bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Crystal structure and temperature dependence of permittivity in barium aluminate based solid solutions
Authors: Li Jie , Lan Xue‐Kai , Du Kang , Song Xiao‐Qiang , Lu Wen‐Zhong , Fan Gui‐Fen , Lei Wen 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThis study systematically investigated the structural, dielectric, and ferroelectric properties of BaAl(2−2x)(Mg0.5Ti0.5)2xO4 ceramics in the 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.04 range. Single‐phase solid solutions in the P63 space group with hexagonal crystal symmetry were confirmed in the composition range of 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.03. The bond lengths of Al1/(Mg,Ti)–O, Al2/(Mg,Ti)–O, and Al3/(Mg,Ti)–O increased with the increase in x, as confirmed through the Rietveld refinement and evolutions of corresponding modes in Raman spectra. The temperature stability of dielectric properties improved at a composition around x = 0.03, and the dielectric constant εr ascended with the increase in x. Ultrabroad temperature stability (−100°C to 700°C) was obtained, and an optimal combination (εr = 18.5, tan δ < 10−3, −22 ppm/°C ≤ TCC ≤ +20 ppm/°C, resistivity ~4.5 × 1014 Ω·cm) was achieved for the x = 0.03 ceramic sintered at 1260°C in air for 6 hours. The increase in stability was ascribed to the variations in axial bonds, and lattice distortions were determined through high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy. The x = 0.03 ceramic could be a promising candidate for C0G or NP0 multilayer ceramic capacitors because of its low loss, high reliability, superior insulating properties and comparatively low‐cost raw materials.
Fabrication and laser operation of Yb:Lu2O3 transparent ceramics from co‐precipitated nano‐powders
Authors: Liu Ziyu , Toci Guido , Pirri Angela , Patrizi Barbara , Li Jinbang , Hu Zewang , Wei Jiabei , Pan Hongming , Xie Tengfei , Vannini Matteo , Li Jiang 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIn this article, 5 at.% Yb:Lu2O3 transparent ceramics were fabricated by vacuum sintering combined with hot isostatic pressing (HIP) posttreatment using co‐precipitated nano‐powders. The influence of precipitant molar ratio, ammonium hydrogen carbonate, to metal ions (AHC/M3+, R value) on the properties of Yb:Lu2O3 precursors and calcined powders was investigated systematically. It was found that the powders with different R value calcined at 1100°C for 4 hours were pure cubic Lu2O3 but the morphologies of precursors and powders behaved differently. The opaque samples pre‐sintered at 1500°C for 2 hours grew into transparent ceramics after HIP posttreatment at 1750°C for 1 hour. The final ceramic with R = 4.8 showed the best optical quality with the in‐line transmittance of 79.7% at 1100 nm. The quasi‐CW laser operation was performed at 1034 nm and 1080 nm with a maximum output power up to 8.15 W as well as a corresponding slope efficiency of 58.4%.
Effect of sucrose on foaming and melting behavior of a low‐activity waste melter feed
Authors: Appel Connor J. , Kloužek Jaroslav , Jani Nikhil , Lee Seung Min , Dixon Derek R. , Hrma Pavel , Pokorný Richard , Schweiger Michael J. , Kruger Albert A. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractReductants, such as sucrose (C12H22O11), are added to nuclear waste melter feeds containing high fractions of nitrates and nitrites to reduce excessive foaming during feed‐to‐glass conversion, decrease sulfate segregation, and increase technetium retention. The effect of sucrose on foaming and melting reactions during the conversion was examined using the feed volume expansion test, thermogravimetric analysis, evolved gas analysis, x‐ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive x‐ray spectrometry. Different amounts of sucrose were added to vary the carbon to nitrogen (C/N) ratio in the melter feed. As the C/N ratio increased, the extent of foaming decreased, and the N2/NO ratio increased in the evolved gas. Significant foam suppression, rapid gas release at approximately 250°C, and reduction in transition metal oxides were observed at C/N > 1.1.
Electric field‐induced irreversible relaxor to ferroelectric phase transformations in Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3‐NaNbO3 ceramics
Authors: Wang Ge , Lu Zhilun , Zhang Zhenbo , Feteira Antonio. , Tang Chiu C. , Hall David A. 
Published: July 2019

Abstract(1‐x)Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3‐xNaNbO3 (x = 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, and 0.08) ceramics were fabricated by solid‐state reaction. High‐resolution synchrotron x‐ray powder diffraction (SXPD) data, coupled with macroscopic electromechanical measurements, reveal the occurrence of an electric field‐induced irreversible crystallographic transformation for x = 0.02 and 0.04, from a pseudo‐cubic non‐ergodic relaxor to a rhombohedral or coexisting rhombohedral‐tetragonal long range‐ordered ferroelectric phase, respectively. The highest unipolar electrostrain, corresponding to an effective longitudinal piezoelectric strain coefficient of approximately 340 pm V−1, was obtained for x = 0.04; this effect is attributed to enhanced domain switching as a result of the co‐existing rhombohedral and tetragonal phases for this composition, which is critical for piezoelectric actuator applications.
Aptiv Becoming a More Sustainable Business
Authors: Clark Kevin P. 
Published: July 2019

The President and CEO of Aptiv presents and then discusses his progress in carrying out his ‘long‐term plan’ to transform an automotive parts supplier that was once part of General Motors into a ‘global technology company.’ The company's mission is to maintain and strengthen its current position as ‘a partner of choice’ of the world's largest automakers in designing and manufacturing ‘the brain and the nervous system of the vehicle’—and in so doing, to make vehicle transportation ‘safer, greener, and more connected.’With 15 major tech centers and 126 manufacturing sites spread across 44 countries, and with over 160,000 employees, including 18,600 engineers and scientists, the company has the scale and resources to carry out that mission. And attesting to the resilience of its business model, in 2018, a year in which the global number of cars sold actually went down, the company increased its revenue by 10% and its operating cash flow by 50%.In the area of safety, the company is helping its customers build vehicles that move the industry closer to its goal of zero traffic fatalities and accidents by delivering the building blocks of active safety systems—which include perception and vision systems, and the high‐speed and high‐reliability networks that connect them. (And promising even greater gains in safety, the company's advances in fully automated vehicles are helping make self‐driving cars a reality.) In terms of green initiatives, the company is focused on minimizing the vehicles' ‘total lifecycle impact on the environment’ by providing the high‐voltage distribution and connection systems for electric cars, while also using ‘smarter’ vehicle architectures to achieve significant reductions in weight and mass. Finally, the company is helping the industry incorporate the increased connectivity that aims to provide a seamless integration between the passenger, the vehicle, and the Internet of Things.The company's commitment to corporate social responsibility goes well beyond its products and solutions. As an important part of its disciplined approach to creating sustainable long‐term value for its shareholders, the company tracks a range of key performance indicators designed to ensure that ‘we devote the right amount of time and attention to each of our key stakeholders.’ Along with its stakeholder programs and ongoing investment in human capital, which have helped the company win the designation ‘one of the world's most ethical companies’ in seven consecutive years, the CEO also cites the important roles played by its highly collaborative and engaged board of directors, and by a long‐term incentive pay plan for its senior management team that, along with standard financial measures, uses a ‘strategic results modifier’ that reflects the company's success in meeting ‘non‐financial goals that are related to talent, culture, and product quality.’
Social Capital, Trust, and Corporate Performance: How CSR Helped Companies During the Financial Crisis (and Why It Can Keep Helping Them)
Authors: Lins Karl V. , Servaes Henri , Tamayo Ane 
Published: July 2019

The authors summarize the findings of their study, published recently in the Journal of Finance, that shows that CSR investments can help companies when they perhaps need it most—that is, during sharp downturns when overall trust in companies and markets declines.Companies with high‐CSR rankings experienced stock returns that were five to seven percentage points higher than their low‐CSR counterparts during the 2008–2009 financial crisis, and even larger excess returns during the Enron crisis of 2001–2003. High‐CSR companies during the crisis also reported better operating performance, higher growth, higher employee productivity, and greater access to debt markets—while continuing to generate higher shareholder returns as late as the end of 2013. Many of these operating improvements continued well into the post‐crisis period, though at more modest levels.As the authors view their findings, the ‘social capital’ built up by corporate CSR programs complements effective financial capital management in increasing shareholder wealth mainly by limiting companies' downside risk. CSR is seen as not only reducing systematic as well as firm‐specific risk, but as also providing protection against overall ‘loss of trust.’ The social capital created by CSR programs is said to provide a kind of insurance policy that pays off when investors and the overall economy face a severe crisis of confidence.
Sustainability and Capital Markets—Are We There Yet?
Authors: Pinney Chris , Lawrence Sophie , Lau Stephanie 
Published: July 2019

The High Meadows Institute issued a report in 2016 called ‘Charting the Future of Capital Markets’ that surveyed the mainstream capital market ecosystem by soliciting the views and practices of its key stakeholders around the issue of long‐term value creation. In this follow‐up report, the authors report that much has changed during the past three years. The role of investors in proactively shaping corporate practices is gaining more attention as ESG issues and responsible investment have become mainstream concerns, as new responsible investment regulations and frameworks have been implemented, and as shifting demographics continue to pressure capital market participants and stakeholders to change their practices.At the same time, the report notes significant remaining challenges. The lack of a standard industry definition and framework for ESG data and reporting on ESG continues to be a significant impediment, as does the shortage of qualified ESG analysts and infrastructure to support true ESG integration. Surveys also suggest most corporate boards have yet to recognize the full significance of ESG integration or its value to the firm.
ESG, Material Credit Events, and Credit Risk
Authors: Henisz Witold J. , McGlinch James 
Published: July 2019

A growing body of research has extended the analysis of the materiality of ESG criteria from the perspective of equity investors to creditors. Past research and analysis have demonstrated the link between better management of ESG criteria and better management of risk overall. Despite this growing consensus and consistent evidence that ESG performance is correlated with credit risk, no empirical evidence has yet linked ESG performance to cost or expense variances or revenue shortfalls that could explain these correlations.The authors attempt to address this lack of mechanism‐based empirical evidence by citing and then building on a number of well‐publicized cases with analysis of two major ESG issues—indigenous land claims and biodiversity—as they affect the global project finance and agriculture sectors. Broadening these single‐sector results, the authors use a novel dataset providing systematic coding of material events reported in the media across a variety of empirical settings to produce the first large‐sample empirical evidence of the mechanisms linking ESG performance to credit risk.
Astrategic Europe
Authors: Cottey Andrew 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThis article argues that the existing literature on EU foreign, security and defence strategy has paid insufficient attention to two basic prior questions: what is strategy? And what constitutes good strategy? Judged against a baseline definition of good strategy, the EU lacks an agreed assessment of its external environment, struggles to prioritize competing foreign policy objectives, avoids difficult foreign policy choices, and often lacks the ways and means necessary to achieve its goals, yet is reluctant to modify its objectives. These problems reflect the EU's character as a polity: differences amongst member states and the primarily intergovernmental nature of EU foreign, security and defence decision‐making fundamentally constrain the Union's ability to develop and implement external strategy. The EU is better understood as an astrategic actor: an actor without a strategy in the proper meaning of the word and one that will continue to find it difficult to develop such a strategy.
Determination of extended spectrum β‐lactamase producing Enterobacteriaceae from cheese samples sold in public bazaars
Authors: Husan Omar , Çadirci Özgür 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIn this study, it was aimed to determinate the prevalence of extended spectrum β‐lactamases (ESBL) producing Enterobacteriaceae and genes responsible for resistance formation in cheeses that were sold in local markets in Samsun. A total of 150 cheese samples were collected from the local markets in Samsun center and were used as material. One hundred and forty‐eight ESBL positive isolates were obtained from 34 samples (26.6%). Identification of 148 isolates were as follows; 79 Escherichia coli (54.5%), 39 Klebsiella pneumoniae (26.3%), 16 Klebsiella oxytoca (10.8%), 5 Citrobacter youngae (3.4%), 4 Shigella bodii (2.7%), 2 Klebsiella ozaenae (1.53%), 2 Enterobacter cloacae (1.53%), and 1 Enterobacter aerogenes (0.67%). Polymerase chain reaction analysis indicated that 64 isolates carried the blaCTX‐M gene (43.2%), while 39 isolates carried the blaTEM gene (26.3%), and 16 isolates carried the blaSHV gene (10.8%). It was concluded that cheeses sold in local markets are an important source of enteric bacteria that can produce ESBL. Therefore, cheeses can be considered as a potential source for spread of ESBL genes from foods to human.Practical ApplicationsEnterobacteriaceae strains producing ESBL have been isolated from many foods, especially foods of animal origin, form a potential risk to public health due to zoonotic character.
Prospective Associations of Diet Quality With Incident Frailty in Older Adults: The Health, Aging, and Body Composition Study
Authors: Hengeveld Linda M. , Wijnhoven Hanneke A. H. , Olthof Margreet R. , Brouwer Ingeborg A. , Simonsick Eleanor M. , Kritchevsky Stephen B. , Houston Denise K. , Newman Anne B. , Visser Marjolein 
Published: July 2019

OBJECTIVETo examine associations of diet quality indicators with 4‐year incidence of frailty in community‐dwelling older adults.DESIGNProspective cohort study.SETTINGHealth, Aging, and Body Composition Study, United States.PARTICIPANTSCommunity‐dwelling men and women, aged 70 to 81 years in 1998 to 1999 (first follow‐up, present study's baseline; n = 2154).MEASUREMENTSAt first follow‐up, dietary intake over the preceding year was assessed with a food frequency questionnaire. Indicators of diet quality include the Healthy Eating Index (categorized as poor, medium, and good), energy intake, and protein intake (a priori adjusted for energy intake using the nutrient residual model). Frailty status was determined using Fried's five‐component frailty phenotype and categorized into “robust” (0 components present), “pre‐frailty” (1 ‐ 2 components present), or “frail” (3‐5 components present). Cox proportional hazards analysis was used to examine associations of the diet quality indicators with 4‐year incidence of (1) frailty and (2) pre‐frailty or frailty. Competing risk analysis was used to examine associations with frailty by accounting for competing risks of death.RESULTSDuring the 4‐year follow‐up, 277 of the 2154 participants, robust or pre‐frail at baseline, developed frailty, and 629 of the 1020 participants, robust at baseline, developed pre‐frailty or frailty. Among the robust and pre‐frail, after adjustment for confounders including energy intake, those consuming poor‐ and medium‐quality diets had a higher frailty incidence than those consuming good‐quality diets (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.92 [95% confidence interval {CI} = 1.17‐3.17] and HR = 1.40 [95% CI = 0.99‐1.98], respectively). No associations for energy or protein intake were observed. Competing risk analyses yielded similar results. Among the robust, those with lower vegetable protein intake had a higher “pre‐frailty or frailty” incidence (per −10 g/d: HR = 1.20; 95% CI = 1.04‐1.39). No other associations were observed.CONCLUSIONPoorer overall diet quality and lower vegetable protein intake may increase the risk of becoming frail in old age. We found no association for intakes of energy, total protein, or animal protein. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:1835–1842, 2019
Developing set‐shifting improvement tasks (SSIT) for children with high‐functioning autism
Authors: Saniee S. , Pouretemad H. R. , Zardkhaneh S. A. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackgroundChildren with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience set‐shifting deficit as a part of executive function, which can lead to cognitive and behavioural flexibility deficits and/or restricted behaviours. Despite the increasing body of research on this cognitive deficit, set‐shifting training has not been exclusively studied in ASD.AimsIn this study, a training condition [set‐shifting improvement tasks (SSIT)] was developed to improve set‐shifting ability; afterwards, the possible effects of these tasks were investigated.Methods and ProceduresWith the aim of improving set‐shifting ability in children with autism, a training program (SSIT), involving a computer game (Tatka, a puzzle game produced by our research team) with some home‐based tasks (for generalisation purposes), was developed. Then, in a quasi‐experimental design, the effects of SSIT tasks were studied on children (n = 13, 5–7 years old) with high‐functioning autism. Outcome measures (pre‐training, post‐training and a 6‐week follow‐up) were assessed using Modified Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, Bender‐Gestalt Test and Behavioural Flexibility Rating Scale.Results and OutcomesA significant change was observed in both cognitive (Bender Gestalt,
; WCST;
) and behavioural flexibilities (
) and also in repetitive behaviours (
). Furthermore, the result remained stable to some extent for about 1 month after the training condition.Conclusions and ImplicationsDeveloping the SSIT is just an initial step in the major target of creating cognitive rehabilitation tools to be used by clinicians and parents for children diagnosed with ASD and should be understood as a supplement, rather than an alternative, to the main treatments such as applied behaviour analysis. Future research with larger samples are needed to confirm whether this intervention is effective for children with ASD.
Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase secreted from microglia via exosome during ischemic injury
Authors: Lu Yun‐Bi , Chen Chen‐Xiang , Huang Jing , Tian Yu‐Xin , Xie Xian , Yang Ping , Wu Ming , Tang Chun , Zhang Wei‐Ping 
Published: July 2019

AbstractNicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) is the key enzyme of the salvage pathway of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide synthesis. NAMPT can also be secreted and functions as a cytokine. We have previously shown that in the brain, NAMPT expression and secretion can be induced in microglia upon neuroinflammation and injury. Yet the mechanism for NAMPT secretion remains unclear. Here we show that NAMPT can be actively secreted from microglia upon the treatment of ischemia‐like injury – oxygen‐glucose deprivation and recovery (OGD/R). We confirmed that classical ER‐Golgi pathway is not involved in NAMPT secretion. NAMPT secretion was further enhanced by ATP, and the secretion was mediated by P2X7 receptor and by intracellular Ca2+. Importantly, we found that phospholipase D inhibitor, n‐butanol, phospholipase D siRNA, and wortmannin significantly decreased OGD/R‐induced and ATP‐enhanced release of NAMPT in microglia. After excluding the mechanisms of involving secretory autophagy, endosomes, and secretory lysosome, we have concluded that microglial NAMPT is secreted mainly via exosome. Immune‐electron microscopy identifies NAMPT in extracellular vesicles with the size and morphology characteristic of exosome. With the vesicles harvested by ultra‐centrifugation, exosomal NAMPT is further confirmed by Western blotting analysis. Intriguingly, the amount of NAMPT relative to exosomal protein markers remains unchanged upon the treatment of OGD/R, suggesting a constant load of exosomal NAMPT in microglia. Taken together, we have identified NAMPT is actively secreted via exosome from microglia during neuroinflammation of ischemic injury.
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Mindfulness‐based stress reduction for psychological distress among nurses: A systematic review
Authors: Ghawadra Sajed Faisal , Abdullah Khatijah Lim , Choo Wan Yuen , Phang Cheng Kar 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAims and objectivesTo explore the studies that used interventions based on the Mindfulness‐Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) for decreasing psychological distress among nurses.BackgroundBecause of the demanding nature of their work, nurses often have significantly high levels of stress, anxiety and depression. MBSR has been reported to be an effective intervention to decrease psychological distress.DesignSystematic review.MethodsThe databases included were Science Direct, PubMed, EBSCO host, Springer Link and Web of Science from 2002 to 2018. Interventional studies published in English that used MBSR among nurses to reduce their psychological distress were retrieved for review. The PRISMA guideline was used in this systematic review. The included studies were assessed for quality using “The Quality Assessment Tool For Quantitative Studies (QATFQS).”ResultsNine studies were found to be eligible and included in this review. Many benefits, including reduced stress, anxiety, depression, burnout and better job satisfaction, were reported in these studies.ConclusionThe adapted/brief versions of MBSR seem promising for reducing psychological distress in nurses. Future research should include randomised controlled trials with a larger sample size and follow‐up studies. There should also be a focus on creative and effective ways of delivering MBSR to nurses.Relevance to clinical practiceThe results of this review are substantial for supporting the use of MBSR for nurses’ psychological well‐being.