bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neuronal population correlates of target selection and distractor filtering
Authors: Astrand Elaine , Wardak Claire , Hamed Suliann Ben
Published: September 2018

Frontal Eye Field (FEF) single-cell neuronal activity discriminates between relevant and irrelevant visual stimuli and its magnitude has been shown to predict conscious perception. How this is reflected at the population level in terms of spatial codes is unknown. We recorded neuronal population activity in the FEF while monkeys were performing a forced choice cued detection task with identical target and distractor stimuli. Using machine learning techniques, we quantified information about the spatial estimate of targets and distracters in the FEF population activity and we analyzed how these relate to the report of perception. We found that the FEF population activity provides a precise estimate of the spatial location of perception. This estimate doesn’t necessarily match the actual physical world. Importantly, the closer this prefrontal population estimate is to the veridical spatial information, the higher the probability that the stimulus was reported as perceived. This was observed both when the reported stimulus was a target (i.e. correct detection trials) or a distractor (i.e. false alarm trials). Overall, we thus show that how and what we perceive of our environments depends on the precision with which this environment is coded by prefrontal neuronal populations.
An Extreme Value Theory Model of Cross-Modal Sensory Information Integration in Modulation of Vertebrate Visual System Functions
Authors: Banerjee Sreya , Scheirer Walter J. , Li Lei
Published: September 2018

We propose a computational model of vision that describes the integration of cross-modal sensory information between the olfactory and visual systems in zebrafish based on the principles of the statistical extreme value theory. The integration of olfacto-retinal information is mediated by the centrifugal pathway that originates from the olfactory bulb and terminates in the neural retina. Motivation for using extreme value theory stems from physiological evidence suggesting that extremes and not the mean of the cell responses direct cellular activity in the vertebrate brain. We argue that the visual system, as measured by retinal ganglion cell responses in spikes/sec, follows an extreme value process for sensory integration and the increase in visual sensitivity from the olfactory input can be better modeled using extreme value distributions. As zebrafish maintains high evolutionary proximity to mammals, our model can be extended to other vertebrates as well.
Mis-expression of the Alzheimer’s disease associated gene Ankyrin causes memory loss and shortened lifespan in Drosophila
Authors: Higham James P , Malik Bilal R , Buhl Edgar , Dawson Jenny , Ogier Anna S , Lunnon Katie , Hodge James JL
Published: September 2018

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia and is characterized by the accumulation of extracellular amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles of hyperphosphorylated Tau, including the 4R0N isoform. Recent epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) of AD have identified a number of loci that are differentially methylated in AD cortex. Indeed, hypermethylation of the Ankyrin 1 (ANK1) gene in AD has been reported in the cortex in numerous different post-mortem brain cohorts. Little is known about the normal function of ANK1 in the healthy brain, nor the role it may play in AD. We have generated Drosophila models to allow us to functionally characterize Drosophila Ank2, the ortholog of human ANK1. These models have targeted reduction in the expression of Ank2 in neurons. We find that Drosophila with reduced neuronal Ank2 expression have shortened lifespan, reduced locomotion, reduced memory and reduced neuronal excitability similar to flies overexpressing either human mutant APP (that leads to Aβ42 production) and MAPT (that leads to 0N4R Tau). Therefore, we show that the mis-expression of Ank2 can drive disease relevant processes and phenocopy some features of AD and we propose targeting ANK1 may have therapeutic potential. This represents the first study to characterize a gene implicated in AD, which was nominated from EWAS.

Author summary

The majority (>95%) of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) cases are sporadic, with their incidence attributed to common genetic mutations, epigenetic variation, aging and the environment. There is no cure for AD and only limited treatment options which only treat the symptoms of AD and only work in some people. Recent epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) in AD have highlighted hypermethylation of the Ankyrin1 (ANK1) gene in AD cortex. Little is known of the normal role of the gene in the brain. Here, we have demonstrated that Drosophila with reduced neuronal expression of the Drosophila ortholog of human ANK1 (Ank2), can drive AD relevant processes including locomotor difficulties, memory loss and shortened lifespan similar to expression of human amyloid-Beta or tau mutant proteins. Furthermore, increasing Ank2 expression reversed the memory loss caused by expression of human amyloid-Beta or tau mutant proteins, suggesting that targeting ANK1 may have therapeutic potential. This represents the first study to characterize a gene implicated in AD, which was nominated from EWAS.
Responsive alignment for X-ray tomography beamlines
Authors: José Querino de Vasconcelos Gustavo , Xavier Miqueles Eduardo , Schubert Ruiz Costa Gabriel
Published: September 2018

X-ray computed tomography (CT) is an imaging technique intended to obtain the internal structure and three-dimensional representation of a sample. In general, parallel-beam CT reconstruction algorithms require a precise angular alignment and knowledge of the exact axis of rotation position. Highly brilliant X-ray sources with ever-increasing data-acquisition rates demand optimized alignment techniques to avoid compromisingin situdata analysis. This paper presents a method to automatically align the angular orientation and linear position of the rotation axis in a tomography setup, correlating image features from different X-ray projections.
Logistics and supply chain management research in Africa
Authors: El Baz Jamal , Laguir Issam , Stekelorum Rébecca
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the literature on logistics and supply chain management (SCM) in Africa over the last few decades. It provides a comprehensive assessment of theory application regarding the research articles published between 1994 and 2016.

Design/methodology/approach

In this structured systematic literature review, a set of 110 articles on SCM research in Africa is assessed.

Findings

The authors present the state-of-the-art review on logistics and SCM research in Africa. Extant literature shows that most research works focused on operational aspects of logistics and SCM and that papers drew heavily on theories inspired by strategic management, marketing, micro/macroeconomics and organizational behavior theories. Also, most of the papers with theoretical background can be categorized into theory matching and theory dressing and only a minority of theoretical papers belongs to theory suggestion category. Furthermore, based on the findings, the authors present a framework to characterize the peculiar aspects of Africa-based SCM and logistics practices and provide research propositions related to underexplored aspects of logistics and SCM in Africa.

Research limitations/implications

This study has a number of implications. Practitioners and researchers will gain a greater understanding of how logistics and SCM are carried out in Africa and the type of issues that have been addressed. Furthermore, researchers will be able to identify areas that need greater research attention in Africa.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first literature reviews of publications on logistics and SCM in Africa. It presents an overarching map of the research to date and a series of propositions to inform future research.
Leader behaviour to achieve employee engagement in Ghana: a qualitative study
Authors: Obuobisa-Darko Theresa , Domfeh Kwame Ameyaw
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the behaviour of leaders that enhances employee engagement (EE) in organisations. It locates the importance of EE and the role leaders play within the public sector in a developing country and finds answer to the question on the behaviour of the leader that causes employees to be engaged.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses qualitative method to identify the behaviour of leaders that causes and enhances employees to be engaged. It proposes a framework outlining what the leader does to ensure EE.

Findings

Based on results of data analysed, six behaviours of leaders were identified: seeking employee welfare and caring; openness and information flow; conscientiousness; good and cordial relationship; fairness and trust and lastly involvement in decision making.

Research limitations/implications

Limitation of the study was that it did not focus on the entire public sector but was carried out in only one company. It is therefore recommended that further studies could be carried out with focus on other public sector organisations to confirm the leader behaviour identified. Again, a comparative study between public and private sector organisations could be carried out to ascertain if there are differences in the behaviour of the leaders that cause employees to be engaged in these two different sectors.

Practical implications

The study develops a framework outlining behaviour which leaders within organisations could exhibit to enhance EE and thus organisational success.

Originality/value

The paper provides a framework that shows leader behaviour that causes EE in organisations in a developing country. This framework will be helpful to leaders in organisations to behave in specific ways to enhance EE and for researchers who want to conduct research in this field of study.
Digital footprints: an emerging dimension of digital inequality
Authors: Micheli Marina , Lutz Christoph , Büchi Moritz
Published: September 2018

Purpose

This conceptual contribution is based on the observation that digital inequalities literature has not sufficiently considered digital footprints as an important social differentiator. The purpose of the paper is to inspire current digital inequality frameworks to include this new dimension.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature on digital inequalities is combined with research on privacy, big data and algorithms. The focus on current findings from an interdisciplinary point of view allows for a synthesis of different perspectives and conceptual development of digital footprints as a new dimension of digital inequality.

Findings

Digital footprints originate from active content creation, passive participation and platform-generated data. The literature review shows how different social groups may experience systematic advantages or disadvantages based on their digital footprints. A special emphasis should be on those at the margins, for example, users of low socioeconomic background.

Originality/value

By combining largely independent research fields, the contribution opens new avenues for studying digital inequalities, including innovative methodologies to do so.
Financial innovations in municipal securities markets
Authors: Whitaker Stephan David
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to measure how frequently innovative financial products appeared or became widely adopted in the municipal securities markets over the last two decades; and also investigate what types of issuers adopted the innovations, the relationship between yields and innovation and the patterns of diffusion within states.

Design/methodology/approach

Using comprehensive data on municipal securities issued from 1992 to 2015, the author searches for financial innovations as defined in the literature. The author uses issuer fixed effects models to characterize the relationship between yields and use of innovative products. Other models provide estimates of the conditional correlations between issuer characteristics and innovation usage. Finally, the author fits trend models to identify significant differences in the pace of adoption between different types of issuers.

Findings

In total, 35 security features fit one or more definitions of innovation. Extensive analysis is presented for four innovations that represent significant transfers of risk: variable rates, put options, corporate backers and derivatives. Small issuers used these innovative products, but the largest issuers adopted them to a greater extent. Usage appears to diffuse within states. Issuance of innovative securities fell during the financial crisis and has not recovered. Novel securities since the financial crisis have been created by legislation rather than by market participants.

Research limitations/implications

The data appear to cover all or nearly all municipal securities, but they do not cover loans or other types of municipal borrowing.

Practical implications

This analysis reveals that financial innovations in municipal securities markets usually take the form of a rare practice becoming widespread rather than a never-before-seen feature appearing in the market. Changes in response to legislation are an exception.

Social implications

Regulators concerned about financial stability can monitor the expansion of formerly rare securities features. This will be informative about new risks or transfers of risk in the market. They can also anticipate that expanded use of an innovation by states and high-volume issuers will be followed by adoption of the innovations by smaller, less sophisticated issuers in subsequent years.

Originality/value

This paper is the first attempt to empirically analyze the extent of financial innovation in municipal securities. Existing public finance literature has proposed definitions of financial innovation, qualitatively documented some specific innovations and empirically analyzed others. However, no previous study has empirically analyzed the entire municipal securities market for all possible innovations.
A bigger bang for the public buck
Authors: Chen Can
Published: September 2018

Purpose

It is well known that public infrastructure, particularly the transportation infrastructure sector, is notorious for low efficiency, spending waste and corruption. Achieving the efficiency of public infrastructure investment is a crucial element to improve the current deteriorating condition of American transportation infrastructure system. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This research utilizes an input-oriented, variable return to scale non-parametric data envelopment analysis to estimate the relative cost efficiency of highway infrastructure investment among the 48 American continental states from 1995 to 2009.

Findings

The empirical results reveal that there is a large efficiency variation among state highway infrastructure systems.

Practical implications

In addition, state governments on average reach 95.8 percent of the efficiency of their best practice peers in terms of providing quality highway infrastructure outcomes.
Whitney Johnson: applying the principles of disruptive entrepreneurship to talent management
Authors: Leavy Brian
Published: September 2018

Purpose

Whitney Johnson is interviewed about her latest book, Build an A Team: Play to Their Strengths and Lead Them Up the Learning Curve (Harvard Business Review Press, 2018), which extends her disruptive innovation perspective on career development into a talent management strategy for corporate leaders and their organizations. 10; 10;

Design/methodology/approach

In today’s exciting and volatile competitive context, leaders need to see that the skillful and entrepreneurial management of their talent will be at least as important to their organization’s future success as the skillful and entrepreneurial management of their financial resources.

Findings

Eager, capable employees, tackling new challenges are drivers of innovation within organizations, and the primary benefit of an S Curve talent management strategy is elevated employee engagement.

Practical implications

In terms of personal disruption, choosing market risk means being more entrepreneurial with your own career development and seeking out a distinctive learning curve.

Originality/value

Leaders will need to foster work environments that provide learning opportunities, stretch assignments, new challenging roles internally—not necessarily promotions, but also well-conceived lateral moves that can help to give employees the enhanced skillset to ultimately move ahead.
Are Customs Unions Really So Scarce?
Authors: Appelbaum Elie , Melatos Mark
Published: September 2018

We show that generalised customs unions (CUs), in which members choose different external tariff rates while still maximising total member welfare, are always welfare‐superior to both standard CUs with common external tariffs and free trade areas (FTAs). Since generalised CUs are indistinguishable from FTAs in practice, our analysis implies that observed trade agreements (TAs) that have the appearance of FTAs may, in fact, be CUs. This possibility offers one potential explanation for the design of the WTO’s rules on regional TAs, in particular the WTO’s specification of a common external tariff as the defining feature of a CU. Our results also suggest that empirical estimates of the different impacts of FTAs and CUs may be subject to a TAs misclassification bias.
Poverty Reduction Effects of Agricultural Technology Adoption: The Case of Improved Cassava Varieties in Nigeria
Authors: Wossen Tesfamicheal , Alene Arega , Abdoulaye Tahirou , Feleke Shiferaw , Rabbi Ismail Y. , Manyong Victor
Published: September 2018

We use DNA‐fingerprinting to estimate the poverty reduction effect of adoption of improved cassava varieties in Nigeria. We estimate the counterfactual household income distribution of cassava producers by combining farm‐level treatment effects with a market‐level model. Our results suggest that adoption of improved cassava varieties has led to a 4.6 percentage point reduction in poverty, though this is sensitive to the measurement of adoption status. Therefore, accurate measurement of adoption is crucial for a more credible estimate of the poverty reduction effect of adoption. Our analysis also suggests that farmers who are more likely to be adopters are also likely to face higher structural costs. Addressing structural barriers that make improved technologies less profitable for the poor would therefore be important to increase the poverty reduction effect of improved cassava varieties.
Nonprofit accountability: The viewpoint of the primary stakeholders
Authors: Costa Ericka , Goulart da Silva Geiza
Published: September 2018

By means of a questionnaire survey, this paper aims at analyzing the primary stakeholder viewpoint regarding nonprofit organization accountability. In detail, it investigates the member's perspective regarding social accountability in a cooperative bank (CB) in Italy.

Our findings suggest that respondents had a high level of satisfaction with social reporting: a large portion of the sample indicated that they found social reporting to be useful, credible, transparent, and complete. Moreover, members of the CB under investigation consider social accountability as a way to improve relationships, strengthen trust among members, and demonstrate transparency in its activities within the community.
Breeding progress and preparedness for mass‐scale deployment of perennial lignocellulosic biomass crops switchgrass, miscanthus, willow and poplar
Authors: Clifton‐Brown John , Harfouche Antoine , Casler Michael D. , Dylan Jones Huw , Macalpine William J. , Murphy‐Bokern Donal , Smart Lawrence B. , Adler Anneli , Ashman Chris , Awty‐Carroll Danny , Bastien Catherine , Bopper Sebastian , Botnari Vasile , Brancourt‐Hulmel Maryse , Chen Zhiyong , Clark Lindsay V. , Cosentino Salvatore , Dalton Sue , Davey Chris , Dolstra Oene , Donnison Iain , Flavell Richard , Greef Joerg , Hanley Steve , Hastings Astley , Hertzberg Magnus , Hsu Tsai‐Wen , Huang Lin S. , Iurato Antonella , Jensen Elaine , Jin Xiaoli , Jørgensen Uffe , Kiesel Andreas , Kim Do‐Soon , Liu Jianxiu , McCalmont Jon P. , McMahon Bernard G. , Mos Michal , Robson Paul , Sacks Erik J. , Sandu Anatolii , Scalici Giovanni , Schwarz Kai , Scordia Danilo , Shafiei Reza , Shield Ian , Slavov Gancho , Stanton Brian J. , Swaminathan Kankshita , Taylor Gail , Torres Andres F. , Trindade Luisa M. , Tschaplinski Timothy , Tuskan Gerald A. , Yamada Toshihiko , Yeon Yu Chang , Zalesny Ronald S. , Zong Junqin , Lewandowski Iris
Published: September 2018

Genetic improvement through breeding is one of the key approaches to increasing biomass supply. This paper documents the breeding progress to date for four perennial biomass crops (PBCs) that have high output–input energy ratios: namely Panicum virgatum (switchgrass), species of the genera Miscanthus (miscanthus), Salix (willow) and Populus (poplar). For each crop, we report on the size of germplasm collections, the efforts to date to phenotype and genotype, the diversity available for breeding and on the scale of breeding work as indicated by number of attempted crosses. We also report on the development of faster and more precise breeding using molecular breeding techniques. Poplar is the model tree for genetic studies and is furthest ahead in terms of biological knowledge and genetic resources. Linkage maps, transgenesis and genome editing methods are now being used in commercially focused poplar breeding. These are in development in switchgrass, miscanthus and willow generating large genetic and phenotypic data sets requiring concomitant efforts in informatics to create summaries that can be accessed and used by practical breeders. Cultivars of switchgrass and miscanthus can be seed‐based synthetic populations, semihybrids or clones. Willow and poplar cultivars are commercially deployed as clones. At local and regional level, the most advanced cultivars in each crop are at technology readiness levels which could be scaled to planting rates of thousands of hectares per year in about 5 years with existing commercial developers. Investment in further development of better cultivars is subject to current market failure and the long breeding cycles. We conclude that sustained public investment in breeding plays a key role in delivering future mass‐scale deployment of PBCs.
Reducing nitrogen leaching losses in grazed dairy systems using an Italian ryegrass‐plantain‐white clover forage mix
Authors: Woods Roshean R. , Cameron Keith C. , Edwards Grant R. , Di Hong J. , Clough Tim J.
Published: September 2018

In grazed agricultural systems, animal urine patches are the major source of nitrogen (N) leaching losses and can cause a decline in water quality. Urine‐N rates often exceed plant requirements, and there is a need for mitigation options to reduce the impact of agriculture on the environment. One approach is to use alternative forages to reduce urine‐N loading rates, or to increase N uptake. This study used lysimeters to determine the N leaching losses, dry matter yields and N uptake following ruminant urine application to an Italian ryegrass‐plantain‐white clover forage mix (IRPWC,Lolium multiflorumLam.‐Plantago lanceolataL.‐Trifolium repensL.) or perennial ryegrass‐white clover (PRWC,Lolium perenneL.‐T. repensL.). Three urine treatments were applied: Control (no urine), Urine Actual (urine from cows grazing each of the forages: 508, and 664 kg N/ha, forIRPWCandPRWC, respectively) and Urine 700 (700 kg N/ha). Compared withPRWC(113 kg N/ha), N leaching losses were 88.9% lower fromIRPWC‐Urine Actual (12.5 kg N/ha) and 45.5% lower fromIRPWC‐Urine 700 (61.8 kg N/ha). These reductions were attributed partly to theIRPWChaving higher cool season activity and ability to take up N during the cool period, and partly to the lower concentration of urine‐N, compared withPRWC.IRPWCis a promising alternative forage for future farm systems with the ability to reduce urine‐N excretion from grazing animals and cause large reductions in N leaching losses while producing the same herbage dry matter yields asPRWC.
Pilot‐Scale Electrochemical Treatment of a 1,4‐Dioxane Source Zone
Authors: Blotevogel Jens , Pijls Charles , Scheffer Bert , de Waele Jean‐Paul , Lee Amy , van Poecke Reggy , van Belzen Nicolaas , Staal Wim
Published: September 2018

Electrochemical treatment is a promising emerging technology in which direct current is applied to drive the degradation of aqueous contaminants. Several bench‐scale studies have demonstrated the capability of electrochemical oxidation to fully mineralize refractory organics such as pesticides and perfluorinated compounds. However, insights into large‐scale design and field performance are critically lacking. Here, we designed six pilot‐scale reactors and tested their performance and efficiency for the treatment of groundwater contaminated with 1,4‐dioxane (1,4‐DX) at concentrations exceeding 1000 mg/L. Anode surface area‐normalized degradation rates increased with increasing potential applied, while the process was more energy‐efficient per mass unit removed at low potentials. While not all 1,4‐DX was completely mineralized, the detected ring‐opening intermediates are known to be readily biodegradable. Analyses of potential by‐products from chloride oxidation revealed the generation of chloromethanes and perchlorate at low mg/L concentrations. Towards the end of the 8.5‐month pilot test, decreasing currents and degradation rates indicated progressing passivation of the electrodes, likely due to cathodic carbonate precipitation and/or poisoning by the uniquely high organic carbon load of this source zone groundwater. The findings of our study demonstrate that electrochemical groundwater remediation is a capable approach for the treatment of persistent organic pollutants. Our pilot‐scale test provides practitioners with a basis for evaluating its efficiency under site‐specific conditions and collecting critical performance metrics for technology scale‐up.
Multi‐phase glass‐ceramics containing CaF2: Er3+ and ZnAl2O4:Cr3+ nanocrystals for optical temperature sensing
Authors: Wadhwa Abhishek , Wang Changjian , Wang Chenhao , Ma Ronghua , Qiao Xvsheng , Fan Xianping , Qian Guodong
Published: September 2018

Oxyfluoride transparent glass‐ceramics (GC) containing CaF2 and ZnAl2O4 nanocrystals have been fabricated with melt‐quenching method. By carrying out the heat treatment of the precursor glass (PG), Er3+ and Cr3+ were selectively partitioned into CaF2 and ZnAl2O4 nanocrystals, respectively. The obtained multi‐phase GC exhibited strong upconversion (UC) fluorescence of Er3+ as well as intense down‐conversion (DC) fluorescence of Cr3+. Under 980 nm excitation, the green UC fluorescence of Er3+ due to 2H11/2,4S3/2 → 4I15/2 transition and the red DC fluorescence lifetime of Cr3+ due to 2E, 4T2 → 4A2 transition were found to be highly dependent on the temperature and makes them possibly suitable for Optical Thermometry. With least‐square fitting methods, the FIR of Er3+ from thermally coupled energy states (2H11/2 and 4S3/2) produced maximum temperature sensing sensitivity values of 0.33% K−1 at 437 K and 0.36% K−1 at 267 K, respectively. Similarly, fluorescence lifetime of Cr3+ attributed to the parity forbidden (2E → 4A2) and spin allowed (4T2 → 4A2) produced the maximum temperature sensor sensitivity value equal to 0.67% K−1 at 535 K.
Fabrication and Characterization of Low-Cost Poly(Vinyl Alcohol) Composite Membrane for Low Temperature Fuel Cell Application
Authors: Nasser Ruhilin , Hubadillah Siti Khadijah , Othman Mohd Hafiz Dzarfan , Mohamed Hassan Arif Akmal
Published: September 2018

The urge to find alternative sources of energy is crucial as the source of fossil fuel shows a high number of depletion over the year. Compared to other alternatives sources, fuel cell is high at rank as it generates no harmful gases to the surrounding and high in efficiency. The performance of this fuel cell is affected by several factors and one of it is the permeability of proton exchange membrane (PEM). Nafion® is known to be used as the PEM in fuel cells, however due to its high price, polyvinyl alcohol membrane was selected in this study to substitute the Nafion® as it was low in price and excellent in chemical and mechanical strength. Poly (vinyl alcohol) composite membrane was prepared and crosslinked with sulfosuccinic acid (SSA). To further increase the proton conductivity of the membrane, graphene oxide (GO) with 1, 2 and 3 weight percentage was incorporated into the polymer membrane. All the membranes were characterized by using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), water uptake measurement, contact angle, ion exchange capacity and proton conductivity respectively. Synthesized membranes show low water uptake and contact angle as GO loading was increased. IEC value and water swelling were found to be increased with increasing of GO loading. The proton conductivity of the membrane increases as more GO was incorporated into PVA-SSA and achieved its highest conductivity at 0.020746 S cm-1 with 2 wt. % of GO incorporation.
Guangdong Residents’ Perceptions of Chinese Dialects: A Pilot Study
Authors: Ou Chuying
Published: September 2018

Perceptual dialectology (PD) is branch of sociolinguistics which investigates ordinary people’s (non-linguists) perceptions about different dialects in the language community they are living in. Most of the PD research was implemented in Europe or America, with little attention devoted to China, a country with many kinds of dialects. Applying Preston’s (1981) tool for PD studies: draw-a-map task, this research analyzed dialect maps drawn from 13 respondents, who were college students from Guangdong province, China. It aimed to find out how Guangdong residents perceive Chinese dialects. There are three major findings: (1) respondents used provincial boundaries to differentiate dialect areas but did not agree on their distribution; (2) Yue dialect and Wu dialect were thought to be more pleasant; (3) respondents were concerned about economic influence on dialects and dialect protection.
The Surprisingly Strong Arms of the Therizinosaur Dinosaurs
Authors: Lee Scott A. , Richards Zachary
Published: September 2018

Open-ended problems are a very effective tool for engaging student interest. In this paper, we report a physics activity that provides insight into the lifestyle of theropod dinosaurs. This activity generates great enthusiasm among the students since virtually everyone is interested in dinosaurs. In the spirit of the “spherical cow” approach to difficult problems, we consider the problem at the simplest level. This type of approach is very important since it helps students learn how to estimate answers for many “real-world” problems. At the end of the activity, we discuss how the calculations could be improved by including more effects.
Investigating Physics Self-Belief of Female African-American Students
Authors: Horna CarriEve , Richards A. J.
Published: September 2018

Female African Americans comprise an underrepresented group in physics-focused careers. Between 2002 and 2012 African-American women comprised approximately 1% of graduating physics majors in the United States. It appears that at some point in their educational careers, many female African-American students stop considering the field of physics as being a viable or attractive option. One approach to garnering a greater understanding of this phenomenon is to specifically look into the impact of their self-belief; this encompasses students’ attitudes, self-concept, and self-efficacy. Self-concept refers to how one views one’s own strengths and weaknesses, while self-efficacy refers to one’s capacity to believe in one’s own abilities to succeed in specific situations. There does not yet exist a large body of research that specifically concentrates on middle and high school-aged female African Americans, low physics representation, and its connection to self-belief related to physics. In this instance, the question is: “Do these students believe they can succeed in physics?” This research investigates the levels of physics self-belief of female African Americans who are enrolled in middle and high school physics.
Implementing Investigative Labs and Writing Intensive Reports in Large University Physics Courses
Authors: Foote Kathleen , Martino Silvia
Published: September 2018

Undergraduate physics programs are increasingly facing pressure from university and college administration, industry, and funding agencies to improve training of our undergraduates. Increasingly, tertiary institutions have redefined their graduate profiles and mission statements to encompass more than just content knowledge, including skills that will help students succeed in today’s fast-paced world. Many physics departments have started to incorporate the results of physics education research and cognitive science, by adopting more active pedagogies. Student Centered Active Learning Environment with Upside-down Pedagogies (SCALE-UP) is one such educational innovation that has spread widely around the United States and abroad. While initially developed for large-enrollment university physics courses, the approach is being used in a variety of disciplines and class sizes so the acronym has evolved to reflect this. SCALE-UP integrates the lab, “lecture,” and tutorial sections of the course in a reformed classroom to allow large-enrollment university courses to benefit from interactive instruction. This article explains how the University of Auckland developed more open-ended, resourceful lab activities to be completed by large classes that enhance understanding of physics while developing transferable writing-related and critical thinking skills.
Weighing a Magnet as it Falls with Terminal Velocity Through an Aluminum Pipe
Authors: Behroozi F.
Published: September 2018

With the wide availability of strong neodymium magnets, the slow and stately fall of a magnet through a conducting pipe has become a favorite classroom demo for teaching electromagnetic induction, Newton’s third law, and Lenz’s law. Since Lenz’s law is conceptually difficult for some students, several authors have used this demo to explore in greater detail the role of eddy currents in braking the fall of the magnet through the conducting pipe. The demo also serves as an excellent application of Newton’s third law in a clear case of action-at-a-distance interaction. Other authors have focused attention on various aspects of this demo, from methods for measuring the terminal velocity to detailed analysis of electromagnetic damping. In this paper we explore the equilibrium condition of the magnet as it falls with constant velocity through a conducting pipe and present two simple methods for measuring the electromagnetic braking force directly during the magnet’s fall.
Imaging planets from imaginary worlds
Authors: Akins H. B. , Smith D. A.
Published: September 2018

The planets in our solar system are remarkable and captivating objects for beginning astronomers to study. While merely observing the planets is fairly easy, it can be difficult to capture the high-quality images beginners hope for. The methods used for deep-sky astrophotography are optimized for dim, fairly large objects using large apertures and long exposure times. These tools do not work nearly as well for the planets, which have the reverse properties: they are bright and very small. As such, the planets can serve as great teaching tools for capturing astronomical images, using software processing tools, and understanding the role of angular size in a flat image. In this paper, we will explain how to implement “Lucky Imaging,” a simple but powerful process for photographing the planets. World-class facilities use Lucky Imaging in conjunction with adaptive optics, but we will show how you can achieve striking telescopic images with only a commonly available smartphone. We will show an example of how this tool can be combined with an image processing tool like PhotoShop to create imaginative images of what the planets might look like if Earth were in a different place. These tasks also enable the students to grapple with the implications of the fact that we perceive angular size rather than linear size.
Comparison of sound speed and attenuation measurements to the corrected effective density fluid model for gassy sediments
Authors: Wang Fei , Huang Yiwang
Published: September 2018

To validate the corrected effective density fluid model for gassy sediments, an acoustic experiment was undertaken to measure the sound speed and attenuation in the frequency band of 10 to 120 kHz in a laboratory tank. Sound speed and attenuation each have four peaks, with a one-to-one correspondence between them. The optimal bubble size distribution modeled by five continuous modified Gaussian functions is obtained from inversion of sound speed and attenuation data. The measured sound speed and attenuation are in good agreement with the predicted results.
Drug pair shows promise for treating sleep apnea
Authors: Wadman Meredith
Published: September 2018

Small clinical trial revives hope for an alternative to bulky breathing machines.
AAAS adopts new policy for ejecting harassers
Authors: Wadman Meredith
Published: September 2018

Society may strip honors if misconduct has been found.
The metawars
Authors: de Vrieze Jop
Published: September 2018

Meta-analyses were supposed to end scientific debates. Often, they only cause more controversy.
Geographical and socioeconomic differences in uptake of Pap test and mammography in Italy: results from the National Health Interview Survey
Authors: Petrelli Alessio , Giorgi Rossi Paolo , Francovich Lisa , Giordani Barbara , Di Napoli Anteo , Zappa Marco , Mirisola Concetta , Gargiulo Lidia
Published: September 2018

Objective

The Italian National Health Service instituted cervical and breast cancer screening programmes in 1999; the local health authorities have a mandate to implement these screening programmes by inviting all women aged 25–64 years for a Pap test every 3 years (or for an Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) test every 5 years) and women aged 50–69 years for a mammography every 2 years. However, the implementation of screening programmes throughout the country is still incomplete. This study aims to: (1) describe cervical and breast cancer screening uptake and (2) evaluate geographical and individual socioeconomic difference in screening uptake.

Methods

Data both from the Italian National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) conducted by the National Institute of Statistics in 2012–2013 and from the Italian National Centre for Screening Monitoring (INCSM) were used. The NHIS interviewed a national representative random sample of 32 831 women aged 25–64 years and of 16 459 women aged 50–69 years. Logistic multilevel models were used to estimate the effect of socioeconomic variables and behavioural factors (level 1) on screening uptake. Data on screening invitation coverage at the regional level, taken from INCSM, were used as ecological (level 2) covariates.

Results

Total 3-year Pap test and 2-year mammography uptake were 62.1% and 56.4%, respectively; screening programmes accounted for 1/3 and 1/2 of total test uptake, respectively. Strong geographical differences were observed. Uptake was associated with high educational levels, healthy behaviours, being a former smoker and being Italian versus foreign national. Differences in uptake between Italian regions were mostly explained by the invitation coverage to screening programmes.

Conclusions

The uptake of both screening programmes in Italy is still under acceptable levels. Screening programme implementation has the potential to reduce the health inequalities gap between regions but only if uptake increases.
Examining protective and buffering associations between sociocultural factors and adverse childhood experiences among American Indian adults with type 2 diabetes: a quantitative, community-based participatory research approach
Authors: Brockie Teresa N , Elm Jessica H L , Walls Melissa L
Published: September 2018

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of select adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) among a sample of American Indian (AI) adults living with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and the associations between ACEs and self-rated physical and mental health. We also examined associations between sociocultural factors and health, including possible buffering processes.

Design

Survey data for this observational study were collected using computer-assisted survey interviewing techniques between 2013 and 2015.

Setting

Participants were randomly selected from AI tribal clinic facilities on five reservations in the upper Midwestern USA.

Participants

Inclusion criteria were a diagnosis of T2D, age 18 years or older and self-identified as AI. The sample includes n=192 adults (55.7% female; mean age=46.3 years).

Primary measures

We assessed nine ACEs related to household dysfunction and child maltreatment. Independent variables included social support, diabetes support and two cultural factors: spiritual activities and connectedness. Primary outcomes were self-rated physical and mental health.

Results

An average of 3.05 ACEs were reported by participants and 81.9% (n=149) said they had experienced at least one ACE. Controlling for gender, age and income, ACEs were negatively associated with self-rated physical and mental health (p<0.05). Connectedness and social support were positively and significantly associated with physical and mental health. Involvement in spiritual activities was positively associated with mental health and diabetes-specific support was positively associated with physical health. Social support and diabetes-specific social support moderated associations between ACEs and physical health.

Conclusions

This research demonstrates inverse associations between ACEs and well-being of adult AI patients with diabetes. The findings further demonstrate the promise of social and cultural integration as a critical component of wellness, a point of relevance for all cultures. Health professionals can use findings from this study to augment their assessment of patients and guide them to health-promoting social support services and resources for cultural involvement.
Neurophysiological correlates of motor planning and movement initiation in ACL-reconstructed individuals: a case–control study
Authors: Giesche Florian , Engeroff Tobias , Wilke Jan , Niederer Daniel , Vogt Lutz , Banzer Winfried
Published: September 2018

Introduction

Current evidence suggests that the loss of mechanoreceptors after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears might be compensated by increased cortical motor planning. This occupation of cerebral resources may limit the potential to quickly adapt movements to unforeseen external stimuli in the athletic environment. To date, studies investigating such neural alterations during movement focused on simple, anticipated tasks with low ecological validity. This trial, therefore, aims to investigate the cortical and biomechanical processes associated with more sport-related and injury-related movements in ACL-reconstructed individuals.

Methods and analysis

ACL-reconstructed participants and uninjured controls will perform repetitive countermovement jumps with single leg landings. Two different conditions are to be completed: anticipated (n=35) versus unanticipated (n=35) successful landings. Under the anticipated condition, participants receive the visual information depicting the requested landing leg prior to the jump. In the unanticipated condition, this information will be provided only about 400 msec prior to landing. Neural correlates of motor planning will be measured using electroencephalography. In detail, movement-related cortical potentials, frequency spectral power and functional connectivity will be assessed. Biomechanical landing quality will be captured via a capacitive force plate. Calculated parameters encompass time to stabilisation, vertical peak ground reaction force, and centre of pressure path length. Potential systematic differences between ACL-reconstructed individuals and controls will be identified in dependence of jumping condition (anticipated/ unanticipated, injured/uninjured leg and controls) by using interference statistics. Potential associations between the cortical and biomechanical measures will be calculated by means of correlation analysis. In case of statistical significance (α<0.05.) further confounders (cofactors) will be considered.

Ethics and dissemination

The independent Ethics Committee of the University of Frankfurt (Faculty of Psychology and Sports Sciences) approved the study. Publications in peer-reviewed journals are planned. The findings will be presented at scientific conferences.

Trial status

At the time of submission of this manuscript, recruitment is ongoing.

Trial registration number

NCT03336060; Pre-results.
Let’s talk numbers: a qualitative study of community-dwelling US adults to understand the role of numeracy in the management of heart failure
Authors: Sterling Madeline R , Silva Ariel F , Robbins Laura , Dargar Savira K , Schapira Marilyn M , Safford Monika M
Published: September 2018

Objective

To examine the perspectives of adults with heart failure (HF) about numerical concepts integral to HF self-care.

Setting

This qualitative study took place at an urban academic primary care practice.

Participants

Thirty men and women aged 47–89 years with a history of HF were recruited to participate. Eligibility criteria included: a history of HF (≥1 year), seen at the clinic within the last year, and a HF hospitalisation within the last 6 months. Non-English speakers and those with severe cognitive impairment were excluded.

Methods

In-depth semistructured interviews were conducted. Participants were interviewed about numeracy across three domains of HF self-care: (1) monitoring weight,(2) maintaining a diet low in salt and (3) monitoring blood pressure. Interviews were audio-taped, transcribed verbatim and analysed using grounded theory and word cloud techniques.

Results

Five key themes reflecting participants’ attitudes towards numerical concepts pertaining to weight, diet and blood pressure were identified: (1) Communication between healthcare providers and patients is a complex, multistage process; (2) Patients possess a wide range of knowledge and understanding; (3) Social and caregiver support is critical for the application of numerical concepts; (4) Prior health experiences shape outlook towards numerical concepts and instructions and (5) Fear serves as a barrier and a facilitator to carrying out HF self-care tasks that involve numbers. The findings informed a theoretical framework of health numeracy in HF.

Conclusion

Effective communication of numerical concepts which pertain to HF self-care is highly variable. Many patients with HF lack basic understanding and numeracy skills required for adequate self-care. As such, patients rely on caregivers who may lack HF training. HF-specific training of caregivers and research that seeks to elucidate the intricacies of the patient–caregiver relationship in the context of health numeracy and HF self-care are warranted.