bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of ethics courses on the ethical judgement‐making ability of Malaysian accounting students
Authors: Mohamed Saat Maisarah , Porter Stacey , Woodbine Gordon
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The paper aims to evaluate the effectiveness of ethics courses provided to Malaysian accounting students and their impact on ethical judgement‐making ability.

Design/methodology/approach

Third‐year accounting students from six Malaysian universities participated in a pre‐ and post‐ethics course study. The sample consisted of four universities which provide an ethics course (experiment group) and two universities which do not provide an ethics course (control group). Rest's Defining Issues Test instrument was employed and the p‐score was calculated. Univariate tests were used to compare levels of ethical judgement‐making ability.

Findings

Students who attended an ethics course improved significantly in their ethical judgement‐making ability compared to students who did not attend the course. Male students, non‐Muslim students and students in private universities benefit more from attending an ethics course compared to their female and Muslim students and those students in public universities.

Research limitations/implications

The findings indicate that providing ethics courses reshapes the ethical thinking of future accountants and thus are likely to improve the local ethical climate amongst professionals in the field. Results indicate significant improvements in cognitive moral development, although many students continue to apply conventional (Stage 4) reasoning skills when dealing with issues. The research provides a positive signal to the accounting faculties indicating that their effort in inculcating ethical values is worthwhile and this endeavour has to continue.

Originality/value

This study involves a controlled field study of a unique group of Malaysian accounting students and applies Kohlberg's theory of moral development to demonstrate the effect of an ethics intervention. Particular attention was given to examining conventional (Stage 4) judgment‐making processes and how this appears to be influenced by religious affiliation and university type. This adds value to the ethics literature as there are only a few studies examining the merits of Stage 4 reasoning. Most importantly, it helps to fill a gap in the literature by providing both cross‐sectional and longitudinal data from multiple samples of ethics classes, using both experiment and control groups.
Fraudulent financial reporting and company characteristics: tax audit evidence
Authors: Mohd Nor Juahir , Ahmad Norsiah , Mohd Saleh Norman
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between fraudulent financial reporting and firms' characteristics, i.e. size, type of ownership and audit quality in companies audited by the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (IRBM) after the implementation of a self assessment system in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper employs an empirical research design, using data on companies audited by IRBM. The hypotheses of the study are tested using both univariate and multivariate statistical methods.

Findings

It was found that company size and audit quality have significant negative relationships with fraudulent financial reporting.

Research limitations/implications

The sample of companies used in this study is unlisted companies and the results are not generalisable to listed companies. Listed companies may have more stringent rules for listing and have better corporate governance mechanisms within the company as control.

Practical implications

The paper's findings may assist IRBM in identifying possible cases for audit in the future.

Originality/value

The paper describes the first empirical study that uses real tax cases where the non‐compliance with the Malaysian statues and tax laws are used as the measurement of the fraudulent financial reporting.
Turnaround prediction of distressed companies: evidence from Malaysia
Authors: Binti Syahida , Ameer Rashid
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the applicability of developed country turnaround predication models as well as an “in country” developed turnaround prediction model for a sample of financially distressed Malaysian companies over the period of 2000‐2007.

Design/methodology/approach

Multiple Discriminant Analysis (MDA) technique was used to determine companies' financial health.

Findings

It was found that severity of financial distress, profitability, liquidity and size are significant predictor variables in determining turnaround potential of distressed companies in Malaysia. The findings show that developed country turnaround predication models have relatively better prediction accuracies compared to turnaround model based on Malaysian firm‐level data. These models' prediction accuracies were gauged by comparing their predicated successful/failed turnaround companies (Type I and II errors) with actual classification of successful/failed turnaround companies by the Bursa Malaysia, and it was found that developed country models were better than model developed using Malaysian data in identifying correctly some of the actual successful turnaround companies.

Practical implications

The paper's comparisons show that Bursa's methodology is appropriate in classifying and monitoring the distressed companies.

Originality/value

This is believed to be the first paper to examine turnaround of the companies in Malaysian context.
Creating value through product stewardship and take‐back
Authors: Rogers Dale S. , Rogers Zachary S. , Lembke Ronald
Published: October 2010

Purpose

Secondary markets provide a place for unwanted items to be bought and sold, which diverts them from landfills, reducing the products' ecological impact and creating economic value. The purpose of this paper is study the secondary markets to understand the size of this important portion of the US economy.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected from financial reports, news articles, and interviews with subject experts. From all of these sources, the scope and size of secondary markets can be estimated.

Findings

Secondary markets are effective in diverting a large number of products from landfills, creating numerous jobs, resulting in substantial economic value in the process. Although not reflected in current government metrics, a conservative estimate is that the secondary market represents 2.28 percent of the 2008 US gross domestic product.

Research limitations/implications

Several of the secondary markets have many small players, with no strong trade associations or other authorities to estimate their size. The paper's estimates based on known sources are very conservative, perhaps underestimating the size of these sectors.

Practical implications

As society increasingly pays attention to the ecological impact of its products, secondary markets will play an important role in supply chains. Understanding the magnitude, structure and reach of these markets can help firms develop better product stewardship and lifecycle management.

Social implications

Individuals will not directly change their behavior from this research, but the findings should help companies behave differently, which in the end will offer products with lower ecological impact.

Originality/value

Secondary markets are an integral part of the US economy, and have not been adequately studied.
Collaborating to achieve corporate social responsibility and sustainability?
Authors: Murray Alan , Haynes Kathryn , Hudson Lucian J.
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the possibilities and problems for collaboration in the area of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability. The paper explores the nature and concept of collaboration and its forms, and critically evaluates the potential contribution a collaborative approach between agencies might offer to these agendas.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explores different forms of research on collaboration, together with a UK Government report on collaboration, to evaluate how the issue is addressed in theory and practice.

Findings

Sustainable development creates extensive challenges for a wide range of agencies, including governments, non‐governmental organizations, businesses and civil society. It is unlikely, however, that solutions will be found in any one quarter. Collaboration between agencies in some form would seem a logical step in supporting measures towards a more responsible and environmentally sustainable global economy.

Originality/value

The paper offers new insights into developing a research and praxis agenda for collaborative possibilities towards the advancement of CSR and sustainability.
Engaging small‐ and medium‐sized businesses in sustainability
Authors: Stubblefield Loucks Elizabeth , Martens Martin L. , Cho Charles H.
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how to meaningfully engage small‐ to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in strategies that improve the social and environmental sustainability of their businesses.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a conceptual review of the business case for sustainable development that has been offered to the business world. The paper describes the unique features of SMEs that indicate the need to reframe the case for socially and environmentally sustainable business practices for SMEs, and, using arguments discussed in the literature, we summarize the business case for sustainable development that has been specified for SMEs.

Findings

SMEs need particular attention when it comes to business strategies for sustainable development, since the business case is not the same as for large firms. Furthermore, tools that are developed to support sustainability in SMEs need to recognize that these companies have different resources and profiles than larger firms.

Research limitations/implications

Sustainable development as a concept captures most issues facing our societies, which means there are endless possibilities for companies to find strategies that will impact – and hopefully improve – their social and environmental performance. While this paper does not provide empirical evidence and support, it offers some insights on practical and social implications of SMEs engaging in sustainability.

Practical implications

This overview may help and give ideas to owners and managers of SMEs to rethink their overall business strategy by not only incorporating sustainability in their core values and actions but also implementing such strategy. In fact, this diversity of opportunities is where there is hope for turning the current world trajectory towards healthy and resilient human and natural communities.

Originality/value

This paper provides review of the current debates and opportunities in business strategies for sustainable development, and an application to the realities of business operations for SMEs.
Mission impossible: diffusion and drift in the microfinance industry
Authors: Epstein Marc J. , Yuthas Kristi
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to thoroughly examine sources of mission diffusion and mission drift in the microfinance industry and to identify consequences of and remedies to these problems.

Design/methodology/approach

Extensive field experience relating to individual microfinance institutions (MFIs) and industry trends provides the grounding for a review of the trade and academic literatures in microfinance and social enterprise management.

Findings

Mission diffusion arises from pursuing diverse approaches to poverty alleviation and addressing disparate and changing stakeholder interests. Mission drift arises from commercialization and conversion activities aimed toward enhancing ratings and achieving scale. Mission clarity can be regained through clarification of the mission along with more effective corporate governance and performance management systems.

Practical implications

The tension between financial and social performance is not merely ideological – economic realities make it almost impossible to stay on mission. Understanding these realities can help MFIs maintain and regain clarity of mission.

Originality/value

The paper sheds new light on reasons the microfinance industry has not been able to deliver on promises of poverty alleviation during a period of heavy demand rapid scaling.
Framing the “Green” alternative for environmentally conscious consumers
Authors: Mina Okada Erica , Mais Eric L.
Published: October 2010

Purpose

Many market examples show that consumers are willing to pay a premium for “green” products and services. The purpose of this paper is to gain some insight into how consumers respond to green alternatives, and examine how managers can best position their green products to maximize the premium consumers are willing to pay.

Design/methodology/approach

A series of behavioral experiments was conducted to demonstrate how the green product's characteristics are framed significantly affects the size of the “green premium” consumers are willing to pay.

Findings

The results show that positive framing (focusing on the advantages of the green product) works best for environmentally conscious consumers while negative framing (focusing on avoiding the disadvantages of the non‐green product) works best for less environmentally conscious consumers. Additionally, subtractive price framing which focuses on the discount consumers would pay for the non‐green product alternative results in a higher green premium than additive price framing which focuses on the additional price consumers would pay for the green choice, and especially so for less environmentally conscious consumers.

Research limitations/implications

Overall, the results suggest that green firms can maximize the green‐pricing premium by careful targeting of consumers and framing their products appropriately.

Originality/value

This paper explores how the difference between the green versus non‐green alternative can be framed in different ways, and interact with the consumer's level of environmental consciousness, to influence the “green premium,”, i.e. how much more consumers are willing to pay for the green alternative relative to a comparable non‐green alternative.
Sources of judgment error in environmental sensemaking
Authors: Schwering Randolph E.
Published: October 2010

Purpose

This paper forwards a conceptual model identifying some of the key sources of judgment error in individual environmental sensemaking. Recommendations are offered to mitigate some of these biasing dysfunctions and thereby improve the effectiveness of environmentally related business policy.

Design/methodology/approach

Theories of cognitive and behavioral sciences are reviewed and applied to create a conceptual model describing some of the key influences on individual sensemaking in regard to environmental risk and opportunity.

Findings

It is found that the model presented in this paper contributes to the literature of corporate social responsibility in explaining some of the heuristic phenomena that can lead to denial of a firm's negative environmental impact, or conversely, recognition of emerging opportunities arising from increasing societal concern for environmental integrity. Many environmental scientists believe denial is omnipresent in modern business and governmental organizations. In addition, because the model is grounded in well‐established theories of problematic heuristic bias, it helps identify “leverage points” where well‐designed interventions can be deployed to promote learning and improved decision making. The model helps the decision maker better understand and potentially influence ethical judgment because ethical decision making is conceived within the frame of bounded ethicality versus a less potent theory of intervention based upon espoused moral prescriptions.

Research limitations/implications

Some important influences on environmental sensemaking are not emphasized in the model to include dimensions of individual personality, early childhood experiences, gender, religious background, etc. Rather, the emphasis here is placed upon relatively ubiquitous cognitive heuristics and other cognitive phenomena likely to influence many organizational decision makers.

Originality/value

This analysis and resulting conceptual model should help change agents, students, policy makers and business practitioners avoid predictable biases and sensemaking distortions and, in so doing, improve the firm's social responsibility profile and recognition of emerging business opportunities growing out of sustainability imperatives.
A model for conducting experimental environmental accounting research
Authors: Alewine Hank C.
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to survey the research methods employed in the extant environmental accounting literature, finding few experimental studies. The need for more experimentation in the literature is discussed, as well as how experiments' unique methodological advantages can help address important environmental accounting issues. These issues culminate in a proposed model for conducting experimental environmental accounting research.

Design/methodology/approach

A synthesis of the environmental accounting literature emphasizes the research methods, and, advantages and disadvantages of each method, as well as why and how experimental designs can contribute to the environmental accounting literature. Finally, the paper proposes and analyzes a framework for conducting environmental accounting experiments.

Findings

Experiments can provide unique contributions to the environmental accounting literature. Relative to traditional accounting information, environmental accounting information comprises lower levels of user familiarity which may hinder effective processing of these non‐traditional data. These characteristics make the organizational display of these data, and their combination with non‐environmental metrics, a particular and unique concern. The proposed model considers the impact of environmental strategy on the implementation of environmental information systems, which in turn influences evaluation effectiveness of decisions based on environmental accounting information. Stakeholder influences, management communication of environmental issues, and evaluation scales also influence these relationships.

Research limitations/implications

The model assumes environmental information generates from within the entity (i.e. private firms, public agencies, etc.). Future research can enhance and/or modify the framework to include information design and capture from non‐entity end‐users (e.g. stakeholders), as well as empirically test the model's relationships.

Practical implications

The framework provides factors to consider to design more effective environmental accounting information systems. Also, the model's factors should aid researchers in developing robust experimental designs for environmental accounting studies.

Originality/value

This is the first paper to propose a framework for conducting experimental environmental accounting research.
Collaboration, connections and change
Authors: Adams Carol , Petrella Liliana
Published: October 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on the highlights of the UN Global Compact Leaders Summit, the Principles for Responsible Management Education Global Forum and the Globally Responsible Leadership Initiative General Assembly held in New York and Boston in June 2010. It discusses the potential of the connections and collaborations between these organisations and others to lead to change.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws out key themes of these concurrent events; connections and collaborations between these initiatives and others; and considers the potential of further collaborations to facilitate change.

Findings

There is an acceptance on the part of business of the need to be more socially and environmentally responsible, but a lack of technical know‐how and leadership capacity. Universities generally, and business schools in particular, need to do more to develop graduates for a changing business context with specific reference to the overarching challenge of the twenty‐first century to achieve global environmental sustainability and social justice.

Practical implications

Further collaboration between these organisations is important to drive change through, e.g. sustainability performance management at universities; accreditation processes; and, partnerships between business schools, business and civil society organisations.

Originality/value

The originality and value of this paper is in summarising the highlights of three key interconnected events, the collaborations that led to them, the connections that are strengthening between the organisations and potential of those connections to facilitate change.
Concomitant occurrence of patch granuloma annulare and classical granuloma annulare
Authors: TSURUTA Daisuke , SOWA Junko , HIROYASU Sho , ISHII Masamitsu , KOBAYASHI Hiromi
Published: November 2010

Granuloma annulare (GA) is characterized clinically as annularly‐distributed, erythematous papules on the extremities in children and adolescents. GA is recognized histologically as palisading granulomas with central degenerated collagen and mucin deposits. Here, we present a case of concomitant occurrence of patch GA (PGA), the most rare type of GA, and classical GA in a patient. A 60‐year‐old man was referred to our hospital for asymptomatic eruptions on the upper arms, forearms, right flank and right lateral chest. Clinical examination revealed annular erythematous plaques composed of numerous small papules on bilateral upper arms and forearms. Moreover, an indurative, exudative erythematous to violaceous plaque was present on the right lateral chest and right flank. Histopathology of the former was compatible with palisade‐type GA, and the latter interstitial‐type GA. This is the first report of PGA concomitant with “classical” annular papular lesions.
The effects of different oral care protocols on mucosal change in orally intubated patients from an intensive care unit
Authors: Hsu Shu‐Pen , Liao Chao‐Sheng , Li Chung‐Yi , Chiou Ai‐Fu
Published: November 2010

Aim.  To compare the effectiveness of three different oral care protocols in intubated patients.

Background.  Although oral care is important to improve the oral mucosa integrity in intubated patients, there are few evidence‐based nursing protocols to deal with this problem in critical care units.

Design.  A quasi‐experimental design was employed for this study.

Methods.  Eighty‐one orally intubated patients recruited from the intensive care unit of a medical centre in northern Taiwan were employed in this study. Patients were divided into three treatment groups: a control group (n = 27), green tea group (n = 29) and boiled water group (n = 25). Oral mucosal status was monitored using a rating scale for 14 days. All data were analysed by the sas software (version 8.2; SAS Institute, Cary, NC, USA) using descriptive statistics, the Kruskal–Wallis H test and generalised estimating equation regression models.

Results.  Severity of mucosal change was significantly less on six subscales (labial mucosa, tongue mucosa, gingival colour, gingivitis, salivary status and amount of dental plaque) in the boiled water group than the control group (p < 0·05). In addition, severity was significantly less on two subscales (salivary status and amount of dental plaque) in the green tea group than the control group (p < 0·05).

Conclusions.  Both boiled water and green tea oral care protocols may improve mucosal status of orally intubated patients. Mucosal status was significantly more improved by oral care with boiled water than by oral care with green tea.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Because oral care plays an important role in improving mucosal status, nurses are urged to find new effective oral care methods to further reduce the occurrence of oropharyngeal colonisation and ventilator‐associated pneumonia in intubated patients.
Sexual differences in reproductive characters and pollinator attractiveness in gynodioecious Glechoma longituba (Lamiaceae)
Authors: BAI YUN‐PENG , ZHANG YAN‐WEN , GITURU ROBERT W. , ZHAO JI‐MIN , LI JIAN‐DONG
Published: November 2010

We quantified the differences in floral characters and attractiveness to flower visitors under natural conditions between the sexual types in the gynodioecious plant Glechoma longituba. We also manipulated flowers by altering corolla size or nectar volume, or by removing anthers, to examine the effect of these primary and secondary attractants (i.e. rewards and advertisements) on attractiveness. A change in corolla size and shape reduced visiting frequency and pollen load. Removal of anthers did not affect visiting rates, but significantly reduced pollination rates and stigmatic pollen load. A decrease in the nectar volume of a flower was associated with a reduction in handling time and pollen loads on stigmas. These results show that corolla size is an important advertisement to pollinators (particularly at greater distance), which associate hermaphrodite flowers with a larger corolla and a larger volume of nectar than female flowers. We found that artificial changes in population structure affected the behavior of pollinators as well as the pollination rates of flowers. We suggest that the pattern of distribution of hermaphrodite and female clones in a population may serve to avoid pollen limitation in a female clone or patch. This effect may ensure female reproductive success and allow for the maintenance of female individuals in natural populations of this gynodioecious plant.
Lexical stress and phonetic processing in word learning in20‐ to 24‐month‐old English‐learning children
Authors: Floccia Caroline , Nazzi Thierry , Austin Keith , Arreckx Frédérique , Goslin Jeremy
Published: November 2010

To investigate the interaction between segmental and supra‐segmental stress‐related information in early word learning, two experiments were conducted with 20‐ to 24‐month‐old English‐learning children. In an adaptation of the object categorization study designed by Nazzi and Gopnik (2001), children were presented with pairs of novel objects whose labels differed by their initial consonant (Experiment 1) or their medial consonant (Experiment 2). Words were produced with a stress initial (trochaic) or a stress final (iambic) pattern. In both experiments successful word learning was established when the to‐be‐remembered contrast was embedded in a stressed syllable, but not when embedded in unstressed syllables. This was independent of the overall word pattern, trochaic or iambic, or the location of the phonemic contrast, word‐initial or ‐medial. Results are discussed in light of the use of phonetic information in early lexical acquisition, highlighting the role of lexical stress and ambisyllabicity in early word processing.
Thatcherism delayed? The Irish crisis and the paradox of social partnership
Authors: McDonough Terrence , Dundon Tony
Published: November 2010

This article reviews the state of Irish industrial relations in light of the current economic crisis. It argues that social partnership, paradoxically, was rooted in the continuation of a tradition of permissive voluntarism with minimal employment rights with both direct and indirect implications for the current Irish economic crisis. As such, Irish industrial relations cannot be understood in isolation from a broader analysis of the rise and fall of social structures of capitalist accumulation. The discussion considers the prognosis for social partnership post‐economic crisis.
US foreign direct investment, macro markets and labour relations: the case of enlarged Europe
Authors: Brandl Bernd , Strohmer Sonja , Traxler Franz
Published: November 2010

The rise of macro markets such as the European Single market recalibrates the relationship between foreign direct investment (FDI) and national locations. Previous research has ignored the impact of macro markets theoretically and empirically. The article therefore challenges conventional wisdom on the impact of national properties on FDI.
Geochemistry of H2‐ and CH4‐enriched hydrothermal fluids of Socorro Island, Revillagigedo Archipelago, Mexico. Evidence for serpentinization and abiogenic methane
Authors: TARAN Y. A. , VARLEY N. R. , INGUAGGIATO S. , CIENFUEGOS E.
Published: November 2010

Socorro Island is the exposed part of an approx. 4000‐m‐high volcanic edifice rising from the oceanic floor to approx. 1000 m asl at the northern part of the Mathematician Ridge, Eastern Pacific. The volcano is active, with the most recent basaltic eruption in 1993. Moderate fumarolic activity and diffuse degassing with a total CO2 flux of approx. 20 total day−1 are concentrated in the summit region of the volcano composed of a group of rhyolite domes. Low‐temperature, boiling point, fumaroles discharge gas with high H2 (up to 20 mol% in dry gas) and CH4 (up to 4 mol%). Both carbon and He isotopic ratios and abundances correspond to those in MORB fluids (δ13≈−5‰; 3He/4He = 7.6 Ra, CO2/3He = (2–3) × 109, where Ra is the atmospheric ratio 3He/4He of 1.4 × 10−6). Light hydrocarbons (CH4, C2H6, C3H8, and C4H10) are characterized by a high C1/C2+ ratio of approx. 1000. Methane is enriched in 13C (δ13 from −15 to −20‰) and 2H (δ2H from −80 to −120‰), and hydrocarbons show an inverse isotopic trend in both δ13C and δ2H (ethane is isotopically lighter than methane). These isotopic and concentration features of light hydrocarbons are similar to those recently discovered in fluids from ultramafic‐hosted spreading ridge vents and may be related to the serpentinization processes: H2 generation and reduction of CO2 to CH4 within high‐temperature zone of volcano‐seawater hydrothermal system hosted in basaltic and ultramafic rocks beneath a volcano edifice. The thermodynamic analysis of this unusual composition of the Socorro fluids and the assessment of endmember compositions are complicated by the near‐surface cooling, condensation and mixing with meteoric water.
DNA SEQUENCE DATA DEMONSTRATE THE POLYPHYLY OF THE GENUS CYSTOSEIRA AND OTHER SARGASSACEAE GENERA (PHAEOPHYCEAE)1
Authors: Draisma Stefano G. A. , Ballesteros Enric , Rousseau Florence , Thibaut Thierry
Published: November 2010

Phylogenetic relationships in the Sargassaceae were explored using three DNA markers, and the monophyly of its genera was challenged. Nineteen out of 24 currently recognized genera were sampled, representing 63 species. The variable mt23S‐tRNA Val intergenic spacer could only be aligned within genera and could not be used to infer intergeneric relationships. The partial mt23S was also useful to delineate genera and was alignable at the family level but provided few informative characters. Analysis of mt23S DNA sequences together with chloroplast‐encoded psbA sequences resulted in a better resolved phylogeny. Hormophysa was the first genus to branch off within the Sargassaceae, followed by Myriodesma; then the three genera Caulocystis, Carpoglossum, and Scaberia in unresolved order; and then Acrocarpia. The other taxa studied here were divided over three major clades, but there was no branch support for the monophyly of two of these. The genera Bifurcaria, Cystoseira, Halidrys, and Sargassum appeared polyphyletic. The following taxonomic changes are proposed: a new genus Brassicophycus for Bifurcaria brassicaeformis (Kützing) E. S. Barton; reinstatement of the genus Sargassopsis for Sargassum decurrens (R. Brown ex Turner) C. Agardh; reinstatement of the genus Sirophysalis for Indo‐Pacific Cystoseira trinodis (Forsskål) C. Agardh; reinstatement of the genus Polycladia for the western Indian Ocean species Cystoseira indica (Thivy et Doshi) Mairh, Cystoseira myrica (S. G. Gmelin) C. Agardh, and Acystis heinii Schiffner; and reinstatement of the genus Stephanocystis for the North Pacific Cystoseira species and Halidrys dioica N. L. Gardner. The European Cystoseira species should be split into three genera, but no name changes are proposed yet, because diagnostic characters were found only for the clade including the type species. Some evolutionary trends could be discerned from the mt23S + psbA phylogeny.
Broadband Downconversion of Ultraviolet Light to Near‐Infrared Emission in Bi3+–Yb3+‐Codoped Y2O3 Phosphors
Authors: Huang Xiao Yong , Ji Xiao Hong , Zhang Qin Yuan
Published: November 2010

The metal ion Bi3+ has been shown to be an efficient broadband sensitizer for Yb3+ ion in the Y2O3 host lattice. Upon ultraviolet‐light excitation in the allowed 1S0→3P1 transition of Bi3+ ions, the characteristic near infrared luminescence of Yb3+ ions due to the 2F5/2→2F7/2 transition was observed as a result of energy transfer from Bi3+ to Yb3+ ions. It demonstrates that cooperative downconversion can be realized for Bi3+–Yb3+ coupling. Yb3+‐concentration‐dependent quantum efficiency was evaluated and the maximum efficiency reached 173.8%. These phosphors are promising for the enhancement of energy efficiency of crystalline Si solar cells via spectrum shifting.
Analysis of Crack Propagation in Fixed-Free Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Under Tensile Loading Using XFEM
Authors: Joshi Anand Y. , Sharma Satish C. , Harsha S. P.
Published: November 2010

Fracture mechanics at the nanoscale level is a very complex phenomenon, whereas the macroscale fracture mechanics approach can be employed for nanoscale to simulate the effect of fracture in single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). In this study, an extended finite element method is used to simulate crack propagation in carbon nanotubes. The concept of the model is based on the assumption that carbon nanotubes, when loaded, behave like space frame structures. The nanostructure is analyzed using the finite element method, and the modified Morse interatomic potential is used to simulate the nonlinear force field of the C–C bonds. The model has been applied to single-walled zigzag, armchair, and chiral nanotubes subjected to axial tension. The contour integral method is used for the calculation of the J-integral and stress intensity factors (SIFs) at various crack locations and dimensions of nanotubes under tensile loading. A comparative study of results shows the behavior of cracks in carbon nanotubes. It is observed that for the smaller length of nanotube, as the diameter increased, the stress intensity factor is linearly varied while for the longer nanotube, the variation in stress intensity factor is nonlinear. It is also observed that as the crack is oriented closer to the loading end, the stress intensity factor shows higher sensitivity to smaller lengths, which indicates more chances for crack propagation and carbon nanotube breakage. The SIF is found to vary nonlinearly with the diameter of the SWCNT. Also, it is found that the predicted crack evolution, failure stresses, and failure strains of the nanotubes correlate very well with molecular mechanics simulations from literature.
Nanowire Modification to Enhance the Performance of Neurotransmitter Sensors
Authors: Cao Hung , Chiao J.-C.
Published: November 2010

In this work, we have developed a method to modify the platinum (Pt) working electrode with nanowires using vapor-solid-liquid (VLS) mechanism in order to increase the sensitivity of our microelectrochemical neurotransmitter sensors. Our sensor probes were manufactured from a 300 μm thick silicon (Si) wafer with several electrode designs for implantation in various locations of the human central nervous system. The surfaces of electrodes were observed and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). The complete devices were made and used to demonstrate the enhancement in performance contributed by nanowires in the enzyme-based electrochemical sensing of L-glutamate, which is the most abundant excitatory neurotransmitter. Comparison between electrodes with and without nanowire modification was conducted, showing that the modification method is a good option to improve the performance of electrochemical sensors.
Study of MRI Susceptibility Artifacts for Nanomedical Applications
Authors: Wortmann Tim , Dahmen Christian , Fatikow Sergej
Published: November 2010

This article deals with the exploitation of magnetic susceptibility artifacts in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the recognition of metallic delivery capsules. The targeted application is a closed-loop position control of magnetic objects implemented using the components of a clinical MRI scanner. Actuation can be performed by switching the magnetic gradient fields, whereas object locations are detected by an analysis of the MRI scans. A comprehensive investigation of susceptibility artifacts with a total number of 108 experimental setups has been performed in order to study scaling laws and the impact of object properties and imaging parameters. In addition to solid metal objects, a suspension of superparamagnetic nanoparticles has been examined. All 3D scans have been segmented automatically for artifact quantification and location determination. Analysis showed a characteristic shape for all three base types of sequences, which is invariant to the magnetic object shape and material. Imaging parameters such as echo time and flip angle have a moderate impact on the artifact volume but do not modify the characteristic artifact shape. The nanoparticle agglomerates produce imaging artifacts similar to the solid samples. Based on the results, a two-stage recognition/tracking procedure is proposed.
Thermal Behavior Prediction of MDPE Nanocomposite/Cloisite Na+ Using Artificial Neural Network and Neuro-Fuzzy Tools
Authors: Sargolzaei J. , Ahangari B.
Published: November 2010

Recently, we successfully prepared medium density polyethylene (MDPE) nanocomposite with 3 wt %, 6 wt %, and 9 wt % cloisite Na+ and the thermal stability of nanocomposite was investigated using the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The TGA in air atmosphere showed significantly improved thermal stability of 3 wt %, 6 wt %, and 9 wt % cloisite Na+ nanocomposite in comparison to pure MDPE. In this paper, the results of TGA of MDPE/cloisite Na+ nanocomposites were predicted by the artificial neural network (ANN). The ANN and adaptive neural fuzzy inference systems (ANFIS) models were developed to predict the degradation of MDPE/cloisite Na+ nanocomposite with temperature. The results revealed that there was a good agreement between predicted thermal behavior and actual values. The findings of this study also showed that the artificial neural networks and ANFIS techniques can be applied as a powerful tool.
Nanofiber Plasmon Enhancement of Two-Photon Polymerization Induced by Femtosecond Laser
Authors: Alubaidy M. , Venkatakrishnan K. , Tan B. , Mahmood Abdulsalam
Published: November 2010

The nanofiber plasmon effect on the two-photon polymerization (2PP) induced by a femtosecond laser is reported for the first time in this paper. The nanofibers were generated using a femtosecond laser, which was also used to construct microfeatures through two-photon polymerization of a nanofiber dispersed polymer resin. Nanofiber plasmon resonant effect greatly enhances local field intensities, resulting in increased particle scattering cross sections. This leads to a drastic enhancement of two-photon-like absorption processes, allowing much lower incident radiation intensities to be used. The huge enhancements in local field intensity due to nanofiber plasmon resonances have been shown to lower the required intensity for 2PP by factors of 10 or more.
Optimization of a dual‐energy contrast‐enhanced technique for a photon‐counting digital breast tomosynthesis system: II. An experimental validation
Authors: Carton Ann‐Katherine , Ullberg Christer , Maidment Andrew D. A.
Published: November 2010

Purpose:

Previously, the authors developed a dual‐energy (DE) acquisition technique for a photon‐counting digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) imaging system. Low‐energy (LE) and high‐energy (HE) images are acquired in a single scan by covering alternate slits of a multislit prepatient collimator with Sn and Cu, respectively. A theoretical model was used to optimize the technique. In this article, an experimental validation of this technique is presented.

Methods:

Experiments were performed on a prototype DBT system. LE and HE projection images were acquired sequentially; either a Sn or a Cu filter was positioned in the filter holder at the exit window of the x‐ray tube. Sn filters from 0.113 to 0.242 mm thick and Cu filters from 0.103 to 0.267 mm were used. The images were acquired with a W target at 49 kV. Tomographic images, hereafter referred to as DBT images, were reconstructed using a shift‐and‐add algorithm. DE‐DBT images were obtained by weighted logarithmic subtraction of the LE and HE images. Weighting factors that optimally cancel breast tissues with two different glandularities were assessed for 20–80 mm thick phantoms with 0%, 50%, and 100% glandularity. The mean and standard deviation in the per‐pixel signal intensity (SI) were calculated in the DBT images. These data were used to calculate signal‐difference‐to‐noise ratios (SDNRs) between iodine enhanced and nonenhanced polymethyl methacrylate backgrounds. To illustrate the feasibility of the technique, DE‐DBT images of a structured phantom containing iodine disks were assessed. The experimental results were compared against the values obtained from a theoretical model of the imaging system.

Results:

The average difference between theoretical and experimental was found to range from 8% to 21%. Experimental values increase with phantom thickness and Cu thickness, depend somewhat on Sn thickness, and vary more as a function of breast composition in thick breasts than in thin breasts. Theoretical and experimental mean and standard deviation in the per‐pixel SI differ by −7% to 10% and by −3% to 4%. Theoretical and experimental SDNR values differ, on average, by 1.5%. Iodine concentrations can be predicted from SDNR; the relationship can be accurately fit to a quadratic. In the images of the structured phantom, iodine concentrations of and larger are discernable.

Conclusions:

The strong agreement between experimental and theoretical results in this article indicates that the authors' computer model is accurate.
In‐plane visibility of lesions using breast tomosynthesis and digital mammography
Authors: Timberg P. , Båth M. , Andersson I. , Mattsson S. , Tingberg A. , Ruschin M.
Published: November 2010

Purpose:

The purpose of this work was to evaluate the visibility of simulated lesions in 2D digital mammography (DM) and breast tomosynthesis (BT) images of patients.

Methods:

Images of the same women were acquired on both a DM system (Mammomat Novation, Siemens Healthcare, Erlangen, Germany) and a BT prototype system adapted from the same type of DM system. Using the geometrical properties of the two systems, simulated lesions were projected and added to each DM image as well as to each BT projection image prior to 3D reconstruction. The same beam quality and approximately the same total absorbed dose to the glandular tissue were used for each breast image acquisition on the two systems. A series of four‐alternative forced choice human observer experiments was conducted for each of five simulated lesion diameters: 0.2, 1, 3, 8, and 25 mm. An additional experiment was conducted for the 0.2 mm lesion in BT only at twice the dose level. Threshold signal was defined as the lesion signal intensity required for a detectability index of 2.5. Four medical physicists participated in all experiments. One experiment, consisting of 60 cases, was conducted per test condition (i.e., lesion size and signal combination).

Results:

For the smallest lesions (0.2 mm), the threshold signal for DM was 21% lower than for BT at equivalent dose levels, and was 26% lower than DM. For the lesions larger than 1 mm, the threshold signal increased linearly (in log space) with the lesion diameter for both DM and BT, with DM requiring around twice the signal as BT. The difference in the threshold signal between BT and DM at each lesion size was statistically significant, except for the 0.2 mm lesion between and DM.

Conclusions:

The results of this study indicate that low‐signal lesions larger than 1.0 mm may be more visible in BT compared to DM, whereas 0.2 mm lesions may be better visualized with DM compared to BT, when compared at equal dose.
A method to map errors in the deformable registration of 4DCT imagesa)
Authors: Vaman Constantin , Staub David , Williamson Jeffrey , Murphy Martin J.
Published: November 2010

Purpose:

To present a new approach to the problem of estimating errors in deformable image registration (DIR) applied to sequential phases of a 4DCT data set.

Methods:

A set of displacement vector fields (DVFs) are made by registering a sequence of 4DCT phases. The DVFs are assumed to display anatomical movement, with the addition of errors due to the imaging and registration processes. The positions of physical landmarks in each CT phase are measured as ground truth for the physical movement in the DVF. Principal component analysis of the DVFs and the landmarks is used to identify and separate the eigenmodes of physical movement from the error eigenmodes. By subtracting the physical modes from the principal components of the DVFs, the registration errors are exposed and reconstructed as DIR error maps. The method is demonstrated via a simple numerical model of 4DCT DVFs that combines breathing movement with simulated maps of spatially correlated DIR errors.

Results:

The principal components of the simulated DVFs were observed to share the basic properties of principal components for actual 4DCT data. The simulated error maps were accurately recovered by the estimation method.

Conclusions:

Deformable image registration errors can have complex spatial distributions. Consequently, point‐by‐point landmark validation can give unrepresentative results that do not accurately reflect the registration uncertainties away from the landmarks. The authors are developing a method for mapping the complete spatial distribution of DIR errors using only a small number of ground truth validation landmarks.
Multilevel learning‐based segmentation of ill‐defined and spiculated masses in mammograms
Authors: Tao Yimo , Lo Shih‐Chung B. , Freedman Matthew T. , Makariou Erini , Xuan Jianhua
Published: November 2010

Purpose:

A learning‐based approach integrating the use of pixel‐level statistical modeling and spiculation detection is presented for the segmentation of mammographic masses with ill‐defined margins and spiculations.

Methods:

The algorithm involves a multiphase pixel‐level classification, using a comprehensive group of features computed from regional intensity, shape, and textures, to generate a mass‐conditional probability map (PM). Then, the mass candidate, along with the background clutters consisting of breast fibroglandular and other nonmass tissues, is extracted from the PM by integrating the prior knowledge of shape and location of masses. A multiscale steerable ridge detection algorithm is employed to detect spiculations. Finally, all the object‐level findings, including mass candidate, detected spiculations, and clutters, along with the PM, are integrated by graph cuts to generate the final segmentation mask.

Results:

The method was tested on 54 masses (51 malignant and 3 benign), all with ill‐defined margins and irregular shape or spiculations. The ground truth delineations were provided by five experienced radiologists. Area overlapping ratio of 0.689 (±0.160) and 0.540 (±0.164) were obtained for segmenting entire mass and margin portion only, respectively. Williams index of area and contour based measurements indicated that the segmentation results of the algorithm agreed well with the radiologists' delineation.

Conclusions:

The proposed approach could closely delineate the mass body. Most importantly, it is capable of including mass margin and its spicule extensions which are considered as key features for breast lesion analyses.