bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Empirical Study on Factors Influencing Business Students’ Choice of Specialization with Reference to Nizwa College of Technology, Oman
Authors: Al-Lawati Essam Hussain , R Renjith Kumar. , Subramaniam Radhakrishnan
Published: August 2017

The academic specialization chosen by students is of crucial importance for their future career and therefore they should have access to appropriate information and guidance that would help facilitate a more optimal decision. This study aims to identify the variables that influence business students to choose their specialization. A sample of 163 business students from Nizwa College of Technology, Sultanate of Oman, is selected for the study. Factor analysis and multiple regression analysis are used for analysis. The most important variable that influences the students’ choice of specialization is the variable ‘Liking and preference of specialization’ (X2) with the highest mean. The factor analysis analysis output reveals the five sub-scales that influence students’ choice of specialization; Preference and dissonance post choice, Self and Peer influence, Nature of marketing specialization, Gender and specialization choice, Convenience and career. College orientation on specialisation (X5) is a significant factor that influences the students to advice their juniors to make the first choice of specialisation viz. HRM (63%), Accounting (32%) and Marketing (5%).
Microbiological Stability of Rice Tart Stored at Ambient Temperature after Baking
Authors: Elise Nguessan , Mohamed Cisse , Eugene Niyonzima , Marianne Sindic
Published: August 2017

Very popular in Belgium, rice tart is a hot pastry sold in bakeries. It is then consumed at home, for dessert or snack. This study is conducted to investigate the microbiological stability of this foodstuff, from the end of baking to end user by consumers. In this purpose, 108 rice tart samples were collected from each of seven bakeries in five Belgium provinces. Physico-chimical analysis in addition to microbiological analysis were carried out in accordance with the European Regulation EC 2073/2005 and with references methods, to enumerate the total microorganisms count, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus as well as Enterobacteria, susceptible likely to contaminate the tarts during the production or after baking. Even when the results meet the microbiological safety standards immediately after baking in all bakeries implicated, a significant (p <0,05) increase of mesophilic aerobic bacteria (ranging from <1 to 7 log cfu/g) and B. cereus (> 3,7 log cfu/g) was observed during the storage at nonrefrigerated temperature (28 to 30°C). A post-baking recontamination and other parameters like an insufficient baking time or a non uniform distribution of the oven heat could explain the observed bacteria growth. The present study shows that most rice tarts investigated are microbiologically safe. However, the possible increase of bacteria load in this foodstuff attributable to the favorable aw, pH and temperature conditions, highlight the importance of applying good hygienic practices and compliance with storage conditions after baking to ensure consumer safety.
Sprawozdawczość zintegrowana – przegląd badań
Authors: Bek-Gaik Bogusława
Published: August 2017

sprawozdawczość
Santiago Ramón y Cajal: análisis retrospectivo de un caso de acoso escolar
Authors: Del Barrio Gándara Victoria
Published: August 2017

ResumenEl acoso escolar tiene hoy una vigencia especial, sin em­bargo, es un problema que con mayor o menor intensi­dad ha existido siempre. Se presenta un caso especial de acoso que por la relevancia del personaje puede ser una fuente de inspiración para los casos actuales de acoso. El método seguido ha sido analizar, primero las caracterís­ticas del acoso recurriendo a expertos y segundo las alu­siones que Cajal hace del acoso en su obra especialmente el contenido Recuerdos de mi vida donde se hace una minuciosa descripción de su experiencia. Después se comparan ambas situaciones. En la autobiografía de Santiago Ramón y Cajal, se con­tienen unas descripciones de ciertos episodios de su ni­ñez que resultan ser unas perfectas definiciones de unos casos de “bullying” vividos por él durante sus años de escolar. Esas páginas tienen además el interés de ofrecer unos agudos análisis sobre las causas de aquellos acosos, y sobre su significado para la vida del niño. Dada la pro­cedencia de estos análisis y soluciones tan diversas en distintas circunstancias, es conveniente que los expertos en acoso escolar las conozcan y tengan en cuenta.  AbstractThe school harassment has today a special interest, never­theless it is a problem that with major or minor intensity has existed always. The followed method has been to analyze, first the characteristics of the bullying appealing experts and I do again the allusions that Cajal does of the bullying in his work specially the content Recuerdos de mi vida where a meticulous description does to itself of his experi­ence. Later both situations are compared. We present a spe­cial case of bullying that for the relevancy of the personage can be a font of inspiration for the current cases of bully­ing In S. Ramón y Cajal’s autobiography, there are offered some lively descriptions of a case of violence in school, or bullying, suffered by him during his schoolboy days. His analysis and reflections on that experience may serve as some “classic pages” on such phenomenon, and his way of facing it is still now worthy to be read and considered. Given the origin of these analyses and so diverse solutions in different circumstances, is suitable that the experts in bullying know it and bear in mind.
Características psicológicas para el rendimiento deportivo en jóvenes jugadores de fútbol, rugby y baloncesto
Authors: Olmedilla Aurelio , García-Mas Alexandre , Ortega Enrique
Published: August 2017

ResumenEl conocimiento de las características psicológicas de los jóvenes deportistas puede ser muy valioso para que, junto a los indicadores físicos y antropométricos, posibiliten a sus entrenadores y técnicos individualizar los procesos de entrenamiento y de esta manera optimizarlos. Los objetivos de este estudio son establecer las características psicológicas de los jóvenes jugadores de fútbol, rugby y baloncesto y determinar si existen diferencias psicológicas entre ellos en función del deporte que practican. Los participantes fueron 149 deportistas varones, 36 eran jugadores de futbol, 70 de baloncesto y 43 de rugby, con una media de edad de 15.99±1.47. Se utilizó el Cuestionario de Características Psicológicas relacionadas con el Rendimiento Deportivo (CPRD). Los resultados indican que los jugadores presentan una tendencia similar en sus puntuaciones, aunque los jugadores de baloncesto son los que obtienen puntuaciones más bajas. Los futbolistas puntúan más alto en control de estrés, motivación y cohesión de equipo, mientras que los jugadores de rugby lo hacen en influencia de la evaluación del rendimiento y habilidad mental. En general, los deportistas manifiestan una buena capacidad para controlar el estrés, para gestionar adecuadamente la evaluación que se hace de su ejecución deportiva y una buena motivación hacia su práctica deportiva, aunque con un margen de mejora que sugiere implementar programas adecuados de entrenamiento. AbstractTo have knowledge of the psychological characteristics of grassroot team players can be very valuable so that, together with their physical and anthropometric features, may enable their coaches to individualize the training processes and thus optimize them. The objectives of this study are to study the psychological characteristics of football, rugby and basketball young players, and deter­mine if there are psychological differences between them regarding the sport they practice. The participants were 149 male athletes. 36 were soccer players, 70 basketball players and 43 rugby players, with a mean age of 15.99 ± 1.47. The Psychological Characteristics related to Sports Performance Questionnaire (CPRD) was used. Results indicate that all players have a similar trend in their scores, although basketball players are the ones who score lower. Footballers score higher in stress con­trol, motivation and team cohesion, while rugby players do so in influencing performance assessment and mental ability. In general, athletes shown a good ability to con­trol their stress; to adequately manage the external eval­uation made upon their performance, as well as a good level of motivation towards the practice of the sport. However, the data show that there is still room for im­provement that justifies the implementation of adequate training programs.
Deporte, rendimiento y salud: una aproximación desde la psicología. Contribución de los autores españoles en Web of Science
Authors: Olmedilla Aurelio , Ortega Enrique
Published: August 2017

Resumen  La trayectoria de la Psicología del Deporte en España no ha sido fácil, pero el buen trabajo de profesionales e investigadores ha hecho que, en los últimos años, la psicología del deporte se sitúe, por derecho propio, entre las distintas especialidades de la práctica psicológica, y sea reconocida por el COP creando una división específica de la misma en el año 2012. Se ha realizado un estudio bibliométrico cuyo objetivo ha sido determinar cuál es la situación actual de los autores españoles en este ámbito de estudio. Se ha realizado una búsqueda en la base de datos Web of Science utilizando “psycholog*”, “sport”, “physic* activi*” y “Spain”, como descriptores. El número de contribuciones totales de los autores españoles ha sido de 701, de las que 605 son artículos. Hay 500 instituciones representadas por los firmantes, destacando la Universidad de Murcia con 74. Respecto a las revistas en las que se han publicado las contribuciones de los autores españoles, destaca la Revista de Psicología del Deporte/Journal Sport of Psychology con 103 publicaciones a mucha distancia del resto. Si se atiende a la evolución de las publicaciones, desde 1992 hasta 2008, la media de publicaciones al año fue de tres; de 2008 hasta 2013, una media de 30; y desde 2014, una media de más de 90 publicaciones al año, lo que confirma un desarrollo muy importante de la visibilidad de los autores españoles.AbstractThe trajectory of Sports Psychology in Spain has not been easy, but the good work of professionals and researchers has meant that, in recent years, the psychology of sport is, in its own right, among the different specialties of psychological practice , And be recognized by the COP by creating a specific division of the same in 2012. A bibliometric study has been carried out to determine the current situation of Spanish authors in this area of study. A search was made in the Web of Science database using "psycholog *", "sport", "physic * activi *" and "Spain", as descriptors. The total number of contributions by Spanish authors has been 701, of which 605 are articles. There are 500 institutions represented by the signatories, highlighting the University of Murcia with 74. Regarding the journals in which the contributions of the Spanish authors have been published, the Revista de Psicología del Deporte / Journal Sport of Psychology stands out with 103 publications to a great extent Distance from the rest. If we look at the evolution of publications, from 1992 to 2008, the average number of publications per year was three; From 2008 to 2013, an average of 30; And since 2014, an average of more than 90 publications a year, confirming a very important development of the visibility of Spanish authors.
Entrenamiento psicológico para la mejora del autocontrol en un entrenador de fútbol.
Authors: García-Naveira Alejo
Published: August 2017

ResumenEl objetivo del presente estudio fue desarrollar un programa de entrenamiento psicológico para mejorar el autocontrol de un entrenador de fútbol, y favorecer la mejora del rendimiento y la salud psicológica. Se realizó una evaluación pre y post intervención, en el cual se midieron variables psicológicas y conductas del entrenador. Los instrumentos utilizados fueron el NEO-FFI, CPRD-EF, GHQ-12 y CBAS. En el estudio participó un entrenador de fútbol de 37 años de edad con 17 años de experiencia en la profesión. Tras la intervención, los datos indican una reducción del rasgo Neuroticismo del NEO-FFI y la percepción de distrés psicológico del GHQ-12, mientras mejora la Influencia de la Evaluación y el Control del Estrés del CPRD-EF. Además, aumentan las conductas de apoyo y se reducen las punitivas del CBAS. Se concluye que el entrenamiento individualizado para la mejora del autocontrol del entrenador resulta efectivo, tanto para el incremento del rendimiento como la percepción de la salud psicológica del mismo.  AbstractThe objective of the present study was to develop a psy­chological training program to improve the self-control of a soccer coach, and to improve performance and psy­chological health. A pre-and post intervention evaluation was carried out, in which psychological variables and trainer behaviors were measured. The instruments used were NEO-FFI, CPRD-EF, GHQ-12 and CBAS. The study involved a 37-year-old soccer coach with 17 years of experience in the profession. After the intervention, the data indicate a reduction of the NEO-FFI Neuroti­cism trait and the perception of psychological distress of GHQ-12, while improving the Influence of Evaluation and Stress Management of CPRD-EF. In addition, sup­port behaviors increase and CBAS punishments are re­duced. It is concluded that the individualized training to improve the coach's self-control is effective, both for the increase of performance and the perception of the psy­chological health of the same.
La toma de decisiones en baloncesto. Una propuesta de árboles decisionales para la enseñanza del bloqueo directo
Authors: Suárez-Cadenas Ernesto , Courel-Ibáñez Javier , Cárdenas-Vélez David
Published: August 2017

ResumenEl presente artículo tiene por objetivo clarificar conceptos relacionados con la toma de decisiones en el deporte y proponer su aplicación para la enseñanza-aprendizaje del bloqueo directo (BD) en baloncesto. Se realiza un repaso histórico hasta llegar a las teorías modernas de mayor vigencia en el ámbito deportivo. De la misma forma, se analiza el estado del arte actual de la enseñanza y aprendizaje de la toma de decisiones, mostrando las distintas ventajas e inconvenientes del uso de las estrategias de enseñanza intencional e incidental. Posteriormente, a partir de los conceptos revisados (reglas si-entonces y las distintas estrategias de enseñanza incidental e intencional), se establece una propuesta de entrenamiento del BD en baloncesto. A través de distintos árboles decisionales y de propuestas de tareas específicas se ha intentado resolver el problema de cómo potenciar la toma de decisiones de los jugadores durante el BD atendiendo a la lógica interna y a los principios del juego, pero intentando, a la vez, que los jugadores desarrollen una toma de decisiones propia, única e individual. AbstractThe present paper aimed to clarify concepts related to decision-making in sport and to apply them to the teaching-learning process of the pick and roll in basket­ball. An historical analysis was developed and it was ex­amined the state of the art of the decision-making teach­ing and learning, showing advantages and disadvantages of incidental and intentional teaching strategies. Later, concepts reviewed (if-then rules and incidental and in­tentional teaching strategies) were applied to a proposal for teaching pick and roll. Through different decisional trees and specific training tasks this proposal tries to po­tentiate the players’ decision according to the logical of the game, and at the same time, to promote a unique and individual decision-making.
Climas motivacionales, motivación autodeterminada, afectos y burnout en deportistas: enfoque multinivel
Authors: Barbosa-Luna Adrián E. , Tristán José L. , Tomás Inés , González Alejandra , López-Walle Jeanette M.
Published: August 2017

ResumenEste estudio tuvo como objetivo poner a prueba un mo­delo de mediación multinivel que examinó las relaciones entre la percepción del clima motivacional generado por los entrenadores a nivel de equipo y los afectos y el burnout a nivel individual, mediados por la motivación autodeterminada. Participaron 745 atletas universitarios de diversos deportes, con edades entre 17 a 28 años (M = 21.46, DT = 2.14) quienes completaron los instrumentos que evaluaban las variables del estudio (PMCSQ-2, SMS-II, PANAS y ABQ). Los resultados mostraron que a nivel individual (nivel intra), la motivación autodeterminada se relacionaba positivamente con el afecto positivo; por el contrario, se relacionaba negativamente con el afecto ne­gativo y las tres dimensiones de burnout. A nivel del equipo (nivel entre), la percepción del clima de implica­ción en la tarea se relacionaba positivamente con la mo­tivación autodeterminada, mientras que el clima de im­plicación en el ego se relacionaba negativamente con la motivación autodeterminada. De manera similar, la mo­tivación autodeterminada se relacionaba positivamente con el afecto positivo y negativamente el afecto nega­tivo, así como con las tres dimensiones del burnout. Tanto el clima de implicación en la tarea como el de im­plicación en el ego mostraron un efecto indirecto sobre el bienestar y el malestar a través de la motivación autode­terminada. Se sugiere a los entrenadores generar un clima de implicación en la tarea para potenciar el bie­nestar de los deportistas.  AbstractThis study aimed to test a multilevel mediation model that examined the relationship between the per­ceived motivational climate created by coaches at team level and the affects and burnout at individual level, as me­diated by the self-determined motivation. Participants were 745 college athletes from various sports, aged 17 to 28 years old (M = 21.46, DT = 2.14) who completed the instruments that evaluated the study variables (PMCSQ-2, SMS-II, PANAS, and ABQ). The results showed that at the within-team level, self-determined motivation was positively related to positive affect; on the contrary, was negatively related to negative affect and three dimen­sions of burnout. At the between-team level, the percep­tion of the task-involving climate was positively related to self-determined motivation, while the ego-involving climate was negatively related to self-determined moti­vation. Similarly, self-determined motivation was positi­vely related to positive affect and negatively negative af­fect, as well as to the three dimensions of burnout. Both the task-involving climate and ego-involving climates showed an indirect effect on well-being and discomfort through self-determined motivation. It is suggested that coaches generate a task-involving climate to promote the well-being of athletes.
Cytoneme-mediated cell-cell contacts for Hedgehog reception
Authors: González-Méndez Laura , Seijo-Barandiarán Irene , Guerrero Isabel
Published: August 2017

Morphogens regulate tissue patterning through their distribution in concentration gradients. Emerging research establishes a role for specialized signalling filopodia, or cytonemes, in morphogen dispersion and signalling. Previously we demonstrated that Hedgehog (Hh) morphogen is transported via vesicles along cytonemes emanating from signal-producing cells to form a gradient in Drosophila epithelia. However, the mechanisms for signal reception and transfer are still undefined. Here, we demonstrate that cytonemes protruding from Hh-receiving cells contribute to Hh gradient formation. The canonical Hh receptor Patched is localized in these cellular protrusions and Hh reception takes place in membrane contact sites between Hh-sending and Hh-receiving cytonemes. These two sets of cytonemes have similar dynamics and both fall in two different dynamic behaviours. Furthermore, both the Hh co-receptor Interference hedgehog (Ihog) and the glypicans are critical for this cell-cell cytoneme mediated interaction. These findings suggest that the described contact sites might facilitate morphogen presentation and reception.
Altered topology of neural circuits in congenital prosopagnosia
Authors: Rosenthal Gideon , Tanzer Michal , Simony Erez , Hasson Uri , Behrmann Marlene , Avidan Galia
Published: August 2017

Using a novel, fMRI-based inter-subject functional correlation (ISFC) approach, which isolates stimulus-locked inter-regional correlation patterns, we compared the cortical topology of the neural circuit for face processing in participants with an impairment in face recognition, congenital prosopagnosia (CP), and matched controls. Whereas the anterior temporal lobe served as the major network hub for face processing in controls, this was not the case for the CPs. Instead, this group evinced hyper-connectivity in posterior regions of the visual cortex, mostly associated with the lateral occipital and the inferior temporal cortices. Moreover, the extent of this hyper-connectivity was correlated with the face recognition deficit. These results offer new insights into the perturbed cortical topology in CP, which may serve as the underlying neural basis of the behavioral deficits typical of this disorder. The approach adopted here has the potential to uncover altered topologies in other neurodevelopmental disorders, as well.
Anatomical and functional organization of the human substantia nigra and its connections
Authors: Zhang Yu , Larcher Kevin Michel-Herve , Misic Bratislav , Dagher Alain
Published: August 2017

We investigated the anatomical and functional organization of the human substantia nigra (SN) using diffusion and functional MRI data from the Human Connectome Project. We identified a tripartite connectivity-based parcellation of SN with a limbic, cognitive, motor arrangement. The medial SN connects with limbic striatal and cortical regions and encodes value (greater response to monetary wins than losses during fMRI), while the ventral SN connects with associative regions of cortex and striatum and encodes salience (equal response to wins and losses). The lateral SN connects with somatomotor regions of striatum and cortex and also encodes salience. Behavioral measures from delay discounting and flanker tasks supported a role for the value-coding medial SN network in decisional impulsivity, while the salience-coding ventral SN network was associated with motor impulsivity. In sum, there is anatomical and functional heterogeneity of human SN, which underpins value versus salience coding, and impulsive choice versus impulsive action.
Implications of nutritional stress as nestling or fledgling on subsequent attractiveness and fecundity in zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata)
Authors: Honarmand Mariam , Krause E. Tobias , Naguib Marc
Published: August 2017

The conditions an organism experiences during early development can have profound and long lasting effects on its subsequent behavior, attractiveness, and life history decisions. Most previous studies have exposed individuals to different conditions throughout development until nutritional independence. Yet under natural conditions, individuals may experience limitations for much shorter periods due to transient environmental fluctuations. Here, we used zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) in captivity to determine if conditions experienced during distinctly different early developmental phases contribute differently to male and female attractiveness and subsequent reproduction. We conducted a breeding experiment in which offspring were exposed to food regimes with (a) low quality food provided only during the nestling period, (b) low quality food provided only during the fledgling period, or (c) high quality food throughout early development. We show that despite short-term effects on biometry and physiology, there were no effects on either male or female attractiveness, as tested in two-way mate choice free-flight aviary experiments. In a subsequent breeding experiment, the offspring from the initial experiment were allowed to breed themselves. The next generation offspring from mothers raised under lower quality nutrition as either nestling or fledging were lighter at hatching compared to offspring from mothers raised under higher quality nutrition whereas paternal early nutrition had no such effects. The lack of early developmental limitations on attractiveness suggests that attractiveness traits were not affected or that birds compensated for any such effects. Furthermore, maternal trans-generational effects of dietary restrictions emphasize the importance of role of limited periods of early developmental stress in the expression of environmentally determined fitness components.
RNA-seq reveals more consistent reference genes for gene expression studies in human non-melanoma skin cancers
Authors: Hoang Van L.T. , Tom Lisa N. , Quek Xiu-Cheng , Tan Jean-Marie , Payne Elizabeth J. , Lin Lynlee L. , Sinnya Sudipta , Raphael Anthony P. , Lambie Duncan , Frazer Ian H. , Dinger Marcel E. , Soyer H. Peter , Prow Tarl W.
Published: August 2017

Identification of appropriate reference genes (RGs) is critical to accurate data interpretation in quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) experiments. In this study, we have utilised next generation RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to analyse the transcriptome of a panel of non-melanoma skin cancer lesions, identifying genes that are consistently expressed across all samples. Genes encoding ribosomal proteins were amongst the most stable in this dataset. Validation of this RNA-seq data was examined using qPCR to confirm the suitability of a set of highly stable genes for use as qPCR RGs. These genes will provide a valuable resource for the normalisation of qPCR data for the analysis of non-melanoma skin cancer.
The effects of allogenic stem cells in a murine model of hind limb diabetic ischemic tissue
Authors: Álvarez García Jesús , García Gómez-Heras Soledad , Riera del Moral Luis , Largo Carlota , García-Olmo Damián , García-Arranz Mariano
Published: August 2017

Background

Diabetes is one of the major risk factors for peripheral arterial disease. In patients in whom surgery cannot be performed, cell therapy may be an alternative treatment. Since time is crucial for these patients, we propose the use of allogenic mesenchymal cells.

Methods

We obtained mesenchymal cells derived from the fat tissue of a healthy Sprague-Dawley rat. Previous diabetic induction with streptozotocin in 40 male Sprague-Dawley rats, ligation plus left iliac and femoral artery sections were performed as a previously described model of ischemia. After 10 days of follow-up, macroscopic and histo-pathological analysis was performed to evaluate angiogenic and inflammatory parameters in the repair of the injured limb. All samples were evaluated by the same blind researcher. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS v.11.5 program (P < 0.05).

Results

Seventy percent of the rats treated with streptozotocin met the criteria for diabetes. Macroscopically, cell-treated rats presented better general and lower ischemic clinical status, and histologically, a better trend towards angiogenesis, greater infiltration of type 2 macrophages and a shortening of the inflammatory process. However, only the inflammatory variables were statistically significant. No immunological reaction was observed with the use of allogeneic cells.

Discussion

The application of allogeneic ASCs in a hind limb ischemic model in diabetic animals shows no rejection reactions and a reduction in inflammatory parameters in favor of better repair of damaged tissue. These results are consistent with other lines of research in allogeneic cell therapy. This approach might be a safe, effective treatment option that makes it feasible to avoid the time involved in the process of isolation, expansion and production of the use of autologous cells.
Metabolism and functions of docosahexaenoic acid‐containing membrane glycerophospholipids
Authors: Hishikawa Daisuke , Valentine William J. , Iizuka‐Hishikawa Yoshiko , Shindou Hideo , Shimizu Takao
Published: August 2017

Omega‐3 (ω‐3) fatty acids (FAs) such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are known to have important roles in human health and disease. Besides being utilized as fuel, ω‐3 FAs have specific functions based on their structural characteristics. These functions include serving as ligands for several receptors, precursors of lipid mediators, and components of membrane glycerophospholipids (GPLs). Since ω‐3 FAs (especially DHA) are highly flexible, the levels of DHA in GPLs may affect membrane biophysical properties such as fluidity, flexibility, and thickness. Here, we summarize some of the cellular mechanisms for incorporating DHA into membrane GPLs and propose biological effects and functions of DHA‐containing membranes of several cell and tissue types.
Promoting flood risk reduction: The role of insurance in Germany and England
Authors: Surminski Swenja , Thieken Annegret H.
Published: August 2017

Improving society's ability to prepare for, respond to and recover from flooding requires integrated, anticipatory flood risk management (FRM). However, most countries still focus their efforts on responding to flooding events if and when they occur rather than addressing their current and future vulnerability to flooding. Flood insurance is one mechanism that could promote a more ex ante approach to risk by supporting risk reduction activities. This paper uses an adapted version of Easton's System Theory to investigate the role of insurance for FRM in Germany and England. We introduce an anticipatory FRM framework, which allows flood insurance to be considered as part of a broader policy field. We analyze if and how flood insurance can catalyze a change toward a more anticipatory approach to FRM. In particular we consider insurance's role in influencing five key components of anticipatory FRM: risk knowledge, prevention through better planning, property‐level protection measures, structural protection and preparedness (for response). We find that in both countries FRM is still a reactive, event‐driven process, while anticipatory FRM remains underdeveloped. Collaboration between insurers and FRM decision‐makers has already been successful, for example in improving risk knowledge and awareness, while in other areas insurance acts as a disincentive for more risk reduction action. In both countries there is evidence that insurance can play a significant role in encouraging anticipatory FRM, but this remains underutilized. Effective collaboration between insurers and government should not be seen as a cost, but as an investment to secure future insurability through flood resilience.
Effects of temperature and particles on nitrification in a eutrophic coastal bay in southern China
Authors: Zheng Zhen‐Zhen , Wan Xianhui , Xu Min Nina , Hsiao Silver Sung‐Yun , Zhang Yao , Zheng Li‐Wei , Wu Yanhua , Zou Wenbin , Kao Shuh‐Ji
Published: August 2017

Despite being the only link between reduced and oxidized nitrogen, the impact of environmental factors on nitrification, temperature and particles, in particular, remains unclear for coastal zones. By using the 15NH4+‐labeling technique, we determined nitrification rates in bulk (NTRB) and free‐living (NTRF, after removing particles >3 μm) for water samples with varying particle concentrations (as sampled at different tidal stages) during autumn, winter, and summer in a eutrophic coastal bay in southern China. The highest NTRB occurred in autumn, when particle concentrations were highest. In general, particle‐associated nitrification rates (NTRP, >3 μm) were higher than NTRF and increased with particle abundance. Regardless of seasonally distinctive temperature and particle concentrations, nitrification exhibited consistent temperature dependence in all cases (including bulk, particle‐associated, and free‐living) with a Q10 value of ~2.2. Meanwhile, the optimum temperature for NTRP was ~29°C, 5°C higher than that for NTRF although the causes for such a difference remained unclear. Strong temperature dependence and particle association suggest that nitrification is sensitive to temperature change (seasonality and global warming) and to ocean dynamics (wave and tide). Our results can potentially be applied to biogeochemical models of the nitrogen cycle for future predictions.
Durable and Recyclable Superhydrophobic Fabric and Mesh for Oil–Water Separation
Authors: Bano Shaher , Zulfiqar Usama , Zaheer Usama , Awais Muhammad , Ahmad Iftikhar , Subhani Tayyab
Published: August 2017

The authors report durable and recyclable nanocomposite superhydrophobic coatings on two different substrates of fabric and mesh as prepared by titania nanoparticles and polydimethysiloxane (PDMS). The felted wool fabric and the steel mesh are initially coated with a thin layer of PDMS, which is followed by the deposition of nanocomposite coating of titania nanoparticles embedded in PDMS. The dual surface modification of two kinds of substrates generates highly hydrophobic surface character, which is retained after durability performance as measured in ultrasonication, sand, and emery paper abrasion tests. Oil–water separation experiments are performed using water mixtures with four oils, that is, n‐hexane, toluene, kerosene, and diesel to ensure the industrial applications of prepared composite materials. Moreover, nanocomposite coatings are tested for several cycles of oil–water separation in harsh conditions such as hot water, sodium chloride, and hydrochloric acid. The adopted approach improves the separation performance by inducing durability of the prepared nanocomposite coatings along with introducing recyclable character.
Ultralight and Binder‐Free All‐Solid‐State Flexible Supercapacitors for Powering Wearable Strain Sensors
Authors: Li Weigu , Xu Xiaobin , Liu Chang , Tekell Marshall C. , Ning Jing , Guo Jianhe , Zhang Jincheng , Fan Donglei
Published: August 2017

Flexible energy storage devices play a pivotal role in realizing the full potential of flexible electronics. This work presents high‐performance, all‐solid‐state, flexible supercapacitors by employing an innovative multilevel porous graphite foam (MPG). MPGs exhibit superior properties, such as large specific surface area, high electric conductivity, low mass density, high loading efficiency of pseudocapacitive materials, and controlled corrugations for accommodating mechanical strains. When loaded with pseudocapacitive manganese oxide (Mn3O4), the MPG/Mn3O4 (MPGM) composites achieve a specific capacitance of 538 F g−1 (1 mV s−1) and 260 F g−1 (1 mV s−1) based on the mass of pure Mn3O4 and entire electrode composite, respectively. Both are among the best of Mn3O4‐based supercapacitors. The MPGM is mechanically robust and can go through 1000 mechanical bending cycles with only 1.5% change in electric resistance. When integrated as all‐solid‐state symmetric supercapacitors, they offer a full cell specific capacitance as high as 53 F g−1 based on the entire electrode and retain 80% of capacitance after 1000 continuous mechanical bending cycles. Furthermore, the all‐solid‐state flexible supercapacitors are incorporated with strain sensors into self‐powered flexible devices for detection of both coarse and fine motions on human skins, i.e., those from finger bending and heart beating.
A Phosphanthrene Oxide Host with Close Sphere Packing for Ultralow‐Voltage‐Driven Efficient Blue Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Diodes
Authors: Yang He , Liang Qianqian , Han Chunmiao , Zhang Jing , Xu Hui
Published: August 2017

A phosphanthrene oxide host, 5,10‐diphenyl‐phosphanthrene 5,10‐dioxide (DPDPO2A), with intra‐ and intermolecular hydrogen bonds achieves spheroidal cis‐configuration and close sphere packing. DPDPO2A realizes effective exciton suppression and excellent and balanced carrier transporting ability, both at the same time, demonstrating favorable photoluminescence quantum yield of 84% from its blue thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) dye, namely bis[4‐(9,9‐dimethyl‐9,10‐dihydroacridine) phenyl]sulfone, doped films and high electron and hole mobility at the level of 10−4 and 10−5 cm2 V−1 s−1, respectively. DPDPO2A endows its blue TADF devices with record‐low driving voltages, e.g., turn‐on voltage of 2.5 V, and the state‐of‐the‐art efficiencies with maxima of 22.5% for external quantum efficiency and 52.9 lm W−1 for power efficiency, which is the best comprehensive performance to date of ultralow‐voltage‐driven blue TADF diodes.
Si Complies with GaN to Overcome Thermal Mismatches for the Heteroepitaxy of Thick GaN on Si
Authors: Tanaka Atsunori , Choi Woojin , Chen Renjie , Dayeh Shadi A.
Published: August 2017

Heteroepitaxial growth of lattice mismatched materials has advanced through the epitaxy of thin coherently strained layers, the strain sharing in virtual and nanoscale substrates, and the growth of thick films with intermediate strain‐relaxed buffer layers. However, the thermal mismatch is not completely resolved in highly mismatched systems such as in GaN‐on‐Si. Here, geometrical effects and surface faceting to dilate thermal stresses at the surface of selectively grown epitaxial GaN layers on Si are exploited. The growth of thick (19 µm), crack‐free, and pure GaN layers on Si with the lowest threading dislocation density of 1.1 × 107 cm−2 achieved to date in GaN‐on‐Si is demonstrated. With these advances, the first vertical GaN metal–insulator–semiconductor field‐effect transistors on Si substrates with low leakage currents and high on/off ratios paving the way for a cost‐effective high power device paradigm on an Si CMOS platform are demonstrated
Carbon‐Nanotube‐Confined Vertical Heterostructures with Asymmetric Contacts
Authors: Zhang Jin , Zhang Kenan , Xia Bingyu , Wei Yang , Li Dongqi , Zhang Ke , Zhang Zhixing , Wu Yang , Liu Peng , Duan Xidong , Xu Yong , Duan Wenhui , Fan Shoushan , Jiang Kaili
Published: August 2017

Van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures have received intense attention for their efficient stacking methodology with 2D nanomaterials in vertical dimension. However, it is still a challenge to scale down the lateral size of vdW heterostructures to the nanometer and make proper contacts to achieve optimized performances. Here, a carbon‐nanotube‐confined vertical heterostructure (CCVH) is employed to address this challenge, in which 2D semiconductors are asymmetrically sandwiched by an individual metallic single‐walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) and a metal electrode. By using WSe2 and MoS2, the CCVH can be made into p‐type and n‐type field effect transistors with high on/off ratios even when the channel length is 3.3 nm. A complementary inverter was further built with them, indicating their potential in logic circuits with a high integration level. Furthermore, the Fermi level of SWCNTs can be efficiently modulated by the gate voltage, making it competent for both electron and hole injection in the CCVHs. This unique property is shown by the transition of WSe2 CCVH from unipolar to bipolar, and the transition of WSe2/MoS2 from p–n junction to n–n junction under proper source–drain biases and gate voltages. Therefore, the CCVH, as a member of 1D/2D mixed heterostructures, shows great potentials in future nanoelectronics and nano‐optoelectronics.
Flexible Electrodes for Sodium‐Ion Batteries: Recent Progress and Perspectives
Authors: Wang Heng‐Guo , Li Wang , Liu Da‐Peng , Feng Xi‐Lan , Wang Jin , Yang Xiao‐Yang , Zhang Xin‐bo , Zhu Yujie , Zhang Yu
Published: August 2017

Sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) are considered as promising alternatives to lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) for large‐scale electrical‐energy‐storage applications due to the wide availability and the low cost of Na resources. Along with the avenues of research on flexible LIBs, flexible SIBs are now being actively developed as one of the most promising power sources for the emerging field of flexible and wearable electronic devices. Here, the recent progress on flexible electrodes based on metal substrates, carbonaceous substrates (i.e., graphene, carbon cloth, and carbon nanofibers), and other materials, as well as their applications in flexible SIBs, are summarized. Also, some future research directions for constructing flexible SIBs are proposed, with the aim of providing inspiration to the further development of advanced flexible SIBs.
All‐Solid‐State Flexible Fiber‐Based MXene Supercapacitors
Authors: Hu Minmin , Li Zhaojin , Li Guoxian , Hu Tao , Zhang Chao , Wang Xiaohui
Published: August 2017

Flexible fiber‐shaped supercapacitors are promising energy‐storage devices in wearable smart electronics. Exploring the knittable fiber‐type electrode with high capacitance would promote the wide‐scale application of such capacitors. Herein, a solution‐processed methodology to fabricate all‐solid‐state, flexible, and fiber‐based supercapacitors employing Ti3C2Tx MXene is proposed. Commercially available silver‐plated nylon fibers are chosen as fibrous structural support for the first time. Through mildly baking the surfactant‐free Ti3C2Tx flakes suspension loaded on the silver‐plated nylon fibers, a uniform and adhesive film consisting of Ti3C2Tx nanometer‐thick flakes is well established in a parallel manner on the highly conductive fibrous support. It is emphasized that the chemically cross‐linked polyvinyl alcohol–H2SO4 hydrogel is served as a solid‐state electrolyte that guarantees the structural integrity and mechanical strength of the assembled capacitor. The fabricated capacitor exhibits a high areal capacitance of 328 mF cm−2 with excellent cyclability and flexibility, capacitance retention remaining at least above 80% under various deformation modes including bending, twisting, and knotting. The device based on the all‐solid‐state, fiber‐type capacitors can drive a light‐emitting diode. This work proposes a feasible strategy, offering a platform for rational designs of flexible electronics employing a large family of MXenes and their heterostructures as well.
Chemically Tunable, All‐Inorganic‐Based White‐Light Emitting 0D–1D Heterostructures
Authors: Yue Shiyu , Zhou Yuchen , Zou Shihui , Wang Lei , Liu Haiqing , Wong Stanislaus S.
Published: August 2017

In this study, one‐dimensional (1D) Mn2+‐doped ZnS (ZnS:Mn) nanowires (NWs) are initially created with a unique optical signature. Specifically, these nanostructures couple (i) ZnS defect‐related self‐activated emission spanning from wavelengths of 400–500 nm with (ii) Mn2+ dopant‐induced emission centered at ≈580 nm. These doped ZnS nanostructures are initially fabricated for the first time via a template‐based coprecipitation approach followed by a postsynthesis annealing process. Novel 1D–0D heterostructures are subsequently formed, incorporating ZnS:Mn2+ NWs and 2‐amino‐ethanethiol (AET)‐CdSe quantum dots (QDs), by assembling annealed ZnS:Mn2+ NWs with AET‐capped CdSe QDs as building blocks via a simple technique, involving physical sonication and stirring. Optical analyses of the heterostructures are consistent with charge (hole) and energy transfer‐induced quenching of ZnS self‐activated emission coupled with hole transfer‐related quenching of Mn2+ emission by the QDs. The CdSe QD emission itself is impacted by competing charge (electron) and energy transfer processes occurring between the underlying ZnS host and the immobilized CdSe QDs. Chromaticity analysis reveals the significance of controlling both QD coverage density and Mn2+ dopant ratios in predictably influencing the observed color of our all‐inorganic heterostructures. For example, white‐light emitting behavior is especially prominent in composites, simultaneously characterized by (i) a 2.22% Mn2+ doping level and (ii) a molar compositional ratio of [ZnS:Mn2+]:[AET‐capped CdSe QDs] of 1:1.5. Moreover, using these independent chemical “knobs,” it is possible to reliably tune for a significant shift within the composites from “cold‐white” (9604 K) to “warm‐white” (4383 K) light emission.
Protic ionic liquid as excellent shuttle of MDEA for fast capture of CO2
Authors: Zheng Wen‐Tao , Huang Kuan , Wu You‐Ting , Hu Xing‐Bang
Published: August 2017

A cheap protic ionic liquid (PIL), 3‐(Dimethylamino)‐1‐propylamine acetate (abbreviated as [DMAPAH][Ac]), is investigated in this work as the activator of N‐methyldiethanolamine (MDEA) for fast capture of CO2. The PIL‐activated MDEA solutions show excellent performance in absorption rate and capacity (≥2.5 mol·kg−1). A novel absorption mechanism is proposed to account for the phenomenon, where the shuttling role of the PIL is described in detail. Additionally, the enthalpy change ΔHSOL (−45 to −52 kJ·mol−1), the turnover number of the PIL and the regeneration efficiency (>92%) are also measured. All these data show that the PIL‐mediated MDEA solutions may be used as a kind of promising absorbents for fast capture of CO2. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 209–219, 2018
Reference ranges for the intra‐amniotic umbilical cord vein diameter, peak velocity and blood flow in a regional NSW population
Authors: Spurway Jacqueline , Logan Patricia , Pak Sok Cheon , Nielsen Sharon
Published: August 2017

Aim

To construct gestational age (GA)‐related reference ranges of the intra‐amniotic umbilical cord vein (UCV) diameter, peak velocity (PV) and blood flow (Qucv) using a Central West New South Wales population.

Materials and Methods

This was a prospective, quasi‐experimental study of low risk, singleton pregnancies (n = 321) between 16 and 42 weeks of gestation. Participation was voluntary following informed consent. The UCV diameter and PV were measured using B mode and duplex Doppler respectively, and Qucv calculated. Percentile values and reference range graphs were established using quantile regression modelling in R statistical software. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated to assess the intra and intersonographer reliability.

Results

Reference ranges for the UCV diameter, PV and Qucv were established and graphed. All three UCV measurements increased with advancing GA, with both diameter and Qucv exhibiting a decline in the late third trimester. The intrasonographer and intersonographer ICCs for the UCV diameter and PV showed almost perfect agreement within and between sonographers.

Conclusion

Gestational age‐related reference ranges for the UCV diameter, PV and Qucv were developed using quantile regression from a cohort of low risk, singleton pregnancies in Central West NSW. These reference ranges have the potential to assist in the diagnosis and monitoring of fetal growth restriction.
Aptamer/AuNP Biosensor for Colorimetric Profiling of Exosomal Proteins
Authors: Jiang Ying , Shi Muling , Liu Yuan , Wan Shuo , Cui Cheng , Zhang Liqin , Tan Weihong
Published: August 2017

Exosomes constitute an emerging biomarker for cancer diagnosis because they carry multiple proteins that reflect the origins of parent cells. Assessing exosome surface proteins provides a powerful means of identifying a combination of biomarkers for cancer diagnosis. We report a sensor platform that profiles exosome surface proteins in minutes by the naked eye. The sensor consists of a gold nanoparticle (AuNP) complexed with a panel of aptamers. The complexation of aptamers with AuNPs protects the nanoparticles from aggregating in a high‐salt solution. In the presence of exosomes, the non‐specific and weaker binding between aptamers and the AuNP is broken, and the specific and stronger binding between exosome surface protein and the aptamer displaces aptamers from the AuNP surface and results in AuNP aggregation. This aggregation results in a color change and generates patterns for the identification of multiple proteins on the exosome surface.
Protonation of Ferrocene: A Low‐Temperature X‐ray Diffraction Study of [Cp2FeH](PF6) Reveals an Iron‐Bound Hydrido Ligand
Authors: Malischewski Moritz , Seppelt Konrad , Sutter Jörg , Heinemann Frank W. , Dittrich Birger , Meyer Karsten
Published: August 2017

Ferrocene, Cp2Fe, is quantitatively protonated in a mixture of liquid HF/PF5 to yield [Cp2FeH](PF6), which was characterized by 1H/13C NMR and 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy as well as single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. X‐ray diffraction analysis at 100 K revealed a disordered, iron‐coordinated hydrido ligand, which was unambiguously located by aspherical atom refinement at 100 K, and by analyzing the non‐disordered crystal structure at 30 K, revealing a non‐agostic structure.