bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of start-up incubators in cooperation networks from the perspective of resource dependence and interlocking directorates
Authors: Galvão Anderson , Marques Carla , Franco Mário , Mascarenhas Carla 
Published: April 2019

PurposeBased on resource dependence theory and the concept of interlocking directorates, the purpose of this paper is to understand the importance of networks for start-ups and the role incubators play in these companies’ networking processes.Design/methodology/approachThe research was conducted through semi-structured interviews with the entrepreneurs responsible for three start-ups and the heads of their incubators. The interview data were subjected to content analysis using NVivo software.FindingsThe results indicate that start-ups often resort to networks to overcome their weak reputations and scarce resources. Incubators play a quite important role in this process since they promote events that encourage the creation of partnerships and networks either between start-ups within the same incubator or with external institutions. In addition, the results reveal that most cooperation networks are informal and that they fulfil needs that start-ups are not yet able to meet themselves, for example, when they compete for public tenders.Practical implicationsThe present study explored this topic from two perspectives (i.e. start-ups and incubators). This approach facilitated the identification of the main features upon which start-ups depend, the entities to which these companies turn for help, the kind of communication in which they usually engage, the primary advantages of establishing cooperation networks and the main types of support given by incubators.Originality/valueMost studies of cooperation networks are based on transaction cost economics, a resource-based perspective and/or institutional theory. In contrast, this study innovated by applying resource dependence theory and the concept of interlocking directorates, which provided an alternative explanation regarding cooperation networks’ importance to start-ups and incubators’ roles in these companies’ networking processes.
Gaps in food security, food consumption and malnutrition in households residing along the baobab belt in Kenya
Authors: Momanyi Dorah Kwamboka , Owino Willis O. , Makokha Anselimo , Evang Esther , Tsige Habte , Krawinkel Michael 
Published: April 2019

PurposeThis paper aims to describe food insecurity status, food consumption patterns of households and nutritional status of families residing along the baobab belt in Kitui and Kilifi counties of Kenya. It also explores associations between these and household socio-demographic characteristics.Design/methodology/approachA cross-sectional study design was performed with a sample of 216 caregiver/child pairs interviewed. Tablet-based semi-structured questions were used to obtain information on socio-demographic characteristics of children (6-13 years) and caregivers. Food insecurity status was assessed using the household food insecurity experience scale. Information on food consumption was obtained from qualitative 24-h recall as a basis for calculating a household dietary diversity score. Data were also obtained from a non-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements of children and caregivers’ height and weight were taken to assess their nutritional status. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science version 24 and WHO AnthroPlus 1.0.4.FindingsThe majority (98.2 per cent) of the households were food insecurity despite 81.5 and 57.4 per cent in Kitui and Kilifi counties, respectively, owning baobab trees. About 32.1 per cent of the households had poor dietary diversity scores (< 4). The prevalence of stunting (28.6 per cent), wasting (11.6 per cent) and underweight (25 per cent) rates among children were high. A significant association was observed between the children stunting rates with their age (p= 0.027), and also with household’s food security status (p< 0.001). Of the caregivers, 14.8 per cent were underweight, 18.1 per cent were overweight and 8.8 per cent were obese. There was significant association between the nutrition status of the caregivers and gender of the children (p< 0.001) and also with stunting rates of children (p= 0.047).Originality/valueThe study provides data on the current food security status and food consumption patterns of households and nutritional status of families residing along the baobab belt in Kenya which are mostly areas of marginal agricultural potential. The findings indicate a need for appropriate dietary improvements.
Long‐term heavy reindeer grazing promotes plant phosphorus limitation in arctic tundra
Authors: Sitters Judith , Cherif Mehdi , Egelkraut Dagmar , Giesler Reiner , Olofsson Johan 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

The potential of large mammalian herbivores to shift plant communities between nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) limitation has received little attention so far. However, herbivores can influence the cycling of these growth‐limiting nutrients, and thereby affect plant nutrient limitation and productivity. Tundra ecosystems are nutrient‐poor and commonly grazed by large herbivores like reindeer and may thus be responsive to such changes.

Here, we examined the effect of long‐term light and heavy reindeer grazing on nutrient limitation of plant growth in a Scandinavian arctic tundra. We are the first to conduct a factorial N and P fertilization experiment across the two grazing regimes in two functionally contrasting vegetation types: heath and meadow.

Annual primary productivity (APP) showed contrasting responses to our fertilization treatments under light and heavy grazing. Under light grazing, APP increased in response to N + P additions in both the heath and meadow. Under heavy grazing, APP increased in response to N in the heath, with an additional positive effect of N + P combined, while APP increased in response to P and N + P additions in the meadow.

These results clearly show that an increase in the grazing intensity of reindeer facilitated a shift towards more P‐limited conditions in Scandinavian arctic tundra, by increasing N cycling without having a corresponding positive effect on P cycling. In the N‐poor heath, reindeer increased soil N availability at least partly due to a shift towards more N‐rich graminoids, while in the meadow, reindeer decreased soil P availability. The mechanisms behind this decrease remain unclear, but reindeer may simply export more P from the system than N due to their large P demand for the production of their antlers.

Synthesis. We conclude that heavy and long‐term reindeer grazing promoted a more P‐limited tundra, thus experimentally confirming the potential of large mammalian herbivores to influence nutrient limitation of plant growth.

A plain language summary is available for this article.
Coexistence theory as a tool to understand biological invasions in species interaction networks: Implications for the study of novel ecosystems
Authors: Godoy Oscar 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Questions related to understanding which characteristics of the recipient communities make them vulnerable to invasion (i.e. invasibility) are commonly formulated in such a way that they consider ecological communities as whole entities. Yet, species within recipient communities have specific responses to the introduction of exotic species.

As a consequence, little is known about the role of species interaction networks within and between trophic levels in determining the invasion likelihood of exotics introduced in previously uninvaded communities and the temporal dynamics of invaded communities.

To obtain a mature understanding of invasion processes and their impacts, I propose here to apply a structural stability approach of species coexistence to the field of biological invasions. The main aim here is to distinguish how direct and indirect species’ responses to invasion in competitive and trophic networks translate to the mechanisms determining the maintenance and stability of species diversity in multispecies and multitrophic assemblages.

This approach brings the further opportunity to integrate the field of biological invasions within a broader perspective about the study of novel ecosystems, that is, ecosystems that contain exotic species and face new introductions sometimes under abrupt environmental changes. Moreover, it can help to target specific mechanisms separating winners from losers in novel ecosystems.

Synthesis. A solid framework to predict biological invasions and understand community assembly along temporal scales under novel ecosystems can be obtained by framing species’ responses to invasion within recent theoretical and methodological advances stemming from coexistence theory, which seeks to determine how diversity is maintained.

A plain language summary is available for this article.
Greek Diminutives in Gothic
Authors: Wolfe Brendan 
Published: April 2019

AbstractInvestigation of the outcomes of Greek diminutive nouns in the Gothic New Testament reveals a variety of translation strategies. The Gothic Version does not automatically carry over a word’s diminutive character. Most cases of Greek diminutives translated with Gothic diminutives are part of a Gothic pattern, centred on children. In other cases, the usual range of Gothic translation decisions are found, ranging from subtle discriminations to elisions of distinction.
Area Yield Index Insurance or Farm Yield Crop Insurance? Chinese Perspectives on Farmers' Welfare and Government Subsidy Effectiveness
Authors: Ye Tao , Hu Wuyang , Barnett Barry J. , Wang Jiwei , Gao Yu 
Published: April 2019

AbstractWe evaluate the performance of area yield crop insurance (AYCI) and farm yield crop insurance (FYCI) using farm‐level yield data from China, focusing on their effects on farmers' welfare, and their cost‐effectiveness in terms of government subsidy. Given a subsidy rate sufficient to generate a politically acceptable participation level, the price advantage of AYCI may no longer offset its higher basis risk, and consequently FYCI may be preferred by farmers. From the government's perspective, AYCI is the cheapest option to maintain reasonable farmer participation in insurance, but is not necessarily the most cost‐effective choice. Our findings suggest that, contrary to an assumption that informs many developing country agricultural insurance programmes, AYCI schemes are not necessarily preferred to FYCI. Decisions on the structure of a national agricultural insurance programme should be based on careful consideration of local conditions.
Value‐Chains in the Andes: Upgrading for Ecuador's Blackberry Producers
Authors: Alwang Jeffrey , Barrera Victor , Andrango Graciela , Dominguez Juan , Martinez Anibal , Escudero Luis , Montufar Carlos 
Published: April 2019

AbstractWe apply a value chain approach to examine how blackberry producers in Ecuador can improve production and marketing practices to obtain more favorable prices. Results show that general upgrading actions are associated with improved producer prices, and specific activities, such as seeking information from reputable sources can lead to substantial welfare improvements. The paper goes beyond most value chain studies which treat participation in a ‘modern’ value chain as a discrete state. Ecuador's blackberry industry is evolving incrementally with no clearly discernible ‘modern’ market chains. Instead, producers incrementally make improvements in multiple dimensions. Relatively low‐cost practices, many of which do not imply substantial risk or investment, are associated with price improvements. Obstacles to participation in incremental value chain upgrading activities are not insurmountable. In particular, scale of production is not a limiting factor: small‐scale producers are not precluded from adopting improved practices and they do not suffer in terms of price received.
Suitability of tomato leaves for larval development of Potato Tuber Moth, Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)
Authors: Dekebo Aman , Aryal Sunil , Jung Chuleui 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe potato tuber moth (PTM) is an important pest of the potato plant and its tuber. With the expansion of its geographic range, the PTM could be potential threat to the tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), a congeneric species of the potato. To assess that risk, we tested larval feeding and development of PTM on leaves of five cultivated tomato varieties namely Moneymaker, Campari, Ailsa Craig, LA3475, E6203 and one wild tomato variety S. pimpinellifolium. PTM larvae accepted all tested plant leaves and developed into adults. Larval development was fastest on the Ailsa Craig variety. Pupae developed fastest on the Moneymaker variety and slowest on LA3475. Host acceptance and survival were highest on Ailsa Craig and lowest on LA3475. The significantly highest male proportion occurred on LA3475 variety. The study showed that PTM could be a potential threat to tomato cultivation which is rapidly increasing in temperate regions owing to climate change.
Egg Yolk Phosphatidylethanolamine: Extraction Optimization, Antioxidative Activity, and Molecular Structure Profiling
Authors: Sun Na , Chen Jin , Bao Zhijie , Wang Di , An Baihui , Lin Songyi 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAlthough phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) is an important functional phospholipid, there have been very few reports on its antioxidant activity and corresponding molecular composition. Crude PE was extracted from egg yolk with various solvents, and response surface modeling was carried out to determine the optimum extraction conditions for PE, under which the PE content in extracts reached 58.94 µg/mL. The crude PE was purified using silica gel‐based column chromatography. High‐purity PE (98%), identified by high‐performance liquid chromatography‐evaporative light‐scattering detector, was obtained using isocratic elution with a mixed solvent (chloroform: methanol: acetic acid = 18:5:1) eluent. PE purified from egg yolk exhibited high radical‐scavenging activity, determined by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). The result was attributed to the high unsaturated fatty acids (83.10%) content in egg yolk PE, and the unsaturated fatty acids were identified as PE‐16:0/18:1Δ9, PE‐16:0/18:2Δ9,12, PE‐16:0/20:4Δ5,8,11,14, PE‐18:0/18:1Δ9, PE‐18:0/18:2Δ9,12, and PE‐18:0/20:4Δ5,8,11,14 by MALDI‐TOF MS combined with gas chromatography mass spectrometry.Practical ApplicationIn this work, an attempt has been made to explore the antioxidant activity of PE that extracted and purified from egg yolk and its corresponding molecular composition. Owing to its plentiful unsaturated fatty acids (83.10%), purified PE from egg yolk exhibited a high radical‐scavenging activity that indicated that egg‐yolk PE had a strong antioxidant activity, and it might exert possible beneficial effects on the human health.
Chromosome‐level genome assembly of Triplophysa tibetana, a fish adapted to the harsh high‐altitude environment of the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Yang Xuefen , Liu Haiping , Ma Zhihong , Zou Yu , Zou Ming , Mao Youzhi , Li Xiaomei , Wang Huan , Chen Tiansheng , Wang Weimin , Yang Ruibin 
Published: April 2019

AbstractTriplophysa is an endemic fish genus of the Tibetan Plateau in China. Triplophysa tibetana, which lives at a recorded altitude of ~4,000 m and plays an important role in the highland aquatic ecosystem, serves as an excellent model for investigating high‐altitude environmental adaptation. However, evolutionary and conservation studies of T. tibetana have been limited by scarce genomic resources for the genus Triplophysa. In the present study, we applied PacBio sequencing and the Hi‐C technique to assemble the T. tibetana genome. A 652‐Mb genome with 1,325 contigs with an N50 length of 3.1 Mb was obtained. The 1,137 contigs were further assembled into 25 chromosomes, representing 98.7% and 80.47% of all contigs at the base and sequence number level, respectively. Approximately 260 Mb of sequence, accounting for ~39.8% of the genome, was identified as repetitive elements. DNA transposons (16.3%), long interspersed nuclear elements (12.4%) and long terminal repeats (11.0%) were the most repetitive types. In total, 24,372 protein‐coding genes were predicted in the genome, and ~95% of the genes were functionally annotated via a search in public databases. Using whole genome sequence information, we found that T. tibetana diverged from its common ancestor with Danio rerio ~121.4 million years ago. The high‐quality genome assembled in this work not only provides a valuable genomic resource for future population and conservation studies of T. tibetana, but it also lays a solid foundation for further investigation into the mechanisms of environmental adaptation of endemic fishes in the Tibetan Plateau.
Acceptability, Usability, and Effectiveness: A Qualitative Study Evaluating a Pediatric Telemedicine Program
Authors: Sauers‐Ford Hadley S. , Hamline Michelle Y. , Gosdin Melissa M. , Kair Laura R. , Weinberg Gary M. , Marcin James P. , Rosenthal Jennifer L. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundPediatric emergency telemedicine consultations have been shown to provide support to community emergency departments treating critically ill pediatric patients. However, despite the recognized value of telemedicine, adoption has been slow. To determine why clinicians frequently do not use telemedicine when it is available for pediatric patients, as well as to learn how to improve telemedicine programs, we conducted a qualitative study using stakeholder interviews.MethodsWe conducted a qualitative study using grounded theory methodology, with in‐depth interviews of referring and accepting physicians and referring, transport, and transfer center nurses. We analyzed data iteratively and adapted the interview guide based on early interviews. We solicited feedback from the participants on the conceptual model.ResultsSixteen interviews were conducted; all respondents had been involved in a telemedicine consultation at least five times, with some having used telemedicine more than 30 times. Analysis resulted in three themes: 1) recognizing and addressing telemedicine biases are central to gaining buy‐in; 2) as technology advances, telemedicine processes need to adapt accordingly; and 3) telemedicine increases collaboration among health care providers and patients/families in the patient care process.ConclusionsTo improve patient care through increased use of telemedicine for pediatric emergency consultations, processes need to be modified to address provider biases and end‐user concerns. Processes should be adapted to allow users to utilize a variety of technologies (including smartphones) and to enable more users, such as nurses, to participate. Finally, telemedicine can be used to improve the patient and family experience by including them in consultations.
Are Low‐to‐Moderate Average Alcohol Consumption and Isolated Episodes of Binge Drinking in Early Pregnancy Associated with Facial Features Related to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in 5‐Year‐Old Children?
Authors: Kesmodel Ulrik Schiøler , Nygaard Siv Steffen , Mortensen Erik Lykke , Bertrand Jacquelyn , Denny Clark H. , Glidewell Alex , Astley Hemingway Susan 
Published: April 2019

BackgroundFetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) typically is observed among individuals with high prenatal alcohol exposures (PAE), but exposure histories obtained in clinical diagnostic settings are often inaccurate. The present analysis used the Lifestyle During Pregnancy Study (LDPS) to assess the potential effects of low‐to‐moderate average weekly alcohol consumption and binge drinking in early pregnancy on facial features associated with FAS among children 5 years of age.MethodsThe analysis is a prospective follow‐up study of 670 women and their children sampled from the LDPS cohort based on maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy. The 4‐Digit Code FAS Facial Photographic Analysis Software was used to measure the magnitude of expression of the 3 diagnostic facial features of FAS from standardized digital photographs. Logistic regression was used to estimate the odds of presenting with the FAS/partial fetal alcohol syndrome (PFAS) facial phenotypes relative to different patterns of prenatal alcohol exposure.ResultsTen children presented with the FAS/PFAS facial phenotypes. None of the children sampled met the central nervous system (CNS) criteria for FAS or PFAS at age 5 years. All remained at risk for PFAS since some types of CNS dysfunction associated with this diagnosis may only be assessed at older ages. The FAS/PFAS facial phenotypes were 8.5‐fold more likely among children exposed to an average of 1 to 4 drinks/wk and 2.5‐fold more likely among children with a single binge exposure in gestational weeks 3 to 4 compared to children with no such exposures. The magnitude of expression of the FAS facial phenotype was significantly correlated with all other diagnostic features of FAS: growth deficiency, microcephaly, and measures of CNS dysfunction.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that low‐to‐moderate levels of PAE or isolated binge exposures may place some fetuses at risk for FAS/PFAS. Thus, conservative advice is still for women to abstain from alcohol consumption during pregnancy.
Toward a novel semi‐invasive activation mapping tool for the diagnosis of supraventricular arrhythmias from the esophagus
Authors: Sweda Romy , Wildhaber Reto A. , Mortier Simone , Bruegger Dominik , Niederhauser Thomas , Goette Josef , Jacomet Marcel , Tanner Hildegard , Haeberlin Andreas 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAimsSupraventricular arrhythmia diagnosis using the surface electrocardiogram (sECG) is often cumbersome due to limited atrial signal quality. In some instances, use of esophageal electrocardiography (eECG) may facilitate the diagnosis. Here, we present a novel approach to reconstruct cardiac activation maps from eECG recordings.MethodseECGs and sECGs were recorded from 19 individuals using standard acquisition tools. From the recordings, algorithms were developed to estimate the esophageal ECG catheter's position and to reconstruct high‐resolution mappings of the cardiac electric activity projected in the esophagus over time.ResultsEsophageal two‐dimensional activation maps were created for five healthy individuals and 14 patients suffering from different arrhythmias. The maps are displayed as time‐dependent contour plots, which not only show voltage over time as conventional ECGs, but also the location, direction, and projected propagation speed of the cardiac depolarization wavefront in the esophagus. Representative examples of sinus rhythm, atrial flutter, and ventricular pre‐excitation are shown.ConclusionThe methodology presented in this report provides a high‐resolution view of the cardiac electric field in the esophagus. It is the first step toward a three‐dimensional mapping system, which shall be able to reconstruct a three‐dimensional view of the cardiac activation from recordings within the esophagus.