The free radical theory of ageing

The free radical theory of ageing hypothesizes that ageing is a consequence of incomplete inactivation of certain harmful toxins (called reactive oxygen species, or ROS) by the defence systems of the body. ROS are produced by the body as a direct consequence of its need for oxygen to survive. They are produced either accidentally, in the process of energy production, or deliberately, to annihilate bacteria and viruses. ROS produced in excess damage cell membranes, proteins and even DNA. It is hypothesized that the damage cannot always be reversed and hence causes the deterioration seen in the body during ageing

The influence of galvanic field on Saccharomyces cerevisiae in grape must fermentation

In Saccharomyces cerevisiae alcohol fermentation of 'Sauvignon blanc' grape must a low direct electric current (DC) of 1.3, 7.7 and 30 μA was applied. Constant current stimulated wine yeasts metabolic activity by increasing production of glycerol and lactic acid was studied. The results of high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography (GC) indicated that by using the direct current at low temperature, similar results as those using higher fermentation temperatures can be achieved. Optical and transmission electron microscopy showed no visible morphological and ultra structural changes in cell morphology. The empirical experience resulting from present laboratory experiments offer a new approach in fermentation of grape musts wine and in wine process control.

Innovation and creativity in organizations: a state-of-the-science review, prospective commentary, and guiding framework

YesCreativity and innovation in any organization are vital to its successful performance. The authors review the rapidly growing body of research in this area with particular attention to the period 2002 to 2013, inclusive. Conceiving of both creativity and innovation as being integral parts of essentially the same process, we propose a new, integrative definition. We note that research into creativity has typically examined the stage of idea generation, whereas innovation studies have commonly also included the latter phase of idea implementation. The authors discuss several seminal theories of creativity and innovation and then apply a comprehensive levels-of-analysis framework to review extant research into individual, team, organizational, and multilevel innovation. Key measurement characteristics of the reviewed studies are then noted. In conclusion, we propose a guiding framework for future research comprising 11 major themes and 60 specific questions for future studies.Grant IN-2012-095 from the U.K. Leverhulme Trust awarded to the first author and by British Academy Grant SG110409 awarded to the second author

Symmetric and antisymmetric exchange anisotropies in quasi-one-dimensional CuSe2_2O5_5 as revealed by ESR

We present an electron spin resonance (ESR) study of single-crystalline spin chain-system CuSe$_2$O$_5$ in the frequency range between 9 GHz and 450 GHz. In a wide temperature range above the N\'{e}el temperature $T_N=17$ K we observe strong and anisotropic frequency dependence of a resonance linewidth. Although sizeable interchain interaction $J_{IC}\approx 0.1 J$ ($J$ is the intrachain interaction) is present in this system, the ESR results agree well with the Oshikawa-Affleck theory for one-dimensional $S=1/2$ Heisenberg antiferromagnet. This theory is used to extract the anisotropies present in CuSe$_2$O$_5$. We find that the symmetric anisotropic exchange $J_c=(0.04 \pm 0.01) \:J$ and the antisymmetric Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya (DM) interaction $D=(0.05\pm 0.01)\:J$ are very similar in size in this system. Staggered-field susceptibility induced by the presence of the DM interaction is witnessed in the macroscopic susceptibility anisotropy.Comment: 8 pages, 7 figures, 2 tables, published in Phys. Rev.

Two-electronic component behavior in the multiband FeSe0.42_{0.42}Te0.58_{0.58} superconductor

We report X-band EPR and $^{125}$Te and $^{77}$Se NMR measurements on single-crystalline superconducting FeSe$_{0.42}$Te$_{0.58}$ ($T_c$ = 11.5(1) K). The data provide evidence for the coexistence of intrinsic localized and itinerant electronic states. In the normal state, localized moments couple to itinerant electrons in the Fe(Se,Te) layers and affect the local spin susceptibility and spin fluctuations. Below $T_c$, spin fluctuations become rapidly suppressed and an unconventional superconducting state emerges in which $1/T_1$ is reduced at a much faster rate than expected for conventional $s$- or $s_\pm$-wave symmetry. We suggest that the localized states arise from the strong electronic correlations within one of the Fe-derived bands. The multiband electronic structure together with the electronic correlations thus determine the normal and superconducting states of the FeSe$_{1-x}$Te$_x$ family, which appears much closer to other high-$T_c$ superconductors than previously anticipated.Comment: 5 pages, 4 figure

Integrating organizational research–Individual, team, organizational and multilevel perspectives

Organizations are multilevel social systems (Hedberg, Nystrom, & Starbuck, 1976; Kesler & Kates, 2015) where (1) diverse employees are assigned to various jobs, embedded in multiple dyadic relationships, and expected to play diverse team roles; (2) functional and/or cross-functional teams integrate individual efforts and develop intra- and inter-group dynamics; and (3) multiple departments and business processes nested within or spanning across organizational boundaries deliver value through mutual interaction. Whereas the managerial priority in the globally digitalized world is to execute competitive strategic initiatives and achieve challenging business goals by vigilantly managing and continuously improving dynamic interactions between organizational system levels, the majority of scholars still populate disciplinary, specialized micro- (social psychology, organizational behavior, and organizational psychology), meso- (business process management and project management) or macro- (strategic management, organizational theory and design, and engineering/systems management) research camps (e.g., Hitt, Beamish, Jackson, & Mathieu, 2007; Molloy, Ployhart, & Wright, 2011)..

Milking Characteristics of Istrian and Littoral Dinaric Donkey Breeds

Istrian and Littoral Dinaric donkey are autochthonous breeds which habitat primarily in the Mediterranean part of Croatia. During the second half of the 20th century they have lost primary function as working animals, which led to breeds suppression. Nowadays these two breeds are in the status of endangered ones. One of the possibilities for their economic re-affirmation is launching the program for production and processing donkey’s milk. The aim of the study was to determine the possibility of milk production of Istrian and Littoral Dinaric jennies in terms of quantity and chemical composition. Istrian jennies produce 745.4 mL/milking while Littoral Dinaric produce 317.8 mL/milking. Milk form Littoral Dinaric jennies contained a significantly higher proportion of milk fat and proteins. There were no significant differences in the content of lactose, dry matter, number of somatic cells and microorganisms in milk between these two breeds. Considering the potential for milk production and milk quality, we believe that both breeds are suitable for integration in the programs for milk production, thus enabling for both population to be economically sustainable. It is necessary to develop production technology and markets, with special emphasis considering quality of donkey milk and safety of consumers

Optimized unconventional superconductivity in a molecular Jahn-Teller metal

Understanding the relationship between the superconducting, the neighboring insulating, and the normal metallic state above Tc is a major challenge for all unconventional superconductors. The molecular A3C60 fulleride superconductors have a parent antiferromagnetic insulator in common with the atom-based cuprates, but here, the C603– electronic structure controls the geometry and spin state of the structural building unit via the on-molecule Jahn-Teller effect. We identify the Jahn-Teller metal as a fluctuating microscopically heterogeneous coexistence of both localized Jahn-Teller–active and itinerant electrons that connects the insulating and superconducting states of fullerides. The balance between these molecular and extended lattice features of the electrons at the Fermi level gives a dome-shaped variation of Tc with interfulleride separation, demonstrating molecular electronic structure control of superconductivity

Travel writing as a tool for sustainable initiatives: Proposing a Dialogue Journaling Process Model

This study explores the transformative potential of travel writing, positioning it as a sustainable, dynamic, and adaptable tool crafted through written dialogue. It shows how travel stories, social media, new tech, and digital platforms work together and how they provide valuable data for research and potentially aid sustainability in tourism through a novel method. Introducing a Dialogue Journaling Process Model, we demonstrate the capacity of travel writing to raise awareness about sustainable practices, analyze the environment, and champion pro-environmental initiatives. Drawing from our pilot study in Slovenia, the findings provide a formal platform for dialogue and refinement. In advocating for the pivotal role of travel writing in advancing sustainable tourism, this research presents a method for this proposition