bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gender gap in innovation: an institutionalist explanation
Authors: Carrasco Inmaculada 
Published: March 2014

Purpose
– The aim of this paper is to contribute to knowledge on innovation from a gender perspective, and to investigate how environment affects the process of innovation by women.

Design/methodology/approach
– The empirical study uses a Structural Equations Model of a Partial Least Squared (PLS) technique. Data of 40 countries from around the world were collected from 2008.

Findings
– Institutional environment matters for innovative activity by women. An innovative thinking is required for integrating the gender perspective in innovative milieus in order to enrich, diversify and promote stronger innovation activities, mobilising unexploited opportunities for managers in the business sector, and for policy makers in the public one.

Research limitations/implications
– A new sex-disaggregated dataset will allow us to enlarge and improve upon this study. A longitudinal study would be extremely useful, but for the moment, there are no available data of this kind.

Practical implications
– Policies designed to reduce the gap for women in innovation activities have to fight against gender segregation in the job market and gender differences in education and training. They must increase flexibility in the workplace, provide more help to conciliate family and working lives, and reduce the gap in family responsibilities taken on by women.

Originality/value
– This paper contributes to the cross-over of knowledge between innovation and gender, and reduces the lack of information on how external factors may impact innovative behaviour by gender.
Altered autophagy induction by sera from pregnant women with pre‐eclampsia: a case–control study
Authors: Kanninen TT , Jayaram A , Jaffe Lifshitz S , Witkin SS 
Published: April 2014

ObjectiveMechanisms leading to pre‐eclampsia remain incompletely defined. Autophagy is a conserved process necessary for cell survival under adverse conditions. We hypothesised that sera from women with healthy pregnancies and women with pre‐eclampsia differed in autophagy induction.DesignA case–control study.SettingWeill Cornell Medical College.PopulationTwenty‐four normotensive pregnant women and 20 women with pre‐eclampsia.MethodsSera were incubated with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from female donors. After 48 hours the PBMCs were lysed and the intracellular concentration of p62 was determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Its concentration is inversely proportional to the extent of autophagy induction. Serum endoglin, interleukin 13 (IL–13), insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF–1), and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF–β1) levels were quantitated by ELISA.Main outcome measuresDifferences in autophagy induction and serum mediator levels in the two groups.ResultsAutophagy induction increased with gestational age in sera from normotensive women (P = 0.0045), but not in women with pre‐eclampsia. In the presence of an autophagy inducer, the capacity for autophagy induction decreased with gestational age in sera from women with pre‐eclampsia (P = 0.0235), but not from controls. Endoglin concentrations were positively associated with the extent of autophagy induction in controls only (P = 0.0141). There was no association between autophagy and serum IL–13, IGF–1, or TGF–β1 levels.ConclusionsSera from women with pre‐eclampsia differ from normotensive women by their inability to induce autophagy as a function of gestational age.
Chinese Yam Extracts Containing β‐Sitosterol and Ethyl Linoleate Protect against Atherosclerosis in Apolipoprotein E‐Deficient Mice and Inhibit Muscular Expression of VCAM‐1 In Vitro
Authors: Koo Hyun Jung , Park Hye Jin , Byeon Hye Eun , Kwak Jong Hwan , Um Sung Hee , Kwon Soon Tae , Rhee Dong Kwon , Pyo Suhkneung 
Published: April 2014

AbstractAtherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease, which is associated with increased expression of adhesion molecules and monocyte recruitment into the arterial wall. This study evaluated whether hexane extracts from the edible part (DB‐H1) or bark region (DB‐H2) of Dioscorea. batatas Decne have anti‐atherosclerotic properties in vivo and in vitro experiments. We also identified bioactive components in the hexane extracts. Thirty‐six apolipoprotein E (ApoE−/−) mice and 12 control (C57BL/6J) mice were given a Western‐type diet for 11 or 21 wk. To examine the effects of yam extracts on lesion development, ApoE−/− mice were orally administered DB‐H1 or DB‐H2 for the duration of the study (200 mg/kg b.w./day, 3 times per wk). Both DB‐H1 and DB‐H2 significantly reduced the total atherosclerotic lesion area in the aortic root. In addition, plasma concentrations of total cholesterol, oxidized‐low‐density lipoprotein, and c‐reactive protein were decreased by administration of DB‐H1 and DB‐H2. Consistent with the in vivo observations, DB‐H1 and DB‐H2 inhibited tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α–induced vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 expression and adhesion of THP‐1 monocytes to TNF‐α–activated vascular smooth muscle cells. It was also found that treatment with DB‐H1 or DB‐H2 resulted in the inhibition nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species production and iNOS expression in macrophages. Thus, DB‐H1 and DB‐H2 seem to influence atherosclerosis by affecting the production of inflammatory mediators in vivo. Our results suggest that yam extracts have the potential to be used in the prevention of atherosclerosis.
Spatial and temporal variations of microbial community in a mixed plug‐flow loop reactor fed with dairy manure
Authors: Li Yueh‐Fen , Chen Po‐Hsu , Yu Zhongtang 
Published: April 2014

SummaryMixed plug‐flow loop reactor (MPFLR) has been widely adopted by the US dairy farms to convert cattle manure to biogas. However, the microbiome in MPFLR digesters remains unexplored. In this study, the microbiome in a MPFLR digester operated on a mega‐dairy farm was examined thrice over a 2 month period. Within 23 days of retention time, 55–70% of total manure solid was digested. Except for a few minor volatile fatty acids (VFAs), total VFA concentration and pH remained similar along the course of the digester and over time. Metagenomic analysis showed that although with some temporal variations, the bacterial community was rather stable spatially in the digester. The methanogenic community was also stable both spatially and temporally in the digester. Among methanogens, genus Methanosaeta dominated in the digester. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis and metagenomic analysis yielded different relative abundance of individual genera of methanogens, especially for Methanobacterium, which was predominant based on qPCR analysis but undetectable by metagenomics. Collectively, the results showed that only small microbial and chemical gradients existed within the digester, and the digestion process occurred similarly throughout the MPFLR digester. The findings of this study may help improve the operation and design of this type of manure digesters.
Spatial heterogeneity in the Mediterranean Biodiversity Hotspot affects barcoding accuracy of its freshwater fishes
Authors: Geiger M. F. , Herder F. , Monaghan M. T. , Almada V. , Barbieri R. , Bariche M. , Berrebi P. , Bohlen J. , Casal‐Lopez M. , Delmastro G. B. , Denys G. P. J. , Dettai A. , Doadrio I. , Kalogianni E. , Kärst H. , Kottelat M. , Kovačić M. , Laporte M. , Lorenzoni M. , Marčić Z. , Özuluğ M. , Perdices A. , Perea S. , Persat H. , Porcelotti S. , Puzzi C. , Robalo J. , Šanda R. , Schneider M. , Šlechtová V. , Stoumboudi M. , Walter S. , Freyhof J. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractIncomplete knowledge of biodiversity remains a stumbling block for conservation planning and even occurs within globally important Biodiversity Hotspots (BH). Although technical advances have boosted the power of molecular biodiversity assessments, the link between DNA sequences and species and the analytics to discriminate entities remain crucial. Here, we present an analysis of the first DNA barcode library for the freshwater fish fauna of the Mediterranean BH (526 spp.), with virtually complete species coverage (498 spp., 98% extant species). In order to build an identification system supporting conservation, we compared species determination by taxonomists to multiple clustering analyses of DNA barcodes for 3165 specimens. The congruence of barcode clusters with morphological determination was strongly dependent on the method of cluster delineation, but was highest with the general mixed Yule‐coalescent (GMYC) model‐based approach (83% of all species recovered as GMYC entity). Overall, genetic morphological discontinuities suggest the existence of up to 64 previously unrecognized candidate species. We found reduced identification accuracy when using the entire DNA‐barcode database, compared with analyses on databases for individual river catchments. This scale effect has important implications for barcoding assessments and suggests that fairly simple identification pipelines provide sufficient resolution in local applications. We calculated Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered scores in order to identify candidate species for conservation priority and argue that the evolutionary content of barcode data can be used to detect priority species for future IUCN assessments. We show that large‐scale barcoding inventories of complex biotas are feasible and contribute directly to the evaluation of conservation priorities.
Relative importance of prey abundance and habitat structure as drivers of shorebird breeding success and abundance
Authors: Douglas David J. T. , Pearce‐Higgins James W. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractUnderstanding large‐scale drivers of animal breeding densities and demography has a range of important uses, including informing conservation management. Given the threat of climate change, the importance of developing a process‐based understanding of variation in animal populations is increased to inform adaptive management. For a climate‐change sensitive species, the European Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria, we use novel field‐collected data on large‐scale spatial variation in prey abundance and vegetation structure to understand drivers of breeding abundance and breeding success, and inform potential management responses. The abundance of the key prey, crane flies (Tipulidae), increased with altitude (a surrogate for temperature) and peat depth (a surrogate for soil moisture). Golden plover breeding densities were highest where vegetation was shortest, probably reflecting greater prey accessibility. In contrast, breeding success was not strongly related to vegetation height, but positively correlated with both crane fly abundance and daily minimum temperatures. When combined to model the number of likely successful pairs in any 1 year, the magnitude of vegetation height effect far exceeded that of crane fly abundance. Thus, for golden plover and other shorebirds sharing similar habitats, management to optimize breeding habitat (grazing or burning to promote short vegetation) may differ from management to promote breeding success (drain blocking to increase soil moisture and prey abundance). Adaptive management in the face of climate change should therefore include appropriate vegetation management, as well as maximizing prey abundance. More broadly, as the drivers of breeding density and demographic parameters may differ, we advocate that conservation practitioners collect not just information on species' distributions but also underpinning demographic processes when using science to inform management.
Robot‐assisted therapy for improving social interactions and activity participation among institutionalized older adults: A pilot study
Authors: Sung Huei‐Chuan , Chang Shu‐Min , Chin Mau‐Yu , Lee Wen‐Li 
Published: April 2014

AbstractIntroductionAnimal‐assisted therapy is gaining popularity as part of therapeutic activities for older adults in many long‐term care facilities. However, concerns about dog bites, allergic responses to pets, disease, and insufficient available resources to care for a real pet have led to many residential care facilities to ban this therapy. There are situations where a substitute artificial companion, such as robotic pet, may serve as a better alternative.MethodsThis pilot study used a one‐group pre‐ and posttest design to evaluate the effect of a robot‐assisted therapy for older adults. Sixteen eligible participants participated in the study and received a group robot‐assisted therapy using a seal‐like robot pet for 30 minutes twice a week for 4 weeks. All participants received assessments of their communication and interaction skills using the Assessment of Communication and Interaction Skills (ACIS‐C) and activity participation using the Activity Participation Scale at baseline and at week 4.ResultsA total of 12 participants completed the study. Wilcoxon signed rank test showed that participants' communication and interaction skills (z = −2.94, P = 0.003) and activity participation (z = −2.66, P = 0.008) were significantly improved after receiving 4‐week robot‐assisted therapy.DiscussionBy interacting with a robot pet, such as Paro, the communication, interaction skills, and activity participation of the older adults can be improved. The robot‐assisted therapy can be provided as a routine activity program and has the potential to improve social health of older adults in residential care facilities.
Development of refining and petrochemical industries in East Asia: An interpretation based on the Flying Geese Paradigm
Authors: García Clara , Palazuelos Enrique 
Published: April 2014

Abstract: Several East Asian countries, with scarcely any crude oil, have developed since the second half of the twentieth century strong production capacities in refining and petrochemicals. This has been the case in Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, South Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and China. This paper assesses whether the development of refining and petrochemical industries in these countries may be better understood with the aid of one of the major interpretative paradigms of structural change and foreign relations in East Asia: the Flying Geese Paradigm. The article concludes that, overall, the production and external relations in oil‐related industries do indeed follow a Flying Geese Paradigm pattern. We observe, nevertheless, some dissonances that are attributable to the particularities of intermediate sectors (such as refining and basic petrochemistry).
Struggling or in transition: Small household growers and the coffee industry in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Imbun Benedict Y. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe challenge of ensuring economic opportunities are made available to a country's population is a key function of any government. It is particularly acute in many developing countries where the subsistence economy is dominant and where limited formal employment opportunities exist. For such countries, reliance on cash cropping provides a central plank in earning foreign exchange. More importantly, it provides an important source of cash incomes for the largely subsistence‐based population. Papua New Guinea (PNG) is one such example with a significant rural population dependent on cash crops for their economic livelihood. This paper discusses the country's coffee industry in the context of its producers, most importantly the contribution made by small household growers, and the issues and challenges they face. The paper traces the emergence of coffee as a cash crop in the PNG highlands and discusses, among other things, recent developments in extension and points out possibilities for government intervention to ensure the continued viability of the highlands coffee industry. Conceptually, the discussion acknowledges the significance of relational economics and its underpinnings, particularly reflections of duality of labour, perceptions of coffee as cash crop and markets in the context of Indigenous growers.
Influence of collar design on peri‐implant tissue healing around immediate implants: A pilot study in Foxhound dogs
Authors: Calvo‐Guirado José Luis , López‐López Patricia Jara , Maté Sánchez de val José Eduardo , Mareque‐Bueno Javier , Delgado‐Ruiz Rafael Arcesio , Romanos Georgios E. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractPurposeThe study aims to assess the soft tissue level (STL) and crestal bone level (CBL), of titanium dental implants with different mixed collar abutments configurations.Materials and methodsThis study included 48 implants with the same dimensions. They were divided into two groups of 24 implants each one: implants with a polished collar of 2 mm plus a roughened area of 0.8 mm (CONTROL) and implants with a polished collar of 0.8 mm plus a micro‐threated and roughened area of 2 mm (TEST). The implants were inserted randomly in the post‐extraction sockets of P2, P3, P4, and M1 bilaterally in the lower jaw of six foxhound dogs. STL and CBL were evaluated after 8 and 12 weeks by histology and histometry.ResultsAll implants were clinically and histologically osseointegrated. Healing patterns examined microscopically at 8 and 12 weeks for both groups yielded similar qualitative findings for the STL evaluation, without significant differences between groups (P > 0.05). CBL was significantly higher in the buccal side in comparison with the lingual side for both groups (P < 0.05); the comparison between groups at 8 weeks showed IS‐B (distance from the implant shoulder to the top of the bony crest) and IS‐C (distance from the implant shoulder to the first bone‐to‐implant contact) values significantly higher for control group in comparison with test (P < 0.05). At 12 weeks, CBL showed increased values for both groups that were higher in controls group in comparison with test (P < 0.05).ConclusionsBony crest resorption could not be avoided both at test and control sites. However, the neck conformation at the test sites reduced the buccal bone resorption. Soft tissue dimensions were similar both at the test and control sites.
Visual warning signals of the ladybird Harmonia axyridis: the avian predators’ point of view
Authors: Průchová Alexandra , Nedvěd Oldřich , Veselý Petr , Ernestová Bára , Fuchs Roman 
Published: March 2014

AbstractPrevious studies have suggested that spotted patterns are important in the protection of ladybirds against attack by avian predators. Nevertheless, these studies were based on the comparison of several ladybird species differing in colouration, but also in other traits (e.g., chemical protection). We presented natural as well as artificial colour modifications (using brown, red, and black paint) of the ladybird Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) – an invasive alien species for Europe – to an avian predator, the great tit, Parus major L. (Passeriformes: Paridae). All forms were considered to be equal in size, but differed in colouration and in the presence of spots. The chemical protection was equal except for one form. The birds displayed strong avoidance of all forms with red and black colouration; beetles with artificially removed red colouration (painted brown) were attacked more often. The beetles painted brown with black spots were slightly better protected than the painted beetles without spots. We can sum up that spots are of some importance in the protection of ladybirds; nevertheless, red and black colouration is the main part of the visual signal.
Throwing out the rules: anticipatory alpha‐band oscillatory attention mechanisms during task‐set reconfigurations
Authors: Foxe John J. , Murphy Jeremy W. , De Sanctis Pierfilippo 
Published: April 2014

AbstractWe assessed the role of alpha‐band oscillatory activity during a task‐switching design that required participants to switch between an auditory and a visual task, while task‐relevant audiovisual inputs were simultaneously presented. Instructional cues informed participants which task to perform on a given trial and we assessed alpha‐band power in the short 1.35‐s period intervening between the cue and the task‐imperative stimuli, on the premise that attentional biasing mechanisms would be deployed to resolve competition between the auditory and visual inputs. Prior work had shown that alpha‐band activity was differentially deployed depending on the modality of the cued task. Here, we asked whether this activity would, in turn, be differentially deployed depending on whether participants had just made a switch of task or were being asked to simply repeat the task. It is well established that performance speed and accuracy are poorer on switch than on repeat trials. Here, however, the use of instructional cues completely mitigated these classic switch‐costs. Measures of alpha‐band synchronisation and desynchronisation showed that there was indeed greater and earlier differential deployment of alpha‐band activity on switch vs. repeat trials. Contrary to our hypothesis, this differential effect was entirely due to changes in the amount of desynchronisation observed during switch and repeat trials of the visual task, with more desynchronisation over both posterior and frontal scalp regions during switch‐visual trials. These data imply that particularly vigorous, and essentially fully effective, anticipatory biasing mechanisms resolved the competition between competing auditory and visual inputs when a rapid switch of task was required.
Subdural hematoma in patients with end‐stage renal disease receiving hemodialysis
Authors: Wang I.‐K. , Lin C.‐L. , Wu Y.‐Y. , Kuo H.‐L. , Lin S.‐Y. , Chang C.‐T. , Yen T.‐H. , Chuang F.‐R. , Cheng Y.‐K. , Huang C.‐C. , Sung F.‐C. 
Published: April 2014

Background and purposeHemodialysis (HD) may increase the risk of acute subdural hematoma (SDH) with high fatality, but the extent of this disease in non‐western populations is unclear. The incidence of and fatality from SDH in patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) on HD were examined for an Asian population.MethodsA cohort of 4709 newly diagnosed ESRD patients on HD from 1998 to 2010 and a control cohort of 18 663 subjects without any kidney disease were identified from a universal insurance claims database in Taiwan. The incidence and hazard of SDH for the two cohorts and 30‐day mortality from SDH were measured by the end of 2010.ResultsThe incidence of SDH was 4.47‐fold higher in the HD cohort than in the control cohort (56.3 vs. 12.6 per 10 000 person‐years) with an adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 3.81 (95% CI 2.77–5.25). HD patients with SDH had a high odds of 30‐day mortality with an adjusted odds ratio of 6.34 (95% CI 2.37–16.9).ConclusionsESRD patients with HD were demonstrated to be at high risk of subsequent SDH and to have a high mortality risk from SDH. Proper care for HD patients is necessary to prevent the devastating disorder.