bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parallel Processing of Sorting and Searching Algorithms Comparative Study
Authors: AL-Azzam Saad , Qatawneh Mohammad
Published: March 2018

Recently, supercomputers structure and its software optimization have been popular subjects. Much of the software recently consumes a long period of time both to sort and search datasets, and thus optimizing these algorithms becomes a priority. In order to discover the most efficient sorting and searching algorithms for parallel processing units, one can compare CPU runtime as a performance index. In this paper, Quick, Bubble, and Merge sort algorithms have been chosen for comparison, as well as sequential and binary as search algorithms. Each one of the sort and search algorithms was tested in worst, average and best case scenarios. And each scenario was applied using multiple techniques (sequential, multithread, and parallel processing) on a various number of processors to spot differences and calculate speed up factor.The proposed solution aims to optimize the performance of a supercomputer focusing one-time efficiency; all tests were conducted by The IMAN1 supercomputer which is Jordan's first and fastest supercomputer.
Seasonal changes in plant pollen concentrations over recent years in Vinnytsya, Central Ukraine
Authors: Rodinkova Victoria , Kremenska Lilia , Palamarchuk Olena , Motruk Iryna , Alexandrova Elena , Dudarenko Oxana , Vakolyuk Larysa , Yermishev Oleh
Published: March 2018

The control of plant pollen season patterns is especially important in the expectation of climate change, as the timing of potential varying pollen seasons affects the human population. An ever-increasing number of people suffer from hay fever symptoms with varying severity during the pollen season. This paper presents data on the seasonal variations of pollen concentration and the factors which are the likely causes of these variations in Vinnytsya, a city in Central Ukraine, in order to establish the apparent pattern of this variation and so improve the efficiency of hay fever control in Ukraine.

Pollen counts were obtained by gravimetric and volumetric methods employing a Hirst-type volumetric spore trap.

Alder (Alnus) and birch (Betula) peaks of pollen release occurred approximately 1 month earlier than was observed at the end of the twentieth century. This was due to the seasonal heat accumulation related to the appropriate temperature regimen registered in January and February prior to the growing season. Other trees – including poplar (Populus), maple (Acer), walnut (Juglans), common hazel (Corylus) – did not show distinct changes in pollen season pattern over the past decades.

Mean daily temperature seems to be the leading factor promoting early season onset and a seasonal pollen peak shift of the grass and herb flora such as ragweed (Ambrosia). The shift of the ragweed seasonal pollen maximum towards later in the season correlated with higher temperatures during September. Our study has shown that droughts may also significantly decrease the ragweed pollen concentration.
Determinants of a traditional agricultural landscape
Authors: Borysiak Janina , Szpikowska Grażyna , Szpikowski Józef
Published: March 2018

The study aim was to define the landscape determinants as certificates of natural and cultural heritage which identify the young glacial landscape under traditional agricultural management. These studies were conducted in the upper Parsęta basin (Pomerania, Poland) covered by the many annual environmental monitoring programs since 1994. The aim of this monitoring is to observe changes in geoecosystems of the temperate climate zone. The parameters of the abiotic landscape subsystem have been monitored in a wide range of terms, whereas biotic elements and cultural resources only in a very limited way. This was the reason for undertaking complementary studies. The paper presents the so-called “zero-state” for 2014, which will be a reference point from which to track the direction of landscape changes in the future. The abiotic, geobotanical, and cultural determinants of this state chosen have been characterized on the basis of field mapping data and the available literature. They were chosen based on the methodology of landscape audit to define the specificity of the traditional agricultural landscape. They were selected on the basis of assessment criteria for landscape structure: complexity (diversification of land use and cover), naturalness (syngenesis of plant communities, hydrochemical properties of surface waters), coherence of composition with natural conditions, stewardship (intensity of use, crop weeds, ecological succession, fallows, anthropogenic denudation), aesthetic and visual perception, historicity (continuity of natural landscape elements, continuation of traditional agricultural use, architectural objects), and disharmonious elements.
The effects of diversified phosphorus nutrition on the growth of oat (Avena sativa L.) and acid phosphatase activity
Authors: Żebrowska Ewa , Zujko Kamila , Kuleszewicz Anna , Ciereszko Iwona
Published: March 2018

We studied the effect of differential phosphorus (P) supply on the development of oat seedlings (Avena sativa L. ‘Arab’) as well as localization and activity of acid phosphatases in tissues and root exudates. Plants were grown for 1–3 weeks on nutrient media with inorganic phosphate (+P, control), reduced Pi (0.1 P), phytic acid (PA) as organic P source, and without P addition (−P), in standard conditions or in a split-root culture system. Phosphate starvation reduced shoot growth but increased root elongation and root/shoot ratio, whereas 0.1 P and PA oat plants had similar growth parameters to +P plants. The growth on −P medium significantly decreased Pi content in all tissues, but only a slight Pi decrease was observed in plants grown on 0.1 P and PA media or various split-root system conditions. Pi starvation led to an increase in acid phosphatase (APase) activity in root exudates when compared to +P, 0.1 P, and PA plant samples. APase activity was especially intensive in root cross sections in rhizodermis and around/in vascular tissues of −P plants. For plants grown on 0.1 P medium and on phytic acid, APase activity did not change when compared to the control. Three major isoforms of APases were detected in plant tissues (similar in all studied conditions, with a higher activity of one isoform under Pi deficit). Generally, lowered Pi content (0.1 P) was not stressful to oat plants for up to 3 weeks of culture. Oat plants grew equally well on nutrient media with Pi and on media with phytate, although phytate was considered not available for other plants. The oat plants activated mainly extracellular APases, but also intracellular enzymes, rather via nonlocal signals, to acquire Pi from external/internal sources under Pi deficiency.
Pulsatilla patens (Ranunculaceae), a perennial herb, is ectomycorrhizal in northeastern Poland and likely shares ectomycorrhizal fungi with Pinus sylvestris
Authors: Hoeksema Jason , Roy Mélanie , Łaska Grazyna , Sienkiewicz Aneta , Horning Amber , Abbott Matthew J. , Tran Claire , Mattox Joshua
Published: March 2018

The sharing of species of ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF) among different co-occurring host plant species could allow the formation of common mycorrhizal networks, which can alter plant–plant interactions and succession. Such sharing of EMF among woody species is thought to be common in many forests, but very few herbaceous plants form EMF, so they are assumed to be excluded from EMF networks in forests. We studied the EMF on roots of a common coniferous tree, Pinus sylvestris, and a co-occurring rare herbaceous perennial plant, Pulsatilla patens (Ranunculaceae), in northeastern Poland. We examined roots from co-occuring P. sylvestris and P. patens, visually classified EMF into morphotypes, studied tissue sections of mycorrhizal structures using compound microscopy, and used DNA sequencing to identify the fungi. On both host plant species, we observed EMF colonization, with colonized root tips exhibiting a swollen appearance, as well as a variety of colors and textures of fungal mycelium covering and emanating from those swollen tips. Sectioning and microscopic examination of an EMF morphotype common on P. patens confirmed the presence of a mantle and Hartig net, indicating the likely presence of functional ectomycorrhizal structures. The two most frequent EMF were Cenococcum geophilum and Piloderma olivaceum, and the latter was found to associate with both host plant species. Several EMF found here only on P. patens, including C. geophilum and two Russula species, are known from previous studies to also associate with P. sylvestris and other tree species. The observation of shared EMF between a coniferous tree and an understory herb indicates the potential for common mycorrhizal networks to alter interactions between these two species and may also indicate a unique way in which the distribution and abundance of a rare herbaceous plant may be influenced by shared mutualisms with a common co-occurring woody plant.
Identification of three species commonly known as “daqingye” by internal leaf anatomy and high-performance liquid chromatography analyses
Authors: Zhang Yingjiao , Zhu Yongqing , Chen Jian , Xia Chen , Deng Junling , Li Huajia , Li Yanling , Li Juan , Liu Pei
Published: March 2018

The macroscopic and microscopic morphologies and indigo and indirubin concentration of the traditional Chinese medicine herbs Isatis indigotica Fort., Polygonum tinctorium Ait., and Baphicacanthus cusia (Nees) Bremek, all commonly known as “daqingye”, were determined and compared. The morphological analyses indicated that I. indigotica has leaves with winged petioles and no glandular hairs or crystals, P. tinctorium has leaves with membranous ocrea and clusters of calcium oxalate, and B. cusia has palisade cells in the mesophyll running over the main vein and single cells containing calcium carbonate crystals. Indigo and indirubin are chemical constituents that have been previously isolated from daqingye and were selected in this study as identification markers for high-performance liquid chromatography analysis due to their pharmacological activities. The chromatographic results showed that indigo and indirubin concentration varied significantly among the three species: high concentration of both indigo and indirubin were observed in I. indigotica, the highest concentration among the three daqingye plants was found in P. tinctorium but with low levels of indirubin, and the concentration of indigo and indirubin was quite low in B. cusia. In summary, three different species commonly known as daqingye were accurately distinguished by morphological observation, internal leaf anatomy analysis, and chromatographic analysis.
How Many Ways?
Authors: Perkins Annie , Pettis Christy
Published: March 2018

To elicit creative student thinking, this open-ended problem asks solvers to analyze fractions.
Problems
Authors: Pelikan Stephan , DeJarnette Anna F. , Phelps Stephen
Published: March 2018

A monthly set of problems is aimed at a variety of ability levels.
Alien Numbers
Authors: Fryer Ian D. , Kapoor Aakriti
Published: March 2018

Students explore number patterns using visual patterns of numbers and color. Each month, elementary school teachers are presented with a problem along with suggested instructional notes; asked to use the problem in their own classrooms; and encouraged to report solutions, strategies, reflections, and misconceptions to the journal audience.
Bottle Caps as Prekindergarten Mathematical Tools
Authors: Raisor Jill M. , Hudson Rick A.
Published: March 2018

Exploring structure through the use of a familiar object allows very young children to develop an understanding of several concepts at one time.
What a Branch Campus Is: A Revised Definition
Authors: Wilkins Stephen , Rumbley Laura
Published: March 2018

Although international branch campuses have become an established part of the cross-border higher education landscape, there is still debate about what an international branch campus actually is. The purpose of this article is to propose a revised definition of “international branch campus” that is clearer and more implementable than existing definitions. To achieve this goal, we considered how the terms “branch” and “campus” are used in business and higher education, and then identified the core features of these campuses.
Competitor Analysis in Egyptian Private Higher Education Sector
Authors: Ayoubi Rami M. , Loutfi Mohamed
Published: March 2018

In this article, the authors introduce the idea of competition in the private higher education sector in Egypt. There are 24 private universities competing for students in Egypt. Based on two criteria, quality and price, the authors classify private profit-oriented universities in Egypt into four categories. They conclude that the current Egyptian government is striving to establish more universities in the high quality–highprice category.
Predatory Conferences: A Case of Academic Cannibalism
Authors: McCrostie James
Published: March 2018

The number of questionable conferences continues to increase around the world. Questionable conference organizers are companies that aim to profit as much as possible from the event by preying on researchers’ need to present research findings. They fail to perform any real peer review and deceive researchers to maximize profits. This essay outlines argues that the term questionable conference serves better than the more established predatory conference, criticizes complicit researchers, lists common red flags to identify questionable conferences and explains what might be done to solve the problem.
Meme Kanser Kök Hücrelerinde Notch Sinyal Yolağının İnhibisyonunda Güncel Yaklaşımlar
Authors: ARI Selcen
Published: March 2018

Dünyada kadınlarda kanser sebepli ölümlerde meme kanseri en
üst sıralarda yer almaktadır. Kemoterapi, radyoterapi, hormonal tedavi gibi
yöntemler meme kanserinin tedavisi için kullanılmasına rağmen metastaz ve nüks
sıkça karşılaşılan durumlardır. Meme kanseri tedavisinin etkin olarak
sağlanamamasında en çarpıcı etken tümör dokusundaki ufak bir popülasyonu
oluşturan kanser kök hücreleridir. Meme kanser kök hücrelerinin eliminasyonu
konusundaki çalışmalar kök hücre özelliklerinin ortaya çıkmasında kritik rol oynayan
gelişimsel sinyal yolakları üzerinde etkili olabilecek yaklaşımları
içermektedir. Gelişimsel sinyal yolaklarından en önemlilerinden biri olan Notch
sinyal yolağı meme kanser kök hücrelerinde apoptoz, proliferasyon, anjiyojenez
ve farklılaşma mekanizmaları üzerinde oldukça etkilidir. Güncel çalışmalar
kanser kök hücrelerinin karakteristiğinde kritik rol oynayan Notch sinyal
yolağının inhibisyonun etkili tedavi yaklaşımları için önemli olduğunu
göstermektedir. Bu derlemede meme kanserinin
tedavisinde Notch sinyal yolağının inhibisyonu için getirilmiş farklı
yaklaşımlar ele alınacak ve gelecekte etkin kanser tedavisinin
geliştirilmesinde faydalı olabilecek yöntemler tartışılacaktır.
Developing an ecologically-coherent and well-managed Marine ProtectedArea (MPA) network: Reflections and lessons learned from the UK
Authors: Carr Hannah , Chaniotis Peter , Cioffi Rebekah , Cornick Laura , Cornthwaite Alice , Davies Jon , Wright Hugh
Published: March 2018

Global trends in the establishment of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) as a key tool in the sustainable management of our oceans and seas has reached fever pitch in the last decade. The UK’s efforts over the past decade to develop a MPA network meets multiple international and national obligations and will hopefully deliver a healthy marine environment for future generations. The UK has a significant number of ‘lines on maps’ covering nearly 25% of its EEZ. Much effort is now focused on site management and monitoring programmes to check progress. Getting more than 580 MPAs that protect seabed habitats, fish, birds and mammals involved huge data collation and collection exercises, countless meetings and workshops with national and international sea-users, exploratory marine monitoring surveys and complex discussions between regulators and users on management measures. Multiple analyses have checked progress with meeting ecological network criteria. The UK is in a strong position to reflect on our experiences and help stimulate the exchange of ideas on marine protection at the international level. We will describe the key experiences from our work so far, positive and challenging, and outline next steps to fully deliver an ecologically coherent and well-managed MPA network in UK waters.
Adding the “where” to the “who and what”. Considering the seascape can help the study of biodiversity and ecosystem functioning.
Authors: Ferrario Filippo , Suskiewicz Thew , Rzhanov Yuri , Johnson Ladd E , Archambault Philippe
Published: March 2018

Whether we want to conserve, restore or enhance biodiversity, or use it to assess the environmental status of our coasts, the indissoluble link between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning is influenced by the spatial context of an ecosystem (the seascape). Using field-based research conducted in subarctic regions, we will show how the seascape can modulate species interactions which impair the habitat-forming functions of kelp. Specifically, bottom heterogeneity modulates top-down grazer control impacting the functioning of artificial structures as habitats for canopy-forming seaweeds in habitat compensation efforts. Unfortunately, coastal habitat maps from which seascape information could be obtained are often non-existant or are coarse in scale. We thus present how optical imagery-derived photomosaics can be used to map biological and geomorphological features over continuous and wide areas. Moreover, photomosaics can reveal patterns of local distribution of benthic species that can be useful when assessing biodiversity to evaluate the environmental status in coastal areas. Seascape context is thus a determining element which will improve our ability to maintain ecosystem functioning and services and inform coastal management.
Incorporating spatial analyses into conservation and monitoring of deep-sea megafauna in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
Authors: de Mendonça Sarah N , Metaxas Anna
Published: March 2018

Deep-sea ecosystems are being impacted by anthropogenic stressors, such as trawling and oil-gas exploration. Protection of these ecosystems is delayed by limited understanding of spatial distribution, suitable habitat, species associations, and recruitment. Imagery was analyzed from the Laurentian Channel AOI and 3 canyons (Corsair, Georges, Fiddlers Cove) on the western Scotian Slope in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean. We used two sampling designs, exploratory linear transects and a systematic-cluster transect array and will compare the information that can be extracted from each method. Megaepifaunal biodiversity, abundance, and species-species associations were identified at each site. For example, at Fiddlers Cove, different types of Gorgonian corals (e.g. Acanella, Desmophyllum, and stoloniferous coral), soft corals, and sponges occurred mainly on outcrops; sea pens and anemones, along with large colonies of Paragorgia arborea were present in Corsair Canyon; and several Gorgonian corals, anemones, lobsters, and Holothuroidea were present in Georges Canyon. We will use spatial analyses to measure spatial structure at local and regional scales, identify species-environment associations, and predict suitable habitat for deep-sea megaepifauna. Overall, the study will provide a broader understanding of deep-sea megaepifaunal ecosystems, and develop recommendations for a deep-sea MPA monitoring framework to achieve effective conservation that promotes biodiversity.
The use of connectivity in the design of networks of marine protected areas
Authors: Balbar Arieanna C , Metaxas Anna
Published: March 2018

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are an area-based conservation strategy commonly used to safeguard marine biodiversity and ecosystem services. Population connectivity governs the exchange of individuals among spatially fragmented habitats and is an essential criterion in the design of MPAs. However, detailed computational methods for connectivity are inconsistently applied in management decisions. We reviewed the scientific and management literature to explore the use of connectivity in MPAs located in countries with advanced marine spatial planning. Only 7.8% of 739 MPAs considered connectivity as an ecological criterion, although it has been increasingly used since 2007, suggesting progress in spatial conservation planning towards the use of ecological conservation objectives. In most cases, connectivity was measured implicitly using either rules of thumb or size and spacing guidelines. Of the MPAs that considered connectivity, 67% were for state marine conservation areas or reserves in California and commonwealth marine reserves in Australia. This pattern indicates substantial geographic biases and significant differences in conservation planning and prioritization among countries. We suggest that the incorporation of connectivity in conservation planning needs to become more accessible to practitioners. Prioritizing connectivity as an ecologically important criterion in MPA design will more adequately address metapopulation persistence and recovery.
The evils of trawling: Threat to Marine Biodiversity
Authors: Surapaneni Bindu Sravya , Gurpur Shashikala , Arya Sujata
Published: March 2018

Over-exploitation of environmental resources by humans defeats the ideal of sustainability. Trawling, a method of fishing, illustrates such exploitation. Trawling accounts for 57% of marine fish production in India.

As a result of lack of selectivity by the cone-shaped trawl nets used, both target and non-target species are collected without any difference. Even endangered species such as seahorses, which are protected under Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, are not spared. The Stockholm to Rio Conferences as well as Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14 focus on sustainable use of marine resources. Trawling activities along India’s 7516 km coastline and spanning multiple coastal states defeat this goal. This paper highlights the various impacts of trawling on marine ecosystem. The authors will analyse India's position in light of various international conventions and domestic laws, the need for strengthening the laws, and the role of the Indian judiciary in protection of marine biodiversity. Further, we will highlight measures in various countries to minimise the effects of trawling and the best practices to be adopted by India. The paper will also delve into the recent controversy that has emerged between India and Sri Lanka on the above issue.
Taxonomic identification of environmental DNA with informatic sequence classification trees.
Authors: Wilkinson Shaun P , Davy Simon K , Bunce Michael , Stat Michael
Published: March 2018

High-throughput sequencing of environmental DNA (eDNA) offers a simple and cost-effective solution for marine biodiversity assessments. Yet several analytical challenges remain, including the incorporation of statistical inference in the assignment of taxonomic identities. We developed a probabilistic method for DNA barcode classification that can be used for both eDNA and traditional single-source sampling. The pipeline involves: (1) compiling a primer-specific database of barcode sequences to be used as training data (obtained from GenBank and other sequence repositories), (2) generating a classification tree using an iterative learning algorithm that divisively sorts the training data into hierarchical clusters based on profile hidden Markov models, (3) assignment of each query sequence to a cluster using a recursive series of model-comparison tests, and (4) taxonomic identification of the query sequences based on the lowest common taxonomic rank of the training sequences within the cluster. This method compares favorably to other DNA classification methods when tested on benchmark datasets, and offers the added features of classifying at higher taxonomic ranks and returning interpretable confidence values in the form of the Akaike weight statistic. This bioinformatics pipeline is available as an open source R package called ‘insect’ (informatic sequence classification trees).
Species distribution modeling of deep sea sponges in the North Pacific Ocean.
Authors: Davidson Fiona
Published: March 2018

Knowledge of deep-sea species and their ecosystems is limited due to the inaccessibility of the areas and the prohibitive cost of conducting large-scale field studies. My graduate research has used predictive modeling methods to map hexactinellid sponge habitat extent in the North Pacific, as well as climate-induced changes in oceanic dissolved oxygen levels and how this will impact sponges. Results from a MaxEnt model based on sponge presence data from the eastern Pacific, in conjunction with bathymetric terrain derivatives, closely mapped existing sponge habitats, and suggested a depth threshold around 3000 meters below which sponges are not found. Early results suggest that oxygen is another important predictor of sponge habitat, including this and a variety of other environmental predictors (e.g. based on ocean chemistry, physics and biology) and different model scales would improve model accuracy. The long-term goal of this research is to apply climate prediction data to the predictive modeling in order to assess the sensitivity of deep-sea sponge habitat to global climate changes.
What affects power to estimate speciation rate shifts?
Authors: Kodandaramaiah Ullasa , Murali Gopal
Published: March 2018

The development of methods to estimate rates of speciation and extinction from time- calibrated phylogenies has revolutionized evolutionary biology by allowing researchers to correlate diversification rate shifts with causal ecological factors. A growing number of researchers are interested in testing whether the evolution of a trait or a trait variant has influenced speciation rates, and three modelling methods – BiSSE, MEDUSA and BAMM – have been widely used in such studies. We simulated phylogenies with a single speciation rate shift each, and evaluated the power of the three methods to detect these shifts. We varied the degree of increase in speciation rate (rate asymmetry), the number of tips, the tip-ratio bias (ratio of number of tips with each character state) and the relative age in relation to overall tree age when the rate shift occurred. All methods had good power to detect rate shifts when the rate asymmetry was strong and the sizes of the two lineages with the distinct speciation rates were large. Even when lineage size was small, power was good when rate asymmetry was high. In our simulated scenarios, small lineage sizes appear to affect BAMM most strongly. Tip-ratio influenced the accuracy of speciation rate estimation but did not have a strong effect on power to detect rate shifts. Based on our results, we provide some suggestions to users of these methods.
Groundwater outflows and fault density spatial relation in the Baikal rift system (Russia)
Authors: Kuz'mina Elena Alexandrovna , Novopashina Anna Vladimirovna
Published: March 2018

For the Baikal rift system (BRS) territory (Russian Federation) and the Barguzin-Baunt depression branch zone, active faults density is compared with the thermal and cold spring’s quantity and temperature to identify the geospatial statistical relationship of those parameters with a view to quantify the main factors connected with base principles study of modern hydrothermal formation. Statistical calculations show that the hot and cold spring’s number per unit area increases within the active faults number. It is established that an area with active faults density higher, than the mean value, is characterized by the maximum number of thermal springs. Correlation analysis showed that the number of modern mineral water springs per unit area and their temperature depend on the earth’s crust fragmentation degree: zones of reduced density are characterized by rare but hotter thermal springs, and zones of increased density are characterized by numerous and colder thermal vents, which probably connects with water dilution by underground cold waters in a more fractured geological environment.
Indexing! Indexing! Indexing! [Indicizzazione! Indicizzazione! Indicizzazione!]
Authors: La Vigna Francesco
Published: March 2018

Not available/Non disponibile
Identification of three classes of acute respiratory distress syndrome using latent class analysis
Authors: Zhang Zhongheng
Published: March 2018

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a highly heterogeneous syndrome that can exhibit significant differences in the underlying causes, leading to different responses to treatment. It is required to identify subtypes of ARDS to guideline clinical treatment and trial design. The study aimed to identify subtypes of ARDS using latent class analysis (LCA). The study was a secondary analysis of the EDEN study, which was a randomized, controlled, multicenter trial conducted from January 2, 2008 to April 12, 2011. The primary study endpoint was death through 90-day follow up. LCA was performed incorporating variables on day 0 before randomization. The number of classes was chosen by a bootstrapped likelihood ratio test, Bayesian information criterion and the number of patients in each class. A total of 943 patients were enrolled in the study, including 219 (23.2%) non-survivors and 724 (76.8%) survivors. The LCA identified three classes of ARDS. Class 1 (hemodynamically unstable type) had significantly higher mortality rate (p = 0.003) than class 2 (intermediate type) and 3 (stable type) through 90 days follow up. There was significant interaction between cumulative fluid balance and the class (p = 0.02). While more fluid balance was beneficial for class 1, it was harmful for class 2 and 3. In conclusion, the study identified three classes of ARDS, which showed different clinical presentations, responses to fluid therapy and prognosis. The classification system used simple clinical variables and could help to design ARDS trials in the future.
Customer Engagement Behaviour in Social Media Advertising: Antecedents and Consequences
Authors: Chiang I Ping , Lo Shih Hui , Wang Ling-Hui
Published: March 2018

With the rapid growth and development of social network services, companies have largely increased their advertising budgets for social media advertising. Social media advertising has attracted a great deal of attention among marketers and re-searchers. However, very few works of research have focused on social media ad-vertising and have only concentrated on measuring clicking effects. This study es-tablished a model to analyze customers’ engagement in social media advertising, the relationship among the antecedents of social media advertising engagement, the en-gagement behaviours in social media advertising, and the consequences of social media advertising. This study conducted an online survey among 502 valid Internet users. Partial least squares regression was used to analyze the relationship among the antecedents and consequences of user engagement in social media advertising. Fi-nally, based on the findings, discussions and conclusions will be provided regarding further research and practices.

Keywords: Social Media Marketing, Social Media Advertising, Customer Engage-ment Behaviour

To cite this document: I Ping Chiang, Shih Hui Lo, and Ling-Hui Wang, "Customer Engagement Behaviour in Social Media Advertising: Antecedents and Consequences", Contemporary Management Research, Vol.13, No.3, pp. 193-216, 2017.

Permanent link to this document:
http://dx.doi.org/10.7903/cmr.17673
The Strike‐Slip West Wishbone Ridge and the Eastern Margin of the Hikurangi Plateau
Authors: Barrett R. S. , Davy B. , Stern T. , Gohl K.
Published: March 2018

The West Wishbone Ridge (WWR), east of New Zealand, has previously been interpreted as a Cretaceous plate boundary, although both the nature and timing of motion along this feature have been disputed. Here, using recently acquired seismic reflection data from the region of the intersection of the WWR with the Chatham Rise, we show that the WWR was primarily a dextral strike‐slip fault during the Late Cretaceous. The WWR first propagated along the eastern margin of the Hikurangi Plateau after the collision of the Hikurangi Plateau with the Chatham Rise, in response to the slowing of spreading at the Osbourn Trough while spreading continued unabated east of the East Wishbone Ridge, from ca. 105 Ma. Reorientation of spreading at the Osbourn Trough at this time resulted in short‐lived, oblique subduction beneath the southern extent of the WWR. Motion along the WWR likely ceased with the cessation of Osbourn Trough spreading. Using our seismic reflection data and gravity modeling across those same profiles, we locate, for the first time, the eastern boundary of the Hikurangi Plateau between 42–43°S. We also find anomalously thick oceanic crust (∼12 km thick) north of the Hikurangi Plateau. Matching tectonic fabric and fracture zone links between the East Wishbone Ridge and the De Gerlache Gravity Anomaly near Ellsworth Land on the West Antarctic margin indicates that these features were linked or parallel during the Late Cretaceous, and fed strike‐slip motion southward into the Gondwana interior, contributing to the onset of Gondwana rifting ca. 85 Ma.
Near‐Earth Reconnection Ejecta at Lunar Distances
Authors: Runov A. , Angelopoulos V. , Artemyev A. , Lu S. , Zhou X.‐Z.
Published: March 2018

Near‐Earth magnetotail reconnection leads to formation of earthward and tailward directed plasma outflows with an increased north‐south magnetic field strength(|Bz|) at their leading edges. We refer to these regions of enhanced |Bz| and magnetic flux transport Ey as reconnection ejecta. They are composed of what have been previously referred to as earthward dipolarizing flux bundles (DFBs) and tailward rapid flux transport (RFT) events. Using two‐point observations of magnetic and electric fields and particle fluxes by the Acceleration, Reconnection, Turbulence, and Electrodynamics of Moon's Interaction with the Sun probes orbiting around Moon at geocentric distances R ∼ 60RE, we statistically studied plasma moments and particle energy spectra in RFTs and compared them with those observed within DFBs in the near‐Earth plasma sheet by the Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms probes. We found that the ion average temperatures and spectral slopes in RFTs at R ∼ 60RE are close to those in DFBs observed at 15 < R < 25RE, just earthward of the probable reconnection region location. Assuming plasma sheet pressure balance, the average RFT ion temperature corresponds to a lobe field BL∼20 nT. This leads us to suggest that the ion population within the tailward ejecta originated in the midtail plasma sheet at 20≤R≤30RE and propagated to the Acceleration, Reconnection, Turbulence, and Electrodynamics of Moon's Interaction with the Sun location without undergoing any further energy gain. Conversely, electron temperatures in DFBs at 15 < R < 25RE are a factor of 2.5 higher than those in RFTs at R ∼ 60RE.
Twisted Acoustics: Metasurface‐Enabled Multiplexing and Demultiplexing
Authors: Jiang Xue , Liang Bin , Cheng Jian‐Chun , Qiu Cheng‐Wei
Published: March 2018

Metasurfaces are used to enable acoustic orbital angular momentum (a‐OAM)‐based multiplexing in real‐time, postprocess‐free, and sensor‐scanning‐free fashions to improve the bandwidth of acoustic communication, with intrinsic compatibility and expandability to cooperate with other multiplexing schemes. The metasurface‐based communication relying on encoding information onto twisted beams is numerically and experimentally demonstrated by realizing real‐time picture transfer, which differs from existing static data transfer by encoding data onto OAM states. With the advantages of real‐time transmission, passive and instantaneous data decoding, vanishingly low loss, compact size, and high transmitting accuracy, the study of a‐OAM‐based information transfer with metasurfaces offers new route to boost the capacity of acoustic communication and great potential to profoundly advance relevant fields.
Light‐Activated Upconverting Spinners
Authors: Rodriguez‐Sevilla Paloma , Lee Tianli , Liang Liangliang , Haro‐González Patricia , Lifante Ginés , Liu Xiaogang , Jaque Daniel
Published: March 2018

Rare earth doped upconverting particles (UCPs, capable of efficient infrared‐to‐visible light conversion) have played a fundamental role in the development of up‐to‐date photonics. Thanks to their unique combination of properties (high brightness, superior spectral and intensity stabilities, and high biocompatibility) old dreams have become possible such as obtaining intracellular dynamical images or remote measurement of temperature in the nanoscale. In this work, it is demonstrated how a rarely considered property of UCNPs, their intrinsic optical birefringence, expands their multifunctionality by converting them into fully controlled, optically activated luminescent spinners. Thanks to the luminescence‐based thermal sensing ability of upconverting spinners, it is possible, by comparison between experimental data and numerical modeling, to explain the supralinear behavior of spinning rate with optical power. The complete understanding of rotation dynamics allows the use of UCPs as mechanical microthermometers with thermal sensitivities larger than those traditionally achieved by luminescence‐based thermometry. Experimental demonstration of the potential use of UCPs as remote light‐activated microrotors is also provided. Results included in this work constitute the first step toward the overcoming of new challenges in photonics including those raising in modern biophotonics and colloidal science.
Hard X‐Ray Nanoholotomography: Large‐Scale, Label‐Free, 3D Neuroimaging beyond Optical Limit
Authors: Khimchenko Anna , Bikis Christos , Pacureanu Alexandra , Hieber Simone E. , Thalmann Peter , Deyhle Hans , Schweighauser Gabriel , Hench Jürgen , Frank Stephan , Müller‐Gerbl Magdalena , Schulz Georg , Cloetens Peter , Müller Bert
Published: March 2018

There have been great efforts on the nanoscale 3D probing of brain tissues to image subcellular morphologies. However, limitations in terms of tissue coverage, anisotropic resolution, stain dependence, and complex sample preparation all hinder achieving a better understanding of the human brain functioning in the subcellular context. Herein, X‐ray nanoholotomography is introduced as an emerging synchrotron radiation‐based technology for large‐scale, label‐free, direct imaging with isotropic voxel sizes down to 25 nm, exhibiting a spatial resolution down to 88 nm. The procedure is nondestructive as it does not require physical slicing. Hence, it allows subsequent imaging by complementary techniques, including histology. The feasibility of this 3D imaging approach is demonstrated on human cerebellum and neocortex specimens derived from paraffin‐embedded tissue blocks. The obtained results are compared to hematoxylin and eosin stained histological sections and showcase the ability for rapid hierarchical neuroimaging and automatic rebuilding of the neuronal architecture at the level of a single cell nucleolus. The findings indicate that nanoholotomography can complement microscopy not only by large isotropic volumetric data but also by morphological details on the sub‐100 nm level, addressing many of the present challenges in brain tissue characterization and probably becoming an important tool in nanoanatomy.
Humane Enzyme für die organische Synthese
Authors: Winkler Margit , Geier Martina , Hanlon Steven P. , Nidetzky Bernd , Glieder Anton
Published: March 2018

Humane Enzyme wurden im Rahmen vieler Disziplinen untersucht. Die Anzahl an Reaktionen, die im menschlichen Körper stattfinden, ist enorm, ebenso wie die Anzahl möglicher Katalysatoren für eine Anwendung in der organischen Synthese. Dieser Aufsatz befasst sich mit chemischen Reaktionen humaner Enzyme, die eine Rolle im Metabolismus von Wirkstoffen oder Xenobiotika spielen. Einige dieser Reaktionen wurden im präparativen Maßstab untersucht. Der größte Teil an Anwendungen von humanen Enzymen stammt aus dem Bereich der Wirkstoffentwicklung, wo sie zur Synthese von Wirkstoffmetaboliten eingesetzt werden.
Tetrafunctional epoxy as an all‐purpose modifier for homopolymerized bisphenol A diglycidyl ether
Authors: Miao Xuepei , Han Bing , Xing An , Liu Tuan , He Lifan , Li Xiaoyu , Meng Yan
Published: March 2018

In some applications, homopolymerized epoxies, which offer better biocompatibility and lower water absorption than amine‐ and anhydride‐cured epoxy, are more preferable; however, using homopolymerized epoxy as matrix in composites still remains a challenge. Herein, homopolymerized bisphenol A diglycidyl ether curing systems with simultaneously improved tensile strength, impact strength, and glass transition temperature (Tg) were achieved by addition of small amounts of tetra‐functional epoxies (TFTEs) with different spacer lengths. Effects of spacer length in TFTE on thermal and mechanical properties were investigated. Results indicated that TFTE with the longest spacer length shows the best mechanical performance. In addition, effects of TFTE loading on thermal and mechanical properties were discussed. Compared with neat bisphenol A diglycidyl ether, addition of 5% tetraglycidyl‐1,10‐bis(triphenylmethane) decane leads to simultaneous improvements in tensile strength, impact strength, and Tg. Effects of thermal cycling on the mechanical properties were also reported. Results suggest that the modified homopolymerized epoxy shows good performances and could be used as matrix materials and possibly in some dental applications. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46431.
Breaking niche sustainable products into the mainstream: Organic milk and free‐range eggs
Authors: Chintakayala Phani Kumar , Young William , Barkemeyer Ralf , Morris Michelle A.
Published: March 2018

We contribute to the existing literature on factors influencing sustainable product consumption behavior by (a) employing actual supermarket sales data from over 300 outlets in England covering up to 18 million customers, and by (b) examining two products that can both be labeled as sustainable but have very different market positions: organic milk as a typical niche product, and free‐range eggs which (based on market share) can be seen as a mainstream product. Our study has looked into the influence of factors such as deprivation and race, which have not previously been looked into. The results partially confirm previous research, which is mostly based on self‐reported behavior, identifying both price and deprived catchment areas as barriers but green attitudes as a facilitator while more affluent people purchase organic milk. What is new from our work is that convenience stores have a negative influence and for organic milk, older families and those aged 25–44 years have a positive influence. Crucially, we identify clear differences between purchasing behaviors regarding niche and mainstream products in our analysis: while purchases of organic milk can be predicted by a wide range of sociodemographic factors, this is not the case for free‐range eggs. Here, besides price and green attitudes, there are no other influences on behavior. The results of our study can therefore provide fresh insight into the debate around recent attempts to mainstream sustainable product consumption.
Estimation of Efficiency Potentials Generated by Innovative Equipment Technologies
Authors: Wesche Mandy , Paschetag André , Jasch Katharina , Häberl Michael , Scholl Stephan
Published: March 2018

The integration of innovative equipment technologies in production processes offers efficiency potentials with regards to energy and resource demand as well as investment and operating costs. For the estimation of these potentials, a sufficiently detailed database is necessary as well as the possibility to consider particular boundary conditions of the production process, infrastructure of the production site, and the overall plant design. A structured concept for the selection of suitable equipment technologies and sizing rules for the design of the equipment for a desired process task are presented in this review. The combination with an appropriate modeling approach allows a holistic assessment of technically feasible solutions to quantify economic and ecological efficiency potentials of the equipment technologies. The application of this concept is demonstrated on the task of a typical heat transfer problem in the special chemicals sector.
Consequences of an early catheter‐based intervention on pulmonary artery growth and right ventricular myocardial function in a pig model of pulmonary artery stenosis
Authors: Bates Melissa L. , Anagnostopoulos Petros V. , Nygard Cole , Torgeson Jenna , Reichert Jamie , Galambos Csaba , Eldridge Marlowe W. , Lamers Luke J.
Published: March 2018

Objective

To determine the consequences of an early catheter‐based intervention on pulmonary artery (PA) growth and right ventricular (RV) myocardial function in an animal model of branch PA stenosis.

Background

Acute results and safety profiles of deliberate stent fracture within the pulmonary vasculature have been demonstrated. The long‐term impact of early stent intervention and deliberate stent fracture on PA growth and myocardial function is not understood.

Methods

Implantation of small diameter stents was performed in a pig model of left PA stenosis at 6 weeks (10 kg) followed by dilations at 10 (35 kg) and 18 weeks (65 kg) with intent to fracture and implant large diameter stents. Hemodynamics, RV contractility, and 2D/3D angiography were performed with each intervention. The heart and pulmonary vasculature were histologically assessed.

Results

Stent fracture occurred in 9/12 and implantation of large diameter stents was successful in 10/12 animals with no PA aneurysms or dissections. The final stented PA segment and distal left PA branch origins equaled the corresponding PA diameters of sham controls. Growth of left PA immediately beyond the stent was limited and there was diffuse fibro‐intimal proliferation within the distal left and right PA. RV contractility was diminished in the intervention group and the response to dobutamine occurred uniquely via increases in heart rate.

Conclusions

Early stent intervention in this surgically created PA stenosis model was associated with improved growth of the distal PA vasculature but additional investigation of PA vessel physiology and impact on the developing heart are needed.
Use of a biological mesh for the treatment of perineal fistula following radical colorectal resection
Authors: Makris Marinos C. , Kornaropoulos Michael , Krikelis Apostolos , Moris Demetrios , Tsilimigras Diamantis I. , Modestou Elia , Liapi Artemis , Karatzias Vasileios , Damaskos Christos , Zevlas Andreas
Published: March 2018

Key Clinical Message

Patients with postradiation therapy for malignancies and/or extensive colorectal surgery are prone to the development of enteroperineal fistulas. Application of biological meshes may prove beneficial in treating complicated enteroperineal fistulas as they provide a stable ground for closing pelvic defects even in contaminated fields.