bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
π-π Conjugation Enhances Oligostilbene’s Antioxidant Capacity: Evidence from α-Viniferin and Caraphenol A
Authors: Li Xican , Xie Yulu , Xie Hong , Yang Jian , Chen Dongfeng
Published: March 2018

α-Viniferin and caraphenol A, the two oligostilbenes, have the sole difference of the presence or absence of an exocyclic double bond at the π-π conjugative site. In this study, the antioxidant capacity and relevant mechanisms for α-viniferin and caraphenol A were comparatively explored using spectrophotometry, UV-visible spectral analysis, and electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–ESI–Q–TOF–MS/MS) analysis. The spectrophotometric results suggested that caraphenol A always gave lower IC50 values than α-viniferin in cupric ion-reducing antioxidant capacity assay, ferric-reducing antioxidant power assay, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazl radical (DPPH•)-scavenging, and 2-phenyl-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl 3-oxide radical-scavenging assays. In UV-visible spectra analysis, caraphenol A was observed to show enhanced peaks at 250–350 nm when mixed with Fe2+, but α-viniferin exhibited no similar effects. UPLC–ESI–Q–TOF–MS/MS analysis revealed that α-viniferin mixed with DPPH• produced radical adduct formation (RAF) peak (m/z = 1070–1072). We conclude that the antioxidant action of α-viniferin and caraphenol A may involve both redox-mediated mechanisms (especially electron transfer and H+-transfer) and non-redox-mediated mechanisms (including Fe2+-chelating or RAF). The π-π conjugation of the exocyclic double bond in caraphenol A can greatly enhance the redox-mediated antioxidant mechanisms and partially promote the Fe2+-chelating mechanism. This makes caraphenol A far superior to α-viniferin in total antioxidant levels.
Chalcogen ‘like-like’ Interactions Involving Trisulphide and Triselenide Compounds: A Combined CSD and Ab Initio Study
Authors: Bauzá Antonio , Frontera Antonio
Published: March 2018

In this manuscript, we combined a search in the Cambridge Structural Database (CSD) and ab initio calculations (RI-MP2/def2-TZVPD level of theory) to analyze the ability of trisulphide and triselenide moieties to establish chalcogen ‘like-like’ interactions. A preliminary CSD inspection revealed two predominant structural patterns, depending on the anti or syn conformation adopted by the substituents of the S3/Se3 bridge, leading to bifurcated or double chalcogen bonding interactions, respectively. In order to analyze these two relevant structural motifs we have used a series of S and Se derivatives Ch3X2 (Ch = S and Se and X = H, F, CN, and CF3) which act as both electron donor (using the lone pairs) and acceptor (using the σ-holes) entities. Besides, we have carried out “atoms in molecules” (AIM) and natural bonding orbital (NBO) analyses to further describe and characterize the chalcogen bonding interactions described herein. As far as we know, chalcogen···chalcogen interactions involving trichalconides (S3/Se3) have not been previously described in literature a may be of great importance in the preparation and characterization of new solids based on this subclass of σ-hole bonding.
Bridging from Brain to Tumor Imaging: (S)-(−)- and (R)-(+)-[18F]Fluspidine for Investigation of Sigma-1 Receptors in Tumor-Bearing Mice
Authors: Kranz Mathias , Bergmann Ralf , Kniess Torsten , Belter Birgit , Neuber Christin , Cai Zhengxin , Deng Gang , Fischer Steffen , Zhou Jiangbing , Huang Yiyun , Brust Peter , Deuther-Conrad Winnie , Pietzsch Jens
Published: March 2018

Sigma-1 receptors (Sig1R) are highly expressed in various human cancer cells and hence imaging of this target with positron emission tomography (PET) can contribute to a better understanding of tumor pathophysiology and support the development of antineoplastic drugs. Two Sig1R-specific radiolabeled enantiomers (S)-(−)- and (R)-(+)-[18F]fluspidine were investigated in several tumor cell lines including melanoma, squamous cell/epidermoid carcinoma, prostate carcinoma, and glioblastoma. Dynamic PET scans were performed in mice to investigate the suitability of both radiotracers for tumor imaging. The Sig1R expression in the respective tumors was confirmed by Western blot. Rather low radiotracer uptake was found in heterotopically (subcutaneously) implanted tumors. Therefore, a brain tumor model (U87-MG) with orthotopic implantation was chosen to investigate the suitability of the two Sig1R radiotracers for brain tumor imaging. High tumor uptake as well as a favorable tumor-to-background ratio was found. These results suggest that Sig1R PET imaging of brain tumors with [18F]fluspidine could be possible. Further studies with this tumor model will be performed to confirm specific binding and the integrity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB).
Valorization of Municipal Waterworks Sludge to Produce Ceramic Floor Tiles
Authors: Rodrigues Lara , De Holanda José
Published: March 2018

In municipal waterworks large amounts of waste in the form of sludge have to be discarded. This investigation focuses on the processing of ceramic floor tiles incorporated with a municipal waterworks sludge. Four floor tile formulations containing up to 10 wt. % of the municipal waterworks sludge were prepared in order to replace the kaolin. The floor tile processing route consisted of dry powder granulation, uniaxial pressing, and firing between 1190 and 1250 °C using a fast-firing cycle (<60 min). The densification behavior and technological properties of the floor tile pieces as function of the sludge addition and firing temperature were determined. The development of the microstructure was followed by XRD and SEM/EDS. The results show that the replacement of kaolin with municipal waterworks sludge, in the range up to 10 wt. %, allows the production of ceramic floor tiles (group BIb and group BIIa, ISO 13006 Standard) at lower firing temperatures. These results suggest a new possibility of valorization of municipal waterworks sludge in order to bring economic and environmental benefits.
A Review on Biodiversity, Ecosystem Services, and Perceptions of New Zealand’s Mangroves: Can We Make Informed Decisions about Their Removal?
Authors: Dencer-Brown Amrit , Alfaro Andrea , Milne Simon , Perrott John
Published: March 2018

Mangrove cover is increasing in estuaries and harbours in many areas on North Island, New Zealand. The expansion of mangroves has been attributed to anthropogenic land-use change, including urbanisation and conversion of land to agriculture. Rapid expansion of mangroves in the coastal landscape has created discord in local communities over their importance in terms of the services they deliver to both wildlife and people. Some community groups have been advocates for the large-scale removal of mangrove habitat, whilst other local residents oppose this removal. This review paper investigated and discussed pertinent biodiversity and ecosystem services studies based in New Zealand mangroves from 1950 to 2017. Results showed that the majority of biodiversity studies have targeted particular species or groups of organisms, with a focus on benthic invertebrate communities. Deficits remain in our knowledge of this expanding forest and shrub ecosystem, notably the terrestrial component of biodiversity, species community-shifts with landscape fragmentation, and associated cultural values. It is recommended that broader species assessments and a longer-term approach be applied to biodiversity monitoring in mangroves, coupled with Mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) and western science for holistic management of this coastal ecosystem.
Alphavirus Nucleocapsid Packaging and Assembly
Authors: Mendes Adriano , Kuhn Richard
Published: March 2018

Alphavirus nucleocapsids are assembled in the cytoplasm of infected cells from 240 copies of the capsid protein and the approximately 11 kb positive strand genomic RNA. However, the challenge of how the capsid specifically selects its RNA package and assembles around it has remained an elusive one to solve. In this review, we will summarize what is known about the alphavirus capsid protein, the packaging signal, and their roles in the mechanism of packaging and assembly. We will review the discovery of the packaging signal and how there is as much evidence for, as well as against, its requirement to specify packaging of the genomic RNA. Finally, we will compare this model with those of other viral systems including particular reference to a relatively new idea of RNA packaging based on the presence of multiple minimal packaging signals throughout the genome known as the two stage mechanism. This review will provide a basis for further investigating the fundamental ways of how RNA viruses are able to select their own cargo from the relative chaos that is the cytoplasm.
 Atenção à saúde na constituição de necessidades em saúde para usuários da estratégia saúde da família / Health care in the constitution of health needs for users of the family health strategy
Authors: Garcia Palhoni Amanda Rodrigues , De Mattos Penna Cláudia Maria
Published: March 2018

Este estudo objetivou abordar a atenção à saúde, um dos elementos constituintes das necessidades em saúde, para usuários da Estratégia Saúde da Família. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa, com referencial teórico no Interacionismo Simbólico e metodológico na Teoria Fundamentada nos Dados (TFD). Foram entrevistados individualmente, a partir de um roteiro semiestruturado, 17 usuários de uma Unidade Básica de Saúde de um município de Minas Gerais, no período de fevereiro de 2016 a maio de 2017. A análise dos dados ocorreu por meio do processo de codificação Aberta, Axial e Seletiva, proposto pela TFD. Evidenciou-se que a atenção à saúde constitui necessidades em saúde, sendo representada principalmente pelo acolhimento, acesso e obtenção de respostas pelos usuários nos serviços. As demandas relacionadas às questões biológicas do corpo é o que faz os usuários a buscarem o serviço, mas o que esperam é uma atenção voltada não somente para a doença, mas acolhedora e zelosa. Os profissionais de saúde precisam estar atentos às questões subjetivas, como a importância do estabelecimento de relações afetivas com usuários para promover um cuidado que atenda as necessidades em saúde da população.
Modeling the Vehicle-Bicycle Collision - The Analysis of the Projection Distance and Acceleration at the Cyclist's Head
Authors: Oţăt Oana Victoria , Dumitru Ilie , Oţăt Victor , Matei Lucian
Published: March 2018

The ever-growing demand for transportation and the need to carry both people and goods has led to increased congestions of road traffic networks. Subsequently, the main negative effect is the multiplication of serious road accidents. Of the total number of serious road accidents, a significant increase has been registered among cyclists, with 13.9% in 2014 of total vehicles involved in traffic accidents, compared to 6.6% in 2010. The present paper underpins a close analysis of the kinematic and dynamic parameters in the event of a vehicle - bicycle – cyclist assembly – collision type. To study the vehicle-bicycle-collision type, we carried out a comparative analysis with regard to the distance the cyclist is thrown away following the collision, the speed variation of the vehicle and of the bicycle, and the speed variation in the cyclist’s head area, as well as the variation of the acceleration recorded on the vehicle, the bicycle and the cyclist’s head area. Hence, we modelled and simulated the vehicle – bicycle collision for two distinct instances, i.e. a frontal vehicle – rear bicycle collision and a frontal vehicle - frontal bicycle collision.
Correlation between Ride Comfort Index and Sperling's Index for Evaluation Ride Comfort in Railway Vehicles
Authors: Dumitriu Mădălina , Leu Mihai
Published: March 2018

Ride comfort is a reference point in evaluating the dynamic performance in railway vehicles. There are more methods to assess the ride comfort, depending on the traffic details and the specific needs of a railway administration. This paper focuses on the comfort index methods, in accordance with UIC Leaflet 513 R and the standard of railway applications ENV 12299, and the ride Sperling’s method, formulated by Sperling. A correlation is drawn between the comfort indices corresponding to the two methods, based on the link between the comfort and the values of these indices. The comfort indices derived from the two methods by numerical simulations help with validating the fact that, in general, the velocity influences the vertical ride comfort, and, in particular, the position of the carbody critical points, from the perspective of the ride comfort.
Sprocket - Silent Chain Force Distribution with the Influence of Friction
Authors: Jurj Lenard , Saulescu Radu , Velicu Radu
Published: March 2018

The aim of this paper is to define and to analyse the theoretical contact forces that appear in a sprocket - silent chain joint. The contact force between the links and the teeth flanks of the sprocket can be considered as a reaction to the axial force in chain (tensioning force), transmitted throughout the pin - links joints. Friction forces will be considered in the joints and in the link - sprocket joints, which will be defined by the corresponding friction angles. The centrifugal force is also considered. This paper is presenting the steps to obtain the analytical model for the forces from the sprocket - link and the pin - link joints, depending on the tensioning force and the centrifugal force. These forces are computed in order to establish their distribution along links.
Comparative Study on the Embedded Energy in the Simple Masonry and Welded Bars Reinforced Masonry
Authors: Codiță Alina Mariana , Romanescu Alina Elena
Published: March 2018

This paper contains a comparative study on the embedded energy in the simple masonry and welded bars reinforced masonry. The calculation starts from a unique study for Romania achieved in the conditions of centralized economy and highlights the amount of energy incorporated in building materials, expressed in J. It is also realized a calculation for the mechanical work, which is an exchange of energy between the system and the environment.
Rolling with and without Slipping during Orthocycloids Generation
Authors: Popescu Iulian , Romanescu Alina Elena , Sass Ludmila
Published: March 2018

The orthocycloid represents a plane curve generated by a point belonging to a circle which is rolling without slipping along a line. Our original idea (not approached in the specialty literature) is to consider the rolling with slipping of a wheel on a rail, instead of the rolling of the gear “gearwheel –rack” as in the case of the orthocycloid generation. In this case the length of the arc considered on the circle is no longer equal to the segment from the line supporting the rolling. The tracer point belonging to the wheel will generate other curves but orthocycloids. Various curves were obtained. Analyses were made considering the braking due to the friction between the rolling surfaces and respectively the case when the lubricant layer generates a “skating like” rolling. The yielded curves start from the classical form of the orthocycloid and afterward are distorted exhibiting an increased number of loops. Some curves are similar to elongated orthocycloids, obtained in different conditions. The curves resulted from rolling by slipping can be used in various domains.
Mosquito-Borne Human Viral Diseases: Why Aedes aegypti?
Authors: Powell Jeffrey R.
Published: March 2018

Although numerous viruses are transmitted by mosquitoes, four have caused the most human suffering over the centuries and continuing today. These are the viruses causing yellow fever, dengue, chikungunya, and Zika fevers. Africa is clearly the ancestral home of yellow fever, chikungunya, and Zika viruses and likely the dengue virus. Several species of mosquitoes, primarily in the genus Aedes, have been transmitting these viruses and their direct ancestors among African primates for millennia allowing for coadaptation among viruses, mosquitoes, and primates. One African primate (humans) and one African Aedes mosquito (Aedes aegypti) have escaped Africa and spread around the world. Thus it is not surprising that this native African mosquito is the most efficient vector of these native African viruses to this native African primate. This makes it likely that when the next disease-causing virus comes out of Africa, Ae. aegypti will be the major vector to humans.
How Residents Learn From Patient Feedback: A Multi-Institutional Qualitative Study of Pediatrics Residents' Perspectives
Authors: Bogetz Alyssa L. , Orlov Nicola , Blankenburg Rebecca , Bhavaraju Vasudha , McQueen Alisa , Rassbach Caroline
Published: March 2018

Background 

Residents may view feedback from patients and their families with greater skepticism than feedback from supervisors and peers. While discussing patient and family feedback with faculty may improve residents' acceptance of feedback and learning, specific strategies have not been identified.

Objective 

We explored pediatrics residents' perspectives of patient feedback and identified strategies that promote residents' reflection on and learning from feedback.

Methods 

In this multi-institutional, qualitative study conducted in June and July 2016, we conducted focus groups with a purposive sample of pediatrics residents after their participation in a randomized controlled trial in which they received written patient feedback and either discussed it with faculty or reviewed it independently. Focus group transcripts were audiorecorded, transcribed, and analyzed for themes using the constant comparative approach associated with grounded theory.

Results 

Thirty-six of 92 (39%) residents participated in 7 focus groups. Four themes emerged: (1) residents valued patient feedback but felt it may lack the specificity they desire; (2) discussing feedback with a trusted faculty member was helpful for self-reflection; (3) residents identified 5 strategies faculty used to facilitate their openness to and acceptance of patient feedback (eg, help resident overcome emotional responses to feedback and situate feedback in the context of lifelong learning); and (4) residents' perceptions of feedback credibility improved when faculty observed patient encounters and solicited feedback on the resident's behalf prior to discussions.

Conclusions 

Discussing patient feedback with faculty provided important scaffolding to enhance residents' openness to and reflection on patient feedback.
Measurements of nitric oxide and ammonia soil fluxes from a wet
savanna ecosystem site in West Africa during the DACCIWA field
campaign
Authors: Pacifico Federica , Delon Claire , Jambert Corinne , Durand Pierre , Morris Eleanor , Evans Mat J. , Lohou Fabienne , Derrien Solène , Donnou Venance H. E. , Houeto Arnaud V. , Reinares Martinez Irene , Brilouet Pierre-Etienne
Published: March 2018

Abstract. It is important to correctly simulate biogenic fluxes from soil in atmospheric chemistry models at a local and regional scale to study air pollution and climate in an area of the world, West Africa, that has been subject to a strong increase in anthropogenic emissions due to a massive growth in population and urbanization. Anthropogenic pollutants are transported inland and northward from the mega cities located on the coast, where the reaction with biogenic emissions may lead to enhanced ozone production outside urban areas, as well as secondary organic aerosols formation, with detrimental effects on humans, animals, natural vegetation and crops. Here we present field measurements of soil fluxes of nitric oxide (NO) and ammonia (NH3) observed over four different land cover types, i.e. bare soil, grassland, maize field and forest, at an inland rural site in Benin, West Africa, during the DACCIWA field campaign in June and July 2016. We observe NO fluxes up to 48.05 ngN m−2 s−1. NO fluxes averaged over all land cover types are 4.79 ± 5.59 ngN m−2 s−1, maximum soil emissions of NO are recorded over bare soil. NH3 is dominated by deposition for all land cover types. NH3 fluxes range between −6.59 and 4.96 ngN m−2 s−1. NH3 fluxes averaged over all land cover types are −0.91 ± 1.27 ngN m−2 s−1 and maximum NH3 deposition is measured over bare soil. The observations show high spatial variability even for the same soil type, same day and same meteorological conditions. We compare point daily average measurements of NO emissions recorded during the field campaign with those simulated by GEOS-Chem (Goddard Earth Observing System Chemistry Model) for the same site and find good agreement. In an attempt to quantify NO emissions at the regional and national scale, we also provide a tentative estimate of total NO emissions for the entire country of Benin for the month of July using two distinct methods: upscaling point measurements and using the GEOS-Chem model. The two methods give similar results: 1.17 ± 0.6 GgN/month and 1.44 GgN/month, respectively. Total NH3 deposition estimated by upscaling point measurements for the month of July is 0.21 GgN/month.
Multi-Model Comparison in the Impact of Lateral Boundary Conditions on Simulated Surface Ozone across the United States Using Chemically Inert Tracers
Authors: Liu Peng , Hogrefe Christian , Im Ulas , Christensen Jesper H. , Bieser Johannes , Nopmongcol Uarporn , Yarwood Greg , Mathur Rohit , Rosselle Shawn , Spero Tanya
Published: March 2018

Abstract. This study represents an inter- comparison of four regional-scale air quality simulations, focused on understanding similarities and differences in the simulated impact of ozone lateral boundary conditions (LBCs) on the ground-level ozone predictions across the U.S. The chemically inert tracers were implemented in the simulations as a diagnostic tool to understand the similarities and differences between models at process level. For all simulations, three chemically inert tracers (BC1 BC2 and BC3) are used to track the impact of ozone specified at different altitudes along the lateral boundaries of the modeling domain encompassing the contiguous U.S. The altitude ranges specified for BC1, BC2, and BC3 broadly represent the planetary boundary layer (PBL), free troposphere, and upper troposphere-lower stratosphere, respectively. The four simulations, namely WRF/CMAQ, WRF/CAMx, WRF/DEHM and COSMO-CLM/CMAQ, can have considerable differences in the simulated inert tracers at surface, indicating their different estimates in the impact of lateral boundary on surface ozone within the U.S. due to the physical processes alone in chemical transport models. WRF/CMAQ is used as a base case, and the differences between WRF/CMAQ and the other three models are examined, respectively. The model pair of COSMO-CLM/CMAQ and WRF/CMAQ shows the smallest differences in inert tracers, with the difference in BCT (sum of BC1, BC2 and BC3) peak in winter to be 1.6 ppb averaged across all sites. The model pair of WRF/DEHM and WRF/CMAQ shows the largest differences, with difference in BCT peak in summer to be 8.1 ppb averaged across all sites. Furthermore, the model differences in inert tracers are discussed with respect to the physical processes that inert tracers undergo. It is found that the process of vertical turbulent mixing between the PBL and the free troposphere is the main cause of the model differences in the simulated inert tracers, especially the relative contributions of BC1 and BC2 to the total inert tracers, in most seasons and regions of the U.S., although the processes of sub-grid cloud mixing and dry deposition can also be important drivers for specific regions and seasons.
Reduction in black carbon light absorption due to multi-pollutant
emission control during APEC China 2014
Authors: Zhang Yuxuan , Li Xin , Li Meng , Zheng Yixuan , Geng Guannan , Hong Chaopeng , Li Haiyan , Tong Dan , Zhang Xin , Cheng Yafang , Su Hang , He Kebin , Zhang Qiang
Published: March 2018

Abstract. Reducing black carbon (BC) emissions has been recognized as an efficient way to simultaneously improve air quality and mitigate climate change. However, the benefits of BC emission controls are not well quantified partly due to a lack of understanding of the changes in BC light absorption as a result of emission reductions. In this work, we discussed the effects of multi-pollutant emission reductions on the BC light absorption based on a field campaign study conducted before, during and after the 2014 APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) meeting in Beijing, China. When emission restrictions were in place during APEC, we found that the reduction in the light absorption of BC-containing particles was driven by both the decrease in BC mass concentration and the weakened light-absorption capability of BC. Compared with that before and after APEC, the daytime light absorption of BC-containing particles during APEC reduced by ~ 56 %, of which ~ 48 % was contributed by the decrease in BC mass concentration and the remain ~ 8 % was contributed by a weakening of light-absorption capability for BC. Based on single particle soot photometer (SP2) measurement and Mie calculation, we estimated that the light-absorption capability of BC-containing particles with ~ 80–200 nm refractory BC (rBC) cores at daytime during APEC was reduced by ~ 6–15 % and ~ 10–20 % compared with that before and after APEC, respectively. The decrease in BC light-absorption capability could be attributed to less coating materials on BC surfaces as a result of a decreased chemical production of secondary aerosols. Compared with that before and after APEC, the mass ratio between the coating materials and rBC core (~ 80–200 nm) during APEC decreased by ~ 10–30 % and ~ 31–53 %, respectively, due to reductions in coating precursor emissions, e.g., SO2 and NO2. The results revealed the benefits of emission control on BC light absorption by simultaneously reducing the mass concentration and light-absorption capability of BC, implying that synergetic reduction in multiple-pollutant emission could benefit both air quality and climate.
Voltammetric determination of cholecalciferol at glassy carbon electrode performed in water ethanol mixture
Authors: Nallbani Arlinda , Holubová Julie , Sýs Milan , Arbneshi Tahir , Vytřas Karel
Published: March 2018

To confirm or disprove previous hypotheses, cyclic voltammetry of 0.5 mM cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) at glassy carbon electrode (GCE) and platinum disk electrode (PtE) in pure acetonitrile and water‑ethanol mixture at 50 mV·s‑1 has been used to investigate the oxidation mechanism. The oxidation occurs in two one-electrone steps. According to calculation of the highest electron density in cholecalciferol molecule which is evidently delocalized over carbon atoms of the three conjugated double bonds (C19, C10, C5-C8) points to part of the molecule involved in oxidation processes. An oxidation peak (at +0.925 V vs. Ag/AgCl) was used to develop direct voltammetric method based on differential pulse voltammetry for the vitamin D3 determination at GCE performed in 40% ethanol containing 0.1 M LiClO4. Under optimization of analytical procedure, it was found that a composition of the supporting electrolyte used significantly affects a current response of oxidation peak obtained. Satisfactory sensitivity was achieved in the 1:1 water‑ethanol mixture containing 0.05 M lithium perchlorate as as supporting electrolyte. The linear range for vitamin D3 determination was2.4 × 10-6 - 3.5 × 10-4 M with the detection limit of 8.0 × 10-7 M. This work demonstrates a fact that the GCE is suitable electroanalytical device for analysis of various food supplements and medicaments.
Evaluation of selected quality parameters of reduced salt frankfurters
Authors: Jůzl Miroslav , Saláková Alena , Müllerová Martina , Kozohorská Klára
Published: March 2018

Higher salt content in foods brings health risks associated with hypertension and leads to an increased risk of strokes and fatal vascular diseases. For this study, a frankfurter was chosen as a frequently consumed meat product. In repetitions, four groups of products were produced with different salt contents (2.0% and 1.4%) and the kind of meat used (CPF - Control Pork Frankfurters, RPF - Reduced salt Pork Frankfurters, CBF - Control Beef Frankfurters, RBF - Reduced salt Beef Frankfurters). Basic chemical parameters (dry matter, fat and salt content), colour parameters (CIE L*, a* and b*) and basic sensory analysis were performed before (UT - untreated) and after heat treatment (HT - heat treated). The lower salt content and the type of meat used have a significant effect (p ˂0.05) on the colour of the products. In almost all parameters frankfurters with pork meat scored better than frankfurters with beef meat. The lower salt content and the type of meat used proved to have affected the colour of the products. After heat treatment there were found statistical significant differences in saltiness between control and salt reduced group (UT, p = 0.0098; HT p = 0.0001). Sensory results were better with pork and higher salt. A more key role than salt content in frankfurters is played by the type of meat. Debrecener´s frankfurter was selected for this study, and its formula can serve as a good example for the manufacturers that there is no need to worry about one third salt mixture reduction in the recipe on frankfurters sensory analysis.
Core Competency and Performance Management in Selected Private Secondary Schools in Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Authors: Nzewi Ngozi , Onwuka Ebele , Bupo Godwin
Published: March 2018

The study sought to determine how core competencies are employed during the performance management process of the selected private secondary schools in Port Harcourt. The need to ascertain whether these organizations employ their core competencies during their performance evaluation process led to this study. Survey research design was employed for the study. Two research questions were raised and one hypothesis was tested at 0.05 level of significance. The population of the study was 210 workers in the two private secondary schools that were selected for the study (Graceland International Secondary School and Blessed Children Academy High School). The entire population was used for the study. Structured questionnaire was used for data collection. The reliability of the instrument, tested through split-half method, were 0.61 and 0.71 for sections B and C respectively. Mean and Standard deviation were used to answer the research questions while Z-test was used to test the hypothesis. The findings of the study revealed that the respondents agreed that employees’ performance was measured by the outcomes of their effort, by the behavioral characteristics that led to those outcomes, and not by how closely related they were with top management or by how long they have been working in the organization. Based on the findings, it was recommended among others, that management of private secondary schools in Port Harcourt should lay more emphasis on behavioral competences not just on only the outcome of employees’ effort.
The Role of Bahrain Kingdom in the Framework of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (From 2000 to 2006)
Authors: Ra’ad Mamoon Ahmed Abo
Published: March 2018

The current study seeks to identify the role of Bahrain Kingdom in the framework of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) during the period from 2000 to 2006. The importance of the study stems from a set of considerations, the most important of which are: identifying the nature of roles that the member states in a specific regional organization undertake, studying the concept of regionalism and the regional system, and identifying the nature of the role of the member states in the scope of the regional organization in terms of conflict and integration. The problem of the study is that Bahrain is a small state and its resources are limited. It occupies an important strategic location in a very significant strategic region in the context of the international interactions. Its direct geographical neighbor is characterized by great resources. In addition, its surrounded regional environment is characterized by tension and instability. Thus, the question in such circumstances is: how Bahrain Kingdom can create and practice its role in the framework the GCC, which is the regional organization activated by interactions between geographically reproached member states? To achieve the required results, the study adopted the international system approach and the historical approach. The study has concluded a set of findings. The most significant findings are: 1- the GCC came as a result of a set of internal, regional and international factors, and not one factor. 2- The GCC has been able to achieve the internal and external cooperation between its member states. 3- The regional and international developments have a tangible effect on Bahrain and its relation with the GCC. 4- Bahrain plays a prominent role in activating the march of cooperation and integration between the members of the Council in various economic, political, social, cultural and media fields.
The Level of Mindfulness, Hand-eye Coordination and Strength among Elite Fencers
Authors: Ahamad Mousa , Saada Bilal , Alshamaileh Qusai , Abusamra Mahmoud , Al-Awamleh Aida A.
Published: March 2018

The present study aimed to investigate the strength level of mindfulness and hand-eye coordination among elite fencers, also to determine whether the gender differences in mindfulness were existed, The subjects of this study consisted of sixteen elite fencers, Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) Arabic version used to assess mindfulness (FFMQ), also handgrip dynamometer to assess strength and Hand-eye coordination manual dexterity to measure hand-eye coordination.The research used the steadiness toaster, hold type model 32011 to assess eye - hand coordination. The participants Study sample consists of sixteen national fencers (Jordanian National Team), aged between (14-23) years. The results indicated that the level of mindfulness was moderated and there is no statistically significant relationship between strength, Mindfulness and hand-eye coordination. Furthermore, gender differences were observed regarding strength.
On the Efficiency of Text Production in Vocabulary Learning: An Empirical Study on Iranian GFL-Learners
Authors: Haghani Nader , Kiani Samira
Published: March 2018

The concept of text-oriented vocabulary exercises is based on Kühn’s (2000) three-step model of vocabulary teaching—receptive, reflective and productive vocabulary exercises—which focuses on working with texts. Since the production is in principle more exhausting than the reception—as can be seen from the Levels of Processing Effect—one can assume that it comes to a deeper processing in the text production and consequently exerts a positive influence on the retention performance of the learners. The main purpose of this paper is to conduct an empirical study on Iranian GFL-learners (Note 1) to demonstrate whether text production has a positive impact on the short-term, medium-term and long-term retention of the GFL-learners who have learned the new words in foreign language based on the concept of text-oriented vocabulary exercises or not. In addition, this study also has the secondary object of demonstrating the possibility of GFL-Learner’s sex as well as the age having any effect on the retention performance. The results have shown that the text production has a positive effect on the short-term and medium-term retention. It could also be shown that gender exerts an influence on the medium-term retention performance of female GFL-learners. In terms of age, the result was that text production has a positive impact on the retention performance of the 30 to 40-year-old GFL-learners, enabling them to better remember the textually learned words in the short, medium and long term.
Biodiversity seen through the perspective of insects: 10 simple rules on methodological choices, common challenges, and experimental design for genomic studies
Authors: Matos-Maraví Pável , Duarte Ritter Camila , Barnes Christopher J , Nielsen Martin , Olsson Urban , Wahlberg Niklas , Marquina Daniel , Sääksjärvi Ilari , Antonelli Alexandre
Published: March 2018

The study of biodiversity within the spatiotemporal continuum of evolution, e.g., studying local communities, population dynamics, or phylogenetic diversity, has been important to properly identify and describe the current biodiversity crisis. However, it has become clear that a multi-scale approach – from the leaves of phylogenetic trees to its deepest branches – is necessary to fully comprehend, and predict, biodiversity dynamics. Massive parallel DNA sequencing opens up opportunities for bridging multiple dimensions in biodiversity research, thanks to its efficiency to recover millions of nucleotide polymorphisms, both under neutral or selective pressure. Here we aim to identify the current status, discuss the main challenges, and look into future perspectives on biodiversity genomics research focusing on insects, which arguably constitute the most diverse and ecologically important group of metazoans. We suggest 10 simple rules that every biologist could follow to 1) provide a succinct step-by-step guide and best-practices to anyone interested in biodiversity research through insect genomics, 2) review and show relevant literature to biodiversity and evolutionary research in the field of entomology, and 3) make available a perspective on biodiversity studies using insect genomics. Our compilation is targeted at researchers and students who may not yet be specialists in entomology or genomics, but plan to carry out own research in insect genomics. We foresee that the genomic revolution and its application to the study of non-model insect lineages will represent a major leap to our understanding of insect diversity, and by consequence the largest portion of Earth’s biodiversity, and its evolution in time and space.
Are automated acoustic identification software reliable for bat surveys in the Neotropical region?
Authors: Menon Amrita Madhukumar , Pereira Maria João Ramos , Aguiar Ludmilla Moura de Souza
Published: March 2018

Bat populations are known to be affected by anthropogenic activities because bats are an extremely diverse group occupying almost all available niches in terrestrial environment. Hence, bats are considered bioindicators to monitor changes in the environment, but their value as such also depends on the ease to monitor and detect demographic trends in their populations. The long-term interest of researchers in the acoustic of bats results from the fact that it is a non-invasive, time-efficient method to monitor spatiotemporal patterns of bat diversity and activity.The analysis of sounds emitted by organisms has been considered useful to gain insight into species-specific biotic and abiotic interactions, which can further be applied to conservation. Besides manual identifications of bat calls, some automated species identification programs using regional call classifiers have been introduced into the market as an effective tool in the monitoring of bat populations. Most of these programs have not been validated using field data. This study evaluates the reliability of two automated software, SonoChiro, and Kaleidoscope Pro, in comparison to manual identifications of field data collected from the Neotropical region. There was low agreement between the two automated methods at the species level, fair agreement at the genus level and moderate agreement at the family level. There was also a significant difference between the proportions of correctly identified calls of the two-automated software at the species level identifications. Major challenges for using automated identification software include the need for comprehensive call libraries of the regions under scope; significant opportunities, on the other hand, include the widespread possibility to monitor spatiotemporal patterns of bat activity. Overall, there are serious gaps that preclude a widespread application of automated programs ecological and conservation studies of bats, but it has the potential to serve as a useful tool.
Biochemical changes throughout early- and middle-stage of embryogenesis in lobsters (Homarus americanus) under varying thermal regimes
Authors: Goldstein Jason S , Watson Winsor H
Published: March 2018

Most marine crustacean eggs contain a full complement of nutritional resources that fuel the growth and metabolic processes over the course of their development. In terms of biochemical constituents, lipids and proteins play pivotal and central roles in these processes and, accordingly, have been studied extensively in crustaceans. Given the propensity of some ovigerous (egg-bearing) American lobsters (Homarus americanus) to undergo seasonal inshore-to-offshore migrations, thereby exposing their eggs to varying thermal regimes, this study’s goal was to assess egg quality over their course of development by documenting changes in total lipids, proteins, and egg size (volume) in lobsters subjected to one of three simulated thermal regimes (inshore, offshore, constant (12°C), N = 5/trt, 15 total) in the laboratory and sampled at five discrete time intervals. Total egg lipids showed a marked decrease over time (r2adj = 0.85, P < 0.0001), early in the fall (average = -26%) and late spring (-62%), compared with stark increases in proteins over the same period (r2adj = 0.63, P < 0.0001, averages = 60%, 34%, fall and spring). Although there were no significant differences in total lipid or protein values (or egg sizes) between eggs exposed to inshore and offshore temperatures (P > 0.05), differences occurred in eggs exposed to a constant temperature, and they hatched almost three months sooner than inshore or offshore ones. Seasonal temperature fluctuations also appear to control the rates of biochemical processes in lobster eggs but may be confounded by other variables.
Internal control in accounting research: A review
Authors: Chalmers Keryn , Hay David , Khlif Hichem
Published: March 2018

In 2001, the US moved to regulate internal control reporting by management and auditors. While some jurisdictions have followed the lead of the US, many others have not. An important question, therefore, is the relevance of internal control to stakeholders. The more specific issue of the benefits of US-style regulation of internal control reporting is also topical. We review studies on the determinants of internal control quality and its economic consequences for stakeholders including investors, creditors, managers, auditors and financial analysts. We extend previous reviews by focusing on US studies published since 2013 as well as all non-US studies investigating IC quality including countries regulating IC disclosure as well as unregulated settings and both developed and developing economies. In doing so, we identify research questions where evidence remains mixed and new directions in which there are research opportunities.

Three main insights arise from our analysis. First, evidence on the economic consequences of internal control quality suggests that the quality of internal control can have a significant effect on decision making by users of financial information. Second, the results of research on the empirical association between ownership structure, certain board characteristics and internal control quality is generally mixed. Empirical evidence concerning the association between audit committee characteristics and internal control quality generally supports a positive and significant association. Finally, while studies in non-US jurisdictions are increasing, opportunities remain to explore the determinants and consequences of internal control in other jurisdictions. Our review provides evidence for policy makers of whether there are benefits from requiring management and auditors to report on internal control over financial reporting.
Studies on the impact of accounting information and assurance on commercial lending judgments
Authors: Schneider Arnold
Published: March 2018

This paper reviews studies that have examined how accounting information impacts commercial lending judgments. Issues discussed involve the usefulness of accounting data in lending decisions, effects of different accounting methods on lenders’ judgments, bankruptcy and default judgments, and decision processes pertaining to the use of accounting information in lending decisions. Additionally, the paper reviews the research on how audits and other forms of assurance influence commercial loan officers’ judgments. Topics include the way perceived auditor independence influences loan officers’ judgments, the impact of financial statement audits and audit opinions on lending decisions, how internal control reports and other CPA firm reports influence loan decisions, ways in which audit report disclosures and wording impact lending decisions, how perceived auditor quality affects lending decisions, and the effects of limited assurance engagements on loan officers’ judgments.
The cognitive function and the framework of the functional hierarchy
Authors: Gain Ulla
Published: March 2018

Cognitive computing is part of AI and cognitive applications consists of cognitive services, which are building blocks of the cognitive systems. These applications mimic the human brain functions, for example, recognize the speaker, sense the tone of the text. On this paper, we present the similarities of these with human cognitive functions. We establish a framework which gathers cognitive functions into nine intentional processes from the substructures of the human brain. The framework, underpins human cognitive functions, and categorizes cognitive computing functions into the functional hierarchy, through which we present the functional similarities between cognitive service and human cognitive functions to illustrate what kind of functions are cognitive in the computing. The results from the comparison of the functional hierarchy of cognitive functions are consistent with cognitive computing literature. Thus, the functional hierarchy allows us to find the type of cognition and reach the comparability between the applications.
The personalized Alzheimer's disease cortical thickness index predicts likely pathology and clinical progression in mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Racine Annie M. , Brickhouse Michael , Wolk David A. , Dickerson Bradford C. ,   Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: March 2018

Introduction

An Alzheimer's disease (AD) biomarker adjusted for age‐related brain changes should improve specificity for AD‐related pathological burden.

Methods

We calculated a brain‐age‐adjusted “personalized AD cortical thickness index” (pADi) in mild cognitive impairment patients from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative. We performed receiver operating characteristic analysis for discrimination between patients with and without cerebrospinal fluid evidence of AD and logistic regression in an independent sample to determine if a dichotomized pADi predicted conversion to AD dementia.

Results

Receiver operating characteristic area under the curve was 0.69 and 0.72 in the two samples. Three empirical methods identified the same cut‐point for pADi in the discovery sample. In the validation sample, 83% of pADi+ mild cognitive impairment patients were cerebrospinal fluid AD biomarker positive. pADi+ mild cognitive impairment patients (n = 63, 38%) were more likely to progress to AD dementia after 1 (odds ratio = 2.9) and 3 (odds ratio = 2.6) years.

Discussion

The pADi is a personalized, magnetic resonance imaging–derived AD biomarker that predicts progression to dementia.