bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Infectious disease and group size: more than just a numbers game
Authors: Nunn Charles L. , Jordán Ferenc , McCabe Collin M. , Verdolin Jennifer L. , Fewell Jennifer H.
Published: April 2015

Increased risk of infectious disease is assumed to be a major cost of group living, yet empirical evidence for this effect is mixed. We studied whether larger social groups are more subdivided structurally. If so, the social subdivisions that form in larger groups may act as barriers to the spread of infection, weakening the association between group size and infectious disease. To investigate this ‘social bottleneck’ hypothesis, we examined the association between group size and four network structure metrics in 43 vertebrate and invertebrate species. We focused on metrics involving modularity, clustering, distance and centralization. In a meta-analysis of intraspecific variation in social networks, modularity showed positive associations with network size, with a weaker but still positive effect in cross-species analyses. Network distance also showed a positive association with group size when using intraspecific variation. We then used a theoretical model to explore the effects of subgrouping relative to other effects that influence disease spread in socially structured populations. Outbreaks reached higher prevalence when groups were larger, but subgrouping reduced prevalence. Subgrouping also acted as a ‘brake’ on disease spread between groups. We suggest research directions to understand the conditions under which larger groups become more subdivided, and to devise new metrics that account for subgrouping when investigating the links between sociality and infectious disease risk.
Kangiella profundi sp. nov., isolated from deep-sea sediment
Authors: Xu Fang-di , Li Xue-gong , Xiao Xiang , Xu Jun
Published: April 2015

A taxonomic study employing a polyphasic approach was carried out on strain FT102T, which was isolated from a deep-sea sediment sample collected in the south-west Indian Ocean at a depth of 2784 m. The strain was Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, rod-shaped and non-spore-forming. It grew optimally at 37–42 °C, pH 6.5–8.5 and in the presence of 1–4 % (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences confirmed the separation of the novel strain from recognized members of the genus Kangiella that are available in public databases. Strain FT102T exhibited 95.5–98.6 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to the type strains of the eight recognized species of the genus Kangiella. The chemotaxonomically characteristic fatty acid iso-C15:0 and ubiquinone Q-8 were also detected. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine. The DNA G+C content of strain FT102T was 45.0 mol%. The mean DNA–DNA relatedness values between strain FT102T and the type strains of Kangiella aquimarina and Kangiella koreensis were 47.3 % and 13.7 %, respectively. The combined results of phylogenetic, physiological and chemotaxonomic studies indicated that strain FT102T was affiliated with the genus Kangiella but differed from the recognized species of the genus Kangiella. Therefore, strain FT102T represents a novel species of the genus Kangiella, for which the name Kangiella profundi sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is FT102T ( = CGMCC 1.12959T = KCTC 42297T = JCM 30232T)
Rapid quantitative pharmacodynamic imaging with Bayesian estimation
Authors: Koller Jonathan M. , Vachon M. Jonathan , Bretthorst G. Larry , Black Kevin J.
Published: April 2015

We recently described rapid quantitative pharmacodynamic imaging, a novel method for estimating sensitivity of a biological system to a drug. We tested its accuracy in simulated biological signals with varying receptor sensitivity and varying levels of random noise, and presented initial proof-of-concept data from functional MRI (fMRI) studies in primate brain. However, the initial simulation testing used a simple iterative approach to estimate pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PKPD) parameters, an approach that was computationally efficient but returned parameters only from a small, discrete set of values chosena priori.

Here we revisit the simulation testing using a Bayesian method to estimate the PKPD parameters. This improved accuracy compared to our previous method, and noise without intentional signal was never interpreted as signal. We also reanalyze the fMRI proof-of-concept data. The success with the simulated data, and with the limited fMRI data, is a necessary first step toward further testing of rapid quantitative pharmacodynamic imaging.
Concurrent origins of the genetic code and the homochirality of life, and the origin and evolution of biodiversity. Part II: Technical appendix
Authors: Li Dirson Jian
Published: April 2015

Here is Part II of my two-part series paper, which provides technical details and evidence for Part I of this paper (see “Concurrent origins of the genetic code and the homochirality of life, and the origin and evolution of biodiversity. Part I: Observations and explanations” on bioRxiv).
The African wolf is a missing link in the wolf-like canid phylogeny
Authors: Rueness Eli K. , Trosvik Pål , Atickem Anagaw , Sillero-Zubiri Claudio , Trucchi Emiliano
Published: April 2015

Here we present the first genomic data for the African wolf (Canis aureus lupaster) and conclusively demonstrate that it is a unique taxon and not a hybrid between other canids. These animals are commonly misclassified as golden jackals (Canis aureus) and have never been included in any large-scale studies of canid diversity and biogeography, or in investigations of the early stages of dog domestication. Applying massive Restriction Site Associated DNA (RAD) sequencing, 110481 polymorphic sites across the genome of 7 individuals of African wolf were aligned and compared with other wolf-like canids (golden jackal, Holarctic grey wolf, Ethiopian wolf, side-striped jackal and domestic dog). Analyses of this extensive sequence dataset (ca. 8.5Mb) show conclusively that the African wolves represent a distinct taxon more closely related to the Holarctic grey wolf than to the golden jackal. Our results strongly indicate that the distribution of the golden jackal needs to be re-evaluated and point towards alternative hypotheses for the evolution of the rare and endemic Ethiopian wolf (Canis simensis). Furthermore, the extension of the grey wolf phylogeny and distribution opens new possible scenarios for the timing and location of dog domestication.
Bayesian Modeling of Epigenetic Variation in Multiple Human Cell Types
Authors: Zhang Yu , Yue Feng , Hardison Ross C
Published: April 2015

With massive amount of sequencing data generated for many epigenetic features in a variety of cell and tissue types, the chief challenges are to build effective and quantitative models explaining how the dynamics in multiple epigenomes lead to differential gene expression and diverse phenotypes. We developed a unified Bayesian framework for jointly annotating multiple epigenomes and detecting differential regulation among multiple tissues and cell types over regions of varying sizes. Our method, called IDEAS (integrative anddiscriminativeepigenomeannotationsystem), achieves superior power and accuracy over existing methods by modeling both position and cell type specific regulatory activities. Using 84 ENCODE epigenetic data sets in 6 cell types, we identified epigenetic variation of different sizes that are strongly associated with differential gene expression. The detected regions are significantly enriched in genetic variants associated with complex phenotypes. Our results yielded much stronger enrichment scores than achievable by existing approaches, and the enriched phenotypes are highly relevant to the corresponding cell types. IDEAS is a powerful statistical tool for integrative annotation of regulatory elements and detection of multivariate epigenetic variation in many tissues and cell types, which could be of important utility in elucidating the interplay between genetic variants, gene regulation and diseases.

The states generated by IDEAS can be visualized or downloaded from the “Regulation” section ofhttp://main.genome-browser.bx.psu.edu/
Photon-in photon-out hard X-ray spectroscopy at the Linac Coherent Light Source
Authors: Alonso-Mori Roberto , Sokaras Dimosthenis , Zhu Diling , Kroll Thomas , Chollet Mathieu , Feng Yiping , Glownia James M. , Kern Jan , Lemke Henrik T. , Nordlund Dennis , Robert Aymeric , Sikorski Marcin , Song Sanghoon , Weng Tsu-Chien , Bergmann Uwe
Published: April 2015

X-ray free-electron lasers (FELs) have opened unprecedented possibilities to study the structure and dynamics of matter at an atomic level and ultra-fast timescale. Many of the techniques routinely used at storage ring facilities are being adapted for experiments conducted at FELs. In order to take full advantage of these new sources several challenges have to be overcome. They are related to the very different source characteristics and its resulting impact on sample delivery, X-ray optics, X-ray detection and data acquisition. Here it is described how photon-in photon-out hard X-ray spectroscopy techniques can be applied to study the electronic structure and its dynamics of transition metal systems with ultra-bright and ultra-short FEL X-ray pulses. In particular, some of the experimental details that are different compared with synchrotron-based setups are discussed and illustrated by recent measurements performed at the Linac Coherent Light Source.
The Coherent X-ray Imaging instrument at the Linac Coherent Light Source
Authors: Liang Mengning , Williams Garth J. , Messerschmidt Marc , Seibert M. Marvin , Montanez Paul A. , Hayes Matt , Milathianaki Despina , Aquila Andrew , Hunter Mark S. , Koglin Jason E. , Schafer Donald W. , Guillet Serge , Busse Armin , Bergan Robert , Olson William , Fox Kay , Stewart Nathaniel , Curtis Robin , Miahnahri Alireza Alan , Boutet Sébastien
Published: April 2015

The Coherent X-ray Imaging (CXI) instrument specializes in hard X-ray, in-vacuum, high power density experiments in all areas of science. Two main sample chambers, one containing a 100 nm focus and one a 1 µm focus, are available, each with multiple diagnostics, sample injection, pump–probe and detector capabilities. The flexibility of CXI has enabled it to host a diverse range of experiments, from biological to extreme matter.
Phase-preserving beam expander for biomedical X-ray imaging
Authors: Martinson Mercedes , Samadi Nazanin , Bassey Bassey , Gomez Ariel , Chapman Dean
Published: April 2015

The BioMedical Imaging and Therapy beamlines at the Canadian Light Source are used by many researchers to capture phase-based imaging data. These experiments have so far been limited by the small vertical beam size, requiring vertical scanning of biological samples in order to image their full vertical extent. Previous work has been carried out to develop a bent Laue beam-expanding monochromator for use at these beamlines. However, the first attempts exhibited significant distortion in the diffraction plane, increasing the beam divergence and eliminating the usefulness of the monochromator for phase-related imaging techniques. Recent work has been carried out to more carefully match the polychromatic and geometric focal lengths in a so-called `magic condition' that preserves the divergence of the beam and enables full-field phase-based imaging techniques. The new experimental parameters, namely asymmetry and Bragg angles, were evaluated by analysing knife-edge and in-line phase images to determine the effect on beam divergence in both vertical and horizontal directions, using the flat Bragg double-crystal monochromator at the beamline as a baseline. The results show that by using the magic condition, the difference between the two monochromator types is less than 10% in the diffraction plane. Phase fringes visible in test images of a biological sample demonstrate that this difference is small enough to enable in-line phase imaging, despite operating at a sub-optimal energy for the wafer and asymmetry angle that was used.
Nanofocusing of X-ray free-electron lasers by grazing-incidence reflective optics
Authors: Yamauchi Kazuto , Yabashi Makina , Ohashi Haruhiko , Koyama Takahisa , Ishikawa Tetsuya
Published: April 2015

Total-reflection mirror devices for X-ray free-electron laser focusing are discussed in terms of optical design, mirror-fabrication technology, a wavefront diagnosis method and radiation-damage testing, as a review of the present status of the focusing optics at the SPring-8 angstrom compact free-electron laser (SACLA). Designed beam sizes of 1 µm and 50 nm, and spot sizes almost matching prediction have been achieved and used to explore topics at the forefront of natural science. The feasibility of these devices is determined to be sufficient for long-term and stable operation at SACLA by investigating the radiation-damage threshold and achievable accuracies in the mirror figure and alignment.
Expanding the structural landscape of niclosamide: a highZ′ polymorph, two new solvates and monohydrate HA
Authors: Sovago Ioana , Bond Andrew D.
Published: April 2015

Three new crystalline phases are reported for the drug niclosamide [5-chloro-N-(2-chloro-4-nitrophenyl)-2-hydroxybenzamide], C13H8Cl2N2O4. A new high-Z′ polymorph (denoted Form II) is described, with four molecules in the asymmetric unit in the space groupP2/n. The structure exhibits pseudosymmetry, including local translations and screw-type operations. The niclosamide molecules are linked by O—H...O hydrogen bonds into chains, and the chains are packed so that the molecules form face-to-face (stacking) and end-to-end interactions within layers perpendicular to the chains. There are two different layer arrangements, giving a structure that is relatively complex. In the acetone and acetonitrile solvates, the incorporated solvent molecules accept hydrogen bonds from the OH groups of niclosamide, and the niclosamide molecules are stacked in a face-to-face manner. In the acetone solvate, C13H8Cl2N2O4·C3H6O, V-shaped arrangements are formed in which the nitrobenzene ends of the niclosamide molecules are brought into face-to-face contact. In the acetonitrile solvate, C13H8Cl2N2O4·CH3CN, stacking occurs by translation along a short axis (ca3.8 Å) and the crystals are frequently observed to be twinned by twofold rotation around that axis. The acetonitrile molecules occupy channels in the structure. A complete structure is provided for niclosamide monohydrate, C13H8Cl2N2O4·H2O, polymorph HA, obtained by Rietveld refinement against laboratory powder X-ray diffraction data. It has been suggested that this compound is related to the methanol solvate of niclosamide [Harriss, Wilson & Radosevljevic Evans (2014).Acta Cryst.C70, 758–763], but it is found that the two are not fully isostructural: they contain isostructural two-dimensional layers, but the layers are arranged differently in the two structures. This suggests that HAmay have the potential for polytypism, and features in the Rietveld difference curve indicate that a polytype fully isostructural with the methanol solvate might be present.
Carbonyl–carbonyl interactions and amide π-stacking as the directing motifs of the supramolecular assembly of ethylN-(2-acetylphenyl)oxalamate in a synperiplanar conformation
Authors: Cabrera-Pérez Laura C. , García-Báez Efrén V. , Franco-Hernández Marina O. , Martínez-Martínez Francisco J. , Padilla-Martínez Itzia I.
Published: April 2015

The title compound, C12H13NO4, is one of the few examples that exhibits asynconformation between the amide and ester carbonyl groups of the oxalyl group. This conformation allows the engagement of the amide H atom in an intramolecular three-centred hydrogen-bondingS(6)S(5) motif. The compound is self-assembled by C=O...C=O and amide–π interactions into stacked columns along theb-axis direction. The concurrence of both interactions seems to be responsible for stabilizing the observedsynconformation between the carbonyl groups. The second dimension, along thea-axis direction, is developed by soft C—H...O hydrogen bonding. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations at the B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) level of theory were performed to support the experimental findings.
Crystal structure of ethyl 4-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-2-methyl-4H-benzo[4,5]thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidine-3-carboxylate
Authors: Sankar T. , Naveen S. , Lokanath N. K. , Gunasekaran K.
Published: April 2015

In the title compound, C20H16Cl2N2O2S, the pyrimidine ring has a screw-boat conformation. The attached dichlorophenyl ring is twisted at an angle of 89.29 (13)° with respect to the pyrimidine ring mean plane. The benzothiazole group is approximately planar (r.m.s. deviation = 0.008 Å) and inclined to the pyrimidine ring mean plane by 3.04 (10)°. The carboxylate group assumes an extended conformation with respect to the pyrimidine ring, which can be seen from the O=C—O—C torsion angle of 3.2 (4) °. In the crystal, molecules are linkedviaC—H...O and C—H...N hydrogen bonds, forming slabs lying parallel to (100).
Crystal structure of 1-nitro-4-(trimethylsilylethynyl)naphthalene
Authors: Du Jun , Moxey Graeme J.
Published: April 2015

In the title compound, C15H15NO2Si, the dihedral angle between the nitro group and the mean plane of the naphthalene system is 22.04 (11)°. In the crystal, π–π interactions generate supramolecular chains propagating along thea-axis direction; the centroid-to-centroid distances range from 3.5590 (12) to 3.8535 (12) Å.
Crystal structure of (E)-1-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-2-(4-iodophenyl)ethene
Authors: Chen Zhiwei , Moxey Graeme J.
Published: April 2015

The title compound, C18H19I, crystallized with two independent molecules (AandB) in the asymmetric unit. Both molecules have anEconformation about the bridging C=C bond. They differ in the orientation of the two benzene rings; the dihedral angle being 12.3 (5)° in moleculeA, but only 1.0 (6)° in moleculeB. In the crystal, the individual molecules are linked by C—I...π interactions forming zigzagAand zigzagBchains propagating along [001]. The structure was refined as an inversion twin [Flack parameter = 0.48 (2)].
Local overheating of transformers with high currents
Authors: Sitar Robert , Janić Žarko , Štih Željko
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of the paper is to compare losses and temperatures in power transformer tanks for different high current lead arrangements.

Design/methodology/approach

– 3D computational tools MagNet and ThermNet based on the finite element method are used to calculate magnetic field distribution in 3D models of power transformers. Eddy current losses in conducting metal parts are induced by the stray magnetic field of transformer windings and high current leads. From loss distribution and appropriate cooling condition temperature values are calculated.

Findings

– From calculation results it is possible to understand advantages and disadvantages of different lead arrangements. The analysis is finalized with a short presentation of the influence of magnetic shielding height on temperature and loss values.

Originality/value

– Results give transformer designer clearer understanding of precautions that should be taken for avoiding high temperatures on the tank wall of a transformer.
Design of permanent magnet synchronous motors including thermal aspects
Authors: Lefik Marcin
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to include thermal analysis in the design process of permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM). The additional objective is a comparison of PMSM with induction motor (IM) in terms of thermal phenomena.

Design/methodology/approach

– Numerical investigation using commercial software MotorSolve was performed. Parameterized models of PMSM and IM were used. Calculations of motor parameters and temperature distribution were made using Finite Element Method.

Findings

– The results of the calculations show that thermal calculations should be included in the design process because the maximum permissible operating temperature of permanent magnets should not be exceeded. A comparative analysis of PMSM and IM shows that the PMSM has better parameters than the IM which was used as a base of the PMSM construction.

Research limitations/implications

– Computational models should be verified experimentally on a physical model or by using more complex numerical models. In the case of IM thermal calculations, a method of air speed calculation should be proposed. Air speed is a parameter that is necessary in thermal analysis of IM, but during the design process it is unknown.

Originality/value

– This paper presents modelling methodology of 3D transient thermal field coupled with electromagnetic field applied in a three-phase IM at rated load conditions. This paper presents a design strategy which includes thermal analysis of the designed PMSM. Moreover, the paper shows a comparison between PMSM and IM indicating advantages of PMSM over IM.
Inductance calculation of high-speed slotless permanent magnet machines
Authors: Jumayev Sultan , Borisavljevic Aleksandar , Boynov Konstantin , Pyrhönen Juha , Lomonova Elena A.
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to give a simple, fast and universal inductance calculation approach of slotless-winding machines and comparison of inductances of toroidal, concentrated and helical-winding machines, since these winding types are widely used among low-power PM machines.

Design/methodology/approach

– Harmonic modeling approach is applied to model the magnetic field of the windings in order to calculate the synchronous inductances. The method is based on distinction between electromagnetic properties of different regions in the machine where each region is represented by its own governing equation describing the magnetic field. The governing equations are obtained from Maxwell’s equations by introducing vector potential in order to simplify the calculations.

Findings

– Results of the inductances of toroidal, concentrated and helical-winding slotless PM machines, which have the same torque and dimensions, obtained by the proposed analytical method are in good agreement with 3D FEM, where the relative difference is smaller than 15 percent. However, the calculation time of the analytical method is significantly less than in 3D FEM: seconds vs hours. Additionally, from the results it is concluded that the toroidal-winding machine has the highest inductance and DC resistance values among considered machines. Helical-winding machine has lowest inductance and DC resistance values. Inductance of concentrated-winding machine is between inductance of helical and toroidal windings; however, DC resistance of the concentrated windings is comparable with resistance toroidal windings.

Originality/value

– In this paper the inductance calculation based on harmonic modeling approach is extended for toroidal and helical-winding machines which makes the method applicable for most of the slotless machine types.
A new analytical approach to determine slotting based eddy current losses in permanent magnets of PMSM taking into account axial and circumferential segmentation
Authors: Bode Cornelius , Canders Wolf-Rüdiger , Henke Markus
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to calculate slotting-based eddy currents in permanent magnet excited synchronous machine (PMSM) taking into account axial and circumferential segmentation of magnets.

Design/methodology/approach

– An analytical approach to calculate eddy current losses in PM caused by slotting harmonics of PMSM is presented. The eddy current reaction field is taken into account as well as axial and circumferential segmentation of the magnets.

Findings

– The analytical model provides results comparable to 3D-FEM calculations even at high frequencies at reduced computation costs. To generalize the results the magnetic Reynold’s number is introduced.

Originality/value

– Taking into account the axial and circumferential segmentation in the PDE; the approach is much more accurate compared to known approaches; accuracy is comparable to 3D-FEA.
Online training helps basketball federation towards its goals
Authors: Little Bob
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– Observes how the Federazione Italiana Pallacanestro (FIP), the Italian National Basketball Federation, has concluded that increasing emphasis must be placed on training coaches and players. That means implementing innovative training strategies to improve the competitiveness of all those operating in Italian basketball.

Design/methodology/approach

– Describes the training system adopted, how it is working in practice and the advantages it is expected to bring.

Findings

– Shows how the Docebo’s Cloud-based, software-as-a-service (SaaS) learning management system (LMS) is currently managing and monitoring the learning records of some 2,000 basketball-related learners throughout Italy. The system is helping the FIP to manage a large number of training projects; allow the FIP’s basketball experts to share their knowledge online – especially with the association’s coaches; and enable the FIP’s managers to constantly monitor all the learners’ training records via the system’s in-built reporting tools.

Practical implications

– Reveals that while it is still too early to see the evidence of the new training regime’s success in terms of improved on-court international success, there is every indication that more learning materials are reaching more people under the auspices of the FIP than ever before.

Social implications

– Considers some of the advantages of sportsmanship over gamesmanship.

Originality/value

– Gives an example of e-learning in the sporting area.
The keys that unlock entrepreneurialism in employees
Authors: Lyons Paul R
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to review current information and research concerning the entrepreneurial spirit of employees. It provides a brief overview of entrepreneurial behavior, how it contributes to organizational success and what tends to motivate it. It offers suggestions for practitioners.

Design/methodology/approach

– It examines research and opinion for the past several years and summarizes it to help practitioners to stimulate entrepreneurial spirit in organizations.

Findings

– It reveals that 5-8 per cent of employees will eventually leave to set up their own business, while an equivalent percentage creates and develops products, services, cost-savings and the like to benefit the firm and does not leave the organization. Both groups share an entrepreneurial spirit and are driven to innovate and create.

Practical implications

– It reveals that organization managers can choose to encourage or deflate the entrepreneurial spirit through various means.

Social implications

– It explains that society as a whole can benefit from the labors of individuals who search for business opportunities and then work to bring them to fruition.

Originality/value

– It gives an overview of recent research and opinion with regard to both entrepreneurial spirit and entrepreneurial behavior that is not readily available in other sources. It provides current information that may guide practice and policy development.
Flame retardant cellulosic textile using bannana pseudostem sap
Authors: Basak Santanu , Samanta Kartick K , Chattopadhyay Sajal K , Narkar Rajesh Shashikant , Mahangade R
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to use the natural wastage plant product, bannana pseudostem sap (BPS) for using as fire retardant of cellulosic textile substrate. The study aims to use first time any wastage plant product for making fire retardant cellulosic textile. In this regard flame retardant functionality was imparted in cellulosic textile using BPS, an eco-friendly natural wastage product.

Design/methodology/approach

– The extracted sap was made alkaline and applied in pre-mordanted bleached and mercerized cotton fabrics. Flame retardant properties of the control and treated fabrics were analyzed in terms of limiting oxygen index (LOI), horizontal and vertical flammability and total heat of combustion using bomb calorimeter. The thermal degradation and pyrolysis was studied using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The chemical composition of the control and BPS treated cellulosic fabric were analyzed by FTIR, SEM and EDX. Durability of the flame retardant functionality to soap washing had also been studied.

Findings

– The study showed that the treated fabrics had good flame retardant property compared to control fabrics. The LOI value was found to increase by 1.6 times after application of BPS. As a result of this, the fabric does not catch flame. In horizontal flammability, the treated fabric showed burning with afterglow (without presence of flame) with a propagation rate of 7.5 mm/min, which is almost ten times lower than the control fabric. After application of BPS cellulosic fabric sample produced natural khaki colour. There was no significant change in other physical properties.

Practical implications

– The application process is simple and cost-effective as no costly chemicals were used. Further advantage is that the treated fabric could also be considered as natural dyed cotton fabric. The developed khaki colour is quite attractive and stable to sun light exposure. This developed process could used in colouration and flame retardant finishing of home furnishing products such as home-window curtain, railway curtain, hospital curtain, table lamp and as a covering material of non-permanent structure like in book fair, festival, religious purpose, etc., where large quantity of textile is used and has chance of fire hazards.

Social implications

– BPS abundantly available in Indian as well as other countries and it is normally considered as waste material. It is eco-friendly and produced from renewable source. Therefore, the application of BPS in cotton textile for colouration and functionalization will give the advantages of value addition using natural product. Rural people will be benifited lot by applying this technology whenever it required.

Originality/value

– This paper helps to clarify first time why and how a wastage plant product like BPS can be used for preparing fire retardant cotton cellulosic fabric.
Co-creating the collective service experience
Authors: Carù Antonella , Cova Bernard
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to identify which consumption practices lead to the co-creation of collective service experiences and to outline a conceptual framework for their understanding.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors use a multiple case vignette approach combining examples from leisure industries described as perfect contexts to study collective experiences. Four case vignettes were selected according to community forms and types as defined by consumer culture literature.

Findings

– The study identifies and delineates the neglected phenomenon of the co-creation of collective service experiences and related practices. It highlights the ambivalence of these practices in terms of the co-creation or co-destruction of the experience and indicates their relative unmanageability.

Research limitations/implications

– The cases largely rest on symbolic service experiences, which are a small set of the total universe of consumer experiences.

Practical implications

– Companies should replace their efforts in organizing consumer practices with monitoring mechanisms and react to collective consumer actions, pursuing a co-evolutionary perspective when they do not have a dominant and permanent role in the relationship with their consumers.

Originality/value

– The paper gives voice to an understudied collective phenomenon in service management and provides the building blocks for its conceptualization.
Consumer responses to corporate offshoring practices
Authors: Grappi Silvia , Romani Simona , Bagozzi Richard P
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate consumer responses to company communication of offshoring strategies and tries to discover which psychological mechanisms govern these responses. To do these, the authors examine offshoring strategy communication from the point of view of Regulatory Focus Theory.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors tested the hypotheses in two different studies. Study 1 examines the associations between company offshoring motives and consumer’s prevention or promotion inferences about the company’s practices. Study 2 tests if and how the interaction effect between respondents’ self-regulatory focus and the company offshoring motive affects respondents’ attitude toward the offshoring company.

Findings

– The study demonstrated that each of three offshoring motives activates unique self-regulatory orientations (promotion or prevention focus) in consumers, and regulatory fit positively affects consumer attitudes toward the offshoring company.

Practical implications

– Results suggest how to communicate company offshoring decisions to consumers. By trying to instill a particular regulatory focus in the public with their communication tools, companies can create a better match in the public eye, gaining more positive consumer evaluations.

Originality/value

– This research shows the mechanisms through which consumers respond differently to specific offshoring motives communicated by a company. By building on psychology theory, the study gains insights into the consumer reactions to company offshoring and, to the knowledge, no research to date has examined these mechanisms.
The characteristics of Portuguese management academics and their fit with teaching accreditation standards
Authors: Sarrico Cláudia S. , Pinheiro Margarida M.
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the debate on the quality and accreditation of management education by examining the fit between the characteristics of current management academics in Portugal and recognised accreditation standards. For purposes of comparison, the authors use both general Portuguese teaching accreditation standards and specific international standards for management education.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors analyse indicators of staff career positioning, tenure status, full time vs part-time, age, degree qualifications, field of training, level of academic inbreeding, internationalisation, research activity, professional activity, and the number of hours taught per week. The authors also examine the relationship between them, in light of accreditation standards, for all academic staff teaching in management degrees submitted for compulsory accreditation by the Portuguese accreditation agency.

Findings

– The reality found in this study shows gaps between the actual attributes of management academics and what can be considered appropriate attributes, according to the general consensus found in the literature and which is duly mirrored in common “qualified faculties” accreditation standards by Portuguese and international standards (AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS).

Research limitations/implications

– The findings relate to the Portuguese situation and the analysis developed should be extended to other contexts. Also, while the data, which were collected through a census, has a wide national scope, it only covers one academic year.

Practical implications

– This work has policy setting implications for degree accreditation and for developing capacity during the transitional periods when universities implement the mandatory minimum standards. It can also help universities to benchmark themselves against their peers as a diagnostic tool for elaborating improvement plans.

Social implications

– The massification of higher education has led to legitimate concerns about the quality of the services provided, and consequently accreditation procedures were devised to restore trust. However, policy makers must be aware of the impacts of their actions, namely the effects of degree accreditation, as their goals need to be achieved with the minimum negative impact on academic work.

Originality/value

– The authors work sheds light on the characteristics of those who teach management and how they align with the current accreditation policies that affect academia globally and, in the process, presents empirical evidence from Portugal, which is at a relatively early stage in the accreditation process.
Types of analytics projects and the executive perception of them
Authors: Phillips Jack J
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to help readers categorize the vast variety of tasks, processes and procedures involved in analytics projects.

Design/methodology/approach

– It is designed to help the reader explore the five different but related categories of analytic projects.

Findings

– The findings show the categories of projects to be: converting data to money, showing relationships and causation, applying models, conducting impact and return on investment (ROI) analysis and forecasting ROI.

Originality/value

– The originality and practicality of this paper is displayed with thorough explanations of each of the five types of analytic projects and a number of examples of their applications.
The Ambiguities of Christian Sexual Discourse in Post‐War Britain: The British Council of Churches and Its Early Moral Welfare Work
Authors: Ramsay Laura Monica
Published: April 2015

This article extends and develops recent historical discussion on the relationship between British Christianity, sexuality, and modernity, proposing some ways forward for future scholarship. Recent accounts have concentrated on liberal Anglican positions on issues of sexuality, but here the focus is on the British Council of Churches, its early moral welfare work, and interdenominational efforts to reconsider Christian sex teaching in the immediate post‐war years. While examining broader trends towards positive statements about sex and attempts to assemble self‐regulating sexual citizens in Christian moral welfare thinking, the article suggests that, far from a narrative of relatively untroubled and gradual acceptance of progressive Christian views on sex, this was a halting and uncertain process. The article reflects closely on the complexities of post‐war Christian attempts to work with new ideas about sexuality and to formulate their own version of them, the difficulties and ambiguities involved in developing a cogent position in a debate where Christian opinion was so fiercely divided, as well as the complicated nature of institutional decision‐making. As a case study, the British Council of Churches reflects earlier, problematic attempts to alter Christian sex teaching, as well as the unfolding of later difficulties for the British churches.
Studying Dream Interpretation from Early Christianity to the Rise of Islam
Authors: Neil Bronwen
Published: April 2015

Early Christian and early Islamic texts on dreams and dream interpretation have come under increased scrutiny in recent decades. Dream literature from pagan and Jewish antiquity to the early medieval period demonstrates that dreams, especially prophetic dreams, were used to establish spiritual authority, enforce compliance, and justify violence in a religious context. The common cultural roots of Christianity and Islam emerge when we recognise the crucial role played by dreams and prophecy in the two traditions. The various methodologies used in recent scholarship on dreams and their interpretation are surveyed with a view to identifying those most relevant to the analysis of first‐millennium CE literary sources in Latin, Greek, Syriac, and Arabic. The key texts from the three major religious traditions in this period (Western Christian, Eastern Christian, and Islamic) are then analysed with a view to assessing whether early Christians and Muslims understood and taxonomised dreams differently. Literary genre and audience (lay, clerical, or monastic) are revealed as the key determinants of difference, rather than religious origins.
Examining the contributions of syntactic awareness and syntactic knowledge to reading comprehension
Authors: Brimo Danielle , Apel Kenn , Fountain Treeva
Published: April 2015

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect(s) of syntactic knowledge and syntactic awareness on adolescents' reading comprehension.

Method

One hundred and seventy‐nine, 9th and 10th grade students' syntactic awareness, syntactic knowledge and reading comprehension skills were assessed. In addition, other known contributors to reading comprehension were assessed including word level reading, short‐term memory and vocabulary knowledge skills.

Results

Path analysis was used to analyse the direct and indirect effects of syntactic awareness and syntactic knowledge on reading comprehension. Students' syntactic knowledge directly accounted for significant variance in reading comprehension. Syntactic awareness indirectly accounted for significant variance in reading comprehension through syntactic knowledge.

Conclusions

This study confirmed the significant effects of syntactic knowledge and syntactic awareness on reading comprehension among adolescent students. This is one of the very few studies to examine both knowledge and awareness of syntax simultaneously and to determine that syntactic knowledge mediates the contribution of syntactic awareness to adolescent students' reading comprehension.
An exploration of older worker flexible working arrangements in smaller firms
Authors: Atkinson Carol , Sandiford Peter
Published: April 2015

This article explores flexible working arrangements (FWAs) for older workers in smaller UK firms. We address three questions: how far older workers need and value FWAs, the type of FWAs they need, and whether smaller firms can offer these FWAs. We draw on 46 semi‐structured interviews from six smaller case study firms to present a qualitative exploration of both owner‐manager and (under‐researched) worker perspectives. We evidence the offer and importance of temporal and work‐role FWAs, together with the use of i‐deals and ad hoc FWAs in meeting the needs of this diverse group. We make three contributions: first, theoretically, in arguing for an extended definition of FWAs and understanding formality of offer; second, to practice, in highlighting FWA mechanisms appropriate to older workers; third, to policy, in questioning the effectiveness of both the business case approach to older worker FWAs in smaller firms and policy's positioning of older workers as a homogeneous group.
Chronic portomesenteic venous thrombosis complicated by a high flow arteriovenous malformation presenting with gastrointestinal bleeding
Authors: Plotnik Adam N. , Hebroni Frank , McWilliams Justin
Published: April 2015

Portomesenteric venous thrombosis is a rare but potentially life‐threatening condition. The presenting symptoms of chronic portomesenteric venous thrombosis are often non‐specific but may present with variceal bleeding. We present the first reported case of chronic portomesenteric venous thrombosis causing a high flow arteriovenous malformation that resulted in extensive gastrointestinal bleeding.
Alcohol Cues Impair Learning Inhibitory Signals in Beer Drinkers
Authors: Laude Jennifer R. , Fillmore Mark T.
Published: April 2015

Background

Models of drug addiction emphasize the reciprocal influence of incentive‐motivational properties of drug‐related cues and poor impulse control resulting in drug use. Recent studies have shown that alcohol‐related cues can impair response inhibition. What is unknown is whether these cues also disrupt learning of inhibitory associations.

Methods

Participants performed a conditioned inhibition (CI) task and were required to learn that a neutral image was a conditioned inhibitor when presented in the context of either an alcohol image intended to draw their attention away from the to‐be‐trained inhibitor, or a control condition in which the alcohol image was absent. After training, subjects in each condition rated the likelihood that the neutral image would signal the outcome. Eye tracking was used to verify that attention to the neutral image was in fact reduced when the alcohol image was present.

Results

Compared with controls those trained in the alcohol image condition reported a greater likelihood that the presence of the inhibitor would be followed by the outcome and thus were less able to acquire CI. Measures of eye tracking verified that attention to the alcohol cue was associated with this maladaptive behavior.

Conclusions

When alcohol cues are present, there is a reduced ability to learn that such information is irrelevant to an outcome, and this impairs ones’ ability to inhibit perseveration of a response. This has implications for persistence of a drinking episode.
Social Anxiety and Peer Helping in Adolescent Addiction Treatment
Authors: Pagano Maria E. , Wang Alexandra R. , Rowles Brieana M. , Lee Matthew T. , Johnson Byron R.
Published: April 2015

Background

The developmental need to fit in may lead to higher alcohol and other drug use among socially anxious youths which exacerbates the drink/trouble cycle. In treatment, youths with social anxiety disorder (SAD) may avoid participating in therapeutic activities with risk of negative peer appraisal. Peer‐helping is a low‐intensity, social activity in the 12‐step program associated with greater abstinence among treatment‐seeking adults. This study examined the influence of SAD on clinical severity at intake, peer‐helping during treatment, and outcomes in a large sample of adolescents court‐referred to residential treatment.

Methods

Adolescents (N = 195; 52% female, 30% Black) aged 14 to 18 were prospectively assessed at treatment admission, treatment discharge, and 6 months after treatment discharge. Data were collected using rater‐administered assessments, youth reports, clinician reports, medical charts, and electronic court records. The influence of SAD on peer‐helping and outcomes was examined using hierarchical linear regression and event history methods.

Results

Forty‐two percent of youths reported a persistent fear of being humiliated or scrutinized in social situations, and 15% met current diagnostic criteria for SAD. SAD onset preceded initial use for two‐thirds of youths with SAD and substance dependency. SAD youths presented for treatment with greater clinical severity in terms of earlier age of first use (p < 0.01), greater lifetime use of heroin and polysubstance use (p < 0.05), incarceration history (p < 0.01), and lifetime trauma (p < 0.001). Twelve‐step participation patterns during treatment did not differ between youths with and without SAD except for peer‐helping, which was associated with reduced risk of relapse (p < 0.01) and incarceration (p < 0.05) in the 6 months posttreatment.

Conclusions

This study found evidence of an association between SAD and earlier age of first use, greater lifetime use of heroin, incarceration history, and lifetime trauma. SAD was associated with higher service participation during treatment, which was associated with reduced risk of relapse and incarceration in the 6 months posttreatment. Findings indicate the benefits of service participation for juveniles with SAD which provides a nonjudgmental, task‐focused venue for developing sober networks in the transition back into the community.