bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The emerging role of large eddy simulation in industrial practice: challenges and opportunities
Authors: Hutton A.G.
Published: June 2009

That class of methods for treating turbulence gathered under the banner of large eddy simulation is poised to enter mainstream engineering practice. There is a growing body of evidence that such methods offer a significant stretch in industrial capability over solely Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS)-based modelling. A key enabling development will be the adaptation of innovative processor architectures, resulting from the huge investment in the gaming industry, to engineering analysis. This promises to reduce the computational burden to practicable levels. However, there are many lessons to be learned from the history of the past three decades. These lessons should be analysed in order to inform, if not modulate, the unfolding of this next cycle in the development of industrial modelling capability. This provides the theme for this paper, which is written very much from the standpoint of the informed practitioner rather than the innovator; someone with a strong motivation to improve significantly the competence with which industrial turbulent flows are treated. It is asserted that the reliable deployment of the methodology in the industrial context will prove to be a knowledge-based discipline, as was the case with RANS-based modelling, if not more so. The community at large should collectively make great efforts to put in place that knowledge base from which best practice advice can be derived at the very start of this cycle of advancement and continue to enrich it as the cycle progresses.
Evolution of HIV‐1 in a patient population failing multiple‐drug therapy
Authors: Hong Shaolin , Cao Jingjiang , Tu Ya‐ting
Published: June 2009

To understand the evolutionary pathway of the multi‐drug‐resistant virus HIV‐1 under drug‐induced selection pressure, plasma from seven patients from baseline to different intervals post‐treatment failure were used in RT‐PCR protocols. Multiple clones were sequenced for each time point. Drug‐resistant mutations were detected in five patients. Phylogenetic analysis showed that at different time points, viral sequences clustered separately and formed independent lineages. Genetic diversity decreased from 1.59 to 0.55, whereas non‐synonymous/synonymous mutation ratios increased from 0.067 to 0.118, respectively. These data suggest that the virus population changed dynamically and clustered in a time point‐specific manner whereas genetic diversity decreased consistently.
Effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR‐1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC‐14 on the ability of Candida albicans to infect cells and induce inflammation
Authors: Martinez Rafael C.R. , Seney Shannon L. , Summers Kelly L. , Nomizo Auro , De Martinis Elaine C.P. , Reid Gregor
Published: June 2009

Vulvovaginal candidiasis, a high prevailing infection worldwide, is mainly caused by Candida albicans. Probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri RC‐14 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR‐1 have been previously shown to be useful as adjuvants in the treatment of women with VVC. In order to demonstrate and better understand the anti‐Candida activity of the probiotic microorganisms in an in vitro model simulating vaginal candidiasis, a human vaginal epithelial cell line (VK2/E6E7) was infected with C.albicans 3153a and then challenged with probiotic L. rhamnosus GR‐1 and/or L. reuteri RC‐14 or their respective CFS (alone or in combination). At each time point (0, 6, 12 and 24 hr), numbers of yeast, lactobacilli and viable VK2/E6E7 cells were determined and, at 0, 6 and 12 hr, the supernatants were measured for cytokine levels. We found that C. albicans induced a significant increase in IL‐1α and IL‐8 production by VK2/E6E7 cells. After lactobacilli challenge, epithelial cells did not alter IL‐6, IL‐1α, RANTES and VEGF levels. However, CFS from the probiotic microorganisms up‐regulated IL‐8 and IP‐10 levels secreted by VK2/E6E7 cells infected with C. albicans. At 24 hr of co‐incubation, L. reuteri RC‐14 alone and in combination with L. rhamnosus GR‐1 decreased the yeast population recoverable from the cells. In conclusion, L. reuteri RC‐14 alone and together with L. rhamnosus GR‐1 have the potential to inhibit the yeast growth and their CFS may up‐regulate IL‐8 and IP‐10 secretion by VK2/E6E7 cells, which could possibly have played an important role in helping to clear VVC in vivo.
Inhibitory effect of serotonin antagonists on JC virus propagation in a carrier culture of human neuroblastoma cells
Authors: Nukuzuma Souichi , Nakamichi Kazuo , Nukuzuma Chiyoko , Takegami Tsutomu
Published: June 2009

Human polyomavirus, JCV, causes fatal demyelinating disease, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). It has been shown that 5HT2AR acts as a cellular receptor for JCV on human glial cells. In the current study, we examined the inhibitory effects of 5HT2AR antagonists, ketanserin and ritanserin, both on JCV infection and on propagation by using human neuroblastoma cells IMR‐32 and JCI, which continuously produce JCV. Transcriptional analysis revealed that 5HT2AR was constitutively expressed in JCI cells. Treatments with 5HT2AR antagonists led to a significant reduction in the titers of progeny viruses and the population of infected JCI cells. In addition, the amount of JCV genomic DNA was decreased in JCI cells in the presence of 5HT2AR antagonists. These results indicate that 5HT2AR antagonists have an inhibitory effect on JCV infection and reproduction, and JCI cells are applicable to an experimental model for pharmacological evaluation of antiviral agents against JCV.
The use of Bayesian networks to guide investments in flow and catchment restoration for impaired river ecosystems
Authors: STEWART‐KOSTER B. , BUNN S. E. , MACKAY S. J. , POFF N. L. , NAIMAN R. J. , LAKE P. S.
Published: June 2009

1. The provision of environmental flows and the removal of barriers to water flow are high priorities for restoration where changes to flow regimes have caused degradation of riverine ecosystems. Nevertheless, flow regulation is often accompanied by changes in catchment and riparian land‐use, which also can have major impacts on river health via local habitat degradation or modification of stream energy regimes.

2. The challenges are determining the relative importance of flow, land‐use and other impacts as well as deciding where to focus restoration effort. As a consequence, flow, catchment and riparian restoration efforts are often addressed in isolation. River managers need decision support tools to assess which flow and catchment interventions are most likely to succeed and, importantly, which are cost‐effective.

3. Bayesian networks (BNs) can be used as a decision support tool for considering the influence of multiple stressors on aquatic ecosystems and the relative benefits of various restoration options. We provide simple illustrative examples of how BNs can address specific river restoration goals and assist with the prioritisation of flow and catchment restoration options. This includes the use of cost and utility functions to assist decision makers in their choice of potential management interventions.

4. A BN approach facilitates the development of conceptual models of likely cause and effect relationships between flow regime, land‐use and river conditions and provides an interactive tool to explore the relative benefits of various restoration options. When combined with information on the costs and expected benefits of intervention, one can derive recommendations about the best restoration option to adopt given the network structure and the associated cost and utility functions.
Seasonal and inter‐stream variations in the population dynamics, growth and secondary production of an algivorous fish (Pseudogastromyzon myersi: Balitoridae) in monsoonal Hong Kong
Authors: YANG GRACE Y. , DUDGEON DAVID
Published: June 2009

1. Balitorid loaches are widespread and highly diverse in Asian streams, yet their life history and ecology have received little attention. We investigated seasonal (wet versus dry season) and spatial variation in populations of algivorous Pseudogastromyzon myersi in Hong Kong, and estimated the magnitude of secondary production by this fish in pools in four streams (two shaded and two unshaded) over a 15‐month period.

2. Mean population densities of P. myersi ranged from 6.0 to 23.2 individuals m−2, constituting more than half (and typically >70%) of benthic fishes censused. Abundance was c. 25% greater in the wet season, when recruitment occurred. Significant density differences among streams were not related to shading conditions and were evident despite small‐scale variations in P. myersi abundance among pools. Mean biomass varied among streams from 0.85 to 3.87 g ash‐free dry weight (AFDW) m−2. Spatial and seasonal patterns in biomass and density were similar, apart from some minor disparities attributable to differences in mean body size among populations.

3. All four P. myersi populations bred once a year in June and July, and life spans varied from 24 to 26 months. Populations consisted of three cohorts immediately after recruitment but, for most of the study period, only two cohorts were evident. Cohort‐specific growth rates did not differ significantly among streams but, in all streams, younger cohorts had higher cohort‐specific growth rates.

4. Secondary production of P. myersi estimated by the size‐frequency (SF) method was 2.7–11.5 g AFDW m−2 year−1 and almost twice that calculated by the increment‐summation (IS) method (1.2–6.6 g AFDW m−2 year−1). Annual P/B ratios were 1.17–2.16 year−1 (IS) and 2.73–3.22 year−1 (SF). Highest production was recorded in an unshaded stream and the lowest in a shaded stream, but site rankings by production did not otherwise match shading conditions. Wet‐season production was six times greater than dry‐season production, and daily production fell to almost zero during January and February. Cool temperatures (<17 °C) may have limited fish activity and influenced detectability during some dry‐season censuses. Estimates of abundance and annual production by P. myersi are therefore conservative.

5. Comparisons with the literature indicate that the abundance and production of P. myersi in Hong Kong was high relative to other benthic fishes in tropical Asia, or their temperate counterparts in small streams. Manipulative experiments are needed to determine the influence of P. myersi, and algivorous balitorids in general, on periphyton dynamics and energy flow in Asian streams.
Following the common association between testosterone deficiency and diabetes mellitus, can testosterone be regarded as a new therapy for diabetes?
Authors: Corona G. , Mannucci E. , Forti G. , Maggi M.
Published: June 2009

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is increasing at epidemic proportions worldwide, representing a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Nowadays, hypogonadism and erectile dysfunction (ED) are considered frequent, although often under‐diagnosed, complications of T2DM. Recent evidence suggests that in a diabetic population ED itself is an efficient predictor of silent coronary heart diseases. Patients with T2DM have an impaired sexual life, which is worsened by hypogonadism. Low T in T2DM is in fact associated with more severe ED, hypoactive sexual desire and low intercourse frequency. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) has been proven to improve sexual function in hypogonadal men. In addition, TRT improves adiposity, insulin resistance and total cholesterol. Specific studies on the effect of TRT in T2DM are scanty. This review will evaluate the contribution of low testosterone in diabetic subjects with sexual dysfunction. In addition, we have also reviewed available evidence on potential metabolic benefits of testosterone supplementation in T2DM patients.
Plasma ladderlectin concentration following sterile inflammation and Aeromonas salmonicida subsp. salmonicida infection
Authors: Young K M , Czyrny A , Russell S , Huber P , Lumsden J S
Published: June 2009

Plasma samples obtained from rainbow trout either experimentally infected with Aeromonas salmonicida or injected with either A. salmonicida lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or a commercial A. salmonicida vaccine (Lipogen) were analysed by enzyme immunoassay to evaluate changes in rainbow trout ladderlectin (RTLL) concentrations during the acute phase response (APR). Plasma RTLL concentrations in fish injected with A. salmonicida LPS, vaccine or live A. salmonicida varied over a 10 day period, but did not significantly increase. In contrast, fish experimentally infected with A. salmonicida exhibited a modest, but statistically significant (P < 0.05), decrease in RTLL concentration. These studies demonstrate that RTLL is not detectably induced during the trout APR to sterile inflammation or A. salmonicida infection, but plasma concentration of this protein may be reduced during bacterial infection.
Development of a method for the detection of infectious myonecrosis virus by reverse‐transcription loop‐mediated isothermal amplification and nucleic acid lateral flow hybrid assay
Authors: Andrade T P D , Lightner D V
Published: June 2009

We report the development of a reverse‐transcription loop‐mediated isothermal amplification and nucleic acid lateral flow method (RT‐LAMP‐NALF) for detection of infectious myonecrosis virus (IMNV). The RT‐LAMP‐NALF method combines simplified nucleic acid extraction, a reverse‐transcription loop‐mediated isothermal amplification platform, and one‐step visual colorimetric confirmation of the IMNV amplified sequences using a generic NALF qualitative detection test strip. The sensitivity of RT‐LAMP (using two and three primer pairs) and nested RT‐LAMP (using three primer pairs) was compared by real‐time reverse‐transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) using TaqMan probe. The detection of RT‐LAMP (three primer pairs) products was accomplished by using a NALF‐test strip. The RT‐LAMP‐NALF showed equivalent sensitivity to RT‐LAMP (using three primer pairs), and it was found to be 100 and 10 times more sensitive than one‐step RT‐PCR and RT‐LAMP (two primer pairs), respectively. On the other hand, the RT‐LAMP‐NALF was 10 and 100 times less sensitive than nested RT‐PCR and real‐time RT‐PCR, respectively. The simplified RNA extraction method ranged from 4.4 × 106 to 2.2 × 108 IMNV copy numbers μL−1 RNA, and it was similar with the standard RNA extraction (from 1.2 × 106 to 6.3 × 107 IMNV copy numbers μL−1 RNA). These results clearly demonstrate that the RT‐LAMP‐NALF method is specific, sensitive, can shorten the time for analysis, and has potential application for IMNV diagnosis in resource‐poor diagnostic settings.
PIRA‐PCR for detection of Fusarium graminearum genotypes with moderate resistance to carbendazim
Authors: Luo Q. Q. , Xu J. Q. , Hou Y. P. , Chen C. J. , Wang J. X. , Zhou M. G.
Published: June 2009

PIRA‐PCR (primer‐introduced restriction analysis PCR) was developed to detect isolates of Fusarium graminearum with moderate resistance to carbendazim, a methyl benzimidazole carbamate (MBC)‐group fungicide. Two primer pairs were designed and synthesized according to the nucleotide sequence of the β2‐tubulin gene from F. graminearum. Fragments of 164 bp were amplified by nested PCR from isolates differing in carbendazim sensitivity. A HindIII restriction enzyme recognition site was introduced artificially by inner primers to detect a mutation at codon 167, and TaaI (Tsp4CI) restriction enzyme was used to detect a mutation at codon 200. The sensitivity of isolates to carbendazim was determined by analyzing electrophoresis patterns of the resulting PCR products after simultaneous digestion with both HindIII and TaaI. Results from PIRA‐PCR and a conventional method (mycelial growth on agar) were identical but PIRA‐PCR required only 7–8 h while the conventional method required 5–7 days. This study demonstrates that PIRA‐PCR not only monitors the appearance of moderately resistant isolates, but can be useful for detecting genotypes of F. graminearum with moderate resistance to carbendazim.
Multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification analysis to screen for deletions and duplications of the LDLR gene in patients with familial hypercholesterolaemia
Authors: Taylor A , Martin B , Wang D , Patel K , Humphries SE , Norbury G
Published: June 2009

The most common genetic defect in patients with autosomal dominant hypercholesterolaemia is a mutation of the low‐density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) gene. An estimate of the frequency of major rearrangements has been limited by the availability of an effective analytical method and testing of large cohorts. We present data from a cohort of 611 patients referred with suspected heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) from five UK lipid clinics, who were initially screened for point mutations in LDLR and the common APOB and PCSK9 mutations. The 377 cases in whom no mutation was found were then screened for large rearrangements by multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MLPA) analysis. A rearrangement was identified in 19 patients. This represents 7.5% of the total detected mutations of the cohort. Of these, the majority of mutations (12/19) were deletions of more than one exon, two were duplications of more than one exon and five were single exon deletions that need interpreting with care. Five rearrangements (26%) are previously unreported. We conclude that MLPA analysis is a simple and rapid method for detecting large rearrangements and should be included in diagnostic genetic testing for FH.
Quality of recovery from two types of general anesthesia for ambulatory dental surgery in children: a double‐blind, randomized trial
Authors: KÖNIG MATTHIAS W. , VARUGHESE ANNA M. , BRENNEN KATHLEEN A. , BARCLAY SEAN , SHACKLEFORD T. MICHAEL , SAMUELS PAUL J. , GORMAN KRISTIN , ELLIS JILLIAN , WANG YU , NICK TODD G.
Published: June 2009

Background:  Pediatric dental procedures are increasingly performed under general anesthesia because of the inability to cooperate, situational anxiety, or other behavioral problems. Volatile anesthetics have been associated with emergence delirium in children, whereas the use of propofol for anesthetic maintenance has been shown to reduce the incidence of emergence delirium after other types of surgeries. The aim of this study is to compare a sevoflurane‐based anesthetic with a propofol‐based technique as it relates to the incidence of emergence delirium and the quality of recovery after pediatric dental surgery, in patients who present with risk factors for perioperative behavioral issues.

Methods:  We prospectively collected data of 179 pediatric patients scheduled for ambulatory dental surgery using a double‐blind and randomized trial design. Subjects were anesthetized following standardized protocols for either a sevoflurane‐ or a propofol‐based technique. The incidence of emergency delirium, as measured by the Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium score, was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), number of nursing interventions in the recovery room, time to discharge readiness, and parental satisfaction.

Results:  We found no difference in the incidence of emergence delirium after both types of anesthesia. However, use of sevoflurane significantly increased both the risk of PONV and the number of postoperative nursing interventions. Discharge criteria were met about 10 min earlier in patients anesthetized with sevoflurane. Parental satisfaction was equally high with both anesthesia regimens.

Conclusions:  A propofol‐based anesthetic technique did not lead to a lower incidence of emergence delirium after dental surgery in children but did result in significantly less PONV and fewer postoperative nursing interventions.
Aspirin therapy and primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in diabetes mellitus
Authors: Younis Naveed , Williams Steve , Soran Handrean
Published: June 2009

The benefits of aspirin therapy in reducing the subsequent risk of myocardial infarction, stroke and death is well documented in individuals with cardiovascular disease including those with diabetes mellitus (DM). The evidence for aspirin use in primary prevention of cardiovascular events in DM is debatable and meta‐analyses do not suggest a proven benefit. Despite the lack of evidence, low‐dose aspirin therapy has been recommended by many current diabetes guidelines. This article reviews the results of two recently published large randomized clinical trials that have looked at primary prevention of cardiovascular events using aspirin in patients with DM.
A quantitative analysis of body mass index and colorectal cancer: findings from 56 observational studies
Authors: Ning Y. , Wang L. , Giovannucci E. L.
Published: June 2009

To perform a systematic review of studies reporting on the association between body mass index (BMI) and the risk of colorectal cancer, we conducted a meta‐analysis and meta‐regression analysis. The identified 56 studies were conducted among 7 213 335 individuals including 93 812 cases. Compared with BMI <  23.0 kg m−2, BMI of 23.0–24.9, 25.0–27.4, 27.5–29.9 and ≥30.0 kg m−2 were associated with 14%, 19%, 24% and 41% increased risks, respectively. Asians and premenopausal women had sharply increased risk from BMI < 23 kg m−2 to general ‘normal’ range (23–25 kg m−2). Each 5 kg m−2 increment was associated with 18% increased risk. Meta‐regression analysis indicated that the association was stronger for colon than rectal cancer (P < 0.001), for men than women (P < 0.001), for self‐reported BMI than directly measured BMI (P < 0.001), and for studies adjusting for physical activity than not adjusting (P < 0.001). The variation of the reported risk estimates for the association can be partly explained by cancer site, sex, women menopausal status, BMI assessment and adjustment of confounding variables.
Comparison of Additional Costs for Several Replacement Strategies of Randomly Ageing Reinforced Concrete Pipes
Authors: Schoefs Franck , Aduriz Xavier , Bernard Olivier , Capra Bruno
Published: June 2009

Abstract:  One of the uses of reinforced concrete pipes (RCPs) is the distribution of aggressive water in industrial systems, for example, in water‐cooling systems of nuclear power plants. Some of them carry seawater and can deteriorate with time because of internal corrosion. Because of the low O2 content of aggressive water, slow corrosion is expected for such applications. If the RCPs are not periodically replaced, they will eventually fail. Replacement strategies for these pipes depend on (1) the risks associated with the failure of the water distribution network, and (2) the costs associated with replacing the pipes, including the removal of existing pipes, installation of new pipes, and associated production losses. Because of the lack of statistical data regarding RCP failure, the development of a risk‐based replacement strategy is not an easy task. This article demonstrates how predictive models for the evolution of the failure of RCPs and the associated consequences of failure can be used to develop risk‐based replacement strategies for RCPs. An application for the replacement strategies of a network modeled as a system consisting of 228 RCPs is presented as a case study. We focus on the assessment of the number of replaced components that governs the costs. The main objective of this article is to provide a theoretical approach for comparing replacement strategies, based on (1) the results of a reliability study, (2) the representation of the distributions of failed components (binomial distribution), and (3) the decision tree representation for replacement of RCPs. A focus on the scatter of the induced costs themselves is suggested to emphasize the financial risk.
Faking the Desire to Learn
Authors: Dompnier Benoît , Darnon Céline , Butera Fabrizio
Published: June 2009

Research on achievement goals has demonstrated that mastery goals positively impact achievement-related outcomes, but paradoxically hold an inconsistent relation with academic achievement. We hypothesized that this relationship depends on the reason why students endorse mastery goals—namely, to garner teachers' appreciation (social desirability) or to succeed at university (social utility). First-year psychology students completed a mastery-goal scale in a standard format, with social-desirability instructions and social-utility instructions. Participants' grades on academic exams were recorded later in the semester. Results indicated that students' perceptions of both social desirability and social utility related to mastery goals moderated the relationship between the endorsement of mastery goals and final grades. This relationship was reduced by the increase of perceived social desirability of mastery goals, and strengthened by the increase of perceived social utility of these goals.
Why Did They “Choose” to Stay?
Authors: Stephens Nicole M. , Hamedani MarYam G. , Markus Hazel Rose , Bergsieker Hilary B. , Eloul Liyam
Published: June 2009

Models of agency—powerful implicit assumptions about what constitutes normatively “good” action—shaped how observers and survivors made meaning after Hurricane Katrina. In Study 1 , we analyzed how 461 observers perceived survivors who evacuated ( leavers) or stayed ( stayers) in New Orleans. Observers described leavers positively (as agentic, independent, and in control) and stayers negatively (as passive and lacking agency). Observers' perceptions reflected the disjoint model of agency, which is prevalent in middle-class White contexts and defines “good” actions as those that emanate from within the individual and proactively influence the environment. In Study 2 , we examined interviews with 79 survivors and found that leavers and stayers relied on divergent models of agency. Leavers emphasized independence, choice, and control, whereas stayers emphasized interdependence, strength, and faith. Although both leavers and stayers exercised agency, observers failed to recognize stayers' agency and derogated them because observers assumed that being independent and in control was the only way to be agentic.
L2 reading in multilingual Eritrea: The influences of L1 reading and English proficiency
Authors: Asfaha Yonas Mesfun , Beckman Danielle , Kurvers Jeanne , Kroon Sjaak
Published: June 2009

A major question in L2 reading research is whether L2 reading is a language or a reading problem. Existing research, mainly carried out in Western contexts, demonstrates that L2 reading is influenced by L1 reading and L2 proficiency. This study applied the L2 reading theory in a non‐Western context (Eritrea, East Africa) with L1 reading acquired in multiple languages and scripts. Nine languages and three scripts (syllabic Ge'ez, alphabetic Latin and consonantal alphabetic Arabic) are used in Eritrean primary schools. English is the language of instruction in secondary schools and further education. This research investigated L1 and L2 (English) reading among 254 fourth graders randomly selected from schools with different languages and scripts. Regression analysis revealed that L1 reading comprehension and L2 language proficiency significantly predicted L2 reading with both variables explaining 27% of the variance in L2 reading. L1 script was not a significant predictor of L2 reading in English. The study also showed that L1 language proficiency, L2 reading and L1 script significantly predicted L1 reading.
The Banking Relationship's Role in the Choice of the Target's Advisor in Mergers and Acquisitions
Authors: Forte Gianfranco , Iannotta Giuliano , Navone Marco
Published: June 2009

We analyse the factors influencing the target company's choice of bank advisor in mergers and acquisitions (M&As). We first examine the choice of hiring an advisor, which is nontrivial, since in one‐third of transactions our sample target companies did not hire one. We also analyse the choice to hire as advisor a bank with a strong prior relationship with the company (i.e., the main bank). Using data on 473 European M&A transactions completed in the period 1994–2003, we find evidence that the decision to hire an advisor depends on three main factors: (i) the intensity of the previous banking relationship, (ii) the reputation of the bidder company's advisor, and (iii) the complexity of the deal. We also investigate the impact of the bank advisor on shareholder wealth. We find that the abnormal returns of target company shareholders increase with the intensity of the previous banking relationship, thus indicating a ‘certification role’ on the part of investment banks.
Keeping Up with the Joneses: A Model and a Test of Collective Accounting Fraud
Authors: Fernandes Nuno , Guedes José
Published: June 2009

This paper explains the variations in incidence of accounting fraud across economic settings by putting the behaviour and motivation of managers under the microscope. To safeguard their reputation in the managerial labour market, managers of firms that perform poorly are prone to fraudulently inflate earnings if they expect the economy to be strong, since that raises the likelihood of peers reporting high performance. A realised level of economic activity, on the other hand, counteracts this tendency on the part of managers to overstate earnings, by reducing the number of firms that actually perform poorly. We term these two effects the incentive effect and the need effect, respectively. The two effects yield a distinctive relationship between the incidence of accounting fraud and macroeconomic conditions. Specifically, the fraction of firms fraudulently over‐reporting earnings is positively related to expected economic performance and negatively related to realised economic performance.

The incentive and need effects on collective fraud are examined empirically by relating proxies of the aggregate incidence of accounting fraud to expected and realised GDP growth rates. The results unambiguously support the predicted influence of macroeconomic performance.
Collateral in Monetary Policy Operations
Authors: Callado‐Muñoz Francisco J. , Restoy Fernando
Published: June 2009

We present a portfolio decision model for banks that permits us to estimate the costs associated with the need to collateralise loans from the central bank. This allows us to calibrate the difference between a restrictive collateral eligibility framework for open market operations, such as that applied by the FED, with a more flexible approach such as that of Eurosystem. We also document that there could potentially appear relevant cost differences between the various collateral mobilisation procedures (pooling and earmarking) that currently coexist in the eurozone.
Benford’s Law as an Indicator of Fraud in Economics
Authors: Tödter Karl-Heinz
Published: June 2009

Contrary to intuition, first digits of randomly selected data are not uniformly distributed but follow a logarithmically declining pattern, known as Benford’s law. This law is increasingly used as a ‘doping check’ for detecting fraudulent data in business and administration. Benford’s law also applies to regression coefficients and standard errors in empirical economics. This article reviews Benford’s law and examines its potential as an indicator of fraud in economic research. Evidence from a sample of recently published articles shows that a surprisingly large proportion of first digits, but not of second digits, contradicts Benford’s law.
The effect of service quality on trust and commitment varying across generations
Authors: Cho Jinsook E. , Hu Haiyan
Published: June 2009

We examine the effect of service quality on consumer trust and commitment in the context of obtaining a financial loan and how these relationships vary across different generational cohorts. We find that the service quality offered by a loan officer has a significant effect on consumer trust towards a financial institution, which in turn influences consumer commitment to a financial institution for a future transaction. We also find that relative strengths of a few paths in the model differ across different age cohorts, indicating some generational variability in the relationship between service quality, trust and commitment.
An examination of the effects of partitioned country of origin on consumer product quality perceptions
Authors: Chowdhury Humayun K. , Ahmed Jashim U.
Published: June 2009

This paper deals with the effects of partitioned country‐of‐origin associations on consumer product quality evaluations. The main objective of this research is to examine the cognitive processes by which country‐of‐origin information influences the consumer's evaluation of a product. To study the psychological process by which the country‐of‐origin associations are integrated in the formation of related behavioural deliberation, a hypothetical structural model was developed. The model contains seven theoretical constructs, i.e. country of design, perceived product sophistication, country of assembly, perceived manufacturing excellence, country of parts, perceived product quality and perceived product design. Data were analysed via structural equation models using Analysis of MOment Structures (AMOS) 5.0. Results show that countries that already have positioned themselves around a reputation for technological innovation related to product development and manufacturing may expect consumers to transfer those associations to new products from the country.
‘Hello, Mrs. Sarah Jones! We recommend this product!’ Consumers' perceptions about personalized advertising: comparisons across advertisements delivered via three different types of media
Authors: Yu Jay (Hyunjae) , Cude Brenda
Published: June 2009

As new technologies (e.g. online, mobile and interactive TV) develop worldwide, numerous types of personalized advertising, in which companies use an individual's name and/or other types of personal information, have become more popular in many countries. Using many types of information about specific individuals, personalized advertising is designed to convey a customized message at the right time to the right person using diverse media. However, despite its universally increased use, few academic studies have explored the effectiveness of personalized advertising and consumers' response to it. This exploratory study focused on consumers' perceptions of personalized advertising delivered online (e‐mail) and offline (letter and telephone call). The results show that consumers generally have negative perceptions of personalized advertising, regardless of how it is delivered, with the strongest negative reaction to telephone calls.
New challenges in professional cleaning: hygiene quality and monitoring of surfaces in private domestic homes
Authors: Toiviainen‐Laine Erja , Kuisma Risto , Kymäläinen Hanna‐Riitta , Sjöberg Anna‐Maija
Published: June 2009

In many countries, changes in the pattern of working lives and ageing of the population increases the need for professional cleaning in private domestic homes. The objective of this study was to obtain basic knowledge concerning professional home cleaning. The study consisted of two parts. First, cleanability of surfaces contaminated with microbiological and organic soils was examined in the laboratory using cleaning cloths, detergents and rapid detection methods with potential for use in conjunction with professional cleaning in private homes. Second, hygienic conditions in three households were screened using the same rapid detection methods as in the laboratory experiments. According to the laboratory study, the cleaning efficiency of the non‐woven cloth was clearly poorer than that of the cleaning cloths containing microfibers. There were differences between the efficacy of the cleaning agents in removal of protein and microbiological soils. Despite the differences between surface topography observed with scanning electron microscopy, differences between the cleanability of the three examined surface materials (steel and two plastic surfaces) were small. In hygiene monitoring, the highest levels of total aerobic bacterial counts were detected in the plughole of the sink, on the eating table in kitchens and along the edge of the toilet washbowl and the cover of toilet seats. Low amounts of Enterobacteriaceae indicating faecal contamination were detected in the toilet and bathroom after cleaning. Moulds were not detected in any of the three households, and the amounts of yeasts were low. Detection methods, microbiological dipslides and the protein test, were well suited to the laboratory study. Furthermore, they complemented each other in the hygiene monitoring. The information obtained will be used for development of better practices in professional home cleaning. Good quality management in professional home cleaning and the cleanliness of surfaces in homes are important factors affecting comfort and safety.
Understanding the role of parental support for IT career decision making using the theory of self‐authorship
Authors: Meszaros Peggy S. , Creamer Elizabeth , Lee Soyoung
Published: June 2009

Women's representation in the information technology (IT) workforce has declined to an all time low of 18.5% in the last 8 years. In order to support women to become interested in, enter and remain in the IT field, this study uses the theory of self‐authorship and path analysis to investigate the role of parental support in influencing IT career choice and interest for a sample of 954 US high school and college women. A 167‐item, paper and pencil Career Decision‐Making Survey was developed, containing 11 four‐point Likert type scales (Cronbach's alpha = 0.58–0.80) designed to measure levels of parental support and a number of factors related to how students consider information in the process of making a career choice. Results document that when all other things are considered, interactions with others, such as counsellors and teachers, about career options did not have a significant effect on career interest that overrode the direction provided by parents. Women were significantly more likely than men to seek input about careers, but encountered developmental dissonance when that advice conflicted with advice provided by trusted others. Implications from this study reveal the need for more parental education in understanding the role of self‐authorship in providing career decision‐making support to young women.
LUSTRE‐DECORATED CERAMICS FROM A 15TH TO 16TH CENTURY PRODUCTION IN SEVILLE*
Authors: POLVORINOS DEL RIO A. , CASTAING J.
Published: June 2009

A set of 17 fragments of ceramics have been uncovered on the occasion of excavations of a workshop in Triana near Seville. These ceramics are typical of objects that are not commonly encountered in present collections in spite of intensive production during the 15th–16th centuries. Chemical and mineralogical analyses have been performed using various techniques (X‐ray fluorescence and diffraction, SEM, ion beam analyses). The majority of the ceramic sherds represent the diversity of the Seville production; three fragments recovered in the same archaeological context were not locally produced and belong to the production of eastern Spain (Valence area). The ceramic bodies of the Seville sherds are compatible with the use of clays from the Guadalquivir valley. The glaze and the lustre decoration are comparable to those produced in eastern Spain. These conclusions are based on data that represent the production of a single workshop in Seville; the scatter of the data is due to variations in the processing and/or to alterations during the five centuries of burial of the ceramic fragments.
An Experimental Measurement of Effective Diffusion Distance for the Sintering of Ceramics
Authors: Chen Tiandan , Nettleship Ian , McAfee Richard J. , Hinklin Tom R. , Ewsuk Kevin G.
Published: June 2009

The traditional models of sintering predict a pronounced dependence of densification rate on the scale of the microstructure as measured by the grain size. This study evaluates the grain size exponent for densification during isothermal sintering of an aggregated nanocrystalline zirconia powder, and for a submicrometer alumina powder. The results gave grain size exponents that are much higher than those anticipated for the expected sintering mechanisms. Furthermore, microstructural analysis showed that this overestimate of the exponent could be due to the spatial heterogeneity in the microstructure on the scale of the diffusion distance. To assess this issue, pore boundary tessellation was used to determine a new measurement of effective diffusion distance that takes into account the local spatial arrangement of pores. This measurement gives exponents much closer to those expected for the sintering of tetragonal zirconia by volume diffusion, and for the sintering of the alumina by grain‐boundary diffusion.
Microstructural Evolution of Silica on Single Crystal Silicon Carbide. Part II: Influence of Impurities and Defects
Authors: Presser Volker , Loges Anselm , Wirth Richard , Nickel Klaus G.
Published: June 2009

Passive oxidation of single crystal silicon carbide (6H–SiC) resulted in the formation of a vitreous silica layer which crystallized gradually at temperatures near 1300°–1400°C. During this process, statistically distributed devitrification centers appeared and disk‐like aligned crystal plates (radialites) formed. The crystallization process did not necessarily start at structural defects although these often act as areas of preferred nucleation. A second structural transition from disk‐like radialites to small crystalline spheres (globulites) was not connected to structural defects but a consequence of the presence of impurities. Alkaline and earth‐alkaline elements are common contaminations within the atmospheres of typical furnaces fitted with alumina tubes. Globulite formation was a process of recrystallization catalyzed by an impurity‐related melt formed on top of the devitrified areas. Crystallization caused exsolution of reaction gas and local impurity enrichments as the solubility for these phases is much higher in the devitrifying vitreous silica matrix. Both clean and impurity‐loaded oxidation produced specific morphologies of scales and interfaces.
Experimental Determination of CaO–CrO–Cr2O3–MgO–SiO2 and Thermodynamic Modeling of the CrO–Cr2O3–MgO–SiO2 System
Authors: Arnout Sander , Guo Muxing , Jung In‐Ho , Blanpain Bart , Wollants Patrick
Published: June 2009

This article focuses on the CaO–CrOx–MgO–SiO2 system at low CaO contents, providing quantitative phase relation data, and improving the thermodynamic description. The observed liquidus data are compared with literature data and state‐of‐the‐art thermodynamic calculations (FactSage 5.5). The experimental phase diagram measurements are performed under various conditions: (1) liquidus of CaO–CrOx–MgO–SiO2 at a basicity CaO/SiO2=0.5 (by weight), at 1500°C and at a partial oxygen pressure pO2=10−11.04 atm, (2) liquidus of CaO–CrOx–MgO–SiO2 at 1600°C and pO2=10−9.36 atm with constant molar ratio Mg/Cr of 1/2 and varying basicity, (3) phase equilibria of the CrO–Cr2O3–MgO–SiO2 system at 1600°C and pO2 ranging from air to equilibrium with metallic chromium. In the experiments, equilibrium samples of crystalline phases and melts are analyzed by electron probe microanalysis using wavelength dispersive spectroscopy to determine both solid and liquid compositions. Some discrepancies from previous literature data and calculations are found. In order to improve the thermodynamic calculations, a new thermodynamic model of the CrO–Cr2O3–MgO–SiO2 system is also developed using the Modified Quasichemical Model for the liquid and the compound energy formalism for the solid solution phases. The newly optimized model parameters can describe the present experimental data and literature data more accurately.
Three‐Dimensional Solar Cell Finite‐Element Sintering Simulation
Authors: Brown Gordon R. , Levine Richard A. , Shaikh Aziz , Olevsky Eugene A.
Published: June 2009

The sintering process is ubiquitous in manufacturing, but the design‐oriented modeling of sintering has presented considerable challenges. This type of modeling is necessary to be able to predict deformation and thus design appropriate powder compacts so that after they are sintered, the desired dimensions will be achieved. Currently this is done through a costly and time‐consuming trial and error process. In our research, an application of the Skorohod–Olevsky viscous sintering constitutive equation in a finite‐element (FE) model is developed and used to model solar cell manufacturing. Experimental measurements are used to determine the properties of the solar cell materials, and these are used to calculate the parameters for the FE model. Simulation results are compared with experimental data and analysis has been made to evaluate the adequacy and usefulness of this approach.
Microstructure and Electromagnetic Properties of SrTiO3/Ni0.8Zn0.2Fe2O4 Composites by Hybrid Process
Authors: Yang Haibo , Wang Hong , Xiang Feng , Yao Xi
Published: June 2009

High permittivity and low‐loss SrTiO3/Ni0.8Zn0.2Fe2O4 (STO/NZO) composites with concrete‐like morphology were prepared through hybrid processing route. The dielectric properties in the low‐frequency range (100 Hz–1 MHz) follow the rule of Maxwell–Wagner interfacial polarization. The dielectric and magnetic properties in the high‐frequency range (10 MHz–1 GHz) exhibit a well integration of dielectric and magnetic properties in the composites with low dielectric and magnetic losses. The STO/NZO composites show good dielectric properties and magnetic properties with low loss in high‐frequency to microwave‐frequency range. The results show that this kind of magnetic–dielectric composites can be used in high‐frequency communications for the capacitor–inductor integrating devices such as electromagnetic interference filters and antennas.
Role of Impurities in the Sintering Behavior and Properties of Lead Zirconate Titanate Ceramics
Authors: Huang Xianliang , Raether Friedrich
Published: June 2009

Small amounts of impurities are always present in the raw materials for the mass production of lead zirconate titanate (PZT) ceramics. In this work, the effects of these impurities on sintering kinetics were investigated. The sintering behavior of PZT ceramics was monitored in situ by a thermo‐optical measuring device. Two sources of raw materials were used, industrially used and highly pure (99.99%) powders. The highly pure powders were doped with different impurities, characteristic of industrially used materials. Sintering was enhanced by Si and—to a smaller extent—by Na, Ca, and Ba. Hf can have a large impact, if the stoichiometry is not adjusted properly according to its concentration. In addition, the crystal phase of the titania component affected its reactivity and lead loss during calcination, which indirectly changed the sintering behavior. The effects of the impurities on the dielectric and piezoelectric properties were also discussed.
The Effect of Applied Stress on the Densification of a Low‐Temperature Cofired Ceramic‐Filled Glass System Under Constrained Sintering
Authors: Chang Jui‐Chuan , Jean Jau‐Ho , Hung Yao‐Yi
Published: June 2009

The effect of uniaxial stress on the mechanical response and densification behavior of a low‐fire borosilicate glass (BSG)+alumina system during constrained sintering of a multilayer BSG+alumina/alumina laminate has been investigated. Compared with free sintering, the pressure‐less constrained sintering of BSG+alumina exhibits poorer densification, and larger porous bulk viscosity at a given temperature. This is caused by the in‐plane tensile stress and anisotropic development generated in the transverse directions of the laminate during constrained sintering. The applied uniaxial stress required in the thickness direction to densify BSG+alumina under constrained sintering varies in the range of 50–400 kPa at 700°–800°C. The above results are in agreement with those calculated using the viscous analogy for the constitutive relationships of a porous sintering compact.