bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultralight open cell polymer sponges with advanced properties by PPX CVD coating
Authors: Duan Gaigai , Jiang Shaohua , Moss Tobias , Agarwal Seema , Greiner Andreas
Published: March 2016

Ultralight hydrophobic polymer sponges with enhanced compressive strength prepared by electrospinning and PPX coating showed tuneable density, compression strength, and water contact angle, and low thermal conductivity. On holding a piece of such a sponge in hand, one does not feel the cold from dry ice.
Enhanced power factor in flexible reduced graphene oxide/nanowires hybrid films for thermoelectrics
Authors: Gao Jie , Liu Chengyan , Miao Lei , Wang Xiaoyang , Peng Ying , Chen Yu
Published: March 2016

Highly-flexible RGO/Te NW hybrid films with superior thermoelectric performance (optimal PF value = 80 μW (m K2)−1) were fabricated and the transport characteristics of the charge carrier was investigated.
Heterogemini surfactant assisted synthesis of monodisperse icosahedral gold nanocrystals and their applications in electrochemical biosensing
Authors: Chen Liming , Dandapat Anirban , Huang Youju , Song Liping , Zhang Lei , Zhang Jiawei , Sasson Yoel , Hou Linxi , Chen Tao
Published: March 2016

Monodisperse icosahedral gold nanoparticles with tunable plasmonic property and high performance electrochemical sensing was synthesized by a heterogemini surfactant.
Novel micellar form of poplar propolis with high cytotoxic activity
Authors: Petrov Petar D. , Tsvetanov Christo B. , Mokreva Pavlina , Yoncheva Krassimira , Konstantinov Spiro , Trusheva Boryana , Popova Milena , Bankova Vassya
Published: March 2016

Water soluble form of poplar propolis prepared with the aid of “pluronic” p85 copolymer.
p-tert-Butylthiacalix[4]arenes equipped with guanidinium fragments: aggregation, cytotoxicity, and DNA binding abilities
Authors: Galukhin Andrey , Imatdinov Ilnaz , Osin Yuri
Published: March 2016

Thiacalix[4]arenes in 1,3-alternate conformation functionalized with guanidinium groups showed a strong dependence of the aggregation properties with the ratio of guanidinium/n-decyl fragments attached to phenolic groups.
Cobalt disulfide nanowires as an effective fluorescent sensing platform for DNA detection
Authors: Xing Zhicai , Wang Lei , Yang Xiurong
Published: March 2016

Cobalt disulfide nanowires are synthesized in solution using a facile two-step hydrothermal method for the first time and applied as an effective sensing platform for nucleic acid detection.
Structural anisotropy results in strain-tunable electronic and optical properties in monolayer GeX and SnX (X = S, Se, Te)
Authors: Huang Le , Wu Fugen , Li Jingbo
Published: March 2016

Using first-principles calculations, the structural and electronic properties of group-IV monochalcogenide monolayers are investigated. It is demonstrated that all the monolayers employed here possess moderate indirect bandgaps. In-plane elastic stiffness calculation demonstrates the structural anisotropy in these materials, further resulting in anisotropic response to in-plane strains in their electronic properties and anisotropic optical properties. The bandgaps of GeX and SnX monolayers can be linearly reduced by applied in-plane compressive strains and the semiconductor-to-metal transition can be realized under large compressive strains; while tensile strains exert less influence on the electronic properties in comparison to compressive strains. Some monolayers will experience indirect-to-direct bandgap transition when subjected to proper strains. A further insight into the variation of bandgaps of these monolayers can be obtained from the changing band edges.
Further increased production of free fatty acids by overexpressing a predicted transketolase gene of the pentose phosphate pathway in Aspergillus oryzae faaA disruptant
Authors: Tamano Koichi , Miura Ai
Published: March 2016

Free fatty acids are useful as source materials for the production of biodiesel fuel and various chemicals such as pharmaceuticals and dietary supplements. Previously, we attained a 9.2-fold increase in free fatty acid productivity by disrupting a predicted acyl-CoA synthetase gene (faaA, AO090011000642) in Aspergillus oryzae. In this study, we achieved further increase in the productivity by overexpressing a predicted transketolase gene of the pentose phosphate pathway in the faaA disruptant. The A. oryzae genome is predicted to have three transketolase genes and overexpression of AO090023000345, one of the three genes, resulted in phenotypic change and further increase (corresponding to an increased production of 0.38 mmol/g dry cell weight) in free fatty acids at 1.4-fold compared to the faaA disruptant. Additionally, the biomass of hyphae increased at 1.2-fold by the overexpression. As a result, free fatty acid production yield per liter of liquid culture increased at 1.7-fold by the overexpression.
Radical innovation of a business model
Authors: Philipson Sarah
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– This paper aims to investigate key antecedents to the use of radical innovation of the business model of a service firm to achieve competitive advantage. “Business model” emerged fairly recently as an academic concept, competing with “sustainable strategic competitiveness”, “strategic fit” (Porter, 1996) and “dominant logic” (Prahalad and Bettis, 1986) to give key explanatory understanding of firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

– The article is based on action research, in which the re-engineering of a service business turned into radical innovation of the business model.

Findings

– Radical innovation (conceived of as a new dominant logic) of the business model of a service firm is shown to give sustainable competitive advantage. It shows how fundamental the concept of business model is to understanding the nature of the business and links it to fundamental academic discussion of recent decades around concepts such as “sustainable competitive advantage”, “structural capital” and “tacit knowing”.

Research limitations/implications

– This is based on a case, and more research is needed to generalize the findings.

Practical implications

– In contrast to the knowledge management and structural capital evangelization, much tacit knowing cannot be converted to structural capital.

Originality/value

– Business model is a central concept to understand business performance, but must not be conceived as all-encompassing. We give a model for what the concept should cover and contrast it with other important models.We show the role of tacit knowledge in a business model.
Learning to teach with lesson study
Authors: Soto Gómez Encarna , Serván Núñez María J , Caparros-Vida Rosa
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to incorporate Lesson Study (LS) from initial teacher training as a privileged area in which to accompany and tutor future teachers in the complex but necessary scenario of reflective practice in cooperative processes.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper presents an innovative educational experience in the university context, incorporating Lesson Study as a strategy for research and improvement of teaching practice, and, in consequence, for students’ learning, in two key subjects in the syllabus: Practicum III and Degree Essay.

Findings

– A process, positively reviewed by all agents involved, which has shown the need for the reconstruction of the practical knowledge of participating students.

Originality/value

– This is the first experience in the Spanish university context where LS is introduced as one of the key areas of initial teacher training. The paper presents a work model which may inspire the introduction of Lesson Study as an initial training model during practical training.
Variation theory in Austrian initial EFL teacher education: potentials and challenges
Authors: Gierlinger Erwin Maria , Spann Harald , Wagner Thomas
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to scrutinise the potentials and challenges of variation theory when adopting learning study in Austrian initial EFL (English as a Foreign Language) teacher education.

Design/methodology/approach

– Based on a hermeneutic and epistemological approach, projects, and publications employing variation theory in the context of EFL are critically evaluated.

Findings

– Variation theory and learning study turn out to have great potential for EFL teaching and learning in Austria. However, three critical issues need further conceptual and empirical research before new learning cycles can be implemented and evaluated: the object of learning, the SLA-variation theory interface, and the roles of variation theory on different educational levels.

Originality/value

– By identifying and discussing important critical issues within the current practice of variation-theory-oriented EFL teaching, this study could lead to further theoretical and empirical deliberations in various areas of modern language teaching. This in turn could help pave the way for both the development of theoretical underpinning and methodological refinement, ultimately fostering international co-operations in implementing learning cycles.
The primary school as a therapeutic community
Authors: MacDonald Shelley , Winship Gary
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to consider the changes underway in the delivery of services to children and young people in schools, not least that OFTSED will soon be routinely carrying out an assessment of mental health provision in schools. This paper considers the policy context to these changes and the recent initiatives that are informing the evolution of initial teacher training. Alongside the changes in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services there are an increasing number of schools developing counselling and psychotherapy services. How can the School counsellor look to develop a who school as therapeutic community.

Design/methodology/approach

– A case narrative is presented of a seven-year-old child who was referred to the school counselling service. The narrative draws attention to the array of dynamic interactions, from peers to teachers to parents which the school counselling manager encountered.

Findings

– It is argued that it is necessary for the school counsellor to have a framework for understanding how all parts of the school work together and it is proposed that we might usefully consider the primary school as a therapeutic community.

Originality/value

– There are a raft of policy changes and practices in recent years that have altered the landscape of early intervention and the mental health agenda in primary schools. This paper captures this debates and consider how therapeutic community ideology is positioned as an opportunity to think more expansively about mental health in primary schools.
Social plastic at work: structure for dialogues in a therapeutic community
Authors: Zalka Zsolt
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– Reports about therapeutic communities usually focus on specific therapeutic activities: the various ways of the community functioning correctively, the communal-personal dynamics of the community, the dramaturgically graspable problems and the operating and integrative function of the staff. There is relatively little attention paid to the features of the structure composed of the systems of norms and values of these communities. The purpose of this paper is to focus on this normative dimension of the culture of a therapeutic community.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors wish to show this focus with the developmental process of the system of values, rules and norms of the therapeutic community of Thalassa House in Budapest, thinking mainly in self-psychological and ethical paradigm.

Findings

– The way of operating values, norms and rules – the systems of metanorms – creates the cognitive matrix in which members of the community are both acting and perceiving parties, simultaneously suffering and interpreting the communal occurrence of self-pathologies. It develops the cooperative potential of the community along this “ethical” dimension. In the view, the structure of rules, norms and values operated in the culture of relationships of the community, as a consciously elaborated collective agent, has a specific effect in the healing of self-pathologies.

Originality/value

– In the view, the efficiency of the actuation of norms depends primarily on the emergence of metanorms, that is of the ”how” of the application of norms. The values of the metanorms can be found both in the circumstances of the birth of self-according to the attachment theory and in the world of dialogical ethics.
Use of outcome measurement by paediatric AHPs in Northern Ireland
Authors: Harron Anita , Titterington Jill
Published: March 2016

Background

Professional standards advocate routine use of outcome measurement (OM) in the practice of allied health professionals (AHPs). Historically, OM has focused on impairment and its immediate constraints on activity, while current policy encourages the development and addition of impact‐based OM. There appears to be an assumption at this stage of AHP development that the use of OM is well embedded into practice. However, there is no evidence to support this assumption, which leads to the current investigation into the overall readiness of paediatric AHPs—speech and language therapists (SLTs), occupational therapists (OTs) and physiotherapists (PTs)—to use OM.

Aims

To investigate the readiness of paediatric AHPs in the use of OM and to consider what influences this use.

Methods & Procedures

A total of 133 paediatric AHPs working in the National Health Service (NHS) in Northern Ireland completed the Clinician Readiness for Measuring Outcomes Scale (CReMOS). CReMOS's 26 statements are rated on a six‐point Likert scale identifying readiness to use OM based on the Transtheoretical Model of Change.

Outcomes & Results

While about 75% of clinicians were using OM, 25% require support to roll this out in their practice. This pattern was similar across the professions, and while the majority perceived the value of OM, several factors influenced their use.

Conclusions & Implications

Clinicians would benefit from protected time and support from experts/role models to promote and facilitate best practice in the use of OM. Furthermore, funding for AHP services based on measurable outcomes for service users would facilitate their use in practice. Further research teasing out the different types of OM and the supports and barriers to their use would be very valuable.
The Interaction of Ethanol Ingestion and Social Interaction with an Intoxicated Peer on the Odor‐Mediated Response to the Drug in Adolescent Rats
Authors: Eade Amber M. , Youngentob Lisa M. , Youngentob Steven L.
Published: March 2016

Background

Using a social transmission of food preference paradigm in rats, we previously demonstrated that ethanol (EtOH) exposure during adolescence, as either an observer (interaction with an intoxicated conspecific) or demonstrator (intragastric infusion with EtOH), altered the reflexive odor‐mediated responses to the drug. The 2 modes of exposure were equivalent in the magnitude of their effects. Human adolescents, however, are likely to experience the drug in a social setting as both an EtOH observer and demonstrator. That is, both interacting with an intoxicated peer and experiencing EtOH's postingestive consequences in conjunction with hematogenic olfaction. Therefore, we tested whether combined adolescent exposure as both an observer and demonstrator differed from either form of individual experience.

Methods

Beginning on postnatal day (P) 29, naïve rats received EtOH or water exposures in a social interaction paradigm as either an observer, a demonstrator, or combined experience (where each animal in the interaction was, itself, an observer and demonstrator). Exposures occurred 4 times, once every 48 hours. On P37, the reflexive behavioral response to EtOH odor was tested, using whole‐body plethysmography.

Results

The odor‐mediated responses of adolescent EtOH observers, demonstrators, and combined exposure animals all significantly differed from controls. Compared to controls, however, the magnitude of the behavioral effect was greatest in the combined exposure animals. Moreover, combined exposure as both an EtOH observer and demonstrator significantly differed from either form of individual EtOH experience.

Conclusions

EtOH's component chemosensory qualities are known to be central contributors to its acceptance and increases in the acceptability of EtOH's odor, resulting from a social transmission experience, are predictive of enhanced EtOH avidity in adolescence. Our findings demonstrate that combined exposure as an observer and demonstrator, within a socially relevant framework, may represent a higher risk scenario for increased EtOH avidity in adolescence (and by extension adult persistence) as compared to the individual effects of direct ingestion or social experience with the drug.
Impact of surface water extraction on water quality and ecological integrity in Arusha National Park, Tanzania
Authors: Elisa Manase , Shultz Susanne , White Keith
Published: March 2016

Surface water has been extracted from Arusha National Park (ANP) to meet human demand for over 30 years; however, there has been no evaluation of the impact of extraction on surface water quality, budget or ecological integrity. A reduction in water availability and flow is likely to also have impacts on the distribution and space use of large mammals. To assess the surface water quality and budget, 30 water sources were measured for three months over the dry and wet seasons. Nearly 70% of water is extracted, with the complete extraction of surface water common during the dry and early wet seasons. However, extraction did not lead to a decrease in downstream water quality, but wetland plant diversity was highest in areas with no surface water extraction. Extraction also influences large mammal space use: abundance along seven transects was typically higher upstream of extraction sites, especially in the case of large herbivores. Impacts of extraction therefore include the disconnection of streams, changes in space use of large mammals, decreases in plant diversity and changes in species composition of the riparian wetlands. We therefore recommend that monitoring and evaluation of extraction as well as sustainable water use practices be introduced as a matter of urgency.
Association between prediabetes and risk of chronic kidney disease: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Echouffo‐Tcheugui J. B. , Narayan K. M. , Weisman D. , Golden S. H. , Jaar B. G.
Published: March 2016

Aims

To assess the effect of prediabetes (impaired fasting glucose and/or impaired glucose tolerance) on the incidence of chronic kidney disease.

Methods

PubMed and EMBASE were searched (for studies published up to March 2015). Effects estimated from cohort studies reporting the relationship of prediabetes to incident chronic kidney disease [kidney damage (microalbuminuria, albuminuria or proteinuria) and/or decreased glomerular filtration rate] were pooled using a random‐effects model meta‐analysis.

Results

Nine cohort studies with a total of 185 452, mainly Asian and white, participants were followed for a total of 835 146 person‐years. In eight cohort studies defining impaired fasting glucose as fasting glucose 6.1–6.9 mmol/l, the summary relative risk of chronic kidney disease after adjustment for established risk factors was 1.11 (95% CI 1.02–1.21). When a study defining impaired fasting glucose as fasting glucose 5.6–6.9 mmol/dl was added, the overall relative risk of chronic kidney disease was 1.12 (95% CI 1.02–1.21). Exclusion of the only study with information on impaired glucose tolerance did not change the relative risk (1.12; 95% CI 1.02–1.21). There was no evidence of publication bias (P value for Egger test = 0.12).

Conclusion

Prediabetes is modestly associated with an increase in chronic kidney disease risk, but this remains to be robustly confirmed. Chronic kidney disease screening among people with prediabetes, and aggressive management of prediabetes in those with chronic kidney disease may be warranted.
Outcomes of Management Innovation: An Empirical Analysis in the Services Industry
Authors: Nieves Julia
Published: March 2016

The purpose of this paper is to advance the knowledge in the under‐developed literature on management innovation in the services sector. Management innovation entails new internal organizational methods in which managers are closely and directly involved. Therefore, its introduction can be a powerful tool in managers' hands to promote their firms' success. Data obtained from 109 firms were analysed using structural equations modelling, in order to evaluate the influence of management innovation on different organizational outcomes. The results show that management innovation activities favour the introduction of learning capability and product innovation. Moreover, it indirectly affects the achievement of financial performance through its effect on product innovation.
Correlation of material constraint with fracture toughness of interface regions in a dissimilar metal welded joint
Authors: Fan K. , Wang G. Z. , Xuan F. Z. , Tu S.T.
Published: March 2016

In this work, the constraint parameter Ap based on crack‐tip equivalent plastic strain was calculated by finite element analyses for the cracks located at different locations in two interface regions in a dissimilar metal weld joint (DMWJ). The capabilities of the parameter Ap for characterizing material constraint and establishing correlation of material constraint with fracture toughness of the interface region cracks have been examined. The results show that the parameter Ap can characterize material constraint effect caused by material mismatch and initial crack positions in the interface regions. Based on the Ap, the correlation lines and formulae of material constraint with fracture toughness of the interface region cracks in the DMWJ can be established, and they may be used for obtaining material constraint‐dependent fracture toughness for the interface region cracks. The results in this work combining with those in the previous studies indicate that the parameter Ap may be a unified constraint parameter that can characterize both geometry constraint (including in‐plane and out‐of‐plane constraints) and material constraint, and it may be used in accurate fracture assessments of welded components with different geometry and material constraints.
Membrane Synthesized from Microemulsion‐Derived Ilmenite Nano Powders Used for Removal of Red Dye from Textile Industry
Authors: Sen Mitali , Das Jugal , Roy Somendra , Das Nandini , Bandyopadhyay Sibdas
Published: March 2016

In this work, the high‐quality ilmenite (FeTiO3) membranes were grown on the clay‐Al2O3 support tube from microemulsion‐derived FeTiO3 powders by dip‐coating method. FeTiO3 powders were synthesized by reverse microemulsion method, using cyclohexane, Tween‐80, Brij 30, Triton X‐100, and n‐butanol at different composition. The membranes as well as powders were finally characterized by removal of red dye from a simulated wastewater of textile industry in same conditions. The membrane separation process demonstrates the removal of dye coupled with permeation of water simultaneously, and the overall process may have great potential for wide industrial application.
A Combined Experimental and Computational Thermodynamic Investigation of the U–Th–O System
Authors: McMurray Jacob Wesley , Voit Stewart L. , Besmann Theodore M.
Published: March 2016

The thermodynamics of the U–Th–O system have been assessed using the Calphad method. The compound energy formalism (CEF) and a partially ionic two‐sublattice liquid model (TSLM) were used for the fluorite U1–yThyO2±x, γ‐(U,Th)4O9, and the U–Th–O melt. The O2 activity of fluorite U1–yThyO2±x with temperature and composition was determined by thermogravimetric analysis. Thermodynamic studies for the Th–O binary and U–Th–O ternary available in the open literature were critically reviewed. A self‐consistent data set was selected and compiled with the equilibrium oxygen pressures determined by thermogravimetry in order to optimize the adjustable parameters of models selected to represent the phases in the Th–O and U–Th–O systems.
Voluntary Assurance of Voluntary CSR Disclosure
Authors: Bagnoli Mark , Watts Susan G.
Published: March 2016

We study a firm's decisions to engage in socially responsible activities, voluntarily report on them, and purchase external assurance of the report. In our signaling model, neither firm type nor the level of activity is observed. We show that if voluntary assurance is not too expensive, the firm that engages in more socially responsible activities purchases external assurance and thus “selects” a separating equilibrium. As a result, CSR reports can be used to infer the level of activity and this causes all firms to engage in more socially responsible activity. Further, when voluntary assurance is required to support a separating equilibrium, greater monitoring by social activists increases the chosen quality of voluntary assurance—voluntary assurance and monitoring by social activists are complements, not substitutes.
Attitudes, knowledge and practices concerning delirium: a survey among intensive care unit professionals
Authors: Trogrlić Zoran , Ista Erwin , Ponssen Huibert H , Schoonderbeek Jeannette F , Schreiner Frodo , Verbrugge Serge J , Dijkstra Annemieke , Bakker Jan , van der Jagt Mathieu
Published: March 2016

Background

Delirium is a common form of vital organ dysfunction in intensive care unit (ICU) patients and is associated with poor outcomes. Adherence to guideline recommendations pertaining to delirium is still suboptimal.

Aims

We performed a survey aimed at identifying barriers for implementation that should be addressed in a tailored implementation intervention targeted at improved ICU delirium guideline adherence.

Design

The survey was conducted among ICU professionals.

Methods

An online survey was conducted among 360 ICU health care professionals (nurses, physicians and delirium consultants) from six ICUs in the southwest of the Netherlands as part of a multicentre prospective implementation project [response rate: 64% of 565 invited; 283 (79%) were nurses].

Results

Although the majority (83%) of respondents considered delirium a common and major problem in the ICU, we identified several barriers for implementation of a delirium guideline. The most important barriers were knowledge deficit, low delirium screening rate, lack of trust in the reliability of delirium screening tools, belief that delirium is not preventable, low familiarity with delirium guidelines, low satisfaction with physician‐described delirium management, poor collaboration between nurses and physicians, reluctance to change delirium care practices, lack of time, disbelief that patients would receive optimal care when adhering to the guideline and the perception that the delirium guideline is cumbersome or inconvenient in daily practice.

Conclusion

Although ICU professionals consider delirium a serious problem, several important barriers to adhere to guidelines on delirium management are still present today.

Relevance to clinical practice

Identification of implementation barriers for adherence to guidelines pertaining to delirium is feasible with a survey. Results of this study may help to design‐targeted implementation strategies for ICU delirium management.
System‐Equation ADL Test for Threshold Cointegration with an Application to the Term Structure of Interest Rates
Authors: Li Jing
Published: March 2016

This paper proposes a new system‐equation test for threshold cointegration based on a threshold vector autoregressive distributed lag (ADL) model. The new test can be applied when the cointegrating vector is unknown and when weak exogeneity fails. The asymptotic null distribution of the new test is derived, critical values are tabulated and finite‐sample properties are examined. In particular, the new test is shown to have good size, so the bootstrap is not required. The new test is illustrated using the long‐term and short‐term interest rates. We show that the system‐equation model can shed light on both asymmetric adjustment speeds and asymmetric adjustment roles. The latter is unavailable in the single‐equation testing strategy.
Knockdown of a laccase in Populus deltoides confers altered cell wall chemistry and increased sugar release
Authors: Bryan Anthony C. , Jawdy Sara , Gunter Lee , Gjersing Erica , Sykes Robert , Hinchee Maud A. W. , Winkeler Kimberly A. , Collins Cassandra M. , Engle Nancy , Tschaplinski Timothy J. , Yang Xiaohan , Tuskan Gerald A. , Muchero Wellington , Chen Jin‐Gui
Published: March 2016

Plant laccases are thought to function in the oxidation of monolignols which leads to higher order lignin formation. Only a hand‐full of laccases in plants have been functionally evaluated, and as such little is known about the breadth of their impact on cell wall chemistry or structure. Here, we describe a previously uncharacterized laccase from Populus, encoded by locus Potri.008G064000, whose reduced expression resulted in transgenic Populus trees with changes in syringyl/guaiacyl ratios as well as altered sugar release phenotypes. These phenotypes are consistent with plant biomass exhibiting reduced recalcitrance. Interestingly, the transgene effect on recalcitrance is dependent on a mild pretreatment prior to chemical extraction of sugars. Metabolite profiling suggests the transgene modulates phenolics that are associated with the cell wall structure. We propose that this particular laccase has a range of functions related to oxidation of phenolics and conjugation of flavonoids that interact with lignin in the cell wall.
Fast Moment-Based Estimation for Hierarchical Models
Authors: Perry Patrick O.
Published: March 2016

Hierarchical models allow for heterogeneous behaviours in a population while simultaneously borrowing estimation strength across all subpopulations. Unfortunately, existing likelihood-based methods for fitting hierarchical models have high computational demands, and these demands have limited their adoption in large-scale prediction and inference problems. The paper proposes a moment-based procedure for estimating the parameters of a hierarchical model which has its roots in a method originally introduced by Cochran in 1937. The method trades statistical efficiency for computational efficiency. It gives consistent parameter estimates, competitive prediction error performance and substantial computational improvements. When applied to a large-scale recommender system application and compared with a standard maximum likelihood procedure, the method delivers competitive prediction performance while reducing the sequential computation time from hours to minutes.
Comparison of various coulter‐type ground‐driven rotary subsoilers in terms of energy consumption and soil disruption
Authors: Celik A. , Raper R. L.
Published: March 2016

Hardpans below the normal tillage depth inhibit root penetration and cause drainage problems. Subsoiling is commonly used to disrupt hardpans and provide pathways for water and roots to enter the subsoil. The objective of this study was to develop and compare various types of ground‐driven rotary subsoilers that adequately disrupt compacted soil profiles for conservation tillage systems. To accomplish these objectives, four different coulter‐type ground‐driven rotary subsoilers were designed and manufactured by dividing a 1.2 m diameter coulter into multiple blades. Minimizing the soil resistance was one of the main considerations in forming the shape and number of blades on the coulters. An experiment was conducted in a soil bin to determine the effects of ground‐driven rotary subsoilers on soil disturbance and energy requirements. Treatments were four different types of subsoilers: coulter without blade (CNB), coulter with 5 blades (C5B), coulter with 7 blades (C7B) and coulter with 9 blades (C9B), and two tillage depths (25 cm and 38 cm). To determine the differences between subsoilers, soil disturbance, cone index, bulk density and draft were measured. The C5B subsoiler required considerably less draft, draft power and vertical force for both operation depths followed by the C7B, C9B and CNB subsoilers. The CNB subsoiler left the soil surface clean with no spoil while the coulters with blades caused spoils on the soil surface. The soil disruption paths of the coulters with blades have an advantage for row crops due to limited above‐ground disturbance if seeds can be placed in the middle of the disrupted zone.
Is blood donation an opportunity for hypertension awareness?
Authors: Hao J. , McAvoy J. , Wickberg L. , Kerrigan C. , Kreiger L. , Sikavi C. , Swift D. , Frenette C. , Carney J. , Fung M. K.
Published: March 2016

Objectives

To assess the blood pressure (BP) of donors, the rate of hypertensive range readings amongst donors not previously identified as hypertensive and determine the value of an informational sheet about hypertension given at the time of donation.

Aim

To determine the value of screening for high BP during blood donation as a public health activity.

Background

Blood donation centres measure donor BPs before accepting donations and thus provide a unique opportunity for hypertension screening and education.

Materials/methods

An anonymous survey was completed by blood donors over 2 weeks. The survey contained 22 questions regarding demographics, BP knowledge and monitoring. Participants then received a hypertension information sheet and assessed its utility with three additional questions.

Results

Out of 839 survey responses received, 688 respondents reported their BP in the following categories, normotensive range: 46·9%, pre‐hypertensive range: 41·7% and hypertensive range: 11·3%. Notably, of donors with hypertensive range readings, 45% reported no known history of hypertension. After reading the hypertension pamphlet, 63·9% of donors found it valuable, while 38·9% did not. Furthermore, 67% of donors said they were likely to use the information they learned, while 23% of donors said they were unlikely to do so.

Conclusions

An opportunity exists for increasing hypertension awareness during blood donation. Additionally, our findings indicate that an educational pamphlet at the time of donation is valuable to donors. Overall, these findings suggest that increasing hypertension awareness as part of a blood donation screening is not only needed but also useful as a public health measure.
Frequencies and Modes of the Helmholtz Equation With Zero Normal Derivatives in Isosceles Triangular and Rhombic Domains
Authors: Wang C. Y.
Published: March 2016

The two-dimensional Helmholtz equation with zero normal derivatives on the boundary is studied using boundary collocation. The frequencies and modes are found for the isosceles triangular and rhombic domains. The solutions are important in predicting the standing waves in containers and also the transverse electric (TE) waves of electromagnetic, optical, and acoustic wave guides.
Micromechanical Modeling of Viscoplastic Behavior of Laminated Polymer Composites With Thermal Residual Stress Effect
Authors: Chen Qiang , Chen Xuefeng , Zhai Zhi , Zhu Xiaojun , Yang Zhibo
Published: March 2016

In this paper, a multiscale approach has been developed for investigating the rate-dependent viscoplastic behavior of polymer matrix composites (PMCs) with thermal residual stress effect. The finite-volume direct averaging micromechanics (FVDAM), which effectively predicts nonlinear response of unidirectional fiber reinforced composites, is incorporated with improved Bodner–Partom model to describe the viscoplastic behavior of PMCs. The new micromechanical model is then implemented into the classical laminate theory, enabling efficient and accurate analysis of multidirectional PMCs. The proposed multiscale theory not only predicts effective thermomechanical viscoplastic response of PMCs but also provides local fluctuations of fields within composite microstructures. The deformation behaviors of several unidirectional and multidirectional PMCs with various fiber configurations are extensively simulated at different strain rates, which show a good agreement with the experimental data found from the literature. Influence of thermal residual stress on the viscoplastic behavior of PMCs is closely related to fiber orientation. In addition, the thermal residual stress effect cannot be neglected in order to accurately describe the rate-dependent viscoplastic behavior of PMCs.
Incorporation of Dynamic Strain Aging Into a Viscoplastic Self-Consistent Model for Predicting the Negative Strain Rate Sensitivity of Hadfield Steel
Authors: Bal B. , Gumus B. , Canadinc D.
Published: March 2016

A new multiscale modeling approach is proposed to predict the contributions of dynamic strain aging (DSA) and the resulting negative strain rate sensitivity (NSRS) on the unusual strain-hardening response of Hadfield steel (HS). Mechanical response of HS was obtained from monotonic and strain rate jump experiments under uniaxial tensile loading within the 10−4 to 10−1 s−1 strain rate range. Specifically, a unique strain-hardening model was proposed that incorporates the atomic-level local instabilities imposed upon by the pinning of dislocations by diffusing carbon atoms to the classical Voce hardening. The novelty of the current approach is the computation of the shear stress contribution imposed on arrested dislocations leading to DSA at the atomic level, which is then implemented to the overall strain-hardening rule at the microscopic level. The new model not only successfully predicts the role of DSA and the resulting NSRS on the macroscopic deformation response of HS but also opens the venue for accurately predicting the deformation response of rate-sensitive metallic materials under any given loading condition.
Tell Me How You Really Feel: Analyzing Debate, Desire, and Disinhibition in Online Sports News Stories
Authors: Morehead Craig A. , O’Hallarn Brendan , Shapiro Stephen L.
Published: March 2016

The Internet has drastically changed how society seeks and consumes information. One influential change in the communication process is the widespread use—and perhaps abuse—of user-generated content. If provided a frame of reference to help direct the discussion, such as a news story, comment functions can act as a proxy “town hall” in a virtual setting. Unique to this cyber town hall, however, is the sense of anonymity that leads some users to post content they would not normally voice in a public context. This investigation intertwines uses-and-gratifications theory and online disinhibition effect by analyzing anonymous-comment postings on a newspaper Web site. Seven newspaper stories on the campus master plan and football-stadium proposal at Old Dominion University demonstrate the sociological underpinnings where sports, education, economics, and politics intersect in an anonymous forum where users can relay their opinion on the subject while remaining invisible and unidentified.
Reframing Impairment? Continuity and Change in Media Representations of Disability Through the Paralympic Games
Authors: Beacom Aaron , French Liam , Kendall Scott
Published: March 2016

This study, which examines key features of contemporary media representations of disabled athletes in the context of the Paralympic Games, engages with established literature on representations of disability to critically interpret recent trends in journalistic inquiry. The analysis of media coverage of the 2012 and 2014 Paralympic Games identifies salient themes concerning the representation of disability. This, along with an investigation of documentary evidence concerning attempts by key stakeholders including the International Paralympic Committee to influence the nature of representation, contributes to an interrogation of the disability narrative emerging from the Paralympic Games and a consideration of the extent to which media coverage has shifted significantly from previous representations of disability.
Factors That Influence Running Intensity in Interchange Players in Professional Rugby League
Authors: Delaney Jace A. , Thornton Heidi R. , Duthie Grant M. , Dascombe Ben J.
Published: March 2016

Background:

Rugby league coaches adopt replacement strategies for their interchange players to maximize running intensity; however, it is important to understand the factors that may influence match performance.

Purpose:

To assess the independent factors affecting running intensity sustained by interchange players during professional rugby league.

Methods:

Global positioning system (GPS) data were collected from all interchanged players (starters and nonstarters) in a professional rugby league squad across 24 matches of a National Rugby League season. A multilevel mixed-model approach was employed to establish the effect of various technical (attacking and defensive involvements), temporal (bout duration, time in possession, etc), and situational (season phase, recovery cycle, etc) factors on the relative distance covered and average metabolic power (Pmet) during competition. Significant effects were standardized using correlation coefficients, and the likelihood of the effect was described using magnitude-based inferences.

Results:

Superior intermittent running ability resulted in very likely large increases in both relative distance and Pmet. As the length of a bout increased, both measures of running intensity exhibited a small decrease. There were at least likely small increases in running intensity for matches played after short recovery cycles and against strong opposition. During a bout, the number of collision-based involvements increased running intensity, whereas time in possession and ball time out of play decreased demands.

Conclusions:

These data demonstrate a complex interaction of individual- and match-based factors that require consideration when developing interchange strategies, and the manipulation of training loads during shorter recovery periods and against stronger opponents may be beneficial.
Investigating the Role of Physical Education in Physical Activity Promotion: An Italian Multicenter Study
Authors: Gallè Francesca , Di Onofrio Valeria , Barbone Fabio , Brandi Giorgio , Calimeri Sebastiano , Carraro Elisabetta , Carraturo Federica , Dallolio Laura , De Meo Concetta , De Santi Mauro , Fantuzzi Guglielmina , Fortunato Francesca , Gorrasi Ilaria , Guida Marco , La Milia Daniele Ignazio , Leoni Erica , Lo Giudice Daniela , Minelli Liliana , Napoli Christian , Parpinel Maria , Pasquarella Cesira , Prato Rosa , Spica Vincenzo Romano , Signorelli Carlo , Tafuri Silvio , Valeriani Federica , Liguori Giorgio , _ _
Published: March 2016

Background:

Physical education (PE) can be considered an instrument for active lifestyle promotion, and PE teachers can motivate youths to continue their studies in the field of Movement Sciences (MS).

Methods:

To evaluate the role of PE in higher secondary school in promoting physical activity (PA) and MS careers, previous PE experiences and current PA practice were investigated in a sample of Italian freshmen enrolled in different university degree courses.

Results:

A total of 7033 questionnaires were completed by students from 14 universities (41.3% males, mean age 20 ± 2.76 years). Recreation seemed to be the principal aim (42.2%) pursued during PE lessons, which are based mainly on practical activities (51.7%). Of all respondents, 67.2% were satisfied with the PE received during higher secondary school, and 51.6% participated in extracurricular PA. Current practice of PA was reported by 58.1% of the sample. Extracurricular activities were associated with choice of MS curricula (odds ratio: 2.15; 95% confidence interval, 1.85–2.50) and with current practice of PA (odds ratio: 1.68, 95% confidence interval, 1.51–1.87). Geographical differences concerning lessons organization and satisfaction were registered (P < .01).

Conclusions:

To enhance its role in health promotion, PE teaching should be improved by increasing the time allocated to PE and by strengthening the provision of school-based extracurricular PA.
Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm presenting with recurrent pancreatitis: a report of a painful 3-decade-long history
Authors: Fernandes Samuel Raimundo , Correia Luís Araújo , Antunes Teresa , Cortez-Pinto Helena
Published: March 2016

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm represents the most common pancreatic cystic neoplasm and harbours significant malignant potential. Duct obliteration can lead to recurrent episodes of pancreatic inflammation mimicking acute and chronic pancreatitis. We report a case of a patient with multiple episodes of idiopathic pancreatitis occurring over a period of three decades. Following admission with severe upper gastrointestinal bleeding, the patient was diagnosed as having invasive pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Examination of the surgical specimen confirmed an intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm with multiple foci of invasive adenocarcinoma. This case is of significant interest, highlighting the long delay until diagnosis seen in this situation. Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm should be considered in the presence of recurrent acute or chronic pancreatitis of unknown aetiology.
TheCladophoraresurgence in Lake Ontario: characterization and implications for management
Authors: Kuczynski Anika , Auer Martin T. , Brooks Colin N. , Grimm Amanda G.
Published: March 2016

Nuisance growth of the alga Cladophora, reported from Lake Ontario since the 1930s, abated in the decades following implementation of phosphorus control measures in the 1970s. Our examination of beach fouling records and historical observations of algal biomass has confirmed literature reports that a resurgence in nuisance growth of Cladophora has occurred since invasion of Great Lakes waters by dreissenids. Our findings indicate that the growth rate of Cladophora (specific rate of net photosynthesis) has decreased by 44% since 1972 in response to phosphorus controls. However, improved transparency, a response to mussel activity, has increased the maximum depth colonizable by Cladophora by a factor of 5 over that same interval. The net result is a sixfold increase in production potential since the late 1980s (the Post-P Management II Period) and a threefold increase since the 1970s (the Pre-P Management Period). Although the Cladophora resurgence has been driven by dreissenid modification of the light environment, phosphorus management remains the only alternative for reversing and ameliorating nuisance conditions. Elucidation of the nature of the Cladophora resurgence will aid decision-makers in maintaining a focus on phosphorus management as the appropriate means of remediating nuisance growth of the alga.
Locally covariant quantum field theory and the spin–statistics connection
Authors: Fewster Christopher J.
Published: March 2016

The framework of locally covariant quantum field theory (QFT), an axiomatic approach to QFT in curved spacetime (CST), is reviewed. As a specific focus, the connection between spin and statistics is examined in this context. A new approach is given, which allows for a more operational description of theories with spin and for the derivation of a more general version of the spin–statistics connection in CSTs than previously available. This part of the text is based on [C. J. Fewster, arXiv:1503.05797.] and a forthcoming publication; the emphasis here is on the fundamental ideas and motivation.