bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
sRAGE Is Elevated in the Lungs of Premature Infants Receiving Mechanical Ventilation
Authors: Bradley Jennifer , Karam Simon , Rozycki Henry
Published: March 2017

Background Soluble receptor for advanced glycation end-products (sRAGE), a soluble isoform of the RAGE receptor, is elevated in lungs from patients with acute conditions such as acute respiratory distress syndrome and bronchiolitis. This study investigated whether sRAGE is present in ventilated infants.

Methods Tracheal aspirates from the first week or the fifth week of life were obtained from intubated very low birth weight subjects and analyzed by Western blot. Immunohistochemistry analysis for sRAGE was performed on paraffin-embedded lung autopsy slides from 19 other infants.

Results The sRAGE band densities were similar among the seven infants who fully recovered, eight who developed bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), and 5 who died (analysis of variance p = 0.797) but was higher at 4 weeks, p = 0.0324. There was minimal sRAGE staining in the autopsied lungs from previable infants (20–21 weeks) or from those who were not ventilated or had mild lung disease. In contrast, substantial staining was present in two of three with BPD, and those who received high ventilatory support.

Conclusion sRAGE is present in ventilated infants. Levels are generally higher in those who receive prolonged or vigorous mechanical ventilation. Since sRAGE may have roles in inflammation and cell adherence, its role in the development of BPD may warrant study.
Characteristics and Outcomes of Long-Stay Patients in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Sng Qian , Zhang Lu , Ming Wong Judith , Puthucheary Janil , Lee Jan , Ping Kirk Angela
Published: March 2017

Long-stay patients in the PICU have a higher risk of mortality as compared with non–long-stay patients. We aim to describe mortality and characteristics of long-stay patients and to determine the risk factors for mortality in these children. Total 241 (4.8%) long-stay admissions were identified. Mortality of long-stayers was 48/241 (20%). Higher severity-of-illness score at admission, need for organ support therapies, number of nosocomial infections, and bloodstream nosocomial infection were associated with a higher mortality in long-stay patients in the PICU. Based on multivariate analysis, oncologic diagnosis as a preexisting comorbidity is a strong independent predictor of mortality for long-stay patients.
Ökonomische Potentiale der Delegation mit und ohne Telemedizin bei Menschen mit Diabetes Mellitus –
Ergebnisse einer Subgruppenanalyse eines Scoping Reviews
Authors: Geelvink T. , Mirhoseiny S. , Vollmar H. C. , Stock S. , Redaèlli M.
Published: March 2017

Zielsetzung Seit einiger Zeit wird über die Delegation von ärztlichen Tätigkeiten in der Versorgung chronisch erkrankter
Menschen diskutiert, wobei aufgrund der hohen Prävalenz und den damit verbundenen Kosten Menschen mit Diabetes mellitus besonders
im Fokus der Diskussion stehen. Ziel dieser Arbeit ist es, mögliche Einsparungspotentiale der Delegation zu identifizieren.

Methodik Eine systematische Literaturrecherche wurde mit definierten Schlagwörtern durchgeführt. Eine Subgruppenanalyse aus
dem aufgestellten Scoping Review betrachtete zuvor festgelegte Items zu Design, Outcome und Kosten.

Ergebnisse Es konnten 20 Studien mit 8567 Patienten in die Subgruppenanalyse eingeschlossen werden, wobei randomisiert
kontrollierte Studien überwiegen. 81,25 % weisen eine Verbesserung des HbA1c auf. Die Mehrheit der Studien (60 %) untersucht eine
Delegation mit Pflegefachkräften. In 65 % der Fälle zeigen sich Kosteneinsparungen.

Schlussfolgerung Trotz Heterogenität der Studien zeigen die durchgeführten Kostenanalysen finanzielle Einsparungen, sodass
die Delegation als ein kosteneffektives Versorgungsmodell erscheint.
Mitochondria as a Target for the Cardioprotective Effects of Cydonia oblonga Mill. and Ficus carica L. in Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity
Authors: Gholami Saman , Hosseini Mir-Jamal , Jafari Leila , Omidvar Fatemeh , Kamalinejad Mohammad , Mashayekhi Vida , Hosseini Seyed , Kardan Azin , Pourahmad Jalal , Eskandari Mohammad
Published: March 2017

Quince (Cydonia oblonga Mill.) and fig (Ficus carica L.) exhibit a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities. Regarding the cardiotoxic effect of doxorubicin (DOX) is mediated mainly through mitochondrial oxidative stress and dysfunction; the present study evaluated the cardioprotective effects of the aqueous extracts of Cydonia oblonga Mill. fruit (ACO) and Ficus carica L. fruit (AFC) against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity.

Cardiomyocytes toxicity was induced in male Sprague Dawley rats by intraperitoneal (ip) injections of 2.5 mg/kg DOX 3 times per week for a period of 2 weeks. After heart failure was induced in the rats, the animals were decapitated and their hearts were immediately removed. Then, the cardiac mitochondria were isolated by differential ultracentrifugation, and the protective effects of each particular extract on mitochondrial oxidative stress and dysfunction were determined.

ACO and AFC ameliorated mitochondrial dysfunction in the isolated mitochondria and prevented mitochondrial reactive oxygen species formation, membrane lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial swelling, mitochondrial membrane potential collapse (%ΔΨm), and cytochrome c release. Also, the extracts significantly increased reduced glutathione levels and succinate dehydrogenase activity.

These results indicated that ACO and AFC have beneficial effects against DOX cardiotoxicity which mediated by attenuating mitochondrial dysfunction. Therefore, it can be suggested that quince and fig may increase the therapeutic index of DOX.
Prevention of Iron Overload and Long Term Maintenance of Normal Iron Stores in Thalassaemia Major Patients using Deferiprone or Deferiprone Deferoxamine Combination
Authors: Kolnagou Annita , Kontoghiorghe Christina , Kontoghiorghes George
Published: March 2017

Decrease in mortality and morbidity is observed in thalassaemia major patients with reduced iron load in comparison to heavy iron loaded patients. Effective and complete treatment of transfusional iron overload can be achieved by chelation protocols that can eliminate excess iron and maintain normal iron stores (NIS).

The maintenance of NIS, i. e., serum ferritin (350 μg/L >), MRI T2* cardiac (>20 ms) and liver (>6.3 ms) relaxation time levels was monitored in 16 thalassaemia major patients (32–53 years, 12 splenectomized, 10 male, erythrocyte transfusions 120–323 ml/kg/year) for about 90 patient years. The patients were treated with individualised tailor-made deferiprone or deferiprone/deferoxamine combination protocols.

In 8 patients deferiprone (50–100 mg/kg/day) was sufficient for maintaining NIS and withdrawal of deferiprone for 28 months in total was necessary in 4 patients for preventing iron deficiency. In 3 other patients intermittent deferoxamine (50–75 mg/kg/8–30 h, 1–4 days/week) in combination with deferiprone (75–100 mg/kg/day) was sufficient for maintaining NIS. In the remaining 5 patients deferiprone (75–100 mg/kg/day) and deferoxamine (50–60 mg/kg/8–15 h, 1–7 days/week) combination was used for maintaining NIS, as a result of increased transfusions which were caused mainly by splenomegaly and infections. No toxic side effects were detected during the study. Lower chelation doses were used for the maintenance of NIS in comparison to iron loaded categories of patients.

The safe maintenance of NIS using deferiprone and deferiprone/deferoxamine combinations should be considered as an optimum therapy for the complete treatment of iron overload in the majority of thalassaemia patients.
Physics-based analytical model for ferromagnetic single electron transistor
Authors: Jamshidnezhad K. , Sharifi M. J.
Published: March 2017

A physically based compact analytical model is proposed for a ferromagnetic single electron transistor (FSET). This model is based on the orthodox theory and solves the master equation, spin conservation equation, and charge neutrality equation simultaneously. The model can be applied to both symmetric and asymmetric devices and does not introduce any limitation on the applied bias voltages. This feature makes the model suitable for both analog and digital applications. To verify the accuracy of the model, its results regarding a typical FSET in both low and high voltage regimes are compared with the existing numerical results. Moreover, the model's results of a parallel configuration FSET, where no spin accumulation exists in the island, are compared with the results obtained from a Monte Carlo simulation using SIMON. These two comparisons show that our model is valid and accurate. As another comparison, the model is compared analytically with an existing model for a double barrier ferromagnetic junction (having no gate). This also verifies the accuracy of the model.
Femtosecond-timescale buildup of electron mobility in GaAs observed via ultrabroadband transient terahertz spectroscopy
Authors: Turchinovich Dmitry , D'Angelo Francesco , Bonn Mischa
Published: March 2017

The buildup of photoconductivity in an archetypal polar semiconductor GaAs was monitored on the timescale of carrier-carrier and carrier-lattice correlations, with sub-50 fs temporal resolution provided by ultra-broadband transient terahertz spectroscopy. Two relevant timescales are identified: the transition in photoconductivity from a regime of extremely weak screening to a screened Drude plasma was observed on the ∼280 fs timescale, followed by the gradual increase and saturation of electron mobility on a timescale of ∼160 fs. The Drude photoconductivity picture following carrier photoinjection was found to stabilize only on the timescale corresponding to several lattice and plasma oscillations.
Mechanical signatures of degradation of the photovoltaic perovskite CH3NH3PbI3 upon water vapor exposure
Authors: Spina Massimo , Karimi Ayat , Andreoni Wanda , Pignedoli Carlo A. , Náfrádi Bálint , Forró László , Horváth Endre
Published: March 2017

We report on the mechanical properties of CH3NH3PbI3 photovoltaic perovskite measured by nanoindentation. The Young's modulus (E) of the pristine sample is 20.0 ± 1.5 GPa, while the hardness (H) is 1.0 ± 0.1 GPa. Upon extended exposure to water vapor, both quantities decrease dramatically and the sample changes color from silver-black to yellow. Calculations based on density functional theory support this trend in the mechanical response. Chemical treatment of the degraded crystal in methylammonium iodide solution recovers the color of the pristine sample and the values of E and H within 50%.
Large linear magnetoresistance in a bismuth nanoribbon
Authors: Ning Wei , Kong Fengyu , Hu Jin , Han Yuyan , Yang Jiyong , Du Haifeng , Zhang Yuheng , Tian Mingliang
Published: March 2017

We report the observation of large linear magnetoresistance (LMR) in an individual bismuth single crystal nanoribbon synthesized by solvothermal method. The LMR reaches 450% at 2 K and 550% at ∼125 K, and remains as high as 200% at room temperature without any sign of saturation under magnetic field up to 16 T. Such a nonmonotonic temperature-dependence of LMR is not observed in bulk crystals, which could be associated with the enhanced weight of the surface conduction in nanoribbon samples. From our analyses, this LMR in Bi nanoribbons can be understood within the quantum-MR model. The observation of large LMR in Bi nanoribbons at room temperature provides potential practical applications in nanoscale.
Observation of individual stacking faults in GaN microcrystals by x-ray nanodiffraction
Authors: Holý V. , Kriegner D. , Lesnik A. , Bläsing J. , Wieneke M. , Dadgar A. , Harcuba P.
Published: March 2017

X-ray nanodiffraction was used for the investigation of basal stacking faults in a-GaN microcrystallites. The method made it possible to find the positions of individual stacking faults in a chosen crystallite, and the resulting positions were compared with the observation of individual faults by electron channeling contrast in scanning electron microscopy. The x-ray diffraction data revealed that the faults occur in closely positioned pairs; the stacking faults in a pair have opposite displacement vectors.
Lateral photovoltaic effect in p-type silicon induced by surface states
Authors: Huang Xu , Mei Chunlian , Gan Zhikai , Zhou Peiqi , Wang Hui
Published: March 2017

A colossal lateral photovoltaic effect (LPE) was observed at the surface of p-type silicon, which differs from the conventional thought that a large LPE is only observed in Schottky junctions and PN junctions consisting of several layers with different conductivities. It shows a high sensitivity of 499.24 mV/mm and an ultra-broadband spectral responsivity (from 405 nm to 980 nm) at room temperature, which makes it an attractive candidate for near-infrared detection. We propose that this phenomenon can be understood by considering the surface band bending near the surface of p-Si induced by charged surface states. The energy band diagrams of the samples are shown based on X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy suggesting the correlation between the LPE and surface band bending. The conjectures are validated by changing the surface states of p-type silicon using Ni nano-films. These findings reveal a generation mechanism of the LPE and may lead to p-Si based, broadband-responsivity, low-cost, and high-precision optical and optoelectronic applications.
Synthesis of cis-Bicyclo[4,4,0]deca-2,8-dien-4-one
Authors: Cavill GWK , Quinn RJ
Published: March 2017

A synthesis of
cis-bicyclo[4,4,0]deca-2,8-dien-4-one is described, starting from the
Diels-Alder adduct of methoxybenzo-1,4-quinone and 1,3-butadiene.
Retention of configuration and optical activity in the aquation of the α and β [Co(trien)ClOH2]2+ isomers
Authors: Searle GH , Sargeson AM
Published: March 2017

Studies of the aquation
reactions of the α and β [Co(trien)ClOH2]2+
isomers are complicated by subsequent isomerization and racemization of the
respective diaqua products, especially in the α system. Assuming the
consecutive reactions involved are

����� �������������Λ-α-chloroaqua →
Λ-α-diaqua → racemic-β-diaqua

and

������������������ Λ-β1-chloroaqua
→ Λ-β-diaqua → racemic-β-diaqua

the losses of optical
activity calculated using the known rates of these individual steps agree
reasonably with the measured losses of activity. The chloroaqua-diaqua
equilibria lie substantially (c. 93 %) toward the diaqua products under all the
reaction conditions studied. This is consistent with the proposal that each
chloroaqua → diaqua reaction occurs with complete retention of configuration
in the range 1 < [H+] < 10-3M.
Nitrosation of N,N-dimethylaniline and nitration of benzene in molten salts
Authors: Temple RB , Thickett GW
Published: March 2017

The nitration of reactive
aromatic compounds in molten nitrate- pyrosulphate mixtures has previously been
offered as evidence in support of the existence of NO2+
in the melt. An examination of the nitrosation of N,N-dimethylaniline in molten
(K,Na)NO2 and a re- examination of the
nitration of benzene using molten nitrates indicated that these reactions were
occurring in the vapour phase above the melt. Consequently such experiments can
no longer be offered in support of the existence of NO2+
in molten salts.
Acid dissociation constants of tetracyanohydroxooxomolybdate(IV) ion
Authors: Aijaz Beg M , Kabir-ud-Din  , Khan RA
Published: March 2017

The third dissociation
constant of tetracyanohydroxooxomolybdic acid, H3[MoO(OH)(CN)4], has been obtained in the
temperature range 25-50�C from the pH-titration curve of its tripotassium salt
against hydrochloric acid. The values of pK3 fitted an equation of Harned- Robinson type:

�������������������� pK3 =
(1730.72/T)-6.19+0.0308T)

obtained by the method of
least squares. ��� Thermodynamic quantities ΔG�,
ΔH�, ΔS�, and ΔC�p for the process have been
evaluated at 30�C.
Effects of grazing intensity on organic carbon stock characteristics in Stipa breviflora desert steppe vegetation soil systems
Authors: Wang Heyun , Dong Zhi , Guo Jianying , Li Hongli , Li Jinrong , Han Guodong , Chen Xinchuang
Published: March 2017

Grassland ecosystems, an important component of the terrestrial environment, play an essential role in the global carbon cycle and balance. We considered four different grazing intensities on a Stipa breviflora desert steppe: heavy grazing (HG), moderate grazing (MG), light grazing (LG), and an area fenced to exclude livestock grazing as the Control (CK). The analyses of the aboveground biomass, litter, belowground biomass, soil organic carbon and soil light fraction organic carbon were utilised to study the organic carbon stock characteristics in the S. breviflora desert steppe under different grazing intensities. This is important to reveal the mechanisms of grazing impact on carbon processes in the desert steppe, and can provide a theoretical basis for conservation and utilisation of grassland resources. Results showed that the carbon stock was 11.98–44.51 g m–2 in aboveground biomass, 10.43–36.12 g m–2 in plant litters, and 502.30–804.31 g m–2 in belowground biomass (0–40 cm). It was significantly higher in CK than in MG and HG. The carbon stock at 0–40-cm soil depth was 7817.43–9694.16 g m–2, and it was significantly higher in LG than in CK and HG. The total carbon stock in the vegetation-soil system was 8342.14–10494.80 g m–2 under different grazing intensities, with the largest value in LG, followed by MG, CK, and HG. About 90.54–93.71% of the total carbon in grassland ecosystem was reserved in soil. The LG and MG intensities were beneficial to the accumulation of soil organic carbon stock. The soil light fraction organic carbon stock was 484.20–654.62 g m–2 and was the highest under LG intensity. The LG and MG intensities were beneficial for soil nutrient accumulation in the desert steppe.
LP and RP in the development of discourse markers from “what” in Korean
Authors: Rhee Seongha
Published: March 2017

This paper describes the development of two different DMs that emerged from the interrogative pronounmwe(literally ‘what’). Both DMs acquired discursive functions as their source structures were used rhetorically (i.e., not to solicit an answer but to elicit attention). The DMmweshifted from its original argument position to non-argument positions including LP, and then later to RP. On the other hand, the DMmwenyamyen(literally, ‘if (you) ask (me) what (it) is’), which originated from a subordinate clause, now invariably occurs at LP as a DM. From analyses with respect to (inter)subjectification, and exchange and action structures, I argue that even though peripheries are associated with (inter)subjectivity, the hypothesized correlation between LP versus RP and subjectivity versus intersubjectivity (Beeching and Detges 2014a) is not supported. Nor is the hypothesis supported that subjectified linguistic elements will shift their positions leftward in OV languages (Traugott 2010).
Politeness markers from Latin to Italian
Authors: Ghezzi Chiara , Molinelli Piera
Published: March 2017

This study compares the development of the Latin and Italian politeness markersquaesoandprego(‘please’). The markers, originally performative verbs meaning ‘I ask, I pray’, have developed politeness-related functions which index the action structure (i.e., polite requests) and the exchange structure (i.e., management of turns). Such developments correlate closely with the degree of integration of the markers and with their position within the sentence. In our analysis we describe these developments in both languages using diachronically balanced corpora of texts compiled at regular intervals. We discuss the pragmaticalization paths of politeness markers considering the role of left and right peripheries against the background of Schiffrin’s (1987) model of discourse and subsequent developments (the Val.Es.Co. model). The emergence of politeness-related functions can be accounted for by considering the interaction of exchange and action structures, the type of unit of discourse wherepregoandquaesoappear, and the position they occupy.
Showing with words
Authors: Auracher Jan , Bosch Hildegard
Published: March 2017

In the current study, we explored the hypothesis that the level of language concreteness influences readers’ emotional involvement and, thus, fosters the evocation of suspense. To this end, 141 suspenseful texts with comparable content were assessed altogether by 1226 participants on items referring to emotional involvement and suspense. A concreteness score per text was calculated from the ratio between concrete and abstract verbs. Additionally, participants were asked to provide personal data, such as sex, age, or reading habits, and to answer items referring to their ability to feel empathy (trait empathy). Applying a stepwise multiple regression analysis we found that language concreteness is one significant predictor for emotional involvement and suspense (next toaffinity for suspenseandtrait empathy). These results are discussed with respect to their implications on the nature of suspense and on the so-calledparadox of suspense.
Expression of a MORN repeat protein from Euplotes octocarinatus requires a +1 programmed ribosomal frameshifting
Authors: Wei Lili , Zhao Xuemei , Wang Ruanlin , Fu Yuejun , Chai Baofeng , Liang Aihua
Published: March 2017

Analysis of transcriptome revealed that a membrane occupation and recognition nexus (MORN) repeat protein-encoding gene of Euplotes octocarinatus (Eo-morn-9-31) was a candidate for programmed +1 ribosomal frameshifting (+1 PRF). In this study, a dual-luciferase assay was performed to detect its expression. The result showed that the MORN repeat protein (Eo-MORN-9-31) could be produced by the +1 PRF event during the process of translation in yeast and the frameshifting efficiency was about 4–5%. We further confirmed its reality by western blot and mass spectrometry. This study provided experimental evidence indicating that the expression of the Eo-MORN-9-31 of E. octocarinatus required the +1 PRF.
Molecular mechanism of dynein recruitment to kinetochores by the Rod–Zw10–Zwilch complex and Spindly
Authors: Gama José B. , Pereira Cláudia , Simões Patrícia A. , Celestino Ricardo , Reis Rita M. , Barbosa Daniel J. , Pires Helena R. , Carvalho Cátia , Amorim João , Carvalho Ana X. , Cheerambathur Dhanya K. , Gassmann Reto
Published: March 2017

The molecular motor dynein concentrates at the kinetochore region of mitotic chromosomes in animals to accelerate spindle microtubule capture and to control spindle checkpoint signaling. In this study, we describe the molecular mechanism used by the Rod–Zw10–Zwilch complex and the adaptor Spindly to recruit dynein to kinetochores in Caenorhabditis elegans embryos and human cells. We show that Rod’s N-terminal β-propeller and the associated Zwilch subunit bind Spindly’s C-terminal domain, and we identify a specific Zwilch mutant that abrogates Spindly and dynein recruitment in vivo and Spindly binding to a Rod β-propeller–Zwilch complex in vitro. Spindly’s N-terminal coiled-coil uses distinct motifs to bind dynein light intermediate chain and the pointed-end complex of dynactin. Mutations in these motifs inhibit assembly of a dynein–dynactin–Spindly complex, and a null mutant of the dynactin pointed-end subunit p27 prevents kinetochore recruitment of dynein–dynactin without affecting other mitotic functions of the motor. Conservation of Spindly-like motifs in adaptors involved in intracellular transport suggests a common mechanism for linking dynein to cargo.
Shearing of materials exhibiting thermal softening or temperature dependent viscosity
Authors: Tzavaras A. E.
Published: March 2017

We consider the adiabatic shearing of an incompressible non-Newtonian liquid with temperature dependent viscosity, subjected to steady shearing of the boundary. Identical equations govern the plastic shearing of a solid exhibiting thermal softening and strain rate sensitivity with constitutive relation obeying a certain power law. We establish that every classical solution approaches a uniform shearing solution as

t
→
+
∞

t \to + \infty

at specific rates of convergence. Therefore, no shear bands formation is predicted for materials of this type.
One-dimensional equations and their solutions modelling a homogeneously broadened, frequency continuum, injection maser
Authors: Lerche I.
Published: March 2017

The strongly coupled, nonlinear, differential equations describing the amplification of intensity for propagation of a broad-band signal through a homogeneously broadened amplifier are reduced to a simple linear integral equation which is solved by conventional Laplace transform techniques.
Finite amplitude vibrations of a neo-Hookean oscillator
Authors: Beatty Millard F.
Published: March 2017

The problem of the finite amplitude, horizontal oscillatory motion of a mass attached to a neo-Hookean rubber spring and supported by a fixed, ideally smooth and rigid horizontal surface is solved exactly in terms of the Heuman lambda and beta functions. Therefore, the period of the oscillations may be computed from tables of values of the complete lambda function. It is proved that the ratio of the amplitude-dependent frequency of any finite amplitude motion to the constant frequency of the small amplitude vibration of the same oscillator depends only on the assigned initial data. Therefore, the ratio is universal for every neo-Hookean oscillator regardless of its stiffness or of its design parameters. Upper and lower bounds for this ratio also are provided. Moreover, it is proved for assigned initial data, that the normalized amplitude of the vibrations is invariable for every neo-Hookean oscillator, and all energy curves are reduced to a single constant energy trajectory determined by the initial data alone. The slingshot effect that occurs for a slender neo-Hookean rubber cord also is described, and all results are illustrated graphically.
Instabilities of the Ginzburg-Landau equation: periodic solutions
Authors: Newton Paul K. , Sirovich Lawrence
Published: March 2017

The evolution of spatially periodic unstable solutions to the Ginzburg-Landau equation is considered. These solutions are shown to remain pointwise bounded (Lagrange stable). The first step in the route to chaos is limit cycle behavior. This is treated by perturbation theory and shown to result in a factorable form. Agreement between the perturbation result and an exact numerical integration is shown to be excellent.
Perturbation techniques in the theory of lubrication
Authors: Cimatti Giovanni
Published: March 2017

Perturbation techniques are a very useful tool also in the theory of lubrication. Two typical situations are rigorously discussed in this paper: the bifurcation for the “shoe-bearing” and the asymptotic analysis for a finite gas slider bearing of narrow geometry. Furthermore the mathematical basis of a new application of the Reynolds equation is briefly treated.
An evolutionary continuous casting problem of Stefan type
Authors: Rodrigues José-Francisco
Published: March 2017

A simplified model for the solidification of an ingot being cast continuously by withdrawing it from a mould at constant rate is studied via the variational inequalities approach. Existence, uniqueness and regularity results are given for this one-phase Stefan type problem, together with a detailed analysis for the free boundary (the solid-liquid interface) particularly with respect to the asymptotic behavior as time

t
↑
∞

t \uparrow \infty

where the steady state is attained.
Physiological Stress and Ethanol Accumulation in Tree Stems and Woody Tissues at Sublethal Temperatures from Fire
Authors: Kelsey Rick G. , Westlind Douglas J.
Published: March 2017

The lethal temperature limit is 60 degrees Celsius (°C) for plant tissues, including trees, with lower temperatures causing heat stress. As fire injury increases on tree stems, there is an accompanying rise in tissue ethanol concentrations, physiologically linked to impaired mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation energy production. We theorize that sublethal tissue temperatures of 30°C to 60°C cause physiological changes to (a) oxygen supply, (b) membrane function, or (c) enzyme activity that individually or simultaneously create stress by impairing aerobic respiration and inducing ethanol synthesis. Accumulating ethanol dissipates via diffusion, sapflow, and metabolism, but the ability of these processes to decrease ethanol depends on what temperatures and physiological stress mechanism(s) the tissues and whole trees experience. The synthesis and dissipation interactions determine postfire tissue ethanol concentrations. Wildfire trends positively with temperature and drought, and all are projected to increase in western US forests and elsewhere globally, increasing the importance of understanding tree sublethal heat stress from fire.
Cheating on cheaters dramatically affects social interactions inPseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Özkaya Özhan , Balbontín Roberto , Gordo Isabel , Xavier Karina B.
Published: March 2017

Bacterial cooperation can be disrupted by non-producers, which can profit from public goods without paying their production cost. A cheater can increase in frequency, exhausting the public good and causing a population collapse. Here we investigate how interactions among two cheaters for distinct social traits influence the short and long-term dynamics of polymorphic populations. Using as a modelPseudomonas aeruginosaand its extensively studied social traits, production of the siderophore pyoverdine and the quorum sensing regulated elastase, we analyzed the social dynamics of polymorphic populations under conditions where the two traits are required for optimal growth. We show that cheaters for either trait compete with both the wild type and each other, and that mutants for pyoverdine production can prevent a drastic population collapse caused by quorum sensing cheaters. A simple mathematical model suggests that the observed social dynamics are determined by the ratio of the costs of each social trait, such that the mutant which avoids paying the highest cost dominates the population. Finally, we demonstrate how quorum sensing regulation can avoid the full loss of cooperation.
Fathers experiences of sleeping problems in children with autism
Authors: Potter Carol Ann
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of fathers in the management of sleeping problems in children with autism and their perspectives of the impact of these difficulties on family life.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews with 25 UK-based fathers of children with autism were undertaken.

Findings

Two-thirds of fathers reported that their children experienced severe sleeping problems in the areas of bed-time resistance, sleep onset and night-time waking. Fathers were significantly involved in the management of these difficulties and reported a range of associated deleterious impacts on the family, including significant negative effects on paternal and maternal health, father’s employment, couple relationship and sibling experiences.

Research limitations/implications

The interview sample cannot be said to be representative of all fathers of children with autism since the backgrounds of those taking part were relatively homogeneous in respect of ethnicity, marital status and level of education.

Practical implications

Improvements in effective, family-centred provision are urgently needed which employ a co-parenting, gender-differentiated methodology.

Social implications

Given the severity and frequency of difficulties, sleeping problems in children with autism should be viewed as a significant public health concern.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies, qualitative or quantitative, to explore the role and perspectives of fathers of children with autism in the important area of sleep management.
Consumer valuation of traceability labels: a cross-cultural study in Germany and Greece
Authors: Kehagia Olga Christophorou , Colmer Christian , Chryssochoidis Minas G.
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess impact of literacy on the combinations of traceability information on food packages of chilled chicken nuggets and fish fingers consumers choose.

Design/methodology/approach

A discrete choice experiment, belonging to the “stated preference method” was designed to meet the purpose of this study with 512 German and Greek consumers. According to this method, the information is gathered using methods of distinct preference asking individuals face to face questions about their behaviour.

Findings

The results indicate that literacy has an impact on the combinations of information consumers choose; specific information is most useful and sought by high- and low-literate consumers; and price is an important factor for the consumer choices presented in the current study, but cannot overshadow other equally important factors.

Practical implications

Marketing issues are raised because of the importance and utility consumers attach to traceability systems.

Originality/value

This is a novel research concerning literacy’s impact on the combinations of package information chosen by consumers in Germany and Greece in relation to the two studied chilled chicken and fish products (i.e. chilled chicken nuggets and fish fingers).
A discrete choice experiment of the impact of consumers’ environmental values, ethical concerns, and health consciousness on food choices
Authors: Ghvanidze Sophie , Velikova Natalia , Dodd Tim , Oldewage-Theron Wilna
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Over the last few decades, consumers’ concerns for healthier lifestyles and the environment have become the driving forces for forming food-buying intentions. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of product attributes regarding nutrition and health benefits of products, the environmental impact of production and social responsibility of producers on consumers’ food and wine choices.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical analysis is based on an online survey conducted in the USA, the UK and Germany, and incorporates a discrete choice experiment with visual shelf simulations.

Findings

Price and nutrition information are much more influential on consumers’ food choices than information about social responsibility of producers or the ecological impact of production. Product attributes emphasizing the ecological impact of production and social responsibility of food producers are specifically valued by consumers with high levels of environmental consciousness and by those concerned about goods production. Consumers who are health conscious regarding their lifestyle and diets derive high utility values from the nutritional information of the product.

Practical implications

The study contributes to an understanding of how to promote healthier food and wine choices and social and environmental responsibility of food and wine producers in various markets.

Originality/value

The study offers a comparison of product attributes concerning ecological, social, nutrition and health benefits of the product; as well the investigation of congruent interrelationships between the consumers’ values and related product attributes in three culturally distinct consumer groups.
Consumer involvement and knowledge influence on wine choice cue utilisation
Authors: Bruwer Johan , Chrysochou Polymeros , Lesschaeve Isabelle
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the utilisation of product choice cues in a retail environment and the impact of consumer involvement on this utilisation. It further investigates the impact of product knowledge on product choice cue utilisation and its moderating role on the impact of consumer involvement.

Design/methodology/approach

The case of wine as an exemplary product category is considered, given the importance and variability of choice cues that have been found to affect product choice. Analysis is conducted on survey data from a sample of wine consumers in Ontario, Canada. Product choice cues are grouped into extrinsic, intrinsic and marketing mix. The importance of how these cues are influenced from different dimensions of consumer involvement is illustrated.

Findings

The results show that product knowledge has a positive impact on intrinsic product cue utilisation and further moderates this relationship improving the predictability of the hypothesised model. Implications for theory and practice are also discussed.

Practical implications

From an industry viewpoint, the focus in the past has mostly been on using packaging to attract attention/create awareness, create an image of desirability, etc., but not nearly as much on the functionality aspects thereof; for example alternative smaller packaging sizes to the standard 750 ml wine bottle.

Originality/value

The study uses a multi-dimensional approach to measure the impact of enduring involvement on utilisation of product choice cues.
Preferences of Chinese consumers for the attributes of fresh produce portfolios in an e-commerce environment
Authors: Jin Shaosheng , Li Haoyang , Li Yao
Published: March 2017

Purpose

In recent years, fresh produce (fresh vegetables and fruit) has been circulated widely via e-commerce in Chinese large cities in the form of fresh produce portfolios (FPPs). The purpose of this paper is to analyze the preferences of Chinese consumers for specific FPP attributes.

Design/methodology/approach

A choice experiment approach was used to explore consumer preferences. The authors conducted a means-end-chains evaluation to select the attributes for the choice experiment. The authors used a fractional factorial design and finally obtained 18 choice scenarios. The authors collected 166 effective consumer questionnaires in Beijing.

Findings

The authors found that among the four attributes considered, certification and the diversity of the FPP had significant effects on the willingness to pay (WTP) among consumers. Residents had heterogeneous preferences for FPP diversity and certification, but certification was the major concern when considering fresh produce in the FPP. With regard to the WTP for attributes in the portfolio, the WTP values for “green” and “organic” attributes were high, but the WTP for the diversity of FPPs was low.

Originality/value

This study is the first attempt to explore the preferences of Chinese consumers regarding the attributes of FPP in an e-commerce environment.
Street food, hawkers and the Michelin Guide in Singapore
Authors: Henderson Joan C.
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine aspects of the contemporary relevance of the Michelin Guide as efforts are made to extend its reach in Asia. The focus is on recent endeavours by the producers of the restaurant guide to represent local conditions by acknowledging the importance of street food and hawkers.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology is that of a case study based on analysis of published material about the inaugural Singapore Michelin Guide and its consequences.

Findings

The Michelin Guide confronts challenges in retaining its authority and establishing itself in new Asian locations. The Singapore edition indicates attempts at responsiveness to distinctive circumstances through the recognition of street food and hawkers, but questions can be raised about the appropriateness of their inclusion and rating.

Research limitations/implications

Despite the absence of primary data, important topics about food and dining landscapes and modes of restaurant reviewing and grading are explored. A research agenda for the future is also proposed.

Practical implications

Attention is given to the impacts of the guide for individual enterprises, suggesting positive and negative outcomes of endorsement.

Social implications

Findings enhance understanding of the place of food and dining within societies and the influence of restaurant guides.

Originality/value

The paper offers an Asian perspective on and fresh insights into the role of local food cultures as well as the meanings and functions of the Michelin Guide.
Munchausen syndrome by proxy: perpetual organisational illness and therapy
Authors: Fennimore Anne K.
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to adapt the medical phenomenon of Munchausen syndrome by proxy (MSBP) to an organisational context. Specifically, MSBP serves as a novel metaphor to describe the tendency for the organisation and the leader to perpetuate cycles of illness and therapy.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual metaphor is proposed based on the clinical description of MSBP. A perpetual feedback model emphasises a constant cycle of illness and therapy among leaders and organisations, often fabricated by a narcissist through destructive management.

Findings

The metaphor presented suggests that the role of deception is important for understanding why therapeutic approaches are often unnecessary, highly disruptive and administered by a destructive leader who possesses the power to alienate or dismiss non-corroborative organisational members. The implications of continuously passing illness between the leader and the organisation are a state of organisational disequilibrium and the manufacture of depersonalised, ill members.

Originality/value

This conceptual paper adds to the growing body of literature on behavioural strategy and contributes to the fields of organisational psychology, organisational analysis, management and employee relations.
Conceptualizing and measuring occupational social well-being: a validation study
Authors: Kazemi Ali
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The current conceptualizations and measurements of well-being are inadequate in the context of work. Specifically, well-being research has neglected the social aspects of well-being. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate the validity of a multi-dimensional view of occupational social well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected in an educational setting, i.e. six different schools in a Swedish municipality. A total of 314 teachers and other categories of school staff (239 females and 75 males) participated in a survey study.

Findings

Results provided empirical support for a multi-dimensional view of occupational social well-being. The dimensions were integration, acceptance, contribution, actualization and coherence, and they were differentially correlated with previous measures of well-being. Furthermore, occupational social well-being accounted for additional variance in work tension, overall job satisfaction and organizational commitment over and above the variance accounted for by positive and negative affect and satisfaction with life, indicating the value of taking domain-specific social indicators of well-being into account in explaining various employee outcomes.

Practical implications

Occupational social well-being is an umbrella term for describing the well-lived social life in the context of work. As such, this is a crucial part of a holistic view of well-being at work. Thus, effective employee well-being enhancement programs should not only focus on physical and mental health promotion or competence development but must also include measures of relational experience and functioning as discussed in the present study.

Originality/value

This is the first study to measure and validate occupational social well-being as an attempt to complement existing measures of subjective and psychological well-being. Measures of social aspects of well-being are crucial to assess as it has been argued in previous research that context-free measures of well-being might render misleading results.
Workforce localization, information sharing, and the imperative of culture
Authors: Goby Valerie Priscilla , Ali Hamad Mohammed Ahmad , Lanjawi Mohammed Ahmad Abdulwahed , Al Haddad Khalil Ibrahim Mohammed Ahmad
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The aim of this study is to conduct an initial investigation of information sharing between the vast number of expatriate employees and the small minority of local employees in Dubai’s private sector workforce. Research on the impact of the workforce localization policy has highlighted the frequent marginalization of locals within the expatriate-dominated private sector. One form of this is the reluctance of expatriates to share information with local recruits, and the authors conducted this study to assess the reality and extent of this phenomenon.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors designed a brief interview survey to probe how Emirati employees secure workplace information and whether they experience information withholding on the part of expatriate colleagues. The authors also explored whether any such experience impacts on their attitudes to working in the private sector since this is a key factor in the success of the localization policy. Complete responses were received from 0.9 per cent of the total local private sector workforce.

Findings

A notable lack of information sharing emerged with 58 per cent of respondents reporting their expatriate colleagues’ and superiors’ reluctance to share information with them, and 63 per cent describing experiences of discriminatory behavior.

Research limitations/implications

The authors identify key cultural and communication issues relating to localization within Dubai’s multicultural workforce. These include the broader cultural factors that determine how Emiratis conceptualize information sharing. Future research can pursue this issue to help inform the development of supportive information sharing practices. Such practices are an essential part of the creation of a diversity climate, which is necessary to sustain localization.

Originality/value

This study is a pioneering attempt to empirically investigate the information sharing practices that Emirati private sector employees experience. It suggests that the exclusion of citizens from the workplace through practices such as “ghost Emiratization” reverberates in the workplace through a lack of information sharing.
Developing a conceptual model to measure talent’s turnover intention in tourism organisations of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alferaih Adel
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose an appropriate conceptual model for examining talent’s intention to quit, job satisfaction, job performance and organisational performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed model is developed on the basis of the theoretical and logical arguments of constructs picked out from the prior literature. Its framework is that of Bagozzi (1992), where factors such as job satisfaction, affective organisational commitment and turnover intention are seen as major concerns in the literature on talent management.

Findings

The paper makes 16 propositions concerning significant relationships of these constructs with job satisfaction, job performance, organisational performance and turnover intention.

Research limitations/implications

It concludes with an acknowledgement of the limitations, suggestions for future research and theoretical contributions.

Originality/value

Its framework is that of Bagozzi (1992), where factors such as job satisfaction, affective organisational commitment and turnover intention are seen as major concerns in the literature on talent management.
Conceptual model for measuring Saudi banking managers’ job performance based on their emotional intelligence (EI)
Authors: Alferaih Adel
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop and present a research model on various emotional intelligence (EI) constructs which have been found to influence job performance in the prior literature.

Design/methodology/approach

In addition to leadership and EI, the constructs are clustered under different categories: self-awareness includes self-confidence, emotional self-awareness and accurate self-assessment; self-management includes self-control, adaptability, conscientiousness, trustworthiness and optimism; social awareness includes empathy, organizational awareness and service orientation; and social skills groups’ communication, change catalyst, developing others and self-monitoring.

Findings

The paper proposes 17 hypotheses concerning significant relationships between these constructs and job performance.

Originality/value

The paper proposes a new approach toward studying the impact of various constructs of EI on job performance in Saudi banking sector.