bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sunlight-activated graphene-heterostructure transparent cathodes: enabling high-performance n-graphene/p-Si Schottky junction photovoltaics
Authors: Ho Po-Hsun , Lee Wei-Chen , Liou Yi-Ting , Chiu Ya-Ping , Shih Yi-Siang , Chen Chun-Chi , Su Pao-Yun , Li Min-Ken , Chen Hsuen-Li , Liang Chi-Te , Chen Chun-Wei
Published: May 2015

A record-high efficiency (>10%) was achieved for an n-graphene/p-Si Schottky junction solar cell by using the “sunlight-activated” graphene/TiOx transparent cathode.
Freestanding HRP–GOx redox buckypaper as an oxygen-reducing biocathode for biofuel cell applications
Authors: Elouarzaki K. , Bourourou M. , Holzinger M. , Le Goff A. , Marks R. S. , Cosnier S.
Published: May 2015

Horseradish peroxidase and glucose oxidase were immobilized on redox buckypapers modified by poly(pyrrole-concanavalin) for the electroreduction of oxygen into water.
Concluding remarks
Authors: Myerson Allan S.
Published: May 2015

Crystallization from solution is a crucial process used in the manufacture of a wide variety of materials. The first step in the crystallization process is the birth of a new crystalline phase, which is known as nucleation. Nucleation plays a key role in determining the results of any crystallization process with respect to the size, shape and crystal form obtained. Classical nucleation theory does not adequately explain the crystal nucleation process. Work described in the literature and at this Faraday Discussion describe more complex nucleation mechanisms which are generally known as two-step nucleation models. In addition, as most nucleation is influenced by dust, dirt and container surfaces, the importance of heterogeneous nucleation and the use of templates to accelerate nucleation and influence crystal form are promising methods for the study and control of nucleation. It is also clear from this Faraday Discussion that interest in this topic has grown, and new and novel experimental and modeling approaches are being used for the study of crystal nucleation from solution.
Copper-catalyzed hydroxylation of aryl halides: efficient synthesis of phenols, alkyl aryl ethers and benzofuran derivatives in neat water
Authors: Wang Yangxin , Zhou Chunshan , Wang Ruihu
Published: May 2015

An efficient catalytic protocol for hydroxylation of aryl halides in water is proposed to prepare phenols, ethers and benzofuran derivatives.
RNA nucleosides as chiral sensing agents in NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Lokesh N. , Sachin S. L. , Narendra L. V. , Arun K. , Suryaprakash N.
Published: May 2015

The study reports chiral sensing properties of RNA nucleosides. A three component derivitazation protocol has been adopted to differentiate chiral amines. All RNA nucleosides exhibit chiral sensing property.
Synthesis, characterization, and photocurrent generation of a new nanocomposite based Cu–TCPP MOF and ZnO nanorod
Authors: Rahimi Rahmatollah , Shariatinia Samaneh , Zargari Solmaz , Yaghoubi Berijani Marzieh , Ghaffarinejad Ali , Shojaie Zahra Sadat
Published: May 2015

Schematic representation of the Cu–TCPP MOF/ZnO (15%) nanocomposite on an FTO substrate in the photoelectrochemical cell and the mechanism of the photocurrent generation (the chemical potentials were calculated by cyclic voltammetry measurement).
A strategy for synthesis of lipid nanoparticles using microfluidic devices with a mixer structure
Authors: Maeki Masatoshi , Saito Tatsuyoshi , Sato Yusuke , Yasui Takao , Kaji Noritada , Ishida Akihiko , Tani Hirofumi , Baba Yoshinobu , Harashima Hideyoshi , Tokeshi Manabu
Published: May 2015

Formation behavior was discussed for lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) in the microfluidic devices equipped with different cycle numbers of the micromixers.
Pyrazino-[2,3-f][1,10]phenanthroline as a new anchoring group of organic dyes for dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Zhang Li-Peng , Jiang Ke-Jian , Chen Qiang , Li Gang , Yang Lian-Ming
Published: May 2015

Two novel donor–acceptor organic dyes (PPL-1 and PPL-2) with pyrazino-[2,3-f][1,10]phenanthroline as an electron-withdrawing anchoring group displayed a promising power conversion efficiency of 4.04% under standard AM 1.5 conditions.
A triphenylamine-based colorimetric and “turn-on” fluorescent probe for detection of cyanide anions in live cells
Authors: Wang Shaodan , Xu Hai , Yang Qingbiao , Song Yan , Li Yaoxian
Published: May 2015

A triphenylamine–hemicyanine dye was developed as a colorimetric and turn-on fluorescent probe for detection of cyanide with high sensitivity and selectivity.
Synthesis and self-assembly of well-defined binary graft copolymer and its use in superhydrophobic cotton fabrics preparation
Authors: Li Yinwen , Zheng Xiuwen , Zhu Huayu , Wu Kun , Lu Mangeng
Published: May 2015

Schematic illustrations of the self-assembly of BGCs and photographs of superhydrophobic performance.
Improved electrochemical performance of sulphur cathodes with acylated gelatine as a binder
Authors: Shao Hongyuan , Li Chengming , Liu Naiqiang , Wang Weikun , Zhang Hao , Zhao Xuhui , Huang Yaqin
Published: May 2015

Acylated-gelatin binder with abundant carbonyl groups has strong affinity for polysulphide and is beneficial for improving Li/S batteries' performance.
Preparation of Au nanoparticles by Anthemis xylopoda flowers aqueous extract and their application for alkyne/aldehyde/amine A3-type coupling reactions
Authors: Nasrollahzadeh Mahmoud , Sajadi S. Mohammad
Published: May 2015

This paper reports on the green synthesis of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) by Anthemis xylopoda flowers aqueous extract without the addition of surfactant agents and their application as stable catalysts for the synthesis of propargylamines.
Conical-shaped titania nanotubes for optimized light management in DSSCs reach back-side illumination efficiencies > 8%
Authors: So Seulgi , Kriesch Arian , Peschel Ulf , Schmuki Patrik
Published: May 2015

We introduce the anodic growth of conical-shaped TiO2 nanotube arrays and exploit their optimized absorption profile in high efficiency DSSCs.
Dual pH-responsive mesoporous silica nanoparticles for efficient combination of chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy
Authors: Yao Xuemei , Chen Xiaofei , He Chaoliang , Chen Li , Chen Xuesi
Published: May 2015

By metallo-supramolecular coordinated interaction between Zn-Por and histidine, a dual pH-responsive mesoporous silica nanoparticle (MSN)-based drug delivery system has been fabricated for synergistic chemo-photodynamic therapy.
Polydimethylsiloxane composites containing core-only lanthanide-doped oleylamine-stabilized LaF3 nanoparticles with high emission lifetimes
Authors: Rodrigues Emille M. , Gaspar Rafael D. L. , Mazali Italo O. , Sigoli Fernando A.
Published: May 2015

This work reports on the synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of oleylamine-stabilized lanthanide-doped LaF3 nanoparticles isolated or dispersed in polydimethylsiloxane (pdms).
A mono(carboxy)porphyrin-triazine-(bodipy)2triad as a donor for bulk heterojunction organic solar cells
Authors: Sharma Ganesh D. , Siddiqui S. A. , Nikiforou Agapi , Zervaki Galateia E. , Georgakaki Irene , Ladomenou Kalliopi , Coutsolelos Athanassios G.
Published: May 2015

A mono(carboxy)porphyrin-triazine-(bodipy)2triad(PorCOOH)(BDP)2has been used as a donor with ([6,6]-phenyl C71butyric acid methyl ester) (PC71BM) as an acceptor, in BHJ - solution processed organic solar cells.
Interpolatory cubature Kalman filters
Authors: Zhang Yonggang , Huang Yulong , Li Ning , Zhao Lin
Published: May 2015

In this study, a novel class of interpolatory cubature Kalman filters (ICKFs) with arbitrary degrees of accuracy, including the third‐degree ICKF and the fifth‐degree ICKF, are proposed based on the interpolatory cubature rule. Existing cubature Kalman filter and unscented Kalman filter can both be deemed as special cases of the proposed ICKFs. Furthermore, the proposed fifth‐degree ICKF can achieve higher filtering accuracy than existing fifth‐degree methods by properly choosing free parameters, as illustrated in numerical simulation.
High‐efficiency scheme and optimisation technique for design of fragment‐type isolation structure between multiple‐input and multiple‐output antennas
Authors: Ding Dawei , Wang Gang , Wang Lu
Published: May 2015

Fragment‐type structure has found its application in designing high isolation structure for multiple‐input and multiple‐output (MIMO) system. In this study, a novel design scheme and a high‐efficiency optimisation searching technique for fragment‐type isolation structure are proposed based on multiobjective evolutionary algorithm based on decomposition combined with enhanced genetic operators (MOEA/D‐GO). Both considering non‐uniform fragment cells in design space and combining two‐dimensional median filtering operator in the original MOEA/D‐GO can improve speed of optimisation searching while obtaining higher isolation and better envelope correlation coefficient at expense of capacity loss. With the high‐efficiency optimisation search, more design objectives including the beam direction can be handled as well. The proposed design scheme and high‐efficiency searching technique are demonstrated through design examples with two MIMO planar inverted‐F antennas operating at 2.345–2.36 GHz and having a centre‐to‐centre interval of 15 mm. Comparison results among three designs verify the high effectiveness of the proposed scheme and optimisation searching technique.
Niederlassungsmotive – Die Bereitschaft zur Niederlassung in eigener Praxis von Ärztinnen und Ärzten in Weiterbildung zum Facharzt für Allgemeinmedizin
Authors: Barth N. , Linde K. , Schneider A.
Published: May 2015

Unsere multimethodologische Studie untersucht, welche Motivkomplexe die Bereitschaft von Ärztinnen und Ärzten in Weiterbildung zum Facharzt für Allgemeinmedizin zu einer Niederlassung in eigener Praxis anleiten. Darüber hinaus wird gefragt, wie sich Motivlagen während der Weiterbildung verändern. Dazu haben wir narrative Telefoninterviews sowie Gruppendiskussionen mit einer quantitativen Online-Befragung verbunden. In synchroner Perspektive zeigt sich, dass Niederlassungsmotive einerseits hochgradig differenziert sind, andererseits aber deutlich geschlechtsspezifisch. In diachron längsschnittlicher Perspektive ist die Entscheidung für oder gegen eine eigene Niederlassung während der Weiterbildung lange unsicher. In der Konsequenz werden ein intramedizinischer, ein infrastruktureller, sowie ein motivgenetischer Strukturwandel deutlich.
Parodontal unterstützte Kieferorthopädie – ein neuer Blick auf die Kortikotomie des Alveolarfortsatzes
Authors: Garganese D. , Spena R.
Published: May 2015

Die Dekortikation im Alveolarfortsatz wird im Zusammenhang mit kieferorthopädischen Behandlungen seit jeher mit einer Beschleunigung von Zahnbewegungen und einer Verkürzung der Behandlungsdauer verbunden. Die Beschleunigung von Zahnbewegungen ist dabei inzwischen gut abgesichert, die Verkürzung der Behandlungszeit jedoch immer noch umstritten. Diese ist sicherlich nicht vorhersehbar und nur schwer zu verifizieren. Vorgestellt wird ein etwas anderer Blick auf die biologischen und biomechanischen Vorteile dieses Verfahrens für die kieferorthopädische Behandlung.
Power Doppler Ultrasonography is an Important Technique in Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis and Osteoarthritis Arthritis among Egyptians
Authors: Algergawy S. , Ismail Y.
Published: May 2015

Angiogenesis is controlled by a variety of angiogenesis modulators of which VEGF is one of the most important. The increased power Doppler (PD) signals determined by ultrasonography are an indirect marker of synovial vascularity in arthritis. The aim of this study was to identify the importance of the power Doppler technique in different form of arthritis, by finding relationships of the power Doppler sonography (PDS) score with synovial VEGF and US findings (effusion, thickness). 20 rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 20 ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and 20 osteoarthritis (OA) patients with active knee arthritis were included. Synovial effusion, synovial hypertrophy, and PD signal scores were calculated in arthritic joints. Synovial vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) fluid samples were studied. Comparisons between the groups were made; the synovial hypertrophy score and effusion scorewere significantly higher in RA and spondylarthritis than in OA. PD scores were significantly different between the groups. Synovial VEGF levels were significantly higher in patients with RA and AS than in OA. Synovial effusion score and synovial hypertrophy score were positively correlated with VEGF levels. Also a significant correlation was found between PD score and VEGF, synovial effusion and thickness. In large joints like the knee, detecting PD signals alone was sufficient to assess the angiogenesis, and there were significant positive correlations with VEGF, effusion and thickness score. Therefore, when investigating knee arthritis, the PD technique should be employed.
E-H heating mode transition in inductive discharges with different antenna sizes
Authors: Lee Hyo-Chang , Chung Chin-Wook
Published: May 2015

The spatial distribution of plasma density and the transition power for capacitive (E) to inductive (H) mode transition are studied in planar type inductively coupled plasmas with different antenna sizes. The spatial plasma distribution has a relatively flat profile at a low gas pressure, while the plasma profile is affected by the antenna size at higher gas pressure. The transition power for the E to H mode transition is shown to be critically affected by the antenna size. When the discharge is sustained by a small one-turn antenna coil, the transition power has a minimum value at Ar gas of 20 mTorr. However, the minimum transition power is shown at a relatively high gas pressure (40–60 mTorr) in the case of a large one-turn antenna coil. This change in the transition power can be understood by the thermal transport of the energetic electrons with non-local kinetics to the chamber wall. This non-local kinetic effect indicates that the transition power can also increase even for a small antenna if the antenna is placed near the wall.
Calculation of a plasma HgDyI3 transport coefficients
Authors: Hajji S. , HadjSalah S. , Benhalima A. , Charrada K. , Zissis G.
Published: May 2015

This work is devoted to the calculation of the chemical composition and transport coefficients of HgDyI3 plasmas in thermal equilibrium. These calculations are performed for pressures equal to 2MP and for temperatures varying from 1000 to 10 000 K. The thermal and electrical conductivity as well as viscosity have been computed as a function of temperature at different atomic ratios. The computational method proposed by Devoto from the classical formalism described by Hirschfelder et al. [Molecular Theory of Gases and Liquids (John Wiley and Sons, New York, 1954)] is used.
Hollow silicon carbide nanoparticles from a non-thermal plasma process
Authors: Coleman Devin , Lopez Thomas , Yasar-Inceoglu Ozgul , Mangolini Lorenzo
Published: May 2015

We demonstrate the synthesis of hollow silicon carbide nanoparticles via a two-step process involving the non-thermal plasma synthesis of silicon nanoparticles, followed by their in-flight carbonization, also initiated by a non-thermal plasma. Simple geometric considerations associated with the expansion of the silicon lattice upon carbonization, in combination of the spherical geometry of the system, explain the formation of hollow nanostructures. This is in contrast with previous reports that justify the formation of hollow particles by means of out-diffusion of the core element, i.e., by the Kirkendall nanoscale effect. A theoretical analysis of the diffusion kinetics indicates that interaction with the ionized gas induces significant nanoparticle heating, allowing for the fast transport of carbon into the silicon particle and for the subsequent nucleation of the beta-silicon carbide phase. This work confirms the potential of non-thermal plasma processes for the synthesis of nanostructures composed of high-melting point materials, and suggests that such processes can be tuned to achieve morphological control.
Non-monotonic effect of growth temperature on carrier collection in SnS solar cells
Authors: Chakraborty R. , Steinmann V. , Mangan N. M. , Brandt R. E. , Poindexter J. R. , Jaramillo R. , Mailoa J. P. , Hartman K. , Polizzotti A. , Yang C. , Gordon R. G. , Buonassisi T.
Published: May 2015

We quantify the effects of growth temperature on material and device properties of thermally evaporated SnS thin-films and test structures. Grain size, Hall mobility, and majority-carrier concentration monotonically increase with growth temperature. However, the charge collection as measured by the long-wavelength contribution to short-circuit current exhibits a non-monotonic behavior: the collection decreases with increased growth temperature from 150 °C to 240 °C and then recovers at 285 °C. Fits to the experimental internal quantum efficiency using an opto-electronic model indicate that the non-monotonic behavior of charge-carrier collection can be explained by a transition from drift- to diffusion-assisted components of carrier collection. The results show a promising increase in the extracted minority-carrier diffusion length at the highest growth temperature of 285 °C. These findings illustrate how coupled mechanisms can affect early stage device development, highlighting the critical role of direct materials property measurements and simulation.
Reversible oxygen vacancies doping in (La0.7,Sr0.3)MnO3 microbridges by combined self-heating and electromigration
Authors: Manca Nicola , Pellegrino Luca , Marré Daniele
Published: May 2015

Combination of electric fields and Joule self-heating is used to change the oxygen stoichiometry and promote oxygen vacancy drift in a freestanding (La,Sr)MnO3 thin film microbridge placed in controlled atmosphere. By controlling the local oxygen vacancies concentration, we can reversibly switch our (La,Sr)MnO3-based microbridges from metallic to insulating behavior on timescales lower than 1 s and with small applied voltages (<5 V). The strong temperature gradients given by the microbridge geometry strongly confine the motion of oxygen vacancies, limiting the modified region within the free-standing area. Multiple resistive states can be set by selected current pulses that determine different oxygen vacancies profiles within the device. Qualitative analysis of device operation is also provided with the support of finite element analysis.
Yield stress, polymorphic transformation, and spall fracture of shock-loaded iron in various structural states and at various temperatures
Authors: Zaretsky E. B. , Kanel G. I.
Published: May 2015

The response of polycrystalline 99.5% pure iron was studied in a series of planar impact experiments, with samples of different thickness having an initial temperature that ranged between 300 and 1233 K. The free surface velocity histories of the shocked samples were recorded in the course of the experiments. Almost all recorded histories are characterized by a three-wave structure containing an elastic precursor Pel and two plastic, P1 and P2, waves. It was found that at 300, 900, and 1039 K (some 5 K away from iron's Curie point), the decay of the Pel wave with propagation distance is characterized by two different regimes; a fast one that corresponds to plastic strain rates above ∼105 s−1 and a slower one at lower strain rates. Since the shear stress at which the change-over takes place is very close to the Peierls stress of iron, we assume that above this stress the decay is governed by the phonon-damped over-barrier dislocation motion, while below it, the thermally activated generation and motion of the dislocation kinks is the governing mechanism. Based on the parameters of the P1 and P2 waves, both the initial and the maximum rates of the α→ε transformation in iron have been estimated. The results indicate that the approach to the Curie point is associated with a substantial, by 2–3 times, increase of the transformation rate.
The influence of metallic belt on aluminum back surface field of solar cells during the firing process
Authors: Xi Xi , Chen Xiaojing , Zhang Song , Li Wenjia , Shi Zhengrong , Li Guohua
Published: May 2015

For normal solar cell production, the front surface is upturned and the Al rear surface directly contacts with the belt during the firing process. In this paper, the influence of metallic belt on the Al back surface field was investigated. With the development of light induced plating technology, it was possible that the rear surface was upturned so that the rear surface would not directly contact with the belt. For normal structured P-type cells, the rear surface upturned (RSU) method narrowed conversion efficiency distribution. With the efficiency growing, the advantages of RSU were seen more clearly. For Al rear emitter N-type solar cells, RSU was good for the quality of rear junction. The internal quantum efficiency at the long wavelength was improved a lot. The average efficiency increased by about 0.2%(abs). The best efficiency increased to 19.93%. Additionally, RSU also reduced the rear surface void ration in passivated emitter and rear contact (PERC) cells. The average efficiency of RSU PERC cells also increased by about 0.2%(abs). The best efficiency of PERC cells with RSU method was improved to 20.38%. The most important improvement came from the rear contact. In this paper, the environment tolerance of the cells was also studied. The thimbles of the belt destroyed the Al film and made the film loose. RSU method avoided direct contact of the Al film and the belt, and made the Al films compacter during the firing process. The performances of the cells in a hot and humid environment were improved. The aspects of rear surface almost did not change after water boiling. The efficiency degradation was lower than that of the normal firing mode. RSU method was good both for the cells' efficiency and the stability improvement.
Cytological study of Polystichum (Dryopteridaceae) species from southern South America
Authors: Morero Rita E. , Chiarini Franco E. , Urdampilleta Juan , Barboza Gloria E. , Barrington David S.
Published: May 2015

Polystichum is one of the most diverse genera of ferns, with 360–400 species distributed worldwide. South America harbors ~40 species, clustered in three centres of diversity, namely, the Northern and Central Andes Center (NCC), the Brazilian Center (BC) and the Southern South America Center (SSC). To increase our understanding of the systematic relationships within Polystichum, mitotic chromosomes and spore features were studied in nine species from Argentina and Chile. All species presented the basic number x = 41, with different ploidy levels (2x, 4x and 8x). In general, chromosomes were homogeneous in size (average length 2.50–5.75 µm) and mostly subtelocentric; centromeres were inconspicuous and secondary constrictions were frequently observed. All species presented 64 spores per sporangium, suggesting normal sexual reproduction. Significant differences in spore size were found among species and it was positively correlated with ploidy level. A relationship between sum total chromosome length and ploidy level was observed. However, there was also a reduction in single-chromosome length in the polyploids, pointing to genome downsizing. Our results agree with previous records, with diploids being frequent among NCC species and absent among SSC species. In addition to sharing very specific morphological characters, SSC species are cytologically characterised by being polyploids (4x and 8x). A literature survey covering 116 species of Polystichum revealed that Australian and New Zealand Polystichum species exhibit similarly high frequencies of polyploidy. In the case of P. tetragonum (2n = 164), endemic to the Juan Fernandez archipelago, our data suggested that it was originated by transoceanic migration from a South American ancestor, probably also tetraploid.
Leaf flammability and fuel load increase under elevated CO2 levels in a model grassland
Authors: Manea Anthony , Grootemaat Saskia , Leishman Michelle R.
Published: May 2015

Fire is a common process that shapes the structure of grasslands globally. Rising atmospheric CO2 concentration may have a profound influence on grassland fire regimes. In this study, we asked (1) does CO2 and soil P availability alter leaf flammability (ignitibility and fire sustainability); (2) are leaf tissue chemistry traits drivers of leaf flammability, and are they modified by CO2 and soil P availability?; (3) does CO2 and soil P availability alter fuel load accumulation in grasslands; and (4) does CO2 and soil P availability alter the resprouting ability of grassland species? We found that leaf flammability increased under elevated CO2 levels owing to decreased leaf moisture content and foliar N, whereas fuel load accumulation increased owing to decreased foliar N (slower decomposition rates) and increased aboveground biomass production. These plant responses to elevated CO2 levels were not modified by soil P availability. The increase in leaf flammability and fuel load accumulation under elevated CO2 levels may alter grassland fire regimes by facilitating fire ignition as well as shorter fire intervals. However, the increased root biomass of grasses under elevated CO2 levels may enhance their resprouting capacity relative to woody plants, resulting in a shift in the vegetation structure of grasslands.
Language and Culture
Authors: Kramsch Claire
Published: May 2015

This paper surveys the research methods and approaches used in the multidisciplinary field of applied language studies or language education over the last fourty years. Drawing on insights gained in psycho- and sociolinguistics, educational linguistics and linguistic anthropology with regard to language and culture, it is organized around five major questions that concern language educators. The first is: How is cultural meaning encoded in the linguistic sign? It discusses how the use of a symbolic system affects thought, how speakers of different languages think differently when speaking, and how speakers of different discourses (across language or in the same language) have different cultural worldviews. The second question is: How is cultural meaning expressed pragmatically through verbal action? It discusses the realization of speech acts across cultures, culturally-inflected conversation analysis, and the use of cultural frames. The third question is: How is culture co-constructed by participants in interaction? It discusses how applied linguistics has moved from a structuralist to a constructivist view of language and culture, from performance to performativity, and from a focus on culture to a focus on historicity and subjectivity. The fourth question is: How is research on language and culture affected by language technologies? The print culture of the book, the virtual culture of the Internet, the online culture of electronic exchanges all have their own ways of redrawing the boundaries of what may be said, written and done within a given discourse community. They are inextricably linked to issues of power and control. The last section explores the current methodological trends in the study of language and culture: the increased questioning and politicization of cultural reality, the increased interdisciplinary nature of research, the growing importance of reflexivity, and the noticeable convergence of intercultural communication studies and applied language studies in the study of language and culture.
Practice and progression in Second Language Research methods
Authors: Mackey Alison
Published: May 2015

Since its inception, the field of second language research has utilized methods from a number of areas, including general
linguistics, psychology, education, sociology, anthropology and, recently, neuroscience and corpus linguistics. As the questions
and objectives expand, researchers are increasingly pushing methodological boundaries to gain a clearer picture of second language
learning. At one end for example, we see measures of cognition (e.g., brain imaging and eye tracking) and at the other end we see
exploration of issues of culture and identity (e.g., ethnographies, deep dive case studies, introspective and narrative analyses).
There is an emerging emphasis on research synthesis, meta-analysis, and replication. This article illustrates a few of the
advancements in methods and research agendas in SLA. I will conclude by highlighting some of the ways that second language
researchers can continue to incorporate, assimilate, and shape methodology, as well as pointing out some of the potential
pitfalls, and overall, how these methodological innovations benefit the field.
The speech community as a social fact
Authors: Sankoff Gillian
Published: May 2015

Marrying Durkheim’s definition of the social fact (1895) with Gumperz’ classic framework for studying the speech community (1968), the paper argues that these concepts are crucial to the 21st century sociolinguistic enterprise. It explores the basic dimensions of variation across speech communities, illustrating their applicability to communities of several different types. These include monolingual communities where speakers have a common base in linguistic structure as well as complex multilingual communities with internal social divisions. Illustrations are drawn from the author’s research in French Canada and Papua New Guinea, and from Blanc’s (1964) study of Baghdad. Finally, the study of multilingual speech communities is linked to the understanding of how superposed linguistic knowledge is integrated across the lifespans of individual speakers and across communal groups. Even in such situations, members who do not share a language seek to communicate with each other, finding ways of doing so that respond to social opportunities and circumvent social barriers.
Inference Towards the Best Explanation: Reflections on the Issue of Climate Change
Authors: Holt Robert D.
Published: May 2015

Science is an organized enterprise of inquiry which tries to tie together multiple strands of evidence to craft coherent explanations for disparate patterns in the natural world. Philosophers call this enterprise “inference towards the best explanation”. Such inferences at times depend upon detailed quantitative models, but at times one can rely upon the confluence of multiple strands of qualitative evidence. Humans are having unquestionable influences upon many aspects of the earth system at present, on land, in freshwater systems, and indeed the ocean, including devastating impacts on biodiversity. There are many patterns in the world at present – shrinking glaciers, shifting seasonal patterns in species’ life histories, and altered spatial distributions – which point to the signal of climate change, independent of the details of quantitative climate models. Yet, there are many other factors at play, often confounding clear assessment of the specific role of climate change in observed changes in the world. A deeper synoptic understanding of the drivers and impacts of climate change would be incredibly valuable and is urgently needed, even if in the end (though this seems increasingly unlikely) anthropogenic drivers were not the main factor underlying observed climate change.
Attention and memory protection: Interactions between retrospective attention cueing and interference
Authors: Makovski Tal , Pertzov Yoni
Published: May 2015

Visual working memory (VWM) and attention have a number of features in common, but despite extensive research it is still unclear how the two interact. Can focused attention improve VWM precision? Can it protect VWM from interference? Here we used a partial-report, continuous-response orientation memory task to examine how attention and interference affect different aspects of VWM and how they interact with one another. Both attention and interference were orthogonally manipulated during the retention interval. Attention was manipulated by presenting informative retro-cues, whereas interference was manipulated by introducing a secondary interfering task. Mixture-model analyses revealed that retro-cues, compared to uninformative cues, improved all aspects of performance: Attention increased recall precision and decreased guessing rate and swap-errors (reporting a wrong item in memory). Similarly, performing a secondary task impaired all aspects of the VWM task. In particular, an interaction between retro-cue and secondary task interference was found primarily for swap-errors. Together these results suggest that both the quantity and quality of VWM representations are sensitive to attention cueing and interference modulations, and they highlight the role of attention in protecting the feature–location associations needed to access the correct items in memory.
Growth mechanism for cluster entrepreneurship of peasant households
Authors: Xue Yongji , Liu Xinyu
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purposes of this paper are to explore how the cluster entrepreneurship of peasant households in the Chinese forest zone develops, and to analyze how the influence of kinship and geopolitical relations can effectively construct a mechanism for the growth of cluster entrepreneurship.

Design/methodology/approach

– The case study method was chosen to analyze the growth process of this cluster entrepreneurship (e.g. raising chickens in Zhenghe, planting tea in Anxi and cultivating fruit in Taizhou).

Findings

– The authors found that the trust, learning and driving mechanisms of cluster entrepreneurship were influenced by kinship and geopolitical relationships, and were included in the building of the growth mechanism of such cluster entrepreneurship, as has emerged. Further, in the building of this evolution mechanism, three paths of growth were found: financial support, the introduction of technology and the introduction of management.

Originality/value

– This paper enriches the understanding of how cluster entrepreneurship develops in the socioeconomic environment of the Chinese forest zone, with particular reference to kinship and geopolitical relations, and how these contribute to the growth mechanism of cluster entrepreneurship, which is important for the management of entrepreneurial activities in that habitat.
Small and big quality in health care
Authors: Lillrank Paul
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to clarify healthcare quality’s ontological and epistemological foundations; and examine how these lead to different measurements and technologies.

Design/methodology/approach

– Conceptual analysis.

Findings

– Small quality denotes conformance toex anterequirements. Big quality includes product and service design, based on customer requirements and expectations. Healthcare quality can be divided into three areas: clinical decision making; patient safety; and patient experience, each with distinct measurement and improvement technologies.

Practical implications

– The conceptual model is expected to bring clarity to constructing specific definitions, measures, objectives and technologies for improving healthcare.

Originality/value

– This paper claims that before healthcare quality can be defined, measured and integrated into systems, it needs to be clearly separated into ontologically and epistemologically different parts.
Roadmap for developing a national quality indicator set for general practice
Authors: ni Riain Ailis , Vahey Catherine , Kennedy Conor , Campbell Stephen , Collins Claire
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to describe a national, comprehensive quality indicator set to support delivering high-quality clinical care in Irish general practice.

Design/methodology/approach

– Potential general practice quality indicators were identified through a literature review. A modified two-stage Delphi process was used to rationalise international indicators into an indicator set, involving both experts from key stakeholder groups (general practitioners (GPs), practice nurses, practice managers, patient and health policy representatives) and predominantly randomly selected GPs. An illustrative evaluation approach was used to road test the indicator set and supporting materials.

Findings

– In total, 80 panellists completed the two Delphi rounds and staff in 13 volunteer practices participated in the road test. The original 171 indicators was reduced to 147 during the Delphi process and further reduced to 68 indicators during the road test. The indicators were set out in 14 sub-domains across three areas (practice infrastructure, practice processes and procedures, and practice staff). Practice staff planned 77 quality improvement activities after their assessment against the indicators and 31 (40 per cent) were completed with 44 (57 per cent) ongoing and two (3 per cent) not advanced after a six-month road test. A General Practice Indicators of Quality indicator set and support materials were produced at the conclusion.

Practical implications

– It is important and relatively easy to customise existing quality indicators to a particular setting. The development process can be used to raise awareness, build capacity and drive quality improvement activity in general practices.

Originality/value

– The authors describe in detail a method to develop general practice quality indicators for a regional or national population from existing validated indicators using consensus, action research and an illuminative evaluation.
Patient assessment of primary care physician communication: segmentation approach
Authors: Platonova Elena A. , Shewchuk Richard M.
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine how patient assessment of primary care physician (PCP) communication is related to patient satisfaction with the PCP, patient perception of PCP professional competence, patient assessment of the relationship with the doctor and patient demographic characteristics using a segmentation approach.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors surveyed 514 adult patients waiting for appointments with their PCPs in two US primary care clinics. A latent class analysis was used to identify mutually exclusive unobserved homogeneous classes of patients.

Findings

– The authors identified three distinct classes/groups with regard to patient assessment of physician communication and the physician-patient relationship. The largest group (53 percent of the sample) assessed their PCP communication and other doctor-patient relationship aspects as excellent. However, 37 percent provided mostly negative assessments, expressed high general dissatisfaction with the physician and disagreed with the statement that their PCP was well qualified to manage their health problems. These patients were on average more educated and affluent and the group included more males. About 10 percent of patients expressed generally lower satisfaction with the PCP, though their dissatisfaction was not as extreme as in the highly dissatisfied group.

Research limitations/implications

– Further studies are needed to help physicians develop skills to communicate with different patients.

Originality/value

– Patient segmentation can be an important tool for healthcare quality improvement particularly for emerging approaches to primary care such as patient-centered care.
Measurement of manufacturing agility: a case study
Authors: Routroy Srikanta , Potdar Pavan Kumar , Shankar Arjun
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to determine the agility level of a manufacturing system along different timelines.

Design/methodology/approach

– The fuzzy synthetic extents of agile manufacturing enablers (AMEs), on the basis of their importance, are determined. Then they are integrated with their performance ratings along different timeline for calculating the Fuzzy Agile Manufacturing Index (FAMI). Euclidean distances of FAMI from predetermined agility levels are mapped to determine the agility level of the manufacturing system along different timeline.

Findings

– The proposed methodology was implemented in an Indian manufacturing organization to determine its agility level. It was concluded from the obtained results that there was significant improvement in the agility level along the timeline.

Research limitations/implications

– The weights of the AMEs are assumed to be constant along the timeline.

Practical implications

– The supply chain mangers can easily apply this methodology in their respective manufacturing organizations to assess and determine the agility level. This proposed approach will show the direction to check the performance of agility and evaluate the evolution of agility in their respective manufacturing organizations.

Originality/value

– The combination of fuzzy synthetic extent of weights and average fuzzy performance ratings of AMEs to calculate the FAMI along the timeline considering judgments of multiple experts is a unique contribution.
Optimal evaluation time point for patch testing to predict skin irritation of commercial topical drugs
Authors: Horita Kotomi , Tomita Chiaki , Yasoshima Mitsue , Matsunaga Kayoko
Published: May 2015

To develop patch testing (PT) that better reflects the skin irritation resulting from repeated applications, we methodically classified PT results and examined correlations between these results with results from repeated application tests. A total of 115 commercial topical drugs were used for patch testing. In two groups of 30 healthy individuals with normal back skin, 55 or 60 commercial topical drugs were applied to the back for 24 h. Skin reactions were scored for each group at 2 and 24 h after patch removal. Based on time‐dependent changes in skin reaction at each evaluation time, PT results were classified into six different types. For repeated application testing, a total of 17 products with different types of PT results were selected. A total of 104 healthy individuals divided into three groups (n = 22–52 each) received application of 6–7 test materials, differing for each group, for 3 weeks on both arms. Incidences of positive symptoms induced by repeated drug application excluding transient erythema showed a greater correlation with reaction levels at 24 h after patch removal than 2 h after patch removal. Many test materials that triggered a high incidence of positive symptoms after repeated application also exhibited erythema or greater reaction up to 24 h after patch removal. PT offers a useful test system for predicting skin irritation that develops after repeated application of topical drug. Moreover, assessment at 24 h after patch removal is suggested as the optimal evaluation time point to reflect the results of repeated application tests.
Drawing on the Map: An Exploration of Strategic Sensemaking/Giving Practices using Visual Representations
Authors: Garreau Lionel , Mouricou Philippe , Grimand Amaury
Published: May 2015

In this paper we explain how practitioners perform strategic sensemaking with visual representations. Here, we identify four modes of strategic sensemaking/giving: content‐generating, process‐generating, process‐ingraining and content‐ingraining. While each of these modes supports strategic sensemaking/giving by focusing practitioners’ work on specific issues, they also divert practitioners from focusing on key aspects of strategy making. We conceptualize these limitations as ‘blind spots’. As a result, strategic sensemaking appears fragmented and can lead to breakdowns in sensemaking. However, the flexibility of visual representations facilitates strategic sensemaking by allowing practitioners to switch from one mode to another. These findings improve our understanding of the strategic sensemaking/giving practices that are associated with the use of visual representation.
The failed image and the possessed: examples of invisibility in visual anthropology and Islam
Authors: Suhr Christian
Published: May 2015

This paper asks whether an exploration of responses to visual media in neo‐orthodox Islam could provide new answers to the recurrent queries regarding the value of images in visual anthropology. It proposes that the photographic image shares a curious resemblance to the bodies of people possessed by invisible spirits called jinn. The image as a failed example or model of reality works like the possessed body as an amplifier of invisibility pointing towards that which cannot be seen, depicted visually, or represented in writing. This suggests a negative epistemology in which images obtain their value not from the adequacy of their correspondence to perceived reality, but rather from the ways they fail to exemplify that which they appear to depict.
Anthropological tropes and historical tricksters: pilgrimage as an ‘example’ of persuasion
Authors: Coleman Simon
Published: May 2015

I explore the implications of example‐making for both informants and ethnographers through an analysis of the history of the refoundation of the Anglican shrine at Walsingham during the twentieth century. I argue for an appreciation of distinctions between examples as ‘models’ and ‘instances’, but also for a focus on relations between the inchoate and the specific in processes of exemplification. The paper shows how an examination of the making of examples by actors in the field can speak to the creation of examples in writing and analysis, and may introduce elements of ‘serendipity’ more normally associated with encounters in the field.
Systematic method for initial rapid analysis of maxillofacial computed tomography scans for surgeons in training
Authors: Denney Brad David , Ray Peter R.
Published: May 2015

Background

Reading maxillofacial computed tomography (CT) scans is a basic skill for any surgeon who operates on the face. A standard systematic approach for how to read a maxillofacial CT scan from a surgeon's perspective is lacking in literature, particularly for those in the early stages of training. We present a method of initial rapid analysis which our residents in training have responded to and report to be conceptually simple to apply.

Methods

The senior author reviewed over 250 consults for face trauma and performed a detailed composite of the most common elements of each consult as well as the clinically relevant decision points. These elements were then bundled into a conceptual sketch of the skull‐face‐mandible with an accompanying standardized clinical data list. The new residents were then guided through a systematic approach to reading the scans while sketching the injuries identified. The authors then performed a survey to establish if the new method was helpful to early learners prior to and after adoption of the method. The survey consisted of five questions regarding the utility of the method for analysis of reading maxillofacial CT.

Results

In total, seven residents were surveyed; 100% thought the technique made reading facial CT easier, 100% thought this method was easy to teach to junior residents and 86% found the analysis of facial CT easier and helped their surgical decision making.

Conclusion

We present a systematic method for surgeons to evaluate facial CT scans. This is the first published account of methodology for maxillofacial CT analysis for surgeons.