bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pentamode metamaterials with tunable acoustics band gaps and large figures of merit
Authors: Wang Zhaohong , Cai Chengxin , Li Qingwei , Li Jing , Xu Zhuo
Published: July 2016

In this paper, we propose a class of pentamode metamaterials for which the frequency range of the acoustics band gaps can be tuned and large figures of merit can be obtained. The band structures of the pentamode metamaterials are calculated systematically by using the finite element method. The numerical results show that the lower edge frequency of the first acoustics band gaps of pentamode metamaterials can be tuned between 3.72 kHz and 10.6 kHz by changing the diameters of the bottom and top touch cones slightly, and the relative bandwidth of the first acoustics band gaps can also be expanded. In addition, compared with the results seen in the previous research in this area, the volume filling fraction of pentamode metamaterials can be decreased by 15.7%–24.4% and the maximum figure of merit can be increased by 39.2%.
Output power fluctuations due to different weights of macro particles used in particle-in-cell simulations of Cerenkov devices
Authors: Bao Rong , Wang Hongguang , Li Yongdong , Liu Chunliang
Published: July 2016

The output power fluctuations caused by weights of macro particles used in particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations of a backward wave oscillator and a travelling wave tube are statistically analyzed. It is found that the velocities of electrons passed a specific slow-wave structure form a specific electron velocity distribution. The electron velocity distribution obtained in PIC simulation with a relative small weight of macro particles is considered as an initial distribution. By analyzing this initial distribution with a statistical method, the estimations of the output power fluctuations caused by different weights of macro particles are obtained. The statistical method is verified by comparing the estimations with the simulation results. The fluctuations become stronger with increasing weight of macro particles, which can also be determined reversely from estimations of the output power fluctuations. With the weights of macro particles optimized by the statistical method, the output power fluctuations in PIC simulations are relatively small and acceptable.
Wafer scale fabrication of carbon nanotube thin film transistors with high yield
Authors: Tian Boyuan , Liang Xuelei , Yan Qiuping , Zhang Han , Xia Jiye , Dong Guodong , Peng Lianmao , Xie Sishen
Published: July 2016

Carbon nanotube thin film transistors (CNT-TFTs) are promising candidates for future high performance and low cost macro-electronics. However, most of the reported CNT-TFTs are fabricated in small quantities on a relatively small size substrate. The yield of large scale fabrication and the performance uniformity of devices on large size substrates should be improved before the CNT-TFTs reach real products. In this paper, 25 200 devices, with various geometries (channel width and channel length), were fabricated on 4-in. size ridged and flexible substrates. Almost 100% device yield were obtained on a rigid substrate with high out-put current (>8 μA/μm), high on/off current ratio (>105), and high mobility (>30 cm2/V·s). More importantly, uniform performance in 4-in. area was achieved, and the fabrication process can be scaled up. The results give us more confidence for the real application of the CNT-TFT technology in the near future.
Enhancement of minority carrier injection in ambipolar carbon nanotube transistors using double-gate structures
Authors: Kim Bongjun , Liang Kelly , Geier Michael L. , Hersam Mark C. , Dodabalapur Ananth
Published: July 2016

We show that double-gate ambipolar thin-film transistors can be operated to enhance minority carrier injection. The two gate potentials need to be significantly different for enhanced injection to be observed. This enhancement is highly beneficial in devices such as light-emitting transistors where balanced electron and hole injections lead to optimal performance. With ambipolar single-walled carbon nanotube semiconductors, we demonstrate that higher ambipolar currents are attained at lower source-drain voltages, which is desired for portable electronic applications, by employing double-gate structures. In addition, when the two gates are held at the same potential, the expected advantages of the double-gate transistors such as enhanced on-current are also observed.
Unipolar infrared detectors based on InGaAs/InAsSb ternary superlattices
Authors: Ariyawansa Gamini , Reyner Charles J. , Duran Joshua M. , Reding Joshua D. , Scheihing John E. , Steenbergen Elizabeth H.
Published: July 2016

Growth and characteristics of mid-wave infrared (MWIR) InGaAs/InAsSb strained layer superlattice (SLS) detectors are reported. InGaAs/InAsSb SLSs, identified as ternary SLSs, not only provide an extra degree of freedom for superlattice strain compensation but also show enhanced absorption properties compared to InAs/InAsSb SLSs. Utilizing In1-yGayAs/InAs0.65Sb0.35 ternary SLSs (y = 0, 5, 10, and 20%) designed to have the same bandgap, a set of four unipolar detectors are investigated. These demonstrate an enhancement in the detector quantum efficiency due to the increased absorption coefficient. The detectors exhibit dark current performance within a factor of 10 of Rule 07 at temperatures above 120 K, and external quantum efficiencies in the 15%–25% range. This work demonstrates ternary SLSs are a potential absorber material for future high performance MWIR detectors.
Optical properties of type-II AlInAs/AlGaAs quantum dots by photoluminescence studies
Authors: Saïdi I. , Neffati R. , Ben Radhia S. , Boujdaria K. , Lemaître A. , Bernardot F. , Testelin C.
Published: July 2016

We report photoluminescence (PL) characterization and model simulation of AlInAs/AlGaAs type-II quantum dots (QDs). A thorough and precise determination of the band parameters for QD and matrix materials is given, focusing on the effects of alloy composition and strain state on the electronic properties. Origins of experimentally observed PL emission peaks are identified through a comparison with the band lineup theoretically determined in this work. We interpret the QD emission as originating from indirect type-II transitions involving electrons in the barrier X valley and heavy holes with S and P symmetry.
GeOx interfacial layer scavenging remotely induced by metal electrode in metal/HfO2/GeOx/Ge capacitors
Authors: Lee Taehoon , Jung Yong Chan , Seong Sejong , Lee Sung Bo , Park In-Sung , Ahn Jinho
Published: July 2016

The metal gate electrodes of Ni, W, and Pt have been investigated for their scavenging effect: a reduction of the GeOx interfacial layer (IL) between HfO2 dielectric and Ge substrate in metal/HfO2/GeOx/Ge capacitors. All the capacitors were fabricated using the same process except for the material used in the metal electrodes. Capacitance-voltage measurements, scanning transmission electron microscopy, and electron energy loss spectroscopy were conducted to confirm the scavenging of GeOx IL. Interestingly, these metals are observed to remotely scavenge the interfacial layer, reducing its thickness in the order of Ni, W, and then Pt. The capacitance equivalent thickness of these capacitors with Ni, W, and Pt electrodes are evaluated to be 2.7 nm, 3.0 nm, and 3.5 nm, and each final remnant physical thickness of GeOx IL layer is 1.1 nm 1.4 nm, and 1.9 nm, respectively. It is suggested that the scavenging effect induced by the metal electrodes is related to the concentration of oxygen vacancies generated by oxidation reaction at the metal/HfO2 interface.
The appearance of Ti3+ states in solution-processed TiOx buffer layers in inverted organic photovoltaics
Authors: Zhidkov Ivan S. , McLeod John A. , Kurmaev Ernst Z. , Korotin Michael A. , Kukharenko Andrey I. , Savva Achilleas , Choulis Stelios A. , Korotin Danila M. , Cholakh Seif O.
Published: July 2016

We study the low-temperature solution processed TiOx films and device structures using core level and valence X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and electronic structure calculations. We are able to correlate the fraction of Ti3+ present as obtained from Ti 2p core level XPS with the intensity of the defect states that appear within the band gap as observed with our valence XPS. Constructing an operating inverted organic photovoltaic (OPV) using the TiOx film as an electron selective contact may increase the fraction of Ti3+ present. We provide evidence that the number of charge carriers in TiOx can be significantly varied and this might influence the performance of inverted OPVs.
Morphotropic NaNbO3-BaTiO3-CaZrO3 lead-free ceramics with temperature-insensitive piezoelectric properties
Authors: Zuo Ruzhong , Qi He , Fu Jian
Published: July 2016

A morphotropic NaNbO3-based lead-free ceramic was reported to have temperature-insensitive piezoelectric and electromechanical properties (d33 = 231 pC/N, kp = 35%, Tc = 148 °C, and low-hysteresis strain ∼0.15%) in a relatively wide temperature range. This was fundamentally ascribed to the finding of a composition-axis vertical morphotropic phase boundary in which coexisting ferroelectric phases are only compositionally driven and thermally insensitive. Both phase coexistence and nano-scaled domain morphology deserved well enhanced electrical properties, as evidenced by means of synchrotron x-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Our study suggests that the current lead-free ceramic would be a very promising piezoelectric material for actuator and sensor applications.
Maskless localized patterning of biomolecules on carbon nanotube microarray functionalized by ultrafine atmospheric pressure plasma jet using biotin-avidin system
Authors: Abuzairi Tomy , Okada Mitsuru , Purnamaningsih Retno Wigajatri , Poespawati Nji Raden , Iwata Futoshi , Nagatsu Masaaki
Published: July 2016

Ultrafine plasma jet is a promising technology with great potential for nano- or micro-scale surface modification. In this letter, we demonstrated the use of ultrafine atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) for patterning bio-immobilization on vertically aligned carbon nanotube (CNT) microarray platform without a physical mask. The biotin-avidin system was utilized to demonstrate localized biomolecule patterning on the biosensor devices. Using ±7.5 kV square-wave pulses, the optimum condition of plasma jet with He/NH3 gas mixture and 2.5 s treatment period has been obtained to functionalize CNTs. The functionalized CNTs were covalently linked to biotin, bovine serum albumin (BSA), and avidin-(fluorescein isothiocyanate) FITC, sequentially. BSA was necessary as a blocking agent to protect the untreated CNTs from avidin adsorption. The localized patterning results have been evaluated from avidin-FITC fluorescence signals analyzed using a fluorescence microscope. The patterning of biomolecules on the CNT microarray platform using ultrafine APPJ provides a means for potential application of microarray biosensors based on CNTs.
Epitaxial growth of GaN films on nearly lattice-matched hafnium substrates using a low-temperature growth technique
Authors: Kim H. R. , Ohta J. , Inoue S. , Ueno K. , Kobayashi A. , Fujioka H.
Published: July 2016

We demonstrated epitaxial growth of GaN (0001) films on nearly lattice-matched Hf (0001) substrates by using a low-temperature (LT) epitaxial growth technique. High-temperature growth of GaN films results in the formation of polycrystalline films due to significant reaction at GaN/Hf heterointerfaces, while LT-growth allowed us to suppress the interfacial reactions and to obtain epitaxial GaN films on Hf substrates with a GaN112̄0//Hf112̄0 in-plane orientation. LT-grown GaN films can act as buffer layers for GaN growth at high temperatures. The interfacial layer thickness at the LT-GaN/Hf heterointerface was as small as 1 nm, and the sharpness of the contact remained unchanged even after annealing up to approximately 700 °C, which likely accounts for the dramatic improvement in GaN crystalline quality on Hf substrates.
Time evolution of electron waves in graphene superlattices
Authors: Fernandes David E. , Rodrigues Manuel , Falcão Gabriel , Silveirinha Mário G.
Published: July 2016

The time evolution of electron waves in graphene superlattices is studied using both microscopic and “effective medium” formalisms. The numerical simulations reveal that in a wide range of physical scenarios it is possible to neglect the granularity of the superlattice and characterize the electron transport using a simple effective Hamiltonian. It is verified that as general rule the continuum approximation is rather accurate when the initial state is less localized than the characteristic spatial period of the superlattice. This property holds even when the microsocopic electric potential has a strong spatial modulation or in presence of interfaces between different superlattices. Detailed examples are given both of the time evolution of initial electronic states and of the propagation of stationary states in the context of wave scattering. The theory also confirms that electrons propagating in tailored graphene superlattices with extreme anisotropy experience virtually no diffraction.
Management of Adults With Hospital-acquired and Ventilator-associated Pneumonia: 2016 Clinical Practice Guidelines by the Infectious Diseases Society of America and the American Thoracic Society
Authors: Kalil Andre C. , Metersky Mark L. , Klompas Michael , Muscedere John , Sweeney Daniel A. , Palmer Lucy B. , Napolitano Lena M. , O'Grady Naomi P. , Bartlett John G. , Carratalà Jordi , El Solh Ali A. , Ewig Santiago , Fey Paul D. , File Thomas M. , Restrepo Marcos I. , Roberts Jason A. , Waterer Grant W. , Cruse Peggy , Knight Shandra L. , Brozek Jan L.
Published: July 2016

It is important to realize that guidelines cannot always account for individual variation among patients. They are not intended to supplant physician judgment with respect to particular patients or special clinical situations. IDSA considers adherence to these guidelines to be voluntary, with the ultimate determination regarding their application to be made by the physician in the light of each patient's individual circumstances.

These guidelines are intended for use by healthcare professionals who care for patients at risk for hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), including specialists in infectious diseases, pulmonary diseases, critical care, and surgeons, anesthesiologists, hospitalists, and any clinicians and healthcare providers caring for hospitalized patients with nosocomial pneumonia. The panel's recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of HAP and VAP are based upon evidence derived from topic-specific systematic literature reviews.
QPO frequency derivative–frequency correlation indicates non-Keplerian boundary layer with a maximum in rotation rate
Authors: Alpar M. Ali
Published: July 2016

The correlation between the frequency and the absolute value of the frequency derivative of the kilohertz quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs) observed for the first time from 4U 1636-53 is a simple consequence and indicator of the existence of a non-Keplerian rotation rate in the accretion disc boundary layer. This Letter interprets the observed correlation, showing that the observations provide strong evidence in support of the fundamental assumption of disc accretion models around slow rotators, that the boundary layer matches the Keplerian disc to the neutron star magnetosphere.
Biophysical assay for tethered signaling reactions reveals tether-controlled activity for the phosphatase SHP-1
Authors: Goyette Jesse , Solis Salas Citlali , Coker-Gordon Nicola , Bridge Marcus , Isaacson Samuel A. , Allard Jun , Dushek Omer
Published: July 2016

Tethered enzymatic reactions are ubiquitous in signalling networks but are poorly understood. Here, a novel mathematical analysis is established for tethered signalling reactions in surface plasmon resonance (SPR). Applying the method to the phosphatase SHP-1 interacting with a phosphorylated tether corresponding to an immune receptor cytoplasmic tail provides 5 biophysical/biochemical constants from a single SPR experiment: two binding rates, two catalytic rates, and a reach parameter. Tether binding increased the activity of SHP-1 by 900-fold through a binding-induced allosteric activation (20-fold) and a more significant increase in local sub-strate concentration (45-fold). The reach parameter indicates that this local substrate concentration is exquisitely sensitive to receptor clustering. We further show that truncation of the tether leads not only to a lower reach but also to lower binding and catalysis. The work establishes a new framework for studying tethered signalling processes and highlights the tether as a control parameter in clustered signalling.
Precision of readout at the hunchback gene
Authors: Desponds Jonathan , Tran Huy , Ferraro Teresa , Lucas Tanguy , Perez Romero Carmina , Guillou Aurelien , Fradin Cecile , Coppey Mathieu , Dostatni Nathalie , Walczak Aleksandra M.
Published: July 2016

The simultaneous expression of thehunchbackgene in the multiple nuclei of the developing fly embryo gives us a unique opportunity to study how transcription is regulated in functional organisms. A recently developed MS2-MCP technique for imaging transcription in livingDrosophilaembryos allows us to quantify the dynamics of the developmental transcription process. The initial measurement of the morphogens by thehunchbackpromoter takes place during very short cell cycles, not only giving each nucleus little time for a precise readout, but also resulting in short time traces. Additionally, the relationship between the measured signal and the promoter state depends on the molecular design of the reporting probe. We develop an analysis approach based on tailor made autocorrelation functions that overcomes the short trace problems and quantifies the dynamics of transcription initiation. Based on life imaging data, we identify signatures of bursty transcription initiation from thehunchbackpromoter. We show that the precision of the expression of thehunchbackgene to measure its position along the anterior-posterior axis is low both at the boundary and in the anterior even at cycle 13, suggesting additional post-translational averaging mechanisms to provide the precision observed in fixed material.
Recent Outbreaks of Shigellosis in California Caused by Two Distinct Populations ofShigella SonneiWith Increased Virulence or Fluoroquinolone Resistance
Authors: Kozyreva Varvara K. , Jospin Guillaume , Greninger Alexander L. , Watt James P. , Eisen Jonathan A. , Chaturvedi Vishnu
Published: July 2016

Shigella sonneihas caused unusually large outbreaks of shigellosis in California in 2014 – 2015. Preliminary data indicated the involvement of two distinct yet related bacterial populations, one from San Diego and San Joaquin (SD/SJ) and one from the San Francisco (SF) Bay area. Whole genome sequencing of sixty-eight outbreak and archival isolates ofS. sonneiwas performed to investigate the microbiological factors related to these outbreaks. Both SD/SJ and SF populations, as well as almost all of the archivalS. sonneiisolates belonged to sequence type 152 (ST152). Genome-wide SNP analysis clustered the majority of California (CA) isolates to an earlier described global Lineage III, which has persisted in CA since 1986. Isolates in the SD/SJ population had a novel Shiga-toxin (STX)-encoding lambdoid bacteriophage, most closely related to that found in anEscherichia coliO104:H4 strain responsible for a large outbreak. However, the STX genes(stxlaandstxlb)from this novel phage had sequences most similar to the phages fromS. flexneriandS. dysenteriae. The isolates in the SF population yielded evidence of fluoroquinolone resistance acquired via the accumulation of point mutations ingyrAandparCgenes. Thus, the CAS. sonneilineage continues to evolve by the acquisition of increased virulence and antibiotic resistance, and enhanced monitoring is advocated for its early detection in future outbreaks.
Colonization and diversification of aquatic insects on three Macaronesian archipelagos using 59 nuclear loci derived from a draft genome
Authors: Rutschmann Sereina , Detering Harald , Simon Sabrina , Funk David H. , Gattolliat Jean-Luc , Hughes Samantha J. , Raposeiro Pedro M. , DeSalle Rob , Sartori Michel , Monaghan Michael T
Published: July 2016

The study of processes driving diversification requires a fully sampled and well resolved phylogeny. Multilocus approaches to the study of recent diversification provide a powerful means to study the evolutionary process, but their application remains restricted because multiple unlinked loci with suitable variation for phylogenetic or coalescent analysis are not available for most non-model taxa. Here we identify novel, putative single-copy nuclear DNA (nDNA) phylogenetic markers to study the colonization and diversification of an aquatic insect species complex,Cloeon dipterumL. 1761 (Ephemeroptera: Baetidae), in Macaronesia. Whole-genome sequencing data from one member of the species complex were used to identify 59 nDNA loci (32,213 base pairs), followed by Sanger sequencing of 29 individuals sampled from 13 islands of three Macaronesian archipelagos. Multispecies coalescent analyses established six putative species. Three island species formed a monophyletic clade, with one species occurring on the Azores, Europe and North America. Ancestral state reconstruction indicated at least two colonization events from the mainland (Canaries, Azores) and one within the archipelago (between Madeira and the Canaries). Random subsets of the 59 loci showed a positive linear relationship between number of loci and node support. In contrast, node support in the multispecies coalescent tree was negatively correlated with mean number of phylogenetically informative sites per locus, suggesting a complex relationship between tree resolution and marker variability. Our approach highlights the value of combining coalescent-based phylogeography, species delimitation, and phylogenetic reconstruction to resolve recent diversification events in an archipelago species complex.
4-[2-(1,3-Dioxoisoindolin-2-yl)-1,3-thiazol-4-yl]benzonitrile
Authors: Saravanan K. , Divakar S. , Elancheran R. , Kabilan S. , Selvanayagam S.
Published: July 2016

The title isoindole, C18H8N3O2S, crystallizes with two independent molecules (AandB) in the asymmetric unit whose geometrical features are similar. The benzonitrile ring is oriented at an angle of 2.1 (1)° (moleculeA) and 16.0 (1)° (moleculeB), with respect to the isoindole ring system. In the crystal,Amolecules are linkedviaC—H...N hydrogen bonds, formingC(15) chains propagating along along thecaxis.Bmolecules are linkedviaC—H...O interactions, forming dimers with anR22(10) graph-set motif. C—H...O and C—H...N interactions, charcterized byR22(15) andR21(7) motifs, are observed between moleculesAandB.
“Reaching its limits”: industry perspectives on salt reduction
Authors: Lacey Caron , Clark Beth , Frewer Lynn , Kuznesof Sharron
Published: July 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the barriers to, and implications of, salt reduction initiatives within the UK food manufacturing industry.

Design/methodology/approach

– In total, 13 technical and new product development (NPD) managers were purposefully sampled from businesses supplying foods within the chilled convenience food sector. Data were generated using semi-structured interviews incorporating the critical incident technique. Thematic and comparative analyses identified similarities and differences in the challenges facing different product categories within the sector.

Findings

– Barriers to further salt reduction included: manufacturing limitations; NPD constraints; food safety, quality and shelf-life trade-offs; and organoleptic acceptance. No single barrier dominated industry concerns and many barriers were interlinked. Overarching issues of competitive inequality between signatories and non-participants to voluntary salt reduction agreements, and the experience of product reformulation having reached its limits were prevalent.

Originality/value

– This research provides a food industry perspective on the identified barriers faced by UK food processors and manufacturers in advancing salt reduction within the chilled convenience sector.
A comparison of sodium contents on nutrition information labels of foods with and without nutrition claims marketed in Brazil
Authors: Nishida Waleska , Fernandes Ana Carolina , Veiros Marcela Boro , González Chica David Alejandro , Proença Rossana Pacheco da Costa
Published: July 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to compare the sodium content displayed on the labels of conventional processed food products (C) and of those with nutrition claims suggesting the absence or reduced levels of nutrients (AR).

Design/methodology/approach

– Cross-sectional study analyzing the ingredients list, nutrition facts and nutrition claims on food labels. Subjects: all processed food products with added salt or additives containing sodium that were for sale in a large supermarket in Brazil from October to December 2011.

Findings

– All 3,449 products were analyzed and categorized into 66 groups according to Brazilian legislation. The median of sodium content in the AR was 42.7 percent higher than in the C (p=0.007). In 33.3 percent of the groups there was difference in sodium content between AR and C (p
<
0.05) and in 68.2 percent of these the sodium content was higher in AR. The variation range of sodium in products from the same group reached 2,905.0 mg in C and 1,712.0 mg in AR. Even when the median of sodium was lower in the AR, the minimum sodium values were lower in the C.

Originality/value

– Comparisons of sodium content of conventional and AR processed food are scarce in the literature, especially covering all food for sale in a large supermarket. To the best of the knowledge, this is the first census making this comparisons in Latin America.
Performance perceptions among food supply chain members
Authors: Odongo Walter , Dora Manoj , Molnár Adrienn , Ongeng Duncan , Gellynck Xavier
Published: July 2016

Purpose

– A good supply chain relationship quality (RQ) is a crucial precursor for any stable exchange relationship which ensures relationship continuity. Although empirical research suggests that strengthening RQ improves supply chain performance (SCP), most studies have focused on dyadic business relationships. To fully understand the relational behaviour of a firm embedded in a supply chain, we need to look beyond the dyad into triads. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how SCP is influenced by RQ in a triadic agribusiness supply chain.

Design/methodology/approach

– Evidence is drawn from a quantitative survey of 150 agribusiness firms in the maize supply chain in Uganda. Data were collected in triadic context from 50 direct supply chains each composing of a supplier, focal firm and customer. Multi-group structural equations modelling (SEM) was used to assess the differences in perception on the influence of RQ on SCP amongst the supply chain members.

Findings

– Results provides empirical support for the positive influence of RQ on SCP. SEM reveals differences in perception between the upstream and downstream and amongst the supply chains members. While focal firms considered conflict, coercive power, commitment and trust to be important; suppliers considered trust, dependency and non-coercive power; and customers considered trust, dependency and coercive power to be important RQ factors affecting SCP.

Practical implications

– For agribusiness managers to enhance business performance there is need to cultivate strong and mutual relationship with supply chain members. It is also important to know how to handle conflicts and use of power so as to realise the benefits of supply chain relationships.

Originality/value

– The paper is novel in that it assesses SCP in a triadic context in an agribusiness sector from a developing country context. The authors used novel approaches including analysis of a triad, and multiple groups SEM to assess perceptions of each supply chain member’s.
Nutritional status as a determinant of cognitive development among preschool children in South-Western Nigeria
Authors: Onifade Oyepeju Mary , Otegbayo Jesse Abiodun , Akinyemi Joshua Odunayo , Oyedele Titus Ayodeji , Akinlade Ademola Richard
Published: July 2016

Purpose

– Improving the health of children under the age of five is one of the main objectives of primary healthcare services in most developing countries. The purpose of this paper is to identify the nutritional status of children under the age of five and its impact on cognitive function.

Design/methodology/approach

– The cross-sectional study was carried out in a semi-urban community in south-western Nigeria. The sample consisted of 220 school children under the age of five. Anthropometric measurements including weight, height and mid arm circumference were carried out to determine the nutritional status of the children. Cognitive function of the children was assessed using a developmental checklist developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics and their performance was graded as good, fair and poor.

Findings

– The overall prevalence of malnutrition in this study was low with stunting, underweight and wasting recording 8.2, 6.8 and 1.8 percent, respectively thereby making stunting the most common malnutrition indicator in this study. A large proportion of the children (88.6 percent) had good cognitive performance while 11.4 and 5.5 percent had fair and poor cognitive performance, respectively. Among the various malnutrition indicators measured in this study, stunting was found to have a statistically significant association with cognitive development (p=0.005).Stunted children have multiple functional disadvantages that persist throughout childhood and poor nutrition almost certainly plays a role. This paper calls for a need for the Nigerian Government to intervene by ensuring that policies are implemented that will ensure that health and nutritional needs of preschool children are guaranteed right from conception.

Originality/value

– In view of the importance of nutrition for cognition in children, this research has shown that the cognitive function of preschool children can be affected by stunting and it has contributed to global data on nutrition and cognition particularly in South-Western Nigeria.
Menu engineering and activity-based costing
Authors: Linassi Rossano , Alberton Anete , Marinho Sidnei Vieira
Published: July 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to examine whether using menu engineering (ME) together with activity-based costing (ABC) for menu analysis provides new insights into true menu profitability. The traditional ME approach only uses food costs to determine the contribution margin (CM) of individual menu items. This combined approach uses both food and traceable operating costs to estimate CMs more accurately.

Design/methodology/approach

An improved ME model was developed and tested in an oriental restaurant in Brazil. Direct observation of restaurant activities allowed most costs to be traced (not simply allocated) to individual menu items.

Findings

The results revealed small differences in the rankings between the traditional approach and ABC/ME, demonstrating that the integration of ABC with ME made it to possible to identify increased food-costs and lower CMs for all groups of menu items. The results also show that ABC methods are applicable to an oriental-style restaurant.

Research limitations/implications

Just one restaurant and only 80 per cent of the menu were examined in this study. Future research should apply the model used here to other restaurant types located in different geographical areas to validate the approach.

Practical implications

The results suggest that ME can be improved upon by first assessing variable costs using ABC methods.

Originality/value

This paper combines two different analytic techniques (ME and ABC) into a new approach that reveals the true picture of profit and loss for a menu from a restaurant in Brazil.
Intellectual property rights protection and export quality
Authors: Zhang Huiying , Yang Xiaohui
Published: July 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the impact of intellectual property rights (IPR) protection on its ability to enhance domestic export quality.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper provides a testable framework to explain the impact of IPR protection on export quality. Research and development (R&D) spending and foreign direct investment (FDI) are positively correlated with a country’s export quality. Furthermore, intellectual property protection can induce more FDI and R&D spending. Therefore, the authors expect that there may be an indirect relationship between intellectual property protection and export quality (Figure 1).

Findings

The empirical results suggest that the influence paths of IPR protection on export quality are different between developed and developing countries. FDI plays a mediating role in the relationship between IPR protection and export quality in developing countries, while this mediating effect in developed countries is dependent on R&D and FDI. In addition, this impact is statistically significant in high-technology industries. Especially, IPR protection plays an extraordinary important role in enhancing the export quality of differentiated high-technology products.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature in several ways. First, this is the first empirical analysis focusing on the influence path of IPR protection on export quality. The authors find that the hypothesis is supported by the positive and significant interaction coefficients of IPR protection with FDI and R&D. Second, the authors explore that the influence path of IPR protection on export quality may vary with the level of economic development. Third, this paper examines the effect of IPR protection on export quality in different industries.
Consumer goods and export during economic slowdowns
Authors: Taslim Mohammad Ali , Hossain Md. Amzad
Published: July 2016

Purpose

The difference in the export performance of different countries during the Great Recession 2008-2009 attracted some attention. It was frequently argued that the differences in export concentration were responsible for the differences in export performance: countries with more concentrated export portfolio suffered more during the recession compared to countries with more diversified export portfolio. Empirical evidence frequently failed to hold up this hypothesis, especially in the case of commodity concentration of export. Using disaggregated trade data and resorting to well-known theories of consumption demand, this paper argues that one of the main reasons for the difference in the export performance of different countries during the recession lay in the composition of the export basket and the general nature of the demand for different types of commodities.

Design/methodology/approach

Graphs and tables are first used to give a visual confirmation of the hypotheses advanced by the paper. Some theoretical arguments (proof) are advanced why consumer goods export should be less susceptible to recession. Finally cross-country data are used for regression analysis to test the export instability hypothesis.

Findings

All empirical evidence lend strong support to the hypothesis. Countries whose export basket comprised greater proportion of consumer goods suffered relatively less during the recession.

Research limitations/implications

The research could be enriched by using both time series and cross-section data and making a distinction between different types of consumer goods, namely, agricultural and manufactured goods. Data limitations did not permit this: United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) data, used for this study, do not differentiate between these types of goods.

Practical implications

Export of more consumer goods may help reduce export revenue instability along business cycles.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, there is no study that had ever attributed greater export stability to consumer goods export except those by the author(s).
Supply chain agility in humanitarian protracted operations
Authors: L'Hermitte Cécile , Tatham Peter , Brooks Ben , Bowles Marcus
Published: July 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to extend the concept of agility in humanitarian logistics beyond emergency operations. Since the humanitarian logistics literature focuses primarily on emergencies and sees longer term and regular operations as being conducted in relatively stable and predictable environments, agile practices are usually not associated with humanitarian protracted operations. Therefore, this paper explores the logistics and supply chain environment in such operations in order to identify their basic features and determine if agility is an important requirement.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using a case study of the United Nations World Food Programme, the authors collected and analysed qualitative and quantitative data on the characteristics of protracted operations, the risks and uncertainties most frequently encountered, their impact, and the ways that field logisticians manage contingencies.

Findings

– The research demonstrates that unpredictability and disruptions exist in protracted operations. Therefore, short-term operational adjustments and agile practices are needed in order to support the continuity of humanitarian deliveries.

Research limitations/implications

– Future research should focus on a wider range of humanitarian organisations and move from a descriptive to a prescriptive approach in order to inform practice. Notwithstanding these limitations, the study highlights the need for academics to broaden the scope of their research beyond emergencies and to address the specific needs of humanitarian organisations involved in longer term operations.

Originality/value

– This paper is the first empirical research focusing exclusively on the logistics features of humanitarian protracted operations. It provides a more concrete and complete understanding of these operations.
Family-friendly practices, high-performance work practices and work–family balance
Authors: Ronda Lorena , Ollo-López Andrea , Goñi-Legaz Salomé
Published: July 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to establish to what extent family-friendly practices and high-performance work practices are positively related to work–family balance and to identify the role played by job satisfaction and working hours as mediators of this relationship

Design/methodology/approach

We use data for a representative sample of almost 17,000 employees of dual-earner couples from European countries. To test the mediation mechanism implied by our hypotheses, we follow the procedure outlined in Baron and Kenny (1986). Given the nature of the dependent variables, ordered probit and regression models were estimated in the analysis.

Findings

The results show that, in general, family-friendly practices and high-performance work practices increase work–family balance and that these positive relationships are partially mediated by job satisfaction and working hours. While both family-friendly practices and high-performance work practices increase job satisfaction, only the first increase working hours. Moreover, job satisfaction increases work–family balance, while working hours reduces it. The net effect of these opposing forces on work–family balance is positive.

Research limitations/implications

The use of secondary data posits some constraints, such as the type of measures and the failure to control for a higher number of family-friendly practices and high-performance work practices. Additionally, the non-longitudinal nature of the data set implies that some relationships cannot be considered causal in the intended direction.

Practical implications

Managers should implement family-friendly practices and high-performance work practices, as, in general, they increase work–family balance. A significant portion of this positive effect is channeled through job satisfaction and working hours.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to understanding the relationship between different subsets of human-resources management practices and work–family balance, proposing a model that aims to disentangle the mediating mechanisms through which this relationship occurs.
New categories designated as healthcare‐associated and community‐associated methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius in dogs
Authors: Kasai Tomoko , Saegusa Sanae , Shirai Mitsuyuki , Murakami Masaru , Kato Yukio
Published: July 2016

The incidence of MRSP has been increasing, and treatment options in veterinary medicine are limited. Few previous studies of MRSP have described the relationships between the genotypes, phenotypes, and clinical backgrounds of the isolates. To gain insight into the associations between the microbiological and clinical characteristics of MRSP, we analyzed 282 Staphylococcus pseudintermedius isolates from dogs. A total of 195 (69.1%) strains were identified as mecA‐positive MRSP and were classified into mainly two genotypes: SCCmec types III (II‐III) (52.8%) and V (37.4%). SCCmec type III MRSP strains were significantly correlated with hospital admission and antimicrobial therapy of the dogs, and exhibited a homogeneous genotype similar to sequence type 71‐MRSP, which is a globally endemic clone in dogs. In contrast, SCCmec type V MRSP strains were not highly correlated with hospital admission and antimicrobial therapy and exhibited genotypic and phenotypic heterogeneity. Properties of MRSP strains SCCmec types III and V were similar to those of HA‐ and CA‐MRSA, respectively. Therefore, we designated these isolates carrying SCCmec types III and V as HA‐MRSP and CA‐MRSP, respectively. Discrimination between HA‐ and CA‐MRSP by oxacillin MIC will provide useful information for treatment and infection control measures for canine MRSP infections.
Race, prejudice and attitudes toward redistribution: A comparative experimental approach
Authors: HARELL ALLISON , SOROKA STUART , IYENGAR SHANTO
Published: July 2016

Past work suggests that support for welfare in the United States is heavily influenced by citizens' racial attitudes. Indeed, the idea that many Americans think of welfare recipients as poor Blacks (and especially as poor Black women) has been a common explanation for Americans’ lukewarm support for redistribution. This article draws on a new online survey experiment conducted with national samples in the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada, designed to extend research on how racialised portrayals of policy beneficiaries affect attitudes toward redistribution. A series of innovative survey vignettes has been designed that experimentally manipulate the ethno‐racial background of beneficiaries for various redistributive programmes. The findings provide, for the first time, cross‐national, cross‐domain and cross‐ethno‐racial extensions of the American literature on the impact of racial cues on support for redistributive policy. The results also demonstrate that race clearly matters for policy support, although its impact varies by context and by the racial group under consideration.
Plant–microbe partnerships in 2020
Authors: Mitter Birgit , Pfaffenbichler Nikolaus , Sessitsch Angela
Published: July 2016

The plant holobiont comprises the plant and its associated microbiota, which interact with each other and determine holobiont functioning and plant performance. We have started to understand the complexity of the involved microorganisms and their interactions, however, we need more research on plant–microbiome interactions to understand holobiont functioning. By 2020 we expect that our knowledge on these interactions will have considerably increased facilitating crop management practices based on the interactions of the plant holobiont.
apex: phylogenetics with multiple genes
Authors: Jombart Thibaut , Archer Frederick , Schliep Klaus , Kamvar Zhian , Harris Rebecca , Paradis Emmanuel , Goudet Jérome , Lapp Hilmar
Published: July 2016

Genetic sequences of multiple genes are becoming increasingly common for a wide range of organisms including viruses, bacteria and eukaryotes. While such data may sometimes be treated as a single locus, in practice, a number of biological and statistical phenomena can lead to phylogenetic incongruence. In such cases, different loci should, at least as a preliminary step, be examined and analysed separately. The r software has become a popular platform for phylogenetics, with several packages implementing distance‐based, parsimony and likelihood‐based phylogenetic reconstruction, and an even greater number of packages implementing phylogenetic comparative methods. Unfortunately, basic data structures and tools for analysing multiple genes have so far been lacking, thereby limiting potential for investigating phylogenetic incongruence. In this study, we introduce the new r package apex to fill this gap. apex implements new object classes, which extend existing standards for storing DNA and amino acid sequences, and provides a number of convenient tools for handling, visualizing and analysing these data. In this study, we introduce the main features of the package and illustrate its functionalities through the analysis of a simple data set.
Optical coherence tomography angiography versus fluorescein angiography in the diagnosis of ischaemic diabetic maculopathy
Authors: Cennamo Gilda , Romano Mario R. , Nicoletti Giuseppe , Velotti Nunzio , de Crecchio Giuseppe
Published: July 2016

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy of optical coherence tomography (OCT) angiography versus fluorescein angiography (FA) in terms of retinal vessel imaging in ischaemic diabetic maculopathy defined according to the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) classification.

Methods

Twenty patients (31 eyes) with ischaemic diabetic maculopathy and 17 control subjects (27 eyes) were enrolled in this prospective study. Patients and control subjects underwent complete ophthalmic examination, including best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure, FA, Fourier domain optical coherence tomography (FD‐OCT) and OCT angiography. Fluorescein angiograms and OCT angiography images were graded according to the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) of the ETDRS group. Ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness was evaluated with FD‐OCT.

Results

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) angiography images closely correlated with FA in terms of FAZ parameters. The correlation was strongest with OCT angiography deep imaging. The average GCC thickness was smaller in patients than in controls. Neither GCC parameters nor FAZ was correlated to BCVA.

Conclusions

Given the correlation between FA and OCT angiography in terms of FAZ parameters, the newer method can be considered a valid, reliable and easy‐to‐perform method with which to evaluate ischaemic diabetic maculopathy without contrast injection, and thus to visualize and quantify non‐perfusion areas without risks of anaphylactic reactions.