bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Washington DC’s Transitional Housing Plan: An Analysis of Externalities and Sources of Neighborhood Opposition
Authors: Meni David
Published: May 2017

In 2016, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser’s administration unveiled a plan to close the DC General homeless shelter and replace it with eight smaller sites throughout the city. Almost immediately, some residents located near the proposed shelter sites expressed disapproval, citing concerns over safety and decreasing property values. We can interpret such reservations as perceived negative externalities of shelters. This paper first takes those claims at face value and finds mixed evidence of whether the proposed DC shelters would produce negative externalities for neighborhoods. The paper then explores other economic rationale for neighborhood opposition to the plan—risk-averse behavior on the part of homeowners. The paper concludes with a proposal for home equity insurance that could potentially balance homeowners’ risk aversion and vested interests in neighborhood outcomes.
Screening and partial purification of photoprotective pigment scytonemin from cyanobacterial crusts dwelling on the historical monuments in and around Varanasi, India
Authors: Pathak Jainendra , Sonker Arun S. , Richa R. , Rajneesh R. , Kannaujiya Vinod K. , Singh Vidya , Ahmed Haseen , Sinha Rajeshwar P.
Published: May 2017

In the present investigation, biological crusts from the surface of eight historical monuments of Varanasi, India, were examined for the presence of scytonemin (a cyanobacterial photoprotective pigment) containing cyanobacterial species. Lyngbya sp. and Scytonema sp. were the dominant cyanobacteria present in all crust samples. The absorption spectroscopic data of chlorophyll, carotenoids and scytonemin showed that scytonemin was more abundant than the carotene and chlorophyll in all the crusts. Identification of these compounds was done using UV-Vis spectroscopy and High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis. HPLC analysis revealed the presence of scytonemin in seven out of eight samples and peaks of scytonemin with retention time ranging from 1.4-1.9 min with corresponding absorbance maxima at 386, 300 and 252±2 nm. As per our knowledge this is the first report of its kind from monuments of Varanasi. From this study, it can be concluded that synthesis of photoprotective compounds like scytonemin and its derivatives counteract the damaging effects of solar radiation which enable cyanobacteria to colonize and inhabit almost all kinds of habitats, including extreme lithic habitats, such as rocks and walls of monuments which face prolonged high intensity solar radiation.
Prevalence of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in bovine feces in North West of Iran
Authors: Shayegh Jalal
Published: May 2017

The objective of this study was to identify and estimate the prevalence of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in cattle fecal samples in northwest of Iran, using multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In this study, cattle fecal samples were collected from an abattoir in Tabriz, Iran. After enrichment, isolation was carried out on CT-SMAC culture and afterwards, the identification of E. coli O157 was achieved on colorless sorbitol negative colonies. Then, one of these colonies was analyzed by PCR to identify genes coding for verotoxin 1 and 2 (vt1 and vt2), intimin (eceAO157), and H7 flagella antigen (fliCh7). Of 200 samples, 22 were positive by CT-SMAC culture. Of the 22 sorbitol-negative samples investigated by PCR, two isolates were identified as E. coli O157:H7. Three isolates carried eaeAO157 specific locus (non-VTEC E.coli O157) and one or both the verotoxin genes (vtx1 and vtx2) only (non-O157 VTEC). Low prevalence rates of E. coli O157:H7 in cattle feces as an important animal reservoir of the mentioned bacterium should be added to the variety of factors mentioned for the low prevalence of E. coli O157:H7 in Iran.
Antibacterial properties of quercetin
Authors: Jaisinghani Renu Narendra
Published: May 2017

Quercetin is a polyphenolic flavonoid with potential chemoprotective properties. In the present work its antibacterial properties were studied against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Shigella flexneri, Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Lactobacillus casei var shirota by broth dilution method. Quercetin inhibited S. aureus, P. aeruginosa at concentration 20 mcg/mL while P. vulgaris and E. coli were inhibited at concentration 300 mcg/mL and 400 mcg/mL respectively. Shigella flexneri and Lactobacillus casei var shirota were completely indifferent even at concentration of 500 mcg/mL.
Ripley Landslide: the geophysical properties of a slow-moving landslide near Ashcroft, British Columbia
Authors: Huntley D , Bobrowsky P , Parry N , Bauman P , Candy C , Best M
Published: May 2017

Landslide hazards in the Thompson River valley, British Columbia adversely impact vital national railway infrastructure and operations, the environment, cultural heritage features, communities, public safety and the economy. Field investigations and monitoring of
the very slow-moving Ripley Landslide, 7 km south of Ashcroft, indicates movement across the main body, with the greater displacement at the south end of the slide near a lock-block retaining wall separating Canadian National (CN) and Canadian Pacific (CPR) rail tracks. Knowledge of the internal
composition and structure of the landslide as interpreted through surficial geology mapping and geophysical surveys provide contextual baseline data for interpreting monitoring results and understanding mass-wasting processes in the Thompson River transportation corridor. Bathymetry measurements,
electrical resistivity tomography, frequency-domain electromagnetic terrain conductivity, ground penetrating radar, seismic refraction, multi-spectral surface wave analyses, and borehole logging of natural gamma, conductivity and magnetic susceptibility all suggest a moderately high relief bedrock
sub-surface overlain by a >20 m thick package of clay, silt, till diamicton and gravel. Planar physical sub-surface features revealed in field observations, geophysical profiles and borehole logs include tabular bedding and terrain unit contacts, in addition to curvilinear-rectilinear
features interpreted as sub-horizontal rotational-translational slide surfaces in clay-rich beds beneath the rail ballast and retaining wall at depths between 5 m and 15 m below the surface of the main landslide body. Geophysical data presented support field observations and borehole logs that show
sub-surface glaciolacustrine unit boundaries are gradational rather than sharply defined. Geophysical profiles show that clay-rich glacial deposits are the units most likely to contain failure planes. The landslide toe extends under the Thompson River where clay-rich sediments are confined to a
>20 m deep bedrock basin. The upper clay beds are armoured from erosion by a lag deposit of modern fluvial boulders except along the west river bank where a deep trough has been carved by strong currents. Waterborne conductivity measurements indicate groundwater discharge at three zones
across the submerged landslide toe. Fluvial incision of the submerged toe slope at the south end of the landslide is observed <50 m west of where critical railway infrastructure is at risk. Integrating data from surficial geology mapping and an array of geophysical techniques provided
significantly more information than any one method on its own.
A qualitative study: Barriers and support for participation for children with disabilities
Authors: Hansen Anne Marie Witchger , Siame Musonde , Van der Veen Judith
Published: May 2017

Background: This qualitative–exploratory study examined the barriers to participation amongst children with disabilities in Lusaka, Zambia, from the mothers’ perspective.Objectives: The objectives of this study were to understand how mothers of children with physical and cognitive disabilities who engaged their children in community-based rehabilitation (CBR) services in Lusaka, Zambia, perceived and described (1) the level of support they received and the barriers they encountered in terms of their child’s meaningful social participation; (2) the use and awareness of these barriers to identify and pursue advocacy strategies; and (3) hopes for their child’s future.Methods: Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with each mother in her home.Results: Findings revealed both support and barriers to the child’s social participation in relationship to their family, friends and community. Support also came from the CBR programme and mothers’ personal resourcefulness. Mothers identified their child’s school,their immediate environment and financial burdens as barriers to participation as well as their own personal insecurities and fears. Strategies to overcome barriers included internal and external actions. The mothers involved in the study hope their child’s abilities will improve with continued CBR services. Some mothers described a bleak future for their child due to alack of acceptance and access to education.Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest the significant role the mother of a child with a disability plays in her child’s social participation. Recommendations include enhancing CBR programming for families, especially for mothers, and advocating on behalf of children with disabilities and their families to attract the attention of policy makers.
Homogeneous Spaces of Nonreductive Type That Do Not Model Any Compact Manifold
Authors: Morita Yosuke
Published: May 2017

We give necessary conditions for the existence of a compact manifold locally modeled on a given homogeneous space, which generalize some earlier results, in terms of relative Lie algebra cohomology. Applications include both reductive and nonreductive cases. For example, we prove that there does not exist a compact manifold locally modeled on a positive-dimensional coadjoint orbit of a real linear solvable algebraic group.
New frontiers in Zanaboni’s formulation of Saint-Venant’s principle
Authors: Knops Robin J.
Published: May 2017

A synoptic account is presented of a revised Zanaboni procedure for Saint-Venant’s principle. Modifications required for conservative and dissipative coupled systems are illustrated by application to piezoelectricity and thermoelasticity.
Analytical mechanics and Levi-Civita’s parallel transport
Authors: Iurato Giuseppe
Published: May 2017

This historical note is a detailed, technical reconstruction of the crucial role played by Lagrange’s principle of virtual work in working out the fundamental notion of parallel transport on a Riemannian manifold described in the original Levi-Civita’s argument.
Comparison results for nonlinear anisotropic parabolic problems
Authors: Alberico Angela , di Blasio Giuseppina , Feo Filomena
Published: May 2017

Comparison results for solutions to the Dirichlet problems for a class of nonlinear, anisotropic parabolic equations are established. These results are obtained through a semi-discretization method in time after providing estimates for solutions to anisotropic elliptic problems with zero-order terms.
On some permutable embeddings of subgroups of finite groups
Authors: Ballester-Bolinches Adolfo , Beidleman James C.
Published: May 2017

In this survey paper several subgroup embedding properties related to some types of permutability are introduced and studied.
Alcoholic Beverage and Traffic Accidents: Impact of the Drunk-Driving Law in Severity and Mortality of Victims
Authors: de S Nogueira Lilia , de A Domingues Cristiane , Bonfim Ane KS
Published: May 2017

Objectives

To analyze the impact of the Drunk-Driving Law on the characteristics and severity of traffic accident victims and to identify risk factors for mortality before and after law enforcement.

Materials and methods

A retrospective, quantitative study that analyzed victims of traffic accidents attended at a hospital in São Paulo, Brazil, between 2006 and 2010, through the analysis of medical records. The Drunk-Driving Law was considered the time frame of this research, and the victims were distributed in two groups: Before the law (January 2006 to June 2008) and after the law (July 2008 to December 2010). Pearson chi-square, Mann–Whitney, and multiple logistic regression tests were used, with a significance level of 5%.

Results

The sample consisted of 1,405 victims, the majority being males (78.01%), with a mean age of 37.39 years. In the group comparison (before and after the Drunk-Driving Law), there was a significant difference related to the external cause, admission to the ICU, and discharge conditions. Factors associated with prelaw mortality were age, number of injured body regions, and New Injury Severity Score. The length of hospital stay and the Revised Trauma Score were considered as protective factors for this outcome. After the validity of the law, in addition to the variables described earlier, the head/neck and abdomen regions most severely injured were added as risk factors for mortality.

Conclusion

The impact of the Drunk-Driving Law set a positive outcome in the survival of the victims. However, when it comes to the statistics and severity of the trauma, it is necessary to sustain the law with reinforcement of the inspection so that more lives are saved.

Clinical significance

The results of this study provide support to managers on the importance of sustaining the law and the need of implementing new trauma prevention strategies.

How to cite this article

Bonfim AKS, Nogueira LS, Domingues CA. Alcoholic Beverage and Traffic Accidents: Impact of the Drunk-Driving Law in Severity and Mortality of Victims. Panam J Trauma Crit Care Emerg Surg 2017;6(1):17-24.
Unstable Chest Surgical Management in Pregnancy: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Velásquez Mauricio , Escobar María F , Carvajal Javier A , Nieto Albaro J
Published: May 2017

Introduction

We present a review of the case, management, and progress of an obstetric patient, who suffered a car accident with subsequent severe blunt thoracic trauma (BTT) resulting in flail chest (FC).

Case report

This is a Hispanic female of 44 years involved in a car accident at 14 weeks of gestation, who presented with FC, sternal fracture, and severe respiratory compromise. This woman received surgical management and care in an intensive obstetric care management unit, presenting with osteomyelitis as a complication, along with physical deconditioning and prolonged hospital stay, finally with an obstetric and functional favorable outcome.

Conclusion

Although severe BTT in pregnant patients is uncommon, it is important to highlight the appropriate medical management required for these patients to achieve a successful outcome, as was in this case. This is the only case report of a FC surgical management in pregnancy that we have had in our institution so far.

How to cite this article

Nieto AJ, Velásquez M, Escobar MF, Carvajal JA, Granados M. Unstable Chest Surgical Management in Pregnancy: Case Report and Literature Review. Panam J Trauma Crit Care Emerg Surg 2017;6(1):52-57.
Dandy–Walker Syndrome: Management at Acharya Vinoba Bhave Rural Hospital, Wardha, India
Authors: Jabbal Harmandeep , Wagh Dhirendra
Published: May 2017

We discuss 10 cases of Dandy–Walker syndrome that presented between May 2014 and June 2015 at the Department of Neurosurgery and General Surgery in Acharya Vinoba Bhave Rural Hospital, Sawangi (M), Wardha, India. As the definitive surgical treatment protocol is not standardized, we discuss the different techniques used. Combined cystoperitoneal (CP) and ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt was done in three cases, two were treated with CP shunt alone, and the remaining five cases were managed with VP shunt.

Follow-up showed marked reduction in the head circumference and better motor development, along with alleviation of other neurological symptoms.

Seizures, hearing or visual problems, various central nervous system abnormalities, and systemic abnormalities were associated with poor intellectual development and could be used to predict intellectual outcome.

Prognosis varies due to several factors, but an early diagnosis and appropriate treatment have a good prognostic value.
Prevalence of Myopia and its Risk Factors in Rural Schoolchildren
Authors: Kher Praveena , Patel Pavitra
Published: May 2017

Introduction: Myopia, also known as short sightedness, is a type of refractive error in which parallel rays coming from infinity are focused in front of the retina when accommodation is at rest. It is a condition in which close objects are seen clearly, but objects farther away appear blurred. It is an ophthalmic condition affecting 30% population. It is commonly seen in schoolchildren aged 8 to 12 years. This study was undertaken to find the prevalence of myopia among students aged 5 to 16 years of a school in a rural area of Wardha, Maharashtra, India.

Materials and methods: Study sample included children between 5 and 16 years of age from a nearby rural school. We recorded degree of myopia by autorefractometer, and students with refractive error of <-0.5 D for at least one eye were considered as myopic. Strict inclusion and exclusion criteria were followed.

Results: It was found that the prevalence of myopia is 39.6%. Mild to moderate degree of myopia was more common than severe one. Among the 198 myopic students, 112 were females and 86 were males. We found that there was no significant correlation between family history and presence of myopia. But, unhealthy reading habits and playing games on computer for 1 to 2 hours have an influence in the development of myopia.

Conclusion: Due to high magnitude of uncorrected myopia, it appears to be a public health problem both in urban and rural areas, which suggest that an increase in outdoor activity may help to reduce the magnitude of the problem. Schoolteachers should be involved for positive reinforcement of schoolchildren for screening.
Charlie Chaplin di Ngamplang, 1927 / Charlie Chaplin at Ngamplang, 1927
Authors: Campbell Ian
Published: May 2017

‘Charlie Chaplin di Ngamplang, 1927’ is an Indonesian-language poem by Australian poet Ian Campbell, and is a humorous meditation upon certain imaginary events that befell Charlie Chaplin at the Dutch colonial era hill station of Ngamplang in West Java in 1927. In historical terms Chaplin did in fact visit the Dutch East Indies three times between 1927 and 1932, including the area around Ngamplang. The poem was included in Campbell’s poetry and prose collection Tak ada Peringatan (Vivid Publishing, 2013). The Indonesian language version of the poem first appeared in 2012 in the literary pages of the Jakarta mass media daily Kompas. An English-language back translation is included here.
Trump: Just a Berlusclone
Authors: Papalia Gerardo
Published: May 2017

Berlusconi and Trump share many analogies, but perhaps the most cogent of them is their ability to master new media. They are both ubiquitous on television while Trump also rides the social media wave. Their success reflects and reinforces a new mediatic paradigm: the Digisphere. They are not notable as individuals in themselves but as simulacra of what may become a long procession of future political leaders.
Extending the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) Modeling
System to Hemispheric Scales: Overview of Process Considerations
and Initial Applications
Authors: Mathur Rohit , Xing Jia , Gilliam Robert , Sarwar Golam , Hogrefe Christian , Pleim Jonathan , Pouliot George , Roselle Shawn , Spero Tanya L. , Wong David C. , Young Jeffrey
Published: May 2017

Abstract. The Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) modeling system is extended to simulate ozone, particulate matter, and related precursor distributions throughout the Northern Hemisphere. Modelled processes were examined and enhanced to suitably represent the extended space and time scales for such applications. Hemispheric scale simulations with CMAQ and the Weather Research and Forecasting model are performed for multiple years. Model capabilities for a range of applications including episodic long-range pollutant transport, long-term trends in air pollution across the Northern Hemisphere, and air pollution-climate interactions are evaluated through detailed comparison with available surface, aloft, and remotely sensed observations. The expansion of CMAQ to simulate the hemispheric scales provides a framework to examine interactions between atmospheric processes occurring at various spatial and temporal scales with physical, chemical, and dynamical consistency.
Observation on dominance of swells over wind-seas in the coastal waters of Gulf of Mannar, India
Authors: Amrutha M. M. , Sanil Kumar V.
Published: May 2017

Abstract. In coastal gulfs generally, predominance of wind-seas are expected. Waves measured at a location having a water depth of 15 m in the nearshore waters of Gulf of Mannar during one year period (1 May 2015 to 30 April 2016) is used to examine the predominance of wind-seas and swells through spectral characterization. The study shows that even though the location is in a gulf, the annual average value (~ 0.84 m) of the significant wave height at this area is comparable to that along the coastal waters of the Indian subcontinent, but the annual maximum value (~ 1.7 m) recorded is much less than that (3 to 5 m) observed in those regions. Also, large seasonal variations are not observed in the wave height. The waves of the study region are under the control of sea-breeze with the maximum in the late evening hours and the minimum in the early morning hours. 53 % of the surface height variance in the study area is a result of southeast and south swells and the remaining are the east and southeast wind-seas.
Central Serous Chorioretinopathy in a Myopic Patient with Pachychoroid
Authors: van Dijk Elon H.C. , de Roon Hertoge Kasper L. , Boon Camiel J.F.
Published: May 2017

Introduction

To report a case of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) associated with a retinal pigment epithelium detachment in a myopic patient with marked pachychoroid.

Patient presentation

Case report of a 37-year-old male patient with relatively high myopia (-5.00D in OD/-5.75D in OS), unilateral CSC, and bilateral retinal pigment epithelial detachments, pachychoroid, and choroidal hyperaemia. Standard ophthalmological examination and multimodal imaging, including fundus photography, fundus autofluorescence, spectral-domain and enhanced depth optical coherence tomography, and indocyanine green angiography were performed.

Conclusions

Findings characteristic for the spectrum of CSC/pachychoroid pigment epitheliopathy can be observed in patients with relatively high myopia. Based on the outcome of complete ophthalmological examination, this clinical picture can be discerned from other diseases, which is important for the optimal therapeutic approach.
A combined flamer-cultivator for weed control during the harvesting season of asparagus green spears
Authors: Martelloni Luisa , Fontanelli Marco , Frasconi Christian , Raffaelli Michele , Pirchio Michel , Peruzzi Andrea
Published: May 2017

Weed competition during spears harvesting reduces asparagus yields. The application of herbicides during this period is illegal, and alternative non-chemical practices are needed. This research tested the effectiveness and efficiency of a custom-built combined flamer-cultivator to control weeds (both in the inter- and intra- spears production bands) during the spears harvest season. It also analysed the effects of various liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) doses on total asparagus yield, mean spear weight, and total number of marketable spears. In both years, the asparagus spears were generally not damaged by flame weeding using LPG doses of between 43 to 87 kg/ha. The same LPG doses were effective in controlling weeds, showing the same total marketable yields as the weed-free control. At high LPG doses (e.g. 130 and 260 kg/ha), yields decreased as a consequence of the damage caused to the spears, resulting in a lower number of marketable spears. Flaming did not affect the mean spear weight, and can be applied repeatedly during harvesting to maintain the weeds at a level that does not lead to a yield reduction. The repeated use of the combined flamer-cultivator (every seven days) led to higher yields than plots where weed control was not conducted. The new machine can be used in a period when herbicides are not possible. Flaming could be introduced by asparagus producers as an alternative, or in addition to herbicides applied in the pre-emergence and post-harvest of spears.
In vitro fermentation pattern and acidification potential of different sources of carbohydrates for ruminants given high concentrate diets
Authors: Amanzougarene Zahia , Yuste Susana , De Vega Antonio , Fondevila Manuel
Published: May 2017

The in vitro fermentation pattern of five sources of carbohydrates of differing nature (maize grain, MZ; sucrose, SU; wheat bran, WB; sugarbeet pulp, BP; and citrus pulp, CT) under conditions of high concentrate diets for ruminants was studied. A first 8 h incubation trial was performed under optimal pH using inoculum from ewes given a fibrous diet, to compare fermentative characteristics of substrates. As planned, incubation pH ranged within 6.3 to 6.6. The gas produced from CT was higher than MZ, SU and BP from 4 and 6 h onwards, and at 8 h, respectively (p<0.05). There were no differences (p>0.05) on total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration, nor on acetate or propionate proportions, but butyrate was lowest (p<0.05) with CT and BP. The second incubation trial was performed in a poorly-buffered medium, with inoculum from ewes given a concentrate diet. All substrates showed a gradual drop of pH, being lowest with SU after 4 h (p<0.05). Throughout the incubation, gas production was highest with CT and lowest with MZ and BP (p<0.05). Total 8 h VFA concentration was higher with CT than BP, SU and MZ (p<0.05). Acetate proportion was higher, and that of propionate lower, with BP than WB (p<0.05), butyrate proportion being higher with MZ and WB than with BP and CT (p<0.05). Lactic acid concentration was higher (p<0.05) with SU than WB and BP. Fermentation characteristics and acidification potential of feeds depend on the nature of their carbohydrate fraction, and must be considered for practical applications.
Strategic Alliance Success Factors: A Literature Review on Alliance Lifecycle
Authors: Russo Margherita , Cesarani Maurizio
Published: May 2017

Objectives. The research aims to investigate how firms can achieve alliance success. In global markets, the alliance failure rate is very high. This study will try to understand why, facing with such a high failure rate, more and more firms decide to enter or form strategic alliances. It appears necessary to identify key factors and show how firms can successfully manage them in each phase of alliance lifecycle.Methodology. For this study, a qualitative approach was adopted, in order to explore and understand the research problem. The issues of alliance success factors is investigated through the analysis of the existing literature, focusing in particular on the last two decades.Findings. By reviewing several theoretical perspectives, we identified alliance success factors and showed what kind of relevance they have in each phase of alliance lifecycle. It was found that strategic alliances develop through three phases. Alliance success lies on successful management of key factors, involved in each phase.Research Limits. Research deals with the issues of alliance success factors at the level of a single alliance and not at the level of an alliance portfolio. Further research should extend the analysis perspective.Managerial Implications. Firms involved in a strategic alliance should consider several critical aspects. For the entire alliance lifecycle, they have to look for a high degree of fit with their own partners. Another important aspect is related to the risk of opportunistic behavior, which could be reduced through the choice of an appropriate governance form and the development of social capital.
Independent Board, Audit Committee, Risk Committee, the Meeting Attendance level and Its Impact on the Performance: A Study of Listed Banks in Indonesia
Authors: Chou Te-Kuang , Buchdadi Agung Dharmawan
Published: May 2017

This study determines the effect of good corporate governance on the performance of banks in Indonesia. The variables used are independent board (IB), the annual board meeting (BM), the percentage of annual board of director meeting attendance, the annual board-executive meeting (BEM), the percentage of annual board-executive meeting attendance, audit committee (AC), audit committee meeting (ACM), the percentage of annual audit committee meeting attendance, risk committee (RC), risk committee meeting (RCM), and the percentage of annual risk committee meeting attendance. The analysis technique employed in this study is two-stage least square (2SLS) panel data regression using return on asset (ROA), net interest margin ratio (NIM), and Tobin’s Q as the proxies of bank performance. The data used are listed bank in Indonesia Capital Market between 2013 and 2015. The findings reveal that the independent board has a positive impact on net interest margin among the big scale bank. However, among the small scale bank the independent board of directors has the positive impact on the market value, but they will have the lack of information that could obstruct the accounting based profit of the bank. Moreover, the findings of this study also explain the important role of meeting attendance for the accounting based profitability of the bank. This study also found the critical role of the audit committee in the banking industry.
Target Days versus Actual Days of Finished Goods Inventory in Fast Moving Consumer Goods
Authors: Vaz Anthony , Mansori Shaheen
Published: May 2017

In a bid to maximize corporate profits, many multi-national corporations and even small medium enterprises create many products and place them on shelves at hypermarkets or supermarkets. We can observe an abundance of stock keeping units on shelves as well as observe a variety of such finished goods held by various fast moving consumer goods industries in the home appliance, beverage, canned food, clothes, soft-drinks, cordials and  confectionery product ranges, just to name a few. From supplier, manufacturer, distributor, wholesaler and retailer, it appears that there is a constant flow of new products and stock keeping units held for these fast moving consumer goods. We can say that we humans are a rather wasteful species because a large proportion of products become obsolete or slow moving over time and organizations push products into the marketplace to gain competitive advantage and optimize profits. Hence, there is need to address this issue in the field of Supply Chain Management because resources on this planet are limited and we humans live in a very fragile planet. Yet, as population grows, we humans have become used to this over-abundance even though the resources within this planet are becoming more and more scarce. Consumption levels have increased with population growth and with capitalist thinking, virtually anybody can develop businesses that will create products to meet human needs. In the field of Supply Chain Management, managers set polices on when to order and how much to order and the average inventory that results from these inventory replenishment policies become targets. This paper attempts to compare target days of inventory with actual days of inventory held in warehouses for a single organization with many warehouses/ stock keeping units, in an attempt to understand further approaches that can be used to improve inventory waste within supply chains.
Magnetic Bracketing and Mounting Systems Heighten Water Tower Safety
Authors: Stechmann Eric , Klein David
Published: May 2017

Water tower inspections often expose safety violations resulting from the practice of fastening cables and antennas directly to water storage tanks and access ladders. Magnetic technology addresses these safety hazards and improves tank maintenance.
Innovation Discussions to Continue at ACE17
Authors: Moore Randy
Published: May 2017

AWWA's Innovation Initiative continues to make progress, overcoming barriers to innovation and new technologies in the water and wastewater industry.
Oceanic adults, coastal juveniles: tracking the habitat use of whale sharks off the Pacific coast of Mexico
Authors: Ramírez-Macías Dení , Queiroz Nuno , Pierce Simon J. , Humphries Nicolas E. , Sims David W. , Brunnschweiler Juerg M.
Published: May 2017

Eight whale sharks tagged with pop-up satellite archival tags off the Gulf of California, Mexico, were tracked for periods of 14–134 days. Five of these sharks were adults, with four females visually assessed to be pregnant. At least for the periods they were tracked, juveniles remained in the Gulf of California while adults moved offshore into the eastern Pacific Ocean. We propose that parturition occurs in these offshore waters. Excluding two juveniles that remained in the shallow tagging area for the duration of tracking, all sharks spent 65 ± 20.7% (SD) of their time near the surface, even over deep water, often in association with frontal zones characterized by cool-water upwelling. While these six sharks all made dives into the meso- or bathypelagic zones, with two sharks reaching the maximum depth recordable by the tags (1285.8 m), time spent at these depths represented a small proportion of the overall tracks. Most deep dives (72.7%) took place during the day, particularly during the early morning and late afternoon. Pronounced habitat differences by ontogenetic stage suggest that adult whale sharks are less likely to frequent coastal waters after the onset of maturity.
Characterization of induced seismicity patterns derived from internal structure in event clusters
Authors: Goertz‐Allmann B. P. , Gibbons S. J. , Oye V. , Bauer R. , Will R.
Published: May 2017

microseismicity induced by CO2 injection at Decatur, Illinois, occurs in distinct clusters and shows no obvious correlation with the proceeding pressure front. We analyze some of these clusters in more depth by using a waveform cross‐correlation approach. With this approach we can associate about 1400 events from two clusters, with moment magnitudes between 1.1 and −1.7, with specific formations of much smaller vertical dimensions (tens of meters) than the depth resolution of traveltime‐based event locations. The differentiation of reservoir and basement events, and the definition of subclusters by waveform correlation, rather than by location, helps to better analyze the spatiotemporal evolution of the events within a cluster. In the Decatur case, this is characterized by event migration from the reservoir into the adjacent basement. The spatial variation of Brune stress drop and Gutenberg b value exhibits signs of a fluid‐driven triggering mechanism at the cluster level, revealing a punctual hydraulic connection between reservoir and basement, most likely associated with basement faults cutting into the reservoir. The observed clustering of microseismicity can thus be explained by the lateral heterogeneity of permeability and crustal strength and is overall consistent with a pressure‐induced triggering mechanism. Hence, proper long‐term risk mitigation for large‐scale fluid injection close to the basement requires prior mapping of small subseismic basement‐connected faults.
Assessing future vent opening locations at the Somma‐Vesuvio volcanic complex: 2. Probability maps of the caldera for a future Plinian/sub‐Plinian event with uncertainty quantification
Authors: Tadini A. , Bevilacqua A. , Neri A. , Cioni R. , Aspinall W. P. , Bisson M. , Isaia R. , Mazzarini F. , Valentine G. A. , Vitale S. , Baxter P. J. , Bertagnini A. , Cerminara M. , de Michieli Vitturi M. , Di Roberto A. , Engwell S. , Esposti Ongaro T. , Flandoli F. , Pistolesi M.
Published: May 2017

In this study, we combine reconstructions of volcanological data sets and inputs from a structured expert judgment to produce a first long‐term probability map for vent opening location for the next Plinian or sub‐Plinian eruption of Somma‐Vesuvio. In the past, the volcano has exhibited significant spatial variability in vent location; this can exert a significant control on where hazards materialize (particularly of pyroclastic density currents). The new vent opening probability mapping has been performed through (i) development of spatial probability density maps with Gaussian kernel functions for different data sets and (ii) weighted linear combination of these spatial density maps. The epistemic uncertainties affecting these data sets were quantified explicitly with expert judgments and implemented following a doubly stochastic approach. Various elicitation pooling metrics and subgroupings of experts and target questions were tested to evaluate the robustness of outcomes. Our findings indicate that (a) Somma‐Vesuvio vent opening probabilities are distributed inside the whole caldera, with a peak corresponding to the area of the present crater, but with more than 50% probability that the next vent could open elsewhere within the caldera; (b) there is a mean probability of about 30% that the next vent will open west of the present edifice; (c) there is a mean probability of about 9.5% that the next medium‐large eruption will enlarge the present Somma‐Vesuvio caldera, and (d) there is a nonnegligible probability (mean value of 6–10%) that the next Plinian or sub‐Plinian eruption will have its initial vent opening outside the present Somma‐Vesuvio caldera.
The identification of solar wind waves at discrete frequencies and the role of the spectral analysis techniques
Authors: Di Matteo S. , Villante U.
Published: May 2017

The occurrence of waves at discrete frequencies in the solar wind (SW) parameters has been reported in the scientific literature with some controversial results, mostly concerning the existence (and stability) of favored sets of frequencies. On the other hand, the experimental results might be influenced by the analytical methods adopted for the spectral analysis. We focused attention on the fluctuations of the SW dynamic pressure (PSW) occurring in the leading edges of streams following interplanetary shocks and compared the results of the Welch method (WM) with those of the multitaper method (MTM). The results of a simulation analysis demonstrate that the identification of the wave occurrence and the frequency estimate might be strongly influenced by the signal characteristics and analytical methods, especially in the presence of multicomponent signals. In SW streams, PSW oscillations are routinely detected in the entire range f ≈ 1.2–5.0 mHz; nevertheless, the WM/MTM agreement in the identification and frequency estimate occurs in ≈50% of events and different sets of favored frequencies would be proposed for the same set of events by the WM and MTM analysis. The histogram of the frequency distribution of the events identified by both methods suggests more relevant percentages between f ≈ 1.7–1.9, f ≈ 2.7–3.4, and f ≈ 3.9–4.4 (with a most relevant peak at f ≈ 4.2 mHz). Extremely severe thresholds select a small number (14) of remarkable events, with a one‐to‐one correspondence between WM and MTM: interestingly, these events reveal a tendency for a favored occurrence in bins centered at f ≈ 2.9 and at f ≈ 4.2 mHz.
Snowball Earth: Asynchronous coupling of sea‐glacier flow with a global climate model
Authors: Pollard D. , Kasting J. F. , Zugger M. E.
Published: May 2017

During Snowball Earth episodes of the Neoproterozoic and Paleoproterozoic, limited amounts of tropical open ocean (Jormungand), or tropical ocean with thin ice cover, would help to explain (1) vigorous glacial activity in low latitudes, (2) survival of photosynthetic life, and (3) deglacial recovery without excessive buildup of atmospheric CO2. Some previous models have suggested that tropical open ocean or thin‐ice cover is possible; however, its viability in the presence of kilometer‐thick sea glaciers flowing from higher latitudes has not been demonstrated conclusively. Here we describe a new method of asynchronously coupling a zonal sea‐glacier model with a 3‐D global climate model and apply it to Snowball Earth. Equilibrium curves of ice line versus CO2 are mapped out, as well as their dependence on ocean heat transport efficiency, sea‐glacier flow, and other model parameters. No climate states with limited tropical open ocean or thin ice are found in any of our model runs, including those with sea glaciers. If this result is correct, then other refugia such as cryoconite pans would have been required for life to survive. However, the reasons for the differences between our results and others should first be resolved. It is suggested that small‐scale convective dynamics, affecting fractional snow cover in low latitudes, may be a critical factor accounting for these differences.
Elevated glutamate and lactate predict brain death after severe head trauma
Authors: Stefani Marco A. , Modkovski Rafael , Hansel Gisele , Zimmer Eduardo R. , Kopczynski Afonso , Muller Alexandre P. , Strogulski Nathan R. , Rodolphi Marcelo S. , Carteri Randhall K. , Schmidt André P. , Oses Jean P. , Smith Douglas H. , Portela Luis V.
Published: May 2017

Objective

Clinical neurological assessment is challenging for severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients in the acute setting. Waves of neurochemical abnormalities that follow TBI may serve as fluid biomarkers of neurological status. We assessed the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of glutamate, lactate, BDNF, and GDNF, to identify potential prognostic biomarkers of neurological outcome.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was carried out in a total of 20 consecutive patients (mean [SD] age, 29 [13] years; M/F, 9:1) with severe TBI Glasgow Coma Scale ≤ 8 and abnormal computed tomography scan on admission. Patients were submitted to ventricular drainage and had CSF collected between 2 and 4 h after hospital admission. Patients were then stratified according to two clinical outcomes: deterioration to brain death (nonsurvival, n = 6) or survival (survival, n = 14), within 3 days after hospital admission. CSF levels of brain‐derived substances were compared between nonsurvival and survival groups. Clinical and neurological parameters were also assessed.

Results

Glutamate and lactate are significantly increased in nonsurvival relative to survival patients. We tested the accuracy of both biomarkers to discriminate patient outcome. Setting a cutoff of >57.75, glutamate provides 80.0% of sensitivity and 84.62% of specificity (AUC: 0.8214, 95% CL: 54.55–98.08%; and a cutoff of >4.65, lactate has 100% of sensitivity and 85.71% of specificity (AUC: 0.8810, 95% CL: 54.55–98.08%). BDNF and GDNF did not discriminate poor outcome.

Interpretation

This early study suggests that glutamate and lactate concentrations at hospital admission accurately predict death within 3 days after severe TBI.
Anisotropy in Shape and Ligand‐Conjugation of Hybrid Nanoparticulates Manipulates the Mode of Bio–Nano Interaction and Its Outcome
Authors: Wang Xiaoyou , Lin Li , Liu Renfa , Chen Min , Chen Binlong , He Bo , He Bing , Liang Xiaolong , Dai Wenbing , Zhang Hua , Wang Xueqing , Wang Yiguang , Dai Zhifei , Zhang Qiang
Published: May 2017

In an attempt to manipulate the biological features of nanomaterials via both anisotropic shape and ligand modification, four types of nanoparticulates with good morphological stability are designed and engineered, including hybrid nanospheres, nanodiscs, and nanodiscs with edge modification or plane modification of octa‐arginine (R8) sequence. It is found that the R8 modification anisotropy can trigger huge differences in the endocytosis, intracellular trafficking, and even tissue penetration of nanoparticulates. From plane modification to edge modification of R8, the maximum increase in cell uptake is up to 17‐fold, which is much more significant than shape anisotropy alone. On the other hand, six types of different cell lines are investigated to simulate biological microenvironment. It is demonstrated that the maximum difference in cell uptake among six cell lines is 12‐fold. Three main driving forces are found to contribute to such bio–nano interactions. Based on the findings of this study, it seems possible to manipulate the biointeraction mode of nanomaterials and its output by regulating their anisotropy in both shape and ligand modification.
Enhanced Capacitive Energy Storage in Polyoxometalate‐Doped Polypyrrole
Authors: Herrmann Sven , Aydemir Nihan , Nägele Florian , Fantauzzi Donato , Jacob Timo , Travas‐Sejdic Jadranka , Streb Carsten
Published: May 2017

High‐performance batteries and supercapacitors require the molecular‐level linkage of charge transport components and charge storage components. This study shows how redox‐tunable Lindqvist‐type molecular metal oxide anions [VnM6–nO19](2+n)− (M = W(VI) or Mo(VI); n = 0, 1, 2) can be incorporated in cationic polypyrrole (PPy) conductive polymer films by means of electrochemical polymerization. Electron microscopy and (spectro‐)electrochemistry show that the electroactivity and morphology of the composites can be tuned by Lindqvist anion incorporation. Reductive electrochemical “activation” of the Lindqvist–PPy composites leads to significantly increased electrical capacitance (range: ≈25–38 F g−1, increase up to ≈25×), highlighting that this general synthetic route gives access to promising capacitive materials with suitable long‐term stability. Electrochemical, electron microscopic, and Raman spectroscopic analyses together with density functional theory (DFT) calculations provide molecular‐level insight into the effects of Lindqvist anion incorporation in PPy films and their role during reductive activation. The study therefore provides fundamental understanding of the principles governing the bottom‐up integration of molecular components into nanostructured composites for electrochemical energy storage.
Quantitative Morphology–Performance Correlations in Organic Solar Cells: Insights from Soft X‐Ray Scattering
Authors: Jiao Xuechen , Ye Long , Ade Harald
Published: May 2017

Organic/polymer semiconductors provide unique possibilities and flexibility in tailoring their optoelectronic properties to match specific application demands. One of the key factors contributing to the rapid and continuous progress of organic photovoltaics (OPVs) is the control and optimization of photoactive‐layer morphology. The impact of morphology on photovoltaic parameters has been widely observed. However, the highly complex and multilength‐scale morphology often formed in efficient OPV devices consisting of compositionally similar components impose obstacles to conventional morphological characterizations. In contrast, due to the high compositional and orientational sensitivity, resonant soft X‐ray scattering (R‐SoXS), and related techniques lead to tremendous progress of characterization and comprehension regarding the complex mesoscale morphology in OPVs. R‐SoXS is capable of quantifying the domain characteristics, and polarized soft X‐ray scattering (P‐SoXS) provides quantitative information on orientational ordering. These morphological parameters strongly correlate the fill factor (FF), open‐circuit voltage (Voc), as well as short‐circuit current (Jsc) in a wider range of OPV devices, including recent record‐efficiency polymer:fullerene solar cells and 12%‐efficiency fullerene‐free OPVs. This progress report will delineate the soft X‐ray scattering methodology and its future challenges to characterize and understand functional organic materials and provide a non‐exhaustive overview of R‐SoXS characterization and its implication to date.