bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative phase analysis of amorphous components in mixtures by using the direct-derivation method
Authors: Toraya Hideo , Omote Kazuhiko
Published: December 2018

The direct-derivation (DD) method is a new technique for quantitative phase analysis (QPA) [Toraya (2016).J. Appl. Cryst.49, 1508–1516]. A simple equation, called the intensity–composition (IC) formula, is used to derive weight fractions of individual components (wk;k= 1–K) in a mixture. Two kinds of parameters are required as input data of the formula. One is the parameterSk, which is the sum of observed powder diffraction intensities for each component, measured in a wide 2θ range and corrected for the Lorentz–polarization factor. The other is the parameterak−1, defined byak−1=Mk−1∑nik2, whereMkis the chemical formula weight andnikis the number of electrons belonging to theith atom in the chemical formula unit. The parameterak−1was originally derived by using the relationship between the peak height and the integrated value of the peak at the origin of the Patterson function, implicitly assuming the presence of periodic structures like crystals. In this study, the formula has been derived theoretically from a general assemblage of atoms resembling amorphous material, and the same expression as the original formula has been obtained. The physical meaning ofak−1, which represents `the total scattering power per chemical formula weight', has been reconfirmed in the present formulation. The IC formula has been tested experimentally by using two-, three- and four-component mixtures containing SiO2or GeO2glass powder. In the whole-powder-pattern fitting (WPPF) procedure, incorporated into the DD method, a background-subtracted halo pattern is directly fitted as one of the components in the mixture, together with profile models for crystalline components. In the WPPF, an interaction was observed between the parameters of the background function (BGF) and the parameter for scaling the halo pattern, and this resulted in systematic deviations ofwkfrom weighed values. The deviations were ≤0.7% in the case of binary mixtures when the BGF was fixed at the correct background height, supporting the hypothesis that the DD method is applicable to the QPA of amorphous components.
Nanoscale mapping of carrier collection in single nanowire solar cells using X-ray beam induced current
Authors: Chayanun Lert , Otnes Gaute , Troian Andrea , Hammarberg Susanna , Salomon Damien , Borgström Magnus T. , Wallentin Jesper
Published: December 2018

Here it is demonstrated how nanofocused X-ray beam induced current (XBIC) can be used to quantitatively map the spatially dependent carrier collection probability within nanostructured solar cells. The photocurrent generated by a 50 nm-diameter X-ray beam was measured as a function of position, bias and flux in single p–i–n doped solar-cell nanowires. The signal gathered mostly from the middle segment decays exponentially toward the p- and n-segments, with a characteristic decay length that varies between 50 nm and 750 nm depending on the flux and the applied bias. The amplitude of the XBIC shows saturation at reverse bias, which indicates that most carriers are collected. At forward bias, the relevant condition for solar cells, the carrier collection is only efficient in a small region. Comparison with finite element modeling suggests that this is due to unintentional p-doping in the middle segment. It is expected that nanofocused XBIC could be used to investigate carrier collection in a wide range of nanostructured solar cells.
The Adaptive Gain Integrating Pixel Detector at the European XFEL
Authors: Allahgholi Aschkan , Becker Julian , Delfs Annette , Dinapoli Roberto , Goettlicher Peter , Greiffenberg Dominic , Henrich Beat , Hirsemann Helmut , Kuhn Manuela , Klanner Robert , Klyuev Alexander , Krueger Hans , Lange Sabine , Laurus Torsten , Marras Alessandro , Mezza Davide , Mozzanica Aldo , Niemann Magdalena , Poehlsen Jennifer , Schwandt Joern , Sheviakov Igor , Shi Xintian , Smoljanin Sergej , Steffen Lothar , Sztuk-Dambietz Jolanta , Trunk Ulrich , Xia Qingqing , Zeribi Mourad , Zhang Jiaguo , Zimmer Manfred , Schmitt Bernd , Graafsma Heinz
Published: December 2018

The Adaptive Gain Integrating Pixel Detector (AGIPD) is an X-ray imager, custom designed for the European X-ray Free-Electron Laser (XFEL). It is a fast, low-noise integrating detector, with an adaptive gain amplifier per pixel. This has an equivalent noise of less than 1 keV when detecting single photons and, when switched into another gain state, a dynamic range of more than 104 photons of 12 keV. In burst mode the system is able to store 352 images while running at up to 6.5 MHz, which is compatible with the 4.5 MHz frame rate at the European XFEL. The AGIPD system was installed and commissioned in August 2017, and successfully used for the first experiments at the Single Particles, Clusters and Biomolecules (SPB) experimental station at the European XFEL since September 2017. This paper describes the principal components and performance parameters of the system.
A second order numerical method for singularly perturbed delay parabolic partial differential equation
Authors: Govindarao Lolugu , Mohapatra Jugal
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a robust second-order numerical scheme for singularly perturbed delay parabolic convection–diffusion initial boundary value problem.

Design/methodology/approach

For the parabolic convection-diffusion initial boundary value problem, the authors solve the problem numerically by discretizing the domain in the spatial direction using the Shishkin-type meshes (standard Shishkin mesh, Bakhvalov–Shishkin mesh) and in temporal direction using the uniform mesh. The time derivative is discretized by the implicit-trapezoidal scheme, and the spatial derivatives are discretized by the hybrid scheme, which is a combination of the midpoint upwind scheme and central difference scheme.

Findings

The authors find a parameter-uniform convergent scheme which is of second-order accurate globally with respect to space and time for the singularly perturbed delay parabolic convection–diffusion initial boundary value problem. Also, the Thomas algorithm is used which takes much less computational time.

Originality/value

A singularly perturbed delay parabolic convection–diffusion initial boundary value problem is considered. The solution of the problem possesses a regular boundary layer. The authors solve this problem numerically using a hybrid scheme. The method is parameter-uniform convergent and is of second order accurate globally with respect to space and time. Numerical results are carried out to verify the theoretical estimates.
Heat transfer of incompressible flow in a rotating microchannel with slip boundary conditions of second order
Authors: Avramenko A.A. , Dmitrenko N.P. , Shevchuk I.V. , Tyrinov A.I. , Shevchuk V.I.
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The paper aims to consider heat transfer in incompressible flow in a rotating flat microchannel with allowance for boundary slip conditions of the first and second order. The novelty of the paper encompasses analytical and numerical solutions of the problem, with the latter based on the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM). The analytical solution of the problem includes relations for the velocity and temperature profiles and for the Nusselt number depending on the rotation rate of the microchannel and slip velocity. It was demonstrated that the velocity profiles at high rotation rates transform from parabolic to M-shaped with a minimum at the channel axis. The temperature profiles tend to become uniform (i.e. almost constant). An increase in the channel rotation rate contributes to the increase in the Nusselt number. An increase in the Prandtl number causes a similar effect. The trend caused by the effect of the second-order slip boundary conditions depends on the closure hypothesis. It is shown that heat transfer in a flat microchannel can be successfully modeled using the LBM methodology, which takes into account the second-order boundary conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on the comparisons of an analytical solution and a numerical solution, which employs the lattice Boltzmann method. Both mathematical approaches used the first-order and second-order slip boundary conditions. The results obtained using both methods agree well with each other.

Findings

The analytical solution of the problem includes relations for the velocity and temperature profiles and for the Nusselt number depending on the rotation rate of the microchannel and slip velocity. It was demonstrated that the velocity profiles at high rotation rates transform from parabolic to M-shaped with a minimum at the channel axis. The temperature profiles tend to become uniform (i.e. almost constant). The increase in the channel rotation rate contributes to the increase in the Nusselt number. An increase in the Prandtl number causes the similar effect. The trend caused by the effect of the second-order slip boundary conditions depends on the closure hypothesis. It is shown that heat transfer in a flat microchannel can be successfully modeled using the LBM methodology, which considers the second-order boundary conditions.

Originality/value

The novelty of the paper encompasses analytical and numerical solutions of the problem, whereas the latter are based on the LBM.
Assessment of thermal protective performance of firefighter’s clothing by a sweating manikin in low-level radiation
Authors: Lei Zhongxiang , Qian Xiaoming , Zhang Xianglong
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the thermal protective performance of firefighter’s clothing by a sweating manikin in low-level radiation.

Design/methodology/approach

A new method and a novel objective index based on measurements of the sweating thermal manikin are proposed to measure the thermal protection performance of firefighter’s clothing under low-level radiation exposure of 3.0 kW/m2. Finally, the effect of thermal insulation on thermal protective performance of firefighter’s clothing was analyzed.

Findings

The results reveal that the new index which used the changing rate of core temperature of the clothed manikin is a vital indicator of the thermal protection performance. Furthermore, the results demonstrated that there is a linear correlation between thermal protection performance of firefighter’s clothing and the thermal insulation.

Originality/value

A new method and a novel objective index are proposed to quantify the thermal protective performance of firefighter’s clothing in low-level radiation.
Re-orienting the paradigm: path dependence in FDI theory and the emerging multinationals
Authors: Knoerich Jan
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze how path dependence in the evolution of major theories of foreign direct investment (FDI) locked in a theoretical perspective of the multinational enterprise that focused on asset-exploitation. This perspective is challenged by recent contradicting observations of multinationals from China and other emerging economies. A decisive re-orientation of FDI theory is proposed as a way forward to resolve this tension.

Design/methodology/approach

Placing FDI theories into the context of FDI patterns prevailing at the time they were developed, Thomas Kuhn’s framework on the evolution of scientific knowledge is employed to track how the mainstream FDI theory emerged, went through a period of normal science and then approached a crisis of science in this field.

Findings

The evolution of FDI theory is strongly path-dependent, which made it difficult for theory to effectively incorporate new conceptual discoveries and empirical findings about the nature of FDI activity.

Originality/value

FDI theory would benefit from a full re-orientation to a demand-oriented perspective which places the pursuit of advantages, assets, resources, etc., at the core of the theory. Such a change is implicit in many recent theoretical advances and would assure theory is generalizable to all types of FDI.
The influence of roughness distribution characteristic on the lubrication performance of textured cylinder liners
Authors: Yin Bifeng , Zhou Huiqin , Xu Bo , Jia Hekun
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the coupling mechanism of the roughness distribution characteristic and surface textures on the cylinder liner.

Design/methodology/approach

The cylinder liner-piston ring lubrication model with non-Gaussian roughness distribution surface was proposed in this paper to find the optimum cylinder liner surface. The motored engine tests were carried out to verify the simulation results.

Findings

The calculation and experiment results show that the large negative skewness surface has the optimal lubrication performance in the un-textured liner, while in the textured liner, the small negative skewness surface is more appropriate, which means surface textures couple with small negative skewness surface can improve the lubrication performance.

Originality/value

Although there are some works related to liner surface roughness and textures, the combine of roughness distribution and surface textures is not usually taken into account. Therefore, this research is different from others, as the present model considers with real non-Gaussian roughness distribution liners.
Special WSMC edition paper
Authors: Kutin Jozica Johanna , Reid Mike , Russell Roslyn
Published: December 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate how economic abuse manifests in young adult relationships from the perspective of practice experts to inform the role of social marketing in economic abuse prevention. Practitioners were asked for their views on prevention strategies at the individual, relationship, community and societal levels.

Design methodology/approach

Twenty-four experts were interviewed using a semi-structured interview schedule. Thematic analysis was undertaken.

Findings

Experts reported that young adults experienced economic exploitation, adverse economic entanglement and economic control. Young adults’ frame of reference was a challenge for practitioners. Experts believed that more work needed to be done to improve the financial literacy of young adults.

Research limitations/implications

Practitioner views provide one side of the story. A separate study has been established interviewing young adults to explore these issues further.

Practical implications

The authors argue that prevention and intervention strategies need to focus on young adults who are in their critical relationship formation stage. The identified attitudinal factors present a challenge to policy, prevention and service providers.

Originality/value

The authors shift the attention from service engaged women leaving violent relationships to young adults who have not sought assistance from community or domestic violence services. In doing so, they highlight the importance of the relationship formation phase. This paper raises the challenge for social marketers to consider appropriate prevention and intervention programmes for this cohort. Current and future campaigns and programmes need to be designed and evaluated with an economic abuse lens.
Strategies for competing in markets enabled by digital platforms
Authors: Ikeda Kazuaki , Marshall Anthony
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The article examines four strategies for creating competitive advantage in markets enabled by digital platforms.

Design/methodology/approach

The four strategies are assessed: 10; Strategy 1: The Digital Industrialist - hardware-data-experience. 10;Strategy 2: The Digital Consumer - experience-data-platform-hardware. 10;Strategy 3: The Data Acquirer - buy data (D). 10;Strategy 4: The Platform over Platform (PoP).

Findings

By offering their customers even more compelling and unique cross-platform experiences, platform over platform entrants can create new mega-platform environments, overarching existing, otherwise successful platform environments.

Practical implications

By expanding and deepening their customers’ engagement, platform over platform businesses might ultimately relegate some existing platforms to digital infrastructure – providing the pipes and plumbing for customers empowered to jump seamlessly across and between platforms with the support and encouragement of their platform over platform orchestrators.
Iterated extended Kalman filter method for time‐lapse seismic full‐waveform inversion
Authors: Eikrem Kjersti Solberg , Nævdal Geir , Jakobsen Morten
Published: December 2018

Time‐lapse seismic data is useful for identifying fluid movement and pressure and saturation changes in a petroleum reservoir and for monitoring of CO2 injection. The focus of this paper is estimation of time‐lapse changes with uncertainty quantification using full‐waveform inversion. The purpose of also estimating the uncertainty in the inverted parameters is to be able to use the inverted seismic data quantitatively for updating reservoir models with ensemble‐based methods. We perform Bayesian inversion of seismic waveform data in the frequency domain by combining an iterated extended Kalman filter with an explicit representation of the sensitivity matrix in terms of Green functions (acoustic approximation). Using this method, we test different strategies for inversion of the time‐lapse seismic data with uncertainty. We compare the results from a sequential strategy (making a prior from the monitor survey using the inverted baseline survey) with a double difference strategy (inverting the difference between the monitor and baseline data). We apply the methods to a subset of the Marmousi2 P‐velocity model. Both strategies performed well and relatively good estimates of the monitor velocities and the time‐lapse differences were obtained. For the estimated time‐lapse differences, the double difference strategy gave the lowest errors.
Impact of processing load on analogical mapping with visual sequences in children with developmental language disorders (DLD)
Authors: Krzemien Magali , Maillart Christelle , Parisse Christophe , Leroy Sandrine
Published: December 2018

Background

Analogical mapping is a domain‐general cognitive process used notably in language development, and particularly in the abstraction of construction schemas. Children with developmental language disorders (DLD) display an impairment in linguistic productivity and creativity, which can be linked to a lack of generalization of construction schemas.

Aims

To investigate analogical mapping in children with DLD, and especially the influence of processing load, as it could explain the lack of creativity observed in children with DLD. It was hypothesized that analogical mapping is altered in children with DLD and that greater cognitive load (sequential presentation and no perceptual support) would be linked to poorer performance in these children.

Methods & Procedures

Fifteen children with DLD and their age‐matched peers were administrated a visual analogical reasoning task where they had to complete a sequence sharing the same relational structure as previously presented sequences. Two factors influencing processing load were studied: the modality of presentation (sequential versus simultaneous) and the perceptual support (with versus without).

Outcomes & Results

Results showed an expected group effect with poorer performance in children with DLD compared with children with typical language development (TLD). Results corroborated hypotheses according to which children with DLD have difficulties with analogical mapping, which could hinder their abstraction of construction schemas. Results about the influence of processing load were mixed. While the difference between the two groups was more marked for the items without perceptual support than for those with perceptual support, children with DLD were not more affected by the sequential presentation than children with TLD.

Conclusions & Implications

Children with DLD have impaired analogical mapping competences, especially when the relational similarities are not supported by perceptual cues. This impairment may be the cause of their difficulties in abstracting construction schemas, thus provoking their poor linguistic productivity and creativity. However, more studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis, as the influence of analogical reasoning on language development could also be reversed or could be linked to another external factor.
A new family of transcriptional regulators of tungstoenzymes and molybdate/tungstate transport
Authors: Rajeev L. , Garber M. E. , Zane G. M. , Price M. N. , Dubchak I. , Wall J. D. , Novichkov P. S. , Mukhopadhyay A. , Kazakov A. E.
Published: December 2018

Bacterial genes for molybdenum‐containing and tungsten‐containing enzymes are often differentially regulated depending on the metal availability in the environment. Here, we describe a new family of transcription factors with an unusual DNA‐binding domain related to excisionases of bacteriophages. These transcription factors are associated with genes for various molybdate and tungstate‐specific transporting systems as well as molybdo/tungsto‐enzymes in a wide range of bacterial genomes. We used a combination of computational and experimental techniques to study a member of the TF family, named TaoR (for tungsten‐containing aldehyde oxidoreductase regulator). In Desulfovibrio vulgaris Hildenborough, a model bacterium for sulfate reduction studies, TaoR activates expression of aldehyde oxidoreductase aor and represses tungsten‐specific ABC‐type transporter tupABC genes under tungsten‐replete conditions. TaoR binding sites at aor promoter were identified by electrophoretic mobility shift assay and DNase I footprinting. We also reconstructed TaoR regulons in 45 Deltaproteobacteria by comparative genomics approach and predicted target genes for TaoR family members in other Proteobacteria and Firmicutes.
A fundamental difference between macrobiota and microbial eukaryotes: protistan plankton has a species maximum in the freshwater‐marine transition zone of the Baltic Sea
Authors: Filker Sabine , Kühner Steffen , Heckwolf Melanie , Dierking Jan , Stoeck Thorsten
Published: December 2018

Remane's Artenminimum at the horohalinicum is a fundamental concept in ecology to describe and explain the distribution of organisms along salinity gradients. However, a recent metadata analysis challenged this concept for protists, proposing a species maximum in brackish waters. Due to data bias, this literature‐based investigation was highly discussed. Reliable data verifying or rejecting the species minimum for protists in brackish waters were critically lacking. Here, we sampled a pronounced salinity gradient along a west–east transect in the Baltic Sea and analysed protistan plankton communities using high‐throughput eDNA metabarcoding. A strong salinity barrier at the upper limit of the horohalinicum and 10 psu appeared to select for significant shifts in protistan community structures, with dinoflagellates being dominant at lower salinities, and dictyochophytes and diatoms being keyplayers at higher salinities. Also in vertical water column gradients in deeper basins (Kiel Bight, Arkona and Bornholm Basin) appeared salinity as significant environmental determinant influencing alpha‐ and beta‐diversity patterns. Importantly, alpha‐diversity indices revealed species maxima in brackish waters, that is, indeed contrasting Remane's Artenminimum concept. Statistical analyses confirmed salinity as the major driving force for protistan community structuring with high significance. This suggests that macrobiota and microbial eukaryotes follow fundamentally different rules regarding diversity patterns in the transition zone from freshwater to marine waters.
How do perceptions of importance support from a reading intervention affect students' motivation, engagement, and comprehension?
Authors: Rosenzweig Emily Q. , Wigfield Allan , Gaspard Hanna , Guthrie John T.
Published: December 2018

Interventions can enhance students' motivation for reading, but few researchers have assessed the effects of the specific motivation‐enhancing practices that comprise these interventions. Even fewer have evaluated how students' perceptions of different intervention practices impact their later motivation and academic outcomes. In this study, we utilised data from a study of Concept‐Oriented Reading Instruction, a programme designed to enhance seventh‐grade students' reading comprehension and motivation. We examined the effects of students perceiving one practice from this intervention, emphasising the importance of reading, which was designed to enhance their task values for reading (Eccles‐Parsons et al., ). Unexpectedly, structural equation modelling analyses showed that students' perceptions of importance support predicted their later competence‐related beliefs, but not their task values. Students' competence‐related beliefs predicted their reading comprehension and behavioural engagement, whereas students' task values predicted reading engagement. However, there were no significant indirect effects of perceiving importance support on students' reading outcomes.
Do writing motivational beliefs predict middle school students' writing performance?
Authors: Graham Steve , Daley Samantha G. , Aitken Angelique A. , Harris Karen R. , Robinson Kristin H.
Published: December 2018

Individual differences in motivational beliefs, such as writing efficacy and attitudes toward writing in different contexts (academic, recreational, print or digital), are hypothesised to account for variability in writing performance. This study tested this proposition with 185 middle school students (58% were male), examining if writing self‐efficacy and attitudes toward writing made a statistically significant and unique contribution to predicting performance on a norm‐referenced writing measure, after variance related to gender, free/reduced lunch status, student's first language, disability status, reading self‐efficacy and attitudes toward reading were first controlled. Collectively, writing attitudes and self‐efficacy accounted for statistically significant and unique variance in writing scores after the other variables were controlled, providing support for the theoretical proposition that writing motivational beliefs are important ingredients in middle school students' writing.
Using student voice to promote reading engagement for economically disadvantaged students
Authors: Ng Clarence
Published: December 2018

Students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds in Australia have persistently performed at relatively low levels in national and international tests of reading literacy. Research attention is required to look for new models to promote reading and reading engagement for disadvantaged students. The current study discussed a case study derived from a practice‐based research project that aims to develop reformative practices to engage disadvantaged students to read. A special feature of this practice‐based research is the promotion of student voice to inform the development of engaging reading practices through partnerships between teachers and students and the endorsement of student input. Based on a rich data set, including teacher interviews, a series of classroom observations, meeting records and student interviews, a case study of one teacher and her class was developed to illustrate how student voice has been used to promote reading engagement through a practice‐based reform proces.
Engaging children as readers and writers in high‐poverty contexts
Authors: Kennedy Eithne
Published: December 2018

While development of a range of cognitive skills and strategies is integral to the literacy process and strong attainment, students' motivation, engagement and self‐confidence also exert a powerful influence on academic achievement. In recent times in the field of literacy there has been renewed interest in motivation, engagement and sense of self‐efficacy as it relates to literacy achievement. This paper reports on findings from Write to Read, a longitudinal collaborative university and school literacy intervention project in disadvantaged schools. Drawing on questionnaire data from teachers, interview data from children, teachers and principals and data from audio and video recordings of literature discussions, this paper presents findings in relation to developments in children's motivation and engagement in literacy in a subset of classrooms and schools involved in the intervention. Practices associated with increasing engagement included time, choice, dialogic mixed‐ability reading groups, building self‐efficacy and explicit teaching of vocabulary and comprehension skills.
Trust, Money, and Power: Life Cycle Dynamics in Alliances Between Management Partners and Accountable Care Organizations
Authors: MURRAY GENEVRA F. , D'AUNNO THOMAS , LEWIS VALERIE A.
Published: December 2018

Policy Points

Accountable care organizations (ACOs) form alliances with management partners to access financial, technical, and managerial support.

Alliances between ACOs and management partners are subject to destabilizing tension around decision‐making authority, distribution of shared savings, and conflicting goals and values.

Management partners may serve either as trainers, ultimately breaking off from the ACO, or as central drivers of the ACO.

Management partner participation in ACOs is currently unregulated, and management partners may receive a significant portion (in some cases, majority) of shared savings.

Context

Accountable care organizations (ACOs) are a prominent payment and delivery model. Though ACOs are often described as groups of health care providers, nearly 4 in 10 ACOs partner with a management company for services such as financial investment, contracting, data analytics, and care management, according to recent research. However, we know little about how and why these partnerships form. This article aims to understand the reasons providers seek partners, the nature of these relationships, and factors critical to the success or failure of these alliances.

Methods

We used qualitative data collected longitudinally from 2012 to 2017 at 2 ACOs to understand relationships between management partners and ACO providers. The data include 115 semistructured interviews and observational data from 7 site visits. Two coders applied 48 codes to the data. We reviewed coded data for emergent themes in the context of alliance life cycle theory.

Findings

Qualitative data revealed that management partners brought specific skills and services and also gave providers confidence in pursuing an ACO. Over time, tension between providers and management partners arose around decision‐making authority, distribution of shared savings, and conflicting goals and values. We observed 2 outcomes of partnerships: cemented partnerships and dissolution. Key factors distinguishing alliance outcome in these 2 cases include degree of trust between organizations in the alliance; approach to conflict resolution; distribution of power in the alliance; skills and confidence acquired by the ACO over the life of the alliance; continuity of management partner delivery on promised resources; and proportion of savings going to the management partner.

Conclusions

The diverging paths for ACOs with management partners suggest 2 different roles that management partners may play in ACO development. In some cases, management partners may serve as trainers, with the partnership dissolving once the ACO gains skills and confidence to work alone. In other cases, the management partner is a central driver of the ACO and unlikely to break off.
Long‐Term Consequences of the Chernobyl Radioactive Fallout: An Exploration of the Aggregate Data
Authors: MARINO FRANCESCA , NUNZIATA LUCA
Published: December 2018

Policy Points

Policymakers should invest more on researching the long‐term health effects of low‐ionizing radiation exposure, as we are far from reaching a consensus on a topic that is of enormous importance for public health and safety.

Public policies such as those limiting the import of contaminated food from areas hit by a radioactive disaster or those regulating the resident population's access to such areas should follow a precautionary approach.

Neoplasm diagnosis and medical care should be designed in order to take into account the possible role of long‐term, low‐dose radiation exposure.

Health care policies should provide effective screening and prevention strategies with a specific focus on the regions that were hit most severely by the Chernobyl nuclear fallout.

Health care expenditure should be targeted, taking into account the geographical dispersion of the fallout in order to attenuate its possible effect on neoplasm incidence.

Context

This study investigates the association between the radioactive 137Cesium fallout originated by the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear accident and dispersed over Western Europe, as a result of a combination of radioactive cloud passage days and rainy days over a 10‐day period, and long‐term health patterns and related costs. Since the half‐life of 137Cesium is 30.17 years, part of the radioactivity in the affected regions is still present today, and it is usually still detected in the food chain, although at lower concentration levels.

Methods

We match longitudinal data on neoplasm incidence over the time span 2000‐2013 in a number of European regions not immediately adjacent to Chernobyl with the randomly distributed levels of cesium deposition after the nuclear disaster in order to assess whether we can detect an association with the long‐term health effects on the European population through a random effects model.

Findings

Considering 3 levels of fallout deposition—low, medium, and high—hospital discharges after treatment for neoplasms are, respectively, 0.36, 0.44, and 0.98 discharges over 100 inhabitants higher compared to regions with no fallout, with the population average being around 1.7 hospital discharges by neoplasms over 100 inhabitants. We checked the robustness of our findings to a number of tests including a placebo simulation and different model specifications.

Conclusions

Radioactive fallout is positively associated with a higher incidence of hospital discharges after treatment for neoplasms almost 30 years after its release, with larger effects in regions where the radioactivity was more intense. Our estimates are comparable to the findings of the largest‐scale study on the long‐term health effects of continuous low levels of radiation exposure among workers in the nuclear industry and suggest that more research is needed on this topic, given its enormous importance for public health and safety.
Industrial Policy in the Context of Brexit
Authors: Crafts Nicholas
Published: December 2018

This paper reviews UK industrial policy in the context of Brexit and weak productivity performance. It considers proposals made in a recent White Paper as well as more general arguments for reform now that the ‘post‐Thatcher consensus’ has ended. The desirability of improving horizontal policies in the areas of innovation, infrastructure and skills is noted. In the event of a hard Brexit, there would be an opportunity to return to 1970s‐style selective industrial policies and public‐interest‐based competition policy. An advantage of a soft Brexit is that it would preclude interventionism of this kind.
Validation of the Acetabulum As a Skeletal Indicator of Age at Death in Modern European‐Americans,
Authors: Winburn Allysha Powanda
Published: December 2018

Progressive changes in the acetabulum have been used in modern skeletal age estimation, but they have not been completely understood. If their age correlations are weakened by the influence of factors like physical activity and obesity, acetabular changes should not be used for age estimation. To investigate their utility for aging, the acetabular variables of Rissech et al. (2006) were analyzed in 409 modern European‐Americans (Bass Collection, Tennessee). Correlation tests assessed potential associations between acetabular data, osteoarthritis scores (collected per Jurmain, 1990), and documented demographic information (age, body mass index [BMI], metabolic intensity of physical activities). Acetabular changes had statistically significant, positive correlations with osteoarthritis (p < 0.001 in most joints/regions) and age (p < 0.001), indicating their degenerative nature and relevance for age estimation. Acetabular changes showed no associations with BMI or metabolic values, suggesting resistance to obesity and activity effects. These results suggest that acetabular degeneration is a valid skeletal age‐at‐death indicator.
Is day surgery for minimally‐invasive parathyroidectomy a feasible option?
Authors: Tai Dora Kai‐Chun , Chick Wai‐Keung
Published: December 2018

Aim

The aim of the present study was to explore the safety of day surgery for minimally‐invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) in the treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT).

Patients and Methods

The records of all patients who underwent minimally‐invasive parathyroidectomies for PHPT from January 2001 to December 2017 at our centre were reviewed. Patients who underwent bilateral neck exploration, reoperation and concomitant procedures, such as hemithyroidectomy, were excluded. Patients were placed into two groups: group 1 included day surgery cases, and group 2 included patients who were admitted 1 day before the operation and discharged >1 day after the operation. Patient demographics and clinical outcomes were compared between the two groups.

Results

Overall, 194 patients were included: 42 in group 1 and 152 in group 2. There was no statistically‐significant difference between the mean age (P = 0.094), percentage of female patients (P = 0.072), American Society of Anesthesiologists score (P = 0.659) and preoperative and postoperative blood calcium level (P = 0.252 and P = 0.097, respectively) between the two groups. There was also no statistically‐significant difference between the two groups in terms of outcomes, such as bleeding/haematoma (P = 0.598), wound infection (P = 0.328), recurrent laryngeal nerve injury (P = 0.234), postoperative hypocalcaemia (P = 0.082), recurrent/persistent disease (P = 0.328), revisit to the Accident and Emergency Department within 30 days of discharge (P = 0.446), unplanned readmission (P = 0.359) and death (P = 0.598).

Conclusions

Overall, we believe that our data indicate that day surgery is a feasible and safe option for patients undergoing MIP for PHPT.
Gastric volvulus: Two ends of the spectrum
Authors: Lo Eugene Yee‐Juen , Fung Anson , Lai Emily Yat‐Ling , Lau Chi‐Hung , Tong Allen Kar‐Lun
Published: December 2018

Gastric volvulus is an uncommon condition. It can present either in the acute or chronic setting. Acute gastric volvulus can lead to life‐threatening complications, including gastric ischaemia and perforation. It requires urgent surgery or endoscopic reduction. Chronic volvulus can be managed with hernioplasty or gastropexy in the elective setting. In the present case report, we discuss two cases of gastric volvulus––one chronic and one acute volvulus––and review the relevant literature.
A Review of Habitat Connectivity Research for Pacific Salmon in Marine, Estuary, and Freshwater Environments
Authors: Flitcroft R.L. , Arismendi I. , Santelmann M.V.
Published: December 2018

Long‐term conservation planning for diadromous fishes would benefit from a better understanding of both the role of connectivity among environments and habitat variability in the expression of life‐history diversity. Most of the scientific knowledge on habitat fragmentation and connectivity has been developed in terrestrial systems in the discipline of landscape ecology. Research on habitat connectivity in aquatic systems (e.g., salmonid research that spans the spectrum of habitats from freshwater to the sea) is uncommon and largely focused on barriers to fish passage. Here, we present a review of the literature characterizing current research patterns on habitat connectivity within and among environments for Pacific salmon. We found this topic is still incipient: the literature is dominated by studies of freshwaters, with few articles focusing on habitat needs in estuary and marine systems. Pan‐environment studies are rare, pointing to a gap in our understanding of complex habitat relationships that might be significant in the development of long‐term conservation and restoration plans for Pacific salmon, particularly in light of the potential impact of climate change.
Plant compartment and genetic variation drive microbiome composition in switchgrass roots
Authors: Singer Esther , Bonnette Jason , Kenaley Shawn C. , Woyke Tanja , Juenger Thomas E.
Published: December 2018

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is a promising biofuel crop native to the United States with genotypes that are adapted to a wide range of distinct ecosystems. Various plants have been shown to undergo symbioses with plant growth‐promoting bacteria and fungi, however, plant‐associated microbial communities of switchgrass have not been extensively studied to date. We present 16S ribosomal RNA gene and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) data of rhizosphere and root endosphere compartments of four switchgrass genotypes to test the hypothesis that host selection of its root microbiota prevails after transfer to non‐native soil. We show that differences in bacterial, archaeal and fungal community composition and diversity are strongly driven by plant compartment and switchgrass genotypes and ecotypes. Plant‐associated microbiota show an enrichment in Alphaproteobacteria and Actinobacteria as well as Sordariales and Pleosporales compared with the surrounding soil. Root associated compartments display low‐complexity communities dominated and enriched in Actinobacteria, in particular Streptomyces, in the lowland genotypes, and in Alphaproteobacteria, specifically Sphingobium, in the upland genotypes. Our comprehensive root analysis serves as a snapshot of host‐specific bacterial and fungal associations of switchgrass in the field and confirms that host‐selected microbiomes persist after transfer to non‐native soil.
pat‐geom: A software package for the analysis of animal patterns
Authors: Chan Ian Z. W. , Stevens Martin , Todd Peter A.
Published: December 2018

Colour patterns often influence how animals interact with one another, but the ability of researchers to quantify pattern per se is hampered by a lack of easily accessible and user‐friendly measurement software packages.

We address this issue by releasing pat‐geom, a free software package for use within ImageJ that allows users to measure seven properties of a pattern: (a) the shape of its markings, (b) the directionality in the shape of its markings, (c) the size of its markings, (d) the contrast of the pattern, (e) the distribution of its markings, (f) the directionality in the distribution of its markings, and (g) the randomness of the pattern.

We provide examples of how pat‐geom may be used, such as to visualise the “average pattern” of a population of animals, or to compare the patterns on two animals. Using data from two case studies, we also demonstrate pat‐geom's ability to identify the specific aspects of an organism's pattern that match its background and to design artificial prey items that accurately resemble their model organism for use in predation experiments.

pat‐geom collates the tools to measure these seven diverse properties of animal colour patterns into one convenient, easy‐to‐use package. It can be employed in a wide range of studies on topics such as aposematism, camouflage and mimicry, and also has the potential to be applied to other research fields such as landscape ecology, botany and cellular biology.
Six‐minute screening test can provide valid information about the skills that underlie childhood reading and cognitive abilities
Authors: Shamir Netta , Zivan Michal , Horowitz‐Kraus Tzipi
Published: December 2018

Aim

Reading difficulties can have complex origins and diagnostic measures can be expensive and time consuming. We tested Zippy6, a six‐minute screening test that we developed, to see how it compared with a battery of established screening tools.

Methods

This study was carried out at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, USA, from 2014–2016. We recruited 81 children with reading difficulties and 44 typical readers of six years to 14 years of age (grades 1–8) using advertisements that were placed in healthcare clinics in the community and on hospital announcement boards. The subjects completed a full reading evaluation, which comprised standardised tests and the new Zippy6 screening test. Standard scores from the traditional and Zippy6 tests were compared, and Support Vector Machine learning methods and algorithms were used to examine the results.

Results

Significant positive correlations existed between all of the traditional tests and the Zippy6 screening test. The sensitivity and specificity for the ability of the Zippy6 to discriminate between children with reading difficulties and typical readers were both 75%.

Conclusion

Using the Zippy6 provided valid information about the skills that underlie reading and cognitive abilities. This screening test could be used by clinicians as either a prediagnostic tool or for postintervention assessment.
A spectrum of methods for a spectrum of risk: Generating evidence to understand and reduce urban risk in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Dodman David , Adelekan Ibidun , Brown Donald , Leck Hayley , Manda Mtafu , Mberu Blessing , Pelling Mark , Rusca Maria , Satterthwaite David , Taylor Faith
Published: December 2018

Many African towns and cities face a range of hazards, which can best be described as representing a “spectrum of risk” of events that can cause death, illness or injury, and impoverishment. Yet despite the growing numbers of people living in African urban centres, the extent and relative severity of these different risks is poorly understood. This paper provides a rationale for using a spectrum of methods to address this spectrum of risk, and demonstrates the utility of mixed‐methods approaches in planning for resilience. It describes activities undertaken in a wide‐ranging multi‐country programme of research, which use multiple approaches to gather empirical data on risk, in order to build a stronger evidence base and provide a more solid base for planning and investment. It concludes that methods need to be chosen in regard to social, political economic, biophysical and hydrogeological context, while also recognising the different levels of complexity and institutional capacity in different urban centres. The paper concludes that as well as the importance of taking individual contexts into account, there are underlying methodological principles – based on multidisciplinary expertise and multi‐faceted and collaborative research endeavours – that can inform a range of related approaches to understanding urban risk in sub‐Saharan Africa and break the cycle of risk accumulation.
Imagining London: The role of the geographical imagination in migrant subjectivity and decision‐making
Authors: Robins Daniel
Published: December 2018

This article employs a qualitative, biographical approach, to explore the motivations and subjectivities behind migration of middle‐class Brazilians to London. It uses the concept of the geographical imagination to understand how migrants imagine not only their destinations and places of origin but also how their own identity is shaped by their imagined relationship to these places. The paper argues that for many middle‐class Brazilians, their motivation to migrate is couched in terms of “societal alienation”: a feeling of distance from the place of origin resulting from a lack of identification and trust in its institutions and the very culture of the place itself. This is in contrast to the more popularly understood concept of migrating due to “material alienation”: migrating to access a higher level of material consumption or to acquire financial capital to use “back home.” For those who migrate due to “societal alienation” what is “fetishised” is the cultural and less material aspects of the ‘quality of life’ of the migration destination, which become a kind of commodity in their own right. It argues that social class which often intersects with regional and racial divisions within Brazilian society, is a key marker of difference in these two types of imaginary.