bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gamification's impact on manufacturing: Enhancing job motivation, satisfaction and operational performance with smartphone‐based gamified job design
Authors: Liu Minyang , Huang Yanqun , Zhang Dawei 
Published: October 2017

AbstractGamification is defined as applying game design elements to non‐game contexts. The integration of gamification into the workplace adds a stimulating and captivating game‐like layer to the working experience of employees. This is predicted to improve their positive affect at work and operational performance to a certain extent. With the ubiquity of smartphones and Internet technology, smartphone‐based interactive operations can better facilitate the implementation of gamification in work processes. Against a backdrop of a drastic transformation facing the Chinese equipment manufacturing industry, we gamified a number of computer numerical control machine operational jobs. A gamified job design framework was proposed, based on the job characteristics model and the game elements hierarchy. To achieve gamification in this context, a smartphone application was designed. We then hypothesized that smartphone‐based gamified job design (SGJD) would enhance participants’ three key indicators, namely, (i) job motivation, (ii) job satisfaction, and (iii) operational performance. We also analyzed how participants’ willingness to embrace gamified job design, known as “consent,” affected the improvement in the three key indicators. The results illustrated that SGJD significantly increased participants’ job motivation, job satisfaction, and operational performance. Furthermore, our experiment showed that consent to SGJD was positively correlated to the improvement in job motivation. However, no significant correlation was observed between consent to SGJD and an improvement in job satisfaction or operational performance.
Improved understanding of spatio‐temporal controls on regional scale groundwater flooding using hydrograph analysis and impulse response functions
Authors: Ascott Matthew J. , Marchant Ben P. , Macdonald David , McKenzie Andrew A. , Bloomfield John Paul 
Published: October 2017

AbstractControls on the spatio‐temporal extent of groundwater flooding are poorly understood, despite the long duration of groundwater flood events and distinct social and economic impacts. We developed a novel approach using statistical analysis of groundwater level hydrographs and impulse response functions (IRFs) and applied it to the 2013/2014 Chalk groundwater flooding in the English Lowlands. We proposed a standardized index of groundwater flooding which we calculated for monthly groundwater levels for 26 boreholes in the Chalk. We grouped these standardized series using k‐means cluster analysis and cross‐correlated the cluster centroids with the Standardized Precipitation Index accumulated over time intervals between 1 and 60 months. This analysis reveals 2 spatially coherent groups of standardized hydrographs that responded to precipitation over different timescales. We estimated IRF models of the groundwater level response to effective precipitation for 3 boreholes in each group. The IRF models corroborate the Standardized Precipitation Index analysis showing different response functions between the groups. We applied identical effective precipitation inputs to each of the IRF models and observed differences between the hydrographs from each group. It is suggested this is due to the hydrogeological properties of the Chalk and of overlying relatively low permeability superficial deposits (recent unconsolidated sediments overlying the bedrock, such as clays and tills), which are extensive over 1 of the groups. The overarching controls on groundwater flood response are concluded to be a complex combination of antecedent conditions, rainfall, and catchment hydrogeological properties. These controls should be taken into consideration when anticipating and managing future groundwater flood events. The approach presented is generic and parsimonious and can be easily applied where sufficient groundwater level and rainfall data are available.
Corporate governance structure and efficiencies of cooperative banks
Authors: Yamori Nobuyoshi , Harimaya Kozo , Tomimura Kei 
Published: October 2017

AbstractHow to discipline managers of cooperative structured financial institutions (co‐ops) is considered a critical issue by the Japanese financial regulatory authorities because co‐ops play a significant role in the domestic banking market, especially for small and medium‐sized enterprises. This paper seeks to clarify whether the effect of the governance‐related variables on firm performance varies across stock and cooperative banks in Japan. We consider regional banks as a proxy of stock banks and Shinkin banks, one of the representative co‐ops, as a proxy of cooperative banks. We use cost and profit efficiency scores obtained from stochastic frontier analysis as performance measures. The results in this paper confirmed that having a large number of board members has negative effects on efficiency measures for both stock and cooperative banks. On the other hand, the presence of outside directors has a significant effect on efficiency measures for cooperative banks, whereas such variables have no significant effect for stock banks. These results suggest that outside directors' discipline is more necessary for cooperative banks than for stock banks, which are under strong pressure from shareholders. For cooperative banks, a high ratio of representative council members, which is the most important decision‐making body for Shinkin banks, has negative effects on efficiency measures. Our findings support the current proposals of the financial regulatory authorities' council to appoint outside directors to the board as a means for strengthening governance of the co‐ops.
Effect of decellularized spinal scaffolds on spinal axon regeneration in rats
Authors: Zhu Junyi , Lu Yingfeng , Yu Fangzheng , Zhou Lebin , Shi Jiawei , Chen Qihui , Ding Weili , Wen Xin , Ding Yu‐Qiang , Mei Jin , Wang Jian 
Published: October 2017

AbstractA series of complex influencing factors lead to failure of neural regeneration after spinal cord injury (SCI). Up to now, there is no robust treatment that can restore the loss of function caused by injury. Because damaged spinal axons do not spontaneously regenerate in their naturally inhibitory microenvironments, biomaterials that induce neural regeneration to appear as attractive treatments to improve the microenvironmental conditions after SCI. In this study, we report the novel use of decellularized (DC) scaffolds to provide contact guidance for axonal regrowth in vivo. The idea is that the scaffolds comprise some cytokines and a physical compartment that may facilitate regeneration. To evaluate the efficacy of scaffolds in supporting neural regeneration after SCI, the scaffold was implanted into an injured spinal cord of the rat. The injured spinal scaffolds showed a significant increase of the expression of GAP43, NF200, and Nestin in the scaffold implant groups compared with controls without the scaffold. In addition, the motor function has a better recovery. Together, these results demonstrate that spinal acellular scaffold is capable of promoting axonal regeneration after SCI and may serve as a potential tool in the treatment of SCI. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 698–705, 2018.
Perceptions of animal‐assisted interventions: The influence of attitudes toward companion animals
Authors: Crossman Molly K. , Kazdin Alan E. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractObjectiveWe tested whether people are prone toward positive perceptions of Animal‐Assisted Interventions (AAIs). We additionally evaluated whether this effect is stronger for people who have positive attitudes toward companion animals.MethodWe presented 210 participants with fictitious news reports, each describing a study of an AAI or a control intervention. Participants rated the news reports on their credibility, acceptability, and general appeal and completed a measure of attitudes toward companion animals.ResultsIndividuals with positive attitudes toward companion animals evaluated AAIs as more credible, acceptable, and positive than did individuals with negative attitudes toward companion animals. There was no difference in how people with positive and negative attitudes toward companion animals evaluated control treatments.ConclusionWe found that individuals with positive attitudes toward companion animals perceived AAIs as more credible, acceptable, and positive, relative to individuals with more negative attitudes toward companion animals.
Neighborhood sexual violence moderates women's perceived safety in urban neighborhoods
Authors: Hoffman Erin E. , Mair Tanisha T. M. , Hunter Bronwyn A. , Prince Dana M. , Tebes Jacob Kraemer 
Published: October 2017

AbstractPerceptions of neighborhood safety are positively associated with perceptions of neighborhood violence. However, research has yet to examine whether this relationship is moderated by specific types of violence, such as sexual violence, that are more salient for women. Using street‐intercept interviews with 343 adults in 9 neighborhoods of a U.S. city with high rates of poverty, unemployment, and crime, we examine the relationship of perceived neighborhood violence to perceived safety in the context of gender while controlling for neighborhood assets that moderate perceptions of neighborhood safety and violence. We hypothesized that gender would moderate the relationship between perceived neighborhood violence and safety, and that women's perceptions of neighborhood safety would be significantly influenced by neighborhood sexual violence, but not other types of violence. Although women and men in these high crime, urban neighborhoods did not differ in their perceptions of neighborhood safety or violence, perceived sexual violence did significantly moderate safety by gender; women's perceptions of neighborhood sexual violence predicted perceived safety in their neighborhood. Importantly, gender did not moderate perceived safety for other types of violence. These results illustrate the importance of taking gender and perceived sexual violence into account to understand neighborhood safety in adults, particularly women.
The importance of prenatal 3‐dimensional sonography in a case of a segmental overgrowth syndrome with unclear chromosomal microarray results
Authors: Asoglu Mehmet Resit , Higgs Amanda , Esin Sertac , Kaplan Julie , Turan Sifa 
Published: October 2017

AbstractPIK3CA‐related overgrowth spectrum, caused by mosaic mutations in the PIK3CA gene, is associated with regional or generalized asymmetric overgrowth of the body or a body part in addition to other clinical findings. Three‐dimensional ultrasonography (3‐D US) has the capability to display structural abnormalities in soft tissues or other organs, thereby facilitating identification of segmental overgrowth lesions. We present a case suspected of having a segmental overgrowth disorder based on 3‐D US, whose chromosomal microarray result was abnormal, but apparently was not the cause of the majority of the fetus's clinical features.
Morphological characterization of ckd in cats: Insights of fibrogenesis to be recognized
Authors: Morais G. B. , Viana D. A. , Verdugo J. M. , Roselló M. G. , Porcel J. O. , Rocha D. D. , Xavier Júnior F. A. F. , Barbosa K. D. S. M. , Silva F. M. O. , Brito G. A. C. , Sampaio C. M. S. , Evangelista J. S. A. M. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractRenal fibrosis is characterized by glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis and its pathogenesis is associated with the activity of mesenchymal cells (fibroblasts), being essentially characterized by a process of excessive accumulation resulting from the deposition of extracellular matrix components. The aim of this study was to characterize the morphological presentation of chronic and fibrotic lesions in the glomerular, tubular, interstitial, and vascular compartments in feline CKD, as well as the possible participation of myofibroblasts in renal fibrotic processes in this species. Cat kidneys were collected and processed according to the conventional techniques for light microscopy, circular polarization, immunohistochemistry, and electron microscopy. Fibrotic alterations were present in all compartments analyzed. The main findings in the glomerular compartment were different degrees of glomerular sclerosis, synechia formation, Bowman's capsule calcification, in addition to glomerular basement membrane thickening and pericapsular fibrosis. The tubulointerstitial compartment had intense tubular degeneration and the immunostaining in tubular cells for mesenchymal cell markers demonstrated the possibility of mesenchymal epithelial transition and consequent involvement of myofibroblasts in the development of interstitial tubule damage. Infiltration of inflammatory cells, added to vessel thickening and fibrosis, demonstrated the severity and role of inflammation in the development and perpetuation of damage. Thus, we may conclude that fibrotic lesions play a relevant role in feline CKD and the mechanism of perpetuation of these lesions need further elucidation regarding the origin and participation of myofibroblasts and consequent mesenchymal epithelial transition in this species.
Livelihood Diversification Strategies to Climate Change among Smallholder Farmers in Northern Ghana
Authors: Asravor Richard Kofi 
Published: October 2017

AbstractEmploying the Margalef index of diversification, the linear regression model and three‐step feasible generalised least square, we analyse the impact of climate variability and expectation on the diversification strategies and vulnerabilities of rural households in Northern Ghana. The finding indicates households have diversified on and off the farm. The decrease average rainfall increases the diversification of total labour and female labour supply whilst decreasing diversification of cropland and income. Higher average rainfall lowers mean and variable per capita consumption. Extension service is an effective policy variable under high climate variability. We recommend increasing extension services and women economic empowerment. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Molecularly imprinted polymers synthesized via template immobilization on fumed silica nanoparticles for the enrichment of phosphopeptides
Authors: Duarte Mariana , Subedi Prabal , Yilmaz Ecevit , Marcus Katrin , Laurell Thomas , Ekström Simon 
Published: October 2017

AbstractPhosphorylation is a protein post‐translational modification (PTM) that plays an important role in cell signaling, cell differentiation, and metabolism. The hyper phosphorylated forms of certain proteins have been appointed as biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases, and phosphorylation‐related mutations are important for detecting cancer pathways. Due to the low abundance of phosphorylated proteins in biological fluids, sample enrichment is beneficial prior to detection. Thus, a need to find new strategies for enriching phosphopeptides has emerged. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are synthetic polymeric materials manufactured to exhibit affinity for a target molecule. In this study, MIPs have been synthesized using a new approach based on the use of fumed silica as sacrificial support acting as solid porogen with the template (phosphotyrosine) immobilized on its surface. Phosphotyrosine MIPs were tested against a mixture of peptides and phosphopeptides by performing micro‐solid phase extraction using MIPs (μMISPE) packed in a pipette tip. First, the capability of the materials to preferentially enrich phosphopeptides was evaluated. In a next step, the enrichment of phosphopeptides from a whole‐cell lysate of human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293T cells was performed. The eluates were analyzed using MALDI‐MS in the first case and with nano‐HPLC‐ESI‐MS/MS in the second case. The results showed that the MIPs provided affinity for phosphopeptides, binding preferentially to multi‐site phosphorylated peptides. The MIPs could enrich phosphopeptides in over 10‐fold compared with the number of phosphopeptides found in a cell lysate without enrichment.
Predictability of late‐season tropical cyclone accumulated kinetic energy around Taiwan 2 months ahead
Authors: Lu Mong‐Ming , Lee Ching‐Teng , Wang Bin 
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACTLong‐lead seasonal forecast of tropical cyclone (TC) activity is strongly demanded, albeit challenging, for hazard prevention and preparedness in the area prone to TCs. This article attempts to present a late‐season (September–November, SON) empirical prediction model to predict the accumulative cyclone kinetic energy (ACE) around Taiwan. The predictors are the sea‐surface temperatures (SSTs) and sea‐level pressure (SLP) anomaly during the preceding spring and summer seasons over tropical Southeast Asia, subtropical western and central North Pacific, and subtropical North Atlantic. Three prediction models are established with the lead times of 0, 1, and 2 months. Different types of large‐scale influence on the TC activity are found for the above and below‐normal‐ACE years, respectively. For the above‐normal‐ACE years, the favourable large‐scale condition is warm SSTs over the west Pacific, South China Sea (SCS), and eastern Indian Ocean, and the associated anomalous cyclonic winds and low SLP over the west Pacific marginal seas. The robust precursors are the warm SSTs over mid‐latitude west North Pacific and North Atlantic, and the low SLP over Atlantic during the preceding spring season. For the below‐normal‐ACE years, the favourable large‐scale condition is cold SSTs over Indonesian seas and equatorial west Pacific, warm SST and low SLP over equatorial east Pacific, and the anomalous anticyclonic circulation over the SCS and the Philippine Sea. The robust precursors are the anomalous SST and SLP during the preceding spring season, with the opposite signs to the above‐normal‐ACE years. The presented models built on the precursor signals are proved able to generate skilful forecast 2 months ahead. The product ACE‐SON can be used for seasonal TC activity outlook in a larger area including the coastal region of southeast China and for seasonal rainfall outlook in Taiwan.
Critical comparison of the on‐line and off‐line molecularly imprinted solid‐phase extraction of patulin coupled with liquid chromatography
Authors: Lhotská Ivona , Holznerová Anežka , Solich Petr , Šatínský Dalibor 
Published: October 2017

AbstractReaching trace amounts of mycotoxin contamination requires sensitive and selective analytical tools for their determination. Improving the selectivity of sample pretreatment steps covering new and modern extraction techniques is one way to achieve it. Molecularly imprinted polymers as selective sorbent for extraction undoubtedly meet these criteria. The presented work is focused on the hyphenation of on‐line molecularly imprinted solid‐phase extraction with a chromatography system using a column‐switching approach. Making a critical comparison with a simultaneously developed off‐line extraction procedure, evaluation of pros and cons of each method, and determining the reliability of both methods on a real sample analysis were carried out. Both high‐performance liquid chromatography methods, using off‐line extraction on molecularly imprinted polymer and an on‐line column‐switching approach, were validated, and the validation results were compared against each other. Although automation leads to significant time savings, fewer human errors, and required no handling of toxic solvents, it reached worse detection limits (15 versus 6 μg/L), worse recovery values (68.3–123.5 versus 81.2–109.9%), and worse efficiency throughout the entire clean‐up process in comparison with the off‐line extraction method. The difficulties encountered, the compromises made during the optimization of on‐line coupling and their critical evaluation are presented in detail.
Impact of the Catalytic System on the Formation of Structural Defects for the Synthesis of Well‐Defined Donor–Acceptor Semiconducting Polymers
Authors: Spanos Michael , Gregoriou Vasilis G. , Avgeropoulos Apostolos , Chochos Christos L. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThis study the impact of different catalytic systems on the formation of structural defects among the macromolecular chain, in the molecular characteristics (average molecular weights per number (), per weight (), and polydispersity index (Đ)), along with the composition ratio of the two monomeric units within the main chain for a specific class of conjugated polymers through the utilization of size exclusion chromatography and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR) spectroscopy, respectively is examined. From the obtained results, the formation of the structural defects in the studied “donor–acceptor” polymers is visualized and quantified by 1H‐NMR. The alternating polymers containing the lower percentage of chemical defects demonstrate increased and values and increased absorption co‐efficiency as recorded by UV–vis absorption spectroscopy. Therefore, it is evident that this work highlights optimum Stille cross‐coupling polymerization conditions, which can be a guide rule for the synthesis of defect‐free conjugated polymers.
Directed Orientation of Oligo(phenylene ethynylene)s Using Ureas or Urethanes in Rod–Coil Copolymers
Authors: Ahner Johannes , Micheel Mathias , Enke Marcel , Zechel Stefan , Schubert Ulrich S. , Dietzek Benjamin , Hager Martin D. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractInterchromophoric interactions between oligo(phenylene ethynylene)s incorporated in copolymers in solution as well as in solid state are investigated using UV/Vis and IR spectroscopy. One promising strategy to enable strong interchromophoric interactions is the introduction of hydrogen‐bonding moieties. Together with the tendency of the chromophores to self‐assemble via π–π‐stacking a dense packing of the chromophores within a polymer film can be achieved. In order to demonstrate this strategy, oligo(phenylene ethynylene)s are used as monomers for copolymers using the highly efficient blocked isocyanate route and polymer films are prepared by spin coating technique. The copolymers are prepared by an in situ deprotection of a pyrazol protected bis‐isocyanate functionalized rigid chromophore followed by subsequent polyaddition using a bis‐amine or bis‐alcohol linker unit. The specific introduction of urea as well as urethane moieties enhances coplanarization of the chromophores in the polymer films into well‐organized structures, which can be characterized based on their specific optical properties.
Transition Metal Ion‐Induced High Electrocatalytic Performance of Conducting Polymer for Oxygen and Hydrogen Evolution Reactions
Authors: Dong Yu‐Tao , Feng Jin‐Xian , Li Gao‐Ren 
Published: October 2017

AbstractHere, it is discovered that the conductive polymers with heteroatoms, such as polypyrrole (PPy) and polyaniline (PANI), are electroactive for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) or oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in alkaline media. Density functional theory calculations demonstrate that the heteroatoms in the conducting polymers, such as N, can induce the formation of the electrocatalytic active centers (EACs). For further enhancement of performance, the transition metal ion (TMI)‐doped conductive polymers (such as Co(II)‐doped PPy and Fe(III)‐doped PANI) supported on nickel foam are developed as low‐cost and high‐performance electrocatalysts for HER or OER. Here, it is demonstrated that the TMN bonds in TMI‐doped conductive polymer can efficiently create high EACs and obviously lower energy barriers of intermediates and products of HER or OER. The experimental results show that the TMI‐doped conductive polymer exhibits significantly improved electrocatalytic performance, such as low onset potential, high electrocatalytic activity, and excellent long‐term durability. The results suggest the great promise of developing a new family of TMI‐doped conducting polymers as low‐cost and high‐performance electrocatalysts for HER and OER in alkaline media.