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Recently, price leadership in supermarkets has become a subject of extensive research. In our study, we utilize the Generalized Seaton–Waterson (GSW) method, but with a unique approach based on Granger causality networks. As it naturally captures statistically significant price variation sequences, the multiple interactions observed by a network present dimensions hardly observed when studying pairwise relations. Our investigation centers on retail tea product data from three stores in Argentina. The results highlight numerous significant leader–follower relationships, primarily associated with Black tea options and brand interactions. We distinguish two main brands in the market as segment leaders. This insight sheds light on the dynamics of price leadership within the retail tea market and provides valuable information for market participants and researchers alike. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study uses web data from the retail beer segment to explore beer pricing dynamics in Argentina amid chronic inflation. We address three main questions: the impact of product attributes on pricing under high inflation, evolving pricing patterns over time, and the effect of the 2020 lockdown. Our analysis unveils the interplay between product attributes, seasonal trends, and inflationary pressures in shaping pricing strategies. While inflation drives rapid adjustments, seasonal trends and product attributes significantly influence pricing decisions. Consumers can benefit from insights into currency fluctuations, fuel costs, and seasonal variations. Beer industry managers can refine pricing strategies to maximize revenue potential amidst economic volatility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To identify factors associated with poor prognoses in newborns with a prenatal diagnosis of gastroschisis in eight hospitals in Bogota, Colombia, from 2011 to 2022. A multi-center retrospective case-control study was conducted on newborns with gastroschisis in eight hospitals in Bogota, Colombia. Poor prognosis was defined as the presence of sepsis, intestinal complications, or death. The study included 101 patients. Preterm newborns under 32 weeks had a poor neonatal prognosis (OR 6.78 95 % CI 0.75–319). Oligohydramnios (OR 4.95 95 % CI 1.15–21.32) and staged closure with silo (OR 3.48; 95 % CI 1.10–10.96) were risk factors for neonatal death, and intra-abdominal bowel dilation of 20–25 mm was a factor for the development of intestinal complications (OR 3.22 95 % CI 1.26–8.23). Intra-abdominal bowel dilation between 20 and 25 mm was associated with intestinal complications, while oligohydramnios was associated with the risk of perinatal death, requiring increased antenatal surveillance of fetal wellbeing. Management with primary reduction when technically feasible is recommended in these infants, considering that the use of silos was associated with higher mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the structure of mutual funds' corporate governance preferences as revealed by how they vote their shares in portfolio companies. We apply unsupervised learning tools from the machine learning literature to analyze mutual funds' votes and find that a parsimonious two-dimensional model can explain the bulk of mutual fund voting. The dimensions capture competing visions of corporate governance and are related to the leading proxy advisors' recommendations. Cluster analysis shows that mutual funds are organized into three "parties"—the Traditional Governance Party, Shareholder Reform Party, and Shareholder Protest Party—that follow distinctive philosophies of corporate governance and shareholders' role. Authors have furnished an Internet Appendix , which is available on the Oxford University Press Web site next to the link to the final published paper online. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brewer's spent grain (BSG) is the main solid waste generated in beer production and primarily consists of barley malt husks. Based on the active promotion of circular economy practices aimed at recycling food industry by-products, this study assessed for the first time the production of particleboards based on BSG as the sole source of lignocellulosic material and natural adhesive without the use of additives or other substrates. In order to achieve particleboards from entirely sustainable sources, BSG particles have to self-bind by thermo-compression with water. In this context, the aim of this study is to assess the effects of pressing temperatures and particle size on properties such as modulus of elasticity, modulus of rupture, internal bond, thickness swelling, and water absorption. The performance of binderless boards was compared with that of a control panel (control) using BSG combined with phenolic resin. Processing conditions were selected to produce boards with a target density of 1000 kg/m³ and a thickness of 5 mm. To confirm the efficiency of the self-adhesion process, scanning electron microscopy was used to examine the boards. The processes of self-adhesion and particle-to-particle contact were facilitated at a pressing temperature of 170 °C and a particle size range of 200–2380 µm (ground BSG), resulting in improved flexural properties and enhanced water resistance. The properties of BSG-based binderless boards were comparable to those reported for other biomass residues, suggesting that they might be used in non-structural applications, such as interior decoration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The volcanic rocks of the Chon Aike Silicic Large Igneous Province (CASP) are recognized as magmas dominantly produced by crustal anatexis. Investigating the zircon of the CASP provides an opportunity to gain further insight into geochemical and isotopic differences of the potential magmatic sources (i.e., crust versus mantle), to identify crustal reservoirs that contributed to the felsic magmas during anatexis, and to quantify the contributions of the respective sources. We present a combined zircon oxygen and hafnium isotope and trace element dataset for 16 volcanic units of the two youngest volcanic phases in Patagonia, dated here with LA-ICP-MS U–Pb geochronology at ca. 148–153 Ma (El Quemado Complex, EQC) and ca. 159 Ma (western Chon Aike Formation, WCA). The EQC zircon have 18O-enriched values (δ18O from 7 to 9.5‰) with correspondingly negative initial εHf values (− 2.0 to − 8.0). The WCA zircon have δ18O values between 6 and 7‰ and εHf values ranging between − 4.0 and + 1.5. Binary δ18O-εHf mixing models require an average of 70 and 60% melt derived from partial melting of isotopically distinct metasedimentary basements for the EQC and WCA, respectively. Zircon trace element compositions are consistent with anatexis of sedimentary protoliths derived from LIL-depleted upper continental crustal sources. The overlap between a high heat flux environment (i.e., widespread extension and lithospheric thinning) during supercontinental breakup and a fertile metasedimentary crust was key in producing voluminous felsic volcanism via anatexis following the injection and emplacement of basaltic magmas into the lower crust. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this contribution, we present new early middle Devonian igneous and metaigneous units with a major juvenile magmatic source input in the North Patagonian Massif, which were discovered through U‐Pb and Lu‐Hf zircon analyses. Afterward, we assessed their tectonic implications for northwestern Patagonia and then for southern South America, combining our results with available database information consisting of igneous crystallization ages and isotopic data of the Devonian to early Carboniferous magmatic units, tectonic‐metamorphic analyses, and thermochronologic record. This study allows for distinguishing retreating and advancing subduction switching in northwestern Patagonia (38°30′ to 44°S) and a contrasting coetaneous evolution for basement outcrops exposed further north (27°30′ and 37°30′S). The early middle Devonian (400–380 Ma) northwestern Patagonian magmatism is characterized by widespread magmatism and positive εHf–εNd linked to forearc and backarc magmatism that evolved within a retreating subduction stage. A tectonic switching toward advancing orogeny stage began in the late Devonian, evidenced by a lull in magmatic activity with a negative εHf–εNd trend, possibly contemporaneous with the first tectonic‐metamorphic event in western Patagonia. An early Carboniferous magmatic gap, followed by the subsequent development of the main foliation in the basement during the Carboniferous‐Permian period, denotes the acme of this contractional stage. In contrast, the Devonian period in the northern segment is characterized by mostly negative εHf–εNd values, reverse shear zone activity in the foreland, and an inboard magmatism migration, evidencing a compressive tectonic setting that changed to an extensional configuration in the early Carboniferous with widespread arc magmatism development. Key Points: Early middle Devonian positive εHf results evidence juvenile magmatic input in the western North Patagonian MassifExtensional to contractional tectonic switch was recognized during Devonian‐early Carboniferous times in northwestern PatagoniaTwo segments in South America shows contrasting tectonic evolution with contractional and extensional coetaneous regimes [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Dyna is the property of Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Medellin, Facultad de Minas and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to investigate micro determinants for dynamic wine pricing in Argentina. We test whether attributes and time affect the price rate of change. The rate of change is selected given the inflationary context of the country. The analysis provides valuable information for wine marketing decisions. Design/methodology/approach: The modeling approach relies on panel data analysis for exploiting the data cross-section and time dimension. The contribution explores a massive price dataset at a weekly frequency. The dependent variable is the weekly price variation rate for product/wine and covariates are attributes, time and nominal variables. Given that endogeneity issues arose, the estimations rely on a two-stage least squares and instrumental variables with cluster-robust errors. Findings: Estimations show that attributes, time and cost variables are statistically significant, with clear seasonal patterns and quality segmentation affecting pricing: wines made out of specific grapes such as Chenin, Merlot and Seedling or composing a broad category such as red wine, exhibit price undershooting (price rate of change below average). On the other hand, wines out of grapes such as Bonarda, Margaux, Mistela, Moscatel, Oporto, Tannat and Sauvignon Blanc show price overshooting (rate of change above average). In summary, wine made from determined grapes and specific wineries show divergent pricing. Research limitations/implications: Covariates such as alcohol content, label descriptor information, winery history, substitute competition and vintage, among others, have not been considered given that the research analyzes more than 750 wine products. Another limitation is that the work does not explore many time-series covariates, such as promotions and idiosyncratic shocks. Practical implications: The contribution presents new information on wine pricing patterns affected by weeks, months and years, including the effect of the prolonged 2020 Argentine lockdown. It also analyzes estimations on pricing at the level of grape/blend and wineries previously unknown in this market. The information can influence inventory decisions on the side of the sellers and purchase decisions on the side of consumers. Social implications: The analysis includes fine but also low-cost wines that form part of the diet of low-income families in the country. The work detects a divergent pattern in pricing divided by the quality/price of the wine. It also presents information on price timing that may help consumers in the best moment to buy. Originality/value: The contribution analyzes unprecedented information on weekly wine prices and presents evidence of pricing tactics from a point-of-sale perspective: It identifies different adjustment speeds related to product features and time effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present research was to investigate aging stability of compression‐molded soy protein concentrate (SPC) film activated with red grape extract (RGE) (10%w/w SPC) and its effect as a food packaging material under refrigerated conditions. After 90 days at 25 ± 2°C and 65 ± 2% RH, control and active SPC films, kept unchanged transparency and color parameters, visual appearance, and water vapor permeability. Tensile properties varied significantly over time due to physical and chemical aging. The in vitro antioxidant activity of films dropped with time, remaining high after 90 days. SPC active film delayed bacterial growth and preserved mackerel chunks color parameters during storage. Samples packed with active SPC films received similar scores by a sensory panel to those packed with polyethylene, up to 15th d. The results demonstrated the potential of SPC‐based films as bio‐based alternatives for enhancing the quality of fish products during refrigeration storage. Practical applications: The combined film obtained by adding RGE to the SPC formulation turned out to an effective packaging for food preservation. Our results open new perspectives to SPC‐RGE films as innovative environmentally safe packaging that can effectively delay the lipid oxidation and microbial growth in fish products, prolonging the shelf life and contributing to reduce the food spoilage and waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The non-integrability of quantum systems, often associated with chaotic behavior, is a concept typically applied to cases with a high-dimensional Hilbert space. Among different indicators signaling this behavior, the study of the long-time oscillations of the Out-of-Time Ordered Correlator (OTOC) appears as a versatile tool, that can be adapted to the case of systems with a small number of degrees of freedom. Using such an approach, we consider the oscillations observed after the scrambling time in the measurement of OTOCs of local operators for an Ising spin chain on a nuclear magnetic resonance quantum simulator (Li J. et al., Phys. Rev. X, 7 (2017) 031011). We show that the systematic of the OTOC oscillations describes qualitatively well, in a chain with only 4 spins, the integrability-to-chaos transition inherited from the infinite chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combined field structural analysis with in situ electron probe microanalysis Th‐U‐Pb monazite dating, petrologic, and microstructural data provides a reconstruction of the pressure‐temperature‐deformation‐time (P‐T‐D‐t) path of the Gondwanide basement of the North Patagonian Cordillera. For samples from the Challhuaco hill, the timing of development of the metamorphic S2 foliation and associated L2 lineation and tight to isoclinal F2 folds is constrained by monazite ages of 299 ± 8 and 302 ± 16 Ma during peak metamorphic conditions of ~ 650 °C and 11 kbar, achieved during prograde metamorphism and progressive deformation. Metamorphism and deformation of metamorphic complexes of the North Patagonian Andes seem to record Late Paleozoic crustal thickening and are coeval with metamorphism of accretionary complexes exposed further west in Chile, suggesting a coupled Late Devonian‐Carboniferous evolution. Instead of the result of continental collision, the Gondwanide orogeny might thus be essentially linked to transpression due to advancing subduction along the proto‐Pacific margin of Gondwana. On the other hand, second generation of monazite ages of 171 ± 9 and 170 ± 7 Ma constrains the timing of low‐grade metamorphism related to kink band and F3 open fold development during Jurassic transtension and emplacement of granitoids. Finally, a Cretaceous overprint, likely resulting from hydrothermal processes, is recorded by monazite ages of 110 ± 10 and 80 ± 20 Ma, which might be coeval with deformation along low‐grade shear zones during the onset of Andean transpression. Key Points: Monazite ages of circa 300 Ma record peak conditions of 650 °C and 11 kbar achieved during prograde metamorphism and progressive deformationLate Paleozoic crustal thickening of Gondwanide basement coeval with forearc metamorphism resulted from a transpressional advancing orogenLow‐grade metamorphism and transtension is recorded at circa 170 Ma, whereas hydrothermal activity at circa 100–80 Ma during the onset of Andean transpression is also documented [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the evolution of shareholders' rights to call special meetings and act by written consent from a functional and an empirical perspective. From a functional perspective, we show that these powers are most useful when they can be employed to gain a board majority and only useful if they can be employed at least to change the board composition. As a result, shareholders' ability to act between annual meetings interacts with several other features of a firm's governance structure: (1) the shareholders' ability to remove directors without cause; (2) the shareholders' ability to expand the board; (3) the shareholders' ability to fill vacancies; and (4) the requirement of supermajority vote to do (1)- (3). From an empirical perspective, we construct a panel that follows firms in the S&P 500 index from 2005 to 2017 and hand-code for multiple features of their governance structure. We document a sizable increase in the number of firms that allow shareholders to act between annual meetings--but for a substantial fraction of the firms that allow shareholders to act between annual meetings, we show shareholders cannot use that power to gain a board majority or change the board composition. We also document that precatory shareholder proposals were key drivers of the evolution of the ability to act between annual meetings among our sample firms and study how proponents select which firms to target. We conclude that proponents follow a "pecking order" strategy: they first push firms to declassify their boards, then push firms to allow shareholders to call special meetings, and only then push firms to allow shareholders to act by written consent. However, we do not find evidence that proponents target those firms where a grant of ability to act between annual meetings would be most productive in light of the firm's governance structure. Finally, we offer suggestive evidence that firms cannot appease shareholder proponents by caving into their pressure: proponents seem to be emboldened by firms' earlier grants of shareholder rights to seek additional rights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Argentina de Anatomia Online is the property of Asociacion Argentina de Anatomia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract: Renewable resources, including vegetable oils, can be used as feedstock for the manufacture of pressure sensitive adhesives (PSA) that can compete with those derived from petrochemical sources, but with the environmental benefit of being sustainable. Completely bio‐based PSA with tunable viscoelastic properties were synthesized from mixtures of epoxidized soybean oil and sebacic acid by a solvent‐free one‐step reaction, in the absence of catalyst. Curing conditions and pot‐life were determined for formulations with stoichiometric acid/epoxy ratio. Curing time ranged from the gel point (tgel) to tgel + 30 min at the selected temperature (170 °C) to study the correlation between the reaction, rheological behavior, and potential adhesive performance. These renewable PSA can be tailored by controlling the curing parameters according to the desired application, since the rheological profile and gel content were greatly dependent on the curing conditions. In particular, the obtained adhesives cured at 170 °C between 65 and 75 min showed the best balance between tack and cohesion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research was to prepare an antifungal soybean protein concentrate (SPC) adhesive containing carvacrol (CRV) as a bioactive agent able to delay the attack of molds and yeast during storage of SPC adhesive at 4 °C as water-based systems. CRV was incorporated in SPC slurry at 0.5% v/v (~10 times its minimum inhibitory concentration against Aspergillus terreus, used as model fungus), to ensure its long-term action. CRV scarcely altered the thermal properties, structure and apparent viscosity of SPC adhesive. Active SPC aqueous dispersion was microbiologically stable for at least 30 days at 4 °C where the colonization begins, while control SPC was visually colonized from the second day. Rice husk (RH) particleboards of density ~900 kg/m3 were manufactured using the active SPC stored for 0, 10, 20, and 30 days as a binder. Modulus of elasticity, modulus of rupture and internal bond of RH–control SPC (without CRV) panels were 12.3 MPa, 2.65 GPa and 0.27 MPa, respectively, and were statistically unaltered compared with those obtained with fresh SPC, regardless of the presence of CRV or the storage time. This last implies that active SPC should not necessarily have to be prepared daily and/or be used immediately after its preparation. Since it is microbiologically stabilized, it can be store at least for 30 days, ensuring the stability of the protein. The quality of the adhesive was evidenced by the consistent properties of the adhesive, expanding its potential use and commercialization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate, in 42 children with gastroesophageal reflux disease, the predictive value of both esophageal manometry and gastroesophageal intraluminal pH on the responsiveness of the disease to medical therapy. Methods: Motility of lower esophageal sphincter and esophageal body was carried out through a perfused pediatric sleeve-probe; prolonged recording of the sphincteric profile was evaluated at the occurrence of reflux episodes as detected by an esophageal electrode; intraluminal pH of the esophagus and stomach was also measured for 24-h through portable equipment. Children were treated for 8 wk with cisapride and ranitidine and were classified as healed or refractory after endoscopy and clinical evaluation. Results: Twenty one children healed, and 21 were refractory. Compared with healed patients, refractory patients showed, at basal evaluation, an increased esophageal acid exposure (p < 0.05), a reduced basal sphincteric pressure and peristalsis amplitude (p < 0.01), an increased rate of sphincteric pressure drifts (p < 0.01), and a higher rate of transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations (p < 0.01). The following parameters contributed significantly (p < 0.01) to a multivariate discriminant analysis: peristalsis amplitude, basal sphincter pressure, rate of transient relaxations of the sphincter, and rate of sphincteric pressure drifts. A correct classification of virtually all cases (97.62%) was reached. Conclusions: Motor dysfunctions of both lower esophageal sphincter and esophageal body are the major factors predicting refractoriness of reflux disease in children to a standard medical treatment. Of the two main mechanisms of reflux, i.e., transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation and lower esophageal sphincter pressure drift, the latter had the highest predictive value for the refractoriness of reflux disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prolonged recordings of esophageal motility have shown that dynamic changes of lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure such as transient LES relaxation and LES pressure drifts are the most common mechanisms underlying gastroesophageal reflux (GER). The coexistence of a delayed gastric emptying has also been reported in a high proportion of patients with reflux disease. However, not much information is available on the effects of antireflux therapy on the pathogenetic mechanisms of GER. The purpose of this study was to determine in a group of children with severe reflux disease the effect of omeprazole therapy on motor changes of LES underlying GER as well as on gastric emptying time. Twenty-two children (median age: 6.6 years) with GER disease, refractory to combined ranitidine and cisapride administration, entered into an eight-week omeprazole course. Ten subjects with moderate GER disease served as controls (median age: 6.0 years). Before and after omeprazole administration, the following variables were assessed: esophagitis grading, fasting and fed simultaneous prolonged recording of distal esophageal sphincter pressure (with a sleeve catheter) and intraesophageal pH, LES and esophageal peristalsis amplitude, and gastric emptying time of a mixed solid-liquid meal (measured with gastric ultrasound). As compared to controls, patients showed a higher rate of transient LES relaxation and LES pressure drift (P < 0.01), a reduced amplitude of basal sphincter pressure (P < 0.01) and peristalsis (P < 0.05), and a more prolonged gastric emptying time (P < 0.05). After ending omeprazole, there was no significant change in any of the motor abnormalities of the esophagus and in gastric emptying time despite a marked improvement of symptoms and esophagitis in all patients. Sixteen patients were symptomatic when reevaluated on a clinical basis two months after ending therapy. We conclude that in children with severe GER disease, an abnormally high rate of both transient LES relaxation and LES pressure drift and slow gastric emptying are not affected by omperazole treatment, even though esophageal mucosal damage is markedly improved or cured. These abnormalities represent a primary motor disorder and can be implicated in the refractoriness of reflux disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abstract of the article "Biosynthesis of xanthan gum from residual glycerin from biodiesel production for drilling fluids" by Denilson J. Assis, Emiliano M. Echevarria and colleagues is presented.