the composite system. The DC conductivity of the nanocomposite increases with the loading of nanoparticles. The ammonia gas sensing performance of PPy/PTZ/Ag‐ZnO nanocomposite is analyzed, and the result shows that the fabricated blend composite can be used as a promising candidate for the easy access of gas molecules. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 26:187–195, 2020. © 2019 The Authors.Journal of Vinyl and Additive Technologypublished by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Society of Plastics Engineers.
Highly ordered protein cage assemblies: A toolkit for new materials
Authors: Korpi Antti , Anaya‐Plaza Eduardo , Välimäki Salla , Kostiainen Mauri
Published: August 2019

Protein capsids are specialized and versatile natural macromolecules with exceptional properties. Their homogenous, spherical, rod‐like or toroidal geometry, and spatially directed functionalities make them intriguing building blocks for self‐assembled nanostructures. High degrees of functionality and modifiability allow for their assembly via non‐covalent interactions, such as electrostatic and coordination bonding, enabling controlled self‐assembly into higher‐order structures. These assembly processes are sensitive to the molecules used and the surrounding conditions, making it possible to tune the chemical and physical properties of the resultant material and generate multifunctional and environmentally sensitive systems. These materials have numerous potential applications, including catalysis and drug delivery.

This article is categorized under:

Biology‐Inspired Nanomaterials > Protein and Virus‐Based Structures
A set of plasmids carrying antibiotic resistance markers and Cre recombinase for genetic engineering of nonconventional yeast Zygosaccharomyces rouxii
Authors: Bizzarri Melissa , Cassanelli Stefano , Dušková Michala , Sychrová Hana , Solieri Lisa
Published: August 2019

The so‐called nonconventional yeasts are becoming increasingly attractive in food and industrial biotechnology. Among them, Zygosaccharomyces rouxii is known to be halotolerant, osmotolerant, petite negative, and poorly Crabtree positive. These traits and the high fermentative vigour make this species very appealing for industrial and food applications. Nevertheless, the biotechnological exploitation of Z. rouxii has been biased by the low availability of genetic engineering tools and the recalcitrance of this yeast towards the most conventional transformation procedures. Centromeric and episomal Z. rouxii plasmids have been successfully constructed with prototrophic markers, which limited their usage to auxotrophic strains, mainly derived from the Z. rouxii haploid type strain Centraalbureau voor Schimmelcultures (CBS) 732T. By contrast, the majority of industrially promising Z. rouxii yeasts are prototrophic and allodiploid/aneuploid strains. In order to expand the genetic tools for manipulating these strains, we developed two centromeric and two episomal vectors harbouring KanMXR and ClonNATR as dominant drug resistance markers, respectively. We also constructed the plasmid pGRCRE that allows the Cre recombinase‐mediated marker recycling during multiple gene deletions. As proof of concept, pGRCRE was successfully used to rescue the kanMX–loxP module in Z. rouxii ATCC 42981 G418‐resistant mutants previously constructed by replacing the MATαP expression locus with the loxP–kanMX–loxP cassette.
Triphenylarsane Oxide Complexes of Lanthanide Nitrates: Polymorphs and Photophysics
Authors: Barnes Francis H. , Nicholas Aaron D. , Melzer Henry , Cormier Kaleb P. , Kessler Matthew D. , Patterson Howard H. , Pike Robert D.
Published: August 2019

trans‐[Ln(NO3)2(Ph3AsO)4](NO3)2 (1) and mer‐[Ln(NO3)3(Ph3AsO)3] (2) complexes were prepared from Ln(NO3)3·xH2O and Ph3AsO in chloroform (Ln = Y, Sm, Eu, Tb, and Dy). Production of complexes 1 vs. 2 and solvent content was found to be highly dependent on crystallization solvent choice. Tb and Eu produced only 1, while the other Ln metals produced both 1 and 2. Solvent‐free, acetone‐, and methanol‐containing polymorph series were identified for complexes 1. Acetone/ether‐ and CH2Cl2‐containing polymorph series were identified for complexes 2. Luminescence measurements were performed on solvent‐free 1 (Ln = Y, Eu, Tb, and Dy) and 2 (Ln = Sm) at 78 K. Sensitized lanthanide emission bands via resonance energy transfer were observed in all cases, except the control (Ln = Y). The efficiency of this energy transfer process varies amongst the lanthanide metals studied and was rationalized using Latva's empirical rule and Density Functional Theory calculations.
Entrepreneurship, the Rule of Law, and Protection of Property Rights
Authors: Elert Niklas , Henrekson Magnus , Sanders Mark
Published: August 2019

Property rights protection and the rule of law are arguably the most fundamental economic institutions of any society. They form the foundation of any entrepreneurial ecosystem and affect the effectiveness of collaborative innovation blocs. To promote an entrepreneurial society, there is therefore no alternative but to ensure that these foundational institutions are of high quality and operate effectively throughout the European Union. The reform proposals in this section aim to provide security while balancing public and private interest in limiting property rights where appropriate. While the European Union has strong legal competencies in this reform area, it has to collaborate with local, regional, and national governments to ensure that these fundamental institutions are also operational.
Taxation and Entrepreneurship
Authors: Elert Niklas , Henrekson Magnus , Sanders Mark
Published: August 2019

In providing incentives and rewards, the tax system matters greatly for innovative entrepreneurial venturing. Because a host of different taxes affect entrepreneurship, we discuss reforms in several areas, including labor, capital, corporate, and private wealth taxation. The most important principles an entrepreneurial tax system should enshrine are neutrality and modesty. Together and in isolation the proposals in this chapter aim to ensure that taxes are generally low and do not steer the flow of labor, capital, and knowledge away from innovative, entrepreneurial ventures. As competencies on taxation lie almost exclusively with member states, the role of the European Union in promoting reforms is restricted to coordination and persuasion.
Contestable Markets for Entry and Exit
Authors: Elert Niklas , Henrekson Magnus , Sanders Mark
Published: August 2019

Opening up European markets for goods and services would put European entrepreneurs at an equal footing with incumbent firms. For entrepreneurial venturing both market entry and exit are of crucial importance and the European Union has strong legal competencies in these areas, following the treaties to build the European Common Market. However, especially with respect to market exit and business failure, member states retain important competencies and, consequently, the playing field is varied and not level across the Union. Proposals in this chapter seek to remedy this imbalance and create opportunities for European entrepreneurs to scale up their ventures to European and global markets.
Mobilizing Human Capital for Entrepreneurship
Authors: Elert Niklas , Henrekson Magnus , Sanders Mark
Published: August 2019

New, innovative business venturing hinges on the creation and mobilization of human capital and knowledge. The proposals in this chapter aim to strengthen and expand the European knowledge space in which Europe’s entrepreneurs build their ventures. Reforms to improve the production and flow of knowledge touch on educational systems, research institutes, and universities. Whereas educational systems remain the almost exclusive legal competency of national or even regional policymakers, reforms addressing intellectual property and the mobility of knowledge and people across the European Union touch on supranational policy domains that extend the scope of entrepreneurship policy beyond its traditional policy areas.
Generalizing the entanglement entropy of singular regions in conformal field theories
Authors: Bueno Pablo , Casini Horacio , Witczak-Krempa William
Published: August 2019

Abstract

We study the structure of divergences and universal terms of the entanglement and Rényi entropies for singular regions. First, we show that for (3 + 1)-dimensional free conformal field theories (CFTs), entangling regions emanating from vertices give rise to a universal contribution

$$ {S}_n^{\mathrm{univ}}=-\frac{1}{8\pi }{f}_b(n){\int}_{\gamma }{k}^2{\log}^2\left(R/\delta \right) $$

S
n
univ

=
−

1

8
π

f
b

n

∫
γ

k
2

log
2

R
/
δ

, where γ is the curve formed by the intersection of the entangling surface with a unit sphere centered at the vertex, and k the trace of its extrinsic curvature. While for circular and elliptic cones this term reproduces the general-CFT result, it vanishes for polyhedral corners. For those, we argue that the universal contribution, which is logarithmic, is not controlled by a local integral, but rather it depends on details of the CFT in a complicated way. We also study the angle dependence for the entanglement entropy of wedge singularities in 3+1 dimensions. This is done for general CFTs in the smooth limit, and using free and holographic CFTs at generic angles. In the latter case, we show that the wedge contribution is not proportional to the entanglement entropy of a corner region in the (2 + 1)-dimensional holographic CFT. Finally, we show that the mutual information of two regions that touch at a point is not necessarily divergent, as long as the contact is through a sufficiently sharp corner. Similarly, we provide examples of singular entangling regions which do not modify the structure of divergences of the entanglement entropy compared with smooth surfaces.
The large D membrane paradigm for general four-derivative theory of gravity with a cosmological constant
Authors: Kar Aditya , Mandal Taniya , Saha Arunabha
Published: August 2019

Abstract

We find the membrane equations which describe the leading order in 1/D dynamics of black holes in the D → ∞ limit for the most general four-derivative theory of gravity in the presence of a cosmological constant. We work up to linear order in the parameter determining the strength of the four-derivative corrections to the gravity action and hence there are no ghost modes in the theory. We find that the effective membrane equations we obtain are the covariant version of the membrane equations in absence of the cosmological constant. We also find the world-volume stress tensor for the membrane whose conservation gives the membrane equations. We apply the membrane equations to predict the light quasi-normal mode spectrum of black holes and black branes in the theory of gravity under consideration.
Consumers’ Perceptions on Complexity and Prospects of Ethical Luxury: Qualitative Insights from Taiwan
Authors: Karatzas Stelios , Kapoulas Alexandros , Priporas Constantinos Vasilios
Published: August 2019

This qualitative study explores ethical luxury in Taiwan, a country that represents a significant demographic in the luxury market. The study utilized the ZMET technique and focus groups. A total of 28 heavy users of luxury brands were interviewed. Results indicate that luxury brands are chiefly defined by such constructs as price, quality and aesthetical attributes, whereas ethicality is centrally demarcated by human wellbeing, the environment and animal welfare, amongst other elements. The fusion of these two concepts implies several encouraging outlooks and certain deterring factors. Results denote that there is potential for ethical luxury's inception in the Taiwanese market, but with considerable forethought in the process. This study extends the body of knowledge in how consumers perceive the prospect of ethical luxury, especially from a non-western perspective.
Concordance between the assessment of Aβ42, T‐tau, and P‐T181‐tau in peripheral blood neuronal‐derived exosomes and cerebrospinal fluid
Authors: Jia Longfei , Qiu Qiongqiong , Zhang Heng , Chu Lan , Du Yifeng , Zhang Jiewen , Zhou Chunkui , Liang Furu , Shi Shengliang , Wang Shan , Qin Wei , Wang Qi , Li Fangyu , Wang Qigeng , Li Yan , Shen Luxi , Wei Yiping , Jia Jianping
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Neuronal‐derived exosomal Aβ42, T‐tau, and P‐T181‐tau have been demonstrated to be biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, no study has assessed the association of Aβ42, T‐tau, and P‐T181‐tau between exosomes and CSF.

Methods

This was a multicenter study with two‐stage design. The subjects included 28 AD patients, 25 aMCI patients, and 29 controls in the discovery stage; the results of which were confirmed in the validation stage (73 AD, 71 aMCI, and 72 controls).

Results

The exosomal concentrations of Aβ42, T‐tau, and P‐T181‐tau in AD group were higher than those in aMCI and control groups (all P < .001). The level of each exosomal biomarker was highly correlated with that in CSF.

Discussion

This study verified the agreement between CSF and blood exosomal biomarkers and confirmed that exosomal Aβ42, T‐tau, and P‐T181‐tau have the same capacity as those in CSF for the diagnosis of AD and aMCI.
Corporate political strategies in Europe: The determinants of firms' access to the European Commission
Authors: Alves Amanda M.
Published: August 2019

Corporate political strategies have been used extensively by firms attempting to shape their political environments. In this context, access to targeted policymakers is essential to allow their deployment. Thus, we propose to study the determinants of access to the European Commission representatives. This research builds on the resource-based view (RBV) of firms to argue that political knowledge is a valuable resource to increase firms' degree of access to the European Commission. To test our hypotheses, we built a novel dataset merging firms characteristics with lobbying meetings information, and analyze it through negative binomial regression. The results suggest the importance of political knowledge, emphasizing that it may represent a source of sustainable competitive advantage. This study highlights interesting information that broadens the understanding of corporate political strategies in the European Union.