bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Ecolabels and Environmental Regulation on Green Product Development
Authors: Murali Karthik , Lim Michael K. , Petruzzi Nicholas C.
Published: June 2018

Problem definition: We develop a framework for studying the impact of voluntary ecolabels and mandatory environmental regulation on green product development among competing firms. Academic/practical relevance: We contribute to the academic literature on environmental quality competition by explicitly accounting for the credibility of environmental claims made by firms, and by exploring the implications for society of two mechanisms used to remedy credibility-related consumer discounting of firms’ self-declared environmental qualities. We draw parallels between our findings and instances of environmental labeling and regulation from industry to highlight the practical implications of our study. Methodology: We use a game-theoretic framework to analyze a consumer-driven model of green product development. Results: Credibility asymmetry drives product differentiation between two competing firms. The less credible firm always adopts external certification, while the more credible firm does so only if its credibility is sufficiently low. Credibility may also determine whether or not the government should intervene. In the absence of an external certifier, the regulator should intervene by imposing a mandatory environmental standard that is decreasing in stringency as the credibility of the more credible firm increases. In the presence of a certifier, the regulator should intervene if neither firm is sufficiently credible, or if consumers do not value environmental stewardship highly. Managerial implications: We identify how and when government should (and should not) intervene to stimulate green product development when competing firms can use self-labels or external certifications to communicate their environmental performance to consumers. We also determine the optimal strategies for the competing firms and external certifiers.
5 ways to explore… water
Authors: Mountain Julie
Published: June 2018

With summer upon us, Julie Mountain suggests some creative ways to use water in your setting
Follow the leader
Authors: Fisher Julie
Published: June 2018

The educator role alters subtly depending on whether it is an adult or child leading the learning, says Julie Fisher in part two of her series on the changing role of early childhood educators
Synthesis, Spectroscopic, Intramolecular Energy Transfer and Electronic Structure Nonlinear Optical Properties of Novel Tetrahydropyrimidinone
Authors: Umadevi Ukkaramoorthy , Dhandapani Arumugam , Manivarman Subramaniyan , Subashchandrabose Subramaniyan
Published: June 2018

New oxygen bridged tricyclic pyrimidinone molecule is synthesized by Biginelli condensation reaction using CeCl3.7H2O as an efficient catalyst. The new molecular structural arrangement of unusual product of Biginelli reaction is analysed using experimental and theoretical techniques. The extent of intermolecular charge transfer and delocalization are estimated and discussed in terms of natural bond orbitals. The optimized geometry reveals the intramolecular hydrogen bonding exists in the studied compound and it is confirmed using NBO analysis. The shifts in vibrational wavenumber due to the hydrogen bondings are curiously analysed with potential energy distributions of vibrations. To scrutinize the nonlinear optical properties of the title molecule first order hyperpolarizability components are calculated and its shows the title molecule is promising candidate for NLO studies. In addition, the active charge sites and energy gap are also identified and discussed.
Synthesis, Characterization of Copper Metavanadate (CuV2O6) Nanostructures Via Hydrothermal Method and their Photocatalytic Performance
Authors: Rajendra S. , Prasad Prasad , Srikantaswamy S. , Jagadish K. , Abhilash M. R. , B. Nayan M.
Published: June 2018

The nanostructures with different morphology have enormous applications in science and technology field, due to its vast advantages over normal materials. Here in, the research work has been carried out for the synthesis of novel nanostructures via hydrothermal method. The selection of nanomaterials was started with focus on the transition metal vanadates with high photocatalytic activity. The present work was carried out for the synthesis of copper metavanadates (CuV2O6) with different morphology like spherical and leaf like nanoparticle by hydrothermal method. The crystalinity and morphological properties were analyzed by using advanced instruments XRD and SEM respectively. Further, the photocatalytic properties of synthesized nanoparticle was investigated by made treatment with synthetic wastewater which contains the methyl red dye and heavymetals in it. The treatment was carried out for the different concentration of catalyst, methyl red dye, and heavymetals. However the effect of concentration of catalyst, pH, Dye concentration and heavymetal concentration was also investigated and founded the optimum concentration for the dye degradation and heavy metal removal simultaneously. This copper metavanadate with different morphology has high photocatalytic performance and the results were obtained with high efficiency.
Hydraulic Properties of Baled Switchgrass and Miscanthus
Authors: Schiavone Drew F. , Montross Michael D.
Published: June 2018

Abstract. This study characterized the hydraulic properties within baled switchgrass ( L., variety Alamo) and miscanthus (×), thereby enabling a better understanding of moisture changes in baled biomass during on-farm storage and/or high-solids bioconversion. Fully saturated bales were drained by gravity, and the moisture content was determined over 60 h. The average initial moisture content ranged between 55.9% and 71.9% (w.b.) for switchgrass and between 60.5% and 73.9% (w.b.) for miscanthus bales depending on the dry bale density. As the bale drained by gravity, rapid leaching of water was observed within the first 0.1 h, with a reduction in moisture content of 7.3 and 7.0 percentage points (w.b.) for switchgrass and miscanthus, respectively. Leaching then continued at a steady rate until termination of the experiment, with further reductions of 4.3 and 4.4 percentage points (w.b.) for switchgrass and miscanthus, respectively. Final moisture contents after 60 h ranged from 45.8% to 58.3% for switchgrass and from 48.7% to 60% for miscanthus, with the higher moisture contents observed in the lowest density bales. Hydraulic conductivity tests were carried out with bales of switchgrass and miscanthus with a constant head system. The average saturated hydraulic conductivity ranged between 0.103 and 0.616 cm s-1 for baled switchgrass and between 0.219 and 0.658 cm s-1 for baled miscanthus depending on the bale density. The matric suction of baled switchgrass was also assessed at variable densities and moisture contents using the contact filter paper method. The van Genuchten parameters were found to range between 0.235 and 0.270 m-1 for a and between 5.415 and 10.345 for n, depending on the density. Infiltration tests were also carried out on baled switchgrass at variable densities and moisture contents using a minidisk infiltrometer. The curve-fitting parameters of Philip’s two-term equation ranged between 0.086 × 10-6 and 0.779 × 10-6 cm s-1 for C1 and between 0.200 and 5.805 × 10-6 cm s-1/2 for C2, depending on the density and moisture content. The unsaturated hydraulic conductivity ranged between 0.019 and 0.272 cm s-1, while sorptivity ranged between 0.048 and 2.103 cm s-1/2, depending on the density and moisture content. These results provide data required to evaluate water flow through variable-density rectangular bales and indicate a potential to remove end-products of biomass conversion from baled biomass. Keywords: Biomass, Bioprocessing, Flushing, High solids.
Physico-Chemical and Functional Properties of Nine Proso Millet Cultivars
Authors: Singh Manjot , Adedeji Akinbode , Santra Dipak
Published: June 2018

Abstract. Evaluation of the postharvest properties of nine proso millet cultivars was carried out to determine their physical and engineering properties, which are very useful for designing appropriate systems for process operations such as sorting, drying, heating, cooling, and milling. Nine cultivars of proso millet comprising waxy and non-waxy types, namely Cope, Earlybird, Huntsman, Minco, Plateau, Sunrise, Rise, Dawn, and Panhandle, were obtained from the Panhandle Research and Extension Center, University of Nebraska, Scottsbluff. Results showed significant (p < 0.05) differences in their physical properties, such as sphericity, volume, bulk density, porosity, and angle of repose, which ranged from 0.86 to 0.91, from 3.94 to 5.14 mm3, from 765.49 to 809.67 kg m-3, from 42.49% to 44.20%, and from 22.98° to 25.74°, respectively. The cultivars were also evaluated for their pasting and gelatinization properties, and high correlation was found between amylose content and onset temperature (r = -0.94), peak gelatinization temperature (r = -0.92), peak viscosity (r = 0.84), final viscosity (r = 0.91), and setback viscosity (r = 0.90). The understanding of these basic physical and functional properties of proso millet cultivars will form the foundation for processing them into value-added products. Keywords: Chemical properties, Pasting properties, Proso millet.
Modeling Airborne Virus Concentrations in Filtered Swine Barns with Negative-Pressure Ventilating Systems
Authors: Janni Kevin A. , Torremorell Montserrat , Jacobson Larry D. , Alonso Carmen , Hetchler Brian P.
Published: June 2018

Abstract. Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is an economically significant pathogen in the swine industry that can spread through the air. Many swine gestation and farrowing barns with negative-pressure ventilating systems filter the inlet air to manage airborne PRRSV transmission using MERV 8 pre-filters in series with either MERV 14 or MERV 16 filters. Recent research reported air infiltration rates for a new 3,000-sow gestation/farrowing swine barn at several static pressure levels. The barn infiltration data and supplier-provided airflow versus pressure drop data for the filters, a fan, and an evaporative cooling pad were used to model steady-state virus particle concentrations inside a well-mixed barn. Other model inputs included the inside temperature, design ventilating rate, a fan performance factor, filter area, a filter airflow reduction factor due to particulate matter accumulation, and ambient virus particle concentration distributions. For the conditions used, model results indicated that higher barn virus concentrations were obtained with lower mechanical ventilating rates and higher barn infiltration rates. Improved fan performance reduced the number of fans needed but had little impact on barn virus concentrations. Increasing the filter area reduced the pressure drop that the fans had to overcome at higher ventilating rates and correspondingly reduced the unfiltered infiltration rates and barn virus concentrations. Reduced airflow due to particulate matter accumulation on the filters increased the system pressure drop, increased the number of fans running, and increased the barn virus concentrations. Model results indicated that filter combinations that reduced overall virus penetration reduced barn virus concentrations by 57% to 80% for the conditions modeled. More work is needed to assess the model results and the importance of the adjusted factors for other barn and equipment conditions. Keywords: Biosecurity, Filtered barn, Infiltration, Model, Swine, Ventilation, Virus.
Surface Detention on Cropland, Rangeland, and Conservation Reserve Program Areas
Authors: Gilley John .  E
Published: June 2018

Abstract.

One of the factors contributing to overland flow on upland areas is water stored temporarily in a thin sheet on the soil surface as surface detention. This study was conducted to quantify surface detention on selected cropland, rangeland, and Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) sites. Surface detention was determined from the recession portion of runoff hydrographs corresponding with the period when rainfall had ceased but runoff continued. The hydrographs were generated from six previously reported rainfall simulation studies conducted on paired 3.7 m wide × 10.7 m long plots on which approximately 128 mm of rainfall was applied. Surface detention values were found to increase as crop residue or vegetative cover increased. Eleven fallow cropland sites in the eastern U.S. had surface detention values that varied from 1.7 to 4.6 mm. Surface detention on plots in southwestern Oklahoma containing Old World bluestem, no-till wheat, and conservation-till wheat was 9.4, 7.3, and 5.2 mm, respectively. No-till sorghum, tilled sorghum, no-till wheat, and tilled wheat plots in southeast Nebraska had surface detention values of 6.7, 4.5, 6.7, and 4.6 mm, respectively. Mean surface detention on no-till and tilled cropland sites in southwest Iowa containing corn residue was 7.2 and 5.9 mm, respectively. CRP study sites in southwestern Iowa had mean surface detention of 10.8 mm. When data from the six field studies were combined, mean surface detention values for fallow cropland, tilled cropland, no-till cropland, rangeland, and CRP areas were 3.1, 5.0, 6.9, 9.6, and 10.8 mm, respectively. Keywords: Depressional storage, Hydrographs, Hydrologic modeling, Overland flow, Runoff volume, Surface detention.
An Improved Representation of Vegetative Filter Strips in SWAT
Authors: Cibin Raj , Chaubey Indrajeet , Helmers Matthew J. , Sudheer K. P. , White Michael J. , Arnold Jeffrey G.
Published: June 2018

Abstract.

Vegetative filter strips (VFS) are popular conservation practices installed at the edges of agricultural fields to reduce losses of pollutants from agricultural areas to receiving waterbodies. The recent interest in using VFS areas as multifunctional landscapes necessitates an improved depiction of VFS in simulation models. This study is aimed to enhance the physical representation of VFS in the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) to improve the representation of ecohydrologic processes and land management practices in VFS areas. The proposed enhancement enables routing of water, sediment, and nutrients from the source area through the VFS area and makes the infiltrated water and nutrients available for filter crop uptake. The improvements are implemented in SWAT by modifying input files through Matlab scripts and by changing SWAT subroutines to enable routing. The model improvements are tested with three paired watershed studies with and without edge-of-field VFS in central Iowa. The improved model estimated 46% runoff reduction, 91% sediment reduction, 83% total phosphorus reduction, and 54% nitrate reduction with VFS, and these estimates closely matched the measured VFS reductions. The improved model was able to represent increased infiltration, soil moisture, and denitrification in the VFS area, along with accurately capturing crop yields in the source and VFS areas. Overall, the results indicate improved physical representation of VFS in SWAT. Keywords: Conservation measures, Flexible buffer strips, Multifunctional buffers, SWAT model, Vegetative filter strips.
Iron Oxide to Mitigate Hydrogen Sulfide Gas Release from Gypsum-Bedded Dairy Manure Storages
Authors: Chen Long , Hile Michael L. , Fabian Eileen E. , Xu Zhanxiong , Bruns Mary Ann , Brown Vance
Published: June 2018

Abstract.

To mitigate noxious hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas release that has been observed from gypsum-laden dairy manure, three additives were studied in sequential investigations. Three trials with specific aims were conducted using experimental vessels containing 15 kg of dairy manure each. Trial 1 investigated two additives: iron oxide (specifically, iron oxide-hydroxide, FeOOH) and a proprietary gypsum-lime based product (DriMatt). Trial 2 investigated effective ratios of gypsum to iron oxide and a modified DriMatt additive, and trial 3 evaluated iron oxide at the most effective ratio. Manure agitation events were monitored in the first two trials, while gas releases were continuously monitored in trial 3 during and between agitations. Hydrogen sulfide concentrations were captured using electrochemical sensors or a Fourier transfer infrared (FTIR) gas analyzer assembly over an incubation period of two months for the first two trials and over 40 days for the third trial. Additionally, nutrient analyses were performed for each trial. Extremely high concentrations of H2S were observed during most manure agitation events (500 to 8000 ppm), while minimum releases (<10 ppm) were found when samples were static. Means of maximum concentrations of H2S were compared among treatments in each trial. Statistical tests showed that adding iron oxide to gypsum-laden manure reduced H2S production by an average of 94% compared to treatments without iron oxide. With a 1:1 molar ratio of iron oxide to gypsum, the level of H2S released was diminished to as low as the control manure (without gypsum). Therefore, iron oxide is a promising additive to mitigate H2S production in gypsum-laden dairy manure during agitation events. Keywords: Additive, Dairy, Gas, Gypsum bedding, Hydrogen sulfide, Iron oxide, Manure, Safety, Storage.
Nanoporous Stainless Steel Surfaces for Anti-Bacterial Adhesion Performances
Authors: Ban Ga-Hee , Rungraeng Natthakan , Li Yong , Jun Soojin
Published: June 2018

Abstract.

Stainless steel is one of the most widely used metals for food industry applications. Cavities and crevices on its surface are able to accommodate bacteria that can evade bactericidal activity. Therefore, the evaluation of electropolishing and anodizing treatments for anti-biofouling performance on stainless steel surfaces was carried out in this study. Plates of 316L stainless steel were electropolished to make nanosmooth surfaces in a mixture solution of phosphoric acid and sulfuric acid at 3.5 V at 80°C for 10 min. These samples were anodized in an anhydrous ethylene glycol solution containing perchloric acid to achieve nanoporous surfaces with diameters of 50 and 80 nm after being treated with 40 V for 10 min and 50 V for 35 min, respectively. Field emission scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscope images showed that the surface topographies of the stainless steel were strongly manipulated by the surface treatments. The populations of bacterial cells adhered to the nanosmooth, 50 nm nanoporous, and 80 nm nanoporous surfaces of stainless steel were 3.7, 1.7, and 1.5 log CFU cm-2, respectively. Nanoporous surfaces on stainless steel showed a significant repellency of as compared to nanosmooth stainless steel (p < 0.05). The results suggest that nanoporous characteristics on stainless steel surface have a great potential for biofilm prevention in food industries. Keywords: Anodization, Listeria monocytogenes, Nanoengineered surface, Stainless steel.
Risk Indicators for Identifying Critical Source Areas in Five Arkansas Watersheds
Authors: McCarty James A. , Matlock Marty D. , Scott J. Thad , Haggard Brian E.
Published: June 2018

Abstract.

Change point analysis was used to explore the interactions between watershed characteristics and concentrations of nitrate-nitrogen, total nitrogen, soluble reactive phosphorus, and total phosphorus in streams within the Ozark Highlands, Arkansas Valley, and Ouachita Mountains ecoregions of Arkansas. Thresholds were identified for multiple watershed metrics used to predict water quality, including percent forest in the catchment, agricultural and forested land use in the riparian buffer, stream density, and poultry house density. Based on the observed relationships from the sampled watersheds, we propose four risk indicators to improve the identification of critical source areas for NPS pollution mitigation: subwatersheds that have less than 50% forested area within the drainage area, less than 50% forested area in the riparian buffer zone, more than 0.9 poultry houses km-2, and a stream density that exceeds 50 m ha-1. Keywords: Nonpoint-source pollution, Source water protection, Watershed management.
Process-Based Modeling of Infiltration, Soil Loss, and Dissolved Solids on Saline and Sodic Soils
Authors: Nouwakpo Sayjro K. , Weltz Mark A. , Arslan Awadis , Green Colleen H. , Al-Hamdan Osama Z.
Published: June 2018

Abstract. The Colorado River is a central socio-economic resource of the western U.S. but is vulnerable to excessive salt load. To improve knowledge of the surface processes controlling salt loading, a series of rainfall simulation experiments were conducted in saline rangelands of the upper Colorado River basin (UCRB). In this study, data from these rainfall simulation experiments were used to develop predictive equations for the process-based Rangeland Hydrology and Erosion Model (RHEM). Runoff and soil loss prediction performances were assessed with the Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE), the coefficient of determination (R2), and the percent bias (PBIAS). Calibration on 36 individual plots, randomly selected to cover each treatment, yielded improved runoff prediction (NSE = 0.73, R2 = 0.74, and PBIAS = 6.93%) compared to the non-calibrated RHEM parameter estimation equation (NSE = 0.65, R2 = 0.68, and PBIAS = 32.03%) when a refined ground cover coefficient was used to estimate the effective hydraulic conductivity (Ke). Soil loss prediction with the calibration data was also improved compared to the non-calibrated parameter estimation equation (NSE = 0.94, R2 = 0.94, and PBIAS = 4.25% vs. NSE = 0.81, R2 = 0.85, and PBIAS = 6.47%) when the soil sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) was included in estimation of the sheet and splash erosion parameter (Kss). Improvements in runoff and soil loss predictions with the calibration data were maintained with an independent set of 36 plots from the original rainfall simulation dataset not used for calibration. Overall, soil sodicity was an important consideration in the performance of the newly developed Kss parameterization equation in this study. Performance on sodic soils (SAR = 15) gained the most from the inclusion of SAR in the Kss estimation. Salt load was linearly related to soil loss (R2 = 0.94), and this linear model performed well in estimating runoff salt load from RHEM-predicted soil loss. These new developments will provide a physically based modeling scheme for land managers for predicting rainfall-driven soil and salt load to surface waters of the UCRB. Keywords: Erosion modeling, Hydrology, Rangeland, Salinity prediction, Soil erosion, Water quality.
Laboratory Measurements of Evaporation Rate of Droplets at Low Relative Wind Speed
Authors: Teske Milton E. , Thistle Harold W. , Riley Christopher M. , Hewitt Andrew J.
Published: June 2018

Abstract.

This article summarizes further experimental data collected regarding the evaporation rate of isolated water droplets and strengthens previously published results regarding droplet evaporation at low relative wind speeds. The results suggest that as the Reynolds number (based on the relative velocity between the droplet and ambient air) decreases toward zero, the droplet evaporation rate falls to one-half its value. Because released spray droplets quickly attain near-background velocities, this result implies that evaporation continues for longer times than historically thought but at a lower rate. Additional measurements on traditional fluids (WHO, deionized, distilled, and tap water) provide a consistent benchmark with which to compare evaporation rates. Keywords: AGDISP, Droplets, Evaporation rate, Reynolds number.
How Do Temperature and Rainfall Affect Nitrous Oxide Emissions from Open-Lot Beef Cattle Feedyard Pens?
Authors: Parker David B. , Waldrip Heidi M. , Casey Kenneth D. , Woodbury Bryan L. , Spiehs Mindy J. , Webb Kathleen , Willis William M.
Published: June 2018

Abstract.

Temperature is a primary factor affecting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from agricultural soils, but little is known about how temperature affects nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from manure. The majority of grain-fed cattle in the Texas Panhandle are finished in large, earthen-surfaced, open-lot feedyards. Manure accumulates in feedyard pens and creates an environment high in nitrogen (N) and carbon (C) that can lead to N2O losses. In previous studies, N2O-N emissions from feedyard manure have been highly variable, ranging from negligible amounts from dry manure to 200 mg m-2 h-1 after a simulated rainfall event. The objective of this research was to determine how temperature affects N2O emissions from feedyard manure following rainfall. A recirculating flow-through, non-steady-state (RFT-NSS) chamber system with 1 m2 pans was used to monitor N2O emissions from beef cattle manure following a single 25.4 mm simulated rainfall event. Emissions were monitored at manure temperatures of 5.0°C, 11.2°C, 17.2°C, 21.5°C, 26.8°C, 31.0°C, 38.1°C, and 46.2°C. At all temperatures, a single N2O episode was observed following rainfall, peaking 2 to 11 h after rainfall with duration of 2 to 3 d. A second N2O episode was observed at temperatures =31.0°C, peaking 3 to 4 d after rainfall with duration of 18 d. When present, the second N2O episode accounted for 72% to 83% of the 20 d cumulative emissions. A step-increase in cumulative N2O emissions was observed between 26.8°C and 31.0°C, believed to be due to a major shift from denitrification to nitrification as the primary process of N2O production. Empirical regression models were developed for predicting cumulative N2O emissions based on temperature, which showed 88% agreement between predicted and field-observed N2O-N flux rates. These regression models will be useful for further quantification of N2O emissions from open-lot beef cattle feedyards in the U.S. Southern High Plains and for assessment of practices for reducing GHG emissions. Keywords: Beef cattle, Chamber, Greenhouse gas, Manure, Nitrous oxide, Precipitation.
Triangulação em Estudos de Caso: incidência, apropriações e mal-entendidos em pesquisas da área de Administração
Authors: Bruning Camila , Godri Luciana , Takahashi Adriana Roseli Wünsch
Published: June 2018

O artigo apresenta uma análise bibliométrica em que se identifica a incidência do uso e apropriações da triangulação como estratégia metodológica em Estudos de Caso publicados em periódicos científicos da área de Administração no Brasil. Entende-se a triangulação como uma estratégia importante para aumentar a compreensão em profundidade dos fenômenos estudados, bem como atribuir maior confiabilidade e fidedignidade aos Estudos de Caso e discutem-se cinco modalidades de triangulação: (i) triangulação de fontes de evidência, (ii) de métodos, (iii) de investigadores, (iv)  teórica, e (v) a técnica de triangulação tal como proposta por Triviños (1987). A pesquisa analisou uma amostra de 1384 Estudos de Caso publicados entre os anos de 2008 e 2012 em periódicos da área classificados como A1 até B1 pela Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior – CAPES (conforme evento de qualificação Qualis 2013). Os resultados permitem concluir que a triangulação é pouco utilizada em Estudo de Caso na área de Administração nacional (é relatada em apenas 12% dos estudos analisados). Nos poucos casos em que é utilizada, os tipos de triangulação privilegiadas são as de fontes de evidência (100%) e as de método (86,72%), sendo raros estudos de caso que relatam a realização de triangulação teórica, de investigadores, ou técnicas de triangulação sistematizadas, como a proposta por Triviños (1987). Além da incidência e da apropriação que se faz da triangulação, foram identificados diversos equívocos no relato da utilização de triangulação. O texto explora esses mal-entendidos e apresenta sugestões para garantir o correto uso e relato da triangulação. Justifica-se a relevância do artigo dada a necessidade de refletir sobre a qualidade dos procedimentos metodológicos e dos relatos de pesquisa que se tem realizado na área de Administração.
Growing Fast and Profitably in High Competitive Telecom Industry: the GVT’s Case
Authors: Fernandes Bruno Henrique Rocha , Silva Francisco Sergio Barbosa da , Sartori Rodrigo Vinícius
Published: June 2018

This teaching case studies the remarkable history of GVT, former Brazilian telecom company acquired by Telefónica Vivo after revolutionized the telecom industry in Brazil throughout its 15 years of operation. Telecommunications is an industry sector that faces constant turbulence, due to the fast-paced technological innovation and fierce competition, that forces the reinvention of business models in order to make companies thrive. Aimed at students from Masters and Doctorate programs in Administration, this case is useful for helping the professor to discuss in class about business models in a dynamic environment, as is the case of telecom industry. The learning objectives are to make participants able to comprehend features and limitations of traditional concepts of business models, guiding to the discussion of an alternative framework suitable to a dynamic environment context. The professor should cover the aspects of strategy of differentiation, consistent execution, process management and learning capabilities.
Understanding, negotiating and navigating the politicisation of evidence-based policy research: the case of Irish research on lone parent labour market activation policy
Authors: Millar Michelle , Crosse Rosemary , Canavan John
Published: June 2018

Utilising a case study of evidence-based policy (EBP) commissioned by government we explore how academic outputs can serve several purposes, depending on the political milieu and the values and ideologies of any given party. Our commissioned research was being carried out in the context of significant policy change for lone parents in Ireland which saw the introduction of labour market activation. The research was initially used by the then Government to appease the Opposition to the highly emotive policy change. Following a general election, Opposition and advocacy groups called on policymakers to acknowledge the report they had commissioned. Concepts of research(er) deficit, normative reality and a shifting ‘policy agora’ are explored to highlight how the political context shaped the uptake of the research findings. We followed the debate by drawing on publicly available documentary evidence relevant to the policy of lone parent activation in Ireland from pertinent parliamentary and committee debates involving all stakeholders, that is the Government, civil servants, Opposition and advocacy groups, to ascertain what happened with the research and why did it happen. Attention is given to the consequences of producing outputs that diverge from political values and ideologies, whereby research can be subject to manipulation to discredit and invalidate findings.
Trends in the Educational Placement of Students With Intellectual Disability in the United States Over the Past 40 Years
Authors: Brock Matthew E.
Published: June 2018

In 1975, federal law mandated that children with disabilities be educated in their least restrictive environment, or alongside peers without disabilities in general education classrooms to the maximum extent appropriate. More than 40 years later, I investigated how national trends in educational placement have changed over time for students with intellectual disability. Specifically, I examined the degree placements have trended toward less restrictive environments. I found historical trends of incremental progress toward less restrictive settings, but no evidence of such progress in recent years. Furthermore, most students were educated predominantly in segregated settings every year. I discuss how these findings relate to previous studies, as well as implications for individualized education program teams and advocates for educational inclusion.
Using Medicaid Data to Characterize Persons With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in Five U.S. States
Authors: McDermott Suzanne , Royer Julie , Cope Tara , Lindgren Scott , Momany Elizabeth , Lee Jae Chul , McDuffie Mary Joan , Lauer Emily , Kurtz Stephen , Armour Brian S.
Published: June 2018

This project sought to identify Medicaid members with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in five states (Delaware, Iowa, Massachusetts, New York, and South Carolina) to develop a cohort for subsequent analyses of medical conditions and service utilization. We estimated that over 300,000 Medicaid members in these states had IDD. All members with diagnostic codes for IDD were identified and the three most frequent diagnoses were unspecified intellectual disability, autism or pervasive developmental disorder, and cerebral palsy. The percentage of Medicaid members with IDD ranged from 2.3% in New York to 4.2% in South Carolina. Identifying and characterizing people with IDD is a first step that could guide public health promotion efforts for this population.
The new solitary solutions of the foam drainage & (2+1) dimensional breaking soliton equations
Authors: H. M. Zahran Emad , S. M. Shehat Maha
Published: June 2018

In this study, the modified extended tanh-function method is handling to obtain many new solitary wave solutions of two important models in nonlinear physics. The first one is the foam drainage equation which is a simple model for describing the flow of liquid through channels and nodes between the bubbles, driven by gravity and capillarity. The second is (2+1)-dimensional breaking soliton equation which describe the interaction of a Riemann wave propagating along the y-axis with along the x-axis. The obtained results are compared with that obtained in previous work.Â
Elastic Constants and Related Properties of Compressed Rocksalt CuX (X =Cl, Br): Ab Initio Study
Authors: Bioud Nadhira , Sun Xiao-Wei , Bouarissa Nadir , Daoud Salah
Published: June 2018

First-principles calculations are performed to study the structural and elastic properties, sound velocities, and Debye temperature of rocksalt-structured copper monochloride (CuCl) and copper monobromide (CuBr). The structural parameters, elastic constants, longitudinal, transverse, and average elastic wave velocities, and the Debye temperature in the pressure range 10–20 GPa are successfully predicted and analysed. The variation of the elastic constants and bulk modulus as a function of pressure is found to be non-linear for CuCl and almost linear for CuBr. Based on the obtained values of the elastic constants, the bulk modulus, the isotropic shear modulus, Young’s modulus, Poisson’s ratio, and Pugh’s ratio of the aggregate materials are also investigated. The analysis of Poisson’s and Pugh’s ratios shows that these materials become ductile for pressures in the range 10–20 GPa. The evolution of the longitudinal sound velocity under pressure indicates the hardening of the corresponding phonons in both materials.
Dauerhafte Wohnraumversorgung wohnungsloser Menschen – Eine Ersterhebung eines neuen Organisationstypus
Authors: Steffen Axel
Published: June 2018

Der vorliegende Artikel basiert auf einer erstmaligen Erhebung von Organisationen in Deutschland, die Wohnraum akquirieren und verwalten und ihn an wohnungslose Menschen bzw. Wohnungsnotfälle vermieten, die anderweitig keinen Zugang zu eigenem, mietvertraglich abgesichertem Wohnraum finden. Da in der wissenschaftlichen Literatur bisher keine erprobten Instrumente für die fallübergreifende Erhebung solcher Organisationen bekannt sind, wurde ein eigenes Kategoriensystem entwickelt. Unter Verwendung einer Dokumentenanalyse und von Experteninterviews wurden insgesamt sieben Soziale Wohnraumagenturen in Deutschland analysiert und miteinander verglichen. Zwar bleibt der quantitative Erfolg bei der Wohnungsversorgung angesichts der um ein Vielfaches höheren Wohnungslosenzahlen begrenzt, gleichwohl deuten die Befunde darauf hin, dass diese Organisationen sehr erfolgreich bei der (Re-)Integration von Menschen mit besonderen sozialen Schwierigkeiten in Wohnraum und der Sicherung von Wohnraum sind. Anders als für vergleichbare Organisationen im europäischen Ausland (z. B. Belgien) gibt es für Soziale Wohnraumagenturen in Deutschland jedoch keine einheitliche, dauerhaft gesicherte Finanzierungsgrundlage.
Underwater archaeology and submerged landscapes in western Australia
Authors: Benjamin Jonathan , O'Leary Michael , Ward Ingrid , Hacker Jorg , Ulm Sean , Veth Peter , Holst Mads , McDonald Jo , Ross Peter J. , Bailey Geoff
Published: June 2018

This research aims to explore the submerged landscapes of the Pilbara of western Australia, using predictive archaeological modelling, airborne LiDAR, marine acoustics, coring and diver survey. It includes excavation and geophysical investigation of a submerged shell midden in Denmark to establish guidelines for the underwater discovery of such sites elsewhere.
Boots on the ground in Africa's ancient DNA ‘revolution’: archaeological perspectives on ethics and best practices
Authors: Prendergast Mary E. , Sawchuk Elizabeth
Published: June 2018

Recent methodological advances have increased the pace and scale of African ancient DNA (aDNA) research, inciting a rush to sample broadly from museum collections, and raising ethical concerns over the destruction of human remains. In the absence of discipline-wide protocols, teams are often left to navigate aDNA sampling on an individual basis, contributing to widely varying practices that do not always protect the long-term integrity of collections. As those on the frontline, archaeologists and curators must create and adhere to best practices. We review ethical issues particular to African aDNA contexts and suggest protocols with the aim of initiating public discussion.
Efficiency of Pneumatic Tourniquet Cuff With Asymmetric Pressure Distribution at Rest and During Isometric Muscle Action
Authors: Ipavec Matej , Grapar Žargi Tina , Jelenc Jure , Kacin Alan
Published: June 2018

Ipavec, M, Grapar Žargi, T, Jelenc, J, and Kacin, A. Efficiency of pneumatic tourniquet cuff with asymmetric pressure distribution at rest and during isometric muscle action. J Strength Cond Res 33(9): 2570–2578, 2019—The aim of this study was to compare effects of newly designed double-chamber cuff with asymmetric pressure (APC) distribution and standard single-chamber cuff with symmetric pressure (SPC) distribution on muscle perfusion and volitional activation. First, the 2 cuffs were compared bilaterally on resting thigh muscles of 17 healthy volunteers at 4 cuff pressures (120, 160, 200, and 240 mm Hg). Then, the subjects performed the isometric endurance test of knee extensor muscles to volitional failure at 40% of maximal volitional isometric action in both free-flow and blood flow restricted condition. Changes in hemoglobin kinetics in vastus lateralis muscle (near-infrared spectroscopy), surface electromyography of vastus medialis muscle, and pain intensity (visual analogue scale [VAS]) were continuously recorded. At rest, a significant difference (p = 0.009) in velocity of change in total hemoglobin concentration was noted between the cuffs at 160 mm Hg (APC = 0.028 μM·s−1 and SPC = 0.056 μM·s−1). The VAS scores significantly increased (p = 0.031) at pressures ≥200 mm Hg, with no difference between the cuffs. Duration of isometric action with blood flow restriction was 12% shorter (p = 0.003) than in free-flow condition, with no difference between the cuffs. There were no significant differences in muscle activation or hemoglobin kinetics between the exercise conditions or cuff types. The results show that APC reduces blood flow in quadriceps femoris muscle at rest at lower pressure than SPC, which suggests its enhanced efficiency for blood flow restriction. Given that application of either type of cuff during sustained isometric action had only minor impact on muscle endurance and oxygen kinetics, future research must focus primarily on dynamic muscle actions.
Test-Retest Reliability of a Commercial Linear Position Transducer (GymAware PowerTool) to Measure Velocity and Power in the Back Squat and Bench Press
Authors: Orange Samuel T. , Metcalfe James W. , Marshall Phil , Vince Rebecca V. , Madden Leigh A. , Liefeith Andreas
Published: June 2018

Orange, ST, Metcalfe, JW, Marshall, P, Vince, RV, Madden, LA, and Liefeith, A. Test-retest reliability of a commercial linear position transducer (GymAware PowerTool) to measure velocity and power in the back squat and bench press. J Strength Cond Res 34(3): 728–737, 2020—This study examined the test-retest reliability of the GymAware PowerTool (GYM) to measure velocity and power in the free-weight back squat and bench press. Twenty-nine academy rugby league players (age: 17.6 ± 1.0 years; body mass: 87.3 ± 20.8 kg) completed 2 test-retest sessions for the back squat followed by 2 test-retest sessions for the bench press. GYM measured mean velocity (MV), peak velocity (PV), mean power (MP), and peak power at 20, 40, 60, 80, and 90% of 1 repetition maximum (1RM). GYM showed good reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] and standard error of measurement percentage, respectively) for the measurement of MV at loads of 40 (0.77, 3.9%), 60 (0.83, 4.8%), 80 (0.83, 5.8%), and 90% (0.79, 7.9%) of 1RM in the back squat. In the bench press, good reliability was evident for PV at 40 (0.82, 3.9%), 60 (0.81, 5.1%), and 80% (0.77, 8.4%) of 1RM, and for MV at 80 (0.78, 7.9%) and 90% (0.87, 9.9%) of 1RM. The measurement of MP showed good to excellent levels of reliability across all relative loads (ICC ≥0.75). In conclusion, GYM provides practitioners with reliable kinematic information in the back squat and bench press, at least with loads of 40–90% of 1RM. This suggests that strength and conditioning coaches can use the velocity data to regulate training load according to daily readiness and target specific components of the force-velocity curve. However, caution should be taken when measuring movement velocity at loads <40% of 1RM.
Construct Validity of the McLean Screening Instrument for Borderline Personality Disorder in Two Singaporean Samples
Authors: Keng Shian-Ling , Lee Yirong , Drabu Sukriti , Hong Ryan Y. , Chee Cornelia Y. I. , Ho Cyrus S. H. , Ho Roger C. M.
Published: June 2018

This study examined the construct validity of the McLean Screening Instrument for Borderline Personality Disorder (MSI-BPD) in a consecutive sample of adult psychiatric patients (n = 128) and a separate sample of undergraduate students (n = 289) in Singapore. Participants were administered the MSI-BPD and other measures assessing related symptoms of BPD. Patients were also administered a semistructured interview by interviewers blind to their MSI-BPD scores. Confirmatory factor analyses revealed a unique three-factor solution, consisting of affect dysregulation, self-disturbances, and behavioral and interpersonal dysregulation. In both samples, the MSI-BPD demonstrated good internal consistency and convergent validity. The measure also showed good discriminant validity and predictive accuracy (AUC = .82), with an optimal cut-off score of 7.5. Overall, the findings suggest that BPD is a valid and coherent clinical construct in Singapore, and point to the need to further clarify the presentation and etiology of BPD in this cultural context.
Bedside Emergency Percutaneous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenator with Bicaval Dual-Lumen Cannula
Authors: Serraino Giuseppe Filiberto , Jiritano Federica , Rossi Michele , Mastroroberto Pasquale
Published: June 2018

Background: Veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) support has emerged as a valuable rescue therapy in patients with severe acute lung failure. A new bicaval dual-lumen percutaneous cannula can be instituted with a single puncture of the right internal jugular vein under image guidance (fluoroscopy and/or trans-esophageal echocardiography) to support VV-ECMO. However, malpositioning of the dual-lumen catheter can jeopardize the efficacy of the ECMO therapy.Case report: We report an emergency VV-ECMO instituted at a patient’s bedside in the intensive care unit. Percutaneous insertion of a dual lumen-cannula was performed on a young patient that had undergone cardiac surgery. The patient had developed a fulminant post-operative pneumonia, leading to respiratory failure and septic shock. The procedure was done at night, without any image guidance other than a post-insertion chest x-ray. We compared the oxygen saturation of arterial blood gas taken from both the outflow and inflow ECMO ends, and the saturations were used as indirect proof of correct cannula placement. The VV-ECMO was successfully removed after nine days, as the patient was clinically and radiologically recovered.Conclusion: This case reports a dual-lumen cannula insertion in an emergency setting, with minimal image support. It confirms the efficacy and the safety of VV-ECMO in the treatment of post-operative acute respiratory failure.
LIN-12/Notch Regulates GABA Signaling at theCaenorhabditis elegansNeuromuscular Junction
Authors: Sorkaç Altar , DiIorio Michael A , O’Hern Patrick J , Baskoylu Saba N , Graham Hannah K , Hart Anne C
Published: June 2018

The role of Notch signaling in cell-fate decisions has been studied extensively; however, this pathway is also active in adult tissues, including the nervous system. Notch signaling modulates a wide range of behaviors and processes of the nervous system in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, but there is no evidence for Notch signaling directly altering synaptic strength. Here, we demonstrate Notch-mediated regulation of synaptic activity at the C. elegans neuromuscular junction (NMJ). For this, we used aldicarb, an inhibitor of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, and assessed paralysis rates of animals with altered Notch signaling. Notch receptors LIN-12 and GLP-1 are required for normal NMJ function; they regulate NMJ activity in an opposing fashion. Complete loss of LIN-12 skews the excitation/inhibition balance at the NMJ toward increased activity, whereas partial loss of GLP-1 has the opposite effect. Specific Notch ligands and co-ligands are also required for proper NMJ function. The role of LIN-12 is independent of cell-fate decisions; manipulation of LIN-12 signaling through RNAi knockdown or overexpression of the co-ligand OSM-11 after development alters NMJ activity. We demonstrate that LIN-12 modulates GABA signaling in this paradigm, as loss of GABA signaling suppresses LIN-12 gain-of-function defects. Further analysis, in vivo and in silico, suggests that LIN-12 may modulate transcription of the GABAB receptor GBB-2. Our findings confirm a non-developmental role for the LIN-12/Notch receptor in regulating synaptic signaling and identify the GABAB receptor GBB-2 as a potential Notch transcriptional target in the C. elegans nervous system.
Targeted Chromosomal Rearrangements via Combinatorial Use of CRISPR/Cas9 and Cre/LoxPTechnologies inCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Chen Xiangyang , Liao Shimiao , Huang Xinya , Xu Ting , Feng Xuezhu , Guang Shouhong
Published: June 2018

Rearranged chromosomes have been applied to construct genetic balancers to manipulate essential genes in C. elegans. Although much effort has been put into constructing balancer chromosomes, approximately 6% (map units) of the C. elegans genome has not been covered, and this area lies mostly in pairing centers (PCs). Here, we developed a method for conditional chromosomal engineering through combinatorial use of the CRISPR/Cas9 and Cre/LoxP technologies. Functional DNA fragments containing LoxP sequences were inserted into designated genomic loci using a modified counterselection (cs)-CRISPR method. Then, heat-shock-induced Cre recombinase induced an inversion of the chromosomal region between the two LoxP sites. The chromosomal inversions were subsequently detected by the appearance of pharyngeal GFP. Through this method, we have successfully generated several chromosomal inversion lines, providing valuable resources for studying essential genes in pairing centers.