bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transient two-dimensional natural convection flow of a nanofluid past an isothermal vertical plate using Buongiorno’s model
Authors: Narahari Marneni , Soorapuraju Suresh Kumar Raju , Pendyala Rajashekhar , Pop Ioan
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a numerical investigation of the transient two-dimensional natural convective boundary-layer flow of a nanofluid past an isothermal vertical plate by incorporating the effects of Brownian motion and thermophoresis in the mathematical model.

Design/methodology/approach

The problem is formulated using the Oberbeck–Boussinesq and the standard boundary-layer approximations. The governing coupled non-linear partial differential equations for conservation of mass, momentum, thermal energy and nanoparticle volume fraction have been solved by using an efficient implicit finite-difference scheme of the Crank–Nicolson type, which is stable and convergent. Numerical computations are performed and the results for velocity, temperature and nanoparticle volume fraction are presented in graphs at different values of system parameters such as Brownian motion parameter, thermophoresis parameter, buoyancy ratio parameter, Prandtl number, Lewis number and dimensionless time. The results for local and average skin-friction and Nusselt number are also presented graphically and discussed thoroughly.

Findings

It is found that the velocity, temperature and nanoparticle volume fraction profiles enhance with respect to time and attain steady-state values as time progresses. The local Nusselt number is found to decrease with increasing thermophoresis parameter, while it increases slightly with increasing Brownian motion parameter. To validate the present numerical results, the steady-state local Nusselt number results for the limiting case of a regular fluid have been compared with the existing well-known results at different Prandtl numbers, and the results are found to be in an excellent agreement.

Research limitations/implications

The present analysis is limited to the transient laminar natural convection flow of a nanofluid past an isothermal semi-infinite vertical plate in the absence of viscous dissipation and thermal radiation. The unsteady natural convection flow of a nanofluid will be investigated for various physical conditions in a future work.

Practical implications

Unsteady flow devices offer potential performance improvements as compared with their steady-state counterparts, and the flow fields in the unsteady flow devices are typically transient in nature. The present study provides very useful information for heat transfer engineers to understand the heat transfer enhancement with the nanofluid flows. The present results have immediate relevance in cooling technologies.

Originality/value

The present research work is relatively original and illustrates the transient nature of the natural convective nanofluid boundary-layer flow in the presence of Brownian motion and thermophoresis.
Nonlinear radiation effects on flow of nanofluid over a porous wedge in the presence of magnetic field
Authors: Khan Umar , Ahmed Naveed , Bin-Mohsen Bandar , Mohyud-Din Syed Tauseef
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the flow of a nanofluid over a porous moving wedge. The passive control model along with the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) effects is used to formulate the problem. Furthermore, in energy equation, the non-linear thermal radiation has also been incorporated. The equations governing the flow are transformed into a set of ordinary differential equations by using suitable similarity transforms. The reduced system of equations is then solved numerically using a well-known Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg method coupled with a shooting technique. The influence of parameters involved on velocity, temperature and concentration profiles is highlighted with the help of a graphical aid. Expressions for skin-friction coefficient, local Nusselt number and Sherwood number are obtained and presented graphically.

Design/methodology/approach

Numerical solution of the problem is obtained using the well-known Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg method.

Findings

The analysis provided gives a clear description that the increase in m and magnetic parameter M results in an increased velocity profile. Both these parameters normalize the velocity field. Radiation parameter, Rd, increases the temperature and concentration of the system so does the temperature ratio θω reduces the heat transfer rate at the wall for both stretching and shrinking wedge.

Originality/value

In the study presented, the flow of nanofluid over a moving permeable wedge is considered. The solution of the equations governing the flow is presented numerically. For the validity of results obtained, a comparison is also presented with already existing results. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this investigation is the first of its kind on the said topic.
Mixed convection flow, heat transfer, species concentration near the stagnation point on a vertical flat plate with Stefan coupled blowing
Authors: Rosca Natalia C. , Rosca Alin V. , Merkin John H. , Pop Ioan
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to consider the effects that buoyancy arising from the combination of both thermal and concentration gradients can have on the mixed convection boundary-layer flow near a forward stagnation point with the effect of Stefan blowing being included. Ad suitable choice for the functional forms of the outer flow and the wall temperature and concentration enables the problem to be reduced to a similarity form involving the dimensionless parameters,λ(mixed convection),κ(Stefan blowing) andN(relative strength of concentration driven buoyancy to that of thermal driven), as well as the Prandtl and Schmidt numbers. Numerical solutions to this similarity system for a range of representative parameter values indicate a finite, non-zero range ofκwhere there can be four solutions in opposing flow with only one solution in aiding flow. Asymptotic solutions for large values ofNandκare derived, the latter having two different structures in the opposing flow.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper sets up a similarity problem to examine the effects of Stefan blowing on a mixed convection flow with the aims of solving the equations numerically and complementing the results with appropriate asymptotic analysis.

Findings

The findings of the study include multiple solution branches, saddle-node bifurcations and singularities appearing in the solution.

Originality/value

The authors believe that all the results, both numerical and asymptotic, are original and have not been published elsewhere.
Integration of sustainability in engineering education
Authors: Guerra Aida
Published: February 2017

Purpose

Education for sustainable development (ESD) is one of the challenges engineering education currently faces. Engineering education needs to revise and change its curriculum to integrate ESD principles and knowledge. Problem based learning (PBL) has been one of the main learning pedagogies used to integrate sustainability in engineering education. However, there is a lack of understanding of the relation between ESD and PBL principles and the ways in which they can be integrated and practised in the engineering curricula. This paper aims to investigate the relation between PBL and ESD and the ways in which they are integrated and practised in the engineering curricula.

Design/methodology/approach

The study starts with a review of the literature concerning ESD and PBL theories where relations between both are defined. The literature review is followed by an empirical work in which the PBL and ESD relations are investigated in relation to the PBL engineering curricula. The empirical work involves two engineering master programmes from Aalborg University, Denmark, while documentary analysis and interviews are used as methods for data collection.

Findings

The results show that even though PBL and ESD share common learning principles, their practice presents limitations that challenge the full integration of sustainability, namely, the crowded, strict and academic-centred curriculum, the struggle to balance different contexts with professional, interdisciplinary and collaborative knowledge and the tacit presence of sustainability.

Originality/value

The existence of a PBL curriculum at institutional level, such as at Aalborg University, enables investigation of how the PBL and ESD principles are practised, highlighting the limitations and potentials of integrating sustainability in the engineering curriculum.
A review of efficiency measures for REITS and their specific application for Malaysian Islamic REITS
Authors: Chuweni Nor Nazihah , Eves Chris
Published: February 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to present a conceptual model on the efficiency of Islamic real estate investment trusts (I-REITs) available in Malaysia. The key difference between the Islamic and their conventional investment vehicle part is mainly its own Shariah framework. For instance, I-REITS must comply with the requirement of Securities Commission Act 1993 as well as the Guidelines on Islamic Real Estate Investment Trusts (Islamic REITs Guidelines).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews and synthesises the relevant literature on the performance analysis and efficiency measurements of REITs. The paper then develops and proposes a conceptual model to measure the efficiency of Malaysian and Islamic REITs.

Findings

The paper identifies and examines the appropriate methods and instruments to measure the efficiency in relation to the risk and profitability of I-REITs. The efficiency measure is important for the fund managers to maximise the shareholders’ return in an investment of property portfolio as well as proposing the best way to allocate resources efficiently.

Research limitations/implications

This is a preliminary review of current work that identifies the issues that will be addressed in future empirical research. The authors will be undertaking this future empirical research in measuring the efficiency of Malaysian real estate investment trusts (M-REITs), particularly the I-REITs, using the non-parametric approach of data envelopment analysis.

Originality/value

To date, there has been very limited research on the efficiency measurement of I-REITs. The current analysis of REIT has been focused on traditional non-Islamic funds. This paper will review and discuss the current literature on efficiency measurement to determine the most appropriate approaches and methodologies for future application in performance analysis of efficiency measure for Malaysian and Islamic REITs.
Poverty alleviation through financing microenterprises with equity finance
Authors: Shaikh Salman Ahmed
Published: February 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to achieve scale, efficiency and mitigate high monitoring costs, and explores the efficacy of micro equity finance at the enterprise level. The study compares the economic features of the proposed framework with interest-based debt finance.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a mathematical model to highlight the problem of agency costs including adverse selection and moral hazard.

Findings

Debt finance requires frequent repayments and indebtedness for financial inclusion. Conversely, the Islamic equity modes of financing in their current baseline structure suffer from high agency costs. By using enterprise level finance and distinct entry criterion for availing Islamic debt-based and micro equity finance, Islamic microfinance institutions (IMFIs) can reach the right targets and effectively mitigate the problem of adverse selection and high monitoring costs. The study suggests a framework in which equity financing could be used to fund microenterprises that will employ poor people with related skills.

Research limitations/implications

As the preferable modes of Islamic finance, i.e. Musharakah and Mudarabah, are not used by Islamic financial institutions (IFIs), empirical analysis of performance is not possible as they are rarely used.

Practical implications

The study suggests a workable model that can use Islamic equity-based modes of financing to improve microfinance outreach and achieve scale. The use of equity financing will help the Islamic finance industry to move toward its egalitarian vision, and the practical implementation of the model will help in reducing poverty in the Muslim majority countries.

Social implications

Muslim countries host half of global poverty, even though their share in global population is only one-fourth. Hence, there is need for solutions in achieving scale in poverty alleviation efforts.

Originality/value

Using a mathematical model, the paper presents agency problems in Islamic microfinance and proposes a solution through distinct entry criterion and enterprise level micro equity finance.
Decision making in the pre-development stage of residential development
Authors: Kosavinta Satakhun , Krairit Donyaprueth , Khang Do Ba
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the rationality of the decision making of residential developers in Thailand. Exploring its implications in the residential development field, the researchers propose the famous prospect theory as the primary cause of developers’ incompetent decisions during the pre-development stage of residential development.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodologies used in this research include literature review, expert interview, and experimental questionnaire.

Findings

The results show that Thai developers exhibit all five aspects of prospect theory: loss aversion, fourfold pattern, bias from rare events, mental accounting, and preference reversals (PR); however, in contrast to previous literature, the researchers found that Thai developers always choose to receive gains, and usually make risky choices to avoid losses, even if the risk of loss is low. Moreover, status quo bias has a low influence on Thai developers: they tend to become attached to the areas they develop, but remain flexible in selecting a project type that fits the land. In addition, PR and the framing effect affect only some groups of developers.

Practical implications

This research provides awareness to professionals in the residential development field to make sound judgements, using Thailand as a case study.

Originality/value

This paper reveals the existence of the unproven prospect theory in the residential development field using an empirical study in Thailand as a case study.
Valuation paradigm: a rationality and (un)certainty spectrum
Authors: Jansen van Vuuren David
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is threefold: the primary purpose is to suggest a real estate paradigm spectrum to act as reference for the contextualisation of observed market phenomenon in system terms; the secondary purpose is for the spectrum to contextualise the efficacy of real estate and valuation theory, methods and techniques; and the tertiary purpose is to propose a confidence score for reporting uncertainty to the end user of a valuation report.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature was reviewed on the concepts of risk and uncertainty, rationality and several systems thinking domains.

Findings

The framework can provide context to observed market phenomenon and distinguishes between agency and mechanism in contributing to conditions of certainty and uncertainty. The argument followed in this paper is that it is necessary to contextualise the efficacy of real estate and valuation theory, methods and models under conditions of certainty, normal uncertainty and abnormal uncertainty. The characteristics of conditions can be used as basis to develop new theory and practical application or modify existing.

Practical implications

Real estate economic theory can be organised in terms of the spectrum and the framework can potentially identify where further research is required and the requirements it must meet as measured against the characteristics of the framework. Current valuation methods and models can continue to be used when valuing under conditions of certainty, however, modifications to methods and models are required to account for complexity when valuing under conditions of normal uncertainty and abnormal uncertainty. The confidence score included in this paper can also be used to report the conditions of certainty/uncertainty under which the valuation was performed.

Originality/value

This paper aims to set the basis for new theoretical and practical developments of insights into real estate economic and valuation theory, methods and models while also contributing to the reporting of uncertainty through the proposed confidence score.
Implications of dividend tax reforms on M-REITs performance
Authors: Abdullah Nur Adiana Hiau , Taufil Mohd Kamarun Nisham , Wong Woei Chyuan
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the performance of 19 Malaysian Real Estate Investment Trusts (M-REITs) over the period 1999 to 2014, following the implementation of dividend tax reforms announced in the 2007, 2009 and 2012 budgets.

Design/methodology/approach

Sharpe index, Treynor index and Jensenαare utilized to compare the performance of M-REITs against a newly developed tax-adjusted value-weighted M-REITs index, equity market, property sector and three month Malaysia Treasury Bills (T-Bills). The calculation of M-REITs returns has been adjusted to take into account the dividend tax reforms which have never been considered in previous studies.

Findings

Most M-REITs outperform the tax-adjusted value-weighted REITs index, equity market, property sector and three month T-Bills. Property sector performs worst during those periods. Some of the M-REITs have a higher standard deviation than the equity market and the tax-adjusted value-weighted M-REITs index. Most M-REITs have a lower total risk than the property sector. Further analysis shows that before (after) the tax reforms, most M-REITs underperform (outperform) the other sectors. The introduction of the tax reforms benefits both REITs and investors. A significant positive Jensenαfor some M-REITs indicates that fund managers are able to time the market or to select undervalued assets.

Practical implications

Findings of the study would enable investors to evaluate the performance of all REITs in comparison to other financial assets during the period of study for better investment decision making. A more accurate assessment on REITs performance that take into account the tax reforms, is available for investors and fund managers to decide on the investment mix to be included in their portfolio. Moreover, fund managers’ performance can be assessed whether they perform better or worse than the equity market, property sector and three month T-Bills.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the scant literature on dividend tax reforms and their implication toward REITs performance. It is the first study to thoroughly assess the returns of REITs by taking into account the changes on dividend tax rates announced in the 2007, 2009 and 2012 budgets.
Cognitive function synthesis: preliminary results
Authors: Pounder Gerard A.J. , Ellis Ruel L.A. , Fernandez-Lopez Gerardo
Published: February 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to introduce the cognitive function synthesis (CFS) conceptual framework to artificial general intelligence. CFS posits that at the “core” of intelligence in hybrid architectures, “interdependent” cognitive functions are synthesised through the interaction of various associative memory (AM)-based systems. This synthesis could form an interface layer between deliberative/symbolic and reactive/sub-symbolic layers in hybrid cognitive architectures.

Design/methodology/approach

A CFS conceptual framework, specifying an arrangement of AMs, was presented. The framework was executed using sparse distributed memory. Experiments were performed to investigate CFS autonomous extraction, consciousness and imagination.

Findings

Autonomous extraction was achieved using data from a Wi-Fi camera with the CFS auto-associative AM handling “Sensor Data”. However, noise reduction degraded the extracted image. An environment, simulated in V-REP 3.3.1, was used to investigate consciousness and imagination. CFS displayed consciousness by successfully tracking/anticipating the object position with over 90 per cent congruence. CFS imagination was seen by its predicting two time steps into the future.

Originality/value

Preliminary results demonstrate the plausibility of CFS claims for autonomous extraction, consciousness and imagination.
Exploring the complexity of sugarcane supply chains via systemic approaches
Authors: Hildbrand Sandra , Bodhanya Shamim
Published: February 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the complexity that characterises sugarcane production and supply systems by applying soft systems methodology (SSM) and the viable system model (VSM) based on an interpretive systemic approach. It seeks to understand the extent to which these methodologies may assist in exploring such a complexity.

Design/methodology/approach

SSM and VSM were combined with qualitative research methods to explore two sugarcane production and supply systems’ potential improvement possibilities.

Findings

Trust, transparency and communication shortcomings, poor miller–grower relationships, deficient systemic commitment, insular view, milling inefficiencies, sugarcane quality, quantity and consistency shortcomings, the industry setup and the lack of a common driver are core issues. SSM and VSM facilitated a thorough understanding, yet could not address detected deficiencies.

Research limitations/implications

The research was restricted to two milling areas, and only SSM and VSM were applied.

Practical implications

Presented findings can be used as a basis to facilitate improvement in sugarcane production and supply systems and to advocate the continuity of holistic considerations.

Originality/value

Neither SSM nor VSM have been applied in the sugar industry context. The sugarcane production and supply systems have been holistically investigated, and soft issues have been considered.
At Nash equilibrium when new market competitions appear?
Authors: Forrest Jeffrey Yi-Lin , Buttermore John , Wajda Theresa A.
Published: February 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the dynamics of a coordinate monopoly with established, risk-neutral firms; how these firms compete by adjusting prices; and when new competition(s) might enter the market with expectations of making more profits than any of the incumbents.

Design/methodology/approach

All results are established on the intuition of systems research and the concept of Nash equilibria of game theory.

Findings

Established results include how in a developed marketplace, risk neutrality would lead to stagnation in profits and irrational decision on pricing, and a sufficient and necessary condition under which new competition(s) would enter, although the market is coordinately monopolized.

Research limitations/implications

Conclusions presented are initial results in the direction of research. More real-life-like, asymmetrical conditions need to be considered to see what variations of similar results could hold true.

Practical implications

Presented are an operational aspect on how to compete although the consequent level of profits might not change much or any at all and how some of the key issues on market entry timing are theoretically resolved.

Social implications

This work indicates that for the minimum objective of business survival, existing firms, no matter how established, have to without any choice participate in market competition and look for new market opportunities.

Originality/value

Other than the established thought-provoking results, this work is the first of its kind. It organically combines recent achievements of systems research with game theory to explore issues of marketing, market entry timing and the dynamics of business firms’ behaviors.
Antecedents of cultural agency theory: in the footsteps of Schwarz living systems
Authors: Yolles Maurice , Di Fatta Davide
Published: February 2017

Purpose

Cultural agency theory (CAT) generates higher simplex through principles of recursion, and, in this way, it is able to create a potential for the generation of families of new paradigms in different fields. Characterised by its interdisciplinary nature, CAT’s origins have a heterogeneous nature related to different disciplines and research fields. With this in mind, the present manuscript aims to shed light on the antecedents of CAT, especially emphasising the role of Schwarz’s studies as a feel rouge in the evolution of this theory.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a systematic review of the previous literature, this paper highlights the multidisciplinary nature of CAT, mapping the multifaceted framework of its antecedents.

Findings

The results are summarised in a conceptual map that does not constitute a point of arrival, but rather a starting point: consolidating the current state, this paper also provides new insights for further studies.

Research limitations/implications

This manuscript still remains a theoretical point of view. Further studies are required to apply this study’s reasoning.

Originality/value

From a theoretical point of view, this paper achieves a new and original cornerstone about the previous studies on CAT; from a practical viewpoint, this paper gets an input for further implications. While these theories were originally setup for cognitive processes, this paper suggests extensions to model a complex adaptive system framework for management and marketing studies.
Using abstract concepts in impact-focussed organisational research
Authors: Lugosi Peter
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to conceptualise and examine the processes through which abstract concepts, or abstractions, can be utilised in co-creating knowledge within “impact-focussed” organisational and business research, i.e. applied research that primarily seeks to promote change in practice rather than principally aiming to make theoretical contributions to academic debates. The paper uses the abstraction “hospitality” as an empirical example and discusses the techniques used to “operationalise” this concept, i.e. make it understandable for research participants enabling researchers to use it within data generation and the creation of practical insights in organisational enquiry.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed two methods: first, participant-generated photos; and second, two interactive workshops with 38 practitioners where the abstract concept “hospitality” was used to generate practical organisational insights.

Findings

The paper distinguishes between four stages: the elaboration of abstraction, concretisation of abstraction, probing perspectives on abstraction and exploring experiences of abstraction. It is argued that utilising specific techniques within these four stages facilitates: recognisability: the extent to which organisational stakeholders understand the content and meanings of the abstraction; and relatability: the extent to which stakeholders appreciate how the abstract concepts are relevant to interpreting their own practices and experiences.

Research limitations/implications

This is an exploratory study, used to develop and refine elicitation techniques, rather than to draw definitive conclusions about the applicability of specific abstract concepts. Nevertheless, reflecting on the processes and techniques used in the utilisation of abstractions here can help to operationalise them in future impact-focussed research.

Originality/value

The paper conceptualises the processes through which abstract concepts can be made apprehendable for non-specialist, non-academic practitioners. In doing so, it discusses how various elicitation techniques support the utilisation of abstractions in generating insights that can support the development of constructive, context-specific practices in organisations and businesses.
Social and environmental factors affect tuberculosis related mortality in wild meerkats
Authors: Patterson Stuart , Drewe Julian A. , Pfeiffer Dirk U. , Clutton‐Brock Tim H.
Published: February 2017

Tuberculosis (TB) is an important and widespread disease of wildlife, livestock and humans world‐wide, but long‐term empirical datasets describing this condition are rare. A population of meerkats (Suricata suricatta) in South Africa's Kalahari Desert have been diagnosed with Mycobacterium suricattae, a novel strain of TB, causing fatal disease in this group‐living species.

This study aimed to find characteristics associated with clinical TB in meerkats. These characteristics could subsequently be used to identify ‘at‐risk’ animals within a population, and target these individuals for control measures.

We conducted a retrospective study based on a unique, long‐term life‐history dataset of over 2000 individually identified animals covering a 14‐year period after the first confirmatory diagnosis of TB in this population in 2001. Individual‐ and group‐level risk factors were analysed using time‐dependent Cox regression to examine their potential influence on the time to development of end‐stage TB.

Cases of disease involved 144 individuals in 27 of 73 social groups, across 12 of 14 years (an incidence rate of 3·78 cases/100 study years). At the individual level, increasing age had the greatest effect on risk of disease with a hazard ratio of 4·70 (95% CI: 1·92–11·53, P < 0·01) for meerkats aged 24–48 months, and a hazard ratio of 9·36 (3·34–26·25, P < 0·001) for animals aged over 48 months (both age categories compared with animals aged below 24 months). Previous group history of TB increased the hazard by a factor of 4·29 (2·00–9·17, P < 0·01), and an interaction was found between this variable and age. At a group level, immigrations of new group members in the previous year increased hazard by a factor of 3·00 (1·23–7·34, P = 0·016). There was weaker evidence of an environmental effect with a hazard ratio for a low rainfall (<200 mm) year of 2·28 (0·91–5·72, P = 0·079).

Our findings identify potential individual characteristics on which to base targeted control measures such as vaccination. Additional data on the dynamics of the infection status of individuals and how this changes over time would complement these findings by enhancing understanding of disease progression and transmission, and thus the implications of potential management measures.
Landscape properties affect biodiversity response to retention approaches in forestry
Authors: Mori Akira S. , Tatsumi Shinichi , Gustafsson Lena
Published: February 2017

Retention forestry, in which trees and tree patches are set aside at harvest to promote biodiversity, has been proven to have positive effects on biodiversity at the stand‐level across different taxa. However, the effectiveness of retention approaches with regard to landscape composition remains unexplored.

We linked the effect sizes from two meta‐analyses (31 case studies and 1050 comparisons from boreal and temperate regions), which quantified the effectiveness of biodiversity conservation as a result of retention practices, with the stand property of retention level (the percentage of trees retained after logging) and with Landsat‐retrieved landscape data on forest cover and spatial configurations at three spatial scales (1, 3, and 5 km radii).

We found that, in addition to the fundamental importance of tree retention as a local‐scale implementation for conservation, landscape properties were important in models to predict biodiversity responses. The effect sizes for species richness decreased with increasing patch contiguity within the landscapes at all spatial scales. Similar results were observed for abundance responses at the largest spatial scale. These results suggest that biodiversity responses to tree retention may be weaker in less fragmented landscapes, which is in agreement with theoretical and empirical findings from agricultural landscapes (‘the intermediate landscape‐complexity hypothesis’).

The benefits of retention levels within a stand (percentage of trees retained) varied amongst species with different habitat requirements (forest‐dependent, open habitat, and generalist species). Whilst this stand‐level property was often an important determinant of biodiversity responses, models that included landscape properties as explanatory variables always performed better than those that were only based on the retention levels for all species groups. Thus, within‐stand habitat conditions and landscape configurations likely have synergetic influences on biodiversity responses.

Synthesis and applications. In addition to the importance of stand‐level properties, such as the action of retention harvesting itself and the number of trees retained, conditions in the surrounding landscape can simultaneously affect biodiversity in stands that are managed under retention forestry. Our study suggests that retention patches are particularly important in moderately fragmented landscapes. Retention practices could be less important in previously unlogged and less fragmented landscapes, where setting aside large reserves is a conservation priority. For highly fragmented landscapes, different actions of forest restoration, which are not limited to set‐aside actions during logging, would be important. Our study emphasizes that carefully planned conservation schemes with a large‐scale perspective, as well as local‐scale actions, such as retention forestry, are critical for effective forest management and conservation planning.
Understanding the Effect of Productivity Changes on International Relative Prices: The Role of News Shocks
Authors: Nam Deokwoo , Wang Jian
Published: February 2017

The US real exchange rate and terms of trade have been found to appreciate when US labour productivity increases relative to the rest of the world. This finding is at odds with predictions from standard international macroeconomic models. In this paper, we find that incorporating news shocks to total factor productivity (TFP) in an otherwise standard open‐economy sticky‐price dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) model with variable capital utilization can help the model replicate the above empirical finding. Labour productivity increases in our model after a positive news shock to TFP because of an increase in capital utilization. Under some plausible calibrations, the wealth effect of good news about future productivity can increase domestic demand strongly and induce an increase in home goods prices relative to foreign goods prices.
Bloodstains on Leather: Examination of False Negatives in Presumptive Test and Human Hemoglobin Test
Authors: Castelló Ana , Francès Francesc , Verdú Fernando
Published: February 2017

Presumptive tests for blood are very simple and sensitive tests used in the search for evidence. They also provide initial information on the nature of stains. A second test can confirm their nature. However, these tests can present false–negative results for different reasons. Some of those reasons have been studied, while others, those caused by the substrate material that contains the stain, are less well known. This work studies the effect of one component of a leather substrate—quebracho extract—on presumptive and human hemoglobin blood tests. Assays were performed using samples of blood dilutions contaminated with quebracho extract and others formed on a substrate containing the contaminant. Results show an undoubted interference that causes false negatives and even visible to the naked eye stains and also indicate that some tests (phenolphthalein) are more affected than others. Examiners should be taken into account when working on this kind of substrates.
LIFE BEYOND LIFE– An Easy Way to Derive Lung Fibroblasts from Cadavers
Authors: Colomb Sophie , Bareil Corinne , Baccino Eric , Berthet Jean‐Philippe , Knabe Lucie , Vachier Isabelle , Bourdin Arnaud
Published: February 2017

Several protocols have illustrated the possibility of deriving cells, such as fibroblasts, from different organs. These techniques generally concern organs sampled from living persons, but have already been described for cadavers, especially concerning the skin and tendons. We present, for the first time, an easy way to derive pulmonary fibroblasts from a lung tissue sampled from a cadaver and directly culture plated. The fibroblast output was checked daily. We obtained lung fibroblasts from 3 (60%) cadavers and 2 (100%) living persons. The fibroblast output took about 3 days for cells from living persons and took up to 39 days for those from cadavers. We did not clearly identify any parameters that could explain these differences. Nevertheless, these derived cells had the same features as the source cells, especially in terms of morphology and proliferation, and could potentially be used in different research domains such as forensic or regeneration medicine.
Evaluating the potential of the extract of Perilla sp. as a natural insecticide for Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) on sweet peppers
Authors: Kim Soowan , Jung Minhyung , Song Yoon‐Jae , Kang Se Chan , Kim BaeYong , Choi I‐Jin , Kim Hong Geun , Lee Doo‐Hyung
Published: February 2017

The sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci Gennadius (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), is a major pest on greenhouse crops including sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.), which is one of the leading greenhouse crops in South Korea. Synthetic insecticides, especially the neonicotinoids, have been used to conventionally control this pest. There have been continuous efforts to develop plant‐derived compounds as insecticides, deterrents, and repellents to reduce spraying synthetic insecticides. To develop new plant‐extract insecticides, we investigated the insecticidal effects of Perilla sp. (Perilla frutescens var. crispa) extract on B. tabaci in laboratory conditions. The Perilla sp. extract induced 90 % mortality within one hour, but phytotoxicity symptoms on sweet pepper leaves were also observed. We monitored the population change and spatial distribution of adult B. tabaci in an experimental sweet pepper greenhouse using yellow sticky traps, and analyzed distribution patterns by spatial analysis with distance indices (SADIE). Based on monitoring data and SADIE analysis, we concluded that B. tabaci aggregated near the greenhouse entrances, and it showed aggregation and association pattern as time passed. Therefore, we recommend spraying Perilla sp. extract near the entrances or wild host before the pest population penetrates. It will be one of the alternative pest management strategies to reduce B. tabaci population with fewer negative effects from chemical insecticide. Further study is required to reduce the phytotoxicity symptoms from Perilla sp. extract spray and insecticidal effect should be evaluated under field conditions.
Enterprise Risk Management and the Financial Reporting Process: The Experiences of Audit Committee Members, CFOs, and External Auditors
Authors: Cohen Jeffrey , Krishnamoorthy Ganesh , Wright Arnold
Published: February 2017

The recent financial crisis has brought to the forefront the need for companies to effectively manage their risks. In this regard, one approach that has gained prominence is enterprise risk management (ERM). Importantly, little is known about the link between ERM and the financial reporting process. This link is critical, because it is imperative that financial reporting adequately depicts the financial status (e.g., valuations, estimates) and associated risks of a company as revealed by ERM. Additionally, from an auditing perspective, ERM affects the risks of misstatement, which should impact audit planning. Accordingly, the objective of this study is to examine the experiences of audit partners, CFOs, and audit committee (AC) members (“the governance triad”) on the link between ERM and the financial reporting process. To determine whether members of the governance triad focus on monitoring, strategy, or both, we also examine their definition of and experiences with ERM with respect to agency and/or resource dependence theory. To address these issues, we conduct semistructured interviews of experienced individuals that form the governance triads from 11 public companies. There are three major findings from our study. First, importantly, all three types of participants see a strong link between ERM and the financial reporting process. Second, despite recognition of the broad nature of ERM, the predominant experiences of the actual roles played by triad members center on agency theory, while resource dependence may be relatively underemphasized by all triad members. Finally, CFOs and AC members indicate that auditors may be especially underutilizing ERM in the audit process, suggesting an “expectations gap.”
Melanoma and pregnancy
Authors: Morton Sarah Kym , Morton Adam Park
Published: February 2017

Melanoma is the most common cancer in women during their reproductive years and kills more young Australians than any other single cancer. Care of women whose pregnancy is complicated by a diagnosis of malignancy is complex. The risk of delaying treatment to the mother, the short‐term and long‐term risks of premature delivery to the child, and the immediate risks to the foetus and long‐term risks to the child of maternal treatment with surgery, radiotherapy or medical therapies must be considered.
The female reproduction and senescence nexus
Authors: Marquez Cielo Mae D. , Ibana Joyce A. , Velarde Michael C.
Published: February 2017

Successful pregnancy is regulated by several soluble factors that are differentially expressed throughout gestation. These factors are important to initiate and establish embryo implantation and parturition. Senescent cells, which undergo permanent cell proliferation arrest in response to stress, also produce several secreted factors, referred to as the senescence‐associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Here, we review some of the secreted factors found during early and late pregnancy and compare their expression profile with those of the SASP. Because senescent cells are found in the uterus and embryo during pregnancy, we hypothesize that SASP factors contribute to successful pregnancy. We discuss how senescent cells may support embryo development and signal parturition. We provide evidences for potential contribution of SASP to the physiology and pathophysiology of pregnancy.
Lnc‐DC mediates the over‐maturation of decidual dendritic cells and induces the increase in Th1 cells in preeclampsia
Authors: Zhang Wen , Zhou Yang , Ding YiLing
Published: February 2017

Problem

Preeclampsia is a severe pregnancy‐related disease that involves an imbalance of the immune reaction, which is dominated by T helper1 (Th1) cells; however, the mechanism is unclear.

Method of Study

We used flow cytometry, RT‐PCR and western blotting to detect Th1 cells in the blood and mature dendritic cells, lnc‐DC (a long non‐coding RNA that is specifically expressed in DCs and can mediate dendritic cell maturation by phosphorylating STAT3) and p‐STAT3 (phosphorylated transducer and activator of transcription 3) in the deciduas of normal pregnancies and preeclampsia patients.

Results

We found that the expression of lnc‐DC and p‐STAT3 was increased in the deciduas of preeclampsia patients. The proportion of Th1 cells and mature dendritic cells was significantly higher in the preeclampsia patients.

Conclusion

These results suggested the hypothesis that the overexpression of lnc‐DCs induces the over‐maturation of decidual dendritic cells in preeclampsia patients and leads to an increase in Th1 cells.
Survey of patient and partner satisfaction following collagenase Clostridium histolyticum treatment for Peyronie's disease
Authors: Anaissie J. , Yafi F. A. , Traore E. J. , Sikka S. C. , Hellstrom W. J. G.
Published: February 2017

Intralesional injection of collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCH) is a minimally invasive, Food and Drug Administration‐approved, effective treatment for Peyronie's disease (PD). To assess the satisfaction of patients and their female sexual partners (FSP) following CCH therapy for PD, we conducted a retrospective review of the records of all patients treated with CCH for PD between 04/2014 and 03/2016. Collected variables included demographics, pre‐ and post‐treatment sexual function, penile curvature, penile vascular findings, and treatment outcomes. Patients and their FSPs were subsequently contacted by telephone and queried regarding their ability to have intercourse and their satisfaction with treatment. A total of 24 couples responded to our questionnaire and constitute the subjects of this analysis. Patient and FSP satisfaction with treatment were 67% and 71%, respectively. Significant predictors of FSP satisfaction with treatment included recall of penile trauma during prior sexual intercourse, improved ability to have sexual intercourse following treatment, and absence of post‐procedural glans hypoesthesia. In conclusion, CCH imparts a significant benefit on a couple's sexual health. Partner satisfaction with treatment is correlated with improved ability to have sexual intercourse and absence of patient glans hypoesthesia.
Extreme spermatogenesis failure: andrological phenotype and intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcomes
Authors: Plouvier P. , Barbotin A.‐L. , Boitrelle F. , Dewailly D. , Mitchell V. , Rigot J.‐M. , Lefebvre‐Khalil V. , Robin G.
Published: February 2017

Patients with very low sperm count through direct sperm examination can exhibit extreme oligozoospermia or cryptozoospermia (after centrifugation). The management of these patients is a real challenge for both clinicians and biologists. In this retrospective and comparative cohort study, we compared the andrological phenotype of patients with extreme alterations of spermatogenesis and assessed whether the origin of spermatozoa (testicular or ejaculate) had any influence on intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcomes. A total of 161 ICSI cycles were performed using ejaculated spermatozoa from 75 patients with extreme oligozoospermia (EOS) or cryptozoospermia (CS) and 150 ICSI cycles using extracted testicular spermatozoa from 74 patients with non‐obstructive azoospermia (NOA). Physical, hormonal, ultrasound assessments, and ICSI outcomes were performed in each group. Cryptorchidism was significantly more frequent in the NOA group (60.8% vs. 22.6%, p = 0.001). FSH levels were significantly higher [18.9 IU/L (5.9–27.0) vs. 15.3 IU/L (9.0–46.5), p = 0.001] and the majority of inhibin B levels measured were found mostly undetectable in the NOA group as compared to EOS/CS group (31.1% vs. 10.7%, p = 0.0004). Moreover, we found no significant differences in the respect to the fertilization rates (48.9% and 43.3%, p = 0.43), implantation rates (17.4% and 15.9%, p = 0.77), and percentage of top quality embryo (22.4% and 20.4%, p = 0.73) between the two groups. The clinical pregnancy rates per embryo transferred were comparable in both groups (28.3% and 27.4%, p = 0.89). In this study, we showed for the first time a different andrological phenotype between EOS/CS and NOA groups. Indeed, cryptorchidism was significantly more frequent with more severe endocrine parameters found in the NOA group. These results reflect a more profound alteration in spermatogenesis in NOA patients. However, there was no difference in ICSI outcomes between NOA and EOS/CS groups.