bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Statutory Auditors’ Independence in India: An Empirical Analysis from the Stakeholders’ Interest Perspective
Authors: Roy Mitrendu Narayan , Saha Siddhartha Sankar
Published: March 2016

Executive Summary

A business projects its financial performance through its financial statements. An audited financial statement is considered to be genuine and dependable by the stakeholders of the business. Therefore, statutory auditors should be self-regulating so that they can perform their professional role without being influenced by the management. The current regulatory framework for statutory auditors defines independence requirement for a statutory auditor in a professional engagement, points out circumstances that may create threats to independence and also proposes some measures to safeguard the same. However, in recent corporate accounting scandals, company’s failure led to devastating cost to the stakeholders, and audit failure was identified to be one of the causes behind them. Following investigations also sensed possible impairment of statutory auditors’ independence in those scams.

In this backdrop, based on the existing literature on this subject, this article identifies variables influencing positively or negatively statutory auditors’ independence in their professional engagement. Opinions of statutory auditors and select other groups of respondents were collected. Most of the respondent groups believe that statutory auditors fail to detect irregularities in financial books due to their lack of independence and professional scepticism as was observed in this study. Several legal case decisions also support this finding. A long association between a statutory auditor and a client is one of the major reasons behind statutory auditors’ lack of independence. Opinions of respondents supported by applicable legal case decisions also proved that lax disciplinary measures and inadequate inspection framework caused audit failures in many recent cases.

This study also analyses a significant difference of opinion among respondent groups and identifies the groups having a similar line of thought for each variable. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s honestly significant difference (HSD) test were conducted, respectively, for these purposes. The result shows that significant differences exist among the respondent groups for most of the variables. Moreover, corporate executives have shown a significant difference of opinion from professional accountants, especially on the issue of statutory auditors’ negligence. While corporate executives believe statutory auditors are negligent in their duty, professional accountants oppose their views. Applicable legal case decisions also support such findings. Investors have shown similar views in line with academicians and students.
Non-linear dynamic analysis of double-layer semi-active vibration isolation systems using revised Bingham model
Authors: Xia Zhaowang , Wang Xuetao , Hou Junjian , Wei Shoubei , Fang Yuanyuan
Published: March 2016

In this work, a revised Bingham model for magneto-rheological damper is used to investigate the primary resonance reduction in the double-layer semi-active isolation system of marine auxiliary machinery. An analytical solution for the auxiliary double-layer semi-active isolation system’s primary resonance is obtained with an averaging method, and this is verified numerically using the Maple software. The effect of model parameters of magneto-rheological damper on the system’s vibration transmissibility is studied. The research results show that the damping of magneto-rheological damper and the control force have a significant effect on the vibration transmissibility in the resonance region. The vibration transmissibility of the double-layer semi-active isolation system decreases with increase in damping of the magneto-rheological damper and control force. Yet the zero force velocity contributes very little to changes in vibration transmissibility.
Lived experiences of parents caring for a child with a life-limiting condition in Australia: A qualitative study
Authors: Collins Anna , Hennessy-Anderson Nicole , Hosking Sarah , Hynson Jenny , Remedios Cheryl , Thomas Kristina
Published: March 2016

Background:

Experiential studies in paediatric palliative care are needed to enable an ongoing international agenda which supports the development of responsive family supports.

Aim:

To provide an in-depth exploration of the prevalent lived experiences of parents who are currently providing care for a child with a life-limiting condition in Australia.

Design:

Cross-sectional, prospective, qualitative study guided by an advisory group and reported according to the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative studies. Transcripts were subjected to a thematic analysis, underpinned by an interpretative phenomenological framework.

Setting/participants:

Purposively sampled parents ( n = 14) recruited from a statewide paediatric hospice who self-identified as a ‘primary caregiver’ for one or more children and/or adolescents (⩽18 years) with a life-limiting condition.

Results:

Four key themes represented the prevalent experiences of parents: (1) trapped inside the house, (2) the protector, (3) living with the shadow and (4) travelling a different pathway. They describe parents’ physical and social isolation, exclusion from the workforce, pervasive grief and associated impacts to their health and well-being. Limited professional and diminished social supports resulted in full ownership of care responsibility. Yet, parents embraced their role as ‘protector’, reporting acquired meaning and purpose.

Conclusion:

This study builds upon the growing body of evidence available in paediatric palliative care internationally. The key themes highlight the substantial demand for both physical and emotional support beyond what is currently offered and call for the implementation of carefully planned support services and other societal initiatives which seek to alleviate the broad health impacts to caregivers.
Risk factors for erectile dysfunction in patients with cardiovascular disease
Authors: Chaudhary Rakesh Kumar , Shamsi Bilal Haider , Chen Hui-ming , Tan Tan , Tang Kai-fa , Xing Jun-ping
Published: March 2016

Objective

To examine the relationship between risk factors for cardiac disease and erectile dysfunction (ED) in men from Xi’an, China.

Methods

Participants were patients with cardiovascular disease who visited the Cardiovascular Medicine Department of Xi’an Jiaotong University First Affiliated Hospital between September 2011 and March 2012. Two hundred and fifty patients were issued with questionnaires and underwent a physical examination and blood test.Risk factors for ED were identified using univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

In total, 222 participants returned valid questionnaires (89% response rate), underwent a physical examination and blood test, and were included in the study. The most common cardiovascular diseases were hypertension ( n = 142; 64%), coronary heart disease ( n = 90; 41%) and angina pectoris ( n = 78; 35%). Most patients ( n = 144; 65%) had two or more cardiovascular diseases. Age, smoking, body mass index, total cholesterol level, hypertension and the ratio of total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were significantly associated with ED. Domestic location, level of education, participation in physical activity, diabetes and drinking alcohol were not associated with ED.

Conclusions

Common risk factors for cardiovascular disease are associated with ED in patients with cardiovascular disease. This study furthers understanding of the risk factors for ED in Chinese patients with cardiovascular disease and paves the way for further research into the prevention of ED.
The influence of music type and transmission mode on food intake and meal duration: An experimental study
Authors: Kaiser Daniela , Silberberger Sina , Hilzendegen Carolin , Stroebele-Benschop Nanette
Published: March 2016

The influence of auditory stimuli and their transmission mode on food intake and meal duration was assessed in healthy adults (73 male, 74 female) under laboratory conditions. The participants (18–30 years old) were randomized to one of five lunch groups. Five conditions were compared: eating in silence (control condition), eating while listening to background music via loudspeakers, eating while listening to background music via headphones, eating while listening to pop songs with English vocals and eating while listening to pop songs with German vocals. Results showed no association between listening to songs with different emotion-arousing potential and the amount of food consumed. Within-group comparisons revealed longer meal durations while listening to English music and unfamiliar background music via headphones than while listening to familiar German pop songs. The difference with the control condition just failed to reach significance. No differences were found for transmission mode. Further studies to examine the influence of music on food intake and eating behaviour, especially under controlled conditions, are needed.
An experimental investigation into strain and stress partitioning of duplex stainless steel using digital image correlation, X-ray diffraction and scanning Kelvin probe force microscopy
Authors: Örnek Cem , Engelberg Dirk L
Published: March 2016

The evolution of microstructure strain partitioning during quasi in situ tensile loading of grade 2205 duplex stainless steel has been investigated. Digital image correlation revealed the development of tensile strain initially in austenite and at interphase boundaries, and further extending into the ferrite with increasing load. Higher resolution digital image correlation observations indicated strain hardening of austenite, followed by deformation of the ferrite. Digital image correlation analysis of a 20% cold-rolled microstructure revealed tensile strain development at interphases, with discrete tensile and compressive strain pockets observed within the austenite. X-ray diffraction measurements indicated the presence of tensile stresses primarily developing in the ferrite, with full-width at half maximum values indicating plastic strain accumulation primarily in the austenite. The effect of tensile loading on Volta potential differences, obtained via scanning Kelvin probe force microscopy, highlighted the development of discrete anodic and cathodic sites with the introduction of strain. A Volta potential roughness parameter (ΨRa) is introduced describing Volta potential changes as a function of strain. This observation supports the concept of an enhanced propensity of local electrochemical activity with increasing applied strain in duplex stainless steel.
When does chronic migraine strike? A clinical comparison of migraine according to the headache days suffered per month
Authors: Torres-Ferrús M , Quintana M , Fernandez-Morales J , Alvarez-Sabin J , Pozo-Rosich P
Published: March 2016

Introduction

According to the IHCD-3β classification, chronic migraine (CM) is headache occurring on 15 or more days/month. Episodic migraine (EM) can be divided into low frequency (LFEM) and high frequency (HFEM) depending on the headache days suffered per month.

Methods

We performed a clinical comparison of migraine characteristics according to monthly headache days suffered. Patients were divided into three groups: LFEM (1–9 headache days/month), HFEM (10–14 headache days/month) and CM (≥15 headache days/month).

Results

The analysis included 1109 patients. Previously reported differences between EM and CM were replicated. However, there were three times more clinical differences between LFEM and HFEM than between HFEM and CM (15 vs. 6). A new model that takes 10 headache days as a cut-off value for CM would have a minimally higher predictive capacity (72.8%) and no statistical differences (71.8%) when comparing it to the current classification.

Conclusions

HFEM patients have few clinical differences compared with CM patients. This includes the poor outcomes regarding headache-related disability and impact on daily life. According to these findings, neurologists and headache specialists should consider that the emotional and functional impact in HFEM patients could be as disabling as in those with CM.
Leaching of valuable elements from thermal power plant bottom ash using a thermo–hydrometallurgical process
Authors: Bojinova Darinka , Teodosieva Ralitsa
Published: March 2016

The solid industrial wastes generated from thermal power plants (TPPs) can be considered as renewable secondary sources for recovery of valuable metals. This study presents the results from investigations that integrated a thermo–hydro–metallurgical method for treatment of bottom ash obtained from the Enel Maritsa East 3 TPP in Bulgaria. Leaching was performed with 20, 30 and 40 wt% sulphuric acid, respectively, in an autoclave at 100oC, 120oC and 140oC for 120, 240, 360 and 480 min, at a constant value of the liquid/solid ratio. After autoclaving, the samples (suspensions) were diluted with a constant value of water and stirring at 50oC for 60 min. On the basis of the experimental data the leaching efficiency (α) of the elements in the liquid phase after filtration was estimated. The leaching of aluminium increases significantly with increasing of the temperature, reaching the maximum value of 70 wt%. The highest leaching efficiency values for the other elements are as follows: Fe (86.4%), Ca (86.6%), Na (86.6%), Ni (83.3%) and Zn (83.3%). The maximum value of leaching for Mg, K, Mn, Cu and Cr is in the interval of 46–70%.
Effects and optimization of the use of biochar in anaerobic digestion of food wastes
Authors: Cai Jiao , He Pinjing , Wang Ying , Shao Liming , Lü Fan
Published: March 2016

The addition of various amounts of biochar to anaerobic digestion of food wastes at different ratios of inoculum to substrate (ISR) was investigated to evaluate the effect of biochar as a functional additive and to optimize the additive dosage of biochar. The biochar treatments at ISR 2, 1, and 0.8 shortened the lag phase of digestion by −20.0%–10.9%, 43.3%–54.4%, and 36.3%–54.0%, and raised the maximum methane production rate by 100%–275%, 100%–133.3%, and 33.3%–100%, respectively, compared to control without biochar. Biochar also enhanced the degradation rate of dissolved organics and volatile fatty acids. Furthermore, the amount of biochar with best effectiveness at ISR = 2, 1, and 0.8 was 2.5, 0.625, and 0.5 g g−1-waste, respectively. Therefore, the effectiveness of biochar depended on the additive amount of biochar and at the same time the inoculum amount, implying a complementary role of abiotic biochar to biotic inoculum.
Acute Cerebellitis in Children
Authors: Kornreich Liora , Shkalim-Zemer Vered , Levinsky Yoel , Abdallah Wafa , Ganelin-Cohen Esther , Straussberg Rachel
Published: March 2016

Acute cerebellitis is a rare inflammatory condition. It may have a benign, self-limiting course or present as a fulminant disease resulting in severe cerebellar damage or even sudden death. We present the clinical, laboratory, and radiologic data in 9 children diagnosed with acute cerebellitis, who were identified by database search in our pediatric medical center from January 2000 to November 2014. The main presenting symptom was headache, and the main presenting sign was ataxia. Bilateral diffuse hemispheric involvement was the most common imaging finding at presentation. Mycoplasma pneumoniae was the most common infectious pathogen found. Treatment included steroids in all cases, antibiotics in 4, and intravenous immunoglobulins in 6. Six patients had a full recovery, and 3 had residual neurologic complications. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the modality of choice for diagnosis. The course of acute cerebellitis varies from a commonly benign and self-limiting disease to an occasionally fulminant disease, resulting in severe cerebellar damage or sudden death.
Impaired Automatic Arm Movements in Obstetric Brachial Plexus Palsy Suggest a Central Disorder
Authors: Anguelova Galia V. , Malessy Martijn J. A. , Buitenhuis Sonja M. , Zwet Erik W. van , Dijk J. Gert van
Published: March 2016

The authors aimed to find evidence for a central component of the impairment of movement of the affected arm in children with obstetric brachial plexus palsy. The authors performed a cross-sectional study in 19 children (median age 5 years) with obstetric brachial plexus palsy who were able to voluntarily abduct their affected arm beyond 90 degrees. They were asked to perform 4 tasks designed to provoke automatic arm movements to maintain balance. The authors assumed automatic motor programming to be impaired when 2 of 3 investigators agreed using video recordings that the affected arm did not abduct beyond 90 degrees while the unaffected arm did. Children abducted the affected arm less often than the healthy one (generalized binary logistic model of all 4 tasks, P = .001). The deficit during automatic arm abduction was not observed during voluntary movements and therefore cannot be explained by a peripheral deficit, suggesting a central component.
The Genetics of Benign Paroxysmal Torticollis of Infancy
Authors: Shin Meyeon , Douglass Laurie M. , Milunsky Jeff M. , Rosman N. Paul
Published: March 2016

Benign paroxysmal torticollis of infancy is an unusual movement disorder, often accompanied by a family history of migraine. Some benign paroxysmal torticollis cases are associated with CACNA1A mutations. The authors sought to determine the frequency of CACNA1A mutations in benign paroxysmal torticollis by testing 8 children and their parents and by searching the literature for benign paroxysmal torticollis cases with accompanying CACNA1A mutations or other disorders linked to the same gene. In our 8 benign paroxysmal torticollis cases, the authors found 3 different polymorphisms, but no pathogenic mutations. By contrast, in the literature, the authors found 4 benign paroxysmal torticollis cases with CACNA1A mutations, 3 with accompanying family histories of 1 or more of familial hemiplegic migraine, episodic ataxia, and paroxysmal tonic upgaze. Thus, CACNA1A mutations are more likely to be found in children with benign paroxysmal torticollis if accompanied by family histories of familial hemiplegic migraine, episodic ataxia, or paroxysmal tonic upgaze.
Evaluation of Bleeding Events Requiring Hospitalization in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Receiving Dabigatran, Warfarin, or Antiplatelet Therapy
Authors: Riley Tanya R. , Gauthier-Lewis Mary L. , Sanchez Chelsea K. , Riley Treavor T.
Published: March 2016

Objective:

To determine the incidence and severity of bleeding events requiring hospitalization among patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) receiving anticoagulants (dabigatran or warfarin) or antiplatelet agents (eg, aspirin and clopidogrel).

Methods:

This was a single-center, retrospective cohort study involving 1494 patients with AF hospitalized from November 1, 2010, to November 1, 2011, with prior warfarin, dabigatran, or antiplatelet therapy.

Results:

Overall bleeding events in the dabigatran group compared to the warfarin group were 24% and 12%, respectively ( P = .004). Of these events, individually, there were no significant differences in major (56% vs 58%, P = .88), life-threatening (25% vs 36%, P = .38), or minor bleeding (44% vs 42%, P = .06). Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding occurred more in the dabigatran group compared to the warfarin group ( P = .02). Intracranial bleeding occurred in 15% of patients in the warfarin group and did not occur at all in the dabigatran group. Warfarin patients had significantly more overall bleeding events compared to antiplatelet therapy ( P < .001), with an increasing trend seen in major bleeding ( P = .06). GI bleeding, however, favored the warfarin group over the antiplatelet group (48% vs 73%, P = .04).

Conclusion:

Anticoagulation with dabigatran was associated with an overall increased occurrence of bleeding requiring hospital admission compared to warfarin. GI bleeding was more prevalent with dabigatran and antiplatelets than with warfarin. There were more intracranial hemorrhages seen in the warfarin group.
Resource Loss and Gain, Life Satisfaction, and Health Among Retirees in Spain
Authors: Topa Gabriela , Jiménez Irene , Valero Encarna , Ovejero Anastasio
Published: March 2016

Objective: This article focuses on retirement transition from the Conservation of Resources (COR) perspective to better understand how aged participants’ perceptions of retirement losses and gains significantly explain retirement well-being. In this article, the mediation of social support in the losses–well-being relationship is explored. Method: The study was conducted with a two-wave longitudinal design. Participants at T1 were aged Spanish workers (>64 years) and at T2 were retirees, with a final sample of 275, who had retired during the previous 6 months. Results: Findings supported the assertion that losses better explain well-being than gains. In addition, specific losses revealed a higher explaining power of life satisfaction and health complaints depending on their content. Social support mediated between perceived losses and well-being. Discussion: This study suggests that both perceived losses and gains associated with retirement and social support during retirement should be taken into account when addressing postretirement well-being.
Effect of cutting parameters on cutting force and surface roughness during machining microalloyed steel: Comparison between ferrite–pearlite, tempered martensite and ferrite–bainite–martensite microstructures
Authors: Sivaraman V , Sankaran S , Vijayaraghavan L
Published: March 2016

Three different microstructures, namely ferrite–pearlite, tempered martensite and ferrite–bainite–martensite of 38MnSiVS5 microalloyed steel, were produced using controlled thermomechanical processing. The properties are comparable to quenched and tempered steel. The developed microstructures were turned to evaluate their machinability. Mixed modes of response were observed while ferrite–bainite–martensite microstructure exhibits better machinability by way of good surface texture/finish, the ferrite–pearlite microstructure of least strength encounters smaller cutting force.
Modelling of grey cast iron for application to brake discs for heavy vehicles
Authors: Le Gigan Gaël , Ekh Magnus , Vernersson Tore , Lundén Roger
Published: March 2016

Cast iron brake discs are commonly used in the automotive industry, and efforts are being made to gain a better understanding of the thermal and mechanical phenomena occurring at braking. The high thermomechanical loading at braking arises from interaction between the brake disc and the brake pads. Frictional heating generates elevated temperatures with a non-uniform spatial distribution often in the form of banding or hot spotting. These phenomena contribute to material fatigue and wear and possibly also to cracking. The use of advanced calibrated material models is one important step towards a reliable analysis of the mechanical behaviour and the life of brake discs. In the present study, a material model of the Gurson–Tvergaard–Needleman type is adopted, which accounts for asymmetric yielding in tension and compression, kinematic hardening effects, viscoplastic response and temperature dependence. The material model is calibrated using specimens tested in uniaxial cyclic loading for six different temperatures ranging from room temperature to 650 °C. A special testing protocol is followed which is intended to activate the different features of the material model. Validation of the model is performed by using tensile tests and thermomechanical experiments. An application example is given where a 10° sector of a brake disc is analysed using the commercial finitie element code Abaqus under a uniformly applied heat flux on the two friction surfaces. The results indicate that the friction surface of the hat side and the neck can be critical areas with respect to fatigue for the uniform heating studied.
Global performance analysis for space-based missile warning system
Authors: Liu Bing , Yi Taihe , Shen Zhen , Wang Dong , Yi Dongyun
Published: March 2016

Global tracking performance analysis in near-real time for the space-based missile warning system is an architecture level demand for the system designers. The traditional method which based on Monte Carlo simulations cannot meet the demand for its time-consuming nature. In this paper, non-simulation rapid performance prediction methods in stereopsis and monocular observation conditions are studied. The latter, though inevitable, has not been taken into account in other literatures. Furthermore, we also find the geometrical symmetry for monocular observation and propose a rapid analysis method called compass of performance based on this symmetry.
Conceptual development of an advanced air traffic controller workstation based on objective workload monitoring and augmented reality
Authors: Rohacs Jozsef , Rohacs Daniel , Jankovics Istvan
Published: March 2016

NextGen, SESAR, and other international projects intend to develop the coming air traffic management (ATM) environment to cope with the present problems, including e.g. capacity, efficiency, safety, and environmental impact. These projects also introduce considerable changes in the role of air traffic controllers (ATCOs), and shift some of the present tasks from ground to on-board (pilots) and diversify automation. Due to the consequential effects of these developments, (i) the models describing the present operational circumstances, (ii) the working conditions, and (iii) the working environment (e.g. human–machine interactions, task-work and mental loads, cognitive aspects, situation awareness, decision support) must be reconsidered and adapted to the future role of operators. This paper aims to describe a new approach to model the ATCOs’ working processes, and also introduces a new concept for the ATCOs’ future working environment. The developed model covers the situation awareness and decision making processes, including the subjective aspects of the ATCOs decision making based on their workload, mental condition, knowledge, or practice. The proposed new working environment contains special information displays, the decision support system and the ATCOs workload and mental condition measurement / monitoring system, based on objective, on-line, continuous, and nonintrusive measurement techniques. Some of the core systems developed in collaboration with HungaroControl were exhibited at the World ATM congress in 2014 and 2015.
Performance of a jaws inlet under off-design conditions
Authors: Gu Tianlai , Zhang Shuai , Zheng Yao
Published: March 2016

Numerical analysis was conducted of a jaws inlet under different working conditions, including angles of attack of 0° and 3°, varying Mach number, and varying back pressure with a constant-area isolator, to investigate its performance and flow fields of starting and unstarting states. Results reveal that the jaws inlet has an enhanced flow capture capability in starting states, with the mass capture ratio higher than 0.96, but relatively reduced working range of inflow Mach numbers. Its performance at a low Mach number is better than that at a high Mach number. Non-uniform flow fields are observed in unstarting cases at low Mach numbers and high back pressures, while separation structures are confined in the pitching compression section. Further increase in Mach number or decrease in back pressure does not result in significant changes in the separation structures. In the unstarting case under a high back pressure, it is hard to achieve restarting through reductions in the back pressure.
In vivo protection studies of bis-quaternary 2-(hydroxyimino)-N-(pyridin-3-yl) acetamide derivatives against sarin poisoning in mice
Authors: Swami Devyani , Karade Hitendra N , Acharya Jyotiranjan , Kumar Pravin
Published: March 2016

In vivo antidotal efficacy of new bis- quaternary 2-(hydroxyimino)- N-(pyridin-3yl) acetamide derivatives (HNK series), to counter multiples of lethal doses of nerve agent sarin (GB) and reactivation of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), was evaluated in Swiss albino mice. [Protection index PI; median lethal dose (LD50) of sarin with treatment/LD50 of sarin] was estimated, using 0.05, 0.10, and 0.20 LD50 as treatment doses of all the oximes with atropine against sarin poisoning. Dose-dependent time course study was conducted at 0.2, 0.4 and 0.8 LD50 dose of sarin for estimating maximum AChE inhibition. At optimized time (15 min), in vivo enzyme half inhibition concentration (IC50) was calculated. AChE reactivation efficacy of HNK series and pralidoxime (2-PAM) were determined by plotting shift of log IC50 doses. HNK-102 with atropine showed three fold higher PI compared to 2-PAM. In vivo IC50 of sarin for brain and serum AChE was found to be 0.87 LD50 (139.2 µg/kg) and 0.48 LD50 (77.23 µg/kg), respectively. Treatment with HNK-102 and HNK-111 (equal to their 0.20LD50) significantly reactivated sarin-intoxicated AChE ( p < 0.05) at 2× IC50 dose of sarin, compared to 2-PAM. The study revealed that HNK-102 oxime was three times more potent as antidote, for acute sarin poisoning compared to 2-PAM in vivo.
Antecedents of Green Purchase Behaviour: An Examination of Moderating Role of Green Wash Fear
Authors: Rejikumar G.
Published: March 2016

This study was designed to examine the effect of customer perceived green wash fear on certain critical antecedents that develop green purchase intentions among customers. The major antecedents such as customer perceived eco-literacy, perceived individual benefits, perceived customer effectiveness and perceived customer social responsibility were identified from prior empirical evidence. The skepticism in the minds of the customer about green claims was demonstrated by verifying the moderating role of perceived green wash fear on development of green purchase behaviour. The constructs in this study were conceptualized as reflective or formative based on theoretical considerations. A cross-sectional study was conducted in which perceptions of 188 retail customers from Cochin area in Kerala state of India were collected using a structured questionnaire. Variance-based structural equation modelling was used to analyze the linkage among variables of importance. The study found that, other than perceived customer effectiveness, all other variables significantly developed green purchase intentions. The perceived green wash fear was found to be significantly moderating all significant antecedents in the theoretical framework. The study concluded that for sustainable development, green-wash practices should be curbed effectively and customers should be properly and correctly informed about green properties of the products.
Dermatomycosis in three central bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) associated with Nannizziopsis chlamydospora
Authors: Schmidt-Ukaj Silvana , Loncaric Igor , Spergser Joachim , Richter Barbara , Hochleithner Manfred
Published: March 2016

Chronic dermatomycosis was identified in 3 central bearded dragons ( Pogona vitticeps), held as companion animals by the same owner. Clinical signs of dermatomycosis included subcutaneous masses as well as crusty, erosive, and ulcerative skin lesions. The facial region was affected in 2 of the 3 cases. Masses were surgically excised, and histology confirmed necrotizing and granulomatous inflammatory processes associated with fungal hyphae. Two of the bearded dragons were euthanized because of their deteriorating condition. In both cases, postmortem histology confirmed systemic fungal infections despite treatment of 1 animal with itraconazole. In the third bearded dragon, therapy with voriconazole at 10 mg/kg was initially effective, but mycotic lesions reappeared 15 months later. Nannizziopsis chlamydospora was identified by PCR and subsequent DNA sequencing in 2 of these cases.
Robust time varying sliding sector for uncertain structures control
Authors: Katebi Javad , Zamen Sina
Published: March 2016

In this paper, a novel type of control strategy for the active control of uncertain civil structures is introduced. Robust time varying sliding sector for the active control of large, uncertain structures is proposed. The introduced method is chatter free and continuous. Chattering phenomenon is the main drawback in sliding mode controllers. This method is based on defining appropriate sliding sectors with their respective control rules. Sliding sector controller moves system’s states from outside the sector to inside of it with suitable control input. A large structure equipped with active tendons and with mass, stiffness and damping uncertainty is considered. The worst case design is considered where structure’s mass increases and its stiffness and damping coefficients decrease. Furthermore, by applying actuators’ failure, damage-tolerance capacity of the second-order sliding sector is investigated. The structure is subjected to different earth excitations to demonstrate the feasibility of proposed method under various earthquakes with different frequencies. The controlled responses of the structure are compared with LQR method which is a highly robust controller. Comparative results of the numerical simulation are presented to confirm the proposed method robustness and its ability to reduce the structures response under earthquake excitation, effectively.
Applied Nanotoxicology
Authors: Hobson David W. , Roberts Stephen M. , Shvedova Anna A. , Warheit David B. , Hinkley Georgia K. , Guy Robin C.
Published: March 2016

Nanomaterials, including nanoparticles and nanoobjects, are being incorporated into everyday products at an increasing rate. These products include consumer products of interest to toxicologists such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food, food packaging, household products, and so on. The manufacturing of products containing or utilizing nanomaterials in their composition may also present potential toxicologic concerns in the workplace. The molecular complexity and composition of these nanomaterials are ever increasing, and the means and methods being applied to characterize and perform useful toxicologic assessments are rapidly advancing. This article includes presentations by experienced toxicologists in the nanotoxicology community who are focused on the applied aspect of the discipline toward supporting state of the art toxicologic assessments for food products and packaging, pharmaceuticals and medical devices, inhaled nanoparticle and gastrointestinal exposures, and addressing occupational safety and health issues and concerns. This symposium overview article summarizes 5 talks that were presented at the 35th Annual meeting of the American College of Toxicology on the subject of “Applied Nanotechnology.”
Adventures in El Norte
Authors: Ruehs Emily M.
Published: March 2016

Research on migration typically focuses on adults; yet, each year, thousands of children and adolescents immigrate to the United States independently. The experiences and identities of these young immigrants are complicated by a myriad of social locations, not least of all their gender identity. Based on sixteen qualitative interviews with men who immigrated to the United States as unaccompanied minors in the 1990s and 2000s, this article provides an intersectional understanding of the dynamic relationship between masculine identity and migration experience for adolescent men who migrate by themselves. In particular, this work explores how migration can serve as a “male quest story,” allows young men to take economic responsibility for their families, and provides the opportunity for men to escape local forms of violent masculinities.
What about Nontraditional Masculinities? Toward a Quantitative Model of Therapeutic New Masculinity Ideology
Authors: Kaplan Danny , Rosenmann Amir , Shuhendler Sara
Published: March 2016

Despite scholarly interest in changes in masculinity, no study to date offers quantitative measures of nontraditional masculinity ideologies. We identify common denominators of “new masculinity” (NM) ideology rooted in therapeutic discourse, which includes themes of authenticity and holistic self-awareness. A theoretical construct of NM was formalized from in-depth interviews and operationalized as the NM Inventory (NMI). The NMI was tested for structural and external validity in two quantitative samples of Israeli men. The inventory demonstrated discriminant validity with traditional and consumer masculinity ideologies, converged with self-labeling as feminist, and was uniquely predicted by lower levels of modern sexism. This suggests stronger associations between NM and feminist attitudes than previously argued. Lay responses confounded between self-labeling as new man and as metrosexual, echoing ambiguities in public rhetoric of NM. As a unique measure of nontraditional masculinity, the NMI can spur more systematic research into variable outcomes of contemporary understandings of masculinity.
Tolerability of toceranib phosphate (Palladia) when used in conjunction with other therapies in 35 cats with feline oral squamous cell carcinoma: 2009–2013
Authors: Olmsted Gina A , Farrelly John , Post Gerald S , Smith Jaclyn
Published: March 2016

Objectives

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common oral tumor in cats and typically carries a poor prognosis with current treatment options. The objective of this study was to evaluate the toxicity of toceranib phosphate (Palladia; Pfizer) in cats with oral SCC in combination with other treatment modalities.

Methods

In this study, 35 cats were retrospectively evaluated to determine toxicity when treated with toceranib in combination with other treatment modalities. Cats received toceranib at a median dose of 2.75 mg/kg (range 1.9–4.17 mg/kg) 3 days a week. Cats also underwent additional therapies, including surgical excision, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and/or use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Results

Toxicity was seen in six cats, with five cases of grade 1 or 2 gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity and one grade 4 metabolic toxicity. Toceranib was discontinued in one cat and two cats received dose reductions. None of the cats required treatment delays or hospitalization due to toxicity. Median toceranib treatment duration was 77 days (range 7–741 days).

Conclusions and relevance

This study revealed that toceranib was well tolerated by the majority of cats, with five cases of low-grade GI toxicity and one case of metabolic toxicity. Given the favorable toxicity profile, future studies further evaluating the safety and efficacy of toceranib for cats with oral SCC should be considered.
Anthropocene Unconformities
Authors: Tyszczuk Renata
Published: March 2016

This article considers the Anthropocene, or “the age of humans,” the new geological epoch that has been proposed to describe the present time. A geological “unconformity,” however, is “missing time,” an interval or hiatus in the sedimentary geological record that helps geologists determine where epochs begin and end. It is anticipated that the geological record of the Anthropocene might be visible in the future in the numerous possible unconformities in tornado, hurricane, and earthquake zones, identified by successions of building rubble and metal oxides along with fossilized evidence of radioactive material, plastic pollution, increased carbon dioxide levels, and the shifts, distribution, and extinction of species. As the Anthropocene epoch gains ground and acceptance in a number of disciplinary fields, it promises to alter more than the wording in geological textbooks. The text explores the aporetic nature of geological space and time evoked by thinking about Anthropocene unconformities in an unstable world.
In search of pearlescence: Pearls, empire and obsolescence in South Asia
Authors: Eaton Natasha
Published: March 2016

This article explores pearls as an allegorical device for thinking about British colonial art and economy in the later 19th century in South Asia. It takes as its focus elite and subaltern attempts to utilise pearls as a form of ‘armature’ and mode of resistance through an analysis of south Indian fisheries, the use of pearls in coercive portraiture and their ‘blind spot’ appearance in a well-publicised legal case for treason. The article argues that pearlescence – the sheen and light associated with pearls – was central to modes of understanding and representing the British colonial economy more broadly defined. Associated with both scarcity and waste, the pearl and the pearl shell came to define the shape of a globalizing modernity whose primary aesthetic was that of kitsch.
Popular music heritage, community archives and the challenge of sustainability
Authors: Baker Sarah , Collins Jez
Published: March 2016

This article identifies the challenges community archives of popular music face in achieving medium- to long-term sustainability. The artefacts and vernacular knowledge to be found in community archives, both physical and online, are at risk of being lost ‘to the tip’ and, consequently, to ‘cultural memory’, due to a lack of resources and technological change. The authors offer case studies of the British Archive of Country Music, a physical archive, and an online Facebook group Upstairs at the Mermaid, to exemplify how and why such groups must strategize their practices in order to remain sustainable. By including both online and physical community archiving in the scope of this research, the authors find that despite key differences in practice, both archival communities face similar threats of closure. The article concludes with an overview of the general outlook for community archives, and possible solutions to this ongoing issue of sustainable practices and processes for this sector.
Changing perceptions of family: A study of multigenerational households in Australia
Authors: Easthope Hazel , Liu Edgar , Burnley Ian , Judd Bruce
Published: March 2016

Many people around the world live in households with multiple generations of related adults (multigenerational households). While more prominent in certain cultures, multigenerational living is also an important part of the lives of millions in societies where this arrangement has not been seen as ‘the norm’. Australia is one such case, where one in five people live in a multigenerational household. This article presents findings of a research project on multigenerational households in Australia, including a survey of 392 people, 21 diaries and 21 follow-up interviews to explore how multigenerational household members understand their own experiences of living together. It focuses particularly on whether they feel multigenerational living is a socially accepted living arrangement. The article concludes with a discussion about how these experiences and understandings of multigenerational family members may reflect changing social norms regarding the form and role of families in Australian society.
Verb objectivity and source qualification: Comparison of quotation attributions in offline and online newspapers
Authors: Lee Gunho
Published: March 2016

This study explored the use of quotations in offline (the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal) and online ( Huffington Post and Newsmax) newspapers in terms of verb objectivity and source qualification (transparency and credibility). Individual analyses showed offline papers relatively focused more on verb objectivity, whereas online papers concentrated on source qualification. On analyzing verbs and sources together, the study found better journalistic performance in online papers. While offline papers employed verb objectivity as a sole standard for desirable quotation usage, online papers utilized source qualification and verb objectivity as leverages. More transparent-credible sources outnumbered less transparent-credible sources and objective verbs outnumbered unobjective verbs in online papers, but offline papers only had more objective than unobjective verbs and ignored desirable source use.
Participatory journalism in the Chinese context: Understanding journalism as process in China’s participatory culture
Authors: Wang Qun
Published: March 2016

Compared to its Western counterpart, China’s media culture has its uniqueness. The relationship between Chinese media and media users presents ‘Chinese style’ characteristics, especially with the rise of participatory journalism online. Based on critical reflections on the agenda-setting theory and existing research work on participatory journalism, this essay proposes three models of participatory journalism in the Chinese context. Depending on the interaction between media agenda and audience agenda, the three models are as follows: (1) the incompatible model, (2) the negotiatory model, and (3) the unconventional model. This essay aims to use these three models to demonstrate the notion of ‘journalism as process’ proposed by Robinson and the significance of the socialization and politicization of audience understanding.
Arts-based health research and academic legitimacy: transcending hegemonic conventions
Authors: Boydell Katherine M , Hodgins Michael , Gladstone Brenda M , Stasiulis Elaine , Belliveau Geroge , Cheu Hoi , Kontos Pia , Parsons Janet
Published: March 2016

Using the Canadian context as a case study, the research reported here focuses on in-depth qualitative interviews with 36 researchers, artists and trainees engaged in ‘doing’ arts-based health research (ABHR). We begin to address the gap in ABHR knowledge by engaging in a critical inquiry regarding the issues, challenges and benefits of ABHR methodologies. Specifically, this paper focuses on the tensions experienced regarding academic legitimacy and the use of the arts in producing and disseminating research. Four central areas of tension associated with academic legitimacy are described: balancing structure versus openness and flexibility; academic obligations of truth and accuracy; resisting typical notions of what counts in academia; and expectations vis-à-vis measuring the impact of ABHR. We argue for the need to reconsider what counts as knowledge and to reconceptualize notions of evaluation and rigor in order to effectively support the effective production and dissemination of ABHR.
English language learners' writing behaviours during literacy-enriched block play
Authors: Snow Marianne , Eslami Zohreh R. , Park Jeong Hyun
Published: March 2016

Despite the rising number of linguistically diverse students in countries where English is the primary medium of instruction in schools, there is a relative lack of research on how these students learn to write in English and respond to common classroom literacy practices. One practice found in early childhood classrooms is literacy-enriched play, but little research explores how young English language learners respond to this particular intervention. This exploratory study examines three linguistically diverse kindergarten students' use of writing materials in a literacy-enriched block centre in their classroom. Observational notes and writing samples produced by the students during block play were analyzed to determine the frequency and variety of their writing behaviours. The results indicated that all the students, regardless of language background, incorporated drawing and writing into their block play with similar frequency, although they sometimes used different writing strategies. These findings indicated that literacy-enriched centres can provide linguistically diverse students with meaningful opportunities to practice writing.