bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scenario planning: An investigation of the construct and its measurement
Authors: Bouhalleb Arafet , Smida Ali
Published: February 2018

Scenario‐planning academicians and practitioners have been observing for more than three decades the importance of this method in dealing with environmental uncertainty. However, there has been no valid scale that may help organizational leaders to act in practice. Our review of prior studies identifies some problems related to conceptualization, reliability, and validity of this construct. We address these concerns by developing and validating a measure of scenario planning based on Churchill's paradigm (Journal of Marketing Research, 1979, 16, 64–73). Our data analysis follows from a sample of 133 managers operating in the healthcare field in France. To validate our scale, we used three approaches: first, an exploratory factor analysis; second, an examination of psychometric proprieties of all dimensions; and third, a confirmatory factor analysis. The results of this study indicate that scenario planning is a multidimensional construct composed of three dimensions: information acquisition, knowledge dissemination, and scenario development and strategic choices.
On full calibration of hybrid local volatility and regime‐switching models
Authors: He Xin‐Jiang , Zhu Song‐Ping
Published: February 2018

Calibrating local regime‐switching models is a challenging problem, especially when the volatility functions are assumed to depend on both of the underlying price and time. In this paper, the inverse problem of determining local volatility functions is firstly established and then solved through the Tikhonov regularization to obtain the optimal solution, which is achieved iteratively through a newly designed numerical algorithm. While our numerical tests with artificial data show that our algorithm can provide quite accurate and stable results, its performance with the involvement of real market data have been further demonstrated using options written on the S&P 500 index.
Can you detect early dementia from an email? A proof of principle study of daily computer use to detect cognitive and functional decline
Authors: Stringer G. , Couth S. , Brown L.J.E. , Montaldi D. , Gledson A. , Mellor J. , Sutcliffe A. , Sawyer P. , Keane J. , Bull C. , Zeng X. , Rayson P. , Leroi I.
Published: February 2018

Objective

To determine whether multiple computer use behaviours can distinguish between cognitively healthy older adults and those in the early stages of cognitive decline, and to investigate whether these behaviours are associated with cognitive and functional ability.

Methods

Older adults with cognitive impairment (n = 20) and healthy controls (n = 24) completed assessments of cognitive and functional abilities and a series of semi‐directed computer tasks. Computer use behaviours were captured passively using bespoke software.

Results

The profile of computer use behaviours was significantly different in cognitively impaired compared with cognitively healthy control participants including more frequent pauses, slower typing, and a higher proportion of mouse clicks. These behaviours were significantly associated with performance on cognitive and functional assessments, in particular, those related to memory.

Conclusion

Unobtrusively capturing computer use behaviours offers the potential for early detection of neurodegeneration in non‐clinical settings, which could enable timely interventions to ultimately improve long‐term outcomes.
Is health care infected byBaumol's cost disease? Test of a new model
Authors: Atanda Akinwande , Menclova Andrea Kutinova , Reed W. Robert
Published: February 2018

Rising health care costs are a policy concern across the Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development, and relatively little consensus exists concerning their causes. One explanation that has received revived attention is Baumol's cost disease (BCD). However, developing a theoretically appropriate test of BCD has been a challenge. In this paper, we construct a 2‐sector model firmly based on Baumol's axioms. We then derive several testable propositions. In particular, the model predicts that (a) the share of total labor employed in the health care sector and (b) the relative price index of the health and non‐health care sectors should both be positively related to economy‐wide productivity. The model also predicts that (c) the share of labor in the health sector will be negatively related and (d) the ratio of prices in the health and non‐health sectors unrelated, to the demand for non‐health services. Using annual data from 28 Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development countries over the years 1995–2016 and from 14 U.S. industry groups over the years 1947–2015, we find little evidence to support the predictions of BCD once we address spurious correlation due to coincident trending and other econometric issues.
Vinyl chloride dysregulates metabolic homeostasis and enhances diet‐induced liver injury in mice
Authors: Lang Anna L. , Chen Liya , Poff Gavin D. , Ding Wen‐Xing , Barnett Russel A. , Arteel Gavin E. , Beier Juliane I.
Published: February 2018

Vinyl chloride (VC), a common industrial organochlorine and environmental pollutant, has been shown to directly cause hepatic angiosarcoma and toxicant‐associated steatohepatitis at high exposure levels. However, the impact of lower concentrations of VC on the progression of underlying liver diseases (e.g., nonalcoholic fatty liver disease [NAFLD]) is unclear. Given the high prevalence of NAFLD in the United States (and worldwide) population, this is an important concern. Recent studies by our group with VC metabolites suggest a potential interaction between VC exposure and underlying liver disease to cause enhanced damage. Here, a novel mouse model determined the effects of VC inhalation at levels below the current Occupational Safety and Health Administration limit (<1 ppm) in the context of NAFLD to better mimic human exposure and identify potential mechanisms of VC‐induced liver injury. VC exposure caused no overt liver injury in mice fed a low‐fat diet. However, in mice fed a high‐fat diet (HFD), VC significantly increased liver damage, steatosis, and increased neutrophil infiltration. Moreover, VC further enhanced HFD‐induced oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Importantly, VC exposure dysregulated energy homeostasis and impaired mitochondrial function, even in mice fed a low‐fat diet. In toto, the results indicate that VC exposure causes metabolic stress that sensitizes the liver to steatohepatitis caused by HFD. Conclusion: The hypothesis that low‐level (below the Occupational Safety and Health Administration limit) chronic exposure to VC by inhalation enhances liver injury caused by an HFD is supported. Importantly, our data raise concerns about the potential for overlap between fatty diets (i.e., Western diet) and exposure to VC and the health implications of this co‐exposure for humans. It also emphasizes that current safety restrictions may be insufficient to account for other factors that can influence hepatotoxicity. (Hepatology Communications 2018;2:270‐284)
Innovation strategy management survey of the Chilean biomedical industry. Assessment of windows of opportunities to reduce technological gaps
Authors: Bas Tomas Gabriel , Oliu Carolina Alejandra
Published: February 2018

The convergence of different theories (ie, catch‐up effect and windows of opportunities) allows for the interpretation of different “technological innovation gaps” in Chile's biomedical industry. It is common knowledge that Chile has always had an economy almost exclusively based on services, commodities, and mainly in the exploitation of natural resources with low value added. The literature confirms that countries that concentrate their economies on the knowledge, research, development, and commercialization of technology and innovation have a better and more stable growth rate in the medium and long run. The “Asian Tigers” are a good example of this. Analyzing the technological gaps that affect the Chilean biomedical industry, it is possible to find windows of opportunities to catch up. This could allow the country to take its knowledge, skills, and capabilities further, thus enabling Chile to not just depend on its unpredictable natural resources. For the first time, a quantitative diagnosis of the Chilean biomedical industry was made. This study considered the Chilean biomedical industry and its innovation and entrepreneurship environment, taking into account its productive capacities and its potential to make progress in technological innovation and, as a result, dramatically reducing technological gaps through windows of opportunities.
Short‐term and long‐term survival probabilities among first‐ever ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke patients at a hospital in the suburban east coast of Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Wan‐Arfah Nadiah , Hafiz Hanafi Muhammad , Naing Nyi Nyi , Muzaimi Mustapha , Shetty Hamsaraj G.M.
Published: February 2018

Aim

This study aimed to determine the 28‐day, 1‐year, and 5‐year survival probabilities in first‐ever stroke patients in a relatively understudied setting: a suburban hospital that serves a predominantly rural population in the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia.

Methods and results

A retrospective record review was conducted among 432 first‐ever stroke patients admitted to the Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia. Data from between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2011, were extracted from the medical records. The Kaplan‐Meier product limit estimator was applied to determine the 28‐day, 1‐year, and 5‐year survival probabilities. Log‐rank test was used to test the equality of survival time between different groups. A total of 101 patients died during the study period. The 28‐day, 1‐year, and 5‐year survival probabilities were 78.0% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 73.5–81.9), 74.2% (95% CI: 69.4–78.4), and 70.9% (95% CI: 65.1–75.9), respectively. There were significant differences in the survival time based on the types of stroke, Glasgow Coma Scale, hyperlipidaemia, atrial fibrillation, fasting blood glucose, and diastolic blood pressure.

Conclusion

This study, though retrospective, highlights several clinical parameters that influenced the survival probabilities among first‐ever stroke patients managed in a suburban setting in Malaysia, and compared them to those reported in more urban regions. Our data emphasise the need for wider establishment of specialized stroke units and teams, as well as for prospective multi‐centre studies on first‐ever stroke patients to better inform the development of stroke care provision in Malaysia.
Key and Smart Actions to Alleviate Hunger and Poverty Through Irrigation and Drainage
Authors: Unver Olcay , Wahaj Robina , Lorenzon Elisa , Mohammadi Kourosh , Osias Jerome R. , Reinders Felix , Wani Suhas , Chuchra Jyotsana , Lee Peter , Sangjun I.M.
Published: February 2018

In the pursuit of information to support policies and actions to alleviate hunger and poverty through irrigation and drainage, this paper attempts to provide correlations between water scarcity, communities and poverty. Many reviews have found strong direct and indirect relationships between irrigation and poverty. One of the main goals of the international community is to eliminate hunger and poverty and in this perspective, through the Millennium Development Goals, much progress has been achieved and evidence obtained. Sustainable Development Goals and various other United Nations initiatives intend to move forward this agenda by making it a part of broader development frameworks. In this paper, the important elements of irrigation and drainage that affect the alleviation of hunger and poverty are discussed. These elements are grouped into governance, rights‐based developments, water rights and pricing, management, efficiency improvement, and the role of technology. Both the potential and the need for innovative technology and solutions in irrigation are underlined, which can be used to cater for the challenges in different subsectors. The main focus of these solutions is on maximizing productivity and efficiency, reducing water losses, achieving sustainable intensification and managing demands on water resources and the associated trade‐offs. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
SEX AND POWER IN SAME‐SEX COUPLES
Authors: Sarantakos Sotirios
Published: February 2018

The purpose of this paper is to present a part of the findings of a study of 82 homosexual couples (40 gay and 42 lesbian couples) living in three states and in city and country areas. The respondents were chosen by means of snowball sampling and the methods of data collection were semi‐standardised questionnaires and interviews. The paper explores the gender identity of homosexual partners, and the power structure of the homosexual units, and examines the types of sexual relationships maintained by homosexual partners. The paper concludes that homosexual couples are diverse in their sex identity, sexual relationships and power structure, and that although in terms of power they are similar to heterosexual couples they are definitely different from them in their sexual attitudes and behaviour and in the perception of their sexual identity. The paper, finally, underlines some implications for social theory and social policy.
INTERPRETING ASYLUM, REINTERPRETING REFUGEES: AN AUSTRALIAN CASE‐STUDY
Authors: Watson Virginia
Published: February 2018

Australian responses to Cambodian asylum‐seekers have been characterised by a continuing history of conflict between the legislative, executive and judicial branches of Government. I argue that this conflict has worked to conceal Australian international and humanitarian obligations towards asylum‐seekers and refugees. In addition to this, terms used to describe asylum‐seekers and refugees as ‘boat people’ ‘queue jumpers’ ‘economic refugees’ etc, have operated as categories of bureaucratic control and political power which have also worked to conceal those obligations. Further to this, I explore the form and content of the relevant international instruments as these articulate the obligations upon states in the grant of asylum. I then examine Australian responses to Cambodian asylum‐seekers and argue that the international instruments are no longer sufficient obligation upon signatory states such as Australia, to entrench the rights of asylum‐seekers. I therefore suggest an extension to the current theoretical debate as this might inform possible ways in which to reconceptualise both the rights of asylum‐seekers and the international and humanitarian obligations upon those countries from which they seek asylum.
A RATHER INHUMANE ARRANGEMENT: SOUTHEAST ASIAN SETTLEMENT ASSISTANCE INITIATIVES IN MELBOURNE
Authors: Majka Lorraine
Published: February 2018

Due to its specific historical context and unique sociopolitical milieu, Australia has developed a relatively distinctive Southeast Asian settlement assistance model. This article explores the adequacy of the pattern of service delivery that has evolved in Melbourne in response to the settlement needs of the Southeast Asian community. The research finds that the Australian Indochinese aid initiative is high on principle and rhetoric and low on practical solutions. Despite compassionate public pronouncements, assistance institutions increasingly operate in a harsh social, economic, and political context wherein there are few forced migrant‐specific provisions. A devolution policy has also engendered an inefficient patchwork service setup rather than a benevolent resettlement arrangement. Without a more genuine official orientation and a more appropriate overall approach, many Australian Southeast Asians are destined to continue a protracted struggle against disadvantage and neglect.
RESEARCHING GAMBLING WITH ABORIGINAL PEOPLE
Authors: Steane Peter D. , McMillen Jan , Togni Samantha
Published: February 2018

Socio‐economic impact studies can present methodological problems, especially when the focus complex or value‐laden. As well, the context of such studies can also influence their complexity, for example if they involve research among young people or particular cultural groups. These problems are compounded when the research methods used are themselves culturally‐based or impose cultural assumptions and practices on the research.

This paper is intended to offer some reflections about researching gambling among Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory of Australia. It is not reporting any findings about this research, as it is still ongoing and will not be completed until 1998. But at this stage, the researchers are in a position to offer some observations about the strengths and limitations of research methodologies for a project such as this. We conclude that lessons arising from such observations and reflections are worth considering in other research projects, whether about gambling of other activities among different cultural groups.
Analysis of SLCO1B1 and APOE genetic polymorphisms in a large ethnic Hakka population in southern China
Authors: Zhong Zhixiong , Wu Heming , Li Bin , Li Cunren , Liu Zhidong , Yang Min , Zhang Qifeng , Zhong Wei , Zhao Pingsen
Published: February 2018

Objective

Statins are the most widely used lipid‐lowering drugs, which have a significant effect on the inhibition of cardiovascular disease. The efficacy and side effects of statins are associated with the polymorphisms of SLCO1B1 and APOE genes. The purpose of this study was to analyze the SLCO1B1 and APOE gene polymorphisms in the Hakka population of southern China.

Methods

A total of 3249 subjects including 2019 males and 1230 females participated in this study. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐fluorescence probe technique for polymorphisms analysis and analyzed the genotypes frequencies of SLCO1B1 and APOE genes.

Results

The frequencies of SLCO1B1 521T>C between men and women were statistically significant (SLCO1B1 521TT, χ2 = 8.431, P = .004; SLCO1B1 521TC, χ2 = 7.436, P = .007). The frequencies of haplotypes *1b/*1b (40.07%) and *1a/*1b (32.56%) of SLCO1B1 gene accounted for 72.63%, followed by *1b/*15(14.40%), *1a/*1a (5.82%), *1a/*15 (5.57%), *15/*15 (1.45%), and *1a/*5 (0.12%). The frequencies of haplotypes *1a/*15 and *1b/*1b of SLCO1B1 gene between men and women were statistically significant (*1a/*15, χ2 = 6.789, P = .009; *1b/*1b, χ2 = 3.998, P = .004). In this study, genotype ɛ3/ɛ3 accounted for 69.04%, followed by ɛ3/ɛ4 (16.19%), ɛ2/ɛ3 (11.60%), ɛ2/ɛ4 (1.35%), ɛ4/ɛ4 (1.08%), and ɛ2/ɛ2 (0.74%) in all subjects, in which ɛ3 had the greatest allele frequency (82.93%), followed by ɛ4 (9.85%) and ɛ2 (7.22%). We found that 47 subjects carrying the SLCO1B1 521 (CC) polymorphism who had not any myopathy caused by statins.

Conclusions

We analyzed the SLCO1B1 and APOE gene polymorphisms in the Hakka population of southern China. This study provides a reference for the individualized meditation for Hakka population in this area.
Extensions of a theorem of Erdős on nonhamiltonian graphs
Authors: Füredi Zoltán , Kostochka Alexandr , Luo Ruth
Published: February 2018

Let be integers with , and set . Erdős proved that when , each n‐vertex nonhamiltonian graph G with minimum degree has at most edges. He also provides a sharpness example for all such pairs . Previously, we showed a stability version of this result: for n large enough, every nonhamiltonian graph G on n vertices with and more than edges is a subgraph of . In this article, we show that not only does the graph maximize the number of edges among nonhamiltonian graphs with n vertices and minimum degree at least d, but in fact it maximizes the number of copies of any fixed graph F when n is sufficiently large in comparison with d and . We also show a stronger stability theorem, that is, we classify all nonhamiltonian n‐vertex graphs with and more than edges. We show this by proving a more general theorem: we describe all such graphs with more than copies of for any k.
Predictive value of serum Golgi protein 73 for prominent hepatic necroinflammation in chronic HBV infection
Authors: Xu Zhengju , Shen Jiankun , Pan Xingnan , Wei Meijuan , Liu Liguan , Wei Kaipeng , Liu Lifei , Yang Huanwen , Huang Jinfa
Published: February 2018

As a noninvasive marker, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) has limitations, because a large proportion of patients chronically infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) suffer from severe hepatic necroinflammation, but have normal or mildly elevated ALT. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the potential value of serum Golgi protein 73 (GP73) in predicting significant hepatic necroinflamation among chronic HBV infected patients. A cohort of 497 chronic HBV infected patients was retrospectively recruited. Liver biopsy was performed in all patients and serum GP73 levels were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Serum GP73 increased in parallel with the increase in hepatic necroinflammatory activity grade (r = 0.682) and the stage of liver fibrosis (r = 0.539). The positive correlation of serum GP73 with the degree of hepatic necroinflammatory activity was statistically significant, while serum GP73 with the stage of liver fibrosis was weaker than that with hepatic necroinflammation. Furthermore, serum GP73 levels were significantly greater in patients with normal or mildly elevated ALT and significant hepatic necroinflammation (≥G2) than in patients with minimal to mild hepatic necroinflammation. The sensitivity and specificity of GP73 for the diagnosis of G2 hepatic necroinflammation was 42.35% and 95.0%, respectively, at a cut‐off value of 88.38 ng/mL. When the cut‐off value was set at 124.76 ng/mL, the sensitivity and specificity of GP73 for the diagnosis of G3 hepatic necroinflammation was 55.56% and 97.29%, respectively. These findings indicate that GP73 holds promise as an important candidate for diagnosing significant hepatic necroinflammation.
Using a network of ports for shielding effectiveness optimization of an enclosure with arbitrary shape apertures
Authors: Shourvarzi Ali , Joodaki Mojtaba
Published: February 2018

A network of ports will be used to determine the optimized locations and geometries for arbitrary shape apertures on a metallic enclosure. This approach benefits from S‐parameter analysis and circuit theory for the description of the shielding. An analytic discussion will show the validity of the new method, which is based on a recently published paper. The consistency of the results for case studies solved by this port network with both literature and 3‐D full‐wave computed results will show the practicality of the proposed method. The positive effect of symmetry is a major outcome of the case study discussed here. Although the method is theoretically verified here, it can be easily implemented as a simple and reliable shielding effectiveness measurement method. The proposed method obliterates the limits of the traditional simulation and experimental methods as it has no dimensional limits and no need for antennas, shielded rooms, reverberation chambers, etc.
State and Trait Anger Predicting Creative Process Engagement—The Role of Emotion Regulation
Authors: da Costa Carla Gomes , Zhou Qin , Ferreira Aristides I.
Published: February 2018

Drawing on the specific emotion approach, and based on the emotional regulation theory and cognitive and activation perspectives on emotions, this study examined the differentiated impact of state and trait anger on creative process engagement (CPE) and the moderating influences of emotion reappraisal and suppression. Data were obtained from daily surveys (N = 422) of 98 employees from three consultancy companies. Hierarchical linear modeling analysis revealed that trait anger has a stronger impact on CPE than state anger does. Furthermore, the relationship between state anger and CPE is stronger when emotion reappraisal is lower, rather than higher, and the relationship between trait anger and CPE is also stronger when emotion suppression is lower, rather than higher.
How to grow without going broke
Authors: Bethel Robert Thomas
Published: February 2018

Growing a business without killing it with debt is an ongoing challenge for business owners. Too often, leaders have taken a shortsighted approach that involves buying expensive equipment, hiring additional employees, or acquiring new facilities to meet a fickle uptick in demand—only to further deplete organizational resources. Learning from the mistakes that some well‐known firms have made in their growth efforts can help business leaders avoid the pitfalls of poor change management, stagnation, and sloppy expansion. As the experiences of one high‐tech engineering firm show, even a failing company can become profitable again by cutting expenses, engaging customers as partners, and judiciously shoring up cash flow to take advantage of industry developments. Managers at companies of all sizes can apply these lessons to ensure that short‐term gains are not made at the expense of their organization's long‐term viability.
Character and origin of De Geer moraines in the Seacoast region of New Hampshire, USA
Authors: Sinclair Samantha N. , Licciardi Joseph M. , Campbell Seth W. , Madore Brian M.
Published: February 2018

Previously unrecognized clusters of regularly spaced, low‐relief ridges were recently revealed by LiDAR data acquired in the Seacoast region of New Hampshire, USA. Based on their morphometry and geologic context, these features are interpreted as De Geer moraines that formed during regional deglaciation. While De Geer moraines are widely recognized as products of ice recession in glaciomarine settings, their formative processes remain debated. Here, we integrate geospatial mapping, morphometric analyses, stratigraphic investigations and ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) subsurface profiling to characterize De Geer moraines in New Hampshire and assess their origin. On average, the moraines are 1.2 km long, 28 m wide, 1.7 m tall and spaced 104 m apart. Trenches expose stratigraphic units consistent with subaqueous deposition along a tidewater glacier margin, including subglacial traction till indicative of proglacial pushing, and gravity‐driven flow deposits on an ice‐distal moraine slope. GPR profiles reveal variable till thicknesses beneath the ridges and stratified sediment in adjacent swales. Our findings suggest De Geer moraine formation was driven by annual oscillations of the retreating Laurentide Ice Sheet margin. In this interpretation, average moraine spacing would represent a retreat rate of ∼100 m a−1, which is in line with previous estimates of recession rates across New England.
Evaluation of Soy Lecithin as Eco‐Friendly Biosurfactant Clathrate Hydrate Antiagglomerant Additive
Authors: Saikia Tinku , Mahto Vikas
Published: February 2018

Hydrate plug formation is one of the most challenging problems in upstream oilfields. The most preferred option to prevent hydrate plug formation is the use of antiagglomerants in the oil/gas flowlines and in drilling fluids. Antiagglomerants do not prevent hydrate formation but restrict the hydrate crystals from agglomerating. In this study, experiments were conducted on of soy lecithin (biosurfactant) at different concentrations to measure its effectiveness as an antiagglomerant additive. In all the experiments, tetrahydrofuran (THF) hydrate was used, and to study the antiagglomerant efficiency of the additive, visual observation was utilized. Soy lecithin was compared with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), and the former was found as a good environmentally friendly antiagglomerant additive. Soy lecithin at 0.1 wt% in the experimental solution increased the agglomeration time of hydrate crystals by more than 1440 min and showed agglomeration state III at 1 °C. Soy lecithin at 0.01 wt% increased the agglomeration time of hydrate crystals to 1000 min. The effect of soy lecithin on the rheological characteristics and filtration properties of drilling fluid was also studied. Even at the highest concentration of 1.0 wt% soy lecithin and at a temperature of 1 °C, the rheological parameters of the drilling fluid remained within permissible limits. Soy lecithin was thus found to effectively restrict the agglomeration of hydrate crystals.
Arable weed species associated with soil tillage systems under Mediterranean conditions
Authors: Santín‐Montanyá M.I. , Casanova Pena C. , Zambrana Quesada E. , Sánchez Jiménez F.J. , Tenorio Pasamón J.L.
Published: February 2018

Tillage soil erosion is seen as a great problem in the Mediterranean region and is worsened by the climatic conditions. Previous studies have shown a decrease in biodiversity in arable lands across Europe. Weeds are a major component of biodiversity within agro‐ecosystems, but few studies have aimed to associate weed species with soil tillage intensity. We performed an analysis to test the potential short‐term effects of different tillage systems on weed species under our study conditions. The emerged weed data were measured, comparing a conventional tillage system with conservational tillage systems (minimum tillage and no tillage) in 2 cropping systems (monoculture wheat and a rotation scheme of barley–legume–wheat–fallow). Compared with the tilled soil, higher weed density and weed species richness were observed in the conservation tillage plots. The weed density and weed species richness in the monoculture system were higher compared with those in the crop rotation system. We used classification and regression trees to analyze the relationship between the soil tillage systems and the weed community, taking into account the climatic conditions. The results indicate that different soil tillage systems produced tree models:Silene vulgaris(L.) was associated with the MT system and high and irregularly distributed rainfall;Hypecoum imberbeSm. andHypecoum procumbens(L.) were linked to MT plots with low and well‐distributed precipitation rates; andCardaria draba(L.) was present all years independently of climatic conditions but was never found in the NT system, so its presence could be regarded as an indicator of tillage intensity.
Antecedents and consequences of chronic impulsive buying: Can impulsive buying be understood as dysfunctional self‐regulation?
Authors: Fenton‐O'Creevy Mark , Dibb Sally , Furnham Adrian
Published: February 2018

Researchers reach different conclusions about the functional or dysfunctional nature of impulsive buying behavior. While many note the use of impulsive buying as a form of mood regulation, there is disagreement about whether this is functional or dysfunctional and the extent to which it causes financial harm. This paper draws on data from a U.K. national survey sample (N = 109,472) to contribute to these debates. Study results suggest that impulsive buying is more common for those who have most need to regulate mood and who have the least effective emotion regulation strategies. This suggests that impulsive buying may be understood as a failure of self‐regulation in relation to long‐term goals and as a strategy for mood regulation. Contrary to some prior claims in the retail management and marketing research literature, the study shows higher levels of impulsive buying to be associated with more adverse financial outcomes (which are not confined to the most extreme manifestations of the trait). While ineffective emotion regulation is associated with higher propensity to buy impulsively, the findings also suggest that effective emotion regulation may to some extent mitigate the adverse consequences of the propensity to buy impulsively. The implications for ethical management, research, and policy are considered.
Will they pitch or will they switch? Comparing Chinese and American consumers
Authors: Krishen Anjala S. , Hu Han‐Fen
Published: February 2018

This study compares the conditions for consumer satisfaction and word of mouth (WOM) between Chinese and American consumers. The authors utilize a between‐subjects factorial design experiment to investigate the effect of service experience (positive or negative) and consumption context (hedonic vs. utilitarian) across these two cultures. Results indicate that consumers perceive higher levels of satisfaction and switching costs, and provide higher WOM intention for positive than for negative service experiences. The relationship between service experience and perceived switching costs is further moderated by consumption context and culture. Of importance is the critical mediating role of consumer satisfaction in driving perceived switching costs and WOM intention. The comparison of Chinese and American consumers also reveals the distinct switching behaviors between the two groups of consumers, which can be explained from a cultural perspective. The study findings provide insights into provider‐switching and WOM‐spreading behaviors by Chinese and American consumers, under hedonic versus utilitarian consumption contexts.
Do they shop to stand out or fit in? The luxury fashion purchase intentions of young adults
Authors: Eastman Jacqueline K. , Iyer Rajesh , Shepherd C. David , Heugel Angelina , Faulk Don
Published: February 2018

A three‐study examination of young adults suggests that their motivation for status in terms of their luxury fashion purchase intentions is impacted by a bandwagon effect. In Study 1, qualitative research informs what fashion items represent status to young adults, how they view these items, and how they view others owning these items. In Study 2, survey research establishes the link between the motivation for status (status consumption) and purchase intention/ownership of these fashion items. In Study 3, a national survey of young adults examines what mediates and moderates the motivation for status to lead to luxury fashion purchase intentions. Results from the three studies indicate that status consumption has a positive impact on purchase intention of luxury fashion. This research also finds that cultural variables have an impact (mediate) the relationship between status consumption and purchase intention. Specifically, collectivism, uncertainty avoidance, power distance, and masculinity mediate the relationship between status consumption and purchase intention. Finally, the moderating impact of the bandwagon effect has a significant effect on the relationship between status consumption and fashion purchase intention for the cultural variables of uncertainty avoidance, long‐term orientation, and power distance. Implications for marketers are provided based on the findings.
Autoinducer2 affects trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole susceptibility in avian pathogenic Escherichia coli dependent on the folate synthesis‐associate pathway
Authors: Yu Lumin , Li Wenchang , Zhang Ming , Cui Yunmei , Chen Xiaolin , Ni Jingtian , Yu Li , Shang Fei , Xue Ting
Published: February 2018

Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) causes airsacculitis, polyserositis, septicemia, and other mainly extraintestinal diseases in chickens, ducks, geese, pigeons, and other avian species, and is responsible for great economic losses in the avian industry. The autoinducer 2 (AI‐2) quorum sensing system is widely present in many species of gram‐negative and gram‐positive bacteria and has been proposed to be involved in interspecies communication. In clinical APEC strains, whether or not AI‐2 affects the expression of antibiotic‐related genes has not been reported. In this study, we have reported that exogenous AI‐2 increase the susceptibility of APEC strains to trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole (SXT) in a folate synthesis‐dependent pathway but not in the LsrR‐dependent manner. Our results further explained that exogenous AI‐2 can down regulate the transcription of the folate synthetase encoding genes folA and folC, and the folate synthesis‐related genes luxS, metE, and metH. Gel shift assays confirmed that LsrR, the AI‐2 receptor, did not bind to the promoters of folA and folC, suggesting that exogenous AI‐2 might influence folate metabolism by a feedback inhibition effect but not in the LsrR‐dependent pathway. This study might provide further information in the search for potential drug targets for prophylaxis of avian colibacillosis and for auxiliary antibiotics in the treatment of avian colibacillosis.
CLCN1 Myotonia congenita mutation with a variable pattern of inheritance suggests a novel mechanism of dominant myotonia
Authors: Gaitán‐peñas Héctor , Armand‐Ugón Mercedes , Macaya Alfons , Estévez Raúl
Published: February 2018

Introduction: Mutations in CLCN1 cause recessive or dominant forms of myotonia congenita (MC). Some mutations have been found to exhibit both patterns of inheritance but the mechanism explaining this behavior is unknown. Methods: A known recessive missense mutation, A493E, was identified in a family with dominant MC. The mutant p.A493E alone or in co‐expression with wild‐type (WT) ClC‐1 was expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Currents were measured and biochemical assays were performed. Results: The mutant showed no significant activity and reduced total and plasma membrane (PM) protein levels. Co‐expression with the mutant reduced the activity and PM levels of an engineered lower expression variant of ClC‐1, whereas no effect was observed on a higher expression variant. Discussion: Our results suggest that the dominant effect of some CLCN1 mutations showing recessive or dominant inheritance patterns may be due to a dose‐dependent defect in PM delivery of the WT channel. Muscle Nerve 58: 157–160, 2018
Oil‐Repellent Optics for Wastewater Sensor Applications
Authors: Oberbillig Thomas , Felde Nadja , Franz Martin , Coriand Luisa , Dahms Nancy , Munderloh Karin , Schultz Karin , Fliedner Michael , Duparré Angela
Published: February 2018

A fundamental issue for the identification of environmental problems is the early detection of chemical water pollutants. To guarantee reliable measurement results and to reduce maintenance costs, soiling of the sensor surfaces should be minimized. This work presents a method for fabrication of optical and oil‐repellent functional surfaces, realized by combination of statistically produced nano‐roughness with adapted coating materials.
Leadership as practice meets knowledge as flow: Emerging perspectives for leaders in knowledge‐intensive organizations
Authors: MacGillivray Alice E.
Published: February 2018

The goal of this paper is to help leaders in all parts of knowledge‐intensive organizations (KIOs) rethink leadership and knowledge to enhance creative potential. KIO contexts are dynamic, and their work is steeped in social complexity. Global trends impact organizational norms; cross‐cultural interactions surface value dilemmas; and constant change elevates the value of agility over stability. Traditional ways of viewing leadership and knowledge can accentuate stability. By reframing leadership and knowledge generation and sharing as natural parts of knowledge‐intensive practices, leaders can enhance creativity and agility. Rather than associating leadership with powerful individuals, it can be seen as distributed or an emergent property of collaborative knowledge work. Embedded in this more dynamic and fluid view of knowledge‐intensive work is the assumption that governance needs to focus on networks, communication, and trust. This paper presents new ideas to guide leadership in complex, KIOs. Case studies illustrate how these new perspectives can lead to enhanced creative potential.
Corporate values of the 25 largest European banks: Exploring the ambiguous link with corporate scandals
Authors: Ehrenhard Michel L. , Fiorito Timo L.
Published: February 2018

Corporate value statements communicate what a firm aspires for and what drives their value creation. In addition, corporate values often also define which behaviors are acceptable and which are not. Ideally, corporate values are representations of a firm's informal corporate values and organizational culture. However, in practice, there is an inherent tension between the aspirations and actual values and ensuing behaviors of and within a firm—let alone the potentially different interpretations of abstract corporate value statements. In this paper, we set out to provide more clarity on what corporate values are, how they are inherently ambiguous, and how in practice they compare to firm involvement in scandals. For this purpose, we study the corporate values of the 25 largest European banks after the financial crisis. “Integrity” appeared to be the most common value among the 25 banks, followed by “customer focus.” Nonetheless, over the past 6 years, 15 out of the 25 studied banks were involved in one or more scandals. Scandals can be systematic or caused by rogue employees, and benefitting the firm or their customers—in the latter case, providing an interesting interpretation of the customer focus value. Additionally, we found that courage or its synonyms were barely mentioned among banks' corporate values, potentially providing an additional explanation for the fast size of the financial crisis. Finally, we found that banks that had inclusive social principles such as respect, solidarity, and equality did not face large‐scale scandals.
Taxus ingredients in the red arils of Taxus baccata L. determined by HPLC‐MS/MS
Authors: Siegle Lydia , Pietsch Jörg
Published: February 2018

Introduction

Taxus baccata L. is an evergreen conifer whose plant parts are cardiotoxic. Only the red arils of the berries are described as non‐toxic and taxane‐free.

Objective

Extraction and HPLC‐MS/MS methods were developed for the investigation of the Taxus compounds 3,5‐dimethoxyphenol, 10‐deacetylbaccatin III, baccatin III, cephalomannine, taxol A and taxinine M in the red arils of the yew berries.

Methodology

A liquid–liquid extraction method for the red arils of the fruits from three yews were developed. An accurate (ESI+) HPLC‐MS/MS method was performed for the simultaneous detection and determination of the target compounds in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode.

Results

All Taxus agents obtained were detected in the red arils. Highest concentrations were determined for baccatin III and 10‐deacetylbaccatin III.

Conclusion

The developed quantitative method is reliable and selective and was successfully applied for quantification of selected Taxus ingredients in red arils of Taxus baccata. It was disproved that the red arils of the berries do not contain the selected Taxus compounds.
A review of thermoplastic elastomeric nanocomposites for high voltage insulation applications
Authors: Ismail Nurul Hidayah , Mustapha Mariatti
Published: February 2018

Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) has gained acceptance as third generation of polymeric materials for high voltage (HV) insulators. The interesting features showed by TPEs were found to fulfill some particular requirements for HV insulations, at least for the distribution class applications, especially at light contamination environments. Introduction of nanomaterials which widely reported to give significant improvements in the electrical, mechanical, thermal and other properties of polymer has attracted attention to the synergistic properties of combining the two complementary technologies of thermoplastic elastomers and nanocomposites. In this paper, research works on various types of TPEs having promising performance as HV insulators are thoroughly reviewed. The emergence of nanocomposites in the electrical insulation field and the important properties consideration for HV insulators as well as the processing techniques of TPE nanocomposites are also discussed. Finally, some of the past and recent developments of TPE nanocomposites focusing on the electrical insulation properties are highlighted in this article. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:E36–E63, 2018. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Dynamic covalent polymer hydrogels and organogels crosslinked through acylhydrazone bonds: synthesis, characterization and applications
Authors: Apostolides Demetris E , Patrickios Costas S
Published: February 2018

We review recent literature on the rapidly expanding field of dynamic covalent polymer networks (DCPNs) crosslinked with acylhydrazone bonds, classified according to their structural perfection: randomly crosslinked and model DCPNs. The dynamic covalent acylhydrazone bond is greatly sensitive to environmental conditions, pH in particular, and is characterized by great stability under neutral and mildly alkaline conditions, and instability under acidic conditions. The dynamic nature of this bond endows DCPNs crosslinked with acylhydrazone bonds with self‐healing ability, reversibility and injectability. The last property enables the in vivo site‐specific delivery of drugs, biomolecules or cells that have been loaded into DCPN hydrogels. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Solubility of polystyrene with various molecular weights in subcritical 1,1,1,2‐tetrafluoroethane: experiment and modified model
Authors: Jin Junsu , Guo Lintao , Chang Chengwei , Meng Hong
Published: February 2018

The solubility of polystyrene with molecular weight of 100 000 and 260 000 g mol−1was measured at temperatures from 313 to 333 K and at pressures from 5.0 to 13.0 MPa in subcritical 1,1,1,2‐tetrafluoroethane (R134a). The effects of pressure, temperature and molecular weight on the solubility of polystyrene were investigated. Meanwhile, the solubility of polystyrene was correlated using six density‐based semi‐empirical models (Chrastil, A‐L, K‐J, S‐S, M‐S‐T and Bartle). The M‐S‐T model was used to verify the self‐consistency of the experimental data, and the enthalpy values of polystyrene, including ΔHtotal, ΔHsuband ΔHsol, were estimated through the Chrastil and Bartle models. In addition, a modified M‐S‐T model was proposed through a detailed study of semi‐empirical model formulas and verified by the solubility of polystyrene in subcritical R134a and 38 other solid solutes in supercritical carbon dioxide and subcritical R134a. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Improving performance by Na doping of a buffer layer—chemical and electronic structure of the InxSy:Na/CuIn(S,Se)2 thin‐film solar cell interface
Authors: Hauschild Dirk , Meyer Frank , Benkert Andreas , Kreikemeyer‐Lorenzo Dagmar , Dalibor Thomas , Palm Jörg , Blum Monika , Yang Wanli , Wilks Regan G. , Bär Marcus , Reinert Friedrich , Heske Clemens , Weinhardt Lothar
Published: February 2018

Doping an indium sulfide buffer layer with sodium is a promising route to replace the “state‐of‐the‐art” CdS buffer layer in chalcopyrite‐based thin‐film solar cells, as it achieves efficiencies as high as 17.9% for large‐area devices (30 cm × 30 cm). We report on the chemical and electronic structure of the InxSy:Na/CuIn(S,Se)2 (CISSe) interface for thin‐film solar cells by means of photoelectron, soft x‐ray emission, and inverse photoemission spectroscopy. For as‐deposited InxSy:Na buffer layers, we find a sulfur‐poor surface and, in comparison to undoped InxSy and the standard CdS buffer, derive a large electronic surface band gap of 2.60 ± 0.11 eV. The conduction band offset at the buffer/absorber interface is a spike of 0.32 ± 0.10 eV. After annealing at 200°C to simulate the thermal load of subsequent cell manufacturing processes, an additional diffusion of copper and selenium from the absorber towards the buffer layer surface is observed, leading to a distinct electronic surface band gap decrease of the InxSy:Na buffer layer (to 2.11 ± 0.11 eV). We speculate that the diffusion of absorber elements causes a band gap widening at the former absorber surface and that both effects lead to a reduction of the conduction band spike for the buried InxSy:Na/CISSe interface after annealing.