bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling of photovoltaic array output current based on actual performance using artificial neural networks
Authors: Ameen Ammar Mohammed , Pasupuleti Jagadeesh , Khatib Tamer
Published: September 2015

This paper presents prediction models for photovoltaic (PV) module's output current. The proposed models are based on empirical, statistical, and artificial neural networks. The adopted artificial neural networks are generalized regression, feed forward, and cascaded forward neural networks. The proposed models have two inputs, namely, solar radiation and ambient temperature, while system's output current is the output. Two years of experimental data for a 1.4 kWp PV system are utilized in this research. These data are recorded every 10 seconds in order to consider the uncertainty of system's output current. Three statistical values are used to evaluate the accuracy of the proposed models, namely, mean absolute percentage error, mean bias error, and root mean square error. A comparison between the proposed models in terms of prediction accuracy is conducted. The results show that the generalized regression neural network based model exceeds the other models. The mean absolute percentage error, root mean square error, and mean bias error of the generalized regression neural network model are 4.97%, 5.67%, and −1.17%, respectively.
The illusion of the NP/DP divide
Authors: Gillon Carrie , Armoskaite Solveiga
Published: September 2015

In this paper, we present syntactic and semantic arguments that, in at least one articleless language (Lithuanian), bare nouns are able to project either NP or DP structures (cf. Franks & Pereltsvaig 2004; Ajíbóyè 2006; Pereltsveig 2006). We show that, in some syntactic contexts, Lithuanian bare nouns are only able to receive definite interpretations; in one context, they are only interpreted indefinitely. We then tie these interpretations to the presence or absence of D. Further, we highlight problems with the view that there is a categorical difference between articleless (NP) and articleful (DP) languages (Bošković 2010; Despić 2011), by testing Bošković’s and Despić’s generalizations about NP vs. DP languages on Lithuanian. In both cases, Lithuanian ends up behaving somewhat like an NP language, and somewhat like a DP language. Lithuanian is therefore a counterexample to the NP/DP split posited by Bošković, and must receive a different analysis.
Two-dimensional zeolite-like network in the new caesium copper aluminate Cs2CuAl4O8
Authors: Shvanskaya Larisa , Yakubovich Olga , Massa Werner , Vasiliev Alexander
Published: September 2015

Monoclinic dicaesium copper tetraaluminate, Cs2CuAl4O8, space groupP21/c,a= 8.4551 (7),b= 10.012 (1),c= 17.073 (2) Å, β = 101.643 (9)°,Z= 6, was obtained by high-temperature crystallization from a phosphate flux. Its microporous crystal structure presents the first example of double layers built from [AlO4] tetrahedra combined in 4-, 6- and 8-rings, topologically similar to those found in theATT-type zeolites and isostructural minerals armstrongite, davanite and dalyite. These layers show a rare arrangement of three [AlO4] tetrahedra sharing one oxygen vertex. The aluminate slabs are further linked by chains of edge-sharing [CuO4] square planes to form a mixed anionic three-dimensional framework with Cs+cations in channels and cavities. An unusually short Cu...Cs distance of 3.166 Å is ascribed to the strong Jahn–Teller effect of Cu2+. The magnetic subsystem demonstrates properties of an alternating antiferromagnetic chain with a gap in the spectrum of magnetic excitations.
Twinning of three Fe-PNP pincer complexes interpreted according to order–disorder (OD) theory
Authors: Bichler Bernhard , Holzhacker Christian , Glatz Mathias , Stöger Berthold , Kirchner Karl
Published: September 2015

The systematic twinning of three 2,6-diaminopyridine-based Fe-PNP complexes is interpreted using order–disorder (OD) theory. The monoclinic [Fe0(PNPEt-iPr)(CO)2] [P1121/b,Z′ = 4] possesses pseudo-orthorhombic metrics and crystallizes as a reflection twin by pseudo-merohedry with the twin plane (100). The structure is made up of layers with idealizedp21a(b) symmetry. Theaglide planes of adjacent layers do not overlap, leading to OD polytypism.trans-[FeII(PNP-Et)Br2(CO)] [P21/n,Z′ = 1] is systematically twinnedviatwofold rotation about [001]. It is made up of OD layers with idealizedp2121(2) symmetry. OD polytypism is caused by the twofold rotation axes of adjacent layers which do not overlap. [FeII(κ2P,N-PNP-iPr,TAD)Cl2]·THF [P1, Z^{\prime} = 2] is systematically twinnedviaa twofold rotation about [010]. It is made up of layers with idealizedp121(1) symmetry. OD polytypism is caused by screw rotations relating adjacent layers with an intrinsic translation along a fourth of a primitive lattice vector. In all three structures the twin individuals are a polytype with a maximum degree of order (MDO) and at the twin interface is located a fragment of the second MDO polytype.
Culture’s causes: the next challenge
Authors: Hofstede Gert Jan
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to argue that in cross-cultural and strategic management, we must pay attention to the processes creating and maintaining culture. How can everyday interactions give rise to national, “deep” cultures, recognizable across centuries, or organizational cultures, recognizable across decades?

Design/methodology/approach

– This is a conceptual paper using the evidence provided by research about cultural patterns, and using sociological status-power theory to explain the causation of these patterns. Emergence, also called self-organization, is introduced as mechanism connecting individual-level causation with resulting system-level patterns. Cases are used to illustrate points.

Findings

– Simulation gaming and computational social simulation are introduced. These methods allow “growing” a system, thus allowing to experiment with potential interventions and their unanticipated effects.

Research limitations/implications

– This essay could have major implications for research, adding new methods to survey-based and case-based studies, and achieving a new synthesis. Strategic management today almost invariably involves cross-cultural elements. As a result, cross-cultural understanding is now strategically important.

Practical implications

– The suggestions in this essay could lead to new collaborations in the study of culture and organizational processes. Examples include team formation, negotiation, mergers and acquisitions, trans-national collaboration, incentive systems and job interviews.

Social implications

– The suggestions in this essay could contribute to our ability of proactively steering processes in organizations. In particular, they can provide a check to the notion that a control measure necessarily results in its intended effect.

Originality/value

– The synthesis of biological, sociological and cross-cultural psychological viewpoints with design-oriented method, using games or social simulations as research instruments, is original in the field.
Development of a client-based risk management methodology for the early design stage of construction processes
Authors: Albogamy Abdullah , Dawood Nashwan
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The risk factors associated with clients have a major impact on the successful delivery of a project from early design to the construction and operation stages. Risk management studies conducted so far have not succeeded in providing an effective risk assessment methodology for clients in analysing and managing the risk factors that cause both project delays and cost overruns. So, the purpose of this paper is to provide a methodology for a client-based risk management model.

Design/methodology/approach

– A conceptual framework is designed by integrating the findings from a literature review and a construction industry survey in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The framework includes the risk identification, risk analysis and mitigation strategy, which are the key components of the model. The model of the framework is developed by integrating the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) underpinned within an @Risk program.

Findings

– A case study is used to demonstrate the proposed methodology; the results found that the model helps to analyse and quantify the impact of risk factors, and also to assist in taking a suitable risk mitigation strategy, particularly at the early design stage in the construction process.

Practical implications

– The model is applicable to both public and private clients when they need to know the possible project duration in a new construction project, and to take some proactive actions to avoid the adverse effect of client risk factors at the early stage of the project.

Originality/value

– The model is expected to help in understanding the nature, and analysing the influence, of client risk factors that cause project delays and cost overruns. The development of the methodology for managing the client-based risk in construction processes at the early design stage is the key value of the study.
The impact of brain drain in underserved countries: implementing a global ethical leadership approach
Authors: Grenier Marie-Lyne
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– Health care worker migration from underserved nations to developed nations, also known as the “brain drain” effect, is a leading cause of worldwide health inequalities. The purpose of this paper is to identify the factors which have and continue to contribute to “brain drain,” investigate the human consequences of health care worker migration, and explore the ways in which a global ethical leadership approach could be used to help address the issue of “brain drain” and its resulting deleterious effects on global health equality.

Design/methodology/approach

– An argument is made supporting the need for a global leadership approach that is centered on the enforcement of ethical international health care worker recruitment policies and collaborative endeavors between wealthy and underserved nations to help improve the working conditions of health care workers worldwide.

Findings

– The successful use of ethical leadership approaches in addressing and reversing the “brain drain” effect has been documented in Thailand and Ireland. These case examples could be used as templates for future legislative action on a global scale.

Originality/value

– This piece highlights the urgent need for a global ethical leadership approach to help address the issue of “brain drain” in underserved nations and provides concrete strategies to help guide legislative decision making.
Understanding establishment mode choice of foreign manufacturing firms in Ghana
Authors: Dadzie Samuel Ato , Owusu Richard Afriyie
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to analyse the foreign direct investment (FDI) strategies of manufacturing firms in Ghana using the eclectic model in order to understand how ownership, location and internalization factors impact FDI to developing countries like Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors use a quantitative methodology in order to statistically explore the relationships between dependent and independent variables. The data comes from a sample of 75 multinational enterprises that invested in the manufacturing sector between 1994 and 2008.

Findings

– The results reveal that large firm size, extensive international experience and large market size lead to the choice of acquisition mode of entry, while high cultural distance, high country risk, high proprietary assets and incentives lead to the choice of greenfield mode in the context of Ghana.

Research limitations/implications

– The results imply that the different economic, business and legal (locational) conditions of developing countries create different FDI strategies and paths of companies compared to developed markets.

Practical implications

– Policy makers in developing countries should make efforts to improve market size, the institutional and regulatory environment, as well as the availability of human capital in order to attract FDI.

Originality/value

– FDI studies have mainly analysed establishment mode strategies of firms in advanced markets. There is an increasing amount of research on FDI in emerging markets but very little on developing countries and African markets. Therefore, this study enables the authors to develop implications for existing theory and generate practical implications for firms and policy makers related to African and developing country markets.
Consumers’ attitude towards social media advertising and their behavioural response
Authors: Boateng Henry , Okoe Abednego Feehi
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between consumers’ attitude toward social media advertising and their behavioural response and the moderating effect of corporate reputation in this relationship. Social media advertising is gradually gaining grounds among practitioners and researchers.

Design/methodology/approach

– Survey design was used and the respondents totaled 441. They were selected using convenience sampling technique. Questionnaires were used to collect the data and analyzed using hierarchical regression.

Findings

– Findings indicate that there is a significant relationship between consumers’ attitude toward social media advertising and their behavioural responses. Again, it was noted that corporate reputation moderates this relationship.

Research limitations/implications

– This study relied on convenience sampling and a cross-sectional survey design, which makes it difficult to generalize the findings and account for changes that occurred in the attitude of consumers.

Originality/value

– This study contributes to the understanding of the moderating role of corporate reputation in consumers’ attitude toward social media advertising.
Exploring a shared leadership perspective for NHS doctors
Authors: Willcocks Stephen George , Wibberley Gemma
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore involving doctors in shared leadership. It examines the policies that have led to the focus on shared leadership and the implications for practice.

Design/methodology/approach

– This is a conceptual paper, examining policy developments and key literature to understand the move towards shared leadership. It focuses on UK NHS, and in particular doctors, although the concepts will be relevant to other disciplines in healthcare, and healthcare systems in other countries.

Findings

– This paper suggests that the shared-leadership approach for doctors has potential given the nature of clinical practice, the inherently collaborative nature of healthcare and the demands of new healthcare organisations. Health policy reform, generally, will mean that all doctors need to be engaged with leadership, albeit, perhaps, at different levels, and with different degrees of formality. Leadership will remain an important precondition for the success of the reforms. This is likely to be the case for other countries involved in healthcare reform.

Practical implications

– To highlight the benefits and barriers to shared leadership for doctors.

Originality/value

– Offers an alternative to traditional approaches to leadership.
Employee perceptions of managers’ leadership over time
Authors: Palm Kristina , Ullström Susanne , Sandahl Christer , Bergman David
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to explore if and how employees in a healthcare organisation perceive changes in their managers’ leadership behaviour over time.

Design/methodology/approach

– An interview study was conducted with employees whose managers had participated in a two-year leadership development programme offered by their employer, Healthcare Provision Stockholm County. Qualitative content analysis was applied, and the interview discussions focused on areas in which the majority of the informants perceived that a change had occurred over time and their answers were relatively consistent.

Findings

– The majority of employees did discern changes in their managers’ leadership over time, and, with very few exceptions, these changes were described as improvements.

Practical implications

– The knowledge that employees perceived changes in their managers’ leadership supports investments in leadership development through courses, programmes or other initiatives.

Originality/value

– The present findings contribute to a deeper empirical understanding of leadership as it is practised over time in everyday contexts among employees in healthcare organisations.
The effect of award on CSR disclosures in annual reports of Malaysian PLCs
Authors: Anas Abdirahman , Abdul Rashid Hafiz Majdi , Annuar Hairul Azlan
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The paper aims to examine the determinants of corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosures in the annual reports of Malaysian public listed companies (PLCs). In 2006, Bursa Malaysia Berhad (BMB) launched its CSR Framework (effective in 2007) which is supposed to guide the Malaysian PLCs’ CSR disclosures. It is believed that this CSR framework may influence CSR disclosures to be more systematic, yet there is no evidence whether this framework influences the extent and quality of CSR disclosures. Thus, this study examines this area of research. The study also tests the influence of award on CSR disclosures.

Design/methodology/approach

– CSR disclosure checklist was developed to analyse the extent and quality of CSR information disclosures in the year 2008 annual reports of the Malaysian PLCs.

Findings

– Malaysian PLCs disclose more CSR information related to community and environment than workplace and marketplace CSR themes. On the other hand, the quality of disclosure practices was minimal when it is compared to the extent of disclosure practices. Finally, the study also found that the award’s variable has a significant positive relationship with both the extent and quality of CSR disclosure practices of the Malaysian PLCs.

Research limitations/implications

– The recently developed BMB’s CSR framework seems to have impact on the level and systematic CSR reporting practices of Malaysian PLCs. However, the quality of CSR disclosures is considered minimal.

Practical implications

– The results of the study bring some practical implications to the regulators, particularly Bursa Malaysia. First, it is good to observe that most companies have practiced specific disclosure in a separate statement with regard to CSR. However, the format of presentation and the extent of disclosure vary among the firms. Second, further guidelines need to be developed to provide a clearer framework of disclosure for CSR information. At the moment, Bursa Malaysia only listed down general principles of CSR themes. In addition, the regulators should also look into the evolving issues in CSR, such as the issue of climate change reporting. For example, the Climate Disclosure Standards Board has issued a voluntary Climate Change Reporting Framework.

Originality/value

– This study examined both the traditional (i.e. firm size and profitability) and non-traditional (i.e. award) factors influencing management’s decision to disclose CSR information in the annual reports of the Malaysian PLCs. Furthermore, the study reported how Malaysian PLCs comply with the recently implemented CSR framework issued by BMB.
Environmental disclosure quality: examining the impact of the stock exchange of Malaysia’s listing requirements
Authors: Fatima A.H. , Abdullah Norhayati , Sulaiman Maliah
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to investigate the environmental disclosure (ED) quality of public-listed companies (PLCs) in environmentally sensitive industries (ESI) in Malaysia in 2005 and 2009 (two years before and two years after the mandatory corporate social responsibility (CSR) requirement of Bursa Malaysia (BM)). BM (The Stock Exchange of Malaysia) has made CSR, including ED in annual reports mandatory since 2007. This study compares environmental reporting (ER) before and after the 2007 mandatory reporting requirement to determine if this command and control mechanism has had any effect on the quality of ED.

Design/methodology/approach

– The quality of ED was measured using a disclosure quality index adapted from various prior studies. The index consists of a total of 46 disclosure items grouped into 9 categories. Content analysis was utilized to extract data from the annual reports of 164 PLCs in ESI.

Findings

– Overall, the quality of ED improved in 2009 from that of 2005. More importantly, companies disclosed more quantitative environmental information in 2009 than in 2005. However, the average quality of ED was still low in 2009 compared to the overall potential score. Results provide some support for legitimacy as well as institutional theories.

Research limitations/implications

– The sample of the study consisted of listed companies in ESI only; the results cannot be generalized to other companies in non-environmentally sensitive sectors.

Practical implications

– Prior studies that used data before the mandatory CSR requirement by BM found ED in annual reports mainly declarative in nature, generally low on quality and with little quantifiable data. The results of the present study provide evidence of the positive impact of mandatory environmental reporting on ED quality.

Originality/value

– The use of a multi-theoretical perspective may offer a more meaningful explanation of ER behavior in Malaysia. The results of the study would provide the impetus for regulatory agencies in developing countries to perhaps consider legislating ER. The findings provide some evidence to support the influence of legitimacy and institutional factors behind improved ED of Malaysian PLCs. This outcome exhibits a positive influence on the government efforts in promoting sustainability. Finally, the study contributes to present a more up-to-date account of environmental commitment undertaken by Malaysian corporations through their environmental reporting, after the CSR mandatory listing requirement took effect in 2007.
Corporate social reporting in Libya: a research note
Authors: Elmogla Mahmoud , Cowton Christopher J. , Downs Yvonne
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– This purpose of this paper is to add strength and depth to the few other studies that take Libya as a point of departure to understanding the dynamic between disclosure practices and the context in which they are performed. Not enough is known about social accounting disclosure practices in developing countries.

Design/methodology/approach

– A sample of 270 annual reports from 54 companies, both public and private, across a range of sectors and covering a five-year period (2001-2005) was analysed using content analysis to ascertain patterns and trends in corporate social reporting by Libyan companies.

Findings

– Libyan companies generally disclose some information related to social responsibility but at a low level compared with developed countries and only in certain areas. This situation changed little over the five-year period under scrutiny.

Research limitations/implications

– During the five-year period examined, corporate social responsibility remained largely unresponsive to significant changes in the political scene that occurred over a much longer period of time. This suggests that further research is needed to illuminate the role and influence of societal culture and to understand the impact of organisational subculture on disclosure and responsibility practices.

Originality/value

– Libya provides a point of departure for further research into other transitioning or developing economies, particularly those in the Arab world. It also offers unique insights and the possibility for comparative studies between them due to its particular character. This note augments and adds depth to other studies in the area.
The challenge of balanced policy and law for socially responsible water storage management
Authors: Tingey-Holyoak Joanne , Pisaniello John D.
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to investigate what represents “balanced” policy. Drought conditions create pressures on farmers to store excessive water unfairly, creating unsafe structures in flood, which creates a dual-extreme risk with potentially catastrophic social consequences downstream. “Balanced” policy for socially responsible water storage management that accounts for farmers’ responses to regulations is a key to minimising this risk.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study investigated the problem through application of Oliver’s (1991) strategic response typology to a survey of 202 agribusiness managers in four different institutional environments.

Findings

– Evidence of diverse policy in Australia and results of 202 farmers surveyed suggest that “unbalanced” policy that does not infringe on farmer decision-making power will engender lower resistance, but in a “best balance” environment, stronger resistance is evident.

Originality/value

– The study demonstrates a need to consider more reflexive regulatory mixes for socially responsible water-storage behaviour by agribusiness.
Is fast fashion sustainable? The effect of positioning strategies on consumers’ attitudes and purchase intentions
Authors: Chang Hyo Jung (Julie) , Jai Tun-Min (Catherine)
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to examine the strategies that fast fashion retailers use to position sustainability by applying the stimulus-organism-response model. Specifically, this study investigated how sustainability positioning strategies influenced perceived corporate social responsibility (CSR) effort, price value and brand equity.

Design/methodology/approach

– A between-subject Web experiment was used to test the research model. Four versions of the questionnaire were developed on a commercial online survey Web site, in which the surveys were randomly distributed to participants and data were collected.

Findings

– The findings of this study suggest that sustainability positioning strategies can lead to the positive perceived CSR effort, thus giving support to the effectiveness of sustainability marketing for fast fashion retailers. Furthermore, purchase intentions are significantly influenced by perceived CSR effort, price value and brand equity.

Originality/value

– This study provides important input for practitioners by suggesting that they focus their managerial attention to sustainability and should also promote it through their positioning strategies carefully.
CSR practices in Sri Lanka: an exploratory analysis
Authors: Fernando Susith , Lawrence Stewart , Kelly Martine , Arunachalam Murugesh
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– This study aims to provide an understanding of the nature of corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices in a developing country, Sri Lanka. Specifically, it explores the environmental activities and social engagements of a sample from the largest 200 companies listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data were collected through a questionnaire survey posted to 200 listed companies. Fifty-one usable responses were received. The companies were analysed based on size, ownership and geographical scale of business. Kruskal–Wallis one-way ANOVA and Mann–Whitney U tests were used for hypotheses testing. Environmental Activity Percentage Score (EAPS) and Socially related Activity Percentage Score (SAPS) were calculated to measure the extent of companies’ CSR engagement with regard to environmental and social activities, respectively.

Findings

– Social issues such as unemployment and poverty, the typical issues in developing countries, often override environmental issues. This is more prominent in Sri Lankan-owned companies than those with overseas ownership. The explanation for this may involve historical, cultural and religious elements. Overall, corporate managers in Sri Lanka are concerned with social issues.

Practical implications

– The findings indicate that environmental practices are not widespread in the Sri Lankan corporate sector. It appears that environmental consequences are not taken into account in formulating business strategies, especially by local companies. This finding may be of interest to the corporate sector, the Sri Lankan environmental authority, non-governmental organisations, the Sri Lankan Government and academics.

Originality/value

– This paper offers initial insights about CSR practices in Sri Lanka, and provides empirical evidence of concerns for social issues in a developing country.
X‐linked dominant protoporphyria: The first reported Japanese case
Authors: Ninomiya Yukiko , Kokunai Yasuhito , Tanizaki Hideaki , Akasaka Eijiro , Nakano Hajime , Moriwaki Shinichi
Published: September 2015

A 12‐year‐old boy with photosensitivity since 3 years of age presented with small concavities on both cheeks, the nasal root and the dorsal surface of both hands. According to the clinical features, erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) was suspected. Urine and blood samples were tested for porphyrin derivatives, which revealed a markedly elevated level of erythrocyte protoporphyrin (EP) and a diagnosis of EPP was made. The patient's mother had no photosensitivity, however, lesions appearing slightly as small scars were found on the dorsum of her right hand; his elder sister and father showed no rash. The EP levels were elevated in samples from his mother and mildly elevated in those from his elder sister and father. To obtain a definitive diagnosis, genetic analyses were performed using samples from all family members, which revealed no mutations in the ferrochelatase‐encoding gene (FECH), which is responsible for EPP. Instead, a pathological mutation of the 5‐aminolevulinic acid synthase‐encoding gene (ALAS2) was identified in samples from the patient, his mother and his elder sister, confirming a definitive diagnosis of X‐linked dominant protoporphyria (XLDPP). This is the first Japanese family reported to have XLDPP, demonstrating evidence of the condition in Japan. In addition, because XLDPP is very similar to EPP in its clinical aspects and laboratory findings, a genetic analysis is required for the differential diagnosis.
Increasing Allele Detection by Altering the Quantity of Internal Lane Standard
Authors: Esparza Jessica M. , Michalik Monnie , Dukes Mary Jones , Wojtkiewicz Patrick
Published: September 2015

Electrokinetic injection (EI) is the primary method used in forensic laboratories to load amplified PCR product in capillary electrophoresis for short tandem repeat (STR) fragment separation. Because all samples subjected to capillary electrophoresis use internal lane standard (ILS), this study investigated the consequence of varying the volume of ILS and its effects on allele peak heights and number of alleles detected. Results demonstrated that when the volume of ILS is reduced, the average peak height and number of alleles increased, thereby increasing the sensitivity of the detection method. Sizing anomalies were observed; however, they did not adversely affect accuracy and precision. The method developed in this study offers a simple and universal procedure to increase the alleles detected in forensic STR analysis. Reducing the volume of ILS to achieve greater sensitivity is applicable to all STR amplification kits and capillary electrophoresis instruments currently used in forensic DNA analysis.
An Update on the Hazards and Risks of Forensic Anthropology, Part II: Field and Laboratory Considerations
Authors: Roberts Lindsey G. , Dabbs Gretchen R. , Spencer Jessica R.
Published: September 2015

This paper focuses on potential hazards and risks to forensic anthropologists while working in the field and laboratory in North America. Much has changed since Galloway and Snodgrass published their seminal article addressing these issues. The increased number of forensic practitioners combined with new information about potential hazards calls for an updated review of these pathogens and chemicals. Discussion of pathogen hazards (Brucella, Borrelia burgdorferi, Yersinia pestis, Clostridium tetani and West Nile virus) includes important history, exposure routes, environmental survivability, early symptoms, treatments with corresponding morbidity and mortality rates, and decontamination measures. Additionally, data pertaining to the use of formaldehyde in the laboratory environment have resulted in updated safety regulations, and these are highlighted. These data should inform field and laboratory protocols. The hazards of working directly with human remains are discussed in a companion article, “An Update on the Hazards and Risks of Forensic Anthropology, Part I: Human Remains.”
Fatal Intoxication with Acetyl Fentanyl
Authors: Cunningham Susan M. , Haikal Nabila A. , Kraner James C.
Published: September 2015

Among the new psychoactive substances encountered in forensic investigations is the opioid, acetyl fentanyl. The death of a 28‐year‐old man from recreational use of this compound is reported. The decedent was found in the bathroom of his residence with a tourniquet secured around his arm and a syringe nearby. Postmortem examination findings included marked pulmonary and cerebral edema and needle track marks. Toxicological analysis revealed acetyl fentanyl in subclavian blood, liver, vitreous fluid, and urine at concentrations of 235 ng/mL, 2400 ng/g, 131 ng/mL, and 234 ng/mL, respectively. Acetyl fentanyl was also detected in the accompanying syringe. Death was attributed to recreational acetyl fentanyl abuse, likely through intravenous administration. The blood acetyl fentanyl concentration is considerably higher than typically found in fatal fentanyl intoxications. Analysis of this case underscores the need for consideration of a wide range of compounds with potential opioid‐agonist activity when investigating apparent recreational drug‐related deaths.
Development of Multiple Assays using 46 SNPs for Comprehensive mtDNA Haplogrouping and Application to Highly Degraded DNA
Authors: Nunotani Miya , Sato Noriko , Kamei Sayako , Shiozaki Tetsuya , Hayashi Tokutaro , Asamura Hideki
Published: September 2015

Six multiplex PCR systems using single‐base extension reactions to analyze 46 mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)‐coding region single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that define 42 haplogroups, that is, 24 major mtDNA haplogroups and 18 subclades, were devised. To improve the usefulness of the established systems for the analysis of degraded DNA samples, novel primers to render amplicons with sizes <150 bp were designed. By applying these systems to 214 Japanese individuals, 24 different haplogroups (power of discrimination = 93.4%) were found. To assess the effectiveness of our systems in grouping degraded DNA, an ancient bone sample of a Jomon skeleton was analyzed and then classified as haplogroup N9b. We conclude that the present systems are powerful screening tools for major haplogroups of mtDNA in addition to the prevalent subhaplogroups in the Japanese population and that these systems are capable of analyzing highly degraded DNA samples in forensic studies.
The Role of State Leadership in the Incidence of International Governance
Authors: Koremenos Barbara
Published: September 2015

To understand leadership in international governance, I begin at the structural level with state actors. A simple framework that relies on state interests and material power can shed light on why powerful states take on leadership roles in some negotiations (e.g. arms control) but not in others (e.g. human rights). States attempting to cooperate to realize joint interests or solve problems often face a set of common and persistent obstacles. These obstacles, which I call ‘cooperation problems’, can make otherwise beneficial cooperation difficult to achieve. I argue that the particular combination of underlying cooperation problems present in an issue affects a powerful state's desire to take on a leadership position with respect to the incidence of international cooperation – that is, agenda setting by putting forth the first draft of an international agreement addressing the issue and remaining in control of subsequent drafts. Because, from a policy point of view, the most interesting cases are those that involve distribution problems, I focus on the following two combinations of problems: distribution with coordination and distribution without coordination. I use the examples of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, the Antarctic Treaty, the Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and the Convention Against Torture to illustrate the theoretical discussion.
Commentary on Prospects for Global Financial Reporting
Authors: Barth Mary E.
Published: September 2015

This commentary reviews the current status of the global use of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and offers thoughts on the prospects for truly global financial reporting. The shift towards global use of IFRS is one of the biggest changes in financial reporting history. Although many countries require or permit the use of IFRS by firms listed on their capital markets, the global shift to IFRS is incomplete—both in terms of the required or permitted use of the standards and in terms of their varied application and enforcement around the world. In addition, the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) has an active agenda to improve the existing standards. Thus, the lofty goal of truly global, high‐quality financial reporting has not yet been achieved. In fact, it probably is not completely achievable—there always will be variation in application and enforcement of the standards as well as scope for improving them. However, we can come closer to achieving the goal. It would be premature to abandon the goal now thereby forgoing the potential benefits it promises. Rather, we should develop plans for the next phase of the journey towards truly global financial reporting.
Different Conceptual Accounting Frameworks for Public and Private Enterprises: Commentary on Canada's IFRS Transition and Suggestions for International Empirical Work
Authors: Thornton Daniel B.
Published: September 2015

Prior research, coupled with demographic data relating to the needs of financial statement users, suggests that Canada's strategy of adopting International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) for public firms, while simultaneously basing Accounting Standards for Private Enterprises (ASPE) on a classic conceptual framework featuring reliability, conservatism and verifiability, is a rational strategy that confers a comparative advantage on Canada's private enterprises relative to their peers in other countries. I propose research projects that could examine this inference as a testable hypothesis, thereby providing empirical evidence that standard setters could weigh when determining whether the strategy is successful and worth preserving. I also explain why conservatism can coexist with unbiased fair values of private enterprises' equity securities and their derivatives.
A testis‐specific gene within a widely expressed gene: Contrasting evolutionary patterns of two differentially expressed mammalian proteins encoded by a single gene,CAMK4
Authors: Padhi Abinash , Ma Li
Published: September 2015

Understanding the patterns of genetic variations within fertility‐related genes and the evolutionary forces that shape such variations is crucial in predicting the fitness landscapes of subsequent generations. This study reports distinct evolutionary features of two differentially expressed mammalian proteins [CaMKIV(Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinaseIV) and CaS (calspermin)] that are encoded by a single gene,CAMK4. The multifunctionalCaMKIV, which is expressed in multiple tissues including testis and ovary, is evolving at a relatively low rate (0.46–0.64 × 10−9nucleotide substitutions/site/year), whereas the testis‐specificCaSgene, which is predominantly expressed in post‐meiotic cells, evolves at least three to four times faster (1.48–1.98 × 10−9substitutions/site/year). Concomitantly, maximum‐likelihood‐based selection analyses revealed that the ubiquitously expressedCaMKIVis constrained by intense purifying selection and, therefore, remained functionally highly conserved throughout the mammalian evolution, whereas the testis‐specificCaSgene is under strong positive selection. The substitution rates of different mammalian lineages within both genes are positively correlated withGCcontent, indicating the possible influence ofGC‐biased gene conversion on the estimated substitution rates. The observation of such unusually highGCcontent of theCaSgene (≈74%), particularly in the lineage that comprises the bovine species, suggests the possible role ofGC‐biased gene conversion in the evolution ofCaSthat mimics positive selection.
Electoral Backlash against Climate Policy: A Natural Experiment on Retrospective Voting and Local Resistance to Public Policy
Authors: Stokes Leah C.
Published: September 2015

Retrospective voting studies typically examine policies where the public has common interests. By contrast, climate policy has broad public support but concentrated opposition in communities where costs are imposed. This spatial distribution of weak supporters and strong local opponents mirrors opposition to other policies with diffuse public benefits and concentrated local costs. I use a natural experiment to investigate whether citizens living in proximity to wind energy projects retrospectively punished an incumbent government because of its climate policy. Using both fixed effects and instrumental variable estimators, I identify electoral losses for the incumbent party ranging from 4 to 10%, with the effect persisting 3 km from wind turbines. There is also evidence that voters are informed, only punishing the government responsible for the policy. I conclude that the spatial distribution of citizens' policy preferences can affect democratic accountability through ‘spatially distorted signalling’, which can exacerbate political barriers to addressing climate change.
Effect of supplementation of rice bran and fumarate alone or in combination on in vitro rumen fermentation, methanogenesis and methanogens
Authors: Abrar Arfan , Kondo Makoto , Kitamura Tasuku , Ban‐Tokuda Tomomi , Matsui Hiroki
Published: September 2015

This study investigated the effect of fumarate (FUM) and rice bran (RB), alone and together, on in vitro rumen fermentation, methanogenesis and methanogens. In vitro incubation was performed with six media that were either unsupplemented (control) or supplemented with 10% RB, 5 mmol/L FUM, 10% RB + 5 mmol/L FUM, 10 mmol/L FUM, or 10% RB + 10 mmol/L FUM. Methane (CH4) production, dry matter digestibility, CH4 per digested dry matter, total short‐chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, proportion of SCFA, acetate : proprionate ratio, production of NH3‐N, and population density of rumen microbes were determined. Supplementation with 10% RB + 10 mmol/L FUM yielded a 36% decrease in CH4 production compared to the control. Supplementation of FUM, in the presence or absence of RB, provided increases in total SCFA production and propionate proportion up to 61% and 31%, respectively. Total bacteria, methanogens and protozoa populations were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased with the 10% RB + 10 mmol/L FUM supplementation. The effect of anti‐methanogenesis of FUM was enhanced by the addition of RB. Notably, the CH4 production attenuation was achieved by 10% RB + 10 mmol/L FUM without reduction of digestibility or of ruminal fermentation.
Prediction of renal mass aggressiveness using clinical and radiographic features: a global, multicentre prospective study
Authors: Golan Shay , Eggener Scott , Subotic Svetozar , Barret Eric , Cormio Luigi , Naito Seiji , Tefekli Ahmet , Pilar Laguna Pes M.
Published: September 2015

Objective

To examine the ability of preoperative clinical characteristics to predict histological features of renal masses (RMs).

Patients and Methods

Data from consecutive patients with clinical stage I RMs treated surgically between 2010 and 2011 in the Clinical Research Office of Endourology Society (CROES) Renal Mass Registry were collected. Based on surgical histology, tumours were categorised as benign, low‐ or high‐aggressiveness cancer. Multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate the probability of the histological group by clinical and radiographic features in the entire cohort and a subcohort of cT1a tumours. The performance of the models was studied by calibration, Nagelkerke's R2, and discrimination (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve).

Results

The study cohort included 2 224 patients with a clinical stage I RM, of which 1 367 (61%) were cT1a. Benign lesions were found in 369 (16.6%), low‐aggressiveness tumours in 1 156 (52%) and high‐aggressiveness tumours in 699 (31.4%). Male gender, smoking history, increased tumour size, and lower exophytic rate were associated with malignancy and high‐aggressiveness features (all P < 0.05). Models developed based on these characteristics had the ability to discriminate benign from malignant (bootstrap corrected c‐index of 0.64) and high‐aggressiveness tumours from benign and low‐aggressiveness tumours (bootstrap corrected c‐index of 0.66). Similar results were achieved in the cT1a subgroup. The c‐index of tumour diameter as a single predictor of malignancy and high‐aggressiveness tumours in the entire cohort was 0.6 and 0.63, respectively.

Conclusion

Although older age, male gender, smoking history, increased tumour diameter, and reduced exophytic rate are associated with malignancy and high aggressiveness of clinical stage I RMs, models incorporating these characteristics have modest discriminating power, being only slightly better than the predictive ability of tumour size alone.
Real‐Time Rendering Techniques with Hardware Tessellation
Authors: Nießner M. , Keinert B. , Fisher M. , Stamminger M. , Loop C. , Schäfer H.
Published: September 2015

Graphics hardware has progressively been optimized to render more triangles with increasingly flexible shading. For highly detailed geometry, interactive applications restricted themselves to performing transforms on fixed geometry, since they could not incur the cost required to generate and transfer smooth or displaced geometry to the GPU at render time. As a result of recent advances in graphics hardware, in particular the GPU tessellation unit, complex geometry can now be generated on the fly within the GPU's rendering pipeline. This has enabled the generation and displacement of smooth parametric surfaces in real‐time applications. However, many well‐established approaches in offline rendering are not directly transferable due to the limited tessellation patterns or the parallel execution model of the tessellation stage. In this survey, we provide an overview of recent work and challenges in this topic by summarizing, discussing, and comparing methods for the rendering of smooth and highly detailed surfaces in real time.