bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Marine algae of the Sulu Sea islands, Philippines III. Taxonomic account of the Gracilariaceae (Rhodophyta) from the Cuyo Islands
Authors: Liao Lawrence
Published: July 2024

The Cuyo Islands lie on the northern fringes of the vast Sulu Sea straddling between the westernmost Philippine island of Palawan and the central portion of the archipelago. A recent study revealed a high diversity of the benthic brown algae (Phaeophyceae) there. However, records of other algal groups like the green and red algae have been sporadic and few. This study is a survey of the representatives of the Gracilariaceae, a group of economically-important red algal species valued for its agar content. Collections were made by snorkeling and Scuba diving from shallow-water and subtidal habitats from 16 stations in six islands. Results revealed a total of five species of the Gracilariaceae distributed throughout the Cuyo Islands. As these species constitute a significant but untapped marine resource for commercial exploitation, the results of this survey will serve to provide useful baseline information for resource management, eventually contributing towards better livelihood generation and options in coastal villages.
STRATEGI BRANDING TRUST MART (UMKM PESAWARAN)
Authors: Budiono Danu , Prikurnia Anas Khair
Published: July 2024

Trust Mart   adalah sebuah toko ritel modern  yang dibangun dengan konsep syariah dengan pengelolaan berada di bawah CV BUMI INSTIDLA . Operasional dan pengembangan Trust Mart   di lakukan oleh program studi Rekayasa Perangkat Lunak, program studi Manajemen Ritel dan program studi Kewirausahaan. Sejak beroperasi 8 (delapan) bulan lalu sampai dengan saat ini terdeteksi beberapa kendala yang dihadapi untuk mencapai target operasional dan terget laba yang telah di tetapkan sebelumnya. Salah satu kendala yang di hadapi adalah belum dilakukannya strategi Branding  yang efektif dan efisien. Selain hal itu juga ada kendala lain yang harus segera di selesaikan akan menimbulkan kerugian secara finansial yang cukup besar walalupun usaha ini memiliki visi dan misi yang baik. Dengan strategi Branding  yang terintegrasi dengan strategi lainnya diharapkan dapat menciptakan Brand Awareness  Trust Mart  yang memiliki ciri khas dan keunikan tersendiri.Kata Kunci : Branding , Strategi Brand, Trust Mart.
PENGARUH KUALITAS PELAYANAN, HARGA, DAN NILAI PELANGGAN TERHADAP KEPUASAN KONSUMEN YANG DIMEDIASI OLEH VARIABEL WORD OF MOUTH (Studi Kasus Pada Usaha Barbershop di Kabupaten Tulang Bawang Barat)
Authors: Prikurnia Anas Khair , Kurniawan Rudi
Published: July 2024

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui pengaruh kualitas pelayanan, harga dan nilai pelanggan terhadap kepuasan konsumen yang dimediasi oleh variabel word of mouth pada usaha barbershop di Tulang Bawang Barat, pengaruh word of mouth dalam memediasi kualitas pelayanan,harga, dan nilai pelanggan terhadap kepuasan konsumen. Sampel dalam penelitian ini adalah konsumen yang sudah pernah menggunakan jasa barbershop. Analisis data penelitian ini menggunakan teknik persamaan struktural yang secara simultan dapat melakukan pengujian model pengukuran sekaligus pengujian model struktural dengan alat uji Smart PLS (Partial Least Square) versi 3. Hasil dari penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa kepuasan konsumen pada usaha barbershop di Kabupaten Tulang Bawang Barat dipengaruhi oleh variabel kualitas pelayanan dan variabel harga, variabel nilai pelanggan tidak berpengaruh signifikan terhadap kepuasan konsumen. Kualitas pelayanan dan harga yang dimediasi word of mouth berpengaruh signifikan terhadap kepuasan konsumen, adapun variabel nilai pelanggan yang dimediasi variabel word of mouth tidak berpengaruh signifikan terhadap variabel kepuasan konsumen.Kata kunci : Kualitas pelayanan, harga, nilai pelanggan, word of mouth, dan kepuasan konsumen
PENGARUH STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT TERHADAP PENGUNGKAPAN SUSTAINABILITY REPORT BERDASARKAN GLOBAL REPORTING INITIATIVE (GRI) G4 (Studi Empiris Pada Perusahaan Non-Keuangan yang Terdaftar di BEI Tahun 2018-2020)
Authors: Kusumawati Dewi
Published: July 2024

Penelitian ini  bertujuan  menganalisis  pengaruh  stakeholder  engagementyang terdiri dari: kepemilikan saham mayoritas, leverage dan ukuran perusahaan terhadap pengungkapan sustainability report. Populasi dari penelitian  ini adalah perusahaan   non-keuangan   yang   terdaftar   di   Bursa   Efek   Indonesia   (BEI). Pemilihan sampel ini menggunakan metode purposive sampling, dengan kriteria perusahaan  yang    menerbitkan    sustainability  report    terpisah  dari  laporan tahunan    pada  tahun  2018-2020.  Berdasarkan    metode purposive    sampling, jumlah   sampel perusahaan   yang   mempublikasikan sustainability   report (SR) adalah 60 perusahaan. Pengujian hipotesis menggunakan  metode  regresi  linear berganda. Hasil penelitian  ini menunjukkan bahwa kepemilikan saham mayoritas dan ukuran perusahaan   memiliki efek positif   dan   signifikan terhadap pengungkapan sustainability report. Sedangkan leverage memiliki efek negatif dan signifikan terhadap pengungkapan sustainability report.Kata   kunci:   Sustainability   Report, Stakeholder   Engagement, Kepemilikan Saham Mayoritas, Leverage, Ukuran Perusahaan.
ANALISIS BOSTON CONSULTING GROUP (BCG) PADA PORTOFOLIO PRODUK UNILEVER
Authors: Octavini Nanda Andreas , Adriani Weni Yunisa , Yana Nopi , Mandela Rolando
Published: July 2024

Tujuan dalam penelitian ini adalah untuk menganalisis matriks  Boston Consulting Group (BCG) pada portofolio produk Unilever dan merumuskan strategi pemasaran yang tepat berdasarkan analisis matriks Boston Consulting Group (BCG). Teknik pengumpulan data yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini yaitu studi pustaka dan wawancara. Metode analisis yang digunakan adalah matriks Boston Consulting Group (BCG). Berdasarkan hasil pemetaan pada  matriks Boston Consulting Group (BCG) dapat dijelaskan bahwa kesepuluh produk Unilever menempati kuadran (posisi) yang berbeda-beda yaitu :  pada kuadran I atau Question Mark ada empat produk yang dipetakan ke dalam kuadran ini yaitu Savory, Spread, Tea and Soy Beverages, House Hold Care. Produk tersebut memiliki tingkat pertumbuhan yang tinggi namun pangsa pasar yang rendah. Hal ini perlu ditingkatkan agar semua produk dapat bergeser ke posisi Star . Pada kuadran IV atau Dog ada enam produk yang berada dalam kuadran ini yaitu Skin Cleansing, Skin Care, Oral Care, Deodorant, dan Hair Care. Pada kuadran ini pertumbuhan produk sangat kecil dan pangsa pasar juga rendah. Oleh karena itu, perusahaan harus melakukan sesuatu agar produk tersebut tetap dapat bersaing dan berkembang dan bisa bergerak ke posisi Question Mark.
Peran Perempuan Dalam Pengembangan UMKM Berbasis Pengetahuan Khas Perempuan Kab. Pesawaran
Authors: Ariska N. Iis , Rochmawati Tiara
Published: July 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk meningkatkan keterlibatan perempuan dengan pengetahuan khusus dalam Usaha Mikro, Kecil, dan Menengah (UMKM). Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah UMKM di Kabupaten Pesawaran, khususnya dalam industri fesyen, kerajinan, dan kuliner. Sampel-sampel dikumpulkan menggunakan teknik purposive sampling. Analisis data dilakukan dengan menggunakan perangkat lunak SEMPLS 3.0. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa para pengusaha perempuan di industri-industri tersebut sangat menekankan pentingnya ekuitas pemilik sebagai modal awal. Baik pengusaha perempuan yang sudah menikah maupun yang belum menikah mendapatkan dukungan dari keluarga dalam menjalankan usaha mereka. Selain itu, perempuan-perempuan ini menunjukkan kemandirian yang luar biasa, terutama dalam pengembangan UMKM. Hal ini memungkinkan perempuan untuk menjadi mandiri secara finansial dan menciptakan peluang kerja tanpa bergantung pada orang lain. Selain itu, keterlibatan perempuan dalam pengembangan UMKM ini patut diapresiasi karena mereka memiliki kemampuan untuk mengelola keuangan, melakukan kegiatan bisnis, dan menjalankan pekerjaan sampingan secara bersamaan.
ANALISIS PERSPEKTIF MASYARAKAT DAN PELAKU UMKM PADA PENJUALAN BARANG THRIFT DI ONLINE SHOP
Authors: Rahmawati Yannisa , Sormin Rahma Diani , Julham Erdi
Published: July 2024

Penjual barang-barang thrifting di Indonesia saat ini sudah banyak dilakukan, thrifting bila dilihat dari sudut pandang pegiat lingkungan merupakan sebuah konsep yang dapat diterapkan guna menyelamatkan bumi, salah satunya dengan cara mengurangi sampah pakaian yang sulit terurai. Seiring berkembangnya penjualan barang thrifting di Indonesia, Menteri Perdagangan (Mendag) Zulkifli Hasan (Zulhas) mengatakan barang thrifting khusunya pakaian dapat merusak industri pakaian tekstil dalam negeri. Disisi lain anggota DPR RI Adian Napitupulu mengatakan tren thrifting (pembelian barang bekas) tidak mempengaruhi bisnis UMKM Indonesia. Tujuan penelitian ini dilakukan untuk mengetahui perspektif masyarakat sebagai konsumen serta pelaku UMKM yang merasa dirugikan atas maraknya penjualan barang bekas yang diimpor dari luar negeri. Metode penelitian yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah tipe penelitian deskriptif dengan pendekatan kualitatif. Hasil penelitian ini masyarakat memilih thrifting merupakan pilihan untuk orang yang ingin barang/produk branded tetapi tidak mampu membeli yang baru, namun tidak semua orang bersedia membeli barang bekas. Thrifting merupakan perilaku dan tidak semua orang memiliki perilaku yang sama. Pelaku UMKM menilai persaingan merupakan hal yang wajar, bagaimana pelaku UMKM meningkatkan penjualan melalui strategi pemasaran baik online maupun offline adalah yang lebih penting.
PENGARUH KUALITAS PELAYANAN DAN FASILITAS TRANSPORTASI ONLINE INDRIVER TERHADAP KEPUASAN KONSUMEN DI BANDAR LAMPUNG
Authors: Ichsan Amirul , Baiduri Aprilia , Kamila Anisa , Sanjaya Vicky f
Published: July 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menguji pengaruh kualitas Pelayanan dan fasilitas terhadap kepuasan konsumen pada transportasi online indriver bandar lampung. Variabel yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah Kualitas Pelayanan dan Fasilitas sebagai variabel independen, serta Kepuasan Konsumen sebagai variabel dependen. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kuantitatif. Jumlah sampel yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah sebanyak 59 responden. Dengan pengambilan sampel menggunakan metode teknik purposive sampling. Adapun metode pengumpulan data dilakukan menggunakan kuesioner. Hasil analisis dalam penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa variabel Kualitas Produk berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap Kepuasan, namun pada dan variabel fasilitas berpengaruh positif dan tidak signifikan sehingga dalam hal ini pihak InDriver dapat terus memberikan serta meningkatkan kenyamanan bagi para pelanggan    jasa transportasi online di Bandar Lampung.Kata Kunci :    Kualitas Pelayanan, Fasilitas, Indriver, Kepuasan Konsumen
PENGARUH KUALITAS PELAYANAN DAN KUALITAS PRODUK TERHADAP KEPUASAN PELANGGAN (STUDI KASUS PADA RUMAH MAKAN MAMI, LAMPUNG)
Authors: Mustofa Ahmad , Chosiatul azizah Ana , Triono Agus , Sanjaya Vicky f
Published: July 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh kualitas pelayaan, yaitu: Bukti fisik (tangibles); Reliabilitas (reliability); Daya tanggap (responsiveness); Jaminan (assurance); Empati (emphaty), serta pengaruh kualitas produk yaitu: 1) Performance (kinerja) berhubungan dengan karakteristik operasi dasar dari sebuah produk. 2) Durability (daya tahan) terhadap kepuasan pelanggan rumah makan mami Lampung dengan sampel sebanyak 93 orang pelanggan. Sampel dilakukan dengan pengambilan data melalui kuisioner. Analisis data menggunakan analisis PLS yang menunjukkan hasil bahwa kualitas pelayanan dan kualitas produk berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap kepuasan pelanggan.
STRATEGI MENINGKATKAN KEPUASAN PELANGGAN DI KEDAI KOPI DOESOEN COFFEE AND SPACE BANDAR LAMPUNG
Authors: Prikurnia Anas Khair , Adriani Weni Yunisa , Kurniawan Rudi
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACTThis research aims to determine strategies for increasing customer satisfaction through service quality at Bandar Lampung coffee shops with studies conducted at Doesoen Coffee Bandar Lampung coffee shops. This type of research uses explanatory research. The population in this research is consumers of the Doesoen Coffee and Space coffee shop. The sampling technique in this research was purposive sampling with a sample of 100 people who visited the coffee shop. Data was obtained from a questionnaire using Likert scale measurements. Based on research data analysis and data analysis, service quality with the dimensions of reliability, responsiveness, assurance and empathy has a significant positive effect on customer satisfaction. This shows that the influence of service quality with the dimensions of reliability, responsiveness, assurance and empathy can increase customer satisfaction at the Doesoen Coffee and Space coffee shop. Keywords: Service Quality, Customer Satisfaction, Doesoen Coffee and Space ABSTRAK Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui strategi dalam meningkatkan kepuasan pelanggan melalui kualitas pelayanan di kedai kopi Bandar Lampung dengan studi yang dilakukan di kedai kopi Doesoen Coffee Bandar Lampung. Jenis penelitian ini menggunakan Eksplanatory Research. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah konsumen kedai kopi Doesoen Coffee and Space. Teknik  pengambilan sampel dalam penelitian ini adalah Purposive Sampling dengan sampel 100 orang yang mengunjungi kedai kopi tersebut. Data diperoleh dari kuesioner menggunakan pengukuran skala likert. Berdasarkan analisis data penelitian dan analisis data, kualitas pelayanan dengan dimensi keandalan, daya tanggap, jaminan, dan empati berpengaruh positif signifikan terhadap kepuasan pelanggan, Hal ini menunjukkan bahwa pengaruh kualitas pelayanan dengan dimensi keandalan, daya tanggap, jaminan, dan empati dapat meningkatkan kepuasan pelanggan di kedai kopi Doesoen Coffee and Space.Kata Kunci: Kualitas Pelayanan, Kepuasan Pelanggan, Doesoen Coffee and Space
Analysis of rural tourism as the main tourism modality in natural environments
Authors: Noa Guerra Dailén , Mejía-Ríos Jennifer , Ramos Guzmán Francisco
Published: July 2024

Over the years, tourism has grown rapidly and managed to position itself as one of the main sectors of the economy. Due to its transformative nature, it is presented in natural environments with a varied range of offers and services, which place rural tourism as one of the main tourism modalities. Furthermore, the social, economic, and environmental dimensions are involved in the tourism management of these spaces, which guarantees the sustainability of tourist activities, taking into account the interests and needs of the local population. Based on these considerations, the objective of this article is to determine the importance of inserting rural tourism into the socioeconomic dynamics of rural areas; taking into account that they are spaces with the potential and capacities to manage initiatives or undertakings tempered with the particularities and development needs of the rural environment. To do this, a methodology with a predominantly qualitative approach was used, with documentary analysis as the main technique. The results were a detailed analysis of tourism management in rural areas based on the practical experience of the insertion of rural tourism in different countries. In conclusion, it was possible to confirm the importance of developing tourism management in rural areas through rural tourism, where tourism activity is seen as a fundamental complement that contributes to diversifying and revitalizing the local economy.
Physiological thermal responses of three Mexican snakes with distinct lifestyles
Authors: Figueroa-Huitrón Ricardo , Díaz de la Vega-Pérez Anibal , Plasman Melissa , Pérez-Mendoza Hibraim Adán
Published: July 2024

The impact of temperature on reptile physiology has been examined through two main parameters: locomotor performance and metabolic rates. Among reptiles, different species may respond to environmental temperatures in distinct ways, depending on their thermal sensitivity. Such variation can be linked to the ecological lifestyle of the species and needs to be taken into consideration when assessing the thermal influence on physiology. This is particularly relevant for snakes, which are a very functionally diverse group. In this study, our aim was to analyze the thermal sensitivity of locomotor performance and resting metabolic rate (RMR) in three snake species from central Mexico (Crotalus polystictus, Conopsis lineata, and Thamnophis melanogaster), highlighting how it is influenced by their distinctive behavioral and ecological traits. We tested both physiological parameters in five thermal treatments: 15 °C, 25 °C, 30 °C, 33 °C, and 36 °C. Using the performance data, we developed thermal performance curves (TPCs) for each species and analyzed the RMR data using generalized linear mixed models. The optimal temperature for locomotion of C. polystictus falls near its critical thermal maximum, suggesting that it can maintain performance at high temperatures but with a narrow thermal safety margin. T. melanogaster exhibited the fastest swimming speeds and the highest mass-adjusted RMR. This aligns with our expectations since it is an active forager, a high energy demand mode. The three species have a wide performance breadth, which suggests that they are thermal generalists that can maintain performance over a wide interval of temperatures. This can be beneficial to C. lineata in its cold habitat, since such a characteristic has been found to allow some species to maintain adequate performance levels in suboptimal temperatures. RMR increased along with temperature, but the proportional surge was not uniform since thermal sensitivity measured through Q10 increased at the low and high thermal treatments. High Q10 at low temperatures could be an adaptation to maintain favorable performance in suboptimal temperatures, whereas high Q10 at high temperatures could facilitate physiological responses to heat stress. Overall, our results show different physiological adaptations of the three species to the environments they inhabit. Their different activity patterns and foraging habits are closely linked to these adaptations. Further studies of other populations with different climatic conditions would provide valuable information to complement our current understanding of the effect of environmental properties on snake physiology.
Métodos quantitativos utilizados nas dissertações em um mestrado em administração
Authors: Pazetto Alexandre Zawaki , Soares Sandro Vieira , Nunes Nei Antônio , Lima Carlos Rogério Montenegro de
Published: July 2024

Este estudo buscou analisar os métodos quantitativos utilizados nas dissertações defendidas no Programa de Pós-Graduação em Administração da Universidade do Sul de Santa Catarina (PPGA/UNISUL), por meio de uma amostra que compreendeu 99 pesquisas publicadas até 2019 no Repositório Institucional da UNISUL (RIUNI). Os resultados apresentam um quadro com autoria predominantemente masculina (67,68%), com pesquisas na linha de pesquisa de Desempenho Organizacional (58,59%) e com abordagem qualitativa (44,44%). Os recursos ilustrativos empregados se caracterizam majoritariamente pelo uso simultâneo de figuras, gráficos, quadros e tabelas, ocorrendo em 41,41% das dissertações, ao passo que a utilização de 5 ou mais hipóteses é predominante dentre as 18 dissertações com abordagem quantitativa identificadas.
Actions as Means of Reconciliation in the Greco-Roman World: Its Hermeneutical Importance in Luke’s Gospel
Authors: Etukumana Godwin Akpan
Published: July 2024

Reconciliation is not a rhetorical nuance; rather, it implies several actions that must be carried out for it to be affected. Reconciliation as an ancient practice was something that ancient people could feel, touch and experience. Examining reconciliation as an ancient practice becomes necessary to shed light on this ancient and important practice. The practice of this process in the Greco-Roman world was carried out using several actions. These actions, and how such actions were used in defining the reconciliation process, were carefully examined. It was discovered that actions such as healing, rituals, eating of meals and exchange of gifts were some of the actions that ancient Greco-Romans used to achieve reconciliation. Examining some of these actions in the Greco-Roman world will help in the hermeneutical understating of the contemporary literature that existed during that period. The Gospel of Luke naturally fits into such ancient documents and its examination showed that the process of reconciliation was similar both in the Greco-Roman and the Gospel of Luke. Many actions of Jesus in Luke's Gospel are aimed at achieving the process of reconciliation. Keywords: Reconciliation, Greco-Roman, Rituals, Healing, Luke’s Gospel, Exchange, Meal
The Provision of Public Services under Conditions of Financial Stress: Evidence from Spanish Autonomous Communities
Authors: Zabalza Antoni ,   University of Valencia
Published: July 2024

The 2008 economic crisis had three consequences for Spanish regional governments: first, there was a substantial and sudden fall of their revenue, which they had no effective means to redress, while citizens demands for education, health and other services continued to increase as usual; second, their debt, which until then had been relatively small and stable, exploded to unknown levels; and third, there was a serious deterioration of the extent and quality of the set of public services provided by these governments. The first two consequences show up quite clearly in official statistics, while the third, on which arguably there is a high level of consensus among citizens, has not been systematically and formally documented. This article develops a simple model of public expenditure that explains these facts. It suggests that, under conditions of financial stress, it may be rational for regional governments to spend more than the resources they have, and thus to incur in debt finance, and at the same time to accept a deterioration of the extent and quality of the services provided to the public. More concretely, the model predicts that, if a meaningful measure of the gap between expenditure needs and revenue can be identified, then the optimal behaviour of governments is to absorb a part of this gap by borrowing and the rest by letting service provision to deteriorate. In a situation of financial stress, along with the traditional influence of revenue, demography plays a role of its own in the determination of governments’ behaviour. We test these hypotheses with a panel of data on expenditure, revenue and a series of indicators of expenditure need (essentially demographic indicators) of the fifteen “common regime” Spanish autonomous communities over the period that goes from 2007 to 2017. None of the predictions of the model is rejected by the data.
Artificial Neural Network Model for the Prediction of the Products of a Crude Distillation Column
Authors: K. C. Egemba , P. K. Igbokwe
Published: July 2024

An artificial neural network (ANN) model for predicting the flowrates and temperatures of the products of a crude distillation column in a refinery in West Africa was developed. The ANN model was based on the Bayesian Regularization Back Propagation (BRBP) algorithm, with 16 input and 10 output variables. Ninety sets of plant data were used for training and validating the model, while ten sets of data, different from those used for training, were used for testing the model. Another five sets of data with ±2 or more standard deviations from the mean of a variable were then used to evaluate the extrapolation capacity of the model. Model predictions for the testing dataset showed average percentage deviations between 0.08 and 0.49 for product flowrates, and between 0.04 and 0.09 for temperatures, respectively. Regression analysis on these data also indicated a good model fit for the predicted variables. For the sets of extrapolation data, average percentage deviations were between 2.67 and 19.95 for predicted flowrates, and between 0.67 and 1.98 for temperatures, respectively. Regression analysis showed a lack of model fit for both flowrates and temperatures. While the ANN model accurately predicted product flowrates and temperature for interpolating data, its limited capacity for extrapolation suggests potential challenges beyond the training dataset. These findings emphasise the importance of cautious interpretation and application of the model in scenarios beyond the scope of the training data.
The Relation between Executive Function and Emotion Regulation in 3-6-Year-Old Children: The Mediating Role of Language Ability
Authors: Zhu Lin
Published: July 2024

Abstract: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between executive function, emotion regulation and language ability in children aged 3-6 years. A total of 180 children from 10 kindergartens were selected as the research subjects. The results showed that executive function and language ability had a positive predictive effect on children's emotion regulation, and language ability played a complete mediating role in the relationship between executive function and emotion regulation. Studies have shown that preschool educators should pay attention to the development of children's language ability, so as to promote the development of children's executive function and emotional regulation ability.
Horizontal motion in elastic response to seasonal loading of rain water in the Amazon Basin and monsoon water in Southeast Asia observed by GPS and inferred from GRACE
Authors: Fu Yuning , Argus Donald F. , Freymueller Jeffrey T. , Heflin Michael B.
Published: November 2013

We find seasonal horizontal crustal motions observed by GPS positioning in elastic response to heavy rainfall in the Amazon Basin and to monsoons in Southeast Asia to be consistent with those inferred from Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) gravity observations of water mass loading. Solid Earth moves toward the Amazon during heavy spring rainfall and toward Southeast Asia during summer monsoons and back away from these areas 6 months later when the water load is minimum. Vertical oscillations observed by GPS and inferred from GRACE are 2 to 3 times larger than horizontal oscillation near the margins of the areas of large mass loading. Some discrepancies between GPS and GRACE are probably caused by local effects that influence GPS measurements, because the GPS sites that show significant discrepancies also do not match nearby GPS sites. However, when the load is short wavelength, the limited spatial resolution of GRACE can cause systematic misfits.
A Self‐Improved Water‐Oxidation Catalyst: Is One Site Really Enough?
Authors: López Isidoro , Ertem Mehmed Z. , Maji Somnath , Benet‐Buchholz Jordi , Keidel Anke , Kuhlmann Uwe , Hildebrandt Peter , Cramer Christopher J. , Batista Victor S. , Llobet Antoni
Published: November 2013

The homogeneous catalysis of water oxidation by transition‐metal complexes has experienced spectacular development over the last five years. Practical energy‐conversion schemes, however, require robust catalysts with large turnover frequencies. Herein we introduce a new oxidatively rugged and powerful dinuclear water‐oxidation catalyst that is generated by self‐assembly from a mononuclear catalyst during the catalytic process. Our kinetic and DFT computational analysis shows that two interconnected catalytic cycles coexist while the mononuclear system is slowly and irreversibly converted into the more stable dinuclear system: an extremely robust water‐oxidation catalyst that does not decompose over extended periods of time.
Poly(ε‐caprolactone) composite scaffolds loaded with gentamicin‐containing β‐tricalcium phosphate/gelatin microspheres for bone tissue engineering applications
Authors: Aydemir Sezer Umran , Arslantunali Damla , Aksoy Eda Ayse , Hasirci Vasif , Hasirci Nesrin
Published: November 2013

In this study, novel poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) composite scaffolds were prepared for bone tissue engineering applications, where gentamicin‐loaded β‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP)/gelatin microspheres were added to PCL. The effects of the amount of β‐TCP/gelatin microspheres added to the PCL scaffold on various properties, such as the gentamicin release rate, biodegradability, morphology, mechanical strength, and pore size distribution, were investigated. A higher amount of filler caused a reduction in the mechanical properties and an increase in the pore size and led to a faster release of gentamicin. Human osteosarcoma cells (Saos‐2) were seeded on the prepared composite scaffolds, and the viability of cells having alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was observed for all of the scaffolds after 3 weeks of incubation. Cell proliferation and differentiation enhanced the mechanical strength of the scaffolds. Promising results were obtained for the development of bone cells on the prepared biocompatible, biodegradable, and antimicrobial composite scaffolds. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2014,131, 40110.
Bioengineering virus‐like particles as vaccines
Authors: Lua Linda H.L. , Connors Natalie K. , Sainsbury Frank , Chuan Yap P. , Wibowo Nani , Middelberg Anton P.J.
Published: November 2013

Virus‐like particle (VLP) technology seeks to harness the optimally tuned immunostimulatory properties of natural viruses while omitting the infectious trait. VLPs that assemble from a single protein have been shown to be safe and highly efficacious in humans, and highly profitable. VLPs emerging from basic research possess varying levels of complexity and comprise single or multiple proteins, with or without a lipid membrane. Complex VLP assembly is traditionally orchestrated within cells using black‐box approaches, which are appropriate when knowledge and control over assembly are limited. Recovery challenges including those of adherent and intracellular contaminants must then be addressed. Recent commercial VLPs variously incorporate steps that include VLP in vitro assembly to address these problems robustly, but at the expense of process complexity. Increasing research activity and translation opportunity necessitate bioengineering advances and new bioprocessing modalities for efficient and cost‐effective production of VLPs. Emerging approaches are necessarily multi‐scale and multi‐disciplinary, encompassing diverse fields from computational design of molecules to new macro‐scale purification materials. In this review, we highlight historical and emerging VLP vaccine approaches. We overview approaches that seek to specifically engineer a desirable immune response through modular VLP design, and those that seek to improve bioprocess efficiency through inhibition of intracellular assembly to allow optimal use of existing purification technologies prior to cell‐free VLP assembly. Greater understanding of VLP assembly and increased interdisciplinary activity will see enormous progress in VLP technology over the coming decade, driven by clear translational opportunity. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2014;111: 425–440. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dopamine‐loaded poly(d,l‐lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) microspheres: New strategy for encapsulating small hydrophilic drugs with high efficiency
Authors: Shin Mikyung , Kim Hong Kee , Lee Haeshin
Published: November 2013

The effective controlled release of small hydrophilic drugs from poly(d,l‐lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres has remained a challenge, largely due to the difficulty of loading a large amount of the drug inside the microspheres, owing to the hydrophilicity of the drugs. This study provides a new strategy for increasing encapsulation of small hydrophilic drugs inside PLGA microspheres by utilizing noncovalent, physical adsorption between hydrophilic drugs and emulsifying polymers of poly(vinyl alcohol) and pluronic. An order of magnitude increase in drug loading efficiency from 2.7 to 18.6% for dopamine, a model small hydrophilic drug, was achieved. The large amount of dopamine‐loaded PLGA formulation herein could be useful for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 30:215–223, 2014
In situ butanol recovery from Clostridium acetobutylicum fermentations by expanded bed adsorption
Authors: Wiehn Michael , Staggs Kyle , Wang Yuchen , Nielsen David R.
Published: November 2013

Although butanol is a promising biofuel, its fermentative production suffers from inhibition caused by end product toxicity. The in situ removal of butanol from cultures via expanded bed adsorption offers an effective strategy for mitigating the effects of product toxicity while eliminating the need to clarify cultures via microfiltration. The hydrophobic polymer resin Dowex Optipore L‐493 was found to be both an effective butanol adsorbent and suitable for use in expanded bed adsorption. Recirculation rates through the adsorption column were strongly correlated with and ultimately controlled rates of butanol uptake from the media which, reaching as high as 41.1 g/L h, easily exceed those of its production in a typical fermentation. Vacuum application with vapor collection was found to be an effective means of adsorbent regeneration, with an average of 81% butanol recovery possible, with butanol concentrations in the cold trap reaching as high as 85.8 g/L. Integration of expanded bed adsorption with a fed‐batch Clostridium acetobutylicum ATCC 824 fermentation and its continuous operation for 38.5 h enabled the net production (i.e., in solution and adsorbed) of butanol and total solvent products at up to 27.2 and 40.7 g/L of culture, respectively, representing 2.2‐ and 2.3‐fold improvements over conventional batch culture. While adsorbent biofouling was found to be minimal, further investigation of biofouling in longer‐term studies will provide useful and further insight regarding the robustness of the process strategy. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 30:68–78, 2014
Effect of Heme–Heme Interactions and Modulation of Metal Spins by Counter Anions in a Series of Diiron(III)‐μ‐hydroxo Bisporphyrins: Unusual Stabilization of Two Different Spins in a Single Molecular Framework
Authors: Ghosh Sudip Kumar , Bhowmik Susovan , Sil Debangsu , Rath Sankar Prasad
Published: November 2013

A new family of five ethene‐bridged diiron(III)‐μ‐hydroxo bisporphyrins with the same core structure but different counter anions, represented by the general formula [Fe2(bisporphyrin)]OH⋅X (X=counter anion), is reported herein. In these complexes, two different spin states of Fe are stabilized in a single molecular framework. Protonation of the oxo‐bridged dimer 1 by strong Brønsted acids such as HI, HBF4, HPF6, HSbF6, and HClO4 produces the μ‐hydroxo complexes with I5− (2), BF4− (3), PF6− (4), SbF6− (5), and ClO4− (6) as counter anions, respectively. The X‐ray structures of 2 and 6 have been determined, which provide a rare opportunity to investigate structural changes upon protonation. Spectroscopic characterization has revealed that the two iron(III) centers in 2 are nonequivalent with nearly high and admixed‐intermediate spins in both the solid state and solution. Moreover, the two different FeIII centers of 3–5 are best described as having admixed‐high and admixed‐intermediate spins with variable contributions of S=5/2 and 3/2 for each state in the solid, but two different admixed‐intermediate spins in solution. In contrast, the two FeIII centers in 6 are equivalent and are assigned as having high and intermediate spin states in the solid and solution, respectively. The X‐ray structures reveal that the FeO bond length increases on going from the μ‐oxo to the μ‐hydroxo complexes, and the Fe‐O(H)‐Fe unit becomes more bent, with the dihedral angle decreasing from 150.9(2)° in 1 to 142.3(3)° and 143.85(2)° in 2 and 6, respectively. Variable‐temperature magnetic data have been subjected to a least‐squares fitting using the expressions derived from the spin Hamiltonians H=−2JS1⋅S2−μ⋅B+D[${S{{2\hfill \atop z\hfill}}}$−1/3S(S+1)] (for 2, 3, 4, and 5) and H=−2JS1⋅S2 (for 6). The results show that strong antiferromagnetic coupling between the two FeIII centers in 1 is attenuated to nearly zero (−2.4 cm−1) in 2, whereas the values are −46, −32.6, −33.5, and −34 cm−1 for 3, 4, 5, and 6, respectively.
Fluorescently Labeled Substrates for Monitoring α1,3‐Fucosyltransferase IX Activity
Authors: Lunau Nathalie , Seelhorst Katrin , Kahl Stefanie , Tscherch Kathrin , Stacke Christina , Rohn Sascha , Thiem Joachim , Hahn Ulrich , Meier Chris
Published: November 2013

Fucosylation is often the final process in glycan biosynthesis. The resulting glycans are involved in a variety of biological processes, such as cell adhesion, inflammation, or tumor metastasis. Fucosyltransferases catalyze the transfer of fucose residues from the activated donor molecule GDP‐β‐L‐fucose to various acceptor molecules. However, detailed information about the reaction processes is still lacking for most fucosyltransferases. In this work we have monitored α1,3‐fucosyltransferase activity. For both donor and acceptor substrates, the introduction of a fluorescent ATTO dye was the last step in the synthesis. The subsequent conversion of these substrates into fluorescently labeled products by α1,3‐fucosyltransferases was examined by high‐performance thin‐layer chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry as well as dual‐color fluorescence cross‐correlation spectroscopy, which revealed that both fluorescently labeled donor GDP‐β‐L‐fucose‐ATTO 550 and acceptor N‐acetyllactosamine‐ATTO 647N were accepted by recombinant human fucosyltransferase IX and Helicobacter pylori α1,3‐fucosyltransferase, respectively. Analysis by fluorescence cross‐correlation spectroscopy allowed a quick and versatile estimation of the progress of the enzymatic reaction and therefore this method can be used as an alternative method for investigating fucosyltransferase reactions.
High Ni Levels in Soil Can Modify Growth Performance and Mineral Status of Wheat Cultivars
Authors: Sabir Muhammad , Hakeem Khalid Rehman , Aziz Tariq , Zia‐ur‐Rehman Muhammad , Rashid Irfan , Ozturk Munir
Published: November 2013

Nickel (Ni) contamination in soil is a widespread problem in this era of industrial development. Plant cultivars respond differentially to Ni contamination in soil. In the present study, we have investigated the effect of different Ni levels to the growth and mineral status of two wheat cultivars (Sehar‐2006 and LU‐26). Five different levels of Ni as NiSO4 · 4 H2O (0, 30, 45, 60, and 75 mg kg−1) were applied to soil in the pots. LU‐26 performed better compared to Sehar‐2006 in terms of dry weight production and physiological parameters. LU‐26 contained higher Ni in roots compared to Sehar‐2006, but the Ni concentration in shoots of both the cultivars was similar. LU‐26 translocated less Ni toward the shoot compared to Sehar‐2006 indicating the exclusion of Ni from shoots and retaining it in roots by LU‐26 as evident from bioconcentration and translocation factors. Contradictly, Sehar‐2006 translocated more Ni from root to shoot indicating its tolerance to Ni. Ni increased manganese (Mn) in shoots of Sehar‐2006 and LU‐26 up to 60 and 30 mg kg−1, respectively. Ni decreased copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) concentration in shoots of both cultivars, however Zn concentration in roots increased at all levels of Ni. LU‐26 excluded Ni from shoots and Sehar‐2006 accumulated Ni in shoots. The present study helps in understanding the process of metal uptake and distribution during the early growth stages of the plant and can signify overall potential of a crop for its exploitation on contaminated soils.
The single‐crystal nmr experiment: An experimentalist's guide: Part I: Experimental aspects and symmetry considerations
Authors: Kennedy Michael A. , Ellis Paul D.
Published: November 2013

Crystallographic alignment of both orthogonal and oblique crystal systems via standard camera methods (Weissenberg and Laue methods) is explained. A method to determine whether or not nuclei at symmetry‐related crystal lattice sites are distinguishable by NMR is presented. The constraints of crystallographic symmetry on the symmetry and orientation of the shielding tensor are discussed.
A Method for Reducing the Dead‐Time Voltage and Impedance Voltage in a Series Voltage Compensator
Authors: Nakata Atsushi , Nozaki Masahiro , Torii Akihiro , Ueda Akiteru
Published: November 2013

Many research groups are developing series voltage compensators. In a series converter, since a transformer is used in series in the power system, the power system current flows into the voltage source inverter through the transformer. The inverter current, which is determined by the transformation ratio, gives rise to an error voltage that consists of a dead‐time voltage and an impedance voltage. The error voltage is generated even when the reference voltage is zero. This paper describes the mechanism by which the error voltage occurs and proposes a method for reducing the error voltage. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 186(3): 85–93, 2014; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.22333
Study of Crystal Structure and Magnetic Properties of a 1,3,2‐Dithiazolyl Radical Crystal, BBDTA·Cl
Authors: Fujita Wataru , Kikuchi Koichi
Published: November 2013

We investigate the crystal structure and magnetic properties of an organic radical cation salt, BBDTA·Cl, based on the monocation of benzo[1,2‐d:4,5‐d′]bis[1,3,2]dithiazolyl (BBDTA) with one unpaired electron (spin quantum number S = 1/2) and a chloride anion. This material exhibits paramagnetic behavior with strong antiferromagnetic interactions between the radical species at around room temperature and a paramagnetic‐to‐diamagnetic phase transition with no thermal hysteresis at around 150 K. X‐ray diffraction analysis indicates that the BBDTA+ cations form two types of regular π‐stacking columns and short interatomic contacts between the columns at 200 K. At 90 K, lattice distortion is observed that accompanies the dimerization of the BBDTA+ cations in the π‐stacking columns. This indicates that the origin of the magnetic change can be related to the structural change. The lattice parameters decreased monotonically and continuously with decrease in temperature around the transition temperature, whereas the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) curve did not indicate any peak that corresponded to lateral heat. This essentially suggests second‐order characteristics of the phase transition. Molecular‐orbital calculations reveal that the magnetic interactions between the neighboring BBDTA+ cations in the π‐stacking column are much stronger than the magnetic interactions between the columns, thereby suggesting that this material has one‐dimensional magnetic characteristics in the higher‐temperature region. This can be related to the spin‐Peierls‐like transition at around 150 K, in contrast to first‐order characteristics of paramagnetic‐to‐diamagnetic phase transitions in some organic radicals with structural features similar to that of BBDTA·Cl. Differences in the phase‐transition character between them have also been discussed.
Pharmaceutical Pricing in Emerging Markets: Effects of Income, Competition, and Procurement
Authors: Danzon Patricia M. , Mulcahy Andrew W. , Towse Adrian K.
Published: November 2013

This paper analyzes determinants of ex‐manufacturer prices for originator and generic drugs across countries. We focus on drugs to treat HIV/AIDS, TB, and malaria in middle and low‐income countries (MLICs), with robustness checks to other therapeutic categories and the full income range of countries. We examine the effects of per capita income, income dispersion, competition from originator and generic substitutes, and whether the drugs are sold to retail pharmacies versus tendered procurement by non‐government organizations.

The cross‐national income elasticity of prices is 0.27 across the full income range of countries but is 0.0–0.10 between MLICs, implying that drugs are least affordable relative to income in the lowest income countries. Within‐country income inequality contributes to relatively high prices in MLICs. Although generics are priced roughly 30% lower than originators on average, the variance is large. Additional generic competitors only weakly affect prices, plausibly because generic quality uncertainty leads to competition on brand rather than price. Tendered procurement that imposes quality standards attracts multinational generic suppliers and significantly reduces prices of originator and generic drugs, compared with their respective prices to retail pharmacies. ©2013 The Authors. Health Economics Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Preparation and Properties of B‐Trifluoro‐, B‐Triiodo‐ and B‐Triazidoborazines
Authors: Muszkat K. A. , Hill L. , Kirson B.
Published: November 2013

B‐Trifluoro‐, B‐triiodo‐ and B‐triazidoborazines were prepared by the reaction of B‐trichloroborazines with sodium fluoride, sodium iodide and sodium azide respectively, in suitable solvents. The reaction of B‐trifluoro‐N‐triphenyl borazine with Grignard reagents was studied.
The Synthesis of Dl‐Threo‐α‐Hydroxy‐β‐Aminobutyric Acid
Authors: Liwschitz Y. , Singerman A. , Luwish M.
Published: November 2013

DL‐threo‐α‐Hydroxy‐β‐aminobutyric acid was synthesized stereospecifically by reaction of cis‐αβ‐epoxybutyric acid with benzylamine and catalytic hydrogenolysis of the N‐benzyl derivative. cis‐Crotonic acid was obtained in quantitative yield by reduction of tetrolic acid with a palladium on barium sulphate catalyst poisoned with quinoline.
Sesquiterpene Lactones from Inula helenium
Authors: Kashman Y. , Lavie D. , Glotter E.
Published: November 2013

Three new eudesmane type sesquiterpene lactones (I). (II) and (IIIa) have been isolated from the roots of Inula helenium L. (Compositae), in addition to the known alantolactone and isoalantolactone.
The Complexes of 2‐Acetylpyridine with Cu2+, Ni2+ and Co2+. I. Tautomerism Induced by Complex Formation
Authors: Kirson B.
Published: November 2013

Copper, nickel and cobalt complexes with 2‐acetylpyridine were investigated. The spectra and color of these complexes are identical and do not depend on the metal ion used. The complex formation promotes the enolization of 2‐acetylpyridine. With the above metal ions, 2‐acetylpyridine gives complexes with and without electrical charge.
Surface Conductivity in Sodium Clays
Authors: Cremers A.
Published: November 2013

The formalism for describing the electrical conductivity of clay‐water systems in terms of a Formation Factor and a surface conductivity is reexamined. Surface conductivity values obtained on this basis, are tabulated for five Na‐clays: two montmorillonites, two kaolinites and an illite. They vary from about 4 · 10−9Mhos for kaolinite to 2 · 10−9for montmorillonite. Using the double layer approach to surface conductivity, it is shown that these values are very useful for estimating the potential at the slipping plane. Except for montmorillonite at low salt concentration ( < 0.01 N), the zeta potentials obtained from surface conductivity are consistent with a slipping plane at 4–7 Å from the clay surface.
Dissolution of Palygorskite by Hydrochloric Acid
Authors: Nathan Y.
Published: November 2013

The dissolution of palygorskite by hydrochloric acid was studied by X‐ray, thermal, chemical and electron microscopy methods. The course of the dissolution process depends on the conditions of attack and the nature of the sample. Mild treatment results in preferential removal of Mg. Stronger attack dissolves the whole octahedral layer leaving a silicate gel which maintains most of the original external morphology. Palygorskite from Quincey with a higher Mg content is more susceptible to acid attack than Palygorskite from Amram which has a higher Al content.
Flocculation of Clay Suspensions in the Presence of Humic and Fulvic Acids
Authors: Narkis Nava , Rebhun M. , Sperber H.
Published: November 2013

Surface waters which contain suspended clay and organic matter, differ strongly in response to flocculation from suspensions of “pure” reference clays in controlled systems. The mechanism of interference was investigated by means of a synthetic system, consisting of suspensions of reference clay with humic and fulvic acid added. These organic soil acids increase the colloidal stability of the suspension. Due to chemical reaction taking place between the organic acids and the cationic flocculant, higher flocculant doses were required in systems where interaction of clay and organic matter occurred.