bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Description of Aphelenchoides huntensis sp. n. (Nematoda: Aphelenchoididae) isolated from Pinus sylvestris in western Iran
Authors: Esmaeili Mehrab , Fang Yiwu , Li Hongmei , Heydari Ramin
Published: January 2016

Aphelenchoides huntensissp. n. is described and illustrated from wood and bark samples of a dead scots pine in Kermanshah Province, western Iran. The new species has a body length of 507-673 μm (females) and 636-640 μm (males). The cuticle is weakly annulated with four lateral lines. Lip region offset. The stylet is 9.5 (9.0-10.0) μm long with small basal swellings. The excretory pore is locatedcaone body diam. posterior to the metacorpus valve. The spicules are large with the dorsal limb 37 or 38 μm long (n = 2), and have a prominent rostrum and rounded apex. The female tail is conical, the terminus having a complicated step-like projection, usually with many tiny nodular protuberances. The male tail bears six (2 + 2 + 2) caudal papillae and a well-developed mucron. The new species belongs to the Group 2 category ofAphelenchoidesspecies. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 18S and 28S D2-D3 regions of rDNA confirmed its status as a new species.
un Mediators’ Collaboration with Scholars and Expert ngos: Explaining the Need for Knowledge-Based Communities in Today’s Conflicts
Authors: Convergne Elodie
Published: January 2016

unmediators work more and more closely with academics and expertise-based non-governmental organizations, in particular through the Mediation Support Unit. The Organization appears to genuinely rely on them to conduct mediation and to strengthen its capacity in the area, to the point where it is sometimes difficult to operate a clear distinction between the two types of actors. This article analyzes why the practice of mediation today creates a demand for such expertise-focused cooperation. Beyond the need for flexibility and additional resources, the explanation lies in the prevailing feeling of uncertainty caused by today’s internal conflicts, for which the traditional state-centric lens is becoming irrelevant. In this context, theunrelies on knowledge produced by an epistemic community of peace and conflict scholars, and is embedded in a network of nongovernmental mediators with which it exchanges know-how, following the logic of communities of practice.
From “Atlantis” to the Familiar?
Authors: Murzyn-Kupisz Monika
Published: January 2016

This article focuses on the new processes of revival of the Jewish community and the rediscovery and reinterpretation of Jewish heritage observed in Cracow in recent years. Referring to the richness of the Jewish heritage in Cracow accumulated during the centuries-long presence of this ethnic minority in the city, particularly in the quarter of Kazimierz, it moves beyond the popular narratives on touristification and commercialization of the city’s Jewish past. The author covers a range of topics from the emergence of new Jewish activities and the greater visibility of diverse Jewish communities in the urban space to the establishment of new museum institutions and the evolution of the Jewish Culture Festival and new interpretations of memorial spaces.
Low-Atmosphere Drifting Balloons: Platforms for Environment Monitoring and Forecast Improvement
Authors: Doerenbecher A. , Basdevant C. , Drobinski P. , Durand P. , Fesquet C. , Bernard F. , Cocquerez P. , Verdier N. , Vargas A.
Published: January 2016

Balloons are one of the key observing platforms for the atmosphere. Radiosounding is the most commonly used technique and provides over a thousand vertical profiles worldwide every day. These data represent an essential cornerstone of data assimilation for numerical weather prediction systems. Although less common (but equally interesting for the in situ investigation of the atmosphere), drifting boundary layer pressurized balloons (BLPBs) offer rare observational skills. These balloons collect meteorological and/or chemical measurements at isopycnal height as they drift in a quasi-Lagrangian way. The BLPB system presented in this paper was developed by the French Space Agency [Centre National d’Études Spatiales (CNES)] and has been used in field experiments focusing on precipitation in Africa [African Monsoon Multiscale Analysis (AMMA)] and the Mediterranean [Hydrological Cycle in the Mediterranean Experiment (HyMeX)] as well as on air pollution in India [Indian Ocean Experiment (INDOEX)] and the Mediterranean [Transport a Longue Distance et Qualite de l’Air dans le bassin Méditerraneen (TRAQA) and Chemistry–Aerosol Mediterranean Experiment (ChArMeX)]. One important advantage of BLPBs is their capability to explore the lowest layers of the atmosphere above the oceans, areas that remain difficult to access. BLPB had a leading role in a complex adaptive observation system for the forecast of severe precipitation events. These balloons collected data in the marine environment of convective systems, which were assimilated in real time to improve the knowledge of the state of the atmosphere in the numerical prediction models of Météo-France.
The Extrapolation of Near-Surface Wind Speeds under Stable Stratification Using an Equilibrium-Based Single-Column Model Approach
Authors: Optis Michael , Monahan Adam
Published: January 2016

Classical approaches to modeling the near-surface (i.e., below 200 m) wind profile are equilibrium based (i.e., no time evolution) and either lack a physical basis or are based on surface-layer physics. In this study, the limits of the equilibrium approach in stable stratification are further tested by applying the method within a more physically comprehensive single-column model (SCM) framework. The SCM considered here is a highly idealized momentum and temperature budget model that uses a range of different parameterizations of turbulent fluxes. A 10-yr observational dataset obtained from the 213-m Cabauw tower in the Netherlands is used to drive the SCM and to assess model performance. Results from this study demonstrate several limitations of this SCM-based equilibrium approach. The existence of two physically meaningful equilibrium solutions for a given value of the surface turbulent temperature flux (used as a lower boundary in the SCM) generally results in either a tendency to underestimate stratification or the breakdown of the model because of runaway cooling and collapsed turbulence. Different representations of the geostrophic wind profile accounting for baroclinic effects caused by the strong land–sea temperature gradient at Cabauw are shown to have only a modest influence on the mean wind profile. The local internal boundary layer (IBL) at Cabauw results in a strong tendency for the SCM to overestimate wind speeds in weakly to moderately stable conditions. In very stable conditions (where the IBL influence was low), the equilibrium approach remained limited because of its inability to account for time-evolving phenomena such as the inertial oscillation and the low-level jet.
Scale Interactions between the MJO and the Western Maritime Continent
Authors: Birch C. E. , Webster S. , Peatman S. C. , Parker D. J. , Matthews A. J. , Li Y. , Hassim M. E. E.
Published: January 2016

State-of-the-art regional climate model simulations that are able to resolve key mesoscale circulations are used, for the first time, to understand the interaction between the large-scale convective environment of the MJO and processes governing the strong diurnal cycle over the islands of the Maritime Continent (MC). Convection is sustained in the late afternoon just inland of the coasts because of sea breeze convergence. Previous work has shown that the variability in MC rainfall associated with the MJO is manifested in changes to this diurnal cycle; land-based rainfall peaks before the active convective envelope of the MJO reaches the MC, whereas oceanic rainfall rates peak while the active envelope resides over the region. The model simulations show that the main controls on oceanic MC rainfall in the early active MJO phases are the large-scale environment and atmospheric stability, followed by high oceanic latent heat flux forced by high near-surface winds in the later active MJO phases. Over land, rainfall peaks before the main convective envelope arrives (in agreement with observations), even though the large-scale convective environment is only moderately favorable for convection. The causes of this early rainfall peak are strong convective triggers from land–sea breeze circulations that result from high surface insolation and surface heating. During the peak MJO phases cloud cover increases and surface insolation decreases, which weakens the strength of the mesoscale circulations and reduces land-based rainfall, even though the large-scale environment remains favorable for convection at this time. Hence, scale interactions are an essential part of the MJO transition across the MC.
Spectroscopic Studies on the Characterization of a Persian Playing Card
Authors: Holakooei Parviz , Niknejad Maryam , Vaccaro Carmela
Published: January 2016

This paper presents the results of our investigations on a playing card preserved at The Mūzih-i Āynih va Rushanāī in Yazd, Iran. Conducting micro X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (μ-XRF), micro-Raman spectroscopy (μ-Raman), infrared reflectography (IRR), ultraviolet fluorescence photography, radiography, and optical microscopy, various paints applied on the playing card were identified. According to our analytical studies, red, green, blue, black, and gold-like metallic paints were identified to be a red monoazo pigment (β-naphthol PR 53:1), chrome green, artificial ultramarine blue, carbon black, and brass powder (Dutch metal powder), respectively, dating the playing card to 1895 onward based on the manufacturing date of the red monoazo pigment. Barite was also shown to be mixed with the pigments as an extender. On the other hand, the portrait’s face of the playing card was peculiarly blackened. Our analytical approach toward characterizing the blackened face showed that the black paint was achieved by carbon black and, in other words, the face was not blackened due to the darkening of Pb-bearing pigments. Moreover, it was shown that there was no underdrawing under the black face and the black paint was most probably executed in the same time with the other paints. Considering the possible use of the playing card, it was suggested not to remove the blackened face in the cleaning process since the black paint was a part of the integrity of the playing card.
Painted Fiberglass-Reinforced Contemporary Sculpture: Investigating Composite Materials, Techniques and Conservation Using a Multi-Analytical Approach
Authors: Salvadori Barbara , Cantisani Emma , Colombini Maria Perla , Tognon Cecilia Gaia Rachele
Published: January 2016

A multi-analytical approach was used to study the constituent materials, manufacturing technique, and state of conservation of a contemporary sculpture. This sculpture, entitled Nuredduna, was created by Aligi Sassu in 1995 and is located in the “Bellariva garden” in Florence (Italy). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), optical and electronic microscopy (OM and SEM-EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF) highlighted the multi-layered structure of the statue: fiberglass and an overlay of different layers (gel coat) applied with an unsaturated polyester resin added with aggregate materials and bromine compounds. A top-coat in acrylic black varnish, used as a finish, was also found. The combination of these materials with their different compositions, environmental impact, and even vandalism have negatively affected the state of conservation of Nuredduna, causing the loss of strata in its lower parts (legs and feet).
Effect of Sample Preparation on the Discrimination of Bacterial Isolates Cultured in Liquid Nutrient Media Using Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS)
Authors: Gamble Gary R. , Park Bosoon , Yoon Seung-Chul , Lawrence Kurt C.
Published: January 2016

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is used as the basis for discrimination between two genera of gram-negative bacteria and two genera of gram-positive bacteria representing pathogenic threats commonly found in poultry processing rinse waters. Because LIBS-based discrimination relies primarily upon the relative proportions of inorganic cell components including Na, K, Mg, and Ca, this study aims to determine the effects of trace mineral content and pH found in the water source used to isolate the bacteria upon the reliability of the resulting discriminant analysis. All four genera were cultured using tryptic soy agar (TSA) as the nutrient medium, and were grown under identical environmental conditions. The only variable introduced is the source water used to isolate the cultured bacteria. Cultures of each bacterium were produced using deionized (DI) water under two atmosphere conditions, reverse osmosis (RO) water, tap water, phosphate buffered saline (PBS) water, and TRIS buffered water. After 3 days of culture growth, the bacteria were centrifuged and washed three times in the same water source. Bacteria were then freeze dried, mixed with microcrystalline cellulose, and a pellet was made for LIBS analysis. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to extract related variations in LIBS spectral data among the four bacteria genera and six water types used to isolate the bacteria, and Mahalanobis discriminant analysis (MDA) was used for classification. Results indicate not only that the four genera can be discriminated from each other in each water type, but that each genus can be discriminated by water type used for isolation. It is concluded that in order for LIBS to be a reliable and repeatable method for discrimination of bacteria grown in liquid nutrient media, care must be taken to insure that the water source used in purification of the culture be precisely controlled regarding pH, ionic strength, and proportionate amounts of mineral cations present.
Transphobic ‘Honour’-Based Abuse: A Conceptual Tool
Authors: Rogers Michaela
Published: January 2016

This article proposes that an understanding of transphobic ‘honour’-based abuse can be employed as a conceptual tool to explore trans people’s experiences of familial abuse. This conception has evolved by connecting a sociology of shame, Goffman’s work on stigma and ‘honour’-based ideology. The discussion draws upon findings of a qualitative study which explored trans people’s experiences of domestic violence and abuse. Narrative interviews were undertaken with 15 trans people who had either experienced abuse or whose perceptions were informed experientially through their support of others. Transcripts were analysed using the Listening Guide. Findings indicate that trans people can experience abuse as a result of a family’s perceptions of shame and stigma. This article offers a novel way of conceptualising trans people’s experiences of family-based abuse, but it also holds potential for understanding other relational contexts, for example, those of intimate partnerships.
Do the Critical Success Factors From Learning Analytics Predict Student Outcomes?
Authors: Strang Kenneth David
Published: January 2016

This article starts with a detailed literature review of recent studies that focused on using learning analytics software or learning management system data to determine the nature of any relationships between online student activity and their academic outcomes within university-level business courses. The article then describes how data was collected from an online course in Moodle learning management system and the student test scores are compared with the engagement learning analytics indicators to measure the strength and predictive nature the hypothesized relationships. The results were less than definitive and in some ways even puzzling. Despite the paucity of positive results, the findings indicated there was very little correlation between student online practices and their academic outcomes in a qualitative business course. On the other hand, several explanations were offered to account for these results, including small sample size, the specialized nature of the course, and the likelihood that students were downloading the material instead of interacting online. The article closes by suggesting directions for future learning analytics research in higher education.
Did the Israelites Leave Egypt with Unleavened Bread? The Historical Significance of the Israelites' Food
Authors: Collins Nina L.
Published: January 2016

The contradictory details in the Pentateuch concerning the food of Israelites leaving Egypt can be explained by a late redaction of Exodus 12:39. This has significant implications for the timing of the pre-Pentateuchal Passover ritual, the pre-Pentateuchal Festival of Unleavened Bread, and their temporal relationship to the Exodus, especially when considered with the evidence preserved at Numbers 33:3. It is most unlikely that the Israelites left with unleavened bread and unlikely that the Exodus took place on the night of the Passover meal. It is also unlikely that the Passover was originally connected with the seven-day Festival of Unleavened Bread, but was a completely separate religious event.
Crucifiction? The Reimagination of Crucifixion as Failed Imperial Ritual in Philippians 2:5–11
Authors: Smit Peter-Ben
Published: January 2016

In this paper the famous “hymn” in Philippians 2:5–11 is considered from the perspective of the study of ritual failure. It is argued that the crucifixion of Jesus, as it is mentioned in this text, can well be considered as a ritual that, on the one hand, fails, given that it leads to Jesus' exaltation rather than to his permanent death, while it is at the same time reinterpreted as a consequence of Jesus' obedience rather than of his disobedience, as one would expect. Using the body of theory as it has been developed concerning ritual and its failure, it is shown how this reinterpretation of a ritual is more than “just” about ritual, but serves to carve out a space for early Christianity and its self-understanding in the web of power relationships that made up Greco-Roman society.
Board Interlocks and Initial Public Offering Performance in the United States and the United Kingdom: An Institutional Perspective
Authors: Filatotchev Igor , Chahine Salim , Bruton Garry D.
Published: January 2016

Building on the institutional perspective on capital markets, we examine the process of legitimation that underpins investor valuation of initial public offerings in the context of institutional polycentricism. We focus on the impact of board interlocks of the CEO and internal and external board members on investor perceptions of initial public offering firms in the United States and United Kingdom. We find that the extent of board members’ interlocks relates positively to the extent of the CEO’s interlocks, but this relationship is stronger in the United Kingdom than in the United States. More extensive interlocks lead to higher valuations in the United Kingdom than in the United States. This is the result of differences in institutional confluences that underpin corporate governance in the two culturally related countries.
Are vertical linkages promoting the creation of a mining cluster in Chile? An analysis of the SMEs' practices along the supply chain
Authors: Atienza Miguel , Aroca Patricio , Stimson Robert , Stough Roger
Published: January 2016

In regions whose industrial structure is organized around one or more large firm corporations, the best practices of small and medium enterprises depend on where firms are located in the supply chain. This paper studies 351 small and medium enterprises in the Antofagasta Region in Chile between 2007 and 2008, where multinational and public mining companies are the drivers of the local economy and the government is promoting the formation of a mining cluster. Structural equation model is used to show that first-tier small and medium enterprise mining suppliers, directly related to large corporations, follow business practices that promote international certification, quality control, and investment in innovation, while in contrast second-tier small and medium enterprises are more focused on avoiding insolvency and client orientation. These results cast doubt on the formation of a mining cluster in the region and suggest the need for differentiated policies in these two groups of small and medium enterprises, especially those related to knowledge transfer.
Different interventions for post-ischaemic stroke depression in different time periods: a single-blind randomized controlled trial with stratification by time after stroke
Authors: Gao Jie , Lin Meiqing , Zhao Jiuhan , Bi Siwei , Ni Ziyan , Shang Xiuli
Published: January 2016

Objective:

To determine the appropriate treatments for post-ischaemic stroke depression at different times after stroke.

Design:

A single-blind, randomized, controlled trial that compared three intervention groups, with subgroups stratified by time after stroke.

Setting:

Outpatient clinic.

Subjects:

Eligible patients were recruited at discharge ( n = 73) and three ( n = 67), six ( n = 65), and nine months ( n = 69) after discharge, and patients completed mood questionnaires.

Interventions:

Patients were randomly distributed into three groups: Group A received placebos and participated in general discussions; Group B, received citalopram and participated in general discussions; and Group C, received placebos and underwent cognitive behavioural therapy. All three groups participated in rehabilitation during three months of follow-up.

Main measures:

Outcome was assessed three months after baseline using the 17-item Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD17) and the Bech–Rafaelsen Melancholia Scale (MES). During treatment, the Udvalg for Kliniske Undersogelser side-effect scale was also administered.

Results:

When stratification was not considered, the scores of Group B on the Melancholia Scale were lower than those of Group A ( P = 0.02); when the four time-based subgroups were analysed, significant differences were observed between Groups A and B (PMES = 0.02, PHAMD17 = 0.02) in the group recruited six months after discharge and between Groups A and C (PMES = 0.01) in the last time period nine months after discharge.

Conclusions:

The effects of citalopram or cognitive behavioural therapy is similar to the effect of rehabilitation alone for early-onset post-ischaemic depression; rehabilitation and citalopram for delayed-onset post-ischaemic depression; and rehabilitation and cognitive behavioural therapy for late-onset post-ischaemic depression are more effective than rehabilitation alone.
Comparison of Tactile Temporal Numerosity Judgments Between Unimanual and Bimanual Presentations
Authors: Iida Naoki , Kuroki Scinob , Watanabe Junji
Published: January 2016

In recent years a growing interest has emerged in numerosity perception in touch. Most of the studies on tactile numerosity perception have investigated its spatial aspect by testing the ability to count the number of items presented simultaneously. On the other hand, only a small number of studies have examined its temporal aspect, and the underlying mechanisms of tactile temporal numerosity judgments (TTNJs) remain elusive. In this study, we presented a rapid sequence of vibrations, each of which was presented to one of two bodily locations, and then compared the performance of the TTNJ between two stimulus-location conditions. In one condition, each of the vibration trains was presented to one of two fingers of the left hand (unimanual condition). In the other condition, each of the vibration trains was presented to the index finger of either the right or left hand (bimanual condition). With these conditions, we aimed to examine how the differences in stimulus locations and in types of tasks affect TTNJ performance. Our results showed that when the participants were asked to count the total number of vibrations presented at two locations, the performance (proportion of correct answers) was not so much different between the two conditions. In contrast, when the participants had to report the two numbers of vibrations presented at each location or to focus on the number of vibrations at a single location, the TTNJ performance in the bimanual condition was drastically better than in the unimanual condition. These results suggest that the underlying mechanism for tactile temporal numerosity perception can segregate the interhemispheric information (bimanual condition) more precisely than the within-hemispheric information (unimanual condition), when spatiotemporal tasks are performed.
Using Key Distance to Clarify a Theory on the SNARC
Authors: Schiller Florian , Eloka Owino , Franz Volker H.
Published: January 2016

The most prominent explanation for the spatial numerical association of response codes (SNARC) effect is the direct mapping account (DMA). The DMA assumes that (a) numbers are represented on a mental number line, (b) this mental number line is mapped to external space, and (c) the better the mapping location corresponds to the response location, the faster the response. The DMA leaves open whether a variation of response locations can (ceteris paribus) influence the location to which numbers are mapped in external space. In order to investigate this question, we varied response key distance during a standard parity judgment and a magnitude judgment task. We found that even drastic manipulations of response key distance did not modulate the SNARC effect. Power and meta-analyses show that this null effect is not due to insufficient statistical power or a poor experimental setup. Thus, our results indicate that, in order for the DMA to explain the SNARC effect, it must assume that the mapping from the mental number line to external space is anchored to response location. For future research, our results suggest that it is not necessary to control the horizontal separation of the response keys in basic SNARC experiments.
Contribution to the study of the aggression of lightning phenomenon on the wind turbine structures
Authors: Djalel Dib , Mourad Mordjaoui , Sihem Ghoudelbourk
Published: January 2016

Because of the complexity of the lightning phenomenon in the physical and electrical aspects, the aggression of lightning strokes on the wind turbines has become, for many years, one of the main causes for insurance agencies of these new electric generation systems. Wind turbines have important dimensions of structures, where they can easily attract lightning and his anger, the effect of heights also captures the farthest lightning. The rotation of the blades may also trigger lightning and result in considerable increase in the number of strikes to a wind turbine unit. Since wind turbines are tall structures, the lightning currents that are injected by return strokes into the turbines will be affected by reflections at the top, at the bottom, and at the junction of the blades with the static base of the turbine. Despite the protection in place in wind turbines, statistics show that they are inefficient, because they are placed in locations where repair is difficult and expensive. In this article, we study lightning strikes and their effects on wind turbines and propose other useful elements in the design of efficient wind turbines and optimal ways to protect them against direct and indirect lightning strikes.
Biomechanical Effects of a Horizontal Medial Meniscal Tear and Subsequent Leaflet Resection
Authors: Brown Matthew J. , Farrell James P. , Kluczynski Melissa A. , Marzo John M.
Published: January 2016

Background:

Horizontal, degenerative tears of the medial meniscus and subsequent meniscectomy can compromise the biomechanical function of the meniscus in load transmission and weightbearing, leading to the development of radiographic and symptomatic tibiofemoral arthritis.

Hypothesis:

Resection of both leaflets of a horizontal medial meniscal tear will increase peak contact pressures and decrease contact areas in comparison with resection of only the inferior leaflet.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Twelve fresh-frozen human cadaveric knees had tibiofemoral peak contact pressures and contact areas under an 1800-N axial load measured by Tekscan in the control state. A horizontal tear was created in the posterior horn of the medial meniscus, and the knees were retested. The knees were tested a third time after resection of the inferior leaflet (single leaflet) and a final time after resection of the superior leaflet (both leaflets). The Friedman test was used to test for group differences in peak pressure (psi) and contact area (mm2) between test conditions (native, tear, inferior leaflet resection, and resection of both leaflets).

Results:

For the medial compartment, there was a statistically significant difference in peak pressure ( P = .03) but not in contact area ( P = .70) between testing conditions. Median peak pressure in the medial compartment was significantly greater for resection of both leaflets compared with the tear (406.5 vs 294.7 psi, respectively; P = .002). Median contact area in the medial compartment was greatest for resection of both leaflets (602.7 mm2), but there were no statistically significant differences between test conditions ( P = .70). For the lateral compartment, there were no statistically significant differences in peak pressure ( P = .99) or contact area ( P = .77) between test conditions.

Conclusion:

Resection of a single inferior leaflet after a horizontal medial meniscal tear preserves much of the original biomechanical function of the meniscus. Resection of both leaflets leads to a significant increase in contact pressure dispersed over the same contact area, which results in an undesirable biomechanical environment.

Clinical Relevance:

Arthroscopic inferior leaflet resection is a viable option for providing symptomatic relief of horizontal medial meniscal tears and preserves the ability of the meniscus to absorb axial loading on the knee joint, theoretically decreasing the risk of subsequent osteoarthritis.
Rescheduling strategy of ready-mixed concrete vehicles: A case study of dynamic requirements of customers
Authors: Zhang Guochen , Zeng Jianchao , Zhang Jianhua
Published: January 2016

Given dynamic variations in the scheduling environment for ready-mixed concrete vehicles, an advance schedule should be able to accommodate such changes. The authors studied the rescheduling characteristics of ready-mixed concrete vehicle fleet operations and measured the dynamics of randomly arriving customers’ requirements. Based on the study’s findings, a corresponding rescheduling strategy and a hybrid heuristic algorithm are proposed to optimize the rescheduling system for such vehicles. The simulation results validated the model and proved the effectiveness of the rescheduling strategy and the hybrid heuristic algorithm regarding the optimization of the rescheduling of ready-mixed concrete vehicles.
Corporate Social Responsibility in India—An Effort to Bridge the Welfare Gap
Authors: Sarkar Jayati , Sarkar Subrata
Published: January 2016

Drawing on existing theoretical and empirical literature on the rationale behind corporate social responsibility (CSR), this article analyses the potential implications of mandated CSR under the recently enacted Companies Act, 2013 in India on firm incentives, likely responses of corporates that come under the ambit of the law, implications for resource availability and delivery of social goods and the prospects and challenges of implementing mandated CSR. Insights into these issues are drawn by empirically examining the voluntary CSR behaviour of a sample of 500 large companies listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange for the period 2003–2011 that predates the new regulation. The article argues that notwithstanding the potential economic costs that may accompany mandated CSR, the provisions of the new Act are designed thoughtfully to balance the objectives of the corporation and its shareholders, on the one hand, and that of the society and its stakeholders, on the other. However, addressing the challenges of implementation successfully would determine how far the objectives of the new regulations are met.
Genetic loci for Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen-1 are associated with risk of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Zhou Yuan , Zhu Gu , Charlesworth Jac C , Simpson Steve , Rubicz Rohina , Göring Harald HH , Patsopoulos Nikolaos A , Laverty Caroline , Wu Feitong , Henders Anjali , Ellis Jonathan J , van der Mei Ingrid , Montgomery Grant W , Blangero John , Curran Joanne E , Johnson Matthew P , Martin Nicholas G , Nyholt Dale R , Taylor Bruce V ,   ANZgene consortium
Published: January 2016

Background:

Infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is associated with an increased risk of multiple sclerosis (MS).

Objective:

We sought genetic loci influencing EBV nuclear antigen-1 (EBNA-1) IgG titers and hypothesized that they may play a role in MS risk.

Methods:

We performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of anti-EBNA-1 IgG titers in 3599 individuals from an unselected twin family cohort, followed by a meta-analysis with data from an independent EBNA-1 GWAS. We then examined the shared polygenic risk between the EBNA-1 GWAS (effective sample size ( Neff) = 5555) and a large MS GWAS ( Neff = 15,231).

Results:

We identified one locus of strong association within the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) region, of which the most significantly associated genotyped single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was rs2516049 ( p = 4.11 × 10−9). A meta-analysis including data from another EBNA-1 GWAS in a cohort of Mexican-American families confirmed that rs2516049 remained the most significantly associated SNP ( p = 3.32 × 10−20). By examining the shared polygenic risk, we show that the genetic risk for elevated anti-EBNA-1 titers is positively correlated with the development of MS, and that elevated EBNA-1 titers are not an epiphenomena secondary to MS. In the joint meta-analysis of EBNA-1 titers and MS, loci at 1p22.1, 3p24.1, 3q13.33, and 10p15.1 reached genome-wide significance ( p < 5 × 10−8).

Conclusions:

Our results suggest that apart from the confirmed HLA region, the association of anti-EBNA-1 IgG titer with MS risk is also mediated through non-HLA genes, and that studies aimed at identifying genetic loci influencing EBNA immune response provides a novel opportunity to identify new and characterize existing genetic risk factors for MS.
Experimental study and analysis on the collapse behavior of an interior column in a steel structure under local fire
Authors: Chen Shicai , Zhang Yang , Yan Weiming , Kim Kang-Suk
Published: January 2016

This article describes the experimental and analytical results of tests on two medium-scale steel frames to investigate the collapse behavior of a heated interior column in steel-framed structures and the fire-induced collapse mechanism of the structures. Because the heated column in the structure was under realistic inelastic end constraints (inelastic effects from the surrounding cool structures) as opposed to an idealized column in a furnace, the tests were designed to investigate the effect of inelastic end constraints and different load ratios. The interior column subjected to fire in the first story was connected with a force-measuring bearing, which was developed to measure the axial force in the heated column. This article presents the observations and analysis results of structural fire behavior, including the temperature distribution of the column, the development of deflection and axial forces, and the column failure modes. The results show that the effect of realistic inelastic end constraint is not significant for the column behavior during the pre-buckling stage, compared with the elastic constraint, but it is significant during the post-buckling stage. An analytical model was adopted to analyze the behavior of the column with inelastic end constraint under fire. Comparison of the theoretical and experimental results shows that the simplified analytical model can be used to predict the collapse behavior of the interior column in steel-framed structures under fire.
Numerical modelling of timber/timber–concrete composite frames with ductile jointed connection
Authors: Valipour Hamid , Khorsandnia Nima , Crews Keith , Palermo Alessandro
Published: January 2016

Due to the scarcity of experimental data, this article focuses on the application of detailed finite element models for evaluating structural behaviour of timber–concrete composite frames with post-tensioned beam-to-column joints. In the developed finite element models, nonlinear behaviour and failure mode of timber and concrete under biaxial stress state are captured by hypo-elastic constitutive laws based on the equivalent uniaxial strain concept. In addition to material nonlinearities, the effect of geometrical nonlinearities and nonlinearity of contacts at the concrete slab-to-beam, beam-to-column and slab-to-column interfaces are considered in the finite element models. The accuracy of developed finite element models is verified against available experimental data on post-tensioned timber frames, and the validated analytical tool is used to undertake a parametric study. It is shown that elastic modulus of timber and the details of concrete slab-to-column connection can significantly affect the drift response and failure mode, whereas the compressive strength of timber and stiffness of timber–concrete composite connection have only a minor influence on the drift and failure mode of the timber/timber–concrete composite frames with ductile jointed connections.
Tutoring the tutors: Supporting effective personal tutoring
Authors: McFarlane Kathryn J
Published: January 2016

The research into personal tutoring in higher education from a tutor’s perspective suggests that tutors lack training in tutoring and may lack clarity as to the purpose and boundaries of the role. This article explores personal tutors’ perceptions of their confidence and competence in relation to personal tutoring and identifies strategies that might be adopted to enhance support for them. Existing literature suggests that while personal tutoring contributes significantly to student engagement with learning, its quality is dependent on individual tutors, some of whom may lack confidence in supporting students from diverse backgrounds. To examine this further, research interviews were conducted with tutors who had a variety of higher education and other professional experience. While there was some alignment between the findings and the literature, the research also revealed contrasting approaches within personal tutoring interactions, the positive and negative impact of previous professional experience on perceived competence and confidence as a personal tutor, and the continuous development needs of more experienced tutors. It is argued that there may be a connection between the latter and support provided to those in other helping professions, where supervision is prevalent.
Computational fluid dynamics analysis on the added resistance of submarine due to Deck wetness at surface condition
Authors: Moonesun Mohammad , Javadi Mehran , Mousavizadegan Seyyed Hossein , Dalayeli Hosein , Korol Yuri Mikhailovich , Gharachahi Ataollah
Published: January 2016

This article describes the evaluation of the wave profile of submarine at surface condition and deck flooding which occurred by the wave making pattern at the bow. Movement of ships and submarines on the free surface of calm water creates the surface wave. Because of the difference in the bow shape and freeboard height, the wave making system in ships and submarines is different. Rounded or elliptical bow shape of submarines generates a high bow wave which causes deck and bow wetness. This is because of the fact that in submarines, this situation arises a small freeboard. In submarines, Deck wetness (because of deck flooding) is a very important subject that has some remarkable consequences, such as increase in resistance and added weigh. The focus of this article is on the added frictional resistance in the deck wetness condition. The bow wave profile, deck wetness and added resistance are studied in several Froude numbers by computational fluid dynamics method. This analysis is performed for a bare hull model at two different drafts by Flow Vision (V.2.3) software based on computational fluid dynamics method and solving the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations.
Registered Replication Report
Authors: Eerland A. , Sherrill A. M. , Magliano J. P. , Zwaan R. A. , Arnal J. D. , Aucoin P. , Berger S. A. , Birt A. R. , Capezza N. , Carlucci M. , Crocker C. , Ferretti T. R. , Kibbe M. R. , Knepp M. M. , Kurby C. A. , Melcher J. M. , Michael S. W. , Poirier C. , Prenoveau J. M.
Published: January 2016

Language can be viewed as a complex set of cues that shape people’s mental representations of situations. For example, people think of behavior described using imperfective aspect (i.e., what a person was doing) as a dynamic, unfolding sequence of actions, whereas the same behavior described using perfective aspect (i.e., what a person did) is perceived as a completed whole. A recent study found that aspect can also influence how we think about a person’s intentions (Hart & Albarracín, 2011). Participants judged actions described in imperfective as being more intentional ( d between 0.67 and 0.77) and they imagined these actions in more detail ( d = 0.73). The fact that this finding has implications for legal decision making, coupled with the absence of other direct replication attempts, motivated this registered replication report (RRR). Multiple laboratories carried out 12 direct replication studies, including one MTurk study. A meta-analysis of these studies provides a precise estimate of the size of this effect free from publication bias. This RRR did not find that grammatical aspect affects intentionality ( d between 0 and −0.24) or imagery ( d = −0.08). We discuss possible explanations for the discrepancy between these results and those of the original study.
A Case for Thinking Without Consciousness
Authors: Dijksterhuis Ap , Strick Madelijn
Published: January 2016

People can engage in prolonged thought processes, such as when they are facing an important decision or when they are working on a scientific discovery. Such thought processes can take months or even years. We argue that while people engage in such thinking, they make progress not only when they consciously think but also sometimes when they are consciously thinking about something else—that is, while they think unconsciously. We review the literature on unconscious thought (UT) processes and conclude that there is indeed quite some evidence for UT. Conceptualized as a form of unconscious goal pursuit, UT is likely to be especially fruitful for thought processes that are complex, important, or interesting to the thinker. In addition, we discuss other characteristics of the UT process. We end with proposing Type 3 processes, in addition to Type 1 and Type 2 (or Systems 1 and 2) processes, to accommodate prolonged thought processes in models on thought.
Do on-demand irrigation warmers provide an adequate intraoperative rate of irrigation for holmium enucleation of the prostate?
Authors: Chapman Richard Alexander , Halliday Paul
Published: January 2016

Introduction:

On-demand irrigation warmers are widely used to provide a convenient way of irrigating warmed fluids for endoscopic procedure. However, concern has been raised that flow rates via these devices are inadequate for safe operating. Holmium enucleation of prostate (HoLEP) requires significant volume and flow rate of irrigation. Poiseuille’s Law states the resistance of a tube will result in reduced flow and a reduction in pressure across the tube. The aim was to compare the irrigation rates provided by one such warming device compared to a standard giving set whilst simulating HoLEP and to monitor intravesical pressure.

Methods:

A simulated apparatus was set up to replicate HoLEP surgery. Simulated design rather than ‘real-life’ apparatus was used to allow for repeated testing in a more controlled environment and to avoid other variables due to operative differences. Comparison of irrigation rate and pressure difference was measured whilst using a standard irrigation set (Fresenius Kabi) with pre-warmed fluid and the Ranger irrigation warming system (3M). Pressure was measured using a pressure line passed via the working channel of the laser resectoscope.

Results:

The standard giving set demonstrated lower resistance and higher irrigation rates. The irrigation rate was 31% higher (7.2 vs 5.5 ml/s). A lower change in pressure across the standard giving set was found (20 vs 38 cm H2O). The resistance therefore is much higher in the Ranger irrigation system, which gave a much slower flow and greater drop in pressure.

Conclusion:

This unique demonstration has led to a quantitative assessment of commonly used giving sets and has shown irrigation rates via a standard giving set are 31% greater than through the Ranger irrigation warming system. On-demand fluid warmers are felt to result in poor intraoperative vision and pose a potential risk to patient safety during HoLEP and other urological procedures requiring high fluid volumes.
Incidence of AQP4-IgG seropositive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders in the Netherlands: About one in a million
Authors: Daniëlle van Pelt E , Wong Yu Yi M , Ketelslegers Immy A , Siepman Dorine AM , Hamann Dörte , Hintzen Rogier Q
Published: January 2016

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is a rare autoimmune disease affecting the optic nerves and spinal cord. In the majority of NMO patients anti-aquaporin-4 antibodies (AQP4-IgG) are detected. Here we assessed a nationwide incidence of AQP4-IgG-seropositive NMO spectrum disorders (NMOSD) in the Netherlands based on results of one central laboratory. Data were collected since the introduction of the highly sensitive cell-based assay for six consecutive years. Samples from 2795 individual patients have been received; of them 94 (3.4%) were seropositive. Based on the Dutch population with 16.6 million inhabitants, the mean incidence of AQP4-IgG-seropositive NMOSD was calculated at 0.09 per 100,000 people.
Implications of Institutional Vacuum in Wetland Conservation for Water Management
Authors: Bassi Nitin
Published: January 2016

Wetlands are distinct ecological systems which provide numerous ecosystem services to human society and the environment. However, many of these important ecologically sensitive systems are threatened or are already lost, mainly due to anthropogenic pressures and land-use changes in their catchments. This article looks at the status of wetlands in India, discusses the existing legal and policy framework for wetland conservation, identifies the institutional vacuum leading to the loss of these freshwater ecosystems and assesses their implications for water management. The analysis indicates that it is difficult to estimate any sequential change in the overall wetland area by using estimates available from various wetland inventories since they all have used different methodologies and have considered different types of wetlands in their assessments. Further, deficient policy framework, poor implementation of existing policies and lack of interdisciplinary approach are the major institutional inadequacies in the approach to wetland conservation in India. As a result, various water management functions performed by wetlands, such as freshwater supplies, flood control, groundwater recharge and wastewater treatment, are under immense threat. Regulation of land-use changes in the catchment areas, pollution prevention and periodic assessment of water quality are suggested as major strategies to maintain the hydrological and ecological integrity of wetlands.