bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
From start-up to expansion: Vittrium Building Products
Authors: Krusekopf Charles , de Koning Alice , Wilson-Mah Rebecca Frances 
Published: November 2018

Synopsis
After three years in business together, Des Carpenter and Kees Schaddelee had a decision to make – should they double the size of their location, based on the opportunities and competitive threats they perceived? The startup phase took longer than expected and access to distribution channels was more difficult than expected. Nonetheless, the business gained traction with online sales that proved the concept of custom-made counters using EnvironiteTM technology was viable. As they prepared to expand the business, the owner-managers needed to decide on a growth strategy that would let them leverage their strengths. In analyzing their successes so far, they needed to evaluate their business model including their product line, target markets, marketing strategy (including the pricing strategy, product lines, and channels of distribution) and operations.

Research methodology
Data were collected through interviews with business owners and a review of company documents, production processes and the company website.

Relevant courses and levels
This case exercise will suit strategy and entrepreneurship students at both the senior undergraduate level and graduate level. The case discussion will ask students to consider operations, supply chain management, marketing and other issues, all through the lens of a holistic vision for the company. This case may be taught as an example of a growth strategy or a business model in a capstone business strategy course or higher level entrepreneurship course. It is appropriate for both undergraduate seniors and graduate students.

Theoretical bases
This case may be taught as an example of a growth strategy or a business model in a capstone business strategy course or higher-level entrepreneurship course. The case may be used to help students understand external and internal analysis, identifying the sources of value creation and competitive advantage, and creating an appropriate strategy for growth. It provides a rich context to discuss and apply the following conceptual tools: the application of a value chain analysis and the application of a business model canvas (key partners, key activities, key resources, value propositions, customer relationships, distribution channels, customer segments, cost structure and revenue streams). The case may also be used to reinforce the applications of growth phases in a young firm that are part of the entrepreneurial setting, for example, value proposition, ideal customer, revenue streams and key performance indicators.
Scaling functional traits to ecosystem processes: Towards a mechanistic understanding in peat mosses
Authors: Mazziotta Adriano , Granath Gustaf , Rydin Håkan , Bengtsson Fia , Norberg Jon 
Published: November 2018

Abstract

The role of trait trade‐offs and environmental filtering in explaining the variability in functional traits and ecosystem processes has received considerable attention for vascular plants but less so for bryophytes. Thus, we do not know whether the same forces also shape the phenotypic variability of bryophytes. Here, we assess how environmental gradients and trade‐offs shape functional traits and subsequently ecosystem processes for peat mosses (Sphagnum), a globally important plant genus for carbon accumulation. We used piecewise Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to understand how environmental gradients influence vital processes across levels of biological organization.

We gathered data on functional traits for 15 globally important Sphagnum species covering a wide range of ecological preferences. Phenotypes lie along well‐established axes of the plant economic spectrum characterizing trade‐offs between vital physiological functions. Using SEM, we clarified the mechanisms of trait covariation and scaling to ecosystem processes. We tested whether peat mosses, like vascular plants, constrain trait variability between a fast turnover strategy based on resource acquisition via fast traits and processes, and a strategy of resource conservation, via slow traits and processes.

We parameterized a process‐based model estimating ecosystem processes linking environmental drivers with architectural and functional traits. In our SEM approach the amount of variance explained varied substantially (0.29 ≤ R2 ≤ 0.82) among traits and processes in Sphagnum, and the model could predict some of them with high to intermediate accuracy for an independent dataset. R2 variability was mainly explained by traits and species identity, and poorly by environmental filtering.

Some Sphagnum species avoid the stress caused by periodic desiccation in hollows via resource acquisition based on fast photosynthesis and growth, while other species are adapted to grow high above the water‐table on hummocks by slow physiological traits and processes to conserve resources.

Synthesis.We contribute to a unified theory generating individual fitness, canopy dynamics and ecosystem processes from trait variation. As for vascular plants, the functional traits in the Sphagnum economic spectrum are linked into an integrated phenotypic network partly filtered by the environment and shaped by trade‐offs in resource acquisition and conservation.
Adhesion of silicone oil and emulsification: an in vitro assessment using a microfluidic device and ‘Eye‐on‐a‐Chip’
Authors: Lu Yongjie , Chan Yau Kei , Lau Long Hei , Chao Youchuang , Shih Kendrick Co , Lai Shiu Ming , Wong David , Shum Ho Cheung 
Published: November 2018

AbstractPurposeSilicone oil (SiO) with additives of high‐molecular‐weight (HMW) SiO molecules, eases both the injection and removal. When used inside an eye, it remains unclear how increasing extensional viscosity of SiO might reduce emulsification. Using cell‐lined models, this study aims to understand the reason why SiO with HMW is less prone to emulsification.MethodsThe adhesion of SiO was studied and recorded in a cell‐coated microchannel by optical microscopy. The resistance of SiO against emulsification was tested on another cell‐coated eye‐on‐a‐chip platform, which was subject to simulated saccadic eye movements, for 4 days. Silicone oil (SiO) candidates with HMW, SiOHMW2000 and SiOHMW5000, and their counterparts SiO2000 and SiO5000 without HMW, were tested. The quantity of the SiO emulsified droplets formed was assessed daily by optical microscopy.ResultsWhen flowing in the microchannel, SiO adheres on the cell‐coated substrate. The number of droplets is generally lower in SiO with HMW than their counterparts. At the end of the experiment, the average numbers of droplets in SiO2000 (29.1 ± 41.0) and SiO5000 (9.1 ± 19.5) are higher than those in SiOHMW2000 (6.0 ± 4.5) and SiOHMW5000 (5.6 ± 4.1).ConclusionA new mechanism of emulsification of SiO is proposed: SiO adheres to ocular tissue to form emulsified droplets. The presence of HMW, which increases the extensional viscosity, may resist the break‐up of SiO from the substrate to form emulsified droplets. When tested in a physiologically representative platform, the use of HMW in SiO generally reduces the number of droplets formed in vitro.
CD99 expression is strongly associated with clinical outcome in children with B‐cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Authors: Chen Dongfeng , Camponeschi Alessandro , Wu Qingqing , Gerasimcik Natalija , Li Huiqi , Shen Xue , Tan Yujie , Sjögren Helene , Nordlund Jessica , Lönnerholm Gudmar , Abrahamsson Jonas , Fogelstrand Linda , Mårtensson Inga‐Lill 
Published: November 2018

SummaryOur study aimed to determine the expression pattern and clinical relevance of CD99 in paediatric B‐cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (BCP‐ALL). Our findings demonstrate that high expression levels of CD99 are mainly found in high‐risk BCP‐ALL, e.g. BCR‐ABL1 and CRLF2Re/Hi, and that high CD99 mRNA levels are strongly associated with a high frequency of relapse, high proportion of positive for minimal residual disease at day 29 and poor overall survival in paediatric cohorts, which indicate that CD99 is a potential biomarker for BCP‐ALL.
A quarter century of system justification theory: Questions, answers, criticisms, and societal applications
Authors: Jost John T. 
Published: November 2018

A theory of system justification was proposed 25 years ago by Jost and Banaji (1994, Br. J. Soc. Psychol., 33, 1) in the British Journal of Social Psychology to explain ‘the participation by disadvantaged individuals and groups in negative stereotypes of themselves' and the phenomenon of outgroup favouritism. The scope of the theory was subsequently expanded to account for a much wider range of outcomes, including appraisals of fairness, justice, legitimacy, deservingness, and entitlement; spontaneous and deliberate social judgements about individuals, groups, and events; and full‐fledged political and religious ideologies. According to system justification theory, people are motivated (to varying degrees, depending upon situational and dispositional factors) to defend, bolster, and justify aspects of existing social, economic, and political systems. Engaging in system justification serves the palliative function of increasing satisfaction with the status quo and addresses underlying epistemic, existential, and relational needs to reduce uncertainty, threat, and social discord. This article summarizes the major tenets of system justification theory, reviews some of the empirical evidence supporting it, answers new (and old) questions and criticisms, and highlights areas of societal relevance and directions for future research.
Bisphosphonic acids and related compounds as inhibitors of nucleotide‐ and polyphosphate‐processing enzymes: A PPK1 and PPK2 case study
Authors: Burda‐Grabowska Małgorzata , Macegoniuk Katarzyna , Flick Robert , Nocek Boguslaw P. , Joachimiak Andrzej , Yakunin Alexander F. , Mucha Artur , Berlicki Łukasz 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBisphosphonic acids, which are structural analogs of pyrophosphate, constitute a class of compounds with very high potential for the construction of effective inhibitors of enzymes operating on oligo‐ and polyphosphates. The bisphosphonate‐based methodology was applied for the discovery of inhibitors of two families of polyphosphate kinases (PPK1 and PPK2). Screening of thirty‐two structurally diverse bisphosphonic acids and related compounds revealed several micromolar inhibitors of both enzymes. Importantly, selectivity of bisphosphonates could be achieved by application of the appropriate side chain.
Gait parameters in children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Gómez‐Pérez Cristina , Font‐Llagunes Josep M , Martori Joan Carles , Vidal Samsó Joan 
Published: November 2018

AimTo identify the gait parameters used to assess gait disorders in children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy (CP) and evaluate their responsiveness to treatments.MethodA systematic search within PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus (in English, 2000–2016) for randomized controlled trials of children with bilateral spastic CP who were assessed by instrumented gait analysis (IGA) was performed. Data related to participants and study characteristics, risk of bias, and outcome measures were collected. A list of gait parameters responsive to clinical interventions was obtained.ResultsTwenty‐one articles met the inclusion criteria. Eighty‐nine gait parameters were identified, 56 of which showed responsiveness to treatments. Spatiotemporal and kinematic parameters were widely used compared to kinetic and surface electromyography data. The majority of responsive gait parameters were joint angles at the sagittal plane (flexion–extension).InterpretationThe IGA yields responsive outcome measures for the gait assessment of children with bilateral spastic CP. Spatiotemporal and kinematic (at sagittal plane) parameters are the gait parameters used most frequently. Further research is needed to establish the relevant gait parameters for each clinical problem.What this paper adds

Fifty‐six responsive gait parameters for children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy were identified.

Most responsive gait parameters belong to joint angles time‐series at sagittal plane.

Spatiotemporal and kinematic parameters are widely used compared to kinetic and surface electromyography parameters.
Two for one? Effects of a couples intervention on partners of persons with Type 2 diabetes: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Trief P. M. , Fisher L. , Sandberg J. , Hessler D. M. , Cibula D. A. , Weinstock R. S. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAimsTo compare the outcomes of partners who participated in a telephone couples behavioural intervention to improve glycaemic control in persons with Type 2 diabetes with those of untreated partners of participants in an individual intervention or education; to explore ‘ripple effects’, i.e. positive behaviour changes seen in untreated partners.MethodsThe Diabetes Support Project was a three‐arm randomized telephone intervention trial comparing outcomes of couples calls (CC), individual calls (IC) and diabetes education calls (DE). Couples included one partner with Type 2 diabetes and HbA1c ≥ 58 mmol/mol (7.5%). All arms received self‐management education (two calls). CC and IC arms participated in 10 additional behaviour change calls. CC included partners, emphasizing partner communication, collaboration and support. Blinded assessments were performed at 4, 8 and 12 months. Partner outcomes were psychosocial (diabetes distress, relationship satisfaction, depressive symptoms), medical (BMI, blood pressure) and behavioural (fat intake, activity).ResultsPartners’ (N = 268) mean age was 55.8 years, 64.6% were female and 29.9% were from minority ethnic groups. CC (vs. IC and DE) partners had greater reductions in diabetes distress, greater increases in marital satisfaction (4 and 8 months), and some improvements in diastolic BP. There were no consistent differences among arms in other outcomes. There was no evidence of a dietary or activity behaviour ripple effect on untreated partners, i.e. comparing partners in the IC and DE arms.ConclusionsA collaborative couples intervention resulted in significant improvements in partner diabetes distress and relationship satisfaction. There were no consistent effects on behavioural or medical partner outcomes, and no evidence of diet or activity behaviour ripple effects, suggesting that partners should be targeted directly to achieve these changes. (Clinical Trial Registry No: NCT01017523)
Severe conduct problems in adolescence and risk of schizophrenia in early adulthood
Authors: Manninen Marko , Latvala Reetta , Torniainen‐Holm Minna , Suvisaari Jaana , Lindgren Maija 
Published: November 2018

AimReform school (RS) is a foster care institution for adolescents with severe conduct problems. Both instability of early rearing environment and severe conduct problems in adolescence may associate with later psychotic disorders. We studied whether the risk of schizophrenia in adulthood is elevated in RS adolescents, and whether it is related to the age at first foster care placement or placement instability.MethodsAdult age schizophrenia spectrum disorder data from RS subjects (N = 1099) were compared to a comparison group matched by age, sex, and place of birth (N = 5437) in a register based follow‐up study, with up to 23 years follow‐up time. Schizophrenia was also predicted with chosen placement factors. Cox proportional regression model was used in the analysis.ResultsRS subjects had an 8‐fold (HR = 7.82, 95% CI 5.63‐10.87) risk of schizophrenia compared to the comparison group. RS subjects also had an earlier age of schizophrenia onset. RS cohort, gender, placement instability, or age during the first out‐of‐home placement did not predict later schizophrenia.ConclusionsAdolescents with severe conduct problems are a specific high‐risk group for later schizophrenia. The risk manifests early, which compromises the pathway to the adult well‐being. Specialized screening procedures for psychosis risk should be implemented in the standard clinical procedures when working with adolescents with severe behaviour problems, and early intervention programs should be available.
Crack growth evaluation by XFEM for nuclear pipes considering thermal aging embrittlement effect
Authors: Sim Jae Min , Chang Yoon‐Suk 
Published: November 2018

AbstractSince thermal aging embrittlement (TE) causes loss of fracture toughness and may lead to failure, it is one of structural integrity issues to be assessed in nuclear industry. In this study, crack growth simulation by using extended finite element method (XFEM) was carried out for CF8M base metal and ER316L weld metal, which are typical vulnerable materials. First, user subroutines were constructed to incorporate variation of mechanical properties of two materials due to the TE. In particular, with regard to ER316L, weld residual stress (WRS) distribution was considered. Second, validity of the subroutines and XFEM was confirmed by comparing with analytical and experimental data. Finally, crack growth analyses for nuclear pipes were performed by applying the verified methodology. Thereby, differences of the crack growth amounts and paths as the presence or absence of the TE and WRS were quantified and discussed.
Experimental island biogeography demonstrates the importance of island size and dispersal for the adaptation to novel habitats
Authors: Alzate Adriana , Etienne Rampal S. , Bonte Dries 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAimIsland biogeography theory describes how island size and isolation determine population colonization success. Large islands sustain larger populations than small ones and experience less demographic stochasticity, thus a lower extinction risk. Nearby islands are more likely to be colonized than distant ones, because they receive more immigrants from the mainland. However, local conditions on islands are often different from those on the mainland; therefore, populations on recently colonized islands also need to adapt. Island size and isolation are known to impact the build‐up of genetic variation necessary for adaptation; hence, we integrated island biogeography with evolution experimentally to gain a better understanding of the roles of island size and isolation in biodiversity patterns.LocationLaboratory, Ghent University, Belgium.Time periodOctober 2013 to June 2014.Major taxa studiedTwo‐spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae).MethodsUsing experimental evolution, we studied the effects of island size and isolation on colonization, extinction and adaptation of the two‐spotted spider mite to new islands. The mainland population consisted of bean plants and the islands of tomato plants (a known challenging condition). Islands differed in their size (number of plants) and in the number of immigrants (females, the dispersive stage) they received from the mainland.ResultsIsland size and dispersal decreased extinction risk and increased colonization success and adaptation. Populations on small islands, which are most affected by extinction, were rescued demographically by an increase in dispersal. However, they were never able to adapt.Main conclusionsEvolutionary rescue via dispersal is possible only when populations are sufficiently large; small populations cannot adapt, because they lack the genetic variation necessary for local adaptation. Hence, in addition to the effects of island size and dispersal on the ecological processes of colonization and extinction, our results show that island size and dispersal can jointly affect the evolutionary process of adaptation to novel habitats.
Combining multiple visual surveys to model the habitat of deep‐diving cetaceans at the basin scale
Authors: Virgili Auriane , Authier Matthieu , Boisseau Oliver , Cañadas Ana , Claridge Diane , Cole Tim , Corkeron Peter , Dorémus Ghislain , David Léa , Di‐Méglio Nathalie , Dunn Charlotte , Dunn Tim E. , García‐Barón Isabel , Laran Sophie , Lauriano Giancarlo , Lewis Mark , Louzao Maite , Mannocci Laura , Martínez‐Cedeira José , Palka Debra , Panigada Simone , Pettex Emeline , Roberts Jason J. , Ruiz Leire , Saavedra Camilo , Santos M. Begoña , Van Canneyt Olivier , Vázquez Bonales José Antonio , Monestiez Pascal , Ridoux Vincent 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAimDeep‐diving cetaceans are oceanic species exposed to multiple anthropogenic pressures including high intensity underwater noise, and knowledge of their distribution is crucial to manage their conservation. Due to intrinsic low densities, wide distribution ranges and limited presence at the sea surface, these species are rarely sighted. Pooling data from multiple visual surveys sharing a common line‐transect methodology can increase sightings but requires accounting for heterogeneity in protocols and platforms.LocationNorth Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea.Time period1998 to 2015.Major taxaZiphiidae; Physeteriidae; Kogiidae.MethodsAbout 1,240,000 km of pooled effort provided 630 sightings of ziphiids, 836 of physeteriids and 106 of kogiids. For each taxon, we built a hierarchical model to estimate the effective strip width depending on observation conditions and survey types. We then modelled relative densities in a generalized additive modelling framework. Geographical predictions were limited to interpolations identified with a gap analysis of environmental space coverage.ResultsDeeper areas of the North Atlantic gyre were mostly environmental extrapolation in the predictions, thereby highlighting gaps in sampling across the different surveys. For the three species groups, the highest relative densities were predicted along continental slopes, particularly in the western North Atlantic Ocean where the Gulf Stream creates dynamic frontal zones and eddies.Main conclusionsPooling a large number of surveys provided the first basin‐wide models of distribution for deep‐diving cetaceans, including several data‐deficient taxa, across the North Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. These models can help the conservation of elusive and poorly known marine megafauna.
Non‐Pharmacological Treatment for Primary Headaches Prevention and Lifestyle Changes in a Low‐Income Community of Brazil: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Fernando Prieto Peres Mario , Prieto Peres Mercante Juliane , Belitardo de Oliveira Arão 
Published: November 2018

BackgroundPrimary headaches can be reduced by lifestyle changes, such as stress management and physical activity. However, access to programs focused on behavioral interventions is limited in underserved, poor communities.ObjectivesWe performed a randomized open‐label clinical trial to test the therapeutic and behavioral effects of aerobic exercise, relaxation, or the combination of both, in individuals with primary headaches of a small, low‐income community of the Brazilian Amazon.MethodsParticipants were screened from the riverine/rural population, and individuals with primary headache were included. We assessed clinical characteristics and physical activity levels. Interventions were delivery 3 times/week for 6 months. The primary outcome variable was changes in days with headache, while changes in duration of attacks, pain intensity, and physical activity levels were secondary outcomes variables.ResultsSeven hundred and ninety individuals were screened (15.3% of rural/riverine population). Seventy‐four participants were randomly assigned to relaxation (n = 25), physical activity orientation program (n = 25), or both (n = 24) interventions. Intention to treat analyses showed all interventions as effective to reduce days with headaches and duration of attacks (both P < .01). Pain intensity was reduced only in relaxation and relaxation + physical activity groups (both P < .01). Physical activity levels increased only in the relaxation + physical activity group (P < .05).ConclusionsNon‐pharmacological interventions such as physical activity and relaxation are effective for reducing headaches, while combining such interventions promote health behavior toward higher physical activity levels in low‐income populations with primary headaches.Clinical Trial Registration number: SGPP 1544.