bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drop spreading at the impact in the Leidenfrost boiling
Authors: Castanet G. , Caballina O. , Lemoine F.
Published: June 2015

Although the Leidenfrost effect has been extensively studied in the past, one challenge for the modeling of this phenomenon remains, namely, how to determine the effect induced by the presence of a vapor film on the frictions exerted on the drop. To address this issue, experiments are carried out on liquids with very different viscosities including water, ethanol, and several mixtures of water and glycerol. The deformation of droplets of a few hundred micrometers, impinging a perfectly smooth solid surface heated above the Leidenfrost temperature, is observed by shadowgraphy using a high-speed camera. Experimental results are compared to a theoretical model which is based on an inviscid asymptotic solution for the flow inside the lamella. This model also considers a lamella thickness which does not depend on the viscosity, the surface tension, and thus on the Reynolds and Weber numbers. This description of the lamella is valid if Weber and Reynolds numbers are high enough. Mass and momentum balances applied to the rim bounding the spreading lamella yield an equation for the rim motion which is then solved numerically. This equation accounts for the momentum transferred to the rim by the liquid coming from the lamella, the capillary forces, and the viscous stress at the separation between the lamella and the rim. The comparison between the model and the experiments suggests that the liquid at the bottom edge of the lamella is dragged by the vapor film given that the vapor velocity in the vapor film is significantly larger than that of the liquid. This process significantly increases the drop spreading for the low viscosity liquids. An analysis of the viscous boundary layer which develops at the bottom edge of the lamella is found to confirm this scenario.
Oxygen defect processes in silicon and silicon germanium
Authors: Chroneos A. , Sgourou E. N. , Londos C. A. , Schwingenschlögl U.
Published: June 2015

Silicon and silicon germanium are the archetypical elemental and alloy semiconductor materials for nanoelectronic, sensor, and photovoltaic applications. The investigation of radiation induced defects involving oxygen, carbon, and intrinsic defects is important for the improvement of devices as these defects can have a deleterious impact on the properties of silicon and silicon germanium. In the present review, we mainly focus on oxygen-related defects and the impact of isovalent doping on their properties in silicon and silicon germanium. The efficacy of the isovalent doping strategies to constrain the oxygen-related defects is discussed in view of recent infrared spectroscopy and density functional theory studies.
The generation of 68 Gbps quantum random number by measuring laser phase fluctuations
Authors: Nie You-Qi , Huang Leilei , Liu Yang , Payne Frank , Zhang Jun , Pan Jian-Wei
Published: June 2015

The speed of a quantum random number generator is essential for practical applications, such as high-speed quantum key distribution systems. Here, we push the speed of a quantum random number generator to 68 Gbps by operating a laser around its threshold level. To achieve the rate, not only high-speed photodetector and high sampling rate are needed but also a very stable interferometer is required. A practical interferometer with active feedback instead of common temperature control is developed to meet the requirement of stability. Phase fluctuations of the laser are measured by the interferometer with a photodetector and then digitalized to raw random numbers with a rate of 80 Gbps. The min-entropy of the raw data is evaluated by modeling the system and is used to quantify the quantum randomness of the raw data. The bias of the raw data caused by other signals, such as classical and detection noises, can be removed by Toeplitz-matrix hashing randomness extraction. The final random numbers can pass through the standard randomness tests. Our demonstration shows that high-speed quantum random number generators are ready for practical usage.
Hybrid molecular simulation of methane storage inside pillared graphene
Authors: Hassani Atieh , Hamed Mosavian Mohammad Taghi , Ahmadpour Ali , Farhadian Nafiseh
Published: June 2015

In this study, a hybrid molecular dynamics—grand canonical Monte Carlo simulation is carried out to investigate the storage capacity of methane in a new nanostructure adsorbent called pillared graphene. This new nanostructure is composed of graphene sheets in parallel with vertical carbon nanotubes (CNTs), which act as their holders. The adsorption ability of this new structure is compared to graphene sheets to evaluate its potential for methane storage. The results show that in a specific adsorbent volume, applying pillared graphene increases the number of adsorbed methane up to 22% in comparison to graphene sheets. Given the application of various isotherm models such as Langmuir, Freundlich, Sips, and Toth and calculation of their parameters, it is predicted that methane adsorption on pillared graphene displays a heterogeneous behavior. Furthermore, the effects of geometry parameters such as CNTs diameter, the number of CNTs, and graphene sheets layer spacing on the methane uptake are investigated. The results show that the pillared graphene containing 1 CNT per 30 nm2 graphene sheet areas provides the best configuration for methane adsorption. This optimum structure is characterized by a small diameter of about 0.938 nm and an optimal layer spacing of about 1.2 nm. Finally, our results show that this kind of pillared structure can be suitable for methane storage.
Thermodynamic perturbation theory for associating fluids confined in a one-dimensional pore
Authors: Marshall Bennett D.
Published: June 2015

In this paper, a new theory is developed for the self-assembly of associating molecules confined to a single spatial dimension, but allowed to explore all orientation angles. The interplay of the anisotropy of the pair potential and the low dimensional space results in orientationally ordered associated clusters. This local order enhances association due to a decrease in orientational entropy. Unlike bulk 3D fluids which are orientationally homogeneous, association in 1D necessitates the self-consistent calculation of the orientational distribution function. To test the new theory, Monte Carlo simulations are performed and the theory is found to be accurate. It is also shown that the traditional treatment in first order perturbation theory fails to accurately describe this system. The theory developed in this paper may be used as a tool to study hydrogen bonding of molecules in 1D zeolites as well as the hydrogen bonding of molecules in carbon nanotubes.
Generation and manipulation of domain walls using a thermal gradient in a ferrimagnetic TbCo wire
Authors: Tolley R. , Liu T. , Xu Y. , Le Gall S. , Gottwald M. , Hauet T. , Hehn M. , Montaigne F. , Fullerton E. E. , Mangin S.
Published: June 2015

We demonstrate the ability to create, control the propagation, and annihilate domain walls in 25-nm thick Tb22Co78 ferrimagnetic alloy wires using a temperature gradient under a constant applied field. The temperature gradient is generated by passing a current through the wire, and the domain wall properties are imaged using Kerr microscopy. The manipulation of the domain wall is made possible by creating a temperature gradient such that the temperature at one end of the wire is above the compensation temperature for the TbCo alloy, while the other end remains below the compensation temperature. By tuning the intensity of the applied magnetic field and the current flowing inside the wire, it is possible to carefully control the domain wall position that can then be stabilized under zero applied field and current.
Steady and oscillatory laminar opposing mixed convection in a vertical channel of finite length subjected to symmetrical isothermal discrete heat sources
Authors: Martínez-Suástegui Lorenzo , Treviño César , Cajas Juan Carlos
Published: June 2015

Transient laminar opposing mixed convection in a gravity driven downward flow confined inside a vertical rectangular channel has been investigated, with both walls suddenly subjected to symmetrical isothermal heat sources over a finite portion of the channel walls. The unsteady two-dimensional Navier-Stokes and energy equations have been solved numerically for a wide parametric set. Studies are carried out for Reynolds numbers of 100 and 200 and several values of buoyancy strength or Richardson number. The effect of Reynolds number and opposing buoyancy on the temporal evolution of the overall flow structure, temperature field, and Nusselt number from the heated surfaces is investigated using fixed geometrical parameters and considering heat losses to the channel walls. In this parameter space, for a given Reynolds number and relatively small values of the buoyancy parameter, the transient process leads to a final symmetric or asymmetric steady-state. However, as the value of buoyancy strength increases, the flow and temperature fields become more complex and an oscillatory flow with a fundamental frequency sets in when a critical value of the Richardson number is reached. Numerical predictions show that the critical value of the Richardson number between the two regimes strongly depends on the value of the Reynolds number, and the time scales, natural frequencies, and phase-space portraits of flow oscillation are presented and discussed in detail. Stability of the symmetric response has been analyzed. The results include the effects of Prandtl number and heat losses to the channel walls on the evolution of the final flow and thermal responses.
CO2 binding in the (quinoline-CO2)− anionic complex
Authors: Graham Jacob D. , Buytendyk Allyson M. , Wang Yi , Kim Seong K. , Bowen Kit H.
Published: June 2015

We have studied the (quinoline-CO2)− anionic complex by a combination of mass spectrometry, anion photoelectron spectroscopy, and density functional theory calculations. The (quinoline-CO2)− anionic complex has much in common with previously studied (N-heterocycle-CO2)− anionic complexes both in terms of geometric structure and covalent bonding character. Unlike the previously studied N-heterocycles, however, quinoline has a positive electron affinity, and this provided a pathway for determining the binding energy of CO2 in the (quinoline-CO2)− anionic complex. From the theoretical calculations, we found CO2 to be bound within the (quinoline-CO2)− anionic complex by 0.6 eV. We also showed that the excess electron is delocalized over the entire molecular framework. It is likely that the CO2 binding energies and excess electron delocalization profiles of the previously studied (N-heterocycle-CO2)− anionic complexes are quite similar to that of the (quinoline-CO2)− anionic complex. This class of complexes may have a role to play in CO2 activation and/or sequestration.
Simultaneous observation of angularly separated laser-driven proton beams accelerated via two different mechanisms
Authors: Wagner F. , Bedacht S. , Bagnoud V. , Deppert O. , Geschwind S. , Jaeger R. , Ortner A. , Tebartz A. , Zielbauer B. , Hoffmann D. H. H. , Roth M.
Published: June 2015

We present experimental data showing an angular separation of laser accelerated proton beams. Using flat plastic targets with thicknesses ranging from 200 nm to 1200 nm, a laser intensity of 6×1020 W cm−2 incident with an angle of 10°, we observe accelerated protons in target normal direction with cutoff energies around 30 MeV independent from the target thickness. For the best match of laser and target conditions, an additional proton signature is detected along the laser axis with a maximum energy of 65 MeV. These different beams can be attributed to two acceleration mechanisms acting simultaneously, i.e., target normal sheath acceleration and acceleration based on relativistic transparency, e.g., laser breakout afterburner, respectively.
Improved linearity in AlGaN/GaN metal-insulator-semiconductor high electron mobility transistors with nonlinear polarization dielectric
Authors: Gao Tao , Xu Ruimin , Kong Yuechan , Zhou Jianjun , Kong Cen , Dong Xun , Chen Tangsheng
Published: June 2015

We demonstrate highly improved linearity in a nonlinear ferroelectric of Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)-gated AlGaN/GaN metal-insulator-semiconductor high electron mobility transistor (MIS-HEMT). Distinct double-hump feature in the transconductance-gate voltage (gm-Vg) curve is observed, yielding remarkable enhancement in gate voltage swing as compared to MIS-HEMT with conventional linear gate dielectric. By incorporating the ferroelectric polarization into a self-consistent calculation, it is disclosed that in addition to the common hump corresponding to the onset of electron accumulation, the second hump at high current level is originated from the nonlinear polar nature of ferroelectric, which enhances the gate capacitance by increasing equivalent dielectric constant nonlinearly. This work paves a way for design of high linearity GaN MIS-HEMT by exploiting the nonlinear properties of dielectric.
Conception of teaching higher order thinking: perspectives of Chinese teachers in Hong Kong
Authors: Yeung Sze-yin Shirley
Published: June 2015

Enhancing the higher order thinking (HOT) ability of students is a worldwide educational goal. This has also become a significant objective in the curriculum reforms in Hong Kong, which aims at better preparation of students to meet the challenges of the new era. Cultural aspects are often regarded as salient in determining approaches to teaching. The influence of Chinese traditions on teaching in Hong Kong has been discussed by many researchers, who found the thinking of Confucius still strongly influences the conception of teaching of Chinese teachers. By the in‐depth interviews with 12 Chinese teachers, their conceptions of effective HOT teaching were examined. Nine teaching tips were suggested by the teachers. The list of HOT teaching tips reflects that intermingled values of Western and traditional Chinese education are embraced. The findings also show how Chinese values influence teachers' conceptions of effective HOT teaching and the results are discussed with reference to the influence of Confucian thought. The comparatively narrow conceptions regarding HOT teaching imply that certain cultural barriers are still hampering Hong Kong teachers in the post‐handover period. One major recommendation is that an awareness of the cultural values of the context is important for any application of foreign methods of teaching.
Situating informal welfare within imperfect well-being regimes
Authors: Wood Geof
Published: June 2015

This paper reflects upon the position of the nation state and non-state-centred actors in the support for welfare and the security of agency. In particular it argues that the normative agenda of rights-based autonomous security is undermined by the social facts of dependent, personalised and thus precarious security. The roles of other actors above and below the nation state are thus significant in any analysis of power relations, social reproduction and policy outcomes. In many middle- and lower-income countries, the problem for state actors is that power, authority and, more problematically, legitimacy lies significantly elsewhere across the domain of state, market, community and household. Aspects of globalisation can thereby interact directly with sub-national entities by-passing and undermining the state: multinational corporations, international donors, international non-governmental organisations, remittances, wider faith movements and cross-border ethnic solidarities. This is clearly a complicated institutional landscape within which to formulate the idea of responsibility for social policy and consider its intersecting role with international development.
On Bonnesen-type inequalities for a surface of constant curvature
Authors: Xu Wenxue , Zhou Jiazu , Zhu Baocheng
Published: June 2015

New Bonnesen-type inequalities for simply connected domains on surfaces of constant curvature are proved by using integral formulas. These inequalities are generalizations of known inequalities of convex domains.
Observables of Macdonald processes
Authors: Borodin Alexei , Corwin Ivan , Gorin Vadim , Shakirov Shamil
Published: June 2015

We present a framework for computing averages of various observables of Macdonald processes. This leads to new contour–integral formulas for averages of a large class of multilevel observables, as well as Fredholm determinants for averages of two different single level observables.
Review of the Source Evidence
Authors: Kamali Mohammad Hashim
Published: June 2015

This chapter looks into the textual evidence of the Qur’an and hadith on wasaṭiyyah, which is followed, in turn, by a review of the commentaries the exegetes and ulama have offered concerning that evidence. The Qur’an and hadith often interpret one another, but exegetical works provide additional information on the occasion on which the passages in question were revealed, as well as their historical contextualization and significance. It is often instructive to learn how the source guidelines were received, absorbed, and observed by the early Muslim community during the Prophet Muhammad’s lifetime in Makkah and then after his migration to Madinah. The chapter also focuses on the issue of how scriptural messages of the Qur’an and hadith signify moderation in the way the early Muslims related with other communities and religious traditions of their time.
A Round-Up of Modern Opinion
Authors: Kamali Mohammad Hashim
Published: June 2015

This chapter presents a selection mainly of twentieth-century scholarly opinion, both Sunni and Shi’a, on wasaṭiyyah and its role and manifestation in the textual data and historical development of Islamic scholarship, as well as the management of community affairs. Wasaṭiyyah relates closely to justice, but it is multifaceted and tends to influence almost all aspects of the individual conduct, as well as relations in society and with the outside world. The chapter discusses how wasaṭiyyah begins in the inner self of the individual and from there spreads out to influence relations with others and one’s surrounding environment, concluding with the point that rejecting extremism and embracing moderation are the keys toward treating others with dignity, accepting our differences, and coexisting with each other in peace and harmony.
Manifestations of Wasaṭiyyah
Authors: Kamali Mohammad Hashim
Published: June 2015

This chapter advances a perspective on how Islam has manifested wasaṭiyyah in the exposition and implementation of its precepts and principles. Thus, it is noted that wasaṭiyyah has helped keep Islam focused on its center, although not entirely neglecting the peripheries. Reconciling and balancing the interests of continuity and change, and those of the individual and society, of past realities and future prospects, of this world and the hereafter through rational methods, consultative engagement, practical wisdom, and ijtihad (independent reasoning) has all in all manifested the reality of wasaṭiyyah in Islam. Suitable illustrations to support some of these statements are also provided.
Moderation and Religiosity
Authors: Kamali Mohammad Hashim
Published: June 2015

This chapter begins with a note on the rise of religion and religiosity in recent decades, and then reviews a number of Islamic principles that seek to integrate moderation in its theology and legal rules. Islam’s identification of itself as an upright (hanif) religion of the Abrahamic family that upholds forbearance (samahah) and dignified resistance to temptation and sensationalism (hilm) help to introduce elements of moderation and tolerance in the religion. This is further substantiated by the grant of numerous concessions in order to make the practice of religion easier. The chapter also reviews the struggle for moderation and combat of extremism in Shi’i thought. The Shi’i ulama have denounced the ghulat (extremists), moderated many of the exaggerated claims for Shi’ite imams, and confronted political oppression through the issuance of fatwas.
Environmental Imbalance
Authors: Kamali Mohammad Hashim
Published: June 2015

This chapter begins with a situational analysis of the severity and scale of the environmental crisis humanity is facing, and a review also of the factors accountable for it. A review of the Islamic scriptural guidelines on the subject shows that environmental care is an integral part of the Qur’anic conception of the vicegerency (khilafah) of man in the earth, with the responsibility to act as trustee and custodian of the earth, its inhabitants, and its resources. The Islamic scriptural data on environmental care construct and unfold an eco-theology that can make a distinctive contribution to the contemporary understanding of the crisis.
Continuity and Change in Islam
Authors: Kamali Mohammad Hashim
Published: June 2015

Renewal and reform necessitate adaptation and openness in order to accommodate and reconcile the tradition with present realities. This chapter discusses the role of tajdid and some of its allied concepts as Islam’s vehicles of adaptation and reform, and ultimately of Islam’s capacity and resources to moderate itself from within. A review of the definition and textual origins of tajdid is followed by a twentieth-century narrative of Islam’s encounters with modernity and rationalist thought. The chapter also reviews the various manifestations of tajdid in the works of Muslim scholars and movements in their quest for self-renewal, as well as interfaith and inter-civilizational understanding and cooperation.
Introduction
Authors: Watt Stephen
Published: June 2015

This chapter traces the uncanny, often emotionally intensive interactions between Irish and Jewish people from their nineteenth-century emigrations through the Dublin of James Joyce’s Ulysses and the writing of Henry Roth, Edward Dahlberg, and James T. Farrell. It delineates this relationship in a variety of popular cultural forms—Tin Pan Alley music, for example, popular Broadway dramas like Anne Nichols’s smash hit Abie’s Irish Rose (1921), and tenement fiction by Anzia Yezierska—and outlines key theoretical concepts to be employed throughout the study. These include ideas from performance theory, psychoanalysis, affect theory, and diaspora study. This chapter also develops the idea of a “circum–North Atlantic” cultural exchange so as to explain the foregrounding of Irish, Irish-American, Jewish-American, and in some cases European writers, intellectuals, and performers in the chapters that follow.
The Cultural Work of Immigrant Melodrama
Authors: Watt Stephen
Published: June 2015

Juxtaposing one of America’s most celebrated modernist plays—John Howard Lawson’s Processional (1925)—to nineteenth-century melodrama from 1850 onward, this chapter argues for the various cultural work achieved by melodrama, particularly its critique of capitalism that anticipates that of Lawson. At the same time, however, nineteenth-century melodrama underscores the contributions Irish and Jewish immigrants could make to an ever-modernizing economy and a more diverse, cosmopolitan society. In doing so, it provides a counterdiscourse to negative stereotypes of immigrants and even responds to the popular “Irish drama” written by Dion Boucicault and a host of imitators. Not surprisingly, in a process that, borrowing from Joseph Roach’s influential theory of performance, might be termed surrogation, Jewish characters could be inserted into successful plot formulas previously inhabited by Irish characters, thereby underscoring their potential contributions to America as well.
Method
Authors: Glasner Ruth
Published: June 2015

Gersonides was an empiricist philosopher and a mathematical practitioner. One of his most impressive achievements was the scientific method to which he referred as the examination of ‘the parts of the contradictory (ḥelqey ha-soter)’. It is a method of deciding between hypotheses on the basis of a posteriori testing, if possible supported by observations. The method could thus answer the needs of a complex science based on planned observations like astronomy. Gersonides does not present his method as innovative and emphasized his reliance on Aristotle’s method of dialectic, trying to play down the difference between the Aristotelian concepts of dialectic and demonstration.
Pediatric Acute Ischemic Cerebral Vascular Accidents: A Case Report
Authors: Lahham Shadi , Nelson David
Published: June 2015

An 8-year-old girl presented to the pediatric emergency department (ED) with left-sided weakness. Workup consisted of labs and imaging including magnetic resonance imaging showing an acute ischemic stroke. Literature regarding pediatric acute ischemic stroke is minimal, and there are few protocols guiding care in the pediatric population. Current recommendations include treatment with unfractionated heparin or low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) with subsequent daily aspirin prophylaxis. Further large scale studies are needed to produce protocols and generalizable treatment plans.
Relation of the Vector Force Needed to Lift the Upper Eyelids and the Degree of Exophthalmos
Authors: Hwang Kun , Kim Joo Ho , Kim Hun , Hwang Se Won
Published: June 2015

The aim of this study was to determine the relation of the vector force needed to lift the upper eyelids and the degree of exophthalmos (EX). In the 109 magnetic resonance imaging films, the degree of EX (the shortest distance from the cornea to the line connecting both lateral orbital rims), the anterior angle (θ, an angle formed from the lower margin of the upper eyelid–superior transverse ligament (STL)–with a parallel line connecting the supraorbital rim and the infraorbital rim in the sagittal film), the length from the STL to the upper eyelid margin (levator length [LL]), the thickness of the STL (WT), and the thickness the of levator palpebrae (LT) were measured.

The average EX was 14.5 ± 2.35 mm. The average θ was 33.84 ± 2.15 degrees. The vector force needed to lift the upper eyelids (cos θ) was 0.83. The average LL was 21.0 ± 1.54 mm. The average WT was 1.07 ± 0.22 mm. The average LT was 1.69 ± 0.30 mm. There was a significant positive relationship between the EX and age (P = 0.022). The EX in those younger than 20 years (12.8 ± 2.06) was significantly lesser than that of the other age groups. There was no significant relationship between the EX and cos θ. However, there was a significant positive relationship between the EX and the LL. There was a significant positive relationship between LL and LT, and between LL and WT.

The farther the eyeball protrudes, the longer the LL is needed. The longer the LL is, the thicker the levator muscle and STL.
Crystal structure of 4,4′-diethynylbiphenyl
Authors: Tagg Tei , McAdam C. John , Robinson Brian H. , Simpson Jim
Published: June 2015

The title compound, C16H10, crystallizes with four unique molecules, designated 1–4, in the asymmetric unit of the monoclinic unit cell. None of the molecules is planar, with the benzene rings of molecules 1–4 inclined to one another at angles of 42.41 (4), 24.07 (6), 42.59 (4) and 46.88 (4)°, respectively. In the crystal, weak C—H...π(ring) interactions, augmented by even weaker C[triple-bond]C—H...π(alkyne) contacts, generate a three-dimensional network structure with interlinked columns of molecules formed along thec-axis direction.
Investigating the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) policies
Authors: Chatzoudes Dimitrios , Papadopoulos Dimitrios , Dimitriadis Efstathios
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between consumer perceptions about large companies and behavioral intention toward buying products from these companies. It is hypothesized that the better the perceptions, the higher the behavioral intention. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) policies are proposed as the perfect tool to improve consumer perceptions and, hence, increase the customer base of large organizations. Such an approach has randomly been explored in the existing literature, making the examination of the proposed conceptual framework of the study an interesting research topic.

Design/methodology/approach

– The proposed conceptual framework was tested on a sample of Greek consumers. The final sample consisted of 454 adult consumers. The reliability and the validity of the newly developed questionnaire were thoroughly examined. Empirical data were analyzed using the “Structural Equation Modeling” technique.

Findings

– The results of the quantitative research highlighted the negative perceptions of Greek consumers toward large companies but, at the same time, revealed the statistically significant positive effect of certain dimensions of consumer perceptions on behavioral intention. In more detail, “interest toward community and employees” and “contribution to economic prosperity” seem to enhance behavioral intention, with the first being the most important factor.

Research limitations/implications

– A limitation stemming from the implemented methodology is the use of self-report scales to measure the constructs of the proposed model. Moreover, as the measurement of consumer perceptions has never been attempted in the existing literature, the items used to measure this construct were created after an extensive review of theoretical papers, failing to incorporate scales that have been already tested for their reliability.

Practical implications

– Using the findings of the empirical analysis as guiding lights, the present study proposes certain measures for large organizations. Highly proposed policies are offered in the final part of the paper. These policies are connected with enhancing the perceived interest of the company toward its community and employees.

Originality/value

– The present paper proposes a conceptual framework that examines CSR under a context that has been randomly examined before. It goes beyond theoretical principles and approaches issues that are vital for large organizations. Moreover, the results of the study may be generalized in other developed countries with similar economic realities (e.g. Spain, Italy, Portugal and Ireland).
Executive remuneration: regulatory reforms in UK company law
Authors: Wells Philip J
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide a critical analysis of the various proposals to regulate executive pay in the UK. Situated within a corporate governance context, it focuses on using shareholder empowerment as a mechanism to formulate a regulatory strategy to quell the continued furore that surrounds the issue.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using an expansive array of different academic materials, the paper adopts the approach of using critical analysis to provide an original insight into the popular and contentious issue of executive remuneration.

Findings

– The paper finds that the UK Government’s current proposal to regulate executive remuneration, via the shareholder empowerment device of a binding vote on remuneration, will primarily consist of symbolic rather than practical significance.

Social implications

– The paper provides important social implications, as it provides a new prospective and insight into the well-covered issue of executive remuneration.

Originality/value

– The paper draws on a host of traditional and modern academic materials to create a new viewpoint on the issue of remuneration. Moreover, the paper is original insofar that it ties the issue of shareholder empowerment into the conceptual design and formulation of company law and corporate law theory.
Geophone‐ground coupling with flat bases
Authors: Carcione José M. , Almalki Hashim S. , Qadrouh Ayman N.
Published: June 2015

Seismic acquisition can be costly and inefficient when using spiked geophones. In most cases, such as the desert, the most practical solution is the use of flat bases, where geophone‐ground coupling is based on an optimal choice of the mass and area of contact between the receiver and the ground. This optimization is necessary since areas covered by sand are loose sediments and poor coupling occurs. Other cases include ground coupling in stiff pavements, for instance urban areas and ocean‐bottom nodes. We consider three different approaches to analyse coupling and model the geophone with a flat base (plate) resting on an elastic half‐space. Two existing models, based on the full‐wave theory, which we refer to as the Wolf and Hoover‐O'Brien models, predict a different behaviour with respect to the novel method introduced in this work. This method is based on the transmission coefficient of upgoing waves impinging in the geophone‐ground contact, where the ground is described as an anelastic half‐space. The boundary conditions at the contact have already been used to model fractures and are shown here to provide the equation of the damped oscillator. This fracture‐contact model depends on the stiffness characteristic of the contact between the geophone base plate and the ground. The transmission coefficient from the ground to the plate increases for increasing weight and decreasing base plate area. The new model predicts that the resonant frequency is independent of the geophone weight and plate radius, while the recorded energy increases with increasing weight and decreasing base plate area (as shown from our own experiments and measurements by Krohn) which is contrary to the theories developed by Wolf and Hoover‐O'Brien. The transient response is obtained by an inverse Fourier transform. Optimal geophone‐ground coupling and energy transmission are required, the first concept meaning that the geophone is following the motion of the ground and the second one that the signal is detectable. As a final example, we simulate seismic acquisition based on the novel theory, showing the differences between optimal and poor ground‐to‐geophone energy transmission.
Reproductive biological characteristics potentially contributed to invasiveness in an alien invasive plant Bidens frondosa
Authors: Yan Xiao Hong , Zhou Bing , Yin Zeng Fang , Wang Ning , Zhang Zheng Guang
Published: June 2015

Bidens frondosa L. (Asteraceae) is a widespread invasive weed in China. By experimental observation and bagging treatment, the reproductive biological characteristics of this species, such as phenology of flowering, floral syndrome, breeding system and seed germination characteristics, were studied to assess the association of these reproductive characteristics with invasiveness. Flowers of B. frondosa bloom from September to October every year in Ji'an city, Jiangxi province. The lifespan of a single capitulum is approximately 4 to 5 days, with 30 to 60 florets per capitulum. The capitulum diameter, anthocaulus length, floret length and width, stamen length and pistil length were 6.1, 30.9, 2.2, 0.6, 3.0 and 2.7 mm, respectively. The seed set percentage of 48.5% in the treatment of bagging flowers without emasculation suggests B. frondosa is self‐compatible; meanwhile, the percentage of 63.1% in the treatment of bagging with emasculation and manual xenogamy suggests it also is cross‐compatible. P/O ratio per capitulum of this species was 450.5, which suggests that the breeding system of B. frondosa is facultative xenogamous, and it needs pollinators to some degree. The main floral visitors were insects of Hymenoptera, Diptera and Lepidoptera. The 1000‐achenes weight was 1.97 g. The achenes emerged as a small germination peak from the fourth to fifth day, and had a high accumulated germination rate of up to 84.0% on day 20 after sowing. Our experimental findings suggested that the reproductive biological characteristics, such as the versatile mating system of self‐ and cross‐pollination, high seed production, a special method of achene dispersal and germination peak, accompanied by a high accumulated germination rate, might contribute to the invasive ability of B. frondosa.
Farewell to the ‘childhood of man’: ritual, seasonality, and the origins of inequality
Authors: Wengrow David , Graeber David
Published: June 2015

Evidence of grand burials and monumental construction is a striking feature in the archaeological record of the Upper Palaeolithic period, between 40 and 10 kya (thousand years ago). Archaeologists often interpret such finds as indicators of rank and hierarchy among Pleistocene hunter‐gatherers. Interpretations of this kind are difficult to reconcile with the view, still common in sociobiology, that pre‐agricultural societies were typically egalitarian in orientation. Here we develop an alternative model of ‘Palaeolithic politics’, which emphasizes the ability of hunter‐gatherers to alternate – consciously and deliberately – between contrasting modes of political organization, including a variety of hierarchical and egalitarian possibilities. We propose that alternations of this sort were an emergent property of human societies in the highly seasonal environments of the last Ice Age. We further consider some implications of the model for received concepts of social evolution, with particular attention to the distinction between ‘simple’ and ‘complex’ hunter‐gatherers.
Measuring Poverty and Inequality from Highly Aggregated Small‐Area Data: The Changing Fortunes of Latrobe Valley Households
Authors: Wright Jill , Valenzuela Maria Rebecca , Chotikapanich Duangkamon
Published: June 2015

Using census data, we analyse inequality and poverty levels for the coal‐rich region of Latrobe Valley between 1986 and 2006, a period incorporating industry restructuring, recession and subsequent growth. To enable the analysis using limited information, we propose a method for using grouped data to obtain income distributions for small areas. Unit record data are used to validate the methodology. We find that welfare in the region deteriorated between 1986 and 1996, in line with national and regional trends. However, between 1996 and 2006, when the national economy grew strongly and many regions started to prosper again, welfare in the Valley continued to deteriorate.
Emergency department clinical redesign, team‐based care and improvements in hospital performance: A time series analysis
Authors: Dinh Michael M , Green Timothy C , Bein Kendall J , Lo Serigne , Jones Aaron , Johnson Terence
Published: June 2015

Objective

The objective was to evaluate the impact of an ED clinical redesign project that involved team‐based care and early senior assessment on hospital performance.

Methods

This was an interrupted time series analysis performed using daily hospital performance data 6 months before and 8 months after the implementation of the clinical redesign intervention that involved Emergency Consultant‐led team‐based care, redistribution of ED beds and implementation of a senior nursing coordination roles in the ED. The primary outcome was the daily National Emergency Access Target (NEAT) performance (proportion of total daily ED presentations that were admitted to an inpatient ward or discharged from ED within 4 h of arrival). Secondary outcomes were daily ALOS in ED, inpatient Clinical Emergency Response System (CERS) calls and hospital mortality. Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average analysis was used to model NEAT performance. Hospital mortality was modelled using negative binomial regression.

Results

After adjusting for patient volume, inpatient admissions, ambulance, hospital occupancy, weekends ED Consultant numbers, weekends and underlying trends, there was a 17% improvement in NEAT associated with the post‐intervention period (95% CI 12, 19% P < 0.001). There was no change in the number of CERS calls and the median daily hospital mortality rate reduced from 1.04% to 0.96% (P = 0.025).

Conclusion

An ED‐focused clinical redesign project was associated with a 17% improvement in NEAT performance with no evidence of an increase in clinical deterioration on inpatient wards and evidence for an improvement in hospital mortality.
Triage‐based resource allocation and clinical treatment protocol on outcome and length of stay in the emergency department
Authors: Ro Young Sun , Shin Sang Do , Song Kyoung Jun , Cha Won Chul , Cho Jin Sung
Published: June 2015

Objective

The present study aimed to determine the relationship between the triage‐based resource allocation and clinical treatment (TRACT) protocol and mortality and length of stay (LOS) in ED.

Methods

This before‐and‐after study was conducted in an adult, tertiary, teaching hospital ED from August 2008 to July 2012. Patients who were younger than 18 years of age, who were dead on arrival and whose triage information was not available were excluded. TRACT was implemented in August 2010, and the Emergency Severity Index (ESI) was used for triage. Primary and secondary outcomes were ED mortality and ED LOS. Multivariate logistic regression models for ED mortality and multivariable general linear models on the ED LOS were used to compare the before‐ and after‐intervention periods.

Results

For the 155 563 visits over study period, the ED mortality rate was 0.2%, and the ED LOS was 4.6 h (median). The adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals [CIs]) of the TRACT protocol on ED mortality were 0.69 (0.54–0.88) for total patients, 0.42 (0.30–0.59) for ESI 1, 1.04 (0.66–1.65) for ESI 2 and 1.45 (0.76–2.75) for ESI 3 group. The adjusted coefficients (95% CIs) of the TRACT on the ED LOS were −88.1 (−96.9 ∼ −79.2) min for all patients, −44.9 (−72.0 ∼ −17.9) min for ESI level 2 and −104.3 (−114.7 ∼ −94.0) min for ESI level 3.

Conclusions

The TRACT protocol decreased the ED mortality in ESI 1 group and reduced the ED LOS in ESI levels 2 and 3 groups.
The effects of age and dietary restriction on the tissue‐specific metabolome of Drosophila
Authors: Laye Matthew J. , Tran ViLinh , Jones Dean P. , Kapahi Pankaj , Promislow Daniel E. L.
Published: June 2015

Dietary restriction (DR) is a robust intervention that extends lifespan and slows the onset of age‐related diseases in diverse organisms. While significant progress has been made in attempts to uncover the genetic mechanisms of DR, there are few studies on the effects of DR on the metabolome. In recent years, metabolomic profiling has emerged as a powerful technology to understand the molecular causes and consequences of natural aging and disease‐associated phenotypes. Here, we use high‐resolution mass spectroscopy and novel computational approaches to examine changes in the metabolome from the head, thorax, abdomen, and whole body at multiple ages in Drosophila fed either a nutrient‐rich ad libitum (AL) or nutrient‐restricted (DR) diet. Multivariate analysis clearly separates the metabolome by diet in different tissues and different ages. DR significantly altered the metabolome and, in particular, slowed age‐related changes in the metabolome. Interestingly, we observed interacting metabolites whose correlation coefficients, but not mean levels, differed significantly between AL and DR. The number and magnitude of positively correlated metabolites was greater under a DR diet. Furthermore, there was a decrease in positive metabolite correlations as flies aged on an AL diet. Conversely, DR enhanced these correlations with age. Metabolic set enrichment analysis identified several known (e.g., amino acid and NAD metabolism) and novel metabolic pathways that may affect how DR effects aging. Our results suggest that network structure of metabolites is altered upon DR and may play an important role in preventing the decline of homeostasis with age.
Effect of asymptomatic vaginal colonization with Candida albicans on pregnancy outcome
Authors: Farr Alex , Kiss Herbert , Holzer Iris , Husslein Peter , Hagmann Michael , Petricevic Ljubomir
Published: June 2015

Introduction

Vaginal infection is a major causative factor of preterm delivery. The present study was performed to evaluate the effect of asymptomatic vaginal colonization with Candida albicans at early gestation on pregnancy outcome.

Material and methods

From 2005 to 2014, a total of 8447 women with singleton pregnancies between 10+0 and 16+0 gestational weeks were routinely subjected to an antenatal infection screen‐and‐treat program. Vaginal smears were Gram‐stained and microscopically evaluated, and data were retrospectively analyzed. Women exposed to Candida received clotrimazole and were re‐tested after 4–6 weeks. Treatment was repeated in case of recurrence. Women with normal or intermediate vaginal flora were considered as non‐exposed. Bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis were assessed and treated as well. Descriptive data analysis, chi‐squared testing and multiple regression analysis with adjustment for potential confounders were performed. Rates of asymptomatic vaginal infections, preterm delivery and low birthweight served as the main outcomes measures.

Results

A normal or intermediate flora was found in 6708 (79.4%) of the screened women; 1142 women (13.5%) showed asymptomatic C. albicans infection. Of this group, 185 women (2.2%) had a recurrence of Candida on vaginal smears. Compared with the non‐exposed women with normal or intermediate flora, those with recurrent candidiasis had higher rates of preterm delivery (11.9% vs. 9.5%) and of low birthweight (10.8% vs. 8.0%), as confirmed in the multiple model (p = 0.02).

Conclusions

Recurrent asymptomatic vaginal colonization with Candida in early pregnancy is associated with preterm delivery and low birthweight. Routine screening and consequent treatment for candidiasis could improve pregnancy outcomes.
Evolution to plasmablastic lymphoma evades CD19‐directed chimeric antigen receptor T cells
Authors: Evans Andrew G. , Rothberg Paul G. , Burack W. Richard , Huntington Scott F. , Porter David L. , Friedberg Jonathan W. , Liesveld Jane L.
Published: June 2015

A patient with relapsed and refractory chronic lymphocytic leukaemia with Richter transformation was treated with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)‐modified T cells targeted for CD19 but later relapsed with a clonally related plasmablastic lymphoma. The loss of most routine markers of pre‐plasma cell or B lymphoid differentiation (including CD19) highlights the ability of such mature lymphomas to evade lineage‐specific targeted immunotherapy by differentiating along pathways comparable to their normal cellular counterparts. Molecular genetic evaluation demonstrated multiple independent lines of CD19‐negative disease that eventually evolved in this single patient. Such plasticity represents potential challenges for antigen‐directed CAR‐T cell therapy, while serving as a testament to the selective pressure exerted by these engineered T cells over time.
Time and interference: Effects on working memory
Authors: Botto Marta , Palladino Paola
Published: June 2015

This study tested predictions from the time‐based resource‐sharing (TBRS) model with a classical verbal working memory (WM) task, where target and non‐target information interfere strongly with each other. Different predictions can be formulated according to the dominant perspectives (TBRS and interference hypothesis) on the role of inhibitory control in WM task performance. Here, we aimed to trace the activation of irrelevant information, examining priming effects in a lexical decision task immediately following WM recall. Results indicate the roles of both time and interference constraints in determining task performance. In particular, the role of time available seemed crucial at the highest WM loads (i.e., 3 and 4 memoranda). These were also associated with a higher activation of no‐longer‐relevant information but, in this case, independently from time available for processing.