bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gene Delivery System Using Droplet Injector and Temperature-Controlled Planarian Holder
Authors: Lee Michael , Syu Jing-Jie , Chu Chia-Ying , Lu Yen-Wen
Published: August 2018

A microinjection system for gene delivery to a planarian was presented with materials widely used by manufacturers. The system consists of a nanoliter droplet generator/injector and a planarian holder. Glass capillary needles were used to consistently generate droplets and to inject droplets into a planarian. The holder provides a low-temperature environment that immobilizes the planarian for injection. Our system was tested and showed successful injections of microbeads and droplets with double-stranded RNA into the planarian. The results demonstrated the capability of our system as an alternative for gene delivery for studying gene functions in planarians or other living objects for regenerative medicine studies.
Study of Aluminum Wires Treated with MoB2 Nanoparticles
Authors: Florián-Algarín David , Ramos-Morales Angelisse , Marrero-García Michelle , Suárez Oscar Marcelo
Published: August 2018

This research focuses on the fabrication of aluminum wires treated with MoB2 nanoparticles and their effect on selected mechanical and thermal properties of the wires. These nanoparticles were obtained by fragmentation in a high-energy ball mill and then mechanically alloyed with pure aluminum powder to form Al/MoB2 pellets. The pellets were added to molten pure aluminum (99.5%) at 760 °C. Afterwards, the treated melt was cast into cylindrical ingots, which were cold-formed to the desired final diameter with intermediate annealing. X-ray diffraction and optical microscopy allowed characterizing the structure and microstructure of the material. The wires underwent tensile and bending tests, as well as electrical measurements. Finally, this research demonstrated how the mechanical properties of aluminum wires can be enhanced with the addition of MoB2 nanoparticles with minimal effects on the material resistivity.
Opportunities and Challenges with Polyalkylene Glycol for Engine Oil Application
Authors: Gangopadhyay Arup , Cuthbert John
Published: August 2018

Base oil plays an important role in engine oil formulation in delivering overall performance attributes in addition to additives. Non-traditional base oil like polyalkylene glycol (PAG) did not get much attention in the past for formulating automotive engine oil. This investigation explored PAGs for enhancing engine oil performance primarily for fuel economy benefit over traditional mineral oil-based formulations. This paper highlights key findings from an extensive investigation, parts of which were published in detail elsewhere, and identifying opportunities and challenges. Several PAG chemistries were investigated depending on their feedstock material. Friction performance was evaluated by several methods starting with laboratory bench tests to engine components to chassis roll dynamometer tests. Durability was also evaluated from laboratory bench tests to engine components to ASTM sequence tests. The investigation revealed that significant friction reduction or fuel economy gain can be achieved with PAG oil but wear protection capability, piston deposit, and varnish require much improvement requiring identification/development of additive components. A few alternative routes for performance improvement are suggested.
Edge Irregular Reflexive Labeling for the Disjoint Union of Gear Graphs and Prism Graphs
Authors: Zhang Xiujun , Ibrahim Muhammad , Bokhary Syed Ahtsham ul Haq , Siddiqui Muhammad Kamran
Published: August 2018

In graph theory, a graph is given names—generally a whole number—to edges, vertices, or both in a chart. Formally, given a graph G = ( V , E ) , a vertex naming is a capacity from V to an arrangement of marks. A diagram with such a capacity characterized defined is known as a vertex-marked graph. Similarly, an edge naming is a mapping of an element of E to an arrangement of marks. In this case, the diagram is called an edge-marked graph. We consider an edge irregular reflexive k-labeling for the disjoint association of wheel-related diagrams and deduce the correct estimation of the reflexive edge strength for the disjoint association of m copies of some wheel-related graphs, specifically gear graphs and prism graphs.
Stability Analysis of Cohen–Grossberg Neural Networks with Random Impulses
Authors: Agarwal Ravi , Hristova Snezhana , O’Regan Donal , Kopanov Peter
Published: August 2018

The Cohen and Grossberg neural networks model is studied in the case when the neurons are subject to a certain impulsive state displacement at random exponentially-distributed moments. These types of impulses significantly change the behavior of the solutions from a deterministic one to a stochastic process. We examine the stability of the equilibrium of the model. Some sufficient conditions for the mean-square exponential stability and mean exponential stability of the equilibrium of general neural networks are obtained in the case of the time-varying potential (or voltage) of the cells, with time-dependent amplification functions and behaved functions, as well as time-varying strengths of connectivity between cells and variable external bias or input from outside the network to the units. These sufficient conditions are explicitly expressed in terms of the parameters of the system, and hence, they are easily verifiable. The theory relies on a modification of the direct Lyapunov method. We illustrate our theory on a particular nonlinear neural network.
Tantalum and Niobium Selective Extraction by Alkyl-Acetophenone
Authors: Toure Moussa , Arrachart Guilhem , Duhamet Jean , Pellet-Rostaing Stephane
Published: August 2018

A study has been carried out on Ta and Nb recovery by a liquid-liquid extraction process using 4-methylacetophenone (4-MAcPh) as the organic phase. The 4-MAcPh was compared to methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK) with respect to extraction efficiencies (D values) at different concentrations of H2SO4 in the aqueous phase. The results showed a similar extraction of Nb for both solvents. However, for Ta, extraction efficiency is increased by a factor of 1.3 for 4-MAcPh. In addition, the MIBK solubilized completely after 6 mol∙L−1 of H2SO4 against only a loss of 0.14–4% for 4-MAcPh between 6 and 9 mol∙L−1 of H2SO4. The potential of 4-MAcPh has also been studied to selectively recover Ta from a model capacitor waste solution. The results showed a selectivity for Ta in the presence of impurities such as Ag, Fe, Ni and Mn. The 4-MAcPh also presents the advantage of having physicochemical properties adapted to its use in liquid-liquid extraction technologies such as mixer-settlers.
Malting Period Effect on the Phenolic Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn) Flour
Authors: Udeh Henry , Duodu Kwaku , Jideani Afam
Published: August 2018

The present study examined the influence of malting on the phenolic composition of two cultivars of finger millet using an ultra-performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometer. Total polyphenols and antioxidant activities of the grains were also evaluated using sorghum as an external reference. Catechin, epicatechin, quercetin, taxifolin, and hesperitin were isolated flavonoids, whereas protocatechuic acid was the phenolic acid detected in finger millet malt. Increases in the content of catechin, epicatechin, and protocatechuic acid were observed for 72 h and 96 h for brown finger millet and sorghum malt. Complete loss of taxifolin and hesperitin were observed with the malting period for finger millet cultivars. A similar loss was noted in the proanthocyanidin A1/A2 and catechin content of sorghum with malting time. The grain malt exhibited 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl,2,2′-azinobis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging and iron reducing activities. Increased ABTS and iron reducing activity with malting time were observed for the finger millet cultivars. The study demonstrates the presence of hesperitin in finger millet, and also shows that 72 h and 96 h of malting enhanced the catechin, epicatechin, and protocatechuic acid content, in addition to the antioxidant activity of the grain.
Design, Synthesis, and Antimicrobial Evaluation of Novel Pyrazoles and Pyrazolyl 1,3,4-Thiadiazine Derivatives
Authors: Radini Ibrahim Ali M.
Published: August 2018

A novel series of pyrazolyl 1,3,4-thiadiazines 5a–c, 8a–c, 12, 15a–c, 17a–c, and 20 was prepared from the reaction of pyrazole-1-carbothiohydrazide 1a,b with 2-oxo-N′-arylpropanehydrazonoyl chloride, 2-chloro-2-(2-arylhydrazono)acetate, and 3-bromoacetylcoumarin. Moreover, the regioselective reaction of 5-pyrazolone-1-carbothiohydrazide 1a with 4-substituted diazonium salts and 4-(dimethylamino)benzaldehyde gave the corresponding hydrazones 21a–c and 22. The newly prepared compounds were characterized by spectroscopy and elemental analysis. Many new synthesized compounds showed considerable antimicrobial activity against tested microorganisms. Hydrazones 21a–c and 22 showed remarkable antibacterial and antifungal activities. 4-(2-(p-tolyl)hydrazineylidene)-pyrazole-1-carbothiohydrazide 21a displayed the highest antibacterial and antifungal activities with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values lower than standard drugs chloramphenicol and clotrimazole, in the range of 62.5–125 and 2.9–7.8 µg/mL, respectively.
HCN Channels: New Therapeutic Targets for Pain Treatment
Authors: Ramírez David , Zúñiga Rafael , Concha Guierdy , Zúñiga Leandro
Published: August 2018

Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels are highly regulated proteins which respond to different cellular stimuli. The HCN currents (Ih) mediated by HCN1 and HCN2 drive the repetitive firing in nociceptive neurons. The role of HCN channels in pain has been widely investigated as targets for the development of new therapeutic drugs, but the comprehensive design of HCN channel modulators has been restricted due to the lack of crystallographic data. The three-dimensional structure of the human HCN1 channel was recently reported, opening new possibilities for the rational design of highly-selective HCN modulators. In this review, we discuss the structural and functional properties of HCN channels, their pharmacological inhibitors, and the potential strategies for designing new drugs to block the HCN channel function associated with pain perception.
Strategies to Optimize Microalgae Conversion to Biogas: Co-Digestion, Pretreatment and Hydraulic Retention Time
Authors: Solé-Bundó Maria , Salvadó Humbert , Passos Fabiana , Garfí Marianna , Ferrer Ivet
Published: August 2018

This study aims at optimizing the anaerobic digestion (AD) of biomass in microalgal-based wastewater treatment systems. It comprises the co-digestion of microalgae with primary sludge, the thermal pretreatment (75 °C for 10 h) of microalgae and the role of the hydraulic retention time (HRT) in anaerobic digesters. Initially, a batch test comparing different microalgae (untreated and pretreated) and primary sludge proportions showed how the co-digestion improved the AD kinetics. The highest methane yield was observed by adding 75% of primary sludge to pretreated microalgae (339 mL CH4/g VS). This condition was then investigated in mesophilic lab-scale reactors. The average methane yield was 0.46 L CH4/g VS, which represented a 2.9-fold increase compared to pretreated microalgae mono-digestion. Conversely, microalgae showed a low methane yield despite the thermal pretreatment (0.16 L CH4/g VS). Indeed, microscopic analysis confirmed the presence of microalgae species with resistant cell walls (i.e., Stigioclonium sp. and diatoms). In order to improve their anaerobic biodegradability, the HRT was increased from 20 to 30 days, which led to a 50% methane yield increase. Overall, microalgae AD was substantially improved by the co-digestion with primary sludge, even without pretreatment, and increasing the HRT enhanced the AD of microalgae with resistant cell walls.
Mechanism of Action of Magnesium Lithospermate B against Aging and Obesity-Induced ER Stress, Insulin Resistance, and Inflammsome Formation in the Liver
Authors: Jeong Ji won , Lee Bonggi , Kim Dae Hyun , Jeong Hyoung Oh , Moon Kyoung Mi , Kim Min Jo , Yokozawa Takako , Chung Hae Young
Published: August 2018

Magnesium lithospermate B (MLB) is the biologically active compound of the water-soluble fraction of Salvia miltiorrhiza. Magnesium lithospermate B exhibits various biological functions, including antidiabetic, neuroprotective, and antioxidant effects. However, its beneficial effects on insulin sensitivity and related signaling pathways in the liver need to be elucidated. Our previous study reported that MLB is a PPARβ/δ agonist in fibroblasts. Because insulin-sensitizing and anti-inflammatory effects of PPARβ/δ has been reported in the liver, we investigated whether MLB has a beneficial effect on insulin-, ER stress- and inflammasome-related signaling in the livers of aging and obese animal models. Western blotting and protein-ligand docking simulation showed that MLB activated PPARβ/δ and improved glucose tolerance in the livers of aging and obese animal models. MLB supplementation ameliorated aging or obesity-induced disruption of insulin signaling in the liver. Consistently, aging and obesity-induced increase in the protein levels of a gluconeogenic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase was decreased by MLB. When molecular signaling pathways related to insulin signaling were examined in the liver, MLB supplementation suppressed ER stress- and inflammasome-related signaling molecules induced by aging and obesity. These results suggest that MLB may improve insulin resistance in the liver at least partially by suppressing ER stress and inflammasome formation in aging and obese animal models.
Kinetic Features of 3′-5′ Exonuclease Activity of Human AP-Endonuclease APE1
Authors: Kuznetsova Alexandra A. , Fedorova Olga S. , Kuznetsov Nikita A.
Published: August 2018

Human apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP)-endonuclease APE1 is one of the key enzymes taking part in the repair of damage to DNA. The primary role of APE1 is the initiation of the repair of AP-sites by catalyzing the hydrolytic incision of the phosphodiester bond immediately 5′ to the damage. In addition to the AP-endonuclease activity, APE1 possesses 3′-5′ exonuclease activity, which presumably is responsible for cleaning up nonconventional 3′ ends that were generated as a result of DNA damage or as transition intermediates in DNA repair pathways. In this study, the kinetic mechanism of 3′-end nucleotide removal in the 3′-5′ exonuclease process catalyzed by APE1 was investigated under pre-steady-state conditions. DNA substrates were duplexes of deoxyribonucleotides with one 5′ dangling end and it contained a fluorescent 2-aminopurine residue at the 1st, 2nd, 4th, or 6th position from the 3′ end of the short oligonucleotide. The impact of the 3′-end nucleotide, which contained mismatched, undamaged bases or modified bases as well as an abasic site or phosphate group, on the efficiency of 3′-5′ exonuclease activity was determined. Kinetic data revealed that the rate-limiting step of 3′ nucleotide removal by APE1 in the 3′-5′ exonuclease process is the release of the detached nucleotide from the enzyme’s active site.
A Comparison of Hydrogen Storage in Pt, Pd and Pt/Pd Alloys Loaded Disordered Mesoporous Hollow Carbon Spheres
Authors: Baca Martyna , Cendrowski Krzysztof , Kukulka Wojciech , Bazarko Grzegorz , Moszyński Dariusz , Michalkiewicz Beata , Kalenczuk Ryszard J. , Zielinska Beata
Published: August 2018

Comprehensive study to evaluate the ability of hydrogen uptake by disordered mesoporous hollow carbon spheres doped witch metal such as Pt, Pd or Pt/Pd was conducted. They were synthesized facilely using sonication and then calcination process under vacuum at the temperature of 550 °C. The effect on hydrogen sorption at neat-ambient conditions (40 °C, up to 45 bar) was thoroughly analyzed. The results clearly revealed that metal functionalization has a significant impact on the hydrogen storage capacity as the mechanism of gas uptake depends on two factors: metal type and certain size of particles. Thus, functionalized spheres adsorb hydrogen by physisorption forming metal hydrides or metal hydrides combined with hydrogen spillover effect. As a result, a sample with narrower distribution of nanoparticles and smaller specific size exhibited enhanced hydrogen uptake.
What Is the Fastest Way to Connect Stations to a Wi-Fi HaLow Network?
Authors: Bankov Dmitry , Khorov Evgeny , Lyakhov Andrey , Stepanova Ekaterina , Tian Le , Famaey Jeroen
Published: August 2018

Wi-Fi HaLow is an adaptation of the widespread Wi-Fi technology for the Internet of Things scenarios. Such scenarios often involve numerous wireless stations connected to a shared channel, and contention for the channel significantly affects the performance in such networks. Wi-Fi HaLow contains numerous solutions aimed at handling the contention between stations, two of which, namely, the Centralized Authentication Control (CAC) and the Distributed Authentication Control (DAC), address the contention reduction during the link set-up process. The link set-up process is special because the access point knows nothing of the connecting stations and its means of control of these stations are very limited. While DAC is self-adaptive, CAC does require an algorithm to dynamically control its parameters. Being just a framework, the Wi-Fi HaLow standard neither specifies such an algorithm nor recommends which protocol, CAC or DAC, is more suitable in a given situation. In this paper, we solve both issues by developing a novel robust close-to-optimal algorithm for CAC and compare CAC and DAC in a vast set of experiments.
Reflectance-Based Vegetation Index Assessment of Four Plant Species Exposed to Lithium Chloride
Authors: Martinez Nicole E. , Sharp Julia L. , Johnson Thomas E. , Kuhne Wendy W. , Stafford Clay T. , Duff Martine C.
Published: August 2018

This study considers whether a relationship exists between response to lithium (Li) exposure and select vegetation indices (VI) determined from reflectance spectra in each of four plant species: Arabidopsis thaliana, Helianthus annuus (sunflower), Brassica napus (rape), and Zea mays (corn). Reflectance spectra were collected every week for three weeks using an ASD FieldSpec Pro spectroradiometer with both a contact probe (CP) and a field of view probe (FOV) for plants treated twice weekly in a laboratory setting with 0 mM (control) or 15 mM of lithium chloride (LiCl) solution. Plants were harvested each week after spectra collection for determination of relevant physical endpoints such as relative water content and chlorophyll content. Mixed effects analyses were conducted on selected endpoints and vegetation indices (VI) to determine the significance of the effects of treatment level and length of treatment as well as to determine which VI would be appropriate predictors of treatment-dependent endpoints. Of the species considered, A. thaliana exhibited the most significant effects and corresponding shifts in reflectance spectra. Depending on the species and endpoint, the most relevant VIs in this study were NDVI, PSND, YI, R1676/R1933, R750/R550, and R950/R750.
Developing an Optical Image-Based Method for Bridge Deformation Measurement Considering Camera Motion
Authors: Abolhasannejad Vahid , Huang Xiaoming , Namazi Nader
Published: August 2018

Since deformation estimation may lead to errors occurring when the camera vibrates, it is necessary to remove the image global motion before computing real bridge deformation. In this study, a combination of image motion correction algorithm and 2D image-based deformation measurement technique was utilized to address the issue of camera motion during the image data acquisition for bridge deformation measurement. Based on the proposed methodology, the image motion parameters were estimated by defining an effective sub-image in the image and using Iterative Affine Motion Estimator. Then the estimated parameters were applied to all pixels of each captured image to remove the motion effect. Finally, the corrected images were used to analyze by a 2D image-based deformation measurement technique in order to extract and measure real bridge deformation by tracking artificial or natural targets. The proposed methodology was validated by two experiments in the lab and field environments. Achieved results show the accuracy and reliability of the proposed methodology.
Validation of Novel Metrics from the Accommodative Dynamic Profile
Authors: Szostek Nicola , Buckhurst Hetal , Purslow Christine , Drew Thomas , Collinson Avril , Buckhurst Phillip
Published: August 2018

Objective and subjective methods of assessing time taken for accommodative change (ToAC) include accommodative dynamics (AD) and accommodative facility (AF). This study investigates the validity of novel metrics derived from the AD-profile and explores their relationship with AF. AD were assessed using a modified open-field autorefractor in 43 healthy adults. Non-linear regression curves were fitted to the data to derive: latency-of-accommodation (nLoA) and -disaccomodation (nLoD), Time-for-accommodation (ToA) and -disaccommodation (ToD), and objective-ToAC (oToAC). Latencies were also calculated through visual inspection of the AD data as in previous studies (pLoA and pLoD). AF was used to assess subjective-ToAC. Statistical analysis explored the relationships between the AD-metrics and AF. Subjects were assessed on three visits to examine intra- and inter-observer repeatability. nLoA and nLoD were greater than pLoA (p = 0.001) and pLoD (p = 0.004) respectively. nLoA and nLoD also demonstrated greater intra- and inter-observer repeatability than pLoA and pLoD. AF demonstrated a moderate, inverse correlation with ToA (p = 0.02), ToD (p = 0.007), and oToAC (p = 0.007). ToD was the single best accommodative predictor of AF (p = 0.011). The novel method for deriving latency was more repeatable, but not interchangeable with the techniques used in previous studies. ToD was the most repeatable metric with the greatest association with AF.
V2G—An Economic Gamechanger in E-Mobility?
Authors: Høj Jens , Juhl Lasse , Lindegaard Søren
Published: August 2018

The Vehicle-2-grid (V2G) technology enabling bidirectional charging between electric vehicles and the energy grid system for frequency regulation and load balancing has the potential of significantly improving the financial viability of electric mobility. This paper has identified that the introduction of V2G offers a plethora of potentially beneficial business models, which primarily focus on providing stability services to the energy grid and optimizing the economic benefits of owning an EV. Within these overarching categories, it is likely that several niche business models will emerge, as the current V2G concepts include the integration of intermittent renewable energy into the grid, reduction of peak load, charging optimization, and regulation of participating capacity. Most important is the balancing of the five market factors in order to create a profitable business case, as this is what makes V2G move from a potential revenue generator to a profitable business.
Islamic State in Libya
Authors: Mičík Tomáš , Šmíd Tomáš
Published: August 2018

The paper addresses the issue of the rise of the Islamic State in Libya. IS officially operates on Libyan territory since November 2014. Their presence there is a major pillar of their transnational "Caliphate" doctrine, the existence and legitimacy of which cannot possibly be dependent only on its acceptance in the Levant. Collapsed Libyan state represents the gateway to Europe for all African migrants, refugees and also terrorists and radical islamists. From this point of view IS is definitely a huge security risk not only for Libya but for the North African and European region too.
The Attribution Problem as a Tool of Lawfare
Authors: Bruner Tomáš
Published: August 2018

The article explores the extent to which Germany´s policy and the nature of the Bundeswehr deployment in Afghanistan were influenced by Germany´s ties with its allies, namely the USA and other NATO members, as well as by its effort to maintain its reputation of a reliable and dependable ally. The author addresses this issue using three practical examples. For the evaluation of the research project, the author uses the logic of appropriateness as a theoretical concept.
How (Not) to Predict the Future? Analysis of Several Pioneering Studies in the Field of Czech Political and Security Scenario-Building
Authors: Kalous Miroslav
Published: August 2018

Predictive analysis is rare in the field of Czech security studies. For this reason, scenarios of world politics by Institute of International Relations (IIR) (2012-2017) as well as predictions by the think-tank European values (2016) constitute pioneering works worthy of attention. The article analyses these scenarios, focusing on their methodological aspects. The articles concludes by noting that IIR's scenarios are a welcome contribution to the field but the same cannot be said about scenarios of European values.
A new species of Anagyrus (Hymenoptera, Encyrtidae) from Malaysia, parasitoid of Lanceacoccus sp. (Hemiptera, Pseudococcidae)
Authors: Zu Guo-Hao , Zhang Xu , Li Cheng-De , Zhang Yan-Zhou
Published: August 2018

A new species of Anagyrus Howard, 1896 (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), A.minipedicellus Zu & Zhang sp. n., is described from Borneo of Malaysia as a parasitoid of Lanceacoccus sp. (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), and DNA barcoding of the new species is given.
Biology of Palaearctic Wainia bees of the subgenus Caposmia including a short review on snail shell nesting in osmiine bees (Hymenoptera, Megachilidae)
Authors: Müller Andreas , Praz Christophe , Dorchin Achik
Published: August 2018

Wainia, a species-poor genus of osmiine bees, contains two Palaearctic species, whose biologies are unknown. In the present publication, we describe the nesting site and nest architecture ofW.sexsignataand analyse the pollen host spectra ofW.sexsignataandW.eremoplanaby microscopical analysis of larval faeces and female scopal contents.W.sexsignatanests in empty snail shells. It uses large petal pieces of yellow flowered Asteroideae to separate the linearly arranged brood cells and to construct a series of partitions between the outermost cell and the final nest closure, which consists of masticated green leaves.W.sexsignatais recorded as a new host of the meloid beetleSitarobrachysthoracica. Both PalaearcticWainiaspecies have a strong preference for Asteraceae as pollen hosts, but occasionally also collect pollen on other plant taxa. A literature survey revealed that nesting in empty snail shells is widespread among osmiine bees: obligate snail shell nesting is assumed to have independently evolved at least twelve times in their evolutionary history and to occur in at least 56 species belonging to 4 genera and 14 subgenera.
L’image-prix d’un point de vente : quelle mesure privilégier ?
Authors: Lombart Cindy , Louis Didier , Labbé-Pinlon Blandine
Published: August 2018

Cet article propose une analyse comparative des qualités théoriques et psychométriques des échelles de mesure existantes du concept d’image-prix (Zielke, 2011 ; Ngobo et Jean, 2012 ; Coutelle-Brillet et Rivière, 2013 ; Diallo et al., 2013). Il ressort de l’étude menée auprès de 209 clients d’enseignes de GMS que ces échelles possèdent des qualités psychométriques satisfaisantes mais souffrent de limites de validité de contenu. Leurs analyses ont enfin permis de proposer une échelle de mesure unidimensionnelle synthétique de l’image-prix (5 items) dont la fiabilité et la validité ont été établies.
Comparaison de trois méthodologies ESG : les bases de données extra-financières fournissent-elles la même information ?
Authors: Bardinet-Evraert Frédérique
Published: August 2018

L’objet de la recherche est d’étudier la convergence des notes ESG de trois organismes de notation extra-financière. Dans un contexte de tétranormalisation (Savall et Zardet, 2005), la validité et la conformité des ratings ESG, compte tenu des missions confiées aux agences, sont peu étudiées (Chatterji et al., 2016). L’étude porte sur un échantillon de 247 sociétés cotées européennes et 65 anglo-saxonnes lors des années 2009-2012. Elle évalue les différences d’approche des trois organismes. La méthodologie utilisée est l’analyse en composantes principales qui établit les corrélations entre les scores puis la régression longitudinale qui identifie les facteurs de différenciation observés.
La marque employeur comme outil de fidélisation organisationnelle
Authors: Charbonnier-Voirin Audrey , Lissillour Maureen
Published: August 2018

Si la marque employeur est présentée comme un outil de fidélisation efficace, aucune étude n’a, à notre connaissance, testé son influence sur la fidélité organisationnelle. Sur la base d’une étude quantitative, cet article montre l’influence de la marque employeur, définie comme l’ensemble des avantages fournis par une organisation dans son rôle d’employeur, sur les cinq dimensions de la fidélité selon l’approche EVLN (Exit, Voice, Loyalty, Neglect), à savoir : la faible propension à chercher un nouvel emploi, l’engagement affectif, la performance dans la tâche et la performance contextuelle (altruisme et conscience professionnelle).
Le double récit d’une chaine logistique multi-acteurs : entre performativité et encastrement local
Authors: Giordano-Spring Sophie , Travaillé Denis
Published: August 2018

Cette recherche fait état de la production d’un double discours de la part d’un centre de coût au sein d’une chaine logistique multi-acteurs (CLMA). Un premier discours à l’attention du siège étranger du groupe est aligné sur les prescriptions rationnelles économiques de la décision « make or buy » en contexte CLMA. Il mobilise essentiellement des arguments fondés sur des données comptables. Un second discours met en évidence les arrangements locaux ayant servi à fabriquer l’histoire officielle à l’attention du siège. L’existence de ce double discours est discutée du point de vue de la gestion d’une CLMA et illustre dans ce champ empirique de la notion de performativité.
Spécificités et conditions de réussite du management de projets de recherche scientifique. Le cas de la recherche en santé
Authors: Yatim Fatima , Minvielle Étienne
Published: August 2018

Cet article propose une analyse des spécificités du management des projets de recherche scientifique et leurs conditions de réussite. Le cas étudié est celui d’un projet de recherche en cours pour concevoir et évaluer la mise en place d’un parcours de soins coordonné en cancérologie. Nous postulons deux spécificités principales : la dialectique connaissances/action et les ressorts des réseaux d’acteurs. Nous mettons en évidence deux facteurs de réussite essentiels que sont : l’importance des capacités d’adaptation de l’ensemble du système-projet par rapport au contexte, et la nécessité de la prise en compte des dimensions humaines.
Rôle des administrateurs indépendants sur la performance des acquéreurs surconfiants : effets de la durée de présence au conseil et des mandats cumulés
Authors: Krifa Naoufel , Maati Jérôme
Published: August 2018

Cet article étudie la relation entre l’excès de confiance des dirigeants et la performance des sociétés initiant une opération de F&A ainsi que les effets de la durée de présence des administrateurs indépendants au conseil et du nombre de mandats détenus sur cette relation. Les résultats montrent que l’excès de confiance influe négativement sur la performance à court et à long terme. Les administrateurs indépendants multi-mandats amoindrissent l’intensité de la relation négative liant l’excès de confiance aux rendements anormaux autour de la date d’annonce. La durée de présence des administrateurs indépendants au conseil tend aussi à atténuer la perte subie par les acquéreurs surconfiants durant la période post-acquisition.
Soigner les dynamiques de don pour soigner le travail
Authors: Grevin Anouk
Published: August 2018

L’article propose d’analyser le mal-être au travail comme un « malaise du don », lié à l’épuisement des dynamiques de don non reconnues dans le travail. Il met en évidence, à travers deux recherches empiriques dans des établissements de santé, la manière dont les dynamiques relationnelles s’épuisent du fait de l’éloignement du management de la scène du travail. Il souligne combien la qualité de vie au travail est indissociable de conditions organisationnelles et managériales favorisant l’existence d’espaces de discussion sur le travail, qui soient des espaces de reconnaissance des dynamiques de don inhérentes au travail.
First-Episode Psychosis from the Perspective of Family Members
Authors: Silva Amanda Heloisa Santana da , Vedana Kelly Graziani Giacchero , Tressoldi Larissa de Souza , Martin Isabela dos Santos , Corradi-Webster Clarissa Mendonça , Gherardi-Donato Edilaine Cristina da Silva , Zanetti Ana Carolina Guidorizzi
Published: August 2018

The purpose of the current study was to explore family members' perceptions of the causes of first-episode psychosis (FEP). A qualitative study with 68 family members of patients with FEP was performed. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and submitted for thematic analysis. The attributions for FEP were: use of psychoactive substances as a trigger; influence of genetic and personal factors; exposure to stressful life events; and lack of previous health care and knowledge about psychotic symptoms. Knowledge of possible attributions for the onset of psychosis may be valuable in optimizing early identification of individuals with FEP. [
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 57
(1), 34–42.]
A category-based probabilistic approach to feature selection
Authors: Dai Jianguo ,   School of Mathematics and Information Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China, Huang Wenxue , Pan Yuanyi ,   Clearpier Inc., 1300-121 Richmond St.W., Toronto, Ontario M5H 2K1, Canada
Published: August 2018

A high dimensional and large sample categorical data set with a response variable may have many noninformative or redundant categories in its explanatory variables. Identifying and removing these categories usually improve the association but also give rise to significantly higher statistical reliability of selected features. A category-based probabilistic approach is proposed to achieve this goal. Supportive experiments are presented.
Serial Measurements of Soap Weights and Soap Availability to Describe Handwashing Behavior
Authors: Gadgil Meghana A. , Sharker Yushuf , Unicomb Leanne , Ram Pavani K. , Luby Stephen P.
Published: August 2018

Available measures of handwashing are prone to bias. We tested the feasibility and reliability of weighing soap at repeated visits and subtracting the measured weight from the prior weight to assess daily per capita soap consumption in a low-income community in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Fieldworkers approached 220 households twice weekly over 2 months. They interviewed participants, weighed soap, and assessed hand cleanliness and the presence of a handwashing station. Respondents used bar soap (91% [201]) and laundry detergent cakes (39% [85]) for handwashing as well as for bathing and laundry. Ninety-eight percent of households had bar soap present on at least one visit, although only 50% had bar soap at every visit during the 2-month period. Fieldworkers observed a soap fragment on the wall near the latrine in 27% (470) of visits. Households consumed a mean 1.5 g of bar soap and 3.2 g detergent cake per person per day. Daily per capita soap consumption was similar in households visited by fieldworkers after different intervals (2, 3, 4, or 5 days). Soap consumption was not associated with household wealth, education of the household head, the presence of a handwashing station, the presence of water or soap at a handwashing station, or palm inspections of the mother or child. Soap weight measurements were an objective, reliable measure of soap consumption that provided different information from other handwashing indicators. The frequent use of a soap product for purposes other than handwashing complicates using soap consumption as a handwashing measure.
A Retrospective Case–Control Study to Evaluate the Diagnostic Accuracy of Honeycomb Sign in Melioid Liver Abscess
Authors: Khiangte Hannah L. , Vimala Leena Robinson , Eapen Anu , Veeraraghavan Balaji , Karuppusami Reka , Gibikote Sridhar
Published: August 2018

Among pyogenic liver abscesses, melioid etiology is considered in endemic regions in the presence of known health or occupational risk factors. “Honeycomb sign,” used to describe an abscess with multiple internal septations dividing the abscess cavity into multiple loculations of comparable sizes on imaging, is a sensitive sign for melioid liver abscess. This is a retrospective case–control study investigating incidence, sensitivity, and specificity of “honeycomb sign” in melioid liver abscess, in a cohort of patients with culture-proven melioidosis infection. Abscesses ≥ 2 cm were analyzed for the honeycomb sign. P value < 0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Interobserver agreement was calculated between two radiologists for the presence of the sign, sensitivity, and specificity. A total of 40 abscesses were analyzed. Thirty-four abscesses (85%) manifested the honeycomb sign with interobserver agreement (kappa = 0.70 and 0.92). Sensitivity of the sign is 85% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 70–94%), specificity is 75% (95% CI: 59–87%), positive predictive value is 77% (95% CI: 62–88%), and negative predictive value is 83% (95% CI: 67–94%). If abscess size is ≥ 3 cm, the sensitivity is 91% (95% CI: 77–98%), specificity is 75% (95% CI: 59–87%), positive predictive value is 76% (95% CI: 61–88%), and negative predictive value is 91% (95% CI: 76–98%). Honeycomb sign is a novel imaging marker for melioid liver abscess. Increased awareness and recognition of this imaging feature has the potential to affect patient management.
Multiple Novel Mutations in Plasmodium falciparum Chloroquine Resistance Transporter Gene during Implementation of Artemisinin Combination Therapy in Thailand
Authors: Buppan Pattakorn , Seethamchai Sunee , Kuamsab Napaporn , Harnyuttanakorn Pongchai , Putaporntip Chaturong , Jongwutiwes Somchai
Published: August 2018

Mutations in the chloroquine resistance transporter gene of Plasmodium falciparum (Pfcrt) are associated with drug susceptibility status of chloroquine and other antimalarials that interfere with heme detoxification process including artemisinin. We aim to investigate whether an increase in duration of artemisinin combination therapy (ACT) in Thailand could affect mutations in Pfcrt. The complete coding sequences of Pfcrt and dihydrofolate reductase (Pfdhfr), and size polymorphisms of the merozoite surface proteins-1 and 2 (Pfmsp-1 and Pfmsp-2) of 189 P. falciparum isolates collected during 1991 and 2016 were analyzed. In total, 12 novel amino acid substitutions and 13 novel PfCRT haplotypes were identified. The most prevalent haplotype belonged to the Dd2 sequence and no wild type was found. A significant positive correlation between the frequency of Pfcrt mutants and the year of sample collection was observed during nationwide ACT implementation (r = 0.780; P = 0.038). The number of haplotypes and nucleotide diversity of isolates collected during 3-day ACT (2009–2016) significantly outnumbered those collected before this treatment regimen. Positive Darwinian selection occurred in the transmembrane domains only among isolates collected during 3-day ACT but not among those collected before this period. No remarkable change was observed in the molecular indices for other loci analyzed when similar comparisons were performed. An increase in the duration of artesunate in combination therapy in Thailand could exert selective pressure on the Pfcrt locus, resulting in emergence of novel variants. The impact of these novel haplotypes on antimalarial susceptibilities requires further study.
Thoroughness and Psychometrics of Fidelity Measures in Occupational and Physical Therapy: A Systematic Review
Authors: Hand Brittany N. , Darragh Amy R. , Persch Andrew C.
Published: August 2018

OBJECTIVE. This study evaluated the thoroughness and psychometric properties of fidelity measures used by or of relevance to occupational or physical therapy.

METHOD. A systematic review of the literature was completed. Assessments used to measure occupational or physical therapy intervention fidelity were evaluated for thoroughness, reliability, validity, and clinical utility.

RESULTS. Eight fidelity measures met inclusion criteria for this systematic review. Most of the measures had moderate levels of thoroughness in the coverage of key aspects of fidelity, reported adequate to excellent reliability and validity, and were highly variable in clinical utility.

CONCLUSION. Additional research is recommended to validate existing occupational or physical therapy fidelity measures and to develop novel measures for other occupational therapy and physical therapy interventions. Clinicians and researchers must place greater emphasis on the development and implementation of fidelity measures to ensure uniformity in intervention delivery and high-quality, evidence-based care.
Knee flexion and extension strength in young Brazilian soccer players: the effect of age and position
Authors: Herdy Carlos Vinicius , Galvao Pauliana , Silva Gabriel Costa e , Ramos Sarah , Simao Roberto , Pedrinelli Andre , Mansur Sandro , Goncalves Daniel , Paschalis Vassilis
Published: August 2018

Purpose

To compare isokinetic knee flexors and extensors concentric muscle strength in young soccer players of different ages and playing positions.

Methods

Seventy-seven young male soccer players were divided into 3 age categories: U-15, U-17, and U-20, with the consideration of 4 game positions: goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards. The concentric tests of the hamstrings (Hcon) and quadriceps (Qcon) were performed at 30°/s, 60°/s, and 180°/s, and the ratio of 180°/30° was calculated.

Results

The values of Qcon for the U-15 turned out significantly lower in comparison with the U-20 in 30°/s and 180°/s and in the 180°/30° ratio. The Hcon values for the U-15 were significantly lower than for the U-20 at 30°/s, 60°/s, 180°/s, as well as in the 180°/30° ratio. Strength levels were shown to be significantly different between the 3 analysed categories.
The goalkeepers presented with Qcon and Hcon values significantly higher than the other playing positions, regardless of the angular velocity used.

Conclusions

U-15, U-17, and U-20 athletes do not have the same level of strength. The goalkeepers demonstrated high strength values, suggesting the importance of specific training for each game position.
Quantification of match internal load and its relationship with physical fitness and recovery state of professional soccer athletes during the competitive period
Authors: Novack Luiz Fernando , Souza Gislaine Cristina de , Conde Juan Henrique Szymczak , Souza Rafael Octaviano de , Osiecki Raul
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The aim of the study was to determine the level of physical fitness, internal load, and recovery regarding 5 consecutive official professional soccer games and to correlate the physical fitness with the internal load and recovery variables.

Methods

The total of 11 male professional soccer athletes performed an incremental treadmill test, which allowed to assess their physical fitness, and then participated in 5 official soccer matches held within 8.3 ± 3.7 days. After each match, the perceived recovery, perceived muscle soreness, creatine kinase concentration, and session rating of perceived exertion were registered. The effect of the 5 consecutive games was tested with the repeated measures ANOVA and the correlations were examined with the Spearman coefficient. The significance level was set at p < 0.05.

Results

The internal load and recovery variables were similar throughout the games (p > 0.05). Significant correlations were found between internal load and physical fitness (ρ = 0.66) and between strain and recovery (ρ = –0.61).

Conclusions

The results suggest that soccer athletes with better aerobic fitness weary more during the game and present higher strain in the season; however, they recover faster between games.
Evaluation of the reliability of the 8-Second Skipping with Hand Clapping test in 5- and 6-year-old kindergarteners with the use of the test-retest method: methodological aspects and practical implications
Authors: Podstawski Robert , Konopka Stanislaw , Choszcz Dariusz , Merino-Marban Rafael , Romero-Ramos Oscar , Markovic Milos , Stojiljkovic Stanimir
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The aim of the study was to evaluate the reliability of the 8-s Skipping with Hand Clapping (8-s SHC) test performed by kindergarteners.

Methods

The study involved 60 girls and 57 boys (mean age: 67.80 ± 9.00 and 71.76 ± 6.43 months, respectively). The reliability of the 8-s SHC test was determined on the basis of the calculated values of correlation coefficients between the numbers of claps in 10 successive test trials. The ‘training trend’ hypothesis was verified by the Friedman test as well as Conover-Iman’s post-hoc test, which was additionally used to identify the trials of the 8-s SHC test that differed significantly in the number of claps.

Results

The values of correlation coefficients between the numbers of claps in 10 successive trials of the 8-s SHC test were within the range from acceptable reliability (0.80–0.90) to perfect reliability (0.95–0.99) in both girls and boys. Statistically significant differences between the numbers of claps in successive trials point to the presence of a ‘training trend.’
Those differences were observed up to the 3rd trial in boys and up to the 5th trial in girls.

Conclusions

The 8-s SHC test can be reliably used to assess speed abilities among kindergarteners. The ‘training trend’ should be eliminated before the test is used to evaluate the speed abilities of preschool children. A minimum number of repetitions (19 in girls and 15 in boys) have to be performed in advance for the final test to deliver reliable results.