bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cost‐benefit analysis of energy saving strategies adopted by the commercial sector in Tehran
Authors: Khadivi Samira , Moradi Mohammad Ali
Published: January 2015

This study presents a cost‐benefit analysis of energy saving strategies for the commercial sector inTehran City. The article includes a discussion of the estimated energy demand for various energy saving scenarios. The cost‐benefit analysis was performed separately for seven energy‐saving scenarios based on the energy demand and supply forecasting model. According to which, energy demand of the commercial sector was considered as final consumption, which is a function of different parameters such as number of commercial units, number of electric vehicles, volume of commercial activities, labor force, etc. The research findings indicated that all of the proposed scenarios are economically viable, except for the forth scenario (the use of heat pumps). © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 34: 850–857, 2015
Stability of Cu species and zeolite structure on ecological heterogeneous Fenton discoloration–degradation of yellow 5 dye: Efficiency on reusable Cu‐Y catalysts
Authors: Guzmán‐Vargas Ariel , de la Rosa‐Pineda Jesús E. , Oliver‐Tolentino Miguel A. , Lima Enrique , Ramírez‐Rosales Daniel , Flores‐Moreno Jorge L. , Martínez‐Ortiz María de J.
Published: January 2015

The discoloration‐degradation of yellow 5 dye was achieved through the heterogeneous Fenton reaction using Cu‐Y catalysts. Cu‐Y materials were prepared by an aqueous ion exchange method from the NH4‐Y parent zeolite. The solids are characterized by X‐ray diffraction, nitrogen physisorption, EPR and, 27Al and 29Si NMR spectroscopies. Discoloration around 100% with 60% of COD removal was achieved before 90 min at 50°C using the next reaction conditions: 50 mL of colored solution containing 50 ppm of dye, 0.129 mmol of H2O2, catalyst mass/volume of solution ratio (g L−1)= 0.016 and pH = 4–5. The influence of temperature and H2O2 concentration was also studied. The discoloration kinetics were modeled using the pseudo‐first order reaction. High catalytic activity was observed even after four reaction cycles, which is credited to the good stability of the Cu species and the zeolite structure. Because the Fenton reaction was favored by the acid media provided by the Cu‐Y catalyst and temperature, the addition of any acid was not necessary, avoiding the generation of sludge, resulting in an eco‐friendly process. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 34: 990–998, 2015
Analysis of combustion products of seaweeds residue pellets
Authors: Maceiras Rocío , Ortiz Luis , Cancela Ángeles , Sánchez Ángel
Published: January 2015

This research article describes and analyses the use of seaweeds residue as pellets. Pellets are 12 mm in diameter and 15 mm in length and were obtained from eight marine seaweeds collected from Galician beaches. Different parameters, such as moisture content, heating power, volatile matter, ash content, and fixed carbon, were determined to analyze the suitability of using these pellets in boilers. From the results, it can be concluded that the obtained pellets are not suitable for using directly in boilers. Moreover, the results suggest that the seaweeds pellets have similar properties than straw pellets. The classification based on obtained results after testing seaweeds residue as pellets is D12, A10.0+, and BD700+. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 34: 1187–1190, 2015
Comparison between performances of different neural networks for wind speed forecasting in Payam airport, Iran
Authors: Saberivahidaval Mahan , Hajjam Sohrab
Published: January 2015

Wind energy is one of the cleanest and most consistent sources of energy. This kind of energy is used in wind farms to produce electricity. The output power of a wind farm has a cubic relationship with the speed of wind; therefore, it is very important to forecast wind speed for assessing the future output power of a wind farm. Due to the nonlinear nature of wind and also its speed, the usage of nonlinear methods like artificial neural networks for wind speed forecasting has been widely spread. There are different kinds of neural networks which are used in wind speed forecasting. The outputs of these neural networks have different accuracies. Some of these networks have more accommodation with reality while some others have less. In this research, the outputs of different neural network in wind speed forecasting have been compared with reality. The data were provided from Payam airport weather station in Karaj, Iran. Based on the results of this research the most appropriate neural network for wind speed forecasting in Payam airport has been determined. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 34: 1191–1196, 2015
Petroselinum crispum has antioxidant properties, protects against DNA damage and inhibits proliferation and migration of cancer cells
Authors: Tang Esther Lai‐Har , Rajarajeswaran Jayakumar , Fung ShinYee , Kanthimathi MS
Published: January 2015

BACKGROUND

Petroselinum crispum (English parsley) is a common herb of the Apiaceae family that is cultivated throughout the world and is widely used as a seasoning condiment. Studies have shown its potential as a medicinal herb. In this study, P. crispum leaf and stem extracts were evaluated for their antioxidant properties, protection against DNA damage in normal 3T3‐L1 cells, and the inhibition of proliferation and migration of the MCF‐7 cells.

RESULTS

The dichloromethane extract of P. crispum exhibited the highest phenolic content (42.31 ± 0.50 mg GAE g−1) and ferric reducing ability (0.360 ± 0.009 mmol g−1) of the various extractions performed. The extract showed DPPH radical scavenging activity with an IC50 value of 3310.0 ± 80.5 µg mL−1. Mouse fibroblasts (3T3‐L1) pre‐treated with 400 µg mL−1 of the extract showed 50.9% protection against H2O2‐induced DNA damage, suggesting its potential in cancer prevention. The extract (300 µg mL−1) inhibited H2O2‐induced MCF‐7 cell migration by 41% ± 4%. As cell migration is necessary for metastasis of cancer cells, inhibition of migration is an indication of protection against metastasis.

CONCLUSION

Petroselinum crispum has health‐promoting properties with the potential to prevent oxidative stress‐related diseases and can be developed into functional food. © 2015 The Authors. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Evaluation of peripheral microcirculation improvement of foot after tarsal tunnel release in diabetic patients by transcutaneous oximetry
Authors: Trignano Emilio , Fallico Nefer , CHEN HUNG‐CHI , Faenza Mario , Bolognini Alfonso , Armenti Andrea , Santanelli Di Pompeo Fabio , Rubino Corrado , Campus Gian Vittorio
Published: January 2015

Background

According to recent studies, peripheral nerve decompression in diabetic patients seems to not only improve nerve function, but also to increase microcirculation; thus decreasing the incidence of diabetic foot wounds and amputations. However, while the postoperative improvement of nerve function is demonstrated, the changes in peripheral microcirculation have not been demonstrated yet. The aim of this study is to assess the degree of microcirculation improvement of foot after the tarsal tunnel release in the diabetic patients by using transcutaneous oximetry.

Patients and methods

Twenty diabetic male patients aged between 43 and 72 years old (mean age 61.2 years old) suffering from diabetic peripheral neuropathy with superimposed nerve compression underwent transcutaneous oximetry (PtcO2) before and after tarsal tunnel release by placing an electrode on the skin at the level of the dorsum of the foot. Eight lower extremities presented diabetic foot wound preoperatively. Thirty‐six lower extremities underwent surgical release of the tibialis posterior nerve only, whereas four lower extremities underwent the combined release of common peroneal nerve, anterior tibialis nerve, and posterior tibialis nerve.

Results

Preoperative values of transcutaneous oximetry were below the critical threshold, that is, lower than 40 mmHg (29.1 ± 5.4 mmHg). PtcO2 values at one month after surgery (45.8 ± 6.4 mmHg) were significantly higher than the preoperative ones (P = 0.01).

Conclusions

The results of postoperative increase in PtcO2 values demonstrate that the release of the tarsal tunnel determines a relevant increase in microcirculation in the feet of diabetic patients. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 36:37–41, 2016.
Optically active helical vinyl polymers via radical polymerization of (S)‐3‐vinyl‐2,2′‐bisalkoxy‐1,1′‐binaphthyl
Authors: Chen Yehui , Qin Guochang , Yang Liwen , Yang Nianfa , Yang Zhusheng
Published: January 2015

(S)‐3‐Vinyl‐2,2′‐bisalkoxy‐1,1′‐binaphthyl (3) was synthesized via the Wittig reaction. Radical polymerization of all the monomers can take place smoothly in the temperature region tested. These polymers (poly‐3) showed very large specific optical rotations which were four times as large as those of the corresponding monomers 3. Poly‐3 displayed optical rotations and Cotton effects in the UV−visible absorption region of side groups which were different from the corresponding monomers 3 and the model compounds (S)‐3‐ethyl‐2,2′‐bisalkoxy‐1,1′‐binaphthyl (4). These facts imply the formation of helicity of the main chain and the helical conformations were quite stable demonstrated by the unchanged pattern of temperature variable circular dichroism spectra. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
A GPU‐implemented physics‐based haptic simulator of tooth drilling
Authors: Razavi M. , Talebi H. A. , Zareinejad M. , Dehghan M. R.
Published: January 2015

Background

Restorative dentistry simulation is one of the most challenging applications involving virtual reality and haptics. This paper presents a haptics‐based tooth drilling simulator for dental education.

Methods

Unlike the existing methods, the force model is based on physical properties which consider the geometrical model of the tool. In order to provide uniform force feedback from tooth layers, a new approach is suggested in which the physical properties of each tooth voxel are subsequently used in calculating the feedback force. We implement a hashing algorithm for collision detection due to its reduced time complexity. The haptics algorithm has been implemented on a graphics processing unit using the CUDA toolbox.

Results

In parallel processing, the speed of haptic loop execution is increased almost 8 times.

Conclusion

The proposed idea for force calculation leads to a uniform sensation of force. An important feature of the designed system is the capability to run in a real‐time fashion. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of the detection efficiency of a planar HPGe detector with a non‐uniform frontal dead layer
Authors: Brualla Lorenzo , Maidana Nora L. , Vanin Vito R.
Published: January 2015

Peak efficiency of a non‐uniform frontal dead layer planar detector was simulated with the general purpose Monte Carlo radiation transport code PENELOPE. In a previous publication, using experimental data and an analytical model proposed by Seltzer, we found the structure and dimensions of the detectors dead layer. In this work, we used our previous results as input for a Monte Carlo simulation that considered a point source emitting specific photons from 13 to 122 keV, with the energies and emission probabilities of241Am,133Ba,207Bi,57Co,137Cs, and152Eu calibration sources, placed at 30 cm from the frontal surface of the detector. The geometry consisted of an amorphous Germanium cylinder, 2.5 cm in diameter and 1.0‐cm thick, a 0.025‐cm thick Be window and a 50‐μm Al foil used in the experimental setup for irradiations in the Microtron de São Paulo. The simulation model succeeded as well as the analytical model and can be applied to other arrangements. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Series of Alkaline Earth Metal Ions Doped Cobalt(II) Heterometallic Cluster Complexes with N‐(phosphonomethyl) Iminodiacetic Acid and 1,3,5‐Benzenetricarboxylate Acid as Co‐ligands
Authors: Zhang Ai‐Qin , Li Sa‐Ying , Liu Zhi‐Hong
Published: January 2015

Three alkaline earth metal ions doped CoII heterometallic cluster complexes and one monometallic magnesium cluster complex based on N‐(phosphonomethyl)imino‐diacetic acid (H4PMIDA) and 1,3,5‐benzenetricarboxylate acid (H3BTC) multifunctional ligands, [Co13Mg2(PMIDA)6(BTC)2(H2O)12]·6H2O (1), [Co13Ca2(PMIDA)6(BTC)2(H2O)12]·6H2O (2), [CoBa(PMIDA)(H2O)2]·H2O (3), and [Mg15(PMIDA)6(BTC)2(H2O)12]·6H2O (4) were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectroscopy, thermal analyses, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Compounds 1, 2, and 4 are basically isostructural and feature a cubic 3D open framework constructed by [M15(PMIDA)6(H2O)12] (M = Co13Mg2 for 1, Co13Ca2 for 2, and Mg15 for 4) clusters and BTC3– ligands. Compound 3 is characterized as a 3D framework containing rings with two tropisms along [010] and [101] directions, which are constructed by BaO6 chains and CoNO4 chains. Moreover, solid‐state fluorescent properties of these complexes were also investigated at room temperature, in which compound 4 exhibits the very strong emission band at 411 nm, and might serve as a candidate for hybrid inorganic‐organic fluorescent material.
VALUING EQUITY-LINKED DEATH BENEFITS IN A REGIME-SWITCHING FRAMEWORK
Authors: Siu Chi Chung , Yam Sheung Chi Phillip , Yang Hailiang
Published: January 2015

In this article, we consider the problem of computing the expected discounted value of a death benefit, e.g. in Gerber et al. (2012, 2013), in a regime-switching economy. Contrary to their proposed discounted density approach, we adopt the Laplace transform to value the contingent options. By this alternative approach, closed-form expressions for the Laplace transforms of the values of various contingent options, such as call/put options, lookback options, barrier options, dynamic fund protection and the dynamic withdrawal benefits, have been obtained. The value of each contingent option can then be recovered by the numerical Laplace inversion algorithm, and this efficient approach is documented by several numerical illustrations. The strength of our methodology becomes apparent when we tackle the valuations of exotic contingent options in the cases when (1) the contracts have a finite expiry date; (2) when the time-until-death variable is uniformly distributed in accordance with De Moivre's law.
Kardio-Sound-Work
Authors: Mastnak Wolfgang
Published: January 2015

Sound Work ist ein Musik-Körper-orientiertes Therapiesystem, das theoretisch begründet ist und eine Spezifizierung im kardiologischen Bereich kennt. Unter der Verwendung der menschlichen Stimme sowie verschiedener Aspekte von Körperbewusstsein und Bewegung hilft Sound Work dem Patienten, psychische Traumata, die mit der jeweiligen Herzerkrankung in Verbindung stehen, zu entdecken und verarbeiten, Techniken zu erwerben, um Körper und Geist wieder in ein psychosomatisches Gleichgewicht zu bringen–auch im Sinne holistischer Medizin–und energetische Dimensionen von Herzgesundheit kontrollieren zu können. Die therapeutischen, präventiven und rehabilitativen Interventionen entstammen vor allem einer Kombination aus psychosomatischer Diskussion und klinischer Praxis, die nicht zuletzt mit Forschungen im Österreichischen Herzverband in Verbindung stehen. Die Praxis von kardiologisch ausgerichtetem Sound Work ist nicht auf klinische Arbeit und stationäre Patienten beschränkt, sondern kann auch ambulant von Patienten zu Hause angewandt werden und ist letztendlich auch dazu gedacht, Patienten zu helfen, ihre Herzfunktionen kontrollieren und Vertrauen in den eigenen Körper wiedergewinnen zu können.
Gene introduction into the mitochondria of Arabidopsis thaliana via peptide-based carriers
Authors: Chuah Jo-Ann , Yoshizumi Takeshi , Kodama Yutaka , Numata Keiji
Published: January 2015

Available methods in plant genetic transformation are nuclear and plastid transformations because similar procedures have not yet been established for the mitochondria. The double membrane and small size of the organelle, in addition to its large population in cells, are major obstacles in mitochondrial transfection. Here we report the intracellular delivery of exogenous DNA localized to the mitochondria ofArabidopsis thalianausing a combination of mitochondria-targeting peptide and cell-penetrating peptide. Low concentrations of peptides were sufficient to deliver DNA into the mitochondria and expression of imported DNA reached detectable levels within a short incubation period (12 h). We found that electrostatic interaction with the cell membrane is not a critical factor for complex internalization, instead, improved intracellular penetration of mitochondria-targeted complexes significantly enhanced gene transfer efficiency. Our results delineate a simple and effective peptide-based method, as a starting point for the development of more sophisticated plant mitochondrial transfection strategies.
Development of a method for trace level determination of antibiotics in drinking water sources by high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Cheng Wenhuan , Jiang Lei , Lu Ning , Ma Lei , Sun Xiaoyan , Luo Yi , Lin Kuangfei , Cui Changzheng
Published: January 2015

The presence of antibiotics in drinking water sources is worthy of concern regarding their potentially harmful effects on drinking water quality.
Surface enhanced vibrational spectroscopic evidence for an alternative DNA-independent redox activation of endonuclease III
Authors: Moe Elin , Sezer Murat , Hildebrandt Peter , Todorovic Smilja
Published: January 2015

Redox activation of the [4Fe–4S] cluster in DNA repair enzyme endonuclease III does not exclusively rely on interaction with DNA.
The effect of TiO2 surface on the electron injection efficiency in PbS quantum dot solar cells: a first-principles study
Authors: Azpiroz Jon M. , Ugalde Jesus M. , Etgar Lioz , Infante Ivan , De Angelis Filippo
Published: January 2015

We present a density functional theory (DFT) study aimed at understanding the injection and recombination processes that occur at the interface between PbS Quantum Dots and different TiO2 surfaces.
Micellar promoted multi-component synthesis of 1,2,3-triazoles in water at room temperature
Authors: Tasca Elena , La Sorella Giorgio , Sperni Laura , Strukul Giorgio , Scarso Alessandro
Published: January 2015

Micellar media in water provide a simple and efficient environment favoring the multi-component synthesis of 1,2,3-triazoles from organic bromides, sodium azide and terminal alkynes in the presence of [Cu(IMes)Cl] 1 catalyst at room temperature within a few hours.
Droplet generation via a single bubble transformation in a nanofluidic channel
Authors: Xiong S. , Chin L. K. , Ando K. , Tandiono T. , Liu A. Q. , Ohl C. D.
Published: January 2015

The transformation process of a bubble to a droplet is experimentally demonstrated by focusing a pulse laser near a gas–liquid interface in a nanofluidic channel.
N-heterocyclic carbene-based ruthenium-catalyzed direct amidation of aldehydes with amines
Authors: Chen Cheng , Kim Min Ha , Hong Soon Hyeok
Published: January 2015

Ru-catalyzed dehydrogenative amide synthesis from aldehydes and amines was achieved, based on the idea of using a hemiaminal intermediate to generate the active Ru-hydride species.
Carboxymethylpullulan promoted Cu2O-catalyzed Huisgen-click reaction
Authors: Zhang Weiwei , Ren Baoqi , Jiang Yuqin , Hu Zhiguo
Published: January 2015

Cu2O/CMP has been developed as a highly efficient catalytic system for Huisgen-click reaction in water at 60 °C.
Highly monodisperse Cu3Mo2O9 micropompons with excellent performance in photocatalysis, photocurrent response and lithium storage
Authors: Xia Juan , Song Le Xin , Liu Wei , Teng Yue , Wang Qing Shan , Zhao Li , Ruan Mao Mao
Published: January 2015

The as-obtained highly monodisperse Cu3Mo2O9 micropompons present excellent performance in photocatalysis, photocurrent response and lithium storage.
Dynamic tracking of pathogenic receptor expression of live cells using pyrenyl glycoanthraquinone-decorated graphene electrodes
Authors: He Xiao-Peng , Zhu Bi-Wen , Zang Yi , Li Jia , Chen Guo-Rong , Tian He , Long Yi-Tao
Published: January 2015

Dynamic tracking of pathogenic receptor expression with live cells is made possible by pyrenyl glycoanthraquinones decorated on graphene electrodes.
An assessment on Shanghai's energy and environment impacts of using MARKAL model
Authors: Ma Xingfa , Chai Mei , Luo Lan , Luo Yonghao , He Wenzhi , Li Guangming
Published: January 2015

Energy is essential for the development of a city. The energy structure of China, dominated by coal, has caused serious problems, such as resource depletion, environmental pollution, and climate change. These problems have posed severe challenges to the sustainable development of mega—cities such as Shanghai. In order to ensure security of energy supply and alleviate the corresponding environmental pollution, these cities should effectively restructure their energy supply. This paper quantitatively analyzed the future energy consumption demand in Shanghai and its effects on environmental quality based on the MARKAL model with the aim of providing theoretical support for the government decision regarding energy policy, energy technology, adjustment of energy supply structure, etc. Different scenarios have been set up in light of the natural gas distributed supply system, clean and efficient coal-fired power technologies, energy-saving of industrial boilers technologies, Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (advanced power generation technology), and wind power technologies. The results obtained by the MARKAL model show that total consumption of the whole society energy in Shanghai will reach 143 572 700 tons of standard coal in 2015, and 199 645 800 tons of standard coal in 2020. Thus, the future demand for energy consumption is huge astronomical, with about an average annual growth rate of 4%. The consumption of coal and other primary energy could decline by improving the energy efficiency and increasing renewable energy use, which would reduce pollutants emissions. At the same time, Shanghai should continue research on carbon dioxide emissions technology and its application in response to climate change.
Artificial neural network based series active power filter for self excited induction generator
Authors: Tiwari Sachin , Gupta Sushma , Jain Shailendra , Singh Bhim
Published: January 2015

This paper presented ANN (Artificial Neural Network) based SAPF (series active power filter) for voltage control and power quality improvement of constant speed prime mover driven self excited induction generator. The constant speed prime mover such as biogas, biomass, gas-turbine, and diesel turbine driven standalone generating system has problem of poor voltage regulation and power quality with linear and nonlinear load conditions. The SAPF is inject series voltage between source and load to maintain constant source and load voltage with power quality improvement of source and load current. The SAPF is modeled using Insulated Gate Bipolar Junction Transistor based Voltage Source Converter with self supported DC bus. A 7.5 kW, 415 V, and 50 Hz asynchronous machine with SAPF and loads are designed, modeled, and simulated in MATLAB environment. The performance of ANN based SAPF is also compared with a Proportional Integral controller based SAPF.
The double-gradient magnetic instability: Stabilizing effect of the guide field
Authors: Korovinskiy D. B. , Divin A. V. , Erkaev N. V. , Semenov V. S. , Artemyev A. V. , Ivanova V. V. , Ivanov I. B. , Lapenta G. , Markidis S. , Biernat H. K.
Published: January 2015

The role of the dawn-dusk magnetic field component in stabilizing of the magnetotail flapping oscillations is investigated in the double-gradient model framework (Erkaev et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 99, 235003 (2007)), extended for the magnetotail-like configurations with non-zero guide field By. Contribution of the guide field is examined both analytically and by means of linearized 2-dimensional (2D) and non-linear 3-dimensional (3D) MHD modeling. All three approaches demonstrate the same properties of the instability: stabilization of current sheet oscillations for short wavelength modes, appearing of the typical (fastest growing) wavelength λpeak of the order of the current sheet width, decrease of the peak growth rate with increasing By value, and total decay of the mode for By∼0.5 in the lobe magnetic field units. Analytical solution and 2D numerical simulations claim also the shift of λpeak toward the longer wavelengths with increasing guide field. This result is barely visible in 3D simulations. It may be accounted for the specific background magnetic configuration, the pattern of tail-like equilibrium provided by approximated solution of the conventional Grad-Shafranov equation. The configuration demonstrates drastically changing radius of curvature of magnetic field lines, Rc. This, in turn, favors the “double-gradient” mode (λ > Rc) in one part of the sheet and classical “ballooning” instability (λ < Rc) in another part, which may result in generation of a “combined” unstable mode.
New human-specific brain landmark: The depth asymmetry of superior temporal sulcus
Authors: Leroy François , Cai Qing , Bogart Stephanie L. , Dubois Jessica , Coulon Olivier , Monzalvo Karla , Fischer Clara , Glasel Hervé , Van der Haegen Lise , Bénézit Audrey , Lin Ching-Po , Kennedy David N. , Ihara Aya S. , Hertz-Pannier Lucie , Moutard Marie-Laure , Poupon Cyril , Brysbaert Marc , Roberts Neil , Hopkins William D. , Mangin Jean-François , Dehaene-Lambertz Ghislaine
Published: January 2015

Significance

In the human brain, from early in development through to adulthood, the superior temporal sulcus is deeper in the right than the left cerebral hemisphere in the area ventral of Heschl’s gyrus. Irrespective of gender, handedness, and language lateralization, and present in several pathologies, this asymmetry is widely shared among the human population. Its appearance early in life suggests strong genetic control over this part of the brain. In contrast, the asymmetry is barely visible in chimpanzees. Thus this asymmetry probably is a key locus to look for variations in gene expression among the primate lineage that have favored the evolution of crucial cognitive abilities sustained by this sulcus in our species, namely communication and social cognition.
Resistance in Colletotrichum siamense From Peach and Blueberry to Thiophanate-Methyl and Azoxystrobin
Authors: Hu Meng-Jun , Grabke Anja , Dowling Madeline E. , Holstein Helen J. , Schnabel Guido
Published: January 2015

Anthracnose fruit rot was observed in some late-season peach cultivars in South Carolina in the 2012 and 2013 production seasons as well as increased anthracnose leaf spot of blueberry in a commercial operation of the same state in 2012. Single-spore isolates of Colletotrichum siamense were either sensitive or resistant to both thiophanate-methyl and azoxystrobin with the concentration of the fungicide at which fungal development is inhibited by 50% of ≥100 μg/ml. Resistant isolates revealed the E198A mutation in β-tubulin and the G143A mutation in cytochrome b. Nucleotide sequence analysis of the complete CYTB gene from genomic DNA of C. siamense isolates revealed an intronless genotype (CsI) and a genotype revealing two introns (CsII) at amino acid positions 131 and 164. Resistance to thiophanate-methyl or azoxystrobin was not found in isolates of C. fructicola collected from peach fruit. The CYTB gene of isolates of this species was of the CfII genotype or revealed a unique CfIIa genotype. Phylogenetic analysis of C. siamense isolates from different locations and different crops showed that the resistant isolates were genetically closer to each other than to sensitive isolates, suggesting that field resistance to thiophanate-methyl and azoxystrobin fungicides is derived from a common ancestor.
A survey of current status of and perceived changes required for BIM adoption in the UK
Authors: Eadie Robert , Browne Mike , Odeyinka Henry , McKeown Clare , McNiff Sean
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– Construction organisations are mandated to use Building Information Modelling (BIM) for Government projects from 2016. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the current status of the management aspects of BIM.

Design/methodology/approach

– Following a telephone sift, a web-based questionnaire was conducted with UK construction BIM experts with 92 responses.

Findings

– This research demonstrates a paradigm shift in construction as operations were deemed more important than the technical aspects of BIM Adoption. Respondents agree with enforced Level 2 BIM, demonstrating client demand is a significant driver on uptake. BIM use will substantially increase in the next five years. Ranking of the importance of current BIM standards indicated BS1192 was most used but almost a third adopted individual standards producing fragmentation. BIM’s effect on consultant fees indicated the need for structural change.

Practical implications

– Front end design via BIM models and clash detection outweighed the use for facilities management indicating industry were meeting the target but not exploiting BIM to its full potential. Design and build and framework arrangements were the most common BIM procurement routes. Fragmentation of standards use creates a future interoperability problem between BIM systems.

Social implications

– Design team structure changes are supported with the adoption of a separate BIM manager being popular. Analysis of industry-wide model hosting characteristics indicated individual disciplines managed their own models meaning without an additional target for Level 3 BIM the single model environment is unlikely to be widely adopted.

Originality/value

– BIM fee structure and procurement are investigated for the first time
Changing consumer intake of potato, a focus group study
Authors: Fernqvist Fredrik , Spendrup Sara , Ekelund Lena
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– While potato consumption in Europe and North America declines, other carbohydrate sources increase. The purpose of this paper is to explore factors affecting consumers’ changing consumption behaviour as regards fresh potato.

Design/methodology/approach

– Six semi-structured focus group interviews were conducted. Thematic analysis was made by means of a theory-driven approach.

Findings

– Seven categories of factors affecting consumer choice of fresh potato were found and discussed: first, convenience and preparation-related factors; second, health; third, information and packaging; fourth, sensory appeal; fifth, monetary considerations; sixth, familiarity and habit; and seventh, sustainability and ethics. Convenience appears to be the strongest explanation to changing food behaviour.

Research limitations/implications

– The research contributes to present knowledge regarding food choice and consumers’ carbohydrate intake. Findings of previous research is both validated and questioned. Methodological limitations are discussed, suggesting complementary quantitative approaches to the findings based on qualitative research.

Practical implications

– The findings add to knowledge of consumer behaviour and food choice. The findings may suggest focus areas in strategic marketing research, facilitating strategic decisions in response to falling consumption of fresh potatoes due to changing consumer attitudes and behaviour.

Originality/value

– By using a theory-driven approach in a thematic analysis, a broad set of interview data from six focus group interviews has been summarised and categorised. The methodology shows an effective way to treat a large amount of qualitative data and condense it to straightforward themes.
Prevalence of Listeria monocytogenes in different kinds of meat in Tehran province, Iran
Authors: Mashak Zohreh , Zabihi Ali , Sodagari Hamidreza , Noori Negin , Akhondzadeh Basti Afshin
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to determine the prevalence of Listeria monocytogenes as an important foodborne pathogen in different kinds of meat.

Design/methodology/approach

– In total, 410 samples, including fresh and frozen meats of turkey, quail, chicken, ostrich, cattle, sheep and camel, fresh chicken liver and fresh minced meat were gathered and then analyzed according to USDA-FSIS method. To enumerate L. monocytogenes, the MPN procedure was used and also, strains were serotyped by using commercial specific antisera.

Findings

– It was found that 28.05 percent of samples were positive for L. monocytogenes and the contamination of beef meat was higher than the others. The range of microbial load was from <2 to 940 MPN g−1. Most of the samples (94.39 percent) had a microbial load of <100 MPN g−1. Moreover, 56 percent of the strains belonged to serogroup 1, especially to 1/2a, although, the most frequently isolated serotype was serotype 4b (38.3 percent) in all samples. These findings indicate the potential risk of contamination in different kinds of meats by L. monocytogenes.

Originality/value

– This survey is of academic value and of value to those working in the food hygiene and safety. Also, to the best knowledge of these researchers, there has been no serious research on this topic with all its aspects in Iran.
The relationship between pre-construction decision-making and the effectiveness of risk control
Authors: Lingard Helen , Saunders Lance , Pirzadeh Payam , Blismas Nick , Kleiner Brian , Wakefield Ron
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between the timing with which decisions are made about how to control work health and safety (WHS) risks in construction project (i.e. either pre- or post-construction) and the quality of risk control outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data were collected from 23 construction projects in Australia and the USA. Totally, 43 features of work were identified for analysis and decision making in relation to these features of work was mapped across the life of the projects. The quality of risk control outcomes was assessed using a classification system based on the “hierarchy of control”. Within this hierarchy, technological forms of control are preferable to behavioural forms of controls.

Findings

– The results indicate that risk control outcomes were significantly better in the Australian compared with the US cases. The results also reveal a significant relationship between the quality of risk controls and the timing of risk control selection decisions. The greater the proportion of risk controls selected during the pre-construction stages of a project, the better the risk control outcomes.

Research limitations/implications

– The results provide preliminary evidence that technological risk controls are more likely to be implemented if WHS risks are considered and controls are selected in the planning and design stages of construction projects.

Practical implications

– The research highlights the need for WHS risk to be integrated into decision making early in the life of construction projects.

Originality/value

– Previous research has linked accidents to design. However, the retrospective nature of these studies has not permitted an analysis of the effectiveness of integrating WHS into pre-construction decision making. Prospective studies have been lacking. This research provides empirical evidence in support of the relationship between early consideration of WHS and risk control effectiveness.
Clinical and laboratory features of systemic sclerosis complicated with localized scleroderma
Authors: Toki Sayaka , Motegi Sei‐ichiro , Yamada Kazuya , Uchiyama Akihiko , Kanai Sahori , Yamanaka Masayoshi , Ishikawa Osamu
Published: January 2015

Localized scleroderma (LSc) primarily affects skin, whereas systemic sclerosis (SSc) affects skin and various internal organs. LSc and SSc are considered to be basically different diseases, and there is no transition between them. However, LSc and SSc have several common characteristics, including endothelial cell dysfunction, immune activation, and excess fibrosis of the skin, and there exist several SSc cases complicated with LSc during the course of SSc. Clinical and laboratory characteristics of SSc patients with LSc remain unclear. We investigated the clinical and laboratory features of 8 SSc patients with LSc among 220 SSc patients (3.6%). The types of LSc included plaque (5/8), guttate (2/8), and linear type (1/8). All cases were diagnosed as having SSc within 5 years before or after the appearance of LSc. In three cases of SSc with LSc (37.5%), LSc skin lesions preceded clinical symptoms of SSc. Young age, negative antinuclear antibody, and positive anti‐RNA polymerase III antibody were significantly prevalent in SSc patients with LSc. The positivity of anticentromere antibody tended to be prevalent in SSc patients without LSc. No significant difference in the frequency of complications, such as interstitial lung disease, reflux esophagitis, and pulmonary artery hypertension, was observed. The awareness of these characteristic of SSc with LSc are essential to establish an early diagnosis and treatment.
Determination of trans‐ and cis‐Urocanic Acid in Relation to Histamine, Putrescine, and Cadaverine Contents in Tuna (Auxis Thazard) at Different Storage Temperatures
Authors: Zare Davood , Muhammad Kharidah , Bejo Mohd Hair , Ghazali H.M.
Published: January 2015

Scombroid fish poisoning is usually associated with consumption of fish containing high levels of histamine. However, reports indicate that some cases have responded to antihistamine therapy while ingested histamine levels in these cases were low. Potentiation of histamine toxicity by some biogenic amines, and release of endogenous histamine by other compounds such as cis‐urocanic acid (UCA) are some hypotheses that have been put forth to explain this anomaly. Very little is known about the effects of storage conditions on the production of both UCA isomers and biogenic amines in tuna. Thus, the production of trans‐ and cis‐UCA, histamine, putrescine, and cadaverine in tuna during 15 d of storage at 0, 3, and 10 °C and 2 d storage at ambient temperature were monitored. The initial trans‐ and cis‐UCA contents in fresh tuna were 2.90 and 1.47 mg/kg, respectively, whereas the levels of putrescine and cadaverine were less than 2 mg/kg, and histamine was not detected. The highest levels of trans‐ and cis‐UCA were obtained during 15 d storage at 3 °C (23.74 and 21.79 mg/kg, respectively) while the highest concentrations of histamine (2796 mg/kg), putrescine (220.32 mg/kg) and cadaverine (1045.20 mg/kg) were obtained during storage at room temperature, 10 and 10 °C, respectively. Histamine content increased considerably during storage at 10 °C whereas trans‐ and cis‐UCA contents changed slightly. The initial trans‐UCA content decreased during storage at ambient temperature. Thus, unlike histamine, concentrations of trans‐ and cis‐UCA did not result in elevated levels during storage of tuna.
Viral Infections During Pregnancy
Authors: Silasi Michelle , Cardenas Ingrid , Kwon Ja‐Young , Racicot Karen , Aldo Paula , Mor Gil
Published: January 2015

Viral infections during pregnancy have long been considered benign conditions with a few notable exceptions, such as herpes virus. The recent Ebola outbreak and other viral epidemics and pandemics show how pregnant women suffer worse outcomes (such as preterm labor and adverse fetal outcomes) than the general population and non‐pregnant women. New knowledge about the ways the maternal–fetal interface and placenta interact with the maternal immune system may explain these findings. Once thought to be ‘immunosuppressed’, the pregnant woman actually undergoes an immunological transformation, where the immune system is necessary to promote and support the pregnancy and growing fetus. When this protection is breached, as in a viral infection, this security is weakened and infection with other microorganisms can then propagate and lead to outcomes, such as preterm labor. In this manuscript, we review the major viral infections relevant to pregnancy and offer potential mechanisms for the associated adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Pro‐Social or Pro‐Management? A Critique of the Conception of Employee Voice as a Pro‐Social Behaviour within Organizational Behaviour
Authors: Barry Michael , Wilkinson Adrian
Published: January 2015

For many years, the employment relations (ER) literature took the perspective that employee voice via trade unions could channel discontent and reduce exit, thereby improving productivity. In organizational behaviour (OB) research voice has also emerged as an important concept, and a focus of this research has been to understand the antecedents of the decision of employees to engage or not engage in voice. In OB research, however, voice is not viewed as it is in ER as a mechanism to provide collective representation of employee interests. Rather, it is seen as an expression of the desire and choice of individual workers to communicate information and ideas to management for the benefit of the organization. This article offers a critique of the OB conception of voice, and in particular highlights the limitations of its view of voice as a pro‐social behaviour. We argue that the OB conception of voice is at best partial because its definition of voice as an activity that benefits the organization leaves no room for considering voice as a means of challenging management, or indeed simply as being a vehicle for employee self‐determination.
The Bankruptcy System's Chapter 22 Recidivism Problem: How Serious is It?
Authors: Altman Edward I. , Branch Ben
Published: January 2015

This paper is adapted from the keynote address from the Eastern Finance Association's 2014 meeting in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. We highlight a recidivism problem: about 15% of debtors who emerge as continuing entities under Chapter 11, or are acquired as part of the bankruptcy process, ultimately file for bankruptcy protection again (18.25% when considering only those firms which emerge as a continuing, independent entity). We argue that the “Chapter 22” issue should not be dismissed by the bankruptcy community just because no interested party objects during the confirmation hearing. Applying the Z”‐Score model to a large sample of Chapter 11 cases reveals highly different and significant expected survival profiles at emergence. Credible distress prediction techniques can effectively predict the future success of firms emerging from bankruptcy and be used by the bankruptcy court to assess the feasibility of the reorganization plan, a requirement mandated by the Bankruptcy Code. Branch reviews, discusses, and critiques in this follow‐up article to Altman's original thesis.
Estimating Early Exercise Premiums on Gold and Copper Options Using a Multifactor Model and Density Matched Lattices
Authors: Hilliard Jimmy E. , Hilliard Jitka
Published: January 2015

We use the standard geometric Brownian motion augmented by jumps to describe the spot underlying and mean regressive models of interest rates and convenience yields as state variables for gold and copper prices. Estimates of parameters of the diffusion processes are obtained by the Kalman filter. Using these estimates, jump parameters are estimated in the second stage by least squares. Early exercise premia on puts and calls are computed using a lattice with probabilities assigned by the density matching technique. We find that while deep in the money options have greater absolute early exercise premiums, the early exercise premium is roughly constant as a percent of option price. Our findings also confirm that gold behaves like an investment asset and copper behaves like a commodity.
A MODEL EUROPEAN? HERMANN HESSE'S INFLUENCE ON THE SUHRKAMP VERLAG
Authors: Cornils Ingo
Published: January 2015

Hermann Hesse's pivotal role in helping to set up one of Germany's most renowned publishing houses, the Suhrkamp Verlag, has long been recognised. However, little attention has been given to the programmatic and philosophical influence he had on Peter Suhrkamp and his successor Siegfried Unseld. This article analyses Hesse's lasting impact on his publishers’ views, especially their commitment to European and World literature. It charts the development of Hesse's thinking on Europe, explores Hesse's relationship with Peter Suhrkamp and Siegfried Unseld, and demonstrates how Hermann Hesse's books, political writings, correspondence and more than three thousand book reviews contributed to the ‘Suhrkamp Culture’.
Necrotizing fasciitis and infective endocarditis caused by Escherichia coli in a hemodialysis patient
Authors: Tsai Ming‐Hsien , Leu Jyh‐Gang , Fang Yu‐Wei , Hsieh Shih‐Chung
Published: January 2015

Patients with uremia are often immunocompromised and uremia patients undergoing maintenance dialysis are often vulnerable to uncommon infections. We report a 40‐year‐old man who was undergoing maintenance hemodialysis and was initially diagnosed with monomicrobal necrotizing fasciitis of the lower limbs, based on blood and pus cultures that yielded Escherichia coli. His condition improved after surgical debridement and antibiotic therapy. However, he eventually died of intracranial hemorrhage related to septic emboli. Concurrent infective endocarditis was diagnosed based on an echocardiogram that indicated vegetation in the left ventricular region. Escherichia coli‐related necrotizing fasciitis and infective endocarditis is rarely seen in clinical practice. There should be a high index of suspicion for multiple infections when a hemodialysis patient presents with an uncommon infection.
Colorectal cancer screening
Authors: Leggett B. A. , Hewett D. G.
Published: January 2015

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common malignancies in Australia, and screening to detect it an earlier stage is cost‐effective. Furthermore, detection and removal of precursor polyps can reduce incidence. Currently, there are limited data to determine the screening rate in Australia, but it is certainly lower than the 80% screening rate considered desirable. Whether colonoscopy is used as the screening test or to follow up positive results of an initial non‐invasive test, it plays a fundamental role. Despite high sensitivity and specificity, it is expensive and invasive with measurable risk and is not acceptable as an initial test to many participants. It does not provide complete protection, and interval cancers between planned colonoscopies are associated with proximal location, origin in sessile serrated adenomas and operator‐dependent factors. An essential component of colorectal screening is the measurement of colonoscopy quality indicators, such as caecal intubation and adenoma detection rates, which are known to be associated with the rate of interval cancer. The non‐invasive screening test currently recommended in Australia is biennial testing for faecal occult blood between the ages of 50 and 75 using a faecal immunochemical test, with positives evaluated by colonoscopy. This is provided through the National Bowel Cancer Screening Programme, currently for those at the ages of 50, 55, 60 and 65 years, with full implementation of biennial screening by 2020. To improve screening in Australia, the most fruitful approach may be to acknowledge that there is a choice of screening tests and to focus on the goal of improving overall participation rate and being able to measure this.