bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A compact double‐psi‐shaped dual band patch antenna for WLAN/LTE applications
Authors: Shen Voon Chow , Yeap Kim Ho , Lai Koon Chun , Seah Chee Khang , Nisar Humaira
Published: April 2018

This article presents the design of a double‐psi‐shaped dual band antenna, modified from the conventional microstrip patch. The proposed antenna is printed on an FR4 epoxy substrate and it occupies a compact size of 17 mm × 18 mm × 1.6 mm. We have designed our antenna to operate at 2.4/5.15 GHz. The measurement results show that the proposed antenna has 10 dB impedance bandwidths of 1650 MHz (1.982–3.632 GHz) and 812 MHz (4.444–5.256 GHz) to cover the LTE and 5 GHz IEEE 802.11 WLAN bands, respectively. The geometry of the design is relatively simple—it constitutes only 2 U‐shaped strips appended to a conventional microstrip patch, producing a structure which resembles 2 psi (Ψ) letters placed on top of one another. Due to its simple configuration and good radiation characteristics, the antenna is an appropriate candidate for applications which require both wireless communication and internet services.
A CRPA array with dual‐mode patch antenna elements for GPS applications
Authors: Rezazadeh Navid , Shafai Lotfollah
Published: April 2018

A controlled reception pattern antenna (CRPA) array consisting of three dual‐mode microstrip patch antennas is designed and investigated for GPS interference mitigation applications. Each dual‐mode element consists of a dominant‐mode disk patch antenna encircled by a dual‐polarized shorted ring patch antenna. The measured input and radiation parameters of a prototype array are presented. The null‐steering performance of the array is demonstrated using a simple adaptive algorithm and is shown to be superior to the conventional planar arrays.
Weak Effects of Density on Mean Length at Age and Condition of Largemouth Bass at Large Alabama Reservoirs
Authors: Catalano Matthew J. , Farmer Troy M.
Published: April 2018

We examined evidence for density-dependent growth of Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides in the recruited life stage (age 2 and older) at eight large (>4,000 ha) Alabama reservoirs from standardized electrofishing survey data. Using mean length at age as a measure of cumulative growth and electrofishing catch rates as the basis for a cumulative index of density, we found weak support for the hypothesis that mean length at age was inversely related to Largemouth Bass density. The mean length at age of age-5 Largemouth Bass was positively related to the cumulative density index, which is inconsistent with the prediction of an inverse association under compensatory density dependence. Moreover, the strength of the effect was weak, with a 9-mm increase in mean length at age per 100% increase in the density index. No other age-classes (ages 2 through 6 were examined) exhibited density-dependent mean length at age. Similarly, relative weight was unrelated to the density index. Analyses of changes in mean length at age, relative weight, and the density index over time indicate that each of these variables have increased slightly since the mid-1990s for some age-classes. Our analysis of Largemouth Bass mean length at age at these reservoirs suggests that strong density-dependent growth responses are unlikely in the recruited life stage at these large reservoir systems. If this is the case, implementing minimum length limits at these reservoirs is likely to avoid unintended negative consequences for Largemouth Bass growth and size structure.
A cost‐utility analysis of artificial urinary sphincter versus AdVance male sling in post prostatectomy stress urinary incontinence: A publicly funded health care perspective
Authors: Shamout Samer , Nazha Sara , Dragomir Alice , Campeau Lysanne
Published: April 2018

Aims

To investigate the long‐term cost‐utility of the artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) compared with Transobturator Retroluminal Sling (AdVance) in the treatment of patients with severe post prostatectomy stress urinary incontinence (PPSUI) from a Canadian provincial health perspective.

Methods

A Markov model with Monte Carlo simulation was developed with a cycle length of 1 year and time horizon up to 10 years to estimate the incremental cost per quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs). Patients were assigned to treatment with either AUS or an AdVance sling. Transition probabilities, efficacy data, and utility indices were derived from published literature and expert opinion. Cost data were obtained from provincial health care system and hospital data in 2016‐Canadian dollars. The primary outcome was cost per quality‐adjusted life year. A standard discount rate of 1.5% was applied annually. Probabilistic and one way deterministic sensitivity analyses were performed.

Results

AUS implantation had a 10‐year mean total cost of $14 228 (SD ± 3,509) for 7.58 QALYs. AdVance sling had a mean total cost $18 938 (SD ± 12,435) for 6.43 QALYs. The incremental cost savings of AUS over 10‐years was −$ 4710 with an added effectiveness of 1.15 QALYs. At a willingness to pay threshold of $50 000, AUS remained the most cost‐effective option. A limitation of our analysis is the lack of direct long‐term comparisons between both scenarios along with standard success definition.

Conclusions

AUS implantation appears to be more economical treatment strategy for severe PPSUI compared with AdVance sling for a publicly funded health care system over a 5‐ and 10‐year time horizon.
Comparing RBF‐FD approximations based on stabilized Gaussians and on polyharmonic splines with polynomials
Authors: Santos L. G. C. , Manzanares‐Filho N. , Menon G. J. , Abreu E.
Published: April 2018

In this work, we are concerned with radial basis function–generated finite difference (RBF‐FD) approximations. Numerical error estimates are presented for stabilized flat Gaussians (RBF(SGA)‐FD) and polyharmonic splines with supplementary polynomials (RBF(PHS)‐FD) using some analytical solutions of the Poisson equation in a square domain. Both structured and unstructured point clouds are employed for evaluating the influence of cloud refinement, size of local supports, and maximal permissible degree of the polynomials in RBF(PHS)‐FD. High order of accuracy was attained with both RBF(SGA)‐FD and RBF(PHS)‐FD especially for unstructured clouds. Absolute errors in the first and second derivatives were also estimated at all points of the domain using one of the analytical solutions. For RBF(SGA)‐FD, this test showed the occurrence of improprieties of some decentered supports localized on boundary neighborhoods. This phenomenon was not observed with RBF(PHS)‐FD.
‘Living’ in Nage, or the Meaning of ‘Life’ in an Eastern Indonesian Society
Authors: Forth Gregory
Published: April 2018

Originating in 19th century cultural evolutionary theory, a revised concept of ‘animism’ has in recent years found new life in anthropology in the writings of ontological relativists. Continuity is found in the reputed attribution of life by members of small‐scale non‐western societies to inanimate objects as well as to organisms. This new animism is typically contrasted with western or modern scientific thought, either exclusively or primarily. Concerning the Nage of the Indonesian island of Flores, this paper analyzes results of research into what things people regard as being alive (muzi). While the majority of Nage deem only animals, plants, and humans to be living, differences appear among informants distinguished by age and gender. As well as the overall finding, this variation and cultural usages contextually depicting certain inanimate objects as being alive raise questions about animism as a unitary way of knowing the world characteristic of single societies.
National image of North Korea in South Korean news media
Authors: Choi Jinbong
Published: April 2018

This study examines how 2 major South Korean newspapers (Chosun Ilbo and Hankyoreh Sinmon) represent—specifically through framing—North Korea's national image during the 2‐year period (from 2001 to 2002). To conduct this research, framing analysis was used for analyzing media texts as a research method. According to findings, although reporting North Korean issues, the South Korean newspapers considered the relationship with North Korea and the peace and reunification of the Korean Peninsula. That is, although covering North Korean issues, South Korean news media concern and reflect on their relations with the issues and political and cultural structures of their society.
Synthesis and RSM‐CCD optimization of microwave‐induced green interpenetrating network hydrogel adsorbent based on gum copal for selective removal of malachite green from waste water
Authors: Kaur Savneet , Jindal Rajeev , Kaur Bhatia Jaspreet
Published: April 2018

In the recent study, microwave induced novel interpenetrating polymeric network (IPN) hydrogel based on gum copal‐collagen (GcA‐coll) has been reported for the efficient removal of malachite green dye from the waste water. The IPN [(GcA‐coll)‐cl‐poly (AAm‐ip‐AA)] was synthesized using potassium persulfate (KPS)—N,N′‐methylene‐bis‐acrylamide (MBA) as initiator‐ crosslinker system, acrylamide (AAm) as primary monomer and acrylic acid (AA) as secondary monomer under microwave radiations. The Response Surface Methodology (RSM) design was used to optimize the percentage swelling of the candidate IPN hydrogel. RSM based Central Composite Design (CCD) was applied to the three most crucial synthesis parameters like initiator concentration, monomer concentration and crosslinker concentration so as to maximize the percentage swelling. The optimum conditions for the removal of 88% malachite green dye from waste water are pH ∼ 7, initial dye concentration = 12 mg mL−1, adsorbent dose = 500 mg. Pseudo first order and Pseudo‐second order models were applied to study the kinetics and the mechanism of adsorption was studied by intraparticle diffusion model. The equilibrium data was further evaluated by Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. The synthesized IPN was found to be a propitious candidate to be used as a green adsorbent for removing malachite green dye from waste water. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:2293–2303, 2018. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Systematic design evaluation on the example of a concentrator photovoltaic module with mirror optics and passive heat dissipation
Authors: Wiesenfarth Maike , Gamisch Sebastian , Jakob Peter , Steiner Marc , Bett Andreas W.
Published: April 2018

In the design of concentrator photovoltaic modules, numerous components need to be optimised to achieve the highest performance of the complete system while simultaneously maintaining low costs for the manufacturing processes. In this paper, we present a systematic analysis of different designs of concentrator photovoltaic modules using mirror optics to concentrate the solar radiation by a factor of 1000 with passive heat dissipation. Module designs based on 4 different arrangements for the optics are investigated: on‐axis, asymmetrical, and Cassegrain with and without tertiary optics. Each design is optimised for high thermal, optical, and electrical performance via finite element method, ray tracing, and network simulations. Concepts for manufacturing are also proposed. The 4 specific designs are evaluated and compared in a systematic benefit analysis. In this analysis, 9 criteria are defined to describe the module performance and manufacturability. To quantify the benefit of each module design, utility values—a score to provide a value to the benefit—and weighting factors are defined. With this systematic analysis, the strengths and potential for optimisation are identified, and the different designs are compared. In addition, the potential for improvement is discussed surveying the different criteria.
Dilute nitride triple junction solar cells for space applications: Progress towards highest AM0 efficiency
Authors: Aho Arto , Isoaho Riku , Tukiainen Antti , Gori Gabriele , Campesato Roberta , Guina Mircea
Published: April 2018

We report a detailed performance assessment of triple junction dilute nitride solar cells fabricated by a combined molecular beam epitaxy–metal organic chemical vapor deposition process and designed for space applications. The experimental sample exhibits an efficiency level of 30.8% under AM0 illumination. Analyses of the isotype single junction dilute nitride bottom cells reveal a band gap voltage offset of 0.49 V at one sun illumination and a value as low as 0.47 V for full spectrum excitation without filter layers. The analyses point out the limitation of the design in terms of current balancing. With optimized design, an efficiency of 32.1% is possible, revealing the maturity reached by dilute nitride technology in the quest for improving the efficiency of lattice‐matched multijunction solar cells.
Quercetin reversed MDR in breast cancer cells through down‐regulating P‐gp expression and eliminating cancer stem cells mediated by YB‐1 nuclear translocation
Authors: Li Shizheng , Zhao Qian , Wang Bo , Yuan Song , Wang Xiuyan , Li Kun
Published: April 2018

Overexpression of P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) plays an important role in mediating multidrug resistance (MDR), resulting in chemotherapy failure of tumor patients and enhancement of cancer stem cell characteristics. By preparing doxorubicin (Dox) resistant human breast cancer MCF‐7 cells, here, we wanted to evaluate the effects of quercetin (Que) on MDR reversal activity and investigate its possible mechanism. MCF‐7 and MCF‐7/dox cells were respectively treated by Dox, paclitaxel (Pac), or vincristine (Vcr) with or without Que intervention for 24 hr. Cell viability, cell apoptosis, cell cycle, intracellular drug accumulation, the expression of P‐gp and Y‐box binding protein 1 (YB‐1), and breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) were then assessed. The results showed that Que significantly enhanced the antitumor activities of Dox, Pac, and Vcr in breast cancer cells. In addition, combined treatment of Dox, Pac, or Vcr with Que significantly downregulated P‐gp expression and eliminated BCSCs. Furthermore, combined treatment of Dox, Pac, or Vcr with Que significantly inhibited nuclear translocation of YB‐1. Thus, we speculated that Que reversed MDR in breast cancer cells through downregulating P‐gp expression and eliminating cancer stem cells mediated by YB‐1 nuclear translocation.
Event‐triggered global leader‐following consensus of a group of neutrally stable linear systems subject to input saturation
Authors: Xie Yijing , Lin Zongli
Published: April 2018

This paper studies the global leader‐following consensus problem for a multiagent system using event‐triggered linear feedback control laws. The leader agent is described by a neutrally stable linear system and the follower agents are also described by a neutrally stable linear system but with saturating input. Both the state‐feedback case and the output‐feedback case are considered. In each case, an event‐triggered control law is constructed for each follower agent and an event‐triggering strategy is designed for updating these control laws. These event‐triggered control laws are shown to achieve global leader‐following consensus when the communication topology among the follower agents is strongly connected and detailed balanced and the leader is a neighbor of at least one follower agent. The Zeno behavior is excluded. The theoretical results are illustrated by simulation.
Smart‐Dust‐Nanorice for Enhancement of Endogenous Raman Signal, Contrast in Photoacoustic Imaging, and T2‐Shortening in Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Pohling Christoph , Campbell Jos L. , Larson Timothy A. , Van de Sompel Dominique , Levi Jelena , Bachmann Michael H. , Bohndiek Sarah E. , Jokerst Jesse V. , Gambhir Sanjiv S.
Published: April 2018

Raman microspectroscopy provides chemo‐selective image contrast, sub‐micrometer resolution, and multiplexing capabilities. However, it suffers from weak signals resulting in image‐acquisition times of up to several hours. Surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) can dramatically enhance signals of molecules in close vicinity of metallic surfaces and overcome this limitation. Multimodal, SERS‐active nanoparticles are usually labeled with Raman marker molecules, limiting SERS to the coating material. In order to realize multimodal imaging while acquiring the rich endogenous vibronic information of the specimen, a core–shell particle based on “Nanorice”, where a spindle‐shaped iron oxide core is encapsulated by a closed gold shell, is developed. An ultrathin layer of silica prevents agglomeration and unwanted chemical interaction with the specimen. This approach provides Raman signal enhancement due to plasmon resonance effects of the shell while the optical absorption in the near‐infrared spectral region provides contrast in photoacoustic tomography. Finally, T2‐relaxation of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) experiment is altered by taking advantage of the iron oxide core. The feasibility for Raman imaging is evaluated by nearfield simulations and experimental studies on the primate cell line COS1. MRI and photoacoustics are demonstrated in agarose phantoms illustrating the promising translational nature of this strategy for clinical applications in radiology.
An Optically Flat Conductive Outcoupler Using Core/Shell Ag/ZnO Nanochurros
Authors: Yoo Young Zo , Na Jin‐Young , Choi Yoon Soo , Lim Yeong Jin , Kim Ji‐Hyun , Kim Young‐Bin , Kim Jae‐Ho , Kim Sun‐Kyung , Seong Tae‐Yeon
Published: April 2018

Transparent conductive electrodes (TCEs) featuring a smooth surface are indispensable for preserving pristine electrical characteristics in optoelectronic and transparent electronic devices. For high‐efficiency organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), a high outcoupling efficiency, which is crucial, is only achieved by incorporating a wavelength‐scale undulating surface into a TCE layer, but this inevitably degrades device performance. Here, an optically flat, high‐conductivity TCE composed of core/shell Ag/ZnO nanochurros (NCs) is reported embedded within a resin film on a polyethylene terephthalate substrate, simultaneously serving as an efficient outcoupler and a flexible substrate. The ZnO NCs are epitaxially grown on the {100} planes of a pentagonal Ag core and the length of ZnO shells is precisely controlled by the exposure time of Xe lamp. Unlike Ag nanowires films, the Ag/ZnO NCs films markedly boost the optical tunneling of light. Green‐emitting OLEDs (2.78 × 3.5 mm2) fabricated with the Ag/ZnO TCE exhibit an 86% higher power efficiency at 1000 cd m−2 than ones with an Sn‐doped indium oxide TCE. A full‐vectorial electromagnetic simulation suggests the suppression of plasmonic absorption losses within their Ag cores. These results provide a feasibility of multifunctional TCEs with synthetically controlled core/shell nanomaterials toward the development of high‐efficiency LED and solar cell devices.
Culture and Sexuality: Cognitive–Emotional Determinants of Sexual Dissatisfaction Among Iranian and New Zealand Women
Authors: Abdolmanafi Atefe , Nobre Pedro , Winter Sam , Tilley P.J. Matt , Jahromi Reza Ghorban
Published: April 2018

Background

Several studies have demonstrated that culture plays a fundamental role in individuals' beliefs, attitudes, and values toward sexuality, and influences their ability to enjoy sex. It follows that culture may influence sexual satisfaction or dissatisfaction.

Aim

To examine and compare cognitive–emotional variables related to women's sexual dissatisfaction in Iran and New Zealand.

Methods

In total, 196 Iranian women and 207 New Zealand women participated in the study, answering questionnaires evaluating dysfunctional sexual beliefs, automatic thoughts, emotional and sexual response during sexual activity, as well as sexual satisfaction.

Outcomes

Sexual beliefs were measured by the Sexual Dysfunctional Beliefs Questionnaire, thoughts and emotional responses were measured by the Sexual Modes Questionnaire, and sexual satisfaction was measured by the Sexual Satisfaction Index.

Results

Findings indicated that in both Iranian and New Zealand women, failure and disengagement thoughts, lack of erotic thoughts, and emotions of fear during sexual activity were significant predictors of sexual dissatisfaction. Besides these common predictors, results also indicated that sexual conservatism and women's sexual passivity beliefs, sexual abuse thoughts, and fear during sexual activity were significant predictors of sexual dissatisfaction in Iranian women. Beliefs of sexual desire and pleasure as a sin; age-related beliefs; and emotions such as sadness, disillusion, and hurt were significant predictors of sexual dissatisfaction in New Zealand women.

Clinical Translation

The present findings could facilitate a better understanding of cultural differences in the roles played by dysfunctional sexual beliefs, negative automatic thoughts, and negative emotions during sexual activity, and the value of these beliefs, thoughts, and emotions in predicting sexual dissatisfaction.

Conclusions

The strength of this study is in providing an examination of the role of culturally bound beliefs in predicting sexual dissatisfaction in women from different cultural backgrounds. Limitations include the lack of evaluation of psychological and interpersonal variables that may impact on women's sexual dissatisfaction. These findings suggest that there may be a role of culture in shaping beliefs, attitudes, and values toward sexuality; and provide evidence for the effect of cognitive–emotional variables in predicting women's sexual dissatisfaction.
Cooperation and Co-Existence Between Farmers and Herders in the Midst of Violent Farmer-Herder Conflicts in Ghana
Authors: Bukari Kaderi Noagah , Sow Papa , Scheffran Jürgen
Published: April 2018

Despite periodic violent conflict between farmers and Fulani herders in many parts of Ghana, cooperative relations between them remain strong. They are “cultural neighbors” who cooperate both in times of violent conflict and during periods of no conflict. Cooperation between them is expressed through everyday interactions, cattle entrustment, resource sharing, trade, friendship, intermarriages, visitations, exchanges, communal labor, and social solidarity. Borrowing from theorizations of cultural neighborhood and everyday peace, this paper uses specific case studies from Northern and Southern Ghana to illustrate the enactment of cooperation between herders and farmers in areas of violent farmer-herder conflict.
Organ and tissue donation from poisoned patients in the emergency department: A Canadian emergency physician survey
Authors: Staple Louis , MacIntyre Janet , Murphy Nancy G. , Beed Stephen , LeBlanc Constance
Published: April 2018

Objectives

Screening for organ and tissue donation is an essential skill for emergency physicians. In 2015, 4,631 Canadians were on a waiting list for a transplant, and 262 died while waiting. Canada’s donation rates are less than half of comparable countries, so it is essential to explore strategies to improve the referral of donors. Poisoned patients may be one such underutilized source for donation. This study explores physician practices and perceptions regarding the referral of poisoned patients as donors.

Methods

In this cross-sectional unidirectional survey, 1,471 physician members of the Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians were invited to participate. Physicians were presented with 20 scenarios and asked whether they would refer the patient as a potential organ or tissue donor. Results were reported descriptively, and associations between demographics and referral patterns were assessed.

Results

Physicians totalling 208 participated in the organ or tissue donation scenarios (14.1%); 75% of scenarios involving poisoning were referred for organ or tissue donation, compared with 92% in a non-poisoning scenario. Poisons associated with lower referrals included sedatives, acetaminophen, chemical exposure, and organophosphates. A total of 175 physicians completed the demographic survey (11.9%). Characteristics associated with increased referrals included previous referral experience, donation training, donation support, >10 years of service, urban practice, emergency medicine certification, and male gender.

Conclusions

Scenarios involving poisoning were referred less often when compared with an ideal scenario. Because poisoning is not a contraindication for referral, this represents a potential source of donors. Targeted training and referral support may help improve donation rates in this demographic.
Methods of Radiocarbon Determination in Wine and Bone Samples by Gas Proportional Counting Technique
Authors: Kaizer Jakub , Obuch Ján , Kontuľ Ivan , Šivo Alexander , Richtáriková Marta , Čech Peter , Povinec Pavel P
Published: April 2018

Although radiocarbon accelerator mass spectrometry (14C AMS) surpasses conventional radiometric methods in many aspects, they still represent an interesting alternative, especially for studies unconstrained by sample size. Here we showed that the gas proportional counting technique can be used for bone samples, processed only by a simple ABA method, and ethanol, distilled from wine samples. The feasibility of the described methods was verified by successful dating of 11 well-preserved vertebrate bones of modern to 21 kyr BP age excavated from different caves in Slovakia from which collagen was also extracted, as well as by determination of 14C concentration in two modern western Slovakia vintages, which matches well the atmospheric Δ14C level for the respective region and grape vegetation period. Various empiric factors affecting the yield of the thoroughly tested procedures used for processing of samples and their optimization parameters are discussed as well.
Superimposed deformation of the Solonker Belt and nearby regions in western Inner Mongolia, China
Authors: SHI GUANZHONG , LIANG CHAO , WANG HUA , HUANG CHUANYAN
Published: April 2018

The deformation of the Solonker Belt and nearby regions is helpful for understanding the tectonic evolution of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt. This study carried out structural analysis in the Mandula and Ganqi areas of western Inner Mongolia, including the Solonker Belt, the Southern Orogenic Belt and the northern Yinshan Belt (Langshan range). Our results reveal that the Solonker Belt, the Southern Orogenic Belt and the northern Yinshan Belt underwent two stages (D1 and D2) of deformation during the Mesozoic period. The D1 stage produced the NNE-directed thrusts and asymmetric folds, indicating a NNE–SSW contraction. The northern Yinshan Belt, the Southern Orogenic Belt and the Solonker Belt formed as a series of NNE-verging tectonic nappes. The D2 stage developed the NE-trending folds and the SE- or NW-directed thrusts that cross-cut the D1 structures. The two events of nearly orthogonal or oblique shortening gave rise to the superimposed structures (e.g. fold interference patterns). The quartz veins that filled the fractures of the D1 deformation contain zircons of Middle Triassic U–Pb ages. The new dating data, along with the regional sedimentary hiatus, led us to infer that the D1 stage of deformation occurred in Middle Triassic time and the D2 stage occurred in Late Jurassic time. We consider that the D1 stage of deformation resulted from a convergent event, which might be related to the closure of the Palaeo-Asian Ocean or limited, narrow ocean basins; and the D2 stage of deformation was the far-field result of subduction of the Palaeo-Pacific Ocean and the closure of the Mongol-Okhotsk Ocean.
Linseed as a dual-purpose crop: evaluation of cultivar suitability and analysis of yield determinants
Authors: Fila G. , Bagatta M. , Maestrini C. , Potenza E. , Matteo R.
Published: April 2018

Linseed is enjoying renewed popularity worldwide thanks to emerging market opportunities for raw material derived from seeds and stems. The dual-purpose cultivation is particularly attractive to growers for its capacity to yield both seed/oil and straw/fibre; however, field-based research is necessary to identify suitable cultivars to meet modern production goals. Under these premises, a 3-year experimental campaign was conducted to evaluate 18 linseed cultivars potentially interesting for dual-purpose cultivation in Northern Italy. Cultivar performance was evaluated in terms of seed, straw and fibre yield, oil composition and stem fibre content. Inter-annual weather variability explained the largest portion of the total variance. However, the ‘cultivar × year’ interaction was not significant except for seed oil content and composition. Stability analysis showed that at least half of the cultivars were unstable for oil content andα-linolenic acid fraction. A Structural Equation Model was developed to investigate causal relationships between the productive performance and factors such as environmental variables, phenological traits, plant size and density. Rainfall was beneficial to seed yield, both before and after flowering, whereas higher post-flowering air temperature had a depressive effect. A higher oil content was favoured by pre-flowering rainfall. Plant height was negatively associated with seed yield and oil content, but it was positively associated with straw and fibre yield. Plant density was critical for fibre yield since below 500 plants/m2the increased plant branching makes it difficult to extract fibre. Together with plant density, plant height could be used to manipulate the seed/straw ratio according to production goals.
PREVALENCE OF CHILDHOOD OBESITY AND UNDERNUTRITION AMONG URBAN SCHOOL CHILDREN IN BANGLADESH
Authors: Sultana Niru , Afroz Sadya , Tomalika Nehlin , Momtaz Hasina , Kabir Md Humayun
Published: April 2018

Despite the ongoing problems of undernutrition and infectious disease, obesity and overweight have become a major problem in developing countries, including Bangladesh. This cross-sectional study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of obesity, overweight and underweight among school children aged 6–12 years in Bangladesh. The study was conducted from June 2012 to May 2013 and the study sample comprised 1768 children (980 boys; 788 girls) from eight purposively selected schools in different areas of Dhaka city. Students were interviewed about their diet and physical activity, and anthropometric measurements were made, including height, weight, mid-upper-arm circumference (MUAC), waist circumference, hip circumference and body mass index (BMI). Undernutrition, overweight and obesity were defined using internationally accepted BMI cut-off points. Mean height, weight, BMI, MUAC, waist circumference and hip circumference values were found to be higher in boys than in girls, except at age 12 when these were found to be significantly higher in girls than in boys (p<0.05). The mean prevalence of overweight was 10.0% (boys 10.2%; girls 9.8%), and that of obesity 5.0% (boys 4.3%; girls 5.8%). The prevalence of underweight was 16.3% in boys and 12.7% in girls. The prevalence of underweight was significantly higher in poor than in rich children (22.1% vs 11.2%) and that of obesity was higher in rich than in poor children (9.9% vs 1.3%;p<0.001). A family history of obesity and hypertension emerged as a significant predictor of developing overweight and obesity (p<0.001). The data suggest that underweight and obesity co-exist in urban areas of Bangladesh, posing a challenge for the nutritional health of Bangladeshi children.
Encouraging older people to engage in resistance training: a multi-stakeholder perspective
Authors: PETTIGREW SIMONE , BURTON ELISSA , FARRIER KAELA , HILL ANNE-MARIE , BAINBRIDGE LIZ , AIREY PHIL , LEWIN GILL , HILL KEITH D.
Published: April 2018

Resistance training is an important aspect of healthy ageing, yet participation rates are especially low among older people. Strategies are needed to ensure resistance training programmes are attractive to and appropriate for this target group. To inform the development of such strategies, individual interviews (N = 42) and focus groups (four groups, N = 37) were conducted with 79 Western Australians representing four stakeholder groups: instructors who deliver resistance training programmes to older people, health practitioners, policy makers and seniors. Results indicate that the need for personalised attention in the establishment and maintenance phases of a resistance training programme can constitute both a positive and negative aspect of older people's experiences. The negative aspects were identified as a series of tensions between the need for personalised attention and (a) the desire to participate in physical activity within social groups, (b) a preference for activity variation, (c) a dislike for large centres where personalised guidance is often available yet the surroundings can be considered unappealing, (d) cost issues and (e) the need for flexibility in attendance. Recommended strategies for overcoming these tensions include disseminating information about the benefits of resistance training in later life to increase motivation to participate, identifying additional methods of integrating resistance training into group exercise formats, making gyms more attractive to older people and providing non-gym alternatives for resistance training.
Secrets, hostages, and ransoms: British kidnap policy in historical perspective
Authors: Aldrich Richard J. , Herrington Lewis
Published: April 2018

Britain has long taken a firm public line against terrorist ransom, insisting that yielding to terrorist demands only encourages further acts of intimidation and kidnapping. Hitherto, academic research has tended to take these assertions of piety at face value. This article uses a historical approach to show that the British position has shifted over time and was often more complex and pragmatic. Indeed, Britain’s position with regard to kidnap and ransom insurance has, until quite recently, been rather ambiguous. We use the British case to suggest that, rather than dividing states into groups that make concessions and those that do not, it is perhaps better to recognise there is often a broad spectrum of positions, sometimes held by different parts of the same government, together with the private security companies that move in the shadows on their behalf. One of the few things that unites them is a tendency to dissemble and this presents some intriguing methods problems for researchers.
Building Up Alliances and Breaking Down the State Monopoly: The Rise of Non-Governmental Disaster Relief in China
Authors: Peng Lin , Wu Fengshi
Published: April 2018

This paper explores the emergence of a highly networked and capable non-governmental organization (NGO) community in disaster relief in China. It provides a review of the growth of non-governmental actors in the relief field since the 2000s and examines the most important platforms and networks in the field, focusing on their strategies of maintaining a broad-based partnership, developing their own capacity, and enhancing overall inter-organizational connectivity. With an in-depth look at a successful joint non-governmental relief operation in Lushan in 2013, the paper also explicates how NGOs can break the state monopoly over disaster information management, public donations and relief operations. This research finds that during crisis times, non-governmental actors carry out relief missions effectively in parallel with state agencies. The rise of non-governmental disaster relief sheds light on one of many trajectories of civil society development in China where social autonomy is earned by innovation, public support and improved capacity.
Twisted Brauer monoids
Authors: Dolinka Igor , East James
Published: April 2018

We investigate the structure of the twisted Brauer monoid , comparing and contrasting it with the structure of the (untwisted) Brauer monoid . We characterize Green's relations and pre-orders on , describe the lattice of ideals and give necessary and sufficient conditions for an ideal to be idempotent generated. We obtain formulae for the rank (smallest size of a generating set) and (where applicable) the idempotent rank (smallest size of an idempotent generating set) of each principal ideal; in particular, when an ideal is idempotent generated, its rank and idempotent rank are equal. As an application of our results, we describe the idempotent generated subsemigroup of (which is not an ideal), as well as the singular ideal of (which is neither principal nor idempotent generated), and we deduce that the singular part of the Brauer monoid is idempotent generated, a result previously proved by Maltcev and Mazorchuk.
Bovine herpes virus type-4 infection among postpartum dairy cows in California: risk factors and phylogenetic analysis
Authors: Areda D. , Chigerwe M. , Crossley B.
Published: April 2018

The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of bovine herpes virus type-4 (BoHV-4) infection and describe the genetic characteristics and predominant genotypes of the virus in Yolo and Tulare counties, California. A cross-sectional study involving multi-stage sampling technique was used. One hundred and forty-eight post-partum cows were enrolled from 11 dairy farms. Uterine/vaginal samples were collected and tested for BoHV-4 and other co-infecting viruses using real-time PCR. Data were analysed using multilevel logistic mixed-effect model. Phylogenetic analysis of 10 BoHV-4 isolates was conducted by targeting three open reading frames (ORF3, ORF8 and ORF 22) of the viral genome. The prevalence of BoHV-4 infection was 22.3% (33/148), while post-partum metritis was 33.8% (48/142). Strong association was found between BoHV-4 infection and lactation number, lactation stage and post-partum metritis. The odds of being positive for BoHV-4 infection were 6.47 times (95% CI 1.17–35.92; P < 0.05) and 6.79 times (95% CI 1.19–38.55; P < 0.05) higher for cows in the fourth and fifth lactation, respectively, compared with cows in the first lactation. BoHV-4 was 8.27 times more likely (95% CI 1.43–47.94; P < 0.05) among cows in the early stage of lactation (0–120 days) compared with those in late lactation (>240 days). Cows with post-partum metritis were 4.51 times (95% CI 1.27–16.02; P < 0.05) more likely to test positive for BoHV-4 infection compared with those without post-partum metritis. Phylogenetic analysis of BoHV-4 based on sequencing of glycoprotein and thymidine kinase (TK) genes revealed genetic variability of the virus with glycoprotein B genotype 1 and TK genotype 2 as being dominant genotypes. The reported high genetic variability of BoHV-4 indicates the possibility of co-infection with multiple genotypes.
Waterborne Norovirus outbreak at a seaside resort likely originating from municipal water distribution system failure
Authors: Giammanco G. M. , Bonura F. , Urone N. , Purpari G. , Cuccia M. , Pepe A. , Li Muli S. , Cappa V. , Saglimbene C. , Mandolfo G. , Marino A. , Guercio A. , Di Bartolo I. , De Grazia S.
Published: April 2018

In May 2016 a Norovirus (NoV) gastroenteritis outbreak involved a high school class visiting a seaside resort near Taormina (Mascali, Sicily). Twenty-four students and a teacher were affected and 17 of them showed symptoms on the second day of the journey, while the others got ill within the following 2 days. Symptoms included vomiting, diarrhoea and fever, and 12 students required hospitalisation. Stool samples tested positive for NoV genome by Real-Time polymerase chain reaction assay in all 25 symptomatic subjects. The GII.P2/GII.2 NoV genotype was linked to the outbreak by ORF1/ORF2 sequence analysis. The epidemiological features of the outbreak were consistent with food/waterborne followed by person-to-person and/or vomit transmission. Food consumed at a shared lunch on the first day of the trip was associated to illness and drinking un-bottled tap water was also considered as a risk factor. The analysis of water samples revealed the presence of bacterial indicators of faecal contamination in the water used in the resort as well as in other areas of the municipal water network, linking the NoV gastroenteritis outbreak to tap water pollution from sewage leakage. From a single water sample, an amplicon whose sequence corresponded to the capsid genotype recovered from patients could be obtained.
Country and Relational Ontology in the Kimberley, Northwest Australia: Implications for Understanding and Representing Archaeological Evidence
Authors: Porr Martin
Published: April 2018

The Aboriginal cultural traditions of Australia, their histories, philosophies and characteristics, have fascinated and intrigued European observers and scholars for a very long time. This paper explores some implications of recent ethnographic information and engagements related to the themes of Indigenous rock art, knowledge and the understanding of Country in the Kimberley region, Western Australia, for the interpretation of archaeological evidence. It is argued that the Aboriginal understanding of cultural features and practices, rock art and the natural environment is best described within a framework of relational ontology. This orientation has important consequences for the conceptualization of a range of interrelated key themes, most importantly ‘space and place’, ‘story and narrative’ and ‘knowledge and representation’. Thus, the paper calls for the development of opportunities of intellectual engagement and exchange as well as collaborative and creative responses, which should also include new forms of expression in academic contexts that themselves reflexively engage with the limitations of writing and representation.
Language as “something strange”
Authors: BLEY-VROMAN ROBERT
Published: April 2018

In a 1997, Noam Chomsky offered this informal observation about language acquisition: “Like other kinds of growth, language acquisition happens easily at a certain age, but not later. There comes a time when the system doesn't work anymore. There are individual differences [. . .] but for most people, after adolescence, it becomes very hard. The system is just not working for some reason, so, you have to teach the language as something strange.” (Chomsky, 1997, p. 128)
ALL IS NOT SEXUALITY THAT LOOKS LIKE IT
Authors: HERZOG DAGMAR
Published: April 2018

I am grateful for the observations of these five wonderful and thought-provoking interlocutors: Camille Robcis, Todd Shepard, Suzanne Stewart-Steinberg, Regina Kunzel, and Michal Shapira. They have prompted me to read a whole range of clarifying texts—from Jacques Derrida's reflections on Friedrich Nietzsche to the work of classicist James Davidson on Michel Foucault and George Devereux (as well as more writings by Devereux) to historian Chris Waters's recovery of Edward Glover, and from literary scholar Shoshana Felman's brilliant Jacques Lacan-inspired rescue operation for psychoanalytic textual interpretation (in the special issue of Yale French Studies she edited in 1977) to Charles Shepherdson's turn-of-the-millennium revisionist take on Lacan and Foucault in Vital Signs. They have prompted me, too, to reconsider key texts by Sigmund Freud. And I am glad that the interlocutors challenge me with questions. These include: why the Left abandoned psychoanalysis (Robcis); how I have come to think about practices and desires and the relationships between “the sexual” and other realms of human existence (Shepard and Stewart-Steinberg, each in their own way); how a more integrated and comprehensive master narrative of psychoanalysis might be written, connecting the first and second halves of the twentieth century (Shapira); and how to delve more deeply into the role of analysands in shaping what counts as psychoanalysis (Kunzel).
A Left Feminist Comment on Supporting Hillary Clinton
Authors: Grant Judith
Published: April 2018

Very little in my adult life has made me feel my feminism so strongly as the 2016 defeat of Hillary Rodham Clinton. And by “defeat,” I mean her utter evisceration by the press, many Bernie Sanders supporters, the Donald Trump campaign, and a shocking number of regular Americans. The disgusting patriarchal bacchanalia that occurred during the campaign has nearly been matched by the attacks on Clinton that have continued since the election. She has been criticized even for writing a memoir of the election, What Happened, a book that has been variously called too long to read (Frank 2017) and an exercise in shifting responsibility (Zurcher 2017).
Is There a Conservative Feminism? An Empirical Account
Authors: Schreiber Ronnee
Published: April 2018

The question of conservative feminism in the United States did not really arise before the 2008 elections; most politically active conservative women leaders did not refer to themselves as feminists. Sarah Palin's vice presidential bid, however, prompted a shift. On a number of well-publicized occasions, Palin called herself a feminist, generating considerable discussion over whether conservative feminism is now a political movement. Using data from in-depth interviews with conservative women leaders, this article asks whether conservative women in the United States identify as feminists. Findings indicate that on the whole they do not, but conservative women are important gender-conscious political actors whose efforts compel questions about ideology and women's activism. Implications for understanding feminist and conservative movement politics more broadly are also explored.
The transgenerational effect of maternal and paternal F1 low birth weight on bone health of second and third generation offspring
Authors: Anevska K. , Wark J. D. , Wlodek M. E. , Romano T.
Published: April 2018

Low birth weight programs diseases in adulthood, including adverse bone health. These diseases can have intergenerational and transgenerational origins, whereby transmission to subsequent generations occurs via both parental lines. Uteroplacental insufficiency surgery (Restricted) or sham surgery (Control) was performed on gestational day 18, in F0 Wistar–Kyoto rats. F1 Restricted males and females mated with breeders in order to generate F2 offspring of maternal and paternal lineages. F2 males and females were randomly selected for breeding to generate F3 offspring. F2 and F3 offspring did not have differences in birth weight irrespective of F1 low birth weight and parental line. Maternal line females had minor alterations to trabecular content and density at 6 months, these differences were not sustained at 12 months. Maternal line males had changes to trabecular content at 6 and 12 months; however, differences were no longer present at 16 months. Despite altered bone geometry at 12 and 16 months, bending strength remained unaffected at both ages. Bone health of paternal line females was not affected at 6 and 12 months. Paternal line males at 6 months had changes to trabecular and cortical content; cortical thickness, periosteal circumference and bending strength; however, these differences were no longer sustained at 12 and 16 months. Our data demonstrate that there is no transgenerational transmission of adverse bone health in F2 and F3 offspring, derived from low F1 birth weight females and males. Our results are novel, as bone health across generations and both parental lines has not been investigated in a model of low birth weight due to uteroplacental insufficiency.