bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chlorinated reclaimed rubber: preparation, structure and performance
Authors: Yao Yutian , Song Qiusheng , Cheng Xiansu , Song Yonghai , Liu Ben 
Published: May 2019

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of chlorination on the structure and properties of reclaimed rubber and to discuss the feasibility of a novel method to chlorinate reclaimed rubber.Design/methodology/approachA series of chlorinated reclaimed rubber with different chlorination degrees (CD) was prepared by suspension chlorination in aqueous phase (SCAP). Their structure and performance were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, energy dispersive spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric and mechanical property test.FindingsThe chemistry structure, mechanical performance and heat resistance of CRR is affected greatly by its CD.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough in the present work only chlorination of reclaimed rubber is researched, but this method can be used to modify other recycled rubber.Practical implicationsSCAP is a useful method to produce CRR, and it is feasible for production of chlorinated recycled rubber in large scale. The present work provides a new strategy to fabricate new materials based on recycled rubber.Social implicationsChlorination of reclaimed rubber by SCAP is useful to convert waste rubber into new materials, and it is useful to decrease environment pollution.Originality/valueSCAP method provides a new technology to chlorinate waste rubber with many merits, such as chlorination rate of RR is accelerated and the reaction can be controlled or adjusted easily. Moreover, conversion of chlorine is increased remarkably.
Business strategy for environmental social governance practices: evidence from telecommunication companies in Malaysia
Authors: Jasni Nur Syuhada , Yusoff Haslinda , Zain Mustaffa Mohamed , Md Yusoff Noreena , Shaffee Nor Syafinaz 
Published: May 2019

Purpose
The present digital era has integrated the conventional telecommunications companies as service providers in this ever-competitive environment. Towards gaining business competitiveness, businesses are operated from the stance of dynamic business model that places focus on both economic activities and, more importantly, value-added benefits. One essential value embedded into business strategies refers to the aspect of sustainability in conjunction to environmental social governance (ESG). Within the context of Malaysia, ESG practices have been expected to grow rapidly in years to come, along with the vision of becoming a digital economy nation, by 2050. The continuous discussions appear to support the significance of implementing ESG practices amidst organizations, which in turn, could enhance a more sustainable economic growth for the country. Although many studies have probed into the dimensions of ESG, little attention has been given to the ESG practices incorporated into business strategy agenda.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper combed through the literature to retrieve the multi-dimensions of ESG concepts, as well as related in-depth insights into ESG disclosures amongst leading companies established in Malaysia. As for the research design, this study used the content analysis method and the ESG Grid as the benchmarking tool to explore superior commitments amongst its peers.

Findings
As a result, this study stumbled upon two major outcomes: the pattern of ESG disclosures in telecommunications industry and the approaches in implementing ESG practices in telecommunications companies. These two aspects appear essential to establish a competitive advantage, apart from addressing the issues raised by concerned stakeholders.

Research limitations/implications
Future studies may explore deeper into comprehending the ESG practices by using the interview method and incorporating other industry or arena.

Practical implications
The decisions made by the companies to invest in ESG practices mark the ability of a company in devising viable survival strategies within the industry.

Originality/value
Hence, this study offers several vital insights into the practical value to learn from the best experiences, aside from analyzing the current progress of ESG practices within the context of developing nation.
Socially responsible supply chain management in small and medium enterprises in the GCC
Authors: Al-Esmael Bader , Talib Faisal , Faisal Mohd. Nishat , Jabeen Fauzia 
Published: May 2019

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine variables and their relationships that hinder socially responsible behaviours in the supply chain of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). countries.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses the mixed-method approach that includes the survey method and soft mathematical modelling. Empirical data were collected from 130 SMEs and their suppliers based in Qatar and Oman. Furthermore, to understand the barriers and their interrelationships, interpretive structural modelling approach is applied.FindingsThe results of empirical study reveal lack of coherence among SMEs and their suppliers in prioritising social responsibility issues in their supply chain. The hierarchy-based model reveals that shortages of incentive, short-term objectives, the lack of cooperation and willingness among supply chain partners, constraints (financial, managerial and technological) and the pressure from customers were the independent barriers and have strong driving power.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings of this study are expected to provide an insight to further improve and promote socially responsible supply chain in emerging economies in Gulf region. Future research could compare the socially responsible activities of SMEs from different Gulf countries and expand the understanding of the barriers that outline the responses of suppliers situated in different Gulf economies.Originality/valueThe results contribute to the field of supply chain sustainability as the first academic attempt to shed light on how SMEs in GCC are dealing with supply chain social responsibility issues and one of the few in the emerging economy perspective that probes the key role of barriers to improve the socially responsible behaviour of Gulf-based SMEs.
Soret and Dufour effects on unsteady Casson magneto-nanofluid flow over an inclined plate embedded in a porous medium
Authors: Falodun Bidemi Olumide , Ahamed M.S. Sami 
Published: May 2019

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to consider a two-dimensional unsteady Casson magneto-nanfluid flow over an inclined plate embedded in a porous medium. The novelty of the present study is to investigate the effects of Soret–Dufour on unsteady magneto-nanofluid flow.Design/methodology/approachAppropriate similarity transformations are used to convert the governing non-linear partial differential equations into coupled non-linear dimensionless partial differential equations. The transformed equations are then solved using spectral relaxation method.FindingsThe effects of controlling parameters on flow profiles is discussed and depicted with the aid of graphs. Results show that as the non-Newtonian Casson nanofluid parameter increases, the fluid velocity decreases. It is found that the Soret parameter enhance the temperature profile, while Dufour parameter decreases the concentration profile close to the wall.Originality/valueThe novelty of this paper is to consider the combined effects of both Soret and Dufour on unsteady Casson magneto-nanofluid flow. The present model is in an inclined plate embedded in a porous medium which to the best of our knowledge has not been considered in the past. The applied magnetic field gives rise to an opposing force which slows the motion of the fluid. A newly developed spectral method known as spectral relaxation method (SRM) is used in solving the modeled equations. SRM is an iterative method that employ the Gauss–Seidel approach in solving both linear and non-linear differential equations. SRM is found to be effective and accurate.
Coaggregation and biofilm formation of Leptospira with Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Vinod Kumar Kirubakaran , Lall Chandan , Raj Ratchagadasse Vimal , Vijayachari Paluru 
Published: May 2019

AbstractIt is not known how Leptospira react to wound or a cut infected with microbes, such as pathogenic Staphylococcus, or their common habitat on oral or nasal mucosal membranes. In the present study, Staphylococcus aureus MTCC‐737 showed strong co‐aggregation with leptospiral strains (>75%, visual score of + 4) in vitro. All tested strains of Leptospira were able to form biofilm with S. aureus. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed intertwined networks of attached cells of L. interrogans and S. aureus, thus providing evidence of a matrix‐like structure. This phenomenon may have implications in Leptospira infection, which occurs via cuts and wounds of the skin.
Bacteriophage versus antibiotic therapy on gut bacterial communities of juvenile green turtle, Chelonia mydas
Authors: Ahasan Md. Shamim , Kinobe Robert , Elliott Lisa , Owens Leigh , Scott Jenni , Picard Jacqueline , Huerlimann Roger , Ariel Ellen 
Published: May 2019

SummaryGreen turtles are endangered marine herbivorous hindgut fermenters that contribute to a variety of marine ecosystems. Debilitated turtles are often rehabilitated in turtle hospitals. Since accurate diagnosis of disease is difficult, broad‐spectrum antibiotics are routinely used as a general treatment, potentially causing collateral damage to the gut microbiome of the patient. Here, we evaluated the concept of the application of bacteriophage (phages) to eliminate targeted intestinal bacteria as an alternative to a broad‐spectrum antibiotic (enrofloxacin) in clinically healthy, captive green turtles. Additionally, the impact of a broad‐spectrum antibiotic (enrofloxacin) and phage therapy on the gut bacterial communities of green turtles was evaluated. Gut bacterial communities in faecal samples were analysed by sequencing the V1‐V3 regions of the bacterial 16S rRNA. Bacteria‐specific phage cocktails significantly (P < 0.05) reduced targeted Acinetobacter in phage‐treated turtles during the therapy. Compared to control, no significant difference was observed in the bacterial diversity and compositions in phage‐treated turtles. In contrast, bacterial diversity was significantly (P < 0.05) reduced in antibiotic‐treated turtles at day 15 and throughout the trial. The alteration in the bacterial microbiota of antibiotic‐treated turtles was largely due to an increase in abundance of Gram‐positive Firmicutes and a concurrent decrease in Gram‐negative Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria and Verrucomicrobia. Additionally, we observed the relative abundance of several bacteria at lower taxonomic level was much less affected by phages than by antibiotics. These data offer the proof of concept of phage therapy to manipulate transient as well as indigenous bacterial flora in gut‐related dysbiosis of turtles.
Topographical Deixis in Trans‐Himalayan (Sino‐Tibetan) Languages
Authors: Post Mark W. 
Published: May 2019

Abstract‘Topographical deixis’ refers to a variety of spatial‐environmental deixis in which typically distal reference to entities is made in terms of a set of topographically‐anchored referential planes: most often,upward, downward, oron the same level. Thus defined, topographical deixis is a pervasive feature of Trans‐Himalayan (= Sino‐Tibetan) languages. However, while there have been several descriptions of Trans‐Himalayan topographical deixis at the language or subgroup level, there has been as yet no account of its overall status and distribution within the family. The primary goal of this paper is to provide an account of topographical deixis from a pan‐Trans‐Himalayan perspective, to the maximum extent possible on the basis of existing descriptions. It discusses its formal coding, functions, distribution within the family, and environmental correlations. In addition to providing a benchmark account of the nature and distribution of topographical deixis within the Trans‐Himalayan family, this study thus contributes to cross‐linguistic typologies of spatial deictic systems and their environmental‐interactional motivations more generally.
Rule of 4’s: Safe and effective pleural decompression and chest drain insertion in severely injured children
Authors: Teague Warwick J , Amarakone Keith V , Quinn Nuala 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe intersecting scenarios of multi‐trauma, thoracic injury and traumatic cardiac arrest present some of the most demanding moments in paediatric trauma. For these reasons, decision support through teamwork, checklists, technology and guidelines are central to ensuring quality paediatric trauma care. The ‘Rule of 4's’ is a simple aide‐memoire, which guides clinicians of all grades, expertise and distractedness in a reliable approach to injured children who require safe and effective emergency pleural decompression and timely insertion of a chest drain. The Rule of 4’s enables these important therapeutic goals to be met through: (i) four steps in a ‘good plan’; (ii) fourth (or fifth) intercostal space as the basis for siting a ‘good hole’; (iii) 4× uncuffed endotracheal tube size (4× [age/4 + 4]) to guide selection of a ‘good tube’; and (iv) 4 cm mark for a ‘good stop’ to ensure the drain is in far enough but not too far.
Sweet Taste Receptor Expression and Its Activation by Sucralose to Regulate Glucose Absorption in Mouse Duodenum
Authors: Shi Qing , Zhu Xuemei , Deng Shaoping 
Published: May 2019

AbstractSucralose (SUC) has been used in the food industry for nearly 30 years since it was first allowed as an artificial sweetener at the end of the 20th century. However, its effects on the body remain not incontrovertible. This work aimed to investigate the influence of SUC exposure on sweetness receptors and glucose absorption and to explore the relationship between them. Mice were exposed with different concentration of SUC (from 0.27 to 0.47 g/L) for 12 weeks. Long‐term treatment with SUC resulted in impaired glucose metabolism, manifested in the decrease of glucose tolerance and the increase of sweet taste receptors, glucose transporters, and glucose absorption. This study also provides a method to quantify the glucose absorptivity. In detail, with increasing concentration of SUC, the glucose absorptivities in the dodecadactylon of mice were added 1.48, 1.56, 1.71, and 1.71 times, respectively, showing wide interindividual variation compared with the control group.Practical ApplicationThe artificial sweetener, sucralose, has physiological influences of changing glucose metabolism. The small bowel is the main location for glucose metabolism and absorbs the ingested proteins and carbohydrates. And, this study provides a method to quantify the glucose absorptivity of intestine.
The Effect of µ/m‐Calpain on Protein Degradation of Chicken Breast Meat
Authors: Huang Jichao , Zhao Liang , Yang Jing , Zhang Baohua , Xu Xinglian , Chen Kenjie , Huang Ming 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThis study was designed to determine the effects of µ/m‐calpain on the degradation of cytoskeletal proteins in pectoralis major. Four chickens were slaughtered and the breasts were removed and stored for 12 hr at 4 °C. Each sample was divided into three groups and respectively immersed in control reagent, calpain inhibitor, and caspase inhibitor at 4 °C. The samples were used to evaluate troponin‐T and desmin degradation, calpain activity, and myofibril ultrastructure at 12 hr, day 1, day 3, and day 7. Casein zymography revealed that µ‐calpain could not be detected in all samples after 12 hr postmortem. The calpain inhibitor inhibited µ/m‐calpain activity and reduced troponin‐T and desmin degradation during 7 day postmortem. The caspase inhibitor inhibited µ/m‐calpain activity and, troponin‐T and desmin degradation before day 3 postmortem. The findings suggest that, µ/m‐calpain had an effect on cytoskeletal protein degradation after 12 hr postmortem.
A rapid environmental DNA method for detecting white sharks in the open ocean
Authors: Truelove Nathan K. , Andruszkiewicz Elizabeth A. , Block Barbara A. 
Published: May 2019

Abstract

Environmental DNA (eDNA) research often requires returning to the laboratory for processing, which can delay species identification by weeks–months.

Using a portable Oxford Nanopore MinIon sequencer, eDNA from white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) was rapidly identified from seawater samples collected in the high seas where they have historically been identified with biologging datasets.

A total of 10 sequencing runs were performed on the MinIon onboard an oceanographic vessel with a turnaround time from water collection to sequence results and annotation of ~48 hr.

Identifying vertebrates by amplifying eDNA from seawater provides a novel approach for sampling and detecting the presence of elusive species of conservation importance in remote locations.
Impact of Exchange Stay on Alcohol Consumption: Longitudinal Exploration in a Large Sample of European Students
Authors: Dormal Valérie , Lannoy Séverine , Maurage Pierre 
Published: May 2019

BackgroundEach year, more than 300,000 university students take part in European exchange programs. Besides their positive educational and cultural impacts, these programs are also reputed to immerse students in a high‐risk festive context where excessive alcohol consumption is strongly present. There is thus a crucial need to evaluate the actual impact of those exchange stays on alcohol consumption.MethodsStudy abroad (n = 3,950) and local (n = 3,950) European students completed a 2‐part longitudinal survey and reported their alcohol consumption before (T1) and during (T2) their exchange stay (or at the beginning of the academic year and 6 months later for local students, constituting the control group).ResultsDuring their exchange stay, individuals studying abroad showed more excessive and harmful alcohol consumption behaviors than local students, as measured by increased general alcohol consumption and binge drinking (BD) scores at T2. In particular, study abroad students under 20 years of age and performing their exchange stay in eastern Europe were the most exposed to excessive alcohol consumption and BD.ConclusionsThese results constitute the first large‐scale longitudinal confirmation that exchange stays indeed constitute risky contexts in which students significantly increase their consumption and present stronger alcohol‐related problems. In view of the rapid and deleterious effects of alcohol consumption in young people, it is essential to promote prevention campaigns targeting this population to limit public health consequences and possible evolution toward severe alcohol use disorders.
AIN‐93 Diet as an Alternative Model to Lieber–DeCarli Diet for Alcoholic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Cao Zhipeng , Zhang Tianyi , Xu Chengyang , Jia Yuqing , Wang Tianqi , Zhu Baoli 
Published: May 2019

BackgroundThe Lieber–DeCarli alcoholic liquid diet is a classical method for establishing animal models of alcoholic cardiomyopathy (ACM). No study has reported whether the AIN‐93 diet, which is widely used as a standard diet for both long‐term and short‐term studies with laboratory animals, could be used to construct the ACM animal model. The present study intended to investigate whether the AIN‐93 diet could be used to establish a mouse ACM model.MethodsTwenty‐four C57BL/6 male mice were randomly divided into 4 equally sized groups. In ethanol (EtOH)‐fed groups, mice were fed a 4%‐EtOH (w/v, 28% of total calories) alcoholic liquid diet of Lieber–DeCarli or the AIN‐93 diet for chronic alcohol exposure for 180 days. In control‐fed groups, mice were fed with non‐EtOH liquid diets with the same calories as EtOH‐fed groups. Morphological observations of the hearts and molecular investigation of the brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) were carried out by echocardiography, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining, real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsEchocardiography showed that mice fed with either the 4%‐EtOH Lieber–DeCarli diet or the 4%‐EtOH AIN‐93 diet had dilated ventricles and poor cardiac function. IHC staining of BNP, qPCR of BNP mRNA, and plasma concentration of BNP showed an up‐regulated expression in mice fed with both the 4%‐EtOH Lieber–DeCarli and 4%‐EtOH AIN‐93 diets. Less fatty liver was also observed in mice fed the AIN‐93 alcoholic diet than those fed the Lieber–DeCarli alcoholic diet.ConclusionsThe AIN‐93 alcoholic liquid diet can be used to establish ACM animal models, as with the conventional Lieber–DeCarli alcoholic liquid diet.
Morphological and morphometrical study of the auditory ossicles in chinchilla
Authors: Martonos Cristian , Damian Aurel , Gudea Alexandru , Bud Ioan Teodor , Stan Florin 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThis study is meant to illustrate and describe the features of the auditory ossicles of the chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera), one of the species used more and more frequently in otology and ear surgery as animal model. Cephalic extremities of 12 C. lanigera individuals obtained from a private farm, where this species was bred for fur, were used in this study. The ossicles were obtained either by direct surgical harvesting by mastoid approach or after a dermestid beetle exposure followed by anatomical dissection. The three ossicles that form the assembly are the malleus, incus and stapes. After the removal of these ossicles, a series of anatomical descriptions were made, followed by seriate sets of measurements. The malleus and incus form a joined‐single unit called the maleo‐incal complex, with an elongated straight appearance, also due to the development of the anterior process. The handle of the malleus and the long process of incus are almost perpendicular to the main axis of the maleo‐incal complex. The presence of the muscular process on the handle of the malleus is recorded. The overall shape of the incus is given by the uneven development of the two processes and the reduced neck part. The stapes is the smallest of the components that maintains the well‐known architecture in accordance with the general model. The morphology of all three ossicles is backed by a series of measurements, some standard, some adapted to the morphology of the ossicles. From the very reduced comparative metrical data at our disposal, our study presents an average of 10% lower values for the ones presented earlier by other researchers in the same species.