bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of price‐based demand response on market clearing and locational marginal prices
Authors: Wu Lei
Published: August 2013

This study quantitatively analyses the impact of price‐based demand response (DR) on market clearing and locational marginal prices (LMPs) of power systems using the network‐constrained unit commitment (NCUC) model. The price‐based DR is formulated via linear price‐sensitive demand bidding curves, while considering DR participation levels and energy payback rates. DR is formulated as load shifting as well as load curtailment by adopting different energy payback rates to represent the amount of energy shifted among different hours. The objective is to maximise the system social welfare, which includes the revenue from price‐sensitive DR loads minus the energy production costs from generating units. The NCUC problem is formulated as a mixed‐integer linear programming (MILP) problem and solved by the commercial MILP solver. Numerical case studies are performed to analyse the impacts of DR on unit commitment, LMPs, energy production costs and DR load payments. Results indicate that with the current market clearing mechanism which maximises the system social welfare, DR dispatch may augment LMPs by displacing less flexible generating units and/or triggering additional transmission congestions and, in turn, increase DR loads’ payments, which will ultimately influence the financial stability of DR providers and the sustainable deployment of DR programs.
Determination of the optimum routine and self‐checking test time intervals for power system protection considering remote back‐up protection system failure
Authors: Damchi Yaser , Sadeh Javad
Published: August 2013

In this study, routine and self‐checking tests are performed as one of the methods to maximise the availability and adequate operation of power system protection. However, optimum routine test time intervals (ORTTI) and optimum self‐checking test time intervals (OSTTI) should be determined exactly to anticipate maintenance cost of power system protection precisely. Back‐up protection system failure has a vital role in determining precise ORTTI and OSTTI, whereas most of the previous studies have assumed that back‐up protection system is perfectly reliable. Therefore in this study, an extended Markov model is proposed to determine the ORTTI and OSTTI by considering remote back‐up protection system failure probability. It is worth noting that both self‐checking and monitoring facilities that improve reliability of the protection system are considered in the proposed Markov model. Simulation results demonstrate that variations in reliability indices, ORTTI and OSTTI for power system protection are significant when remote back‐up protection system is not fully reliable.
Support vector clustering‐based direct coherency identification of generators in a multi‐machine power system
Authors: Agrawal Rimjhim , Thukaram Dhadbanjan
Published: August 2013

This study investigates the application of support vector clustering (SVC) for the direct identification of coherent synchronous generators in large interconnected multi‐machine power systems. The clustering is based on coherency measure, which indicates the degree of coherency between any pair of generators. The proposed SVC algorithm processes the coherency measure matrix that is formulated using the generator rotor measurements to cluster the coherent generators. The proposed approach is demonstrated on IEEE 10 generator 39‐bus system and an equivalent 35 generators, 246‐bus system of practical Indian southern grid. The effect of number of data samples and fault locations are also examined for determining the accuracy of the proposed approach. An extended comparison with other clustering techniques is also included, to show the effectiveness of the proposed approach in grouping the data into coherent groups of generators. This effectiveness of the coherent clusters obtained with the proposed approach is compared in terms of a set of clustering validity indicators and in terms of statistical assessment that is based on the coherency degree of a generator pair.
Hybrid algorithm for dynamic economic dispatch with valve‐point effects
Authors: Chen Yan , Wen Jinyu , Jiang Lin , Cheng Shijie
Published: August 2013

Dynamic economic dispatch problem in power system considering valve‐point effects of generators is a non‐smooth, non‐convex and multi‐dimensional constrained optimisation problem. In allusion to those characteristics, this study proposes a hybrid algorithm which integrates low‐discrepancy sequences, improved shuffled frog leaping algorithm and sequential quadratic programming. The effectiveness of the proposed method has been verified by using case studies based on 5‐unit, 10‐unit and 30‐unit test systems over a period of 24 h. The results show that the proposed method has improved solution quality and computation efficiency, compared with most current approaches.
Colonisation of the Pacific by Bembidion beetles (Coleoptera : Carabidae), with description of Bembidion tahitiense, sp. nov. from Tahiti, French Polynesia
Authors: Liebherr James K. , Maddison David R.
Published: August 2013

Bembidion (Sloanephila) tahitiense, sp. nov. is described from Mont Mauru, an isolated massif of Tahiti Nui volcano. Based on evidence from seven genes (four nuclear protein-coding, one mitochondrial protein-coding, two nuclear ribosomal), its sister group is the Australian B. jacksoniense Guérin-Méneville, with which it shares a synapomorphic spur on the ostium of the male genitalia. In contrast to B. jacksoniense, B. tahitiense is brachypterous, with rounded humeri, constricted posterior pronotal margins and convex body form. Examination of the seven genes in two species of the Hawaiian subgenus Nesocidium Sharp reveals that the sister group of Nesocidium is subgenus Zecillenus Lindroth from New Zealand. These two subgenera belong to the Ananotaphus complex, a clade inhabiting Australia, New Zealand and Hawaii. The relationships of the second Hawaiian subgenus, Gnatholymnaeum Sharp, are less clear, although Gnatholymnaeum belongs to the Bembidion series (along with Sloanephila and the Ananotaphus complex). Bembidion beetles colonised the Society and Hawaiian islands independently from source areas in the south-west Pacific. Based on parsimonious reconstructions of flight-wing configuration, the Tahitian and Hawaiian colonisations involved winged individuals. Colonisation of the Society and Hawaiian islands by carabid beetles of two other tribes – Platynini and Moriomorphini – follow the dispersal patterns hypothesised for Bembidion.
Streptomyces abietis sp. nov., a cellulolytic bacterium isolated from soil of a pine forest
Authors: Fujii Katsuhiko , Satomi Masataka , Fukui Youhei , Matsunobu Shun , Morifuku Youji , Enokida Yuya
Published: August 2013

Cellulolytic bacteria A191T, A192 and A193 isolated from the soil of Sakhalin fir forest in Hokkaido, Japan were studied phenotypically, genotypically and phylogenetically. Analysis of their 16S rRNA gene and gyrB sequences and DNA base composition suggested that these isolates were conspecific and members of the genus

Streptomyces

. However, levels of 16S rRNA gene and gyrB sequence similarity between the isolates and the type strains of their closest relatives in the genus

Streptomyces

were no higher than 97.9 and 95.0 %, respectively, implying that these isolates were distinctive. Moreover, the results of DNA−DNA hybridization experiments and physiological characterization clearly differentiated these isolates from their closest neighbours. It is therefore concluded that these isolates represent a novel species of the genus

Streptomyces

, for which the name Streptomyces abietis is proposed. The type strain is A191T ( = NBRC 109094T = DSM 42080T).
Absence of high molecular weight proteins 1 and/or 2 is associated with decreased adherence among non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae clinical isolates
Authors: Vuong Jeni , Wang Xin , Theodore Jordan M. , Whitmon Jennifer , Gomez de Leon Patricia , Mayer Leonard W. , Carlone George M. , Romero-Steiner Sandra
Published: August 2013

High molecular weight (Hmw) proteins 1 and 2, type IV pilin protein (PilA), outer-membrane protein P5 (OmpP5), Haemophilus protein D (Hpd) and Haemophilus adhesive protein (Hap) are surface proteins involved in the adherence of non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae. One hundred clinical isolates were evaluated for the presence of the genes encoding these proteins by PCR and for their adherence capacity (AC) to Detroit 562 nasopharyngeal cells (D562). The majority of isolates were from blood (77/100); other sites were also represented. Confluent D562 monolayers (1.2×105 cells per well) were inoculated with standardized minimal infective doses (m.o.i.) of 102, 103 or 104 c.f.u. per well. The AC was categorized as low (<10 %) or high (≥10 %) depending on the percentage of c.f.u. adhering per well. All the isolates evaluated showed adherence: 69/100 (69 %) demonstrated high adherence, while 31/100 (31 %) showed low adherence. Of all the genes evaluated, hmw1A and/or hmw2A were detected in 69/100 (69 %) of isolates. The presence of hmw1A and/or hmw2A was associated with increased adherence to D562 cells (P≤0.001). Dot immunoblots were performed to detect protein expression using mAbs 3D6, AD6 and 10C5. Among the high-adherence isolates (n = 69), 72 % reacted with 3D6 and 21 % with 10C5. Our data indicate that the absence of Hmw1 and/or Hmw2 was associated with decreased adherence to D562 cells.
Predicting Bangladeshi financial salespeople ' s ethical intentions and behaviour using the theory of planned behaviour
Authors: Shahriar Ferdous Ahmed , Jay Polonsky Michael
Published: August 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine whether the theory of planned behavior (TPB) can be used to explain financial salespeople ' s ethical selling intentions and behaviour in developing countries. Understanding salespeople ' s ethical intentions and behaviour is important as consumers in developing countries are more at risk of ethical abuse arising from higher information asymmetry, their lower levels of financial literacy and less effective services regulation relating to ethical sales practices. Developing countries also have fewer governmental social support mechanisms, making the purchase of insurance more important for protecting consumers ' financial well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper examines 205 Bangladeshi financial salespeople ' s ethical selling intentions and behaviour using the TPB. Structural equation modeling is used to analyze the constructs and overall model.

Findings

– The findings identify that attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behaviour control (PBC) affect ethical selling intentions which, in turn, predict salespeople ' s ethical sales behaviour. However, PBC does not directly relate to ethical sales behaviour.

Research limitations/implications

– Understanding of the determinants of financial salespeople ' s ethical selling intentions and behaviour is important for firms in developing countries and identifies that they need to develop effective management systems and foster organisational cultures that engender ethical behaviour. This is important in developing countries where ethical abuses and lapses will result in harm to consumers who have limited financial resources.

Originality/value

– The results identify that the TPB applies to the selling of financial services in developing countries and, thus, broadens the applications and contexts of the TPB model. It also provides some managerial guidance as to how potential ethical breaches might be limited.
Consideration set size, variety seeking and the satisfaction-repurchase loyalty relationship at a product category level
Authors: Huy Tuu Ho , Ottar Olsen Svein
Published: August 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the combined moderator role of consideration set size (CSS) and variety seeking (VS) on the satisfaction-loyalty relationship, and uses theories and findings mostly from the brand literature to test some hypotheses at a product category level.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors use survey data of 487 Vietnamese consumers in a food context. A structural equation modelling (SEM) approach for moderator analysis with latent constructs is used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

– CSS has a positive effect on CRL, while VS has a negative effect on CRL. CSS is found to have a positive moderator effect on the category satisfaction-category repurchase loyalty relationship. More interestingly, CSS still interacts with VS to positively influence this relationship.

Research limitations/implications

– The object and setting of this study is limited to one product category in one market. The nature of causality is problematic due to the use of survey design.

Practical implications

– Those findings imply that a product category extension with alternatives providing complementary benefits will have a higher chance of success with satisfied consumers, especially those with high VS, than with less satisfied consumers.

Social implications

– The study recommends that people should vary their diet to achieve different kinds of vitamins, minerals and tastes for their health. Similarly, the tourism industry should satisfy tourists
'
variety-seeking needs by exploring new categories.

Originality/value

– This study contributes to the literature by discussing and highlighting positive moderator effects of CSS and VS on the satisfaction-loyalty relationship at a product category level. The findings are contrast with brand literature which confirms negative moderator effects of CSS and VS on this relationship.
Accounting for workplace flexibility
Authors: Murthy Vijaya , Guthrie James
Published: August 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to consider the impact of social accounting at the micro level and examines the use of social reporting for constructive purposes through internal communication devices. It explores the discourse adopted by a large organisation in social accounting and reporting (workplace flexibility) through employee newsletters. In doing so the paper seeks to answer two research questions. First, what workplace flexibility practices are evident in the employee newsletters? Second, do management use discourse (including self-accounts) in newsletters for self-serving management control purposes or for the emancipatory purposes of benefiting employees?

Design/methodology/approach

– Content and discourse analysis are used to examine “workplace flexibility” practices portrayed within the newsletters. This study explores the discourse adopted by a large Australian financial institution, in its social accounting disclosure in employee newsletters. It does so by examining the discourse adopted by the organisation in relation to one aspect of social accounting, that is, “workplace flexibility” in the employee newsletters over the period 2003-2007.

Findings

– The paper finds the financial institution used its internal newsletters to influence employee attitude and behaviour, not as claimed for social “betterment” – justice, welfare, emancipation. The possibility of social accounting's emancipatory potential was suppressed by those responsible for providing the accounts. The paper found that management used discourse (including self-accounts) in the newsletters for self-serving management control purposes and not as claimed for benefiting employees.

Originality/value

– The idea that the organisation provides workplace flexibility for the sake of benefitting employees is questionable. The discourse found in the newsletters suggests that flexible work options instead appear to be aimed at garnering employee loyalty, with subsequent employer benefits of improved organisational performance. The organisation used the discourse on workplace flexibility to blur the boundaries of work and life and persuade the employees to work harder and longer, to continuously increase productivity. In doing so, the organisation camouflaged its own economic sustainability and profitability as workplace flexibility.
Environmental protection impossibilities
Authors: Kaskarelis Ioannis A.
Published: August 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the mentality of humanity in present times, the structure of human life nowadays and tries to prove that under these it is impossible to solve the problem of getting humankind out of an environmental crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper investigates the ingredients of human life today, i.e. social political and economic aspects, combined all together.

Findings

Our civilization leads deterministically to an environmental deadlock. It follows that one needs to clearly understand that preventing the environmental catastrophe of humankind is impossible. The task of saving humankind altogether is unrealistic.

Originality/value

The only reversal to the present situation is social cohesion, which however is incompatible with the mentality of our civilization. Culture, depended upon the cohesion of the society (community or state), is a outdoing and not a mean average.
Theory appraisal in Islamic economic methodology: purposes and criteria
Authors: Furqani Hafas , Aslam Haneef Mohamed
Published: August 2013

Purpose

This paper attempts to investigate the conceptual foundations of methodological inquiry in Islamic economics. The paper aims to develop criteria of acceptance and rejection of a theory and providing rationalizations and guidelines in the process of theory appraisal and evaluation.

Design/methodology/approach

The literature on Islamic economics especially in the area of methodology of Islamic economics, both in English and Arabic, is reviewed critically and used in the attempt of constructing the criteria of theory appraisal in Islamic economics.

Findings

The paper explicates two criteria of theory appraisal in Islamic economics, namely the internal‐integrity (doctrinal integrity, logical integrity and factual integrity) and relational‐unity (of doctrine and practical realities, ideals/goals and factual experiences, values and facts, normative and positive dimensions, a priori and a posteriori).

Research limitations/implications

The paper is based on conceptual explorations of literature in the area of methodology of Islamic economics. This is a conceptual paper, so it did not employ any empirical analysis.

Practical implications

The findings of this paper will give insights of the criteria to distinguish truth over false notions in theories, between valid theories and invalid ones as well as the acceptance or rejection of theory in Islamic economics theory appraisal. With those criteria of theory, a unified discipline of Islamic economics, which is based on doctrinal, logical on testable foundations in a real typical Muslim society can be produced.

Originality/value

The paper proposes criteria and purpose of theory appraisal in Islamic economics which is lacking in the discussion of methodology of Islamic economics literature. Those criteria and purpose in theory appraisal and evaluation in a methodological unity of Islamic economics suggest a new approach in dealing with revelation, intellectual reasoning and facts observation in order to produce a coherent Islamic economic theory.
The return on school leadership preparation and development programmes
Authors: Eacott Scott
Published: August 2013

Purpose

This paper highlights the potential value of “return on investment” analysis for leadership development investment methods to better providing research informed decision regarding improving organisational outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

Working with published research on leadership dimensions with greatest impact on student outcomes, return on leadership development formula, and empirical research on Australian university‐based educational leadership programmes, this paper demonstrates an illustrative example of estimating the return on leadership investment.

Findings

Using an illustrative example of Australian university‐based educational leadership programmes, this paper argues that methodologies for estimating the return on leadership development offers a powerful tool for making research informed decisions at the individual, organisational and systemic levels.

Research limitations/implications

This paper provides the basis for substantial further work on the measures of impact of leadership preparation and development such as matters of duration of effect, instrumentations of quality, costing and causal models of effect.

Practical implications

The methodology demonstrated in this paper provides a basis for individuals, organisations and school systems to make decisions regarding the resourcing, or not, of school leadership preparation and development.

Social implications

The methodology demonstrated in this paper provides a basis for individuals, organisations and school systems to make decisions regarding the resourcing, or not, of school leadership preparation and development.

Originality/value

The application of return on investment analysis has been rare in educational leadership preparation and development programmes and its value opens up information for rigorous debate on the resourcing, or not, of programmes by systems, government and individuals.
Neither here nor there? Place and placemaking in the lives of separated children
Authors: Denov Myriam , Akesson Bree
Published: August 2013

Purpose

Of the approximate 18 million refugees worldwide, between 2 and 5 percent are estimated to be separated children, a figure which represents between 360,000 and 900,000 children. Place and placemaking represent vital components and realities during flight. The concept of place addresses the physical and social environments within which separated children move through and live in. Place and placemaking both include elements of physical setting, activity, and meaning, with placemaking specifically constituting the act of transforming the places one finds oneself into the places in which one lives.

Originality/value

Uncertainty continues to surround the concept and meaning of place and placemaking in large part due to their contextual and subjective nature. Furthermore, the notion of place is often under‐explored and under‐theorized when considering separated children's experiences and realities.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing upon in‐depth interviews and a focus group with 17 youth respondents living in Canada, this paper explores the realities of place and placemaking in the lives of separated children.

Findings

The paper highlights the meaning and significance of place during flight. It examines the ways in which respondents “made place” in contexts of violence and insecurity through social networks, through reliance on language and cultural traditions, and through place attachment and identity.

Practical implications

The paper concludes with a discussion of the implications of place and placemaking for policy and practice with separated children.
A system for visualizing sound source using augmented reality
Authors: Shen Ruiwei , Terada Tsutomu , Tsukamoto Masahiko
Published: August 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to design and propose a new interface for hearing‐impaired for the users who can hardly realize the environmental sound.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors propose the use of an augmented reality (AR) system with sound source recognition to augment human vision. In this system, sound source and position is detected by using acoustic processing.

Findings

The authors confirmed that the source and direction of sound could be effectively recognized, and that AR was implemented, and thus that the user could use this system to recognize and visualize environmental sounds. When there was only a single sound source in the surrounding environment such as at home or when doing some simple work, and especially when a source was near a user, this system provided information on the sound source and visualized the sound source to satisfy the user's need.

Originality/value

The system can recognize the environmental sound in realtime and inform the user of the type of sound by showing a virtual object in the user's sight. Furthermore, the user can find the direction of the sound source by using a microphone array and locate the sound source through the AR marker attached to the object.
Customer‐service firm attachment: what it is and what causes it?
Authors: Moussa Salim , Touzani Mourad
Published: August 2013

Purpose

This article aims to: conceptualize customer‐service firm attachment; as well as to propose a theoretical framework that provides insights into the formation and development of affectionate ties in customer‐service firm relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

Toward these two goals, the authors integrate conclusions from a multidisciplinary literature that covers attachment theory, brand attachment, and place attachment.

Findings

The authors formally define customer‐service firm attachment as the emotional bond connecting a customer with a service firm. They offer a conceptual framework that assumes that customer satisfaction, service quality, customer trust towards the service firm and its personnel, customer‐firm image congruence, and positive emotions felt during the service experience are the main drivers of customer‐service firm attachment.

Research limitations/implications

Notwithstanding the fact that this article remains conceptual in spirit, it provides several theoretical and managerial implications.

Originality/value

This article reviews and merges the latest insights from diverse attachment theories and concepts in diverse disciplines (i.e. social psychology, environmental psychology, leisure science, consumer behavior, and marketing). It also presents attachment styles as a new consumer segmenting criteria.
ICT-enabled energy efficiency – a lens onto practices of other sectors
Authors: Fouchal Farid , Ellis Keith , Hassan Tarek , Firth Steven
Published: August 2013

Purpose

– The potential and opportunity offered by Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) to enable Energy Efficient (EE) viable operations has been thoroughly laboured with respect to sustainability goals. Often the issue is not a lack of technological options, but rather an issue in understanding what choices will lead to the greatest impact. This paper summarises the outcome of a research work undertaken within Roadmap Enabling Vision and Strategy for ICT-enabled EE (REViSITE), an EU-funded project tasked with investigating migration pathways from current state of the art to a common vision for ICT-enabled EE with respect to four energy intensive sectors (energy grids, built environment, manufacturing and lighting). In this paper the focus is particularly on the built environment and how it might benefit from other sectors.

Design/methodology/approach

– The REViSITE methodology/framework combined Life Cycle thinking, an adapted capability Maturity Framework and the REViSITE-developed SMARTT taxonomy for the development of a multi-disciplinary Strategic Research Agenda (SRA) which suggests research trajectories based on Research and Technology Development (RTD) topics. These priorities or pathways are presented in terms of short, medium and long-term delivery.

Findings

– Development of a multi-disciplinary SRA and the corresponding Implementation Action Plan (IAP) offering specific recommendations for research development in the area of ICT-enabled EE among other recommended actions, which are reported in other publications.

Originality/value

– At a basic level the value of the research is that it offers the potential to augment existing domain knowledge by offering a lens onto the ICT4EE practices of other sectors.
Removing environmental sources of variation to gain insight on symbionts vs. transient microbes in high and low microbial abundance sponges
Authors: Blanquer Andrea , Uriz Maria J. , Galand Pierre E.
Published: August 2013

In this study, we pursue unravelling the bacterial communities of 26 sponges, belonging to several taxonomical orders, and comprising low microbial abundance (LMA) and high microbial abundance (HMA) representatives. Particularly, we searched for species‐specific bacteria, which could be considered as symbionts. To reduce temporal and spatial environmentally caused differences between host species, we sampled all the sponge species present in an isolated small rocky area in a single dive. The bacterial communities identified by pyrosequencing the 16S rRNA gene showed that all HMA species clustered separated from LMA sponges and seawater. HMA sponges often had highest diversity, but some LMA sponges had also very diverse bacterial communities. Network analyses indicated that no core bacterial community seemed to exist for the studied sponges, not even for such a space and time‐restricted sampling. Most sequences, particularly the most abundant ones in each species, were species‐specific for both HMA and LMA sponges. The bacterial sequences retrieved from LMA sponges, despite being phylogenetically more similar to seawater, did not represent transient seawater bacteria. We conclude that sponge bacterial communities depend more on the host affiliation to the HMA or LMA groups than on host phylogeny.
The Role of Home Equity Lending in the Recent Mortgage Crisis
Authors: LaCour‐Little Michael , Yu Wei , Sun Libo
Published: August 2013

Home equity lending grew rapidly from 2000 to 2008 with balances more than tripling. In this article, we examine the role this phenomenon may have played in increasing aggregate default risk during the mortgage crisis. We also document a relationship between growth in home equity lending and high house price depreciation and first mortgage default during the downturn of 2006–2009. Line of credit growth is shown to be associated with large increases in nonowner‐occupied property purchases, suggesting that home equity lines of credit were tapped to fund such investments, exacerbating default rates during the market downturn.
The history of mast cell and basophil research – some lessons learnt from the last century
Authors: Blank U. , Falcone F. H. , Nilsson G.
Published: August 2013

This year (2013) marks the 50th anniversary of death of Otto Carl Willy Prausnitz (1876–1963) and Heinz Küstner (1897–1963). The two physicians, when working at the Hygiene Institute at the University of Breslau, Germany (Prausnitz was the Head of the Institute), described in 1921 what is still called today the Prausnitz–Küstner or PK reaction showing that allergy could be transferred from the allergic person by transferring serum to a healthy person. Their discovery ended the belief that an anaphylactic/allergic reaction was caused by poisons, but to the contrary showed that the presence of the hypersensitivity factor could be transferred to other people. We know now that this factor is immunoglobulin E (IgE), sensitizing mast cells and basophils to respond to an allergic stimulus. We take this occasion to retrace some of the important discoveries and lessons learnt from the last century relating to the function of these two cell types as effectors of the IgE system and the mediators they produce.
An educational game for learning human immunology: What do students learn and how do they perceive?
Authors: Cheng Meng‐Tzu , Su TzuFen , Huang Wei‐Yu , Chen Jhih‐Hao
Published: August 2013

The scientific concepts of human immunology are inherently complicated and extremely difficult to understand. Hence, this study reports on the development of an educational game entitled Humunology and examines the impact of using Humunology for learning how the body's defense system works. A total of 132 middle school students participated in this study and a quasi‐experimental approach with a two‐group pretest/posttest research design was used. A knowledge assessment including 19 items was developed, and a questionnaire instrument with seven dimensions, which focuses mainly on perceptions toward the use of Humunology, and the help‐seeking behaviors of the students, was employed. The results show that students who learned by playing Humunology significantly outperformed those who learned by using web‐based content on items that examined their understanding of procedural knowledge and higher level of cognitive process. Students in the experimental group also had a significantly higher level of satisfaction than their counterparts. In terms of predicting a student's learning achievement on the posttest, the three positive variables were the results of the pretest, perceived ease of use, peer learning and help‐seeking behaviors. The only negative one was perceived playfulness. The implications and suggestions for further research derived from these findings are discussed.
Targeting hexokinase II to mitochondria to modulate energy metabolism and reduce ischaemia‐reperfusion injury in heart
Authors: Nederlof Rianne , Eerbeek Otto , Hollmann Markus W , Southworth Richard , Zuurbier Coert J
Published: August 2013

Mitochondrially bound hexokinase II (mtHKII) has long been known to confer cancer cells with their resilience against cell death. More recently, mtHKII has emerged as a powerful protector against cardiac cell death. mtHKII protects against ischaemia‐reperfusion (IR) injury in skeletal muscle and heart, attenuates cardiac hypertrophy and remodelling, and is one of the major end‐effectors through which ischaemic preconditioning protects against myocardial IR injury. Mechanisms of mtHKII cardioprotection against reperfusion injury entail the maintenance of regulated outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM) permeability during ischaemia and reperfusion resulting in stabilization of mitochondrial membrane potential, the prevention of OMM breakage and cytochrome C release, and reduced reactive oxygen species production. Increasing mtHK may also have important metabolic consequences, such as improvement of glucose‐induced insulin release, prevention of acidosis through enhanced coupling of glycolysis and glucose oxidation, and inhibition of fatty acid oxidation. Deficiencies in expression and distorted cellular signalling of HKII may contribute to the altered sensitivity of diabetes to cardiac ischaemic diseases. The interaction of HKII with the mitochondrion constitutes a powerful endogenous molecular mechanism to protect against cell death in almost all cell types examined (neurons, tumours, kidney, lung, skeletal muscle, heart). The challenge now is to harness mtHKII in the treatment of infarction, stroke, elective surgery and transplantation. Remote ischaemic preconditioning, metformin administration and miR‐155/miR‐144 manipulations are potential means of doing just that.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed issue on Mitochondrial Pharmacology: Energy, Injury & Beyond. To view the other articles in this issue visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2014.171.issue‐8
RET fusion gene: Translation to personalized lung cancer therapy
Authors: Kohno Takashi , Tsuta Koji , Tsuchihara Katsuya , Nakaoku Takashi , Yoh Kiyotaka , Goto Koichi
Published: August 2013

Development of lung adenocarcinoma (LADC), the most frequent histological type of lung cancer, depends in many cases on the activation of “driver” oncogenes such as KRAS, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK). Inhibitors that target the EGFR and ALK tyrosine kinases show therapeutic effects against LADCs containing EGFR gene mutations and ALK gene fusions, respectively. Recently, we and others identified the RET fusion gene as a new targetable driver gene in LADC. The RET fusions occur in 1–2% of LADCs. Existing US Food and Drug Administration‐approved inhibitors of RET tyrosine kinase show promising therapeutic effects both in vitro and in vivo, as well as in a few patients. Clinical trials are underway to investigate the therapeutic effects of RET tyrosine kinase inhibitors, such as vandetanib (ZD6474) and cabozantinib (XL184), in patients with RET fusion‐positive non‐small‐cell lung cancer.
Compositional and chill storage characteristics of microwave‐blanched sutchi catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) fillets
Authors: Binsi Puthenpurakkal Kizhakkethil , Ninan George , Zynudheen Abubacker Aliyamveetil , Neethu Ravikumar , Ronda Venkateswarulu , Ravishankar Chandragiri Nagarajarao
Published: August 2013

The effect of microwave blanching on quality characteristics of vacuum and conventional polyethylene‐packed sutchi catfish fillets was evaluated under chilled condition. Emphasis has been given to retain the sensory characteristics such as colour and textural properties, which is a major problem in sutchi catfish fillets during extended chill storage. In general, microwave blanching imposed minimum changes on fatty acid and mineral composition of fish meat. A marginal increase in fat content was recorded after microwave heating of fish fillets. The microwave‐blanched fillets showed minimum cooking loss of 3.2 mL per 100 g meat. A slower increase in spoilage parameters was obtained with microwave‐blanched samples compared with unblanched samples, demonstrating the higher storage stability of the sample under chilled conditions. Microwave heating of fish fillets coupled with quick‐chilling and packing under vacuum improved the colour and texture stability of sutchi catfish fillets to a considerable extent. Microwave blanching increased the hardness and chewiness values and decreased the stiffness values of fish fillets. The biochemical and sensory evaluation of microwave‐blanched and vacuum‐packed sutchi catfish fillets showed extended storage life of 21 days, compared with 12 days for unblanched vacuum‐packed samples.
Element fractionation analysis for infant formula and food additives by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry
Authors: Bağdat Sema , Köse Baran Eda , Tokay Feyzullah
Published: August 2013

Fractionation analyses are essential to investigate the effects of dietary constituents on bioavailability of elements. A sequential separation procedure has been applied for elemental fractionation patterns in infant formula, coffee cream, milk powder, whey powder and rice flour. The protein, lipid and serum fractions were separated successfully, and fractions were analysed for various essential (Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, Mg, Ca, Cr and Co) and nonessential (Ni, V, Al, Mo, Pb, Sn, Ba and Cd) elements by ICP‐OES. Basically, three main fractions namely protein, lipid and serum were separated. Organically bounded fraction was calculated from the sum of the element contents in protein and lipid fractions. The organically bounded fraction can be retained longer in the body than the other fractions, and its percentages of whole elements are between 3.8% and 92.2% in the samples. Additionally, the distribution tendency of each studied metal was variable, which is based on the sample characteristics and complexation reactivity of the metal. The organically bounded fraction for Fe, Cu, Zn and Mn is higher than the other elements in whole samples except whey powder. Investigated elements are basically included in ionic forms in whey powder. Additionally, Mg and Ca are usually observed as uncomplexed structures in the samples.
Efficacy of bovicin HC5 and nisin combination against Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus in fresh cheese
Authors: Pimentel‐Filho Natan de J. , Mantovani Hilário C. , de Carvalho Antônio F. , Dias Ricardo S. , Vanetti Maria Cristina D.
Published: August 2013

Fresh and soft cheeses provide a suitable medium for the growth of many microorganisms and have been frequently associated with foodborne diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the bacteriocins bovicin HC5 and nisin on Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus in Minas Frescal cheese, a traditional Brazilian fresh product. The cheese was inoculated with 104 CFU g−1 of both pathogens, and the bacteriocins were added at 600 AU g−1 of each one. After 9 days of storage at 4 °C, L. monocytogenes Scott A were not detected in 25 g samples. Although the bacteriocins reduced the population of S. aureus ATCC 6538, increasing numbers were detected after 15 days of storage at 4 °C. Staphylococcal enterotoxin C was detected in cheeses added of bacteriocins and stored under abusive temperature of 15 °C. The results demonstrate the potential application of combination of bovicin HC5 and nisin in controlling the pathogens growth assessed in Minas Frescal cheese.
Freeze‐drying concentration of Rangpur lime juice
Authors: Acevedo Belén A. , Chaves María G. , Avanza María V. , Dellacassa Eduardo S.
Published: August 2013

The use of freeze‐drying for concentrating lime Rangpur juice was investigated. This procedure allowed obtaining concentrated Rangpur lime juices between 23 and 51.3 °Brix, without affecting their organoleptic and nutritional characteristics. The efficiency of the procedure was inversely related to the film thickness of the matrix to be lyophilised. The sublimation speed per unit area diminished with the reduction in the residual moisture content of the juice. The mathematical model that fitted to the concentration procedure allowed to predict the time required for concentrating Rangpur lime by freeze‐drying starting from samples of different thickness. When compared with other citric juices evaluated, the Rangpur lime juice was the most suitable for freeze‐drying concentration. The results could be used to devise optimal industrial freeze‐drying cycles for processing Rangpur lime juices at different concentrations.
Malposition of peripherally inserted central catheter: Experience from 3012 cancer patients
Authors: Song Linping , Li Xiaosong , Guo Yanyan , Ye Min , Ma Yanlan , Guo Mei , Du Nan , Li Hui
Published: August 2013

The objectives of the study are to observe and analyze the causes of 237 patients' malposition peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) from 3012 patients in clinical practice and to further explore the methods of its prevention and remedies, which can help to improve the skills of placing tubes, to efficiently avoid and reduce the occurrence of complications, and to alleviate the pains and cost of patients. From August 2000 to March 2012, 3012 cases receiving PICC were reviewed. The locations of the tube tips were recorded by chest X ray and summarized for analysis. Malposition was observed in 237 cases (7.87%). The most frequently occurring site was in the jugular vein followed by the axillary vein. By taking different remedies, all the malpositioned PICCs were relocated in the superior vena cava or subclavian vein. In order to secure the safety usage of PICC, the strict rules of handling, the skill and experience of operator, and cooperation patients are necessary.
Nocturia Quality‐of‐Life questionnaire is a useful tool to predict nocturia and a risk of falling in Japanese outpatients: A cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Yamanishi Tomonori , Fuse Miki , Yamaguchi Chiharu , Uchiyama Tomoyuki , Kamai Takao , Kurokawa Shinsuke , Morita Tatsuo
Published: August 2013

Objectives

To evaluate the Japanese version of the Nocturia Quality‐of‐Life questionnaire for prediction of night‐time voiding and risk of falling.

Methods

A survey was carried out from October 2008 to June 2009 in outpatients at 15 general hospitals and 80 general clinics in Tochigi, Japan, using the Nocturia Quality‐of‐Life questionnaire, overactive bladder symptom score and self‐administered questionnaires on night‐time symptoms (awakening, number of voids, incontinence and falling).

Results

The survey was completed by 2494 participants (1154 men, 1208 women; mean age 63.2 ± 15.1 years). Overactive bladder was diagnosed in 625 participants (25.1%) according to the Japanese overactive bladder guideline using overactive bladder symptom score. Awakening during sleep was reported by 80.1% of the participants, and 70.4% awakened to go to the toilet. The mean Nocturia Quality‐of‐Life score was 86.8 ± 16.9. The Nocturia Quality‐of‐Life score was lower in patients with overactive bladder, benign prostatic hyperplasia, diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. The Nocturia Quality‐of‐Life score was significantly decreased in patients with night‐time symptoms (P < 0.001). Nocturia Quality‐of‐Life scores and those for subdomains were correlated with overactive bladder symptom score. Nocturia Quality‐of‐Life ≤90 had 63.1% sensitivity and 78.6% specificity in indicating night‐time voiding more than twice, and Nocturia Quality‐of‐Life questionnaire ≤80 had 70.2% sensitivity and 79.5% specificity in indicating the probability of falling at least once. Logistic analysis showed that 10‐year increase in age and overactive bladder in all participants were significant risk factors for Nocturia Quality‐of‐Life ≤90.

Conclusions

The Nocturia Quality‐of‐Life questionnaire represents a useful tool to predict nocturia and risk of falling in Japanese patients.
Effect of Carbon and Oxygen on the Densification and Microstructure of Hot Pressed Zirconium Diboride
Authors: Harrington Gregory J. K. , Hilmas Greg E. , Fahrenholtz William G.
Published: August 2013

The role of carbon additions and oxygen content on the densification of zirconium diboride (ZrB2) was studied. ZrB2 with up to 1 wt% added carbon was hot pressed at temperatures of 2000°C and 2100°C. Nominally pure ZrB2 hot pressed at 2100°C achieved relative densities >95.5%. Carbon and oxygen analysis indicate that oxygen removal was facilitated by the reduction of oxides with carbon or the removal of boria (B2O3) as a vapor. Therefore, by removing oxides from the particle surfaces, carbon additions of ≥0.5 wt% enabled densification to proceed to >96.5% of theoretical at 2000°C. Raman spectroscopy revealed the formation of boron carbide (B4.3C) in specimens with carbon additions of ≥0.75 wt%. The formation of B4.3C was eliminated via a 1 wt% addition of zirconium hydride (ZrH2), as a source of zirconium, resulting in the formation of carbon as the only residual second phase. Grain sizes were in the range of 7–10 μm (2000°C) and 12–16 μm (2100°C) and only appeared to be controlled by temperature, as no trends due to the evaluated carbon or oxygen contents were observed.
Reasons Women in Appalachia Decline CenteringPregnancy Care
Authors: Phillippi Julia C. , Myers Carole R.
Published: August 2013

Introduction

CenteringPregnancy, a proprietary form of group prenatal care, reduces rates of preterm birth when compared to traditional prenatal care. Appalachian women have high rates of preterm birth, yet several regional providers have struggled to recruit and retain women in CenteringPregnancy care. The purpose of this study was to survey women from one rural birth center in southern Appalachia on their reasons for declining CenteringPregnancy care.

Methods

Twenty‐nine women whose charts noted they had declined CenteringPregnancy care were interviewed for this qualitative descriptive study. Conventional (inductive) content analysis of manifest content was used to analyze interview transcripts.

Results

There were 3 broad reasons women did not use CenteringPregnancy care: they preferred one‐to‐one care, they experienced barriers to CenteringPregnancy participation, and they did not know group care was an option. Women who preferred one‐to‐one care gave reasons for their preference that included a dislike of groups, a fear of bodily or emotional exposure in the group, no need for change from existing individual care, and concerns about partner involvement.

Discussion

Barriers to CenteringPregnancy found at the sample institution included a preference for individual care, including a dislike of groups and fears of exposure, and logistical concerns. Clinicians should consider adjusting promotional materials to use locally acceptable terminology and address privacy concerns. Modifications may increase utilization of this effective model. However, even with these changes, CenteringPregnancy may not meet the needs of all women. A large subset of women was averse to group care in any form. Clinics should continue to provide diverse options for prenatal care delivery to increase access to prenatal care for vulnerable women.