bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Warming benefits a native species competing with an invasive congener in the presence of a biocontrol beetle
Authors: Lu Xinmin , Siemann Evan , He Minyan , Wei Hui , Shao Xu , Ding Jianqing
Published: April 2016

Climate warming may affect biological invasions by altering competition between native and non‐native species, but these effects may depend on biotic interactions.

In field surveys at 33 sites in China along a latitudinal and temperature gradient from 21°N to 30.5°N and a 2‐yr field experiment at 30.5°N, we tested the role of the biocontrol beetle Agasicles hygrophila in mediating warming effects on competition between the invasive plant Alternanthera philoxeroides and the native plant Alternanthera sessilis.

In surveys, native populations were perennial below 25.8°N but only annual populations were found above 26.5°N where the invader dominated the community. Beetles were present throughout the gradient. Experimental warming (+ 1.8°C) increased native plant performance directly by shifting its lifecycle from annual to perennial, and indirectly by releasing the native from competition via disproportionate increases in herbivory on the invader. Consequently, warming shifted the plant community from invader‐dominated to native‐dominated but only in the presence of the beetle.

Our results show that herbivores can play a critical role in determining warming effects on plant communities and species invasions. Understanding how biotic interactions shape responses of communities to climate change is crucial for predicting the risk of plant invasions.
EXIT AND VOICE IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT RECONSIDERED: A ‘CHOICE REVOLUTION’?
Authors: PIERRE JON , RØISELAND ASBJØRN
Published: April 2016

Market‐based public management reform has introduced customer choice among competing providers of public services. Choice entails exit, an option which Albert Hirschman famously reserved for the market, while voice is the key mode of communication in political life. Based on elite and mass surveys, the article studies how exit is perceived by citizens and local political and administrative leaders in Norway and Sweden, and how the two strategic options relate to each other. Citizens are more positive towards customer choice and exit than are leaders, albeit with some variation across different public service sectors. Political and administrative leaders are positive towards customer choice models as a strategy to empower clients but more critical in terms of the potential loss of accountability and control that contracting out services may entail.
Nationwide survey of neonatal transportation practices in Japan
Authors: Hiroma Takehiko , Ichiba Hiroyuki , Wada Kazuko , Shiraishi Jun , Sugiura Hiroshi , Nakamura Tomohiko
Published: April 2016

Rapid resuscitation and appropriate transportation of sick infants can greatly improve infant survival and neurological prognosis. To gain an understanding of the status of neonatal transport in Japan, we conducted a survey of neonatal transportation capabilities at perinatal medical centers across the country. Survey content included the number of neonatal transportation cases and the method of transportation. Twenty percent of infants admitted to neonatal intensive care units were transported to the medical centers from other institutions. Half of the level III perinatal medical centers owned an ambulance specialized for neonatal transport. A total of 36% of sick newborns, however, were transported by fire department ambulances that are ill‐equipped to care for infants. Thirteen percent of centers reported problems with the emergency transportation of newborns in fire department ambulances. Centers lacked specialized ambulances primarily because of financial constraints. Adequate medical insurance coverage is needed to increase the number of specialized ambulances at perinatal medical centers.
Identification of glucose‐regulated protein 78 (grp78) cDNA from Aphis gossypii and its expression during development, heat shock and nutritional ingestion
Authors: Cha Sangmok , Shim Jae‐Kyoung , Lee Kyeong‐Yeoll
Published: April 2016

Glucose‐regulated protein 78 (GRP78) is a heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) specific to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). It acts as a chaperone and a signalling regulator that responds to ER stresses in vertebrates. However, its role in invertebrates, including in insects, is uncertain. The present study determines the full grp78 cDNA sequence and expression patterns of grp78 in Aphis gossypii Glover, which is a major pest of numerous crop plants worldwide. The A. gossypii grp78 cDNA contains highly conserved motifs of the HSP70 family, as well as the C‐terminal KDEL motif that is characteristic of ER‐specific HSPs. The amino acid sequence also exhibits 97–98% identity with HSP70 of other aphid species. Quantitative real‐time reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction analysis shows that the grp78 level is higher in fourth‐instar nymphs than in the younger instar‐nymphs and adults. Its level is not significantly affected by exposure to 0–40 °C for 1 h. The grp78 level gradually increases after ingestion of sucrose solutions that range in concentration from 0% to 30% (w/v) using Parafilm feeding chambers. In addition, the grp78 levels vary among aphids that are fed on the leaves of 13 different plant species for 24 h. More specifically, grp78 levels are higher in aphids that fed on eggplant and pepper than any other host plants examined in the present study. Thus, the results demonstrate that grp78 expression is highly associated with the nutritional uptake of aphids and provide important insights for understanding the molecular aspects of relationships between insects and their host plants.
Proteomic and Physiological Studies Provide Insight into Photosynthetic Response of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Seedlings to Microgravity
Authors: Chen Boya , Wang Yingping
Published: April 2016

The mechanisms whereby how photosynthesis is regulated and maintained under conditions of microgravity remain incompletely understood. Herein, we took a combination of proteomic and physiological approaches to examine the response of rice (Oryza sativa L.) seedlings to spaceflight conditions. Our results show that both PSI fluorescence emission peak and P700 absorbance amplitude are severely decreased in spaceflight seedlings under microgravity. This is consistent with an observed significant reduction in PSI efficiency (ϕI). To further analyze global changes of protein profiles under microgravity, isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantization (iTRAQ) labeling technology were deployed. Four hundred fifty‐four differentially expressed proteins were identified by comparison of spaceflight and ground control. Of proteins relevant to photosynthesis, 34 were downregulated and 4 were upregulated. The significantly downregulated ones are essential components of PSI, NDH and the Cytb6f complex. This downregulation of PSI proteins and/or protein structure changes may cause the overall reduction in PSI activity. Intriguingly, although abundance of some PSII proteins was altered under microgravity, no significant changes in PSII activity were detected. Taken together, our results suggest that PSI, rather than PSII being usually much more sensitive to environmental stresses, is more susceptible to spaceflight conditions in rice seedlings.
Frontal asymmetry and alcohol cue reactivity: Influence of core personality systems
Authors: Mechin Nicole , Gable Philip A. , Hicks Joshua A.
Published: April 2016

Greater left frontal activation appears to be a measure of appetitive reactivity for desired stimuli, such as alcohol cues. However, inconsistencies in past research examining frontal asymmetry to appetitive stimuli suggest that individual differences strongly influence frontal asymmetry to appetitive stimuli. Because core personality systems of approach, avoidance, and supervisory control play a fundamental role in directing alcohol behavior, the current study sought to determine which core system would influence asymmetric frontal activation to alcohol cues. Results revealed that greater trait impulsivity (reduced functioning of the supervisory control system) is related to greater relative left frontal activation in response to alcohol cues. Approach motivation and avoidance motivation were unrelated to greater relative left frontal activation in response to alcohol cues. These results suggest that decreased activation of the supervisory control system (increased trait impulsivity) is responsible for appetitive reactivity to alcohol cues.
Family‐Based Preventive Interventions: Can the Onset of Suicidal Ideation and Behavior Be Prevented?
Authors: Reider Eve E. , Sims Belinda E.
Published: April 2016

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for youth aged 10–24. Research informed prevention efforts have the opportunity to decrease risk for suicidal ideation and behavior before it is manifested. Indeed, there is a small body of research findings demonstrating both proximal and distal effects of preventive interventions delivered in childhood and adolescence on suicidal ideation and/or behavior. These efforts build off of other secondary analyses of prevention research that has demonstrated benefits for multiple types of youth outcomes. This supplement provides “proof of concept” that family‐based preventive interventions aimed at reducing a number of risk factors for suicide (e.g., substance use, externalizing, and internalizing behavior) can prevent suicidal ideation and behaviors.
Red blood cells with elevated cytoplasmic Ca2+ are primarily taken up by splenic marginal zone macrophages and CD207+ dendritic cells
Authors: Larsson Anders , Hult Andreas , Nilsson Anna , Olsson Mattias , Oldenborg Per‐Arne
Published: April 2016

BACKGROUND

The normal red blood cell (RBC) life span may be significantly reduced when RBCs are stored under blood bank conditions, resulting in a reduced 24‐hour survival after transfusion. The damage of stored RBCs is probably multifactorial as stored RBCs share features of both senescence and suicidal RBC death (eryptosis). Since an increased intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) is one key feature of eryptosis, we here investigated if stored human RBCs had increased [Ca2+]i and the mechanisms behind uptake of such RBCs in a murine model.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

The intracellular Ca2+ content of RBCs was determined using the Ca2+ probe Fluo‐3 and flow cytometry. In vivo uptake of Ca2+ ionophore–treated murine RBCs (Ca2+‐RBCs) was investigated in recipient mice, using flow cytometry and immunohistochemical analysis.

RESULTS

A small fraction of human RBCs accumulated [Ca2+]i during storage for up to 42 days under blood bank conditions. In a murine model, where fresh or Ca2+‐RBCs were transfused, Ca2+‐RBCs were mainly trapped by MARCO+ splenic marginal zone macrophages and CD11c+ CD207+ dendritic cells (DCs) within 1 hour after transfusion. In marked contrast, freshly transfused RBCs aging normally in circulation were cleared much slower and preferentially by F4/80+ red pulp macrophages. CD47 on the Ca2+‐RBCs did not affect their clearance by splenic phagocytic cells.

CONCLUSIONS

A small fraction of RBCs accumulate [Ca2+]i during storage, and in a murine model such RBCs are recognized by splenic macrophages and DCs in ways similar to what has been reported for nucleated apoptotic cells.
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF REGION-GROWING BASED SEGMENTATION ALGORITHMS FOR SEGMENTING THE AORTA
Authors: Rahman Hussain , Din Fakhrud , Rahmana Sami ur , Sehatullah Sehatullah
Published: April 2016

Region-growing based image segmentation techniques, available for medical images, are reviewed in this paper. In digital image processing, segmentation of humans' organs from medical images is a very challenging task. A number of medical image segmentation techniques have been proposed, but there is no standard automatic algorithm that can generally be used to segment a real 3D image obtained in daily routine by the clinicians. Our criteria for the evaluation of different region-growing based segmentation algorithms are: ease of use, noise vulnerability, effectiveness, need of manual initialization, efficiency, computational complexity, need of training, information used, and noise vulnerability. We test the common region-growing algorithms on a set of abdominal MRI scans for the aorta segmentation. The evaluation results of the segmentation algorithms show that region-growing techniques can be a better choice for segmenting an object of interest from medical images.
MALAYSIAN WATER UTILITIES PERFORMANCE WITH THE PRESENCE OF UNDESIRABLE OUTPUT: A DIRECTIONAL DISTANCE FUNCTION APPROACH
Authors: Kamarudin Norbaizura , Ismail Wan Rosmanira , Ramli Noor Asiah
Published: April 2016

Non-Revenue Water (NRW) is water losses in the distribution process and it affects water supply management worldwide. Malaysia is not excluded and the authority has put a high priority on NRW as it affects the revenue collection. Consequently, NRW is established as one of the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to assess the efficiency of Malaysia water supply industry. However, the current policy is impractical; the assessment of all the water utilities is against a single NRW target. Moreover, NRW should be considered as an undesirable product in the water supply system. Therefore, an alternative to Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA)-based approach called Directional Distance Function (DDF) is applied to measure the performance of the integrated production of desirable and undesirable outputs. The result shows that the measurement of water technical efficiency is more explicit using DDF model, where the potential reduced level of NRW for each inefficient water utility can be determined in order to improve their performance. This is in line with the government’s aim to reduce the NRW level countrywide.
CANCER PREVENTION INITIATIVE: AN INTELLIGENT APPROACH FOR THYROID CANCER TYPE DIAGNOSTICS
Authors: Ahmed Jamil , Rehman M. Abdul
Published: April 2016

In recent, medical Image mining has witnessed to be one of the emerging fields of machine learning.  Particularly; the classification problem of DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) images has become a prominent challenge. Thyroid cancer must be detected as earlier as possible; a little delay would extremely be proved hazards for human health and may be resulted into the most fatal threat to human life. Infect in-depth study of physical components of cells of FNAB (Fine needle aspiration Biopsy) would help to refine the results and provide more precise decisions about the potential occurrences of cancer, this paper proposes a system, so called ‘TCTD’ (Thyroid Cancer Type Diagnostics), which aims to assist the doctors during their diagnostic process conducted for thyroid follicular carcinoma and its sub-types. There are five main steps of our methodology. In first step image pre-processing techniques are used. In the second step; we use ensemble methods, such as Multi-SVM to build decision model and to analyze the frequencies between the variables. In third, fourth and fifth steps, model testing, result visualization and performance evaluation are performed by using precision, recall and f-measure estimations. The measured classification accuracy of proposed system is about 98.50% using 10 K-fold cross validation.
IDENTIFICATION AND CLASSIFICATION OF BACTERIAL AUTOTRANSPORTERS
Authors: Butt Hina Aslam , Bakhtiar Syeda Marriam
Published: April 2016

Bacterial Autotransporters is a huge and assorted super family of proteins present in external boundary of the gram negative bacteria. Autotransporters consists of C-terminal beta domain, N-terminal passenger domain and a pathogenic function. The beta domain of the bacterial autotransporter is associated with pathogenicity with three types of functions namely adhesions, esterase and proteases. Identification and classification of a bacterial autotransporter is important in order to target it and hinder its ability to cause disease. Identification and classification therefore has become a challenging problem due to its homology sequence. In this paper, we ought to establish a web based tool that could identify and classify bacterial autotransporters on basis of homology with already reported bacterial autotransporters. The input required for tool amino acid sequence in FASTA format. The tool will analyze the query based on similarity with already reported sequence in database and generate output with information in terms of function, organism, class, length, protein ID and symbol. Further, this user friendly and freely accessible tool is integrated with NCBI, InterPro, Pfam, pubmed. Moreover, newly detected bacterial autotransporter can be easily added in the Bacterial Autotransporter Detector tool database with authentic reference
EFFECT OF TERRAIN SIZE AND PAUSE TIME ON THE PERFORMANCE OF REACTIVE ROUTING PROTOCOLS
Authors: Fayaz Muhammad , Ur Rahman Zia , Ur Rahman Mohsin , Abbas Sohail
Published: April 2016

A mobile ad hoc network (MANET) is a group of mobile wireless nodes without pre established infrastructure or central management with frequent changing topology. In the last few years, various routing protocols are targeted specially at MANET have been proposed however little data is available about the effect of various parameters on the performance of these protocols. In this paper, we assess the impact of several terrain areas and pause times on the performance of the two prominent reactive routing protocols; i.e. AODV and DSR and present the results of our simulations. It is observed that the hop-by-hop AODV perform much better for medium size terrain areas while DSR is suitable for small terrain areas. For larger terrain areas, the average end-to-end delay encountered by AODV is very low compared to DSR.
ASSESSMENT OF UNDERSTOREY VEGETATION OF MALAM JABBA FOREST, KPK AFTER CLEANUP OPERATION USING MULTIVARIATE TECHNIQUES
Authors: Siddiqui Muhammad Faheem , Arsalan Arsalan , Ahmed Moinuddin , Hussain Muhammad Ishtiaq , Iqbal Javed , Wahab Muhammad
Published: April 2016

In this study vegetation composition of understorey species of Malam Jabba forest is evaluated by multivariate analysis. Thirteen stands were quantitatively sampled by point centered quarter method. Environmental variables were recorded and correlate them with vegetation characteristic. In 13 stands 49 understory species were recorded. Multivariate techniques were employed to assess the vegetation groups and underlying group structure. Agglomerative Cluster analysis (Ward’s method) discloses four main groups of vegetation while Principle Component Analysis (PCA) clearly ordinate these groups on all three axes. The most common species distributed in all four groups were Adiantum capillus veneris, Adiantum venestum, Berberis lyceum, Chrysopogon aucheri, Oxalis corniculata, Pteris cretica and Trifolium repens while these species were observed in three groups i.e.  Punica granatum and Plantago amplexicaulis. The Group 1 comprises on 23 species and the dominant species were Androsace rotundifolia, Aristida cynantha, Berberis lyceum, Dryopteris filix, Oxalis corniculata, Pteris cretica and Trifolium repens while Group 2 comprises on 18 species, the dominant were Pteris cretica, Adiantum venestum, Duchesnea indica while some other species included, Berberis lyceum, Chrysopogon aucheri, Chrysopogon aucheri, Dryopteris juxtapostia and Morus alba. Group 3 & 4 comprises 31 species each, in which 18 species were common i.e. Adiantum capillus veneris, Adiantum venustum, Arisaema jacquemontii,  Berberis lyceum, Chrysopogon aucheri,  Dryopteris filix, Dryopteris juxtapostia, Duchesnea indica, Oxalis corniculata, Plantago amplexicaulis, Polygala erioptera,  Prunus avium, Pteris cretica, Punica granatum, Ranunculus muricatus, Rosa macrophylla, Trifolium fragiferum and Trifolium repens.  Among the environmental variables elevation and slope played an overriding role in the distribution of vegetation. The relationships between the six PCA ordination axes with environmental factors generally showed few significant relations, only axis 2 showed marked relationship with all edaphic variables (except pH), suggesting that the edaphic gradient has an overriding role in the composition and distribution of understorey vegetation.  Some other environmental factors showed weak correlations with ordination axes, it could be spurious correlation. Malam Jabba forests are highly disturbed due to civil war and anthropogenic causes. Slope of the forests prove to be an overriding role in the distribution of vegetation as evaluated by analysis of variance.
NUMERICAL ANALYSIS ALGORITHM FOR INSPECTION POLICY PROCEDURE
Authors: Layouni Zoubir
Published: April 2016

In this paper, we present some tools helping us to make decision i.e., designing an optimal inspection measure. The approach is developed in search proposed by Hemodialysis center health, an implementation and computation program is developed. This problem has also applications in the theories of reliability and can be modeled by a Markov chain structure; this can be done by parallel series or series parallel coherent structures. The algorithms are encouraging and measure can be found.
THE VISCOUS DISSIPATION EFFECTS ON THE MIXED CONVECTION BOUNDARY LAYER FLOW ON A HORIZONTAL CIRCULAR CYLINDER
Authors: Mohamed Muhammad Khairul Anuar , Salleh Mohd Zuki , Md Noar Nor Aida Zuraimi , Ishak Anuar
Published: April 2016

Present study consider the mathematical modeling for mixed convection boundary layer flow and heat transfer on a horizontal circular cylinder with viscous dissipation. The transformed partial differential equations are solved numerically by using an implicit finite-difference scheme known as the Keller-box method. Numerical solutions are obtained for the reduced Nusselt number, the local skin friction coefficient, the velocity and temperature profiles. The features of the flow for various values of the Prandtl number, Eckert number and mixed convection parameter are discussed. The results in this paper is original and important for the researchers working in the area of boundary layer flow and this can be used as reference and also as complement comparison purpose in future
ANALYSIS OF INNOVATION CAPABILITIES AND COMPANY PERFORMANCE: AN EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE OF MALAYSIAN LARGE COMPANIES USING PLS-SEM.
Authors: Zainal-Abidin Norkisme , Mohd Suradi Nur Riza , A. Shahabuddin Faridatulazna , Mustafa Zainol , Ismail Wan Rosmanira
Published: April 2016

Although numerous studies have been conducted to gauge the innovativeness of the Malaysian companies, the understanding on the Malaysian companies’ innovation capabilities are still low and unclear. This study employed a structured framework to gauge the innovation capabilities of the Malaysian large companies. This framework is significant in such a way that it clearly distinguished the innovation factors, innovation process, innovation output and innovation outcome of the company. Next, the PLS-SEM was used to validate the innovation capabilities framework and later used to examine the hypothesized relationships that linked all the innovation capabilities constructs with the company performance constructs. A total of 124 responses from the managers were received but only 98 valid responses were used to validate the structural model of this study. The findings confirmed that the framework has the ability to predict the innovation capabilities of the Malaysian large companies. It was also found that design capability; develop capability and prototype capability is significantly related to innovation performance. In addition, the innovation performance was also found to be significantly related to the business performance. Results of this study shall guide the companies in focusing on the innovation processes that needed to be improved in order to expedite their innovation capabilities
GOLD HEDGING STRATEGIES IN THE ASIAN MARKETS
Authors: Mohd Nawawi Abdul Halim , Radzali Nur Hasnedza , Sheikh Hussin Siti Aida , Mohd Muhammad Azri
Published: April 2016

During 2007, the gold price was declining due to effect from Global Financial Crisis. After this period, gold price suffered significant drop due to low inflation among countries.Hedging is a tool to mitigate risk and uncertainty in gold prices. This research analyzed the relationship between gold spot and futures prices in the Asian markets (Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Tokyo, Korea, Shanghai and Hong Kong) and London market. This study also investigated the ability of gold futures as a hedging tool to gold spot during financial market stress. The investigation employed multivariate GARCH and OLS models for optimal hedge ratio estimation of gold futures. Sample data consists of daily gold spot and futures prices denoted in US dollars per troy ounces. There are four sub–periods (Period I, Period II, Period III and Period IV) considered which covers from 2nd February 2009 until 31st October 2014 of 1500 observations. Using Diagonal BEKK model, it can be suggested that one dollar long (buy)in gold spot should be shorted (sold) by about 78.26 cents of Thailand gold futures during the crisis period and Thailand futures market of 74.85 cents for the post crisis period. It can be argued that hedging effectiveness is higher during global financial crisis as compared to post global financial crisis. It is observed that Diagonal BEKK outperformed minimum variance, CCC and DCC models.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Gibbs Nikki
Published: April 2016

Applied Economics and Finance [AEF] would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether AEF publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue. Reviewers for Volume 3, Number 1   Ali Massoud Arash Riasi Dimitrios Vortelinos George Theocharides Getamesay Bekele Ghazi Al-Assaf Haitham Nobanee Ian McFarlane Igor Matyushenko Iulia Lupu Jin Yong Yang Jolita Vveinhardt Jose SOLANA IBAÑEZ, Luca Giordano Magdalena Zioło Manuel CARAVACA Mohammed Alkali Yusuf Oluchukwu Anowor Patrycja Kowalczyk-Rólczynska Prof. Dr. Erdal Gumus Ramona Orastean Shahram Fattahi Szabolcs Blazsek Tudor Ciumara Vilas Gaikar Y. SAIDI Zachary A. Smith       Nikki Gibbs Editorial Assistant On behalf of, The Editorial Board of Applied Economics and Finance Redfame Publishing 9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416 Beaverton, OR 97008, USA URL: http://aef.redfame.com
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Eve Angelia
Published: April 2016

Applied Finance and Accounting [AFA] would like to thank the following reviewers for reviewing manuscripts from February 1, 2015 to July 31, 2015. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Many authors, regardless of whether AFA publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Redfame Publishing appreciates the following reviewers’ rigorous and conscientious efforts for this journal. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review during this period.     Abdelaziz HAKIMI Adam Zaremba Ana Iglesias-Casal Anastasia,Kopaneli Aneta Karina Bernat Augustine Akhidime Desti Kannaiah Feng Jui Hsu Florin Peci Ghazi Alassaf Gheorghe Morosan Haitham Nobanee, Hajar Jahangard Hong Bo Kesseven Padachi Lee Kian Tek Luca Sensini Luo Yongli Marco Muscettola Mazurina Mohd Ali Meri Boshkoska Mohamed Jalloh Nicoleta Radneantu Nikolay Patonov Noriaki Okamoto Odumeso-Jimoh M I John Peibiao Zhao Wei-Bin ZHANG Wilson E. Herbert Rui FERNANDES Shahram Fattahi Vineet Chouhan Yao Zheng Yu Peng Lin
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Evelyn Angelia
Published: April 2016

Applied Finance and Accounting [AFA] would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether AFA publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue. Reviewers for Volume 2, Number 1     Aneta Karina Bernat Augustine Akhidime Feng Jui Hsu Florin Peci Gheorghe Morosan Hajar Jahangard Hong Bo Iulia Lupu Kesseven Padachi Mazurina Mohd Ali Nicoleta Radneantu Noriaki Okamoto Odumeso-Jimoh M I John Professor Wilson E. Herbert Rui Fernandes Vineet Chouhan                   Angelia Evelyn Editorial Assistant On behalf of, The Editorial Board of Applied Finance and Accounting Redfame Publishing 9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416 Beaverton, OR 97008, USA E-mail: afa@redfame.com URL: http://afa.redfame.com
A stochastic mathematical model to locate field hospitals under disruption uncertainty for large-scale disaster preparedness
Authors: Aydin Nezir
Published: April 2016

In this study, we consider field hospital location decisions for emergency treatment points in response to large scale disasters. Specifically, we developed a two-stage stochastic model that determines the number and locations of field hospitals and the allocation of injured victims to these field hospitals. Our model considers the locations as well as the failings of the existing public hospitals while deciding on the location of field hospitals that are anticipated to be opened. The model that we developed is a variant of the P-median location model and it integrates capacity restrictions both on field hospitals that are planned to be opened and the disruptions that occur in existing public hospitals. We conducted experiments to demonstrate how the proposed model can be utilized in practice in a real life problem case scenario. Results show the effects of the failings of existing hospitals, the level of failure probability and the capacity of projected field hospitals to deal with the assessment of any given emergency treatment system’s performance. Crucially, it also specifically provides an assessment on the average distance within which a victim needs to be transferred in order to be treated properly and then from this assessment, the proportion of total satisfied demand is then calculated.
Repetitive cryotherapy attenuates the in vitro and in vivo mononuclear cell activation response
Authors: Lindsay Angus , Othman Mohd Izani , Prebble Hannah , Davies Sian , Gieseg Steven P.
Published: April 2016

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Acute and repetitive cryotherapy are routinely used to accelerate postexercise recovery, although the effect on resident immune cells and repetitive exposure has largely been unexplored and neglected.

What is the main finding and its importance?

Using blood‐derived mononuclear cells and semi‐professional mixed martial artists, we show that acute and repetitive cryotherapy reduces the in vitro and in vivo T‐cell and monocyte activation response whilst remaining independent of the physical performance of elite athletes.

We investigated the effect of repetitive cryotherapy on the in vitro (cold exposure) and in vivo (cold water immersion) activation of blood‐derived mononuclear cells following high‐intensity exercise. Single and repeated cold exposure (5°C) of a mixed cell culture (T cells and monocytes) was investigated using in vitro tissue culture experimentation for total neopterin production (neopterin plus 7,8‐dihydroneopterin). Fourteen elite mixed martial art fighters were also randomly assigned to either a cold water immersion (15 min at 10°C) or passive recovery protocol, which they completed three times per week during a 6 week training camp. Urine was collected and analysed for neopterin and total neopterin three times per week, and perceived soreness, fatigue, physical performance (broad jump, push‐ups and pull‐ups) and training performance were also assessed. Single and repetitive cold exposure significantly (P < 0.001) reduced total neopterin production from the mixed cell culture, whereas cold water immersion significantly (P < 0.05) attenuated urinary neopterin and total neopterin during the training camp without having any effect on physical performance parameters. Soreness and fatigue showed little variation between the groups, whereas training session performance was significantly (P < 0.05) elevated in the cold water immersion group. The data suggest that acute and repetitive cryotherapy attenuates in vitro T‐cell and monocyte activation. This may explain the disparity in in vivo neopterin and total neopterin between cold water immersion and passive recovery following repetitive exposure during a high‐intensity physical impact sport that remains independent of physical performance.
The Effect of Internal Pressure on the Tensile Strain Capacity of X52 Pipelines With Circumferential Flaws
Authors: Abdulhameed Diana , Cakiroglu Celal , Lin Meng , Cheng Roger , Nychka John , Sen Millan , Adeeb Samer
Published: April 2016

Wide plate testing has been traditionally applied to evaluate the tensile strain capacity (TSC) of pipelines with girth weld flaws. These wide plate tests cannot incorporate the effect of internal pressure, however, numerical analysis in recent studies showed that the TSC is affected by the level of internal pressure inside the pipeline (Wang et al. 2007, "Strain Based Design of High Strength Pipelines," 17th International Offshore and Polar Engineering Conference (ISOPE), Lisbon, Portugal, Vol. 4, pp. 3186–3193). Moreover, most of the past studies focused on the effect of circumferential flaws on the TSC for pipelines of steel grade X65 or higher. The current Oil and Gas Pipeline System Code CSA Z662-11 provides equations to predict the TSC as a function of geometry and material properties of the pipelines. These equations were based on extensive studies on pipes having grades X65 or higher without considering the effect of internal pressure. This paper investigates the TSC for pipelines obtained using an experimental technique considering the effect of internal pressure and flaw size. Eight full-scale tests of X52 NPS 12 in. pipes with 6.91 mm wall thickness were conducted in order to investigate the effect of circumferential flaws close to a girth weld on the TSC for vintage pipelines subjected to eccentric tensile forces and internal pressure. The tensile strains along the pipe length and on the outer circumference of the pipe were measured using biaxial strain gauges and a digital image correlation (DIC) system. Postfailure macrofractography analysis was used to confirm the original size of the machined flaw and to identify areas of plastic deformation and brittle/ductile fracture surfaces. From the experimental and numerical results, the effect of internal pressure and flaw size on the TSC and the crack mouth opening displacement (CMOD) at failure were investigated and presented.
Dynamics and Modal Analysis of Gyroelastic Body With Variable Speed Control Moment Gyroscopes
Authors: Hu Quan , Jia Yinghong , Hu Haiyan , Xu Shijie , Zhang Jingrui
Published: April 2016

Gyroelastic body refers to a flexible structure with a distribution of stored angular momentum (called gyricity). In previous studies, it was assumed that each volume element of the structure possesses an infinitesimal spinning rotor so that the distribution of the gyricity is continuous. However, the momentum devices must be discretely distributed in engineering applications; therefore, this paper studies the gyroelastic body formed by directly mounting a set of variable speed control moment gyroscopes (CMGs) on the flexible structure. The detailed dynamics of the CMGs is incorporated to capture the interactions between the CMGs and the structure. The gyroelastic modes and pseudorigid modes are discussed based on the linearized mathematical model. The examples of a gyroelastic beam and a gyroelastic parabolic structure demonstrate several involved concepts and properties.
Nonlinear Vibrations of an Electrostatically Actuated Microresonator in an Incompressible Fluid Cavity Based on the Modified Couple Stress Theory
Authors: Jabbari Ghader , Shabani Rasoul , Rezazadeh Ghader
Published: April 2016

In this paper, the size-dependent resonant behavior of a microcantilever immersed in an incompressible fluid cavity is investigated. The nonclassical modified couple stress theory (MCST) is employed to capture the effects of length scale. The microbeam is deflected by applying a bias direct current (DC) voltage and then driven to vibrate around its deflected position by a harmonic alternating (AC) voltage. Regarding the nonlinear electrostatic force and the fluid pressure exerted upon the microbeam, the governing equations of the system are derived based on the MCST. Multiple scales method is used to obtain an approximate analytical solution for nonlinear resonance curves. Initially, the effect of length scale parameter on the dynamic response of system is studied, and then, a parametric study is conducted to evaluate the effects of MCST as well as the fluidic confinement on the resonance curves. The obtained results reveal that the frequency response along with the softening behavior of the system decreases when MCST is used. It is shown that the resonance amplitude obtained by the MCST is considerably smaller than those obtained by the classical theory (CT). Finally, it is found that the dynamic stability margins of the system could be extended by the size effect perspective.
Analysis of Repaired Cracks With Bonded Composite Wrap in Pipes Under Bending
Authors: Achour Aida , Albedah Abdulmohsen , Benyahia Faycal , Bouiadjra Bel Abbes Bachir , Ouinas Djamel
Published: April 2016

Composite materials have been used to structurally repair piping and other facilities for many years. However, the original use of composite materials was for repairing corroded pipelines where the intent was to restore strength to the damaged section of the pipeline. In addition to repairing corrosion, composite materials have successfully been used to repair dents, wrinkle bends, induction bends, and pipe fittings including elbows and tees as well as repair of offshore risers. In this study, the behavior of circumferential through cracks in repaired pipe with bonded composite wrap subjected to bending moment is investigated using three-dimensional finite-element analysis. The stress intensity factor (SIF) is utilized as a fracture criterion. The effects of the mechanical and geometrical properties of the adhesive on the variation of the SIF at the crack front were also analyzed. The obtained results show that the presence of the bonded composite repair significantly reduces the SIF, which can improve the residual lifespan of the pipe. Meanwhile, the SIF is also reduced as the elastic and the geometrical wrap properties are improved, particularly when the Young's modulus of the adhesive and the wrap thickness are increased.
Improvements in Article A-3000 of Appendix A for Calculation of Stress Intensity Factor in Section XI of the 2015 Edition of ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code
Authors: Xu Steven X. , Cipolla Russell C. , Lee Darrell R. , Scarth Douglas A.
Published: April 2016

Analytical evaluation procedures for determining the acceptability of flaws detected during in-service inspection of nuclear power plant components are provided in Section XI of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. Linear elastic fracture mechanics based evaluation procedures in ASME Section XI require calculation of the stress intensity factor. Article A-3000 of Appendix A in ASME Section XI prescribes a method to calculate the stress intensity factor for a surface or subsurface flaw by making use of the flaw location stress distribution obtained in the absence of the flaw. The 2015 Edition of ASME Section XI implements a number of significant improvements in Article A-3000. Major improvements include the implementation of an alternate method for calculation of the stress intensity factor for a surface flaw that makes explicit use of the Universal Weight Function Method and does not require a polynomial fit to the actual stress distribution and the inclusion of closed-form equations for stress intensity factor influence coefficients for cylinder geometries. With the inclusion of the explicit weight function approach and the closed-form relations for influence coefficients, the procedures of Appendix A for the calculation of stress intensity factors can be used more efficiently. A review of improvements that have been implemented in Article A-3000 of Appendix A in the 2015 Edition of ASME Section XI is provided in this paper. Example calculations are provided for illustration purpose.
Effects of Suction and Freestream Velocity on a Hydromagnetic Stagnation-Point Flow and Heat Transport in a Newtonian Fluid Toward a Stretching Sheet
Authors: Siddheshwar P. G. , Meenakshi N.
Published: April 2016

Forced flow of an electrically conducting Newtonian fluid due to an exponentially stretching sheet is studied numerically. Free stream velocity is present and so is suction at the sheet. The governing coupled, nonlinear, partial differential equations of flow and heat transfer are converted into coupled, nonlinear, ordinary differential equations by similarity transformation and are solved numerically using shooting method, and curve fitting on the data is done by differential transform method together with Padé approximation. Prescribed exponential order surface temperature (PEST) and prescribed exponential order surface heat flux are considered for investigation of heat transfer related quantities. The influence of Chandrasekhar number, suction/injection parameter, and freestream parameter on heat transport is presented and discussed. Coefficient of friction and heat transport is also evaluated in the study. The results are of interest in extrusions and such other processes.
Atomic layer deposition synthesized TiOx thin films and their application as microbolometer active materials
Authors: Tanrikulu Mahmud Yusuf , Rasouli Hamid Reza , Ghaffari Mohammad , Topalli Kagan , Okyay Ali Kemal
Published: April 2016

This paper demonstrates the possible usage of TiOx thin films synthesized by atomic layer deposition as a microbolometer active material. Thin film electrical resistance is investigated as a function of thermal annealing. It is found that the temperature coefficient of resistance values can be controlled by coating/annealing processes, and the value as high as −9%/K near room temperature is obtained. The noise properties of TiOx films are characterized. It is shown that TiOx films grown by atomic layer deposition technique could have a significant potential to be used as a new active material for microbolometer-based applications.
The Coriolis field
Authors: Costa L. Filipe , Natário José
Published: April 2016

We present a pedagogical discussion of the Coriolis field, emphasizing its not-so-well-understood aspects. We show that this field satisfies the field equations of the so-called Newton–Cartan theory, a generalization of Newtonian gravity that is covariant under changes of arbitrarily rotating and accelerated frames. Examples of solutions of this theory are given, including the Newtonian analogue of the Gödel universe. We discuss how to detect the Coriolis field by its effect on gyroscopes, of which the gyrocompass is an example. Finally, using a similar framework, we discuss the Coriolis field generated by mass currents in general relativity, and its measurement by the gravity probe B and LAGEOS/LARES experiments.
Visualizing relativity: The OpenRelativity project
Authors: Sherin Zachary W. , Cheu Ryan , Tan Philip , Kortemeyer Gerd
Published: April 2016

We present OpenRelativity, an open-source toolkit to simulate effects of special relativity within the popular Unity game engine. Intended for game developers, educators, and anyone interested in physics, OpenRelativity can help people create, test, and share experiments to explore the effects of special relativity. We describe the underlying physics and some of the implementation details of this toolset with the hope that engaging games and interactive relativistic “laboratory” experiments might be implemented.
Einstein's lecture in Pittsburgh, PA, December 1934: A note on further visual documentation
Authors: Topper David , Vincent Dwight
Published: April 2016

Two newly discovered photographs of Einstein's 1934 lecture derivation of the energy-mass equivalence, popularly written as E=Mc2, are analyzed for clues as to how the only visually documented blackboard lecture of his famous equation progressed. A previous analysis is supplemented with the new information.
Empirical exploration of timelike geodesics around a rotating wormhole
Authors: Müller Thomas , Fechtig Oliver
Published: April 2016

In an advanced course on general relativity, some exotic spacetimes like wormholes with a more complex topology than the standard Schwarzschild spacetime can be studied in detail. In this regard, it has been pointed out by Morris and Thorne that wormholes could be a valuable tool for teaching general relativity. In this paper, we claim rotating wormholes might also have a pedagogical role in general relativity, and present an empirical approach to explore periodic orbits of such, that could be applied also to other spacetimes.
ACOUSTICAL NEWS–USA
Authors: Holland Christy K.
Published: April 2016

Abstract not available.
Dietary Intakes of Elite 14- to 19-Year-Old English Academy Rugby Players During a Pre-Season Training Period
Authors: Smith Deborah R. , Jones Ben , Sutton Louise , King Roderick F.G.J. , Duckworth Lauren C.
Published: April 2016

Good nutrition is essential for the physical development of adolescent athletes, however data on dietary intakes of adolescent rugby players are lacking. This study quantified and evaluated dietary intake in 87 elite male English academy rugby league (RL) and rugby union (RU) players by age (under 16 (U16) and under 19 (U19) years old) and code (RL and RU). Relationships of intakes with body mass and composition (sum of 8 skinfolds) were also investigated. Using 4-day diet and physical activity diaries, dietary intake was compared with adolescent sports nutrition recommendations and the UK national food guide. Dietary intake did not differ by code, whereas U19s consumed greater energy (3366 ± 658 vs. 2995 ± 774 kcal·day-1), protein (207 ± 49 vs. 150 ± 53 g·day-1) and fluid (4221 ± 1323 vs. 3137 ± 1015 ml·day-1) than U16s. U19s consumed a better quality diet than U16s (greater intakes of fruit and vegetables; 4.4 ± 1.9 vs. 2.8 ± 1.5 servings·day-1; nondairy proteins; 3.9 ± 1.1 vs. 2.9 ± 1.1 servings·day-1) and less fats and sugars (2.0 ± 1. vs. 3.6 ± 2.1 servings·day-1). Protein intake vs. body mass was moderate (r = .46, p < .001), and other relationships were weak. The findings of this study suggest adolescent rugby players consume adequate dietary intakes in relation to current guidelines for energy, macronutrient and fluid intake. Players should improve the quality of their diet by replacing intakes from the fats and sugars food group with healthier choices, while maintaining current energy, and macronutrient intakes.