bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complimenting in the history of American English
Authors: Jucker Andreas H. , Taavitsainen Irma
Published: February 2014

Speech acts are functional entities and can, therefore, not be searched for directly in large computerised corpora. They can only be located on the basis of specific patterns that are known to be typical for a particular speech act, e.g. with IFIDs like “(I’m) sorry”. In this contribution we propose an alternative way called metacommunicative expression analysis. In this approach we do not search for a particular speech act but via expressions referring to this speech act we search for passages in which a speaker talks about it. As a case study we look at compliments in four samples of the Corpus of Historical American English (COHA) comprising texts from 1810 to 2010 and in an additional sample in the Corpus of Contemporary American English (COCA). 1741 passages containing the word “compliment” were retrieved across the two centuries and analysed manually on the basis of the information given in the context. The results suggest that a distinction must be made between ceremonious compliments and personal compliments and that – contrary to claims in the relevant literature – men are more often described as paying and receiving compliments than women.
A matter of tradition and good advice
Authors: Schrott Angela
Published: February 2014

Based on a corpus of Old Spanish texts, the discourse traditions of counselling are analysed within the framework of diachronic corpus pragmatics and dialogue analysis. On a methodological level, the study distinguishes three types of pragmatics and offers a clear-cut distinction between language change and cultural changes in the realm of discourse traditions. In order to clearly define the different interaction patterns in these dialogues, the qualitative approach of traditional philology is combined with quantitative methods that extract lexical clusters which are typical of counselling dialogues. This combination proves to be fruitful in two ways: on the one hand, the philological interpretations have a strong explanatory power for the interpretation of the quantitative findings; on the other hand, corpus-driven quantitative methods have the merit of discovering “blind spots” of traditional hermeneutic interpretations.
Non-promotional passives and unspecified subject constructions
Authors: O'Connor Catherine , Maling Joan
Published: February 2014

The passive construction, one of the most scrutinized across varying theoretical and typological perspectives, sometimes gives rise to disagreements among linguists about the membership of particular cases. “Non-promotional” passives are a key example: they lack overt subjects but govern accusative objects and may be categorized as either passives or impersonal actives with null unspecified human subjects. Based on Irish, Polish, Ukrainian, Icelandic, and Pomo data, we argue that disagreements stem from two sources: (a) linguists’ differing theorizations of “passive,” including their tacit commitments to the importance of distinct constructional features for a theory of language; and (b) differing native speaker judgments, which reveal two distinct and persistent analyses of this configuration, arising from the syntactic ambiguity of verb forms with null surface subjects.
Frames and the interpretation of omitted arguments in English
Authors: Ruppenhofer Josef , Michaelis Laura A.
Published: February 2014

Despite the idiosyncratic properties of null-complement phenomena observed by Fillmore (1986), Lambrecht and Lemoine (2005), and others, many researchers have pursued large-scope, single-factor explanations of the distributional and interpretive restrictions on null complements – in particular, explanations based on Aktionsart (Rappaport Hovav and Levin 1998) and selectional restrictions (Resnik 1993, 1996). We argue instead for a limited implicational regularity tying the interpretation type of an omitted argument to the frame membership of its predicator. We show that our account is robust, that exceptions can be explained based on independently motivated principles, and that the proposed generalization can be motivated by reference to the discourse status of comparable overt arguments in both lexically and constructionally licensed omissions. Finally, we argue that successful generalizations in the realm of null complementation are likely to be narrow rather than broad in scope.
Contrasting c'est -clefts and it-clefts in discourse
Authors: Katz Bourns Stacey
Published: February 2014

Although the French c’est-cleft and the English it-cleft appear at first glance to share similar syntactic and pragmatic properties (they are both what Lambrecht 1994 calls “argument focus” constructions), their use in discourse is not always the same. One finds a number of situations in which the c’est-cleft is required but the it-cleft is pragmatically odd. The reason for this discrepancy has to do with French prosodic restrictions that do not exist in English, thus creating a motivation for the cleft in French that is not found in English. In addition, various c’est-cleft types and c’est-cleft “lookalikes” in French correspond to different types of constructions in English, demonstrating the importance of analyzing naturally occurring discourse to determine pragmatic well-formedness.
A social psychological approach to mission assessment
Authors: Matteo Elizabeth K. , Ferrari Joseph R.
Published: February 2014

Using a social psychological framework, this study examined the relationship between undergraduates’ sense of school belonging and endorsement of their universities’ mission identity at two US universities of different size, geographic location, and Catholic traditions. Undergraduates at both universities completed online surveys that included: demographic information, the DePaul Mission and Values Inventory, and the School Sense of Community Scale. Findings revealed significant correlations between students’ sense of school belonging and their endorsement of the religious pluralism and innovation aspects of the mission identities at both institutions. The connection between students’ psychological need to belong and their endorsement of their campuses’ religious identity was discussed in terms of higher education planning and assessment.
An exploration of pre‐performance routines, self‐efficacy, anxiety and performance in semi‐professional soccer
Authors: Hazell Jonathan , Cotterill Stewart T. , Hill Denise M.
Published: February 2014

Whilst much research has suggested a positive link between pre‐performance routines (PPRs) and performance, the specific mechanisms of the process have yet to be understood fully. It has been suggested that the PPR may influence performance through lowering the athlete's anxiety, and/or increasing their self‐efficacy, but to date this has not specifically been explored in detail. As a result the aim of the current study was to explore the impact of specific individualised PPRs on performance, anxiety and self‐efficacy in semi‐professional soccer players. Participants were 20 male semi‐professional soccer players (M = 19.45, SD = 2.81) recruited from clubs in England. Adopting a repeated measure design, players were tested on performance, anxiety, and self‐efficacy pre‐ and post a 7‐day intervention period in which the participants learnt a new PPR. The data were analysed using factorial mixed measures analysis of variance (ANOVAs), with the results revealing a significant difference in somatic anxiety for the experimental group and a decrease in performance for the control group. The study provides further support for the suggestion that the PPR can enhance performance by reducing experiences of anxiety prior to performance.
Mutation of I696 and W697 in the TRP box of vanilloid receptor subtype I modulates allosteric channel activation
Authors: Gregorio-Teruel Lucia , Valente Pierluigi , González-Ros José Manuel , Fernández-Ballester Gregorio , Ferrer-Montiel Antonio
Published: February 2014

The transient receptor potential vanilloid receptor subtype I (TRPV1) channel acts as a polymodal sensory receptor gated by chemical and physical stimuli. Like other TRP channels, TRPV1 contains in its C terminus a short, conserved domain called the TRP box, which is necessary for channel gating. Substitution of two TRP box residues—I696 and W697—with Ala markedly affects TRPV1’s response to all activating stimuli, which indicates that these two residues play a crucial role in channel gating. We systematically replaced I696 and W697 with 18 native l-amino acids (excluding cysteine) and evaluated the effect on voltage- and capsaicin-dependent gating. Mutation of I696 decreased channel activation by either voltage or capsaicin; furthermore, gating was only observed with substitution of hydrophobic amino acids. Substitution of W697 with any of the 18 amino acids abolished gating in response to depolarization alone, shifting the threshold to unreachable voltages, but not capsaicin-mediated gating. Moreover, vanilloid-activated responses of W697X mutants showed voltage-dependent gating along with a strong voltage-independent component. Analysis of the data using an allosteric model of activation indicates that mutation of I696 and W697 primarily affects the allosteric coupling constants of the ligand and voltage sensors to the channel pore. Together, our findings substantiate the notion that inter- and/or intrasubunit interactions at the level of the TRP box are critical for efficient coupling of stimulus sensing and gate opening. Perturbation of these interactions markedly reduces the efficacy and potency of the activating stimuli. Furthermore, our results identify these interactions as potential sites for pharmacological intervention.
A note on mapping class group actions on derived categories
Authors: Sibilla Nicolò
Published: February 2014

Let

X
n

X_n

be a cycle of

n
n

projective lines and

T

n

\mathbb {T}_n

a symplectic torus with

n
n

punctures. Using the theory of spherical twists introduced by Seidel and Thomas, the author will define an action of the pure mapping class group of

T

n

\mathbb {T}_n

on

D
b

(
C
o
h
(

X
n

)
)

D^b(Coh(X_n))

. The motivation comes from homological mirror symmetry for degenerate elliptic curves, which was studied by the author with Treumann and Zaslow.
Moduli of parahoric 𝒢-torsors on a compact Riemann surface
Authors: Balaji V. , Seshadri C.
Published: February 2014

Let

X
X

be an irreducible smooth projective algebraic curve of genus

g
≥
2

g \geq 2

over the ground field

C

\mathbb {C}

, and let

G
G

be a semisimple simply connected algebraic group. The aim of this paper is to introduce the notion of semistable and stable parahoric torsors under a certain Bruhat–Tits group scheme

G

\mathcal G

and to construct the moduli space of semistable parahoric

G

\mathcal G

-torsors; we also identify the underlying topological space of this moduli space with certain spaces of homomorphisms of Fuchsian groups into a maximal compact subgroup of

G
G

. The results give a generalization of the earlier results of Mehta and Seshadri on parabolic vector bundles.
Caenorhabditis elegansoocyte meiotic spindle pole assembly requires microtubule severing and the calponin homology domain protein ASPM-1
Authors: Connolly Amy A. , Osterberg Valerie , Christensen Sara , Price Meredith , Lu Chenggang , Chicas-Cruz Kathy , Lockery Shawn , Mains Paul E. , Bowerman Bruce
Published: February 2014

In many animals, including vertebrates, oocyte meiotic spindles are bipolar but assemble in the absence of centrosomes. Although meiotic spindle positioning in oocytes has been investigated extensively, much less is known about their assembly. In Caenorhabditis elegans, three genes previously shown to contribute to oocyte meiotic spindle assembly are the calponin homology domain protein encoded by aspm-1, the katanin family member mei-1, and the kinesin-12 family member klp-18. We isolated temperature-sensitive alleles of all three and investigated their requirements using live-cell imaging to reveal previously undocumented requirements for aspm-1 and mei-1. Our results indicate that bipolar but abnormal oocyte meiotic spindles assemble in aspm-1(-) embryos, whereas klp-18(-) and mei-1(-) mutants assemble monopolar and apolar spindles, respectively. Furthermore, two MEI-1 functions—ASPM-1 recruitment to the spindle and microtubule severing—both contribute to monopolar spindle assembly in klp-18(-) mutants. We conclude that microtubule severing and ASPM-1 both promote meiotic spindle pole assembly in C. elegans oocytes, whereas the kinesin 12 family member KLP-18 promotes spindle bipolarity.
Dynamic networks reveal key players in aging
Authors: Faisal Fazle E. , Milenković Tijana
Published: February 2014

Motivation: Because susceptibility to diseases increases with age, studying aging gains importance. Analyses of gene expression or sequence data, which have been indispensable for investigating aging, have been limited to studying genes and their protein products in isolation, ignoring their connectivities. However, proteins function by interacting with other proteins, and this is exactly what biological networks (BNs) model. Thus, analyzing the proteins’ BN topologies could contribute to the understanding of aging. Current methods for analyzing systems-level BNs deal with their static representations, even though cells are dynamic. For this reason, and because different data types can give complementary biological insights, we integrate current static BNs with aging-related gene expression data to construct dynamic age-specific BNs. Then, we apply sensitive measures of topology to the dynamic BNs to study cellular changes with age.

Results: While global BN topologies do not significantly change with age, local topologies of a number of genes do. We predict such genes to be aging-related. We demonstrate credibility of our predictions by (i) observing significant overlap between our predicted aging-related genes and ‘ground truth’ aging-related genes; (ii) observing significant overlap between functions and diseases that are enriched in our aging-related predictions and those that are enriched in ‘ground truth’ aging-related data; (iii) providing evidence that diseases which are enriched in our aging-related predictions are linked to human aging; and (iv) validating our high-scoring novel predictions in the literature.

Availability and implementation: Software executables are available upon request.

Contact:  tmilenko@nd.edu

Supplementary information:  Supplementary Data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Characterization of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli
strains isolated from Nicaraguan children in hospital, primary care and community settings
Authors: Vilchez Samuel , Becker-Dreps Sylvia , Amaya Erick , Perez Claudia , Paniagua Margarita , Reyes Daniel , Espinoza Felix , Weintraub Andrej
Published: February 2014

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is one of the most common causes of diarrhoea among young children in developing countries. ETEC vaccines offer promise in reducing the burden of ETEC disease, but the development of these vaccines relies on the characterization of ETEC isolates from a variety of settings. To best reflect the full spectrum of ETEC disease in León, Nicaragua, the aim of this study was to characterize ETEC strains isolated from children with diarrhoea attending different settings (hospital, primary care clinics and in the community) and children from different age groups. We characterized ETEC isolates in terms of their colonization factors (CFs) and enterotoxins, and determined whether these factors varied with setting and age group. Diarrhoeal stool samples were obtained from children under the age of 60 months from: (1) the regional public hospital, (2) four public primary care clinics, and (3) a population-based cohort. In total, 58 ETEC-positive isolates were analysed by multiplex-PCR assays for the identification of CFs (CS1, CS2, CS3, CS4, CS5, CS6, CS7, CS8, CS12, CS13, CS14, CS15, CS17, CS18, CS19, CS20, CS21, CS22 and CFA/I), and enterotoxins [heat-labile toxin (LT) and heat-stable variants STh and STp]. The frequency of CFs and enterotoxins was compared among the three settings and for different age groups, using Fisher’s exact test or a χ2 test. At least one CF was detected among one-half of samples; CS19 was detected among all strains in which a CF was identified, either alone or in combination with another CF. Among all CFs detected, 91.7 % were identified as members of the class 5 fimbrial family. CFs were detected more commonly among samples from infants captured in the health facility setting compared with the community setting. Overall, LT was detected among 67.2 % of samples, STh was detected among 20.7 % and both enterotoxins were detected among 12.1 %. The enterotoxin STh was detected more commonly among cases in the community, whilst a combination of STh and LT was detected more commonly among cases treated in health facilities. Our results suggest that, to protect against diarrhoeal cases associated with this E. coli pathotype in León, Nicaragua, an ETEC vaccine that effectively targets the archeotype CFA/I of the class 5 fimbrial family would be the most effective in this setting.
NrrA directly regulates expression of the fraF gene and antisense RNAs for fraE in the heterocyst-forming cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120
Authors: Ehira Shigeki , Ohmori Masayuki
Published: February 2014

The heterocystous cyanobacteriumAnabaenasp. strain PCC 7120 grows as linear multicellular filaments that can contain hundreds of cells. Heterocysts, which are specialized cells for nitrogen fixation, are regularly intercalated among photosynthetic vegetative cells, and these cells are metabolically dependent on each other. Thus, multicellularity is essential for diazotrophic growth of heterocystous cyanobacteria. InAnabaenasp. strain PCC 7120, thefraFgene, which is required to limit filament length, is induced by nitrogen deprivation. ThefraFtranscripts extend to thefraEgene, which lies on the opposite DNA strand and could possess dual functionality, mRNAs forfraFand antisense RNAs forfraE. In the present study, we found that NrrA, a nitrogen-regulated response regulator, directly regulated expression offraF. Induction offraFby nitrogen deprivation was abolished by thenrrAdisruption. NrrA specifically bound to the promoter region offraF, and recognized an inverted repeat sequence. Thus, it is concluded that NrrA controls expression of mRNAs forfraFand antisense RNAs forfraEin response to nitrogen deprivation.
Functional normalization of 450k methylation array data improves replication in large cancer studies
Authors: Fortin Jean-Philippe , Labbe Aurélie , Lemire Mathieu , Zanke Brent W. , Hudson Thomas J. , Fertig Elana J. , Greenwood Celia M.T. , Hansen Kasper D.
Published: February 2014

We propose an extension to quantile normalization which removes unwanted technical variation using control probes. We adapt our algorithm, functional normalization, to the Illumina 450k methylation array and address the open problem of normalizing methylation data with global epigenetic changes, such as human cancers. Using datasets from The Cancer Genome Atlas and a large case-control study, we show that our algorithm outperforms all existing normalization methods with respect to replication of results between experiments, and yields robust results even in the presence of batch effects. Functional normalization can be applied to any microarray platform, provided suitable control probes are available.
Networks in knowledge-intensive industry: the case of a regional accountants' network
Authors: Nandan Ruvendra , Ciccotosto Susan
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– The paper aims to explore the reasons behind the formation of a regional accountants' network located in North Queensland, Australia, and examine in depth how relationships are constituted and maintained between the network members. The study also looks at the benefits arising from the network, structural constraints and the reasons behind its demise.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study adopts a more contemporary theoretical perspective which draws upon the notion of social capital that facilitates networks' capacity and capabilities for creating, sharing and accessing knowledge. This field study considers the specific case of the Cairns Regional Accountants' Forum (CRAF), a network of small and medium sized public accounting firms located far away from the metropolitan centres in Australia. Apart from the relevant archival data, senior partners/principals of 12 accounting firms were interviewed in a semi-structured manner. Three further interviews were held with the non-active members of the CRAF and telephone calls were made to the Regional Tax Practitioner Forum to discuss their involvement with the local accountants.

Findings

– Using the framework of social capital within the community of practice, this study has explored the use of informal regional network built by accounting principals for the efficient transfer of and access to knowledge between network members. When the knowledge became freely available, the cost of network building exceeded the benefits of belonging and the network collapsed.

Practical implications

– The paper has practical implications for accounting practitioners, particularly in regional/rural settings and for the accounting profession as a whole.

Originality/value

– First, very little is known about informal networks in knowledge-intensive firms stretched out in regional/rural settings. Second, the network in this study is different from many networks identified in the literature that have focused on innovation and competitive advantage. Finally, this study adopts a more integrated framework that explores how social capital is constituted and reconstituted in the network interaction process.
A study of the competency requirements of property development graduates to meet the qualifications of the South African construction industry
Authors: Ahmed Ezzat Othman Ayman
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to investigate the competency requirements of property development (PD) graduates at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) as an approach to fulfil the qualifications of the construction industry in South Africa (SA).

Design/methodology/approach

– To achieve the above-mentioned aim, a research methodology is designed to accomplish three objectives. First, literature review is used to investigate the structure of the (PD) programme at (UKZN), National Qualifications Framework (NQF) and construction management (CM) education. Second, survey questionnaires are used to investigate the relevancy of the (PD) programme at (UKZN) towards meeting the (NQF) unit standards and the South African construction industry (SACI) requirements. Finally, summarising the conclusions and recommendations useful for future improvement of (PD/CM) education in SA. Collected data are analysed using the measure of central tendency and dispersion as well as Relative Importance Index (RII).

Findings

– Although the research revealed that the (PD) programme succeeded in graduating students who are adequately equipped to meet the expectations of the (SACI), a number of key areas and issues have been highlighted to enhance the (PD/CM) education in (SA) generally and (UKZN) in particular. Addressing these issues will increase the competency of (PD) graduates to meet the expectations of an ever-changing construction industry.

Originality/value

– This paper identifies the competency requirements of (PD) graduates at the KwaZulu-Natal region, a topic that received scant attention in construction literature and has not been previously undertaken in UKZN.
Innovation in footwear companies – does it pay off?
Authors: Filipa Soares Passos Cardoso Andreia , Torkkeli Marko
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– Low- and medium-technology sectors' (LMTs) role in modern economies has been overshadowed by the argument relating knowledge creation to R&D and thus to high-tech industries. Nevertheless, whereas a broader definition of innovation has enabled LMTs to emerge as innovative environments, a blind reliance on non-R&D-based indicators may be harmful too by neglecting LMTs' contribution to the development of cutting-edge, R&D-based knowledge. This paper aims to provide answers to the following questions: do LMTs innovate? Do they induce high-tech innovations across other sectors? Do networks have an impact on LMTs' innovation commitment? Can LMTs' innovation commitment be related to a better performance?

Design/methodology/approach

– The research method used in this work was based on a case study approach using in-depth face-to-face interviews with representatives from two footwear companies and one technology supplier.

Findings

– Collaboration with relevant stakeholders along the footwear value chain proved fundamental to the creation of innovation opportunities for all parties involved. Both footwear companies have embraced innovation strategies, allowing them to take over new functions along the value chain and build successful international paths. These strategies involved active participation in cutting-edge, high-tech knowledge prompting innovation at higher-tech companies too.

Research limitations/implications

– The paper fails to establish a clear causative relationship between companies' performance and their R&DI commitment. In addition, due to the number of companies involved in the study, the findings cannot be simply extrapolated to the whole Portuguese footwear sector.

Originality/value

– The paper highlights the commitment to innovation in a traditional sector and explores an underresearched topic – that of LMTs' involvement in R&D activities.
Managing the manufacturing – R&D interface: an extended editorial viewpoint
Authors: Lager Thomas , Rennard Jean-Philippe
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– This extended editorial viewpoint aims to introduce the individual contributions for this special issue.

Design/methodology/approach

– The articles included in this special issue are reviewed.

Findings

– The preliminary synthesis of all articles identifies four different perspectives on this topical area: a corporate strategy perspective, a cross-functional work-process perspective, an outsourcing perspective and a specific Chinese perspective.

Research limitations/implications

– Some of the articles in this special issue are of a theoretical character; thus, further empirical research is recommended.

Practical implications

– The individual papers present important information, guidelines and frameworks that firms can use in their efforts to bridge the manufacturing – R&D interface.

Originality/value

– This special issue focuses on a less-researched topical area and attempts to bridge the disciplines of operations and innovation management.
Law briefing
Authors: Dowden Malcolm
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– This legal update examines the implications for commercial landlords of regulations required to be made under Energy Act 2011, and to come into force by 1 April 2018. Under those regulations, a landlord “may not let” commercial premises falling below a specified energy performance rating (likely to be E). The sanction of market deprivation arguably represents a significant shift in the balance between incentive and compulsion as the key policy tool adopted by the UK Government in seeking to improve the energy performance of commercial buildings. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper sets out and reflects a practitioner's concerns relating to the proposed new sanction of market deprivation. It identifies and highlights practical difficulties likely to be encountered when considering the interaction of the proposed regulations with existing statute (e.g. Landlord and Tenant Act 1954) and contractual provisions such as tenant break clauses.

Findings

– The prospect of being unable to let commercial premises that fall below a specified energy efficiency rating must focus landlord attention on rights to enter to carry out improvement works. The paper identifies a potentially significant trap for landlords in the model green lease clauses issued by the Better Buildings Partnership where tenant consent is required.

Research limitations/implications

– The paper does not reflect extensive or exhaustive academic research. Consistently with its purpose a legal update, it identifies key issues likely to be encountered by practitioners.

Practical implications

– The principal practical implication is the need for landlords and their professional advisors to consider as part of any current lease negotiations the need to secure rights of entry for landlords to carry out improvement works where premises are at risk of falling below the energy performance rating likely to be specified in regulations to be made under Energy Act 2011, s 49.

Originality/value

– The paper reflects a practitioner's views, developed through client matters and also through designing and delivering professional training sessions, on the likely implications of the requirement for regulations under Energy Act 2011.
Extending the viable system model scope on ICT-sector software projects in Castilla y León
Authors: César Puche Regaliza Julio
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to extend the scope of the viable system model (VSM), which was developed by Stafford Beer in favour of its formalisation and practical application, to overcome the criticism about its abstract nature.

Design/methodology/approach

– This extension is achieved using the descriptive validation of a software project structural organisation based on the information that was obtained from the ICT sector set of companies in Castilla y León.

Findings

– The main conclusion of the study indicates deficiencies in the proactive environmental control of the software project. To overcome these shortcomings at least partially, the author proposes the use of integrated dynamic simulation models and Team Syntegrity. Finally, the analysis provides a detailed reference to diagnose or design a software project organisational structure with viability-defined characteristics. Such reference can be adapted to different fields by extrapolating its application in favour of the VSM universality.

Originality/value

– The originality is based on the VSM application in software projects organisation. The value is based on VSM formalisation and practical application, to overcome the criticism about its abstract nature.
76th Annual Meeting of the Association for Information Science and Technology (ASIS&T)
Authors: C. Klose Annamarie
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this article is to report on sessions the author attended at the 2013 ASIS&T Conference.

Design/methodology/approach

– The approach is an informal review of sessions and events the author attended.

Findings

– This report condenses the author's notes from various events and sessions at the conference.

Originality/value

– This is an original conference report written after attending the conference.
Educational and enlightening 79th WLIC in Singapore! A report on selected events at IFLA 2013
Authors: Ghosh Maitrayee
Published: February 2014

Purpose

– This report aims to summarize selected presentations of the International Federations of Librarians Associations and Institutions (IFLA) 79th world congress held at Suntec City centre, Singapore, and highlight Asian participation in the World Library and Information Congress (WLIC) 2013. In addition to its content, the IFLA congress provides opportunities to discuss emerging issues and best practices with colleagues, vendors, and consultants across the globe.

Design/methodology/approach

– Reports from the viewpoint of an IFLA 2013 congress participant and paper presenter; presents an overview of the selected events with more detail on some of the presented papers and Continuing Professional Development and Workplace Learning (CPDWL) workshop. IFLA congress attracts librarians from all sectors and work environments from around the globe. It is difficult to document the entire conference happenings in a single report because of its huge and diverse nature; therefore a selective approach is used.

Findings

– The WLIC in Singapore was one of the most exciting social and professional events of the year. Over the years, the author finds that IFLA congresses deliver the best value in professional development; the educational value of the IFLA congress that author has had attended is consistent and cost-beneficial.

Practical implications

– It is not possible for any one person to cover all aspects of IFLA; it contains presentation summary of selected papers maybe of particular interest to readers who missed these sessions.

Originality/value

– The Singapore congress was worthwhile and enlightening, revealing the diversity of current developments in library service delivery worldwide. This report summarizes information about the congress useful for professionals who did not attend.
Technique for histological control of surgical margins in lip cancer
Authors: Aoyagi Satoru , Hata Hiroo , Homma Erina , Shimizu Hiroshi
Published: February 2014

To preserve oral function and achieve acceptable cosmetic results, intraoperative control of surgical margins with frozen section evaluation may help to determine surgical technique in lip cancer. However, frozen section analysis is usually limited to suspicious areas and has not been systematically performed among surgeons. The accuracy of such analysis for detecting histological surgical margins is highly dependent on the methods used to obtain and analyze the margins. Improving the pathodiagnostic reliability of conventional intraoperative frozen section evaluation is the most important goal of surgical management in our method. We describe the successful use of the “double‐blade method” in lip cancer treatment. The technique we describe has the advantage of histologically confirming clear margins in lip cancer. This method appears to be time‐saving and easy to apply with existing surgical systems. In addition, this method may be used as an alternative to complete evaluation of lateral surgical margins that is important in planning a suitable surgical reconstruction procedure in lip cancer at many institutions where Mohs micrographic surgery is difficult to perform.
Pigmented condyloma acuminatum
Authors: Shimizu Akira , Kato Madoka , Ishikawa Osamu
Published: February 2014

We herein report a case of pigmented condyloma acuminatum in the genital region. A histopathological examination revealed keratinocyte proliferation, papillomatosis and basal pigmentation. Cellular atypia was rarely observed. The patient also had ordinary skin‐colored nodules on the coronal sulcus. Polymerase chain reaction amplification with consensus primers for human papillomavirus (HPV) and subsequent sequencing confirmed an infection of HPV type 6. Pigmented condyloma acuminatum is not rare; however, making the differential diagnosis between bowenoid papulosis and seborrheic keratosis is sometimes difficult. The mechanism of pigmentation in such cases remains unknown and requires further investigation. HPV typing is a useful method for diagnosing the disease.
Solving the complex near‐surface problem using 3D data‐driven near‐surface layer replacement
Authors: Sun Yimin , Verschuur Eric , Vrolijk Jan Willem
Published: February 2014

In many land seismic situations, the complex seismic wave propagation effects in the near‐surface area, due to its unconsolidated character, deteriorate the image quality. Although several methods have been proposed to address this problem, the negative impact of 3D complex near‐surface structures is still unsolved to a large extent. This paper presents a complete 3D data‐driven solution for the near‐surface problem based on 3D one‐way traveltime operators, which extends our previous attempts that were limited to a 2D situation. Our solution is composed of four steps: 1) seismic wave propagation from the surface to a suitable datum reflector is described by parametrized one‐way propagation operators, with all the parameters estimated by a new genetic algorithm, the self‐adjustable input genetic algorithm, in an automatic and purely data‐driven way; 2) surface‐consistent residual static corrections are estimated to accommodate the fast variations in the near‐surface area; 3) a replacement velocity model based on the traveltime operators in the good data area (without the near‐surface problem) is estimated; 4) data interpolation and surface layer replacement based on the estimated traveltime operators and the replacement velocity model are carried out in an interweaved manner in order to both remove the near‐surface imprints in the original data and keep the valuable geological information above the datum. Our method is demonstrated on a subset of a 3D field data set from the Middle East yielding encouraging results.
Sexual Dimorphism in Finger Ridge Breadth Measurements: A Tool for Sex Estimation from Fingerprints
Authors: Mundorff Amy Z. , Bartelink Eric J. , Murad Turhon A.
Published: February 2014

Previous research has demonstrated significant sexual dimorphism in friction ridge skin characteristics. This study uses a novel method for measuring sexual dimorphism in finger ridge breadths to evaluate its utility as a sex estimation method from an unknown fingerprint. Beginning and ending in a valley, the width of ten parallel ridges with no obstructions or minutia was measured in a sample of 250 males and females (N = 500). The results demonstrate statistically significant differences in ridge breadth between males and females (p < 0.001), with classification accuracy for each digit varying from 83.2% to 89.3%. Classification accuracy for the pooled finger samples was 83.9% for the right hand and 86.2% for the left hand, which is applicable for cases where the digit number cannot be determined. Weight, stature, and to a lesser degree body mass index also significantly correlate with ridge breadth and account for the degree of overlap between males and females.
Increased expression of CSP and CYP genes in adult silkworm females exposed to avermectins
Authors: Xuan Ning , Guo Xia , Xie Hong‐Yan , Lou Qi‐Nian , Lu Xing‐Bo , Liu Guo‐Xia , Picimbon Jean‐François
Published: February 2014

We analyzed 20chemosensory protein(CSP) genes of the silkwormBombyx mori. We found a high number of retrotransposons inserted in introns. We then analyzed expression of the 20BmorCSPgenes across tissues using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Relatively low expression levels ofBmorCSPs were found in the gut and fat body tissues. We thus tested the effects of endectocyte insecticide abamectin (B1a and B1b avermectins) onBmorCSPgene expression. Quantitative real‐time PCR experiments showed that a single brief exposure to insecticide abamectin increased dramatically CSP expression not only in the antennae but in most tissues, including gut and fat body. Furthermore, our study showed coordinate expression ofCSPsand metaboliccytochrome P450 enzymesin a tissue‐dependent manner in response to the insecticide. The function of CSPs remains unknown. Based on our results, we suggest a role in detecting xenobiotics that are then detoxified by cytochrome P450 anti‐xenobiotic enzymes.
Experiences and nutrition support strategies in dementia care: Lessons from family carers
Authors: Ball Lauren , Jansen Sarah , Desbrow Ben , Morgan Kate , Moyle Wendy , Hughes Roger
Published: February 2014

Aim

To explore the perceptions of family carers of people with dementia, with emphasis on feeding‐related challenges, burden of care attributable to nutrition support, and practical strategies developed to address these challenges.

Methods

A descriptive exploratory qualitative study was undertaken using semistructured interviews from a sample of 14 family carers of non‐institutionalised individuals with dementia living in Queensland, Australia. Interviews explored carers' perceptions of feeding and nutrition support, associated burden and strategies applied to address nutrition‐related challenges. Interview transcripts were thematically analysed using open‐coding and triangular analysis.

Results

Family carers described a range of feeding and nutrition challenges experienced, including physiological, cognitive, emotional, functional and/or behavioural challenges. Carers described the strategies they used to address feeding challenges, which sometimes contributed to carer burden. Family carers felt uninformed and unsupported with respect to nutrition‐related care by health professionals. Loss of food intake, weight loss and wasting were reported to be sources of considerable anxiety for the family carers. Most family carers reflected that their experiences of nutrition care had been difficult and a significant component of overall burden of care. They developed a range of practical strategies to address feeding and nutrition challenges, including supervising mealtimes, avoiding disagreements over food, and providing regular snacks and finger foods.

Conclusions

Family carers feel unsupported and uninformed with respect to nutrition‐related care of individuals with dementia. Health professionals need to enhance the support and education provided to family carers, including recommending low‐risk strategies that have been tried and tested by experienced family carers.
The Peter Principle resuscitated: are promotion systems useless?
Authors: Romaine Janet
Published: February 2014

The challenge of developing and maintaining an effective organisation is intimately linked with HR activities that include selecting and motivating employees. Many organisations engage in an internal selection process designed to fill upper level positions with employees who have proven their worth at a lower level in the organisation. However, some observers have questioned whether this approach actually results in optimal individual and organisational performance. Using the Peter Principle as a starting point, this article examines the evidence for problems with merit‐based promotions, as well as various explanations that have been advanced for why these problems occur. This article then proposes a new model, based on contemporary management theory and evidence, which addresses the question of why promotions fail.
Discrimination of Cherry Wines Based on Their Sensory Properties and Aromatic Fingerprinting using HS‐SPME‐GC‐MS and Multivariate Analysis
Authors: Xiao Zuobing , Liu Shengjiang , Gu Yongbo , Xu Na , Shang Yi , Zhu Jiancai
Published: February 2014

Volatiles of cherry wines were extracted by headspace solid phase microextraction (HS‐SPME) and analyzed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC‐MS), multivariate statistical techniques (such as principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis (CA) and correlation analysis) to differentiate sensory attributes of 3 groups of the wines through characterization of volatiles of cherry wine. Seventy‐five volatiles were identified in 9 samples, including 29 esters, 22 alcohols, 8 acids, 3 ketones, 5 aldehydes, and 8 miscellaneous compounds. The PCA results showed that the cherry wines were mainly differentiated by 8 sensory attributes. The samples W2, W4, and W7 were grouped around sweet aromatic and the samples W1, W5, and W9 were highly associated with the sweet, esters, green, bitter, and fermented. Nevertheless, the samples W3, W6, and W8 were located close to the sour, alcoholic, and fruity. The final result of correlation analysis was in conformity with the conclusion of PCA. The CA results showed that the group of W2, W4, and W7, and the group of W1, W5, and W9 had less difference than the group of W3, W6, and W8. The reason should be that esterification reactions and fermentation process during the ageing period was more extended. The results of analyzing revealed that HS‐SPME‐GC‐MS coupled with chemometrics could give an appropriate way of characterizing and classifying the cherry wines.

Practical Applications

Attributes that represent and discriminate among cherry wines might be made use of a better comprehending of the wines and for being utilized in future work. In addition, several chemometrics were used to classify the type of wines and try to install the relationship between volatiles and sensory property. Especially, PCA clearly revealed that the most contributing compounds for sensory attributes of cherry wines, CA was a more applicable way to distinguish types of cherry wines. Therefore, a feasible method that would be helpful to promote the quality of the wines by improving the winemaking process and analyzing aromatic characteristics of wines.
Poly(vinyl alcohol)‐Based Film Potentially Suitable for Antimicrobial Packaging Applications
Authors: Musetti Alessandro , Paderni Katia , Fabbri Paola , Pulvirenti Andrea , Al‐Moghazy Marwa , Fava Patrizia
Published: February 2014

This work aimed at developing a thin and water‐resistant food‐grade poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVOH)‐based matrix able to swell when in contact with high moisture content food products without rupturing to release antimicrobial agents onto the food surface. This film was prepared by blending PVOH and 7.20% (wt/wt of PVOH) of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) with citric acid as crosslinking agent. The film‐forming solution was then casted onto a flat surface and the obtained film was 60 μm in thickness and showed a good transparency (close to T = 100%) in the visible region (400 to 700 nm). After immersion in water for 72 h at room temperature, the crosslinked matrix loses only 19.2% of its original weight (the percentage includes the amount of unreacted crosslinking agent, antimicrobial in itself). Water content, degree of swelling, and crosslinking density of the film prove that the presence of PEG diminishes the hydrophilic behavior of the material. Also the mechanical properties of the wet and dry film were assessed. Alongside this, 2.5% (wt/wt of dry film) of grapefruit seed extract (GSE), an antimicrobial agent, was added to the film‐forming solution just before casting and the ability of the plastic matrix to release the additive was then evaluated in vitro against 2 GSE‐susceptible microorganisms, Salmonella enteritidis and Listeria innocua. The results indicate that the developed matrix may be a promising food‐grade material for the incorporation of active substances.
Effect of Various Gelling Cations on the Physical Properties of “Wet” Alginate Films
Authors: Harper B. Allison , Barbut Shai , Lim Loong‐Tak , Marcone Massimo F.
Published: February 2014

In this study, the physical properties of “wet” alginate films gelled with various divalent cations (Ba2+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Sr2+, and Zn2+) were explored. Additionally, the effect of adding NaCl to the alginate film‐forming solution prior to gelling was evaluated. Aside from Mg2+, all of the divalent cations were able to produce workable “wet” alginate films. Films gelled with BaCl2 (without added NaCl) had the highest (P < 0.05) tensile strength and Young's modulus while films gelled with CaCl2 (alone) had the highest puncture strength. The Zn‐alginate and Sr‐alginate films had the highest elongation at break values. Adding NaCl to the alginate film‐forming solution increased the viscosity of the solution. Films with added NaCl were less transparent and had lower tensile strength, elongation, and puncture strength than films formed without NaCl in the film‐forming solution. ATR‐FTIR results showed a slight shift in the asymmetric COO− vibrational peak of the alginate when the “wet” alginate films were gelled with Zn2+.