bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Upper limb aerobic training improves aerobic fitness and all‐out performance of America's Cup grinders
Authors: Adami Paolo Emilio , Delussu Anna Sofia , Rodio Angelo , Squeo Maria Rosaria , Corsi Loretta , Quattrini Filippo Maria , Fattorini Luigi , Bernardi Marco
Published: October 2014

This research on “America's Cup” grinders investigated the effects of a specific eight‐week long‐arm cranking ergometer (ACE) training on upper body (UB) aerobic fitness (ventilatory threshold – Tvent, respiratory compensation point‐ RCP, –oxygen uptake peak – O2peak) and high intensity working capacity. The training consisted of sessions carried out for 20–30 mins, three times per week, at an intensity between the UB‐Tvent and UB‐RCP, and replaced part of a typical lower limb aerobic training whilst maintaining the usual weekly schedule of callisthenics, resistance training and sailing. Seven sailors, including four grinders and three mastmen (age 30 ± 5.5 years, height 1.9 ± 0.04 m, body mass 102 ± 3.6 kg), were evaluated through both an ACE cardiopulmonary maximal exercise test (CPET) and an ACE all‐out up to exhaustion exercise test, before and after the ACE training. UB aerobic fitness improved significantly: UB‐O2peak increased from 4.29 ± 0.442 to 4.52 ± 0.522 l·min−1 (6.4 ± 3.66%), O2 at UB‐Tvent from 2.42 ± 0.282 to 2.97 ± 0.328 l·min−1 (22.8 ± 5.09%) and O2 at UB‐RCP from 3.25 ± 0.402 to 3.75 ± 0.352 l·min−1 (16.1 ± 10.83%). Peak power at the ACE CPET increased from 351 ± 27.5 to 387 ± 33.5 W (10.5 ± 6.93%). The all‐out test total mechanical work increased from 28.9 ± 2.35 to 40.1 ± 3.76 kJ (72.1 ± 4.67%). In conclusion, a high intensity aerobic ACE training can be effective in improving grinding performance by increasing UB aerobic fitness and all‐out working capacity.
The acute effects of vibration training on balance and stability amongst soccer players
Authors: Cloak Ross , Nevill Alan , Wyon Matthew
Published: October 2014

Acute whole body vibration training (WBVT) is a tool used amongst coaches to improve performance prior to activity. Its effects on other fitness components, such as balance and stability, along with how different populations respond are less well understood. The aim of the current research is to determine the effect of acute WBVT on balance and stability amongst elite and amateur soccer players. Forty‐four healthy male soccer players (22 elite and 22 amateur) were assigned to a treatment or control group. The intervention group then performed 3 × 60 seconds static squat on vibration platform at 40 Hz (±4 mm) with Y balance test (YBT) scores and dynamic postural stability index (DPSI) measured pre and post. DPSI was significantly lower in the elite players in the acute WBVT compared to amateur players (F1, 40= 6.80; P = 0.013). YBT anterior reach distance showed a significant improvement in both amateur and elite players in the acute WBVT group (F1, 40= 32.36; P < 0.001). The improvement in DPSI amongst the elite players indicates a difference in responses to acute high frequency vibration between elite and amateur players during a landing stability task. The results indicate that acute WBVT improves anterior YBT reach distances through a possible improvement in flexibility amongst both elite and amateur players. In conclusion, acute WBVT training appears to improve stability amongst elite soccer players in comparison to amateur players, the exact reasoning behind this difference requires further investigation.
Working in the real and the imaginary
Authors: Théry Manuel
Published: October 2014

The science we practice is shaped by our interactions with people; the enthusiastic teachers, the fascinating mentors, the inspiring colleagues, and the inquisitive students. The science we enjoy takes us into areas we couldn't have anticipated. From time to time, we come back to reality and try to find ways to share our new explorations with our friends and relatives and to convert our insights into collective progress. What could be a better job?
COMMD1 is linked to the WASH complex and regulates endosomal trafficking of the copper transporter ATP7A
Authors: Phillips-Krawczak Christine A. , Singla Amika , Starokadomskyy Petro , Deng Zhihui , Osborne Douglas G. , Li Haiying , Dick Christopher J. , Gomez Timothy S. , Koenecke Megan , Zhang Jin-San , Dai Haiming , Sifuentes-Dominguez Luis F. , Geng Linda N. , Kaufmann Scott H. , Hein Marco Y. , Wallis Mathew , McGaughran Julie , Gecz Jozef , Sluis Bart van de , Billadeau Daniel D. , Burstein Ezra
Published: October 2014

COMMD1 deficiency results in defective copper homeostasis, but the mechanism for this has remained elusive. Here we report that COMMD1 is directly linked to early endosomes through its interaction with a protein complex containing CCDC22, CCDC93, and C16orf62. This COMMD/CCDC22/CCDC93 (CCC) complex interacts with the multisubunit WASH complex, an evolutionarily conserved system, which is required for endosomal deposition of F-actin and cargo trafficking in conjunction with the retromer. Interactions between the WASH complex subunit FAM21, and the carboxyl-terminal ends of CCDC22 and CCDC93 are responsible for CCC complex recruitment to endosomes. We show that depletion of CCC complex components leads to lack of copper-dependent movement of the copper transporter ATP7A from endosomes, resulting in intracellular copper accumulation and modest alterations in copper homeostasis in humans with CCDC22 mutations. This work provides a mechanistic explanation for the role of COMMD1 in copper homeostasis and uncovers additional genes involved in the regulation of copper transporter recycling.
Establishing an academic laboratory: mentoring as a business model
Authors: Greco Valentina
Published: October 2014

It is a tremendous honor for my group and me to receive the recognition of the 2014 Women in Cell Biology Junior Award. I would like to take the opportunity of this essay to describe my scientific journey, discuss my philosophy about running a group, and propose what I think is a generalizable model to efficiently establish an academic laboratory. This essay is about my view on the critical components that go into establishing a highly functional academic laboratory during the current tough, competitive times.
The microenvironment matters
Authors: Weaver Valerie Marie
Published: October 2014

The physical and biochemical properties of the microenvironment regulate cell behavior and modulate tissue development and homeostasis. Likewise, the physical and interpersonal cues a trainee receives profoundly influence his or her scientific development, research perspective, and future success. My cell biology career has been greatly impacted by the flavor of the scientific environments I have trained within and the diverse research mentoring I have received. Interactions with physical and life scientists and trainees and exposure to a diverse assortment of interdisciplinary environments have and continue to shape my research vision, guide my experimental trajectory, and contribute to my scientific success and personal happiness.
From junior to senior: advice from the benefit of 20/20 hindsight
Authors: Schmid Sandra L.
Published: October 2014

As the first recipient of both the Women in Cell Biology Junior and Senior Awards, I look back to identify key components that have provided the foundation for my successful research career. In retrospect, the three most important building blocks have been: identifying and pursing important problems; attracting and mentoring talented postdoctoral fellows and students; and establishing and nurturing strong collaborations.
Romancing mitosis and the mitotic apparatus
Authors: Brinkley William (B. R.)
Published: October 2014

One of the earliest lessons students learn in biology is the process of mitosis and how cells divide to produce daughter cells. Although first described more than a century ago by early investigators such as E. B. Wilson, many aspects of mitosis and cell division remain the subject of considerable research today. My personal investigations and research contributions to the study of mitosis were made possible by recent developments in the field when I began my career, including access to novel mammalian cell culture models and electron and fluorescence microscopy. Building upon those innovations, my laboratory and other contemporary investigators first charted the ultrastructure and molecular organization of mitosis and chromosome movement and the assembly and function of the cytoskeleton. This field of research remains a significant challenge for future investigators in cell biology and medicine.
In Search of the Natural Voice
Authors: Bithell Caroline
Published: October 2014

Chapter 2 unpacks the notion of the “natural voice”, aided by an examination of two major initiatives. The first is the UK-based Natural Voice Practitioners’ Network. The convictions enshrined in the NVPN’s statement of philosophy and working principles are brought into dialogue with matters of aesthetics and structural organisation pertaining to music in oral traditions and with issues of class and race in the development of the Western classically trained voice. The second is the Giving Voice project, an initiative of the Centre for Performance Research (based in Wales but working with partners worldwide) and the international body of practice that it represents. Reference is made here to the influence of pioneering work in experimental theatre. The reader is also introduced to English folksinger Frankie Armstrong, the main inspiration and driving force behind the NVPN.
Non-separable bound motion
Authors: Child M. S.
Published: October 2014

Non-separable bound states in the regular regime lie on f–dimensional invariant tori in the 2f–dimensional phase space. Actions and quantum numbers are fixed by the areas of f topologically distinct cuts through the torus. Poincaré sections are useful in revealing bifurcations in the torus structure, as for example in the transition from normal to local vibrational motion. Various quantization schemes include EBK and classical perturbation theory, adiabatic switching and Fourier representations of the torus. Finally, periodic-orbit-based expressions are given for the densities of states of both regular and chaotic systems. The observation of periodic ‘scars’ on the wavefunction is of particular interest.
Wavepackets
Authors: Child M. S.
Published: October 2014

A wavepacket spreading under quadratic potentials is shown to have an exact classical analogue in the spreading of a classical ensemble taken from the Wigner distribution. The wavepacket motion under anharmonic potentials is complicated by greater spreading combined with additional interferences. Both are shown to be well handled by Heller’s frozen Gaussian swarm technique. Applications are outlined to spectral quantization and Franck–Condon transitions by Fourier analysis of the time correlation function. The chapter concludes with an introduction to the popular unitary Herman–Kluk coherent state propagation scheme. Advantages over semiclassical Van Vleck propagation are discussed, and a Filinov–based scheme for handling weakly chaotic systems is described.
The classical S matrix
Authors: Child M. S.
Published: October 2014

The classical S matrix is a natural multidimensional extension of the semiclassical phase shift. It is most naturally interpreted as a contraction of the Feynman path integral propagator, between initial and final scattering states. An equivalent derivation in the text employs a multidimensional JWKB wavefunction in place of the propagator. The primitive semiclassical S matrix appears as a sum over classical trajectories, which interfere according to differences in their classical action integrals, while classically forbidden events are handled by the use of complex time trajectories. Appropriate uniform approximations to remove different types of singularity at the classical boundary are described. Symmetry selection rules are seen to arise from the physical equivalence of initial starting geometries. Applications to rotational rainbows and Condon reflection principles are given.
Detecting time periods of differential gene expression using Gaussian processes: an application to endothelial cells exposed to radiotherapy dose fraction
Authors: Heinonen Markus , Guipaud Olivier , Milliat Fabien , Buard Valérie , Micheau Béatrice , Tarlet Georges , Benderitter Marc , Zehraoui Farida , d’Alché-Buc Florence
Published: October 2014

Motivation: Identifying the set of genes differentially expressed along time is an important task in two-sample time course experiments. Furthermore, estimating at which time periods the differential expression is present can provide additional insight into temporal gene functions. The current differential detection methods are designed to detect difference along observation time intervals or on single measurement points, warranting dense measurements along time to characterize the full temporal differential expression patterns.

Results: We propose a novel Bayesian likelihood ratio test to estimate the differential expression time periods. Applying the ratio test to systems of genes provides the temporal response timings and durations of gene expression to a biological condition. We introduce a novel non-stationary Gaussian process as the underlying expression model, with major improvements on model fitness on perturbation and stress experiments. The method is robust to uneven or sparse measurements along time. We assess the performance of the method on realistically simulated dataset and compare against state-of-the-art methods. We additionally apply the method to the analysis of primary human endothelial cells under an ionizing radiation stress to study the transcriptional perturbations over 283 measured genes in an attempt to better understand the role of endothelium in both normal and cancer tissues during radiotherapy. As a result, using the cascade of differential expression periods, domain literature and gene enrichment analysis, we gain insights into the dynamic response of endothelial cells to irradiation.

Availability and implementation: R package ‘nsgp' is available at www.ibisc.fr/en/logiciels_arobas

Contact:  markus.heinonen@ibisc.fr or florence.dalche@ibisc.fr

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Morphological study of penumbral formation
Authors: Kitai Reizaburo , Watanabe Hiroko , Otsuji Ken'ichi
Published: October 2014

Penumbrae are known to be areas of mainly horizontal magnetic field surrounding umbrae of relatively large and mature sunspots. In this paper, we observationally studied the formation of penumbrae in NOAA 10978, where several penumbral formations were observed in G-band images of the Solar Optical Telescope on board Hinode. Thanks to the continuous observation by Hinode, we could morphologically follow the evolution of sunspots and found that there are several paths to the penumbral formation: (1) active accumulation of magnetic flux, (2) rapid emergence of magnetic field, and (3) appearance of twisted or rotating magnetic tubes. In all of these cases, magnetic fields are expected to sustain high inclination at the edges of flux tube concentration longer than the characteristic growth time of downward magnetic pumping.
Crystal structure of the 4 + 2 cycloadduct of photooxidized anthracene and C60fullerene
Authors: Bortel Gábor , Kováts Éva , Oszlányi Gábor , Pekker Sándor
Published: October 2014

The structure of the title compound, 5,6-[(1R,10S)-2,9-dioxatricyclo[8.6.03,8.011,16]hexadecane-1,10-diyl]-(C60–Ih)[5,6]fullerene methanedithione 0.1-solvate, C74H10O2·0.1CS2, has tetragonal (P42/n) symmetry at 100 K. It has a unique eight-membered ring, with two incorporated O atoms in place of the original central ring of the anthracene. The distortion of the molecular geometry around the cycloadduct bonds corresponds to that seen in related fullerene derivatives. Close packing of the adduct forms cavities partially filled with disordered carbon disulfide solvent molecule. The 41% occupancy of the cavities yields an overall 1:0.103 adduct–solvent ratio. Reaction steps are described as light-assisted singlet-oxygen generation, peroxide, epoxide and dioxocin derivative formation and the final step of thermally activated cycloaddition.
Crystal structure oftrans-aqua(perchlorato-κO)bis(propane-1,3-diamine-κ2N,N′)copper(II) perchlorate
Authors: Govindaraj J. , Rajkumar K. , Ganeshraja A. S. , Anbalagan K. , SubbiahPandi A.
Published: October 2014

In the title compound, [Cu(ClO4)(C3H10N2)2(H2O)]ClO4, the CuIIatom has a distorted octahedral coordination sphere and is coordinated by the N atoms of two propane-1,3-diamine ligands in the equatorial plane. The axial positions are occupied by a water O atom and an O atom of a disordered perchlorate anion [occupancy ratio 0.631 (9):0.369 (9)]. In the crystal, the various components are linkedviaO—H...O, N—H...O and C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming sheets lying parallel to (001).
Crystal structure of a four-layered [3.3](3,5)pyridinophane
Authors: Shibahara Masahiko , Watanabe Motonori , Matsumoto Taisuke , Goto Kenta , Shinmyozu Teruo
Published: October 2014

The title compound, C40H46N2{systematic name: 12,30-diazaheptacyclo[21.13.1.15,19.16,18.110,14.124,36.128,32]dotetraconta-1(37),5(40),6(41),10(42),11,13,18,23,28,30,32(39),36(38)-dodecaene}, hassyn–anti–syngeometry wherein the two outer [3.3]metacyclophane (MCP) moieties have asyngeometry, and contain the facing benzene and pyridine rings at dihedral angles of 26.26 (10) and 26.46 (10)°, respectively. The rings of the central [3.3]MCP unit are not parallel, but orientated at a slight angle of 2.66 (9)°. Three bridging methylene groups are disordered over two sets of sites in a 0.60:0.40 ratio. In the crystal, the molecules are linked by C—H...N interactions and intermolecular C—H...π short contacts, generating a three-dimensional network.
Crystal structure of 1H,1′H-[2,2′-biimidazol]-3-ium hydrogen tartrate hemihydrate
Authors: Gao Xiao-Li , Bian Li-Fang , Guo Shao-Wei
Published: October 2014

In the crystal of the title hydrated salt, C6H7N4+·C4H5O6−·0.5H2O, the biimidazole monocation, 1H,1′H-[2,2′-biimidazol]-3-ium, is hydrogen bonded,viaN—H...O, O—H...O and O—H...N hydrogen bonds, to the hydrogen tartrate anion and the water molecule, which is located on a twofold rotation axis, forming sheets parallel to (001). The sheets are linkedviaC—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming a three-dimensional structure. There are also C=O...π interactions present [O...π distances are 3.00 (9) and 3.21 (7) Å], involving the carbonyl O atoms and the imidazolium ring, which may help to consolidate the structure. In the cation, the dihedral angle between the rings is 11.6 (2)°.
Stacking patterns of thieno[3,2-b]thiophenes functionalized by sequential palladium-catalyzed Suzuki and Heck cross-coupling reactions
Authors: Nguyen Hien , Nguyen Bich Ngan , Dang Tung T. , Van Meervelt Luc
Published: October 2014

The crystal structures of three 5-alkenyl-2-arylthieno[3,2-b]thiophenes, namely 3,6-dibromo-5-(4-tert-butylstyryl)-2-(naphthalen-1-yl)thieno[3,2-b]thiophene, C28H22Br2S2, (I), 3,6-dibromo-5-(4-methylstyryl)-2-(naphthalen-1-yl)thieno[3,2-b]thiophene, C25H16Br2S2, (II), and 3,6-dibromo-2-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-5-(4-methylstyryl)thieno[3,2-b]thiophene, C25H22Br2S2, (III), have been determined in order to evaluate the geometry of the molecules. The π-conjugated system containing the thieno[3,2-b]thiophene skeleton, the ethylene bridge and the phenyl rings is almost planar. The aromatic ring directly attached to the thieno[3,2-b]thiophene moiety is not coplanar with the thieno[3,2-b]thiophene moiety itself due to steric hindrance of the bromo substituent. The crystal packings are characterized by π–π stacking [only for (II)] and C—Br...π interactions. The long axes of the molecules in (I) are oriented in two directions; for the two other structures the long axis is oriented in one direction only.
Different patterns of supramolecular assembly in constitutionally similar 6-arylimidazo[2,1-b][1,3,4]thiadiazoles
Authors: Praveen Aletti S. , Yathirajan Hemmige S. , Kaur Manpreet , Narayana Badiadka , Hosten Eric C. , Betz Richard , Glidewell Christopher
Published: October 2014

Four imidazo[2,1-b][1,3,4]thiadiazoles containing a simply-substituted 6-aryl group have been synthesized by reaction of 2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazoles with bromoacetylarenes using microwave irradiation and brief reaction times. 6-(2-Chlorophenyl)imidazo[2,1-b][1,3,4]thiadiazole, C10H6ClN3S, (I), 6-(2-chlorophenyl)-2-methylimidazo[2,1-b][1,3,4]thiadiazole, C11H8ClN3S, (II), 6-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)imidazo[2,1-b][1,3,4]thiadiazole, C10H5Cl2N3S, (III), and 6-(4-fluoro-3-methoxyphenyl)-2-methylimidazo[2,1-b][1,3,4]thiadiazole, C12H10FN3OS, (IV), crystallize withZ′ values of 2, 1, 1 and 2 respectively. The molecular skeletons are all nearly planar and the dihedral angles between the imidazole and aryl rings are 1.51 (8) and 7.28 (8)° in (I), 9.65 (7)° in (II), 10.44 (8)° in (III), and 1.05 (8) and 7.21 (8)° in (IV). The molecules in (I) are linked by three independent C—H...N hydrogen bonds to form ribbons containing alternatingR22(8) andR44(18) rings, and these ribbons are linked into a three-dimensional array by three independent π-stacking interactions. Both (II) and (III) contain centrosymmetric dimers formed by π-stacking interactions but hydrogen bonds are absent, and the molecules of (IV) are linked into centrosymmetricR22(8) dimers by C—H...N hydrogen bonds. Comparisons are made with a number of related compounds.
Crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction analysis of theS-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase (SAHH) fromThermotoga maritima
Authors: He Miao , Zheng Yingying , Huang Chun-Hsiang , Qian Guojun , Xiao Xiansha , Ko Tzu-Ping , Shao Weilan , Guo Rey-Ting
Published: October 2014

S-Adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase (SAHH) catalyzes the reversible conversion ofS-adenosylhomocysteine into adenosine and homocysteine. The SAHH fromThermotoga maritima(TmSAHH) was expressed inEscherichia coliand the recombinant protein was purified and crystallized.TmSAHH crystals belonging to space groupC2, with unit-cell parametersa= 106.3,b= 112.0,c= 164.9 Å, β = 103.5°, were obtained by the sitting-drop vapour-diffusion method and diffracted to 2.85 Å resolution. Initial phase determination by molecular replacement clearly indicated that the crystal contains one homotetramer per asymmetric unit. Further refinement of the crystal structure is in progress.
Cloning, expression, purification, crystallization and X-ray crystallographic analysis of PhaA fromRalstonia eutropha
Authors: Kim Eun-Jung , Kim Kyung-Jin
Published: October 2014

Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) is a biopolymer that is in the spotlight because of its broad applications in bioplastics, fine chemicals, implant biomaterials and biofuels. PhaA fromRalstonia eutropha(RePhaA) is the first enzyme in the PHB biosynthetic pathway and catalyzes the condensation reaction of two acetyl-CoA molecules to give acetoacetyl-CoA.RePhaA was crystallized using the hanging-drop vapour-diffusion method in the presence of 20% polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether 2K, 0.1 MTris–HCl pH 8.5 and 0.2 MtrimethylamineN-oxide dihydrate at 295 K. X-ray diffraction data were collected to a maximum resolution of 1.96 Å on a synchrotron beamline. The crystal belonged to space groupP21, with unit-cell parametersa= 68.38,b= 105.47,c= 106.91 Å, α = γ = 90, β = 106.18°. With four subunits per asymmetric unit, the crystal volume per unit protein weight (VM) is 2.3 Å3 Da−1, which corresponds to a solvent content of approximately 46.2%. The structure was solved by the molecular-replacement method and refinement of the structure is in progress.
A survival analysis of tax professionals’ performance and internship experience
Authors: R. Borgia Carl , H. Siegel Philip , Ortiz Dennis
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to consider the effect of an internship experience on tax accountants’ professional performance.

Design/methodology/approach

– It uses survival analysis, a dynamic methodology that allows for more precise modeling than static traditional methods used to study promotion and turnover rates in the past. The hypotheses were tested using a longitudinal database obtained from the human resource departments of regional Certified Public Accountant firms located in the southeastern and mid-south areas of the USA.

Findings

– Results were mixed. As in previous studies on the effects of internships on subsequent professional performance, tax accounting professionals with a master’s degree and prior internship experience had significantly faster promotion rates than those professionals with a master’s degree and no internship experience. However, tax professionals with a master’s degree and prior internship experience did not demonstrate a significant difference in turnover rate when compared to the no-internship group.

Practical implications

– This research provides evidence that students, employers and institutions of higher education can use to guide them in their decisions regarding the effects of structured internships on professional performance – in this case, the professional performance of tax accountants.

Originality/value

– Previous research on tax professionals’ performance and internship experience made use of static research methodologies. This study uses the more dynamic methodology of survival analysis to see if different findings result.
Towards aGlobal Model of Accounting Education
Authors: Watty Kim , Sugahara Satoshi , Abayadeera Nadana , Perera Luckmika , McKay Jade
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the accounting education systems in three countries – Australia, Japan and Sri Lanka – to inform the development and testing (by application) of aGlobal Model of Accounting Education.

Design/methodology/approach

– An action research methodology is applied with a case study and model development approach.

Findings

– The case studies reveal variations in accounting education systems, which exist across the three countries examined in this research. Key differences (some significant and others nuanced) were found between accounting education systems and include: entry requirements to professional programs; accreditation processes; and benchmark discipline standards. These differences are provided for in the questions that underpin the model developed and applied as a key part of the research.

Practical implications

– This model is presented as a tool to assist interested parties in any country to take initial steps to identify their own unique system of accounting education. It may also be of particular use in those countries in the early stages of developing an accounting education system. This understanding of accounting education systems enhances the opportunity for global convergence of accounting education.

Originality/value

– The model, informed by the case studies, is an original contribution to the literature and discussions around global convergence in accounting education. The model is designed for practical application and the value is that it provides an important starting point for considering issues of importance in the development of a system of accounting education, and/or, better understanding the similarities and differences across existing systems.
Multi-objective design of a power inductor: a benchmark problem of inverse induction heating
Authors: Di Barba Paolo , Forzan Michele , Sieni Elisabetta
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate a bi-objective optimization problem characterized by coupled field analysis. The optimal design of a pancake inductor for the controlled heating of a graphite disk is considered as the benchmark problem. The case study is related to the design of industrial applications of the induction heating of graphite disk.

Design/methodology/approach

– The expected goal of the optimization process is twofold: to improve temperature uniformity in the disk and also electrical efficiency of the inductor. The solution of the relevant bi-objective optimization problem is based on multiphysics field analysis. Specifically, the direct problem is solved as a magnetic and thermal coupled problem by means of finite elements; a mesh-inspired definition of thermal uniformity is proposed. In turn, the Pareto front trading off electrical efficiency and thermal uniformity is identified exploiting evolutionary computing.

Findings

– By varying the problem targets, different Pareto fronts are identified trading off thermal uniformity and electrical efficiency of the induction-heating device.

Practical implications

– These results suggest how to improve the design of this kind of device for the epitaxial growth of silicon wafer; the advantage of using a magnetic concentrator placed close to the inductor axis is pointed out.

Originality/value

– The coupling of a multiphysics direct problem with a multiobjective inverse problem is presented as a benchmark problem and accordingly solved. The benchmark provides a simple analysis problem that allows testing various optimization algorithms in a comparative way.
Pareto efficiency in individualistic vs. altruistic society
Authors: Aydin Necati
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to compare Pareto optimality for altruistic and individualistic societies to show whether it is possible to have Pareto improvement through altruistic acts even after free market equilibrium.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper follows conceptual, axiomatic and theoretical approaches to show Pareto efficiency in altruistic versus individualistic societies. The paper first outlines the welfare axioms of Islamic economics compared to those of capitalism. Second, it defines Pareto efficiency within capitalist and Islamic economic systems. Third, it compares and contrasts the concept in the two systems based on their epistemological and anthropological worldviews. Fourth, it shows how – even under the efficient allocation of material goods – room for Pareto improvement still exists through the redistribution of resources. Finally, it demonstrates optimum income transfer for social welfare maximization.

Findings

– The paper shows that Islamic economics relying on certain welfare axioms aim for an altruistic society. It then theoretically proves that social well-being would be greater in such an altruistic society in comparison to an individualistic society promoted by capitalism, holding everything else constant. The paper clearly shows that free market equilibrium does not maximize social utility. It theoretically demonstrates that even under efficient allocation of material goods, there is still room for Pareto improvement through redistribution of resources. It reveals that optimum income transfer might not be possible through voluntary altruistic behaviors unless people transcend self-interest and begin to value social interest as important as their own interest. Therefore, the paper suggests a role for the government to reach optimum-level income transfer for social welfare maximization.

Research limitations/implications

– The paper is purely theoretical. Its main limitation is not to be empirically tested. Future studies might shed light on the issue through empirical evidence

Practical implications

– Pareto improvement provides important guidance or at least moral justification for welfare programs. The paper might directly affect welfare policy of Muslim countries.

Social implications

– The paper suggests income transfer through altruistic acts would provide higher social welfare. Therefore, it is in the best interest of nations to promote altruistic behaviors and support voluntary welfare programs for higher social utility.

Originality/value

– The paper contributes to the Islamic moral economy doctrine by proving that altruistic behaviors encouraged by Islamic teaching could provide higher social welfare.
Derivative financial instruments, tax aggressiveness and firm market value
Authors: Zeng Tao
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship of using derivative financial instruments, tax aggressiveness and firm market value.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper develops analytical models and designs an empirical study.

Findings

– Using data from large Canadian public companies, this paper finds that a firm’s realized losses or unrealized gains from using derivatives are negatively associated with its effective tax rate, and a firm’s realized losses or unrealized gains from using derivatives are positively associated with its market value.

Research limitations/implications

– This study simplifies the analytical model by separating the firm’s intrinsic market value from the tax-timing option value. In a more general framework, the tax-timing option value could be subsumed in the firm’s market value, and the firm’s market value would be determined endogenously.

Originality/value

– This study develops a framework to show how firms exploit the tax-timing option by using derivatives. It is the first study to conclude that a motive for firms to use derivatives is to exploit the tax-timing option.
Developing effective professional development programs: a case study
Authors: Guo Shu
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to investigate the practices of a well-established professional development committee (PDC) at an academic library to reveal the development of effective professional development programs with various themes and the diversified delivering formats and the assessment of library employees’ training needs and the effectiveness of professional development programs with Needs Assessment Surveys and Program Follow-up Employee Opinion Surveys. Professional development programs are widely adopted in academic libraries to support the professional growth of library employees and improve the quality of library services. Developing, promoting and administering professional development programs are main responsibilities of the PDC.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study is based upon the PDC’s recent practices since 2011. The Needs Assessment Surveys (in 2012 and 2013) are conducted electronically, so are the Opinion Surveys since 2013 which are formerly conducted in paper.

Findings

– The well-planned professional development program themes with special designed delivery formats have demonstrated their effectiveness through high attendance of each professional development event. The positive results and high compliments from both Need Assessment Surveys and Opinion Surveys also endorse their values to employee’s professional growth.

Originality/value

– This paper classifies various professional development program ideas into six program themes and three special delivery formats, and each is presented with intention, planning and organization. This paper also provides details of using different Need Assessment Surveys and Opinion Surveys for evaluation, which is also lacked in published literature.
A research and class model for future library instruction in higher education
Authors: Kinsley Kirsten , Brooke Hill Leslie , Maier-Katkin Daniel
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this article was to describe a university library instruction and research model that represents a collaborative effort between faculty, libraries, and the campus reading writing center. It uses rigorous research methods to measure whether the classroom intervention impacts student perceptions and success outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

– Longitudinal, mixed-methods approach that attempts to measure the outcome of an experimental class that uses precision (exact) matching to control for extraneous variables that impact student success and a survey to measure student perceptions.

Findings

– Librarians can benefit by collaborating with faculty to learn more rigorous research methods. Precision (exact) matching a control group with an experimental group is time-intensive, but easily replicated. Preliminary results are very promising for both the precision matching and the survey data. It appears that students are able to learn critical thinking, research and writing skills from the collaboration between discipline-specific faculty, librarians and reading writing center tutors.

Research limitations/implications

– Precision (exact) matching a control group with an experimental group is time-intensive. Thus, the results need to be viewed cautiously due to the small sample size.

Practical implications

– Combining efforts to conduct collaborative research and instruction between libraries and faculty can provide resources for applications of the model with other disciplines.

Originality/value

– The library-intensive freshman writing seminar is a unique approach to student learning and an easy way for the library to be actively integrated in other disciplines. The precision matching technique is a methodologically rigorous research design that easy to replicate in other locations and with other disciplines.
Untangling human and environmental effects on geographical gradients of mammal species richness: a global and regional evaluation
Authors: Torres‐Romero Erik Joaquín , Olalla‐Tárraga Miguel Á.
Published: October 2014

Different hypotheses (geographical, ecological, evolutionary or a combination of them) have been suggested to account for the spatial variation in species richness. However, the relative importance of environment and human impacts in explaining these patterns, either globally or at the biogeographical region level, remains largely unexplored.

Here, we jointly evaluate how current environmental conditions and human impacts shape global and regional gradients of species richness in terrestrial mammals.

We processed IUCN global distributional data for 3939 mammal species and a set of seven environmental and two human impact variables at a spatial resolution of 96·5 × 96·5 km. We used simple, multiple and partial regression techniques to evaluate environmental and human effects on species richness.

Actual evapotranspiration (AET) is the main driver of mammal species richness globally. Together with our results at the biogeographical realm level, this lends strong support for the water‐energy hypothesis (i.e. global diversity gradients are best explained by the interaction of water and energy, with a latitudinal shift in the relative importance of ambient energy vs. water availability as we move from the poles to the equator).

While human effects on species richness are not easily detected at a global scale due to the large proportion of shared variance with the environment, these effects significantly emerge at the regional level. In the Nearctic, Palearctic and Oriental regions, the independent contribution of human impacts is almost as important as current environmental conditions in explaining richness patterns. The intersection of human impacts with climate drives the geographical variation in mammal species richness in the Palearctic, Nearctic and Oriental regions. Using a human accessibility variable, we show, for the first time, that the zones most accessible to humans are often those where we find lower mammal species richness.
Migration‐related influences on obesity among sub‐Saharan African migrant adolescents in Melbourne, Australia
Authors: Griffith Madelaine , Mellor David , Green Julie , Renzaho Andre M.N.
Published: October 2014

Aim

The aim of the present study was to examine migration‐ and socioeconomic‐related influences on obesity among African migrant adolescents in Melbourne, Australia.

Methods

Anthropometric data were collected from 99 parents and 100 adolescent offspring who also completed questionnaires eliciting demographic, socioeconomic and migration data. Multiple linear regressions were used to assess the relationship between migration‐ and socioeconomic‐related factors and adolescent body mass index (BMI).

Results

Only gender and parental BMI were associated with adolescent BMI after adjusting for adolescent age, adolescent gender, religion, parental BMI, parental education level and annual income. Boys (β = −1.45; P < 0.05) had lower BMI than girls. Parental and adolescent BMI were positively associated (β = 0.11; P < 0.05). In examining migration‐related factors and adolescent BMI, after adjusting for gender and parental BMI, parental acculturation patterns and pre‐migration life environment were associated with adolescent BMI, explaining, respectively, 6.5 and 4.0% of the variance in BMI. An integrated parental acculturation pattern was negatively associated with adolescent BMI (β = −0.17; P < 0.05) while adolescents whose parents came from rural areas had a higher BMI (β = 1.48; P < 0.05) than those whose parents came from urban areas. Adolescent acculturation patterns and length of stay in Australia were non‐significantly associated with their BMI.

Conclusions

Gender, pre‐migration life environment and parental acculturation patterns seem to influence the prevalence of overweight and obesity among African migrant adolescents. Culturally competent obesity prevention programmes targeted towards African adolescents should consider these aspects in their design and delivery; however, further research is required to determine their relative contributions to African adolescent obesity in Australia.
Maternal geographic residence, local health service supply and birth outcomes
Authors: Haraldsdottir Sigridur , Gudmundsson Sigurdur , Bjarnadottir Ragnheidur I. , Lund Sigrun H. , Valdimarsdottir Unnur A.
Published: October 2014

Objective

To describe pregnancy complications, mode of delivery and neonatal outcomes by mother's residence.

Design

Register‐based cohort study.

Setting

Geographical regions of Iceland.

Population

Live singleton births from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2009 (n = 40 982) and stillbirths ≥22 weeks or weighing ≥500 g (n = 145).

Methods

Logistic regression was used to explore differences in outcomes by area of residence while controlling for potential confounders. Maternal residence was classified according to distance from Capital Area and availability of local health services.

Main outcome measures

Preterm birth, low birthweight, perinatal death, gestational diabetes and hypertension.

Results

Of the 40 982 infants of the study population 26 255 (64.1%) were born to mothers residing in the Capital Area and 14 727 (35.9%) to mothers living outside the Capital Area. Infants outside the Capital Area were more likely to have been delivered by cesarean section (adjusted odds ratio 1.28; 95% CI 1.21–1.36). A lower prevalence of gestational diabetes (adjusted odds ratio 0.68; 95% CI 0.59–0.78), hypertension (adjusted odds ratio 0.82; 95% CI 0.71–0.94) as well as congenital malformations (adjusted odds ratio 0.55; 95% CI 0.48–0.63) was observed outside the Capital Area. We observed neither differences in mean birthweight, gestation length nor rate of preterm birth or low birthweight across Capital Area and non‐Capital Area. The odds of perinatal deaths were significantly higher (adjusted odds ratio 1.87; 95% CI 1.18–2.95) outside the Capital Area in the second half of the study period.

Conclusion

Lower prevalence of gestational diabetes and hypertension outside the Capital Area may be an indication of underreporting and/or lower diagnostic activity.
GeneralizedT-Statistic for Two-Group Classification
Authors: Komori Osamu , Eguchi Shinto , Copas John B.
Published: October 2014

In the classic discriminant model of two multivariate normal distributions with equal variance matrices, the linear discriminant function is optimal both in terms of the log likelihood ratio and in terms of maximizing the standardized difference (the t-statistic) between the means of the two distributions. In a typical case–control study, normality may be sensible for the control sample but heterogeneity and uncertainty in diagnosis may suggest that a more flexible model is needed for the cases. We generalize the t-statistic approach by finding the linear function which maximizes a standardized difference but with data from one of the groups (the cases) filtered by a possibly nonlinear function U. We study conditions for consistency of the method and find the function U which is optimal in the sense of asymptotic efficiency. Optimality may also extend to other measures of discriminatory efficiency such as the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. The optimal function U depends on a scalar probability density function which can be estimated non-parametrically using a standard numerical algorithm. A lasso-like version for variable selection is implemented by adding -regularization to the generalized t-statistic. Two microarray data sets in the study of asthma and various cancers are used as motivating examples.
Spatial Pattern of Pindó Palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana) Recruitment in Argentinian Atlantic Forest: The Importance of Tapir and Effects of Defaunation
Authors: Sica Yanina V. , Bravo Susana P. , Giombini Mariano I.
Published: October 2014

Hunting pressure, fragmentation and deforestation have caused global declines in animal abundance, and the consequences for plant communities are poorly understood. Many large‐seeded plants, for instance, depend on large and endangered vertebrates for seed dispersal. In some Semi‐deciduous Atlantic Forests, endangered tapirs (Tapirus terrestris) are major dispersers of pindó palms (Syagrus romanzoffiana). Here, we compare recruitment patterns of pindó palms between protected and disturbed (defaunated) Atlantic Forest areas in Argentina and evaluate the potential consequences of the lack of the main disperser for pindó palm regeneration. We analyzed the number and spatial pattern of pindó adults, offspring, and tapir dung piles within ten plots established in an area spanning tapir latrines inside Iguazú National Park and in a fragmented forest area outside the park where tapir is locally extinct. In both areas, we evaluated recruitment levels beneath 24 adult palms in circular plots centered on adult stems. We found lower pindó palm recruitment outside the park where offspring tended to be aggregated around adult palms. In contrast, in Iguazú National Park offspring were spatially associated with tapir dung‐piles, in which most offspring were registered. Recruitment under adults was higher outside the park suggesting a lower rate of seed removal in disturbed areas. Our results show that tapir dispersal promotes higher recruitment levels of pindó offspring and shapes their spatial pattern, breaking the spatial association with adult (presumably maternal) palms. These results are useful for predicting the impact of local tapir extinction on this palm.
Landscape‐scale Variation in Pathogen‐suppressive Bacteria in Tropical Dry Forest Soils of Costa Rica
Authors: Becklund Kristen K. , Kinkel Linda L. , Powers Jennifer S.
Published: October 2014

Bacteria in the genusStreptomycesare ubiquitous in soil and are well‐known for their production of diverse secondary metabolites, including antibiotics that can inhibit soil‐borne plant pathogens and suppress disease. Pathogen‐suppressive soil bacteria have the potential to influence plant community composition and diversity, but remain relatively unexplored in tropical forest soils. To estimate the potential for disease suppression amongStreptomycescommunities in tropical dry forests, we cultured soil‐borneStreptomycesfrom plots in two forests in northwestern Costa Rica (Santa Rosa and Palo Verde) and quantified antibiotic‐mediated pathogen inhibition against three plant pathogens. The potential for pathogen inhibition and disease suppression byStreptomyceswas highly variable across the landscape. Densities of pathogen‐suppressiveStreptomycesvaried by over ten‐fold and were correlated with soil nutrients across the plots. In particular,Streptomycescommunities became more pathogen‐suppressive as labile soil P decreased. Inhibitor densities were significantly higher in Santa Rosa than Palo Verde, which may be related to differences in soil texture and/or plant community composition between the two forests. Our findings suggest potential differences in the degree and specificity of antibiotic‐mediated disease suppression in tropical dry forest soils of Costa Rica, and highlight the need for further studies on the drivers of pathogen‐suppressive phenotypes as well as the consequences of spatially variable pathogen inhibition for plant community composition in tropical forest ecosystems.