bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nanometre-sized droplets from a gas dynamic virtual nozzle
Authors: Mühlig Kerstin , Gañán-Calvo Alfonso M , Andreasson Jakob , Larsson Daniel S. D. , Hajdu Janos , Svenda Martin
Published: July 2019

This paper reports on improved techniques to create and characterize nanometre-sized droplets from dilute aqueous solutions by using a gas dynamic virtual nozzle (GDVN). It describes a method to measure the size distribution of uncharged droplets, using an environmental scanning electron microscope, and provides theoretical models for the droplet sizes created. The results show that droplet sizes can be tuned by adjusting the gas and liquid flow rates in the GDVN, and at the lowest liquid flow rates, the size of the water droplets peaks at about 120 nm. This droplet size is similar to droplet sizes produced by electrospray ionization but requires neither electrolytes nor charging of the solution. The results presented here identify a new operational regime for GDVNs and show that predictable droplet sizes, comparable to those obtained by electrospray ionization, can be produced by purely mechanical means in GDVNs.
A decision support system for technician routing with time windows
Authors: Solano Charris Elyn Lizeth , Montoya-Torres Jairo Rafael , Guerrero-Rueda William
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a decision support system (DSS) for a Colombian public utility company in order to aid decision-making at the operational level regarding route planning and travel time. The aim is to provide a tool to assist technicians that perform interruption and reconnection of domiciliary services for about 2,000 customers a day.

Design/methodology/approach

The real-life problem is modeled as a Single Depot Vehicle Routing Problem with Time Windows (SDVRP-TW), which is a well-known optimization problem in Operations Research/Management Science. A two-stage approach integrated into decision-making software is provided. The first stage considers the clustering of customers generated by a combination of the sweep and the k-means algorithms, while the second phase plans the routing of technicians using the nearest-neighbor and the Or-opt heuristics. The proposed approach is tested using real data sets.

Findings

In comparison with the current route planning approach, the proposed method is able to obtain savings in total travel times, improving operational productivity by 22.2 percent.

Research limitations/implications

Since the analysis is carried out based on mathematical modeling, assumptions about the relationships between variables and elements of the actual complex problem might be simplified. Although the proposed approach aids the route planning, decision makers make the final decisions.

Practical implications

The proposed DSS has a critical impact on actual operational practices at the company. Productivity and service level are improved, while reducing operational costs. The decision-making process itself will be improved so technicians and higher decision makers can focus on performing other tasks.

Originality/value

The real-life problem is modeled using mathematical programming and efficiently solved through a two-stage approach based on simple, quite intuitive, solution procedures that have not been implemented for such services. In addition, as actual data from the company is employed for experimental purposes, the solution approach is tested and its efficiency and efficacy are both validated in a realistic setting, hence providing realistic behavior for decision makers at the company.
Innovation and typicality in localised agri-food systems: the case of PDO Parmigiano Reggiano
Authors: Mancini Maria Cecilia , Arfini Filippo , Guareschi Marianna
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the determinants and the impact of some of the more significant innovations applied to the localised agri-food systems (LAFSs) bearing a (Geographical indication) GI product, considering the multi-faceted aspects of innovation and how the producers have managed the implementation of such innovations.

Design/methodology/approach

Parmigiano Reggiano (PR) system is considered as a representative GI product, with the system showing the features of an LAFS in terms of governance, territorial reputation and quality perceived by consumers. PR innovations from 1860 to 2015 are analyszed and classified as technological and organisational. Three determinants of innovations are identified in the PR LAFS: consumer needs; value chain (VC) strategies; and governance. Finally, the innovation impact on the VC, product quality and rural development are studied.

Findings

The analysis shows the positive and negative impacts of innovations. The main finding is that governance action is crucial to pursuing quality strategies and maintaining economic value at production level.

Research limitations/implications

The research analyses some of the more significant innovations applied to the PR VC. Despite a large number of innovations were introduced from 1860, the authors had to choose just some of them, considering also the availability of dates.

Practical implications

The research gives some recommendation to the PR Consortium, in specific, or governance institutions in LAFS context in general, to achieve rural development goals. The research shows that governance action is crucial to pursuing quality strategy and to maintaining economic value at production level. This implies that instead of simply raising yield per cow, the VC should aim at increasing (or maintaining) the value of production by the way of marketing strategies. Organisational, marketing and technological innovations adopted in synergy and in joint agreement among the chain actors would bring mutual benefit for the VC and for the territory.

Social implications

The research shows the trade-off between VC competiveness and rural development. In fact, the increase of VC competiveness involves a growth of cost of production and the decrease of labour force. Thus, it creates a loss of employee and increases the distance between dairies with high amount of capital and familiar/smaller dairies which have low amount of capital to invert, that obstructs rural development especially in disadvantage area.

Originality/value

The paper analyses the determinants and the impact of some of the more significant innovations applied to LAFS which are home to a GI product, considering the multi-faceted aspects of innovation and how producers have managed the implementation of such innovations. It underlines implication on territory and sustainability.
Emerging trend of coffee cafe in Pakistan: factors affecting revisit intention
Authors: Islam Talat , Ahmed Ishfaq , Ali Ghulam , Ahmer Zeshan
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The global increase in coffee consumption has increased competition among cafes, generating the need to find ways of increasing customers’ revisit. Considering this backdrop, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of authenticity, interpersonal justice and prior experience on customer’s revisit intention, taking involvement as a mediator.

Design/methodology/approach

The data for this study were collected from 489 customers between April and July 2018 from an emerging coffee market. The customers were approached on a convenience basis and a questionnaire-based survey method was used to collect responses.

Findings

The data were analyzed using a two-stage structural equation modeling technique. The study noted authenticity, interpersonal justice and prior experience to not only have a direct impact on revisit intention but also having an indirect impact through involvement.

Research limitations/implications

This study is cross-sectional in nature, which is the foremost limitation of the study. Findings of the study reveal some unexplored dimensions of managing customers’ revisit intention, thus leaving a valuable message for the management of coffee cafes.

Originality/value

This study highlights the importance of authenticity, interpersonal justice, prior experience and involvement with respect to the revisit intention of the customers, as literature is scant on these variables.
Improving electrospinning process by numerical analysis of 3-D computer models
Authors: Firych-Nowacka Anna , Smolka Krzysztof , Wiak Sławomir
Published: July 2019

Purpose

Electrospinning is a method of the polymer super thin fibres formation by the electrostatic field. The distribution of electrostatic field affects the effectiveness of the electrospinning.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents various computer models that can improve the electrospinning process. The possibilities of modelling the electrostatic field in the design of electrospinning equipment are presented.

Findings

In the research part, the one focussed on finding a cylinder-shaped collector structure to limit the adverse effect of an uneven distribution of the electric field intensity on the collector.

Originality/value

The paper concerns the improvement of the electrospinning process with the use of electrostatic field modelling. In the first part, several possible applications of electrostatic models have been indicated, thanks to which the efficiency of the process has been improved. The original solution of the collector geometry was presented, which according to the authors, in comparison with previous models, gives the most promising results. In this solution, it was possible to obtain an even distribution of the electric field intensity while removing the unfavourable effect of the field strength increase on the outer edges of the collector. The most important aspect in this paper is electric field strength analysis.
Study effect of the back irons in passive magnetic bearings with alternating radially magnetized rings by using 2D analytical method
Authors: Safaeian Reza , Heydari Hossein
Published: July 2019

Purpose

Permanent magnet passive magnetic bearings (PMBs) are used for suspension of rotating shafts in one direction. PMBs with alternating radially magnetized rings having back iron is one of the most optimum configurations among all configurations of PMBs. This paper aims to investigate the effect of the conductivity and permeability of these back irons on the stiffness and damping of the configuration.

Design/methodology/approach

The stiffness and damping of the configuration will be calculated through a 2D dynamic analytical method and validated by FEM simulations.

Findings

The results of the paper show how the permeability and conductivity of the back irons can affect stiffness and damping of PMB. Furthermore, the size of the magnets and the air intervals between them are optimized for maximum stiffness and damping.

Originality/value

The results show that these bearings can have some intrinsic damping without any loss of stiffness, which can be useful for many applications.
Blockchain platform and future bank competition
Authors: Harris Wesley L. , Wonglimpiyarat Jarunee
Published: July 2019

Purpose

Given that Blockchain technology poses a growing challenge to the banking industry, this paper aims to analyse the innovation of Blockchain banking with regard to its systemic dimension, as well as dynamics of competition. The empirical research demonstrates how the systemic characteristics of Blockchain banking relate to the pursuit of strategies and to what extent these strategies influence the directional path and level of technology diffusion.

Design/methodology/approach

The research study uses a case study methodology to explore the strategic competition of Blockchain banking. The study proposes the systemic innovation model for analysing and tracking the path of innovations. The model can be applied to any industry to understand the process of innovation development and the strategies to win market share in the banking industry. This research makes a contribution towards the theory of technology diffusion to understand the directional path of innovations.

Findings

The analyses of findings reveal the situation whereby most banks still compete to create their own Blockchain banking systems. The analyses, based on the systemic innovation model, also shows the low systemic feature of Blockchain banking at present. From the technology diffusion perspective, the future of Blockchain banking may need cross-chain interoperability to support a full spectrum of payments and value exchanges on the internet of things.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this paper is the systemic analysis of the latest innovation of Blockchain banking. Given that the research also includes the major banking innovation cases of ATM/cash cards, credit cards and electronic fund transfer at the point of sale/debit cards, the comparative analyses offer strategic insights to predict the progress, as well as pattern of technology development and diffusion for the case of Blockchain banking.
Numerical study of natural convection of nanofluid in a semi-circular cavity with lattice Boltzmann method
Authors: Nazarafkan Hanieh , Mehmandoust Babak , Toghraie Davood , Karimipour Arash
Published: July 2019

Purpose

This study aims to apply the lattice Boltzmann method to investigate the natural convection flows utilizing nanofluids in a semicircular cavity. The fluid in the cavity is a water-based nanofluid containing Al2O3 or Cu nanoparticles.

Design/methodology/approach

The study has been carried out for the Rayleigh numbers from 104 to 106 and the solid volume fraction from 0 to 0.05. The effective thermal conductivity and viscosity of nanofluid are calculated by the models of Chon and Brinkman, respectively. The effects of solid volume fraction on hydrodynamic and thermal characteristics are investigated and discussed. The averaged and local Nusselt numbers, streamlines, temperature contours for different values of solid volume fraction and Rayleigh number are illustrated.

Findings

The results indicate that more solid volume fraction corresponds to more averaged Nusselt number for both types of nanofluids. It is also found that the effects of solid volume fraction of Cu are stronger than those of Al2O3.

Originality/value

Numerical study of natural convection of nanofluid in a semi-circular cavity with lattice Boltzmann method in the presence of water-based nanofluid containing Al2O3 or Cu nanoparticles.
The impact of credit ratings on capital structure
Authors: Aktan Bora , Çelik Şaban , Abdulla Yomna , Alshakhoori Naser
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically investigate the effect of real credit ratings change on capital structure decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses three models to examine the impact of credit rating on capital structure decisions within the framework of credit rating-capital structure hypotheses (broad rating, notch rating and investment or speculative grade). These hypotheses are tested by multiple linear regression models.

Findings

The results demonstrate that firms issue less net debt relative to equity post a change in the broad credit ratings level (e.g. a change from A- to BBB+). The findings also show that firms are less concerned by notch ratings change as long the firms remain the same broad credit rating level. Moreover, the paper indicates that firms issue less net debt relative to equity after an upgrade to investment grade.

Research limitations/implications

The study covers the periods of 2009 to 2016; therefore, the research result may be affected by the period specific events such as the European debt crisis. Moreover, studying listed non-financial firms only in the Tadawul Stock Exchange has resulted in small sample which may not be adequate enough to reach concrete generalization. Despite the close proximity between the GCC countries, there could be jurisdictional difference due to country specific regulations, policies or financial development. Therefore, it will be interesting to conduct a cross country study on the GCC to see if the conclusions can be generalized to the region.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the literature by testing previous researches on new context (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, KSA) which lack sophisticated comparable studies to the one conducted on other regions of the world. The results highlight the importance of credit ratings for the decision makers who are required to make essential decisions in areas such as financing, structuring or operating firms and regulating markets. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study of its kind that has been applied on the GCC region.
The impact of implementing fun activities on employee's engagement
Authors: Sakr Carol , Zotti Rabih , Khaddage-Soboh Nada
Published: July 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the effect of fun activities on employee engagement at Lebanese financial institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

The study follows the qualitative process through semistructured interviews. In total, five managers and 20 employees within five different financial institutions and banks were interviewed. The data were first analyzed using the coding technique and then “quantitized” data were analyzed using SPSS software.

Findings

The findings convey the factors that can influence employee engagement, the measurements associated with employee engagement, the advantages and disadvantages of fun activities and the types of fun activities applied and its inhibitors. The findings demonstrate that workplace fun can help attain organizational goals through increasing the level of engagement regardless of the financial satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

The results stress on the importance of implementing fun activities and highlight the importance of implementing such activities and their effects on the employees’ overall engagement and productivity, as well as the various ways of applying those activities in Lebanese financial institutions.

Practical implications

The findings assist managers in creating a fun workplace environment that enhances employee engagement, which in return will help organizations attain their goals.

Social implications

Understanding the work–fun concept in Lebanese financial institutions may encourage potential candidates to apply for a job within these institutions and be the reason to encourage other organizations to adopt such activities as well. Such development will help improve the quality of candidates and employees, which will reflect better institutional income.

Originality/value

This paper offers new insights and perspectives regarding fun activities and their relationship with employee engagement in Lebanese financial institutions. It introduces a new idea in Lebanese businesses as well as sheds light on the importance of adopting such activities to enhance employee engagement that creates organizational competitive advantage as reached in the results.
Designing performance measurement systems in nonprofit and public administration organizations
Authors: Moura Louisi Francis , Pinheiro de Lima Edson , Deschamps Fernando , Van Aken Eileen , Gouvea da Costa Sergio E. , Treinta Fernanda Tavares , Cestari José Marcelo Almeida Prado
Published: July 2019

Purpose

In the performance measurement and management research field, the applicability of performance measurement systems (PMS) in nonprofit organizations (NPOs) and public administration has been considered a challenge. The diversity of these organizations makes it difficult to define proper terminology and organizational characteristics. PMS evolution has not yet been able to capture all performance dimensions of a public administration and, especially for NPO considering its dynamic and multiple goals. The purpose of this paper is to provide a conceptual framework that identifies and classifies the factors that influence the design of PMSs in NPOs and public administration.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was developed through a systematic literature review (SLR). A set of 29 papers were intensely studied, and the results provide a multi-disciplinary and holistic set of factors.

Findings

A set of ten factors that influence the design of PMSs in NPO and public administration were found. They were categorized into three groups: factor related to purpose, stakeholders and management.

Originality/value

The study synthesized the literature and provided a conceptual framework of the factors that influence the design of PMSs in NPO and public administration. No individual paper collected in the SLR shows a similar organization of the factors as the present paper. The set of factors indicates the importance of this study for NPO and public administration, and how complex a PMS in an NPO and public administration can become. The conceptual model presented can further assist practitioners in developing design process observing the role that the identified factors play.
Effect of roughness on sealing performance of oil seals with surface texture
Authors: Zhang Fuying , Yang Junmei , Shui Haoche , Dong Chengcheng
Published: July 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to obtain the film thickness, friction torque and pumping rate and analyze the effects of roughness and surface micro-dimple texture (circular, square and equilateral triangle) on the performance of the oil seal.

Design/methodology/approach

On the basis of elastohydrodynamic lubrication and the pumping mechanism of rotating shaft seal, this paper establishes a numerical model of hybrid lubrication of oil seal in sealing area. The model is coupled with fluid mechanics, rough peak contact mechanics and deformation analysis.

Findings

The results show that surface texture significantly improves the lubrication properties of the oil seal. The oil seal with the square texture has the largest oil film thickness, while the equilateral triangle texture has a better effect on the pumping rate.

Originality/value

To get closer to the real working environment of the oil seal, based on the surface roughness, this paper studies the effect of the texture shapes applied to the oil seal lip surface on the performance of the oil seal. The critical roughness and rotational speed values with zero pumping rate are obtained, which provides a theoretical basis for the correct selection of oil seals.
The dynamic performance analysis of chevron shape textured hydrodynamic bearings
Authors: Jamwal Gourav , Sharma Sanjay , Awasthi R.K.
Published: July 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to evaluate the various dynamic performance parameters of hydrodynamic journal bearings. For this, the bearing’s inner surface is textured with chevron-shaped textures with different texture depths and number of textures in different regions/locations.

Design/methodology/approach

In the present study, the effect of chevron-shaped texture having different values of texture depths, locations and number of textures has been numerically simulated. The dynamic performance characteristics have been calculated by solving the fluid flow governing Reynolds equation using the finite element method, assuming iso-viscous and Newtonian fluid.

Findings

The obtained results indicate that the bearing stability can be improved with the help of surface texture. Among all the investigated texture locations, the maximum increase in stability threshold speed is observed for fully textured distribution. Moreover, for the chevron-shaped texture considered in the present study, the optimum values of texture depth and number of textures have also been determined for maximum bearing stability.

Practical implications

While designing, designers should focus on those optimum values of texture depth, texture location and number of textures which lead to maximum enhancement in bearing stability.

Originality/value

This study is useful in the appropriate selection of chevron-shaped texture parameters on bearing surface for the maximum bearing stability.
The ideological character of accounting textbooks
Authors: Irsyadillah Irsyadillah
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the perspectives of accounting lecturers regarding the contents of accounting textbooks. It focusses on the ideological character of introductory financial accounting (IFA) textbooks prescribed in the first year of accounting degrees in Indonesia.

Design/methodology/approach

The ideological analysis is informed by Thompson’s (1990) concept of ideology, which was used in a critical sense to refer to its role in serving unequal power relations. Semi-structured interviews of Indonesian accounting lecturers were utilised to collect data.

Findings

In the interviews, the lecturers revealed that the prescribed IFA textbooks focussed on prioritising shareholder interests. The mainstream view among the lecturers was that accounting textbooks realistically exhibited the natural form of accounting, whilst lecturers with an Islamic accounting and finance background notably viewed the character of IFA textbooks as serving an ideological role or permeating propaganda. The latter suggests that alternative worldviews, relevant and nuanced to the Indonesian context, are promoted in accounting education.

Research limitations/implications

The findings presented in this paper should provide a basis for further research into the ideological character of accounting textbooks by analysing the internal structure of accounting textbooks and investigating the broader perspectives of other users and individuals involved in the production of accounting textbooks.

Practical implications

An awareness of the ideological representation of accounting textbooks can provide insights for universities, publishers and policy makers concerned with lecture structure, textbook design and regulation formulation in accounting education.

Originality/value

This is the first paper to empirically explore the ideological character of accounting textbooks prescribed in an Islamic developing country setting.
Establishing productive principal/principal supervisor partnerships for instructional leadership
Authors: Thessin Rebecca A.
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand what the principal and principal supervisor each bring and contribute to their collaborative work that is consequential for the principal’s learning and development as an instructional leader.

Design/methodology/approach

Multiple case study methodology is used to gather data from 12 principal supervisor/principal partnerships over a 16 month period in one Mid-Atlantic school district. Data sources included interviews, observational data and documents provided by participants in the study.

Findings

In productive principal supervisor/principal partnerships, findings demonstrated that the principal supervisor and the principal each brought specific antecedent characteristics to their partnership and each made contributions to the development of a productive partnership during their collaborative work. When these partnership qualities were present, principal supervisors and principals engaged in joint work, leading to robust changes in principals’ instructional leadership practice.

Research limitations/implications

This study examined the work of principals and principal supervisors in one large Mid-Atlantic school district.

Practical implications

Findings from this study have implications for districts’ assignments of principal supervisors, principal supervisor/principal selection and professional development of principal supervisors. Further, districts should create the conditions for principal supervisors and principals to establish learning-focused professional partnerships in three stages, culminating in the engagement of joint work for improvement to facilitate principals’ changes in instructional leadership practice.

Originality/value

Findings from this study illustrate the value of establishing a learning-focused partnership between principal supervisors and principals in three stages to facilitate robust stages in principals’ instructional leadership practice. A new conceptual framework displays the stages of partnership development that occur in productive principal/principal supervisor partnerships.
Altered leaf elemental composition with climate change is linked to reductions in photosynthesis, growth and survival in a semi‐arid shrubland
Authors: León‐Sánchez Lupe , Nicolás Emilio , Prieto Iván , Nortes Pedro , Maestre Fernando T. , Querejeta José Ignacio
Published: July 2019

Climate change will increase heat and drought stress in many dryland areas, which could reduce soil nutrient availability for plants and aggravate nutrient limitation of primary productivity. Any negative impacts of climate change on foliar nutrient contents would be expected to negatively affect the photosynthetic capacity, water use efficiency and overall fitness of dryland vegetation.

We conducted a 4‐year manipulative experiment using open top chambers and rainout shelters to assess the impacts of warming (~2°C, W), rainfall reduction (~30%, RR) and their combination (W + RR) on the nutrient status and ecophysiological performance of six native shrub species of contrasting phylogeny in a semi‐arid ecosystem. Leaf nutrient status and gas exchange were assessed yearly, whereas biomass production and survival were measured at the end of the study.

Warming (W and W + RR) advanced shoot growth phenology and reduced foliar macro‐ (N, P, K) and micronutrient (Cu, Fe, Zn) concentrations (by 8%–18% and 14%–56% respectively), net photosynthetic rate (32%), above‐ground biomass production (28%–39%) and survival (23%–46%). Decreased photosynthesis and growth in W and W + RR plants were primarily linked to enhanced nutritional constraints on carbon fixation. Poor leaf nutrient status in W and W + RR plants partly decoupled carbon assimilation from water flux and led to drastic reductions in water use efficiency (WUEi; ~41%) across species. The RR treatment moderately decreased foliar macro‐ and micronutrients (6%–17%, except for Zn) and biomass production (22%). The interactive impacts of warming and rainfall reduction (W + RR treatment) on plant performance were generally smaller than expected from additive single‐factor effects.

Synthesis. Large decreases in plant nutrient pool size and productivity combined with increased mortality during hotter droughts will reduce vegetation cover and nutrient retention capacity, thereby disrupting biogeochemical processes and accelerating dryland degradation with impending climate change. Increased macro‐ and micronutrient co‐limitation of photosynthesis with forecasted climate change conditions may offset any gains in WUEi and productivity derived from anthropogenic CO2 elevation, thereby increasing dryland vegetation vulnerability to drought stress in a warmer and drier climate. The generalized reduction in leaf nutrient contents with warming compromises plant nutritional quality for herbivores, with potential cascading negative effects across trophic levels.
Reliability and stability of the metrical stress effect on segmental production accuracy in persons with apraxia of speech
Authors: Bailey Dallin J. , Bunker Lisa , Mauszycki Shannon , Wambaugh Julie L.
Published: July 2019

Background

Acquired apraxia of speech (AOS) involves speech‐production deficits on both the segmental and suprasegmental levels. Recent research has identified a non‐linear interaction between the metrical structure of bisyllabic words and word‐production accuracy in German speakers with AOS, with trochaic words (strong–weak stress) being resistant to errors compared with iambic words (weak–strong).

Aims

To replicate previous findings in English speakers with AOS, to measure the test–retest reliability of the effect, and to examine the potential impact of different methods of word scoring.

Methods & Procedures

Speech samples were collected from 27 speakers with AOS and aphasia. Participants were at least 12 months post‐stroke or penetrating brain injury, and represented a large range of AOS and aphasia severities. Productions were elicited via verbal model. Sampling was conducted on three separate occasions: the initial data‐collection session and then repeated samplings at 1‐ and 4‐week intervals. Bisyllabic words with a CVCVC segmental structure were selected. The list was divided into sublists representing differing lexical stress patterns: A list of 42 trochees, and one of 37 iambs. All speech samples were phonetically transcribed and then aligned with canonical transcriptions via an edit distance algorithm that followed transcription alignment principles. Phonetic‐level errors (distortions) were penalized less severely than phonemic‐level errors. Per cent consonants correct and whole‐word accuracy were also examined. Trochee and iamb lists were analysed separately.

Outcomes & Results

Paired samples t‐tests indicated that the modified edit distance was significantly lower for the trochee lists than for the iamb lists. There was a lack of a significant effect of time on the absolute difference between modified edit distance for both lists. Intraclass coefficients suggested the list and procedures used are appropriate as an outcome measure for group research.

Conclusions & Implications

The results suggest that in English, as in German, the trochaic structure is more resistant to segmental errors in persons with AOS and aphasia, providing replication of the findings of Aichert et al. in 2016. Further, this effect is stable over repeated sampling occasions. Implications for clinical management of AOS include possible ways to scaffold item difficulty and potentially improve stimulus generalization.
Comparative efficacy of gypsy moth (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) entomopathogens on transgenic blight‐tolerant and wild‐type American, Chinese, and hybrid chestnuts (Fagales: Fagaceae)
Authors: Brown Aaron J. , Newhouse Andrew E. , Powell William A. , Parry Dylan
Published: July 2019

American chestnut (Castanea dentata[Marsh.] Borkh.) was once the dominant hardwood species in Eastern North America before an exotic fungal pathogen,Cryphonectria parasitica(Murrill) Barr, functionally eliminated it across its range. One promising approach toward restoring American chestnut to natural forests is development of blight‐tolerant trees using genetic transformation. However, transformation and related processes can result in unexpected and unintended phenotypic changes, potentially altering ecological interactions. To assess unintended tritrophic impacts of transgenic American chestnut on plant–herbivore interactions, gypsy moth (Lymantria disparL.) caterpillars were fed leaf disks excised from two transgenic events, Darling 54 and Darling 58, and four control American chestnut lines. Leaf disks were previously treated with an LD50dose of either the species‐specificLymantria disparmultiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (LdMNPV) or the generalist pathogenBacillus thuringiensissubsp.kurstaki(Btk). Mortality was quantified and compared to water blank controls. Tree genotype had a strong effect on the efficacies of both pathogens. Larval mortality from Btk‐treated foliage from only one transgenic event, Darling 54, differed from its isogenic progenitor, Ellis 1, but was similar to an unrelated wild‐type American chestnut control. LdMNPV efficacy was unaffected by genetic transformation. Results suggest that although genetic modification of trees may affect interactions with other nontarget organisms, this may be due to insertion effects, and variation among different genotypes (whether transgenic or wild‐type) imparts a greater change in response than transgene presence.
Identification of Volatile Organic Compounds and Their Concentrations Using a Novel Method Analysis of MOS Sensors Signal
Authors: Gancarz Marek , Nawrocka Agnieszka , Rusinek Robert
Published: July 2019

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are natural markers useful in rapid assessment of adverse changes occurring in biological material. The use of an electronic nose seems to be a good, fast, and cheap method to determine particular VOCs. This paper presents a new method determination for VOCs and their concentration based on three sensorgram parameters: maximum of normalized sensor response, reaction time, and cleaning time measured from the end of the test to the half value of the maximum of normalized sensor response. The novelty of the method consists in the use for the first time of two parameters: reaction time and cleaning time measured from the end of the test to the half value of the maximum of normalized sensor response. The VOC sensorgrams at different VOC concentrations (26 to 3,842 ppm) were measured by an electronic nose Food Volatile Compound Analyzer (Agrinose) equipped with eight metal oxide semiconductor sensors dedicated to detect different gases. In the present studies, only six sensors that best respond to the VOCs were used. The highest responses to VOCs were obtained for two sensors—TGS2602 and AS‐MLV‐P2. The results showed that the dependence between the sensorgram parameters on VOC concentration was well described by a logarithmic curve in the whole range of concentrations. Detailed analysis revealed that the cleaning time increases with an increase in the number of carbon atoms in aliphatic molecules. The principal component analysis (PCA) was used to verify the utility of the new three parameters method in VOCs differentiation. The PCA analysis of these parameters showed that maximum of the normalized sensor response alone, which has been used for identification of particular VOCs so far, could not be regarded as a good parameter used for this purpose. Application of all the three parameters gave the best results in VOC identification. The research indicates that the use of three parameters of a volatile compound instead of only one parameter can allow precise determination of substances. Moreover, the results indicate that the analyzed parameters depend on the chemical structure of VOCs.
Physicochemical Properties and Digestion Characteristics of Corn Starch Esterfied by Malic Acid
Authors: Tian Shuang‐Qi , Liu Chen‐Xi , Zhao Ren‐Yong , Wang Zi‐Liang
Published: July 2019

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different degree of substitution on structural characteristics and crystalline properties of resistant starch esterfied by L‐malic acid. With the deepening of the esterification reaction, malate starches particles became larger, particle surface cracks and grooves increased which led to a decline in whiteness of malate starches. With the increase in the degree of substitution (DS), the initial phase transition temperatures (To) and endothermic enthalpies (ΔH) of malate starch gradually decreased. The XRD results indicated that with the increase of DS, the diffraction peak at 15.1° disappeared in the spectrum. When the DS of malate starches reached 0.116, the content of resistant starch (RS) accounted for the majority of the total starch.
Microwave Parboiling: Reduction in Process Time, Browning of Rice and Residual Phosphorus Content in the Waste Water
Authors: Rockembach Caroline Tuchtenhagen , Ferreira Cristiano Dietrich , Ramos Adriano Hirsch , Luz Suzane Rickes , Vanier Nathan Levien , de Oliveira Maurício
Published: July 2019

The conventional prolonged parboiling process results in high operation cost and grain darkening, which may limit consumption. Moreover, residue generation by rice industries is another challenge. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of microwave irradiation during soaking and gelatinization stages of parboiling rice. Processing time, colorimetric profile, broken and nongelatinized grains, sucrose and glucose content, free 5‐hydroxymethyl‐2‐furfural, and residual phosphorus were evaluated. As the soaking and gelatinization times during microwave treatments increased, the colorimetric parameters increased; however, the values were lower than those with the conventional process. Regardless of soaking time, a decrease in broken and nongelatinized grains was obtained by using the lowest steaming time (5 min). Additionally, lower residual phosphorus content was found in soaking water (10 and 20 min) when using microwave irradiation. Under favorable conditions, a reduction in the levels of broken and nongelatinized grains, residual phosphorus, and color changes was observed, indicating that microwave irradiation may be more beneficial than conventional parboiling.

Practical Application

Parboiling requires a high volume of water and soaking time, which leads to high costs, underutilization of infrastructures, and high residue in the water after processing. The rapid parboiling process involves the use of microwaves during the soaking and gelatinization stages. The main advantages of the microwave parboiling process include reduced processing time, ranging from 83% to 95%, higher gelatinization, greater yield, reduced darkening, and reduced residual phosphorus in the effluents by 60%. This report can aid industries in streamlining their processes, thereby providing a high‐quality, lower cost, and environmentally safe product.
The greater incidence of small‐for‐gestational‐age newborns after gonadotropin‐stimulated in vitro fertilization with a supraphysiological estradiol level on ovulation trigger day
Authors: Kohl Schwartz Alexandra S. , Mitter Vera R. , Amylidi‐Mohr Sofia , Fasel Pascale , Minger Mirja A. , Limoni Costanzo , Zwahlen Marcel , von Wolff Michael
Published: July 2019

Introduction

Reproductive scientists have postulated various risk factors for lower birthweight following conventional gonadotropin‐stimulated in vitro fertilization compared with spontaneously conceived children: parental factors (age, health, duration of subfertility and smoking habits); ovarian stimulation; laboratory procedures; the number of oocytes retrieved and the number of embryos transferred. Our aim was to investigate the impact of gonadotropin stimulation and serum estradiol level on the risk of a newborn being small‐for‐gestational‐age.

Material and methods

We conducted a cohort study (2010‐2016) of singletons (n = 155) born either after conventional gonadotropin‐stimulated in vitro fertilization (using ≥150 IU/d human gonadotropin for stimulation) or after natural cycle in vitro fertilization without any stimulation. We analyzed perinatal outcomes using birthweight percentiles, adjusted for gestational age and sex.

Results

The proportion of small‐for‐gestational‐age was 11.8% following conventional gonadotropin‐stimulated in vitro fertilization and 2.9% after natural cycle in vitro fertilization (P = 0.058). The odds of small‐for‐gestational‐age were significantly higher with supraphysiological estradiol levels in maternal serum on ovulation trigger day (unadjusted odds ratio 4.58; 95% confidence interval 1.35‐15.55; P = 0.015). It remained significant after adjusting for maternal height, age and body mass index (adjusted odds ratio 3.83; 95% confidence interval 1.06‐13.82; P = 0.041).

Conclusions

We found an associated risk of children being born small‐for‐gestational‐age after conventional gonadotropin‐stimulated in vitro fertilization compared with natural cycle in vitro fertilization. This higher risk is significantly associated with supraphysiological estradiol levels. We propose a reduction in the dosage of gonadotropin to minimize the risk of small‐for‐gestational‐age and future health consequences.
Liraglutide treatment reduced interleukin‐6 in adults with type 1 diabetes but did not improve established autonomic or polyneuropathy
Authors: Brock Christina , Hansen Christian Stevns , Karmisholt Jesper , Møller Holger Jon , Juhl Anne , Farmer Adam Donald , Drewes Asbjørn Mohr , Riahi Sam , Lervang Hans Henrik , Jakobsen Poul Erik , Brock Birgitte
Published: July 2019

Aims

Type 1 diabetes can be complicated with neuropathy that involves immune‐mediated and inflammatory pathways. Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists such as liraglutide, have shown anti‐inflammatory properties, and thus we hypothesized that long‐term treatment with liraglutide induced diminished inflammation and thus improved neuronal function.

Methods

The study was a randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled trial of adults with type 1 diabetes and confirmed symmetrical polyneuropathy. They were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either liraglutide or placebo. Titration was 6 weeks to 1.2–1.8 mg/d, continuing for 26 weeks. The primary endpoint was change in latency of early brain evoked potentials. Secondary endpoints were changes in proinflammatory cytokines, cortical evoked potential, autonomic function and peripheral neurophysiological testing.

Results

Thirty‐nine patients completed the study, of whom 19 received liraglutide. In comparison to placebo, liraglutide reduced interleukin‐6 (−22.6%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −38.1, −3.2; P = .025) with concomitant numerical reductions in other proinflammatory cytokines. However neuronal function was unaltered at the central, autonomic or peripheral level. Treatment was associated with −3.38 kg (95% CI: −5.29, −1.48; P < .001] weight loss and a decrease in urine albumin/creatinine ratio (−40.2%; 95% CI: −60.6, −9.5; P = .02).

Conclusion

Hitherto, diabetic neuropathy has no cure. Speculations can be raised whether mechanism targeted treatment, e.g. lowering the systemic level of proinflammatory cytokines may lead to prevention or treatment of the neuroinflammatory component in early stages of diabetic neuropathy. If ever successful, this would serve as an example of how fundamental mechanistic principles are translated into clinical practice similar to those applied in the cardiovascular and nephrological clinic.
Leaf litter decomposition and macroinvertebrate assemblages along an urban stream gradient in Puerto Rico
Authors: Classen‐Rodríguez Leticia , Gutiérrez‐Fonseca Pablo E. , Ramírez Alonso
Published: July 2019

Urbanization is a major land use form that has large impacts on ecosystems. Urban development in the watershed impacts stream ecosystems by increasing nutrient and organic matter loads, altering hydrology, and reducing biodiversity. Puerto Rico is an ideal location to assess and monitor the effects of urbanization on streams, because it is increasingly urbanized and streams do not receive inputs of untreated sewage, characteristic of many other tropical urban areas. The objective of this study was to determine how leaf litter decomposition and aquatic macroinvertebrate assemblages varied along a tropical urban gradient. We conducted the study in the Río Piedras watershed, San Juan Metropolitan Area, in six low‐order streams that formed an urban gradient ranging from 10% to 70% urban land cover. At each stream, we placed six 5 g leaf bags of Ficus longifolia in three different pools and collected one bag on each sampling date. Decomposition rates were fast in forested streams (range 0.021–0.039/day) and decreased with increasing urbanization (range 0.007–0.008/day). Rates were strongly and negatively correlated with percent impervious surface cover (R = 0.81, p = 0.01). Functional feeding group diversity was higher in forested streams, with the presence of shredders. Decomposition rates were significantly and positively correlated with functional feeding group diversity and abundance (R = 0.66, p = 0.04). Overall, our results show that urbanization affected the environment and macroinvertebrate diversity resulting in large negative effects on stream ecosystem function.

Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.
The process of creation in creative industries
Authors: Paris Thomas , Ben Mahmoud‐Jouini Sihem
Published: July 2019

Research on creative industries (CI) has acknowledged the collective dimension of creation without addressing the crucial role of process and organization in handling such a collective endeavour. Indeed, this research stream has developed independently from the one on new product development (NPD), which focuses on the development process. Inspired by the NPD literature and anchored in the literature on CI, this article aims to enhance our understanding of the creation processes in CI in order to show how the challenges are overcome. Based on a large body of case studies carried out in 12 sub‐sectors of CI, we show that the projects developed in these industries follow a process that combines and iterates four elementary activities: inspiration, framing, prototyping and validation. These activities take place alternatively in a conceptual or a material world and combine collective and individual contributions. A critical player who gives the momentum and makes the crucial decisions heads this process.