bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Case Article—Acusis: Medical Transcription Outsourcing
Authors: Mirchandani Prakash , Ehlich Tobias (Tim)
Published: September 2013

Rather than writing their observations as was traditionally the case, U.S. physicians increasingly dictate them after a patient visit. These audio files are then transcribed for inclusion in the patient's medical file. Since the transcription work is considered to be noncore, hospitals and other physician offices often outsource this activity. Acusis, headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a provider of medical transcription services. This case is based on a real situation that Acusis faced. After providing an overview of the medical transcription outsourcing industry, the case describes Acusis' rather distinctive service model along with its quality advancement process. The case analysis requires qualitative and conceptual thinking, and exposes students to the benefits and pitfalls of service outsourcing. Through the real incident, it also discusses a unique, and perhaps unexpected, risk associated with medical transcription. The case is suited for introductory graduate-level or advanced undergraduate operations management, service management, procurement management, and supply chain management courses.

Case Teaching Note: Interested Instructors please see the Instructor Materials page for access to the restricted materials. To maintain the integrity and usefulness of cases published in ITE, unapproved distribution of the case teaching notes and other restricted materials to any other party is prohibited.
A Real-World Network Modeling Project
Authors: Dimitrov Nedialko B. , Brown Gerald , Carlyle Matthew
Published: September 2013

The Operations Research Department at the Naval Postgraduate School educates experienced junior military officers in state-of-the-art operations research methods. As part of the educational program all officers go through a standard graduate course on network modeling. Within that course, students complete a class-long network modeling project of a real-world infrastructure system that solidifies their understanding of operations research concepts and moves the learning experience beyond the classroom. Through the project, students abstract their real-world problems into mathematics, repeatedly evaluate the connection between the mathematics and reality, and reason about the model results. The project has educational, research, and practical benefits. On occasion, students make discoveries of such significance that we have contacted the infrastructure system operators with briefings on the student analysis results. Some student projects have eventually influenced Department of Homeland Security and Department of Defense policy. We detail what makes the network modeling project work, and how to implement it in other universities.
Spreadsheet Inventory Simulation and Optimization Models and Their Application in a National Pharmacy Chain
Authors: Liu Qiang , Zhang Xinhui , Liu Yan , Lin Lebin
Published: September 2013

This paper presents a spreadsheet model for the solution of inventory management problems that arise in pharmacy chain stores. Though there have been abundant spreadsheet models for inventory management, most of these models focus on the use of embedded functions to compute complicated formulas. The spreadsheet model presented in this paper, however, incorporates a simulation of the ordering process and an iterative procedure to search for near-optimal solutions, and is easy to understand by students and practitioners. The methodology has been successfully implemented in a national chain of pharmacies; and the spreadsheet model integrated into the curriculum of several engineering courses including inventory management, simulation, and optimization and it has provided an interactive environment for students to experience real-life inventory decision making. This paper is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Paul A. Jensen, whose widely adopted Excel add-ins have inspired our education and research in spreadsheet models and provided the foundation for our work with pharmacy inventory systems.
Evaluation of antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of solvent extracts of Anacyclus pyrethrum L., from Algeria
Authors: Selles Chaouki , Dib Mohammed El Amine , Allali Hocine , Tabti Boufeldja
Published: September 2013

In the present study, solvent extracts from aerial parts of Anacyclus pyrethrum L. were assessed for their total phenol content, antimicrobial and antioxidant (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging and ferric-ion reducing power) activities. The amounts of total phenolics and flavonoids in the solvent extracts were determined spectrometrically. (310.78 mg GA/g extract) and antioxidant activity (IC50 = 0.056 mg/mL). Increasing the concentration of the extracts resulted in increased ferric reducing antioxidant power for both extracts tested.The methanolic extract exhibited the best antimicrobial activity against three gram-positive bacterium (Listeria monocytogenes: 100%, Bacillus. cereus: 69% and Staphylococcus aureus: 66%), as well as against Candida albicans (81%).Finally, a relationship was observed between the biological activities potential and total phenolic and flavonoid levels of the extract. The results of this study provided an alternative of utilising Anacyclus pyrethrum aerial parts as readily accessible source of natural antioxidant in food cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry.
On free-group algorithms that sandwich a subgroup between free-product factors
Authors: Dicks Warren
Published: September 2013

Let

Here, the subgroup

A. Clifford and R. Z. Goldstein used Whitehead's three-manifold techniques to give an algorithm that determines whether or not there exists a basis of
Vibration behavior of a radially functionally graded annular disc with variable geometry
Authors: Çallıoğlu Hasan , Demir Ersin , Yılmaz Yasin , Girgin Zekeriya
Published: September 2013

In this study, the free vibration behavior of an annular disc made of functionally graded material (FGM) with variable geometry is investigated. The elasticity modulus, density, and thickness of the disc are assumed to vary through the radial direction according to the power law so that the effects of their indexes on the natural frequency of the disc are investigated. The Poisson’s ratio is assumed as a constant. The natural frequencies of the disc are calculated for various boundary conditions by using classical plate theory, and the various types of mode shapes, which are described by the number of nodal diameters and nodal circles, are also discussed. Moreover, the effects of the ratio of the inner radius to the outer radius on the natural frequency are also considered. It is found that in order to increase the natural frequency, the elasticity modulus and thickness should be increased at the inner surface, whereas density should be increased at the outer surface. The natural frequency can also be increased by increasing the ratio of inner radius to outer radius. The results obtained are compared with the results of a finite-element-based commercial program, ANSYS®, and found to be consistent with each other.
Fuzzy-GIS Approach for Applying the AHP Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Model to Evaluate Real Estate Purchases
Authors: Lin Chin-Tsai , Lin Jun-Kun
Published: September 2013

This work presents a novel housing performance evaluation approach for evaluating real estate purchases in Taipei. The proposed approach focuses on encouraging purchases to achieve better housing performance and supporting the decision-making ability of homebuyers in housing comparison and selection. The proposed approach compares the features of different houses by integrating the fuzzy geographic information systems (GIS) method with an analytic hierarchy process (AHP). The comprehensive evaluation of uncertainty variable data comprises 20 objective housing performance indicators, which were selected from a review of existing evaluation models, and GIS that handle both spatial and non-spatial data, as well as a fuzzy set approach. The weights of each category and indicator are calculated using AHP analysis. Finally, the application model is established via a field case study. The proposed approach is applicable for objective and practical evaluations, as well as for the comparison of residential housing alternatives.
Loading Rate Concerns in ASTM C1609
Authors: Banthia N. , Islam S. T.
Published: September 2013

ASTM C1609 remains one of the most prescribed tests for characterizing the performance of fiber reinforced concrete (FRC). Although numerous deficiencies in this test have been addressed over the years, concerns persist regarding the loading rate prescribed in the current version of the test. A test program was carried out to investigate the influence of the loading rate in ASTM C1609-2010. Normal-strength FRCs with 1.0 kg/m3 (0.11 % by volume) and 3.0 kg/m3 (0.33 % by volume) polypropylene fiber were tested. The results indicate that although the prescribed loading rate is appropriate for the 3.0 kg/m3 fiber dosage rate, it is too high for FRC with a 1.0 kg/m3 fiber dosage rate. In order to obtain a stable load-deflection curve in FRC with a 1.0 kg/m3 fiber dosage rate, a reduced loading rate was required. In the context of these findings, this paper argues that either the loading rate in ASTM C1609 should be reduced or a minimum fiber dosage rate for which the test is valid should be specified.
Preliminary Evaluation of the Ergonomic Properties of Gloves for Protection Against Mineral Oils Based on Manual Dexterity Tests
Authors: Krzemińska Sylwia , Irzmańska Emilia
Published: September 2013

The objective of this study was to conduct a preliminary evaluation of the ergonomic properties of gloves designed for protection against mineral oils. Two standardized tests were employed for assessing comfort of use: the finger dexterity test and the grip and pull test. The study was carried out under conditions simulating the real-life usage of gloves; mineral oil was spread on the gloves’ surface, which is a novelty relative to the methodology described in the relevant standards. Four types of gloves commonly used for protection against mineral oils were studied. The first test involved 10 human subjects, and the second 4 subjects. Preliminary evaluation of the ergonomic properties of gloves was conducted by means of the finger dexterity test (evaluation of fine finger movements) and a cylinder grip and pull test (evaluation of the gross movements of the arms and hands). These tests showed that mineral oil present on the surface of the gloves (in the dexterity test and the grip and pull test) negatively affected the ergonomic properties of the gloves. It was established that the glove material influenced the subjects’ evaluation of the effort put into gripping and pulling a cylinder while wearing oiled gloves. The study also showed that the cylinder grip and pull test, used to examine the gross movements of the arms and hands, is more sensitive than the finger dexterity test and allows for more accurate verification of a glove material in the case of exposure to oils. It should be noted that gloves made entirely of chloroprene rubber exhibited the smallest decrease in ergonomic properties in the most difficult test involving oiled gloves and a cylinder. This material provides greater comfort of use than a liner coated with acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber or nitrile rubber.
Impedance Spectroscopy Characterization of a Piezoresistive Structural Polymer Composite Bulk Sensor
Authors: Vipulanandan C. , Prashanth P.
Published: September 2013

In this study, self-monitoring characteristics of a new piezoresistive structural polyester polymer composite bulk sensor were investigated under various loading conditions using impedance spectroscopy (IS). IS was used to estimate the bulk resistance of the piezoresistive polymer composite and the contact resistance of the two-probe measuring system used, along with the stress and shape dependence of these resistances. The piezoresistive behavior of cylindrical specimens in compression and circular disk specimens in bending and splitting tension showed repeatable characteristics. The contact resistances were about 1 % and 4.4 % of the bulk resistances for the cylindrical and circular disk specimens, respectively. The contact resistances were relatively small compared to the bulk resistances, and the change in contact resistance with applied stress was quantified. The average piezoresistivity coefficient for cylindrical specimens was 0.015 MPa−1 in compression, and for the circular disk specimens the coefficients were 3.1 × 10−4 MPa−1 and 4.62 × 10−4 MPa−1 under bending and splitting tensile loading, respectively. An incremental stress-resistivity model was used to predict the observed behavior of the piezoresistive polymer composite.
Concentration Effect on Photoluminescence Tests of the CdSe Colloid Nanocrystal System
Authors: Lin Zhonghai , Zhu Zhilin , Wang Minqiang , Wei Guangfen , Du Huiqiu , Wang Pinjian , Liu Yanwu , Yang Zhi
Published: September 2013

In this study, monodispersed CdSe nanocrystal (NCs) were prepared by means of solution-phase synthesis. CdSe/CdS NCs were synthesized via successive ion layer adsorption and reaction on CdSe core NCs. The optical properties of CdSe and CdSe/CdS core/shell NCs dissolved in different solvents were investigated. We discuss here the photoluminescence properties of an NC system that are affected by the NC concentration and the solvent variety, including photoluminescence intensity variation and photoluminescence peak shift. The change in emission intensity is due to the influence of the solvent polarity and the NC concentration quenching effect. The phenomenon of a large blue shift of photoluminescence peaks with NC concentration is caused by interactions among the NCs.
Variability of Modal Parameter Estimations Using Two Different Output-Only System Identification Methods
Authors: Ozcelik Ozgur , Salavati Mohammad
Published: September 2013

Accurate damage identification in a structure depends on the accurate estimation of modal parameters; therefore, an important step in the vibration-based structural health monitoring process is the estimation of modal parameters. The purpose of this study was to investigate systematically the variability of identified modal parameters of a steel model bridge with low damping using simple statistical measures. In order to achieve this objective, first the modal parameters of an actual steel bridge were estimated using two different and widely used output-only system identification methods, the natural excitation technique with an eigensystem realization algorithm and enhanced frequency domain decomposition. Then a calibrated finite element model of the bridge was developed using the estimated modal parameters. Using the simulated data from the calibrated model, the variability of modal parameter estimations due to variability of the spatial sensor density, measurement/sensor noise, and response data length input factors was investigated. The input factors chosen are significant for the performance of the output-only system identification methods used and therefore are deemed important for accurate damage detection.
Measuring Principles of a Thrust Flow Transducer and Its Applications in River Flow Velocity
Authors: Chang Xiao-min , Zhang Xiao-yan , Qin Jian-min
Published: September 2013

Real-time measurements of river flow velocities under the ice in winter are very difficult. An experimental apparatus of a new thrust flow transducer based on particle phase properties is proposed in this paper. The pull force on a traction cable produced by the floating ball in a fluid can be measured by our experimental apparatus. Then the forces produced on the rigid floating ball are used to calculate the fluid thrust. Finally, the flow velocity can be obtained using an empirical formulation between the fluid velocity and the thrust on the floating ball. Such a designed thrust flow transducer is simple and low cost and can be used not only for measuring the surface velocity of rivers, water channels, lakes, and oceans, but also for automatic measurements of water velocity, including of frazil slush that is under the ice sheet in rivers, water channels, lakes, and oceans in freezing conditions.
Does thyroid function influence fracture risk? Prospective data from the HUNT2 study, Norway
Authors: Svare Anders , Nilsen Tom Ivar Lund , Åsvold Bjørn Olav , Forsmo Siri , Schei Berit , Bjøro Trine , Langhammer Arnulf
Published: September 2013

Objective

To prospectively study the relation between TSH and risk of hip and forearm fractures.

Design

A population-based cohort study.

Methods

In a substudy of the second survey of the Nord Trøndelag Health Study, Norway (HUNT2, 1995–97), linked with a hospital-based fracture registry, we investigated the relation between baseline TSH and risk of hip and/or forearm fractures.

Population

A total of 16 610 women and 8595 men aged 40 years or more, without previous self-reported thyroid disease and hip or forearm fractures.

Results

During 12.5 years follow-up, a total of 1870 women and 342 men experienced hip or forearm fractures. Overall, there was no relation between baseline TSH and fracture risk. However, there was weak evidence that women with TSH <0.5 and >3.5 mU/l had a slightly increased risk of hip fractures (hazard ratio (HR) 1.30, 95% CI 0.97–1.94 and HR 1.19, 95% CI 0.93–1.52) compared with the reference group with TSH of 1.5–2.4 mU/l. Supplementary analyses showed higher hip fracture risk in women with TSH >4.0 mU/l and negative thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb) compared with the reference group (HR 1.75, 95% CI 1.24–2.46).

Conclusion

We found no statistically significant relation between baseline TSH and subsequent fracture risk, but the data suggest a weak positive association with hip fracture risk among women with both low and high TSH. The latter association was confined to women with negative TPOAb status.
Chronic inflammation exacerbates glucose metabolism disorders in C57BL/6J mice fed with high-fat diet
Authors: Wu Yu , Wu Tingting , Wu Jun , Zhao Lei , Li Qing , Varghese Zac , Moorhead John F , Powis Stephen H , Chen Yaxi , Ruan Xiong Z
Published: September 2013

Inflammatory stress is closely related to metabolic disease and insulin resistance. The precise cellular mechanism linking obesity and diabetes is largely unknown, but about 14–20% of obese individuals develop diabetes. In this study, we investigated whether chronic inflammation exacerbated glucose metabolism disorder by impairing β cell function in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed C57BL/6J mice. We used s.c. casein injection to induce chronic inflammation in HFD-fed C57BL/6J mice; 14 weeks on a HFD resulted in weight gain, hyperlipidemia, and low insulin sensitivity in these mice which nevertheless had normal blood glucose and serum inflammatory cytokines levels. Casein injection in the background of HFD elevated serum tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and serum amyloid A levels and increased TNFα and MCP1 expression in the adipose tissue, liver, and muscle of HFD-fed mice. Chronic inflammation induced by casein injection further decreased insulin sensitivity and insulin signaling, resulting in insulin deficiency and hyperglycemia in these mice. Islet mass and insulin content were markedly increased in HFD mice. However, in contrast with HFD-fed alone, chronic inflammation in HFD-fed mice decreased both islet mass and insulin content, reduced the genetic expression of insulin synthesis and secretion, and increased β cell apoptosis. We conclude that chronic inflammation exacerbated glucose metabolism disorders by impairing β cell function in HFD-fed C57BL/6J mice, suggesting that this mechanism may operate in obese individuals with chronic inflammation, making them prone to hyperglycemia.
Three-Dimensional Nonlinear Contact Finite Element Analysis of Mandibular All-on-4 Design
Authors: Hussein Mostafa Omran , Rabie Mahmoud Elsayed
Published: September 2013

The All-on-4 design was used successfully for restoring edentulous mandible. This design avoids anatomic cripples such as inferior alveolar nerve by tilting posterior implants. Moreover, tilting posterior implants of All-on-4 design had a mechanical preference than the conventional design. On the other hand, the anterior implants are parallel at the lateral incisor region. Several researches showed favorable results for tilting posterior implants. However, research did not study the influence of the anterior implant position or orientation on the mechanical aspects of this design. This study analyzes the influence of varying anterior implant position and orientation of the All-on-4 design using nonlinear contact 3D finite-element analysis. Three copied 3-dimensional models of the All-on-4 design were classified according to anterior implant position and orientation. The frictional contact between fixtures and bone was the contact type in this finite element analysis. Finally, von Mises stress and strain at implant and bone levels were recorded and analyzed using finite element software. Stress concentrations were detected mainly around the posterior implant at the loaded side. Values of the maximum equivalent stress and strain were around tilted implants of design III followed by design II, then design I. Changing the position or orientation of the anterior implants in All-on-4 design influences stress-strain distribution of the whole design.
Rubiaceae Juss. de caatinga na APA Serra Branca/Raso da Catarina, Bahia, Brasil
Authors: Varjão Rafaela Ramos , Jardim Jomar Gomes , Conceição Adilva de Souza
Published: September 2013

O trabalho apresenta um levantamento das espécies encontradas na APA Serra Branca/Raso da Catarina, onde foram catalogadas 21 espécies distribuídas em onze gêneros: Mitracarpus foi o gênero mais representativo com quatro espécies (M. baturitensis, M. longicalyx, M. robustus, M. salzmannianus), seguido de Staelia (S. aurea, S. galioides, S. virgata), Diodella (D. gardneri, D. radula, D. teres), Borreria (B. spinosa, B. verticillata), Cordiera (C. rigida, Cordiera sp.) e Guettarda (G. angelica, G. sericea). Os demais gêneros estão representados por uma espécie cada, Emmeorhiza umbellata, Leptoscela ruellioides, Margaritopsis carrascoana, Richardia grandiflora e Tocoyena formosa. Foram registradas três espécies endêmicas da caatinga: G. angelica, G. sericea e M. longicalyx. Além disso, M. carrascoana constitui o primeiro registro para o estado da Bahia. São apresentadas uma chave para identificação, descrições, ilustrações, comentários sobre a distribuição geográfica e fenologia das espécies.
Sapindaceae do noroeste paulista: lista de espécies e chave de identificação baseada em caracteres vegetativos
Authors: Sprengel-Lima Caroline , Rezende Andréia Alves
Published: September 2013

A identificação de espécies geralmente é um obstáculo para estudos de conservação e manejo. As espécies de Sapindaceae particularmente são de difícil identificação, sendo o fruto uma característica importante na definição de gêneros e espécies. Dada à dificuldade de encontrar material fértil em determinadas épocas do ano, o objetivo deste estudo foi levantar as espécies de Sapindaceae do noroeste paulista e elaborar uma chave de identificação baseada em características morfológicas vegetativas, tais como a forma e o número de folíolos, o número de feixes no corpo lenhoso para as espécies de liana, a presença ou a ausência de domácias, tipo de indumento, entre outras. Neste estudo foram levantadas as espécies de Sapindaceae presentes em 18 fragmentos de vegetação nativa na área de abrangência das Unidades de Gerenciamento dos Recursos Hídricos (UGRHIs) do Turvo-Grande e São José dos Dourados e parte das UGHRIs do Baixo Pardo, Baixo Tietê e Tietê-Batalha. A chave de identificação foi elaborada com base no material herborizado e consta de 23 espécies, distribuídas em 11 gêneros.
Effect of high temperature on germination of four legumes from a forest-grassland mosaic in Southern Brazil
Authors: Silveira Fernanda Schmidt , Overbeck Gerhard Ernst
Published: September 2013

Passage of a fire can break dormancy of the seeds of many plant species in fire-prone ecosystems. This response to fire is especially well known for the Fabaceae family, but has been poorly studied in Southern Brazil. We collected seeds of four Fabaceae species present in grasslands-forest mosaics of Southern Brazil: Mimosa bimucronata, Desmodium barbatum, Sesbania virgata and Collaea stenophylla. Seeds were exposed to different heat treatments (exposure to 60° and 80 °C for 5 minutes, to 100 °C for 2 minutes, control without heat treatment); not all species were tested in all treatments. After the treatment, the seeds were kept in a germination chamber with a light period of 12/12 hours and temperature of 25 °C. Germinated seeds were counted every 2 days. The results were analyzed by randomization testing. Germination of D. barbatum and S. virgata was increased after exposure to high temperatures (80° and 60 °C, respectively), while M. bimucronata showed reduced germination after temperatures of 80 °C and C. stenophylla no response. This study is the first for Southern Brazil to show a positive response of germination for grassland species exposed to high temperatures, simulating fire effects. As the study presented distinct responses of species to the heat treatment, it seems important to conduct more works with other species from the family, in order to be able to detect more general patterns.
Frugivory by the White-bearded Manakin (Manacus manacus, Pipridae) in restinga forest, an ecosystem associated to the Atlantic forest
Authors: Cestari César , Pizo Marco Aurélio
Published: September 2013

Manakins (Pipridae) are one of the most abundant fruit-eaters and seed dispersers in the understory of neotropical forests. We describe the fruit diet of the White-beaded Manakin (Manacus manacus) based on a two-year study of its foraging behavior on fruiting plants, collecting seeds from feces and regurgitations of trapped individuals, and from lekking males' courts in restinga forests at the southern coast of the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Manacus manacus consumed 58 species of fruits from 30 different plant families. Fruits were taken at 3.5 ± 1.9 m height and 1.5 ± 1.6 m below the forest canopy using mainly sally-strike and glean manoeuvres. Most of the fruits were berries ranging from 3.1 to 17 mm in diameter and containing from 1 to 86 seeds. Fruits up to 12 mm in diameter were swallowed whole. Ripe and unripe fruits were equally consumed. Our results corroborate with the great variety of small fruits consumed by manakin species, and indicate that M. manacus is an important seed disperser, potentially contributing to recruitment of plants in restinga.
Optical imaging for low-cost structural measurements
Authors: McCormick Nick , Waterfall Paul , Owens Alan
Published: September 2013

For many structures, the easiest first step in trying to understand its condition is to take a good look. Often more detailed investigations are required really to characterise the behaviour and performance, enabling assessment of performance against design models, future repair needs and likely in-service lifetimes. If these investigations could be largely carried out in a similar manner to ‘taking a good look’ using digital still and video cameras, then considerable time and cost savings could be made. By processing images captured this way using specialist image correlation software, the systems investigated can create reliable and accurate measurements that could become part of the civil engineer's toolkit. This study shows that the optical image-based measurement techniques do indeed provide reliable data across a range of typical civil engineering surfaces and can provide both high precision and large area measurements providing useful information about the behaviour of civil engineering structures (in this case bridges), which might be useful for short and long-term monitoring.
Some remarks on the seismic behaviour of embedded cantilevered retaining walls
Authors: CONTI R. , VIGGIANI G.M.B. , BURALI D'AREZZO F.
Published: September 2013

This paper is a numerical investigation of the physical phenomena that control the dynamic behaviour of embedded cantilevered retaining walls. Recent experimental observations obtained from centrifuge tests have shown that embedded cantilevered retaining walls experience permanent displacements even before the acceleration reaches its critical value, corresponding to full mobilisation of the soil strength. The motivation for this work stems from the need to incorporate these observations in simplified design procedures. A parametric study was carried out on a pair of embedded cantilevered walls in dry sand, subjected to real earthquakes scaled at different values of the maximum acceleration. The results of these analyses indicate that, for the geotechnical design of the wall, the equivalent acceleration to be used in pseudo-static calculations can be related to the maximum displacement that the structure can sustain, and can be larger than the maximum acceleration expected at the site. For the structural design of the wall, it is suggested that the maximum bending moments of the wall can be computed using a realistic distribution of contact stress and a conservative value of the pseudo-static acceleration, taking into account two-dimensional amplification effects near the walls.
Proposal of a condition index for maintenance of runway beams
Authors: Echaveguren Tomas , Dechent Peter , Giuliano Mario , Sepulveda Joanna
Published: September 2013

Condition-based maintenance is a maintenance philosophy based on systematic visual inspection and condition ratings. Condition-based maintenance requires specific visual inspection protocols and condition rating models calibrated for each type of infrastructure. The purpose of this study is to explore the development of a method for estimating the current condition of a type of infrastructure based on visual inspection and expert judgement. A condition index, based on the condition-based maintenance philosophy, is proposed for use in assessing the current condition of a type of infrastructure and establishing maintenance strategies such as rehabilitation, reconstruction and restoration. The method was applied to runway beams fabricated in a steelworks company in Chile. Two models – a linear model and a dichotomic model – were calibrated and the correlation coefficients obtained were 0·9 for both models. It is thus concluded that the method is suitable and easily applicable under the condition-based maintenance concept. Further research is needed to improve the model by including maintenance costs.
Flexural tests on pre-tensioned lightweight concrete beams
Authors: Yang Keun-Hyeok , Mun Ju-Hyun , Lee Jae-Sam
Published: September 2013

Eight pre-tensioned beams made using lightweight concrete with a design compressive strength of 35 MPa were tested under two symmetrical third-point concentrated loads. The main variables investigated were the eccentricity and effective prestress of the strands and the partial prestressing ratio. The flexural capacity of the beam specimens was compared with predictions obtained from simple equations using the equivalent stress block combined with different formulas proposed for the stress of bonded tendons at the ultimate strength of beams and from non-linear strain compatibility analysis. Test results showed that the normalised flexural capacity measured from pre-tensioned lightweight concrete beams with a reinforcing index below 0·15 was comparable to that of pre-tensioned normal-weight concrete beams with a similar reinforcing index, while that of a pre-tensioned lightweight concrete beam with a reinforcing index of 0·207 was lower than that of pre-tensioned normal weight concrete beams with a reinforcing index of 0·2. As a result, the increasing rate of normalised flexural capacity against the reinforcing index in pre-tensioned lightweight concrete beams was slightly lower than that observed in pre-tensioned normal weight concrete beams. The flexural capacity of pre-tensioned concrete beams predicted using an equivalent stress block was marginally influenced by the values determined from different formulas for the stress of bonded tendons at the ultimate strength of beams, although the ratio of the measured and predicted flexural capacities was commonly lower in pre-tensioned lightweight concrete beams than in pre-tensioned normal weight concrete beams.
Timothy Yield and Nutritive Value under Climate Change in Canada
Authors: Jing Qi , Bélanger Gilles , Qian Budong , Baron Vern
Published: September 2013

Timothy (Phleum pratense L.) is a dominant forage grass in Canada but its performance under projected future climate conditions has not been evaluated. This study combined the grass model CATIMO (Canadian Timothy Model) with baseline (1961–1990) and projected future (2040–2069) climate scenarios to assess the response of timothy to climate change at 10 sites across Canada. Projected future conditions are expected to have the following effects on timothy: (i) earlier growth onset (10‐site average: –21 d; range: –4 to –40 d), date of first harvest (–15 d; –11 to –25 d), and date of second harvest (–20 d; –17 to –29 d), along with a later end to the growing season (+12 d; 0 to +18 d); (ii) increased dry matter (DM) yield at first harvest (+355 kg ha–1; –917 to +826 kg ha–1) but decreased DM yield at second harvest (–427 kg ha–1; +47 to –936 kg ha–1); (iii) increased neutral detergent fiber (NDF) concentration at first harvest (+22 g kg–1 DM; –22 to +94 g kg–1 DM) but a small decrease (–3 g kg–1 DM; +7 to –30 g kg–1 DM) at second harvest; and (iv) decreased NDF digestibility at first harvest (–6 g kg–1 NDF; +7 to –30 g kg–1 NDF) and second harvest (–23 g kg–1 NDF; –11 to –35 g kg–1 NDF). The longer growing season (+581°C‐d to +1219°C‐d) is expected to result in an additional harvest by 2040 to 2069.
Do Low‐Growing Gap Crop Types Affect Pollen‐Mediated Gene Flow in Maize?
Authors: Langhof Maren , Hommel Bernd , Hüsken Alexandra , Schiemann Joachim , Wehling Peter , Rühl Gerhard
Published: September 2013

One of the most accepted and adopted measures to assure coexistence of genetically modified (GM) maize (Zea mays L.) and conventional or organic maize is an isolation distance between GM and non‐GM fields. If crop types used as “gap crops” differ in their effect on pollen‐mediated gene flow this might have implications for the development of coexistence measures. Therefore, in a 3‐yr study, the effect of a 25 m wide strip of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) stubble and clover‐grass (Trifolium pratense L. and Lolium spp.) as a gap crop on pollen‐mediated gene flow in maize was investigated at two sites in northern Germany. It was hypothesized that different thermal conditions above the dry (barley stubble) and the wet (clover‐grass) gap crop may cause differences in pollen‐mediated gene flow into the adjacent recipient fields. Due to a ban on GM‐maize cultivation in Germany, kernel color was used as a phenotypic marker to assess gene flow. Outcrossing was mainly concentrated to the downwind areas of the recipient fields with a pronounced edge effect. The application of a general linear mixed effect model showed that there was no significant effect of the gap crop type on the amount of pollen‐mediated gene flow. It is concluded that the crop type planted between GM and non‐GM maize has no major importance for the development of coexistence measures.
Chewing, Strong, and Slender Creeping Red Fescue Response to Sowing Time and Method
Authors: Szczepanek Małgorzata , Onofri Andrea
Published: September 2013

Diversity of morphological features in red fescue (Festuca rubra L.) genotypes can be associated with responses to sowing time and method. Two‐replicate field experiments were performed for 3 yr in the same locality in Poland (53°09′N, 17°35′ E) aimed at investigating (i) the combined effect of sowing time and method (pure stands in April, middle and end of July, and middle of August or within spring barley [Hordeum vulgare L.] in April) and variety (F. rubra subsp. rubra strong creeping, Festuca rubra L. subsp. litoralis (G. Mey.) Auquier slender creeping, and F. rubra subsp. commutata Markgr.‐Dann. chewing) on plant characteristics and seed yield (SY) in the first and second production years (PYs) and (ii) the correlations among morphological features and SY. In both PYs, the highest SY was obtained with the strong creeping and the lowest with the chewing variety. In the first PY, the highest SY was obtained with pure sowing from April to end of July, while sowing within barley reduced SY. Red fescue sown in August produced zero to two tillers during the establishment year, which caused a reduction in generative tiller density (GTD) and SY in the first PY. The strong and slender creeping varieties gave similar total SY from two PYs with all sowing times and methods. Chewing fescue gave higher SY when sown in pure stands from April to end of July, compared with sowing in August. The GTD and number of spikelets per panicle had the largest positive direct effect on SY in both PYs. Thousand seed weight had a positive, direct effect on SY only in the first PY.
Effect of Rainfall Kinetic Energy on Crust Formation and Interrill Erosion of an Ultisol in Subtropical China
Authors: Zhou Hu , Peng Xinhua , Darboux Frédéric
Published: September 2013

Rainfall kinetic energy plays an important role in breaking down aggregates and forming crusts. A laboratory rainfall simulation study was conducted on an Ultisol from subtropical China to investigate the effect of rainfall kinetic energy on crusting, infiltration, runoff, and erosion. Two treatments, that is, high kinetic energy (HKE) and low kinetic energy (LKE), were applied during this study. Air‐dried soil was packed in a soil box (50 by 50 cm), and the soil box was subjected to 38 mm h−1 rainfall with three replicates. The runoff, splash, erosion, and percolation were measured during the simulation. For each treatment, an additional soil box was dedicated to sampling the undisturbed soil samples at different time intervals to make thin sections. The entire soil surface was covered by structural or sedimentary crust at the end of the experiment. When compared with the HKE rainfall, the LKE rainfall reduced the direct physical impact of raindrops that disintegrated the soil aggregates and compacted the soil surface; therefore, the LKE preserved the soil infiltration capability and subsequently postulated the formation of crust. This resulted in a higher infiltration rate and greater cumulative infiltration and percolation but lower splash, runoff, and soil erosion in the LKE treatment compared with the HKE treatment. The results show that Ultisols are prone to crusting and that rainfall kinetic energy is a major driver of crust formation. This finding indicates that mulching the soil surface is an effective way to alleviate crusting, to conserve more water, and to reduce erosion.
Green Water and Global Food Security
Authors: Sposito Garrison
Published: September 2013

It is widely understood that crop production must increase at least twice as fast as human population growth during the coming 40 yr to meet global food demand. Tested strategies for achieving this goal have not yet emerged, but some stipulations to guide in the search for them can be made. Adverse ecological impacts of land conversion to agricultural use and freshwater withdrawals for irrigation will strongly limit the viability of these two traditional approaches to increasing crop production, whereas abundant opportunity exists for optimizing soil water availability to and consumption by rainfed crops to increase their yields by twofold or more. This optimization, however, will require major campaigns in multidisciplinary basic research on positive plant–soil feedbacks that increase crop biomass by influencing the rhizosphere, through which 40% of the global freshwater flow passes annually.
Evaluation of the Alamarblue Assay for Adherent Cell Irradiation Experiments
Authors: Zachari Maria A. , Chondrou Panagiota S. , Pouliliou Stamatia E. , Mitrakas Achilleas G. , Abatzoglou Ioannis , Zois Christos E. , Koukourakis Michael I.
Published: September 2013

The AlamarBlue assay is based on fluorometric detection of metabolic mitochondrial activity of cells. In this study, we determined the methodology for application of the assay to radiation response experiments in 96-well plates. AlamarBlue was added and its reduction measured 7 hours later. Selection of the initial number of plated cells was important so that the number of proliferating cells remains lower than the critical number that produced full AlamarBlue reduction (plateau phase) at the time points of measurements. Culture medium was replaced twice a week to avoid suppression of viability due to nutrient competition and metabolic waste accumulation. There was no need to replace culture medium before adding AlamarBlue. Cell proliferation continued after irradiation and the suppression effect on cell viability was most evident on day 8. At this time point, by comparing measurements from irradiated vs. non-irradiated cells, for various dose levels, a viability dose response curve was plotted. Immediately after the 8th day (nadir), cells started to re-grow at a rate inversely related to the radiation dose. By comparing measurements at the time point of nadir vs. a convenient subsequent time point, re-growth dose response abilities were plotted, simulating clonogenic assays.
The Clinical and Genomic Significance of Donor-Specific Antibody–Positive/C4d-Negative and Donor-Specific Antibody–Negative/C4d-Negative Transplant Glomerulopathy
Authors: Hayde Nicole , Bao Yi , Pullman James , Ye Bin , Calder R. Brent , Chung Monica , Schwartz Daniel , Lubetzky Michelle , Ajaimy Maria , de Boccardo Graciela , Akalin Enver
Published: September 2013

Background

This study investigated the mechanisms involved in development of donor-specific antibody (DSA) and/or C4d-negative transplant glomerulopathy (TGP) by allograft gene expression profiles using microarrays.

Design, Setting, Participants, & Measurements

This cohort study was conducted in kidney transplant recipients. Patients were eligible for inclusion if they required a clinically indicated biopsy at any time point after their transplant. They were then classified according to their histopathology findings and DSA and C4d results. Eighteen chronic antibody-mediated rejection (CAMR), 14 DSA+/C4d− TGP, 25 DSA−/C4d− TGP, and 47 nonspecific interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy (IFTA) biopsy specimens were identified. In a subset of patients from the study population, biopsy specimens in each group and normal transplant kidney specimens were analyzed with Affymetrix Human Gene 1.0 ST Arrays.

Results

The mean sum score of glomerulitis and peritubular capillaritis increased from 0.28±0.78 in IFTA specimens to 0.75±0.85 in DSA−/C4d− TGP specimens, 1.71±1.49 in DSA+/C4d−/TGP specimens, and 2.11±1.74 in CAMR specimens (P<0.001). During a median follow-up time of 2 (interquartile range, 1.4–2.8) years after biopsy, graft loss was highest in CAMR specimens (27.8%) compared to IFTA specimens (8.5%), DSA+/C4d− TGP specimens (14.3%), and DSA−/C4d− TGP specimens (16%) (P=0.01). With use of microarrays, comparison of the gene expression profiles of DSA−/C4d− TGP specimens with glomerulitis + peritubular capillaritis scores > 0 to normal and IFTA biopsy specimens revealed higher expression of quantitative cytotoxic T cell–associated transcripts (QCAT). However, both CAMR and DSA+/C4d− TGP specimens had higher expression of not only QCAT but also IFN-γ and rejection-induced, constitutive macrophage-associated, natural killer cell–associated, and DSA-selective transcripts. Endothelial cell–associated transcript expression was upregulated only in CAMR biopsy specimens.

Conclusions

These results suggested that DSA+/C4d− TGP biopsy specimens may be classified as CAMR. In contrast, DSA−/C4d− TGP specimens showed increased cytotoxic T cell–associated transcripts, suggesting T cell activation as a mechanism of injury.
Empirical Evidence on Repeat Restatements
Authors: Files Rebecca , Sharp Nathan Y. , Thompson Anne M.
Published: September 2013

SYNOPSIS

This study examines the characteristics and market consequences of repeat restatements. We find that 38 percent of the restating companies in our sample restate at least twice between 2002 and 2008, and 31 percent of repeat restatement firms restate three or more times during the same period. Our tests identify several auditor and restatement characteristics that distinguish single from repeat restatements at the time of the first restatement. Repeat restatements are more likely among clients of non-Big N auditors and those with lower ex ante accounting quality. However, firms that switch auditors between the end of their misstatement period and the restatement announcement are less likely to experience repeat restatements. Although subsequent restatements tend to be less severe than the first in a series of restatements, firms suffer similar declines in stock prices with up to three restatement announcements. In addition, firms often restate the same fiscal periods multiple times, and these “overlapping” restatements are more frequent when managers are distracted by other difficulties, such as discontinued operations or internal control weaknesses. Our findings should be valuable to investors, regulators, and other parties interested in repeat restatements. We provide research design recommendations for researchers to incorporate in future research.

JEL Classifications: M41; M42; G34.

Data Availability: All data used in this study are publicly available from the sources indicated.
The Mobile Home Monster: A Forensic Case in the Use of Public Records to Locate Assets
Authors: Quirin Jeffrey J. , O'Bryan David W.
Published: September 2013

This case is designed for an introductory fraud examination or forensic accounting course. It is based upon an actual case that was investigated by the lead author while working as a forensic accountant. The case provides students with an opportunity to learn how useful public records can be to the forensic accountant. This case involves no allegations of fraud, but is a realistic example of how a forensic accountant can add value in other areas of litigation. Students must conduct a simulated asset tracing investigation using public records to help the U.S. Department of Justice collect punitive damages and a civil penalty from a defendant charged with violating the Fair Housing Act, Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act. The case utilizes the problem-based learning approach wherein students are put into the role of a forensic accountant and must request additional information from the instructor. Within the context of the present case study, students are also encouraged to identify other potential sources of information that could be helpful in the investigation.
Diesel soot combustion catalysts: review of active phases
Authors: Hernández-Giménez Ana , Castelló Dolores , Bueno-López Agustín
Published: September 2013

The most relevant information about the different active phases that have been studied for the catalytic combustion of soot is reviewed and discussed in this article. Many catalysts have been reported to accelerate soot combustion, including formulations with noble metals, alkaline metals and alkaline earth metals, transition metals that can accomplish redox cycles (V, Mn, Co, Cu, Fe, etc.), and internal transition metals. Platinum catalysts are among those of most interest for practical applications, and an important feature of these catalysts is that sulphur-resistant platinum formulations have been prepared. Some metal oxide-based catalysts also appear to be promising candidates for soot combustion in practical applications, including ceria-based formulations and mixed oxides with perovskite and spinel structures. Some of these metal oxide catalysts produce highly reactive active oxygen species that promote efficient soot combustion. Thermal stability is an important requirement for a soot combustion catalyst, which precludes the practical utilisation of several potential catalysts such as most alkaline metal catalysts, molten salts, and metal chlorides. Some noble metal catalysts are also unstable due to the formation of volatile oxides (ruthenium, iridium, and osmium).