bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Forced convection heat and mass transfer of MHD nanofluid flow inside a porous microchannel with chemical reaction on the walls
Authors: Moshizi S. A.
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to focus on convective heat and mass transfer characteristics of Cu-water nanofluid inside a porous microchannel in the presence of a uniform magnetic field. The walls of the microchannel are subjected to constant asymmetric heat fluxes and also the first order catalytic reaction. To represent the non-equilibrium region near the surfaces, the Navier’s slip condition is considered at the surfaces because of the non-adherence of the fluid-solid interface and the microscopic roughness in microchannels.

Design/methodology/approach

– Employing the Brinkman model for the flow in the porous medium and the “clear fluid compatible” model as a viscous dissipation model, the conservative partial differential equations have been transformed into a system of ordinary ones via the similarity variables. Closed form exact solutions are obtained analytically based on dimensionless parameters of velocity, temperature and species concentration.

Findings

– Results show that the addition of Cu-nanoparticles to the fluid has a significant influence on decreasing concentration, temperature distribution at the both walls and velocity profile along the microchannel. In addition, total heat transfer in microchannel increases as nanoparticles add to the fluid. Slip parameter and Hartmann number have the decreasing effects on concentration and temperature distributions. Slip parameter leads to increase velocity profiles, while Hartmann number has an opposite trend in velocity profiles. These two parameters increase the total heat transfer rate significantly.

Originality/value

– In the present study, a comprehensive analytical solution has been obtained for convective heat and mass transfer characteristics of Cu-water nanofluid inside a porous microchannel in the presence of a uniform magnetic field. Finally, the effects of several parameters such as Darcy number, nanoparticle volume fraction, slip parameter, Hartmann number, Brinkman number, asymmetric heat flux parameter, Soret and Damkohler numbers on total heat transfer rate and fluid flow profiles are studied in more detail. To the best of author’s knowledge, no study has been conducted to this subject and the results are original.
An efficient numerical and experimental system identification approach for a flexible manipulator
Authors: Tarvirdizadeh Bahram , Khanmirza Esmaeel , Ebrahimi Morteza , Kalhor Ahmad , Vakilipour Shidvash
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to propose an efficient and straightforward approach for system identification of a rotating single link flexible manipulator (RSLFM). Also, the achieved results are experimentally validated through identification procedure.

Design/methodology/approach

– The proposed system identification approach is applied to a RSLFM with a tip mass. At first, the dynamic model of the system is derived using Lagrange method. Then, an efficient method is developed for identification of such a system. This method facilitates the nonlinear complicated identification problem of the RSLFM to a simplified root finding problem.

Findings

– The main advantage of the developed method is to convert a complicated system identification process to a simple nonlinear equation solution. This approach uses small-size input/output data set and requires a short-time interval of data acquisition, which gives important advantages in lower computational load and lower execution time. The investigated approach is studied on experimental system identification of a single link flexible manipulator. To demonstrate this fact, the developed method is successfully applied in identification of two other mechanical systems; the inverted pendulum on a cart and the ball and beam apparatus.

Originality/value

– In this work, the proposed identification approach has been originally applied to a RSLFM and two other mechanical examples. All obtained identification results show the performance and applicability of the developed method clearly. This approach is not restricted in using state space or transfer function. It has significant superiority in comparison with other known approaches including autoregressive with exogenous input (ARX) and Box-Jenkins (BJ).
Variants of an adaptive penalty scheme for steady-state genetic algorithms in engineering optimization
Authors: Lemonge Afonso C.C , Barbosa Helio J.C. , Bernardino Heder S.
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to propose variants of an adaptive penalty scheme for steady-state genetic algorithms applied to constrained engineering optimization problems.

Design/methodology/approach

– For each constraint a penalty parameter is adaptively computed along the evolution according to information extracted from the current population such as the existence of feasible individuals and the level of violation of each constraint. The adaptive penalty method (APM), as originally proposed, computes the constraint violations of the initial population, and updates the penalty coefficient of each constraint after a given number of new individuals are inserted in the population. A second variant, called sporadic APM with constraint violation accumulation, works by accumulating the constraint violations during a given insertion of new offspring into the population, updating the penalty coefficients, and fixing the penalty coefficients for the next generations. The APM with monotonic penalty coefficients is the third variation, where the penalty coefficients are calculated as in the original method, but no penalty coefficient is allowed to have its value reduced along the evolutionary process. Finally, the penalty coefficients are defined by using a weighted average between the current value of a coefficient and the new value predicted by the method. This variant is called the APM with damping.

Findings

– The paper checks new variants of an APM for evolutionary algorithms; variants of an APM, for a steady-state genetic algorithm based on an APM for a generational genetic algorithm, largely used in the literature previously proposed by two co-authors of this manuscript; good performance of the proposed APM in comparison with other techniques found in the literature; innovative and general strategies to handle constraints in the field of evolutionary computation.

Research limitations/implications

– The proposed algorithm has no limitations and can be applied in a large number of evolutionary algorithms used to solve constrained optimization problems.

Practical implications

– The proposed algorithm can be used to solve real world problems in engineering as can be viewed in the references, presented in this manuscript, that use the original (APM) strategy. The performance of these variants is examined using benchmark problems of mechanical and structural engineering frequently discussed in the literature.

Originality/value

– It is the first extended analysis of the variants of the APM submitted for possible publication in the literature, applied to real world engineering optimization problems.
Target acceleration method for analysis of RC structures
Authors: Balic Ivan , Mihanovic Ante , Trogrlic Boris
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present a new modification of the multimodal pushover method, named the target acceleration method. The target acceleration is the minimum acceleration of the base that leads to the ultimate limit state of the structure, i.e., the lowest seismic resistance.

Design/methodology/approach

– A nonlinear numerical model is used to determine the target acceleration, which is achieved using the iterative procedure according to the envelope principle. Validation of the target acceleration method was conducted on the basis of the results obtained by incremental dynamic analysis.

Findings

– The influence of higher modes is highly significant. The general failure vector corresponding to the target acceleration differs from the first load vector and the form of the load with uniform acceleration according to the height of structure, as contained in the European Standard EN 1998-1. Comparison between the target acceleration, including the equivalent structural damping, and the failure peak ground acceleration obtained from the dynamic response of the structure exhibits notably good agreement. This result implies that the equivalent structural damping as calculated according to the formulation presented in this paper should be greater than that suggested in the literature.

Originality/value

– The originally developed procedure named multimodal pushover target acceleration method can reasonably estimate the minimum acceleration of the base that leads to the ultimate limit state of the structure, and consequently provides a reliable tool for the assessment of the lowest seismic resistance.
Acoustic analysis using a mass-redistributed smoothed finite element method with quadrilateral mesh
Authors: He Zhicheng , Li Guangyao , Zhang Guiyong , Liu Gui-Rong , Gu Yuantong , Li Eric
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– In this work, an SFEM is proposed for solving acoustic problems by redistributing the entries in the mass matrix to “tune” the balance between “stiffness” and “mass” of discrete equation systems, aiming to minimize the dispersion error. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

– This is done by simply shifting the four integration points’ locations when computing the entries of the mass matrix in the scheme of SFEM, while ensuring the mass conservation. The proposed method is devised for bilinear quadratic elements.

Findings

– The balance between “stiffness” and “mass” of discrete equation systems is critically important in simulating wave propagation problems such as acoustics. A formula is also derived for possibly the best mass redistribution in terms of minimizing dispersion error reduction. Both theoretical and numerical examples demonstrate that the present method possesses distinct advantages compared with the conventional SFEM using the same quadrilateral mesh.

Originality/value

– After introducing the mass-redistribution technique, the magnitude of the leading relative dispersion error (the quadratic term) of MR-SFEM is bounded by (5/8), which is much smaller than that of original SFEM models with traditional mass matrix (13/4) and consistence mass matrix (2). Owing to properly turning the balancing between stiffness and mass, the MR-SFEM achieves higher accuracy and much better natural eigenfrequencies prediction than the original SFEM does.
Enacting a developmental niche for researchers
Authors: Dash D. P.
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to offer a provisional framework for researcher development in contexts where postgraduate research education is developing.

Design/methodology/approach

– This is a reflective essay. The author draws out lessons from his research education initiatives in India and Malaysia spread over a decade (2003-2013). The lessons are based on favourable and unfavourable processes which affected those initiatives. The processes are then synthesised in two stages, to arrive at a provisional framework.

Findings

– The framework is presented as a cyclical process blending five focal themes: identity, connections, network, skills and roles. Implementing such a process would require sustained institutional collaboration and a supportive policy environment.

Research limitations/implications

– Given the limited experiential basis of this reflective exercise, the framework should be considered provisional in nature. There is a need to discuss and assess the framework in other contexts.

Social implications

– Countries such as India and Malaysia have set ambitious targets for doctoral completion. Well-endowed scholarships have been put in place. However, doctoral programmes are still not yet widely popular. A need exists to direct policy debates towards the kinds of researchers needed and how to develop those kinds of researchers.

Originality/value

– The paper presents a first-hand reflective account of the opportunities and constraints of research education in India and Malaysia. The exercise has produced a provisional framework for researcher development that could be adapted and assessed in other contexts.
Destination development and transformation: 50 years of tourism after independence in Singapore
Authors: Henderson Joan C.
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present a case study of the evolution of Singapore as a destination for international tourists, comparing contemporary circumstances with those existing 50 years ago when full independence was attained.

Design/methodology/approach

– A case study methodology is adopted and findings are derived from the analysis of materials in the public domain.

Findings

– Function as a tourist destination cannot be understood without an appreciation of a place’s history and evolving general economic, political and socio-cultural conditions. These determine opportunities and constraints and thus the character and image of the destination from a tourism industry perspective. Singapore is shown to have undergone transformation as a country and consequently as a tourist centre under the leadership of a strong government which has brought prosperity to the now highly urbanised and industrialised city state. Achievements are considerable, although the future is one of some uncertainty as the wider context continues to change in ways which pose new challenges.

Research limitations/implications

– The paper’s core argument is that performance as a destination cannot be separated from broader circumstances demonstrated by comparisons of Singapore’s tourism in 1965 and 2015 and the political, economic, socio-cultural and environmental contexts of the two periods.

Originality/value

– While possessing many unique attributes related to its defining characteristics, the republic’s experiences afford valuable insights into the dynamics of destination development and especially in nations which are young, small and rapidly modernising.
Tourism destination image development: a lesson from Macau
Authors: Kong Weng Hang , du Cros Hilary , Ong Chin-Ee
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– Drawing upon an analysis of resident and visitor survey data and Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) press releases in 2012, the purpose of this paper is to understand the tourism destination image for this tourist historic city produced by these three key stakeholder groups in Macau.

Design/methodology/approach

– This is achieved using a new stakeholder analysis tool, developed from previous studies, which compares the perspective of the MGTO, the city’s destination marketing organization, with that of its residents and visitors. This study examines the perceptions that residents and visitors have about the general images projected and generated in Macau.

Findings

– This research highlights the multiplicity of images and producers of images in Macau.

Originality/value

– The lesson from this case study is that public sector agencies need to acknowledge more clearly the tourism planning role of the host community in particular. The possibility of detecting disconnections and misalignments of shared destination imagery by residents and visitors has implications for the public sector in Macau and other destinations in relation to managing and developing a destination and contributes to a greater understanding of stakeholders and sustainable tourism development overall.
Dark destinations – visitor reflections from a holocaust memorial site
Authors: Liyanage Sherry , Coca-Stefaniak J. Andres , Powell Raymond
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– Dark tourism and, more specifically, visitor experiences at Nazi concentration camp memorials are emerging fields of research in tourism studies and destination management. The purpose of this paper is to build on this growing body of knowledge and it aims to focus on the Second World War Nazi concentration camp at Dachau in Germany to explore the psychological impact of the site on its visitors as well as critical self-reflection processes triggered by this experience.

Design/methodology/approach

– This micro-netnography resulted in 15 online semi-structured interviews carried out with people who visited Dachau between 2003 and 2015. The interviews involved participants from 11 different nationalities and a range of age groups.

Findings

– This study has shown that emotions that surface during a tourist’s visit to a concentration camp destination can linger well after they have left the site. In fact, feelings of sadness, depression, anger and existential questions can haunt visitors for a considerable amount of time after their visit. Further reflections by visitors also included a more critical appreciation of world affairs. This is of particular significance when considering the behaviour of tourists in an urban setting.

Originality/value

– This research builds on previous dark tourism studies related to the on-site emotions experienced by visitors to concentration camp memorial sites and their travel motivation but takes this knowledge further by exploring the hitherto uncharted longer-term post-experience impacts of these sites on their visitors. Recommendations for dark tourism destination practitioners and academics are also provided based in a critical discussion of the research.
Incumbent audit firm pricing: a response to entry of the Big Four accounting firms in India
Authors: Litt Barri , Desai Vikram , Desai Renu
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the audit price reactions of local accounting firms to the entry of the Big Four accounting firms into the Indian audit market, providing unique insight into emerging market dynamics.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using financial data from Indian audit clients for a ten-year period from 1996 to 2005, the authors conduct a multivariate regression analysis based on extant audit fee literature.

Findings

– This study finds evidence of a price-cutting strategy on behalf of the local incumbent accounting firms in response to the entry of the Big Four firms. It also shows small-sized incumbent firms to cut prices more drastically relative to medium-sized incumbent firms.

Originality/value

– This study provides empirical insight into the pricing dynamics of professional services in an emerging market setting. Such insight is increasingly important in our evermore globalized economy where emerging markets are frequently the targets of expansion.
The influence of family and government-controlled firms on goodwill impairment
Authors: Omar Noraini binti , Mohd-Saleh Norman , Md Salleh Mohd Fairuz , Ahmed Kamran
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of ownership structure on the goodwill impairment policy of Malaysian listed firms. In particular, the authors test whether the direction and magnitude of goodwill impairment are related to whether firms are government or family controlled firms. Given the highly concentrated ownership of firms in Malaysia, the authors suggest that the “entrenchment effect” will take precedence over the “alignment effect”, which will be reflected in the accounting policy on goodwill valuation and impairment.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study utilizes logistic and Tobit regressions to test the prediction, controlling for a range of factors that might affect the goodwill impairment decision. The data were manually collected through 579 firm-year observations from the financial reports of companies listed on the Bursa Malaysia web site for the period 2003-2009.

Findings

– The authors find that family controlled firms are more likely to record goodwill impairment than non-family controlled firms. The results are, however, not significant in government-controlled firms. Similar evidence in prior studies finds that Malaysian firms are more likely to recognize and record higher goodwill impairment loss in their first year of adoption than in the subsequent years. Interestingly, in contrast to prior studies, longer chief executive officer (CEO) tenure is found to be positively associated with the likelihood to recognize and record higher impairment of goodwill.

Originality/value

– This paper is one of few studies that examine the role of ownership structure on goodwill accounting policy choice where ownership structure is highly concentrated and government owned firms play a significant role in the economy. The paper also examines goodwill policy choice before, during the transition and subsequent to the adoption of the goodwill standard in Malaysia, which has not been addressed before.
Ownership structures influence on audit fee
Authors: Nelson Sherliza Puat , Mohamed-Rusdi Nurul Farha
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the association between corporate ownership structures and audit fees paid to external auditors by Malaysian companies listed on Bursa Malaysia. This study focusses on the extent of the auditor’s reliance on the client’s internal control inasmuch as the corporate ownership structures are varied, and, ultimately, affect the audit fees.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study applies the agency theory in formulating three hypotheses that guide the results analysis. By employing a multi regression model for a sample of 345 Malaysian companies listed on Bursa Malaysia, this study examines the relationship of ownership structure, namely, managerial ownership, foreign ownership and government ownership with audit fees using data for 2010.

Findings

– The results show a significant positive relationship between audit fees and firms with larger foreign ownership and government ownership but no significant relationship with firms with higher managerial ownership. This study contributes recent evidence concerning the relationship between corporate ownership structure and audit fees.

Practical implications

– Regulators may consider ownership structure on the standards or regulation setting in order to be practical and operationalized in line with the impact associated with different ownership structures. The practitioners may also design appropriate methodologies and procedures for the different ownership structures for high-quality service and to standardize the risk mitigation process.

Social implications

– The ownership structures have different influences on the audit fees, as well as complexity of the firms and their profitability.

Originality/value

– The study looks upon certain percentages of ownership structures, and how they affects audit fees, firms complexity and profitability.
The effect of employee’s political skill on organizational citizenship behavior
Authors: Li Xiangyu , Kong Ming
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to address following three research questions: Are employees with high political skill willing to do extra-role behavior? Can leader–member exchange (LMX) affect organizational citizenship behavior (OCB)? Can perception of organizational politics (POP) influence LMX?

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper is based on a survey of 227 questionnaires. Multiple linear regression analysis was used.

Findings

– Findings indicate that employees’ political skill not only are helpful for them in dealing with the relationship with their leaders, but also can stimulate their OCB. The paper also shows that the mediation effect of POP is not obvious when they handle LMX.

Originality/value

– This paper’s main contributions are as follows: When studying new generation employees, many managers find that their accumulated experience of management is ineffective in applying to this group of new generation employees. In Chinese culture, new organizational and new employee environment relationship can be regarded normal, positive and beneficial to the development of new generation employees. New generation employees use their own political skills to handle LMX; they are not well aware of POP.
What theories are needed for strategic management?
Authors: Bao Gongmin
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to address challenges in strategic management and tries to find ways to make a breakthrough. Strategic management theorists and practitioners need new scientific theories. In the modern turbulent environment, the extant strategic management research (SMR) and strategic management theories can neither satisfy the practical needs nor the theoretical developmental needs of strategic management.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper uses critique viewpoints that are unfolded according to the logic of how theories will satisfy the practical and theoretical needs. Physics and mathematics are regarded as the most beautiful and perfect scientific research fields, which help predict physical phenomena such as solar eclipse precisely. Therefore, the paper uses physics and mathematics as benchmarks to explore how SMR should make efforts to push the research further.

Findings

– The paper provides a different viewpoint that will help strategic theorists and practitioners investigate and understand strategic phenomena more holistically. SMR should contribute to strategic theoretical and practical progress and not just to the game of academic game play. For the goal, the paper summarizes and refines the definition of strategic management in an alternative but practical and innovative perspective, and then delineates the criteria for SMR topic choice; identifies the dilemmas and challenges the SMR faces; and points out the new approaches the strategic management researchers should explore.

Originality/value

– The paper challenges the mainstream of SMR by identifying the shortcomings, dilemmas, and challenges of the current SMR, and then highlights new ways to make breakthrough in SMR. The study will make strategic management scholars rethink their research and do meaningful research from the perspectives of theoretical contribution and practical guidance.
Best practices for finding hidden talent and empowering social mobility
Authors: Linley Alex
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– Early career recruiters are increasingly focused on finding hidden talent and empowering social mobility, while also managing the reality of large recruitment volumes. A new approach to early careers recruitment solved both of these conflicting challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using a combination of assessment insights, data analytics and strengths-based recruitment, the Nestlé early careers recruitment process was redesigned. Jobmi mindset assessments, the Capp Situational Strengths Test and the Capp Numerical Reasoning Test were used as online assessments, followed by a strengths-based video interview and strengths-based assessment centres.

Findings

– Nestlé identified and hired candidates of whom 21 per cent would not have met the previous screening criteria, demonstrating how the new recruitment approach found hidden talent.

Practical implications

– Making decisions from assessment insights and data analytics shows that it is possible for volume recruiters to manage, enhance and improve their recruitment processes without need for recourse to arbitrary screening criteria to manage volumes.

Social implications

– Finding hidden talent and empowering social mobility widen opportunity for all people, particularly those from diverse backgrounds. It allows the identification and recruitment of people who demonstrate grit, resolve and tenacity, who might otherwise have been excluded by arbitrary recruitment barriers.

Originality/value

– The article concludes with five best practice recommendations for finding hidden talent and promoting social mobility: do not use arbitrary screening criteria; make decisions from assessment insights and data analytics; guard against adverse impact; measure for future potential, not just past experience; and give candidates second chances by being part of a job-matching marketplace.
Strategic workforce planning – a vital business activity
Authors: Mayo Andrew
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to make the case for strategic workforce planning and to outline the key steps involved.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper begins with a discussion of the cost of redundancies to the economy and argues that much of this could have been reduced with better planning. It goes on to describe the key steps in workforce planning. It looks at practical ways to assess demand and replacement needs and utilise productivity ratios to convert delivery units into human resource requirements. It concludes with a discussion on the supply of resource and examples of actions that can be taken proactively to close foreseen gaps.

Originality/value

– This paper is based on methodologies developed by the author and applied in practice.
Competition and facilitation between Australian and Spanish legumes in seven Australian soils
Authors: Pérez‐Fernández María A. , Lamont Byron B.
Published: October 2015

This paper evaluates the relative performance and competitive ability of seven legumes from the Iberian Peninsula, Spain (one already invasive in Australia), grown singly or pairwise with seven legumes from south‐western Australia in their own soils. Indices of growth used were root, shoot and total mass and shoot dimensions. Water content, xylem water potential during drying and nodule production were also measured. The index of competition used was the intensity of competition coefficient (ICC), which is suitable for additive designs. The Australian species usually grew larger than the Spanish species, in their presence or absence, although the results were sensitive to the index of growth or resource capture used. The Australian legumes usually possessed greater total water content than the co‐occurring Spanish legumes. At least five Australian species were less reduced or not affected at all by inter‐regional competition compared with growth in isolation. Two Australian legumes performed relatively poorly in the presence of at least four Spanish legumes. The ICC identified many instances of growth promotion (facilitation) of the Australian species, which we attribute to extra nitrogen obtained through enhanced nodulation of both cohabiting species. Five of the seven Spanish species were outcompeted by the Australian species, whereas the growth of two was sometimes facilitated. Although the Spanish legumes had greater competitive ability in the more fertile Australian soils, they remained competitively inferior to the Australian legumes in their first season of growth and none is likely to displace the native legumes at this stage of growth. Longer‐term field studies are needed to fully evaluate the potential invasiveness of perennial legumes.
Patterns of democracy reconsidered: The ambiguous relationship between corporatism and consensualism
Authors: GIULIANI MARCO
Published: October 2015

Arend Lijphart's Patterns of Democracy, similar to most of his work, elicited fierce scientific debate. This article replicates some of the analyses proposed in its second edition (published in 2012) in the light of the critiques received by the first edition (published in 2009). It primarily examines the relationship between institutional setup and interest group representation, disentangling the effect of consensualism from that of corporatism on issues such as macroeconomic performance and governance capabilities. The article further deepens our understanding of the complex causal mechanisms connecting these variables, proposing a more sophisticated empirical investigation that emphasises selection effects and conjunctural causation.
The psychological roots of populist voting: Evidence from the United States, the Netherlands and Germany
Authors: BAKKER BERT N. , ROODUIJN MATTHIJS , SCHUMACHER GIJS
Published: October 2015

What are the psychological roots of support for populist parties or outfits such as the Tea Party, the Dutch Party for Freedom or Germany's Left Party? Populist parties have as a common denominator that they employ an anti‐establishment message, which they combine with some ‘host’ ideology. Building on the congruency model of political preference, it is to be expected that a voter's personality should match with the message and position of his or her party. This article theorises that a low score on the personality trait Agreeableness matches the anti‐establishment message and should predict voting for populist parties. Evidence is found for this hypothesis in the United States, the Netherlands and Germany. The relationship between low Agreeableness and voting for populist parties is robust, controlling for other personality traits, authoritarianism, sociodemographic characteristics and ideology. Thus, explanations of the success of populism should take personality traits into account.
Locard's Principle of Exchange, Dental Examination and Fragments of Skin
Authors: Byard Roger W. , James Helen , Berketa John , Heath Karen
Published: October 2015

The transfer of materials between victim and perpetrator was first reported by Locard in the nineteenth century. While in recent years DNA testing has been very successful in matching biological material from crime scenes to perpetrators, the following cases demonstrate that other more time‐honored methods remain useful. Two cases of lethal assault are reported where the victims had bitten their assailants resulting in fragments of the perpetrators’ skin being wedged between their teeth which were discovered during post mortem oral examinations. As the fragments were able to be matched to injuries in the perpetrators, identification was established prior to confirmatory DNA testing. In case 1 a criminal conviction for manslaughter resulted, and in case 2 the identity of the assailant was confirmed. Examination of a properly exposed and illuminated oral cavity may provide useful evidence in assault cases. These cases represent an unusual dental variant of Locard's principle.
Quantification of Osteon Morphology Using Geometric Histomorphometrics
Authors: Dillon Scott , Cunningham Craig , Felts Paul
Published: October 2015

Many histological methods in forensic anthropology utilize combinations of traditional histomorphometric parameters which may not accurately describe the morphology of microstructural features. Here, we report the novel application of a geometric morphometric method suitable when considering structures without anatomically homologous landmarks for the quantification of complete secondary osteon size and morphology. The method is tested for its suitability in the measurement of intact secondary osteons using osteons digitized from transverse femoral diaphyseal sections prepared from two human individuals. The results of methodological testing demonstrate the efficacy of the technique when applied to intact secondary osteons. In providing accurate characterization of micromorphology within the robust mathematical framework of geometric morphometrics, this method may surpass traditional histomorphometric variables currently employed in forensic research and practice. A preliminary study of the intersectional histomorphometric variation within the femoral diaphysis is made using this geometric histomorphometric method to demonstrate its potential.
Pathogen–nematode interaction: Nitrogen supply ofListeria monocytogenesduring growth inCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Kern Tanja , Kutzner Erika , Eisenreich Wolfgang , Fuchs Thilo M.
Published: October 2015

Listeria monocytogenesis aGram‐positive facultatively intracellular human pathogen. Due to its saprophytic lifestyle,L. monocytogenesis assumed to infect and proliferate within soil organisms such asCaenorhabditis elegans. However, little is known about the nutrient usages and metabolite fluxes in this bacterium–nematode interaction. Here, we established a nematode colonization model forL. monocytogenesand a method for the efficient separation of the pathogen from the nematodal gut. Following15Nlabelling ofC. elegansand gas chromatography–mass spectrometry‐based15Nisotopologue analysis, we detected a high basal metabolic rate of the nematode, and observed a significant metabolic flux from nitrogenous compounds of the nematode to listerial proteins during proliferation of the pathogen in the worm's intestine. For comparison, we also measured theNfluxes from the gut content into listerial proteins using completely15N‐labelledEscherichia coliOP50 as food forC. elegans. In both settings,L. monocytogenesprefers the direct incorporation of histidine, arginine and lysine over theirde novobiosynthesis. Our data suggest that colonization of nematodes is a strategy ofL. monocytogenesto increase its access toN‐rich nutrients.
Proximity to wind‐power plants reduces the breeding success of the white‐tailed eagle
Authors: Balotari‐Chiebao F. , Brommer J. E. , Niinimäki T. , Laaksonen T.
Published: October 2015

As a clean and renewable energy source, wind power is expected to play a major role in climate change mitigation. Despite its benefits, the construction of large‐scale wind farms in many parts of the world is a cause of concern for wildlife, including the often vulnerable raptor populations. Here, we examined the influence of distance to wind‐power plants on the white‐tailed eagle Haliaeetus albicilla in terms of (1) breeding success; (2) post‐fledging survival; and (3) territory occupancy and turbine avoidance (via nest site changes). Our results show that the probability of a pair breeding successfully is lower when the territory is located closer to turbines, potentially because of collision mortality (to which adults are particularly vulnerable). A capture‐mark‐recapture analysis showed no evidence for the effect of distance on post‐fledging survival, suggesting that collision risk may not have been greater for juveniles that fledged closer to a power plant. The levels of disturbance experienced by birds in the study areas were not great enough to prevent breeding at closer distances to the turbines. Our findings on breeding success underline the importance of building appropriately sited wind farms as a way to reduce or avoid undesirable effects on avian populations.
A microsimulation cost–utility analysis of alcohol screening and brief intervention to reduce heavy alcohol consumption in Canada
Authors: Zur Richard M. , Zaric Gregory S.
Published: October 2015

Background and Aims

Screening and brief intervention (SBI) is a public health intervention that has been shown to be effective in reducing heavy alcohol consumption. The aim of this study is to estimate the cost‐effectiveness of implementing universal alcohol SBI in primary care in Canada.

Design

We developed a microsimulation model of alcohol consumption and its effects on 18 alcohol‐related causes of death.

Setting

The model simulates a Canadian population.

Participants

The model simulates individuals and their alcohol consumption on a continuous scale starting from age 17 years to death.

Interventions

The reference case assumes no SBI in Canada. The base case assumes screening was conducted using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) at a threshold score of 8. Additional analyses included evaluating SBI using the AUDIT at threshold scores between 4 and 8 or the Derived Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT‐C) at threshold scores between 3 and 7.

Measurements

The model estimates the direct health‐care costs, life years gained and quality‐adjusted life years (QALY) gained, which are then used to estimate the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) of SBI versus no SBI.

Findings

SBI with AUDIT (at a threshold score of 8) had an ICER of $8729/QALY. Our results suggest that using AUDIT thresholds between 8 and 4, inclusive, would be cost‐effective for the whole population, as well as for men and women individually. Our results suggest that the AUDIT‐C would be cost‐effective at thresholds of 7 to 3, inclusive, for men, women and the whole population.

Conclusions

In Canada, screening and brief intervention via Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and Derived Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT‐C) to reduce heavy alcohol consumption appears to be cost‐effective for men and women at Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) thresholds of 8 and lower and at Derived Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT‐C) thresholds of 7 and lower.
Functional and association studies of the cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) gene in a Wannan Black pig model
Authors: Ding Y. Y. , Zhang W. , Zhang M. Q. , Fu K. , Chen W. P. , Ding C. , He X. L. , Zhang X. D. , Huang L. , Yin Z. J.
Published: October 2015

Some polymorphisms of the human CETP gene are causally and significantly associated with serum lipids levels; however, the information regarding this gene in pigs is sparse. To evaluate the effects of CETP on blood lipid traits and fat deposition in pig, porcine CETP tissue expression patterns were observed by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) first. High expression was detected in liver, spleen, gluteus medius (GM) muscle and backfat. A de novo polymorphism (AF333037:g.795C>T) in the intron 1 region of porcine CETP was identified. This polymorphism was further genotyped by direct sequencing of the PCR products of 390 Wannan Black pigs, a Chinese native breed population. Association analyses at 45 and 300 days of age revealed highly significant associations between CETP genotypes and serum lipid traits. Furthermore, this polymorphism was proved to be associated with differences in liver CETP mRNA levels: pigs at 300 days of age with the TT genotype had higher levels than did those with other genotypes (P = 0.021). Additionally, analysis at 300 days of age showed that GM CETP mRNA expression correlated positively with serum lipids levels as well as with carcass backfat thickness and intramuscular fat content in GM. These results indicate that CETP is involved in serum, adipose and muscle lipid metabolism in pigs. The mechanisms underlying such relationships and their functional implications are worthy of further research.
Chronic Endometritis: Potential Cause of Infertility and Obstetric and Neonatal Complications
Authors: Kitaya Kotaro , Matsubayashi Hidehiko , Yamaguchi Kohei , Nishiyama Rie , Takaya Yukiko , Ishikawa Tomomoto , Yasuo Tadahiro , Yamada Hisao
Published: October 2015

Chronic endometritis (CE) is a local inflammatory disease characterized by unusual plasmacyte infiltration in the endometrial stromal areas. CE has been neglected in gynecologic practice, as it is a less symptomatic benign disease that requires demanding and time‐consuming histopathologic examinations for the definite diagnosis. Recent studies, however, suggest the association of CE with infertility and obstetric and neonatal complications. In this review article, we aimed to update the knowledge on epidemiology, etiology, and pathogenesis of CE as well as discuss its clinical management from diagnosis to treatment.
Molecular insight into the viral biology and clinical features of trichodysplasia spinulosa
Authors: Wu J.H. , Nguyen H.P. , Rady P.L. , Tyring S.K.
Published: October 2015

Trichodysplasia spinulosa (TS) is a disfiguring skin disease that occurs most frequently in patients receiving immunosuppressive therapies, and is thus frequently associated with organ transplantation. TS is characterized clinically by folliculocentric papular eruption, keratin spine formation and development of leonine face; and histologically by expansion of the inner root sheath epithelium and high expression of the proliferative marker Ki-67. Recent discovery of the TS-associated polyomavirus (TSPyV) and emerging studies demonstrating the role of TSPyV tumour antigens in cell proliferation pathways have opened a new corridor for research on TS. In this brief review, we summarize the clinical and histological features of TS and evaluate the current options for therapy. Furthermore, we address the viral aetiology of the disease and explore the mechanisms by which TSPyV may influence TS development and progression. As reports of TS continue to rise, clinician recognition of TS, as well as accompanying research on its underlying pathogenesis and therapeutic options, is becoming increasingly important. It is our hope that heightened clinical suspicion for TS will increase rates of diagnosis and will galvanize both molecular and clinical interest in this disease.
Aquablation – image‐guided robot‐assisted waterjet ablation of the prostate: initial clinical experience
Authors: Gilling Peter , Reuther Rana , Kahokehr Arman , Fraundorfer Mark
Published: October 2015

Objective

To assess the safety and feasibility of aquablation in a first‐in‐man study. Aquablation is a novel minimally invasive water ablation therapy combining image guidance and robotics (AquaBeam®) for the targeted and heat‐free removal of prostatic tissue in men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Patients and Methods

A prospective, non‐randomised, single‐centre trial in men aged 50–80 years with moderate‐to‐severe LUTS was conducted. Under real‐time image‐based ultrasonic guidance, AquaBeam technology enables surgical planning and mapping, and leads to a controlled heat‐free resection of the prostate using a high‐velocity saline stream. Patients were evaluated at 1, 3, and 6 months after aquablation.

Results

In all, 15 patients were treated with aquablation under general anaesthesia. The mean (range) age was 73 (59–86) years and prostate size was 54 (27–85) mL. A substantial median lobe was present in six of the 15 patients. The mean International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) was 23 and the maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax) was 8.4 mL/s at baseline. The mean procedural time was 48 min with a mean aquablation treatment time of 8 min. All procedures were technically successful with no serious or unexpected adverse events (AEs). All but one patient had removal of catheter on day 1, and most of the patients were discharged on the first postoperative day. No patient required a blood transfusion, and postoperative sodium changes were negligible. There were no serious 30‐day AEs. One patient underwent a second aquablation treatment within 90 days of the first procedure. The mean IPSS score statistically improved from 23.1 at baseline to 8.6 at 6 months (P < 0.001) and the Qmax increased from 8.6 mL/s at baseline to 18.6 mL/s at the 6‐month follow‐up (P < 0.001). At 6 months, the mean detrusor pressure at Qmax decreased to 45 cmH20 from 66 cmH20 at baseline (P < 0.05), and the mean prostate size was reduced to 36 mL, a 31% reduction in size vs baseline (P < 0.001). No cases of urinary incontinence or erectile dysfunction were reported.

Conclusions

These preliminary results from this initial study show aquablation of the prostate is technically feasible with a safety profile comparable to other BPH technologies. The combination of surgical mapping by the operating surgeon and the high‐velocity saline provides a promising technique delivering a conformal, quantifiable, and standardised heat‐free ablation of the prostate. Advantages of this technique include reduction in resection time compared with other endoscopic methods, as well as the potential to preserve sexual function.