bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does value matter? An examination of the impact of knowledge value on firm performance and the moderating role of knowledge breadth
Authors: Fallatah Mahmoud Ibrahim
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to examine the relationship between the value of created knowledge and financial performance. It also assesses how knowledge breadth moderates the aforementioned relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Focusing on the US biotechnology industry, the study matches patents data from the National Bureau of Economic Research and the United States Patent and Trademark Office with firms’ data from COMPUSTAT. Generalized least squares estimation is used as an analytical technique, and random-effects models are used to evaluate effects of the independent variables based on both within- and between-organization variances.

Findings

The findings reveal that biotechnological firms that create knowledge of higher values are likely to have higher financial performance than those creating knowledge of less value. Moreover, knowledge breadth is shown to positively moderate the relationship between knowledge value and firm performance.

Research limitations/implications

Some of the limitations include not controlling for more firm-related and environmental factors that might have influenced firm performance.

Practical implications

The study provides evidence that the quality of knowledge should be significantly considered when creating new knowledge. That is, managers should prioritize the creation of highly valuable knowledge, even if it occasionally results in creating fewer numbers of patents. The paper also suggests that creating valuable knowledge that is broad and flexible should be an important objective for managers as it provides more opportunities to generate future rents.

Originality/value

The study emphasizes how the value of created knowledge impacts the financial performance of firms. It also illustrates how knowledge breadth moderates that relationship. The paper contributes to a stream of research that links knowledge management abilities and firm performance.
The mediating role of trust in stimulating the relationship between transformational leadership and knowledge sharing processes
Authors: Le Phong Ba , Lei Hui
Published: February 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the influence of transformational leadership (TL) and two aspects of trust (trust in a leader and trust among members, including two versions of each: “disclosure” and “reliance”) on knowledge collecting (KC) and knowledge donating (KD).

Design/methodology/approach

Structural equation modelling was used to test the effects of TL and aspects of trust on knowledge sharing (KS) processes using data collected from 336 participants at 35 large service firms.

Findings

The results showed that reliance-based trust in a leader (LR), disclosure-based trust in a leader (LD), reliance-based trust among members (MR) and disclosure-based trust among members (MD) act as mediators in the relationship between TL and KS processes. LR and MR have more significant effects on KD, whereas LD, MD and TL have more significant effects on KC.

Research limitations/implications

Future research could examine how personal characteristics (e.g. education level and working experiences) moderate the relationships between TL and KS processes.

Practical implications

From a practical perspective, the paper provides directors/managers an increased understanding of paths to success in KC and KD.

Originality/value

This paper provides theoretical initiatives on building employee trust and improving KS in the field of knowledge management. From a managerial perspective, this study identifies necessary factors for encouraging and promoting KS processes within an organization.
Analysis of Class Characteristics of Reciprocating Saws,
Authors: Berger Jacqueline M. , Pokines James T. , Moore Tara L.
Published: February 2018

Criminal dismemberment is accomplished using a variety of tools and frequently used to dispose or facilitate the transport of human remains in an attempt to hinder forensic investigation. The present research examined features that may differentiate cuts made in bone by various commercially available reciprocating saw blades. The partial limbs of adult white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) were used as a proxy for human remains and were cut using five reciprocating saw blades and a hand‐powered hacksaw. The resulting false start and complete kerfs were examined macroscopically and microscopically. Kerf characteristics in which significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) between reciprocating blades were noted including minimum kerf width, kerf false start shape, presence of cut surface drift and harmonics, exit chipping size, and striation regularity. Interblade differences generally reflect class characteristics previously established for hand‐powered blades. The present research may aid in the identification of reciprocating saw use in forensic contexts.
Effects of ivabradine on endothelial function, aortic properties and ventricular‐arterial coupling in chronic systolic heart failure patients
Authors: Bonadei Ivano , Sciatti Edoardo , Vizzardi Enrico , Fabbricatore Davide , Pagnoni Mattia , Rossi Laura , Carubelli Valentina , Lombardi Carlo M , Metra Marco
Published: February 2018

Aim

Heart rate (HR) is an important prognostic factor in patients affected by chronic heart failure (CHF); ivabradine has been demonstrated to significantly reduce nonfatal myocardial infarction and hospitalization rate for acute heart failure and to improve left ventricular (LV) reverse remodeling, quality of life, exercise capacity, and arterial elastance (Ea) in these patients. We aimed at evaluating the short‐term effects of ivabradine on ventricular‐arterial coupling (VAC), aortic stiffness, and endothelial function in stable patients with CHF.

Methods

We evaluated 30 consecutive CHF patients (LVEF≤ 35%, NYHA class II) with sinus rhythm and HR ≥ 70 bpm on optimized pharmacological therapy. All of them underwent both transthoracic echocardiogram to assess aortic elastic properties (aortic distensibility, AD; aortic stiffness index, ASI; systolic aortic strain, SAS) and VAC, and peripheral arterial tonometry to measure endothelial function. Therapy with ivabradine 5 mg bid was added and each patient was evaluated with the same examinations after 4 months.

Results

At the baseline, 73% of patients had impaired VAC and 63% endothelial dysfunction. After 4 months, there was a significant improvement in the VAC value (ΔVAC −0.10 ± 0.18, P = .021), mainly linked to Ea (ΔEa −0.40 ± 0.23 mm Hg/mL; P = .003). All the parameters of aortic elasticity underwent significant improvement (ΔAD 1.82 ± 1.43 cm² × dyn−¹, P = .004; ΔASI −4.73 ± 6.07, P = .033; ΔSAS −7.98 ± 4.37%, P = .003). Lastly, we also noted a significant improvement of endothelial function (Δ RHI 0.35 ± 0.35; P < .001). At follow‐up 40% of patients had impaired VAC (P = .018) and 33% endothelial dysfunction (P = .038).

Conclusion

In patients with CHF adding ivabradine on top to the standard optimized medical therapy, when indicated, seems to improve endothelial function, aortic properties, and VAC.
The Impact of the Bullwhip Effect on Sales and Earnings Prediction Using Order Backlog
Authors: Chang Hsihui , Chen Jengfang , Hsu Shu‐Wei , Mashruwala Raj
Published: February 2018

Recent work in the supply chain literature suggests that the variance in orders placed with suppliers will be larger than that of sales to buyers. This distortion in demand information increases as it is passed along the supply chain from customers to upstream suppliers and has been referred to as “the bullwhip effect.” In this paper, we argue that the bullwhip effect reduces the ability of order backlog to predict future sales and earnings for upstream suppliers. Results obtained from our empirical analysis support this proposition. We find that the impact of bullwhip on the predictive ability of order backlog is further accentuated in firms with longer operating cycles. Market intermediaries such as financial analysts, on average, are unable to fully account for differences in the predictive ability of order backlog. However, analysts belonging to employers that follow all firms in a vertical supply chain do a better job of understanding the impact of bullwhip on the predictive ability of order backlog. In additional tests, we find that the bullwhip effect also impedes the ability of inventory components to predict future sales and earnings.
“m2b” package in r: Deriving multiple variables from movement data to predict behavioural states with random forests
Authors: Thiebault Andréa , Dubroca Laurent , Mullers Ralf H.E. , Tremblay Yann , Pistorius Pierre A.
Published: February 2018

The behaviour of individuals affect their distributions and is therefore fundamental in determining ecological patterns. While, the direct observation of behaviour is often limited due to logistical constraints, collection of movement data has been greatly facilitated through the development of bio‐logging. Movement data obtained through tracking instrumentation may potentially constitute a relevant proxy to infer behaviour.

To infer behaviour from movement data is a key focus within the “movement ecology” discipline. Statistical learning constitutes a number of methods that can be used to assess the link between given variables from a fully informed training dataset and then predict the values on a non‐informed variable. We chose the random forest algorithm for its high prediction accuracy and its ease of implementation. The strength of random forest partly lies in its ability to handle a very large number of variables. Our methodology is accordingly based on the derivation of multiple predictor variables from movement data over various temporal scales, to capture as much information as possible from changes and variations in movement.

The methodology is described in four steps, using examples on foraging seabirds and fishing vessels for illustration. The models showed very high prediction accuracy (92%–97%), thereby confirming the influence of behaviour on movement decisions and demonstrating the ability to derive multiple variables from movement data to predict behaviour with random forests.

The codes developed for this methodology are published in the “m2b” (Movement to Behaviour) r package, available at https://CRAN.R-project.org/package=m2b. They can be used and adapted to datasets where movement was sampled from a wide range of taxa, sampling schemes or tracking devices. Observations are needed for a subset of the data, but once the model is trained, it can be used on any dataset with similar movement data.
Ageism and Sexism in the 2016 United States Presidential Election
Authors: Lytle Ashley , Macdonald Jamie , Dyar Christina , Levy Sheri R.
Published: February 2018

The 2016 U.S. Presidential Election provided a unique opportunity to examine how ageism and sexism may impact attitudes (perceived presidential qualities and endorsement of positive and negative age stereotypes) toward Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. Community participants (N= 875) indicated their attitudes and voting intentions 3 weeks before the election. Endorsement of positive and negative age stereotypes and perceived presidential qualities for Clinton and Trump varied based on participants’ attitudes toward women, political stance (conservative/liberal), and demographic characteristics (racial/ethnic identification, education, gender identification). Individuals who perceived sexism to be more prevalent and perceived women as more competent in general had more positive attitudes toward Clinton, in contrast, only perceptions of lower prevalence of sexism (and not competence of women) predicted attitudes toward Trump. Individuals who perceived sexism as less prevalent viewed Clinton as less presidential and endorsed stronger negative age stereotypes for Clinton, while they viewed Trump as more presidential and endorsed stronger positive and weaker negative age stereotypes for Trump. Our findings suggest that both ageism and sexism present barriers for qualified women when pursuing positions of power. Implications for future research are discussed.
Feasibility of a novel tacking method of securing mesh in transabdominal preperitoneal inguinal hernia repair: Secure tacking against recurrence
Authors: Nagahisa Yoshio , Kawashima Ryuju , Matsumoto Ryu , Harada Masaki , Hashida Kazuki , Okabe Michio , Kawamoto Kazuyuki
Published: February 2018

Introduction

Postoperative chronic pain is an important outcome of hernia surgery. In laparoscopic hernia surgery, either fixation outside the trapezoid of disaster or no fixation is recommended to avoid postoperative pain. To avoid recurrence are transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) hernia repair, the myopectineal orifice must be covered with mesh during TAPP, but lifting or shrinking of the mesh can lead to recurrence. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a novel technique for mesh fixation to prevent the mesh from lifting off.

Methods

After the preperitoneal space was created during TAPP, the anatomy of the lateral cutaneous nerve of the thigh or the femoral branch of the genitofemoral nerve within the trapezoid of disaster was checked. The mesh was tacked at the trapezoid of disaster without nerve injury, and the mesh was fixed with circumferential tacking. We call this procedure secure tacking against recurrence (STAR). We treated 391 adult patients (478 hernias) with TAPP repair; novel tacking was used in some patients (STAR group, 236 hernias). The results of the STAR group were retrospectively compared with those of patients in whom we did not use this novel tacking (conventional group, 242 hernias).

Results

There was no postoperative chronic pain in either group. There were no cases of hernia recurrence in the STAR group, but there were four cases of hernia recurrence in the conventional group (0% vs 1.7%, P = 0.047). These four recurrences consisted of indirect hernia and mesh lifting on the lateral side.

Conclusion

The STAR procedure is feasible and safety as a standard procedure for securing the mesh during TAPP.
Visceral obesity is a significant risk factor for incisional hernia after laparoscopic colorectal surgery: A single‐center review
Authors: Yamamoto Masateru , Takakura Yuji , Ikeda Satoshi , Itamoto Toshiyuki , Urushihara Takashi , Egi Hiroyuki
Published: February 2018

Introduction

Although laparoscopic surgery uses relatively small incisions, incisional hernia after surgery is not uncommon. However, the incidence of incisional hernia and its risk factors are not well known. The purpose of our study was to investigate risk factors for incisional hernia after laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery.

Methods

The study group consisted of 212 patients who underwent laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery at Hiroshima Prefectural Hospital between November 2008 and October 2013. Diagnosis of incisional hernia was performed by postoperative CT. The visceral fat area (VFA) and subcutaneous fat area at the level of the umbilicus were calculated using an image analysis system. For statistical analysis, Fisher's exact test or Student's t‐test were used for univariate analysis, and logistic regression analysis was used for multivariate analysis. The cut‐off value for risk factors was calculated from the receiver–operator curve.

Results

Incisional hernia was observed in 18 patients (8.5%). On univariate analysis, female sex (P = 0.04), older age (P = 0.02), subcutaneous fat area (P < 0.01), VFA (P = 0.02), and BMI >25 kg/m2 (P < 0.01) were significant risk factors for incisional hernia. The predictive cut‐off values were as follows: age, 72 years; subcutaneous fat area, 110 cm2; VFA, 110 cm2; and albumin concentration, 3.9 g/dL. On multivariate analysis, a VFA >110 cm2 (P < 0.01) and female sex (P = 0.01) were retained as independent risk factors for incisional hernia.

Conclusion

After laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery, a higher VFA and female sex are independent risk factors for incisional hernia.
Effects of aldehyde products of lipid oxidation on the color stability and metmyoglobin reducing ability of bovine Longissimus muscle
Authors: Chen Cheng , Yu Qunli , Han Ling , Zhang Jiaying , Guo Zhaobin
Published: February 2018

Lipid oxidation and metmyoglobin (MMb) reduction are popular issues in meat color research. This study evaluated the effects of aldehyde products, particularly 4‐hydroxy‐2‐nonenal (HNE) and hexenal, of lipid oxidation on the oxymyoglobin stability, mitochondrial membrane permeability, MMb reduction ability, electron transport chain‐mediated MMb reduction, and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide reduced form (NADH)‐dependent MMb reductase activity of bovine Longissimus muscle. The results indicated that HNE and hexenal accelerate the oxidation rate of oxymyoglobin, significantly increase the permeability of the mitochondrial membrane, and inhibit electron transport chain‐mediated MMb reduction. However, HNE and hexenal were found to exert no effect on the activity of NADH‐dependent MMb reductase. Thus, the aldehyde products of lipid oxidation could damage the microstructure of mitochondria and inhibit mitochondria‐mediated MMb reduction, which is disadvantageous in terms of the color stability of fresh bovine Longissimus muscle.
Peri‐prostatic adipose tissue: the metabolic microenvironment of prostate cancer
Authors: Nassar Zeyad D. , Aref Adel T. , Miladinovic Dushan , Mah Chui Yan , Raj Ganesh V. , Hoy Andrew J. , Butler Lisa M.
Published: February 2018

Emerging data have linked certain features of clinical prostate cancer (PCa) to obesity and, more specifically, increased adiposity. Whereas the large number of clinical studies and meta‐analyses that have explored the associations between PCa and obesity have shown considerable variability, particularly in relation to prostate cancer risk, there is an accumulating weight of evidence consistently linking obesity to greater aggressiveness of disease. In probing this association mechanistically, it has been posited that peri‐prostatic adipose tissue (PPAT), a significant component of the prostate microenvironment, may be a critical source of fatty acids and other mitogens and thereby influences PCa pathogenesis and progression. Notably, several recent studies have identified secreted factors from both PPAT and PCa that potentially mediate the two‐way communication between these intimately linked tissues. In the present review, we summarize the available literature regarding the relationship between PPAT and PCa, including the potential biological mediators of that relationship, and explore emerging areas of interest for future research endeavours.
Significance of tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes before and after neoadjuvant therapy for rectal cancer
Authors: Matsutani Shinji , Shibutani Masatsune , Maeda Kiyoshi , Nagahara Hisashi , Fukuoka Tatsunari , Nakao Shigetomi , Hirakawa Kosei , Ohira Masaichi
Published: February 2018

Neoadjuvant therapy for locally advanced rectal cancer is becoming increasingly common. However, biomarkers predicting the response to neoadjuvant therapy have not been established. Tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) have a crucial effect on tumor progression and survival outcome as the primary host immune response, and an antitumor immune effect has been reported to contribute to the response to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. We investigated the significance of TILs before and after neoadjuvant treatment and the change in the density of those TILs. Sixty‐four patients who underwent radical resection after neoadjuvant treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer were enrolled. The number of TIL subsets was examined using immunohistochemical staining of pretreatment biopsy samples and post‐treatment resected specimens. In both the neoadjuvant chemotherapy cohort and the neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy cohort, a low density of CD8+ TILs in pretreatment biopsy samples was associated with a poor response, and a low density of CD8+ TILs in post‐treatment resected specimens was similarly associated with a poor response. In the neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy cohort, the density of CD8+ TILs in post‐treatment resected specimens was significantly increased compared with that in pretreatment biopsy samples. We concluded that T lymphocyte‐mediated immune reactions play an important role in tumor response to neoadjuvant treatment for rectal cancer, and the evaluation of TILs in pretreatment biopsy samples might be a predictor of the clinical effectiveness of neoadjuvant treatment. Furthermore, neoadjuvant therapy, especially chemoradiotherapy, could induce the activation of the local immune status.
The Development of Empathic Concern in Siblings: A Reciprocal Influence Model
Authors: Jambon Marc , Madigan Sheri , Plamondon André , Daniel Ella , Jenkins Jennifer M.
Published: February 2018

This study utilized actor–partner interdependence modeling to examine the bidirectional effects of younger (Mage = 18 months) and older siblings (Mage = 48 months) on later empathy development in a large (n = 452 families), diverse (42% immigrant) Canadian sample. Controlling for parenting, demographic characteristics, sibling relationship quality, and within‐child stability in empathic concern, both younger and older siblings’ observed empathic concern uniquely predicted relative increases in the other's empathy over a period of 18 months. The strength of the partner effects did not differ by birth order. Sex composition moderated the younger sibling partner effect, whereas age gap moderated the older sibling partner effect. This study highlights the important role that siblings play in enhancing the development of care and concern for others.
Ejection fraction as a statistical index of left ventricular systolic function: the first full allometric scrutiny of its appropriateness and accuracy
Authors: Lolli Lorenzo , Batterham Alan M , Atkinson Greg
Published: February 2018

Left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) is a ratio that is deemed to accurately normalize stroke volume (SV) to end‐diastolic volume (EDV). Ratios are now well‐recognized for not normalizing the numerator, in this case SV, consistently for the denominator, EDV. We aimed to provide the first allometric‐based scrutiny of the conventional assumptions that underpin the EF ratio. We allometrically modelled untransformed SV and EDV measurements from 112 preclinical heart failure patients in the Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA), and 864 chronic heart failure patients in the Treatment of Preserved Cardiac Function Heart Failure with an Aldosterone Antagonist (TOPCAT) study. An information‐theoretic approach was adopted to assess the relative quality of twelve candidate models for normalizing SV to EDV. None of the conventional underlying assumptions for accurate ratio normalization, for example an allometric exponent ≈1, were upheld for EF. A two‐parameter power function with normal, heteroscedastic error was the best model for scaling SV to EDV in both samples. The allometric exponent (95% confidence interval) was 0·776 (0·682 to 0·869) in MESA, and 0·860 (0·857 to 0·864) in TOPCAT. EF was inversely correlated with EDV in MESA (r = −0·67, 95% CI: −0·76 to −0·55) and TOPCAT (r = −0·41, 95% CI: −0·46 to −0·35). Consequently, for fundamental statistical reasons, EF was biased low for people with generally larger EDVs, and vice versa. For the first time, we have demonstrated that EF is an inaccurate statistic for scaling SV to EDV, leading to potential biased inferences for research and individual patients.
Educational upgrading, structural change and the task composition of jobs in Europe
Authors: Hardy Wojciech , Keister Roma , Lewandowski Piotr
Published: February 2018

We analyze the changes in the task content of jobs in 24 European countries between 1998 and 2015. We link the O*NET occupational data with the European Union Labour Force Survey (EU‐LFS), and use the methodology of Acemoglu and Autor (). We find that the intensity of non‐routine cognitive tasks grew in all countries, while the intensity of manual tasks declined. Workforce upskilling was the major factor contributing to these developments. The intensity of routine cognitive tasks grew in most Central and Eastern European countries, but it declined in Western European countries. This difference is attributed to the contrasting patterns of structural changes in these groups of countries.
Emerging foliar and soil‐borne pathogens of leafy vegetable crops: a possible threat to Europe
Authors: Gilardi G. , Gullino M. L. , Garibaldi A.
Published: February 2018

Italy is one of the leading countries for the production and consumption of ready‐to‐eat salads. This has led to a steady increase in the area used over the last decade for the growth of leafy vegetables under intensive systems. The recent new diseases that affect lettuce, wild and cultivated rocket, lamb's lettuce, spinach and basil are reported here: Plectosphaerella cucumerina on wild rocket, endive and lamb's lettuce, Fusarium equiseti on wild and cultivated rocket and lettuce, Myrothecium verrucaria on spinach and wild rocket, Myrothecium roridum on lamb's lettuce, Allophoma tropica on lettuce and Alternaria sp. on basil and rocket are among the new foliar pathogens in Italy. Among the soil‐borne pathogens, Pythium aphanidermatum, Pythium irregulare and Pythium Cluster B2a have recently been isolated in Italy on spinach and Swiss chard, lamb's lettuce and lettuce, while Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lactucae, which causes lettuce wilt, is gradually spreading to new countries. Some of the new pathogens have been found to be transmitted by seed and typical of tropical climate, and are thus favoured by the increases in temperature linked to climate change. The globalization of markets, climate change and intensive cultivation are among the factors responsible for the proliferation and spread of some of these new pathogens that are ‘alien’ to Italian production systems.
CORM‐401 induces calcium signalling, NO increase and activation of pentose phosphate pathway in endothelial cells
Authors: Kaczara Patrycja , Proniewski Bartosz , Lovejoy Christopher , Kus Kamil , Motterlini Roberto , Abramov Andrey Y. , Chlopicki Stefan
Published: February 2018

Carbon monoxide‐releasing molecules (CO‐RMs) induce nitric oxide (NO) release (which requires NADPH), and Ca2+‐dependent signalling; however, their contribution in mediating endothelial responses to CO‐RMs is not clear. Here, we studied the effects of CO liberated from CORM‐401 on NO production, calcium signalling and pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) activity in human endothelial cell line (EA.hy926). CORM‐401 induced NO production and two types of calcium signalling: a peak‐like calcium signal and a gradual increase in cytosolic calcium. CORM‐401‐induced peak‐like calcium signal, originating from endoplasmic reticulum, was reduced by thapsigargin, a SERCA inhibitor, and by dantrolene, a ryanodine receptors (RyR) inhibitor. In contrast, the phospholipase C inhibitor U73122 did not significantly affect peak‐like calcium signalling, but a slow and progressive CORM‐401‐induced increase in cytosolic calcium was dependent on store‐operated calcium entrance. CORM‐401 augmented coupling of endoplasmic reticulum and plasmalemmal store‐operated calcium channels. Interestingly, in the presence of NO synthase inhibitor (l‐NAME) CORM‐401‐induced increases in NO and cytosolic calcium were both abrogated. CORM‐401‐induced calcium signalling was also inhibited by superoxide dismutase (poly(ethylene glycol)‐SOD). Furthermore, CORM‐401 accelerated PPP, increased NADPH concentration and decreased the ratio of reduced to oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG). Importantly, CORM‐401‐induced NO increase was inhibited by the PPP inhibitor 6‐aminonicotinamide (6‐AN), but neither by dantrolene nor by an inhibitor of large‐conductance calcium‐regulated potassium ion channel (paxilline). The results identify the primary role of CO‐induced NO increase in the regulation of endothelial calcium signalling, that may have important consequences in controlling endothelial function.
Technology and the future of language teaching
Authors: Kessler Greg
Published: February 2018

We are living in a time with unprecedented opportunities to communicate with others in authentic and compelling linguistically and culturally contextualized domains. In fact, language teachers today are faced with so many fascinating options for using technology to enhance language learning that it can be overwhelming. Even for those who are inclined to experiment with emerging technologies, it can be challenging to identify which resources, tools, or Web sites may best fit a particular lesson, activity, or goal. Many of the most compelling opportunities are situated within the same global social and technology trends that have become commonplace in our daily lives, including social media, artificial intelligence, big data, and augmented reality. This article addresses the extent to which technology‐mediated social interactions dominate our daily lives, how we can leverage those interactions to the benefit of our learners, and how we can engage them in learning experiences in ways that will encourage them to practice language extensively.
A New Reference Material for Tritium Organic Molecules in Sediment: Results of an International Intercomparison Exercise
Authors: Warwick Phillip E. , Croudace Ian W. , Marsh Richard M. , Baglan Nicolas , Kim Sang Bog
Published: February 2018

Solid matrix 3H reference materials are challenging to prepare given the volatile nature of 3H and are often unrepresentative of the range of 3H forms that may be encountered during routine analysis. As a result, few 3H reference materials are currently available, undermining verification of analytical techniques for environmental 3H measurement. To address this, an International Working Group on Organically‐Bound Tritium Analysis determined to produce a tritium natural matrix reference material (NMRM). The reference material comprises marine sediment blended with sewage sludge contaminated with 3H‐organic species arising from authorised discharges from a radiopharmaceutical manufacturing site. Previous studies have demonstrated that the 3H species have persisted in the environment over three decades providing valuable supporting data to underpin the characterisation of the NMRM. The preparation and characterisation of the NMRM are described along with the subsequent application of the reference material in an international intercomparison exercise involving nineteen laboratories from nine countries. A reference value of 168 ± 22 Bq kg−1 was derived from the data arising from the proficiency test.
Radio‐cephalic arteriovenous fistula recovered with drainage through the brachial vein
Authors: Norton de Matos António , Sousa Clemente Neves , Almeida Paulo , Teles Paulo , Rego Duarte , Teixeira Gabriela , Loureiro Luís , Teixeira Sérgio
Published: February 2018

Dysfunction of arteriovenous access for hemodialysis is a challenge for the vascular surgeon. Some patients have complex vascular access with problems that are difficult to solve. Careful analysis of the vascular network with ultrasound and dissection of the veins during surgery can help to identify the best option for each access. We introduce and discuss the case of creation of a radio‐cephalic fistula with outflow into the brachial vein in 64‐year‐old hemodialysis male patient. This technique enables extending fistula patency, arterializing the brachial vein, and improves cost efficiency.
Preparation and characterization of potassium sodium niobate nanofibers by electrospinning
Authors: Lusiola Tony , Gorjan Lovro , Clemens Frank
Published: February 2018

In this work, we describe the electrospinning of (K,Na)NbO3 fibers and the effect of calcination temperature on the final phase composition. The envisaged application is for the fabrication of ferroelectric sensor hybrid materials. A solution of potassium acetate, sodium methoxide, and niobium ethoxide dissolved in methanol, acetylacetone, and acetic acid was mixed with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) dissolved in methanol, producing a viscous solution for electrospinning. Confirmation that the proposed equation on the average diameter of fibers produced from high viscosity solutions was larger than that of a lower viscosity solution was made. A scanning electron microscopy (SEM) study showed the fibers to be cylindrical, smooth with diameters of around 400 nm and an aspect ratio >1000. The electrospun fibers were calcined from 700°C to 1050°C observing the fiber morphology. With increasing calcining temperature, the grain size increased. The calcined (K,Na)NbO3 nanofibers were brittle and generally found to display the “necklace effect.”
Properties of silica sol bonded corundum‐spinel castables for steel ladles
Authors: Qiu Wendong , Ruan Guozhi , Zhang Zhihui
Published: February 2018

In order to overcome the shortcoming of the calcium aluminate cement (CAC) bonded castables, we prepared corundum‐spinel castables using silica sol as binder and tabular corundum, sintered magnesia‐alumina spinel, and reactive alumina as raw materials in this study. The effect of spinel grain size and solid content of silica sol on the flow value, sintering, mechanical strength and microstructure of the specimens treated at varying temperature of 400, 1000, 1500, and 1650°C for 5 hours in an air atmosphere were studied by SEM and EDS analyses. The results indicate that silica sol is suitable as a binder for corundum‐spinel systems. And silica sol with solid content of 25% bonded samples containing ≤90 μm spinel perform quite better than the others. At the same time, silica sol bonded samples had high strength in medium temperature. This is because that the closer proximity of silica sol and alumina powder and the high activity of nanometer SiO2 in silica sol are beneficial for the reaction of SiO2 and Al2O3 to generate mullite needed for reinforcement of castables matrix.
Family Migration as a Class Matter
Authors: Kofman Eleonore
Published: February 2018

Traditionally, family migration was conceptualized as a separate form of migration from labour migration. Increasingly socio‐economic criteria (labour market participation, language competence, financial resources, independence from welfare), have been applied to family migration policies in Europe, and are harder to fulfil by those with a weaker labour market position. Hence class now plays an increasingly significant role in stratifying the right to family migration. The article examines the imposition of minimum income requirements in three countries – the Netherlands, Norway and the UK – and the significance of class in its economic and cultural dimensions in meeting the requirement. For those without sufficient economic capital to meet the requirement, cultural capital may facilitate the development of coping strategies to overcome or reduce the duration of family separation. Class is not the only stratifying element: gender, age and ethnicity interact with and reinforce the effects of class.
Prevalence of skin tears in the extremities in inpatients at a hospital in Denmark
Authors: Bermark Susan , Wahlers Britt , Gerber Anne Liv , Philipsen Peter Alshede , Skiveren Jette
Published: February 2018

The aims of the study were to determine the prevalence of skin tears in the extremities and to explore factors associated with development of skin tears in inpatients at a Danish hospital. The study was designed as a point prevalence survey and included 202 patients in the age range 19–99 (mean: 70·7, SD: 16·5). The patients were assessed for presence of skin tears, numbers, locations and previous skin tears. Data were collected using a data collection sheet developed for a previous study. The survey team consisted of four specialist nurses. Data were collected over a period of 24 hours spread over 3 days. Of the 202 patients, 23 had skin tears, yielding a prevalence of 11·4%. In total, 40 skin tears were observed. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that previous skin tears (odds ratio (OR): 9·3, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2·6–33·4, P < 0·001), ecchymosis (OR: 5·6, CI: 1·4‐23·2, P < 0·017) and risk of falling (OR: 3·8, CI: 1·2‐12·0, P < 0·021) were significantly associated with development of skin tears. The prevalence of skin tears in this study (11·4%) matches other international observations. The following risk factors were recognised: previous skin tear, ecchymosis and risk of falling. These factors could be used to identify patients requiring prevention of skin tears.
Robocasting of MgO‐doped alumina using alginic acid slurries
Authors: Glymond Daniel , Vandeperre Luc J.
Published: February 2018

The benefits of MgO doping of alumina for maintaining a homogeneous grain structure have long been established. Therefore in this work a bespoke ink for Robocasting of alumina is developed based on the gelation of alginic acid using magnesium ions, thereby ensuring homogeneous MgO doping of the alumina green body. The shear thinning behavior of alginic acid based solutions was paired with the rheological properties of a partially coagulated colloidal suspension to allow high solid loading inks (up to 50 vol%) with good extrusion behavior. Shear thinning coefficients of n ~ 0.2 were recorded, with yield stresses of 250 Pa and stiffness values in the range 100‐1000 kPa. The printed alumina bars reached densities of >98% and unpolished strengths reached up to 326 ± 16 MPa after sintering at 0.4 mol/L magnesium chloride and 45 vol% alumina.
Properties of food ingredients during processing in a domestic mixer grinder and subsequent storage: A review
Authors: Margasahayam Aswini , Balraj Yuganya
Published: February 2018

The changes in the physical, chemical, and nutritional properties of ingredients during and post processing in a domestic mixer grinder are studied. Spices are powdered to release flavor but higher temperature during grinding and storage has deteriorative effects on its quality. Pastes and purees are prepared due to recipe requirements but grinding also releases characteristic flavors and some nutrient bioavailability. Storage leads to development of rancidity, off‐color, and off‐flavors. Batter from lentil and rice is ground and mixed before fermentation but storage leads to changes in acidity, nutrient content, taste, and texture of the final product. Flour is prepared from rice and chickpea lentil due to their versatility to be used in different food preparation applications. High speed grinding with increase in temperature leads to necessary starch damage but also has some drawbacks. Storage leads to color changes and reduces the suitability to some applications.

Practical applications

In this research paper, the authors analyze the current grinding practices of food ingredients like spices, puree, paste, batter, and flours by consumers in Indian kitchens. The findings of this paper will help the consumer understand the changes that occur in the physical, chemical, and nutritional properties of the ingredients. Based on such understanding, authors recommend grinding practices for the sensory and nutritional benefits. To further the understanding, future research projects can delve deeper to understand the changes that occur during high speed grinding and address the characteristics that affect the properties and cause detrimental reactions. Further research can also help understand the nutritional benefits of fresh grinding.
Structured lipids by swine lard interesterification with oil and esters from common carp viscera
Authors: Engelmann J. I. , Silva P. P. , Igansi A. V. , Pohndorf R. S. , Cadaval T. R. S. , Crexi V. T. , Pinto L. A. A.
Published: February 2018

Structured lipids are esters of fatty acids, which were modified from its natural form. The aim of this work was to obtain structured lipids by chemical interesterification of the swine lard with the bleached oil or esters from carp viscera. The materials and the structured lipids produced were characterized by physicochemical, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and solid fat content analysis to be evaluated the interesterification reaction. The structured lipids from blends of swine lard/fish oil and of swine lard/fish esters presented similar characteristics to the swine lard. The NMR results show that changes in the fatty acids percentage present in positions sn‐1,3 and sn‐2 of the structured lipids was more pronounced when the carp oil was used. The solid fat content curves showed that, the structured lipids from fish oil and swine lard presented characteristics for application in baking products, however, when produced from esters and swine lard showed potential to be used in frying and condiments.

Practical applications

The structured lipids have received special attention in the last years, being included in the functional foods and nutraceuticals group. The physicochemical and nutritional characteristics of saturated fats can be improved by incorporating fish oil. The production of structured lipids by chemical method shows some advantages, as low cost and facility for application in large scale. Thus, in this work, the structured lipids were produced by chemical interesterification of the saturated fat (swine lard) with bleached oil or esters from common carp viscera. Based on the results, the structured lipids obtained from fish oil and its esters with the swine lard showed potential for application in baking products, fried food, and in the production of condiments.
Assembly of Alaska‐Yukon boreal steppe communities: Testing biogeographic hypotheses via modern ecological distributions
Authors: Edwards Mary E. , Lloyd Andrea , Armbruster W. Scott
Published: February 2018

Beringia (eastern Asia, Alaska, northwest Canada) has been a land‐bridge dispersal route between Asia and North America intermittently since the Mesozoic Era. The Quaternary, the most recent period of exchange, is characterized by large, geologically rapid climate fluctuations and sea‐level changes that alternately expose and inundate the land‐bridge region. Insights into how Quaternary land‐bridge geography has controlled species exchange and assembly of the North American flora comes from focusing on a restricted community with narrow ecological tolerances: species that are today restricted to isolated steppe habitats (dry grasslands) in the Subarctic. We evaluated (i) potential controls over current spatial distributions of steppe plants and their pollinators in Alaska and Yukon and (ii) their ecological distributions in relation to potential biogeographic histories. Taxa present in North America that are disjunct from Asia tended to have larger altitudinal ranges (tolerating colder temperatures) than taxa disjunct from farther south in North America, which were largely restricted to the warmest, lowest‐elevation sites. Ecological findings support the following biogeographic scenarios. Migration from Asia via the land‐bridge occurred during Quaternary glacial periods when conditions were colder and drier than today. While a corridor for migration of cold‐tolerant species of cold steppe and tundra, the land bridge acted as a filter that excluded warmth‐demanding species. Migration from North America occurred under warm, dry interglacial conditions; thermophilous North American disjuncts taking this route may have long histories in Beringia, or they may have migrated recently during the relatively warm and dry early Holocene, when forest cover was incomplete.
Comparison of diagnostic accuracy of laparoscopic 3 mm and 5 mm cup biopsies to wedge biopsies of canine livers
Authors: Kimbrell Tiffany L. , Milovancev Milan , Olsen Ronald , Löhr Christiane V.
Published: February 2018

Background

Diagnostic accuracy of the 3 mm laparoscopic cup biopsy forceps for collection of tissue samples from canine livers is unproven.

Hypotheses/Objectives

Compare sample surface area and portal triad count between 3 mm and 5 mm laparoscopic cup biopsies and compare the histologic diagnosis obtained by each instrument to a standard necropsy wedge. The hypothesis was that more portal triads and greater sample surface area would be found with the 5 mm samples and the laparoscopic instruments would not have significantly different levels of agreement with necropsy wedge diagnosis.

Animals

Twenty‐one client‐owned dogs undergoing necropsy.

Methods

Prospective ex vivo study. Three samples (3 mm, 5 mm, and wedge) were taken of 2 different hepatic divisions within 24 hours of death. Morphologic diagnosis, World Small Animal Veterinary Association histologic features, surface area, and portal triad numbers were compared among the 3 samples.

Results

There were significantly more portal triads (mean 21.4 versus 13.8; P < .0001) and a higher surface area (20.3 mm2 versus 11.5 mm2; P < .0001) in the 5 mm samples compared to 3 mm samples. Kappa coefficients and percent agreement for histologic diagnosis as compared to the wedge biopsy were not significantly different between the 2 instrument sizes (κ = 0.383 and 0.436, respectively; 67% and 69%, respectively).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Despite yielding smaller sample sizes, the 3 mm laparoscopic cup biopsy has a similar level of histologic diagnostic accuracy to the 5 mm instrument.
Clinical and prognostic associations of liver volume determined by computed tomography in acute liver failure
Authors: Zabron Abigail , Quaglia Alberto , Fatourou Evangelia , Peddu Praveen , Lewis Dylan , Heneghan Michael , Willars Christopher , Auzinger Georg , Heaton Nigel , Wendon Julia , Kane Pauline , Karani John , Bernal William
Published: February 2018

Background

Liver volume (LV) can be non‐invasively determined from the analysis of computed tomography (CT) images, and in patients with acute liver injury (ALI) or failure (ALF), it can reflect the balance of structural collapse with hepatic regeneration. We examined its relation to cause of liver injury, measures of liver function and histopathological findings, and utility in prediction of complications and mortality.

Methods

Two hundred and seventy‐three patients with ALF/ALI admitted to a specialist intensive care unit were studied. One hundred and ninety‐nine patients (73%) had non‐acetaminophen (NA) aetiologies and 74 (27%) had acetaminophen‐induced disease. LV and proportion of predicted LV (PLV%) were determined from admission CT imaging.

Results

LV and PLV% showed marked variation when aetiologic groups were compared (P < .0001), including loss in cases with indeterminate cause (LV 939 cm3 [IQR 680‐1259], PLV% 56% [42‐84]) and increase in Budd‐Chiari syndrome (1891 cm3 [1601‐2094], 121% [111‐131]). Progression to high‐grade encephalopathy was more common with smaller LV and PLV. A < 1000 cm3 threshold identified NA patients who later developed it with 93% (95%CI 83‐98) specificity and odds ratio 10.6 (3.3‐34.5) at median 5 days prior to onset, and risk of death in those with NA‐drug‐induced (DILI) or indeterminate disease with 91% (71‐99) specificity and 63% (50‐75) sensitivity.

Conclusion

In patients with ALF/ALI, LV shows marked variation by the cause of disease, and in prognostic importance. In indeterminate and DILI cases, loss of volume to <1000 cm3 may indicate irreversible liver injury and regenerative failure and serve as an early clinical predictor for the development of high‐grade encephalopathy and death.