bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Learners’ Factors in L2 Reading Comprehension
Authors: Askari Afsane , Khoshsima Hooshang , Khatin-Zadeh Omid , Banaruee Hassan
Published: October 2017

Due to the existence of contrastive psychological and biological factors, learning processes vary from person to person. The awareness of the fact that dissimilarity exists among learners’ preferences in learning, determines teachers to accommodate learners needs accordingly. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between learning styles and reading performance of candidates who attended Teacher Recruitment Test in Iran Language Institute. Participants of the study were classified into either failed-group or succeeded-group. To achieve the objective of the study, Ehrman and Leaver’s Questionnaire (2003) was administered to the candidates. Then each participant was included in one of the two groups of ectenic or synoptic learners. Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient was calculated to find any significant correlation between participants’ scores in the reading tasks and their scores as an ectenic L2 learner or a synoptic L2 learner. The obtained value of R was 0.77, which is statistically significant and indicates that synoptic candidates were notably more successful than ectenic candidates in the reading tasks. While synoptic scores were positively correlated with participants’ scores in reading tasks, ectenic scores were negatively correlated with participants’ scores in the test. It was concluded that there is a significant correlation between learning styles and degree of success in reading tasks. A classification of successful learners at reading tests was consequently provided.
Empreendedorismo e profissionais da informação
Authors: Spudeit Daniela Fernanda Assis de Oliveira
Published: October 2017

A mestre em Ciência da Informação (UFSC), Daniela Spudeit responde questões relacionadas ao empreendedorismo e profissionais de informação, as relações entre o empreendedorismo, inovação, e gestão do conhecimento, apresentando exemplos e explorando o impacto das tecnologias na atividade, assim como as condições atuais do ensino para a formação de profissionais empreendedores.
Expediente V6N1
Authors: Editorial AtoZ Comitê
Published: October 2017

Informações sobre a elaboração do respectivo número
TERRITÓRIO, DESIGUALDADE E EXPANSÃO DO CAPITAL: A CENTRALIDADE DA INDÚSTRIA DO PETRÓLEO EM MACAÉ/RJ
Authors: Carvalho Lígia Jesus de , Loureiro Carlos Frederico Bernardo
Published: October 2017

O presente trabalho, resultante de pesquisa de mestrado, analisou a organização do território no município de Macaé/Rio de Janeiro (RJ) mediante a centralidade da cadeia petrolífera da Bacia de Campos para a economia e a organização social regional, e os conflitos sociais resultantes deste processo, analisando particularmente a conjuntura de injustiça ambiental presente no bairro periférico do Lagomar. A exaltação do nacionalismo energético sustentada pelo pilar do petróleo, abre margem para o discurso ideológico de distribuição igualitária de riquezas e prosperidade material evidenciado no Norte Fluminense, visto que o crescimento econômico da região não tem se refletido em desenvolvimento social igualitário ou em garantia de trabalho. A dependência material em torno de recursos finitos, flexibiliza a garantia de direitos sociais, políticas públicas e leis ambientais, com a finalidade de garantir a intensificação da exploração do trabalho e de recursos naturais. As periferias do município de Macaé, que surgem por consequência do fluxo imigratório, fruto da chegada da indústria do petróleo na região, condensam as consequências sociais de um processo de avanço industrial em que o ordenamento territorial reproduz e espacializa as desigualdades.
CONFLITOS SOCIOAMBIENTAIS EM COMUNIDADES PESQUEIRAS DA GRANDE ARACAJU, SERGIPE, BRASIL
Authors: Santos Eline Almeida , Santos Sindiany Suelen Caduda dos , Souza Rosemeri Melo e , Sampaio Renata Maria de Almeida
Published: October 2017

O modo de produção existente tem levado a enormes mudanças no setor da pesca decorrentes da exploração da natureza pelos diversos atores sociais, a diminuição da oferta de peixes e expansão das disputas nas zonas costeiras e ribeirinhas; situação que gera cenários de conflito. Assim, este estudo teve como objetivo analisar os conflitos ambientais gerados na área de pesca da Grande Aracaju, Sergipe, a partir da relação entre os atores envolvidos. Estruturado em três seções, o estudo foi orientado por aspectos da pesquisa qualitativa. Foram realizados levantamento documental de dados secundários e pesquisa de campo, esta, caracterizada pela observação sistemática, participante e pela aplicação de entrevistas semi-estruturadas e registros fotográficos. A definição da amostra foi proveniente da aplicação da técnica "bola de neve" (bola de neve), onde houve a seleção dos indivíduos: pescadoras (es), representantes da comunidade, representantes da comunidade de pesca e funcionários públicos. A área espacial corresponde aos povoados Jatobá na cidade de Barra dos Coqueiros e povoado Taiçoca em Nossa Senhora do Socorro, porção oriental de Sergipe. Diferenças nos perfis entre os atores sociais nos dois locais, resultantes de jogos de diferentes interesses em áreas de potenciais ecológicos e econômicos pertinentes, tais como o sistema estuarino-mangue, contribui para a intensificação dos conflitos na área de pesca. Este cenário é suportado pela ausência de uma gestão política eficaz e falta de planejamento, que pode ser a causa da provável expansão dos conflitos ambientais e pôr em perigo a existência dos recursos naturais, contribuindo para as disputas nas áreas de uso coletivo. Assim, a gestão eficiente e eficaz da zona costeira deve ser considerada como um ponto de partida para minimização conflito.
The Difference between Stock Prices before and after Implementation of International Financial Reporting Standards
Authors: Hsu Shu-Ling
Published: October 2017

Following the trend of capital market globalization, many countries have begun to use unified accounting standards. The resulting, financial statements are consistent and can thus attract foreign investment, and reduce the costs of multinational companies with regard to preparing financial statements. After the implementation of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), the earnings and book value of the shareholders’ equity are more relevant to stock prices, and this is also the case in Taiwan. Because the financial statements are different before and after incorporating IFRS, this has had a significant influence in the Taiwanese financial industry. This study analyzes and explains the impacts of the earnings and book value of equity on stock prices. We take a sample of financial firms in the years 2012 and 2013 for empirical research, and the results show that the earnings per share and book value of equity have a positive and significant impact on stock prices, with the earnings per share being most significant. The results also support the hypothesis proposed in this paper: There is a decline in the value relevance of earnings, but an increase in the value relevance of book value of shareholders’ equity, after implementation of IFRS. This implies the implementation of IFRS has valuable relevant information for capital market investments.
An Accuracy Investigation of Product Cost Estimation in Automotive Die Manufacturing
Authors: Bendul Julia , Apostu Vasile
Published: October 2017

Automotive die manufacturers face the constant challenge of producing qualitative products while having to reduce costs. However, cost reduction measures are rather insignificant during the actual manufacturing process as the most important cost-impacting decisions are taken during the design phase. Cost estimation methods attempt to determine the production cost already in the design phase; the cost can be broken down and therefore the plan times of manufacturing processes can be pre-calculated, thus enabling early capacity decisions. Many researchers have been focusing for decades on developing efficient cost estimation methods. Yet their scarce access to cost information meant that most of the developed methods could not be evaluated with real data and thus their implementation in practice being challenged. This paper reviews and classifies cost estimation methods and investigates the accuracy of the estimate based onpractical application in 190 cases. The overall aim is to determine the accuracy level of the studied methods in practice and therefore identify their application fields.
The Mediating Role of Competency on the Relationship between Training and Task Performance: Applied Study in Pharmacists
Authors: Yang Jih-Hua , Fang Shih-Chieh , Huang Ching-Ying
Published: October 2017

This study aimed to determine the mediating role of competency (professional competency, technical competency, and core competency) between training and task performance in pharmacists. Questionnaire was the tool of collecting data from a sample of (210) pharmacists. The results of the study indicated that there is a positive effect of training on task performance. Also, there is full effect of the two mediator variables (professional competency; technical competency) and partial effect of the one mediator variable (core competency) on the relationship between independent and dependent variables.
Using E-Leadership as a Strategic Tool in Enhancing Organizational Commitment of Virtual Teams in Foreign Commercial Banks in North West Bank -Palestine
Authors: Iriqat Raed A. M. , Khalaf Dana M. S.
Published: October 2017

Using information technologies in organizations has been one of the most important topics for numerous scholars in the business field. This manuscript aims to investigate the impact of using E-leadership as a strategic tool in enhancing the organizational commitment of virtual teams in foreign commercial banks in Northern West Bank in Palestine. Primary data was collected via questionnaires which distributed on virtual teams in foreign commercial banks in North West Bank - Palestine. Researchers used a purposive sample which is suitable to study objectives. The empirical model in this study illustrates the relationship among E leadership dimensions (i.e. Envision, engage, energize, empower, execute, and elastic), perceptions of organizational commitment. This manuscript employs simple regression analysis to examine the impact of E-leadership on organizational commitment. In addition, researchers use Pearson correlation matrix to identify the relationship between the six dimensions of E-leadership and organizational commitment. The result proves that positive impact of using E-leadership as a strategic tool in enhancing the organizational commitment of virtual teams in foreign commercial banks is significant. Also, finds that there is a positive significant relationship between E-leadership and its six dimensions with organizational commitment.
Foreign Direct Investment, Financial Development and Economic Growth Evidence from Saudi Arabia
Authors: Nasir Najeeb Muhammad , Rehman Mohammed Ziaur , Ali Nasir
Published: October 2017

This study is an effort to explain and establish a relationship among foreign direct investment, financial development and economic growth in Saudi Arabian context for the period of 1970 to 2015 by employing Vector Auto Regression (VAR) and modified Granger Casualty Models. The result of Johansen co-integration test illustrates that no long run co-integration can be established among the variables. VAR has established a link between economic growth, financial development and foreign direct investment. The Granger causality test also confirms that economic growth causes foreign direct investment and financial development which is a unidirectional causality running from economic growth towards foreign direct investment and financial development. No significant causality can be observed empirically between foreign direct investment and financial development. This feature can be attributed to the fact that Saudi Arabian economy is still heavily dependent on its oil resources which is the driving force behind growth. Impulse Response Function has been utilized in order to observe the response to the shocks among the variables.
Internal Mammary Artery Perforator Flap for Immediate Volume Replacement Following Wide Local Excision of Breast Cancer
Authors: van Huizum Martine A. , Hage J. Joris , Oldenburg Hester A. , Hoornweg Marije J.
Published: October 2017

Background Breast-conserving therapy is defined as a breast-conserving wide local excision (WLE) of a mammary tumour combined with postoperative radiotherapy. Immediate restoration of the mammary shape by use of breast reduction techniques (volume displacement) or tissue replacement techniques (volume replacement) is gaining popularity to prevent breast malformation.

Methods To date, using the internal mammary artery perforator (IMAP) flap has been suggested for immediate volume replacement after WLE, but has never been evaluated in a published study.

Results We applied this flap in 12 women (mean age, 56.1 years) after WLE (mean specimen weight, 46.5 g) of the medial aspect of the breast. Over a median follow-up of 35.3 months (standard deviation, 1.2 months), 4 women needed repeated surgery for dog-ear correction of the donor site.

Conclusions In our experience, the use of an IMAP flap was a reliable technique with good cosmetic outcomes after oncoplastic reconstruction. In this series, donor site revision often proved necessary initially, but we showed that this may easily be prevented.
Facial Rejuvenation Enhancing Cheek Lift
Authors: Bellity Philippe , Bellity Jonathan
Published: October 2017

Supported by recent literature on the signs of aging of the middle and lower face, our clinical research has documented a loss of volume of the deep structural components of the central face and a progressive descent of the nasolabial fat and the jowl fat, leading to facial fragmentation. The signs that appear around the age of 45 to 50 years are well targeted by the mini-invasive technique described here. We focused on refitting the jowl fat and the nasolabial fat associated with cutaneous tightening. The use of absorbable barbed sutures (Quill) led to significant improvements, enabling the fitting of fat on fat. In the past 4 years, 167 operations were performed using this technique. The clinical results were very satisfactory, yielding a natural effect caused by the mobilization and strong fixation of the nasolabial fat and the jowl fat in the direction opposite to their displacement.
Polydeoxyribonucleotide Improves Peripheral Tissue Oxygenation and Accelerates Angiogenesis in Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Authors: Kim Seoyoung , Kim Junhyung , Choi Jaehoon , Jeong Woonhyeok , Kwon Sunyoung
Published: October 2017

Background Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) is known to have anti-inflammatory and angiogenic effects and to accelerate wound healing. The aim of this study was to investigate whether PDRN could improve peripheral tissue oxygenation and angiogenesis in diabetic foot ulcers.

Methods This was a prospective randomized controlled clinical trial. Twenty patients with a non-healing diabetic foot ulcer were randomly distributed into a control group (n=10) and a PDRN group (n=10). Initial surgical debridement and secondary surgical procedures such as a split-thickness skin graft, primary closure, or local flap were performed. Between the initial surgical debridement and secondary surgical procedures, 0.9% normal saline (3 mL) or PDRN was injected for 2 weeks by the intramuscular (1 ampule, 3 mL, 5.625 mg, 5 days per week) and perilesional routes (1 ampule, 3 mL, 5.625 mg, 2 days per week). Transcutaneous oxygen tension (TcPO2) was evaluated using the Periflux System 5000 with TcPO2/CO2 unit 5040 before the injections and on days 1, 3, 7, 14, and 28 after the start of the injections. A pathologic review (hematoxylin and eosin stain) of the debrided specimens was conducted by a pathologist, and vessel density (average number of vessels per visual field) was calculated.

Results Compared with the control group, the PDRN-treated group showed improvements in peripheral tissue oxygenation on day 7 (P<0.01), day 14 (P<0.001), and day 28 (P<0.001). The pathologic review of the specimens from the PDRN group showed increased angiogenesis and improved inflammation compared with the control group. No statistically significant difference was found between the control group and the PDRN group in terms of vessel density (P=0.094). Complete healing was achieved in every patient.

Conclusions In this study, PDRN improved peripheral tissue oxygenation. Moreover, PDRN is thought to be effective in improving inflammation and angiogenesis in diabetic foot ulcers.
Is Robot-Assisted Surgery Really Scarless Surgery? Immediate Reconstruction with a Jejunal Free Flap for Esophageal Rupture after Robot-Assisted Thyroidectomy
Authors: Park Seong Hoon , Kim Joo Hyun , Lee Jun Won , Jeong Hii Sun , Lee Dong Jin , Kim Byung Chun , Suh In Suck
Published: October 2017

Esophageal perforation is a rare but potentially fatal complication of robot-assisted thyroidectomy (RAT). Herein, we report the long-term outcome of an esophageal reconstruction with a jejunal free flap for esophageal rupture after RAT. A 33-year-old woman developed subcutaneous emphysema and hoarseness on postoperative day1 following RAT. Esophageal rupture was diagnosed by computed tomography and endoscopy, and immediate surgical exploration confirmed esophageal rupture, as well as recurrent laryngeal nerve injury. We performed a jejunal free flap repair of the 8-cm defect in the esophagus. End-to-side microvascular anastomoses were created between the right external carotid artery and the jejunal branches of the superior mesenteric artery, and end-to-end anastomosis was performed between the external jugular vein and the jejunal vein. The right recurrent laryngeal nerve injury was repaired with a 4-cm nerve graft from the right ansa cervicalis. Esophagography at 1 year after surgery confirmed that there were no leaks or structures, endoscopy at 1 year confirmed the resolution of vocal cord paralysis, and there were no residual problems with swallowing or speech at a 5-year follow-up examination. RAT requires experienced surgeons with a thorough knowledge of anatomy, as well as adequate resources to quickly and competently address potentially severe complications such as esophageal rupture.
Intercultural Competence in Legal German Teaching: A Didactical Implementation
Authors: Meyer Almut
Published: October 2017

On the basis of a qualitative needs analysis conducted among Finnish jurists, cultural competence was found to be one of the most important skills required in legal occupations. This finding raises the question of how to teach ‘cultural competence’ to law students. In this study, culture is principally conceived of as a way of life and how we construct meanings from the world surrounding us. Intercultural competence is, in the context of this study, constituted through cultural knowledge, which in turn enables us to understand other cultures. This article discusses the didactical implementation of cultural competence in legal German courses at the law faculty of the University of Turku. The didactical approach presented sees culture in relation to legal texts, as juridical work is always text-based and because texts contain cultural phenomena, which are relevant to understanding legal contents. In this study, legal texts are dealt with from a hermeneutic-constructive perspective to interpret systematically their cultural content. Correspondingly, an ethnological-hermeneutic interpretation model forms the core of the theory-conducted interpretations of cultural phenomena. Hence, intercultural competence is acquired through those interpretations.After a few introductory remarks, the article briefly presents a needs analysis, and then proceeds to the theoretical framework of the interpretation model, followed by a case study and its didactic realisation.
Relationship/Participant Focus in Multimodal Market Communication
Authors: Andersen Thomas Hestbæk , Boeriis Morten
Published: October 2017

In this article, we present an integrated multimodal method of analysing marketers’ discursive strategies. Using a social semiotic, multimodal framework, we propose ‘the relationship/participant focus analysis’ (RPF analysis). This method is socially significant in that it helps us identify the strategies marketers use to influence the consumer.RPF analysis reveals how marketing communication – exemplified with the register of packaging – relies on two fundamental factors, namely (i) communication perspective and (ii) personalisation. The communication perspective resides within the interpersonal realm of semiosis, focusing on the enactment of relationships, while personalisation resides within the ideational realm of semiosis, focusing on the construal of represented participants.RPF analysis suggests a way of tackling the multimodal complexity of marketing texts when these are seen as consisting of social semiotic acts of meaning, combining different semiotic resources. In the article, our focus is on the instantiated verbal and visual resources used on food packaging.
The Interpersonal Dimension of Online Patient Forums: How Patients Manage Informational and Relational Aspects in Response to Posted Questions
Authors: Fage-Butler Antoinette Mary , Jensen Matilde Nisbeth
Published: October 2017

The internet has revolutionised the ways in which patients acquire medical information, a development which has clearly been welcomed by patients: seeking out health information online is now the third most popular activity after internet searches and e-mail (Timimi 2012). However, it has led to concerns about the quality of the information, the ability of lay people to understand it (Gerber/Eiser 2001) as well as potential cyberchondria (Starcevic/Berle 2013). In light of these conflicting perspectives, this paper examines one such source of online information, namely, the patient forum where patients communicate with other patients about a particular medical condition. Although doctor-patient communication in the clinical situation has been extensively researched, little is known about how patient-patient communication is managed in online situations such as patient forums. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to research in that relatively un-researched area by examining how patients manage relational and informational aspects of communication in online patient forums. Whilst a typical interactional structure of the patient forum exchange is question and answer, we focus on responses to questions on patient forums.This paper reports on the findings of a thematic analysis (Braun/Clarke 2006) of an online thyroid disease patient forum, investigating how interpersonal aspects are negotiated where patients share condition-related knowledge. We identify themes that relate both to informational and relational aspects as well as themes that fit under a new category which we call ‘info-relational’ as it subsumes informational and relational elements. We discuss a number of theoretical implications, which are valuable as existing health communication models and understandings of patient expertise have yet to catch up with the effects of new media such as online patient forums.
Equigeneric and Intergeneric Translation in Patient-Centred Care
Authors: García-Izquierdo Isabel , Montalt Vicent
Published: October 2017

This article reflects on the demands that the paradigm of PCC (patient-centred care) involves for medical translators and writers. We will review the notion of patient-centred healthcare, and will highlight the concept of empowerment of the patient in order to improve communication between patients and healthcare professionals, two discourse communities with different conceptual backgrounds and rules of communication, whose mutual understanding can significantly improve the quality of healthcare (Jovell/Navarro 2009). In the area of written communication, medical writing and translation in general and the role of reformulating information to fit expectations in particular may play an important role as a bridge between these communities. Whilst Translation Studies has traditionally been based on the notion of equifunctional and interlingual translation (a notion which is valid as a way of explaining many communication situations), in this article, we shall argue that the notion of intergeneric translation, both in intra- and interlingual contexts, also needs to be developed in order to respond to the requirements of written communication in very specific contexts such as that of healthcare. Following Mason (2000: 6), “while audience design will regulate the interpersonal dimension of meaning, socio-textual practices (genre, discourse and text type) will regulate the intertextual dimension”. We therefore need to design genres in the domain of healthcare according to the nature of the audience and in the specific context we are examining, and only sound generic competence will help the writer/translator to appropriately combine the textual dimension with the interpersonal dimension so as to achieve the required skopos.
Repenser l’autochtonie dans sa globalité : The Fourth World de George Manuel et l’historiographie canadienne
Authors: Turcotte Yanick
Published: October 2017

La question du changement d’échelle en histoire autochtone entraîne, par conséquent, des interrogations sur la définition de son sujet d’étude, soit l’autochtonicité. En retournant à l’ouvrage classique The Fourth World de George Manuel et Michael Posluns, cet article propose de réfléchir sur les méthodes d’étudier l’histoire autochtone à l’échelle mondiale. Le « Quatrième Monde », concept mis de l’avant par Manuel, permet de réfléchir sur deux façons d’aborder cette histoire, à la fois comme un projet politique global et comme une réalité partagée par divers peuples répartis sur les cinq continents.
Erwinia amylovorapsychrotrophic adaptations: evidence of pathogenic potential and survival at temperate and low environmental temperatures
Authors: Santander Ricardo D. , G. Biosca Elena
Published: October 2017

The fire blight pathogenErwinia amylovoracan be considered a psychrotrophic bacterial species since it can grow at temperatures ranging from 4 °C to 37 °C, with an optimum of 28 °C. In many plant pathogens the expression of virulence determinants is restricted to a certain range of temperatures. In the case ofE. amylovora,temperatures above 18 °C are required for blossom blight epidemics under field conditions. Moreover, this bacterium is able to infect a variety of host tissues/organs apart from flowers, but it is still unknown how environmental temperatures, especially those below 18 °C, affect the pathogen ability to cause fire blight disease symptoms in such tissues/organs. There is also scarce information on how temperatures below 18 °C affect theE. amylovorastarvation-survival responses, which might determine its persistence in the environment and probably contribute to the seasonal development of fire blight disease, as occurs in other pathogens. To characterize the virulence and survival ofE. amylovoraat temperate and low temperatures, we evaluated the effect of three temperatures (4 °C, 14 °C, 28 °C) on symptom development, and on different parameters linked to starvation and virulence.E. amylovorawas pathogenic at the three assayed temperatures, with a slow-down of symptom development correlating with colder temperatures and slower growth rates. Siderophore secretion and motility also decreased in parallel to incubation temperatures. However, production of the exopolysaccharides amylovoran and levan was enhanced at 4 °C and 14 °C, respectively. Similarly, biofilm formation, and oxidative stress resistance were improved at 14 °C, with this temperature also favoring the maintenance of culturability, together with a reduction in cell size and the acquisition of rounded shapes inE. amylovoracells subjected to long-term starvation. However, starvation at 28 °C and 4 °C induced an enhanced viable but nonculturable (VBNC) response (to a lesser extent at 4 °C). This work revealsE. amylovoraas a highly adaptable pathogen that retains its pathogenic potential even at the minimal growth temperatures, with an improved exopolysaccharide synthesis, biofilm formation or oxidative stress resistance at 14 °C, with respect to the optimal growth temperature (28 °C). Finally, our results also demonstrate the thermal modulation of starvation responses inE. amylovora,suggesting that the starvation-survival and the VBNC states are part of its life cycle. These results confirm the particular psychrotrophic adaptations ofE. amylovora, revealing its pathogenic potential and survival at temperate and low environmental temperatures, which have probably contributed to its successful spread to countries with different climates. This knowledge might improve integrated control measures against fire blight.
Species–specific crab predation on the hydrozoan clinging jellyfish Gonionemus sp. (Cnidaria, Hydrozoa), subsequent crab mortality, and possible ecological consequences
Authors: Carman Mary R. , Grunden David W. , Govindarajan Annette F.
Published: October 2017

Here we report a unique trophic interaction between the cryptogenic and sometimes highly toxic hydrozoan clinging jellyfish Gonionemus sp. and the spider crab Libinia dubia. We assessed species–specific predation on the Gonionemus medusae by crabs found in eelgrass meadows in Massachusetts, USA. The native spider crab species L. dubia consumed Gonionemus medusae, often enthusiastically, but the invasive green crab Carcinus maenus avoided consumption in all trials. One out of two blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus) also consumed Gonionemus, but this species was too rare in our study system to evaluate further. Libinia crabs could consume up to 30 jellyfish, which was the maximum jellyfish density treatment in our experiments, over a 24-hour period. Gonionemus consumption was associated with Libinia mortality. Spider crab mortality increased with Gonionemus consumption, and 100% of spider crabs tested died within 24 h of consuming jellyfish in our maximum jellyfish density containers. As the numbers of Gonionemus medusae used in our experiments likely underestimate the number of medusae that could be encountered by spider crabs over a 24-hour period in the field, we expect that Gonionemus may be having a negative effect on natural Libinia populations. Furthermore, given that Libinia overlaps in habitat and resource use with Carcinus, which avoids Gonionemus consumption, Carcinus populations could be indirectly benefiting from this unusual crab–jellyfish trophic relationship.
Constructing stage-structured matrix population models from life tables: comparison of methods
Authors: Fujiwara Masami , Diaz-Lopez Jasmin
Published: October 2017

A matrix population model is a convenient tool for summarizing per capita survival and reproduction rates (collectively vital rates) of a population and can be used for calculating an asymptotic finite population growth rate (λ) and generation time. These two pieces of information can be used for determining the status of a threatened species. The use of stage-structured population models has increased in recent years, and the vital rates in such models are often estimated using a life table analysis. However, potential bias introduced when converting age-structured vital rates estimated from a life table into parameters for a stage-structured population model has not been assessed comprehensively. The objective of this study was to investigate the performance of methods for such conversions using simulated life histories of organisms. The underlying models incorporate various types of life history and true population growth rates of varying levels. The performance was measured by comparing differences in λ and the generation time calculated using the Euler-Lotka equation, age-structured population matrices, and several stage-structured population matrices that were obtained by applying different conversion methods. The results show that the discretization of age introduces only small bias in λ or generation time. Similarly, assuming a fixed age of maturation at the mean age of maturation does not introduce much bias. However, aggregating age-specific survival rates into a stage-specific survival rate and estimating a stage-transition rate can introduce substantial bias depending on the organism’s life history type and the true values of λ. In order to aggregate survival rates, the use of the weighted arithmetic mean was the most robust method for estimating λ. Here, the weights are given by survivorship curve after discounting with λ. To estimate a stage-transition rate, matching the proportion of individuals transitioning, with λ used for discounting the rate, was the best approach. However, stage-structured models performed poorly in estimating generation time, regardless of the methods used for constructing the models. Based on the results, we recommend using an age-structured matrix population model or the Euler-Lotka equation for calculating λ and generation time when life table data are available. Then, these age-structured vital rates can be converted into a stage-structured model for further analyses.
Avicennia marina biomass characterization towards bioproducts
Authors: Almardeai Saleha , Oyanedel Juan-Rodrigo Bastidas- , Haris Sabeera , Schmidt Jens Ejbye
Published: October 2017

Avicennia marina is the only naturally occurring mangrove specie in the arid Arabian Gulf coast of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Due to the water scarcity of this arid-region, A. marina is a precious biomass resource for the UAE that does not require fresh water for growing, and is able to grow in the Arabian Gulf high salinity conditions, over 40g/kg. This non-fresh water lignocellulosic arid-region bioresource may be used for the production of high valuable chemicals. The objective of the present manuscript is to characterize the lignocellulosic composition of Arabian Gulf A. marina, as a first attempt to highlight its importance in a biobased economy in arid regions. Avicennia marina stem, leaves and pneumatophors samples were collected from two locations in the United Arab Emirates. A. marina samples were chemically characterized for sugar composition, ash content and byproducts using standardized protocols. The analysis revealed that A. marina arabinan, xylan, glucan and lignin composition ranges, in g/100g_TS (TS: total solids), between 1-22, 5-18, 10-31, and 21-48, respectively. The highest composition of xylan and glucan (g/100g_TS) was obtained for stems and pneumatophors, 45 and 38, respectively. Xylan and glucan are the polymeric precursors for the production of high value chemicals, e.g. furfural and hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), respectively. Under the characterization conditions, it was obtained furfural and HMF (g/100g_TS) in the ranges of 0.05-0.42, and 0.45-2.1, respectively.
Biometric evaluation of twelve olive cultivars under rainfed conditions in the region of Calabria, South Italy
Authors: Giuffrè Angelo M.
Published: October 2017

Biometrics are widely considered in table olive and olive oil production. Fruit size, flesh content and flesh/pit ratio are among the most important parameters in table olive processing, whereas oil and water content are among the most important parameters in olive oil production. In this work, twelve parameters from drupes of 12 cultivars in three harvest years 2014, 2015, 2016 (Region of Calabria, South Italy) were studied. Fruit weight was highest in Nocellara Messinese cv (more than 5 g in all the three considered harvest years) for this reason these fruits are preferred for table olives processing. Ottobratica cv showed the lowest number of fruits/kg as a consequence of the high weight of its drupes. Pit or stone (endocarp) weight was lowest in Ottobratica, Pendolino and Roggianella cvs (less than 0.5 g). Fresh flesh (mesocarp) weight was highest in Nocellara Messinese cv (4.26 – 4.49 g) and in Picholine cv (3.68 – 3.88 g), whereas flesh dry weight was highest in Frantoio and in Roggianella (more than 40% on pitted fruit), these last two cvs also showed the lowest moisture content i.e. less than 60% on pitted fruit. The longest drupes (longitudinal diameter) were produced by Nocellara Messinese and Picholine cvs measuring more than 25 mm, these two cvs produced also the fruits showing the highest horizontal diameter more than 18 and more than 16 mm respectively. In 10 from 12 cvs the highest oil content was found on 2016 and Pendolino cv showed the lowest content on 2014 and 2015. Cultivar and harvest year showed a highly significant influence on the olive fruit biometrics.
Colloidal and rheological behavior of aqueous dispersions of buriti tree (mauritia flexuosa) gum
Authors: Da Silva Diego Aires , Santos Pedro Henrique , Pena Rosinelson da Silva
Published: October 2017

The temperature, concentration and pH variables influence the aqueous dispersion of the gum properties. In this context, the aims of this research were to characterize the gum obtained from the buriti tree (Mauritia Flexuosa) trunk exudate, as well as to evaluate the colloidal and rheological behavior of the aqueous dispersions of this gum. Thus, the centesimal composition, absolute zeta (ζ) potential as a function of pH (1.2 to 4.0), particle size distribution, as well as the rheological properties of the gum at different temperatures (15, 20, 25, 30, and 40 °C) and concentrations (4, 5, 8, and 10% (m/v)) were studied. In addition, the Newton, Power Law, and Herschel-Bulkley models were fitted to the rheological data. Buriti tree gum (BG) was found to have 10.43% moisture, 5.05% ashes, 0.68% lipids, 3.09% proteins, and 80.76% carbohydrate. The aqueous dispersion of the gum (1%) had a ζ value of -17.1 mV with a tendency for greater stability at pH < 4 and polydisperse particle size distribution (45 nm to 648.1 nm diameter) with PDI (polydispersity index) of 1. The aqueous dispersion with 4 and 5% gum had typical Newtonian fluid behavior and became pseudoplastic at concentrations of 8 and 10%. The Herschel-Bulkley model had the best fit to the rheological data (r2 > 0.99). Gum dispersion viscosity decreased with higher temperature and lower concentration. The activation energy (Ea) value for gum dispersion ranged from 9.07 to 17.35 kJ/mol.
Optimization of various factors affecting Agrobacterium-mediated transformation and regeneration of putative transgenic Malaysian MR219 rice with Bacillus SP 289 endo-β-1,3-1,4-glucanase gene
Authors: Rahman Zuraida Ab , Amin Noriha Mat , Rahim Mohd Yusof Nor , ErnyYunus Azlinda , Redzuan Rohaiza Ahmad , Rashid Muhamad Ridzuan , Ramli Asfaliza , Othman Ayu Nazreena , Hashim Marzukhi , Kamaruzaman Rahiniza , Subramaniam S.
Published: October 2017

Sheath blight disease caused by Rhizoctonia solani is the most destructive diseases in rice cultivation. Development of transgenic indica rice MR219 through Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain EHA 105 harbouring the plasmid pCAMBIA 1305.2 with endo-beta-1,3-1,4-glucanase gene from Bacillus SP 289 is one of the strategies to engineer disease resistance. Four optimisation parameters were examined such as Agrobacterium culture cell density (0.1 to 1.0 based on OD600nm), callus immersion time in the Agrobacterium culture (30 to 120 minutes), duration of the subsequent drying time (15 to 120 minutes) and co-cultivation period (1 to 6 days). Hygromycin-resistant embryogenic calli developed after 8 to 10 weeks of transformation. Improved transformation rates were achieved when calli were incubated with an Agrobacterium suspension with a culture density of OD 600nm 0.2 for 30 mins, followed by 90 mins of drying time and co-cultivation for 3 days. PCR analysis of the transformants confirmed the presence of Bacillus SP 289 endo-beta-1,3-1,4-glucanase and hpt genes in the rice genome. The transgenic rice plants obtained in this study will be tested against sheath blight disease.
Quantifying the Impact of Biomass Burning Emissions on Major Inorganic Aerosols and Their Precursors in the U.S.
Authors: Souri Amir H. , Choi Yunsoo , Jeon Wonbae , Kochanski Adam K. , Diao Lijun , Mandel Jan , Bhave Prakash V. , Pan Shuai
Published: October 2017

The primary sources for inorganic aerosols from biomass burning are rather negligible, but they are predominantly formed chemically following emission of their precursors (e.g., SO2, NH3, HOx, and NOx). The biomass burning contributions to some of the precursors can be considerable. Accordingly, we quantify the impact of the emissions on major inorganic aerosols in April–October 2012–2014 using a regional model simulation verified by extensive surface observations throughout the U.S. Simulated CO enhancements on an hourly basis are used to classify the U.S. into weak‐moderate (5 < COBiomass‐COBase < 20 ppbv) and strongly impacted periods (COBiomass‐COBase > 20 ppbv). This separation not only facilitates the identification of the spatial frequency of the impact but also helps to filter out nonimpacted periods, enabling us to focus on long‐term contributions. Despite the nonlinear responses of several trace gases to emissions, we observe increases (weak‐moderate and strong) in daily surface SO42− (1.16 ± 0.32 and 6.57 ± 4.65 nmol/m3), NO3− (0.36 ± 0.63, 4.70 ± 7.05 nmol/m3), and NH4+ (2.70 ± 0.92 and 17.82 ± 15.17 nmol/m3) on a national scale. These primarily resulted from (i) increases in daily surface SO2 (0.02 ± 0.01 and 0.10 ± 0.07 ppbv), afternoon OH (1.28 ± 4.24 and 12.82 ± 23.76 ppqv), and H2O2 (0.06 ± 0.02 and 0.10 ± 0.08 ppbv), which may have accelerated the conversion of S(IV) to S(VI), and (ii) increases in daily surface NH3 (1.08 ± 0.73 and 8.61 ± 7.73 nmol/m3) and HNO3 (1.44 ± 0.48 and 7.15 ± 4.25 nmol/m3), which could have produced more particle‐phase NH4NO3. In the West, where atmospheric moisture is limited, enhanced SO42− leaves less available water for NH4NO3 to become ions. Our results suggest that the major inorganic aerosol enhancement (mass) can reach to 23% of that of the carbonaceous aerosols.
Understanding Atmospheric Anomalies Associated With Seasonal Pluvial‐Drought Processes Using Southwest China as an Example
Authors: Liu Zhenchen , Lu Guihua , He Hai , Wu Zhiyong , He Jian
Published: October 2017

Seasonal pluvial‐drought transition processes are unique natural phenomena. To explore possible mechanisms, we considered Southwest China (SWC) as the study region and comprehensively investigated the temporal evolution or spatial patterns of large‐scale and regional atmospheric variables with the simple method of Standardized Anomalies (SA). Some key procedures and results include the following: (1) Because regional atmospheric variables are more directly responsible for the transition processes, we investigate it in detail. The temporal evolution of net vertical integral water vapor flux (net VIWVF) across SWC, together with vertical SA‐based patterns of regional horizontal divergence (D) and vertical motion (ω), coincides well with pluvial‐drought transition processes. (2) With respect to large‐scale circulation patterns, a well‐organized Eurasian (EU) Pattern is one important feature during the pluvial‐drought transitions over SWC. (3) Based on these large‐scale and regional atmospheric anomalous features, relevant SA‐based indices were built, to explore the possibility of simulating drought development using previous pluvial anomalies. As a whole, simulated drought development only with SA‐based indices of large‐scale circulation patterns does not perform well. Further, it can be improved a lot when SA‐based indices of regional D and net VIWVF are introduced. (4) In addition, the potential drought prediction using pluvial anomalies, together with the deep understanding of physical mechanisms responsible for pluvial‐drought transitions, need to be further explored.
Evaporation Kinetics of Polyol Droplets: Determination of Evaporation Coefficients and Diffusion Constants
Authors: Su Yong‐Yang , Marsh Aleksandra , Haddrell Allen E. , Li Zhi‐Ming , Reid Jonathan P.
Published: October 2017

In order to quantify the kinetics of mass transfer between the gas and condensed phases in aerosol, physicochemical properties of the gas and condensed phases and kinetic parameters (mass/thermal accommodation coefficients) are crucial for estimating mass fluxes over a wide size range from the free molecule to continuum regimes. In this study, we report measurements of the evaporation kinetics of droplets of 1‐butanol, ethylene glycol (EG), diethylene glycol (DEG), and glycerol under well‐controlled conditions (gas flow rates and temperature) using the previously developed cylindrical electrode electrodynamic balance technique. Measurements are compared with a model that captures the heat and mass transfer occurring at the evaporating droplet surface. The aim of these measurements is to clarify the discrepancy in the reported values of mass accommodation coefficient (αM, equals to evaporation coefficient based on microscopic reversibility) for 1‐butanol, EG, and DEG and improve the accuracy of the value of the diffusion coefficient for glycerol in gaseous nitrogen. The uncertainties in the thermophysical and experimental parameters are carefully assessed, the literature values of the vapor pressures of these components are evaluated, and the plausible ranges of the evaporation coefficients for 1‐butanol, EG, and DEG as well as uncertainty in diffusion coefficient for glycerol are reported. Results show that αM should be greater than 0.4, 0.2, and 0.4 for EG, DEG, and 1‐butanol, respectively. The refined values are helpful for accurate prediction of the evaporation/condensation rates.
Contraction
Authors: Goodall Grant
Published: October 2017

Contraction
is a descriptive term for phenomena in which one word is reduced and apparently affixed to another. Two types of contraction have been particularly prominent in the syntax literature. The first,
wanna
‐contraction, refers to the use of
wanna
in place of
want to
. There are a number of interesting ways in which
wanna
‐contraction appears to rely on aspects of the syntactic structure. The most celebrated of these is that contraction is not possible across a trace of A′‐movement, but at a more general level, at least descriptively, the contracted form is allowed only in subject control environments (i.e. when
want
subcategorizes for a controlled clause of which
to
is the head). The second major type of contraction that has played a role in the syntax literature is finite auxiliary contraction, which refers to forms like
we have
becoming
we've
. Unlike
wanna
‐contraction, finite auxiliary contraction does not seem to be sensitive to the presence of intervening traces and is not associated with subject control environments. Nonetheless, it is subject to restrictions that give the appearance of being syntactic. A well‐known example of this is that contraction is not possible when the auxiliary has a trace or a deletion site to its right. In both of these types of contraction, some analyses have attempted to account for the restrictions directly within the syntax, while others have made use of the way that syntactic structure interfaces with phonological phrasing.
Strong vs. Weak Islands
Authors: Szabolcsi Anna , Lohndal Terje
Published: October 2017

The focus of the chapter is weak islands (WI), that is, selective islands. Strong (absolute) islands are considered only to set the stage for the discussion of WIs. Up until the late 1980s nothing much beyondwh‐islands had been thought to be WIs. Beginning with Relativized Minimality, an ever‐growing range of WIs has been recognized. Thus, theories of WIs have mushroomed, each coming with a significant set of new data and important new connections to other domains. The chapter emphasizes the correspondence between data sets and theories. Less attention is given to proposals that primarily recast the theoretical account of some narrow range of data.