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Herein, the effect of the blending ratio on the capacity, energy density, and cycling performance of Ni-rich (LiNi 0.8 Co 0.1 Mn 0.1 O 2) (NCM) and Li-rich (Li 7/6 Mn 1/2 Ni 1/6 Co 1/6 O 2) (LR) cathode materials was investigated. The optimally blended cathode exhibited capacity retentions of 80.7% and 76.9% after 200 cycles at 25 °C within 2–4.6 V and 100 cycles at 55 °C within 2–4.5 V, respectively, showing higher cycling stability and flatter voltage decline than pure NCM and pure LR cathodes. Additionally, the optimized cathode exhibited the smallest increase in charge-transfer resistance (R ct) and highest Li-ion diffusion coefficient (D Li +) among all tested samples after high-temperature cycling. This study highlights the unique electrochemical properties of blended cathode materials and demonstrates their high structural stability in Li-ion batteries (LIBs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The amount of Li 2 MnO 3 phase is affected by the coprecipitation conditions, synthesis temperature, and introduction of dopants. • LiCoMnO 4 cathode with less Li 2 MnO 3 phase exhibits better electrochemical performance. • Fluorination can suppress the phase decomposition and Li/Co ionic mixing during the redox process and increase structural stability, eventually causing LCMO-1.5F to demonstrate the best electrochemical performance. This study characterizes the relationship between synthesis conditions using the coprecipitation method and the structural/electrochemical properties of LiCoMnO 4. A cathode material, LiCoMnO 4 , prepared at pH 7.7 via coprecipitation and calcinated at 850 °C for 14 h achieved an initial discharge capacity of 114.6 mAh g−1 and a capacity retention rate of 71.3% after 20 cycles. To improve electrochemical performance, LiCoMnO 4 was doped with La, Mg, and F elements. The results showed that the strong ionic bonds of fluorination (M‒F; M =Li, Co, and Mn) can suppress the phase decomposition and Li/Co ionic mixing during the redox process and increase structural stability. Thus, LiCoMnO 4 doped with F demonstrated excellent electrochemical performance compared with that of the other dopants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this study is to use the analytic network process (ANP) approach to develop an evaluation model which prioritized the relative weights of determinants of low cost carriers (LCCs) purchase intentions between potential and current customers. A field study with 96 potential customers and 84 current customers of LCCs was performed. The results found some similarities and differences between potential and current customers with regard to the determinants of LCCs purchase intentions. With respect to the final weights of these determinants, both customer groups considered “reliability and image” to be the important factor that affects their intentions to purchase LCCs. Additionally, “price and convenience” received a higher weighting by potential customers, while current customers emphasized the importance of “employee services”. The evaluation model and the results obtained using it provide a valuable reference for LCC managers who are seeking to facilitate effective customer relationship management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the literature has contributed to identifying various influences on passenger choice of low-cost carriers (LCCs), the evaluation of the relative importance of these factors has not been empirically determined. In their decision about choices of LCCs, passengers may consider more than one factor or criterion. Passenger choice of LCCs can be viewed as a multi-criteria decision-making problem and the various factors involved are interdependent. Analysis network process (ANP) methodology satisfies these requirements by considering inner and outer dependences among multiple criteria. In this study, the goal is to use ANP to evaluate the relative weights and priorities of the factors determining passenger choice of LCCs. Firstly, literature review and expert opinion are conducted to generate 16 sub-criteria along with four criteria (e.g., perceived advantages, perceived external influence, perceived service quality, and perceived corporate value) that affect passenger choice of LCCs. Secondly, ANP is applied to develop an evaluation model that prioritized the relative weights linking the above four criteria with 16 evaluated sub-criteria. The results not only provide an evaluation model to determine the relative importance of the influences of LCCs on passenger choice, but can also help managers focus on the main factors and identify the best policy for promoting passenger acceptance toward LCCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose Parental stroke is a risk factor for stroke among the offspring. Carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) is a widely regarded surrogate marker for atherosclerosis and a predictive marker for stroke. This study examines whether parental stroke is associated with IMT progression. Methods This longitudinal study had two measures of IMT that were taken upon enrollment of the 521 subjects and after an average follow-up of 4.1 years. The rate of IMT progression was tested for associations with parental stroke and cardiovascular risk factors using ANCOVA models. Age and sex were also tested as effect modifiers. The subjects were allocated into the young or old group using the age of 55 years. Results Parental history of stroke was significantly associated with progression of common carotid artery (CCA) IMT compared with no parental stroke history (13.52 vs. 10.43 μm/year, adjusted p = 0.035). The parental effect on IMT progression of the bifurcation and internal carotid artery was dependent on age group. Young subjects had faster progression, whereas older subjects with parental stroke had slower progression. There was a three-way interaction among sex, age, and parental stroke in CCA IMT progression, such that young women with parental stroke had a 69.7% faster progression than young women without parental stroke (15.58 vs. 9.18 μm/year). However, this difference was not found in young men or old subjects with and without parental stroke. Conclusions Parental stroke is associated with carotid artery IMT progression and is more obvious in the young, especially among women. The results emphasize the clinical significance of parental stroke risk on atherosclerosis in young women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Based on the technological innovation literature and technology–organization–environment framework, this study develops a research model to investigate the determinants of electronic supply chain management system (e-SCM) adoption across non-adopters and adopters. The research model examines the influence of technological context (perceived benefits and perceived costs), organizational context (firm size, top management support, and absorptive capacity), and environmental context (trading partners and competitive advantage) on e-SCM adoption. Data gathered from 283 IS managers (127 for non-adopters and 156 for adopters) in large Taiwanese firms were employed to test the relationships between the research model constructs using the logistic regression analysis. The results reveal that firms with certain perceived benefits, perceived costs, top management support, absorptive capacity, and competitive pressure are more likely to adopt e-SCM. While technological context is a major determinant of the decision to adopt, it has no direct effect on the extent of e-SCM adoption. The extent of e-SCM adoption is mainly determined by organizational and environmental contexts. Implications for practice and research are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Although electronic green supply chain management (e-GSCM) has been increasingly adopted into organizations, there is limited empirical research examining antecedents and consequences of e-GSCM implementation. By integrating resource-based and information system success perspectives, this study aims to examine how information technology (IT) resources (i.e., IT infrastructure, IT human and IT relationship resources) and quality attributes (i.e., system quality, information quality, and service quality) influence e-GSCM implementation, which in turn influences firm performance. Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) is used to analyze the survey of 264 IT managers in large Taiwanese firms. The results show that IT human resources, IT relationship resources, system quality, and information quality significantly drive both e-GSCM internal integration and external collaboration. However, IT infrastructure resources only influence e-GSCM internal integration, and service quality only influences e-GSCM external collaboration. The results also demonstrate that both e-GSCM internal integration and external collaboration are conducive to superior environmental performance and firm competitiveness. Based on the findings, this study discusses the implications for researchers and practitioners. • Examining antecedents and consequences of electronic green supply chain management (e-GSCM) implementation. • Data was gathered from 264 IT managers in large Taiwanese firms. • IT resources and quality factors have different roles in building e-GSCM internal integration and external collaboration. • E-GSCM implementation are conducive to superior environmental performance and firm competitiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Autonomic cardiac dysfunction is a common complication after acute ischemic stroke (IS). We recruited 75 patients with acute IS with measurements of autonomic cardiac function, including heart rate variability (HRV) and associated parameters, and compared them with 81controls. Of the 75 patients, 28 had right hemispheric infarctions (RH), 29 had left hemispheric infarctions (LH), and 18 had brainstem infarctions (BS). A comparison of HRV in all patients with stroke and in control subjects showed significant differences between IS subgroups and controls in low frequency (LF), high frequency (HF), normalized LF, normalized HF, and LF/HF ranges. A post-hoc comparison identified significant differences between patients with IS with BS infarctions and the control group in LF, HF, and LF/HF ranges. BS infarction may cause a much greater increase in sympathetic modulation and reduced vagal activity compared to RH or LH infarction. Our findings provide evidence that acute IS causes significant damage to the cardiovascular autonomic system, manifesting as abnormalities of HRV. BS stroke might correlate with a significant reduction in parasympathetic and an increase in sympathetic influence on HRV. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Although previous studies have identified various influences on course website effectiveness, the evaluation of the relative importance of these factors across different online learning experience groups has not been empirically determined. This study develops an evolution model that integrates triangular fuzzy numbers and analytic hierarchy process to develop a fuzzy evaluation model which prioritized the relative weights of course website quality factors. Firstly, this study conducts a review of the literature on course website quality to generate 16 sub-criteria along with four criteria used to measure course website quality. Secondly, a fuzzy AHP approach is adopted to determine the relative weights linking the above criteria between high and low online learning experience groups. The results indicated that there are some similarities and differences between high- and low-experience groups with regard to the evaluation of course website quality. The evaluation model and results can provide a valuable reference for system designers seeking to enhance course website effectiveness. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background and purpose: The metabolic syndrome (MS) is associated with a high risk for cardiovascular disease. Intima-media thickness (IMT) and stiffness reflect structure and functional alterations in arteries. We investigated the relationship of MS on IMT and stiffness and also dissected its gender and age specific effect. Methods: Carotid segment-specific IMT and stiffness were obtained in 1245 stroke- and myocardial infarction free volunteers between the ages of 15 and 87. The MS was defined according to the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III with Asian modification. Results: The prevalence of MS was 22.2% in our study population. The MS was associated with increased IMT in the common carotid artery (CCA IMT) and stiffness modalities (including Ep, β, and PWV), but was not associated with bifurcation and internal carotid artery IMT. The relationship of MS on atherosclerosis was more prominent in women than in men. Only women revealed a significant interaction between MS and age for CCA IMT (p =0.013), which was more pronounced in young women (≤45 years) than in elderly. Comparing the risk components between young and elderly women in regard to MS, high triglycerides were more common in the affected young women (p =0.007). Conclusions: MS is associated with a risk for increased CCA IMT and stiffness, and this relationship is particularly pronounced in women. Age can modify the MS impact on atherosclerosis. Young women with MS who often have high triglycerides experience the highest risk to associate with atherosclerosis. Young MS women who are easily overlooked for atherosclerotic diseases need more detailed assessment for atherosclerosis to prevent premature cardiovascular disease. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this research, we used the DC thermal plasma technique to produce well-crystallized zinc stannate (Zn2SnO4) nanopowders from commercial Zn–Sn alloy wire. The as-synthesized Zn2SnO4 consisted of spherical, rhombohedral and hexagonal shapes with an average size of about 35nm. The room-temperature photoluminescence spectroscopy of the Zn2SnO4 showed a UV emission at 390nm and visible emissions at 577, 651 and 671nm. The UV emission was assigned to the near band-edge emission while the visible emissions were believed to be attributed by the residual strain, the crystal defects, the oxygen vacancies and the interstitial Zn during the growth process of ZTO2. According to UV–vis spectrum, the absorption edge of Zn2SnO4 is 367±5nm, which corresponds to the band gap energy of 3.36±0.06eV. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objectives: To identify candidate genes in relation to plasma lipid levels in Caribbean Hispanics. Design and methods: A total of 114 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at 17 lipid-related genes were genotyped in 477 Caribbean Hispanics from the Northern Manhattan Study (NOMAS). Analyses for each SNP and haplotype were performed to evaluate the associations with four lipid traits: high- and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C, LDL-C), triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC). Results: We identified 19 SNPs at 10 genes that were significantly related to lipids (p <0.01), including nine involved in the reverse cholesterol transport pathway, and one involved in bile acid synthesis. Three genes, namely the apolipoprotein A5, apolipoprotein B and cytochrome p450 polypeptide 7A1 genes, accounted for the largest proportion of variation in HDL-C/TG, TC and LDL-C respectively. Conclusions: The cumulative effects of multiple genetic variants led to a substantially better prediction of inter-individual variations in lipid levels. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We studied the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS or NOS-3) gene as a potential modifier of the cerebral response to ischemia by investigating the association of two common polymorphisms with ischemic stroke volume. We genotyped an intronic variable number tandem repeat and a single nucleotide polymorphism, G894T, in 132 patients with nonlacunar ischemic strokes in whom clinical data and stroke lesion volume were recorded. Our results show that all genotypes are in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. After adjustment of covariates, neither of the NOS-3 polymorphisms showed significant differences comparing the genotypes and mean stroke volume (analysis of variance). Our results do not suggest a major gene effect of the NOS-3 gene as a modifier of the cerebral response to ischemia. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In response to the needs of growing immigrant populations in the United States, social service agencies are developing culturally appropriate interventions and recruiting bilingual and bicultural practitioners. While few studies have explored social work practices with immigrant children and families in the child welfare field, very little is known about the experiences, perceptions, and practices of child welfare social workers who are immigrants themselves. This study applies the socioecological framework to identify strengths and challenges among immigrant social workers at different system levels. Fourteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with ethnic Chinese immigrant social workers who work or have worked in a family supportive service program in New York City. Findings from this study reveal that, at the individual level, immigrant social workers expressed the following advantages: 1) engaging families through emotional connections, 2) being a role model for families, 3) performing as a mediator between parents and children, and 4) being open-minded to different cultures. They also experienced challenges such as 1) unfamiliarity with Chinese subcultures, 2) power imbalance with clients, and 3) clients' resistance. At the agency and community levels, immigrant social workers were likely to 1) provide culturally appropriate services and 2) become a cultural broker for colleagues within the agency and for other professionals in the larger community. Particularly, immigrant social workers were building a community with available and accessible services for diverse groups. But they encountered agency and community discrimination and/or exploitation and felt insecure about their jobs due to their immigration status. Implications for practice and future research were discussed in order to improve professional development and working environments of immigrant social workers, as well as to enhance the quality of service delivery to immigrant children and families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located at microRNA (miRNA) binding sites (miR-SNPs) can affect the expression of genes. This study aimed to identify the miR-SNPs associated with atherosclerosis and stroke. Methods: Patients with ischemic stroke (n = 657) and stroke- and myocardial infarction-free volunteers (n = 1571) were enrolled. The carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) was measured in the control participants. Seventy-nine stroke susceptibility genes were initially selected and 13 genes were predicted to have miR-SNPs at their 3′ untranslated regions (3′UTR). The miRNA arrays were used to further identify potential miR-SNPs. The miR-SNP rs3735590 at the paraoxonase 1 (PON1) gene was finally selected and its associations with stroke and carotid IMT were evaluated. The 3′UTR reporter and SNP functional assays were then performed to validate the results. Results: Compared with CC genotype, patients with CT or TT genotype at rs3735590 had lower risk of ischemic stroke (OR = 0.72, p = 0.036; OR = 0.83, p = 0.077, respectively). Among the healthy participants, the CT or TT genotype was associated with thinner IMT in the internal carotid arteries in comparison with CC genotype (β = −0.76, p = 0.003; β = −0.022, p = 0.452, respectively). Our findings suggested that the minor allele T had a protective effect on atherosclerosis. Results from 3′UTR reporter assays showed that PON1 is a direct target gene of miR-616. In plasmid constructs carrying the risk allele C at rs3735590, miR-616 inhibited the genetic expression of PON1. However, substitution of C by T at rs3735590 reduced the miR-616 binding affinity, leading to overexpression of the PON1 gene. Conclusion: Our study is the first to show that the miR-SNP at PON1 could affect genetic expression and is associated with an elevated risk for ischemic stroke and subclinical atherosclerosis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Introduction: Connexin 37, encoded by the GJA4 gene, protects against atherosclerosis. A recent study reported an association between polymorphism rs1764391 at GJA4 and ischemic stroke in a Chinese population. We aimed to replicate this result. Materials and Methods: A total of 958 ischemic stroke patients and 2196 controls were enrolled for the study. All participants were Chinese residing in Taiwan. Logistic regression analysis with adjustment for traditional risk factors was used to estimate the genetic effect. We also performed stratification analyses by sex and stroke subtypes. Literature reviews were conducted for available genetic association studies investigating rs1764391 and cardiovascular phenotypes. Results: We did not find any significant association for overall stroke (p=0.87) or from any subset analyses. Eight studies addressing the associations between rs1764391 and cardiovascular phenotypes had a sample size greater than 1000. Including the present study, five out of the eight large-scale studies found no association. Conclusions: GJA4 polymorphism is not associated with stroke risk in the Taiwanese population. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background and Purpose: Large artery stiffness is considered to be a marker for cardiovascular disease. Serum matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) level has been found to correlate with arterial stiffness and predict cardiovascular risk. This study was aimed to investigate the relationship between the MMP-9 genotypes and artery stiffness, and to examine whether the genetic effect is sex specific. Methods: Three carotid stiffness modalities were assessed in 1218 (704 females) stroke- and myocardial infarction-free volunteers aged 21–86 years old. The genotypes of MMP-9 promoter polymorphism (-1562C/T) were determined using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Analysis was conducted to test for the overall and sex specific effect using multivariate regression model. Results: T allele carriers (CT and TT) had stiffer arteries than CC homozygotes after adjusting for age and sex (p = 0.013, 0.028, and 0.017 for Ep, β, and PWV, respectively). Further sex-stratified analysis showed that the significant association only existed in women. Women with the T allele had significantly stiffer arteries than CC homozygotes after adjusting for age (p = 0.003, 0.018, and 0.006 for Ep, β, and PWV, respectively), and this association remained significant after adjusting for known covariates. When menopausal status was further considered, all three carotid stiffness modalities were significantly different between T allele carriers and CC homozygotes in menopausal but not in pre-menopausal women. Conclusions: This study indicates that individuals carrying the -1562T allele are predisposed to stiffer arteries, especially among menopausal women. Women with the T allele should be considered at high risk for cardiovascular disease. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Tetrapod-like ZnO nanostructures prepared by dc plasma technology were used as photoelectrodes in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Each of the tetrapod-like ZnO possesses four extended arms that offer improved electron transport properties. Tetrapod-like ZnO with short (S-ZnO) and long arms (L-ZnO) were synthesized by controlling the plasma gas flow and the input power. Between these two tetrapod-like ZnO nanopowders, the DSSCs using S-ZnO showed higher energy conversion efficiency than using L-ZnO. This is due to the resulting increase in dye adsorption and enhanced short-circuit current density, using S-ZnO. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) shows that the properties of electron transport of S-ZnO are superior to that of the L-ZnO. We investigated the effect of the redox electrolytes (I2) and the additives (LiI and TBP) on the performance of the DSSCs by intensity-modulated photovoltage spectroscopy and EIS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The primary goal of this study was to examine the biochemical abnormalities of late-life major depression by using 3-tesla (3-T) proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS). The antidepressant effects on the biochemical abnormalities were investigated as well. Study participants were 27 elderly patients with major depressive disorders (among which 9 were on antidepressant medication) and 19 comparison elderly subjects. 1H-MRS spectra were acquired from voxels that were placed in the left frontal white matter, left periventricular white matter, and left basal ganglia. Ratios of N-acetylaspartate (NAA), choline (Cho) and myo-inositol to creatine were calculated. Patients with late-life major depressive disorder had a significantly lower NAA/creatine ratio in the left frontal white matter, and higher Cho/creatine and myo-inositol/creatine ratios in the left basal ganglia when compared with the control subjects. The myo-inositol correlated with global cognitive function among the patients. The biochemical abnormalities in late-life major depressive disorder were found on the left side of the frontal white matter and the basal ganglia. Neuron degeneration in the frontal white matter and second messenger system dysfunction or glial dysfunction in the basal ganglia are suggested to be associated with late-life depression. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]