bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long‐term cadmium exposure influences the abundance of proteins that impact the cell wall structure in Medicago sativa stems
Authors: Gutsch A. , Keunen E. , Guerriero G. , Renaut J. , Cuypers A. , Hausman J.‐F. , Sergeant K. 
Published: June 2018

Abstract

Cadmium (Cd) is a non‐essential, toxic heavy metal that poses serious threats to both ecosystems and human health. Plants employ various cellular and molecular mechanisms to minimise the impact of Cd toxicity and cell walls function as a defensive barrier during Cd exposure.

In this study, we adopted a quantitative gel‐based proteomic approach (two‐dimensional difference gel electrophoresis) to investigate changes in the abundance of cell wall and soluble proteins in stems of Medicago sativa L. upon long‐term exposure to Cd (10 mg·Cd·kg−1 soil as CdSO4). Obtained protein data were complemented with targeted gene expression analyses.

Plants were affected by Cd exposure at an early growth stage but seemed to recover at a more mature stage as no difference in biomass was observed. The accumulation of Cd was highest in roots followed by stems and leaves. Quantitative proteomics revealed a changed abundance for 179 cell wall proteins and 30 proteins in the soluble fraction upon long‐term Cd exposure. These proteins are involved in cell wall remodelling, defence response, carbohydrate metabolism and promotion of the lignification process.

The data indicate that Cd exposure alters the cell wall proteome and underline the role of cell wall proteins in defence against Cd stress. The identified proteins are linked to alterations in cell wall structure and lignification process in stems of M. sativa, underpinning the function of the cell wall as an effective barrier against Cd stress.
Easy Words: Reference Resolution in a Malevolent Referent World
Authors: Gleitman Lila R. , Trueswell John C. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThis article describes early stages in the acquisition of a first vocabulary by infants and young children. It distinguishes two major stages, the first of which operates by a stand‐alone word‐to‐world pairing procedure and the second of which, using the evidence so acquired, builds a domain‐specific syntax‐sensitive structure‐to‐world pairing procedure. As we show, the first stage of learning is slow, restricted in character, and to some extent errorful, whereas the second procedure is determinative, rapid, and essentially errorless. Our central claim here is that the early, referentially based learning procedure succeeds at all because it is reined in by attention‐focusing properties of word‐to‐world timing and related indicants of referential intent.
Drivers and strategies for avoiding overuse. A cross-sectional study to explore the experience of Spanish primary care providers handling uncertainty and patients’ requests
Authors: Mira José Joaquín , Carrillo Irene , Silvestre Carmen , Pérez-Pérez Pastora , Nebot Cristina , Olivera Guadalupe , González de Dios Javier , Aranaz Andrés Jesús María 
Published: June 2018

ObjectivesIdentify the sources of overuse from the point of view of the Spanish primary care professionals, and analyse the frequency of overuse due to pressure from patients in addition to the responses when professionals face these demands.DesignA cross-sectional study.SettingPrimary care in Spain.ParticipantsA non-randomised sample of 2201 providers (general practitioners, paediatricians and nurses) was recruited during the survey.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe frequency, causes and responsibility for overuse, the frequency that patients demand unnecessary tests or procedures, the profile of the most demanding patients, and arguments for dissuading the patient.ResultsIn all, 936 general practitioners, 682 paediatricians and 286 nurses replied (response rate 18.6%). Patient requests (67%) and defensive medicine (40%) were the most cited causes of overuse. Five hundred and twenty-two (27%) received requests from their patients almost every day for unnecessary tests or procedures, and 132 (7%) recognised granting the requests. The lack of time in consultation, and information about new medical advances and treatments that patients could find on printed and digital media, contributed to the professional’s inability to adequately counter this pressure by patients. Clinical safety (49.9%) and evidence (39.4%) were the arguments that dissuaded patients from their requests the most. Cost savings was not a convincing argument (6.8%), above all for paediatricians (4.3%). General practitioners resisted more pressure from their patients (x2=88.8, P<0.001, percentage difference (PD)=17.0), while nurses admitted to carrying out more unnecessary procedures (x2=175.7, P<0.001, PD=12.3).ConclusionSatisfying the patient and patient uncertainty about what should be done and defensive medicine practices explains some of the frequent causes of overuse. Safety arguments are useful to dissuade patients from their requests.
An international qualitative study exploring patients’ experiences of cutaneous leishmaniasis: study set-up and protocol
Authors: Erber Astrid Christine , Arana Byron , Bennis Issam , Ben Salah Afif , Boukthir Aicha , Castro Noriega Maria del Mar , Cissé Mamoudou , Cota Gláucia Fernandes , Handjani Farhad , Kebede Mairie Guizaw , Lang Trudie , López Carvajal Liliana , Marsh Kevin , Martinez Medina Dalila , Plugge Emma , Olliaro Piero 
Published: June 2018

IntroductionLack of investments in drug development, lack of standardisation of clinical trials and the complexity of disease presentations contribute to the current lack of effective, safe and adapted treatments for cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). One aspect concerns outcomes affecting patients’ quality of life (QoL): these are hardly assessed in trials, despite potential functional and/or aesthetic impairment caused by CL, which typically affects disadvantaged and vulnerable people living in rural areas. Here, we describe the approach used to bring perspectives of patients with CL into designing and assessing treatments.Methods and analysisThis international qualitative study uses interviews with patients to explore their experiences with CL to (1) elicit outcomes and eligibility criteria for clinical trials important to them and (2) to better understand their needs and views about the disease and their requirements and expectations from treatment. Here, we describe the set-up of this collaborative study and the protocol. Data collection is ongoing.The protocol includes study design, preparation, conduct and analysis of individual interviews with approximately 80 patients in seven countries (Burkina Faso, Brazil, two sites in Colombia, Iran, Morocco, Peru and Tunisia) where CL is prevalent. Principal investigators and sites were selected through an open call, and two workshops were organised for protocol development and training in conduct and analysis of qualitative health research. Patient recruitment aims at covering a maximum variation of experiences. Transcripts will be analysed to identify outcomes and eligibility criteria as well as further topics that are expected to emerge from the interviews, such as direct and indirect costs related to CL, its psychological impact, preferred modes of drug administration and traditional treatments.Ethics and disseminationThe study received ethical approval by the responsible committees of each of the participating institutions. Findings will be disseminated through publication in peer-reviewed journals, scientific meetings and to participants and their communities.
Voronovskaja’s theorem for functions with exponential growth
Authors: Tachev Gancho , Gupta Vijay , Aral Ali 
Published: June 2018

Abstract
In the present paper we establish a general form of Voronovskaja’s theorem for functions defined on an unbounded interval and having exponential growth.
The case of approximation by linear combinations is also considered. Applications are given for some Szász–Mirakyan and Baskakov-type operators.
Feasibility of a transition intervention aimed at adolescents with chronic illness
Authors: Hanghøj Signe , Boisen Kirsten A. , Schmiegelow Kjeld , Hølge-Hazelton Bibi 
Published: June 2018

Abstract

Background:
International guidelines recommend planned and structured transition programmes for adolescents with chronic illness because inadequate transition may lead to poor disease control and risk of lacking outpatient follow-up.

Objective:
To investigate the feasibility of a transition intervention aimed at adolescents with chronic illness focusing on declines, drop-outs, no-shows and advantages and disadvantages of participating.

Methods:
We invited 236 adolescents (12–20 years) with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) to participate in a randomised controlled trial (RCT) transition intervention. Reasons for decline and drop-outs were calculated. Adolescents’ experiences of advantages and disadvantages of participating and reasons for no-shows were investigated through focus groups and telephone interviews, which were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results:
One hundred and twenty of the 236 eligible patients declined to participate in the intervention and 20% dropped out during the intervention. Unspecified declines and practical issues were the most common reason to decline, and ‘do not wish to continue’ was the most common reason to drop-out. Reasons for no-shows were forgetting and being too busy. Advantages of participating were stated as ‘participating without parents’, ‘trust and confidentiality’, ‘being able to set the agenda’ and ‘responsiveness’. Disadvantages were ‘unclear aim of the study’, ‘meeting others with JIA’, ‘too few conversations’ and ‘transport issues’.

Conclusions:
Many adolescents had difficulties understanding the aim of the intervention. However, most participants appreciated the conversations about identity as well as the trust and confidentiality in the communication. In the future, adolescents should be offered more individually organised programmes according to their preferences and needs in cooperation with parents and health care providers.
Immaturity in puberty and negative attitudes toward reproductive health among Indonesian adolescents
Authors: Susanto Tantut , Saito Ruka , Syahrul  , Kimura Rumiko , Tsuda Akiko , Tabuchi Noriko , Sugama Junko 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBackground:Complex factors influence adolescents’ attitudes. Secondary sexual development and emotional changes are markers of puberty and affect attitudes toward reproductive health (RH). This is especially evident in the society and culture of Indonesia. This study examined the presence of immaturity at puberty and factors associated with negative attitudes toward RH among Indonesian adolescents.Methods:We conducted a cross-sectional study with 1040 students (aged 11–16 years) selected using multistage random cluster sampling. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire that included the illustrative questionnaire for interview surveys with young people and the pubertal development scale (PDS), modified in accordance with the Indonesian context. Data analysis used descriptive and comparative statistics and logistic regression analyses.Results:Immature pubertal development was higher in boys [22.7%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 14.7%–30.7%] than girls (18.4%, 95% CI: 11%–25.7%). However, negative attitudes were higher in girls (40.6%, 95% CI: 34.3%–46.8%) than boys (37.1%, 95% CI: 29.9%–44.7%). Factors associated with negative attitudes toward RH in both boys and girls were age, RH communication with parents, and pubertal development. Smoking was an additional factor in boys, whereas living in an urban area was an additional factor in girls. High knowledge about RH was associated with less negative attitudes toward RH in both boys and girls.Conclusion:Immaturity and factors that influence negative attitudes toward RH should be explored during puberty. Improving knowledge about RH may help to prevent negative attitudes toward RH, especially for girls in urban areas and boys with smoking habits.
A Contest of Payment Contracts: A Structural Approach on How Chinese Firms Coped with Default Risk of Trade Credit
Authors: Watanabe Mariko 
Published: June 2018

Abstract
During the transition period from a planned economy to a market economy in the 1990s of China, there was a considerable accrual of deferred payment, and default due to inferior enforcement institutions. This is a very common phenomenon in the transition economies at that time. The Chinese government attempted in vain to deal with this problem by legislation of related institutions and administrative control. Interviews with home electronics appliance firms revealed that firms were able to cope with this problem by adjusting their sales mechanisms (found four types), and the benefit of institutions was limited. A theoretical analysis here found that spot and integration are inferior to the two contract mechanisms in terms of cost and price: a contract with a rebate on volume and prepayment against an exclusive agent can realize the lowest cost and price, and maximize social welfare. Hence, through Bertrand price competition, any of two contract mechanisms is selected to dominate the supply behavior. The empirical part showed that sales contract mechanisms employed by the brand gradually converged into the one with a rebate on volume an against exclusive agent, as it realized the lowest cost. A firm who initiated this mechanism gained the largest share in the market. The competition is the driving force of the convergence of mechanisms and improvement risk management capacity.
Poly (vinyl alcohol)/nano-diamond composite films and hydrogels prepared by gamma ray
Authors: Frounchi Masoud , Dadbin Susan , Haddadi Sara 
Published: June 2018

Abstract
Poly (vinyl alcohol) and nano-diamond, PVA/ND, hydrogels were prepared and assessed as prosthetic material suitable for replacement of the nucleus pulposus. The hydrogels were prepared by gamma irradiation at various doses (15 kGy, 25 kGy, 35 kGy, 45 kGy) and at various ND concentrations ranging from 0.25 wt.% to 3 wt.%. Extent of gelation, equilibrium water content, and viscoelastic properties of swelled hydrogels at definite water contents were measured and examined as a function of ND concentration as well as gamma dose. According to viscoelastic measurements, the strength of hydrogels increased considerably over that of pure PVA at a low concentration of ND. By increasing irradiation dose, gel percent and strength of hydrogels increased. Hydrogel water content was in a range of 80 wt.% to 90 wt.% similar to that of natural nucleus pulposus. The G″ values of hydrogels were much smaller than G′ values indicating elastic behavior. Also PVA/ND nanocomposite films were prepared at various ND concentrations by solution casting. The ND particles were uniformly distributed within PVA films. Tensile modulus and strength of the films increased over pure PVA.
Collective Action Right as a Basic Human Right
Authors: Kaya Pir Ali , Güler Ceyhun 
Published: June 2018

Abstract
According to The European Social Charter, the European Convention on Human Rights, the ILO Conventions, the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights, the decisions of the European Social Rights Committee and the ILO supervisory bodies, the right to collective action is a democratic right that aims to protect and correct the economic and social interests of workers in the workplace or in another place appropriate for the purpose of action. The above-mentioned institutions accept the right to collective action as a fundamental human right. According to the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights, the right to collective action is regarded as a democratic right, including strike. In particular, the right to collective action is being used as a resistance mechanism against new working relations, which are imposed on working conditions, right to work and the right to organize. However, the tendency of this right to political field, leads to some debate about the legality of the right to collective action. In this context, In the decision of the European Court of Human Rights, the ILO's supervisory bodies and the European Committee on Social Rights, it is emphasized that collective action rights should be a basic human right. In this study, the legal basis of the right to collective action will be discussed in accordance with the decisions and requirements of the European Court of Human Rights and the decisions of the ILO supervisory bodies.
Risk management, corporate governance and financial performance of the banking system in Romania
Authors: Bunea Mariana , Dobre Florin , Popa Adriana Florina , Sahlian Daniela Nicoleta 
Published: June 2018

Abstract
The recent global financial crisis has raised a number of questions with regard to corporate governance of banking financial institutions. There was a series of “voices” that expressed their concern and even the lack of confidence in the role of corporate governance at the banking system level, and not only, in preventing the effects of this crisis. The main objective of this research is constituted by the study of the corporate governance influence at the banking system level in Romania on the risks management area and of banking financial performances. The used research methodology is predominantly quantitative. This methodology is based on a descriptive statistics, having as objective the analysis of corporate governance characteristics, the appreciation of the risks management level and the performances recorded at the level of the Romanian banking system. In the realisation of this study, the calculation of central tendency indicators, dispersion and form of distribution were used with the help of the SPSS software under Windows (Descriptive Statistics).
Key elements of an entrepreneurial (business) model in the biogas sector. Insights from Romania
Authors: Clodnițchi Roxana , Nedelcu Alexandra Cătălina 
Published: June 2018

Abstract
The current volatile economic environment and the evermore shorter technology cycles impact the way business is done today, especially in an emerging field like the renewable energy sector. Business modelling proves itself as an instrument, which may impact decisively the success or failure of a business. The aim of this article is to identify and present the key elements defining entrepreneurial models in the renewable energy field, as resulted from a synthesis of the recent literature available in journals indexed in international databases of mainstream publications about business models and entrepreneurial models as well as from empirical research performed in the past five years. The research result consists in a systematisation on past approaches on business modelling and the development and adaptation of the entrepreneurial model’s definition specific for the biogas sector.
The importance of human resources within the strategic direction and organizational success
Authors: Criveanu Maria Magdalena , Cârstina Silviu 
Published: June 2018

Abstract
The economic environment in Romania faces a series of turbulences generated by the political and social environment, and an avalanche of changes and fluctuations can destabilize the activity of an organization. As a consequence, organizations need to be as flexible as possible, able to adapt and integrate any kind of change. In this regard, a manager must study the type of organizational culture found at the company level and the way it can influence the results of the organization. A detailed investigation method belongs to researchers Kim Cameron and Robert E. Quinn who have proposed a model of culture analysis that involves identifying the type of dominant culture and recognizing behaviours which are specific to organizational dimensions such as: organizational leadership, employee management, strategic direction, or criteria of success. The present paper aims to analyze the type of objectives managers set for their employees (namely the strategic emphases dimension) and how they measure results (the criteria of success dimension) at the level of a private company in Romania. Thus, following the application of the Organizational Culture Assessment Instrument proposed by the two authors, we identified the type of culture that characterizes the two dimensions, the connection established between them, the possible inconsistencies between the present and the desired situation as perceived by the employees, as well as the type of correlation between the economic and financial indicators and the cultural profile that identifies the success. Such an analysis is very useful as it identifies a series of inconsistencies between the way the goals are set by the managers and the way to measure success, the two dimensions being in a tight interdependence. Thus, a discrepancy between the two dimensions can lead to conflicts at the organizational level, with the manager having a tendency to set a series of objectives (e.g. individual objectives), in fact pursuing other results (such as team results). In this respect, the aim of this paper is to identify a correlation between the objectives targeted by the manager, the way he measures success and the satisfaction of the employees with the current situation.
Freelancing - a new approach on the boundary between fragile and anti-fragile after the 2008 economic crisis
Authors: Damian Daniela , Susanu Irina Olimpia 
Published: June 2018

Abstract
Approaching freelancing, a topical subject in regards to human resources, especially after the economic crisis of 2008, places emphasis on the main advantages of integrating it in HR activity. The economic crisis has represented a critical moment for Romanian organisations and their HR activity, thus generating a series of negative effects on profit and the employees’ individual performances. Ameliorating these negative effects is the top managers’ task, just as much as it is the HR departments, whose role has evolved towards that of a mediator in charge of creating the most appropriate climate for achieving performance, efficiency and optimal results. In order to propose a healthy implementation process, with a view to indicating the phenomenon subjected to analysis, the first step was to analyze each employee’s individual performance metrics. Then, a mathematical modeling of performance with the human resource was developed, by applying an additional linear model on 4 major tasks of human resources spending and a report on performance was calculated - the cost being connected to implementingfreelancing in HR activity in the marketing department.The present study, therefore, provides a concrete solution to the great challenge found in HR management, which is assuring that there is concordance between making spending in HR as efficient as possible and ensuring a high level of motivation and increasing performance with human resources in the organization.