bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three polymorphs of 3-(3-phenyl-1H-1,2,4-triazol-5-yl)-2H-1-benzopyran-2-one formed from different solvents
Authors: Shishkina Svitlana V. , Konovalova Irina S. , Trostianko Pavlo V. , Geleverya Anna O. , Kovalenko Sergiy M. , Bunyatyan Natalya D.
Published: May 2019

The polymorphic study of 3-(3-phenyl-1H-1,2,4-triazol-5-yl)-2H-1-benzopyran-2-one, C17H11N3O2, was performed due to its potential biological activity and revealed three polymorphic modifications in the triclinic space group P\overline{1}, the monoclinic space group P21 and the orthorhombic space group Pbca. These polymorphs have a one-column layered type of crystal organization. The strongest interactions between the molecules of the studied structures is stacking between π-systems, while N—H...N and C—H...O hydrogen bonds link stacked columns forming layers as a secondary basic structural motif. C—H...π hydrogen bonds were observed between neighbouring layers and their role is the least significant in the formation of the crystal structure. Packing differences between the polymorphic modifications are minor and can be identified only using an analysis based on a comparison of the pairwise interaction energies.
Impact of personality traits on information needs and seeking behavior of LIS students in Pakistan
Authors: Ahmed Shamshad , Rehman Farhat , Sheikh Arslan
Published: May 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to identify the personality traits (agreeableness, openness to experience, extraversion, conscientiousness and neuroticism) of library and information science (LIS) students in Pakistan. The difference among the personality traits of LIS students toward their information needs and seeking behavior is also analyzed.

Design/methodology/approach

Two instruments, namely, BFI scale and a self-structured instrument were used to collect the data. Kruskal–Wallis test was applied to find out differences among the personality traits of LIS students toward their information needs and seeking behavior.

Findings

Findings of the study revealed that out of 320 respondents, 186 possessed openness to experience, while only 7 possessed extraversion personality trait. Moreover, the students having extraversion personality trait were, generally, more concerned toward information needs. On the other hand students having conscientious trait were increasingly more seekers of information. Overall, the conscientiousness was identified as the most suitable personality trait for LIS students. A significant difference was also observed among all the personality traits of LIS students.

Practical implications

The findings of this study will help in the identification of LIS individual’s personality. The library managers can use these personality traits for the selection of suitable library professionals for their libraries.

Originality/value

This study can be valuable for the induction of new library professionals and also help managers in assigning the duties based on these personality traits.
The role of cultural difference and travel motivation in event participation
Authors: Yan Nanxi , Halpenny Elizabeth
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Using a cross-cultural perspective, the purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of cultural difference and travel motivation on event participation and how cultural difference may influence the relationship between travel motivation and event participation. The paper highlights the importance of culture in tourism research.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was conducted by using a secondary data set (n=24,692) commissioned by Destination Canada (formerly the Canadian Tourism Commission). Both descriptive statistics (e.g. frequency analysis) and inferential statistics (e.g. hierarchical regressions) were calculated.

Findings

First of all, the results indicated that travel motivations and cultural difference can impact event participation. For example, those who were more motivated by knowledge and competence (e.g. knowing history and culture) were more likely to participate in art festivals and cultural events. Also, the research recognized that Asian-Canadians were more likely to visit ethnic or religious festivals than Anglo-Canadians, whereas Asian-Canadians were less likely to attend farmers’ market in comparison with Anglo-Canadians. Last, the effect of cultural difference can moderate the relationship between travel motivation and event participation.

Originality/value

These findings emphasize that travel motivations and cultural difference are key factors to be considered for festivals’ marketing. Particularly, the moderating effect of cultural difference reinforces that the important role played by culture for effective festival marketing should not be ignored. The research also provides valuable insights for destination managers who are interested in Asian markets. Moreover, using a secondary data set prepared by the Canadian Government largely increased the results’ representativeness, trustworthiness, and generalizability.
An integrated response model for business disruption
Authors: Wilson Phillip , Klockner Karen
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the planning and use of an all-hazards emergency services approach to business disruption, which resulted from the hosting of the 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018) by Australia. It outlines how this emergency response model worked and how it can be transitioned into other operational areas.

Design/methodology/approach

Although the Commonwealth Games provided a unique opportunity for Australia to showcase its large event capability, it also highlighted the need for innovation due to business disruption for front-line emergency response agencies. The Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) was faced with the need to review the standard emergency response model and to come up with a way to maintain business as usual operational effectiveness.

Findings

An all-hazards approach to emergency response was ultimately achieved through expanded air operations (helicopters), the use of a multi-agency approach and the use of volunteers to achieve strategic risk management outcomes.

Practical implications

The practical solutions that emerged are discussed as the expanded response model and collaborative engagements to achieve risk reduction, readiness and preparation.

Originality/value

The solution to utilise an integrated emergency response methodology, including rapid and effective aerial support, reflected an all-hazards response to include deployment to road crash rescue, hazardous materials and structural fires. This business model ensured that QFES continued to meet its established “operational excellence” standards while pioneering options to address incident responses within the community wherein circumstances are considered exceptional.
The writing performance of elementary students using a digital writing application
Authors: Baker Sheila F. , Lastrapes Renée E.
Published: May 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate elementary students’ writing experiences using a digital writing application and compares the results to the findings and recommendations of a national survey on instructional practices in writing.

Design/methodology/approach

Mixed methods were used to assess the quantity and quality of P-5 public school students’ writing over time. Teacher, librarian and student perceptions and experiences were examined and compared to the results and recommendations from a national survey on writing.

Findings

This paper provides empirical insights into the use of a digital writing application in writing instruction. Findings showed the use of a digital writing application: significantly increased the quantity and improved the quality of student writing; excited and motivated students to write; extended the learning day so more time was spent on writing; and supported students of special populations. Comparison to the recommendations of the national survey showed five of seven recommendations were not met in this study.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the chosen research approach, the research results may lack generalizability. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to conduct further investigations.

Practical implications

The paper includes implications for writing instruction using digital applications for teachers, librarians and educators in pre-service teacher and school librarian preparation programs.

Originality/value

Considering limited growth in national writing scores and the transition to online writing assessments by 2019, this paper addresses the need to integrate technology into writing instruction and offers practical strategies for doing so.
Analysing recent augmented and virtual reality developments in tourism
Authors: Moro Sérgio , Rita Paulo , Ramos Pedro , Esmerado Joaquim
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are two technological breakthroughs that stimulate reality perception. Both have been applied in tourism contexts to improve tourists’ experience. This paper aims to frame both AR and VR developments during the past 15 years from a scientific perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts a text mining and topic modelling approach to analyse a total of 1,049 articles for VR and 406 for AR. The papers were selected from Scopus, with the title, abstract and keywords being extracted for the analysis. Formulated research hypotheses based on relevant publications are then evaluated to assess the current state of the broader scope of the large sets of literature.

Findings

Most of research using AR is based on mobile technology. Yet, wearable devices still show few publications, a gap that is expected to close in the near future. There is a lack of research adopting Big Data/machine learning approaches based on secondary data.

Originality/value

As both AR and VR technologies are becoming more mature, more applications to tourism emerge. Scholars need to keep pace and fill in the research gaps on both domains to move research forward.
Inter-organisational knowledge networks: synthesising dialectic tensions of university-industry knowledge discovery
Authors: Dooley Lawrence , Gubbins Claire
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Despite growth in use of inter-organisational relationships for knowledge co-creation, many collaborations struggle to realise the synergistic benefits of these networks. This paper aims to explore the evolving dialectic tensions evident within an inter-organisational relationship and the governance consideration to optimise the knowledge process.

Design/methodology/approach

A longitudinal case of a university-industry knowledge network is selected for study. The single case analysis aligns with the dialectical epistemology, which dismisses the expectation of homogeny or constancy across network cases.

Findings

The research highlights the circular condition between dialectic tensions evident within inter-organisational relations and the governance mechanisms developed to synthesis the network knowledge discovery capability. The research shows that these tensions are a natural part of the network existence and often advantageous to knowledge creation. The research also highlights that governance is required at multiple levels within the network entity to optimise knowledge exchange and discovery.

Originality/value

The research adds to the limited application of dialectical thinking to inter-organisational networks. It highlights the structural and relational governance mechanisms that interplay to optimise their knowledge process capability. The research also highlights the multiple levels within networks at which tensions can originate, requiring knowledge governance at the micro, meso and macro level to address the complexity of the inter-organisational relationship. This research provides a better understanding of how knowledge within inter-organisational relations can be managed for mutual benefit and value creation.
Do leadership styles promote ambidextrous innovation? Case of knowledge-intensive firms
Authors: Berraies Sarra , Zine El Abidine Syrine
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of the transformational and transactional leadership styles and its sub-dimensions on exploitative and exploratory innovations. The authors deepened the analysis by highlighting the contribution of ambidextrous leadership on ambidextrous innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

The conceptual model defined through a thorough review of the literature is tested empirically on a sample of 265 senior managers working in Tunisian knowledge-intensive firms (KIFs). A quantitative analysis is performed via a questionnaire. The analysis of the data collected is carried out using the partial least squares method.

Findings

Results show that exploratory innovation is linked to transformational leadership and in particular to individualized consideration, intellectual stimulation and inspirational motivation. Moreover, exploitative innovation is promoted by transformational and transactional leadership styles and particularly by attributed idealized influence and contingent rewards. Also, ambidextrous leadership affects positively ambidextrous innovation.

Originality/value

While little studies have investigated how the transformational and transactional leadership styles as constructs of second-order influence differently exploitative innovation and exploratory innovation, this research deepens the analysis by focusing on sub-dimensions of leadership styles that promote each type of innovation within KIFs. It also pioneers the investigation of the effect of ambidextrous leadership on ambidextrous innovation that has never been explored. This research provides important insights for leaders of KIFs and sheds the light on the key aspects of leadership that boost ambidextrous innovation.
In search of continuity
Authors: Olejniczak Tomasz , Pikos Anna , Goto Toshio
Published: May 2019

Purpose

This study aims to represent an early attempt to define the notion of continuity and empirically illustrate its explanatory potential and methodological challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

This study combines historical and qualitative research techniques to conduct a qualitative analysis of continuity in the Jablkowski Brothers Department Store, a Polish centennial company. The paper highlights the potential synergies between historical and qualitative methods when applied to the analysis of long periods of time.

Findings

The authors find that using a theoretical framework of continuity provides novel ontological and epistemological insights into the nature of long-lived companies. Based on the findings, the authors present continuity in the context of existing theories and argue that it is a unique concept that deserves more scientific attention and rigorous empirical study.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing literature in three ways. First, it provides a brief, interdisciplinary overview of the concept of continuity. Second, it provides an empirical illustration of continuity analysis in a Polish centennial company with extremely discontinuous history. Finally, it positions continuity within the wider context of existing theories and shows how, through continuity, history can contribute to both the practice and theory of management.
Understanding the effectiveness of performance management system
Authors: Kang Young Cheoul , Choi Nakbum
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore factors that can influence on the police officer’s perception of the effectiveness of the performance management system (PMS). This study examines the effect of the attitude of employees and causal relationships between organizational/individual factors and the effectiveness of PMS during the implementation process.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a nationwide online survey of 10,619 police officers in South Korea. Structural equation modeling was employed to analyze multiple relationships simultaneously. The authors constructed a baseline model and also examined an alternative model in order to increase the model’s explanatory power.

Findings

Police officers’ perception of the understanding of the PMS, manager’s concern, participation and performance information (PI) usage exerted significant effects on the perceived effectiveness of the PMS. However, the relation between understanding of the PMS and PI usage was not significant. The study identified organizational and institutional settings for the success of the PMS. Overall, results support findings of previous studies that suggest an important role of common consensus on performance indicators and agreement between managers and employees.

Research limitations/implications

While the data size of this study is quite large, it should be considered that the respondent’s preferences on the PMS might have influenced survey results. Findings are limited by the use of a cross-sectional design. Future studies may investigate changes in causal relationships over time by employing a panel design. In addition, various survey items related to the practices of the PMS within the police organization need to be included in future studies.

Practical implications

To improve the effectiveness of performance management in the police organization, decision makers and managers must emphasize behavioral aspects of the system, especially the causal relationship between practices and perception of the usefulness of the system.

Originality/value

Despite the wide use of PMS in police management practice, police officers’ perception of the effectiveness of these systems has received little attention in the field. This study indicated a causal link between the factors in the PMS and the perception of the police officers.
Green (environmental) HRM: aligning ideals with appropriate practices
Authors: Leidner Sarah , Baden Denise , Ashleigh Melanie J.
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how Green (environmental) Human Resource Management (GHRM) policies can elicit green employee behaviours. This study explores the role of sustainability advocates, who are leaders and managers in pursuit of their firm’s environmental agenda, in the design and delivery of GHRM policies, communication, recruitment and selection, environmental training, rewards and incentives.

Design/methodology/approach

In this qualitative study, eighteen semi-structured interviews with sustainability advocates in European firms were conducted and analysed.

Findings

GHRM practices are not in themselves peripheral, intermediate or embedded, but shaped by contextual situations. Sustainability advocates’ intentions do not seem to match GHRM policy design, i.e. they try to elicit value-based behaviours by using self-interest-based approaches, leading to misalignments between the attitudes and behaviours policies attempt to elicit, and the type of behaviours they elicit in practice.

Research limitations/implications

This study explores GHRM practice implementation experienced by leaders and managers. Further research on the role of the HR function and recipients of GHRM is needed.

Practical implications

Practitioners need to be aware that organisational incentives (GHRM policies) that reflect self-interest can lead to self-interest-based behaviour and may be short-lived. A careful consideration of contextual factors will inform the selection of suitable GHRM policies. Environmental training completion rates seem an unsuitable metric for senior management bonuses.

Originality/value

This paper investigates the design and implementation stage of GHRM, leading to an identification of GHRM policies as peripheral, intermediate or embedded. This creates an in-depth knowledge on the efficacy of GHRM policies and their relation to the environment.
A “Learning from Action” workshop in Japan
Authors: Hinshelwood Robert Douglas , Mingarelli Luca , Masnata Simona
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Many people in severe mentally disturbed states do not use language or other symbolic media well or coherently. Therefore, the non-verbal medium needs to be understood by workers with such people. The “Learning from Action” experiential workshop was developed in order to provide an opportunity to learn about hidden messages in the relationships and roles occurring in activities. In August 2017, a workshop was run for the first time in Japan. The purpose of this paper is to report the experience and dynamics observed by the three consultants, who are here the authors of this paper.

Design/methodology/approach

After the workshop all the staff and members, including interpreters, were invited to give feedback.

Findings

Analysis of the feedback data showed certain important dynamics, concerning especially dependence, cultural defences and the defensive role of activity in a multicultural context.

Research limitations/implications

This is an initial experience to be followed up by later feedback and further workshops.

Practical implications

Workers awareness of non-verbal communication within the roles of work activities is a training possibility. It faces various resistances including the mental health assumptions of meaninglessness of any communication outside the verbal.

Originality/value

This is a method of training not widely used even in European countries, and is the first in a country in the far east.
Production of hybrid reinforcement by ball milling for development of aluminium matrix composites
Authors: Arora Gaurav , Sharma Satpal
Published: May 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to produce hybrid reinforcement for the development of aluminium matrix composites using ball-billing technique to avoid or reduce the problem of agglomeration of the reinforcement during casting.

Design/methodology/approach

In the present investigation, a mixture of silicon carbide (SiC) and rice husk ash (RHA) powder in equal weight percentage ratio 4:4 (1:1) was alloyed mechanically in a ball-mill at distinct milling times of 15, 30, 45, 60 and 75 h. Morphological Characterization and density measurements of the ball-milled powder were carried out after different intervals of milling times.

Findings

The results revealed that the process of ball milling is a novel technique for the conversion of two or more powders in to an integer powder and reduces the problem of agglomeration also. The density measurement results revealed that an increasing trend of density initially and reduction of the density with the increase of milling time. The density value of the combined particles became comparable to the density of aluminium at the milling time of 75 h for the equal weight percentage ratio 4:4 (1:1) of SiC and RHA.

Originality/value

The manuscript highlights the research work related to the development of the reinforcement for the aluminium hybrid composites by ball milling process. The use of this process for the development of the reinforcement not only reduces the problem of the agglomeration but reduces the density mismatch of the reinforcement and matrix material also.
How Subordinate Financialization Shapes Urban Development: The Rise and Fall of Warsaw's Służewiec Business District
Authors: Büdenbender Mirjam , Aalbers Manuel B.
Published: May 2019

This article studies the development of Warsaw's Służewiec neighbourhood, Poland's largest business district, as a case of real estate financialization. We argue that the neighbourhood's chaotic ‘de‐contextualized’ growth was shaped by Poland's semi‐peripheral position in the global economy on the one hand—enabling a process of subordinate financialization—and legacies of state socialism on the other. In so doing, we mobilize research on peripheral financialization and global economic hierarchies, and studies of post‐socialism to enhance debates about real estate financialization. Commercial real estate—and office development in particular—is a crucial domain in which contemporary core–periphery structures are produced and negotiated. A key function of subordinate financialization is to absorb globally mobile capital—the product of financialization in the core. The case of Służewiec shows that only by considering the interplay of global hierarchies (Poland's position as capital absorbent), local dynamics (fragmented urban development, which was characterized by competition among these unequal municipalities, with local growth coalitions in some municipalities, but not in others) and specific historical legacies (Warsaw's socialist‐time functional organization and its transformation, which weakened the city) can we fully understand the specific dynamics that shape real estate financialization in different places.
Generating a Vertebrae‐based Method to Discriminate between Korean and U.S. White Male Casualties from the Korean War,
Authors: Jeong Yangseung , Jeong Gyorae , Pergande Simon , Lee Keunjae
Published: May 2019

Low recovery rate of intact crania in conflict‐related contexts necessitates the use of postcranial elements for ancestry estimation. This study aimed to develop a new method to discriminate between Korean and U.S. White casualties from the Korean War using vertebrae. Maximum body heights of C2 through L5 were measured from 75 Korean and 51 U.S. males to generate discriminant functions. U.S. vertebral heights were statistically greater than Koreans in 18 out of 23 vertebrae (C2, C4‐6, T3‐6, and T8‐L5). The functions with lumbar vertebrae tended to yield higher correct classification ratios (CCR) than those with cervical or thoracic vertebrae. Inclusion of the femur and tibia lengths in the vertebrae‐involved functions enhanced the CCR's. Discriminant functions using the femur and tibia length were also presented. The results of this study are expected to complement the current practices of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency and the Ministry of National Defense Agency for KIA Recovery and Identification, which are primarily based on cranial and dental morphology.
A Review of Proposed Positive Dental Identifications from the World War II Era
Authors: Shiroma Calvin Y.
Published: May 2019

In 1949, the American Graves Registration Service Pacific Zone proposed the identification of 27 sets of remains (skulls/crania/mandibles) based on comparisons with written dental records. All were denied, and the remains were buried as unknowns. In 2003 and 2015, the remains were exhumed by the DPAA. Currently, 26 individuals previously recommended for identification have been positively identified. The DPAA Science Director's opinion corresponded with 24 of their recommendations, while DNA excluded three. Caution should be taken by the forensic scientist when building assemblages through skeletal and dental articulation. The forensic odontologist must always consider variations in restorative care/extraction patterns and the possibility of documentation errors when reviewing/interpreting historical and current day dental records used for AM/PM comparisons. The odontologist should base their opinion on the strength of the antemortem/postmortem comparison, number and type of concordances, and distinct dental care and extraction patterns.
Reservoir Porosity Measurement Uncertainty and its Influence on Shale Gas Resource Assessment
Authors: TIAN Hua , ZOU Caineng , LIU Shaobo , HONG Feng , FAN Junjia , GUI Lili , HAO Jiaqing
Published: May 2019

Reservoir porosity is a critical parameter for the process of unconventional oil and gas resources assessment. It is difficult to determine the porosity of a gas shale reservoir, and any large deviation will directly reduce the credibility of any shale gas resources evaluation. However, there is no quantitative explanation for the accuracy of porosity measurement. In this paper, measurement uncertainty, an internationally recognized index, was used to evaluate the results of porosity measurement of gas shale plugs, and its impact on the credibility of shale gas resources assessment was determined. The following conclusions are drawn: (1) the measurement uncertainty of porosity of a shale plug is 1.76%–3.12% using current measurement methods, the upper end of which is too large to be acceptable. It is suggested that the measurement uncertainty should be factored into the standard helium gas injection porosity determination experiment, and the uncertainty should be less than 2.00% when using a high‐precision pressure gauge; (2) in order to reduce the risk for exploration and decision‐making, attention should be paid to the large uncertainty (30% at least) of shale gas resource assessment results, sometimes with corrections being made based on the practical considerations;(3) a pressure gauge with an accuracy of 0.25% of the full scal cannot meet the requirements of porosity measurement, and a high‐precision plug cutting method or high‐precision bulk volume measurement method such as one using 3D scanning, is recommended to effectively reduce porosity uncertainty; (4) the method and process for evaluating the measurement uncertainty of gas shale porosity could also be referred for assessment of experimental quality by other laboratories.
Limitations of Lattice Boltzmann Modeling of Micro‐Flows in Complex Nanopores
Authors: ZUO Hong , DENG Shouchun , LI Haibo
Published: May 2019

The multiscale transport mechanism of methane in unconventional reservoirs is dominated by slip and transition flows resulting from the ultra‐low permeability of micro/nano‐scale pores, which requires consideration of the microscale and rarefaction effects. Traditional continuum‐based computational fluid dynamics (CFD) becomes problematic when modeling micro‐gaseous flow in these multiscale pore networks because of its disadvantages in the treatment of cases with a complicated boundary. As an alternative, the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM), a special discrete form of the Boltzmann equation, has been widely applied to model the multi‐scale and multi‐mechanism flows in unconventional reservoirs, considering its mesoscopic nature and advantages in simulating gas flows in complex porous media. Consequently, numerous LBM models and slip boundary schemes have been proposed and reported in the literature. This study investigates the predominately reported LBM models and kinetic boundary schemes. The results of these LBM models systematically compare to existing experimental results, analytical solutions of Navier‐Stokes, solutions of the Boltzmann equation, direct simulation of Monte Carlo (DSMC) and information‐preservation DSMC (IP_DSMC) results, as well as the numerical results of the linearized Boltzmann equation by the discrete velocity method (DVM). The results point out the challenges and limitations of existing multiple‐relaxation‐times LBM models in predicting micro‐gaseous flow in unconventional reservoirs.
Distribution Characteristics and Accumulation Model for the Coal‐formed Gas Generated from Permo‐Carboniferous Coal Measures in Bohai Bay Basin, China: A Review
Authors: JIANG Youlu , HU Hongjin , GLUYAS Jon , ZHAO Kai
Published: May 2019

Coal‐formed gas generated from the Permo‐Carboniferous coal measures has become one of the most important targets for deep hydrocarbon exploration in the Bohai Bay Basin, offshore eastern China. However, the proven gas reserves from this source rock remain low to date, and the distribution characteristics and accumulation model for the coal‐formed gas are not clear. Here we review the coal‐formed gas deposits formed from the Permo‐Carboniferous coal measures in the Bohai Bay Basin. The accumulations are scattered, and dominated by middle‐small sized gas fields, of which the proven reserves ranging from 0.002 to 149.4×108 m3 with an average of 44.30×108 m3 and a mid‐point of 8.16×108 m3. The commercially valuable gas fields are mainly found in the central and southern parts of the basin. Vertically, the coal‐formed gas is accumulated at multiple stratigraphic levels from Paleogene to Archaeozoic, among which the Paleogene and Permo‐Carboniferous are the main reservoir strata. According to the transporting pathway, filling mechanism and the relationship between source rocks and reservoir, the coal‐formed gas accumulation model can be defined into three types: “Upward migrated, fault transported gas” accumulation model, “Laterally migrated, sandbody transported gas” accumulation model, and “Downward migrated, sub‐source, fracture transported gas” accumulation model. Source rock distribution, thermal evolution and hydrocarbon generation capacity are the fundamental controlling factors for the macro distribution and enrichment of the coal‐formed gas. The fault activity and the configuration of fault and caprock control the vertical enrichment pattern.
Secondary Silicates as a Barrier to Carbon Capture and Storage in Deccan Basalt
Authors: KUMAR Amit , SHRIVASTAVA J.P.
Published: May 2019

Investigating the immobilization of CO2, previous basalt‐water‐CO2 interaction studies revealed the formation of carbonates over a short period, but with the extensive formation of secondary silicates (SS). The mechanisms involved in these processes remain unresolved, so the present study was undertaken to understand secondary mineral formation mechanisms. XRPD and Rietveld refinement data for neo‐formed minerals show a drastic decrease in the Ca‐O bond length, with the calcite structure degenerating after 80 h (hours). However, SEM images and EDS data revealed that a longer interaction time resulted in the formation of chlorite and smectite, adjacent to basalt grains which prevent basalt‐water‐CO2 interaction to form carbonates, thus restricting carbonate formation. As a result of this, the CO2 mineralization rate is initially high (till 80 h), but it later reduces drastically. It is evident that, for such temperature‐controlled transformations, low temperature is conducive to minimizing SS surface coating at the time of mineral carbonation.
Pore Structure and Permeability Characterization of High‐rank Coal Reservoirs: A Case of the Bide‐Santang Basin, Western Guizhou, South China
Authors: GUO Chen , QIN Yong , MA Dongmin , XIA Yucheng , BAO Yuan , CHEN Yue , LU Lingling
Published: May 2019

The methods of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, mercury injection porosimetry (MIP), and gas‐water relative permeability (GWRP) were used to reveal the pore structure and permeability characteristics of high‐rank coal reservoirs in the Bide‐Santang basin, western Guizhou, South China, to provide guidance for coalbed methane (CBM) exploration and exploitation and obtain direct insights for the development of CBM wells. The results indicate that the coal reservoirs in the study area are characterized by well‐developed adsorption pores and poorly developed seepage pores. The bimodal NMR transverse relaxation time (T2) spectra and the mutation in the fractal characteristic of the MIP pore volume indicate poor connectivity between the adsorption pores and the seepage pores. As a result, the effective porosity is relatively low, with an average of 1.70%. The irreducible water saturation of the coal reservoir is relatively high, with an average of 66%, leading to a low gas relative permeability under irreducible water saturation. This is the main reason for the low recovery of high‐rank CBM reservoirs, and effective enhanced CBM recovery technology urgently is needed. As a nondestructive and less time‐consuming technique, the NMR is a promising method to quantitatively characterize the pores and fractures of coals.
Temperature stress interferes with male reproductive system development in clementine (Citrus clementina Hort. ex. Tan.)
Authors: Bennici Stefania , Distefano Gaetano , Las Casas Giuseppina , Di Guardo Mario , Lana Giuseppe , Pacini Ettore , La Malfa Stefano , Gentile Alessandra
Published: May 2019

Male gametophyte development is a critical phase of the plant life cycle due to its high sensitivity to environmental stresses. The rise in the average global temperature, often accompanied by extreme fluctuations, has an important impact on biological processes. Among those, male gametophytes are particularly sensitive to temperature stress during flower bud development and anthesis. Male gametophyte development was extensively studied in several plant species, but little information is available about the effects of temperature stress on male gametophyte development in the genus Citrus. We evaluated the effects of cold and hot temperatures during microsporogenesis and microgametogenesis on one of the most economically valuable citrus species, the “Comune” clementine (Citrus clementina Hort. ex. Tan.). The effect of constant temperature on the androecium was evaluated by a time course histological analysis performed on the anthers and by monitoring in vitro pollen germination. The results revealed how suboptimal hot and cold temperatures induce drastic alterations on the morphology of the tapetal cells, microspores and mature pollen grains. Shifting from the optimal temperature affected the timing of starch depletion in the anther walls, such as epidermis, endothecium and middle layer, influencing the pollen germination rate and pollen tube growth. To the best of our knowledge this is the first study attempting to assess how temperature stress affects male reproductive development in citrus. A better understanding of the mechanisms underlining male sterility will provide novel insights to elucidate the physiology of this agronomical important quality trait.
Protein and transcript profiling analysis of the response of Yarrowia lipolytica Y‐2 in the degradation of ochratoxin A
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyun , Yang Hongjuan , Zheng Xiangfeng , Zhao Lina , Gu Xiangyu , Wang Kaili , Apaliya Maurice T. , Ahima Joseph , Zhang Hongyin
Published: May 2019

The occurrence of ochratoxin A (OTA) has been reported in cereals, feeds and food. Biological control of OTA has been considered as a promising strategy. Our previous study has shown that Yarrowia lipolytica Y‐2 could degrade OTA. In this study, proteome and transcriptome analysis were performed to investigate the possible mechanisms involved in OTA degradation by Y. lipolytica Y‐2 and the responses of this antagonistic yeast to OTA. The results showed that many proteins and genes involved in removal of reactive O2 species were up‐regulated in Y. lipolytica Y‐2 to respond to the oxidative stress caused by OTA. Also, some proteins and genes involved in the removal of generated toxicants under stress condition were up‐regulated to improve tolerance of this antagonistic yeast to OTA stress. Furthermore, some genes encoding transport proteins and multidrug resistance proteins were up‐regulated significantly to transport and expel OTA from cells and alleviate the toxicity to Y. lipolytica Y‐2. Notably, the gene ECM14 (encoding putative metallocarboxypeptidase ECM14) directly involved in OTA degradation was up‐regulated in Y. lipolytica Y‐2 treated with this mycotoxin. To defend against OTA stress, some genes related to tricarboxylic acid cycle were induced by OTA to generate abundant energy for Y. lipolytica Y‐2. Besides, the down‐regulation of some genes involved in DNA replication and repair decreased the ability of Y. lipolytica Y‐2 to repair DNA damage caused by OTA. These results may imply that OTA degradation by this antagonistic yeast was the synergetic effect of multifarious defence responses to OTA stress.
Risk factors for post‐operative pulmonary complications in lung cancer patients after video‐assisted thoracoscopic lung resection: Results of the German Thorax Registry
Authors: Kaufmann Kai B. , Loop Torsten , Heinrich Sebastian ,   the Working Group of the German Thorax Registry
Published: May 2019

Objective

Post‐operative pulmonary complications (PPCs) represent the most frequent complications after lung surgery. The aim of this study was to identify the modifiable risk factors for PPCs after video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) in lung cancer patients.

Methods

Data of this retrospective study were extracted from the German Thorax Registry, an interdisciplinary and multicenter database of the German Society of Anesthesiology and Intensive care medicine and the German Society of Thoracic Surgery. Univariate and multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis of patient‐specific and procedural risk factors for PPCs were conducted.

Results

We analyzed 376 patients with lung cancer who underwent VATS bilobectomy (n = 2), lobectomy (n = 258) or segmentectomy (n = 116) in 2016 and 2017. One‐hundred fourteen patients (114/376; 30%) developed PPCs. Two patients died within 30 days after surgery. In the univariate analysis, patients of the PPC group showed significantly more often a body mass index (BMI) ≤ 19 kg/m2; a pre‐operative forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) ≤ 60%; a pre‐operative arterial oxygen partial pressure (paO2) ≤ 60 mm Hg; a higher rate of prolonged duration of surgery (≥2 hours [h]) and a higher frequency of intraoperative blood loss ≥500 mL. The multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis revealed 4 independent risk factors: FEV1 ≤ 60% (1.9[1.1‐3.4] OR [95% CI], P = 0.029); paO2 ≤ 60 mm Hg (4.6[1.7‐12.8] OR [95% CI], P = 0.003; duration of surgery ≥2 hours (2.7[1.5‐4.7] OR [95% CI], P = 0.001) and intraoperative crystalloids ≥6 mL/kg/h (2.9[1.2‐7.5] OR [95% CI], P = 0.023).

Conclusion

Intraoperative amount of crystalloid fluids should be kept below 6 mL/kg/h and duration of surgery should be below 2 hours to avoid an increased risk for PPCs.
Prevention and caries risk management in teenage and orthodontic patients
Authors: Walsh LJ , Healey DL
Published: May 2019

As patients progress from childhood through to teenage years, they progress through periods of high caries risk as they undergo changes in lifestyle and oral microflora. Removable or fixed orthodontic treatment also alters the oral microflora and can dramatically increase caries risk. This paper outlines ways to identify the transition to higher caries risk, and practical ways to lower the risk of hard tissue loss from dental caries during orthodontic treatment across the teenage years, including tooth surface protection, optimised use of mechanical and chemical plaque control, and appropriate delivery of remineralising agents over time.
Herodontics – is there a place for maintaining the apparently hopeless tooth?
Authors: Meyers IA
Published: May 2019

The population is ageing and people are keeping their own teeth for much longer due in part to the efforts of the dental profession in restoring teeth and reducing the number of teeth being extracted. Along with this there is now an increasing expectation by patients that they will retain their own teeth as they age and that dental practitioners will have the knowledge and skills to help them retain their own teeth. Contemporary restorative materials and techniques have increased the range of options available to assist with maintaining the dentition, and many of these procedures enable minimally invasive and cost effective management of the teeth as an alternative to complex and expensive procedures. This paper discusses the restoration of compromised and failing teeth in the ageing patient, and looks at the various issues facing the ageing dentate patient and the dilemma of when to restore or when to extract. Ultimately it is hoped that maintaining healthy teeth for life may not only improve oral function and quality of life, but may in fact reduce the impact of the physical and psychological aspects of ageing.
Escitalopram population pharmacokinetics in people living with human immunodeficiency virus and in the psychiatric population: Drug–drug interactions and probability of target attainment
Authors: Courlet Perrine , Guidi Monia , Glatard Anaïs , Alves Saldanha Susana , Cavassini Matthias , Buclin Thierry , Marzolini Catia , Eap Chin B. , Decosterd Laurent A. , Csajka Chantal ,   the Swiss HIV Cohort Study
Published: May 2019

Aims

The aims of this study were to characterize escitalopram pharmacokinetic profile, to identify factors influencing drug exposure, notably drug–drug interactions with antiretrovirals, and to simulate expected exposure under standard dosage regimen.

Methods

A population pharmacokinetic analysis was performed using NONMEM. A total of 159 plasma concentration measurements were obtained from 39 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected and 71 uninfected psychiatric patients. The influence of age, weight, sex, HIV and psychiatric cohorts, racemic citalopram treatment, and comedications on oral clearance was examined. Simulations served to calculate the percentage of patients expected to be under‐ or over‐exposed, considering established therapeutic targets (15–80 ng/mL).

Results

A 1‐compartment model with first‐order absorption and elimination described the data adequately. The average escitalopram clearance and volume of distribution were 23.1 L/h (interindividual variability 51%), and 920 L, respectively. Escitalopram disposition did not differ between HIV‐infected and uninfected patients, and was not affected by antiretroviral treatments. Coadministration of at least 1 proton‐pump inhibitor (CYP2C19 inhibitor) modestly influenced escitalopram elimination (clearance decreased by 19%), with limited clinical relevance. Model‐based simulations showed that, under a standard regimen of 10 mg once daily, a significant proportion of patients (56%) might be under‐exposed.

Conclusion

The variability in escitalopram disposition is large and poorly explained by demographic, clinical and environmental covariates, thus suggesting a role for dosage individualization based on therapeutic drug monitoring in case of poor clinical response. Escitalopram disposition is modestly impacted by comedications and therefore no a priori dosage adjustments are needed in patients receiving antiretroviral treatments, including boosted regimens.
Population pharmacokinetics of treosulfan in paediatric patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: van der Stoep M. Y. E. C. , Zwaveling J. , Bertaina A. , Locatelli F. , Guchelaar H. J. , Lankester A. C. , Moes D. J. A. R.
Published: May 2019

Aims

Treosulfan is an alkylating agent increasingly used prior to haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The aim of this study was to develop a population pharmacokinetic (PK) model of treosulfan in paediatric haematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipients and to explore the effect of potential covariates on treosulfan PK. Also, a limited sampling model (LSM) will be developed to accurately predict treosulfan exposure suitable for a therapeutic drug monitoring setting.

Methods

In this multicentre study, 91 patients, receiving a total dose of 30, 36 or 42 g/m2 treosulfan, administered over 3 consecutive days, were enrolled. A population PK model was developed and demographic factors, as well as laboratory parameters, were included as potential covariates. In addition, a LSM was developed using data from 28 patients.

Results

A 2‐compartment model with first order elimination best described the data. Bodyweight with allometric scaling and maturation function were identified as significant predictors of treosulfan clearance. Treosulfan clearance reaches 90% of adult values at 4 postnatal years. A model‐based dosing table is presented to target an exposure of 1650 mg*h/L (population median) for different weight and age groups. Samples taken at 1.5, 4 and 7 hours after start of infusion resulted in the best limited sampling strategy.

Conclusions

This study provides a treosulfan population PK model in children and captures the developmental changes in clearance. A 3‐point LSM allows for accurate and precise estimation of treosulfan exposure.