bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An Analysis of the Relationship between Passenger Loyalty and Consumer Buying Behavior for Network and Low-Cost Carriers
Authors: Chacon Juliano , Mason Keith J. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThis essay investigates passenger loyalty and consumer buying behavior within the airline industry using an Internet-based survey approach. Four hundred and seven air travelers from network and low-cost carriers are segmented into Dick and Basu’s (1994) loyalty groups (“Loyal,” “Latent Loyalty,” “Spurious Loyalty,” and “No Loyalty”), derived from their relative attitude and repeat patronage toward the airline that they used the most. To investigate the significance of the relationships between the loyalty groups and passengers’ individual characteristics, an evaluation of purchasing criteria within loyalty groups was conducted. Frequent-flier program (FFPs) and range of destinations were found to be the product variables rated highest among the most frequent travelers from network carriers. Passengers of low-cost carriers rated price, schedule, and airport location most highly. The results show that network carriers can develop a sizable group of loyal passengers. These airlines also have a substantial group of passengers who display latent loyalty that may be converted into fully loyal passengers by better meeting their needs. In comparison, very few travelers displayed any level of loyalty to their most-used low-cost carrier.
Preparation and properties of halogen‐free flame‐retarded phthalonitrile–epoxy blends
Authors: Zhao Xin , Lei Yajie , Zhao Rui , Zhong Jiachun , Liu Xiaobo 
Published: September 2011

AbstractHalogen‐free flame‐retarded blends composed of 2,2‐bis[4‐(3,4‐dicyanophenoxy) phenyl] propane (BAPh) and epoxy resin E‐44 (EP) were successfully prepared with 4,4′‐diaminodiphenyl sulfone as a curing additive. The structure of the copolymers was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, which showed that epoxy groups, a phthalocyanine ring, and a triazine ring existed. The limiting oxygen index values were over 30, and the UL‐94 rating reached V‐0 for the 20 : 80 (w/w) BAPh/EP copolymers. Differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic rheological analysis were employed to study the curing reaction behaviors of the phthalonitrile/epoxy blends. Also, the gelation time was shortened to 3 min when the prepolymerization temperature was 190°C. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that the thermal decomposition of the phthalonitrile/epoxy copolymers significantly improved with increasing BAPh content. The flexible strength of the 20:80 copolymers reached 149.5 MPa, which enhanced by 40 MPa compared to pure EP. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Kinetics of the hydrogenation of NBR by hydrazine and oxygen, using selenium as a catalyst
Authors: Schulz Gracélie A. S. , Comin Edson , de Souza Roberto F. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThe kinetics of hydrogenation of the acrylonitrile‐polybutadiene (NBR) rubber by the action of hydrazine in the presence of selenium and oxygen was studied by varying reaction parameters such as latex and catalyst concentrations. The method of initial rates gives a reaction order of 0.91 and a rate constant of 3.2 × 101 L mol−1 h−1 in relation to the NBR latex concentration, and an order of 0.86 and a rate constant of 3.3 × 101 L mol−1 h−1 in relation to the catalyst concentration. Based on these values, a first‐order mechanism with the formation of a diimide intermediate is suggested, which is formed through the oxidation of hydrazine in an oxygen atmosphere in the presence of selenium catalyst. This diimine species reacts rapidly, reducing the carbon–carbon double bonds of NBR resulting in the formation of HNBR rubber. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Mechanisms and kinetics of thermal degradation of poly(butylene succinate‐co‐propylene succinate)s
Authors: Lu Shih‐Fu , Chen Ming , Chen Chi He 
Published: September 2011

AbstractPoly(butylene succinate) (PBSu) and two PBSu‐rich poly(butylene succinate‐co‐propylene succinate)s were studied. Copolyesters were characterized as random copolymers, based on 13C‐NMR spectra. TGA‐FTIR was used to monitor the degradation products at a heating rate of 5°C/min under N2. FTIR spectra revealed that the major products were anhydrides, which were formed following two cyclic intramolecular degradation mechanisms by the breaking of the weak O‐CH2 bonds around succinate groups. Thermal stability at heating rates of 1, 3, 5, and 10°C/min under N2 was investigated using TGA. The model‐free methods of the Friedman and Ozawa equations are useful for studying the activation energy of degradation in each period of mass loss. The results reveal that the random incorporation of minor propylene succinate units into PBSu did not markedly affect their thermal resistance. Two model‐fitting mechanisms were used to determine the mass loss function f(α), the activation energy and the associated mechanism. The mechanism of autocatalysis nth‐order, with f(α) = αm(1 − α)n, fitted the experimental data much more closely than did the nth‐order mechanism given by f(α) = (1 − α)n. The obtained activation energy was used to estimate the failure temperature (Tf). The values of Tf for a mass loss of 5% and an endurance time of 60,000 h are 160.7, 155.5, and 159.3°C for PBSu and two the copolyesters, respectively. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Thermal and mechanical properties of LDPE/sisal fiber composites compatibilized with functionalized paraffin waxes
Authors: Nhlapo L. P. , Luyt A. S. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThe effect of maleic anhydride‐grafted hard paraffin wax (MA‐g‐wax) and oxidized hard paraffin wax (OxWax), as possible compatibilizers, on the morphology, thermal and mechanical properties of LDPE/sisal fiber composites were examined. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results show that sisal alone did not change the crystallization behavior of LDPE, while the two waxes influenced the crystallization behavior of LDPE in different ways, whether mixed with LDPE alone or in the presence of sisal. The thermal properties seem to be influenced by the fact that the waxes preferably crystallize around the short sisal fibers, and by the fact that the two waxes have different compatibilities with LDPE. The TGA results show an increase in the thermal stability of the blends in the presence of the two waxes, with LDPE/OxWax showing a more significant improvement. The presence of wax, however, reduced the thermal stability of the LDPE/sisal/wax composites. The presence of OxWax and MA‐g‐wax similarly influenced the tensile properties of the composites. Both waxes similarly improved the modulus of the compatibilized composites, but in both cases the tensile strengths were worse, probably because of a fairly weak interaction between LDPE and the respective waxes. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Recombinant immunosuppressive protein from Pimpla hypochondrica venom (rVPr1) increases the susceptibility of Mamestra brassicae larvae to the fungal biological control agent, Beauveria bassiana
Authors: Richards Elaine H. , Bradish Hannah , Dani M. Paulina , Pietravalle Stéphane , Lawson Ailsa 
Published: September 2011

AbstractAlthough fungi are used to control a variety of insect pests, it is accepted that their usage could be increased if their efficacy was greater. The outcome of the interaction of a fungus and a pest insect may be influenced by a number of criteria, including the ability of the insect to mount effective immune responses against the pathogen. In view of this, we aimed to determine if a recombinant immunosuppressive wasp venom protein (rVPr1) can increase the susceptibility of larvae of the lepidopteran pest, Mamestra brassicae, to the fungal biological control agent, Beauveria bassiana. Bioassays indicated that when larvae were injected with 3.5 µl of rVPr1 and 100 B. bassiana conidia (combined injection assays), a significant reduction in survival of larvae occurred compared with each treatment on its own (P = 0.006). Similar results were obtained when larvae were dipped in a solution containing 3 × 106 B. bassiana conidia per ml and then injected with 3.5 µl of rVPr1 2 days later (topical application assays), (P<0.001). These results indicate that rVPr1 can increase the efficacy of B. bassiana toward a lepidopteran pest, and are discussed within the context of insect immune responses and integrated pest management. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bioinsecticidal activity of Murraya koenigii miraculin‐like protein against Helicoverpa armigera and Spodoptera litura
Authors: Gahloth Deepankar , Shukla Umesh , Birah Ajanta , Gupta Gorakh P. , Ananda Kumar P. , Dhaliwal Harcharan S. , Sharma Ashwani K. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractMiraculin‐like proteins, belonging to the Kunitz superfamily, are natural plant defense agents against pests and predators, and therefore are potential biopesticides for incorporation into pest‐resistant crops. Here, a miraculin‐like protein from Murraya koenigii was assessed for its in vitro and in vivo effects against two polyphagous lepidopteran insect pests, Helicoverpa armigera and Spodoptera litura. M. koenigii miraculin‐like protein (MKMLP) inhibited the trypsin‐like activity and total protease activity of H. armigera gut proteinases (HGP) by 78.5 and 40%, respectively, and S.litura gut proteinases (SGP) by 81 and 48%, respectively. The inhibitor was stable and actively inhibited the proteolysis of both HGP and SGP enzymes for up to 72 h. Incorporation of MKMLP into artificial diet adversely affected the growth and development of pests in a dose‐dependent manner. After 10 days of feeding on diets containing 200 µM MKMLP, larval weight was reduced to 69 and 44.8% and larval mortality was increased to 40 and 43.3% for H. armigera and S litura, respectively. The LC50 of MKMLP was 0.34 and 0.22% of the diet for H.armigera and S. litura, respectively. These results demonstrate the efficacy of MKMLP as a potential plant defense agent against H. armigera and S. litura. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hyperthermia induces upregulation of Connexin43 in the golden hamster neural tube
Authors: Zhang Jing , Chen Feng‐zhe , Gao Qing , Sun Jin‐hao , Tian Guang‐ping , Gao Ying‐mao 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBACKGROUNDDuring early embryonic development, maternal exposure to hyperthermia induces neural tube defects (NTDs). Connexins are essential for the formation of gap junctions and Connexin43 (Cx43) is crucially involved in neural tube development. This study was designed to explore the potential role of Cx43 in NTDs induced by hyperthermia.METHODSUsing PCR, the Cx43 cDNA was screened from the cDNA library of the neural tube from golden hamsters treated with hyperthermia. By Northern blot, the expression of Cx43 in heat‐treated and control groups of the golden hamsters at day 8.5 after mating was detected. Finally, by in situ hybridization and RT‐PCR, the expression of Cx43 was examined in the neural tube at different time points after heat treatment.RESULTSCx43 was stably expressed in heat‐treated and control groups of the golden hamsters, whereas the expression was evidently higher in the heat‐treated group. Cx43 expression in the neural tube at different time points after heat treatment was significantly higher than in control groups (p < 0.01). Hyperthermia did not induce any mutations in Cx43 cDNA.CONCLUSIONSOur data provide the first evidence that hyperthermia induces upregulation of Cx43 in the golden hamster neural tube. NTDs caused by hyperthermia may be intimately related with the overexpression of Cx43. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ndel1, Nudel ( Noodle): Flexible in the cell?
Authors: Chansard Mathieu , Hong Ji‐Ho , Park Young‐Un , Park Sang Ki , Nguyen Minh Dang 
Published: September 2011

AbstractNuclear distribution element‐like 1 (Ndel1 or Nudel) was firstly described as a regulator of the cytoskeleton in microtubule and intermediate filament dynamics and microtubule‐based transport. Emerging evidence indicates that Ndel1 also serves as a docking platform for signaling proteins and modulates enzymatic activities (kinase, ATPase, oligopeptidase, GTPase). Through these structural and signaling functions, Ndel1 plays a role in diverse cellular processes (e.g., mitosis, neurogenesis, neurite outgrowth, and neuronal migration). Furthermore, Ndel1 is linked to the etiology of various mental illnesses and neurodegenerative disorders. In the present review, we summarize the physiological and pathological functions associated with Ndel1. We further advance the concept that Ndel1 interfaces GTPases‐mediated processes (endocytosis, vesicles morphogenesis/signaling) and cytoskeletal dynamics to impact cell signaling and behaviors. This putative mechanism may affect cellular functionalities and may contribute to shed light into the causes of devastating human diseases. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
New insights into cathelicidin modulation of adaptive immunity
Authors: Wuerth Kelli , Hancock Robert E. W. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractCathelicidins are a family of host defence peptides that are known to selectively alter innate immunity in response to infection and other changes in immune status. A study in this issue of the European Journal of Immunology elucidates a new role for mouse cathelin‐related antimicrobial peptide in the adaptive immune response by clearly demonstrating for the first time that a cathelicidin can alter T‐cell‐dependent activation of the humoral response in vivo and thus modulate the activities of both B and T lymphocytes.
Quantifying gravel overlap and dislodgement forces on natural river bars: implications for particle entrainment
Authors: Sanguinito Sean , Johnson Joel 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTEquations for predicting particle entrainment typically assume that clast weight is the only factor resisting motion in the force balance on individual grains. In this work, increases in the force required to dislodge surface particles due to overlapping by surrounding clasts is quantified. Field data were collected at two subaerially‐exposed bars along the Colorado River in central Texas, USA, with median gravel diameters (D50) of 37 and 64 mm. Clast size, shape, weight, the force required for vertical removal, and the fraction of clast area covered by surrounding grains were measured. Small hooks were glued to individual clasts without disrupting their positions and quasi‐static peak forces required to vertically dislodge each clast were measured using a force gauge. Clasts were also colored with dye before being dislodged, and image analysis was used to calculate the fraction of clast surface area covered by surrounding grains. The effect of overlap on the particle force balance is quantified by defining the ‘excess force ratio’ as the dislodgement force divided by the weight of the clast. Excess force ratio varies weakly but systematically with clast size: lifting larger clasts can require forces up to two times the clast's weight, while smaller clasts can require forces up to seven times their weight. The fraction of clast surface area covered by surrounding particles is also weakly correlated with excess force ratio. By assuming that critical shear stresses are proportional to the excess force ratio, the effect that overlap alone may have on particle entrainment is calculated. For a given size class, the most mobile grains should have critical shear stresses controlled only by their weight. However, clast overlap also causes broad distributions of critical stresses for partially‐exposed surface grains. The data quantify the significant fraction of bed area that should be less mobile than grain size alone would predict. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Morphological change of natural pipe outlets in blanket peat
Authors: Holden J. , Smart R. P. , Dinsmore K. J. , Baird A. J. , Billett M. F. , Chapman P. J. 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTPeatlands are important carbon stores and many have natural pipes (tunnels) that transport water and carbon. Pipes are often viewed as passive and slowly changing features of peatland landscapes, particularly for sites that are relatively undisturbed by land management. However, there is a lack of data on pipe morphology change over time. This paper presents the first survey of natural pipe outlets in a peatland in which morphological changes in pipe outlets through time were measured. Three surveys of natural pipe outlets between 2007 and 2010 were conducted in a 17.4 ha, relatively undisturbed, blanket‐peat‐covered catchment in northern England. 27 of the 91 pipe outlets mapped in the first survey had perennial discharge and these outlets were significantly larger and shallower than those from ephemerally‐flowing pipes. The cross‐sectional area of 85% of pipe outlets changed (increased or decreased) during the study, with 20% of pipe outlet areas changing by more than 50 cm2 (equivalent to a median 207 % change in area for this upper fifth of pipes) up to a maximum of 312 cm2 for one pipe outlet. During the study, 18 pipe outlets completely infilled, while four new ones appeared. Mean pipe outlet area increased between August 2007 and July 2009 but decreased from July 2009 to April 2010. The largest changes in pipe morphology occurred between July 2009 and April 2010, which spanned the coldest winter for 31 years in the UK. During this period there was a significant increase in the proportion of vertically‐elongated pipes and a decrease in the proportion of circular pipes. Pipe outlet morphology in blanket peat catchments is shown to be dynamic and may respond relatively quickly to changes in flow or extreme events, linked to short‐term changes in weather and hence potentially to longer‐term changes in climate or land management. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sociocultural theory: Providing more structure to culturally responsive evaluation
Authors: McBride Dominica F. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractEvaluation's “ancestors” have formed a strong foundation on which experienced, nascent, and future evaluators can build. An area for growth and cultivation is culturally responsive evaluation. The author describes sociocultural theory (ST), a comprehensive theory explaining how culture influences human development, and its potential for program evaluation. Although ST concretizes culture and provides guidelines for culturally responsive research, it has never been applied to program evaluation. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc., and the American Evaluation Association
A bridge between basic social science and evaluation
Authors: Blagg Robert D. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThe author argues that evaluators must forge a strong bridge between basic social science and evaluation. Realizing this potential will involve holding evaluation to a high standard, through advancing cutting‐edge empirical methods, balancing demands for accountability, and providing direction for basic social science. Approaches such as theory‐based evaluation and natural‐variation research designs can demonstrate the importance of evaluation, and help evaluators to ensure that traffic of ideas between basic social science and evaluation runs efficiently in both directions. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc., and the American Evaluation Association
Using nonequivalent dependent variables to reduce internal validity threats in quasi‐experiments: Rationale, history, and examples from practice
Authors: Coryn Chris L.S. , Hobson Kristin A. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThreats to the validity of inferences and conclusions regarding the effects of applied interventions have been a major dilemma for social scientists and evaluators for several decades. One mechanism for reducing threats to internal validity and improving warrants for cause‐and‐effect conclusions in nonrandomized investigations and evaluations is the inclusion of nonequivalent dependent variables as an element of structural design. In this chapter, the rationale for, history of, and examples from practice for using nonequivalent dependent variables to reduce internal validity threats, as well as some warrants supporting their increased use, are described. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc., and the American Evaluation Association
Eval + comm
Authors: Evergreen Stephanie D. H. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractGraphic design has a role in securing the attention and engagement of the reader, a way of making complicated data a more digestible cognitive aid, but it has been almost entirely ignored until quite recently in evaluation. The author argues that the professionalism of evaluators and evaluation practice will require an evolution in the way evaluators talk about our work. The author describes a number of models and sources of inspiration for becoming more mindful communicators. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc., and the American Evaluation Association
Focus groups in the virtual world: Implications for the future of evaluation
Authors: Galloway Kristin L. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractFocus groups are an important methodology in evaluation, and with the availability of new technology in communication the options for how to perform focus groups are growing. The author describes the experience of using focus groups electronically or online, and provides an illustration of conducting a focus group in an online chat room with international participants. Various strengths and weaknesses of focus groups in alternative mediums are identified, and questions are raised for using virtual focus groups in the future. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc., and the American Evaluation Association
Inside, outside, upside down: Challenges and opportunities that frame the future of a novice evaluator
Authors: Robinson Sheila B. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThrough the lens of reflective questions and potential growth opportunities, the author uses as an extended metaphor the popular children's story Inside Outside Upside Down to illustrate challenges rooted in being a novice evaluator, working inside and outside programs. Given the plethora of evaluation theories and approaches, the author feels “upside down” with decision making, organizing, and prioritizing evaluation projects. How can prominent evaluation theorists' approaches inform a novice evaluator's work and help in developing an identity as an evaluator? Will the author, like the bear in the story, emerge from the box right side up? The author elaborates on how addressing these questions frames how her future as a practicing evaluator might be envisioned. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc., and the American Evaluation Association
Integrating a new evaluation unit with an old institution: See no evil; hear no evil; speak no evil
Authors: Baxter Claire E. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThe author focuses on issues related to the implementation and acceptance of a new evaluation unit within an organization. Specifically, the author discusses role clarity of the evaluation unit with respect to overlapping roles and the reach of the evaluation unit. The author also discusses the push‐and‐pull relationship between organization and evaluation staff. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc., and the American Evaluation Association