bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Classical continuum theory limits to determine the size-dependency of mechanical properties of GaN NWs
Authors: Zamani Kouhpanji Mohammad Reza , Behzadirad Mahmoud , Busani Tito
Published: December 2017

We used the stable strain gradient theory including acceleration gradients to investigate the classical and nonclassical mechanical properties of gallium nitride (GaN) nanowires (NWs). We predicted the static length scales, Young's modulus, and shear modulus of the GaN NWs from the experimental data. Combining these results with atomic simulations, we also found the dynamic length scale of the GaN NWs. Young's modulus, shear modulus, static, and dynamic length scales were found to be 318 GPa, 131 GPa, 8 nm, and 8.9 nm, respectively, usable for demonstrating the static and dynamic behaviors of GaN NWs having diameters from a few nm to bulk dimensions. Furthermore, the experimental data were analyzed with classical continuum theory (CCT) and compared with the available literature to illustrate the size-dependency of the mechanical properties of GaN NWs. This practice resolves the previous published discrepancies that happened due to the limitations of CCT used for determining the mechanical properties of GaN NWs and their size-dependency.
Chaos: The speed limiting phenomenon in dynamic atomic force microscopy
Authors: Keyvani Aliasghar , Alijani Farbod , Sadeghian Hamed , Maturova Klara , Goosen Hans , van Keulen Fred
Published: December 2017

This paper investigates the closed-loop dynamics of the Tapping Mode Atomic Force Microscopy using a new mathematical model based on the averaging method in Cartesian coordinates. Experimental and numerical observations show that the emergence of chaos in conventional tapping mode AFM strictly limits the imaging speed. We show that, if the controller of AFM is tuned to be faster than a certain threshold, the closed-loop system exhibits a chaotic behavior. The presence of chaos in the closed-loop dynamics is confirmed via bifurcation diagrams, Poincaré sections, and Lyapunov exponents. Unlike the previously detected chaos due to attractive forces in the AFM, which can be circumvented via simple changes in operation parameters, this newly identified chaos is seemingly inevitable and imposes an upper limit for the closed-loop bandwidth of the AFM.
Size and temperature dependence of M-H loop for Pt/CoFe/IrMn heterojunction
Authors: Zhao Zhen , Wei Dan
Published: December 2017

M-H loops of current-driven spin-orbit torque (SOT) devices with NM/FM/AFM structure have been simulated at different temperature from 50-400 K by Hybrid Monte-Carlo micromagnetics in nanodots and large-sized films. The model includes the polycrystalline microstructure. The effects of anisotropy defects size on M-H loops of dots are discussed, which coincide with experimental scaling tendency, where a lower Kmin at the defect center strongly influences the switching coercivity. Both the defect size and the temperature increase reduces the perpendicular coercivity Hc of nanodots. If the equivalent current-induced switching field is set as 100 mT, the critical switchable diameter of nanodots is around 50 nm with defect damage region of Kmin<0.65K, whereas in nearly perfectly deposited films (Kmin→K or insensitive to dot areas change), the critical switchable diameter will increase to around 100 nm [A. Kurenkov, Appl. Phys. Lett., 110, 9, (2017)].
DEM study of the size-induced segregation dynamics of a ternary-size granular mixture in the rolling-regime rotating drum
Authors: Yang Shiliang , Zhang Liangqi , Luo Kun , Chew Jia Wei
Published: December 2017

Segregation induced by size, shape, or density difference of the granular material is inevitable in both natural and industrial processes; unfortunately, the underlying mechanism is still not fully understood. In view of the ubiquitous continuous particle size distributions, this study builds on the considerable knowledge gained so far from binary-size mixtures and extends it to a ternary-size mixture to understand the impact of the presence of a third particle size in the three-dimensional rotating drum operating in the rolling flow regime. The discrete element method is employed. The evolution of segregation, the active-passive interface, and the dynamical response of the particle-scale characteristics of the different particle types in the two regions are investigated. The results reveal that the medium particles are spatially sandwiched in between the large and small particles in both the radial and axial directions and therefore exhibit behaviors intermediate to the other two particle types. Compared to the binary-size mixture, the presence of the medium particles leads to (i) higher purity of small particles in the innermost of the radial core, causing a decrease of the translational velocity of small particles; (ii) decrease and increase of the collision forces exerted on, respectively, the large and small particles in both regions; and (iii) increase in the relative ratio of the active-passive exchange rates of small to large particles. The results obtained in the current study therefore provide valuable insights regarding the size-segregation dynamics of granular mixtures with constituents of different sizes.
Nonlinear dust ion acoustic waves behaviors analysis in warm viscous dusty plasma with trapped ions
Authors: Patrice Dongmo Tsopgue , Mohamadou Alidou , Kofane Timoleon Crépin
Published: December 2017

The nonlinear excitation of a dust ion acoustic (DIA) wave packet in a viscous dusty plasma consisting of Boltzmann distributed electrons, trapped ions, and variable charged dust is investigated. The dependence of the damping rate of the waves on the plasma parameters is discussed via the linear stability analysis. The standard reductive perturbation method is employed to derive the modified Korteweg-de Vries-Burgers equation due to an interplay among the nonlinearity, dispersion, and dissipation effects, and, the non-dissipative case gives the modified Korteweg-de Vries equation. Bifurcation analysis is discussed for the non-dissipative and dissipative systems assuming a Boltzmann distribution for electrons and a vortex-like distribution for ions. The effects of plasma parameters, among which the dusty plasma viscosity ν, trapping ion parameter β, and dust charge variation γ1 on solitary waves (SWs) and shock wave solutions, are discussed. It is observed that parameters ν and β significantly influence the characteristics of nonlinear dust ion acoustic solitary structures. It is seen that without viscosity (ν = 0), the system has the DIA solitary wave solutions, whereas, the viscous system supports DIA shock waves. By increasing the kinematic viscosity, the opportunity for formation of higher energy shock solitary waves increases and the solitary waves become monotonic shock waves.
Effects of multiple dams on the metacommunity structure of stream macroinvertebrates
Authors: Wan Y. , Yang J. Q. , Zou D. W. , Li J. J. , Qiao Y. J. , An S. Q. , Leng X.
Published: December 2017

Dams and floodgates have been established to mitigate flood hazards and to satisfy the growing demand for water resources; however, the excessive presence of dams in river ecosystems causes a series of ecological problems. Most previous studies regarding the effects of dams on aquatic community structure have focused on the effects of individual dams on river ecosystems on a local scale, whereas few studies have investigated the combined effects of multiple dams at the basin scale. In the present study we explored the combined effects of multiple dams on macroinvertebrate metacommunity structure and quantified these effects using variation partitioning and asymmetric eigenvector map analysis. We found that the combined effects of multiple dams on macroinvertebrate metacommunity structure are significant, and that the direct effects of dams that limit dispersal were greater than the indirect effects of changing environmental conditions. We also found that spatial variables at medium and fine scales captured more variation in macroinvertebrate metacommunity structure than broad-scale partitioning. Because broad-scale spatial variations are primarily attributed to environmental spatial structuring, and medium- and fine-scale spatial community structures are likely related to neutral processes, it was inferred that the direct effects of dams were greater than the indirect effects.
Affimer proteins inhibit immune complex binding to FcγRIIIa with high specificity through competitive and allosteric modes of action
Authors: Robinson James I. , Baxter Euan W. , Owen Robin L. , Thomsen Maren , Tomlinson Darren C. , Waterhouse Mark P. , Win Stephanie J. , Nettleship Joanne E. , Tiede Christian , Foster Richard J. , Owens Raymond J. , Fishwick Colin W. G. , Harris Sarah A. , Goldman Adrian , McPherson Michael J. , Morgan Ann W.
Published: December 2017

Significance

Autoimmune disease pathogenesis is driven by inflammation, induced partly by IgG autoantibody-containing immune complexes binding to Fc gamma receptors (FcγRs). These receptors are valid therapeutic targets in the treatment of autoimmunity. FcγRIIIa is one of a family of highly homologous receptors for IgG antibodies; previous attempts at therapeutic blockade have resulted in off-target effects involving cells that express the almost identical protein FcγRIIIb. Here we report the identification of functionally specific protein-based inhibitors (Affimer proteins) of FcγRIIIa and the structural/functional basis of their selectivity. As molecular research tools FcγRIIIa-specific Affimer proteins provide the ability to block IgG interaction with a single receptor. Our findings suggest that highly selective protein-based blocking agents that may have therapeutic applications can be readily produced.
Developing together with indigenous knowledge - mini review.
Authors: Sillitoe P.
Published: December 2017

Sustainable development requires integrated cooperation between various disciplines. But interdisciplinary research has proved a challenge. The indigenous knowledge (IK) in development approach arguably offers a promising context in which to further necessary interdisciplinary interaction in view of the holistic all-encompassing character of the know-how, experience and practices of local communities. We regularly hear calls for interdisciplinary, notably in development. It is widely agreed that a broad systems perspective is necessary to understand and address the complex problems of poverty, as evident in the natural resources field with the sustainable livelihoods approach. The current trend away from sector focused work - crop improvement, irrigation construction, livestock management, pest control - demands interdisciplinary, which requires cooperation between specialists with diverse backgrounds in both the natural and social sciences. Regardless of the exhortations, not in themselves new, achieving interdisciplinary co-operation has proved a challenge.
The unity of moral attitudes: recipe semantics and credal exaptation
Authors: Shiller Derek
Published: December 2017

This paper offers a noncognitivist characterization of moral attitudes, according to which moral attitudes count as such because of their inclusion of moral concepts. Moral concepts are distinguished by their contribution to the functional roles of some of the attitudes in which they can occur. They have no particular functional role in other attitudes, and should instead be viewed as evolutionary spandrels. In order to make the counter-intuitive implications of the view more palatable, the paper ends with an account of the evolution of normative judgments as exaptations of the cognitive structures that underlie beliefs.
Solving the problem of creeping minimalism
Authors: Simpson Matthew
Published: December 2017

In this paper I discuss the so-called problem of creeping minimalism, the problem of distinguishing metaethical expressivism from its rivals once expressivists start accepting minimalist theories about truth, representation, belief, and similar concepts. I argue that Dreier's ‘explanation’ explanation is almost correct, but by critically examining it we not only get a better solution, but also draw out some interesting results about expressivism and non-representationalist theories of meaning more generally.
The Russian Revolution and the development challenge – Part I: the Russian Revolution and a myriad of global cleavages
Authors: Hopfmann Arndt
Published: December 2017

100 years after the Great Russian Revolution it is time to evaluate the impact of this epoch-making event on the politics and development in the Global South. In Part I, some deliberations on its historical and geo-political aspects are provided.
Snake fangs: 3D morphological and mechanical analysis by microCT, simulation, and physical compression testing
Authors: du Plessis Anton , Broeckhoven Chris , le Roux Stephan G
Published: December 2017

This Data Note provides data from an experimental campaign to analyse the detailed internal and external morphology and mechanical properties of venomous snake fangs. The aim of the experimental campaign was to investigate the evolutionary development of 3 fang phenotypes and investigate their mechanical behaviour. The study involved the use of load simulations to compare maximum Von Mises stress values when a load is applied to the tip of the fang. The conclusions of this study have been published elsewhere, but in this data note we extend the analysis, providing morphological comparisons including details such as curvature comparisons, thickness, etc. Physical compression results of individual fangs, though reported in the original paper, were also extended here by calculating the effective elastic modulus of the entire snake fang structure including internal cavities for the first time. This elastic modulus of the entire fang is significantly lower than the locally measured values previously reported from indentation experiments, highlighting the possibility that the elastic modulus is higher on the surface than in the rest of the material. The micro–computed tomography (microCT) data are presented both in image stacks and in the form of STL files, which simplifies the handling of the data and allows its re-use for future morphological studies. These fangs might also serve as bio-inspiration for future hypodermic needles.
Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans of Distal Extremities and Acral Sites
Authors: Shah Kabeer K. , McHugh Jonathan B. , Folpe Andrew L. , Patel Rajiv M.
Published: December 2017

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) of the distal extremities and acral sites are extremely rare and incompletely characterized. Twenty-seven DFSP occurring in these sites were retrieved from our collective archives and reevaluated. Tumors occurred in 16 males and 11 females. Median age at presentation was 42.5 years (range, 7 to 78 y). Lesions involved the foot (18 with 6 in the toes and 2 on the plantar foot), distal ankle (4), hand (4 with 2 in the thumbs), and wrist (1). All cases showed predominantly classic DFSP morphology and were diffusely CD34 positive. Myxoid change, melanin pigmented, and giant cell fibroblastoma foci were each present in 1 case, respectively. Fibrosarcomatous change was present in 3 cases. Fluorescent in situ hybridization demonstrated PDGFB gene rearrangement in 9 of 10 tested cases. Clinical follow-up was available in 21 cases (median, 36.1 mo; range, 1 to 152 mo) and revealed 4 local recurrences. Four patients underwent digital amputation for unresectable recurrent disease. An additional patient underwent multiple resections with positive margins and elected to receive imatinib mesylate therapy. After a 2-year course, the patient has no evidence of residual disease (40 mo). No metastases were documented in any of the cases studied. The natural history of DFSP of distal extremities and acral sites is similar to that of its counterparts elsewhere. A high index of suspicion, careful morphologic examination for key histologic features of DFSP, and in selected cases, molecular studies to identify the pathognomonic COL1A1-PDGFB gene fusion should facilitate the distinction of these rare, locally aggressive neoplasms from morphologic mimics that may arise in distal extremities and acral sites.
Evaluation of Retinal Changes in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy and Parkinson Disease
Authors: Gulmez Sevim Duygu , Unlu Metin , Gultekin Murat , Karaca Cagatay , Mirza Meral , Mirza Galip Ertugrul
Published: December 2017

Background:

Differentiating Parkinson disease (PD) from progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) can be challenging early in the clinical course. The aim of our study was to see if specific retinal changes could serve as a distinguishing feature.

Methods:

We used spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) with automatic segmentation to measure peripapillary nerve fiber layer thickness and the thickness and volume of retinal layers at the macula.

Results:

Thicknesses of superior peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL), macular ganglion cell layer, inner plexiform layer, inner nuclear layer, and macular volume were more affected in PSP compared with PD (P < 0.05). Thicker inferotemporal pRNFL and lower macular volume were detected in levodopa users compared with nonusers in patients with PD.

Conclusions:

PD and PSP are associated with distinct changes in retinal morphology, which can be assessed with SD-OCT.
White matter correlates of hemi-face dominance in happy and sad expression
Authors: Ioannucci Stefano , George Nathalie , Friedrich Patrick , Cerliani Leonardo , de Schotten Michel Thiebaut
Published: December 2017

The neural underpinnings of human emotional expression are thought to be unevenly distributed among the two brain hemispheres. However, little is known on the anatomy supporting this claim, particularly in the cerebral white matter. Here, we explored the relationship between hemi-face dominance in emotional expression and cerebral white matter asymmetries in 33 healthy participants. Measures of emotional expression were derived from pictures of the participant’s faces in a ‘happy smiling’ and a ‘sad frowning’ conditions. Chimeric faces were constructed by mirroring right and left hemi-faces, as done in previous studies, resulting in a left mirrored and right mirrored chimeric face per picture. To gain measures of hemi-face dominance per participant, a jury of 20 additional participants rated which chimeric face shows higher intensity of emotional expressivity, by marking a 155mm line between the two versions. Measures of the asymmetry of the uncinate, the cingulum and the three branches of superior longitudinal fasciculi were derived from diffusion weighted imaging tractography dissections. Group effect analyses indicated that the degree of asymmetry in emotional expression was not as prominent as reported in the literature and showed a large inter-individual variability. The degree of asymmetry in emotional expression was, however, significantly associated with the asymmetries in connective properties of the fronto-temporal and fronto-parietal tracts, specifically the uncinate fasciculus and the first branch of the superior longitudinal fasciculus. Therefore, this result raises novel hypotheses on the relationship of specific white matter tracts and emotional expression, especially their role in mood disorders.

Ethical statement

None of the authors have a conflict of interest

Data collection from human participants was approved by the Comité de Protection des Personnes “CPP Ile de France V”

All participants provided written informed consent

Funding from ERC (grant agreement No. 818521) and “Agence Nationale de la Recherche” [grants numbers ANR-13-JSV4-0001-01 an ANR-10-IAIHU-06]
Long-range infra-sound acoustic signaling in humanin vivo
Authors: Chang Xiaoyue , Zhang Li , Wei Xiguang , Peng Zengfu , Zhang Zhiguo , Liu Zhong , Li Pei-Wen , Lai Pui Tao , Chan Shing Chow , Yang Edward S
Published: December 2017

Acupuncture is widely deployed today, but its basic physiology with Qi and meridian is not understood. This letter postulates that Qi is an infrasound wave packet and meridian is the muscle waveguide. Using video cameras and signal processing in an IRB approved clinical experiment we performed a comparison between control and electro-activated statistical tests on the long range (50-80cm) unidirectional transmission of Qi (p = 0.025). In the reverse direction, there is no transmission even in a distance of less than 10 cm (p = 0.545). The rectification is a surprise but in full agreement with Huang Di Nei Jing.
FGFs are orchestra conductors of Shh-dependent oligodendroglial fate specification in the ventral spinal cord
Authors: Farreny Marie-Amélie , Agius Eric , Bel-Vialar Sophie , Escalas Nathalie , Khouri-Farah Nagham , Soukkarieh Chadi , Pituello Fabienne , Cochard Philippe , Soula Cathy
Published: December 2017

Most oligodendrocytes of the spinal cord originate from ventral progenitor cells of the pMN domain, characterized by expression of the transcription factor Olig2. A minority of oligodendrocytes is also recognized to emerge from dorsal progenitors during fetal development. The prevailing view is that generation of ventral oligodendrocytes depends on Sonic hedgehog (Shh) while dorsal oligodendrocytes develop under the influence of Fibroblast Growth Factors (FGFs). Using the well-established model of the chicken embryo, we evidence that ventral spinal progenitor cells activate FGF signaling at the onset of oligodendrocyte precursor cell (OPC) generation, as do they dorsal counterpart. Inhibition of FGF receptors at that time appears sufficient to prevent generation of ventral OPCs, highlighting that, in addition to Shh, FGF signaling is required also for generation of ventral OPCs. We further reveal an unsuspected interplay between Shh and FGF signaling by showing that FGFs serve dual essential functions in ventral OPC specification. FGFs are responsible for timely induction of a secondary Shh signaling center, the lateral floor plate, a crucial step to create the burst of Shh required for OPC specification. At the same time, FGFs prevent down-regulation of Olig2 in pMN progenitor cells as these cells receive higher threshold of the Shh signal. Finally, we bring arguments favoring a key role of newly differentiated neurons acting as providers of the FGF signal required to trigger OPC generation in the ventral spinal cord.
CLAN: the CrossLinked reads ANalyais tool
Authors: Zhong Cuncong , Zhang Shaojie
Published: December 2017

The crosslinked RNA sequencing technology ligates interacting RNA strands followed by next-generation sequencing. Mapping of the resulting duplex reads allows for functional inference of the corresponding intramolecular/intermolecular RNA-RNA interactions. However, duplex read mapping remains computationally challenging, and the existing best-performing software fails to map a significant portion of the duplex reads. To address this challenge, we develop a novel algorithm for duplex read mapping, called CrossLinked reads ANalysis tool (CLAN). CLAN demonstrates drastically improved sensitivity and high alignment accuracy when applied to real crosslinked RNA sequencing data. CLAN is implemented in GNU C++, and is freely available from http://sourceforge.net/projects/clan-mapping.
A cortical immune network map identifies a subset of human microglia involved in Tau pathology
Authors: Patrick Ellis , Olah Marta , Taga Mariko , Klein Hans-Ulrich , Xu Jishu , White Charles C , Felsky Daniel , Gaiteri Chris , Chibnik Lori B , Mostafavi Sara , Schneider Julie A , Bennett David A , Bradshaw Elizabeth M , De Jager Philip L
Published: December 2017

Microglial dysfunction has been proposed as one of the many cellular mechanisms that can contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here, using a transcriptional network map of the human frontal cortex, we identify five gene modules of co-expressed genes related to microglia and assess their role in the neuropathologic features of AD in 541 subjects from two cohort studies of brain aging. Two of these transcriptional programs – modules 113 and 114 – relate to the accumulation of β-amyloid, while module 5 relates to tau pathology. These modules are also detectable in the human brain's epigenome, where we replicate these associations. In terms of tau, we propose that module 5, a marker of activated microglia, may lead to tau accumulation and subsequent cognitive decline. We validate our model further by showing that VASP, a representative module 5 gene, encodes a protein that is upregulated in activated microglia in AD.
Local-scale structures across the morphotropic phase boundary in PbZr1−x
Ti
x
O3
Authors: Zhang Nan , Yokota Hiroko , Glazer A. M. , Keen D. A. , Gorfman Semën , Thomas P. A. , Ren Wei , Ye Zuo-Guang
Published: December 2017

Lead zirconate titanate (PZT) is one of the most widely studied piezoelectric materials, mainly because of its `mysterious' relationship between the so-called morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) and its strong piezoelectric coupling factor. Using results from a pair distribution function analysis, this paper examines how the complex local structure in PZT affects the long-range average structure across the MPB. A monoclinic M
C
type structure is discovered in PZT. A first-order transformation between the monoclinic M
A
and M
C
components in both the average and local structures explains the sudden change in piezoelectric effect around these compositions. The role of polarization rotation in the enhancement of the piezoelectric properties is discussed with respect to the composition of PZT. The structure–property relationship that is revealed by this study explains the unique properties of PZT, and may be applicable in the design of new MPB-type functional materials.
Poly[bis(trimethylammonium) [hexa-μ-cyanido-cadmium(II)dicopper(I)]]
Authors: Nishikiori Shin-ichi , Yoshida Jun , Yuge Hidetaka
Published: December 2017

The title compound, {(C3H10N)2[CdCu2(CN)6]}n, has been synthesized as an alternative to the high-emitting complexes containing more expensive metals. The CN−ligands make linkages between the CuIand CdIIions to form the coordination polymer, [CdCu2(CN)6]n2−, which is a three-dimensional framework classified as pyrite net (pyr). The net has a void space for accommodating a trimethylammonium ion located on a threefold rotation axis. The CdIIion lies on a special position with site symmetry -3 and is octahedrally coordinated by six N atoms. The CuIion is located on a threefold rotation axis and has a trigonal-planar coordination geometry formed by three C atoms. In the three-dimensional net, two CuIions are arranged closely [Cu...Cu = 3.9095 (5) Å], but the distance is not short enough to suggest a CuI–CuIinteraction. The crystal studied was a merohedral twin (twin operation 2[101]), the refined component ratio being 0.9202 (7):0.0798 (7). A powder of the title compound shows strong luminescence with an emission maximum at 509 nm and a quantum yield of 98% at room temperature.
Engel curve, farmer welfare and food consumption in 40 years of rural China
Authors: Yu Xiaohua
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the theoretical background, methodological extensions, and empirical applications of the Engel curve, which is applied to the research of the change in farmers’ welfare and food demand in China after the economic reform in 1978, compared with the statistics of income and food consumption.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper mainly uses the traditional method of Engel curve, which is compared with income growth and food consumption, to study farmers’ welfare improvement in rural China.

Findings

The Engel coefficients identify three different stages for farmers’ welfare change after 1978. The first stage is the period between 1978 and 1988, in which farmers’ welfare has been continuously enhanced due to the institutional bonus of the 1978 economic reform and increased government purchase price of agricultural products. The second stage is the period between 1989 and 1995, in which farmers’ welfare has been slightly deteriorated mainly due to the end of institutional reform bonus, suppressed food prices, relative high inflation, and instable political situation. The third stage is the period after 1995, in which farmers’ welfare returns to a growing path, as the dual price system was abolished, the transition from a planned economy to a market economy had been completed, and the government carried out protective policies for agriculture and started to heavily subsidize agriculture. The Engel coefficient still remained at a very high level at 0.59 in 1995, but it continuously decreased to 0.33 in 2015. The welfare enhancement for farmers mainly results from deepened market-oriented reform, protective policies for agriculture, and prevalent off-farm employment. The Engel coefficient is also linked to food demand elasticities. Along with the decreasing Engel coefficient in the past 40 years, income elasticities also continuously decrease from 0.55 in 1978 to 0.08 in 2015. Food demand is very inelastic now, and any further increase in income will not substantially increase food demand any more.

Research limitations/implications

Inequality has not been analyzed.

Originality/value

This paper reviews the methodological advantages of the Engel curves, and uses it to identify different stages of welfare change and estimate income elasticities of food demand for farmers in China after the 1978 economic reform.
Estimation of market equilibrium values for apple attributes
Authors: Choi Jong Woo , Yue Chengyan , Luby James , Zhao Shuoli , Gallardo Karina , McCracken Vicki , McFerson Jim
Published: December 2017

Purpose

Development of new cultivars requires extensive genetic knowledge, trained personnel, and significant financial resources, so it is crucial for breeders to focus on the attributes most preferred by the key supply chain stakeholders such as consumers and producers. The purpose of this paper is to identify which attributes generate the highest total revenue or social surplus, information that breeders can take into account as they allocate resources to focus on attributes in their breeding programs.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used mail-in and online surveys to collect consumer and producer choice experiment data, and then employed mixed logit models to analyze and simulate individual producer and consumer willingness to pay (WTP) for the apple attributes.

Findings

Based on the simulation results, this study derived the supply and demand curves and the market equilibrium prices and quantities for each apple attribute. Based on the WTP analysis for both consumer and producer, this paper found the highest equilibrium price and welfare for apples come from crispness, followed by flavor.

Originality/value

The authors propose a framework to estimate the equilibrium prices and quantities of a product based on the results of choice experiments. The framework can be easily adapted to understand any countries’ producer and consumer preferences for certain products.
Evaluating an optimized backward chaining ontology reasoning system with innovative custom rules
Authors: Shi Hui , Chong Dazhi , Yan Gongjun
Published: December 2017

Purpose

Semantic Web is an extension of the World Wide Web by tagging content with “meaning”. In general, question answering systems based on semantic Web face a number of difficult issues. This paper aims to design an experimental environment with custom rules and scalable data sets and evaluate the performance of a proposed optimized backward chaining ontology reasoning system. This study also compares the experimental results with other ontology reasoning systems to show the performance and scalability of this ontology reasoning system.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors proposed a semantic question answering system. This system has been built using ontological knowledge base including optimized backward chaining ontology reasoning system and custom rules. With custom rules, the proposed semantic question answering system will be able to answer questions that contain qualitative descriptors such as “groundbreaking” resesarch and “tenurable at university x”. Scalability has been one of the difficult issues faced by an optimized backward chaining ontology reasoning system and semantic question answering system. To evaluate the proposed ontology reasoning system, first, the authors design a number of innovative custom rule sets and corresponding query sets. The innovative custom rule sets and query sets will contribute to the future research on evaluating ontology reasoning systems as well. Then they design an experimental environment including ontologies and scalable data sets and metrics. Furthermore, they evaluate the performance of the proposed optimized backward chaining reasoning system on supporting custom rules. The evaluation results have been compared with other ontology reasoning systems as well.

Findings

The proposed innovative custom rules and query sets can be effectively employed for evaluating ontology reasoning systems. The evaluation results show that the scalability of the proposed backward chaining ontology reasoning system is better than in-memory reasoning systems. The proposed semantic question answering system can be integrated in sematic Web applications to solve scalability issues. For light weight applications, such as mobile applications, in-memory reasoning systems will be a better choice.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils an identified need for a study on evaluating an ontology reasoning system on supporting custom rules with and without external storage.
Consumer preferences for wine attributes in an emerging market
Authors: Mehta Ritu , Bhanja Nivedita
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The growing wine market in India presents a tremendous opportunity for marketers to formulate a strategy targeted at the Indian consumers. The purpose of this paper is to identify the attributes that are important for young wine drinkers in their selection of wine, the preferred option within the identified attributes and the relative importance consumers place on the identified attributes.

Design/methodology/approach

In-depth interviews were carried out to identify the attributes of primary importance in the wine selection process. Subsequently, conjoint analysis was conducted on the data collected through a survey of 252 respondents which ranked purchase intention of profiles derived from an orthogonal design.

Findings

In-depth interviews revealed five factors as important in the choice of wine, namely, price, brand, taste, origin and type of the wine. The results of conjoint analysis showed price as the most important factor, followed by the type of the wine. Red was the most preferred type. Brand, taste and origin follow up in that order of importance with millennials preferring to buy familiar brands, sweet wines and of Indian origin.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the wine consumer behaviour research by identifying the attributes that are important for marketing of wine to the large segment of Indian millennial consumers. The findings will help marketers to better position their wines in the Indian market. The study will also aid in the development of product, branding and pricing decisions.
Lifers over tariff: exploring psychological barriers to progression
Authors: Gray Lorna Anne
Published: December 2017

Purpose

There are a significant number of life-sentenced prisoners in Scotland who are over tariff (i.e. past their punishment part expiry date) and who appear to have difficulty in making the transition towards community reintegration. The factors involved in their repeated returns to closed conditions are not adequately understood. The purpose of this paper is to explore this issue using a qualitative approach in order to understand the experience of life-sentenced prisoners in this position, and the psychological barriers that compromise their progression to less secure conditions and the community.

Design/methodology/approach

In-depth interviews were conducted with eight life-sentenced prisoners who met the criteria for the research. All were significantly over tariff and all had multiple failed attempts at progression to less secure conditions. Interviews were recorded and transcripts were analysed using theoretical thematic analysis.

Findings

The analysis produced three identifiable supraordinate themes, each with subordinate themes. The supraordinate themes included: shaming self-identify, perception of the community as daunting, and disempowerment. The ability to generalise the findings outwith the participants of this study are acknowledged.

Practical implications

This has provided further understanding as to the complexity of the issue, and the ways in which it manifests into behaviour. Initial (albeit tentative) recommendations for intervention and service provision can therefore be identified.

Originality/value

The results are discussed against the implications for service provision in Scottish prisons, and identify the areas for further research that will help to inform the forensic practices in this context.
“This class is not for you”
Authors: Jones Sally , Warhuus Jan P.
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the social construction of gendered subjects in entrepreneurship education (EEd), through the analysis of course descriptions. For this purpose, the analytical constructs of the Fictive Student and the Fictive Entrepreneur are developed.

Design/methodology/approach

Through analysis of 86 course descriptions from 81 universities in 21 countries, this study examines the degree to which course descriptions use gendered language, how such language constructs gendered subjects, and the resultant implications.

Findings

This paper finds that course descriptions are predominantly, but not exclusively, masculine in their language. More importantly, the distribution of feminine and masculine language is uneven across course descriptions. Context variables such as regional or national culture differences do not explain this distribution. Instead, the phenomenon is explained by course content/type; whereby practice-based entrepreneurship courses are highly masculine, compared to traditional academic courses, where students learn about entrepreneurship as a social phenomenon.

Practical implications

Universities and educators have not taken into account recent research about the real and possible negative consequences of positioning entrepreneurship in a stereotypical, masculinized fashion. This may offer an inexpensive opportunity to improve recruitment and description accuracy.

Originality/value

The paper’s contribution is fourfold. First, it contributes to debates on the gendering of entrepreneurship by extending these into EEd. Second, it extends Sarasvathy’s (2004) concern with barriers to, rather than incentives for, entrepreneurship to include EEd. Third, it contributes to the emerging literature on entrepreneurship as practice, by highlighting the masculization of EEd, as it gets closer to practice and the role of language in this. Finally, it highlights the gendered implications of English medium courses.
Incorporating technical analysis in undergraduate curricula
Authors: Melton Michael R. , Nguyen Xuan (Susan) , Simeone Michael
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce instruction of technical analysis on the undergraduate level that can coincide with traditional teachings of fundamental analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

Through examples using the latest in security analysis technology, this paper illustrates the importance of technical security analysis.

Findings

This research illustrates how technical analysis techniques may be used to make more significant investment decisions.

Originality value

Kirkpatrick and Dahlquist define technical analysis as a security analysis discipline for forecasting future direction of prices through the study of past market data primarily price and volume This form of analysis has stood in direct contrast to the fundamental analysis approach whereby actual facts of the company its industry and sector may be ignored. Understanding this contrast, much of academia has chosen to continue to focus its finance curricula on fundamental analysis techniques. As more universities implement trading rooms to reflect that of industry, they must recognize that any large brokerage trading group or financial institution will typically have both a technical analysis and fundamental analysis team. Thus, the need to incorporate technical analysis into undergraduate finance curricula.
Investments in power generation in Great Britain c.1960-2010
Authors: Warren Liz , Quinn Martin , Kristandl Gerhard
Published: December 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the increasing role of financialisation on investment decisions in the power generation industry in Great Britain (GB). Such decisions affect society, and the relative role of financialisation in these macro-levels decisions has not been explored from a historical perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on historical material and interview data. Specifically, we use an approach inspired by institutional sociology drawing on elements of Scott’s (2014) pillars of institutions. Applying concepts stemming from regulative and normative pressures, we explore changes in investments over the analysis period to determine forces which institutionalised practices – such as accounting – into investment in power generation.

Findings

Investments in electricity generation have different levels of public and private participation. However, the common logics that underpin such investment practices provide an important understanding of political-economics and institutional change in the UK. Thus, the heightened use of accounting in investment has been, to some extent, a contributory factor to the power supply problems now faced by the British public.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to prior literature on the effects of financialisation on society, adding power generation/energy supply to the many societal level issues already explored. It also provides brief but unique insights into the changing nature of the role of accounting in an industry sector over an extended timeframe.
Social entrepreneurship through digital communication in farming
Authors: Ratten Vanessa
Published: December 2017

Purpose

Despite the interest in non-profit and sustainable ways of connecting farms to society, less is known about how to conduct this through digital technology and communication. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to discuss how to connect farms to society through digital technology and communication.

Design/methodology/approach

In-depth interviews of 15 Australian farmers were conducted in order to understand their perceptions of how to engage in digital forms of social entrepreneurship and thematic analysis techniques were utilized to understand the content from the interview transcripts.

Findings

The findings suggest that digital social farm entrepreneurship can be categorized into social bricoleurs, social constructionists and social engineers.

Research limitations/implications

This typology helps to understand the contextual role farm entrepreneurs play in rural economies and their place in global societies.

Practical implications

Many Australian farms are in remote locations far from urban centers, which makes digital forms of social entrepreneurship an important way that farmers can promote social entrepreneurial ventures.

Originality/value

This paper highlights how there has been a growing interest in developing social entrepreneurship in Australian farms due to their connection with rural communities and environments.
Brief Exposures to the Taste of Ethanol (EtOH) and Quinine Promote Subsequent Acceptance of EtOH in a Paradigm that Minimizes Postingestive Consequences
Authors: Loney Gregory C. , Meyer Paul J.
Published: December 2017

Background

Aversion to the orosensory properties of concentrated ethanol (EtOH) solutions is often cited as a primary barrier to initiation of drinking and may contribute to abstention. These aversive properties include gustatory processes which encompass both bitter‐like taste qualities and trigeminal‐mediated irritation. Chronic intermittent EtOH access (CIA) results in substantial and persistent increases in EtOH consumption, but the degree to which this facilitation involves sensory responding to EtOH and other bitter stimuli is currently undetermined.

Methods

Long‐Evans rats were given brief‐access licking tests designed to examine the immediate, taste‐guided assessment of the palatability of EtOH and quinine solutions. Rats were assessed once in a naïve state and again following previous brief‐access exposure, or following 4 weeks of CIA. The relationship between the sensitivity to the aversive orosensory properties of EtOH and quinine following EtOH access and the impact of antecedent quinine exposure on the acceptance of EtOH were determined in 2 parallel studies.

Results

Both brief access to EtOH and 4‐week CIA resulted in substantial rightward shifts in the concentration–response function of brief‐access EtOH licking, indicating that EtOH exposure increased acceptance of the taste of EtOH. The initial sensitivity to the aversive orosensory properties of EtOH and quinine was positively correlated in naïve rats, such that rats that were initially more accepting of quinine were also more accepting of EtOH. Rats that sampled quinine immediately prior to tasting EtOH exhibited successive positive contrast in that they were more accepting of highly concentrated EtOH, relative to a water‐control group.

Conclusions

Increased EtOH acceptance following exposure is, at least in part, facilitated by a decrease in its aversive sensory properties. Both long‐ and short‐term access increase the palatability of the taste of EtOH in brief‐access licking tests. Moreover, the sensitivity to the bitterness of quinine was predictive of acceptance of EtOH indicating some commonality in the sensory mechanisms that mediate the initial acceptance of the 2 stimuli. Accordingly, immediate prior exposure to quinine results in increased acceptance of EtOH, suggesting that successive positive contrast between oral stimuli may contribute to increased alcohol consumption.
Seizing opportunities to diversify conservation
Authors: Gould Rachelle K. , Phukan Indira , Mendoza Mary E. , Ardoin Nicole M. , Panikkar Bindu
Published: December 2017

This article identifies, and offers several ways to address, a serious, persistent issue in conservation: low levels of diversity in thought and action. We first describe the lack of diversity and highlight the continued separation of the environmental conservation and environmental justice movements. We then offer—based on previous research and our collective experience—two suggestions for how to increase inclusivity (a step farther than increasing diversity) in holistic ways. We suggest that embracing narrative, including historical narrative that can be profound and painful, may be essential to addressing this deeply rooted issue. We also suggest the need to redefine “environment” to more closely align with the diversity of perspectives that different people and disciplines bring to the topic. We support our suggestions with selected data from empirical research and provide examples of initiatives that embody them.