bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling of coal combustion in the CFB by the EDC model with the global reaction mechanism
Authors: Kang Zhizhong , Ding Shixing , Shuai Zhi-ang , Sun Baomin
Published: February 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to shows the ability of the EDC model with a global reaction mechanism to describe reactions in the Eulerian simulation of a circulating fluidized bed (CFB).

Design/methodology/approach

The eddy dissipation concept (EDC) model is embedded in an Eulerian-Eulerian approach to simulate homogeneous reactions.

Findings

EDC_G is better than ED_FR in describing chemical reactions. The reaction of CH4 with O2 is faster than that of CO with O2, and NH3 is more liable to be converted than HCN. The combustion rate is higher than the Boudouard reaction rate of coal particles.N2O is mainly reduced by carbon, and NO is mainly converted by carbon into N2 and CO2.

Originality/value

The EDC model with a global reaction mechanism is embedded in a multi-fluid Eulerian approach to simulate the homogeneous reactions in the coal combustion in a CFB, including combustion of volatile gases, desulfurizing reactions and NOx reactions.
The drivers of corporate governance disclosure: the case of Nifty 500 Index
Authors: Katarachia Androniki , Pitoska Electra , Giannarakis Grigoris , Poutoglidou Elpida
Published: February 2018

Purpose

Based on agency theory, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the determinants on the dissemination level of corporate governance disclosure (CGD).

Design/methodology/approach

The sample of the study incorporates listed companies in Nifty 500 Index for the period 2009-2014. The Governance Disclosure Score calculated by Bloomberg is used as a proxy for the dissemination level of corporate governance information. In total, eight explanatory variables are uses, namely, board’s size, number of board meetings, CEO duality, presence of women on the board, company’s size, financial performance, Tobin’s Q ratio and financial leverage.

Findings

The results of study suggest a need for improvement in CGDs by Indian companies, as they fail to comply the majority of the proposed disclosure items. Furthermore, it is revealed that the number of board director, the value of company, the financial leverage and the presence of women affect negatively the dissemination level of corporate governance information. While, the size of company is the only determinant that positively affects the extent of CGD.

Practical implications

The results are valuable because they reveal the attributes that determines which companies needs less or extra monitoring by shareholders and investors regarding the applied corporate governance practices. In addition, the study can be valuable to policy makers responsible for the regulation of company’s accountability in relation to corporate governance practices.

Originality/value

The study extents previous studies by incorporating for the first time Bloomberg’s rating approach regarding the dissemination level of CGD in Indian context.
Mapping critical success factors in efficient court management: two case studies from India
Authors: Pattnaik Pinaki Nandan , Pandey Satyendra C. , Shukla Mahendra Kumar
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify and develop an understanding of various success factors in implementing an efficient court management system by the court managers employed at the trial courts and high courts in India. Court management implies using a professional approach using managerial tools and techniques in managing courts.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on a case study with two Indian states demonstrating efficiency in judicial operation with the adoption of court management techniques. Semi-structured interviews with the court registry, court managers, document studies, court visits, along with observation are the main data sources.

Findings

It was observed that managerial practices of job autonomy, regular feedback, clear job expectations and support from the supervisor/reporting officer act as critical success factors for court management efficiency.

Originality/value

This paper adds empirical insight from the Indian viewpoint on existing literature concerning management of courts.
The accounting value relevance of earnings and book value: Tunisian banks and financial institutions
Authors: Ahmadi Ali , Bouri Abdelfettah
Published: February 2018

Purpose

As an increasing number of business organizations around the world are engaged in the value relevance of accounting information, this study aims to assess the field of the accounting value relevance of book value and earnings in share prices of banks and financial institutions listed in the Tunisian stock exchange.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of available banks and financial institutions listed in the Tunisian Stock Exchange from 2010 to 2015, this paper accommodates the documented accounting information in an emergent market context by using stock price of three months after year-end as a dependent variable. This study uses the panel regression technique on 24 banks and financial institutions during the study period.

Findings

The authors find that earnings and book value are statistically significantly associated with firm value. Also, using these variables together is positively related to the firm stock price share. Comparatively, these obtain evidence that book value is statistically more value-relevant than earning per share models; expectedly, the earnings explain a higher proportion of the stock price for the group of financial institutions than the group of banks.

Originality/value

A Web-based search is performed during the second quarter of 2016, locating the corporate websites of the sample firms, and the official site of the Datastream (worldscope) is identified. The sample period is 2010-2015 (144 firm-year observations).
Sectoral choices and wage differences among Nigerian public, private and self-employees
Authors: Guven-Lisaniler Fatma , Tuna Gulcay , Nwaka Ikechukwu Darlington
Published: February 2018

Purpose

How does wage employment differ from self-employment in Nigeria? The purpose of this paper is to explore the determinants of participation and the resulting wage differentials with respect to individual employees in self-employment, public-wage employment and private-wage employment in the Nigerian labour market.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the most recent cross-sectional data from the general household survey (GHS) panel for 2012/2013 wave (Nigeria National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), 2012), this paper applies the multinomial logit estimation for the sectoral choice and selectivity-corrected wage equation where appropriate.

Findings

Consistent with other studies in Africa, the findings confirm that the Nigerian labour market is heterogeneous. Factors affecting sectoral choices differ greatly across the analysed sectors. Education, age and geopolitical zones are observed to be the major determinants of sectoral participation. On the basis of BFG estimates, the authors find evidence of downward bias only in the public sector wages that is due to the (Bourguignon, Fournier & Gurgand) allocation of individuals with better unobservable characteristics out of the public employment into the self-employment. Consequently, the human capital variables become no longer significant in the public wage equation after correcting for selectivity bias. However, education and gender are found to be significant determinants of wages in the private and self-employment sectors. The magnitude of the gender coefficient is more negative in self-employment, which may imply a possible gender wage gap in that sector. While the North-East, North-West and South-South zones are highly statistically significantly different from zero in the public sector, only the South-South and South-West zones appear to be significant in self-employment. Hence, such zonal variables are a reflection of differences in economic incentives in Nigeria.

Research limitations/implications

Given the unregulated and precarious nature of employment in self-employment, adequate policies that address gender bias orientations are suggested.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the first that addresses sectoral choices and wage differentials among public, private and self-employment using the most recent GHS data for Nigeria.
Visionary leadership and employee creativity in China
Authors: Zhou Lulu , Zhao Shuming , Tian Feng , Zhang Xufan , Chen Stephen
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how visionary leadership influences employees’ creativity in R&D teams in China, and the role of employee knowledge sharing and goal orientation.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted on 331 professional technical engineers in R&D departments of 62 high-tech corporations in China. Hierarchical regression was used to model the relationships between visionary leadership style, employee goal orientations, knowledge sharing and employee creativity.

Findings

The results show that visionary leadership is positively associated with employee creativity in Chinese organizations and the relationship is positively mediated by employee knowledge sharing. Furthermore, employee “learning goal” orientation strengthens the relationship between visionary leadership and employee knowledge sharing, whereas employee “performance-avoid goal” orientation weakens the relationship between visionary leadership and employee knowledge sharing.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature on the effects of leadership on employee creativity by showing that, contrary to western organizations, where a less directive leadership style is generally recommended to enhance employee creativity, in Chinese organizations, visionary leadership is positively associated with employee creativity, but the effect is contingent on employees’ goal orientations and knowledge sharing.
Making a market for Mexican food in Australia
Authors: Sinclair John , Carr Barry
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to account for the remarkable proliferation of Mexican restaurants and tequila bars in contemporary urban Australia, in the absence of any geographical contiguity, historical connection or cultural proximity between Australia and Mexico.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper traces how the particularities of direct cultural contact, interpersonal networks and grass-roots entrepreneurism can open up new markets, and how the ground is, thus, prepared for subsequent large-scale international corporate entry to those markets. This research is based on interviews with key figures in the development of the Mexican food industry in Australia, interpreted in terms of the extant literature on cultural globalisation. The first-hand accounts of these participants have been interpreted in the light of available secondary sources and relevant theory.

Findings

The most striking theme to emerge in the study is the relative absence of Mexicans, or even Mexico-experienced Australians, in the making of a market for Mexican food in Australia. Rather, initially, Americans were prominent, as entrepreneurs and in forming a consumer market, while in later decades, entrepreneurs and consumers alike have been Australians whose experience of Mexican food has been formed in the United States, not Mexico. The role of hipster subculture and travel is seen as instrumental. Also of interest is the manner in which the personal experiences and interrelationships of the Americans and Australians have shaped the development of the Mexican food industry. This is not to ignore the much more recent participation of a new wave of immigrants from Mexico.

Research limitations/implications

While the scope of the study is national, the sharper focus is on the experience of Melbourne; it would be useful for future researchers to investigate other major cities, even if Melbourne has been the most pivotal of Australian cities in the history of Mexican food in Australia. The study has conceptual and theoretical implications for debates around cultural globalisation and “Americanisation”.

Originality/value

The paper provides a close-grained and suitably theorised account of how a particular consumer trend has become extended on a global basis, with particular attention to both individual experience and agency, and corporate activity.
Geography of corporate innovation
Authors: Ervits Irina
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify major developments in corporate innovation. The author focuses on the behavioral differences between MNEs from developed and emerging markets in the way they locate their R&D activities.

Design/methodology/approach

With the help of descriptive statistics, the paper identifies major trends in the global distribution of innovative activity. The novel source of patent statistics, Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) applications, is used as a proxy for innovative effort by leading MNEs. This paper is among the first attempts to analyze the global geography of innovation based on PCT statistics.

Findings

The analysis underscores differences in the patenting activities of MNEs from emerging and advanced markets. It confirms that innovative activity by major MNEs remains largely home-based, which contradicts the premise of the global nature of corporate innovation. At the same time, the growing importance of China as a research center attracts MNEs from a variety of developed markets. Emerging MNEs also file patent applications domestically. Most Chinese R&D subsidiaries of MNEs from advanced economies in our sample do not pursue technological specialization, as they produce patents in the same technological areas as the corporate headquarters or other subsidiaries.

Originality/value

A number of assumptions about the innovation geography of major MNEs were empirically tested. An attempt was made to fill the gaps in our understanding of innovation strategies pursued by MNEs in emerging markets. The author uses the concept of MNEs as meta-integrators to explain the observed dynamics. Its explanatory power is more convincing as applied to our data than the concept of national systems of innovation.
Urban emptiness as a resource for sustainable urban development
Authors: Petrova Marina , Nenko Aleksandra
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop an approach to urban environment management through analysis of “urban emptiness” based on user-generated big data.

Design/methodology/approach

The research design is based on creating a theoretical model of urban emptiness as a multilayer phenomenon in the city space and then developing an applied approach to map its different types through user-generated and open big data from multiple online sources.

Findings

The paper provides a definition and a theoretical model of “urban emptiness” as a multilayer phenomenon integrated into the complexity of the city system and as a resource for sustainable urban development. The paper presents a methodological approach to analyse urban emptiness based on spontaneous user-generated geolocated open data emerging online. This approach is applied to the Russian city of St Petersburg with a demonstration of the data set formation based on multiple sources and an interpretation of the preliminary results.

Research limitations/implications

The paper focuses on the under-researched phenomenon of urban emptiness, which leads to a certain speculation of propositions and lack of generalisability of the results. Therefore, the researchers are encouraged to further test the proposed propositions.

Practical implications

The paper describes urban emptiness as a resource in urban development and gives recommendations on how to account for it in sustainable urban environment management, in particular, in limiting urban sprawl.

Originality/value

This paper consolidates data-driven methods to create an integrated approach to urban environment management from an original standpoint – analysis of urban emptiness.
Interdependence among dimensions of sustainability
Authors: Gupta Sandeep Kumar , Racherla Uday Shanker
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the interdependence among dimensions of sustainability, i.e. economic, social and environmental performance, this study focuses on leading states of the Indian leather Industry.

Design/methodology/approach

This study followed exploratory research where partial least square (PLS) based structural equation modeling has been used. The states have been selected based on judgmental sampling. The study used unit level data for the leading states of Indian leather Industry − namely, Tamil Nadu (TN), West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh. The study has used Annual Survey of Industry data from 2007-2008 to 2011-2012. The proposed hypotheses have been tested using WarpPLS 5.0 software.

Findings

The structural equation analysis of unit-wise leather industry data supports a significant bi-directional negative relationship between social performance and economic performance among all the selected states. In contrast, the relationship between economic performance and environmental performance, as expected and supported by many existing theories, has shown a bidirectional positive relationship. However, the relationship between social and environmental performance has shown quite mysterious and mixed trends. TN has depicted significantly negative coefficients, which could be attributed to higher pressure for environmental compliance that might have led to a trade-off between the two to gain cost competitiveness.

Research limitations/implications

Unavailability of data for many critical indicators is the biggest limitation of this study.

Originality/value

The sustainability framework proposed in this work is an original contribution of authors to the existing literature. Moreover, this study on the Indian leather industry fills the gap and resolves the mystery of interconnection among the dimensions of sustainability.
Fuzzy logic-based real-time control for a twin-rotor MIMO system using GA-based optimization
Authors: Jain Arpit , Sheel Satya , Kuchhal Piyush
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the application of entropy based optimized fuzzy logic control for a real-time non-linear system. Optimization of the fuzzy membership function (MF) is one of the most explored areas for performance improvement of the fuzzy logic controllers (FLC). Conversely, majority of previous works are motivated on choosing an optimized shape for the MF, while on the other hand the support of fuzzy set is not accounted.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed investigation provides the optimal support for predefined MFs by using genetic algorithms-based optimization of fuzzy entropy-based objective function.

Findings

The experimental results obtained indicate an improvement in the performance of the controller which includes improvement in error indices, transient and steady-state parameters. The applicability of proposed algorithm has been verified through real-time control of the twin rotor multiple-input, multiple-output system (TRMS).

Research limitations/implications

The proposed algorithm has been used for the optimization of triangular sets, and can also be used for the optimization of other fussy sets, such as Gaussian, s-function, etc.

Practical implications

The proposed optimization can be combined with other algorithms which optimize the mathematical function (shape), and a potent optimization tool for designing of the FLC can be formulated.

Originality/value

This paper presents the application of a new optimized FLC which is tested for control of pitch and yaw angles in a TRMS. The performance of the proposed optimized FLC shows significant improvement when compared with standard references.
Performance improvement of a STATCOM using fuzzy controller for isolated generator
Authors: Pati Swagat , Mohanty Kanungo Barada , Kar Sanjeeb Kumar
Published: February 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to demonstrate the efficacy of fuzzy logic controller (FLC) over proportional integral (PI) and sliding mode controller (SMC) for maintaining flat voltage profile at the load bus of a single-generator-based micro-grid system using STATCOM.

Design/methodology/approach

A STATCOM is used to improve the voltage profile of the load bus. The performance of the STATCOM is evaluated by using three different controllers: PI controllers, FLCs and SMCs. The performance comparison of the controllers is done with different dc bus voltages, different load bus voltage references, various loads such as R-L loads and dynamic loads.

Findings

A comparative analysis is done between the performances of the three different controllers. The comparative study culminates that FLC is found to be superior than the other proposed controllers. SMC is a close competitor of fuzzy controller.

Originality/value

Design of fuzzy logic and SMCs for a STATCOM implemented in a single-generator-based micro-grid system is applied.
Electromyographic characterisation of abdominal wall trigger points developed after caesarean section and response to local anaesthesia: an observational study
Authors: Poli‐Neto OB , Campos Martins Chamochumbi C , Toscano P , Pitanguy Julio M , Marques W , Rosa‐e‐Silva JC , Candido‐dos‐Reis FJ , Nogueira AA
Published: February 2018

Objective

This study examines the electromyography pattern of abdominal trigger points developed after a caesarean section, and the association between clinical response and local anaesthetic injection.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

A tertiary university hospital.

Population

Twenty‐nine women with chronic pelvic pain associated with trigger points after a caesarean section were included in the study.

Methods

Participants received needle electromyography before treatment, then underwent a treatment protocol consisting of trigger‐point injection of 2 ml of 1% lidocaine. The protocol was repeated once a week for 4 weeks. The clinical responses of the patients were compared 1 week after and 3 months after treatment. The clinical trial is registered with the Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (REBEC) under RBR‐42c6gz (www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-42c6gz/).

Main outcome measures

Needle electromyography and algometry results and pain reduction.

Results

Fifteen patients had abnormal electromyography findings; 14 had normal findings. The rates of response 1 week and 3 months after treatment within the abnormal electromyography group were 95 and 87%, respectively. In the normal group, the rate was 38% both 1 week after and 3 months after treatment.

Conclusions

Trigger points developed after caesarean section, even without clinical symptoms or signs of neuralgia, may originate from neuropathies. Electromyographic abnormalities were associated with pain remission after anaesthesia injection; normal electromyography findings were associated with undiagnosed causes of pain, such as adhesions.

Tweetable abstract

Trigger points developed after caesarean section are neuropathies, even in the absence of classical neuralgia.
Taste sensitivity and divergence in host plant acceptance between adult females and larvae ofPapilio hospiton
Authors: Sollai Giorgia , Biolchini Maurizio , Crnjar Roberto
Published: February 2018

On the island of Sardinia the lepidopteranPapilio hospitonusesFerula communisas exclusive host plant. However, on the small island of Tavolara, adult females lay eggs onSeseli tortuosum, a plant confined to the island. When raised in captivity onSeselionly few larvae grew beyond the first–second instar. Host specificity of lepidopterans is determined by female oviposition preferences, but also by larval food acceptance, and adult and larval taste sensitivity may be related to host selection in both cases. Aim of this work was: (i) to study the taste sensitivity of larvae and ovipositing females to saps ofFerulaandSeseli; (ii) to cross‐compare the spike activity of gustatory receptor neurons (GRNs) to both taste stimuli; (iii) to evaluate the discriminating capability between the two saps and determine which neural code/s is/are used. The results show that: (i) the spike responses of the tarsal GRNs of adult females to both plant saps are not different and therefore they cannot discriminate the two plants; (ii) larval L‐lat GRN shows a higher activity in response toSeselithanFerula, while the opposite occurs for the phagostimulant neurons, and larvae may discriminate between the two saps by means of multiple neural codes; (iii) the number of eggs laid on the two plants is the same, but the larval growth performance is better onFerulathanSeseli. Taste sensitivity differences may explain the absence of a positive relationship between oviposition preferences by adult females and plant acceptance and growth performance by larvae.
Morphological and Phylogenetic Study Based on New Materials ofAnchiornis huxleyi(Dinosauria, Theropoda) from Jianchang, Western Liaoning, China
Authors: GUO Xiangqi , XU Li , JIA Songhai
Published: February 2018

Anchiornis huxleyi, which is a member of the Middle–Late Jurassic Yanliao Biota, is the smallest feathered dinosaur ever known. It has been described as a critical link between feathered dinosaurs and birds. Recent studies, including those ofAnchiornis, Xiaotingia, EosinopteryxandAurornis, challengedArchaeopteryxas the most basal bird. The newAnchiornis huxleyispecimens that are described in this paper show some minor different characters compared to previously reportedAnchiornisspecimens, which has revised the character list ofAnchiornisand indicates a different phylogenetic point from former opinions.
Geochronology, Geochemistry and Sr‐Nd‐Pb‐Hf Isotopes of No. I Complex from the Shitoukengde Ni–Cu Sulfide Deposit in the Eastern Kunlun Orogen, Western China: Implications for the Magmatic Source, Geodynamic Setting and Genesis
Authors: LI Liang , SUN Fengyue , LI Bile , LI Shijin , CHEN Guangjun , WANG Wei , YAN Jiaming , ZHAO Tuofei , DONG Jun , ZHANG Dexin
Published: February 2018

The Shitoukengde Ni‐Cu deposit, located in the Eastern Kunlun Orogen, comprises three mafic–ultramafic complexes, with the No. I complex hosting six Ni‐Cu orebodies found recently. The deposit is hosted in the small ultramafic bodies intruding Proterozoic metamorphic rocks. Complexes at Shitoukengde contain all kinds of mafic‐ultramafic rocks, and olivine websterite and pyroxene peridotite are the most important Ni‐Cu‐hosted rocks. Zircon U‐Pb dating suggests that the Shitoukengde Ni‐Cu deposit formed in late Silurian (426–422 Ma), and their zircons have εHf(t) values of −9.4 to 5.9 with the older TDM1 ages (0.80–1.42 Ga). Mafic‐ultramafic rocks from the No. I complex show the similar rare earth and trace element patterns, which are enriched in light rare earth elements and large ion lithophile elements (e.g., K, Rb, Th) and depleted in heavy rare earth elements and high field strength elements (e.g., Ta, Nb, Zr, Ti). Sulfides from the deposit have the slightly higher δ34S values of 1.9–4.3± than the mantle (0 ± 2±). The major and trace element characteristics, and Sr‐Nd‐Pb and Hf, S isotopes indicate that their parental magmas originated from a metasomatised, asthenospheric mantle source which had previously been modified by subduction‐related fluids, and experienced significant crustal contamination both in the magma chamber and during ascent triggering S oversaturation by addition of S and Si, that resulted in the deposition and enrichment of sulfides. Combined with the tectonic evolution, we suggest that the Shitoukengde Ni‐Cu deposit formed in the post‐collisional, extensional regime related to the subducted oceanic slab break‐off after the Wanbaogou oceanic basalt plateau collaged northward to the Qaidam Block in late Silurian.
Petrological Investigations and Zircon U‐Pb Dating of High Pressure Felsic Granulites from the Yushugou Complex, South Tianshan, China
Authors: ZHANG Lu , ZHANG Lifei , ZHU Jianjiang , XIA Bin , LÜ Zeng , BADER Thomas
Published: February 2018

As a window of insight into the lower crust, high pressure granulite has received much attention since last decade. Yushugou high pressure granulite‐peridotite Complex was located in the northeast margin of Southern Tianshan, NW China. Previous ideas agreed that the peridotite unit in Yushugou, combined with the ultramafic rocks in Tonghuashan and Liuhuangshan, represent an ophiolite belt. However, the metamorphic evolution and tectonic mechanism of the Yushugou high pressure (HP) granulite remain controversial. Petrological investigations and phase equilibrium modelling for two representative felsic granulite samples suggest two stages metamorphism of the rocks in Yushugou Complex. Granulite facies metamorphism (Stage I) with P‐T conditions of 9.8–10.4 kbar at 895–920°C was recorded by the porphyroblastic garnet core; HP granulite facies metamorphism (Stage II) shows P‐T conditions of 13.2–13.5 kbar at 845–860°C, based on the increasing grossular and decreasing pyrope contents of garnet rims. The Yushugou HP felsic granulites have recorded an anticlockwise P‐T path, characterized by the temperature decreasing and pressure increasing simultaneously. The LA‐ICP‐MS isotopic investigations on zircons from the felsic granulite show that the protolith ages of the granlulites are ∼430 Ma, with two age groups of ∼390 Ma and 340–350 Ma from the metamorphic rims of zircon, indicating the Stage I and II metamorphic events, respectively. A tectonic model was proposed to interpret the processes. The investigated felsic granulite was derived from deep rooted hanging wall, with Stage I granulite facies metamorphism of ∼390 Ma, which may be related to the Devonian arc magmatic intrusion; Stage II HP granulite facies metamorphism (340–350 Ma) may due to the involvement of being captured into the subducting slab and experienced the high pressure metamorphism.
Sedimentology and Sequence Stratigraphy of Marine to Lacustrine Deltaic Deposits in a Craton Basin and Their Controlling Factors: Shan 2 Member–He 8 Member (Guadalupian–Lopingian, Permian), Southeast Ordos Basin, North China
Authors: SHAN Xin , YU Xinghe , CLIFT Peter , LI Yalong , JIN Lina , SU Dongxu , DU Yonghui , ZHOU Jinsong , HAN Xiaoqin
Published: February 2018

The Shan 2 Member, Shan 1 Member and He 8 Member of the Mid–Late Permian Shanxi and lower Xiashihezi formations, in the southeastern Ordos Basin, together comprise ∼150 m of deltaic deposits. This sequence records an overall evolution from deep marine environment to shallow lake associated with braided river, braided river delta and meandering river delta. Core description, well log interpretation, and stable isotope analysis, including carbon, oxygen and strontium, were conducted to understand the sedimentary evolution of Shan 2 to He 8 Member. The Shanxi Formation, which consists of the Shan 2 and Shan 1 members, is characterized by a tidal‐influenced meandering river delta environment and a higher δ13C value and 87Sr/86Sr ratio and a lower δ18O value. The He 8 Member, the basal part of the Xiashihezi Formation, is featured by a braided river to braided river delta system and a lower δ13C value, 87Sr/86Sr ratio, and a higher δ18O value. Four third‐order depositional sequences separated by five sequence boundaries are determined. Coarsening upward sequences of the Shan 2 Member–He 8 Member indicate a general regression trend, which can be correlated to global sea‐level fall occurring during the Roadian–Wuchiapingian, as also evidenced by previous published zircon U–Pb results. The coal‐bearing sequence (Shanxi Formation) to non‐coal‐bearing sequence (He 8 Member), as well as a decrease of 87Sr/86Sr, suggest a trend from humid to arid climates. A combined effect of sea‐level drop and a small uplift at the end of Shanxi Formation are proposed.
Sequence Stratigraphy and Rudist Facies Development of the Upper Barremian‐Lower Cenomanian Platform, Northern Sinai, Egypt
Authors: SALAMA Yasser , GRAMMER Michael , SABER Shaban , EL‐SHAZLY Soheir , ABDEL‐GAWAD Gouda
Published: February 2018

The Lower Cretaceous sections in northern Sinai are composed of the Risan Aneiza (upper Barremian‐middle Albian) and the Halal (middle Albian‐lower Cenomanian) formations. The facies reflect subtle paleobathymetry from inner to outer ramp facies. The inner ramp facies are peritidal, protected to open marine lagoons, shoals and rudist biostrome facies. The inner ramp facies grade northward into outer ramp deposits. The upper Barremian‐lower Cenomanian succession is subdivided into nine depositional sequences correlated with those recognized in the neighbouring Tethyan areas. These sequences are subdivided into 19 medium‐scale sequences based on the facies evolution, the recorded hardgrounds and flooding surfaces, interpreted as the result of eustatic sea level changes and local tectonic activities of the early Syrian Arc rifting stage. Each sequence contains a lower retrogradational parasequence set that constituted the transgressive systems tracts and an upper progradational parasequence set that formed the highstand systems tracts. Nine rudist levels are recorded in the upper Barremian through lower Cenomanian succession at Gabal Raghawi. At Gabal Yelleg two rudist levels are found in the Albian. The rudist levels are associated with the highstand systems tract deposits because of the suitability of the trophic conditions in the rudist‐dominated ramp.
Carbon Geochemistry of Gas Hydrate‐associated Sediments in the Southwestern Taiwan Basin
Authors: LEI Huaiyan , YANG Yufeng , KANDASAMY Selvaraj , SHI Chunxiao
Published: February 2018

Marine gas hydrates, one of the largest methane reservoirs on Earth, may greatly affect the deep sea sedimentary environment and biogeochemistry; however, the carbon geochemistry in gas hydrate‐bearing sediments is poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the carbon variables in sediment core 973‐3 from the southwestern Taiwan Basin in the South China Sea to understand the effect of environmental factors and archaeal communities on carbon geochemistry. The carbon profiles suggest the methanogenesis with the incerase of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and high total organic carbon (TOC) (mean = 0.46%) originated from terrigenous organic matter (mean δ13CTOC value of −23.6±) driven by the abundant methanogen ‘Methanosaeta and Methanomicrobiales'. The active anaerobic oxidation of methane is characterized by the increase of DIC and inorganic carbon (IC), and the depleted δ13CIC, coupled with the increase of TOC and the decrease of δ13CTOC values owing to the methanotroph ‘Methanosarcinales/ANME’ in 430–840 cm. Environmental factors and archaeal communities in core 973‐3 are significantly correlated to carbon variables owing to methane production and oxidation. Our results indicate that the carbon geochemical characteristics are obviously responding to the formation and decomposition of gas hydrates. Furthermore, pH, Eh and grain size, and Methanosaeta greatly affect the carbon geochemistry in gas hydrate‐associated sediments.
Immediate effects on adult drinkers of exposure to alcohol harm reduction advertisements with and without drinking guideline messages: experimental study
Authors: Wakefield Melanie A. , Brennan Emily , Dunstone Kimberley , Durkin Sarah J. , Dixon Helen G. , Pettigrew Simone , Slater Michael D.
Published: February 2018

Aims

To compare the immediate effects on drinkers of television advertisements focusing upon short‐ versus long‐term harms with and without low‐risk drinking guidelines.

Design

Between‐participants on‐line experiment, with random assignment to view: (a) alcohol product advertisements (ALC control); (b) advertisements unrelated to alcohol (NON‐ALC control); (c) advertisements featuring short‐term harms (STH) of alcohol; (d) advertisements featuring STH plus a STH guideline (STH+G); (e) advertisements featuring long‐term harms (LTH); or (f) advertisements featuring LTH plus a LTH guideline (LTH+G).

Setting

Australia, 2016.

Participants

A total of 3718 drinkers aged 18–64 years (48.5% male).

Measurements

Post‐exposure likelihood that participants provided a correct estimate of drinking levels associated with short‐ and long‐term harms; post‐exposure intentions to avoid alcohol or reduce consumption.

Findings

After exposure to STH+G or LTH+G advertisements, participants were more likely to estimate correctly rather than overestimate drinking levels associated with harm, compared with those exposed to STH (P < 0.001) and LTH advertisements without guidelines, respectively (P = 0.019) and ALC control (STH+G, P < 0.001; LTH+G, P < 0.001) and NON‐ALC control conditions (STH+G, P < 0.001; LTH+G, P = 0.011). Drinkers exposed to STH conditions were more likely to intend to reduce next‐week alcohol consumption than those exposed to ALC control (both P < 0.001) and NON‐ALC control conditions (STH, P = 0.001; STH+G, P < 0.001); a similar pattern was observed for intentions to avoid alcohol. Drinkers exposed to LTH conditions were also more likely than drinkers exposed to ALC or NON‐ALC controls to intend to avoid and reduce alcohol in the next week. Additionally, drinkers exposed to LTH+G were more likely to intend to reduce drinking than those exposed to LTH advertisements without guidelines (P = 0.022). Response patterns for low‐ and high‐risk drinkers by condition were similar.

Conclusions

Alcohol harm television advertisements increase intentions to reduce alcohol consumption among both low‐ and high‐risk drinkers. The addition of low‐risk drinking guidelines can enhance these effects for advertisements featuring long‐term harms and improve estimates of both short‐ and long‐term harmful drinking levels.
Age‐based norm‐reference values for the Child Oral and Motor Proficiency Scale
Authors: Pados Britt Frisk , Thoyre Suzanne M. , Park Jinhee
Published: February 2018

Aim

To determine reference values for the Child Oral and Motor Proficiency Scale (ChOMPS) based on healthy, typically developing and typically eating children between six months and seven years old.

Methods

Parents of children six months to seven years old (n = 1057) completed the 63‐item ChOMPS. Median, range, 5th and 10th percentiles were calculated for scores on the four subscales of the ChOMPS as well as the total score in each of 11 age groups.

Results

Age‐based norm‐reference values are reported. By 24 months, 95% of children could perform all skills in the Basic Movement Patterns subscale. By four years, more than 95% of children could perform all of the skills in the Fundamental Oral–Motor Skills subscale. The Oral–Motor Coordination and Complex Movement Patterns skills developed later. By five years, 90% of children could perform all Oral–Motor Coordination skills. In six to seven year olds, 95% received a score of 44 of 46 on the Complex Movement Patterns subscale, indicating that some typical children had not established all of these complex skills by seven years.

Conclusion

The ChOMPS is the first valid and reliable parent‐report measure of eating, drinking and related skills that has age‐based norm‐reference values for use in clinical practice and research.
Bacterial isolates exhibiting multidrug resistance, hemolytic activity, and high 16S rRNA gene similarity with well‐known pathogens found in camel milk samples of Riyadh region
Authors: Hirad Abdurahman H. , Ahmad Javed , Alkhedhairy Abdulaziz A. , Bahkali Ali H. , Khan Shams T.
Published: February 2018

Customary consumption of unpasteurized milk by the population in the central Najed region of Saudi Arabia may pose a health risk. Therefore, 80 camel milk samples were collected aseptically from seven different stations of Riyadh region. The biochemical and microbiological properties of these milk samples were determined. Nutrient agar and brain heart infusion agar were used to determine mesophilic aerobic counts (MACs). The MAC in each mL of milk varied from 60 to 16 × 104 CFU/mL on nutrient agar. Based on the colony morphology, 176 colonies were collected from different samples, and these isolates were de‐replicated into 80 unique isolates using rep‐PCR analysis. Surprisingly, the 16S rRNA sequence analysis of these strains revealed that more than one‐third of the collected milk samples contained strains that share maximum sequence similarities with well‐known pathogens, such as Brucella, Bacillus anthracis, Listeria monocytogenes, and MRSA. Furthermore, many strains exhibit 16S rRNA gene similarity with opportunistic pathogens such as Citrobacter freundii and Kytococcus schroeteri. Many strains exhibit β‐hemolytic activity and resistant to six different antibiotics. Our study suggested that consumption of raw camel milk from this region constitutes a great health risk.
Maternal perceptions of advice on sleep in young children: How, what, and when?
Authors: Hatton Rosalind E. M. , Gardani Maria
Published: February 2018

Objectives

Parental knowledge on sleep hygiene in children may be a contributing factor for sleep difficulties in preschoolers. As sleep is crucial for healthy development, it is important to understand how parental knowledge can be improved. The aim of this qualitative study was to develop an understanding of advice available in the United Kingdom (UK) on sleep in young children.

Design

This study employed constructivist grounded theory methodology.

Methods

Participants were recruited via social media and a previously constructed participant database. Interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed, and analysed.

Results

Fourteen mothers were interviewed independently, whilst one mother was interviewed together with her husband. Themes relating to how UK mothers wish advice on sleep to be formulated, what they believe it should include and when they would like to receive it, were identified from the data. Specifically, this study suggests that UK mothers value experience and thus recommends that advice be made through collaboration projects involving both professionals and parents. It also suggests that advice should be readily available and given to expecting parents prior to the arrival of their baby as well as at regular follow‐ups. In addition, the participating mothers wanted advice to be balanced and non‐judgemental.

Conclusion

This study looks at the views of mainly White British mothers currently residing within the United Kingdom. Thus, it may not represent the views of everyone in the United Kingdom. Nevertheless, it still makes important recommendations for practice. For example, relationships between health professionals and parents need to be improved and information on different sleeping practices widely dispersed.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Poor sleep is common in young children.

Young children's sleep quality can be affected by parental behaviours.

Parents lack knowledge of sleep in young children.

What does this study add?

According to this study:

It would be beneficial for professionals to work in partnership with parents when formulating advice.

Mothers want advice to appreciate individual differences, be free of stigma, and manage expectations.

Mothers want advice both prenatally and throughout their child's development.
The state of testosterone therapy since the FDA's 2015 labelling changes: Indications and cardiovascular risk
Authors: Miner Martin , Morgentaler Abraham , Khera Mohit , Traish Abdulmaged M.
Published: February 2018

Objective

A label change in testosterone (T) products in March 2015 followed a highly publicized FDA advisory committee meeting in September 2014. Changes included a warning of possible increased cardiovascular (CV) risks and restriction of indicated populations to younger men with a limited set of known aetiologies of testosterone deficiency (TD). These changes greatly impacted clinical practice and public perception of T therapy (TTh). Our aim was to review these changes in the light of subsequently published studies.

Design

We identified 23 studies through June 2017, including 12 clinical trials and 11 observational studies. The Testosterone Trials included 790 men aged 65 years and older with TD without known aetiology, assigned to 1‐year T gel or placebo.

Results

Demonstrated benefits of T included sexual activity and desire, physical activity and mood. There were 9 major adverse CV events (MACE) in the T arm and 16 in the placebo arm. No study reported increased MACE with TTh. A 3‐year RCT showed no difference in carotid atherosclerosis. Several large observational studies reported reduced CV events with TTh, including one showing progressively reduced CV and mortality risk with greater duration of TTh. Men whose serum T normalized with TTh had reduced risk of MI and death compared with men whose T levels failed to normalize.

Conclusion

We conclude that existing evidence fails to support increased CV risk with TTh; on the contrary, there is evidence suggestive of real‐world CV benefits. Finally, existing evidence provides benefits of TTh in older men without known aetiology for T deficiency.
An in vitro evaluation of fracture load of implant‐supported zirconia‐based prostheses fabricated with different veneer materials
Authors: Takata Hiroki , Komine Futoshi , Honda Junichi , Blatz Markus B. , Matsumura Hideo
Published: February 2018

Objectives

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate fracture loads of implant‐supported zirconia‐based prostheses fabricated with different veneer materials (resin‐based material and lithium disilicate ceramics).

Material and methods

Forty‐four zirconia‐based molar prostheses were fabricated on dental implants and divided into four groups (n = 11): zirconia‐based prostheses veneered with feldspathic porcelain (ZVF), zirconia‐based prostheses bonded with the lithium disilicate glass‐ceramic veneer (ZBD), zirconia‐based prostheses veneered with indirect composite resin (ZVC), and zirconia‐based prostheses bonded with composite materials fabricated from a CAD/CAM resin block (ZBC). The zirconia‐based prostheses and abutments were adhesively bonded with a dual‐polymerized resin‐based luting material. Fracture load was determined using compression load to the prostheses with a universal testing machine. The data were analyzed with one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's HSD test (α = .05).

Results

The mean fracture load was significantly higher in the ZBC group (3.95 kN) than in the ZVC group (3.28 kN). No significant difference in fracture load was found among the ZVF (3.52 kN), ZBD (3.48 kN), and ZVC groups.

Conclusions

The adhesively bonded veneering technique enhances fracture resistance of implant‐supported zirconia‐based prostheses fabricated with a resin‐based material. All implant‐supported zirconia‐based restorations tested should resist physiologic masticatory forces in the oral environment.
Identifying taxonomic and functional surrogates for spring biodiversity conservation
Authors: Jyväsjärvi Jussi , Virtanen Risto , Ilmonen Jari , Paasivirta Lauri , Muotka Timo
Published: February 2018

Surrogate approaches are widely used to estimate overall taxonomic diversity for conservation planning. Surrogate taxa are frequently selected based on rarity or charisma, whereas selection through statistical modeling has been applied rarely. We used boosted‐regression‐tree models (BRT) fitted to biological data from 165 springs to identify bryophyte and invertebrate surrogates for taxonomic and functional diversity of boreal springs. We focused on these 2 groups because they are well known and abundant in most boreal springs. The best indicators of taxonomic versus functional diversity differed. The bryophyte Bryum weigelii and the chironomid larva Paratrichocladius skirwithensis best indicated taxonomic diversity, whereas the isopod Asellus aquaticus and the chironomid Macropelopia spp. were the best surrogates of functional diversity. In a scoring algorithm for priority‐site selection, taxonomic surrogates performed only slightly better than random selection for all spring‐dwelling taxa, but they were very effective in representing spring specialists, providing a distinct improvement over random solutions. However, the surrogates for taxonomic diversity represented functional diversity poorly and vice versa. When combined with cross‐taxon complementarity analyses, surrogate selection based on statistical modeling provides a promising approach for identifying groundwater‐dependent ecosystems of special conservation value, a key requirement of the EU Water Framework Directive.