bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spontaneous driving forces give rise to protein-RNA condensates with coexisting phases and complex material properties
Authors: Boeynaems Steven , Holehouse Alex S , Weinhardt Venera , Kovacs Denes , Van Lindt Joris , Larabell Carolyn , Van Den Bosch Ludo , Das Rhiju , Tompa Peter , Pappu Rohit V , Gitler Aaron
Published: December 2018

Collective phase transitions, including phase separation and gelation of multivalent protein and RNA molecules appears to underlie the biogenesis of biomolecular condensates such as membraneless organelles. In vivo, these condensates encompass hundreds of distinct types of molecules that are often organized into multi-layered structures supporting the differential partitioning of molecules into distinct regions with distinct material properties. The interplay between driven (active) versus spontaneous (passive) processes that are required for enabling the formation of condensates with coexisting layers of distinct material properties remains unclear. Here, we investigate the role of spontaneous driving forces as determinants of protein-RNA condensates with complex morphologies and distinct material properties. Through the use of systematic in vitro experiments and simulations based on coarse-grained models we find that that the collective interactions among the simplest, biologically relevant proteins and archetypal RNA molecules are sufficient for driving the spontaneous emergence of multi-layered condensates with distinct material properties. Our results demonstrate that key properties of protein-RNA condensates such as their overall morphologies, internal dynamics, and the selective partitioning of substrates are governed specific amino acid chemistries as well as RNA sequence and secondary structure. Our findings yield a clear set of heuristics regarding homo- and heterotypic interactions that are likely to be relevant for understanding the interplay between active and passive processes that control the formation of functional biomolecular condensates.
Heme oxygenase-1 deficiency affects bone marrow niche and triggers premature exhaustion of hematopoietic stem cells.
Authors: Szade Krzysztof , Zukowska Monika , Szade Agata , Nowak Witold N , Ciesla Maciej , Bukowska-Strakova Karolina , Gulati Gunsagar Singh , Kachamakova-Trojanowska Neli , Kusienicka Anna , Einwallner Elisa , Kijowski Jacek , Czauderna Szymon , Esterbauer Harald , Weissman Irving L , Dulak Jozef , Jozkowicz Alicja
Published: December 2018

While intrinsic changes in aging hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are well-characterized, it remains unclear how hematopoietic niche affects HSC aging. Here, we demonstrate that cells in the niche - endothelial cells (ECs) and CXCL12-abundant reticular cells (CARs) - highly express the heme-degrading enzyme, heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), but then decrease its expression with age. RNA-sequencing shows that ECs and CARs from HO-1-deficient animals (HO-1-/-) produce less hematopoietic factors. Consequently, HSCs from young HO-1-/- animals lose quiescence and regenerative potential. Young HO-1-/- HSCs exhibit features of premature aging on the transcriptional and functional level. HO-1+/+ HSCs transplanted into HO-1-/- recipients exhaust their regenerative potential early and do not reconstitute secondary recipients. In turn, transplantation of HO-1-/- HSCs to the HO-1+/+ recipients recovers the regenerative potential of HO-1-/- HSCs and reverses their transcriptional alterations. Thus, HSC-extrinsic activity of HO-1 prevents HSCs from premature aging and may restore the function of aged HSCs.
Unique unfoldase/aggregase activity of a molecular chaperone that dysregulates a translational elongation factor
Authors: Jo Ku-Sung , Kim Ji-Hun , Ryu Kyoung-Seok , Lee Young-Ho , Wang Che-Yeon , Kang Joo-Seong , Lee Yoo-Sup , Seo Min-Duk , Won Hyung-Sik
Published: December 2018

The various chaperone activities of heat shock proteins contribute to ensuring cellular proteostasis. Here, we demonstrate the non-canonical unfoldase activity as an inherent functionality of the prokaryotic molecular chaperone Hsp33. The holding-inactive, reduced form of Hsp33 (RHsp33) strongly bound to the translational elongation factor, EF-Tu, and catalyzed the EF-Tu aggregation via evoking its aberrant folding, resulting in its susceptibility to proteolytic degradation by Lon. This interaction was critically mediated by the redox-switch domain of RHsp33 and the guanine nucleotide-binding domain of EF-Tu. The RHsp33-induced in vivo aggregation of EF-Tu upon heat shock was evident in a Lon-deficient strain and inhibited cell growth. Unlike wild-type Escherichia coli, the strain lacking both Hsp33 and Lon showed a non-reduced level of EF-Tu and diminished capability of counteracting heat shock. These findings suggest that the unique unfoldase/aggregase activity of Hsp33 potentially involved in protein turnover confers a cellular survival advantage under heat-stressed conditions.
Dynamics of microRNA expression during mouse prenatal development
Authors: Rahmanian Sorena , Murad Rabi , Breschi Alessandra , Zeng Weihua , Mackiewicz Mark , Williams Brian , Davis Carrie , Roberts Brian , Meadows Sarah , Moore Dianna , Trout Diane , Zaleski Chris , Dobin Alex , Sei Lei-Hoon , Drenkow Jorg , Scavelli Alex , Gingeras Thomas , Wold Barbara , Myers Richard M. , Guigó Roderic , Mortazavi Ali
Published: December 2018

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a critical role as post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression. The ENCODE project profiled the expression of miRNAs in a comprehensive set of tissues during a time-course of mouse embryonic development and captured the expression dynamics of 785 miRNAs. We found distinct tissue and developmental stage specific miRNA expression clusters, with an overall pattern of increasing tissue specific expression as development proceeds. Comparative analysis of conserved miRNAs in mouse and human revealed stronger clustering of expression patterns by tissue types rather than by species. An analysis of messenger RNA gene expression clusters compared with miRNA expression clusters identifies the potential role of specific miRNA expression clusters in suppressing the expression of mRNAs specific to other developmental programs in the tissue where these microRNAs are expressed during embryonic development. Our results provide the most comprehensive timecourse of miRNA expression as an integrated part of the ENCODE reference dataset for mouse embryonic development.
Genotype and dose-frequency determine acute and chronic effects of oxytocin on amygdala fear responses in humans: therapeutic implications
Authors: Kou Juan , Zhang Yingying , Zhou Feng , Sindermann Cornelia , Montag Christian , Becker Benjamin , Kendrick Keith M
Published: December 2018

Background

There is considerable interest in therapeutic application of intranasal oxytocin in psychiatric disorders, but while clinical trials typically use daily dosing protocols it has not been established whether this is optimal or if there are moderating influences of oxytocin receptor genotype.

Methods

In a randomized, placebo-controlled pre-registered trial on 138 adult male subjects we investigated effects of single and repeated (24IU daily versus alternate days for 5 days) doses of oxytocin on two neural biomarkers (attenuated amygdala fear reactivity and increased intrinsic amygdala-prefrontal functional connectivity) and modulating effects of oxytocin receptor polymorphisms rs53576 and rs2254298 strongly associated with autism.

Results

Findings confirmed that after a single dose, amygdala responses to fear faces were reduced and its resting state connectivity with medial frontal cortex increased. Suppression of amygdala responses to fear faces was restricted to AA homozygotes of rs53576 and A+ carriers of rs2254298, whereas resting state effects were not genotype-dependent. Importantly, amygdala responses to fear faces were absent after daily oxytocin treatment but maintained after treatment every other day with infrequent dosing additionally resulting in reduced behavioral ratings of emotional arousal and intensity after 5 days. In contrast, oxytocin effects on intrinsic amygdala-prefrontal coupling were similar following daily or infrequent dose protocols after 5 days.

Conclusions

Overall, results suggest that infrequent rather than daily doses of oxytocin may be more effective therapeutically and that its actions in reducing amygdala responses to fear are strongly genotype-dependent.

The study was pre-registered at Clinical Trials.gov (NCT03610919).
Operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy study of the Fischer–Tropsch reaction with a Co catalyst
Authors: Nayak Chandrani , Jain Preeti , Vinod C. P. , Jha S. N. , Bhattacharyya D.
Published: December 2018

This article describes the setting up of a facility on the energy-scanning EXAFS beamline (BL-09) at RRCAT, Indore, India, for operando studies of structure–activity correlation during a catalytic reaction. The setup was tested by operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) studies performed on a Co-based catalyst during the Fischer–Tropsch reaction to obtain information regarding structural changes in the catalyst during the reaction. Simultaneous gas chromatography (GC) measurements during the reaction facilitate monitoring of the product gases, which in turn gives information regarding the activity of the catalyst. The combination of XAS and GC techniques was used to correlate the structural changes with the activity of the catalyst at different reaction temperatures. The oxide catalyst was reduced to the metallic phase by heating at 400°C for 5 h under H2 at ambient pressure and subsequently the catalytic reaction was studied at four different temperatures of 240, 260, 280 and 320°C. The catalyst was studied for 10 h at 320°C and an attempt has been made to understand the process of its deactivation from the XANES and EXAFS results.
Selling reduction versus Niggli reduction for crystallographic lattices
Authors: Andrews Lawrence C. , Bernstein Herbert J. , Sauter Nicholas K.
Published: December 2018

The unit-cell reduction described by Selling and used by Delone (whose early publications were under the spelling Delaunay) is explained in a simple form. The transformations needed to implement the reduction are listed. The simplicity of this reduction contrasts with the complexity of Niggli reduction.
The crystal structures of four dimethoxybenzaldehyde isomers
Authors: Brugman Sander J. T. , Engwerda Anthonius H. J. , Kalkman Emma , Ronde Erik de , Tinnemans Paul , Vlieg Elias
Published: December 2018

The crystal structures of four dimethoxybenzaldehyde (C9H10O3) isomers, namely the 2,3-, 2,4-, 2,5- and 3,5- isomers, are reported and compared to the previously reported crystal structures of 3,4-dimethoxybenzaldehyde and 2,6-dimethoxybenzaldehyde. All dimethoxybenzaldehyde molecules in the crystal structures are nearly planar. The largest deviation (1.2 Å) from the aromatic plane is found for one of the methoxy groups of 2,3-dimethoxybenzaldehyde. Upon rapid cooling of 3,4-dimethoxybenzaldehyde and 3,5-dimethoxybenzaldehyde, a metastable polymorph is formed. The crystal studied for the 3,5- isomer was refined as a two-component twin.
Investigation of corrosion inhibition of C38 steel in 5.5 M H3PO4solution usingZiziphus lotusoil extract: an application model
Authors: Belmaghraoui Walid , Mazkour Aimad , Harhar Hicham , Harir Mourad , El Hajjaji Souad
Published: December 2018

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the corrosion inhibition effect of extracted oil fromZiziphus lotusfruit on corrosion of C38 carbon steel in 5.5 M H3PO4solution using potentiodynamic polarization and impedance techniques.

Design/methodology/approach

Oil composition was determined using gas chromatography, and the results showed that oleic and palmitic acids present approximately 84.0 per cent of its total chemical content. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) data were analyzed by adapting it to a well-developed electric circuit model. The inhibition efficiency ofZ. lotusoil was calculated and compared using Tafel polarization and EIS.

Findings

Accordingly, the oil extract was found to act as an anodic type inhibitor. Furthermore, inhibition efficiency ofZ. lotusoil extract increase with oil concentrations and achieve approximately 70.5 per cent at 3 g/L solution ofZ. lotusoil.

Originality/value

The results obtained from different tested methods were in line, and the oil was able to reduce significantly the kinetics of the corrosion process of C38 carbon steel.
High-temperature oxidation of the dissimilar weld between AISI 304L and Fe-15.6Cr-8.5Mn using Ar and Ar-4%N2 shielding gas
Authors: Chandra-Ambhorn Somrerk , Chueaprakha Sompong , Siripongsakul Thamrongsin
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The dissimilar welds between AISI 304L and Fe-15.6Cr-8.5Mn were investigated on oxidation at 700°C with the effects of dissolved nitrogen in the welds. This paper aims to clarify the oxidation behaviors to expand the range of application for Fe-Cr-Mn stainless steel.

Design/methodology/approach

Dissimilar welds between AISI 304L and Fe-15.6Cr-8.5Mn were fabricated using gas tungsten arc welding to investigate the oxidation behavior of the welds at 700°C. Pure Ar and Ar-4%N2 shielding gases were used to evaluate the effects of nitrogen gas. The welds were introduced to the cyclic oxidation test. In each cycle, the furnace was heated up to 700°C, and the temperature was kept at 700°C for 8 h, then the mass gain because of oxidation was examined. The scales after oxidation test were investigated by using scanning electron microscopy with EDX and X-ray diffraction analysis.

Findings

Addition of 4 per cent nitrogen to Ar shielding gas reduced delta-ferrite content in the weld. Ar-4%N2 shielding gas resulted in dissolved nitrogen which helped increase the diffusivities of chromium or oxygen vacancies in the oxide to facilitate the chromia formation at the inner part near the steel substrate. This protective layer can help reduce the Fe outward diffusion, thus reducing mass gain because of iron oxide formation.

Originality/value

The oxidation behavior of dissimilar welds between AISI 304L and Fe-15.6Cr-8.5Mn were investigated at 700°C. The evaluation is beneficial for expanding the range of application of Fe-Cr-Mn stainless steel at high temperature.
Hybrid sol-gel coating incorporated with TiO2 nanosheets and anti-corrosive effects on AA2024-T3
Authors: Peng Dongdong , Huang Kang , He Yuntao , Zhang Zhan , Wang Yi , Wu Junsheng
Published: December 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to improve the anti-corrosive properties of aluminum alloy AA2024-T3 by coating of hybrid sol-gel coating incorporated with TiO2 nanosheets and to investigate the effect of nanosheets’ size on the improvement of corrosion-resistant performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A series of hybrid sol-gel films incorporated with varying amounts of TiO2 nanosheets were developed to enhance the corrosion protection performance of the bare metal. Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy were used to investigate the structure and morphology of the coatings obtained. In addition, the corrosion-resistant properties of the coatings were evaluated using salt spray test and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.

Findings

The corrosion current was as low as 9.55 × 10-4 µA/cm2 and optimal positive corrosion potential reached −0.6 V when the size and loading amount of TiO2 nanosheet were optimized, resulting in a remarkable improvement in anti-corrosive properties.

Originality/value

This work first investigates the effect of incorporation of TiO2 nanoparticles on hybrid sol-gel coating on the improvement of anti-corrosive performance of aluminum alloy AA2024-T3.
Self-efficacy: core of employee success
Authors: Lyons Paul , Bandura Randall
Published: December 2018

Purpose

This viewpoint demonstrates the importance and significance of individual self-efficacy beliefs and perceptions with regard to performance and in relation to self-regulated learning. The concept of self-efficacy has been widely researched and reported mainly in academic journals. This viewpoint aims to clearly explain the concept and its formation, give some details of its relationship with performance and persistence in effort, and present some specific advice for managers and supervisors pertaining to guiding and assisting employees.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is built upon the following: a thorough review of the literature regarding the topic of self-efficacy, the practical experience of the authors in mentoring and supervising employees, and a desire to offer specific, helpful advice to managers/supervisors in enhancing and stimulating employee self-efficacy and personal learning.

Findings

The body of research across several domains, such as business, education (mostly pre-college), psychology, and athletics, clearly reveals that personal self-efficacy beliefs/perceptions can be highly motivational with regard to performance and improvement in learning tactics and strategies. This study finds that little attention has been given to advising managers/supervisors in assisting employees to enhance personal self-efficacy, hence the effort to provide direct advice.

Originality/value

There have been a few attempts to link self-efficacy with self-regulated learning. Both concepts are valuable when it comes to individual effectiveness in performance and in one’s personal growth; and this study highlights the coordination between the two. Originality and value are represented in the advice offered for managers/supervisors using the ordered, process steps of self-regulated learning as an organizing basis.
Understanding complexity of administrative reform
Authors: Hwang Kwangseon
Published: December 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the complexity of administrative reform and its implications.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on an extensive review of the literature.

Findings

The most conspicuous fashion might be new public management (NPM) and its successor, post-NPM. However, recent reforms which involve complexity created the challenge of “rational calculation” in terms of an understanding of administrative reform. The authors observe that the measure of coordination in a response to fragmentation increases complexity and the rationale behind that reform is based on the instrumental rationality. This hinders real meaning of administrative reform, thereby failing to provide lessons for the future administration. Whether market-based reform or neo-Weberian model of reform, the thing should be considered is the condition under which the reform works.

Originality/value

This paper reaffirms the importance of the political-bureaucratic system which has multi-functional nature and competing institutional values when the different recipes for reform are imported into different context and a compatibility test by leaders.
A futility, perversity and jeopardy critique of “risk appetite”
Authors: Marshall Alasdair , Ojiako Udechukwu , Chipulu Maxwell
Published: December 2018

Purpose

Risk appetite is widely accepted as a guiding metaphor for strategic risk management, yet metaphors for complex practice are hard to critique. This paper aims to apply an analytical framework comprising three categories of flaw – futility, perversity and jeopardy – to critically explore the risk appetite metaphor. Taking stock of management literature emphasising the need for metaphor to give ideation to complex management challenges and activities and recognising the need for high-level metaphor within strategic risk management in particular, the authors propose a means to scrutinise the risk appetite metaphor and thereby illustrate its use for further management metaphors.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors apply a structured analytical perspective designed to scrutinise conceivably any purportedly progressive social measure. The three flaw categories are used to warn that organisational risk appetite specifications can be: futile vis-a-vis their goals, productive of perverse outcomes with respect to these goals and so misleading about the true potential for risk management as to jeopardise superior alternative use of risk management resource. These flaw categories are used to structure a critical review of the risk appetite metaphor, which moves towards identifying its most fundamental flaws.

Findings

Two closely interrelated antecedents to flaws discussed within the three flaw categories are proposed: first, false confidence in organisational risk assessment and, second, organisational blindness towards contributions of behavioural risk-taking to true organisational risk exposure. A theory of high (over-optimistic, excessive or inappropriate) risk-taking organisations explores flaws within the three flaw categories with reference to these antecedents under organisational-cultural circumstances where the risk appetite metaphor is most needed and yet most problematic.

Originality/value

The paper is highly original in its representation of risk management as an organisational practice reliant on metaphor and in proposing a structured means to challenge it as a dominant guiding metaphor where it has gained widespread uncritical acceptance. The discussion is also innovative in its representation of high risk-taking organisations as likely to harbour strong managerial motives, aptitudes and capacities for covert and illicit forms of risk-taking which, being subversive and sometimes reactionary towards risk appetite specifications, may cause particularly serious futility, perversity and jeopardy problems. To conclude, the theory and its implications are summarised for practitioner and educational use.
Association between the availability of financial resources and working capital management with stock surplus returns in Iran
Authors: Salehi Mahdi , Mahdavi Nadia , Zarif Agahi Dari Saeed , Tarighi Hossein
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between access to financial resources, working capital with surplus stock returns and value of the company in Iran.

Design/methodology/approach

The study population consists of 728 observations and 91 firms listed on the Tehran stock exchange during an eight-year period between 2009 and 2016. The statistical model used in this study is a multivariate regression model; further, the statistical technique used to test the hypotheses is panel data.

Findings

The results saw a negative and significant linkage between changes in cash and stock’ excess returns, whereas no meaningful association between changes in working capital and stock surplus returns was seen. In other words, an Iranian rial (Iran’s currency) invested in working capital worth less on average than a rial held in cash. Furthermore, the authors realized that in an inflationary economy, firms mainly pay more dividends so as to illustrate better their financial position and also to attract more investors’ trust. The results also indicated that the final value of working capital in the companies that are faced with financial constraints is more than companies that are not faced with financial constraints. Subsequently, after the elimination of the effects of inflation on stock returns, it was found there is not any significant association between the stock’s real return and firm value.

Practical implications

This is one of the most comprehensive research works in Iran that simultaneously surveys the impacts of access to finance and working capital on firm value. This research warns corporate managers to pay more attention to the importance of keeping cash to finance and manage working capital for profitability and sustainability of their company’s operations. Surely, by understanding the relationship between cash holdings, working capital management and stock surplus return, investors will be able to make appropriate decisions about the optimal choice of funds.

Originality/value

What really will fascinate other scholars about this paper is the time period of the study because there were unprecedented sanctions against Iran market and many manufacturing industries were in financial strain. Without hesitation, the paper will make aware investors and stakeholders of this fact that cash holdings will be a good way in reducing the corporate financial problems in emerging markets, particularly those markets face financial sanctions like Iran.
TIS condition monitoring using ANN integration: an overview
Authors: Gharehbaghi Koorosh , McManus Kerry
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of condition monitoring using artificial neural network (ANN) integration as a part of transportation infrastructure systems.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper will review the concept of ANNs and its core functions for the optimization (to manage the asset in such a way that the condition does not fall below an acceptable minimum condition) of transportation infrastructure systems, in particular, the maintenance processes. In doing so, a specific and factual example of performance and condition measurement for roads will be also instigated.

Findings

This paper demonstrated that ANN has many advantages if the problems cannot be solved by the clear algorithm. In addition, ANN has the ability to be instructed to handle large data set. There are various intelligent algorithms available and accordingly ANN is not a new concept. However, the ANN’s overall ability to solve complex and interchangeable system problems (such as one, which is found within the transportation infrastructure systems) is its core advantage.

Originality/value

Although condition monitoring using ANN integration has been researched extensively, this paper provides additional example of integrated ANN for transportation infrastructure systems.
How to maintain sustainability of micro and small entreprises of crispy oil palm mushroom
Authors: Caska Caska , Indrawati Henny
Published: December 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze sustainability level of crispy palm tankos mushroom business; institutions involved in the development of crispy palm tankos mushroom business in Riau Region; nutritional composition, sensory assessment both descriptively and hedonically, and also designing the suitable and hygienic packaging for crispy palm tankos mushroom in Riau; institutional structuring model involved in the development of crispy palm tankos mushroom business in Riau; and strategies to improve the quality of crispy palm tankos mushroom in Riau.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is quantitative research conducted by survey. The research was conducted in Indragiri Hulu, Pelalawan, Kampar and Siak, Riau Province, Indonesia from April to August 2017. The study population is all producers producing crispy oil palm mushroom in the research area. The sample was determined purposively with the criterion of the producers who have been running their business for at least 5 years. Based on the criterion, there were 225 producers included as the sample.

Findings

This study found that business sustainability is the main concern of micro business of crispy palm tankos mushroom in Riau Province. Although local government lack of support, the average value of business sustainability is in the very high category. In addition due to the excellent business support quality, business sustainability is supported by the family environment, independence and business progress. There are two institutions involved in the development of makers business to date, they are informal financial institutions that help makers to increase business capital, and retailers who help makers deliver products to consumers. The results of nutritional composition analysis of crispy palm tankos mushroom showed that the crispy tankos mushroom is a product with good nutrition value for consumption by the community. The implication of this study is to improve the quality of the tankos mushroom crispy palm in terms of color according to the choice of the panelists.

Originality/value

Originality of this study aims to provide strategic formulation to use local resources and improve the economic actors of the home industry of crispy palm tankos mushroom processing in Riau. This research is conducting a structure to the institutions involved in the development of crispy palm tankos mushroom and improving the product quality. This research contributes to the development of science, especially economic development, particularly the development of small industries.
Diversity management as a strategic human resource agenda: critique and roadmap
Authors: Das Roshni
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The paper’s premise is based upon the finding that organisations have not been able to optimally harvest the diversity dividend in the absence of proper integration with strategy. The paper aims to address this gap in practice by proposing a framework.

Design/methodology/approach

A critical analysis of the diversity literature is conducted.

Findings

Multi-level, conceptual linkages with employee performance are derived and a five-point implementable agenda is outlined for the strategic human resource function.

Originality/value

This paper highlights for the practitioner, the value of having a structured approach to diversity management.
Corporate social responsibility in the perspective of Brazilian management students: the inversion of the pyramid
Authors: Silva Junior Annor da , Martins-Silva Priscilla de Oliveira , Feu Karina Santos , Komino Aline Chima , Silva Vitor Correa da , Vasconcelos Katia Cyrlene de Araújo
Published: December 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the viewpoint of undergraduate Management students at a Brazilian public university regarding the notion of corporate social responsibility (CSR). It theoretically articulates the notion of CSR and the formal education perspective to discuss managerial education.

Design/methodology/approach

Stude nts in the Management program were surveyed for their opinion on the notion of CSR. Data were collected through triangulation by combining the application of questionnaire and documentary research. There were 241 valid questionnaires, and this is the size of the sample. Data were analyzed by using the SPSS software (version 20), descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests.

Findings

Results reveal that, for undergraduate Management students, the most important CSR dimensions are, in hierarchical order, the philanthropic, the ethical, the legal and the economic. Thus, one can notice an inversion of the original CSR pyramid proposed by Carroll (1991).

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation is the conduction of research in the context of a single public university.

Practical implications

Results indicate a change in how CSR is understood, the philanthropic dimension becoming the main factor for the establishment of organizational goals.

Social implications

Considering that undergraduate Management students are the future members of the corporate world and decision-makers in society, these results indicate the stance these future professionals will take when confronted by dilemmas involving CSR.

Originality/value

This investigation is original in Brazilian context, for it identifies students’ opinion on CSR using a questionnaire whose development was based on the CSR pyramid.
Sensitivity analysis of geotechnical site conditions effect on the seismic response of a saturated inhomogeneous poroviscoelastic soil profile
Authors: Ouzandja Toufiq , Hadid Mohamed
Published: December 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to present the investigation of the linear and nonlinear seismic site response of a saturated inhomogeneous poroviscoelastic soil profile for different soil properties, such as pore-water saturation, non-cohesive fines contentFC, permeabilityk, porositynand coefficient of uniformityCu.

Design/methodology/approach

The inhomogeneous soil profile is idealized as a multi-layered saturated poroviscoelastic medium and is characterized by the Biot’s theory, with a shear modulus varying continuously with depth according to the Wichtmann’s model. Seismic response analysis has been evaluated through a computational model, which is based on the exact stiffness matrix method formulated in the frequency domain assuming that the incoming seismic waves consist of inclinedP-SVwaves.

Findings

Unlike the horizontal seismic response, the results indicate that the vertical one is strongly affected by the pore water saturation. Moreover, in the case of fully saturated soil profile, the same vertical response spectra are found for the two cases of soil behavior, linear and nonlinear.

Originality/value

This research is a detailed study of the geotechnical soil properties effect on the bi-directional seismic response of saturated inhomogeneous poroviscoelastic soil profile, which has not been treated before; the results are presented in terms of the peak acceleration ratio, as well as the free-field response spectra and the spectral ratio (V/H).
Biopharmaceutical Activities Related to Ellagic Acid, Chitosan, and Zein and Their Improvement by Association
Authors: Tavares Walter de S. , Martin‐Pastor Manuel , Tavares Alberto G. , Sousa Francisco F. O.
Published: December 2018

Ellagic acid (EA) has demonstrated several biological properties, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, and enzymatic inhibition. Zein and chitosan (CHI) are natural polymers whose biological potential has also gained attention. Therefore, this paper aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticollagenase, and antielastase properties of EA, zein, and chitosan isolated or in combination. The microdilution method was used to assess the minimum inhibitory and bactericide concentrations. The antioxidant activity was determined using the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picryl‐hydrazila free radical scavenging method. The anticollagenase and antielastase activities were evaluated by specific colorimetric tests. EA has shown inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa together with an antioxidant IC50 of 0.079 mg/mL. EA also showed significant collagenase and elastase inhibition. Zein has shown antimicrobial and antioxidant activities itself and enhanced sinergically the antioxidant activity and the antimicrobial activity against P. aeruginosa when combined with EA. CHI increased sinergically the inhibitory activity of EA against both bacterial strains, while showed itself an acceptable antimicrobial activity. 1H saturation transfer‐difference nuclear magnetic resonance experiment confirmed the formation of a complex between EA and zein that could be related with the improvement on its biological performance over the individual compounds, while no chemical interaction was detected between CHI and EA.

Practical Application

The results reinforce the potential of ellagic acid in combination with zein and/or chitosan as an antimicrobial, antienzimatic, and antioxidant agent. Those findings reinforce the use of these substances, protecting this bioactive from degradation and/or improving the functional characteristics and biopharmaceutical properties.
Has the value of cash increased over time?
Authors: Chung Ji‐Woong , Jung Boochun , Park Duri
Published: December 2018

We document a dramatic increase in the market valuation of cash holdings of US firms from 1988 to 2013. The value of one dollar of cash has increased by $0.019 per year during the period, indicating that shareholders place more value on cash in recent years. We also find that the increasing trend in cash value is driven mainly by increases in institutional shareholdings and accounting conservatism. We further decompose cash change into cash flows from operation (CFO) and cash flows from investing and financing activities, and find that CFO is a significant driver of the increasing trend in cash value.
Why Uruguay legalized marijuana? The open window of public insecurity
Authors: Queirolo Rosario , Rossel Cecilia , Álvarez Eliana , Repetto Lorena
Published: December 2018

Background and aims

In 2013, Uruguay became the first country in the world to fully regulate its marijuana market. This ambitious policy was also an unexpected one: none of the usual explanations for legalization of marijuana in other contexts was present in the Uruguayan case. This paper offers an explanation of why Uruguay legalized marijuana. Drawing on Kingdon's theoretical approach, we argue that a window of opportunity opened in mid‐2012, making it both necessary and possible for the government to move towards legalization.

Methods

A congruence case study using evidence from a series of interviews with political actors and policy makers, media reports and official documents.

Results

There is evidence that marijuana legalization was possible in Uruguay because of the coincidence of a demand for more public safety (problem stream) with the presence of pro‐legalization leaders in strategic political positions (policy stream) and a favorable political environment (political stream)

Conclusions

Applying Kingdon's theory of windows of opportunity, Uruguay may have moved towards full regulation of its marijuana market in 2013 because of the convergence of a specific set of problem, policy and political circumstances in May 2012.
Neuroactive steroid levels and cocaine use chronicity in men and women with cocaine use disorder receiving progesterone or placebo
Authors: Milivojevic Verica , Covault Jonathan , Angarita Gustavo A. , Siedlarz Kristen , Sinha Rajita
Published: December 2018

Background and Objectives

Neuroactive steroids (NAS) may play a role in addiction, with observed increases in response to acute stress and drug use, but decreases with chronic substance use, suggesting that NAS neuroadaptations may occur with chronic substance use. However, levels of NAS in addicted individuals have not been systematically examined. Here, we evaluated a panel of NAS in men and women with cocaine use disorder (CUD) who participated in a clinical laboratory study of progesterone.

Methods

Forty six CUD individuals were enrolled in a randomized placebo‐controlled laboratory study to evaluate progesterone effects on levels of various NAS. On day 5 of a 7‐day inpatient treatment regimen of 400 mg/day progesterone (15M/8F) or placebo (14M/9F), plasma levels of NAS known to be downstream of progesterone (allopregnanolone, pregnanolone), and NAS not in the progesterone synthesis pathway (androstanediol, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone [DHEA] and the NAS precursor, pregnenolone) were analyzed using highly sensitive gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The relationship between each of the NAS and chronicity of cocaine use was also assessed.

Results

Progesterone versus placebo significantly increased the GABAergic NAS allopregnanolone and pregnanolone in both CUD men and women. Levels of pregnenolone, testosterone, its GABAergic metabolite androstanediol, and the non‐GABAergic DHEA were unaffected by progesterone treatment, and testosterone and androstanediol levels were significantly higher in men than women. Importantly, lower pregnenolone and androstanediol levels were associated with greater years of cocaine use.

Scientific Significance

GABAergic NAS that are upstream from the progesterone synthesis pathway appear susceptible to chronic effects of cocaine use. (Am J Addict 2019;28:16–21).
Transitional object use, attachment, and help‐seeking behaviour in Taiwanese adolescents
Authors: Stagg Steven D. , Li Yi Chih
Published: December 2018

Transitional object use is psychologically beneficial for young children, but research has suggested that maintaining transitional object use into middle childhood may be associated with negative behaviour. Little is known about the continuation of transitional object use into adolescence, and few studies have been conducted with non‐Western populations. To examine differences in attachment and attitudes to help seeking in adolescents who did and did not use a transitional object, 723 adolescents from Taiwan (M age = 14 years) were asked about their current and past use of transitional objects. Measures of attachment were obtained using the Revised Adult Attachment Scale, and attitude toward help was measured using the Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help Scale. In total, 37% of the sample continued transitional object use in adolescence. Current use of a transitional object differentiated the sample on the measures of attachment and help seeking. Transitional object users were less likely to have secure attachments and less likely to express positive attitudes toward seeking help. Transitional object use is prevalent in Taiwanese adolescents, and we suggest that continued use of a transitional object acts as an indicator of potential withdrawal from support offered in schools.
“Academic War” over Geography? Death of Human Geography at the Australian National University
Authors: Lahiri‐Dutt Kuntala
Published: December 2018

This article analyses how neoliberal economic policies decide what particular aspects of knowledge are valuable and what are not, and who might be the true holder of that knowledge within the tertiary education system. This assessment leads to some disciplines being seen as less valuable to the system. It argues that the more recent “academic wars” in geography are over the very concept of the university and its role in the contemporary society, what comprises useful knowledge, and who comprises the authoritative figure in the production and distribution of that knowledge. Gender of the geographer therefore becomes a crucial element that determines “authority” in the production of geographical knowledge. To substantiate this argument, the paper takes up the important task of analysing the complex career trajectory of geography within the Australian National University (ANU), the department that was gradually reduced leading eventually to its unfortunate closure in 2009.
Relationship between retinal vessel diameter with both retinal nerve fibre layer thickness and optic nerve head parameters in middle‐aged Caucasians: the Northern Finland Birth Cohort Eye study
Authors: Geneid Mohamed , Kettunen Joonas , Nuuttila Iida , Lintonen Timo , Uusitalo Janne‐Joonas , Saarela Ville , Liinamaa M. Johanna
Published: December 2018

Purpose

To study the normal relationship between retinal vessel diameter (RVD) with retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness and optic nerve head (ONH) parameters in a cohort of middle‐aged Caucasians.

Methods

We investigated 3070 individuals (6140 eyes). Central retinal arteriolar equivalent (CRAE) and central retinal venular equivalent (CRVE) were measured in the right eye using a semi‐automated computer‐assisted program. Retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness and ONH parameters were assessed with Heidelberg retinal tomography (HRT).

Results

Data from 2217 persons were analysed including RNFL, CRAE, CRVE, sex, body mass index, mean arterial pressure, diabetes status, smoking status, optic disc area, rim area, spherical refraction and intraocular pressure. A larger RVD was associated with a thicker mean global RNFL thickness especially in global and inferior segments of the retina and with larger optic discs. Each 10 μm increase in the retinal arteriolar calibre was associated with a 5.58 μm increase in mean global RNFL thickness; the corresponding value for a 10 μm increase in venular calibre was 3.79 μm (p < 0.001 for both). Retinal venular calibre displayed consistent associations with RNFL thickness in both genders (p < 0.001 for all), whereas the association of arteriolar calibre and RNFL was more prominent in men (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

We found strong associations between larger RVD and thicker RNFL in all subjects. This study helps to clarify the association between RVD, RNFL thickness and ONH parameters and provides normal values for middle‐aged Caucasians that will help in future studies investigating the role of vascular aetiology in systemic and eye diseases.
Conjunctival melanoma and electrochemotherapy: preliminary results using 2D and 3D cell culture models in vitro
Authors: Fiorentzis Miltiadis , Katopodis Periklis , Kalirai Helen , Seitz Berthold , Viestenz Arne , Coupland Sarah E.
Published: December 2018

Purpose

To investigate the cytotoxic effect of bleomycin, mitomycin C (MMC) and Fluorouracil (5‐FU) in combination with electroporation (EP) on human conjunctival melanoma (CM) and normal conjunctival cell lines using 2D and 3D cell culture systems in vitro.

Methods

Two CM (CRMM1, CRMM2) and one normal conjunctival epithelial cell line (HCjE‐Gi) were treated with various EP conditions and increasing concentrations of 5‐FU, MMC and bleomycin. Cell survival was assessed by MTT viability assay. All cell lines were seeded to create spheroids and were treated with bleomycin on day 3 and day 8 combined with EP. Spheroids were collected, fixed in buffered formalin and subsequently paraffin embedded for histological assessment of the effects of the treatment on cell viability.

Results

CM cell lines were resistant to electroporation alone and showed a reduction in cell number only when treated with 1000 Volts/cm and 8 pulses. HCjE‐Gi cells showed higher sensitivity to electric pulses over 750 Volts/cm. MMC and 5‐FU demonstrated a higher cytotoxicity for the HCjE‐Gi cell line. The CM cell lines were resistant to MMC and 5‐FU. Bleomycin (1 μg/ml) alone had no significant effect on the HCjE‐Gi even when combined with EP conditions ≥750 Volts/cm. In contrast, it significantly (p ‐, paired t‐test) reduced cell viability in the CM cell lines. Spheroids treated with bleomycin and EP showed a reduction in tumour mass and proliferation rates after treatment.

Conclusion

Our in vitro study using 2D and 3D models indicates that the application of EP may effectively enhance chemotherapy with bleomycin in CM. This may offer new viable perspectives for CM treatment.
Factors affecting non‐operative management of uncomplicated appendicitis in children: Should laparoscopic appendectomy be immediate, interval, or emergency?
Authors: Miyano Go , Ochi Takanori , Seo Shogo , Nakamura Hiroki , Okawada Manabu , Doi Takashi , Koga Hiroyuki , Lane Geoffrey J. , Yamataka Atsuyuki
Published: December 2018

Introduction

We conducted a prospective non‐randomized comparison of children with uncomplicated appendicitis treated either by primary laparoscopic appendectomy (PLA) or by non‐operative management (NOM) followed by interval laparoscopic appendectomy (ILA) if NOM was successful or emergency laparoscopic appendectomy (ELA) if NOM was unsuccessful.

Methods

Before 2015, all patients with uncomplicated appendicitis underwent PLA using a standard three‐port technique. Postoperatively, piperacillin/tazobactam was administered until the white blood cell count was less than 10 000/μL and patients were afebrile. Since 2015, in cases of uncomplicated appendicitis, intravenous analgesia has been administered once after assessment, and then NOM has been immediately employed, with repeat doses of piperacillin/tazobactam administered every 8 h after admission. We have also used standard management cut‐off criteria to determine when to perform laparoscopic appendectomy after NOM: if NOM fails, ELA is performed within 6 h, and if NOM is successful, ILA is planned.

Results

There were 103 eligible subjects for this study. Eleven cases of suspected complicated appendicitis were excluded, leaving 34 PLA cases and 58 NOM cases. After NOM, 27 patients were treated with ILA and 31 with ELA. There was one recurrence after successful NOM, and in two cases, patients’ parents refused to consent to ILA after successful NOM. There were more perforations and significantly more residual abscesses in ELA than in PLA. Operative time and postoperative hospitalization were significantly longer among ELA patients than among PLA patients, and operative time was significantly shorter during ILA than in PLA.

Conclusion

Further evaluation is required to confirm which patients will benefit most from NOM and what role PLA has in treating uncomplicated appendicitis.