bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Behavioral self-management strategies for practice and exercise should be included in neurologic rehabilitation trials and care
Authors: Dobkin Bruce H.
Published: September 2016

Purpose of review

Rehabilitation trials and postacute care to lessen impairments and disability after stroke, spinal cord injury, and traumatic brain injury almost never include training to promote long-term self-management of skills practice, strengthening and fitness. Without behavioral training to develop self-efficacy, clinical trials, and home-based therapy may fail to show robust results.

Recent findings

Behavioral theories about self-management and self-efficacy for physical activity have been successfully incorporated into interventions for chronic diseases, but rarely for neurologic rehabilitation. The elements of behavioral training include education about the effects of practice and exercise that are relevant to the person, goal setting, identification of possible barriers, problem solving, feedback about performance, tailored instruction, decision making, and ongoing personal or social support. Mobile health and telerehabilitation technologies offer new ways to remotely enable such training by monitoring activity from wearable wireless sensors and instrumented exercise devices to allow real-world feedback, goal setting, and instruction.

Motivation, sense of responsibility, and confidence to practice and exercise in the home can be trained to increase adherence to skills practice and exercise both during and after formal rehabilitation. To optimize motor learning and improve long-term outcomes, self-management training should be an explicit component of rehabilitation care and clinical trials.
Is it ‘boom times’ for baleen whales in the Pacific Arctic region?
Authors: Moore Sue E.
Published: September 2016

The marine ecosystem in the Pacific Arctic region has experienced dramatic transformation, most obvious by the loss of sea ice volume (75%), late-summer areal extent (50%) and change in phenology (four to six weeks longer open-water period). This alteration has resulted in an opening of habitat for subarctic species of baleen whales, many of which are recovering in number from severe depletions from commercial whaling in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Specifically, humpback, fin and minke whales (
Megaptera novaeangliae
,
Balaenoptera physalus
and
Balaenoptera acutorostrata
) are now regularly reported during summer and autumn in the southern Chukchi Sea. These predators of zooplankton and forage fishes join the seasonally resident grey whale (
Eschrichtius robustus
) and the arctic-endemic bowhead whale (
Balaena mysticetus
) in the expanding open-ocean habitat of the Pacific Arctic. Questions arising include: (i) what changes in whale-prey production and delivery mechanisms have accompanied the loss of sea ice, and (ii) how are these five baleen whale species partitioning the expanding ice-free habitat? While there has been no programme of research specifically focused on these questions, an examination of seasonal occurrence, foraging plasticity and (for bowhead whales) body condition suggests that the current state of Pacific Arctic marine ecosystem may be ‘boom times’ for baleen whales. These favourable conditions may be moderated, however, by future shifts in ecosystem structure and/or negative impacts to cetaceans related to increased commercial activities in the region.
Prevalence rates of health and welfare conditions in broiler chickens change with weather in a temperate climate
Authors: Part Chérie E. , Edwards Phil , Hajat Shakoor , Collins Lisa M.
Published: September 2016

Climate change impact assessment and adaptation research in agriculture has focused primarily on crop production, with less known about the potential impacts on livestock. We investigated how the prevalence of health and welfare conditions in broiler (meat) chickens changes with weather (temperature, rainfall, air frost) in a temperate climate. Cases of 16 conditions were recorded at approved slaughterhouses in Great Britain. National prevalence rates and distribution mapping were based on data from more than 2.4 billion individuals, collected between January 2011 and December 2013. Analysis of temporal distribution and associations with national weather were based on monthly data from more than 6.8 billion individuals, collected between January 2003 and December 2013. Ascites, bruising/fractures, hepatitis and abnormal colour/fever were most common, at annual average rates of 29.95, 28.00, 23.76 and 22.29 per 10 000, respectively. Ascites and abnormal colour/fever demonstrated clear annual cycles, with higher rates in winter than in summer. Ascites prevalence correlated strongly with maximum temperature at 0 and −1 month lags. Abnormal colour/fever correlated strongly with temperature at 0 lag. Maximum temperatures of approximately 8°C and approximately 19°C marked the turning points of curve in a U-shaped relationship with mortality during transportation and lairage. Future climate change research on broilers should focus on preslaughter mortality.
Social learning solves the problem of narrow-peaked search landscapes: experimental evidence in humans
Authors: Acerbi Alberto , Tennie Claudio , Mesoudi Alex
Published: September 2016

The extensive use of social learning is considered a major reason for the ecological success of humans. Theoretical considerations, models and experiments have explored the evolutionary basis of social learning, showing the conditions under which learning from others is more adaptive than individual learning. Here we present an extension of a previous experimental set-up, in which individuals go on simulated ‘hunts’ and their success depends on the features of a ‘virtual arrowhead’ they design. Individuals can modify their arrowhead either by individual trial and error or by copying others. We study how, in a multimodal adaptive landscape, the smoothness of the peaks influences learning. We compare narrow peaks, in which solutions close to optima do not provide useful feedback to individuals, to wide peaks, where smooth landscapes allow an effective hill-climbing individual learning strategy. We show that individual learning is more difficult in narrow-peaked landscapes, but that social learners perform almost equally well in both narrow- and wide-peaked search spaces. There was a weak trend for more copying in the narrow than wide condition, although as in previous experiments social information was generally underutilized. Our results highlight the importance of tasks’ design space when studying the adaptiveness of high-fidelity social learning.
The interactive bending wrinkling behaviour of inflated beams
Authors: Liu Y. P. , Wang C. G. , Tan H. F. , Wadee M. K.
Published: September 2016

A model is proposed based on a Fourier series method to analyse the interactive bending wrinkling behaviour of inflated beams. The whole wrinkling evolution is tracked and divided into three stages by identifying the bifurcations of the equilibrium path. The critical wrinkling and failure moments of the inflated beam can then be predicted. The global–local interactive buckling pattern is elucidated by the proposed theoretical model and also verified by non-contact experimental tests. The effects of geometric parameters, internal pressure and boundary conditions on the buckling of inflated beams are investigated finally. The results reveal that the interactive buckling characteristics of an inflated beam under bending are more sensitive to the dimensions of the structure and boundary conditions. We find that for beams which are simply supported at both ends or clamped and simply supported, boundary conditions may prevent the wrinkling formation. The results provide significant support for our understanding of the bending wrinkling behaviour of inflated beams.
Ethnically relevant consensus Korean reference genome towards personal reference genomes
Authors: Cho Yun Sung , Kim Hyunho , Kim Hak-Min , Jho Sungwoong , Jun JeHoon , Lee Yong Joo , Chae Kyun Shik , Kim Chang Geun , Kim Sangsoo , Eriksson Anders , Edwards Jeremy S. , Lee Semin , Kim Byung Chul , Manica Andrea , Church George M. , Bhak Jong
Published: September 2016

Human genomes are routinely compared against a universal reference. However, this strategy could miss population-specific or personal genomic variations, which may be detected more efficiently using an ethnically-relevant and/or a personal reference. Here we report a hybrid assembly of Korean reference (KOREF) as a pilot case for constructing personal and ethnic references by combining sequencing and mapping methods. KOREF is also the first consensus variome reference, providing information on millions of variants from additional ethnically homogeneous personal genomes. We found that this ethnically-relevant consensus reference was beneficial for efficiently detecting variants. Systematic comparison of KOREF with previously established human assemblies showed the importance of assembly quality, suggesting the necessity of using new technologies to comprehensively map ethnic and personal genomic structure variations. In the era of large-scale population genome projects, the leveraging of ethnicity-specific genome assemblies as well as the human reference genome will accelerate mapping all human genome diversity.
Volumetric Two-photon Imaging of Neurons Using Stereoscopy (vTwINS)
Authors: Song Alexander , Charles Adam S. , Koay Sue Ann , Gauthier Jeff L. , Thiberge Stephan Y. , Pillow Jonathan W. , Tank David W.
Published: September 2016

Two-photon laser scanning microscopy of calcium dynamics using fluorescent indicators is a widely used imaging method for large scale recording of neural activity in vivo. Here we introduce volumetric Two-photon Imaging of Neurons using Stereoscopy (vTwINS), a volumetric calcium imaging method that employs an elongated, V-shaped point spread function to image a 3D brain volume. Single neurons project to spatially displaced image pairs in the resulting 2D image, and the separation distance between images is proportional to depth in the volume. To demix the fluorescence time series of individual neurons, we introduce a novel orthogonal matching pursuit algorithm that also infers source locations within the 3D volume. We illustrate vTwINS by imaging neural population activity in mouse primary visual cortex and hippocampus. Our results demonstrate that vTwINS provides an effective method for volumetric two-photon calcium imaging that increases the number of neurons recorded while maintaining a high frame-rate.
High-throughput detection of RNA processing in bacteria
Authors: Gill Erin E. , Chan Luisa S. , Winsor Geoffrey L. , Dobson Neil , Lo Raymond , Ho Sui Shannan J. , Dhillon Bhavjinder K. , Taylor Patrick K. , Shrestha Raunak , Spencer Cory , Hancock Robert E. W. , Unrau Peter J. , Brinkman Fiona S L
Published: September 2016

Background

Understanding the RNA processing of an organism's transcriptome is an essential but challenging step in understanding its biology. Here we investigate with unprecedented detail the transcriptome ofPseudomonas aeruginosaPAO1, a medically important and innately multi-drug resistant bacterium. We systematically mapped RNA cleavage and dephosphorylation sites that result in 5'-monophosphate terminated RNA using a new high-throughput methodology called monophosphate RNA-Seq (pRNA-Seq). Transcriptional start sites (TSS) were also mapped using differential RNA-Seq (dRNA-Seq) and both datasets were compared to conventional RNA-Seq performed in a variety of growth conditions.

Results

The pRNA-Seq transcript library revealed known tRNA, rRNA and tmRNA processing sites, together with previously uncharacterized RNA cleavage events that were found disproportionately near the 5' ends of transcripts associated with basic bacterial functions such as oxidative phosphorylation and purine metabolism. The majority (97%) of the processed mRNAs were cleaved at precise codon positions within defined sequence motifs indicative of distinct endonucleolytic activities. The most abundant of these motifs corresponded closely to anE. coliRNase E site previously establishedin vitro. Using the dRNA-Seq library, we performed an operon analysis and predicted 3,159 potential TSS. A correlation analysis uncovered 105 antiparallel pairs of TSS that were separated by 18 bp from each other and that were centered on a palindromic TAT(A/T)ATA motif, suggesting that such sites may provide a novel form of transcriptional regulation. TSS and RNA-Seq analysis allowed us to confirm expression of small non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), many of which are differentially expressed in swarming and biofilm formation conditions.

Conclusions

This study introduces pRNA-Seq methodology, which provides the first comprehensive, genome-wide survey of RNA processing in any organism. As a proof of concept, we have employed this technique to study the bacteriumPseudomonas aeruginosaand have discovered extensive transcript processing not previously appreciated. We have also gained novel insight into RNA maturation and turnover as well as a potential novel form of transcription regulation.

NOTE: All sequence data has been submitted to the NCBI short read archive. Accession numbers are as follows: [NCBI short read archive: SRX156386, SRX157659, SRX157660, SRX157661, SRX157683 and SRX158075]. The sequence data is viewable using Jbrowse onwww.pseudomonas.com(example:http://tinyurl.com/pao1-prna-seq).

(An example of certain tracks is shown for convenience, but other tracks of data can be displayed using the “select tracks” option, and tracks may be clicked on and dragged to re-order them.)
Cell-free translation is more variable than transcription
Authors: Chizzolini Fabio , Forlin Michele , Yeh Martín Noël , Berloffa Giuliano , Cecchi Dario , Mansy Sheref S.
Published: September 2016

Although RNA synthesis can be reliably controlled with different T7 transcriptional promoters during cell-free gene expression with the PURE system, protein synthesis remains largely unaffected. To better control protein levels, a series of ribosome binding sites (RBS) was investigated. While RBS strength did strongly affect protein synthesis, the RBS sequence could explain less than half of the variability of the data. Protein expression was found to depend on other factors besides the strength of the RBS, including GC content. The complexity of protein synthesis in comparison to RNA synthesis was observed by the higher degree of variability associated with protein expression. This variability was also observed in anE.colicell extract-based system. However, the coefficient of variation was larger withE.coliRNA polymerase than with T7 RNA polymerase, consistent with the increased complexity ofE.coliRNA polymerase.
Validation of Reference Genes for RT-qPCR in Marine Bivalve Ecotoxicology: Systematic Review and Case Study
Authors: Volland Moritz , Blasco Julián , Hampel Miriam
Published: September 2016

Reverse transcription real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) is the predominant method of choice for the quantification of mRNA transcripts of a selected gene of interest. Here reference genes are commonly used to normalize non-biological variation in mRNA levels and their appropriate selection is therefore essential for the accurate interpretation the collected data. In recent years the use of multiple validated references genes has been shown to substantially increase the robustness of the normalization. It is therefore considered good practice to experimentally validate putative reference genes under specific experimental conditions, determine the optimal number of reference genes to be employed, and report the method or methods used.

Under this premise, we assessed the current state of reference gene base normalization in RT-qPCR bivalve ecotoxicology studies (post 2011), employing a systematic quantitative literature review. A total of 52 papers published met our criteria and were analysed for the gene or genes used, whether they employed multiple reference genes, as well as the validation method employed. In addition we performed a case study using primary hemocytes from the marine bivalveRuditapes philippinarumafterin vitrocopper exposure. Herein we further critically discuss methods for reference gene validation, including the established algorithms geNorm, NormFinder and BestKeeper, as well as the popular online tool RefFinder.

We identified that RT-qPCR normalization in bivalve ecotoxicology studies is largely performed using single reference genes, while less than 40% of the studies attempted to experimentally validate the expression stability of the reference genes used. 18s rRNA and β-Actin were the most popular genes, yet their un-validated use did introduce artefactual variance that altered the interpretation of the resulting data, while the use of appropriately validated reference genes did substantially improve normalization. Our findings further suggest that combining the results from multiple individual algorithms and calculating the overall best-ranked gene, as e.g. computed by the RefFinder tool, does not by default lead to the identification of the most suitable reference gene or combination of reference genes.
Estimating the causal tissues for complex traits and diseases
Authors: Ongen Halit , Brown Andrew A. , Delaneau Olivier , Panousis Nikolaos , Nica Alexandra C. ,   GTEx Consortium, Dermitzakis Emmanouil T.
Published: September 2016

Interpretation of biological causes of the predisposing markers identified through Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS) remains an open question1. One direct and powerful way to assess the genetic causality behind GWAS is through expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs)2. Here we describe a novel approach to estimate the tissues giving rise to the genetic causality behind a wide variety of GWAS traits, using the cis-eQTLs identified in 44 tissues of the GTEx consortium3,4. We have adapted the Regulatory Trait Concordance (RTC) score5, to on the one hand measure the tissue sharing probabilities of eQTLs, and also to calculate the probability that a GWAS and an eQTL variant tag the same underlying functional effect. We show that our tissue sharing estimates significantly correlate with commonly used estimates of tissue sharing. By normalizing the GWAS-eQTL probabilities with the tissue sharing estimates of the eQTLs, we can estimate the tissues from which GWAS genetic causality arises. Our approach not only indicates the gene mediating individual GWAS signals, but also can highlight tissues where the genetic causality for an individual trait is manifested.
Critical literature review: effectiveness of individual psychodynamic psychotherapy for adults with intellectual disabilities
Authors: McInnis Erica E.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report the evidence base for the practice of individual psychodynamic psychotherapy with adults with intellectual disabilities (IDs).

Design/methodology/approach

Literature review.

Findings

In total, 14 papers were reviewed. From these, one existing review and seven individual papers provided enough evidence to support effectiveness of individual psychodynamic psychotherapy for people with IDs.

Research limitations/implications

This research indicates individual psychodynamic psychotherapy to be of benefit. Indeed, all studies reviewed supported individual psychodynamic psychotherapy, but methodological shortcomings weakened the confidence placed in findings for some studies. Limitations of this review include methodological shortcomings of studies reviewed, a small number of existing studies and reliance on case studies.

Practical implications

Therapists and commissioners of services should routinely make individual psychodynamic psychotherapy available as part of a spectrum of therapies available to people with IDs who experience emotional and behavioural problems. This is because it is needed for some clients and they benefit.

Social implications

Individual psychodynamic psychotherapy for people with IDs adds to the range of therapies available to alleviate emotional distress and enhance well-being. These are necessary to provide a foundation for meaningful contribution to society, particularly for those who have experienced psychological trauma (Frankish, 2016).

Originality/value

This review includes more relevant studies than previous reviews and adds to a limited number of reviews in this area.
Job crafting and motivation to continue working beyond retirement age
Authors: Lichtenthaler Philipp Wolfgang , Fischbach Andrea
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how promotion- and prevention-focussed job crafting impacts the motivation of older employees to continue working beyond retirement age. The authors hypothesized that promotion-focussed job crafting (i.e. increasing social and structural job resources, and challenging job demands) relates positively and prevention-focussed job crafting (i.e. decreasing hindering job demands) relates negatively with motivation to continue working after reaching the official retirement age, and that these relationships are sequential mediated by work sense of coherence and burnout.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from 229 older employees (mean age=55.77) were analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Findings

Promotion-focussed job crafting was positively and prevention-focussed job crafting was negatively related with employees’ work sense of coherence, which was predictive of employees’ burnout, which in turn was predictive of motivation to continue working beyond retirement age.

Research limitations/implications

Despite the cross-sectional study design, the results unfold how promotion- and prevention-focussed job crafting are related with motivation to continue working beyond retirement age through work sense of coherence and burnout.

Practical implications

Given today’s aging and shrinking workforce, older employees working beyond their official retirement age are a necessity for organizations’ functional capability. The results suggest that organizations should encourage employees’ promotion-focussed job crafting and limit prevention-focussed job crafting. Promotion-focussed job crafting facilitates employees’ work sense of coherence, which keeps them healthy and motivates older employees to continue working beyond retirement age.

Originality/value

This study adds to the literatures on job crafting and motivation to continue working beyond retirement age and explicates intervening processes in this relationship.
Performance analysis of LCLC resonant converter with PI and fuzzy gain scheduled PI controllers
Authors: Lourdusami Sahaya Senthamil , Vairamani Rajasekaran
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the performance of LCLC resonant converter (RC) with proportional integral controller and fuzzy gain scheduled proportional integral controller.

Design/methodology/approach

The drawbacks of series RC and parallel resonant converter (PRC) are explained using relevant references in Section 1 of this paper. The necessity of RCs and the merits of zero voltage and zero current switching are given in the Section 2. In Section 3, the modeling of LCLC RC using state space technique is done. In Section 4, the open loop analysis and performance evaluation of proportional integral controller, fuzzy gain scheduled proportional controller using MATLAB Simulink is obtained. The hardware specification is given and experimental results are taken for LCLC RC. In Section 5, conclusion of study is given.

Findings

The LCLC RC overcomes the drawbacks of series and PRC. The fuzzy gain scheduled proportional integral controller is suitable for load variations in RC.

Originality/value

The output of the converter is not affected with the load variations since the controller suggested in the paper works for load changes and can be a solution for load parameter deviation applications. Also performance of the RC is improved by the fast response of the proposed controller.
Design and analysis of isolated and non-isolated bidirectional converter for high voltage applications
Authors: Ramya K.C. , Jegathesan V.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

A DC-DC converter plays a major role in many applications such as fuel cell, hybrid electric vehicle, renewable energy system, etc. Among these converters, the bidirectional DC-DC fly-back converters are more attractive because of their simple structure and easy control. However, the power devices present in this converter are subjected to high-voltage stresses due to the leakage inductor energy of the transformer. In order to recycle the leakage inductor energy and to minimise the voltage stress on the power devices, the purpose of this paper is to focus on the transformer less bidirectional DC-DC converter with high efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to reduce the switching loss, a few passive elements are added. The auxiliary circuit consists of a resonant inductor and resonant capacitors. This auxiliary circuit affords zero voltage switching function and cancels out the ripple component present in the main inductor current irrespective of the power flow direction.

Findings

In this work three topologies of bidirectional converters for BLDC motor are investigated and are compared in terms of mechanical power output and THD.

Originality/value

The paper presents enhanced versions of the converters.
New MRAS secondary time constant tuning for vector control of linear induction motor considering the end-effects
Authors: Benmohamed F.E. , Bousserhane I.K. , Kechich A. , Bessaih B. , Boucheta A.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The end-effects is a well-recognized phenomenon occurring in the linear induction motor (LIM) which makes the analysis and control of the LIM with good performance very difficult and can cause additional significant non-linearities in the model. So, the compensation of parameters uncertainties due to these effects in the control system is very necessary to get a robust speed control. The purpose of this paper is to propose a new technique of LIM end-effects estimation using the inverse rotor time constant tuning in order to compensate the flux orientation error in the indirect field-oriented control (IFOC) control law.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the dynamic model of the LIM taking into consideration the end-effects based on Duncan model is derived. Then, the IFOC for LIM speed control with end-effects compensation is derived. Finally, a new technique of LIM end-effects estimation is proposed based on the model reference adaptive system (MRAS) theory using the instantaneous active power and the estimated stator currents vector. These estimated currents are obtained through the solution of LIM state equations.

Findings

Simulations were carried out in MATLAB/SIMULINK to demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of LIM speed control with the proposed MRAS inverse rotor time constant tuning to estimate end-effects value. The numerical validation results show that the proposed scheme permits the drive to achieve good dynamic performance, satisfactory for the estimated end-effects of the LIM model and robustness to uncertainties.

Originality/value

The end-effects causes a drop in the magnetizing, primary and the secondary inductance, requiring a more complex LIM control scheme. This paper presents a new approach of LIM end-effect estimation based on the online adaptation and tuning of the LIM inductances. The proposed scheme use the inverse rotor time constant tuning for end-effects correction in LIM vector control block.
Employee’s perspective towards strategy execution in facility management in Thailand
Authors: Thanyawatpornkul Rapeerat , Siengthai Sununta , Johri Lalit M.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

There is limited empirical research that investigates issues related to strategy and its execution in facility management (FM) business especially in Thailand. Thus, the purpose of this study is to examine the factors influencing the execution of the strategy of FM companies located in Thailand from employees’ perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a qualitative research approach. Five FM companies, both foreign and Thai firms, were selected as case studies in this research because of information accessibility and their leading position and reputation in the FM industry in Thailand. The interviews were conducted with the companies’ Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), directors, managers, officers, engineers, technicians and administrators.

Findings

The findings indicate that communication, training and development, as well as reward and recognition, are the three main and critical factors in executing the company’s strategy from the employees’ perspective in the FM business.

Social implications

This study suggests that strategy execution should be built upon a long-term relationship with employees, and company management should recognize the employees’ contribution to the company. Management should also raise employees’ knowledge and understanding of the execution of the company strategy.

Originality/value

This paper provides an enhanced understanding of employees’ perspective toward strategy execution in the FM business. It offers a basis for further study of human resources practices in the context of the FM business.
A numerical investigation of dimple effects on internal heat transfer enhancement of a double wall cooling structure with jet impingement
Authors: Luo Lei , Wang Chenglong , Wang Lei , Sunden Bengt Ake , Wang Sangtao
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The dimple is adopted into a double wall cooling structure which is widely used in hot gas components to increase the heat transfer effects with relatively low pressure drop penalty. The purpose of this paper is to study the effect of dimple depth and dimple diameter on the target surface heat transfer and the inlet to outlet friction factor.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is carried out by using the numerical simulations. The impingement flow is directly impinging on the dimple and released from the film holes after passing the double wall chamber. The ratio between dimple depth and dimple diameter is varied from 0 to 0.4 and the ratio between dimple diameter and impingement hole diameter is ranging from 0.5 to 3. The Reynolds number is between 10,000 and 70,000. Results of the target surface Nusselt number, friction factor and flow structures are included. For convenience of comparison, the double wall cooling structure without the dimple is considered as the baseline.

Findings

It is found that the dimple can effectively enhance the target surface heat transfer due to thinning of the flow boundary layer and flow reattachment as well as flow recirculation outside the dimple near the dimple rim especially for the large Re number condition. However, the stagnation point heat transfer is reduced. It is also found that for a large dimple depth or large dimple diameter, a salient heat transfer reduction occurs for the toroidal vortex. The thermal performance indicates that the intensity of the heat transfer enhancement depends upon the dimple depth and dimple diameter

Originality/value

This is the first time to adopt a dimple into a double wall cooling structure. It suggests that the target surface heat transfer in a double wall cooling structure can be increased by the use of the dimple. However, the heat transfer characteristic is sensitive for the different dimple diameter and dimple depth which may result in a different flow behavior
Non-uniform mass transfer in MHD mixed convection flow of water over a sphere with variable viscosity and Prandtl number
Authors: Rajakumar J. , Saikrishnan P. , Chamkha A.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider axisymmetric mixed convection flow of water over a sphere with variable viscosity and Prandtl number and an applied magnetic field.

Design/methodology/approach

The non-similar solutions have been obtained from the origin of the streamwise co-ordinate to the point of zero skin friction using quasilinearization technique with an implicit finite-difference scheme.

Findings

The effect of M is not notable on the temperature and heat transfer coefficient when λ is large. The skin friction coefficient and velocity profile are enhance with the increase of MHD parameter M when λ is small. Viscous dissipation has no significant on the skin friction coefficient under MHD effect. For M=1, the movement of the slot or slot suction or slot injection do not cause any effect on flow separation. The slot suction and the movement of the slot in downstream direction delay the point of zero skin friction for M=0.

Originality/value

The present results are original and new for water boundary-layer flow over sphere in mixed convection flow with MHD effect and non-uniform mass transfer. So this study would be useful in analysing the skin friction and heat transfer coefficient on sphere of mixed convection flow of water boundary layer with MHD effect.
Wind tunnel experimental investigations of a diffuser augmented wind turbine model
Authors: Olasek Krzysztof , Karczewski Maciej , Lipian Michal , Wiklak Piotr , Józwik Krzysztof
Published: September 2016

Purpose

A solution to increase the energy production rate of the wind turbine is proposed by forcing more air to move through the turbine working section. This can be achieved by equipping the rotor with a diffusing channel ended with a brim (diffuser augmented wind turbine – DAWT). The purpose of this paper is to design an experimental stand and perform the measurements of velocity vector fields through the diffuser and power characteristic of the wind turbine.

Design/methodology/approach

The experiments were carried out in a small subsonic wind tunnel at the Institute of Turbomachinery, Lodz University of Technology. An experimental stand design process as well as measurement results are presented. Model size sensitivity study was performed at the beginning. The experimental campaign consisted of velocity measurements by means of particle image velocimetry (PIV) and pneumatic pitot probe as well as torque and rotational velocity measurements.

Findings

Characteristics (power coefficient vs tip speed ratio) of the bare and shrouded wind turbine were obtained. The results show an increase in the wind turbine power up to 70-75 per cent by shrouding the rotor with a diffuser. The mechanisms responsible for such a power increase were well explained by the PIV and pneumatic measurement results revealing the nature of the flow through the diffuser.

Research limitations/implications

Experimental stand for wind turbine rotor testing is of a preliminary character. Most optimal methodology for obtaining power characteristic should be determined now. Presented results can serve as good input for choice of stable and reliable control system of wind turbine operational parameters.

Practical implications

A 3 kW DAWT is being developed at the Institute of Turbomachinery, Lodz University of Technology. Aim of the study is to design a compact and smart wind turbine optimised for low wind speed conditions. Developed wind turbine has a potential to be used as an effective element within a net of distributed generation, e.g. for domestic use.

Originality/value

Research carried out is the continuation of theoretical study began in 1970s. It was also inspired by practical solutions proposed by Japanese researchers few years ago. Presented paper is the summary of work devoted to optimisation of the DAWT for wind conditions in the region. Original solution has been applied, e.g. for experimental stand design (3D printing application).
Mach number effects on buffeting flow on a half wing-body configuration
Authors: Sartor Fulvio , Timme Sebastian
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss a numerical study of the flow over a wing representative of a large civil aircraft at cruise condition. For each Mach number considered, the numerical simulations indicate that critical angle of attack exists where the separated region increases in size and begins to oscillate. This phenomenon, known as transonic shock buffet, is reproduced by the unsteady simulation and much information can be extracted analysing location, amplitude and frequency content of the unsteadiness.

Design/methodology/approach

Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes simulations are conducted on a half wing-body configuration, at different Mach numbers and angles of attack. Different turbulence models are considered, and both steady-state results and time-accurate simulations are discussed.

Findings

The high number of cases presented in this study allows the creation of a database which, to the authors’ knowledge, has not been documented in literature before. The results indicate that, while high-fidelity approaches can improve the quality of the results, the URANS approach is capable of describing the main features of the buffet phenomenon.

Research limitations/implications

The presence of a turbulence model, despite allowing the description of the main unsteady phenomenon, might be insufficient to fully characterise the unsteadiness present in a transonic flow over a half wing-body configuration. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to verify by means of experimental investigation or high-fidelity approach the results issued from a Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations.

Practical implications

The results presented clearly indicate that, despite what proposed in recent research papers, transonic buffet can be described by means of time-accurate Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations. Such an approach is popular in the aeronautical industry because of its reduced costs, and could be used for wing design.

Originality/value

In this paper, the authors used a classical approach to tackle the known problem of transonic buffet in three-dimensional configurations. The large number of results presented can be used as a database for future numerical simulations and experiments, and allow to describe the flow-physics of the buffet unsteadiness on a half wing-body configuration.
Modal analysis of jet near-field pressure fluctuation
Authors: Brazier Jean-Philippe , Huet Maxime , Léon Olivier , Itasse Maxime
Published: September 2016

Purpose

Unstable Kelvin-Helmholtz waves are suspected to be responsible for a large part of low-frequency noise radiation in high-speed jets. The purpose of this paper is to check the coherence of numerical and experimental data concerning this phenomenon, in the particular case of a cold subsonic jet.

Design/methodology/approach

In the present work, a cross-investigation of the near pressure field is performed on three different data sets: large-eddy simulation (LES) computations, parabolised stability equations (PSE) semi-modal computations and microphone measurements, in order to determine the local amplitudes of unstable waves.

Findings

The large coherent structures are found in both LES and experimental results and they are also in good agreement with direct semi-modal computations carried out with the PSE approach.

Originality/value

This work confirms that the unstable wave packets can be extracted from both LES and experimental results, provided that an appropriate modal decomposition is performed.
Rights, welfare and morality
Authors: Terao Hanno
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to clarify how L.T. Hobhouse (1864-1929) theoretically contributed to the British New Liberalism, focusing particularly on the issue of social reform in turn-of-the-century Britain.

Design/methodology/approach

The question is approached in two ways: by exploring the theoretical structure of Hobhouse’s ethical theory (which can be termed an “ethics of harmony”) through a textual analysis of his rights theory and distributive theory; and by comparing that ethical theory with that of J.S. Mill, T.H. Green and J.A. Hobson so as to identify their commonalities and differences.

Findings

It is found that Hobhouse’s contribution to the New Liberalism was twofold, both of which grew out of his staunchly moralistic perspective. Hobhouse showed in his rights theory a direction towards which the morality of individuals should be developed; and provided a guideline based on a notion of justice for wealth redistribution by the state which he saw as a necessary external condition for realizing such development.

Originality/value

Existing literature on the British New Liberalism has paid less attention to Hobhouse than it has to T.H. Green and J.A. Hobson. Hobhouse has been relatively neglected due to a wide-spread view that his role was mainly in his expressing a typical but not necessarily original direction for the transformation of British Liberalism at the turn of the century. Against this received view, this paper demonstrates that Hobhouse made a significant contribution to the socio-political thinking of the New Liberalism by providing a distinctive ethical theory of harmony, which enabled New Liberal protagonists to address the important issue of the conceptual place of individual morality within a programme of collectivist social reform.
Higher education for sustainable development: a systematic review
Authors: Wu Yen-Chun Jim , Shen Ju-Peng
Published: September 2016

Purpose

This study aims to provide a complete understanding of academic research into higher education for sustainable development (HESD).

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilizes a systematic review of four scientific literature databases to outline topics of research during the UN’s Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (DESD).

Findings

This study compares research trends and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO’s) strategic perspectives, worldwide topics and the number of studies. The results show that the research trends did not match UNESCO’s perspectives well and that researchers’ focus on popular events led to the variation between the numbers of articles each year. In summary, the findings indicate that most researchers base their topics on environmental issues, and research trends indicate the need for the integration of HESD.

Practical implications

This study provides a systematic review of higher education for academic research into sustainability, and it has implications for researchers and educators by identifying the gaps between the research conducted and the UN’s policies during the DESD.

Originality/value

This study attempts to offer an integrated view of HESD and to understand the bias of research trends during the DESD.
A proposal for measuring sustainability in universities: a case study of Spain
Authors: Larrán Jorge Manuel , Herrera Madueño Jesús , Calzado Yolanda , Andrades Javier
Published: September 2016

Purpose

Numerous sustainability assessment tools are being created and applied in the higher education sector. In light of such diversity, there is a need to provide a common guideline for sustainability assessment which makes easier the comparison among universities. Using as a reference the Spanish university system, the main aim of this paper is to develop a multi-item quantitative tool for measuring sustainability performance at universities.

Design/methodology/approach

To accomplish this task, the first step was to review the literature on sustainability assessment in universities. After reviewing the literature, the authors found more than 1,000 items. The next step was to select those items which were able to fit to the Spanish university context. On this basis, the authors selected a total of 268 items. These items were discussed in a workshop with senior management members from eight Spanish universities with the aim of analyzing the validity and relevance of the items selected.

Findings

Then, the proposal for measuring sustainability in Spanish universities was composed of a total of 156 relevant items. In addition, these items were grouped according to seven different dimensions (corporate governance, students, staff, society, environment, companies and continuous improvement). Also, it is important to note that these items were not associated with political risk and they were linked to provide more reliable information to assess sustainability in universities.

Originality/value

Recent literature have stated that the existing tools specifically developed for assessing higher education institutions performance toward sustainability have some weaknesses. Then, one of the main contributions of this study has been the creation of a new multi-item quantitative tool aimed at measuring the integrated consideration of social, economic and environmental dimensions of sustainability in universities.
Incorporating sustainability content and pedagogy through faculty development
Authors: Hurney Carol A. , Nash Carole , Hartman Christie-Joy B. , Brantmeier Edward J.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

Key elements of a curriculum are presented for a faculty development program that integrated sustainability content with effective course design methodology across a variety of disciplines. The study aims to present self-reported impacts for a small number of faculty participants and their courses.

Design/methodology/approach

A yearlong faculty development program to introduce content and effective course design for teaching about sustainability was created through a content-driven, backward design approach. Faculty participants from two cohorts were surveyed electronically to evaluate their perceptions of the impact of the program on their courses and professional development either one or two years after completing the program.

Findings

The theoretical model, curriculum and assignments for the sustainability-enhanced program are presented and discussed. Faculty participant responses to a survey (n = 14) following completion of the program indicated that the process changed pedagogical approaches, created a sense of community and raised awareness of campus resources. Faculty perceived that sustainability content enhanced their course redesign by providing “real-world” relevance, awareness and engagement. More than half of the respondents reported using tools they learned in the program to redesign elements of other courses. Three respondents indicated that integrating sustainability content into their courses had little to no benefit.

Research limitations/implications

The study did not explore the impact of the program on faculty and student learning.

Practical implications

The tools presented are practice-ready.

Originality/value

This study can inform the design and evaluation of other sustainability-related faculty development programs.
Factors influencing external audit fees of companies listed on Dubai Financial Market
Authors: Naser Kamal , Hassan Yousef Mohammad
Published: September 2016

Purpose

This study aims to examine the underlying determinants that may influence external audit fees paid by Emirati nonfinancial companies listed on Dubai Financial Market (DFM).

Design/methodology/approach

Data used in this study are mainly collected from the 2011 annual reports and corporate governance reports published by the Emirati nonfinancial companies listed on DFM. Backward regression analysis is used to measure the impact of a set of company characteristics on Emirati non-financial listed firm’s audit delays.

Findings

The findings pointed to a significant and positive association between audit fees and each of corporate size and audit committee independence variables. A significant and negative relationship has been detected between external audit fees and business complexity. The findings also revealed that audit fees are not significantly associated with company’s profitability, risk, industry type, status of audit firm and audit report lag.

Originality/value

The paper helps in expanding limited existing literature about the determinants of audit fees in the Arab and Middle East countries generally and in the UAE context particularly. No prior attempt had been made to investigate the determinants of audit fees paid by Emirati firms listed on DFM because the disclosure of audit fees services provided by external auditors only became effective after April 30, 2010. The findings of the study may be generalized to other Arab countries, particularly neighboring Gulf Cooperation Council states, that have a similar socio-cultural environment.