bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Robust approaches for monitoring logistic regression profiles under outliers
Authors: Hakimi Ahmad , Amiri Amirhossein , Kamranrad Reza
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop some robust approaches to estimate the logistic regression profile parameters in order to decrease the effects of outliers on the performance ofT2control chart. In addition, the performance of the non-robust and the proposed robust control charts is evaluated in Phase II.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper some, robust approaches including weighted maximum likelihood estimation, redescending M-estimator and a combination of these two approaches (WRM) are used to decrease the effects of outliers on estimating the logistic regression parameters as well as the performance of theT2control chart.

Findings

The results of the simulation studies in both Phases I and II show the better performance of the proposed robust control charts rather than the non-robust control chart for estimating the logistic regression profile parameters and monitoring the logistic regression profiles.

Practical implications

In many practical applications, there are outliers in processes which may affect the estimation of parameters in Phase I and as a result of deteriorate the statistical performance of control charts in Phase II. The methods developed in this paper are effective for decreasing the effect of outliers in both Phases I and II.

Originality/value

This paper considers monitoring the logistic regression profile in Phase I under the presence of outliers. Also, three robust approaches are developed to decrease the effects of outliers on the parameter estimation and monitoring the logistic regression profiles in both Phases I and II.
The role of facilitators as partial signalers in the context of value perception
Authors: Russo Ivan , Confente Ilenia , Omar Ayman
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the role of qualified professionals acting as facilitators. These intermediaries can help to reduce information asymmetry between the manufacturer and the customer and to transfer knowledge to evaluate the quality of a product or service before use by the customer.

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilized a two-stage research design consisting of a qualitative study with semi-structured qualitative interviews. The results were used to conduct the second quantitative study using an empirical survey.

Findings

Using the information asymmetry and signaling theory, the facilitator in this study represents the partial receiver, whereas the manufacturer is the signaler, and the focus is on understanding the value and “signals” perceived by the receiver with respect to the manufacturer’s overall offerings.

Originality/value

The study provides a framework that highlights the main value driver categories that professional service providers consider important for value creation.
Mechanical behavior and damage mechanism of loaded coal and rock
Authors: Luo Feng , Li Guodong , Zhang Hao
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to obtain the mechanical behavior and damage mechanism of the coal and rock near the stope under the stress state and stress paths of the surrounding rock with the dynamic mining.

Design/methodology/approach

Through the three-axial compression test and the uniaxial compression test by meso experiment device, the mechanical behavior and fracture evolution process of coal and rock were studied, and the acoustic emission (AE) characteristics under uniaxial compression of the coal and rock were contrasted.

Findings

Under the three-axial compression, the strength of coal and rock enhance significantly by confining pressure. The volume of outburst coal shows obvious stages: compression is followed by expansion. The coal first appear to undergo compaction under vertical stress due to volume decrease, but with the development of micro- and macro-cracks, the specimens appeared to expand; under the uniaxial compression, through the comparison of stress–strain relationship and the crack propagation process, stress drop and fracture of coal have obvious correlation. The destruction of coal was gradual due to the slow and steady accumulation of internal damage. Due to the influence of the end effect, the specimens show the “conjugate double shear failure”. The failure process of the coal and rock and the characteristics of the AEs have a corresponding relationship: the failure causes a large number of AE events. Before the events peak, there was an initial stage, calm growth stage and explosive growth stage. There were some differences between the rock and coal in the characteristics of the AE.

Originality/value

These research studies are conducted to provide guidance on the basis of mine disaster prevention and control.
MHD flow and heat transfer of a magnetite–water nanofluid in porous medium under the effects of chemical reaction
Authors: Amini Meysam , GhasemiKafrudi Esmaeil , Habibi Mohammad Reza , Ahmadi Azin , HosseinNia Akram
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Due to the extensive industrial applications of stagnation flow problems, the present work aims to investigate the magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) flow and heat transfer of a magnetite nanofluid (here Fe3O4–water nanofluid) impinging a flat porous plate under the effects of a non-uniform magnetic field and chemical reaction with variable reaction rate.

Design/methodology/approach

Similarity transformations are applied to reduce the governing partial differential equations with boundary conditions into a system of ordinary differential equations over a semi-infinite domain. The modified fourth-order Runge–Kutta method with the shooting technique which is developed for unbounded domains is conducted to give approximate solutions of the problem, which are then verified by results of other researchers, showing very good agreements.

Findings

The effects of the volume fraction of nanoparticles, permeability, magnetic field, chemical reaction and Schmidt number on velocity, temperature and concentration fields are examined and graphically illustrated. It was found that fluid velocity and temperature fields are affected strongly by the types of nanoparticles. Moreover, magnetic field and radiation have strong effects on velocity and temperature fields, fluid velocity increases and thickness of the velocity boundary layer decreases as magnetic parameter M increases. The results also showed that the thickness of the concentration boundary layer decreases with an increase in the Schmidt number, as well as an increase in the chemical reaction coefficient.

Research limitations/implications

The thermophysical properties of the magnetite nanofluid (Fe3O4–water nanofluid) in different conditions should be checked.

Practical implications

Stagnation flow of viscous fluid is important due to its vast industrial applications, such as the flows over the tips of rockets, aircrafts, submarines and oil ships. Moreover, nanofluid, a liquid containing a dispersion of sub-micronic solid particles (nanoparticles) with typical length of the order of 1-50 nm, showed abnormal convective heat transfer enhancement, which is remarkable.

Originality/value

The major novelty of the present work corresponds to utilization of a magnetite nanofluid (Fe3O4–water nanofluid) in a stagnation flow influenced by chemical reaction and magnetic field. It should be noted that in addition to a variable chemical reaction, the permeability is non-uniform, while the imposed magnetic field also varies along the sheet. These, all, make the present work rather original.
The analysis of ion exchange resin adsorb Li from ash solution
Authors: Nie Xiang , Zhao Shanshan , Li Yanheng
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to take the four resin as adsorbent and coal ash alkaline solution as the material and use the single factor experimental method to study absorption influence factors for each resin to absorb lithium. At the same time, the authors got the special properties of some kinds of resin and compared the test results of each resin at the optimum factors.

Design/methodology/approach

Because many factors affect the test, this study uses the method of comparison and control variables. This method study on the influencing factors of ion exchange resin adsorption Li+.

Findings

In these adsorption experiments, the basic resin adsorption effect is more obvious. The optimum adsorption conditions are as follows: resin quality is 0.1 g, the volume of fly ash solution is 100 ml, magnetic stirrer speed is 140 r/min and the adsorption time is 60 min. Under these conditions, the adsorption rate of Li+ could reach 25.17 per cent aluminum.

Originality/value

Li extracted from coal ash can not only relieve the lithium resources in short supply but can also provide a new mode to the field of coal resources in recycling economy and transition economy. At the same time, the extraction of Li resources will provide an important reserve of raw materials for the future of nuclear power plant.
Coconut fibre-reinforced cement-stabilized rammed earth blocks
Authors: Raj Shubham , Mohammad Sher , Das Rima , Saha Shreya
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the optimum proportion of coconut fibre and cement suitable for rammed earth wall construction. Coconut fibres and cement can be easily incorporated into the soil mixture which adds strength and durability to the wall. This paper highlights the salient observations from a systematic investigation on the effect of coconut fibre on the performance of stabilized rammed earth blocks.

Design/methodology/approach

Stabilization of soil was done by adding Ordinary Portland Cement (2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0 per cent by weight of soil), whereas coconut fibre in length about 15 mm was added (0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0 per cent by weight of soil) as reinforcement. Thirty types of mixes were created by adding different proportions of cement and fibre to locally available soil and compacting the mix at constant compaction energy in three layers with Proctor rammer.

Findings

Samples were tested for compressive strength and tensile strength, and failure patterns were analysed. The use of cement and fibre increases ultimate strengths significantly up to an optimum limit of 0.8 per cent fibre content, provides a secondary benefit of keeping material bound together after failure and increases residual strength. Benefits of fibre reinforcement includes both improved ductility in comparison with raw blocks and inhibition of crack propagation after its initial formation.

Originality/value

After analysing the results, it is recommended to use 0.8 per cent fibre and 5-10 per cent cement by weight of soil to achieve considerable strength. This research may add a value in the areas of green and sustainable housing, waste utilization, etc.
Traveltime approximation in vertical transversely isotropic layered media
Authors: Ravve Igor , Koren Zvi
Published: March 2017

The well‐known asymptotic fractional four‐parameter traveltime approximation and the five‐parameter generalised traveltime approximation in stratified multi‐layer transversely isotropic elastic media with a vertical axis of symmetry have been widely used for pure‐mode and converted waves. The first three parameters of these traveltime expansions are zero‐offset traveltime, normal moveout velocity, and quartic coefficient, ensuring high accuracy of traveltimes at short offsets. The additional parameter within the four‐parameter approximation is an effective horizontal velocity accounting for large offsets, which is important to avoid traveltime divergence at large offsets. The two additional parameters in the above‐mentioned five‐parameter approximation ensure higher accuracy up to a given large finite offset with an exact match at this offset. In this paper, we propose two alternative five‐parameter traveltime approximations, which can be considered extensions of the four‐parameter approximation and an alternative to the five‐parameter approximation previously mentioned. The first three short‐offset parameters are the same as before, but the two additional long‐offset parameters are different and have specific physical meaning. One of them describes the propagation in the high‐velocity layer of the overburden (nearly horizontal propagation in the case of very large offsets), and the other characterises the intercept time corresponding to the critical slowness that includes contributions of the lower velocity layers only. Unlike the above‐mentioned approximations, both of the proposed traveltime approximations converge to the theoretical (asymptotic) linear traveltime at the limit case of very large (“infinite”) offsets. Their accuracy for moderate to very large offsets, for quasi‐compressional waves, converted waves, and shear waves polarised in the horizontal plane, is extremely high in cases where the overburden model contains at least one layer with a dominant higher velocity compared with the other layers. We consider the implementation of the proposed traveltime approximations in all classes of problems in which the above‐mentioned approximations are used, such as reflection and diffraction analysis and imaging.
Review paper: Virtual sources and their responses, Part I: time‐reversal acoustics and seismic interferometry
Authors: Wapenaar Kees , Thorbecke Jan
Published: March 2017

A focusing acoustic wave field, emitted into a medium from its boundary, converges to a focal spot around the designated focal point. Subsequently, the focused field acts as a virtual source that emits a field propagating away from the focal point, mimicking the response to a real source at the position of the focal point. In this first part of a two‐part review paper on virtual sources and their responses, we define the focusing wave field as the time reversal of an observed point‐source response. This approach underlies time‐reversal acoustics and seismic interferometry. We analyse the propagation of a time‐reversed point‐source response through an inhomogeneous medium, paying particular attention to the effect of internal multiples. We investigate the differences between emitting the focusing field from a closed boundary and from an open boundary, and we analyse in detail the properties of the virtual source. Whereas emitting the time‐reversed field from a closed boundary yields an accurate isotropic virtual source, emitting the field from an open boundary leads to a highly directional virtual source and significant artefacts related to multiple scattering. The latter problems are addressed in Part II, where we define the focusing wave field as an inverse filter that accounts for primaries and multiples.
A seismic reflection from isotropic‐fractured fluid‐saturated layer
Authors: Krylova Anna , Goloshubin Gennady
Published: March 2017

Average elastic properties of a fluid‐saturated fractured rock are discussed in association with the extremely slow and dispersive Krauklis wave propagation within individual fractures. The presence of the Krauklis wave increases P‐wave velocity dispersion and attenuation with decreasing frequency. Different laws (exponential, power, fractal, and gamma laws) of distribution of the fracture length within the rock show more velocity dispersion and attenuation of the P‐wave for greater fracture density, particularly at low seismic frequencies. The results exhibit a remarkable difference in the P‐wave reflection coefficient for frequency and angular dependency from the fractured layer in comparison with the homogeneous layer. The biggest variation in behaviour of the reflection coefficient versus incident angle is observed at low seismic frequencies. The proposed approach and results of calculations allow an interpretation of abnormal velocity dispersion, high attenuation, and special behaviour of reflection coefficients versus frequency and angle of incidence as the indicators of fractures.
Modelling and straight‐ray tomographic imaging studies of cross‐hole radio‐frequency electromagnetic data for mineral exploration
Authors: Li Yongxing , Smith Richard S.
Published: March 2017

Radio‐frequency electromagnetic tomography (or radio imaging method) employs radio‐frequency (typically 0.1–10 MHz) electromagnetic wave propagation to delineate the distribution of electric properties between two boreholes. Currently, the straight‐ray imaging method is the primary imaging method for the radio imaging method data acquired for mineral exploration. We carried out synthetic studies using three‐dimensional finite‐element modelling implemented in COMSOL Multiphysics to study the electromagnetic field characteristics and to assess the capability of the straight‐ray imaging method using amplitude and phase data separately. We studied four sets of experiments with models of interest in the mining setting. In the first two experiments, we studied models with perfect conductors in homogeneous backgrounds, which show that the characteristics of the electromagnetic fields depend mainly on the wavelength. When the borehole separations are less than one wavelength, induction effects occur; conductors with simple geometries can be recovered acceptably with amplitude data but are incorrectly imaged on the phase tomogram. When the borehole separations are longer than two wavelengths, radiation effects play a major role. In this case, phase tomography provides images with acceptable quality, whereas amplitude tomography does not provide satisfactory results. The third experiment shows that imaging with both original and reciprocal datasets is somewhat helpful in improving the imaging quality by reducing the impact of noise. In the last experiment, we studied models with conductive zones extended into the borehole plane with different lengths, which were not accurately recovered with amplitude tomography. The experiment implies that it is difficult to determine the extent of a mineralised zone that has been intersected by one of the boreholes. Due to the large variation of the wavelength in the radio‐frequency range, we suggest investigating the local electric properties to select an operating frequency prior to a survey. We conclude that straight‐ray tomography with either amplitude or phase data cannot provide high‐quality imaging results. We suggest using more general methods based on full electromagnetic modelling to interpret the data. In circumstances when computational time is critical, we suggest saving time by using either induction methods for borehole separations less than one wavelength or wave‐based methods (only radiation fields are considered) for borehole separation larger than two wavelengths.
Analysing two‐dimensional effects in central loop transient electromagnetic sounding data using a semi‐synthetic tipper approach
Authors: Yogeshwar P. , Tezkan B.
Published: March 2017

We present a simple and feasible approach to analyse and identify two‐dimensional effects in central loop transient electromagnetic sounding data and the correspondingly derived quasi two‐dimensional conductivity models. The proposed strategy is particularly useful in minimising interpretation errors. It is based on the calculation of a semi‐synthetic transient electromagnetic tipper at each sounding and for each observational transient time point. The semi‐synthetic transient electromagnetic tipper is derived from the measured vertical component of the induced voltage and the synthetically calculated horizontal component. The approach is computationally inexpensive and involves one two‐dimensional forward calculation of an obtained quasi two‐dimensional conductivity section. Based on a synthetic example, we demonstrate that the transient electromagnetic tipper approach is applicable in identifying which transient data points and which corresponding zones in a derived quasi two‐dimensional subsurface model are affected by two‐dimensional inhomogeneities. The one‐dimensional inversion of such data leads to false models. An application of the semi‐synthetic transient electromagnetic tipper to field data from the Azraq basin in Jordan reveals that, in total, eight of 80 investigated soundings are affected by two‐dimensional structures although the field data can be fitted optimally using one‐dimensional inversion techniques. The largest semi‐synthetic tipper response occurs in a 300 m‐wide region around a strong lateral resistivity contrast. The approach is useful for analysing structural features in derived quasi two‐dimensional sections and for qualitatively investigating how these features affect the transient response. To avoid misinterpretation, these identified zones corresponding to large tipper values are excluded from the interpretation of a quasi two‐dimensional conductivity model. Based on the semi‐synthetic study, we also demonstrate that a quantitative interpretation of the horizontal voltage response (e.g. by inversion) is usually not feasible as it requires the exact sensor position to be known. Although a tipper derived purely from field data is useful as a qualitative tool for identifying two‐dimensional distortion effects, it is only feasible if the sensor setup is sufficiently accurate. Our proposed semi‐synthetic transient electromagnetic tipper approach is particularly feasible as an a posteriori approach if no horizontal components are recorded or if the sensor setup in the field is not sufficiently accurate.
The benefits of coinfection: trematodes alter disease outcomes associated with virus infection
Authors: Wuerthner Vanessa P. , Hua Jessica , Hoverman Jason T.
Published: March 2017

Coinfections are increasingly recognized as important drivers of disease dynamics. Consequently, greater emphasis has been placed on integrating principles from community ecology with disease ecology to understand within‐host interactions among parasites. Using larval amphibians and two amphibian parasites (ranaviruses and the trematode Echinoparyphium sp.), we examined the influence of coinfection on disease outcomes.

Our first objective was to examine how priority effects (the timing and sequence of parasite exposure) influence infection and disease outcomes in the laboratory. We found that interactions between the parasites were asymmetric; prior infection with Echinoparyphium reduced ranaviral loads by 9% but there was no reciprocal effect of prior ranavirus infection on Echinoparyphium load. Additionally, survival rates of hosts (larval gray treefrogs; Hyla versicolor) infected with Echinoparyphium 10 days prior to virus exposure were 25% greater compared to hosts only exposed to virus.

Our second objective was to determine whether these patterns were generalizable to multiple amphibian species under more natural conditions. We conducted a semi‐natural mesocosm experiment consisting of four larval amphibian hosts [gray treefrogs, American toads (Anaxyrus americanus), leopard frogs (Lithobates pipiens) and spring peepers (Pseudacris crucifer)] to examine how prior Echinoparyphium infection influenced ranavirus transmission within the community, using ranavirus‐infected larval wood frogs (Lithobates sylvaticus) as source of ranavirus. Consistent with the laboratory experiment, we found that prior Echinoparyphium infection reduced ranaviral loads by 19 to 28% in three of the four species.

Collectively, these results suggest that macroparasite infection can reduce microparasite replication rates across multiple amphibian species, possibly through cross‐reactive immunity. Although the immunological mechanisms driving this outcome are in need of further study, trematode infections appear to benefit hosts that are exposed to ranaviruses. Additionally, these results suggest that consideration of priority effects and timing of exposure are vital for understanding parasite interactions within hosts and disease outcomes.
Soil biota suppress positive plant diversity effects on productivity at high but not low soil fertility
Authors: Luo Shan , De Deyn Gerlinde B. , Jiang Bin , Yu Shixiao
Published: March 2017

Plant community productivity commonly increases with increasing plant diversity, which is explained by complementarity among plant species in resource utilization (complementarity effect), or by selection of particularly productive plant species in diverse plant communities (selection effect). Recent studies have also shown that soil biota can drive the positive plant diversity–productivity relationship by suppressing productivity more in low‐ than in high‐diversity plant communities. However, much remains unknown about whether soil fertility plays a role in determining how soil biota affect plant diversity–productivity relationships.

We hypothesized that under high soil fertility conditions, negative soil biota effects dominate, which reduces plant monoculture biomass more than that of high‐diversity plant communities. Conversely, under low soil fertility conditions, we hypothesized positive soil biota effects dominate, which facilitates plant resource partitioning and enhances community‐level biomass in high‐diversity plant communities. Hence, we expected positive plant diversity–community productivity relationships under low and high soil fertility conditions but caused by different mechanisms.

We tested these hypotheses using woody seedlings and set up plant assemblages with four species richness levels (one, two, four and eight species), and grew them in sterilized and unsterilized (sterilized soil + living soil inoculum) soils at two nutrient levels (low versus high fertility).

We found that at high fertility negative soil biota effects dominated and suppressed plant community biomass more in high‐diversity plant communities than in monocultures, resulting in reduced complementarity effects of diverse plant communities and a non‐significant plant species richness–community biomass relationship in unsterilized soil. Whereas at low fertility soil biota had net neutral to positive effects on plant community biomass but the beneficial effects did not increase with increasing plant species richness. Instead, soil biota neutrally affected the positive plant species richness–community biomass relationship, presumably due to non‐specific effects of beneficial soil biota.

Synthesis. Soil biota and soil fertility interactively determine plant species richness–community biomass relationships. Moreover, soil biota modulate the complementary resource use among plant species. These findings suggest that environmental context plays an important role in determining whether and how soil biota generate the biodiversity–productivity relationship. Future studies would benefit from revealing the mechanisms underlying the interactive effects of soil biota, soil fertility, and plant diversity on ecosystem functioning.
Evidence in the Networked Governance of Regional Decarbonisation: A Critical Appraisal
Authors: Weller Sally , Tierney John
Published: March 2017

This paper examines the use of evidence in collaborative policy making focusing on the challenges of implementing national decarbonisation policies in regional areas. Its case study of a staged policy intervention to promote the ‘transition to a low carbon economy’ in Victoria's coal‐dependent Latrobe Valley reveals the selective use of evidence to support policy directions that emerged from the interaction of policy knowledge and the political mood. The paper shows how local conditions can be manipulated to enable the production of evidence consistent with the policy objective, but also suggests that despite combining orchestrated evidence with customised forms of networked governance, it is not possible to suppress or deflect unresolved political disagreements.
Advancing Gendered Analyses of Entrepreneurship: A Critical Exploration of Entrepreneurial Activity among Gay Men and Lesbian Women
Authors: Marlow Susan , Greene Francis J. , Coad Alex
Published: March 2017

This paper advances contemporary gendered analyses of entrepreneurial activity by exploring self‐employment amongst gay men and lesbian women. Within current entrepreneurial debate, heterosexual women have become the visible embodiment of the gendered subject. Our contribution is to queer this assumption when focusing upon the entrepreneurial activity of gays and lesbians. Our core question investigates if ‘there is evidence of differences between homosexuals and heterosexuals in their likelihood of being entrepreneurially active’. To address this question, we contrast competing notions of gender stereotypes and discrimination whilst drawing on findings from a large‐scale population‐based study of 163,000 UK adults. We find few differences between homosexuals and heterosexuals; this persists after examining intersectional patterns and considering if gay and lesbian entrepreneurs choose particular sectors, geographies or forms of self‐employment. As our discussion highlights, the value of this study lies within its critique of contemporary analyses of gender which assume it is an end‐point rather than a foundation for analysing gender as a multiplicity.
Choice of Structure, Business Model and Portfolio: Organizational Models of Knowledge Transfer Offices in British Universities
Authors: Sengupta Abhijit , Ray Amit S.
Published: March 2017

This paper addresses the gap in the knowledge transfer literature around how universities choose specific organizational models for their knowledge transfer offices (KTOs). Organization theory points towards strong interlinkages between strategy, structure and processes in organizations. This motivates an exploration of similar links within the organizational setup of KTOs. In doing so, the paper provides a unified theoretical framework around a university's choice of structure, business model and strategic preferences for their KTOs linked to university‐specific contextual factors. A qualitative approach is used wherein four very distinct British universities are examined as individual case studies. The authors find that strategic aims of the university around practitioner engagement, the quantity of applied research and research specialization are key factors in determining the organizational characteristics of the KTO. The theoretical framework derived from the cases makes two key contributions to the university knowledge transfer literature. First, it links the university‐level contextual factors to the local model of knowledge transfer. Second, it allows us to develop a set of generic models of knowledge transfer, which can potentially guide universities to develop their own specific models.
The Weakness Of Symbolic Boundaries: Handling Exclusion Among Montevideo's Squatters
Authors: Álvarez‐Rivadulla María José
Published: March 2017

This article argues that material conditions limit the possibilities of symbolic boundaries becoming markers of social differentiation, especially among stigmatized groups. Using squatter settlements in Montevideo, Uruguay, as a case study, it shows that symbolic boundaries are hard to maintain when material conditions and the stigmas associated with certain places work against them. Based on participant observation and oral histories, it analyses how squatters experienced the move to a squatter settlement. It argues that, for many, it was a way to resist exclusion, a struggle to belong to the city and to protect a social position that structural changes under neoliberalism had put at risk. This required engaging in difficult symbolic boundary work to distinguish themselves from cantegriles—poor and crowded older shantytowns—and claim dignity as workers and residents of a regular city neighbourhood. Yet, there were many limits to their fight in an increasingly fragmented city. Through follow‐up visits to several settlements over almost two decades and tracking the case in the local press, through available survey data and secondary literature, this article offers a longitudinal perspective of symbolic boundaries in the making.
The structure of foreign policy attitudes in transatlantic perspective: Comparing the United States, United Kingdom, France and Germany
Authors: GRAVELLE TIMOTHY B. , REIFLER JASON , SCOTTO THOMAS J.
Published: March 2017

While public opinion about foreign policy has been studied extensively in the United States, there is less systematic research of foreign policy opinions in other countries. Given that public opinion about international affairs affects who gets elected in democracies and then constrains the foreign policies available to leaders once elected, both comparative politics and international relations scholarship benefit from more systematic investigation of foreign policy attitudes outside the United States. Using new data, this article presents a common set of core constructs structuring both American and European attitudes about foreign policy. Surveys conducted in four countries (the United States, the United Kingdom, France and Germany) provide an expanded set of foreign policy‐related survey items that are analysed using exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM). Measurement equivalence is specifically tested and a common four‐factor structure that fits the data in all four countries is found. Consequently, valid, direct comparisons of the foreign policy preferences of four world powers are made. In the process, the four‐factor model confirms and expands previous work on the structure of foreign policy attitudes. The article also demonstrates the capability of ESEM in testing the dimensionality and cross‐national equivalence of social science concepts.
The JOBS Act and the Costs of Going Public
Authors: CHAPLINSKY SUSAN , HANLEY KATHLEEN WEISS , MOON S. KATIE
Published: March 2017

We examine the effects of Title I of the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act for a sample of 312 emerging growth companies (EGCs) that filed for an initial public offering (IPO) from April 5, 2012 through April 30, 2015. We find no reduction in the direct costs of issuance, accounting, legal, or underwriting fees for EGC IPOs. Underpricing, an indirect cost of issuance that increases an issuer's cost of capital, is significantly higher for EGCs compared to other IPOs. More importantly, greater underpricing is present only for larger firms that are newly eligible for scaled disclosure under the Act. Overall, we find little evidence that the Act in its first three years has reduced the measurable costs of going public. Although there are benefits of the Act that issuers appear to value, they should be balanced against the higher costs of capital that can occur after its enactment.
Increased Lung Weights in Drug‐related Fatalities
Authors: Chen Heather I‐Hsuan , deJong Joyce
Published: March 2017

This study is of autopsy data for potential validation as to whether increased weights of the lungs support toxic effects of drugs as the cause of death. This retrospective study compared data from 133 deaths resulting from the toxic effects of drugs with previously reported normal lung weights (Toxicol Mech Methods, 22, 2012, 159; Am J Forensic Med Pathol 33, 2012, 368). The lung weights and their standard errors were used in a two‐sample independent t‐test comparing the average drug‐related death weight to the average control weights. To account for multiple comparisons, a Bonferroni‐adjusted alpha level of 0.0125 was used. We are 98.75% confident that the mean right lung weight for female drug‐related deaths is between 227 and 377 g greater than the mean right lung weight for female non‐drug‐related deaths. We are 98.75% confident that the mean right lung weight for male drug‐related deaths is between 245 and 378 g greater than the mean right lung weight for male non‐drug‐related deaths.
Patterns of low acuity patient presentations to emergency departments in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Stephens Alexandre S , Broome Richard A
Published: March 2017

Objective

To explore the patterns of low acuity patient (LAP) presentations to EDs in New South Wales (NSW), Australia.

Methods

Retrospective study of NSW public hospital ED presentations between January 2013 and December 2014 that were registered in the NSW Emergency Department Data Collection (n = 409 035). LAPs were defined according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), Sprivulis and multiple ACEM methods. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the adjusted odds of LAP ED presentation by a suite of sociodemographic factors.

Results

The percentage of LAPs varied considerably by definition, being as high as 54.7% (inner regional areas) and as low as 3.2% (major cities) using revised ACEM methods modified to contain unlimited consultation times or consultation times of 15 min or less, respectively. For each method, higher proportions of LAPs were observed in inner regional and remote/very remote areas relative to major cities. LAP ED presentations, based on ACEM definition with 1 h or 15 min consultation times, were greater in younger patients, increased during out of business hours and weekends, and decreased with increasing general practitioner (GP) density.

Conclusion

The percentage of LAPs varied substantially by definition, and further work is required to validate the methods, particularly around the appropriateness of length of consultation time with ACEM, between different hospitals and remoteness areas. Age was strongly associated with low acuity, with substantial effects also observed for GP density, and attendances during out of hours and weekends.
Pyriproxyfen inhibits the suppressive effect of inflammatory signal on TR4 activity
Authors: Choi Hojung , Park Sung‐Soo , Kim Eungseok
Published: March 2017

Obesity causes a chronic inflammatory state by increasing secretion of proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), which alters signaling pathways critical for metabolic homeostasis, leading to obesity‐related metabolic disorders. Here, we demonstrate that TNFα inhibits testicular orphan nuclear receptor 4 (TR4) transcriptional activity and this TNFα inhibition of TR4 activity is reduced by treatment of Pyriproxyfen (PYR), a juvenile hormone (JH) analog. In addition, nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB), a key transcription regulator of inflammation, also suppressed TR4 transactivation by physical interaction with TR4, reducing TR4 binding affinity for TR4 response elements located in its target gene promoters. Consistently, NF‐κB‐suppressed TR4 activity was partially restored by PYR treatment. Furthermore, TNFα inhibited mRNA levels of TR4 target genes such as, FATP1 and PC with reduction of lipid accumulation in 3 T3‐L1 adipocytes while PYR suppressed TNFα inhibition of TR4 target gene expression, resulting in recovery of lipid accumulation of adipocytes, suggesting that PYR enhances lipid homeostasis disturbed by inflammatory signaling and this PYR effect could be achieved in part by stimulating TR4 transcriptional activity. Together, our data show that PYR regulates inflammatory signaling in adipocytes and thus, small molecules based on insect hormones could be an alternative approach to control obesity‐related metabolic disorders.
Complete mitochondrial genome of the black‐tailed hornet, Vespa ducalis (Hymenoptera: Vespidae): Genomic comparisons in Vespoidea
Authors: Kim Jong Seok , Jeong Jun Seong , Jeong Su Yeon , Kim Min Jee , Kim Iksoo
Published: March 2017

We sequenced the complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of the black‐tailed hornet, Vespa ducalis (Hymenoptera: Vespidae). The genome was 15,779‐bp long and contained typical sets of genes [13 protein‐coding genes (PCGs), 22 tRNAs, and 2 rRNAs]. The V. ducalis A + T‐rich region was 166‐bp long and was the shortest of all sequenced Vespoidea genomes, including Vespa. The genome was highly biased toward A/T nucleotides—80.1 % in the whole genome, 77.8 % in PCGs, 83.4–85.6 % in RNAs, and 92.8 % in the A + T‐rich region. These values are well within the typical range for genes and regions of Vespoidea mitogenomes. Start and stop codons in several Vespa species—including V. ducalis—were diversified, despite these species belonging to the same genus. In comparison with the ancestral mitogenomes, Vespa mitogenomes—including that of V. ducalis—showed substantial gene rearrangement; however, we detected no gene rearrangement among Vespa species. We conducted phylogenetic reconstruction based on concatenated sequences of 13 PCGs and two rRNAs (12,755 bp) in available species of Vespoidea—21 species in six subfamilies in two families (Vespidae and Formicidae). The Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood (ML) methods revealed that each family formed strong monophyletic groups [Bayesian posterior probability (BPP) = 1; ML, 100 %]. Moreover, V. ducalis and V. mandarinia formed a strong sister group (BPP = 1; ML, 94 %).
A novel cecropin‐like peptide from black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens: Isolation, structural and functional characterization
Authors: Park Soon‐Ik , Yoe Sung Moon
Published: March 2017

Cecropins are basic antibacterial peptides that have potent antimicrobial activities. We induced and purified a novel antimicrobial peptide exhibiting activity against Gram‐negative bacteria from the immunized hemolymph of Hermetia illucens larvae. The immunized hemolymph was extracted, and the novel cecropin‐like peptide 1 (CLP1) was purified using solid‐phase extraction and reverse‐phase chromatography. The purified CLP1 demonstrated a molecular weight of 4,840 Da, as determined by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization‐time‐of‐flight (MALDI‐TOF). From analysis of CLP1 by N‐terminal amino acid sequencing using Edman degradation, combined with MALDI‐TOF and rapid amplification of cDNA ends‐polymerase chain reaction (RACE‐PCR), the amino acid sequence of the mature peptide was determined to be GWRKRVFKPVEKFGQRVRDAGVQGIAIAQQGANVLATARGGP PQQG. In NCBI BLAST, the amino acid sequence of CLP1 was found to be 60 % identical to the Drosophila melanogaster cecropin C. In silico analysis revealed that CLP1 was suggested to be part of the cecropin superfamily of AMPs characterized as cationic, linear, α‐helical, and amphipathic polypeptides. Analysis of the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) showed that CLP1 exerted antibacterial effects against Gram‐negative bacteria. The expression of CLP1 transcripts in several tissues after bacterial challenge was measured by quantitative real‐time PCR. CLP1 expression was negligible throughout the body before immunization, and was mostly evident in the fat body after immunization.
Moisture‐Mediated Interactions Between Amorphous Maltodextrins and Crystalline Fructose
Authors: Thorat Alpana , Marrs Krystin N. , Ghorab Mohamed K. , Meunier Vincent , Forny Laurent , Taylor Lynne S. , Mauer Lisa J.
Published: March 2017

The effects of coformulating amorphous maltodextrins (MDs) and crystalline fructose, a deliquescent solid, on the moisture sorption, deliquescence point (RH0), and glass transition temperature (Tg) behaviors were determined. Moisture sorption profiles of binary fructose:MD mixtures and individual ingredients were generated using controlled relative humidity (RH) desiccators and by dynamic vapor sorption techniques. Blends exhibited synergistic moisture uptake at RHs below the RH0 of fructose, attributed to partial dissolution of fructose in plasticized MD matrices without a significant reduction in the RH0 of the undissolved fructose. Increasing storage temperature decreased the onset RH for moisture sorption synergy. At all storage RHs, the measured Tg (2nd scan) was significantly reduced in fructose:MD mixtures compared to individual MDs, and was related to both the synergistic moisture uptake in the blends and heat‐induced ternary fructose–MD–water interactions in the differential scanning calorimeter. Differences were found between the behavior of fructose:MD blends and previous reports of sucrose:MD and NaCl:MD blends, caused in part by the lower RH0 of fructose. The enhanced moisture sorption in blends of deliquescent and amorphous ingredients could lead to problematic moisture‐induced changes if storage conditions are not controlled.
The Long and Short of Environmental Solutions
Authors: Kareiva Peter , Fuller Emma
Published: March 2017

Capitalism, globalization, consumerism and an almost religious commitment to perpetual growth are often blamed for the world's environmental woes. But does this mean that economic stagnation and Marxism, for example, would be the friend of the environment? We need to analyze the flaws of our current socioeconomic ecosystem and work to make concrete improvements. Some improvements are short term and simply reflect improved ‘best practices’ and more flexible frameworks for implementing existing policies. These improvements can make a difference in a matter of years and are relevant to the urgency of avoiding species extinctions in the near term. These changes are analogous to ‘tuning’ a car's engine. Other improvements will require fundamental changes in how our economic system works – changes such as breaking the reliance of developing nations on cheap fossil fuels. These changes are analogous to rebuilding and redesigning a car's engine. But whatever actions are explored, they must be practical and concrete. Bemoaning the avarice and resource exploitation of capitalism and its addiction to growth is a, by‐now, stale and unactionable critique of the modern world.
Generating Sustained Political Priority for Non‐communicable Diseases: Towards a Suitable Governance Model
Authors: Huckel Schneider Carmen , Gillespie James A. , Thow Anne Marie
Published: March 2017

The 2011 high‐level meeting of the United Nations General Assembly on non‐communicable diseases (NCDs), and subsequent developments in global public policy on NCDs can be seen as a contemporary case study in global health governance. As the debate on what constitutes appropriate and desirable governance continues, highly contrasting models are being compared as starting points. We define these as the global health initiative model and the convention/strategy model. Each has a different strategy at its core and represents a different response to key normative challenges that are said to plague global health governance – participation, scope of action, balancing power, legitimacy and effectiveness. As the current structure of the Global Coordinating Mechanism for NCDs within the WHO emerges as a possible new model, we argue that these normative challenges need to be addressed to safeguard against potential policy ineffectiveness.
Organizational Aspect of the Global Fight against Online Child Sexual Abuse
Authors: Açar Kemal Veli
Published: March 2017

Online child sexual abuse is a relatively new form of crime against children which requires a more concerted action on a global scale. Intricate organizational, technical, legal and socio‐psychological issues surrounding this phenomenon make the current structure and possible solutions to organizational problems extremely complicated to analyse, evaluate and discuss. This commentary focuses on the organizational aspect by dividing the complex global response into four simple layers: governments and inter‐governmental agencies, police and judicial bodies, non‐governmental organizations and the private sector. Undoubtedly, developing more effective global policies for the fight against online child sexual abuse relies on deeper understanding of the current structure and the roles of each layer.
The Impact of Litigation Risk on Auditor Pricing Behavior: Evidence From Reverse Mergers
Authors: Abbott Lawrence J. , Gunny Katherine , Pollard Troy
Published: March 2017

We use reverse mergers to examine the impact of litigation risk on audit fees. In a reverse merger, a private company merges with a public company, and the private company's management takes over the resulting publicly traded firm. Reverse mergers create a unique test setting to provide estimates on the litigation risk premium because, while the litigation risk for formerly private firms whose equity becomes publicly traded increases, the remaining auditee‐ and auditor‐related characteristics remain virtually unchanged. We document a litigation risk premium of approximately 27 percent. Moreover, we document that equity dispersion impacts the audit fee pricing of litigation risk and this relation is dramatically magnified in the publicly traded realm. Finally, we find that institutional investors demand higher audit effort in the form of higher audit fees in both the private‐ and public‐equity settings.