bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Racial Diversity and Firm Performance
Authors: Andrevski Goce , Richard Orlando C. , Shaw Jason D. , Ferrier Walter J.
Published: November 2011

The authors examine the mediating role of competitive intensity in the relationship between managerial racial diversity and firm performance (i.e., market share gain and average stock return). Racial diversity relates to firm performance via firms’ capacity to compete intensively (i.e., to introduce new competitive actions frequently). An analysis reveals that environmental munificence moderates competitive intensity’s mediating effect: Racially diverse management groups compete more intensively and perform better when they compete in munificent environments. The authors also find support for a moderated mediation model that simultaneously tests all components of their framework.
Comparison of crowdsourcing translation with Machine Translation
Authors: Anastasiou Dimitra , Gupta Rajat
Published: November 2011

In this paper we examine the model of crowdsourcing for translation and compare it with Machine Translation (MT). The large volume of material to be translated, the translation of this material into many languages combined with tight deadlines lead enterprises today to follow either crowdsourcing and/or MT. Crowdsourcing translation shares many characteristics with MT, as both can cope with high volume, perform at high speed, and reduce the translation cost. MT is an older technology, whereas crowdsourcing is a new phenomenon gaining much ground over time, mainly through Web 2.0. Examples and challenges of both models will be discussed and the paper is closed with future prospects regarding the combination of crowdsourcing and MT, so that they are not regarded as opponents. These prospects are partially based on the results of a survey we conducted. Based on our background, experience, and research, this paper covers aspects both from the point of view of translation studies and computational linguistics applications as well as of information sciences, and particularly the development of the Web regarding user-generated content.
A personalized search using a semantic distance measure in a graph-based ranking model
Authors: Daoud Mariam , Tamine Lynda , Boughanem Mohand
Published: November 2011

The goal of search personalization is to tailor search results to individual users by taking into account their profiles, which include their particular interests and preferences. As these latter are multiple and change over time, personalization becomes effective when the search process takes into account the current user interest. This article presents a search personalization approach that models a semantic user profile and focuses on a personalized document ranking model based on an extended graph-based distance measure. Documents and user profiles are both represented by graphs of concepts issued from predefined web ontology, namely, the Open Directory Project directory (ODP). Personalization is then based on reordering the search results of related queries according to a graph-based document ranking model. This former is based on using a graph-based distance measure combining the minimum common supergraph and the maximum common subgraph between the document and the user profile graphs. We extend this measure in order to take into account a semantic recovery at exact and approximate concept-level matching. Experimental results show the effectiveness of our personalized graph-based ranking model compared with Yahoo and different personalized ranking models performed using classical graph-based measures or vector-space similarity measures.
The divided views of the information and digital divides: A call for integrative theories of information inequality
Authors: Yu Liangzhi
Published: November 2011

This article defines information inequality as multifaceted disparity between individuals, communities or nations in mobilizing society’s information resources for the benefit of their lives and development. It then examines related research from a wide range of disciplines that focuses either on information inequality in general or on its specific forms, e.g. information poverty, information divide, knowledge gap and digital divide. It shows that it is possible to identify a number of clusters of information inequality research according to their theoretical perspectives, and that these perspectives have inherited to a great extent the traditional divisions of social sciences between structure vs agency, society vs individuals and objectivism vs subjectivism. Following earlier calls for greater dialogue between divisions of related research, this article goes further to call for integrative theorizing of information inequality in the way exemplified by Bourdieu’s research on social inequality.
Comparative Long-Term Preclinical Safety Evaluation of Two Glatiramoid Compounds (Glatiramer Acetate, Copaxone®, and TV-5010, Protiramer) in Rats and Monkeys
Authors: Ramot Yuval , Rosenstock Moti , Klinger Ety , Bursztyn Dizza , Nyska Abraham , Shinar Doron M.
Published: November 2011

Glatiramer acetate (GA), the active ingredient in Copaxone®, is a complex mixture of polypeptides used for the treatment of relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis. Glatiramoids are related mixtures that may differ in some characteristics of the prototype molecule. Our aim is to describe the long-term toxicity studies with protiramer (TV-5010), a new glatiramoid, in comparison with similar studies conducted with GA. The toxicity of twice-weekly subcutaneous injections of protiramer to Sprague-Dawley rats (twenty-six weeks) and cynomolgus monkeys (fifty-two weeks) was compared with similar studies done with daily subcutaneous injections of GA. Daily treatment with GA was safe and well tolerated, without systemic effects or death. Protiramer administration was not as well tolerated as GA and led to dose- and time-related mortalities, probably mediated through severe injection-site lesions both in rats and in monkeys. Bridging fibrosis in the liver and severe progressive nephropathy were seen in rats. A dose-related increase in eosinophils was observed in monkeys. The protiramer toxicity studies show that minor variations in the manufacturing of glatiramoids may lead to significant toxic effects. It is therefore essential that the safety of any new glatiramoid be studied in long-term preclinical studies before exposing humans.
Intrasplenic Transplantation of Isolated Adult Rat Hepatocytes
Authors: Sharma Meena R. , Dworakowski Wojciech , Shapiro Bernard H.
Published: November 2011

Adult male and female rat hepatocytes were individually transplanted into the spleens of adult male and female rats. The recipients were euthanized at either eight, sixteen, thirty, or forty-five weeks following transplantation, at which time hepatic and splenic levels of liver-specific rat albumin mRNA as well as sex-dependent transcript levels of CYP2C11, -2C12, -2C7, -2A1, and -3A2—which accounts for > 60% of the total concentration of hepatic constituent cytochrome P450—were determined. Whereas the pre-infused hepatocytes expressed their expected cytochrome P450 sexual dimorphisms (female-specific CYP2C12, male-specific CYP3A2, and female-predominant CYP2A1), their post-transplantational competence now reflected the sexual dimorphisms of the recipient (as observed in the host’s liver), which supports the concept that the sex-dependent growth hormone circulating profiles are the determinants regulating the expression levels of hepatic cytochrome P450. Also expressed at normal concentrations in the pre-infused hepatocytes, male-specific CYP2C11 and female-predominant CYP2C7 were inexplicably undetectable in the spleens of both recipient males and females, regardless of the sex of the donor hepatocytes, almost one year after transplantation.
Peritoneal Sarcomatosis Associated with Telemetry Implants in Sprague Dawley CD Rats
Authors: Shoieb Ahmed , Allavena Rachel , Swallow Jeremy , Debrue Marie
Published: November 2011

Surgical implantation of radiotelemetric transmitters is a current practice to collect a variety of physiological parameters in unrestrained laboratory animals, and in rodents in particular. In this study, the incidence of peritoneal sarcomatosis arising secondary to surgically implanted telemetry devices (< 15% of implanted Sprague Dawley rats) is considered to represent a significant issue for both animal welfare and data validity in affected animals. Macroscopically, the telemetry-associated fibrosarcomas spread along the visceral and parietal peritoneum and mesentery surrounding abdominal organs. The histologic morphology of these sarcomas was typically an undifferentiated sarcoma, although well-differentiated fibrosarcomas and telangiectatic and pleomorphic variants were noted. Using special stains such as Masson’s Trichrome demonstrated a collagenous extracellular matrix in 50% of these rats, which is consistent with a fibroblastic origin. Immunohistochemical studies clearly delineated the mesenchymal components of the sarcomas (fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells); one case, however, was diagnosed as an osteosarcoma.
Export stimuli revisited: The influence of the characteristics of managerial decision makers on international behaviour
Authors: Acedo Francisco J. , Galán José L.
Published: November 2011

Utilizing the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), this article proposes and tests relationships among the nature of export stimuli, the personal characteristics of decision makers and the decisions they make with regard to internationalization. The conceptual model for the study includes psychological variables that might condition owner-managers’ decision-making responses to such export stimuli. Using structural equation modelling, the study analyses data obtained by a survey questionnaire from 110 Spanish small- and medium-sized enterprises. The analysis reveals the importance of two particular variables, the perception of risks and opportunities in exports and the decision maker’s proactiveness, in determining the export stimuli and how these in turn affect the international behaviour of firms.
Organizational correlates of workplace bullying in small- and medium-sized enterprises
Authors: Baillien Elfi , Neyens Inge , De Witte Hans
Published: November 2011

Over recent decades, a broad range of studies have investigated organizational antecedents of workplace bullying, predominantly in large organizations. Exploring this topic within small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is however important: SMEs differ from large organizations in cultural, structural and strategic ways. Accordingly, the current study aims to investigate organizational correlates of bullying in SMEs based on the Three Way Model as a theoretical framework. Data were gathered from 358 employees in 39 Flemish (Belgian) SMEs with maximum 100 employees. The organizational characteristics explained 29 per cent of the variance of bullying. Regression analyses revealed statistically significant associations between bullying, on the one hand, and organizational change, a people-oriented culture, an (known) anti-bullying policy, working in a family business, on the other hand. In sum, our results suggest that SMEs experiencing organizational change need to be extra vigilant against workplace bullying. Based on our results, bullying also seems more prevalent in SMEs without a people-oriented culture and in family businesses. Finally, the results suggest that the presence of an anti-bullying policy buffers bullying in SMEs.
Entrepreneurial capital, social values and Islamic traditions: Exploring the growth of women-owned enterprises in Pakistan
Authors: Roomi Muhammad Azam
Published: November 2011

This study seeks to explore the variables contributing to the growth of women-owned enterprises in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Based on a previously established multivariate model, it uses two econometric approaches: first classifying variables into predetermined blocks; and second, using the general to specific approach. Statistical analyses and in-depth interviews confirm that women entrepreneurs’ personal resources and social capital have a significant role in their business growth. Further, it reveals that the moral support of immediate family, independent mobility and being allowed to meet with men play a decisive role in the sales and employment growth of women-owned enterprises in an Islamic country such as Pakistan.
Empirical research on entrepreneurial orientation: An assessment and suggestions for future research
Authors: Wales William J. , Gupta Vishal K. , Mousa Fariss-Terry
Published: November 2011

Entrepreneurial orientation (EO) is one of the most widely accepted firm-level constructs in the literature. The present study provides a comprehensive qualitative review and evaluation of the empirical EO literature. It finds that EO research has made considerable strides in recent years and is accelerating and broadening, although notable biases and inconsistencies in variable choice and model specification remain. The article sheds light on the popularity of Miller’s unidimensional conceptualization of EO, as well as the rise in multidimensional explorations of the phenomenon. It concludes with a discussion of the implications of the study’s findings for EO-related research and practice.
The Role of Individual- and Macro-Level Social Determinants on Young Adolescents’ Psychosomatic Complaints
Authors: Ottova Veronika , Erhart Michael , Vollebergh Wilma , Kökönyei Gyöngyi , Morgan Antony , Gobina Inese , Jericek Helena , Cavallo Franco , Välimaa Raili , de Matos Margarida Gaspar , Gaspar Tania , Schnohr Christina W. , Ravens-Sieberer Ulrike ,   and the Positive Health Focus Group
Published: November 2011

This study examines the social determinants of psychosomatic complaints in young adolescents. Using data from the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study, psychosomatic complaints are studied in 98,773 adolescents (11- and 13-year-olds; 48% 11-year-olds, 52% 13-year-olds; 52% females, 48% males) from 34 European countries. Individual-level determinants, including family-, peer- and school-related factors as well as country-level determinants (Human Development Index [HDI]) are considered. In line with existing evidence, results revealed more psychosomatic complaints in young adolescents experiencing stress inducing familial-, peer- and school-related factors. Negative effects of poor friendships, negative class climate, school pressure, and high media use were more pronounced for girls. After controlling for these factors, a higher HDI was related to a lower risk for psychosomatic complaints. Gender-specific intervention programs should aim at improving the quality of relationships, especially among peers, to prevent psychosomatic complaints among young adolescents.
Combating Vehicle Theft in Arizona: A Randomized Experiment With License Plate Recognition Technology
Authors: Taylor Bruce , Koper Christopher , Woods Daniel
Published: November 2011

This article focuses on a relatively new innovation for use by law enforcement, license plate recognition (LPR) systems, in fighting auto theft. While it is a promising technology, there has not been much research on the effectiveness of LPR systems. The authors conducted a randomized experiment to study the effects of LPR devices on auto theft. The authors found that the LPR is achieving its most basic purpose of increasing the number of plates scanned by officers (8 times greater) compared to manual plate checking. Further, when compared to manual checking, the LPR was associated with more “hits” (i.e., positive scans) for auto theft and stolen plates, more arrests for stolen vehicles, and more stolen vehicle recoveries. Unexpectedly, the authors found that manual plate checking by a special auto theft unit (but not LPR scanning by the same unit) was associated with less auto theft 2 weeks after the intervention (based on both police crime reports and calls for police service) than the control group (regular nonspecialized patrol without LPR). Finally, the authors found no evidence of crime displacement occurring from their targeted routes to adjacent areas for any of their models. This study provides evidence that LPR use can achieve demonstrable benefits in combating auto theft (i.e., more plates scanned, “hits,” arrests and recoveries with LPR). These results are impressive for the field of auto theft where so little research tested interventions exist. Future work will involve developing strategies that maintains the documented benefits of LPR use by a specialized unit, but also achieve the benefits associated with manual checking by a specialized unit.
Biochemical evidence on the potential role of organophosphates in hepatic glucose metabolism toward insulin resistance through inflammatory signaling and free radical pathways
Authors: Mostafalou Sara , Eghbal Mohammad Ali , Nili-Ahmadabadi Amir , Baeeri Maryam , Abdollahi Mohammad
Published: November 2011

Several studies show that organophosphate pesticides exert several effects on glucose homeostasis. The current study investigates the influence of subchronic exposure to malathion (MT) on hepatic gluconeogenesis in relation to acetyl cholinesterase (AChE) inhibition, oxidative stress and inflammatory response in the rat. MT was administered by gavage at doses of 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg for 32 days. Fasting hyperglycemia was seen in line with an increased activity of hepatic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, glucose 6-phosphatase and tumor necrosis factor α. In addition to the impaired glucose tolerance and inhibition of AChE in a dose-dependent manner, there were significant increases in hepatic lipid peroxidation, carbonyl groups and 8-deoxyguanosine as the biomarkers of reactive oxygen species–mediated damage to lipid, protein and DNA, respectively. Altered quality of the liver in glucose production especially gluconeogenesis could be a compensatory mechanism against MT toxicity or even result in tissue damage. MT-induced insulin resistance in the liver occurs through oxidative and inflammatory signaling pathways.
Effect of fenugreek seed extract on adriamycin-induced hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress in albino rats
Authors: Sakr Saber A , Abo-El-Yazid Samah M
Published: November 2011

The purpose of this work was to evaluate the effect of aqueous extract of fenugreek seeds against hepatotoxicity induced in albino rats by the anticancer drug adriamycin (ADR). Animals were given single dose of ADR (10 mg/kg body weight) and were killed after 2 and 4 weeks. Liver of ADR-treated animals showed histopathological and biochemical alterations. The histopathological changes include hepatic tissue impairment, cytoplasmic vacuolization of the hepatocytes, congestion of blood vessels, leucocytic infiltrations and fatty infiltration. Moreover, the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen was increased in ADR-treated rats. The liver enzymes, aspartate aminotransferase (ALT) and alanine aminotransferase (AST) were increased in the sera of treated rats. Moreover, ADR significantly increased the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) and decreased the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in hepatic tissue. Treating animals with ADR and aqueous extract of fenugreek (0.4 g/kg body weight) seeds led to an improvement in histological and biochemical alterations induced by ADR. The biochemical results showed that AST and ALT appeared normal together with reduction in the level of MDA (lipid peroxidation marker) and increase in SOD and CAT activities. It was concluded from this study that the aqueous extract fenugreek seeds has a beneficial impact on ADR-induced hepatotoxicity due to its antioxidant effect in albino rats.
Aspergillus hazardous problem in ceramic workers
Authors: Saad-Hussein Amal , Morcos Nadia Y S , Rizk Sanaa A , Ibrahim Khadiga S , El-Zaher Naglaa Abd , Moubarz Gehan
Published: November 2011

Ceramic workers are at a high risk of developing respiratory problems as they are exposed to high levels of respirable dust containing silica and high microbial counts, including high Aspergillus counts. The aim of the study was to study the percentage of ceramic workers with positive Aspergillus ( A.) through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and specific IgE (sIgE) for the different Aspergillus species. PCR and specific IgE (sIgE) for the different Aspergillus species ( A. flavus, A. fumigatus and A. niger) were estimated in 40 ceramic workers and 56 control subjects. Results revealed that 32.5% of the workers’ sputum was PCR positive for Aspergillus. About 69.2% of them were A. flavus positive, 15.4% A. niger positive, 7.7% A. fumigatus positive and 7.7% A. flavus and A. fumigatus positive. The percentage change in sIgE for A. fumigatus between the workers and their controls was over 100%, while less than 50% for the other two species. The sIgE levels for the three Aspergillus species were not significantly correlated with the duration of exposure. Fungal exposure could be considered potential hazardous problem in ceramic industry. There were no significant correlations between the duration of exposure and the sIgE for the different Aspergillus species.
Heat stress decreases testicular germ cell proliferation and increases apoptosis in short term: an immunohistochemical and ultrastructural study
Authors: Kanter Mehmet , Aktas Cevat , Erboga Mustafa
Published: November 2011

Scrotal hyperthermia has been known as a cause of male infertility but the exact mechanism leading to impaired spermatogenesis is unknown. This work was aimed to investigate the role of scrotal hyperthermia on cell proliferation and apoptosis in testes. The rats were randomly allotted into one of the four experimental groups: A (control), B (1 day after scrotal hyperthermia), C (14 days after scrotal hyperthermia), and D (35 days after scrotal hyperthermia); each group comprised 7 animals. Scrotal hyperthermia was carried out in a thermostatically controlled water bath at 43°C for 30 min once daily for 6 consecutive days. Control rats were treated in the same way, except the testes were immersed in a water bath maintained at 22°C. Hyperthermia-exposed rats were killed under 50 mg/kg ketamine anaesthesia and tissue samples were obtained for biochemical and histopathological investigations. Hyperthermia treatment significantly decreased the testicular antioxidant system, including decreases in the glutathione level, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase activities. Moreover, exposure to hyperthermia resulted in lipid peroxidation increase in testes. Our data indicate a significant reduction in the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen and an enhancement in the activity of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling after scrotal hyperthermia. In scrotal hyperthermia, the mitochondrial degeneration, dilatation of smooth endoplasmic reticulum, and enlarged intercellular spaces were observed in both Sertoli and spermatid cells. Scrotal hyperthermia is one of the major factors that impair spermatogenesis in testis. This heat stress is shown to be closely associated with oxidative stress, followed by apoptosis of germ cells.
Tissues distribution of heavy metals and erythrocytes antioxidant status in rats exposed to Nigerian bonny light crude oil
Authors: Adedara Isaac A , Ebokaiwe Azubike P , Farombi Ebenezer O
Published: November 2011

The harmful effects of folkloric uses of Nigerian bonny light crude oil (BLCO) in ailments management may outweigh the expected beneficial effects. We investigated the levels of heavy metal concentrations in the tissues as well as the effect of BLCO on the antioxidant status of erythrocytes of rats after oral exposure to 0, 200 and 800 mg/kg BLCO for 7 days. Analysis of heavy metal concentrations in BLCO showed that Zn > Fe > Pb > Cu > Ni. The trend of accumulation of the metals in the tissues is blood—Fe > Pb >Zn whereas Cu and Ni levels were not affected; Liver—Ni > Zn > Fe > Cu > Pb and Testes—Ni > Cu > Pb > Zn > Fe. The order of concentration of the metals in the tissues is as follows: iron—blood > liver > testes; zinc—liver > blood > testes; lead—blood > liver > testes; copper—testes > liver > blood; nickel—liver > testes > blood. Activities of the antioxidant enzymes of erythrocytes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione S-transferase and glutathione peroxidase increased significantly in a dose-dependent manner with significant elevation in hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde levels, whereas glutathione level was not significantly decreased in BLCO-treated animals. Collectively, the results showed that BLCO induces oxidative damage to erythrocytes of rats.
Fatal methanol poisoning
Authors: Akhgari Maryam , Panahianpour Mohammad Hadi , Bazmi Elham , Etemadi-Aleagha Afshar , Mahdavi Amirhosein , Nazari Saeed Hashemi
Published: November 2011

Methanol poisoning has become a considerable problem in Iran. Liver can show some features of poisoning after methanol ingestion. Therefore, our concern was to examine liver tissue histopathology in fatal methanol poisoning cases in Iranian population. In this study, 44 cases of fatal methanol poisoning were identified in a year. The histological changes of the liver were reviewed. The most striking features of liver damage by light microscopy were micro-vesicular steatosis, macro-vesicular steatosis, focal hepatocyte necrosis, mild intra-hepatocyte bile stasis, feathery degeneration and hydropic degeneration. Blood and vitreous humor methanol concentrations were examined to confirm the proposed history of methanol poisoning. The majority of cases were men (86.36%). In conclusion, methanol poisoning can cause histological changes in liver tissues. Most importantly in cases with mean blood and vitreous humor methanol levels greater than 127 ± 38.9 mg/dL more than one pathologic features were detected.
Female Slave Narratives and Appearance
Authors: Sanders Eulanda A.
Published: November 2011

The purpose of this study was to explore how dress and appearance functioned for African American female slaves in published narratives. Research relevant to Black feminism, usefulness of slave narratives, and literature on African American slave appearance provided a foundation for this research. Data collection was conducted by using a hybrid narrative inquiry method consisting of thematic analysis and categorical-content analysis, to interpret 708 verbatim references to appearance. Analysis exposed that the data were partitioned into two discrete themes: (a) components reflective of Control and (b) components that revealed physical and psychological Emancipation. The stories of the women in these narratives provided descriptive information and an intersectional understanding of appearance in relation to social interactions in chattel environments. Appearance enabled telling these women's life stories as slaves through the processes of assimilating, experiencing and escaping. A matrix of female slave narrator lives and appearance emerged.
Consumer Trade-Off Analysis and Market Share Estimation for Selected Socially Responsible Product Attributes for Cotton Apparel
Authors: Norum Pamela S. , Ha-Brookshire Jung E.
Published: November 2011

In light of the growing interest in socially responsible apparel consumption, this study examined the effect of fiber origin, fiber production method, and price on consumer purchase preferences for cotton apparel. Using data collected from a nation-wide telephone survey and conjoint analysis, the relative importance of product attributes and the potential market shares for products with different levels of each attribute were estimated. Analyses based on the average of each respondent’s part-worth utilities indicated that price is the most important criterion for cotton apparel with a relative importance value of 58.5%. The importance values for U.S.-grown fibers with transparency and fibers grown with sustainable farming methods were 30% and 11.5%, respectively. Cotton apparel with the combination of the aforementioned attributes was estimated to garner 32% of market share among U.S. consumers. Cotton apparel made from U.S.-grown fibers with transparency, using sustainable farming methods and offered at a medium price level accounted for a 7% market share. In general, the results indicated that consumer placed greater importance on fiber transparency relative to sustainable farming.
Buckling of cross-ply laminates subject to linearly varying compressive loads and in-plane boundary restraints
Authors: Cagdas Izzet U , Adali Sarp
Published: November 2011

In-plane prebuckling stresses arise under axial edge loading as a result of a plate boundary being restrained from deformation in the plane of the plate. These stresses exhibit a uniform distribution only under a special set of boundary conditions and in general such uniform in-plane stress distributions do not exist under most boundary conditions encountered in practice. In the present study, in-plane prebuckling stresses are investigated for various in-plane boundary constraints and the stress contour lines are given for rectangular cross-ply laminated plates under linearly varying edge loads. The second part of the article involves the computation of the optimal layer thickness to maximize the buckling load under various combinations of in-plane boundary restraints. The numerical solutions are obtained by finite elements based on first-order shear deformable plate theory which include the in-plane deformations as nodal degrees of freedom. Numerical results show that the exclusion of the in-plane restraints may lead to errors in stability calculations and consequently in the design of laminated plates.
Investigating the effect of thickness profile of a rotating functionally graded disc on its creep behavior
Authors: Dwivedi Dharmpal D , Gupta Vinay K , Dham Ashok K
Published: November 2011

Creep behavior of rotating discs made of functionally graded materials with linearly varying thickness has been investigated. The discs contain silicon carbide particles in a matrix of pure aluminum. The effect of varying disc thickness gradient (TG) has been investigated on the stresses and strain rates in the composite disc. The study shows that with the increase in disc TG, the radial, tangential and effective stresses decrease throughout the disc. The strain rates in the disc also reduce significantly with the increase in TG of the disc.
Nonlinear behavior of PLA and lignin-based flax composites subjected to tensile loading
Authors: Rozite Liva , Varna Janis , Joffe Roberts , Pupurs Andrejs
Published: November 2011

The effect of temperature ( T = 22°C, 30°C and 35°C) and relative humidity (RH = 34% and 66%) on mechanical behavior of natural fiber reinforced bio-based matrix composites subjected to tensile loading was investigated. Three composites were studied (a) polylactic acid (PLA) composite with 10% weight fraction of flax fibers; (b) PLA composite containing 5% viscose fibers (filaments of regenerated cellulose); (c) lignin-based composite with 30% of flax fibers. Elastic modulus, the nonlinear tensile stress–strain curves and failure were analyzed showing that all materials are temperature sensitive. The nonlinearity was analyzed studying modulus degradation as well as development of viscoelastic and viscoplastic strains. The modulus reduction in PLA-based composites starts after reaching the stress maximum and is not significant, whereas the modulus reduction in lignin-based composites starts before the maximum and it can reach 50%. With increasing RH these effects are slightly larger. The time-dependent phenomena were analyzed in short-term creep and strain recovery tests demonstrating significantly higher viscoplastic strain in lignin composites. Both viscoelastic and viscoplastic strains are larger at higher RH.
The Determinants of Voluntary Financial Disclosure by Nonprofit Organizations
Authors: Saxton Gregory D. , Kuo Jenn-Shyong , Ho Yi-Cheng
Published: November 2011

Encouraging organizations to be more open has been a key issue in contemporary debates over nonprofit accountability. However, our understanding of what motivates organizations to the disclosure decision is weak. We aim to enhance our understanding of this critical issue by developing and testing a model of the determinants of voluntary disclosure decision making, using data gathered on the population of not-for-profit medical institutions in Taiwan during a period where the government encouraged—but did not require—disclosure on a centralized website. As a result, we are able to conduct a “natural experiment” of the voluntary disclosure behavior of an important population of non-donor-dependent organizations. We find voluntary disclosure is more likely in organizations that are smaller, have lower debt/asset ratios, and are run by larger boards with more inside members. Our data suggest that, from a policy perspective, voluntary disclosure regimes are not an especially effective means of promoting public accountability.
A model predictive control approach to vehicle yaw control using identified models
Authors: Canale M , Fagiano L , Signorile M C
Published: November 2011

A vehicle equipped with a front steer-by-wire device is considered and the related control design problem dealt with by using a yaw rate feedback structure. In order to effectively handle both the system non-linearities and the input constraints, a Non-linear Model Predictive Control (NMPC) technique is adopted. A novelty of the present paper is that the vehicle model employed by the NMPC algorithm is obtained from previously collected input/output data, using a Non-linear Set Membership (NSM) identification methodology. Since the NSM approach is able to provide a model with minimal worst-case identification error, improved robustness of the closed-loop system is obtained with respect to that of an NMPC law based on a physical vehicle model. Furthermore, the measure of the model uncertainty provided by the NSM approach allows one to perform a theoretical robust stability analysis of the closed-loop system. The effectiveness of the proposed technique is shown through numerical simulations of manoeuvres using a detailed vehicle model.
Facing Europe
Authors: Imhoff Roland , Dotsch Ron , Bianchi Mauro , Banse Rainer , Wigboldus Daniël H. J.
Published: November 2011

Individuals perceive their own group to be more typical of a shared superordinate identity than other groups are. This in-group projection process has been demonstrated with both self-report and indirect measures. The two studies reported here extend this research to the visual level, specifically, within the domain of faces. Using an innovative reverse-correlation approach, we found that German and Portuguese participants’ visual representations of European faces resembled the appearance typical for their own national identity. This effect was found even among participants who explicitly denied that one nation was more typical of Europe than the other (Study 1). Moreover, Study 2 provides experimental evidence that in-group projection is restricted to inclusive superordinate groups, as the effect was not observed for visual representations of a category (“Australian”) that did not include participants’ in-group. Implications for the in-group projection model, as well as for the applicability of reverse-correlation paradigms, are discussed.
Holocene interplay between a dune field and coastal lakes in the Quiaios– Tocha region, central littoral Portugal
Authors: Danielsen Randi , Castilho Ana M. , Dinis Pedro A. , Almeida António C. , Callapez Pedro M.
Published: November 2011

Coastal dune fields and dune-body associated lakes were studied through sedimentological, malacological and palynological analyses. Lake deposits and palaeosoil horizons gave new information about phases of aeolian activity and dune building, coastline and sea level, vegetation history and cultural impact. After a period of intense aeolian activity (Late Pleistocene) that limited soil-forming processes, a wet aeolian field, recorded by podzolized sands and interdune wetland deposits, was present in the region. Around 5000 to 4000 yr BP sea level reached the current level and the coastline was situated c. 1 km further inland compared with the present situation. Subsequently lagoon-barrier island systems developed c. 4000 yr BP. Vegetation in the region during this time was a pine/oak forest. Between 4000 and 1600 yr BP the forest was replaced by a semi-natural heathland. Later the heathland was degraded, allowing dune migration and finally formation of a desert-like landscape. This process was probably a consequence of a combination of deteriorating climate during the ‘Little Ice Age’ (LIA) and overgrazing. To counteract sand invasion, reforestation efforts were initiated in the region c. 300 years ago and locally along the coastal margin between 1924 and 1940. Formation of the row of freshwater lakes bordering the dune field at present was contemporaneous with the initial reforestation phase. A close relation between lake formation and accumulation of sand dunes was found. Various types of dunes were identified, truncated dunes, parabolic dunes and transverse/oblique dunes. Dune migration caused an eastward displacement of lakes.
Parasitic ventriculitis caused by Hadjelia truncata in California rock pigeons (Columba livia)
Authors: Sentíes-Cué C. Gabriel , Charlton Bruce R. , Anthenill Lucy , Naem Soraya , McDougald Larry , Bland Mark
Published: November 2011

Severe ventriculitis and emaciation caused by the infestation of the nematode Hadjelia truncata occurred in meat-type breeder rock pigeons ( Columba livia) in southern and central California. Hadjelia truncata can infest several species of birds, although it has only been reported as pathogenic in pigeons. The factors that contribute to H. truncata pathogenicity are not known. The gross and microscopic pathology caused by the infestation of H. truncata in the ventriculus of pigeons and its morphological identification are presented.
The pathology associated with visceral toxicosis of catfish
Authors: Khoo Lester H. , Goodwin Andrew E. , Wise David J. , Holmes William E. , Hanson Larry A. , Steadman James M. , McIntyre Larry M. , Gaunt Patricia S.
Published: November 2011

Visceral toxicosis of catfish (VTC) syndrome was recognized in the late 1990s and recently has been associated with exposure to Clostridium botulinum type E neurotoxin. Tentative diagnosis is based on clinical presentation and gross findings, and is confirmed by bioassay. In April 2009, channel catfish ( Ictalurus punctatus) from 2 different farms presented with abnormal swimming behavior and mortalities. Nine fish were submitted to the Aquatic Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (Stoneville, Mississippi) for evaluation. Bacterial cultures from these fish were negative. Necropsy findings included intestinal intussusceptions, ascites, pale proximal intestines with engorged serosal blood vessels, splenic congestion, and a reticular pattern to the liver. Significant histopathologic findings were limited to cerebral, splenic, and hepatic congestion, splenic lymphoid depletion and perivascular edema, vascular dilation and edema of the gastrointestinal tract, and perivascular edema in the anterior and posterior kidneys. Intoxication from C. botulinum type E neurotoxin was suspected based on the clinical signs and lack of gross and microbiological evidence of an infectious disease process. The toxicosis was confirmed with a positive bioassay using serum collected from the submitted fish.
Species characterization and minimum inhibitory concentration patterns of Brachyspira species isolates from swine with clinical disease
Authors: Clothier Kristin A. , Kinyon Joann M. , Frana Timothy S. , Naberhaus Nadine , Bower Leslie , Strait Erin L. , Schwartz Kent
Published: November 2011

Typhlocolitis and dysentery due to Brachyspira hyodysenteriae infection represent an economically important disease syndrome in growing pigs. Largely disappearing from U.S. swine herds in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Brachyspira-associated disease and bacterial isolation from swine with clinical disease has increased in the last several years, and non– B. hyodysenteriae isolates are commonly identified. Antimicrobial resistance has been demonstrated in Brachyspira spp. isolates from Europe and Asia, and may be the reason for the resurgence in U.S. herds. Seventy-nine clinical isolates identified at the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Lab were tested with multiple polymerase chain reaction assays to establish species identity, and evaluated for minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) using an agar dilution method against lincomycin, gentamicin, valnemulin, tiamulin, salinomycin, and carbadox. Only 38.0% of isolates could be confirmed as the known pathogens B. hyodysenteriae (30.4%) or Brachyspira pilosicoli (7.6%). Twenty of the 79 isolates (25.3%) were identified as Brachyspira murdochii, and 13.9% could not be identified to species. The MIC values were consistently high against lincomycin and moderately high against gentamicin. The remaining antimicrobials had MICs that were at the low end of the test ranges. Brachyspira murdochii and Brachyspira spp. had significantly greater MIC values against several of these drugs than other Brachyspira spp. examined. The increased incidence of these less definitively characterized Brachyspira species with increased MIC values to commonly prescribed antimicrobials may, at least in part, explain the increased prevalence and severity of this disease complex in recent years. Further research is necessary to understand these changes.
Escherichia coli from clinical mastitis
Authors: Fernandes José Benedito C. , Zanardo Larissa G. , Galvão Newton N. , Carvalho Isabel A. , Nero Luis Augusto , Moreira Maria Aparecida S.
Published: November 2011

In the current study, the virulence factors in Escherichia coli isolates from bovine mastitis were investigated, and the connection between these factors and infection was evaluated using phenotypic and genotypic analyses. Twenty-seven E. coli isolates were analyzed, and 2 were shown to produce verotoxin. All isolates had the ability to produce biofilms, although at different levels. One isolate was found to be sensitive to the bactericidal activity of bovine serum, 11 were intermediate, and 15 were resistant. Some isolates showed resistance to trimethoprim sulfa (9) and ampicillin (4), intermediate resistance to neomycin (1) and trimethoprim sulfa (5), and simultaneous resistance to ampicillin and trimethoprim sulfa (4). The fimH gene was found in all isolates and was associated with other virulence markers: pap (1), stb (8), cs31a (3), stb and vt2 (2), cs31a and stb (3), east1 and kps (1), stb and east1 (1), cs31a and east1 (1), and cs31a, stb, pap, and iucD (1). Serogroups were determined for 3 isolates: O93:H4, O83:H19, and O15:H11. Phylogenetic analysis showed that 23 isolates belonged to group A and 4 belonged to B1. The findings revealed that these E. coli isolates are opportunistic pathogens with different virulence factors. The results indicate that the pathogenicity route of E. coli in bovine mastitis is not a consequence of 1 specific virulence factor.
Identification of bacteria recovered from animals using the 16S ribosomal RNA gene with pyrosequencing and Sanger sequencing
Authors: Tewari Deepanker , Cieply Stephen , Livengood Julia
Published: November 2011

Bacterial identification using genetic sequencing is fast becoming a confirmatory tool for microbiologists. Its application in veterinary diagnostic laboratories is still growing. In addition to availability of Sanger sequencing, pyrosequencing has recently emerged as a unique method for short-read DNA sequencing for bacterial identifications. Its ease of use makes it possible to diagnose infections rapidly at a low cost even in smaller laboratories. In the current study, pyrosequencing was compared with Sanger sequencing for identification of the bacterial organisms. Fifty-four bacterial isolates spanning 23 different bacterial families encountered in veterinary diagnostic microbiology laboratories were sequenced using 16S ribosomal RNA gene with pyrosequencing and Sanger sequencing. Pyrosequencing was able to identify 80% of isolates to the genus level, and 43% isolates to the species level. Sanger sequencing with approximately 500 bp performed better for both genus (100%) and species (87%) identification. Use of different sequence databases to identify bacteria isolated from animals showed relative importance of public databases compared to a validated commercial library. A time and limited cost comparison between pyrosequencing and genetic sequencing of 500 bp showed pyrosequencing was not only faster but also comparable in cost, making it a viable alternative for use in classifying bacteria isolated from animals.
Amorimia exotropica poisoning as a presumptive cause of myocardial fibrosis in cattle
Authors: Soares Mauro Pereira , Pavarini Saulo Petinatti , de Lourdes Adrien Maria , de Souza Quevedo Pedro , Schild Ana Lucia , Peixoto Paulo Vargas , da Cruz Cláudio Estêvão Farias , Driemeier David
Published: November 2011

The current study reports the investigation on the cause of sudden deaths associated with cardiac fibrosis in cattle in northern Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The exclusion of known causes of bovine cardiac fibrosis as well as the absence of the plants in that region whose consumption has already been linked to the disorder motivated this investigation. The condition, which was attributed to the consumption of Amorimia exotropica, affected draft oxen, most of which died suddenly without showing any clinical signs during usual management or work. Globular hearts with white foci at their cut surfaces were the main gross findings, which corresponded microscopically from multifocal to coalescent areas of myocardial fibrosis. To confirm the condition, A. exotropica from the ranches where cattle died from the disease was dosed to rabbits, which showed similar lesions to those seen in dead cattle after receiving 10 doses of 3.6 g/kg at 4-day intervals. Electron microscopy on rabbit tissues revealed severe tumefaction of the cardiomyocytes associated with mitochondrial swelling, displacement, and rupture of the mitochondrial crests, and of the bundles of myofibrils, apart from large glycogen deposits within the sarcoplasm. It is suggested that mitochondrial changes triggered alterations that lead to cardiac fibrosis and that all of these changes were induced by A. exotropica cardiotoxicity.
Novel rapid genotyping assays for neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis in Border Collie dogs and high frequency of the mutant allele in Japan
Authors: Mizukami Keijiro , Chang Hye-Sook , Yabuki Akira , Kawamichi Takuji , Kawahara Natsuko , Hayashi Daisuke , Hossain Mohammad A. , Rahman Mohammad M. , Uddin Mohammad M. , Yamato Osamu
Published: November 2011

Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL) constitutes a group of recessively inherited lysosomal storage diseases that primarily affect neuronal cells. Such diseases share certain clinical and pathologic features in human beings and animals. Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis in Border Collie dogs was first detected in Australia in the 1980s, and the pathogenic mutation was shown to be a nonsense mutation (c.619C>T) in exon 4 in canine CLN5 gene. In the present study, novel rapid genotyping assays including polymerase chain reaction (PCR)–restriction fragment length polymorphism, PCR primer–induced restriction analysis, mutagenically separated PCR, and real-time PCR with TaqMan minor groove binder probes, were developed. The utility of microchip electrophoresis was also evaluated. Furthermore, a genotyping survey was carried out in a population of Border Collies in Japan using these assays to determine the current allele frequency in Japan, providing information to control and prevent this disease in the next stage. All assays developed in the current study are available to discriminate these genotypes, and microchip electrophoresis showed a timesaving advantage over agarose gel electrophoresis. Of all assays, real-time PCR was the most suitable for large-scale examination because of its high throughput. The genotyping survey demonstrated that the carrier frequency was 8.1%. This finding suggested that the mutant allele frequency of NCL in Border Collies is high enough in Japan that measures to control and prevent the disease would be warranted. The genotyping assays developed in the present study could contribute to the prevention of NCL in Border Collies.