bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early stage value co-creation network – business relationships connecting high-tech B2B actors and resources: Taiwan semiconductor business network case
Authors: Park Changhyun , Lee Heesang
Published: March 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify the types and features of business relationship when the value co-creation phenomenon is extended to an early stage of the value chain, in which technological innovation is essential, in a high-tech business-to-business (B2B) market.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology of building a theory from a case study is adopted in this study to propose an early-stage value co-creation network. Qualitative data are coded on the basis of grounded theory coding after collecting the triangulation data from multiple sources.

Findings

In a high-tech B2B market, three types of business relationships (supplier–customer mutual, supplier-centric and network-based business relationships) co-create values at an early stage of the value chain. Intellectual resource, efficiency resource and supplier-centric business relationships are uniquely found in this stage.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides new insight suggesting that the notion of value co-creation can be extended to early stages of the value chain in a high-tech B2B market. In addition, this research identifies vital business relationships and how these relationships develop successfully at an early-stage value co-creation network in a high-tech B2B market.

Practical implications

Technology development managers at an early stage of the value chain can co-create relationship benefits by building proposed business relationships integrating resources in a high-tech B2B market. In addition, marketing managers should consider the early stage as another source of value co-creation.

Originality/value

The notion of value co-creation is extended from the later stage to an early stage of the value chain in a high-tech B2B market. Consolidated framework of a value co-creation network integrating actors, resources and relationships, suggested in this study, will be valuable for further theoretical research and business application.
Hong Kong maritime arbitration under the Arbitration Ordinance 2011
Authors: Tai Sik Kwan , Chan Bing
Published: March 2018

Purpose

In 2011, the new Arbitration Ordinance took effect in Hong Kong. This paper aims to discuss the new features on maritime arbitration.

Design/methodology/approach

The relevant provisions of the Arbitration Ordinance 2011 and the legal cases are examined.

Findings

Hong Kong is a first class maritime arbitration centre in the Asia Pacific Region.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the very few general reviews of the maritime arbitration under the Arbitration Ordinance 2011.
Peda.net: a learning portal for lifetime
Authors: Koskela Mari Erika
Published: March 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to give an overall image of how Finnish-developed Peda.net can help educators teach their students according to the ICT skill requirements set by Finnish national curricula.

Design/methodology/approach

In the paper, two different Peda.net use cases are introduced. These cases can give important practical tips on how to involve more ICT in schools for educators worldwide. The use cases are evaluated and agree with Finnish National Curricula requirements.

Findings

Peda.net is an e-learning environment. However, using it as part of teaching is a good way of introducing ICT skills in students regardless of whether working together in the same physical environment or remotely from different locations.

Originality/value

This paper can open up a global discussion of best ICT teaching practices and give some practical ICT teaching tips for teachers all around the world.
The Labour Party and the Impact of the 1918 Reform Act
Authors: Wrigley Chris
Published: March 2018

The Representation of the People Act 1918 compelled the Labour Party to respond by changing its organisation. Labour was already in the process of changing its organisation, policies and constitution because of the transformed economic, social, and political circumstances of the Great War. Labour took particular care to adjust its organisation to appeal to women voters, especially working‐class ones. It also aimed its electoral appeal to white‐collar workers, male and female. Labour benefited in 1919–20 from the wider local government franchise in London and some other urban areas, but such advances were thereafter countered by the Conservatives and Liberals avoiding dividing the anti‐Labour vote. It is possible that Labour benefited to a small extent in a few inner‐city constituencies by the ending of electoral disqualification for receiving out relief under the poor law. By the 1922 general election, Labour was establishing electoral strongholds in many mining, industrial and inner‐city parliamentary seats. Labour welcomed the changes proposed by the Speaker's conference but, to the dismay of some of its supporters, it accepted the loss of the proportional representation proposals in the compromises made as the Representation of the People Bill went through parliament. In the longer term, the lack of proportional representation enabled Labour to form majority governments in 1945 and later.
Women and the Vote: The Parliamentary Path to Equal Franchise, 1918–28
Authors: Takayanagi Mari
Published: March 2018

Following the Speaker's conference on electoral reform of 1916–17, the Representation of the People Act 1918 gave women over the age of 30 years who met minimum property qualifications the parliamentary vote for the first time. After a decade of continued suffrage campaigning and pressure in parliament, the Representation of the People (Equal Franchise) Act 1928 gave women the vote on the same terms as men, at age 21 years, with no age or any other restrictions. Although important in itself, votes for women also carried along a wider agenda of legislation relating to gender equality and issues affecting women and children during the interwar period. This essay gives an overview of how the Speaker's conference and the 1918 act affected women, considers the immediately‐related legislation in 1918–19 which allowed women to become MPs and removed other sex disqualifications, and traces progress in parliament towards equal franchise over the next decade, including a pledge by Stanley Baldwin in 1924 and an undertaking by William Joynson‐Hicks in 1925. It explains the changes in personnel and attitudes over time which finally enabled a Conservative government to grant equal franchise in 1928.
Umgang mit Antithrombotika bei Operationen an der Haut vor und nach Publikation der entsprechenden S3‐Leitlinie
Authors: Gaskins Matthew , Dittmann Martin , Eisert Lisa , Werner Ricardo Niklas , Dressler Corinna , Löser Christoph , Nast Alexander
Published: March 2018

Hintergrund

Laut einer Befragung im Jahre 2012 war der Umgang mit Antithrombotika bei dermatochirurgischen Eingriffen in Deutschland sehr heterogen. 2014 wurde erstmals eine evidenzbasierte Leitlinie zu diesem Thema veröffentlicht.

Methodik

Es wurde eine anonyme Befragung derselben Stichprobe zum Umgang mit Antithrombotika sowie zu Kenntnissen der Leitlinie durchgeführt. Die Ergebnisse wurden als relative Häufigkeiten berichtet und denen aus 2012 gegenübergestellt.

Ergebnisse

208 Antwortbögen wurden ausgewertet (Rücklaufquote: 36,6 %). Die große Mehrheit der Dermatologen erklärte, kleinere Eingriffe unter Fortführung der Therapie mit Phenprocoumon, niedrig dosierter Acetylsalicylsäure (≤ 100 mg) und Clopidogrel sowie mit direkten oralen Antikoagulanzien durchzuführen. Bei größeren Eingriffen war der Umgang hingegen weiterhin heterogen, insbesondere unter niedergelassenen Dermatologen. Der Anteil der Dermatologen, die Phenprocoumon, Acetylsalicylsäure und Clopidogrel leitlinienkonform verwendeten, hat sich insgesamt vergrößert. Führten 2012 beispielsweise 53,8 % der Klinikärzte bzw. 36,3 % der niedergelassenen Dermatologen eine große Exzision unter Fortführung der Therapie mit niedrig dosierter Acetylsalicylsäure durch, taten dies 2017 90,2 % bzw. 57,8 % (Phenprocoumon: 33,8 % bzw. 11,9 % auf 63,9 % bzw. 29,9 %; Clopidogrel: 36,9 % bzw. 23,2 % auf 63,9 % bzw. 30,6 %). Unter den Klinikärzten war ein hoher Anteil mit der Leitlinie vertraut und fand diese hilfreich.

Schlussfolgerungen

Eine Zunahme des leitlinienkonformen Verhaltens war bei allen Eingriffen zu verzeichnen. Bei größeren Eingriffen zeigte sich trotz deutlicher Verbesserung die Notwendigkeit verstärkter Anstrengungen zur Leitlinienumsetzung bzw. zur Identifizierung von Implementierungsbarrieren.
Lipomatosen
Authors: Al Ghazal Philipp , Grönemeyer Lisa‐Lena , Schön Michael P.
Published: March 2018

Als Lipomatosen bezeichnet man gutartige, meist ohne eindeutige Auslöser auftretende Vermehrungen des Fettgewebes, oft mit typischem Verteilungsmuster. Im Gegensatz zu umschriebenen Lipomen entwickeln sie sich meist diffus‐symmetrisch und sind nicht von einer fibrösen Pseudokapsel umgeben.

Am häufigsten ist die benigne symmetrische Lipomatose (BSL; Launois‐Bensaude‐Syndrom), von der aufgrund des Verteilungsmusters des hyperplastischen Fettgewebes vier Typen unterschieden werden. Ätiologie und Pathogenese der Erkrankung sind noch weitgehend unbekannt, wobei manche Formen eine hereditäre Basis zu haben oder mit vermehrtem Alkoholkonsum assoziiert zu sein scheinen. In einigen Fällen wurden mitochondriale Fehlfunktionen nachgewiesen. Lipomatosen können isoliert, aber auch mit Begleitsymptomen oder ‐erkrankungen (Komorbidität) vergesellschaftet auftreten. Wirksame medikamentöse Therapien sind nicht bekannt; chirurgische Verfahren können hingegen zur Besserung der Symptome führen.

Die von der BSL abzugrenzende Lipomatosis dolorosa tritt bevorzugt bei Frauen mittleren Alters auf und ist durch Vermehrung des Fettgewebes sowie starke Schmerzen in den betroffenen Bereichen gekennzeichnet. Verschiedene Differenzialdiagnosen und Begleiterkrankungen sind abzuklären, insbesondere Depressionen. Evidenzbasierte Therapieempfehlungen existieren nicht. Repetitive Lidocain‐Infusionen können temporäre Besserungen bewirken; nach chirurgischen Interventionen treten häufig Rezidive auf, allerdings werden auch langfristige Erfolge erzielt.
Religion, Human Rights, and Neo‐liberalism in a Post‐Humanist Era
Authors: Sung Jung Mo
Published: March 2018

In a modern and secularized world, churches and religious groups that fight in the public sphere for social justice justify these actions in the name of defending human rights. This has been the path taken to express in non‐religious language what they understand to be a God‐given mission. Based on the distinction between civil rights, political rights, and social rights, which make up the set of human rights, this article analyzes the relationship between the notion of religious mission and the struggle for human rights; how neoliberal ideology, in an anti‐humanist perspective, criticizes the notion of social rights and social justice with the denial of any human right above the laws of the market; and the challenges that this neoliberal ideology poses for the justification of the social and political action of religious groups and institutions in the contemporary globalized world with a growing post/anti‐humanist culture.
On the challenges and opportunities facing fish biology: a discussion of five key knowledge gaps
Authors: Jacobs A. , Doran C. , Murray D. S. , Duffill Telsnig J. , Laskowski K. L. , Jones N. A. R. , Auer S. K. , Præbel K.
Published: March 2018

Many fish species face increasing challenges associated with climate change and overfishing. At the same time, aquaculture is becoming vital for food security. Gaining a deeper understanding of the basic biology of fish is therefore more important than ever. Here we synthesize and summarize key questions, opportunities and challenges in fish biology highlighted during a round‐table discussion at the 50th Anniversary Symposium of The Fisheries Society of the British Isles, held at the University of Exeter, U.K., in July 2017. We identified several knowledge gaps but also key opportunities for fish biology to inform food security, for collective behaviour, evolutionary history and trait correlations to predict responses to environmental change and for novel analytical approaches to mine existing data sets. Overall, more integrative approaches through stronger collaborations across different fields are needed to advance our understanding of the basic biology of fish.
The future of fishes and fisheries in the changing oceans
Authors: Cheung W. W. L.
Published: March 2018

This paper aims to highlight the risk of climate change on coupled marine human and natural systems and explore possible solutions to reduce such risk. Specifically, it explores some of the key responses of marine fish stocks and fisheries to climate change and their implications for human society. It highlights the importance of mitigating carbon emission and achieving the Paris Agreement in reducing climate risk on marine fish stocks and fisheries. Finally, it discusses potential opportunities for helping fisheries to reduce climate threats, through local adaptation. A research direction in fish biology and ecology is proposed that would help support the development of these potential solutions.
Comment on “Climate legacies drive global soil carbon stocks in terrestrial ecosystems”
Authors: Sanderman Jonathan
Published: March 2018

Radiocarbon measurements suggest that topsoil organic carbon was derived from recent vegetation.
Phosphorylation decelerates conformational dynamics in bacterial translation elongation factors
Authors: Talavera Ariel , Hendrix Jelle , Versées Wim , Jurėnas Dukas , Van Nerom Katleen , Vandenberk Niels , Singh Ranjan Kumar , Konijnenberg Albert , De Gieter Steven , Castro-Roa Daniel , Barth Anders , De Greve Henri , Sobott Frank , Hofkens Johan , Zenkin Nikolay , Loris Remy , Garcia-Pino Abel
Published: March 2018

Phosphorylation-induced conformational trap is an essential mechanism for phosphoregulation of bacterial metabolism.
Genome Sequence of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis Strain KM01, Isolated from the Abscess of a Goat in Kunming, China
Authors: Gao Huafeng , Ma Yuxing , Shao Qingyong , Hong Qionghua , Zheng Guoying , Li Zhiming
Published: March 2018

Caseous lymphadenitis (CLA) is an acute, pyogenic, and contagious disease of goat that imposes considerable economic losses for farmers, and it is caused by
Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis
. Herein, we introduce the genome sequencing of
C. pseudotuberculosis
strain KM01, isolated from an abscess of a Saanen goat from Kunming, China. The genome contains 2,198 genes, the total length of the genes was 2,337,666 bp, and the GC content was 52.18%. The number of tandem repeat sequences was 44, the total length of the tandem repeat sequences was 1,970 bp (0.0772% of the genome), the number of minisatellite DNAs was 36, and there were 48 tRNAs and 12 rRNAs.
Whole-Genome Sequences of Two Arthrobacter Strains Isolated from a Holm Oak Rhizosphere Affected by Wildfire
Authors: Fernández-González Antonio J. , Lasa Ana V. , Fernández-López Manuel
Published: March 2018

We report here the draft genome sequences of two
Arthrobacter
strains isolated from a holm oak forest affected by wildfire. Both strains were shown to act as plant growth promoters, with AFG20 being a member of the most abundant group found in this soil and AFG7.2 being the strain with the highest indole-3-acetic acid production level.
Draft Genome Sequence of Vibrio penaeicida Strain TUMSAT-NU1, Isolated from Diseased Shrimp in Japan
Authors: Kawato Satoshi , Nozaki Reiko , Kondo Hidehiro , Hirono Ikuo
Published: March 2018

Vibrio penaeicida
is a bacterial pathogen of cultured shrimp. The draft genome sequence of
V. penaeicida
strain TUMSAT-NU1 consists of 100 scaffolds with a total of 6.41 Mbp. We identified possible virulence factors, and we found that
V. penaeicida
and
Vibrio nigripulchritudo
are closely related.
Sequencing,
De Novo
Assembly, and Annotation of the Complete Genome of a New Thraustochytrid Species, Strain CCAP_4062/3
Authors: Seddiki Khawla , Godart François , Aiese Cigliano Riccardo , Sanseverino Walter , Barakat Mohamed , Ortet Philippe , Rébeillé Fabrice , Maréchal Eric , Cagnac Olivier , Amato Alberto
Published: March 2018

Thraustochytrids are ecologically and biotechnologically relevant marine species. We report here the
de novo
assembly and annotation of the whole-genome sequence of a new thraustochytrid strain, CCAP_4062/3. The genome size was estimated at 38.7 Mb with 11,853 predicted coding sequences, and the GC content was scored at 57%.
Assessment tools for the measurement of the self-efficacy of drug users: protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Vasconcelos Selene Cordeiro , Frazão Iracema da Silva , Sougey Everton Botelho , Souza Sandra Lopes de , Silva Tatiana de Paula Santana da , Lima Murilo Duarte da Costa
Published: March 2018

Introduction

The abuse of alcohol and other drugs is a worldwide problem, the treatment of which poses a challenge to healthcare workers.

Objective

This study presents a proposal for a systematic review to analyse the psychometric properties of assessment tools developed to measure the self-efficacy of drug users with regard to resisting the urge to take drugs in high-risk situations.

Methods and Analysis

The guiding question was based on PICOS (Population Intervention Comparator Outcome Setting), and the report of the methods of review protocol was written in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P). Searches will be performed in the PsycINFO, Cochrane, Pubmed, Web of Science, SCOPUS and CINAHL databases, followed by the use of the ‘snowball’ strategy. The inclusion criteria for the articles will be (1) assessment tool validation studies; (2) assessment tools developed to measure self-efficacy; (3) quantitative measures; (4) measures designed for use on adults; (5) data from self-reports of the participants; (6) studies involving a description of psychometric properties of the measures; and (7) studies that explain how the level of self-efficacy is scored. The search, selection and analysis will be performed by two independent reviewers. In cases of a divergence of opinion, a third reviewer will be consulted. The COSMIN checklist will be used for the appraisal of the methodological quality of the assessment tools and the certainty of the evidence in the articles (risk of bias) will be analysed using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) approach.

Ethics and dissemination

This protocol does not require ethical approval. However, this protocol is part of the thesis entitledDrug-Taking Confidence Questionnairefor use in Brazil, presented for obtaining a doctorate in neuropsychiatry and behavioural sciences from the Federal University of Pernambuco, and has received approval from the human research ethics committee of the Federal University of Pernambuco (reference number: 1.179.162).

The results will be disseminated to clinicians and researchers through peer-reviewed publications and conferences.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42017068555.
4-year results from the RAPID-PsA phase 3 randomised placebo-controlled trial of certolizumab pegol in psoriatic arthritis
Authors: van der Heijde Désirée , Deodhar Atul , FitzGerald Oliver , Fleischmann Roy , Gladman Dafna , Gottlieb Alice B , Hoepken Bengt , Bauer Lars , Irvin-Sellers Oscar , Khraishi Majed , Peterson Luke , Turkiewicz Anthony , Wollenhaupt Jürgen , Mease Philip J
Published: March 2018

Objective

To report the efficacy, patient-reported, radiographic and safety outcomes of 4 years’ certolizumab pegol (CZP) treatment in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Methods

RAPID-PsA (NCT01087788) was double-blind and placebo-controlled to Week 24, dose-blind to Week 48 and open-label (OL) to Week 216. Patients were randomised 1:1:1 to either placebo or CZP 200 mg every 2 weeks (Q2W) or 400 mg every 4 weeks (Q4W) (following 400 mg at Weeks 0/2/4). Patients randomised to CZP continued their assigned dose in the OL period. Patients randomised to placebo were re-randomised to CZP 200 mg Q2W or 400 mg Q4W (post-loading dose) at Week 16 (early escape) or after the double-blind phase. We present observed and imputed data; missing values were imputed using non-responder imputation (NRI) for categorical and last observation carried forward (LOCF) for continuous measures.

Results

409 patients were randomised; 20% (54/273) of Week 0 patients randomised to CZP had prior anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) exposure; 67% (183/273) completed 216 weeks. By Week 48, 60.4% of patients achieved Disease Activity Index for Psoriatic Arthritis low disease activity or remission, which was maintained; 66.3% achieved these outcomes at Week 216 (NRI). At Weeks 48 and 216, 39.2% of patients achieved minimal disease activity (NRI). 75% reduction in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index responses were 65% and 52% at Weeks 48 and 216 (NRI). Total resolution rates for enthesitis, dactylitis and nail psoriasis, at 4 years, were 71%, 81% and 65%, respectively (LOCF). Structural damage progression was low over 4 years’ treatment. No new safety signals were identified after Week 96.

Conclusions

CZP efficacy in treating PsA was maintained over 4 years, in patients both with and without prior anti-TNF exposure, with no new safety signals identified.
The cluster model for studying even–even light nuclei
Authors: Roshanbakht Nafiseh , Shojaei Mohammad Reza
Published: March 2018

According to the experimental results, even–even light nuclei have cluster structures at some excited states. To study nuclei having two identical clusters we used a two-center potential well model. We calculated the energy levels by solving the Schrödinger equation and evaluating the effect of spin–orbit coupling in cylindrical coordinates. Finally, the results of calculations were applied for the 8Be isotope.
Topological thermal Hall effect due to Weyl magnons
Authors: Owerre S.A.
Published: March 2018

We present the first theoretical evidence of zero magnetic field topological (anomalous) thermal Hall effect due to Weyl magnons in stacked noncoplanar frustrated kagomé antiferromagnets. The Weyl magnons in this system result from macroscopically broken time-reversal symmetry by the scalar spin chirality of noncoplanar chiral spin textures. Most importantly, they come from the lowest excitation, therefore they can be easily observed experimentally at low temperatures due to the population effect. Similar to electronic Weyl nodes close to the Fermi energy, Weyl magnon nodes at the lowest excitation are the most important. Indeed, we show that the topological (anomalous) thermal Hall effect in this system arises from nonvanishing Berry curvature due to Weyl magnon nodes at the lowest excitation, and it depends on their distribution (distance) in momentum space. The present result paves the way to directly probe low excitation Weyl magnons and macroscopically broken time-reversal symmetry in three-dimensional frustrated magnets with the anomalous thermal Hall effect.
Traffic flow behavior at a single-lane urban roundabout
Authors: Lakouari N. , Oubram O. , Ez-Zahraouy H. , Cisneros-Villalobos L. , Velásquez-Aguilar J. G.
Published: March 2018

In this paper, we propose a stochastic cellular automata model to study the traffic behavior at a single-lane roundabout. Vehicles can enter the interior lane or exit from it via [Formula: see text] intersecting lane, the boundary conditions are stochastic. The traffic is controlled by a self-organized scheme. It has turned out that depending on the rules of insertion to the roundabout, five distinct traffic phases can appear, namely, free flow, congestion, maximum current, jammed and gridlock. The transition between the free flow and the gridlock is forbidden. The density profiles are used to study the traffic pattern at the interior lane of the roundabout. In order to quantify the interactions between vehicles in the interior lane of the roundabout, the velocity correlation coefficient (VCC) is also studied. Besides, the spatiotemporal diagrams corresponding to the entry/exit lanes are derived numerically. Furthermore, we have investigated the effect of displaying signal ([Formula: see text], as the [Formula: see text] decreases, the maximum current increases at the expense of the free flow and the jamming phase. Finally, we have investigated the effect of the braking probability [Formula: see text] on the interior lane of the roundabout. We have found that the increase of [Formula: see text] raises the spontaneous jam formation on the ring. Thus, enlarges the maximum current and the jamming phase while the free flow phase decreases.
HOW DOES FOREIGN R&D AFFECT OECD EXPORT COMPETITIVENESS?
Authors: JIANG WUN-JI , LUH YIR-HUEIH , HUANG SZU-CHI
Published: March 2018

This study is motivated by the observation that there are two East Asian countries, South Korea and China, emerging as major R&D players in the world during the past two decades. In addition to spillovers originated from the traditional R&D countries, the present study incorporates both direct and indirect spillovers from South Korea and China into the determination of the export performance of the OECD countries. The theoretical justification for the linkages of trade-related spillovers to export competitiveness is outlined in the theoretical model extended from [ Keller, W (2004) . International technology diffusion. Journal of Economic Literature, 42, 752–782.]. Our empirical investigation is focused on assessing the association of spillovers with both the capacity and technological content of export. To this end, the empirical model linking R&D spillovers to a composite measure of export competitiveness is constructed. Our results indicate the persistence of the two East Asian major R&D players in influencing the export capacity and technological content of the OECD countries. The results in turn suggest that maintaining a close relationship with South Korea and China can mitigate the competitiveness–dampening effect resulting from the R&D activities of large industrialized countries.
Architectural Optimizations for a High-Throughput Sorted QR Decomposition Circuit in MIMO Communication Systems
Authors: Chen Wei-Yang , Shen Chung-An
Published: March 2018

This paper presents the VLSI architecture of a low-latency and high-throughput sorted-QR decomposition (SQRD) engine for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication systems. In order to achieve a high processing throughput, the proposed design is architected based on a novel pipelined Givens rotation (GR) structure comprising of multi-dimension COordinate rotation DIgital computer (CORDIC) (MD-CORDIC) processing elements (PEs). Moreover, this design delivers the vector norm and conducts the sorting operation as a by-product of the vectoring operation on the execution flow of the CORDIC process. Therefore, excessive overheads for norm-calculation and sorting are excluded, and thus the latency is greatly reduced and throughput is enhanced. In addition, the proposed SQRD engine is operating directly on the complex-valued channel matrix to avoid the matrix augmentation caused by the real-valued decomposition of the channel matrix. This design has been synthesized, placed and routed, and the post-layout estimation results have shown that the processing throughput of the proposed SQRD architecture achieves an approximately 2[Formula: see text] improvement compared to the prior arts.
Non-cooperative Fisher–KPP systems: Asymptotic behavior of traveling waves
Authors: Girardin Léo
Published: March 2018

This paper is concerned with non-cooperative parabolic reaction–diffusion systems which share structural similarities with the scalar Fisher–KPP equation. In a previous paper, we established that these systems admit traveling wave solutions whose profiles connect the null state to a compact subset of the positive cone. The main object of this paper is the investigation of a more precise description of these profiles. Non-cooperative KPP systems can model various phenomena where the following three mechanisms occur: local diffusion in space, linear cooperation and superlinear competition.
Isogeometric BDDC deluxe preconditioners for linear elasticity
Authors: Pavarino L. F. , Scacchi S. , Widlund O. B. , Zampini S.
Published: March 2018

Balancing Domain Decomposition by Constraints (BDDC) preconditioners have been shown to provide rapidly convergent preconditioned conjugate gradient methods for solving many of the very ill-conditioned systems of algebraic equations which often arise in finite element approximations of a large variety of problems in continuum mechanics. These algorithms have also been developed successfully for problems arising in isogeometric analysis. In particular, the BDDC deluxe version has proven very successful for problems approximated by Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines (NURBS), even those of high order and regularity. One main purpose of this paper is to extend the theory, previously fully developed only for scalar elliptic problems in the plane, to problems of linear elasticity in three dimensions. Numerical experiments supporting the theory are also reported. Some of these experiments highlight the fact that the development of the theory can help to decrease substantially the dimension of the primal space of the BDDC algorithm, which provides the necessary global component of these preconditioners, while maintaining scalability and good convergence rates.
Large-distance behavior of the massless vector two-point function in de Sitter spacetime
Authors: Rendell Nicola
Published: March 2018

We study the long-distance behavior of the massless vector propagator in [Formula: see text]-dimensional de Sitter spacetime, where [Formula: see text]. Specifically, we consider the massless limit of the vector propagator in the Stueckelberg theory, which is an extension of Proca theory, with an additional gauge-fixing term. We work to leading order in the de Sitter-invariant distance [Formula: see text] to show that, in the large [Formula: see text] limit, this propagator tends to a gauge-dependent constant, where the gauge worked in is described by the Stueckelberg parameter [Formula: see text]. In the Landau gauge, where [Formula: see text], this constant is found to be 0. This result is in agreement with the four-dimensional case discussed by Youssef.
Discovering Consensus Preferences Visually Based on Gower Plots
Authors: Ma Li-Ching
Published: March 2018

Group-ranking problems are widely encountered decision problems which combine personal preferences to form an integrated group priority; however, providing support to solve group-ranking problems is difficult because each person has his/her own viewpoint regarding how such decisions should be made. In addition, many researchers have shown that visual aids are useful in helping users comprehend decision backgrounds. Therefore, determining how to support the group-ranking process and providing visual aids is an important issue. This study proposes a novel graphical approach to discover group consensus sequences. First, a counting-based data mining approach is constructed to discover a consensus preference matrix. Second, an ordinal Gower plot can be drawn whereby group consensus sequences can be directly observed. Unlike previous methods, the proposed approach can discover group consensus sequences without involving tedious candidate generation and exhaustive search processes, derive a total ranking list, as well as provide visual aids to users.
Simulated Hesitant Fuzzy Linguistic Term Sets-Based Approach for Modeling Uncertainty in AHP Method
Authors: Tüysüz Fatih
Published: March 2018

One of the important points in decision-making is representing the uncertainty. There have been developed approaches which are based on either fuzzy sets theory or probability theory to model the inherent uncertainty and imprecision in the pairwise comparison process of analytic hierarchy process (AHP). This study proposes a hybrid approach that integrates fuzzy sets theory and simulation technique into AHP method to better represent the uncertainty in decision-making process. The aim of the proposed approach is to benefit the advantages of both probability theory and fuzzy sets theory which may provide a new paradigm for modeling uncertainty in multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM). An illustrative example is also presented to show the applicability of the proposed approach.
Optimization Model for Machining Processes Design in Flexible Manufacturing Systems
Authors: Lukic Ljubomir , Djapic Mirko , Fragassa Cristiano , Pavlovic Ana
Published: March 2018

Engineering machining processes realized in flexible machining systems is a highly complex task, especially since it encompasses complex optimization procedures apart from engineering. For a broad array of different workpieces produced in different series it is very difficult to engineer a manufacturing process for attaining maximum processing productivity with minimal production costs. This paper presents a developed postprocessor model enabling automatic generating of the numerical control code for all programs executed simultaneously in the production process on a greater number of machining centers. The model engrosses the different variants of tools in a machining center magazine, a different combination of elements of the machining mode, possibility of the most favorable layout of workpieces on pallets, compliance with the technological requirements in terms of simultaneous tool changes in machining center magazines, the required total processing time and minimal production costs. To that aim has been developed the postprocessor generator, as a program and software system, enabling all programs to be automatically updated based on the set up optimization strategy from tool changes, changes in cutting mode elements and technological operations. Such updated programs contain optimal technological parameters and provide minimal costs of production while at the same time the maximum utilization of tools during manufacture at an exactly specified time.
An Efficient Social Spider Optimization for Flexible Job Shop Scheduling Problem
Authors: Kavitha S. , Venkumar P. , Rajini N. , Pitchipoo P.
Published: March 2018

The job shop scheduling problem (JSSP) is a standout amongst the most difficult combinatorial improvement issues. Flexible job shop scheduling is an augmentation of the JSSP that permits an action to be processed by any machine from a given set along with various courses. This paper exhibits another method in view of a social insect method to explain the single goal flexible JSSP (FJSSP). This advancement focuses on the distinction between the two diverse search specialists (insects): males and females. In the proposed methodology, a few earlier guidelines are displayed to develop the underlying population with an abnormal state of value. In the proposed investigation, a few earlier standards are exhibited to build the underlying population with an abnormal state of value. Imitation comes about on the standard test cases demonstrate that social spider optimization (SSO) has a superior merging execution contrasted and single-goal existing roused optimization process. For the examination of twenty benchmark problems, the result demonstrates that the minimum make span achieves in the benchmark problem LA03 as 524 in SSO algorithm. This proposed work accomplished 92.33% exactness in SSO strategy contrasted with other optimization process and this algorithm reduces the computational time and less expensive.
The Impact of Green Supply Chain Practices in Business Performance: Evidence from Pakistani FMCG Firms
Authors: Khan Syed Abdul Rehman , Zhang Yu , Golpîra Hêriş
Published: March 2018

This research paper examines the effect of three factors of green supply chain (GSC) practices on organizational performance in the perspective of Pakistani FMCG companies. A sample of 191 companies was collected from the FMCG industry. The GSC practices were measured by three independent variables including green transportation, green distribution and green purchasing. By using exploratory factor analysis and linear multiple regression, the findings show that except green purchasing rest of the two variables (green transportation and green distribution) have been found positive and significant to estimate organizational performance. Therefore, the managers and directors of the FMCG firms should adopt green practices in their distribution and transportation operations to enhance overall organizational performance. The key contribution of this study from theoretical side is that it is possible to sign a negative impact of green purchasing on organizational performance in the context of Pakistani FMCG industry.
Second-generation wavelet optimized finite difference method (SGWOFD) for solution of Burger’s equation with different boundary conditions
Authors: Sharma Deepika , Goyal Kavita
Published: March 2018

In this paper, second-generation wavelet optimized finite difference method (SGWOFD) is developed for solution of Burger’s equation with different boundary conditions. The viscid Burger’s equation is considered with periodic, Dirichlet, Neumann and Robin’s boundary conditions. For the approximations of the differential operators, central finite difference scheme has been used and Crank Nicolson’s scheme is used for the time integration. Numerical solutions have been optimized on an adaptive grid which is generated using the second-generation wavelet. The beauty of the second-generation wavelet is that its construction is not affected by the boundary conditions. For each test problem, the convergence of the method has been verified. The CPU time taken by SGWOFD has been computed for each test problem and is compared with the CPU time taken by the finite difference method on a uniform grid. It has been revealed that SGWOFD is highly efficient.
An analytical investigation of the cylindrical capacitor in the framework of a two-parameter modification of Born–Infeld electrodynamics
Authors: Fathi F. , Moayedi S. K.
Published: March 2018

Iacopini and Zavattini [Vacuum polarization effects in the [Formula: see text] atom and the Born–Infeld electromagnetic theory, Nuovo Cimento B 78 (1983) 38–52] proposed a [Formula: see text]-two-parameter modification of Born–Infeld electrodynamics, in which the classical self-energy for an electron takes a finite value for [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we want to study a cylindrical capacitor from the viewpoint of Iacopini–Zavattini nonlinear electrodynamics analytically. The capacitance, the electrostatic potential energy, and the potential difference between the plates of a cylindrical capacitor are calculated in the framework of Iacopini–Zavattini electrodynamics for two specific values of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. The study of the behavior of a nonlinear cylindrical capacitor in the weak electric fields shows that our results are compatible with the correspondence principle, i.e. we recover the results of Maxwell electrodynamics in the weak field regime. Finally, the invariance of Iacopini–Zavattini nonlinear electrodynamics under the duality transformation is investigated.
Achievable Single-Valued Neutrosophic Graphs in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Hamidi Mohammad , Borumand Saeid Arsham
Published: March 2018

This paper considers wireless sensor (hyper) networks by single-valued neutrosophic (hyper)graphs. It tries to extend the notion of single-valued neutrosophic graphs to single-valued neutrosophic hypergraphs and it is derived single-valued neutrosophic graphs from single-valued neutrosophic hypergraphs via positive equivalence relation. We use single-valued neutrosophic hypergraphs and positive equivalence relation to create the sensor clusters and access to cluster heads. Finally, the concept of (extended) derivable single-valued neutrosophic graph is considered as the energy clustering of wireless sensor networks and is applied this concept as a tool in wireless sensor (hyper) networks.
Nonstandard finite-difference schemes for the two-level Bloch model
Authors: Songolo Marc E. , Bidégaray-Fesquet Brigitte
Published: March 2018

In this paper, we present splitting schemes for the two-level Bloch model. After proposing two ways to split the Bloch equation, we show that it is possible in each case to generate exact numerical solutions of the obtained sub-equations. These exact solutions involve matrix exponentials which can be expensive to compute. Here, for [Formula: see text] matrices we develop equivalent formulations which reduce the computational cost. These splitting schemes are nonstandard ones and conserve all the physical properties (Hermicity, positiveness and trace) of Bloch equations. In addition, they are explicit, making effective their implementation when coupled with the Maxwell’s equations.
Joint Modeling of Participant Influence and Latent Topics for Recommendation in Event-based Social Networks
Authors: Liao Yi , Lam Wai , Bing Lidong , Shen Xin
Published: March 2018

Event-based social networks (EBSNs) are becoming popular in recent years. Users can publish a planned event on an EBSN website, calling for other users to participate in the event. When a user is making a decision on whether to participate in an event in EBSNs, one aspect for consideration is existing participants defined as users who have agreed to join this event. Existing participants of the event may affect the decision of the user, to which we refer as participant influence. However, participant influence is not well studied by previous works. In this article, we propose an event recommendation model that considers participant influence, and exploits the influence of existing participants on the decisions of new participants based on Poisson factorization. The effect of participant influence is associated with the target event, the host group of the event, and the location of the event. Furthermore, our proposed model can extract latent event topics from event text descriptions, and characterize events, groups, and locations by distributions of event topics. Associations between latent event topics and participant influence are exploited for improving event recommendation. Besides making event recommendation, the proposed model is able to reveal the semantic properties of the participant influence between two users semantically. We have conducted extensive experiments on some datasets extracted from a real-world EBSN. Our proposed model achieves superior event recommendation performance over several state-of-the-art models. The results demonstrate that the consideration of participant influence can improve event recommendation.
Modularity in Jasmonate Signaling for Multistress Resilience
Authors: Howe Gregg A. , Major Ian T. , Koo Abraham J.
Published: March 2018

The plant hormone jasmonate coordinates immune and growth responses to increase plant survival in unpredictable environments. The core jasmonate signaling pathway comprises several functional modules, including a repertoire of COI1–JAZ (CORONATINE INSENSITIVE1–JASMONATE-ZIM DOMAIN) coreceptors that couple jasmonoyl-l-isoleucine perception to the degradation of JAZ repressors, JAZ-interacting transcription factors that execute physiological responses, and multiple negative feedback loops to ensure timely termination of these responses. Here, we review the jasmonate signaling pathway with an emphasis on understanding how transcriptional responses are specific, tunable, and evolvable. We explore emerging evidence that JAZ proteins integrate multiple informational cues and mediate crosstalk by propagating changes in protein–protein interaction networks. We also discuss recent insights into the evolution of jasmonate signaling and highlight how plant-associated organisms manipulate the pathway to subvert host immunity. Finally, we consider how this mechanistic foundation can accelerate the rational design of jasmonate signaling for improving crop resilience and harnessing the wellspring of specialized plant metabolites.
Plant Malectin-Like Receptor Kinases: From Cell Wall Integrity to Immunity and Beyond
Authors: Franck Christina Maria , Westermann Jens , Boisson-Dernier Aurélien
Published: March 2018

Plant cells are surrounded by cell walls protecting them from a myriad of environmental challenges. For successful habitat adaptation, extracellular cues are perceived at the cell wall and relayed to downstream signaling constituents to mediate dynamic cell wall remodeling and adapted intracellular responses. Plant malectin-like receptor kinases, also known as Catharanthus roseus receptor-like kinase 1-like proteins (CrRLK1Ls), take part in these perception and relay processes. CrRLK1Ls are involved in many different plant functions. Their ligands, interactors, and downstream signaling partners are being unraveled, and studies about CrRLK1Ls’ roles in plant species other than the plant model Arabidopsis thaliana are beginning to flourish. This review focuses on recent CrRLK1L-related advances in cell growth, reproduction, hormone signaling, abiotic stress responses, and, particularly, immunity. We also give an overview of the comparative genomics and evolution of CrRLK1Ls, and present a brief outlook for future research.
High-Resolution Hydroxyl Radical Protein Footprinting: Biophysics Tool for Drug Discovery
Authors: Kiselar Janna , Chance Mark R.
Published: March 2018

Hydroxyl radical footprinting (HRF) of proteins with mass spectrometry (MS) is a widespread approach for assessing protein structure. Hydroxyl radicals react with a wide variety of protein side chains, and the ease with which radicals can be generated (by radiolysis or photolysis) has made the approach popular with many laboratories. As some side chains are less reactive and thus cannot be probed, additional specific and nonspecific labeling reagents have been introduced to extend the approach. At the same time, advances in liquid chromatography and MS approaches permit an examination of the labeling of individual residues, transforming the approach to high resolution. Lastly, advances in understanding of the chemistry of the approach have led to the determination of absolute protein topologies from HRF data. Overall, the technology can provide precise and accurate measures of side-chain solvent accessibility in a wide range of interesting and useful contexts for the study of protein structure and dynamics in both academia and industry.
The Econometrics of Shape Restrictions
Authors: Chetverikov Denis , Santos Andres , Shaikh Azeem M.
Published: March 2018

We review recent developments in the econometrics of shape restrictions and their role in applied work. Our objectives are threefold. First, we aim to emphasize the diversity of applications in which shape restrictions have played a fruitful role. Second, we intend to provide practitioners with an intuitive understanding of how shape restrictions impact the distribution of estimators and test statistics. Third, we aim to provide an overview of new advances in the theory of estimation and inference under shape restrictions. Throughout the review, we outline open questions and interesting directions for future research.
Networks and Trade
Authors: Bernard Andrew B. , Moxnes Andreas
Published: March 2018

Trade occurs between firms both across borders and within countries, and most trade transactions include at least one large firm with many trading partners. This article reviews the literature on firm-to-firm connections in trade. A growing body of evidence coming from domestic and international transaction data has established empirical regularities that have inspired the development of new theories emphasizing firm heterogeneity among both buyers and suppliers in production networks. Theoretical work has considered both static and dynamic matching environments in a framework of many-to-many matching. The literature on trade and production networks is at an early stage, and there are many unanswered empirical and theoretical questions.