bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Path towards Business Excellence the Mauritian Experience
Authors: Domun Rishi
Published: November 2016

Purpose: This paper highlights the preliminary findings of a doctoral research being carried out on the business excellence model used in Mauritius during the past six years. The paper brings out important analysis of unique and original data so much cherished by researchers. It is also a stepping stone for both custodians to improve the organization of business excellence awards and for enterprises to improve areas of business through the adoption of a proper business model.

Design/methodology/approach: The paper adopts a mixed method. First, the unique primary data available for six years on participants of the competition is examined quantitatively. Then qualitative content analysis technique is used to probe into the lessons learned from such an essential exercise.

Findings: Some important findings emerged from the analysis of the original data and the lessons learned in the organization of the MBEA competition.

Practical implications: This study will help the four stakeholders, namely, custodians, government institutions, support institutions and enterprises in any country to implement a BE framework with the organization of an Award competition.

Originality/value: The data is original and genuine. It helps to better understand and organize a BE programme in a country. It is the first in Mauritius to address such an issue.
Application Level of Internal Audit Systems applied at Government Hospitals in North of Jordan
Authors: Al-Qudah Hasan Salih Suliman
Published: November 2016

This research aims to find out “Application level of internal audit systems applied at private hospitals at north of Jordan”. The study population comprised of all employees who are working at government hospitals at North of Jordan. a questionnaire was distributed to (291) employees in Government hospitals as research sample, but excluded (10) questionnaires for non-suitability to statistical analysis, the analyze data using statistical system (SPSS), one and most prominent results of the study as indicated the importance of Proper auditing shall be made out to convince employees that performance set fair standards as they shall be conviction that Auditing is a tool to measure their progress while performing their duties and recommended The need for those hospitals to acquisition most advanced programs of information technologies system in order to improve auditing processing system effectively and efficiently.
Prediction of Financial Distress of Non-Bank Financial Institutions of Bangladesh using Altman’s Z Score Model
Authors: Hamid Tania , Akter Farzana , Rab Naharin Binte
Published: November 2016

The Non-Bank Financial Institutions (NBFIs) comprise a rapidly growing segment of the financial system in Bangladesh. They are gaining increased popularity in recent times. They play a vital role in the economy. This study attempts to predict the financial health of 15 publicly traded NBFIsof Bangladesh over five years ranging from 2011 to 2015 using Altman’s Z Score Model (1965). The results show that most of the sampled NBFIs are in ‘Distress’ zone, Some of sample NBFIs are nationally and internationally acclaimed for their outstanding performances and contributions to the industrial as well as economic development of the country, but they fail to attain the minimum score. Most of the companies are lying on the bankruptcy level. Hence, the study suggests the stakeholders, including regulatory authorities and researchers to be more watchful of the operations of NBFIs.
A Ten-Step Model for Solving Ethical Dilemmas
Authors: Santosuosso Pierluigi
Published: November 2016

This paper suggests a ten-step model for solving ethical dilemmas taking into account a wide spectrum of ethical values. The model has a prescriptive content that should help decision-makers to find a solution to ethical dilemmas according to the dictates suggested by moral obligation. For each step of the model, different types of simplification procedures are used in order to guide the decision-maker progressively toward a satisfactory solution. We begin with a discussion of the main characteristics that the model should possess. The paper then gives a detailed description of the single steps of the model. Lastly, a case study was analysed. elected using simple random sampling. The measuring instrument consists of 26 questions based on the SERVPERF model. A total of 200 complete and accurate questionnaires are returned. The relationships among the main constructs of the study are tested using correlational research design. The study concludes that customer satisfaction mediates the relationship between service quality and repurchase intention. It also concludes that SBBM can achieve high levels of service quality and repurchase intention by focusing and investing in the reliability, assurance and empathy factors of service quality. The results of this study are only applicable to the Australian residential market and may not be universally applicable, which is considered a limitation.
Factors Affecting Salmon Preferences of Alaska Children and Their Parents
Authors: Xu Pei , Fong Quentin , Idzorek Kathryn
Published: November 2016

This study taste tests three newly developed salmon recipes made from the low-grade Chum salmon and uses data collected from parents and students in Fairbanks, Alaska to understand: 1) factors to change the consumption preference of parents and their children’s salmon choice? 2) How different the opinions are from parents than their children in salmon consumption? And 3) how the new recipes are accepted and factors that affect the attitude to improve the recipes. Preliminary statistics and Probit results show that: 1) most students and parents thought the fish items were appealing and they were willing to taste the recipes. 2) According to the appearance and taste of the products, students rated the salmon burger as most preferred, followed by the salmon patty, and the salmon ball. And 3) Parents rated the three products in the same preference order, but their preference seems to be affected by good flavor, texture, and appropriate saltiness. Findings from this study provide insightful information to help school food service directors and parents understand factors to affect students’ salmon choice and to improve their salmon consumption. liability, assurance and empathy factors of service quality. The results of this study are only applicable to the Australian residential market and may not be universally applicable, which is considered a limitation.
Participatory Budgeting Role in Improving the Performance of Managerial Head of Department East Java
Authors: Sukandani Yuni , Istikhoroh Siti
Published: November 2016

This study aims to analyze the role of participatory budgeting in improving the performance of managerial leadership of the Office of East Java province after being moderated by variable organizational commitment and the perception of innovation.

The results of the study serve as a development of the science of public sector budgeting and guidelines for the government’s efforts in improving the credibility of local government agencies.

The study population is in charge of the budget, namely Echelon III Office of East Java province as many as 130 people and saturate the sample set. The research instrument was a questionnaire and analyzed using Moderated Multiple Regression. Of the 105 questionnaires were successfully analyzed, it was concluded that participatory budgeting can improve managerial performance.

The results of the analysis demonstrate that organizational commitment able to moderate the role, while the perception of innovation is not able to moderate the role of participatory budgeting in improving managerial performance.
Literatura, cultura e outras artes: percursos críticos, interpretativos e metodológicos
Authors: Tavares Enéias Farias , Steil Juliana
Published: November 2016

A discussão sobre a relação entre a literatura e outras artes tem uma longa tradição, que inicialmente destaca o debate entre as artes irmãs e inclui, entre seus textos mais importantes, a célebre missiva de Horácio Ars Poetica (c. 14-13 a.C.), e Laokoon (1766), de Lessing. Essa tradição foi acolhida nos estudos de literatura comparada desde a fundação da disciplina, embora não sem reservas, como expõe Henry H. H. Remak em “Literatura comparada: definição e função”. Remak, em seu ensaio de 1961, defende o conceito de literatura comparada como disciplina que abriga não apenas “a comparação de uma literatura com outra ou outras”, mas também “a comparação da literatura com outras esferas da expressão humana”, como as artes (Remak, 1994, p. 175). Neste texto, apresentamos o Número 51 de Letras.
Tradução intersemiótica iluminada a obra de William Blake e sua releitura no Século XX
Authors: Tavares Enéias Farias , Santos Andrio J. R. dos
Published: November 2016

Autores como Roman Jakobson e Julio Plaza dedicaram-se a discutir concepções e problemas acerca de tradução intersemiótica. Esta perspectiva, compreendida como um diálogo de significados, pode servir como base para discussão acerca de leituras e reinterpretações da obra iluminada do poeta e pintor inglês William Blake. Neste trabalho, discutimos a respeito da fortuna crítica sobre tradução intersemiótica, assim como sugerimos uma metodologia para interpretação desse tipo de operação de geração de sentido em relação à obra iluminada de Blake. Por fim, apresentamos uma lista de leituras e reinterpretações da obra do artista, centrando nossa leitura em obras literárias, musicais e audiovisuais.
Os espectros fotográficos em O Arquipélago da Insônia
Authors: Prevedello Tatiana
Published: November 2016

A elaboração da ausência constitui um dos recursos que compõem a metáfora expressa no título do romance O arquipélago da insônia, de autoria de António Lobo Antunes (1998). As descrições de fotografias desempenham um importante papel na restauração de representações mnemônicas. Os propósitos desta análise estão alinhados às reflexões referentes à técnica de condensar a presença na ausência, possibilitada pelos recursos imagéticos. Lobo Antunes constrói no texto um acervo fotográfico que estimula, por meio da ficção, a percepção e a lembrança. Verificaremos, assim, como as técnicas narrativas são empregadas na ficcionalização de imagens fotográficas e qual é o seu potencial para ativar as faculdades e limitações da memória.
"You Can’t Have It On A Plate Forever": the English class system implodes in Losey and Pinter’s The Servant
Authors: Fletcher Martin John
Published: November 2016

The collaboration between Harold Pinter and Joseph Losey on the 1963 film The Servant represents a high point in the history of British cinema. Whilst acknowledging the film’s technical and cinematic merits, I argue in this paper that The Servant remains an essentially English film. Pinter’s idiomatic dialogue illuminates the intricate hierarchical structures and prejudices of the English class system. This makes the film essentially ’idiomatic’in its depiction of a particular historical and ideological moment, a time when the class system was in crisis and the political and cultural upheavals of the later 1960s were already in sight.
William Blake: o estudo do processo de criação de um Doppelbegabung
Authors: Calado Claudia Regina Rodrigues
Published: November 2016

William Blake era um Doppelbegabung, ou um artista de talentos múltiplos. Ele demonstrava aptidão para artes imagéticas e verbais, e intencionou juntá-las, inextricavelmente, em Songs of Innocence and of Experience. O presente trabalho tem como objetivo a investigação de como se deu a feitura de tal obra, em que medida textos verbais e pictóricos apresentam-se colocados em uma posição de complementaridade mútua. Buscamos observar, através do estudo de seus manuscritos, se o homem das imagens predominava sobre o homem das letras, ou se era o contrário. Para isso, recorremos à Crítica Genética, campo do conhecimento dedicado ao estudo de processos de criação.
Will the global HIV response fail gay and bisexual men and other men who have sex with men?
Authors: Ayala George , Santos Glenn‐Milo
Published: November 2016

Introduction

Gay and bisexual men and other men who have sex with men are among the small number of groups for whom HIV remains uncontrolled worldwide. Although there have been recent and notable decreases in HIV incidence across several countries, prevalence and incidence is consistently higher or rising among men who have sex with men when compared with other groups.

Methods

In 2014, MSMGF (the Global Forum on MSM & HIV) conducted its third biennial Global Men's Health and Rights Study, an international, multilingual, web‐based cross‐sectional survey of men who have sex with men recruited through online convenience sampling. We tested hypothesized correlates (selected a priori) of successfully achieving each step along the HIV prevention and treatment continuum by fitting separate generalized estimating equation models adjusted for clustering by country in multivariate analyses. All models controlled for ability to meet basic financial needs, age, healthcare coverage, having a regular provider, region and country‐level income.

Results

Higher provider discrimination and sexual stigma were associated with lower odds of perceived access to services, service utilization and virologic suppression. Conversely, accessing services from community‐based organizations focused on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people; greater engagement in gay community; and comfort with healthcare providers were associated with higher odds of achieving steps along the prevention and treatment continuum.

Conclusions

To meet accelerated global HIV targets, global leaders must adopt a differentiated and bolder response, in keeping with current epidemiologic trends and community‐based research. The HIV‐related needs of gay and bisexual men and other men who have sex with men must be addressed openly, quickly and with sufficient resources to support evidence‐based, community‐led and human rights‐affirming interventions at scale.
Origins of etch pits in β-Ga2O3(010) single crystals
Authors: Hanada Kenji , Moribayashi Tomoya , Koshi Kimiyoshi , Sasaki Kohei , Kuramata Akito , Ueda Osamu , Kasu Makoto
Published: November 2016

Etch pits of various shapes were observed on etched β-Ga2O3(010) single crystals and classified into types A–F according to shape. Type-A etch pits changed in shape in the order of types B, C, and D by etching. Groove-shaped pits observed on as-grown β-Ga2O3(010) single crystal surfaces [K. Hanada et al.,
Jpn. J. Appl. Phys. 55, 030303 (2016)] were classified into type G. Type-G pits, which were determined to be void defects because of three-dimentional spaces in single crystals, existed before etching and changed to type A after etching. Therefore, after etching, void defects must change in shape as follows: Type G → A → B → C → D. The exposed facets change with etching time. Types-E and -F etch pits were observed to be parallelograms and hexagons, respectively. Types-E and -F etch pits must include dislocations along the [010] direction because they did not change in shape after etching.
Risk of Adverse Outcomes in Euploid Pregnancies With Isolated Short Fetal Femur and Humerus on Second‐Trimester Sonography
Authors: Kaijomaa Marja , Ulander Veli-Matti , Ryynanen Markku , Stefanovic Vedran
Published: November 2016

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to evaluate pregnancies with isolated short fetal femur and humerus on second‐trimester sonography. Short fetal long bones are known to be associated with aneuploidy and structural anomalies. In this study, we wanted to show the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in euploid and nonanomalous pregnancies.

Methods

Singleton pregnancies with short femur and humerus were included. Pregnancies with normal fetal bone lengths and age‐matched mothers were selected as controls.

Results

The study group included 30 pregnancies with short fetal femur and humerus, and the control group included 60 normal pregnancies. The overall odds ratio for an adverse pregnancy outcome in the study group was 24.9. Preterm delivery occurred significantly more frequently (odds ratio, 20.8; P < .001), and one‐third of pregnancies were complicated by preeclampsia. In the group with short long bones, the odds ratio for a pathologic umbilical Doppler flow pattern was 45.2 (P < .001), and birth weight was significantly lower (P < .001). Also, 3 (10.3%) stillbirths and 4 (13.3%) cases of early neonatal death were recorded in this group. These complications were not recorded in the control group. The risk of emergency cesarean delivery was significantly higher in the group with short long bones (odds ratio, 11.8; P < .001).

Conclusions

The risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes is significant in euploid and nonanomalous pregnancies with isolated short long bones. Close follow‐up is needed during pregnancy.
Oceanic eddy detection and lifetime forecast using machine learning methods
Authors: Ashkezari Mohammad D. , Hill Christopher N. , Follett Christopher N. , Forget Gaël , Follows Michael J.
Published: November 2016

We report a novel altimetry‐based machine learning approach for eddy identification and characterization. The machine learning models use daily maps of geostrophic velocity anomalies and are trained according to the phase angle between the zonal and meridional components at each grid point. The trained models are then used to identify the corresponding eddy phase patterns and to predict the lifetime of a detected eddy structure. The performance of the proposed method is examined at two dynamically different regions to demonstrate its robust behavior and region independency.
Magnetic field inversions at 1 AU: Comparisons between mapping predictions and observations
Authors: Li B. , Cairns Iver H. , Owens M. J. , Neudegg D. , Lobzin V. V. , Steward G.
Published: November 2016

Large‐scale magnetic field configurations are important for the transport of solar wind strahl electrons, which are suprathermal and directed along the field outward from the Sun. Strahl electrons are routinely used to infer not only the field configurations between the Sun and Earth but also local field structures, i.e., field inversions, where the magnetic field is locally folded back or inverted. Using solar wind data from ACE observations and a 2‐D data‐driven solar wind model with nonzero azimuthal magnetic field at the solar wind source surface, magnetic field lines are mapped between the Sun and Earth and beyond, in the solar equatorial plane. Standard verification metrics are used to assess, for five solar rotations at different phases of solar cycle 23, the performance of the mapping predictions for observed inversions, which are inferred from solar wind suprathermal electrons and magnetic fields measured by ACE. The probability of detection is consistently ≈0.70 across the different phases. The success ratio, the Hanssen‐Kuipers skill score, and the Heidke skill score are ≈0.55–0.70 for the four rotations in the rising, solar maximum, and declining phases, but ≈0.35–0.60 for the rotation near solar minimum, during which almost half of the samples have undetermined field configurations. Our analyses confirm the persistence of inversions throughout solar cycle 23, suggest for most observed inversions a solar/coronal origin at the wind's source surface or below, and predict that inversions should be less common for larger heliocentric distance r ∼> 3 AU than for smaller r.
Comparative study of the Martian suprathermal electron depletions based on Mars Global Surveyor, Mars Express, and Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN mission observations
Authors: Steckiewicz M. , Garnier P. , André N. , Mitchell D. L. , Andersson L. , Penou E. , Beth A. , Fedorov A. , Sauvaud J.‐A. , Mazelle C. , Brain D. A. , Espley J. R. , McFadden J. , Halekas J. S. , Larson D. E. , Lillis R. J. , Luhmann J. G. , Soobiah Y. , Jakosky B. M.
Published: November 2016

Nightside suprathermal electron depletions have been observed at Mars by three spacecraft to date: Mars Global Surveyor, Mars Express, and the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN) mission. This spatial and temporal diversity of measurements allows us to propose here a comprehensive view of the Martian electron depletions through the first multispacecraft study of the phenomenon. We have analyzed data recorded by the three spacecraft from 1999 to 2015 in order to better understand the distribution of the electron depletions and their creation mechanisms. Three simple criteria adapted to each mission have been implemented to identify more than 134,500 electron depletions observed between 125 and 900 km altitude. The geographical distribution maps of the electron depletions detected by the three spacecraft confirm the strong link existing between electron depletions and crustal magnetic field at altitudes greater than ~170 km. At these altitudes, the distribution of electron depletions is strongly different in the two hemispheres, with a far greater chance to observe an electron depletion in the Southern Hemisphere, where the strongest crustal magnetic sources are located. However, the unique MAVEN observations reveal that below a transition region near 160–170 km altitude the distribution of electron depletions is the same in both hemispheres, with no particular dependence on crustal magnetic fields. This result supports the suggestion made by previous studies that these low‐altitudes events are produced through electron absorption by atmospheric CO2.
GPS and GLONASS observations of large‐scale traveling ionospheric disturbances during the 2015 St. Patrick's Day storm
Authors: Zakharenkova Irina , Astafyeva Elvira , Cherniak Iurii
Published: November 2016

Using a comprehensive database of ~5300 ground‐based Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) stations we have investigated large‐scale traveling ionospheric disturbances (LSTIDs) during 17–18 March 2015 (St. Patrick's Day storm). For the first time, the high‐resolution, two‐dimensional maps of the total electron content perturbation were made using not only GPS but also GLONASS measurements. Several LSTIDs originated from the auroral regions in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres were observed simultaneously over Europe, North America, and South America. This storm is considered as a two‐step main phase storm. During the first main phase LSTIDs propagated over the whole daytime European region and over high latitudes of North America. During the second main phase we report (1) intense LSTIDs propagated equatorward in North America and Europe, (2) convergence of several LSTIDs originated from the opposite hemispheres in the interference zone over geomagnetic equator in South America, and (3) “super” LSTIDs with the wavefront length of more than 10,000 km observed simultaneously in North America and Europe. LSTIDs observed in three sectors had wavelength of ~1200–2500 km and wave periods of ~50–80 min. During the recovery phase on the background of the negative ionospheric storm developed over North America we detect signatures of the stream‐like structures elongated within the latitudinal range of 29°N–42°N across the U.S. These structures persisted through the nighttime to the early morning from 04 UT to 13 UT on 18 March 2015, and they were associated with the subauroral polarization stream‐induced nighttime ionospheric flows.
Observation of atomic oxygen O(1S) green‐line emission in the summer polar upper mesosphere associated with high‐energy (≥30 keV) electron precipitation during high‐speed solar wind streams
Authors: Lee Young‐Sook , Kwak Young‐Sil , Kim Kyung‐Chan , Solheim Brian , Lee Regina , Lee Jaejin
Published: November 2016

The auroral green‐line emission at 557.7 nm wavelength as arising from the atomic oxygen O(1S → 1D) transition typically peaks at an altitude of ~100 km specifically in the nightside oval, induced by auroral electrons within an energy range of ~100 eV–30 keV. Intense aurora is known as being suppressed by sunlight in summer daytime but usually occurs in low electrical background conductivity. However, in the present study in summer (July) sunlit condition, enhancements of O(1S) emission rates observed by using the Wind Imaging Interferometer/UARS were frequently observed at low altitudes below 90 km, where ice particles are created initially as subvisible and detected as polar mesosphere summer echoes, emerging to be an optical phenomenon of polar mesospheric clouds. The intense O(1S) emission occurring in summer exceeds those occurring in the daytime in other seasons both in occurrence and in intensity, frequently accompanied by occurrences of supersonic neutral velocity (300–1500 m s−1). In the mesosphere, ion motion is controlled by electric field and the momentum is transferred to neutrals. The intense O(1S) emission is well associated with high‐energy electron precipitation as observed during an event of high‐speed solar wind streams. Meanwhile, since the minimum occurrences of O(1S) emission and supersonic velocity are maintained even in the low precipitation flux, the mechanism responsible is not only related to high‐energy electron precipitation but also presumably to the local conditions, including the composition of meteoric‐charged ice particles and charge separation expected in extremely low temperatures (<150 K).
Nonlinear acoustic waves in the viscous thermosphere and ionosphere above earthquake
Authors: Chum J. , Cabrera M. A. , Mošna Z. , Fagre M. , Baše J. , Fišer J.
Published: November 2016

The nonlinear behavior of acoustic waves and their dissipation in the upper atmosphere is studied on the example of infrasound waves generated by vertical motion of the ground surface during the Mw 8.3 earthquake that occurred about 46 km from Illapel, Chile on 16 September 2015. To conserve energy, the amplitude of infrasound waves initially increased as the waves propagated upward to the rarefied air. When the velocities of air particles became comparable with the local sound speed, the nonlinear effects started to play an important role. Consequently, the shape of waveform changed significantly with increasing height, and the original wave packet transformed to the “N‐shaped” pulse resembling a shock wave. A unique observation by the continuous Doppler sounder at the altitude of about 195 km is in good agreement with full wave numerical simulation that uses as boundary condition the measured vertical motion of the ground surface.
Investigation of the influence of liquid surface films on O3 and PAN deposition to plant leaves coated with organic/inorganic solution
Authors: Sun Shang , Moravek Alexander , Trebs Ivonne , Kesselmeier Jürgen , Sörgel Matthias
Published: November 2016

This study investigates the influence of leaf surface water films on the deposition of ozone (O3) and peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN) under controlled laboratory conditions. A twin‐cuvette system was used to simulate environmental variables. We observed a clear correlation between the O3 deposition on plants (Quercus ilex) and the relative humidity (RH) under both light and dark conditions. During the light period the observed increase of the O3 deposition was mainly attributed to the opening of leaf stomata, while during the absence of light the liquid surface films were the reason for O3 deposition. This finding was supported by experimentally induced stomatal closure by the infiltration of abscisic acid. In the case of PAN, no relationship with RH was found during the dark period, which indicates that the nonstomatal deposition of PAN is not affected by the liquid surface films. Consequently, the ratio of the O3 and PAN deposition velocities is not constant when relative humidity changes, which is in contrast to assumptions made in many models. The flux partitioning ratio between nonstomatal and stomatal depositions as well as between nonstomatal and total depositions was found to be Rnsto/sto = 0.21–0.40, Rnsto/tot = 0.18–0.30 for O3 and Rnsto/sto = 0.26–0.29, Rnsto/tot = 0.21–0.23 for PAN. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the formation of the liquid surface film on leaves and the nonstomatal O3 deposition are depending on the chemical composition of the particles deposited on the leaf cuticles as proposed previously.
Microstructural Effects on the Toughness of a High Co–Ni Steel
Authors: Gruber Marina , Ressel Gerald , Ploberger Sarah , Marsoner Stefan , Kolednik Otmar , Ebner Reinhold
Published: November 2016

Purpose of this work is to investigate the effects of reverted and retained austenite on the fracture toughness of high Co–Ni steels. Different cryogenic and tempering treatments are applied to a high Co–Ni steel in order to alter the austenite content, its chemical composition and hence its stability against transformation to martensite. Austenite stability is analyzed by applying thermal cycles in the dilatometerand by X‐ray diffraction. For each heat treatment, the fracture toughness is characterized by J‐integral and fractographic crack growth resistance measurements. The results indicate that cryogenic and two‐step tempering treatments lead to a higher austenite stability and impede austenite transformation during cooling after tempering. Consequently, the toughness is considerably improved.
Delivery of Flightless I Neutralizing Antibody from Porous Silicon Nanoparticles Improves Wound Healing in Diabetic Mice
Authors: Turner Christopher T. , McInnes Steven J. P. , Melville Elizabeth , Cowin Allison J. , Voelcker Nicolas H.
Published: November 2016

Flightless I (Flii) is elevated in human chronic wounds and is a negative regulator of wound repair. Decreasing its activity improves healing responses. Flii neutralizing antibodies (FnAbs) decrease Flii activity in vivo and hold significant promise as healing agents. However, to avoid the need for repeated application in a clinical setting and to protect the therapeutic antibody from the hostile environment of the wound, suitable delivery vehicles are required. In this study, the use of porous silicon nanoparticles (pSi NPs) is demonstrated for the controlled release of FnAb to diabetic wounds. We achieve FnAb loading regimens exceeding 250 µg antibody per mg of vehicle. FnAb‐loaded pSi NPs increase keratinocyte proliferation and enhance migration in scratch wound assays. Release studies confirm the functionality of the FnAb in terms of Flii binding. Using a streptozotocin‐induced model of diabetic wound healing, a significant improvement in healing is observed for mice treated with FnAb‐loaded pSi NPs compared to controls, including FnAb alone. FnAb‐loaded pSi NPs treated with proteases show intact and functional antibody for up to 7 d post‐treatment, suggesting protection of the antibodies from proteolytic degradation in wound fluid. pSi NPs may therefore enable new therapeutic approaches for the treatment of diabetic ulcers.
Periodic Mesoporous Organosilica Coated Prussian Blue for MR/PA Dual‐Modal Imaging‐Guided Photothermal‐Chemotherapy of Triple Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Tian Wei , Su Yunyan , Tian Ying , Wang Shouju , Su Xiaodan , Liu Ying , Zhang Yunlei , Tang Yuxia , Ni Qianqian , Liu Wenfei , Dang Meng , Wang Chunyan , Zhang Junjie , Teng Zhaogang , Lu Guangming
Published: November 2016

Complete eradication of highly aggressive triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains a notable challenge today. In this work, an imaging‐guided photothermal‐chemotherapy strategy for TNBC is developed for the first time based on a periodic mesoporous organosilica (PMO) coated Prussian blue (PB@PMO) nanoplatform. The PB@PMOs have organic‐inorganic hybrid frameworks, uniform diameter (125 nm), high surface area (866 m2 g−1), large pore size (3.2 nm), excellent photothermal conversion capability, high drug loading capacity (260 µg mg−1), and magnetic resonance (MR) and photoacoustic (PA) imaging abilities. The MR and PA properties of the PB@PMOs are helpful for imaging the tumor and showing the accumulation of the nanoplatform in the tumor region. The bioluminescence intensity and tumor volume of the MDA‐MB‐231‐Luc tumor‐bearing mouse model demonstrate that TNBC can be effectively inhibited by the combined photothermal‐chemotherapy than monotherapy strategy. Histopathological analysis further reveals that the combination therapy results in most extensive apoptotic and necrotic cells in the tumor without inducing obvious side effect to major organs.
High‐Efficiency Perovskite Solar Cells Using Molecularly Engineered, Thiophene‐Rich, Hole‐Transporting Materials: Influence of Alkyl Chain Length on Power Conversion Efficiency
Authors: Zimmermann Iwan , Urieta‐Mora Javier , Gratia Paul , Aragó Juan , Grancini Giulia , Molina‐Ontoria Agustín , Ortí Enrique , Martín Nazario , Nazeeruddin Mohammad Khaja
Published: November 2016

The synthesis and characterization of a series of novel small‐molecule hole‐transporting materials (HTMs) based on an anthra[1,2‐b:4,3‐b′:5,6‐b′′:8,7‐b′′′]tetrathiophene (ATT) core are reported. The new compounds follow an easy synthetic route and have no need of expensive purification steps. The novel HTMs are tested in perovskite solar cells and power conversion efficiencies (PCE) of up to 18.1% under 1 sun irradiation are measured. This value is comparable with the 17.8% efficiency obtained using 2,2′,7,7′‐tetrakis(N,N‐di‐p‐methoxyphenylamine)‐9,9′‐spirobifluorene as a reference compound. Similarly, a significant quenching of the photoluminescence in the first nanosecond is observed, indicative of effective hole transfer. Additionally, the influence of introducing aliphatic alkyl chains acting as solubilizers on the device performance of the ATT molecules is investigated. Replacing the methoxy groups on the triarylamine sites by butoxy‐, hexoxy‐, or decoxy‐substituents greatly improves the solubility of the compounds without changing the energy levels, yet at the same time significantly decreasing the conductivity as well as the PCE, 17.3% for ATT‐OBu, 15.7% for ATT‐OHex, and 9.7% for ATT‐ODec.
Financial Implications of the Emergency Medicine Interview Process
Authors: Van Dermark Jeffrey Todd , Wald David A. , Corker John Robert , Reid David Godley
Published: November 2016

Background

Emergency medicine (EM) residency interviews are an important, yet costly process for programs and applicants. The total economic burden of the EM interviewing process is previously unstudied. Graduate medical education funding and student finances are both fragile shifting sources, which appear to fund most of these economic expenditures.

Objectives

The total economic impact of the EM interview season is unknown. This study sought to calculate total dollars spent by EM residency programs and senior medical students (M4) during interview season. Potential solutions for reducing this burden will be outlined.

Methods

Institutional review board–approved, piloted e‐mail surveys were sent to accredited (Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education [ACGME] and American Osteopathic Association [AOA]) EM program directors (PDs) and M4 student members of EMRA. PDs were queried after the 2014–2015 interview season. PDs questions included demographics, estimated faculty, and resident and administrative time used, along with dollars spent during the 2014–2015 interview season. M4 questions included demographics and dollars spent during the 2015–2016 season. Results were reported using descriptive statistics. Financial data for EM programs were calculated with academic EM faculty, resident, and administrative assistant salaries along with reported hours used during the interview season.

Results

A total of 82 of 223 EM PDs completed the survey, reporting an mean annual cost of $210,649.04 per program to review, screen, and interview applicants based on time spent by faculty, resident, and administrative assistants. A total of 84.6% of EM program costs were due to faculty hours. A total of 180 of 1,425 EM‐bound M4 students completed the survey, reporting a mean annual estimate of US$5,065.44 per student to apply and interview. Seventy‐two percent of estimated costs were due to airfare and lodging. Loans and credit cards were the top two methods of payments of these interview costs by students. Extrapolating the cost of EM personnel with hours spent, the economic burden of an interview season for EM programs is approximately US$46,974,735.92. M4 students spent US$19,724,823.40 for application fees and interview‐related expenses.

Conclusions

Emergency medicine residency programs and applicants appear to spend over US$66 million per cycle on the interview process. EM residency programs may save resources by reducing faculty hours associated with the interview process and leveraging administrative and resident resources. Creation of regional or national fixed interview locations may also be appropriate. Applicants may reduce travel costs by participating in video interviews, reducing program applications, and attending regionalized interview days. A full conversation among all specialties and organized medicine needs to take place to reform the systems in place to reduce the economic burden on students and residency programs.
Pitfalls in the use of epinephrine for anaphylaxis: patient and provider opportunities for improvement
Authors: Cohen Michael B. , Saunders Stefanie S. , Wise Sarah K. , Nassif Samih , Platt Michael P.
Published: November 2016

Background

Epinephrine remains the mainstay of treatment for life‐threatening allergic reactions. A number of challenges are encountered with epinephrine, resulting in underutilization and misutilization of epinephrine. The purpose of this study was to identify the scope of epinephrine pitfalls and opportunities for improvement in the management of allergy emergencies.

Methods

A PubMed search from 1990 to 2015 was performed to identify all cases and reports pertaining to the use and misuse of epinephrine for anaphylaxis. Studies were assessed for obstacles or complications related to proper administration of epinephrine for treatment of allergic reactions, and were divided into problems originating with patients compared to healthcare providers.

Results

There were 1840 publications related to epinephrine use, of which 61 reports met inclusion criteria for pitfalls in the use of epinephrine. The most common problems reported related to lack of autoinjector availability (22), inadequate education of patients or providers (9), uncertainty about when or how to administer epinephrine (9), concern for systemic effects (13), failure to administer (8), and accidental administration (2). Responsibility for errors was divided among patients (18), providers (39), or both (4).

Conclusion

Epinephrine is a potent medication with lifesaving indications and is the standard of care for treatment of anaphylaxis. The delivery of epinephrine in both trained and untrained populations carries certain pitfalls and complications that can have serious consequences. Identification of the scope of the problem is an important step in improving education for both providers and patients who are tasked with use of epinephrine for allergy emergencies.
Hydrophobic‐functionalized ZIF‐8 nanoparticles incorporated PDMS membranes for high‐selective separation of propane/nitrogen
Authors: Yuan Jianwei , Li Qianqian , Shen Jie , Huang Kang , Liu Gongping , Zhao Jing , Duan Jingui , Jin Wanqin
Published: November 2016

It is still a great challenge to prepare high performance mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) because of the difficulty in finely tuning the compatibility between filler and organic phases. In this work, ZIF‐8 nanoparticles hydrophobically functionalized by 5, 6‐dimethylbenzimidazole (DMBIM) via shell ligand exchange (SLE) reaction were incorporated into polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) matrix to fabricate defect‐free MMMs. Organic‐–inorganic interface compatibility was realized because of more abundant organic ligands from DMBIM. The effects of different loadings on membrane microstructure and gas separation performance were investigated systematically. A significantly enhanced C3H8/N2 separation performance with C3H8 permeability over 2.10 × 104 Barrer (91 % higher than that of pure PDMS membrane) and C3H8/N2 selectivity of 99.5 (116 % higher than that of pure PDMS membrane) were achieved. Additionally, the as‐prepared membrane also exhibited excellent stability during long term operation. © 2016 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Towards transparent PMMA/SiO2 nanocomposites with promising scratch‐resistance by manipulation of SiO2 aggregation followed by in situ polymerization
Authors: Zhang Qing , Huang Wan‐Xia , Zhong Gan‐Ji
Published: November 2016

Poly(methyl methacrylate) grafted silica (SiO2‐g‐PMMA) was synthesized via in situ suspension polymerization. To achieve better uniform dispersion, hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) was introduced into xylene to manipulate SiO2 aggregation. SiO2‐g‐PMMA or SiO2 was incorporated into PMMA matrix by in situ polymerization to prepare PMMA‐based nanocomposites. The effect of CTAB amount, in the range 0–35 wt %, on the modification was evaluated by DLS, TGA, and FTIR. Furthermore, morphology, optical, mechanical, and thermal properties of PMMA nanocomposites was characterized by SEM, UV–vis, DMA, and TGA. Owing to surface functionalization, SiO2‐g‐PMMA exhibited far more excellent compatibility and dispersion in matrix compared with SiO2. Surface hardness and thermal properties of nanocomposites were enhanced significantly under the premise in high transparency. It is expected that transparent nanocomposites with promising scratch‐resistance could have wide applications, such as airplane shielding window and daily furniture. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44612.
Effect of optimization methods on Hansen solubility ellipsoids
Authors: Weng Ming
Published: November 2016

In Hansen solubility parameters (HSPs) space, the solubility region of a solute is modeled as an axis‐aligned ellipsoid, of which Hansen sphere is a special case. The solubility ellipsoids of six materials are determined by the data fit function proposed by Hansen and a new objective function, both solved by a hybrid global‐local search algorithm. From the calculated and reported results, the validity and applicability of four types of currently used optimization methods are analyzed, the findings of and reasons for disputable problems are elucidated. The results reveal that the objective function defined for finding a smallest ellipsoid enclosing all good solvents and having the lowest number of outliers leads to reliable results, thereby has advantages over the methods based on the data fit function. The global convergence and capability of locating multiple optima are essential for a search algorithm used for determining solubility regions. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44621.
The morphology evolution and crystallization behavior of microinjection molded polyoxymethylene/molybdenum disulfide nanocomposite
Authors: Yang Sen , Chen Yinghong , Yang Chaonan , Ding Weiwei
Published: November 2016

Microinjection molding was carried out on polyoxymethylene (POM)/molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanocomposite prepared by solid state shear milling (S3M) technology. The morphology evolution and crystallization behavior were then investigated under different conditions of mold temperature and injection speed. The comparison between the microinjection molded micropart with conventional injection molded macropart was also conducted. Results showed that the higher mold temperature could improve the filling property and replication quality. The MoS2 particles played a heterogeneous nucleation role and remarkably affected the crystallization process of POM. Meanwhile, the crystallization orientation and skin‐core structure induced by the shear stress presented the similar evolution tendency under different microinjection conditions. The multi‐melting behaviors of microparts occurring under different microinjection conditions were attributed to the formation of shish‐kebab structures. The increase of crystallinity and the reduction of mechanical property occurring in macropart are related to its crystallization morphology formed, which is different from that of micropart. The results of this work would lay a foundation for preparation of POM/MoS2 transmission microparts with good comprehensive performance. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44625.
Encapsulated graphenes through ultrasonically initiated in situ polymerization: A route to high dielectric permittivity, low loss materials with low percolation threshold
Authors: Fan Ping , Wang Lei , Jia Shunxin , Chen Feng , Yang Jintao , Zhong Mingqiang
Published: November 2016

To improve dielectric performance of polystyrene (PS) without sacrificing its flexibility and processability, PS encapsulated graphene sheets (PSG) were synthesized by ultrasonically initiated in situ polymerization and was incorporated into PS matrix as fillers. The structure and properties of the obtained PSG were investigated by Fourier transform infrared, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscope, and atom force microscopies. The results showed that the in situ formed PS layers attached on the surface of graphene and there were strong interfacial interactions between them. In virtue of this core‐shell architecture and intrinsic properties of PSG, PS/PSG nanocomposites exhibited improved dielectric performance and a typical percolation transition with very low percolation threshold of 0.2 wt %. Compared with pure PS, significantly increased dielectric permittivity and a low loss tangent were observed for the composites. These composites might be potential flexible dielectric materials for use in high‐frequency capacitors with low loss. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44628.
Compressive stress relaxation modeling of butadiene rubber under thermo‐oxidative aging
Authors: Zheng Wei , Zhao Xiuying , Li Qiangguo , Chan Tung W. , Zhang Liqun , Wu Sizhu
Published: November 2016

The compressive stress relaxation tests of butadiene rubber (BR) at different thermo‐oxidative aging temperatures were carried out. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy with attenuated total reflectance (FTIR‐ATR) was used to observe the variations of internal groups before and after the thermo‐oxidative aging. Magnetic resonance‐crosslink density (MR‐XLD) spectroscopy was used to measure the crosslink densities. The results showed the compressive stress relaxation of BR during thermo‐oxidative aging was dominated by chemical reactions: crosslinking, chain scission, and oxidation. Then an empirical model and an amendatory standard linear solid (SLS) model were put forward to describe the compressive stress relaxation behavior of BR. Both models fitted the data well. The SLS model, based on the aging mechanism of BR, not only made up the disadvantages of the empirical model, but also considered the changes of intrinsic viscosity (η) during the thermo‐oxidative aging of BR. The SLS model showed that the thermo‐oxidative aging of BR was mainly dominated by the crosslinking and oxidation reactions. This research proposes the amendatory SLS model and has important significance for study the stress relaxation behavior of crosslinked rubbers during thermo‐oxidative aging. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44630.
Synthesis, characterization, and catalytic activity of fluorescent polyimide nanocomposites
Authors: Sribala Govindarajan , Meenarathi Balakrishnan , Anbarasan Ramasamy
Published: November 2016

A fluorescent polyimide (PI) was synthesized by using perylene tetracarboxylic dianhydride (PTCDAH) and a oxydianiline (ODA) in N‐methyl pyrrolidone (NMP) solvent at 160 °C for 5 h under nitrogen atmosphere. Similarly, the fluorescent PI nanocomposites were prepared in the presence of silver (Ag) and vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) nanoparticles under identical experimental conditions. The above synthesized PI and its nanocomposites were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, UV‐visible spectroscopy, Fluorescence emission spectroscopy, DSC, TGA, SEM, and FESEM. The data are carefully analyzed and compared with the literature values. The catalytic activity of the fluorescent nanocomposite fiber was tested towards the reduction of p‐nitrophenol (NiP), Cr(VI) and Rhodamine6G (R6G) dye. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44633.