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The COVID-19 pandemic is expected to have a significant impact on most sharing economy activities, and at present, it is particularly challenging to achieve a consensual model to predict sharing economy behaviour. Based on empirical and theoretical premises established before the pandemic, we intend to explore the association between a set of psychosocial variables (i.e., cooperation, environmental awareness, past behaviour) and sharing economy behaviour, particularly the use of shared assets (i.e., cars and accommodation) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the present study analyses the mediating role of transformation expectations, as the decision to engage or not in sharing behaviour may be influenced by beliefs about the consequences of those actions from the user's perspective. This study comprised a total of 596 participants. Data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire and was statistically analysed and interpreted using PLS 3.0. Structural Equation Modelling statistical software. Contrary to our predictions, the results show that cooperation negatively influenced the willingness to participate in sharing activities during the COVID-19 pandemic, that environmental awareness was not a significant predictor, and that past sharing behaviour has the strongest influence on the willingness to share during pandemic times. Finally, the mediating effect of transformation expectations was significant in both associations, i.e., pro-environmental consciousness and past sharing experiences, and the willingness to adopt sharing behaviour during COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to present a literature review on the phenomenon of higher education co-creation, converging the marketing and management literature with the education literature. We used the systematic literature review (SLR) methodology, resulting in the analysis of 61 articles obtained from the Scopus and Web of Science databases. Results identified five themes in higher education co-creation: (1) student’s role in higher education service and management; (2) expectations of the educational service value; (3) barriers and facilitators of co-creation; (4) impacts and benefits of co-creation; and (5) tools and practices to foster co-creation. Based on the literature review and the service-dominant logic (S-D logic), we identified that co-creation in higher education involves both services co-creation (service as output) and value co-creation, leading us to propose a differentiation of these concepts. The paper also contributes by identifying a conceptual framework to analyse the phenomenon and the presentation of future research directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is scarce evidence on the factors that contribute to regional development based on tourism connection with agri-food sector and related sectors. The aim of this research is to identify the main stimulating and inhibiting factors of this type of development tgrough the eyes of private agents in the tourism, agri-food and related sectors of an inland region of Portugal. A qualitative study was carried out, based on interviews with 15 private agents operating in these sectors. The results highlight as inhibiting factors the problems regarding governance and the lack of manpower, and as stimulating factors the importance of diversification and differentiation through innovation, as well as resources. The conclusions indicated here should be interpreted with care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the contributions of different dimensions of the intellectual capital of higher education institutions (ICHEIs) to their performance, incorporating the previously unexplored dimension of quality of life (QoL) as a performance measure, and correspondingly taking into account the connection between the Theory of Stakeholders and the Theory of Legitimacy. Applying a Structural Equation Model and the Partial Least Squares method, we present new empirical findings from a sample of 738 students and 587 lecturers/researchers from seven Portuguese public HEIs. The ICHEIs positively influence the institution's performance, through relational capital and structural capital; and QoL emerges as an important dimension of HEIs' performance standards, especially regarding students' perception of academic QoL. When HEIs understand and measure their IC, they will gain a better understanding of their core competencies, enabling a better allocation of resources and implementation of more effective strategic and operational actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of social support has gained considerable traction in the areas of behavioral medicine and health psychology. Despite such interest, it is still not clear how the concept can be approached from a social marketing perspective. The purpose of this article is to examine how social support has been operationalized and conceptualized in health-related social marketing interventions. To attain this objective, a scoping review of field interventions was undertaken following the guidelines outlined in the PRISMA-ScR framework. The following electronic databases were searched, from inception until September 25, 2018: PsycINFO, PubMed, ISI Web of Science and Scopus. A total of 1820 academic articles were screened for inclusion. After applying the strict inclusion criteria, the final sample included 32 articles that report on 19 distinct social marketing interventions. The results revealed that interventions have operationalized the social support concept in connection with the key fundamental aspects of social marketing, including behavioral change, consumer research, segmentation and targeting, and exchange, as well as marketing mix and competition. However, the findings also indicated poor conceptualizations of social support and the underreporting of the theoretical rationale for the operationalization of the concept. Knowledge is advanced and can be useful not only for academics but also for practitioners, particularly concerning the improvement of the rigor in the use of the social support concept in future social marketing interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drawing on an increasing body of investigation on student satisfaction and the Service – Dominant Logic theoretical framework (SDL), this study focuses on student perception of the value of Game-Based Learning (GBL) and student co-creation behavior in Higher Education (HE). To understand how student co-creation behavior promotes the creation of mutual value for students and in what ways this perception of value may contribute to satisfaction, a survey-based study was conducted with a sample size of 356 respondents. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to test the proposed model. Our results show that student co-creation behavior during GBL has no impact on the overall satisfaction of students, although there is a positive relationship between student citizenship behavior and student perception of value. The results show that students’ optimal perception of GBL in the context of their HE experience positively impacts their satisfaction with GBL. Finally, drawing on the findings, several managerial implications are suggested for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), mainly for educators and educational developers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This research aims to understand the relationship among Intellectual Capital (IC), Service Dominant Orientation (SD-Orientation) and firms performance. Design/methodology/approach: A model conceptualizing the relationship among the three constructs was tested through structural equation modelling on a sample of 101 firms from SABI Spanish database. Findings: The results confirm the influence of IC, in all of its dimensions, on SD-Orientation and of SD-orientation on performance. Furthermore, the results show that SD- Orientation fully mediates the relationship between IC and performance, except for relational capital that by itself also directly influences financial performance. Research limitations/implications: Data is limited to a sample of only one country and 101 services firms. Therefore, future studies should be carried out with samples from other countries. Practical implications: The main results show HC, relational capital and SC are a great influence and antecedent on SD-Orientation, therefore, as an implication, firms need to take care of the several components (human, structural and social) of IC in order to become more service oriented, something that will allow them to achieve a better performance. Originality/value: Until know there was no other study testing the influence of IC on SD-Orientation, therefore this study contributes to understand SD-orientation and the necessary resources to operationalize it, including the links to financial performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cocreation has captured the attention of public managers and policymakers and yet the literature focusing in the public sector is still relatively dispersed. In this literature review we present a contextualized analysis of the potential reasons that lead public sector organizations to cocreate with citizens and identify potential barriers that may hamper the adoption of cocreation in public settings. The analysis undertaken allowed us to conclude that the topic is increasingly capturing the interest of researchers, although the state of the literature is characterized by a reduced heterogeneity in research methods. We classified cocreation benefits in the public sector as innovation related, improved decision-making, and symbolic related, and we categorized the drivers for cocreation according to three broad categories: external, relation-specific and internal. Finally, we identified potential barriers of cocreation, including structural, organizational, and behavioral barriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calculated panel reactive antibodies (CPRA) is a sensitization measure used to classify and prioritize transplant candidates in different kidney transplant allocation systems. CPRA is based on identification of HLA unacceptable on potential organ donors making a transplant candidate ineligible for transplantation. Here, we present a CPRA online estimator based on HLA allelic and haplotypic frequencies from Portuguese donors. We also compare the values we obtained from our CPRA estimator (Portuguese [PT]‐CPRA) against CPRA values obtained from: Eurotransplant virtual PRA calculator (ET‐CPRA); Canadian CPRA calculator (Canadian [CN]‐CPRA) and Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network CPRA calculator (United States [US]‐CPRA). When we analyzed correlations between CPRA values obtained from pairs of calculators, we observed that they are significantly and highly correlated. Bland‐Altman plots for the comparison between PT‐CPRA calculator against the other calculators, show higher differences between PT and CN than between PT and ET and PT and US. Also, the lowest value for Lin's concordance coefficient was obtained for the comparison between PT and CN calculators. CPRA values reliability depend on donors' pool from which it is calculated and it is crucial for classify correctly highly sensitized patients. A CPRA calculator must use donors' HLA frequencies similar from those who would be actual organ donors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a general agreement that the distribution of kidneys for transplantation should balance utility criteria with justice. Moreover, a kidney allocation system must be based on transparent policies and seen as an ongoing process. This study aims to present an allocation system grounded on an equity matrix that balances the criteria of utility and justice. Synthetic data for a waiting list with 2000 transplant candidates and a pool of 280 donors were generated. A color priority system, the Eurotransplant (ET) kidney allocation system, and the proposed Equity Matrix (EQM) allocation system were compared after 1000 iterations of kidney allocations. Distributions of variables like the age difference. Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA) mismatches (mmHLA), recipients' time on dialysis, cPRA, and a transplant score obtained by different allocation models were compared graphically and with Cohen's d effect size. For the analyzed variables, when we compare only the selected recipients from ET with the selected recipients from the EQM neutral model, we can conclude that the former model selects more hypersensitized recipients, a higher number of 65+ years' old recipients with 65+ years' old donors and higher number of recipients with 0 mmHLA. While recipients from EQM neutral are slightly older, have a lower age difference with their donors, have a lower number of mmHLA, are less likely to have 6 mmHLA with their donors, and have more time on dialysis. The proposed EQM model attempts to provide a simple, transparent, and equitable response to a complex question with results that outperform established practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Education is considered a fundamental element in society's development, and higher education institutions (HEIs) must direct a part of their activity towards supporting countries’ social, economic and cultural progress. It is crucial that HEIs develop diverse marketing and management strategies, above all image management, since this will make them competitive in the market and provide their managers with decision-making capacity. Regarding the image of HEIs, the literature presents different measurement models, with no consensus about the variables to include in them. The main aim of this research is to analyze studies presenting models of university image, search for synergies among the models’ variables and develop a model that combines all of them. Other variables not found in these studies have been included, since the bibliography on the subject considers them relevant. The sample is formed of 438 students from two universities, a private university in Spain and a State university in Portugal. The results show that image has a conceptualization formed of four constructs: external communication and values, national and international recognition, economic value, and facilities. We conclude with confirmation of a model that measures university image with variables that are significant in previous studies, but with some added variables. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Since 2011, the Centro de Pesquisas e Desenvolvimento - CEPED performs sampling and analysis activities of the waters of the springs that supply the city of Salvador to assess the Water Quality Index (WQI). The WQI is an important indicator of the relationship between use and land cover and water quality in a watershed. The purpose of this paper is to present a study of water quality of rivers Paraguaçu, Joanes, Jacuípe, Ipitanga, which are responsible for the water supply for the population of metropolitan region of Salvador with more than three million inhabitants and highest population density Northeast North. Through this study we can conclude that there is a decrease in water quality in nearby points of urbanized areas due to lack of sanitation, as well as in areas where there is impairment of riparian vegetation cover. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article seeks to create a State failure indicator. The methodology combines descriptive and multivariate statistics to analyze the databases Quality of Government Institute and the Earth Policy Institute. The results suggest that: (1) the independence of the judiciary is the variable that contributes the least to the creation of a State failure indicator; (2) cluster analysis classified 17 countries as collapsed states, Somalia is the most extreme case; and (3) ethnic fragmentation and uneven economic development show statistically significant variation between clusters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article seeks to create a State failure indicator. The methodology combines descriptive and multivariate statistics to analyze the databases Quality of Government Institute and the Earth Policy Institute. The results suggest that: (1) the independence of the judiciary is the variable that contributes the least to the creation of a State failure indicator; (2) cluster analysis classified 17 countries as collapsed states, Somalia is the most extreme case; and (3) ethnic fragmentation and uneven economic development show statistically significant variation between clusters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Customers have become active and engaged with multiple actors outside the hotel, raising new challenges to theory and practice. Therefore, this paper aims to identify the external actors with which customers interact to ascertain which ones foster/hinder customer engagement and value co-creation/destruction. We used qualitative methods (16 in-depth interviews, document analysis, and four participants' observations) gathered from seven regions in Ghana. Data were analyzed using Nvivo12 within a thematic analysis framework designed to identify, analyze, and describe patterns found in data. The study revealed that guests' interactive engagement with multiple actors beyond the hotel environment influences their experience, either fostering or hindering value co-creation. Positive and negative engagement fosters/hinders guests' interactions and the potential for value co-creation/destruction. The study offers a novel connection between customer interactions, engagement, and value co-creation to discover and depict the external actors' actions that foster or hinder customers' experience in the hotel setting. Industry players can use the developed customer interactive engagement framework and value co-creation/destruction actors in tourist and hotel settings to assess their businesses and explore the value they aim to generate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schistosoma haematobium , a parasitic flatworm that infects more than 100 million people, mostly in the developing world, is the causative agent of urogenital schistosomiasis, and is associated with a high incidence of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the bladder. Schistosomiasis haematobia also appears to negatively influence fertility, and is particularly associated with female infertility. Given that estrogens and estrogen receptors are key players in human reproduction, we speculate that schistosome estrogen-like molecules may contribute to infertility through hormonal imbalances. Here, we review recent findings on the role of estrogens and estrogen receptors on both carcinogenesis and infertility associated with urogenital schistosomiasis and discuss the basic hormonal mechanisms that might be common in cancer and infertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From the perspective of the Stakeholder Theory, the objective of this paper was to, initially, identify and classify by importance the expectations of editors from scientific journal that are indexed in ISI about its relationship with the universities. After that, the objective was to measure the satisfaction levels of the same editors as to its relationship with universities in general. 276 answers were obtained and the results showed that the satisfaction of the editors with the universities comes from the offer, by the universities, of the adequate facilities for research, including scientific research in the degree programs, encouragement for having and funding scientific events at the university, and of the encourage by the university for their students to participate in research projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Students’ satisfaction with their university and course is of fundamental importance to retain students and promote their positive worth-of-mouth. The objective of this research is to analyse the level of efficiency of Portuguese public universities, according to the expectations and satisfaction of their students. To accomplish the objective, this article uses data envelopment analysis methodology. As our unit of analysis, we selected the faculties making up the universities researched. The analytical input came from the expectations of 1669 students regarding their study programme and their universities. The outputs stem from their satisfaction with their study programmes and their universities. We conclude that university practices do not currently guarantee efficiency. We also observe that efficiency in the relationship between expectations and general satisfaction with the study programme does not represent efficiency in the relationship between expectations and general satisfaction with the university, and vice versa. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The process behind people's decisions to buy green products is a complex one, and the factors that influence purchase behaviours are still not fully understood. This paper is an attempt to contribute to the state of knowledge in this field, by providing an analysis of the measurement of the construct buying behaviour (BB) in green marketing. In particular, it reports on the results of a study involving a sample of 1175 university students from four countries using a survey approach to test a green behavioural model. The method of data collection took the form of a self-administered questionnaire. The results gathered in the research have shown that the Straughan and Roberts' scale of green BB (GBB) studied presents a high level of reliability, above other commonly used scales and is a useful measure of GBB; some of the findings may help to improve the effectiveness of green marketing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In accordance with the importance of the student stakeholder to universities, the objective of this research project was to evaluate student satisfaction at Portuguese public universities as regards their self-expressed core expectations. The research was based both on stakeholder theory itself and on previous studies of university stakeholders. The empirical study began with an exploratory study of students at one university to identify their demands, resulting in 25 indicators. These were the basis of a quantitative study, involving students at 11 Portuguese public universities. We received a total of 1669 correctly filled out online surveys. Data analysis deployed descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression. We conclude that the level of course requirements, enhanced student value in the employment market, personal student self-fulfilment, the university’s environment, motivating lessons and university bureaucratic processes are the key demands strengthening and deepening student satisfaction with both their course of study and the university. Therefore, these factors should receive priority attention from university management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental issues have become more prominent internationally and are increasingly featured in discussion by governments, business and academics. This paper presents the results of a study which examines the concerns for environmental issues and purchase behaviours of a sample of 1173 young consumers in England, Germany, Portugal and Spain; countries which represent different realities in terms of economic development, social context and cultural issues. An analysis of the differences between the respondents from the four countries regarding concepts such as man-nature orientation, generativity, environmental concern, consumer perceived effectiveness, conservation behaviour and environmentally-friendly buying behaviour is presented. The results obtained confirm the existence of significant differences between countries for almost all variables. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

a Our study replicates and extends prior research on internal marketing by adapting the Jou, Chou and Fu's (20083) scale for the health care context. Our study includes a sample of 234 nurses, 135 from public hospitals using a traditional management model and 99 from long-term care units using a non-traditional management model. Our findings indicate that the IMS, when used to measure nurses' perceptions of their organisations' internal marketing orientation, was reliable. The findings also indicate a relatively low (mean = approximately 3.2 in a 7 point scale)perception of international marketing practices in our sample organisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wearable devices have been shown to play an important role in disease prevention and health management, through the multimodal acquisition of peripheral biosignals. However, many of these wearables are exposed, limiting their long-term acceptability by some user groups. To overcome this, a wearable smart sock integrating a PPG sensor and an EDA sensor with textile electrodes was developed. Using the smart sock, EDA and PPG measurements at the foot/ankle were performed in test populations of 19 and 15 subjects, respectively. Both measurements were validated by simultaneously recording the same signals with a standard device at the hand. For the EDA measurements, Pearson correlations of up to 0.95 were obtained for the SCL component, and a mean consensus of 69 % for peaks detected in the two locations was obtained. As for the PPG measurements, after fine-tuning the automatic detection of systolic peaks, the index finger and ankle, accuracies of 99.46 % and 87.85 % were obtained, respectively. Moreover, an HR estimation error of 17.40 ± 14.80 Beats-Per-Minute (BPM) was obtained. Overall, the results support the feasibility of this wearable form factor for unobtrusive EDA and PPG monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As competition for student enrollment and funding among universities increases, higher education institutions (HEI) need to critically endeavor to implement and offer high quality service experiences. Drawing on current literature on student co-creation, this paper aims at presenting a systematic review of the literature on co-creation strategies in higher education (HE) in order to map extant research on this topic and offer a consolidated view of how co-creation may contribute to creating mutual value for institutions and students.The findings of our review include a descriptive analysis of the body of papers and a thematic analysis structured under three themes; (1) co-creation strategies that can be used by HEI; (2) Co-creation barriers and benefits for HEIs; and (3) Co-creation barriers and benefits for students. We identify an exhaustive inventory of the strategies, barriers and benefits studied in extant literature. Finally, directions for further studies are identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to analyse the efficiency of public higher education institutions (HEIs) through teaching and learning (T&L), research and technology (R&T) and social responsibility (SR) activities. It also aims to assess the external factors influencing the efficiency of T&L, R&T and SR, and influence of this efficiency on sustainable regional economic growth and innovation intensity. Design/methodology/approach: The empirical approach is based on a two-step data envelopment analysis to compare the efficiency of 23 Portuguese public HEIs, using a Tobit regression, to assess the influence of the factors affecting HEI efficiency which in turn affects regional sustainability and innovation. Findings: The results lead to the following conclusions: HEIs with better SR efficiency are situated in large urban centres; an insular location is positively associated with HEIs' T&L and SR efficiency; HEIs' T&L and SR efficiency positively influence regional gross domestic product (GDP); and HEIs' R&T efficiency positively influences R&D in regional GDP. Practical implications: This study offers implications in the domain of sustainable regional growth. The study recommends that the policies of HEIs should concentrate on developing activities that meet the needs of the region. It also emphasizes the need to invest in recruitment of qualified lecturers and researchers, and creation of relevant PhD positions. The study also emphasizes the need for government actions to consider the most disadvantaged regions and create infrastructure to attract new companies and people. Originality/value: This study contributes to the existing literature on the efficiency of HEIs by considering the efficiency of not only T&L and R&T but also SR. It also analyses the influencers of both HEIs' efficiency and regional development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social marketing has experienced substantial growth over the last 3 decades and its utilization has spread into various areas of social and public life. However, certain barriers to its expansion do still remain. Thus, a systematic overview of studies on this field will contribute towards a better understanding of the subject and its progress thus far. This study presents the results of bibliometric analysis of the social marketing field defining the academic area subject to study, along with its respective bibliographical sources, based on publication counts, citation, co-citation, and co-word analysis. This study enables researchers new to the field to proceed in their work aware of core findings, their authors and journals, as well as identifying those conferences and institutions most closely related to this subject. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hawaiian Drosophila offer an excellent model for adaptive evolution. More than 500 species are reported in Hawaiian islands, and there is considerable diversity in behavior and morphology. Such diversity is mainly driven by sexual selection. In this study qualitative and quantitative chemical compositions of cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) in 138 flies belonging to 27 Hawaiian Drosophila species, picture-winged and non picture-winged, were analyzed regarding sexual dimorphism, differences in saturation, branching position, and lengths of CHCs. We found significant variation in the CHC patterns. In several subgroups, new species show decreases in unsaturated hydrocarbons, and gradual increases in branched compounds, monomethylalkanes and dimethylalkanes, not commonly found in Drosophila. Moreover, branching positions gradually shifted towards internal carbons, and chain lengths increased in the new species. The long-term evolution of CHCs in the light of the recent evolutionary migration and adaptation history of Hawaiian Drosophila species along the developing archipelago was discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The functions of teaching and research in higher education institutions (HEIs) are being reassessed, with particular emphasis on the contribution they make to the welfare of their economic and social environment. To this end, HEIs need to engage in profitable relationships with various stakeholders and incorporate their respective visions into their own management practices. Hence, HEIs need to identify these stakeholders and their needs before defining priorities and relational strategies for each entity. The approach taken is theoretical and based on the combination of three different areas of study: HEIs, stakeholders and relational marketing. Since this subject is a recent topic in HEIs, the contribution of this paper arises from its overview of the empirical research previously conducted, and in this way, highlighting the current status of studies relating to the three themes, while simultaneously pointing out possible future lines of research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Polyfluorene copolymers are functionalised with oxetane side groups which make them cross-linkable upon exposure to an acid. Upon addition of a photoacid they become photo-cross-linkable if exposed to UV light. Optical and electrochemical properties of these copolymers, both in the soluble and cross-linked forms are compared. We further show that the use of this type of copolymer allows the fabrication of multilayer structures without restriction of the organic solvent used to deposit an upper layer. In particular, we fabricate multilayer LEDs with enhanced luminous efficiency using one of the copolymers. The possibility to photo-cross-link these materials is also used to prepare micrometer size patterns, using a transmission electron microscope grid as a shadow mask. Furthermore, the use of a scanning near-field optical microscope allows submicron patterns to be prepared. We propose that this approach, which can be extended to a wide range of conjugated polymers, can be useful for the fabrication of optical, electronic and optoelectronic structures. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The electronic properties of interfaces between two different solids can differ strikingly from those of the constituent materials. For instance, metallic conductivity—and even superconductivity—have recently been discovered at interfaces formed by insulating transition-metal oxides. Here, we investigate interfaces between crystals of conjugated organic molecules, which are large-gap undoped semiconductors, that is, essentially insulators. We find that highly conducting interfaces can be realized with resistivity ranging from 1 to 30 kΩ per square, and that, for the best samples, the temperature dependence of the conductivity is metallic. The observed electrical conduction originates from a large transfer of charge between the two crystals that takes place at the interface, on a molecular scale. As the interface assembly process is simple and can be applied to crystals of virtually any conjugated molecule, the conducting interfaces described here represent the first examples of a new class of electronic systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The M(tdas)2 complexes (tdas2−=1,2,5-thiadiazole-3,4-dithiolate) with M=CuII, CuIII and AuIII were obtained as tetrabuthylammonium and tetraphenilphosphonium salts and characterised. The crystal structure of (n-Bu4N)n[M(tdas)2], M=Cu(2) and Au(4) were determined by X-ray crystallography as well as that of the charge transfer salt (TTF)2[Au(tdas)2]2 (5). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Oxidation of a rapidly solidified Mg–Ni–Y alloy was studied in a wide temperature range in air by means of TG, DSC, XRD, TEM, SEM/EDAX. The alloy was in different microstructural states and with a different phase composition depending on the temperature of oxidation. The oxidation kinetics have been found to obey different laws (linear, logarithmic, parabolic) at the different temperatures. At low temperatures of oxidation (200–350°C) the alloy oxidizes slowly with linear kinetic law. In the temperature range of 350–430°C generally a logarithmic model describes best the experimental kinetic data, as the initial stage of oxidation follows also a linear kinetic equation. At temperatures above 430°C a parabolic law is valid. During further increase of the temperature, again a linear kinetic law was followed due to partial cracking of the oxide film. The rate constants, activation energies and pre-exponential factors were also derived. The products of oxidation, the morphology and microstructure of the oxide film, alloy matrix and oxide/alloy matrix interface were investigated. The phase composition and microstructure of the metal matrix do not differ very much from those resulting after annealing in a protective argon atmosphere. Grain growth proceeds with a low rate even after long term annealing at temperatures of about 400–450°C. It was found that the oxide film consists of MgO and MgNiO2 and traces of yttrium oxides. The outer layer of the scale is nanocrystalline. At the oxide/alloy matrix interface dense coarse crystals with most probable composition Mg24Y5 were observed. The microscopic observations as well as the kinetic results indicate that the oxide film in Mg87Ni12Y1 works successfully as a protective layer at temperatures up to 500–520°C, retarding the oxygen transport in the scale and to the oxide/metal interface. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Social marketing thinking and strategies have been used by public health and nongovernmental organizations to improve treatment adherence, with encouraging results. However, in contexts characterized by high uncertainty regarding treatment outcomes, the role of social marketing can be problematic. This research is part of a vast investigation project in which the authors explore how the social support concept can be better approached in social marketing interventions targeting contexts of treatment uncertainty. The aim of the present study is to analyze the structure of social support interactions in two online health communities facing uncertainty in treatment outcomes. To achieve this goal, the social network analysis (SNA) technique was used. Results indicate that the online communities examined in the study shared a similar structural signature, that is characterized by scale-free and small world properties and reduced indexes of reciprocity. Results also indicate that users mostly search for informational types of support in these online communities and that the communities can be segmented into homogeneous groups based on the structural positions they occupy in the network and their profile of support interaction. Implications for social marketing segmentation and targeting are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The greatest challenge of any kidney transplant program lies in finding enough organ donors (in number and quality) for all waitlisted transplant candidates. Unfortunately, we must resign ourselves to a manifestly insufficient supply of organs for the current demand. Furthermore we must be able to predict kidney transplant success at organ allocation if we want to minimize the number of patients who return to an already overcrowded waiting list for transplantation. Therefore, the definition of deceased donors' kidney allocation rules on transplantation must be supported by simulations that allow foreseeing, as much as possible, the consequences of these rules. Here we present the Kidney Allocation Rules Simulator (KARS) application that enables testing different kidney transplant allocation’ systems with different donors and transplant candidates' datasets. In this application, it is possible to simulate allocation rules implemented in Portugal, in the United Kingdom, in countries within Eurtotransplant, and a previously suggested color priority system. As inputs, this application needs three data files: a file with transplant candidates' information, a file with candidates' anti-HLA antibodies, and a file with donors' information. As output, we will have a file with donor-recipient pairs selected according to the kidney allocation system simulated. When seeking waste reduction while ensuring a fair distribution of organs from deceased donors, the definition of rules selecting donor-recipient pairs in renal transplantation must be based on evidence supported by data. On the continuously changing process for a better distribution of an increasingly scarce resource must, we must be able to predict transplant outcomes when defining the best allocation rules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flexible textile antennas are important for wireless communication within the expansion of 5G and the Internet of Things (IoT), as it allows for their integration in daily life objects. However, achieving these functionalities in textiles is challenging because of limitations in the electronic performance, flexibility with scalable fabrication process. This paper presents two flexible textile antennas for wearable and non‐ wearable devices compatible with 5G technology created by printing highly conductive silver nanoparticle inks. Two textile substrates are explored, as the dielectric component, a 3D polyester, and a natural origin fabric, burel. The processes used are cost‐effective and scalable, with the antennas designed to operate at 3–3.5 GHz, maintaining their return loss performance even under bending deformation and washing cycles. By transferring the optimized devices into clothes and wall covering, a detailed analysis with experimental measurements of the textile‐based antenna for different operation scenarios is introduced. The work highlights the suitability of these antennas for wearable applications and their alignment with green wireless technologies, contributing to the advancement of sustainable wireless communication systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the authors, for the first time, have shown the use of 2D conformal microwave absorbing material (MAM) in the design and fabrication of a portable Anechoic chamber (AC). The MAM is fabricated on the transparent and conductive metal oxide layer named indium-tin-oxide (ITO) with Polyethylene terephthalate as the substrate and the ground plane for zero transmission having overall thickness of 0.012 λ where λ is calculated at 0.7 GHz. The MAM is characterized for 0.7 to 18 GHz for both TE- and TM-polarisation and oblique incidence. High sheet resistance, dipole-like resonance structure patterned on the ITO, and the air-spacing between the layers is optimized to achieve broadband absorption. The MAM is used to line the six sides of the rectangular anechoic chamber having inner dimensions of: (L × W × H: 850 × 650 × 720 mm3). The return loss (RL), gain, and radiation pattern of three antenna working at 1.56, 2.43, and 4.93 GHz are analyzed inside the AC. The measurement results for all frequencies very well match with the simulation studies, thus validating and opening the door for the future use of ultra-thin and planar MAM in the AC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infection with the human liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini induces cancer of the bile ducts, cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). It was shown previously that O. viverrini-secreted proteins accelerate wound resolution in human cholangiocytes. Recombinant Ov-GRN-1 ( O. viverrini-derived gene encoding granulin-like growth factor) induced angiogenesis and accelerated mouse wound healing. Given the striking similarities of wound healing and cancer progression, here we discuss the major implications of this finding for an infection-induced cancer of major public health significance in the developing world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to identify stakeholders' perceptions of the effects associated with different components of intellectual capital (IC) on the sustainable development (SD) practices of higher education institutions (HEIs). Design/methodology/approach: The empirical approach uses a structural equation model to provide new empirical findings in relation to 738 students and 587 lecturers/researchers at seven Portuguese state HEIs through quantitative research. Findings: The results obtained are, firstly, important contributions to the literature on the IC and SD practices of HEIs, as a relationship between these two constructs is confirmed, especially through relational capital (RC) and structural capital (SC). Secondly, the stakeholders considered show different perceptions of the influence of the components of HEIs' IC on these institutions' SD practices, and thirdly, perception of the economic dimension is most influenced. Practical implications: The empirical findings indicate the need to provide better information about HEIs' policies and practices of SD and how the latter contribute to the SD of the institution and its region of influence. Originality/value: No previous studies investigate students and teachers/researchers' perceptions of the social, environmental, economic and organizational dimensions of SD in HEIs and at the same time how those perceptions can be influenced by the components of IC (e.g. human capital, SC, RC) in that institution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditionally, water conditions of coffee areas are monitored by measuring the leaf water potential (ΨW) throughout a pressure pump. However, there is a demand for the development of technologies that can estimate large areas or regions. In this context, the objective of this study was to estimate the ΨW by surface reflectance values and vegetation indices obtained from the Landsat-8/OLI sensor in Minas Gerais—Brazil Several algorithms using OLI bands and vegetation indexes were evaluated and from the correlation analysis, a quadratic algorithm that uses the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) performed better, with a correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.82. Leave-One-Out Cross-Validation (LOOCV) was performed to validate the models and the best results were for NDVI quadratic algorithm, presenting a Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) of 27.09% and an R2 of 0.85. Subsequently, the NDVI quadratic algorithm was applied to Landsat-8 images, aiming to spatialize the ΨW estimated in a representative area of regional coffee planting between September 2014 to July 2015. From the proposed algorithm, it was possible to estimate ΨW from Landsat-8/OLI imagery, contributing to drought monitoring in the coffee area leading to cost reduction to the producers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to present an innovative operational proposal for measuring the intellectual capital (IC) of higher education institutions (HEIs) through a strategic prospective lens of analysis. Design/methodology/approach: After providing a literature review on the methods for measuring IC that focuses on the organisational IC of HEIs, four case studies applied to Portuguese HEIs are presented, using a matrix of cross-referenced impacts – multiplications applied to a classification (MICMAC) approach. Findings: The empirical findings reveal how human capital, structural capital and relational capital make up the core components and provide a fairly diversified list of the measurement indicators for the operational evaluation of the IC of HEIs. Practical implications: It contributes into the literature of strategic prospective analysis of HEIs by: analysing the measurement systems for the organisational IC interrelated with HEIs; identifying the key components to the organisational IC of HEIs and their respective measurement indicators; and draufting a new method for operationally implementing organisational IC through the systematic application of the components and indicators identified. Originality/value: Through an innovative vision, the present study reconciles and systematically structures the methods already proposed by other authors before presenting an innovative operational approach and an alternative to the already existing methods. In addition, the structure of this proposal itself enables HEIs to choose from among the various indicators proposed for IC, correspondingly those that best align with the type of institution under evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the high electric mobility and ambient for n-channel single-crystal (SC) field-effect transistors (FETs) or SCFETs. It says that SCFETs exhibit field-effect mobilities approaching those of the best p-channel FETs when fabricated with dielectric materials. It cites that future studies should focus on how the SC semi-conductor functions with specialized dielectric materials and device architectures.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to determine the predominant classification of intellectual capital (IC), in terms of components, using the literature of reference on the relationship between IC and performance and considering multi-dimensional analysis axes (MAAs): organisational, regional and national.Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review (SLR) is presented focussing on empirical studies on IC published in the period 1960-2016. A protocol for action is defined and a research question is raised, gathering data from the databases of: Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar. A social network analysis is also provided to determine the type of networks embracing groups, IC individual components and performance type.Findings Of the 777 papers included in the SLR, 189 deal with the relationship between IC and performance. The paper highlights the greater development of empirical studies starting from 2004; the organisational MAA is the most studied. The most frequently used groups of components in studies dealing with IC’s influence on performance corresponds to a triad of human capital; structural (organisational or process) capital; and relational (social or customer) capital, which determine positively the performance of organisations/regions/countries, but their influence is not linear and depends on various factors associated with the context and surrounding environment.Practical implications This study has wide-ranging implications for politicians/governments, managers and academics, providing empirical evidence about the relationships between the components of IC and performance, by MAAs, and a global vision and better understanding of how those IC components have developed and how they are related to performance.Originality/value Due to the high number of references covering a wide range of disciplines and the various dimensions (e.g. organisational, regional and national) that form IC, it becomes fundamental to carry out an SRL and systematise its MAAs to deepen knowledge about what has been discovered/developed in this domain, in terms of empirical studies, in order to situate the topic in a wider theoretical-practical context. The paper is exceptionally wide-ranging, covering the period 1960-2016. It is one of the first clarifying studies on systemisation of the literature on IC, by MAA, and an in-depth study of IC’s impact on the performance of organisations/regions and countries which may serve as a guideline for future studies using the taxonomy proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To access the impact of increasing use of metformin on cesarean section and large for gestational age rates, when compared to insulin. Methods: A retrospective observational study was developed using data from the Portuguese National Registry, between 2011 and 2019, of 5038 Portuguese women with single pregnancies and gestational diabetes treated with metformin and/or insulin. Three groups were defined according to the therapeutic regimen adopted: g1–insulin in monotherapy (n = 3027[60.1%]); g2–metformin in monotherapy (n = 1366[27.1%]); g3–metformin and insulin (n = 645[12.8%]). Multivariate analysis was adjusted for statistically significant covariates. Results: The cesarean section rate in g1 was similar to g2 (g1:36.9% vs. g2:37%, p = 0.982), although g3 was associated with cesarean delivery (g3:43.6% vs. g1:36.9%, p = 0.005; g3:43.6% vs. g1:37.0%, p = 0.002), with no differences reported in the multivariate analysis adjusted for year of delivery and pregestational body mass index. A delivery of a large for gestational age newborn was less frequently observed in g2 than in g1 (g2:4.1% vs. g1:5.4%, p = 0.044) and in g3 (g2:4.1% vs. g3:9.1%, p < 0.001), and in g1, when compared to g3 (g1:5.4% vs. g3:9.1%, p < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, g2 showed lower odds of delivering a large for gestational age newborn, compared to g1 (β = −0.511, OR = 0.596, CI95% = 0.428–0.832, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The use of metformin was not associated with higher cesarean section rates, compared to insulin. Instead, it was suggested a protective role of metformin on large gestational age rates. The concomitant use of dual therapy suggests more complex pregnancies, requiring closer surveillance that mitigate serious perinatal and obstetrical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider a compartmental model to study the evolution of the number of regular customers and referral customers in some corporation. Transitions between compartments are modeled by parameters depending on the social network and the marketing policy of the corporation. We obtain some results on the asymptotic number of regular customers and referral customers in several particular scenarios. Additionally we present some simulation that illustrates the behavior of the model and discuss its applicability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, the higher education sector can be considered a marketplace, within which university education is considered a marketable service in the literature on higher education management. The analysis of the variables that generate university image has been the subject of numerous studies on higher education institutions (HEIs). The purpose of this study was to analyse the comparative weightage of these variables to increase the robustness of the model developed in a previous study by Alcaide-Pulido et al. (2017) for the purpose of identifying the variables with greater explanatory power of the image that undergraduate students have of their universities. This work uses a sample of 438 undergraduate students (Spain and Portugal), using a support vector machine to classify them and conduct sensitivity analysis to detect key variables with greater weights. The findings reveal four determining variables: ‘value for money’, ‘ethical values and social responsibility’, ‘social networks’, and ‘university rankings’. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reflecting the level of priority currently attributed to public university financing in ongoing discussions, the objective of this article is to debate alternative forms of attracting resources from stakeholders not normally associated with the financing of public universities. We begin by detailing sources of university financing as it slowly migrates from the public sector to the market. After we move on to describe the main public university stakeholders and the respective relationships between the parties. Finally, our discussion focuses on different means and alternatives ways, to finance public universities through use of non-traditional stakeholders giving some examples. In conclusions we find that despite university managers normally being aware of such entities, the other internal university actors show a lack of pro-activeness regarding the opportunities presented by different stakeholders. So the public universities need to actively engage with the marketplace, and this reality can be achieved if at internal level they are assigned priorities for the relationships with these new stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]