bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of the GASB No. 34 infrastructure reporting standards on state highway infrastructure quality
Authors: Kim Jiseul , Chen Can , Ebdon Carol
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate whether the additional infrastructure information in US state financial statements improves infrastructure quality.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on institutional theory, the authors developed six models and estimated them on a state panel data set.

Findings

The authors found that the implementation of the Government Accounting Standard Board (GASB) Statement No. 34 improved state highway infrastructure quality, and the states using the modified approach had a larger effect compared to the states using depreciation accounting. The authors further used a two-step path analysis and found that the implementation of GASB 34 indirectly improved highway quality through increasing state highway maintenance expenditures. From the empirical results, the authors conclude that the exercise of collecting and developing systems to track the additional data has provided the opportunity for officials to use the information to prioritize limited funding and improve their asset management practices.

Practical implications

Future research may extend this research by exploring the detailed micro-mechanisms of how decision makers use infrastructure information in their asset management practices, as well as by increasing the number of years in the panel data set to fully capture changes in behavior.

Social implications

In addition, governments currently using depreciation should be encouraged to move to the modified approach.

Originality/value

This is the first attempt to empirically examine the effects of GASB 34 on infrastructure condition.
Indigenous residents’ perceptions towards tourism development: a case of Sabah, Malaysia
Authors: Latip Normah Abdul , Rasoolimanesh S. Mostafa , Jaafar Mastura , Marzuki Azizan , Umar Mohd Umzarulazijo
Published: June 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the perceptions of indigenous people towards tourism development and the factors that influence their perceptions of the economic, social and environmental impacts of tourism.

Design/methodology/approach

This study will focus on the perceptions of an aboriginal group indigenous to Malaysia, and draws upon a sample of 272 from the Lower Kinabatangan region of Sabah, Malaysia. Respondents were administered a questionnaire, the results of which were analysed by way of partial least squares–structural equation modelling.

Findings

The results indicate a significant positive effect for economic gain on the perceived economic and environmental impacts of tourism, and of community involvement on the perception of social impacts. Moreover, the study found that the perception of environmental impacts, followed by perceived economic impacts, had a strong effect on support for tourism development.

Originality/value

This study makes a significant theoretical contribution to the resident perception literature by investigating how the perception of tourism impacts affects indigenous residents’ support for tourism development. Furthermore, this study describes a number of practical implications of this study for the promotion of sustainable tourism development among indigenous residents.
Ethical leadership, frustration, and humor: a moderated-mediation model
Authors: Valle Matthew , Kacmar Micki , Andrews Martha
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of ethical leadership on surface acting, positive mood and affective commitment via the mediating effect of employee frustration. The authors also explored the moderating role of humor on the relationship between ethical leadership and frustration as well as its moderating effect on the mediational chain.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected in two separate surveys from 156 individuals working fulltime; data collections were separated by six weeks to reduce common method variance. The measurement model was confirmed before the authors tested the moderated mediation model.

Findings

Ethical leadership was negatively related to employee frustration, and frustration mediated the relationships between ethical leadership and surface acting and positive mood but not affective commitment. Humor moderated the relationship between ethical leadership and frustration such that when humor was low, the relationship was stronger.

Research limitations/implications

Interestingly, the authors failed to find a significant effect for any of the relationships between ethical leadership and affective commitment. Ethical leaders can enhance positive mood and reduce surface acting among employees by reducing frustration. Humor may be more important under conditions of unethical leadership but may be distracting under ethical leadership.

Originality/value

This study demonstrates how frustration acts as a mediator and humor serves as a moderator in the unethical behavior-outcomes relationship.
A multiple criteria group decision-making approach for the assessment of small and medium-sized enterprise competitiveness
Authors: Gonçalves Joana M. , Ferreira Fernando A.F. , Ferreira João J.M. , Farinha Luís M.C.
Published: June 2018

Purpose

Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have become increasingly important in national and international markets because they contribute to the development of local and national economies. SMEs often face serious challenges when competing with multinational companies. The purpose of this paper is to develop a method for assessing SMEs’ competitiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a constructivist epistemology, this study makes an integrated use of cognitive mapping and the measuring attractiveness by a categorical-based evaluation technique (MACBETH). To this end, face-to-face sessions were conducted with a panel of entrepreneurs and senior managers who deal with the challenges of maintaining SME competitiveness every day. The proposed assessment system was tested and validated by the panel members.

Findings

The methodological processes adopted in this study provide promising results for decision makers seeking to identify the most competitive SMEs. Specifically, the results emphasize, among other points, the importance of innovation and the human dimension to gaining competitive advantages.

Research limitations/implications

The evaluation system developed in this study is extremely versatile and confirms the usefulness of integrating cognitive mapping and MACBETH to facilitate evaluations of SME competitiveness. However, due to its idiosyncratic and process-oriented nature, generalizations need to be done with caution.

Practical implications

The proposed method can be valuable to researchers seeking to develop mechanisms for evaluating SMEs’ entrepreneurial performance and include specialized know-how and sensemaking in organizational decision-making processes.

Originality/value

The integrated use of cognitive maps and MACBETH contributes to a better understanding of how to assess SMEs’ competitiveness. No prior work reporting the use of this dual methodology in this study context has been found.
Social predictors and implementation intention of drivers to use public bus transport
Authors: Kang Alexandra S. , Jayaraman K. , Soh Keng Lin , Wong Wai Peng
Published: June 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the understanding of social sustainable consumption in the context of improved ridership in public bus transport (PBT). It investigated the social predictors and implementation intention of drivers to use PBT.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical data were collected through online survey. The respondents of the online survey were 313 drivers in Penang, Malaysia. A conceptual model was designed to test implementation intention of the drivers in using the PBT. Data analysis was performed using the variance-based structural equation modeling technique of partial least squares.

Findings

The findings indicate that the drivers’ intention to use PBT is significantly influenced by their referent group, gender role, and commitment to environment. In addition, their implementation intention is significantly predicted by the intention to use PBT.

Research limitations/implications

This study was performed in Penang using convenience sampling method. The results need to be replicated using a different sample in other developing countries to test its stability.

Practical implications

Policy makers and transport managers need to be guided by the importance of the drivers’ referent group, gender role, commitment to environment, and intention in order to improve ridership of the PBT.

Originality/value

The research on referent group, gender role, commitment to environment, intention, and the implementation intention of the drivers using the theory of interpersonal behavior in PBT is unprecedented.
Toward a dynamic model of organizational resilience
Authors: Ma Zhenzhong , Xiao Lei , Yin Jielin
Published: June 2018

Purpose

This study aims to examine contemporary research on organizational resilience and then propose an integrated dynamic model to study organizational resilience with a more inclusive concept and future research agenda developed.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual paper uses the literature review method to analyze and categorize current research on organizational resilience, and then based on the analysis of existing organizational resilience studies, this paper proposes an integrated model for a more inclusive and integrated concept of organizational resilience with refined future research directions.

Findings

A thorough analysis of current organizational resilience research shows that existing studies on organizational resilience have largely focused on isolated dimensions by treating organizational resilience as a state rather than a dynamic capability. This paper proposes that an integrated concept of organizational resilience consists of three dimensions including cognitive, behavioral and contextual resilience, and this dynamic capability should be examined from three different levels, including individual, group and organizational levels to better conceptualize organizational resilience and for better applicability in management practice.

Originality/value

The past decades have seen increasing interests in organizational resilience both from academic scholars and from management practitioners. However, research on this emerging field remains fragmented, and there is little consensus on the conceptualization of organizational resilience. This study contributes to the literature by thoroughly examining current research on organizational resilience and proposes an integrated dynamic model to study organizational resilience.
Nurturing critical consumers and producers of narrative media
Authors: Goforth Jennie , Metz Winifred Fordham , Hammer Kelsey
Published: June 2018

Purpose

Academic libraries have long housed multimedia centers filled with digital media production equipment and software. All too frequently faculty members and students alike have assumed that this technology is the key to effective digital media. It is assumed that because our “digital native” students are constantly immersed in media, they can create effective media instinctively. But, being a prolific consumer of media does not necessarily intuit the capacity to be an effective producer of media, and informed communication skills are of greater importance than a student’s software knowledge. This paper aims to describe partnering with faculty on media assignment design, providing a media instruction and consultation program, and providing spaces and technologies specifically designed to support multimedia literacy.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper outlines programmatic and pedagogical strategies demonstrated to improve students’ acquisition of multimedia literacy skills. These strategies are based on the authors’ years of experience teaching and supporting multimedia literacy in the university curriculum and beyond. It concludes with a case study detailing a new program that leverages a library’s services in support of student creativity.

Findings

The paper outlines an eight-step workflow for media projects that is core to our multimedia literacy instruction program.

Originality/value

With digital literacy garnering renewed attention in higher education, academic libraries are ramping up their services in support of these goals. This paper focuses on strategies for deepening students’ media production competencies, rather than just teaching them software skills.
Aromatic and functional aspects of kefir produced using soya milk and Bifidobacterium species
Authors: Karaçalı Ragİbe , Özdemİr Nİlgün , Çon Ahmet H
Published: June 2018

In this study, the functional and aromatic properties of kefir produced using cow–soya milk mixtures (SMs) as well as those of kefir culture with the Bifidobacterium spp. were investigated. The findings showed that the kefir produced using cow–SMs and a Bifidobacterium longum strain (SMKlg) had a high functionality, a high rate of the desired aroma compounds (acetoin, diacetyl) and a low rate of the undesired compounds (1‐octen‐3‐ol, 2‐penten‐1‐ol, (E)‐2‐heptenal, 1‐hexanol). This study showed that soya milk and B. longum can be used together in kefir production using an industrial method, and their co‐use could be considered a good alternative for functional/organoleptically flavoured food production.
Ketamine use for rapid sequence intubation in Australian and New Zealand emergency departments from 2010 to 2015: A registry study
Authors: Ferguson Ian , Alkhouri Hatem , Fogg Toby , Aneman Anders
Published: June 2018

Objective

This study aimed to quantify the proportion of patients undergoing rapid sequence intubation using ketamine in Australian and New Zealand EDs between 2010 and 2015.

Methods

The Australian and New Zealand Emergency Department Airway Registry is a multicentre airway registry prospectively capturing data from 43 sites. Data on demographics and physiology, the attending staff and indication for intubation were recorded. The primary outcome was the annual percentage of patients intubated with ketamine. A logistic regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the factors associated with ketamine use.

Results

A total of 4658 patients met inclusion criteria. The annual incidence of ketamine use increased from 5% to 28% over the study period (P < 0.0001). In the logistic regression analysis, the presence of an emergency physician as a team leader was the strongest predictor of ketamine use (odds ratio [OR] 1.83, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.44–2.34). The OR for an increase in one point on the Glasgow Coma Scale was 1.10 (95% CI 1.07–1.12), whereas an increase of 1 mmHg of systolic blood pressure had an OR of 0.98 (95% CI 0.98–0.99). Intubation occurring in a major referral hospital had an OR of 0.68 (95% CI 0.56–0.82), while trauma conferred an OR of 1.38 (95% CI 1.25–1.53).

Conclusions

Ketamine use increased between 2010 and 2015. Lower systolic blood pressure, the presence of an emergency medicine team leader, trauma and a higher Glasgow Coma Scale were associated with increased odds of ketamine use. Intubation occurring in a major referral centre was associated with lower odds of ketamine use.
Evaluation of the trauma triage accuracy in a Level 1 Australian trauma centre
Authors: Trinder Matthew W , Wellman Samuel W , Nasim Sana , Weber Dieter G
Published: June 2018

Objectives

To assess the rate of undertriage of major trauma patients and to assess factors contributing to undertriage in a modern Australian Level 1 trauma centre.

Methods

A retrospective case series of 600 consecutive major trauma (injury severity score [ISS] >15) patients admitted to Royal Perth Hospital (RPH) during 2015 was performed. Data were compiled via the prospectively maintained hospital trauma registry for all patients admitted with a major trauma during the study period. Results were analysed for patient demographics, mechanism and outcomes. The primary outcome of the study was to determine the rate of undertriage of major trauma at RPH by establishing whether or not the trauma team activation page was correctly sent at the time of patient arrival based on hospital criteria.

Results

The average age of patients in the study population was 46.5 (±21.5) years and the mean ISS was 24.7 (±9.3). The most common mechanism of injury was falls, motor vehicle accidents and motorbike accidents. One hundred and sixty‐nine patients (28%) did not have trauma team activation on arrival to the ED. Among these patients, 132 did not fulfil the RPH trauma activation criteria. The remaining 37 patients (6.1%) did meet the criteria and were considered undertriaged. Subgroup analysis showed a statistically significant difference in age between the patients who had trauma team activation (42.7 ± 19.5 years) and those who did not (55.9 ± 23.3 years).

Conclusion

In this cohort of major trauma, a 6.1% undertriage performance of the triage tool was observed. Sub‐analysis of the data showed that elderly patients were more likely to be undertriaged.
GOLDEN BOYS (POXY. 79.5209)
Authors: MARSHALL C. W.
Published: June 2018

POxy. 79.5209 presents a contract for one boy wrestler to lose to another at the Great Antinoeia in 267 ce. Details of the contract reveal the financial and professional investments that adult men could have in boy athletes. The contract demonstrates the men's interest in ensuring that the match has the appearance of a hard-fought contest. This chapter argues that a hometown victory in an eiselastic event for one of the athletes, Marcus Aurelius Nicantionous, would give him a fixed-income pension, in a time when Egypt was experiencing significant financial upheaval. Other questions remain, including the enforceability of such a legal instrument, but the papyrus does illuminate details of naming practices in Roman Egypt, popular awareness of currency fluctuations, and aspects of athletic organization for combat sports.
Mitochondria and aging: A role for the mitochondrial transition pore?
Authors: Panel Mathieu , Ghaleh Bijan , Morin Didier
Published: June 2018

The cellular mechanisms responsible for aging are poorly understood. Aging is considered as a degenerative process induced by the accumulation of cellular lesions leading progressively to organ dysfunction and death. The free radical theory of aging has long been considered the most relevant to explain the mechanisms of aging. As the mitochondrion is an important source of reactive oxygen species (ROS), this organelle is regarded as a key intracellular player in this process and a large amount of data supports the role of mitochondrial ROS production during aging. Thus, mitochondrial ROS, oxidative damage, aging, and aging‐dependent diseases are strongly connected. However, other features of mitochondrial physiology and dysfunction have been recently implicated in the development of the aging process. Here, we examine the potential role of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) in normal aging and in aging‐associated diseases.
Understanding Emergency Medicine Physicians Multitasking Behaviors Around Interruptions
Authors: Fong Allan , Ratwani Raj M.
Published: June 2018

Background

Interruptions can adversely impact human performance, particularly in fast‐paced and high‐risk environments such as the emergency department (ED). Understanding physician behaviors before, during, and after interruptions is important to the design and promotion of safe and effective workflow solutions. However, traditional human factors–based interruption models do not accurately reflect the complexities of real‐world environments like the ED and may not capture multiple interruptions and multitasking.

Methods

We present a more comprehensive framework for understanding interruptions that is composed of three phases, each with multiple levels: interruption start transition, interruption engagement, and interruption end transition. This three‐phase framework is not constrained to discrete task transitions, providing a robust method to categorize multitasking behaviors around interruptions. We apply this framework in categorizing 457 interruption episodes.

Results

A total of 457 interruption episodes were captured during 36 hours of observation. The interrupted task was immediately suspended 348 (76.1%) times. Participants engaged in new self‐initiated tasks during the interrupting task 164 (35.9%) times and did not directly resume the interrupted task in 284 (62.1%) interruption episodes.

Conclusion

Using this framework provides a more detailed description of physician behaviors in complex environments. Understanding the different types of interruption and resumption patterns, which may have a different impact on performance, can support the design of interruption mitigation strategies.
The CATCH checklist to investigate adult‐onset hypogonadism
Authors: Defeudis G. , Mazzilli R. , Gianfrilli D. , Lenzi A. , Isidori A. M.
Published: June 2018

Adult‐onset hypogonadism is a syndrome often underdiagnosed, undertreated, or incompletely explored. There are various reasons for this: firstly, undefined age range of men in whom testosterone levels should be investigated and then no definitive serum cutoff point for the diagnosis of hypogonadism; and finally, variable and non‐specific signs and symptoms; men and physicians do not pay adequate attention to sexual health. All these factors make the diagnostic criteria for hypogonadism controversial. The evaluation of the clinical features and causes of this syndrome, its link with age, the role of testosterone and other hormone levels, and the presence of any comorbidities are all useful factors in the investigation of this population. The purpose of this manuscript, after an accurate analysis of current literature, is to facilitate the diagnosis of hypogonadism in men through the use of the CATCH acronym and a checklist to offer a practical diagnostic tool for daily clinical practice. A narrative review of the relevant literature regarding the diagnosis of late‐onset hypogonadism or adult‐onset hypogonadism was performed. PubMed database was used to retrieve articles published on this topic. A useful new acronym CATCH (Clinical features [symptoms] and Causes, Age, Testosterone level, Comorbidities, and Hormones) and a practical checklist to facilitate the evaluation of hypogonadism in aging men were used. The evaluation of the clinical features and causes of hypogonadism, the link with age, the role of Testosterone and other hormones, and the evaluation of comorbidities are important in investigating adult‐onset hypogonadism. The CATCH checklist could be helpful for clinicians for an early diagnosis of both hypogonadism and associated comorbidities. We suggest the use of this acronym to advocate the investigation of declining testosterone in aging men.
Population Control in the Troubled Present: The ‘120 by 20’ Target and Implant Access Program
Authors: Hendrixson Anne
Published: June 2018

In contrast to claims made by some, it is evident from recent, high‐profile family planning programmes that population control is not ‘history’, belonging to some troubled past. Rather, it persists in the troubled present alongside human rights and women's empowerment approaches. To make this argument, this article examines two family planning efforts which emerged from the 2012 London Summit on Family Planning: the ‘120 by 20’ target of Family Planning 2020 (FP2020), and the Implant Access Program (IAP). These examples illustrate population control practices in today's family planning programmes and highlight their serious implications. First, there are shortcomings in conceptualizing population control as largely in the past. Second, the ‘120 by 20’ and IAP examples suggest that FP2020 as a whole merits critical inquiry. Third, FP2020 raises issues of contraceptive safety regarding both the methods promoted and their mass dissemination. Finally, the claim that population control is history blocks productive re‐visioning of sexual and reproductive health and rights for all people as a development priority.
Sex chromosome trisomies are not associated with atypical lateralization for language
Authors: Wilson Alexander C , Bishop Dorothy V M
Published: June 2018

Aim

To test the hypothesis that sex chromosome trisomies (SCTs) are associated with reduced left lateralization for language.

Method

Using a cross‐sectional design, language laterality was measured during an animation description task using functional transcranial Doppler ultrasonography. Data were available for 75 children with an SCT (47,XXX females [n=26], 47,XXY males [n=25], 47,XYY males [n=24]; mean age 11y 4mo [SD 3y 10mo]) and 132 comparison children with typical karyotypes (69 males, 63 females; mean age 9y 1mo [SD 1y 7mo]).

Results

Lateralization for language did not differ between the SCT and comparison groups, either in mean laterality index or relative frequency of each laterality category. There were no differences when splitting the group with an SCT by trisomy. Handedness showed no group effects.

Interpretation

Our data provide no evidence for disrupted lateralization for language in SCTs. The brain basis of the cognitive phenotype in SCTs is unlikely to be a failure of the left hemisphere to specialize for language, as previously suggested.

What this paper adds

Children with a sex chromosome trisomy (SCT) have typically lateralized language.

This disproves theories linking language problems to hemispheric specialization in SCTs.
Politicisation of the audit process: The case of politically affiliated auditors in Swedish local governments
Authors: Thomasson Anna
Published: June 2018

The purpose of this study is to investigate and analyse how the internal audit process as well as the outcome of that process is used for politically reasons. This will be accomplished by applying the political theory of politicisation to the analysis of the internal audit process within Swedish local authorities. By applying the theory of politicisation, this study contributes to our understanding of how the internal audit process is open for the use of (de‐)politicisation as strategies to influence stakeholders’ perception of the audit process as well as the identity and legitimacy of the auditee. Especially interesting is perhaps how politicisation in combination with de‐politicisation can be used to either put emphasis on issues of political relevance or avoid addressing issues that are politically sensitive. Previous research on auditing in public sector organisations has predominately focussed on audit independence and the role of auditors. By applying a new perspective to the role of auditing in public sector organisations and by focussing on the process and the outcome instead of function, this study increases our understanding of auditing in politically governed organisations.
2D weight function for quarter‐elliptical cracks in lug attachments
Authors: Akbari S. , Nabavi S.M. , Saeidi Googarchin H.
Published: June 2018

The important role of lug attachments in mechanical structures makes them one of the most critical parts in the industries. Hence, the estimation of their fracture characteristic (ie, stress intensity factor) under various loadings is very crucial. Here, a 2D weight function is developed which not only calculate the stress intensity factors on each point of the front of quarter‐elliptical planar cracks in straight lugs but also could be used for those cracks subjected to 2D stress distributions. For this, a series of finite element analyses for a reference loading is conducted, and the weight function is subsequently extracted. Comparison between results obtained through the proposed weight function with those available in the literature reveals good agreements. The effects of various geometrical parameters have been studied on stress intensity factors which affirms the unique capability of the proposed 2D weight function in its applicability to a wide range of common lug geometries.
Use of artificial neural network to assess the effect of mean stress on fatigue of overhead conductors
Authors: Pestana Mielle Silva , Kalombo Remy Badibanga , Freire Júnior Raimundo Carlos Silverio , Ferreira Jorge Luiz Almeida , da Silva Cosme Roberto Moreira , Araújo José Alexander
Published: June 2018

The aim of this work was to use artificial neural networks (ANNs) to model the effect of mean tensile stresses on the fatigue resistance of an aluminum conductor steel reinforced. To train the ANN, fatigue data available for this type of conductor subjected to 2 different levels of mean stresses in the aluminium wires (49 and 74 MPa) were used. It is shown that the use of ANN enabled the construction of constant life diagrams (105, 106, 107, and 108 fatigue loading cycles) for the conductor. These results confirmed that the ANN is able to accurately estimate the effect of mean tensile stresses on conductor durability even considering just a limited number of data for its training.
Halogens (F, Cl, Br, I) in Thirteen USGS, GSJ and NIST International Rock and Glass Reference Materials
Authors: Kendrick Mark A. , D'Andres Joelle , Holden Peter , Ireland Trevor
Published: June 2018

Fluorine, Cl, Br and I measurements are reported for eight international rock reference materials (BHVO‐2, BCR‐2, BIR‐1a, RGM‐2, AGV‐2, GSP‐2, JB‐2 and JR‐1), and new F data are reported for five silicate glass reference materials (NIST SRM 610 and 612, BHVO‐2G, BCR‐2G and BIR‐1G). Fluorine was measured by SHRIMP in the silicate glasses and in Li‐borate flux glasses prepared from the rock powders. Chlorine, Br and I were measured in vacuum‐encapsulated rock powders by the noble gas method (extended 40Ar/39Ar methodology). The methods yield reliable results: Fluorine has a repeatability of 1–16% in the flux glasses compared with 2–4% in the silicate glasses, which suggests incomplete homogenisation during flux melting, but F was not lost during fusion of flux glasses at 1080 °C. The noble gas method gave repeatability of 1–2% for samples included in a single irradiation and intermediate precision of 2% for Cl, 2–3% for Br and 3–10% for I in samples included in two irradiations. The accuracy of the measurements varies from 5% to 10%, based on the repeatability of our results, the agreement of different calibration procedures and uncertainty in experimentally determined neutron capture cross sections. Our results significantly improve upon the precision with which some of the halogens have been characterised in the selected reference materials previously.
Rapid screen of aflatoxin‐contaminated peanut oil using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy combined with multivariate decision tree
Authors: Yang Yu , Zhang Yanan , He Caiyan , Xie Mengyuan , Luo Huitai , Wang Ying , Zhang Jun
Published: June 2018

Contamination of peanut oil is a great concern in the industry. FTIR spectroscopy combined with chemometrics could develop a rapid and nondestructive method to screen aflatoxin‐contaminated peanut oil. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)‐ and aflatoxin (AFT)‐positive peanut oils were screened by mid‐IR (MIR) with classification models established by a novel multivariate decision tree (MDT) method. Two discriminant functions were developed in the fingerprint region based on absorbance ratio and moving window Fisher discrimination analysis methods for the two complex nodes in each MDT model. Window adjustment reduced the total different spectral data points in modelling to 23. The true‐positive and true‐negative rate of calibration and validation could both reach up to 100%. These results would render the possibility of efficient and economical design of a portable high‐speed multitasking MIR instrument for screening AFB1‐ and AFT‐contaminated peanut oil.
Comparison of different oleogels in processed cheese products formulation
Authors: Huang Huidong , Hallinan Robert , Maleky Farnaz
Published: June 2018

This study investigates the potential usage of unsaturated vegetable oil oleogel to replace solid milk fat in processed cheese products (PCPs). Soybean oil was gelled using rice bran wax (RBW) or sunflower wax (SW) at two different concentrations and used to produce PCPs with final concentrations of 0.5% or 1% wax. An ungelled oil PCP and a commercial milk fat processed cheese (CC) were produced for comparison. Upon compositional analysis, moisture and fat content were similar between oleogel PCPs (OPCP) and the CC sample; however, lower saturated fat content was observed in the OPCPs. Samples’ microscopy analysis revealed that the incorporation of oleogels reduced oil agglomeration observed in the ungelled PCPs, which confirms the presence of a higher oil holding capacity in the OPCPs. Rheological and thermomechanical analysis demonstrated comparable hardness, storage modulus and meltability values between the OPCPs and the control samples. This study provides insight into the potential applications for oleogels in the replacement milk fat in processed cheese products with desirable properties.
Life Satisfaction and the UK Citizenship Process: Do Tests and Ceremonies Enhance Immigrants’ Lives?
Authors: Bartram David
Published: June 2018

Gaining citizenship in the UK requires applicants to pass a “Life in the UK” test and (if successful) attend a citizenship ceremony. Critics of this policy agenda assert that it exacerbates exclusion of an already vulnerable and disadvantaged population. The UK government justifies the requirements in part on the basis that they facilitate integration, thus enhancing immigrants’ lives. This article, using data from the UK longitudinal household survey (“Understanding Society”) considers outcomes for immigrants by investigating whether gaining citizenship in the current period is associated with immigrants’ subjective well‐being. Results from regression models and matching analyses show that participating in the citizenship process (or not) is not generally associated with individuals’ life satisfaction.
Conditions for growth of AlN single crystals in Al–Sn flux
Authors: Song Yelim , Kawamura Fumio , Taniguchi Takashi , Shimamura Kiyoshi , Ohashi Naoki
Published: June 2018

In this study, we investigated the Al–Sn flux system and its growth conditions to obtain AlN single crystals. AlN single crystals of a size of 50 μm were successfully grown using an Al–Sn melt under nitrogen gas pressure. The growable region of the AlN crystals was established using a pressure‐temperature diagram. The required nitrogen gas pressure for the growth of the AlN crystals was found to decrease with increasing temperature, and AlN was grown at 0.1 MPa nitrogen pressure above 1300°C. By investigating the AlN yield with various Al concentrations, we confirmed that the Al component in the Al–Sn melt facilitated nitrogen dissolution. Finally, scanning electron microscopy analysis showed that the obtained AlN particles showed good morphology.
Synthesis, densification, and microstructure of TaC‐TaB2‐SiC ceramics
Authors: Gu Junfeng , Xiang Mingyu , Ji Wei , Wang Weimin , Wang Hao , Fu Zhengyi
Published: June 2018

The usual way to prepare TaC‐TaB2 ceramics by adding B4C to TaC leads to formation of residual C, which degrades samples’ mechanical properties. To eliminate the residual C, we suggest incorporating Si together with B4C into TaC ceramics, resulting in new ultrahigh‐temperature ceramics (TaC‐TaB2‐SiC). Dense ceramics (>99%) with SiC volume fraction ranging from 15.86% to 41.04% were fabricated by reactive spark plasma sintering at 1900°C for 5 minutes. The formation of SiO2‐based transient liquid phase was evidenced by the “film” in intermediate products, which can promote densification. The fine‐grained microstructure in final products was found to be associated with the in situ formed SiC, which impeded TaC and TaB2 grains from coarsening by the pinning effect. Besides, ultrafine TaB2 grains (~100 nm) produced during the reaction and then rearranged in liquid also contributed to grain refinement. Compared to TaC‐TaB2(‐C) ceramics prepared from TaC and B4C, the acquired composites exhibit better mechanical properties, due to their fine‐grained microstructures and the elimination of residual C.
Magnetization reversal induced by Mn substitution in spinel chromite NiCr2O4
Authors: Li Canglong , Yan Tengyun , Zerihun Gebru , Fu Qingshan , Zhang Run , Chen Xinghan , Huang Shuai , Yuan Songliu
Published: June 2018

Polycrystalline Ni(Cr1−xMnx)2O4 (0.1 ≤ x ≤ 0.325) ceramic samples were studied through different protocols of dc magnetization measurements. The samples exhibit 2 kinds of magnetic compensation effects below the ferrimagnetic transition temperature TC. Remarkable magnetization reversal is observed between the 2 compensation temperatures Tcomp1 and Tcomp2, which is regarded as arising from the negative exchange coupling between the 2 magnetic sublattices at different crystallographic sites. The magnetization is reversed at TSR due to spin‐reorientation caused by magnetostructural coupling. The spin‐reorientation is supported by Mn substitution and TSR is increased to 96 K when x reaches 0.325. However, it is suppressed due to the strong ionic site preference and thus the magnetization is slightly increased in the negative direction of the magnetic field. Near the 2 compensation temperatures, tunable magnetic switching effects can be obtained just by changing the magnitude of the applied magnetic field. Moreover, both normal and inverse magnetocaloric effects were also demonstrated.
Temperature‐stable dielectric and energy storage properties of La(Ti0.5Mg0.5)O3‐doped (Bi0.5Na0.5)TiO3‐(Sr0.7Bi0.2)TiO3 lead‐free ceramics
Authors: Zhao Nianshun , Fan Huiqing , Ning Li , Ma Jiangwei , Zhou Yunyan
Published: June 2018

A new type of (0.7−x)Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3‐0.3Sr0.7Bi0.2TiO3‐xLaTi0.5Mg0.5O3 (LTM1000x, x = 0.0, 0.005, 0.01, 0.03, 0.05 wt%) lead‐free energy storage ceramic material was prepared by a combining ternary perovskite compounds, and the phase transition, dielectric, and energy storage characteristics were analyzed. It was found that the ceramic materials can achieve a stable dielectric property with a large dielectric constant in a wide temperature range with proper doping. The dielectric constant was stable at 2170 ± 15% in the temperature range of 35‐363°C at LTM05. In addition, the storage energy density was greatly improved to 1.32 J/cm3 with a high‐energy storage efficiency of 75% at the composition. More importantly, the energy storage density exhibited good temperature stability in the measurement range, which was maintained within 5% in the temperature range of 30‐110°C. Particularly, LTM05 show excellent fatigue resistance within 106 fatigue cycles. The results show that the ceramic material is a promising material for temperature‐stable energy storage.
The impact of mandatory IFRS reporting on institutional trading costs: Evidence from Australia
Authors: Lepone Andrew , Wong Jin Boon
Published: June 2018

This study examines the impact of mandatory International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) on the market quality of the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) 200 constituent stocks. Using traditional metrics that are consistent with prior literature (i.e., bid‐ask spreads), the first stage analysis confirms that stock liquidity has improved. However, when the analysis is extended to consider the trading costs incurred by market participants (i.e., execution shortfall), results suggest liquidity has not changed significantly. The paper utilizes rich unique datasets that contain detailed trade information, and findings are robust after controlling for trade difficulty and market conditions. In the era of High Frequency Trading (HFT) and occurrences of ‘fleeting’ liquidity, this paper provides some evidence that while IFRS may have enhanced ‘visible’ bid‐ask spreads, tangible liquidity for market participants, particularly global institutional investors, has not improved significantly.
An integrated clinical‐dermoscopic risk scoring system for the differentiation between early melanoma and atypical nevi: the iDScore
Authors: Tognetti L. , Cevenini G. , Moscarella E. , Cinotti E. , Farnetani F. , Mahlvey J. , Perrot J.L. , Longo C. , Pellacani G. , Argenziano G. , Fimiani M. , Rubegni P.
Published: June 2018

Background

Dermoscopy revealed to be extremely useful in the diagnosis of early melanoma, the most important limitation being its subjectivity in giving a final diagnosis. To overcome this problem, several algorithms and checklists have been proposed. However, they generally demonstrated modest level of diagnostic accuracy, unsatisfactory concordance between dermoscopists and/or poor specificity.

Objective

To test a new methodological approach for the differentiation between early melanoma and atypical nevi, based on an integrated clinical‐anamnestic dermoscopic risk scoring system (iDScore).

Methods

We selected a total of 435 standardized dermoscopic images of clinically atypical melanocytic skin lesion (MSL) excised in the suspect of malignancy (i.e. 134 early melanomas – MM – and 301 atypical nevi). Data concerning patient age and sex and lesion dimension and site were collected. A scoring classifier was designed based on this data set integrated with the dermoscopic evaluations performed by three experts blinded to histological diagnosis.

Results

A total of seven dermoscopic structures, three age groups (30–40 years, 41–60 years and >60 years), two maximum diameter categories (5–10 mm and >10 mm) and three body areas (i.e. frequently, chronically and seldom photoexposed sites) were selected by the scoring classifier as interdependently significant variables. The total risk score (S) of a lesion resulted from the simple sum of partial scores assigned to each selected variable. The iDScore‐aided diagnosis showed an high accuracy (receiver operating characteristic‐area under the curve = 0.903; IC: 95% = 0.887–0.918). A risk‐based criticality scale corresponding to different S ranges was proposed.

Conclusion

The iDScore checklist is proposed as a feasible and efficient tool to support dermatologists in non‐invasive differentiation between atypical nevi and early MM on the basis of few selected clinical‐anamnestic data and standardized dermoscopic features.
The Differential Effects of Comprehensive Feedback Forms in the Second Language Writing Class
Authors: Bonilla López Marisela , Van Steendam Elke , Speelman Dirk , Buyse Kris
Published: June 2018

This study investigated the potential of comprehensive corrective feedback forms as editing and learning tools and examined their effect on learners’ cognitive and attitudinal engagement. Low‐intermediate second language writers (N = 139) were randomly assigned to four experimental conditions (direct corrections of grammatical errors, metalinguistic codes for grammatical errors, direct corrections of grammatical and nongrammatical errors, or metalinguistic codes for grammatical and nongrammatical errors) and a control group (self‐correction). Results from mixed‐effects linear models showed that although direct corrections and codes were effective for enhancing learners’ immediate grammatical and nongrammatical accuracy (i.e., during text revision), a long‐term advantage (i.e., 4 weeks after feedback provision) was only evident for direct corrections. A mental effort measure of cognitive load revealed that participants’ cognitive load was significantly lower when processing direct corrections targeting grammar issues. Questionnaire answers also yielded a significant attitudinal difference between the direct feedback groups and their metalinguistic counterparts.

Open Practices

This article has been awarded an Open Materials badge. Study materials are publicly accessible in the IRIS digital repository at https://www.iris-database.org. Learn more about the Open Practices badges from the Center for Open Science: https://osf.io/tvyxz/wiki.
Breastfeeding practices in the United Kingdom: Is the neighbourhood context important?
Authors: Peregrino Andressa B. , Watt Richard G. , Heilmann Anja , Jivraj Stephen
Published: June 2018

Breastfeeding is an important public health issue worldwide. Breastfeeding rates in the United Kingdom, particularly for exclusive breastfeeding, are low compared with other OECD countries, despite its wide‐ranging health benefits for both mother and child. There is evidence that deprivation in the structural and social organisation of neighbourhoods is associated with adverse child outcomes. This study aimed to explore whether breastfeeding initiation, exclusive breastfeeding for at least 3 months, and any type of breastfeeding for at least 6 months were associated with neighbourhood context measured by neighbourhood deprivation and maternal neighbourhood perceptions in a nationally representative U.K. sample. A cross‐sectional analysis was conducted using data from the Millennium Cohort Study. Logistic regression was carried out on a sample of 17,308 respondents, adjusting for individual‐ and familial‐level socio‐demographic characteristics. Neighbourhood deprivation was independently and inversely associated with breastfeeding initiation. Compared with the least deprived areas, the likelihood of initiating breastfeeding was 40% lower in the most deprived neighbourhoods (OR: 0.60, 95% CI [0.50, 0.72]). The relationship between both exclusive and any type of breastfeeding at 3 and 6 months respectively with neighbourhood deprivation after adjustment for potential confounders was not entirely linear. Breastfeeding initiation (OR: 0.78, 95% CI [0.71, 0.85]), exclusivity for 3 months (OR: 0.84, 95% CI [0.75, 0.95]), and any breastfeeding for 6 months (OR: 0.82, 95% CI [0.73, 0.93]) were each reduced by about 20% among mothers who perceived their neighbourhoods lacking safe play areas for children. Policies to improve breastfeeding rates should consider area‐based approaches and the broader determinants of social inequalities.
Functional characterization of an aluminum (Al)‐inducible transcription factor, ART2, revealed a different pathway for Al tolerance in rice
Authors: Che Jing , Tsutsui Tomokazu , Yokosho Kengo , Yamaji Naoki , Ma Jian Feng
Published: June 2018

High aluminum (Al) tolerance in rice (Oryza sativa) is controlled by a Cys2His2‐type zinc finger transcription factor ART1 (Al resistance transcription factor 1). There are five close homologs of ART1 in the rice genome, but the role of these homologs is unknown.

We functionally characterized one of the ART1 homologs, ART2, in terms of tissue and spatial expression, subcellular localization, transcriptional activation activity, and phenotypic analysis of the knockout lines.

ART2 was localized to the nucleus and showed a transcriptional activation potential in yeast. ART2 was mainly expressed in the roots, but the expression level was much lower than that of ART1. The ART2 expression was rapidly induced by Al in the roots of the wild‐type rice, but not in art1 mutant. Knockout of ART2 resulted in increased sensitivity to Al toxicity, but did not alter sensitivity to different pH values. Expression profile analysis by RNA‐sequencing showed that ART2 was not involved in activation of genes regulated by ART1; however, four genes seems to be regulated by ART2, which are implicated in Al tolerance.

These results indicate that ART1 and ART2 regulate different pathways leading to Al tolerance, and ATR2 plays a supplementary role in Al tolerance in rice.