bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Universities Shaken by Earthquakes: A Comparison of Faculty and Student Experiences in Nepal and New Zealand
Authors: Joshi Rajendra , Kong Jooyoung , Nykamp Heidi , Fynewever Herb
Published: October 2018

The authors compare the experiences of faculty and students at universities in Nepal and New Zealand following earthquakes in 2015 and 2011, respectively. Questionnaire data from students at Kathmandu University are analyzed and compared with previously published data from the University of Canterbury. Prominent themes are developed within the context of the cultural and socioeconomic differences between the two settings. Both similarities and contrasts are described, detailing scheduling changes, the role of students in their community’s response to natural disaster, flexibility of faculty, psychological trauma and treatment, and use of online-learning as a substitute for classroom learning. Lessons learned from the comparison of the responses to these two earthquakes demonstrate how culturally and socioeconomically different contexts necessitate distinct actions from the faculty of different universities.
The Relationship Between Lexis and Reading Comprehension: A Review
Authors: Rosado Nayibe , Caro Keiby G.
Published: October 2018

It has been commonly reported by teachers and learners the strong and positive relationship between lexis and reading comprehension. This claim has been usually grounded on experience. In consequence, this paper attempts to find research-based evidence to support the connection between lexis and reading comprehension. To do this, a review of 128 studies was conducted using a set of criteria, after which thirteen studies were selected and screened to look for specific patterns. Salient themes emerged from the analysis: lexical coverage, direct instruction, lexical knowledge (breadth and depth), incidental and intentional learning and receptive and productive lexical knowledge. The analysis supports the connection between lexis and reading comprehension not only in EFL, but also in ESL and L1 contexts. In line with it, the research suggests that teachers should focus on systematic lexis instruction since it aids learners to increase both lexical knowledge and reading comprehension gains.
Using the Methodological Association Matrix in Marketing Studies
Authors: Mazzon José Afonso
Published: October 2018

Knowledge created by mankind seems to grow exponentially. The amount of knowledge accumulated in the past one hundred years is possibly higher than the one previously created in the whole period of human civilization. Available information reaches astronomical numbers nowadays, as a mere internet search can verify. How can we classify this knowledge according to its origin or the way it was generated? How much of this accumulated information is, in fact, reliable, valid, trustworthy? Such questions refer to how we acquire knowledge and they point to possible types of knowledge: popular, theological, philosophical, and scientific knowledge.
Marketing Relevance Through Market Theory
Authors: Vargo Stephen L.
Published: October 2018

There have been numerous calls for more relevance in academic marketing, both for and by practitioners and for customers (e.g., Sheth and Sisodia 2006, Hunt 2018, Jaworski, Kohli, and Sahay 2000). It might seem that these calls signal the need for more applied research, based on real data and real-world problems. However, it seems to me that there has never before been such a plethora of empirical articles in marketing journals as there are presently and thus the problem must be much more basic.
The Effect of Technological Posture and Corporate Social Responsibility on Financial Performance Through Corporate Reputation
Authors: González-Ramos Maria Isabel , Donate Mario Javier , Guadamillas Fátima
Published: October 2018

This paper analyzes the relationship between the company’s technological posture and its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitment, as a business performance determinant. From knowledge-based and stakeholders’ theories a structural equations model of relationships was established and statistically tested through SmartPLS on a sample of 76 Spanish firms from the renewable energy sector. The results of the empirical study suggest that the most proactive companies are able to develop better relationships with stakeholders and are more committed to CSR than those firms characterized as followers or innovation last-movers. Two main reasons are offered in this paper to justify these results: (1) CSR practices help companies to retain the most highly qualified employees, which contributes to maintaining their leadership position; and (2) technological leaders tend to be more highly committed to CSR as a way of collecting valuable knowledge that can be useful to explore new opportunities by means of innovation, enabling the firm to respond more flexibly to market changes and new stakeholders’ needs as well as changes in their preferences. Moreover, CSR initiatives will contribute to the development of high-value intangible assets such as corporate reputation, which in turn will improve the firm’s financial performance.
Business Model and Innovation at a Public Company in the Agroindustrial Coffee Chain
Authors: Franco João Marcos Caixeta , Figueira Mariane , Sugano Joel Yutaka , Silva Sabrina Soares da
Published: October 2018

Objective: Our objective was to evaluate, through the analysis of the ‘business model,’ the strategy of a public agricultural research company for the creation and launch of an innovation for the agro-industrial coffee chain. Method: We developed a single instrumental case study for the qualitative research.  For data collection we used bibliographic and documentary research, as well as in-depth interviews and analyzed based on the thematic content analysis technique.  The instrumental case study has proved to be the most suitable methodology since it is used when a particular case is examined to provide information on an issue that can be generalized and used to understand a larger reality. Originality/relevance: In this paper we reexamined an unsuccessful innovation case associated with the lens of the business model theoretical construct.   This paper is willing to raise issues that restrict innovation in public research companies. Results: The paper unveiled difficulties related to the inconsistency of innovation promotion policies and legal uncertainty, in particular, by the contradictory positions of legal advisors, which inhibit researchers from engaging in innovative activities and in partnerships with private companies. Theoretical/methodological contributions: The instrumental case study developed, together with the analysis based on the construct of the business model, allowed a better understanding of the problems faced in public research environments in Brazil.  This analysis can be applied to similar cases, since the issue of innovation in the public sector and the difficulties of appropriateness are common to other companies.
A Conceptual Model for the Characterization of Entrepreneurial Orientation in Social Context
Authors: Carmona Viviane Celina , Martens Cristina Dai Prá , Freitas Henrique Mello Rodrigues
Published: October 2018

Purpose of the study: In this article, we propose a conceptual model to characterize Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO), its Antecedents and Results in Social Business. Methodology / approach: Thus, we used a descriptive and exploratory bibliographic study as a method. Originality / Relevance: Currently there are few models for the characterization of EO in specific contexts, such as social. We sought to fill this gap in this article and proposed an EO conceptual model. Main results: The main result is the proposal of a model structured in three pillars: the EO Antecedents and its four categories; the EO is composed of six dimensions, which are: innovativeness, proactivity, autonomy, risk assumption, competitive aggressiveness and networks, and its 22 categories; EO Results with four categories. Theoretical / methodological contributions: In this research we contribute to the studies on EO, entrepreneurship and social business. The proposition of the conceptual model, along with consolidated literature, applied to social business, while contemplating a new dimension of EO – networks – and a new category to the results of EO - financial sustainability. Such a model can be useful for the development of empirical studies in social business, as well as can give insight regarding the development of EO in this context. Social / management contributions: The model can be used by entrepreneurs and social business managers to analyze entrepreneurship in these organizations, and thereby provide potential directions for better development of entrepreneurial behavior at the organizational level. The model can also contribute to positive entrepreneurial management and an increase in organizational performance of social business.
Public Management: Formation of a Constructivist Model to Support the Virtual School of Public Administration of Santa Catarina in Combating the Evasion of Distance Learning
Authors: Ensslin Sandra Rolim , Amaral Barbara Gonçalves , Valmorbida Sandra Mara Iesbik , Dutra Ademar
Published: October 2018

Objective: We aimed to form a constructivist model that subsidizes the management of the Moodle site of training courses offered by the Virtual School of Public Administration of the State of Santa Catarina (SEA-SC), with regard to combating the evasion of registered students.Methodology / Approach: We adopted Multi-criteria Decision Support-Constructivist methodology (MDSC) to support the construction of the model based on the decision-makers’ perspective (School Director and SEA Administrator).  For the selection of the theoretical contribution, we used the Knowledge Development Process-Constructivist (ProKnow-C). An epistemological constructivism approach was adopted.Originality / Relevance: In the current literature on distance training, there is a gap in the process to evaluate an evasion in these courses and, consequently, to aid the decision-making process of its managers and planners.Main results: Based on the knowledge generated by the managers, we found: (i) 13 aspects were considered necessary to evaluate the performance of the training courses, via the Moodle site, and for these, ordinal scales were constructed and their reference levels have been defined; (ii) the status quo in the 13 indicators of the ad hoc model was identified; (iii) the ‘Evasion Management’ area evidenced the need for improvement actions in these aspects: simultaneous tutorials and inscriptions in multiple courses; and (iv) some variances between the aspects (indicators) proposed in the literature and those considered relevant by managers; characteristic of investigations guided by the qualitative approach and constructivist epistemology.Theoretical / Methodological Contribution: This article presents the duality about the understanding of the process and the avoidance factors of the training courses between literature and empirical perception.  We identified that conducting constructivist bases by considering the values, goals and perceptions of the context can result in a legitimate (model) instrument.
A Influência dos filhos no Processo de Decisão de Compra e Consumo alimentar das Famílias
Authors: Maciel Wilson Ravelli Elizeu , Lima-Filho Dario De Oliveira , Quevedo-Silva Filipe , Sauer Leandro
Published: October 2018

Objetivo: O presente estudo tem como objetivo verificar a influncia do consumidor infantil no processo de deciso de compra e consumo de alimentos na famlia. Mtodo: Para tanto, foi conduzido um estudo quantitativo-descritivo junto a 304 pais de crianas de 07 (sete) a 12 (doze) anos incompletos, mediante questionrios estruturados. Para a anlise dos dados utilizou-se de estatstica descritiva e anlise hierrquica aglomerativa de clusters. Originalidade/Relevncia: Poucos estudos analisam a influncia do consumidor infantil na deciso de compra familiar com foco em reas especficas, como a de alimentos. Resultados: Foi possvel verificar a existncia de quatro segmentos distintos de famlias: Famlias concessivas sem restrio econmica, na qual 75,8% das crianas influenciam no processo de deciso de compra e consumo de alimentos na famlia (37,45% da amostra), Famlias no concessivas com restrio econmica, na qual 50,0% das crianas influenciam (23,87% da amostra), Famlias no concessivas sem restrio econmica, na qual 51,7% das crianas influenciam (11,93% da amostra) e Famlias concessivas com restrio econmica, na qual 84,6% das crianas influenciam (26,75% da amostra). Contribuies tericas/metodolgicas: Esta pesquisa tratou de forma indita da anlise do processo de deciso de compra e consumo de alimentos na famlia sob a tica da percepo dos pais quanto a influncia de seus filhos neste, abordando de forma quantitativa esta interao.
Dynamic displacement analysis of reinforced concrete deep beams made of high strength concrete.
Part III: Analysis of dynamic displacement of a reinforced concrete deep beam made of high strength C300 grade concrete
Authors: Cichorski Waldemar
Published: October 2018

This work demonstrates an analysis of the displacement state of rectangular concrete deep
beams made of very high strength concrete grade C300 under a dynamic load, including the physical
nonlinearity of construction materials: concrete and reinforcing steel. The analysis was conducted
with the method presented in [1]. Numerical solution results are presented with particular reference
to the displacement state of a rectangular concrete deep beam. The work confirmed the accuracy
of the assumptions and deformation models of concrete and steel as well as the effectiveness
of the methods of analysis proposed in the paper [1] for the problems of numerical simulation
of the behaviour of reinforced concrete deep beams under dynamic loads. A comparative analysis was
conducted on the effect of the high-strength concrete and the steel of increased strength on the displacement
of a grade C300 concrete deep beam vs. the results produced in [10] for grade C100 and C200 concrete deep beams.
Keywords: mechanics of structures, reinforced concrete structures, deep beams, dynamic load, physical nonlinearity.
MODELS OF INTERNATIONALIZATION OF FOOD INDUSTRY ENTERPRISES
Authors: Baran Joanna
Published: October 2018

The primary aim of this article was to identify the models of internationalization of Polish food industry companies. As part of empirical studies, the interviews with managers at 52 food industry companies were carried out. In the studied enterprises, models of internationalization were identified according to the typology proposed by M. Witek-Hajduk. Most of the surveyed enterprises were classified to the “geographically diversified ethnocentrist" and "internationally equitable enterprises" model. Moreover export was the most commonly used form of internationalization.
THE EFFECTS OF INTEGRATION OF FRUIT AND VEGETABLE PRODUCERS IN POLAND AND ROMANIA
Authors: Bieniek-Majka Maryla
Published: October 2018

The aim of the article was to present the situation of agriculture in Poland and Romania and the effects of organizing fruit and vegetable producers in both countries. On the basis of the review of the literature, indicators illustrating the economic situation in agriculture were compared and it was found that the problems in the Polish and Romanian villages are convergent. The low efficiency of production factors and agrarian fragmentation make it necessary to restructure agriculture. One of the ways is the integration of producers. Using the data provided by the European Commission from the annual national reports of groups and organizations of fruit and vegetable producers, the results of their activities in Poland and Romania in the years 2012-2016 were presented. It was found that Polish gardeners started the process of organizing the market to a greater extent and relatively more effectively. This is confirmed by the higher average value of the introduced products on the market by the Polish group/organization and, on average, the higher value of production obtained per each hectare of land.
SOCIO-ECONOMIC ASPECTS OF SOIL UTILIZATION IN POLAND
Authors: Krasowicz Stanisław , Matyka Mariusz
Published: October 2018

The study presents socio-economic aspects of soil utilization in Poland. It was indicated that the
rational use of agricultural land is one of the priorities for Poland’s development. It is also a challenge
for science and advisory, serving business practice. The basic sources of information were statistical
data of the Central Statistical Office (GUS) from the years 2000-2015. Changes in the use of agricultural
land in voivodships, taking into account their specificity, were also considered. It was found that rational
use of Polish soils requires support from science and cooperation with regional and local government
authorities at different levels of management.
CLASSIFICATION OF RURAL AREAS IN POLAND IN TERMS OF THE LEVEL OF HUMAN CAPITAL
Authors: Pietrzak Piotr
Published: October 2018

The aim of the study was to present the classification of rural areas in Poland in terms of the level of human capital in 2016. The level of human capital has been evaluated using composite index, to the construction of which six partial indicators were used. The highest level of human capital in rural areas was in voivodeships: Mazovia, Greater Poland, Lesser Poland, Pomerania, and Lower Silesia. In turn, the lowest level of human capital in rural areas was marked by the following voivodeships: Lublin, Lubusz, Podlachia, Opole, Warmia-Masuria and West-Pomerania.
CHANGES IN THE LEVEL OF EDUCATION OF THE POPULATION IN RURAL AREAS
Authors: Stolarczyk Paulina
Published: October 2018

This paper aims at presenting the role of human capital in the development of the rural areas. The
research is based on the secondary data collected by the Central Statistical Office. The author has analysed
the gross enrollment ratio, differences between voivodships in children attending primary school were
observed and in the time perspective the value of this indicator decreased. The author draws attention to
the role of demography and education, which are the determinants of the rural development. Education,
professional qualifications and experience determine the quality of the human capital. The higher the
level of education, the higher the quality of the human capital is. The conducted analysis has shown that
the number of people educated in university increased. Moreover, a number of people who are educated
in the secondary school or on a lower level is decreasing. In the analysed period (2007-2016) a number
of citizens between 3 and 18 years old has decreased, resulting in a fall of the gross enrollment ratio for
the elementary schools.
THE EXPECTED IMPACT OF BREXIT FOR VISEGRÁD COUNTRIES
Authors: Vasary Miklos
Published: October 2018

As a result the UK will leave the EU intratrade will be changed significantly. Altough the UK trade with the Visegrad countries is not the most important, it is necessary to review the current flow and to present the relations related the agricultural and food sector. Based on the EU intratrade values of Eurostat, it can be describe that processed products are mainly involved in UK-V4 bilateral trade and from the V4 group Poland has a significant role.
Les recherches conjointes : un fait socio-anthropologique contemporain
Authors: Soulière Marguerite , Fontan Jean-Marc
Published: October 2018

Le constat qui sert de ligne éditoriale et de fil rouge à ce numéro est le suivant : en matière de production scientifique des connaissances, une transformation en profondeur s’opère depuis quelques décennies tant à l’échelle de la société que des sciences sociales. Le processus innovant que nous observons est caractérisé par la volonté d’acteurs sociaux d’être partie prenante des processus de production et de valorisation des savoirs portant sur les objets qui les concernent. Cette exigence épistémique correspond aussi au besoin exprimé et mis en pratique par un nombre de plus en plus important de chercheurs universitaires. Le fait de travailler « avec », de « façon conjointe », dans une « recherche collaborative » ou « participative » et parfois en « partenariat », rend compte de la possibilité d’ouvrir la science, d’en démocratiser les dimensions de travail et aussi de questionner la portée performative de cette façon de générer de nouvelles connaissances.
La Chaire de recherche sur les aspects sociaux du don de sang : un partenariat inédit dans l’univers de la recherche conjointe au Québec
Authors: Charbonneau Johanne
Published: October 2018

Cet article de recherche propose une analyse des conditions d’exercice des démarches de recherche conjointe et des enjeux de reconnaissance des savoirs produits dans un tel cadre à partir d’une étude de cas, celle de la Chaire de recherche sur les aspects sociaux du don de sang (Héma-Québec-INRS). Ce partenariat amorcé en 2007 et ancré dans une collaboration entre sciences sociales et milieu biomédical offre, entre autres, l’occasion de réfléchir aux impacts de la recherche qui s’effectue hors des universités et de la rencontre entre chercheurs des « milieux de pratique » et chercheurs universitaires.
Habitats des aînés : analyse critique d’un processus de recherche participative
Authors: Castonguay Julie , Carbonneau Hélène , Fortier Julie , Raymond Émilie , Fortier Mireille , Sévigny Andrée , Tourigny André
Published: October 2018

Cet article propose une description et une analyse critique du processus de recherche participative mis en oeuvre au sein du projet Habitats, milieux de vie et participation sociale des aînés. L’analyse critique met l’accent sur des conditions favorables à la réussite de ce processus, sur des difficultés rencontrées au cours de la mise en oeuvre du projet Habitats et sur des solutions pour les surmonter. Le projet Habitats a suscité des retombées locales et a inspiré d’autres projets de recherche qui permettront d’approfondir des réalités liées à l’habitat, aux milieux de vie et à la participation sociale des aînés.
Les midis-rap : lieu d'inspiration pour la recherche-action participative
Authors: Olivier-d’Avignon Geneviève , Gaudreau Lorraine , Bernard Audrey , Fradet Lucie , Gélineau Lucie , Raymond Émilie , Dupéré Sophie
Published: October 2018

Les Midis-RAP sont des rencontres de citoyennes, d’intervenantes, d’étudiantes et de chercheures intéressées à échanger sur des pratiques de recherche-action participative (RAP). Dans cet article, les Midis-RAP sont présentés en poursuivant deux objectifs : premièrement, à partir de données collectées à cet effet, réfléchir sur l’apport, pour les praticiennes de la RAP, de ce lieu de rencontre devenu un incontournable dans la région de Québec; deuxièmement, à partir de l’exceptionnelle richesse de contenu des Midis-RAP, explorer les enjeux politiques auxquels sont confrontées les praticiennes de cette approche de recherche.
Un savoir solidaire Nord/Sud : le projet Louisiane et le défi de l'engagement
Authors: Bruce Clint
Published: October 2018

Vers le milieu des années 1970, le Projet Louisiane (PL) a mobilisé une équipe pluridisciplinaire de chercheurs canadiens afin d’étudier la lointaine Louisiane francophone « dans toute sa complexité et toutes ses contradictions ». En examinant cette initiative, nous nous intéressons aux enjeux relatifs à l’esprit solidaire du PL vis-à-vis du renouveau ethnique alors en cours. Étude métascientifique, l’article s’oriente autour d’un double objectif : d’une part, cerner les postures multiples face aux milieux louisianais et, d’autre part, examiner les expériences d’assistants de recherche, québécois et louisianais, en tant quevécu conscientisantsusceptible de favoriser un engagement sur le plan ethnolangagier.
L’enrichissement injustifié, l’union de fait et l’emprunt à la common law en droit mixte du Québec
Authors: Leckey Robert
Published: October 2018

Le présent texte examine la réceptivité du système de droit mixte québécois à l’égard de l’emprunt à la common law et le pouvoir des tribunaux de première instance de faire évoluer le droit. L’auteur étudie le cas de l’enrichissement injustifié en matière d’union de fait. Invités à s’inspirer de l’affaire de common law Kerr c. Baranow traitée par la Cour suprême du Canada, les juges en soulignent les origines étrangères, prennent acte du fait que la Cour d’appel en a déclaré les principes applicables et se taisent parfois sur leur provenance. La notion de la complétude du droit civil, selon laquelle il n’y a pas lieu de se référer aux sources de common law, ne s’est pas entièrement imposée. Toutefois, les traces de l’origine étrangère de l’emprunt s’estompent rapidement. Ce processus d’intégration de l’emprunt donne l’apparence d’un évènement ponctuel plutôt que d’un processus d’échange constant entre le droit civil et d’autres traditions.
L’intoxication en contexte suicidaire et les deux sens de l’acte volontaire en droit criminel canadien : une critique de l’arrêt R. c. Turcotte
Authors: Tremblay Ugo Gilbert
Published: October 2018

Le présent article se veut une critique de l’arrêt prononcé par la Cour d’appel du Québec en 2013 qui a conduit à l’annulation du premier verdict de non-responsabilité criminelle dans l’affaire R. c. Turcotte. Après avoir insisté sur la relative indétermination des critères qui régissent le pouvoir d’intervention des tribunaux en semblable matière, l’auteur s’efforce de dévoiler les lacunes de plusieurs raisonnements qui fondent cette décision. Outre que la Cour d’appel n’a pas tenu compte de la polysémie constitutive de la notion d’acte volontaire en droit canadien lorsqu’elle a qualifié l’intoxication, l’auteur soutient qu’elle a omis de rendre justice à la trame factuelle inédite de l’affaire, notamment en évacuant le rôle déterminant joué par le raptus suicidaire dans la genèse des évènements. Enfin, l’auteur fait valoir que le tribunal s’est substitué au juge du procès dans l’appréciation des faits et qu’il a permis, à tort, à la poursuite de modifier fondamentalement son argumentation en appel.
Biogeography of Mediterranean amphipods associated with Posidonia oceanica meadows
Authors: Bellisario Bruno , Camisa Federica , Abbattista Chiara , Cimmaruta Roberta
Published: October 2018

Although amphipods are key components of the macro-fauna associated with Posidonia oceanica meadows, no studies focussed to date on the structure and diversity of such assemblages across the Mediterranean Sea. Here, we studied whether amphipod diversity reflects generalised biodiversity patterns across the Mediterranean by applying a network approach using incidence data mined from literature to infer biogeographic modules and the biogeographic roles of associated localities. We tested if the observed pattern reflected a geographic component and was linked to species range extension by means of a multivariate analysis. Modularity highlighted four distinct modules characterized by a geographic subdivision driven by the main Mediterranean biogeographic divides, and differences in species diversity along a NW-SE gradient. Modules showed both different biogeographic roles of associated localities and different range extension of amphipod species associated with different modules. The biogeographic roles of localities provided by modularity identified the highest amphipod diversity in the Central-Western Mediterranean, followed by Tunisian coasts. This pattern may be explained by a mix of species persistence and post-Last Glacial Maximum expansion, as suggested by the paleogeographic history of the host seagrass and the ecology of associated amphipods.
Chlamydia pneumoniae strain TWAR pharyngitis in US Air Force basic trainees
Authors: Hargreaves LT Col. James E. , Zajac Maj. Robert A , Kuo Cho-Chou , Wang San-Pin , Grayston J. Thomas
Published: October 2018

Chlamydia pneumoniae has recently been shown to be a cause of pharyngitis. Because the impact of this pathogen on United States Air Force basic trainees is unknown, the authors undertook a prospective study to evaluate the prevalence of C pneumoniae. Of 118 asymptomatic basic trainees, 43% had preexisting antibodies to C pneumoniae and 0.9% had serologic evidence of C pneumoniae infection. Of 226 symptomatic basic trainees, only four (1.8%) met the criteria for serologic evidence of acute C pneumoniae infection. No other cause of pharyngitis was found in three of four of these basic trainees. Three of the trainees with C pneumoniae infection had hoarseness and all had a dry cough. All symptoms resolved without specific antichlamydial therapy. Chlamydia pneumoniae was an uncommon cause of pharyngitis in basic trainees, appearing as a mild, self-limiting illness.
Drug and alcohol abuse and cholesterol levels
Authors: Gross George A.
Published: October 2018

An uncontrolled, retrospective study of 58 consecutive patients admitted to a hospital substance abuse unit assessed the effects of alcohol consumption on cholesterol levels. From the dietary histories completed by 54 of the patients, it was found that the alcoholics consumed a high-calorie diet containing a high percentage of foods with a high cholesterol content, but in small quantities. Most of their caloric intake was derived from the alcohoL Abusers of substances other than alcohol had a low-calorie intake of the same quality as alcoholics. It appears that low consumption of alcohol rather than something intrinsic in alcohol or other drugs is related to low levels of total cholesterol in persons consuming a high cholesterol-containing diet. The author also suggests that an unexplained relationship between low cholesterol levels and some gastrointestinal malignancies may be due to the effects of alcohol on the gastrointestinal tract.
Intraosseous infusion in pediatric patients
Authors: Neal Clifford J. , McKinley David F.
Published: October 2018

In traumatically \injured or medically unstable pediatric patients requiring resuscitation, gaining intravenous access often is frustrating for the physician and agonizing for the patient. Even when cardiopulmonary resuscitation is performed by trained professionals, cardiac arrests in children in the prehospital setting have a mortality of 79% to 100%. Immediate vascular access such as that obtained by intraosseous infusion improves survival. The intraosseous infusion technique uses the medullary cavity in the tibia as a ''noncollapsible vein" for parenteral infusion. It is indicated in a child in shock or cardiac arrest when two attempts to access peripheral vasculature have failed or when more than 2 minutes have elapsed in the attempt to gain access. Epinephrine, bicarbonate, calcium, lidocaine, and volume expanders can be infused via the intraosseous route. Complications rarely occur. The technique described here is gaining acceptance in both prehospital and emergency department settings.
Comparative systematics and phylogeography ofQuercusSectionCerrisin western Eurasia: inferences from plastid and nuclear DNA variation
Authors: Simeone Marco Cosimo , Cardoni Simone , Piredda Roberta , Imperatori Francesca , Avishai Michael , Grimm Guido W. , Denk Thomas
Published: October 2018

Oaks (Quercus) comprise more than 400 species worldwide and centres of diversity for most sections lie in the Americas and East/Southeast Asia. The only exception is the Eurasian sect.Cerristhat comprises about 15 species, most of which are confined to western Eurasia. This section has not been comprehensively studied using molecular tools. Here, we assess species diversity and provide a first comprehensive taxonomic and phylogeographic scheme of western Eurasian members of sect.Cerrisusing plastid (trnH-psbA) and nuclear (5S-IGS) DNA variation with a dense intra-specific and geographic sampling. Chloroplast haplotypes primarily reflected phylogeographic patterns originating from interspecific cytoplasmic gene flow within sect.Cerrisand its sister sectionIlex. We identified two widespread and ancestral haplotypes, and locally restricted derived variants. Signatures shared with Mediterranean species of sect.Ilex, but not with the East AsianCerrisoaks,suggest that the western Eurasian lineage came into contact withIlexonly after the first (early Oligocene) members of sect.Cerrisin Northeast Asia had begun to radiate and move westwards. Nuclear 5S-IGS diversification patterns were more useful for establishing a molecular-taxonomic framework and to reveal hybridization and reticulation. Four main evolutionary lineages were identified. The first lineage is comprised ofQ. libani,Q. trojanaandQ. afaresand appears to be closest to the root of sect.Cerris. These taxa are morphologically most similar to the East Asian species ofCerris, and to both Oligocene and Miocene fossils of East Asia and Miocene fossils of western Eurasia. The second lineage is mainly composed of the widespreadQ. cerrisand the narrow endemic speciesQ. castaneifolia, Q. look, andQ. euboica. The third lineage comprises three Near East species (Q. brantii,Q. ithaburensisandQ. macrolepis), well adapted to continental climates with cold winters. The forth lineage appears to be the most derived and comprisesQ. suberandQ. crenata.Q. cerrisandQ.  trojanadisplayed high levels of variation;Q. macrolepisandQ. euboica,previously treated as subspecies ofQ. ithaburensisandQ. trojana,likely deserve independent species status. A trend towards inter-specific crosses was detected in several taxa; however, we found no clear evidence of a hybrid origin ofQ.afaresandQ. crenata, as currently assumed.
Genome-wide identification and analysis of the CNGC gene family in maize
Authors: Hao Lidong , Qiao Xiuli
Published: October 2018

As one of the non-selective cation channel gene families, the cyclic nucleotide-gated channel (CNGC) gene family plays a vital role in plant physiological processes that are related to signal pathways, plant development, and environmental stresses. However, genome-wide identification and analysis of the CNGC gene family in maize has not yet been undertaken. In the present study, twelve ZmCNGC genes were identified in the maize genome, which were unevenly distributed on chromosomes 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8. They were classified into five major groups: Groups I, II, III, IVa, and IVb. Phylogenetic analysis showed that gramineous plant CNGC genes expanded unequally during evolution. Group IV CNGC genes emerged first, whereas Groups I and II appeared later. Prediction analysis of cis-acting regulatory elements showed that 137 putative cis-elements were related to hormone-response, abiotic stress, and organ development. Furthermore, 120 protein pairs were predicted to interact with the 12 ZmCNGC proteins and other maize proteins. The expression profiles of the ZmCNGC genes were expressed in tissue-specific patterns. These results provide important information that will increase our understanding of the CNGC gene family in maize and other plants.
Anaerobic respiration coupled with mitochondrial fatty acid synthesis in wax ester fermentation by Euglena gracilis
Authors: Nakazawa Masami , Ando Hiroko , Nishimoto Ayusa , Ohta Tsuyoshi , Sakamoto Kimitoshi , Ishikawa Takahiro , Ueda Mitsuhiro , Sakamoto Tatsuji , Nakano Yoshihisa , Miyatake Kazutaka , Inui Hiroshi
Published: October 2018

In Euglena gracilis, wax ester fermentation produces ATP during anaerobiosis. Here, we report that anaerobic wax ester production is suppressed when the mitochondrial electron transport chain complex I is inhibited by rotenone, whereas it is increased by the uncoupler carbonyl cyanide m‐chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP). The ADP/ATP ratio in anaerobic cells is elevated by treatment with either rotenone or CCCP. Gene silencing experiments indicate that acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase, electron transfer flavoprotein (ETF), and rhodoquinone (RQ) participate in wax ester production. These results suggest that fatty acids are synthesized in mitochondria by the reversal of β‐oxidation, where trans‐2‐enoyl‐CoA is reduced mainly by acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase using the electrons provided by NADH via the electron transport chain complex I, RQ, and ETF, and that ATP production is highly supported by anaerobic respiration utilizing trans‐2‐enoyl‐CoA as a terminal electron acceptor.
Childhood Maltreatment as a Risk Factor for Arthritis: Findings From a Population‐Based Survey of Canadian Adults
Authors: Badley Elizabeth M. , Shields Margot , O'Donnell Siobhan , Hovdestad Wendy E. , Tonmyr Lil
Published: October 2018

Objective

To establish whether there is a relationship between the frequency and severity of different types of childhood maltreatment and adulthood arthritis.

Methods

Analysis of the 2012 Canadian Community Health Survey–Mental Health included 21,889 respondents ages ≥18 years. Severity and frequency of childhood physical abuse (CPA), and childhood sexual abuse (CSA), and the frequency of childhood exposure to intimate partner violence (CEIPV) were assessed by asking about “things that may have happened to you before you were 16 in your school, in your neighborhood, or in your family.” Respondents were also asked about chronic conditions diagnosed by a health professional, including arthritis. Covariates were sociodemographic characteristics, health risk variables (e.g., obesity), mental disorders, and a count of other chronic conditions. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to examine associations between childhood maltreatment and arthritis.

Results

A total of 17.5% of respondents reported arthritis. A higher prevalence of arthritis was observed for those who had experienced severe and/or frequent childhood maltreatment (32% for CPA and 27% for both CSA and CEIPV). These relationships persisted after controlling for sociodemographic variables. After controlling for all covariates, arthritis remained independently associated with severe and/or frequent CPA (dose‐response relationship) and frequent CEIPV.

Conclusion

We found that the greater the frequency and severity of childhood maltreatment, the greater the magnitude of association with arthritis. This might reflect the role of the enduring immune and metabolic abnormalities and chronic inflammation associated with childhood maltreatment in the etiopathogensis of osteoarthritis (OA) or be an indicator of the role of joint injury in causing OA.
Controllable Interface‐Induced Co‐Assembly toward Highly Ordered Mesoporous Pt@TiO2/g‐C3N4 Heterojunctions with Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance
Authors: Zou Yidong , Yang Beibei , Liu Yang , Ren Yuan , Ma Junhao , Zhou Xinran , Cheng Xiaowei , Deng Yonghui
Published: October 2018

Titania‐based materials have aroused great attention in energy conversion and photocatalytic degradation, but they suffer from the drawbacks of fast electron–hole recombination and narrow light‐adsorption range. Here, a series of heterojunction mesoporous TiO2/g‐C3N4 (mTiO2/g‐C3N4) composites with improved light‐adsorption capacity and efficient light‐capturing property are designed through a novel solid–liquid interface induced co‐assembly strategy and controlling the interface property of g‐C3N4. Through introducing Pt precursor during the synthesis, ultrasmall Pt nanoparticles are in situ generated in the mTiO2/g‐C3N4 composites, forming mesoporous Pt@TiO2/g‐C3N4 (mPt @ TiO2/g‐C3N4‐4.0) with abundant surface active sites, and huge heterojunction interfaces. The obtained mPt @ TiO2/g‐C3N4‐4.0 photocatalysts have narrow band gap (≈2.96 eV) and superior performance in promoting separation of photogenerated charge carriers. They show ultrahigh photocurrent density (≈8.3 µA cm−2) that is five times higher than that of mTiO2/g‐C3N4‐4.0 (≈1.6 µA cm−2) due to the effective charge separation between the semiconductors and Pt nanoparticles, as well as the synergistic effect at heterojunction interfaces. In addition, mPt @ TiO2/g‐C3N4 photocatalysts show excellent performance in photodegradation of rhodamine B with fast decomposition rate within 8 min. These results foresee the wide‐range applications of the composite photocatalysts potential candidates for solar‐to‐fuel conversion and environmental remediation.
Nanofiltration composite membranes of polyethersulfone and graphene oxide and sulfonated graphene oxide
Authors: Gholami Nader , Mahdavi Hossein
Published: October 2018

In the present study, the polyethersulfone (PES) mixed matrix nanofiltration membranes with the embedding of the graphene oxide (GO) and sulfonated graphene oxide (s‐GO) nanoparticles were fabricated via phase inversion method. The effect of GO and s‐GO on the morphology and performance‐fabricated PES membrane was evaluated in terms of pure water flux, dye retention, salt rejection, heavy metal removal, and antifouling properties. The fabricated membranes were characterized using FE‐SEM, AFM, and water contact angle and porosity measurement. As a result, by adding GO and s‐GO nanoparticles, the pure water flux (PWF) of mentioned membranes significantly improved due to the higher hydrophilicity. The increased hydrophilicity of the mentioned membranes was proved by the water contact angle data. The evaluation of nanofiltration performance was assessed by rejection measurement of cationic and anionic dyes. The rejection of heavy metals in the following order 97.5%, 87.8%, 76.3%, and 60.6% for Cr, Cd, Cu, and Ni, respectively, was obtained for the sample that contains 1 wt% s‐GO. Moreover, other nanocomposite membranes showed relatively good results. The rejection results showed that GO and s‐GO nanoparticles embedded membranes have higher dye retention ability than the bare PES. Fouling resistance of the membranes was evaluated by filtration of bovine serum albumin (BSA) solution. The results of antifouling properties showed that the membrane containing 0.5 wt% s‐GO had the best fouling resistance.
Distinct Iron Deposition Profiles of Liver Zones in Various Models with Iron Homeostasis Disorders
Authors: Song Haoyang , Zhang Shuping , Sun Xia , Liu Jing , Wu Yakun , Guo Wenli , Wang Fudi , Ou Xiaojuan , Cong Min , Jin Erhu , Li Wenyong , Liu Sijin
Published: October 2018

Determination of iron accumulation is crucial in diagnosing the occurrence and progression of many liver‐ and iron‐related diseases. Thus far, little is known about the profiles of iron deposition in different liver zones, particularly under conditions with disordered iron homeostasis. Here, uneven iron distribution in livers of patients with hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) is uncovered, showing the region with the highest iron concentration near the entrance site of the portal vein and hepatic artery in contrast to the sites with the lowest iron concentration close to the distal edge. Distinct iron distribution profiles are also found throughout liver zones in wild‐type mice and various mouse models with iron metabolism disorders, including hemochromatosis (Hfe−/−), iron deficiency, and inflammation. Of note, similar findings observed in HH patients are further demonstrated in Hfe−/− mice. Moreover, the zones with greater iron accumulation appear to be more sensitive to iron changes, e.g., there is iron increase upon iron overload and iron loss in response to iron deficiency. Mechanistic investigation manifests that these differential iron changes in liver zones are subjected to the regulation by the hepcidin–ferroportin axis. Additionally, the data corroborate the reliability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in recognizing the differential iron deposition profiles among liver zones.
High‐Efficiency (LixCu1−x)2ZnSn(S,Se)4 Kesterite Solar Cells with Lithium Alloying
Authors: Cabas‐Vidani Antonio , Haass Stefan G. , Andres Christian , Caballero Raquel , Figi Renato , Schreiner Claudia , Márquez José A. , Hages Charles , Unold Thomas , Bleiner Davide , Tiwari Ayodhya N. , Romanyuk Yaroslav E.
Published: October 2018

The performance‐boosting effect of alkali treatments is well known for chalcogenide thin‐film solar cells based on Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) and Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CZTSSe–kesterite) absorbers. In contrast to heavier alkali elements, lithium is expected to alloy with the kesterite phase leading to the solid solution (LixCu1−x)2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (LCZTSSe), which offers a way of tuning the semiconductor bandgap by changing the ratio Li/(Li+Cu). Here is presented an experimental series of solution‐processed LCZTSSe with lithium fraction Li/(Li+Cu) ranging from x = 0 to 0.12 in the selenized absorber as measured by means of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The proportional increase in lattice parameter a and bandgap from 1.05 to 1.18 eV confirms the lithium alloying in the kesterite phase. Increase in grain size is observed for x up to 0.07, whereas a higher lithium fraction leads to a porous absorber morphology due to an inhomogeneous distribution of Li‐containing compounds in the kesterite layer. An increase of the photoluminescence quantum yield is observed as the Li fraction increases in the absorber layer. A champion device exhibits a remarkable efficiency of 11.6% (12.2% active area) for x = 0.06, close to the world record value of 12.6% demonstrating the effectiveness of lithium alloying.
Highly Durable and Stable Sodium Superoxide in Concentrated Electrolytes for Sodium–Oxygen Batteries
Authors: Park Hyeokjun , Kim Jinsoo , Lee Myeong Hwan , Park Sung Kwan , Kim Do‐Hoon , Bae Youngjoon , Ko Youngmin , Lee Byungju , Kang Kisuk
Published: October 2018

Rechargeable sodium–oxygen batteries have attracted considerable interest as promising candidates for next‐generation batteries owing to their large energy density, high energy efficiency, and potential cost‐effectiveness. The intrinsic stability of the discharge product, sodium superoxide, results in highly reversible solution‐based electrochemistry in sodium–oxygen batteries, leading to their higher energy efficiency and reversibility compared with their lithium counterparts. However, recent studies have shown that extended storage of sodium superoxide in ethereal electrolytes induces dissolution of the sodium superoxide and undesirable chemical reactions with the electrolytes, resulting in significant degradation of the cell reversibility. In this study, the use of high‐concentration electrolytes is explored to obstruct the dissolution of sodium superoxide and to suppress parasitic reactions during storage of sodium–oxygen batteries. Unique solvated structures are identified with the elimination of free solvents through systematic investigations using controlled electrolyte concentrations. Time‐resolved ex situ characterizations reveal that sodium superoxide stored in concentrated electrolyte exhibits far greater stability and prolonged lifetime than that stored in conventional electrolytes. It is finally demonstrated that the highly durable sodium superoxide in the concentrated electrolyte succeeds in preserving both the high energy efficiency and oxygen reversibility of sodium–oxygen batteries even with long rest periods every cycle.
Rational Design of Dodecahedral MnCo2O4.5 Hollowed‐Out Nanocages as Efficient Bifunctional Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Reduction and Evolution
Authors: Bai Zhengyu , Heng Jinmeng , Zhang Qing , Yang Lin , Chang Fangfang
Published: October 2018

Efficient bifunctional electrocatalysts are in demand to increase kinetics of oxygen reduction and evolution reactions (ORR and OER) for rechargeable zinc–air batteries. In this work, dodecahedral MnCo2O4.5 hollowed‐out nanocages are synthesized using a seed‐mediated coordination chemistry of metal–organic frameworks. The hollowed‐out MnCo2O4.5 nanocages used as bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts exhibit high catalytic activity and excellent stability for both ORR and OER in alkaline media, which can be attributed to both the hierarchical porosity and stable hollowed‐out structure that not only facilitate fast charge transfer reaction but also prevent the agglomeration of MnCo2O4.5 nanoparticles. The dodecahedral hollowed‐out MnCo2O4.5 nanocages as the air electrode catalyst can deliver good stability in a rechargeable zinc–air battery. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy images, X‐ray diffraction and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy of the electrocatalyst were measured again after durability tests. There is no significant influence on the morphologies, compositions, and structures before and after durability tests.