bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metastable phase YFe12 fabricated by rapid quenching method
Authors: Suzuki Hiroyuki
Published: January 2017

A nonmagnetic Y element was selected to focus on an Fe lattice, and experiments to produce YFe12 for high magnetization compounds by rapid quenching method were performed. The ThMn12 structure is mainly generated at a roll velocity of around 20 m/s, and the TbCu7 structure is mainly generated at a higher roll velocity. The TbCu7 structure can be changed to the ThMn12 structure by annealing, but at 1000°C, the convergent YFe12 is decomposed into d-Y2Fe17 and α-Fe. It was pointed out that YFe12 has a small number of disordered parts of the Fe-dumbbell substituted into the Y site. It was clear that the magnetic moment of each site in YFe12 are much larger than that of each site in YFe11Ti. The magnetization of YFe12 was estimated to be 1.66 T at liq. N2 temperature. The Curie temperatures of the convergent structures have a maximum value of 212°C in the target composition range of 12<Fe/Y<13.
Graphene and temperature controlled butterfly shape in permittivity-field loops of ferroelectric polymer nanocomposites
Authors: Adohi B. J. P. , Brosseau C. , Laur V. , Haidar B.
Published: January 2017

We report on the field-dependent polarization of graphene (GE) filled poly[vinylidene fluoride-co-trifluoroethylene] P(VDF-TrFE) nanostructures fabricated by mechanical melt mixing. This study shows an increase in effective permittivity of these nanomaterials on increasing the GE loading in a manner that is consistent with standard mixing law. Detailed characterization of the unsaturated ferroelectric hysteresis, as well as the butterfly shape of the effective permittivity versus electric bias, of the samples are presented. For GE content set to 9.1 wt. % in the samples containing 50/50 wt. % (VDF/TrFE), the maximum polarization increases by 260% with respect to that of the neat polymer matrix. With a higher VDF content, 73 wt. %, the coercive field remains constant over the range of GE content explored. Additionally, our results highlight the strong impact of the GE loading and temperature on the butterfly shape in permittivity-field loops of these nanocomposites. The experimental findings are consistent with theoretical predictions of the modified Johnson's model [Narayanan et al., Appl. Phys. Lett. 100, 022907 (2012)]. Our findings can open avenues for interplay between conductive nanofillers and ferroelectricity in soft nanomaterials with controlled phase transitions.
Monolayer graphene based organic optical terahertz modulator
Authors: Wang Guocui , Zhang Bo , Ji Hongyu , Liu Xin , He Ting , Lv Longfeng , Hou Yanbing , Shen Jingling
Published: January 2017

We investigate a high-efficiency broadband terahertz wave modulator with structures made from the conjugated polymer [2-methoxy-5-(2′-ethylhexyloxy)-1, 4-phenylennevinylene], graphene, and Si, irradiated with an external excitation laser. We demonstrate a strategy that can alleviate the tradeoff between the requirements of modulation depth and modulation speed in polymer/silicon terahertz wave modulators. Using terahertz time-domain and continuous-wave systems, we measured both the terahertz transmission modulation properties and the time responses of the modulator structures. The conjugated polymer/graphene/silicon structure achieved a high modulation factor of 93% for transmission as well as improved the modulation speed of the devices based on polymer/silicon. The high modulation efficiency of the polymer/graphene/silicon structure was induced by the enhancement in carrier density and the extremely high carrier mobility of graphene, respectively.
Donut shape plasma jet plumes generated by microwave pulses even without air mole fractions
Authors: Chen Zhaoquan , Liu Xiaodong , Zou Changlin , Song Xiao , Li Ping , Hu Yelin , Qiu Hanbiao , Kudryavtsev A. A. , Zhu Mengzhou
Published: January 2017

It is well known that the plasma jets driven by lower frequency voltages or pulsed DC power supply normally present with donut shaped cross sections, especially at where the diffused air mole fractions are less than 0.01. Thence, it is interesting to further study whether the donut shape is still in truth for the pulsed microwave plasma jet or not. In this letter, the cross sectional structures of atmospheric pressure plasma jet plumes driven by pulsed microwaves have been experimented on a cylindrical coaxial transmission line resonator. The plasma jet plumes demonstrate particular characteristics, like argon plasma with a donut shape but helium plasma with an uniform lighten cross section, despite whether the air mole fraction exists or not. For argon discharge, the fast images show that the donut shaped cross section only occurs at the end of each microwave pulses. In combination with helium discharge, the cross sectional patterns are immediately determined by the dominant ionization front of the plasma jet plumes, which are resonantly generated by the local enhanced electric field of ionization waves.
Note: Determine entanglement length through monomer mean-square displacement
Authors: Hou Ji-Xuan
Published: January 2017

I present a refined version of the method for determining entanglement length through monomer mean-square displacement. By retrieving a prefactor π/2 that might be lost in previous derivation, the entanglement length of the standard bead-spring model estimated by this method coincides with the measurements of other methods.
Squeezing-enhanced fiber Mach-Zehnder interferometer for low-frequency phase measurement
Authors: Liu Fang , Zhou Yaoyao , Yu Juan , Guo Jiale , Wu Yang , Xiao Shixiong , Wei Dan , Zhang Yong , Jia Xiaojun , Xiao Min
Published: January 2017

We propose and experimentally demonstrate a quantum-enhanced fiber Mach-Zehnder interferometer for low-frequency phase measurement beyond the shot-noise limit using a high-frequency squeezing technique. The local oscillator field is amplitude-modulated in the MHz range and is then demodulated to avoid the technical noise that occurs at low frequencies. After measurement of the phase noise at a frequency of tens of kHz, an improvement of ∼2 dB relative to the shot-noise level is achieved. Additionally, the amplitude modulation depth has no significant effect on the phase noise improvement of the interferometer when deployed in our experimental configuration. The current scheme introduces a quantum technique into the fiber-based measurements, particularly for the low frequency range, and this scheme has potential applications in the high-precision fiber sensing of temperature, strain, and various other parameters.
Synergistic effects of nuclear and electronic energy loss in KTaO3 under ion irradiation
Authors: Zarkadoula Eva , Jin Ke , Zhang Yanwen , Weber William J.
Published: January 2017

We use the inelastic thermal spike model for insulators and molecular dynamic simulations to investigate the effects of pre-existing damage on the energy dissipation and structural alterations in KTaO3 under irradiation with 21 MeV Ni ions. Our results reveal a synergy between the pre-existing defects and the electronic energy loss, indicating that the defects play an important role on the energy deposition in the system. Our findings highlight the need for better understanding on the role of defects in electronic energy dissipation and the coupling of the electronic and atomic subsystems.
Point defects and magnetic properties of neutron irradiated MgO single crystal
Authors: Cao Mengxiong , Ma Yaru , Wang Xingyu , Ma Chunlin , Zhou Weiping , Wang Xiaoxiong , Tan Weishi , Du Jun
Published: January 2017

(100)-oriented MgO single crystals were irradiated to introduce point defects with different neutron doses ranging from 1.0×1016 to 1.0×1020 cm-2. The point defect configurations were studied with X-ray diffuse scattering and UV-Vis absorption spectra. The isointensity profiles of X-ray diffuse scattering caused by the cubic and double-force point defects in MgO were theoretically calculated based on the Huang scattering theory. The magnetic properties at different temperature were measured with superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID). The reciprocal space mappings (RSMs) of irradiated MgO revealed notable diffuse scattering. The UV-Vis spectra indicated the presence of O Frenkel defects in irradiated MgO. Neutron-irradiated MgO was diamagnetic at room temperature and became ferromagnetic at low temperature due to O Frenkel defects induced by neutron-irradiation.
Collimated gamma photon emission driven by PW laser pulse in a plasma density channel
Authors: Huang T. W. , Zhou C. T. , Zhang H. , Wu S. Z. , Qiao B. , He X. T. , Ruan S. C.
Published: January 2017

We use three-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations to demonstrate that a plasma density channel can stably guide the petawatt laser pulse in near critical plasmas. In this regime, a directed, collimated, and micro-sized gamma photon beam is emitted by the direct-laser accelerated electrons along the channel axis. While in the case without the plasma density channel, the laser tilting behavior leads to the generation of randomly deflected gamma photon beams with a large divergence angle and transverse source size. In addition, in the plasma density channels, the divergence angle of the gamma photon beams can be much reduced by using a smaller value of n0/a0nc. The energy conversion efficiency can also be improved by increasing the laser power or the plasma density. This regime provides an efficient and compact approach for the production of high quality gamma photon beams.
Constraining Late Cretaceous exhumation in the Eromanga Basin using sonic velocity data
Authors: Keany Mitchell , Holford Simon , Bunch Mark
Published: January 2017

Exhumation in sedimentary basins can have significant consequences for their petroleum systems. For example, source rocks may be more mature than their present-day burial depths suggest, increased compaction can result in reduced reservoir quality, and seal integrity problems are commonly encountered. The Eromanga Basin in central Australia experienced an important phase of exhumation during the Late Cretaceous, though the magnitude and spatial distribution of exhumation is poorly constrained. In this study exhumation magnitudes have been determined for 100 petroleum wells based on sonic transit time analyses of fine grained shales, siltstones and mudstones within selected Cretaceous stratigraphic units.
Observed sonic transit times are compared to normal compaction trends (NCTs) determined for suitable stratigraphic units. The Winton Formation and the Bulldog Shale/Wallumbilla Formation were chosen for analysis in this study for their homogenous, fine-grained and laterally extensive properties. Exhumation magnitudes for these stratigraphic units are statistically similar. Results show net exhumation in the southern Cooper-Eromanga Basin (<500 m [~1,640 ft]) and higher net exhumation magnitudes (up to 1,400 m [~3,937 ft]) being recorded in the northeastern margins of the basin. Gross exhumation magnitudes show significant variation across short distances suggesting different tectonic processes acting upon the basin. Independent vitrinite reflectance and apatite fission track analysis data, available for a subset of wells, give statistically similar exhumation magnitudes to those that have been calculated through the compaction methodology, giving confidence in these results. The effect on source rock generation is illustrated through 1D basin modelling where exhumation is shown to impact the timing and type of the hydrocarbons generated. The improved quantification of this exhumation permits a better understanding of the Late Cretaceous tectonics and palaeogeography of central Australia.
Synthesis and Liquid Crystalline Properties of a New Homologous Series of 4,5-Disubstituted 2H-[1,2,3]-Triazoles via Azide-Chalcone Oxidative Cycloaddition Reaction
Authors: Sowmya P. T. , Rai K. M. Lokanatha
Published: January 2017

A new homologous series of 4,5-disubstituted 2H-[1,2,3]-triazole derivatives were synthesized from chalcones and sodium azide via oxidative cycloaddition reaction; CuI was used as catalyst. Flexibility in the synthesized molecules was provided by attaching straight alkoxy chains. The synthesized compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, and 1H NMR and 13C NMR and LC-MS spectroscopies . The stability and range of the mesophases increased with the length of the chain on the triazoles. The melting point, transition temperatures, and enantiotropic liquid crystal morphologies were determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and polarizing optical microscopy (POM) equipped with a hot stage.
Inferring trends and linkages between shark abundance and shark bites on humans for shark-hazard mitigation
Authors: Afonso André S. , Niella Yuri V. , Hazin Fábio H. V.
Published: January 2017

The present study aims at inferring linkages between the abundance of potentially dangerous sharks (PDSs) and shark hazard, so as to derive information about the underlying processes of shark peril off Recife, Brazil. Fishery-independent longline and drumline data collected from May 2004 through December 2014 for Carcharhinus leucas and Galeocerdo cuvier measuring ≥109cm were considered for analysis. Generalised additive models showed that the frequency of shark bites was directly proportional to and followed the same seasonal trends as PDS abundance, meeting the hypothesis that higher shark abundance may result in an increased chance of a shark bite. However, the species-specific seasonality of bull and tiger sharks seemed to follow distinct patterns. This method was helpful in comparing the abundance dynamics of the PDSs caught by the local shark hazard-mitigation program with the distribution of shark bites, so as to infer whether the species involved in the incidents were being effectively captured. Also, it provided some information about each species’ contribution to the overall dynamics in local shark hazard. However, despite being a potentially useful risk-management tool, its predictive efficacy for shark-peril mitigation may depend on the availability of abundant data spanning across wide temporal ranges.
Monitoring of plant phenology and seed production identifies two distinct seed collection seasons in the Australian arid zone
Authors: Ritchie Alison L. , Erickson Todd E. , Merritt David J.
Published: January 2017

Phenological patterns including peak flowering and seed production of 19 grass, herb, shrub and tree species were studied in the Pilbara biogeographic region of Western Australia. Each plant population was monitored monthly over an 18-month period. Qualitative data was collected capturing plant phenophases. Plant fecundity was estimated using X-ray analyses to determine the proportion of seeds produced. Two main phenological patterns were established across plant life-forms. Precipitation during the summer wet season provided sufficient soil moisture for grasses to emerge from a dormant vegetative state and rapidly transition into flowering and seed production. In contrast, the deeper-rooted shrubs and herbs commenced flowering before the onset of the summer rains, completing their reproductive cycle before the period of higher moisture availability. The patterns observed indicated that the different plant life-forms co-existing within the Pilbara differentially exploit the available resources of this arid region. The contrasting phenological patterns between plant life-forms across seasons likely represent adaptations to a competitive, arid environment where water is the limiting resource. To meet the increasing demand for native seeds of diverse plant species for ecosystem restoration, plant phenological data will become increasingly important for deriving seed supply strategies from wild or managed plant populations.
Carbon-coated Li4Ti5O12–TiO2 microspheres as anode materials for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Xu Hui , Chen Jian , Wang Dan , Xiao Lin , Guo Xinli , Zhang Yao , Wang Zengmei
Published: January 2017

While spinel Li4Ti5O12 has attracted great attention owing to its excellent cycling stability and safety as anode materials of lithium ion batteries, there is still a challenge to produce high-performance Li4Ti5O12 with a cost-effective and scalable process. Herein, we developed a facile one-pot strategy for scalable synthesis of carbon-coated Li4Ti5O12–TiO2 microspheres. The novel material not only delivered a high capacity of 162.5 mA h g−1 after 100 cycles at 0.5 C but also exhibited excellent rate capability and cycling stability. The capacity of up to 146.6 mA h g−1 was retained after 350 cycles at 5 C, and no obvious capacity reduction was found during cycles. The superior electrochemical performance can be attributed primarily to the uniform carbon layer outside and the high density of grain boundary in the compact microspheres, resulting in enhanced electrical conductivity and more channels for lithium ion insertion/extraction reaction.
Hydrophilic modifications of PVDF membranes via swift heavy ion irradiations
Authors: Sehgal T. , Semwal A. , Maity G. , Patel Shiv P.
Published: January 2017

The paper presents the hydrophilic modification of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes under swift heavy ion (SHI) irradiation. The research work included the irradiation of PVDF membranes of 9 μm thicknesses with 50 MeV Ni ions at fluences of 1 × 1013 and 5 × 1013 ion cm−2. The pristine and irradiated membranes have been investigated by means of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscope and water contact angle measurement. It is observed that porosity, grain size and surface roughness of the membranes increase after ion irradiation and the water contact angle on irradiated sample decreases as compared to the pristine sample, indicating the development of a highly hydrophilic surface. The energy transferred by energetic ions to the PVDF membranes initiated the crosslinking and chain scission. The crosslinking and chain scission increase the roughness of PVDF surface which develops highly hydrophilic PVDF membranes after SHI irradiation.
An investigation on friction hydro-pillar processing
Authors: Vicharapu Buchibabu , Kanan Luis Fernando , Clarke Thomas , De Amitava
Published: January 2017

Friction hydro pillar processing (FHPP) is a novel technique to fill in crack-holes in thick-walled metal structures by an external stud and forming a solid-state bond between the stud and the metal substrate. During the process, the stud is rotated against the crack-wall to facilitate friction heating and flow of plasticized material for proper filling of the crack-hole. We present here a coupled experimental and numerical study on FHPP of ASTM A36 steel to understand the effect of processing conditions on the joint structure and properties. An axi-symmetric heat transfer analysis is carried out to compute the temperature field. The computed thermal cycles are used to estimate the hardness distribution across the joint. The estimated thermal cycles and hardness distribution are tested with the corresponding experimentally measured results.
The improvement in walking speed induced by resistance training is associated with increased muscular strength but not skeletal muscle mass in older women
Authors: Santos Leandro , Ribeiro Alex S. , Schoenfeld Brad J. , Nascimento Matheus A. , Tomeleri Crisieli M. , Souza Mariana F. , Pina Fábio L. C. , Cyrino Edilson S.
Published: January 2017

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to analyze whether improvements in fast walking speed induced by resistance training (RT) are associated with changes in body composition, muscle quality, and muscular strength in older women. Methods: Twenty‐three healthy older women (69.6 ± 6.4 years, 64.95 ± 12.9 kg, 1.55 ± 0.07 m, 27.06 ± 4.6 kg/m²) performed a RT program for 8 weeks consisting of 8 exercises for the whole body, 3 sets of 10–15 repetitions maximum, 3 times a week. Anthropometric, body composition (fat‐free mass [FFM], skeletal muscle mass [SMM], legs lean soft tissue [LLST], fat mass), knee extension muscular strength (KE1RM), muscle quality index (MQI [KE1RM/LLST]), and 10‐meter walking test (10‐MWT) were performed before and after the intervention. Results: Significant (P < .05) changes were observed from pre‐ to post‐training for FFM (+1.6%), MQI (+7.2%), SMM (+2.4%), LLST (+1.8%), KE1RM (+8.6%), fat mass (−1.4%), and time to perform 10‐MWT (−3.7%). The percentage change in 10‐MWT was significantly associated with percentage change in MQI (r = −0.46, P = .04) and KE1RM (r = −0.45, P = .04), however not associated percentage of changes in SMM (r = 0.01, P = .97), LLST (r = −0.22, P = .33), and body fat (r = 0.10, P = .66). Conclusion: We conclude that the improvement in the 10‐MWT after an 8‐week RT program is associated with increases in lower limb muscular strength and muscle quality, but not with muscle mass or body fat changes in older women.
Better diagnostic signatures from RNAseq data through use of auxiliary co-data
Authors: Novianti Putri W , Snoek Barbara C , Wilting Saskia M , van de Wiel Mark A
Published: January 2017

Our aim is to improve omics based prediction and feature selection using multiple sources of auxiliary information: co-data. Adaptive group regularized ridge regression (GRridge) was proposed to achieve this by estimating additional group-based penalty parameters through an empirical Bayes method at a low computational cost. We illustrate the GRridge method and software on RNA sequencing datasets. The method boosts the performance of an ordinary ridge regression and outperforms other classifiers. Post-hoc feature selection maintains the predictive ability of the classifier with far fewer markers.

Availability and Implementation

GRridge is an R package that includes a vignette. It is freely available at (https://bioconductor.org/packages/GRridge/). All information and R scripts used in this study, including those on retrieval and processing of the co-data, are available from http://github.com/markvdwiel/GRridgeCodata.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Experimental assessment of circle vs. J hook performance and selectivity in the northern Gulf of Mexico recreational reef fish fishery
Authors: Garner Steven B. , Patterson William F. , Porch Clay E.
Published: January 2017

Few data exist to evaluate the performance or assess the potential impacts of hook regulations on catchability or selectivity of recreational fisheries in the northern Gulf of Mexico. The purpose of this study was to test the effects of hook type (circle vs. J hook) and hook size (1/0, 4/0, and 7/0) on catch composition, traumatic hooking, species-specific catches, and size-selectivity of red snapper, Lutjanus campechanus, and grey triggerfish, Balistes capriscus. Selectivity was estimated by conditioning size distributions from hook-specific catches against in situ size distributions observed with a remotely operated vehicle. Deep hooking (hook set in gills or beyond) was low in all hook treatments for red snapper (<10%) and grey triggerfish (<6%), but was generally higher with J hooks, especially for other fishes caught with the largest J hook (34%). Hook type did not significantly affect catches, but catches decreased significantly with increasing hook size in all groups except red snapper. Selectivity curves were dome-shaped for both focus species in all hook treatments and selection peaks were similar among treatments for red snapper. Peak selectivity was 78.1 mm larger for J hooks than circle hooks for grey triggerfish. Overall, study results indicate that the circle hook regulation may have reduced traumatic hooking mortality by up to 50%, and that catchability is similar between hook types for both red snapper and grey triggerfish when controlling for hook size. Strong dome-shaped selection estimated for nearly all selectivity curves suggest logistic size-selectivity assumptions in assessment models are likely inappropriate for recreational sectors targeting red snapper or grey triggerfish.
Biological and Molecular Characteristics of a Novel Partitivirus Infecting the Edible Fungus Lentinula edodes
Authors: Guo Mengpei , Bian Yinbing , Wang Jinjie , Wang Gangzheng , Ma Xiaolong , Xu Zhangyi
Published: January 2017

A new partitivirus named Lentinula edodes partitivirus 1 (LePV1) was isolated from a diseased L. edodes strain with severe degeneration of the mycelium and imperfect browning in bag cultures. The nucleotide sequences of LePV1 dsRNA-1 and dsRNA-2 were determined; they were 2,382 bp and 2,245 bp in length, and each contained a single ORF encoding RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and coat protein (CP), respectively. The purified virus preparation contained isometric particles 34 nm in diameter encapsidating these dsRNAs. Phylogenetic analyses showed LePV1 to be a new member of Betapartitivirus, with the RdRp sequence most closely related to Grapevine partitivirus. RT-PCR analysis showed that 27 of the 56 Chinese L. edodes core collection strains carry LePV1, with the virus being more common in wild strains than cultivated strains. In addition, qPCR analysis suggested that coinfection with L. edodes mycovirus HKB (LeV-HKB) could increase replication of the RdRp gene of LePV1. This study may be essential for the development of more accurate disease diagnostics and the formulation of control strategies for viral diseases in L. edodes.
Tools for Practical Psychotherapy: A Transtheoretical Collection (or Interventions Which Have, At Least, Worked for Us)
Authors: YAGER JOEL , FEINSTEIN ROBERT E.
Published: January 2017

Background and Objectives:

Regardless of their historical and theoretical roots, strategies, tactics, and techniques used in everyday psychotherapy across diverse theoretical schools contain common factors and methods from other specific psychotherapeutic modalities that contribute substantially to psychotherapy outcomes. Common factors include alliance, empathy, goal consensus/collaboration, positive regard/affirmation, and congruence/genuineness, among others. All therapies also recognize that factors specific to therapists impact treatment. Starting with these common factors, we add psychotherapeutic methods from many theoretical orientations to create a collection of clinical tools. We then provide concrete suggestions for enacting psychotherapy interventions, which constitute a transtheoretical collection.

Methods:

We begin with observations made by earlier scholars, our combined clinical and teaching experiences, and oral traditions and clinical pearls passed down from our own supervisors and mentors. We have compiled a list of tools for students with foundational knowledge in the basic forms of psychotherapy, which may expand their use of additional interventions for practicing effective psychotherapy.

Results:

Our toolbox is organized into 4 categories: Relating; Exploring; Explaining; and Intervening. We note how these tools correspond to items previously published in a list of core psychotherapy competencies.

Conclusions:

In our view, the toolbox can be used most judiciously by students and practitioners schooled and grounded in frameworks for conducting established psychotherapies. Although they are still a work in progress, these tools can authorize and guide trainees and practitioners to enact specific approaches to psychotherapy utilizing other frameworks. We believe that psychotherapy education and training might benefit from explicitly focusing on the application of such interventions.
Novel insights into karyotype evolution and whole genome duplications in legumes
Authors: Wong Melissa M.L. , Vaillancourt René E. , Freeman Jules S. , Hudson Corey J. , Bakker Freek T. , Cannon Charles H. , Ratnam Wickneswari
Published: January 2017

Legumes (family Fabaceae) are globally important crops due to their nitrogen fixing ability. Papilionoideae, the best-studied subfamily, have undergone a Whole Genome Duplication (WGD) around 59 million years ago. Recent study found varying WGD ages in subfamilies Mimosoideae and Caesalpinioideae and proposed multiple occurrences of WGD across the family based on gene duplication patterns. Despite that, the genome evolution of legume ancestor into modern legumes after the WGD is not well-understood. We aimed to study genome evolution at the subfamily level using gene-based linkage maps forAcacia auriculiformisandA. mangium(Mimosoideae) and we discovered evidence for a WGD event inAcacia. In additional to synonymous substitution rate (Ks) analysis, we used ancestral karyotype prediction to further corroborate this WGD and elucidate underlying mechanisms of karyotype evolution in Fabaceae. Using publicly available transcriptome resources from 25 species across the family Fabaceae and 2 species from order Fabales, we found that the variations in WGD ages highly correlate (R=0.8606, p-value<0.00001) with the divergence age ofVitis viniferaas an outgroup. If the variation of Ks is corrected, the age of WGDs of the family Fabaceae should be the same and therefore, parsimony would favour a single WGD near the base of Fabaceae over multiple independent WGDs across Fabaceae. In addition, we demonstrated that genome comparison of Papilionoideae with other subfamily provide important insights in understanding genome evolution in legumes.
Electrochemical study of the corrosion rate of API steels in clay soils
Authors: Quej-Ake L.M. , Marín-Cruz J. , Contreras A.
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to study the corrosion process of API X52, X60, X65, X70 and X80 steels exposed to two clay soils collected in two states of Mexico (Tabasco and Campeche). To saturate the soils, 60 mL of deionized water was added to simulate the conditions for dry and wet season, due to in field, the climate change could modifies the physicochemical properties of the soils for each season of the year and this generate a variable environment, which affect the electrochemical responses on steel–soil interface.

Design/methodology/approach

The corrosion evaluation was carried out simulating the conditions of deteriorated coating (bare steel); this includes steel surface exposed to clay soil affected by seasonal fluctuations in a tropical zone. These soils were characterized, without any further treatment as were found in the field (dry season). Moreover, some samples were taken and prepared to analyze in laboratory. For each soil sample, 60 mL of deionized water was added to simulate the rainy season (saturated soils). Electrochemical evaluations were carried out after 3 h of exposure time at room temperature. Because soil is a system with high resistivity and impedance, it is necessary to carry out IR-drop compensation using two platinum rods that were used as an auxiliary electrode. In addition, the IR-drop correction obtained from the experimental potentiodynamic curves was investigated.

Findings

In clay from Campeche (Clay-C), the more susceptible steel to corrosion was X65, whereas in clay from Tabasco (Clay-T), the more susceptible steel to corrosion was X80 steel. Electrochemical results show that despite higher-degree steels providing higher strength and hardness, the order of corrosion susceptibility is random, which can be attributed to different microstructures in the steels. The complexity of the corrosion process on five steels was evident when steel samples were exposed to different soils. The higher corrosion rate was obtained in X65 steel (0.5 mm/year).

Practical implications

The paper clearly identifies any implication for the research.

Originality/value

The electrochemical responses of different steels exposed in two types of clay soil explained the corrosion complexity that can be attributed to changes in physicochemical properties of the soils, which are because of changes in seasons (dry and rainy) and the microstructure of each steel related to the process of fabrication. Suggesting that the increase in mechanical properties such as hardness and resistance of the pipeline steels could not be associated with its corrosion resistance, the corrosion susceptibility is more dependent on the microstructure of the steels.
A mediated model of relationship quality factors affecting behavioural intention at a luxury motor vehicle dealership
Authors: Van Tonder Estelle , Petzer Daniël Johannes , van Zyl Karlien
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The aim of this study is to determine whether customer satisfaction, trust and commitment as relationship quality factors can be valuable to a luxury motor vehicle dealership in generating favourable behavioural intentions concerning post-purchase service and repair offerings.

Design/methodology/approach

A descriptive research design was followed, and self-administered questionnaires were fielded among customers of the luxury motor vehicle dealership. A total of 301 questionnaires were returned and the interrelationships between the constructs were examined using structural equation modelling.

Findings

It was discovered that customers who trust the dealership may be more committed, and commitment may strengthen the relationship between customer satisfaction and a favourable behavioural intention towards the dealership.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of the study add to the developing body of empirical literature on relationship quality and behavioural intention.

Practical implications

The study indicates how relationship quality factors can influence behavioural intentions of customers, assist in building long-term relationships with customers and retain current customers where post-purchase service and repairs of luxury goods are concerned.

Originality/value

The study provides an emerging market perspective of the interrelationships between relationship quality factors affecting behavioural intention regarding service and repairs of luxury goods.
The case for certification of the innovation professional
Authors: Landry Dana J.
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on the creation of a certification in the science of innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

Polidoro (2013) states that “Certifications are relevant social cues that assist decision making under uncertainty”. When an employer wants to know if a potential candidate has the necessary competencies and knowledge to perform a set of tasks, they often look to education, experience, certificates and/or certifications. When the experience and education of two or more candidates are similar, the presence or absence of a certificate or certification can make a difference about who will be hired (Carter, 2005). Certification in the science of innovation will assist employers in reducing uncertainty in the hiring process and in the professional development of those who focus on the tasks, goals and processes of innovation.

Findings

This paper begins with a definition and explanation of certification and then presents a framework for the science of innovation. A review of the body of knowledge is presented in the International Association of Innovation Professionals (IAOIP) Global Innovation Science Handbook, 1st Ed (Gupta and Trusko, 2013).

Originality/value

From this, the IAOIP certification program is presented with an explanation of the founding principles and the reasoning for the current framework. This paper ends with describing the current status of the IAOIP program and areas for future development.
An empirical investigation into innovation drivers and barriers in public sector organisations
Authors: Agolla Joseph Evans , Van Lill Jacobus Burger
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Innovations provide a vital stimulus for economic growth. Through innovations, public sector organisations (PSOs) need to grow the economy to provide for the needs of their citizens. The purpose of this study is to identify innovation drivers and barriers in PSOs in Kenya. The paper aims to contribute to the understanding of the antecedents of innovations and to offer insight to PSOs to foster such innovations.

Design/methodology/approach

This research was conducted in two PSOs in Kenya. The participants of the present study consisted of a sample of 186 managerial and non-managerial employees. Empirical data were analysed using descriptive statistics, factor analysis and multiple regression analysis.

Findings

First, the results indicate that drivers of innovation in PSOs are: leadership practices, social factors, technological factors and management practices. Second, the results reveal that poor management practices and over-reliance on existing resources, among others, are barriers to public sector innovation. Third, the study indicates that management practices and leadership practices are factors to consider in overcoming barriers.

Research limitations/implications

As the present study was conducted with a convenience sample of 186 respondents from 2 purposively selected PSOs in Kenya, the extent to which the results could be generalized may be in doubt. However, as the aim of the study was theory testing, the study makes a contribution in this regard rather than doing a representative survey.

Practical implications

The study offers a first-hand insight into public sector innovation from the perspective of a developing country, Kenya, an area that has been neglected by researchers. The present study has implications for theory, practice, research and policy development, mainly in Kenya, but also for comparable situations worldwide.

Originality/value

The present study represents a first attempt to investigate the drivers, barriers, overcoming barriers and outcomes to innovations in a single study of PSOs from a developing nation. The present study provokes both academics and policy makers to rethink approaches to nurture innovations in the public sector.
The effect of consumers’ innovation perception on internet usage behaviors
Authors: Lee Eun-Mi , Temel Serdal , Uzkurt Cevahir
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Internet shopping is becoming more prevalent and popular in Turkey, one of the fastest growing e-commerce markets in Eastern Europe. The growth of internet usage has focused academic attention on the factors that drive the adoption of internet shopping. The purpose of this study is to investigate how opinion leadership and open processing innovativeness influence internet shopping behavior through the mediating variable of domain-specific innovativeness.

Design/methodology/approach

The data for this study were collected via face-to-face contact with consumers in Eskisehir. A total of 275 usable responses were obtained.

Findings

The results reveal that opinion leadership induces positive internet shopping behavior through domain-specific innovativeness, whereas open processing innovativeness has no significant impact.

Originality/value

The study makes an important contribution by offering theoretical and managerial implications for internet marketers.
An Innovation Management System to Create Growth in Mature Industrial Technology Firms
Authors: Badrinas Joan , Vilà Joaquim
Published: January 2017

In business terms, the ultimate purpose of innovation is to generate profitable growth. However, in mature industrial technology segments, endeavours of innovation often result merely in the maintenance of market share and rarely in net lasting growth. Expectations from the market for radical changes are unusual, and firms tend to focus on short term exploitation activities. In this environment, the creation of significant innovations with value that cannot be rapidly contested by competitors is a major challenge. Based on the analysis of innovation management systems of six European companies operating in mature technology segments, this paper presents a framework based on multi-case study research that links key components of the innovation system to growth performance. The analysis of innovation drivers is structured with constituent factors of culture, leadership, resources, and processes. The article concludes with a proposal of an innovation system construct that has shown to be effective to guide the best companies to break through the exploitation glass ceiling and create new uncontested growth streams.
Research on the Driving Factors of Customer Participation in Service Innovation in a Virtual Brand Community
Authors: Zhihong Li , Duffield Colin , Wilson David
Published: January 2017

With the development of the service sector and network communication technology, customers are involved in business activities through virtual communities and demonstrating the ability to create personalized products or services with companies. This paper systematically studied the driving factors of customer participation in service innovation. Based on related literature research achievements and a better development of virtual brand communities in China-XiaoMi community, this paper empirically analyzed the different factors. The results showed that self-efficacy and trust have a significant positive impact on knowledge sharing and co-production, while the perceived risk and helpfulness have a significant positive impact on knowledge sharing. Finally, effective strategies and recommendations are proposed on how companies encourage and manage customers to effectively participate in service innovation of virtual brand communities based on the conclusions of analysis.
Innovation enhancement in family business SMEs in Ghana
Authors: Addae-Boateng Samuel , Dzisi Smile Gavua
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Family businesses are essential for economic growth and development through new business start-ups (entrepreneurship) and growth of existing ones. As competition is fierce, the ability of a company to buoy up its business practices and exceed its own – and its competition’s – expectations through innovation – is critical to survival. In managing family businesses (mostly small and medium-sized enterprises [SMEs]) in the current globally competitive landscape, entrepreneurs must be creative and behave in ways that galvanize workers to be innovative. This study attempts to ascertain the strategies management adopt to heighten innovation in family businesses.

Design/methodology/approach

Both qualitative and quantitative techniques were used for gathering and analysing data based upon which conclusions were drawn.

Findings

The study revealed that seven factors should be assessed by SMEs that are family firms to determine the innovative ideas that are promising to be pursued, which are the uniqueness of the idea, its market potential, cost, expert advice, the impact of both current and future environmental forces, availability of raw materials and supplies and the idea’s future appeal.

Originality/value

This is perhaps the first detailed study of strategies that could be adopted by entrepreneurs and/or managers to heighten innovation in small and medium family firms, which also points out the factors/criteria used to determine which initiatives have higher chances of success – hence deserving to be pursued.
Implementation of the concept of “politically exposed persons (PEPs)” in India
Authors: Chhina Ramandeep Kaur
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to critically examine the concept of “politically exposed persons (PEPs)” as provided under the Indian anti-money laundering (AML) regime, particularly focussing on the Reserve Bank of India guidelines to its supervised banks on dealing with the potential money laundering risks posed by PEPs.

Design/methodology/approach

The definition of PEPs as provided by international standard setters and the concept as defined by the Indian AML regime was examined to examine the extend of the compliance of the Indian AML regime with the mandatory requirements of revised 2012 Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations and other international standards.

Findings

The paper clearly establishes that the current AML regime of India does not fully comply with the mandatory requirements of the revised 2012 FATF recommendations, and the RBI guidelines do not provide any clear indications to its supervised banks on the effective development and implementation of AML PEPs control. The paper argues that it is high time for India to increase its regulatory focus on the issue of PEPs and to expand its definition of PEPs by including both domestic PEPs and “close associates” of PEPs within the definition.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates in an exceptional way that despite variations in the scope of the PEPs definition at an international level, all the standard setters have included certain key individuals (both domestic and foreign PEPs and “close associates” of PEPs) within the scope of the definition and how the legal and regulatory requirements in India are falling short of compliance even with these minimum key requirements. By adopting a step-by-step approach in critically examining the current legal and regulatory requirements enforced on banks in India to efficiently deal with the money laundering risks posed by PEPs, the paper makes a valuable contribution in highlighting the steps that might be taken to strengthen PEPs’ AML controls in India.
Fire resistance tests on timber beam-to-column shear connections
Authors: Palma Pedro , Frangi Andrea , Hugi Erich , Cachim Paulo , Cruz Helena
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to present the results of an extensive experimental programme on the fire behaviour of timber beam-to-column shear connections, loaded perpendicularly to the grain.

Design/methodology/approach

The experimental programme comprised tests at normal temperature and loaded fire resistance tests on beam-to-column connections in shear. Twenty-four full-scale tests at normal temperature were performed covering nine different connection typologies, and 19 loaded fire resistance tests were conducted including 11 connections typologies.

Findings

The results of the fire resistance tests show that the tested typologies of steel-to-timber dowelled connections reached more than 30 and even 60 minutes of fire resistance. However, aspects such as a wider gap between the beam and the column, reduced dowel spacing, and the presence of reinforcement with self-drilling screws all have a negative influence on the fire resistance.

Originality/value

The experimental programme addressed the fire behaviour of timber beam-to-column shear connections loaded perpendicularly to the grain in a systematic way testing a wide range of common connection typologies significantly enlarging their experimental background.
Extension of the Zone Method of Eurocode 2 for reinforced concrete columns subjected to standard fire
Authors: Achenbach Marcus , Morgenthal Guido
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a method suitable for the design of reinforced concrete columns subjected to a standard fire.

Design/methodology/approach

The Zone Method – a ’simplified calculation method” included in Eurocode 2 – has been developed by Hertz as a manual calculation scheme for the check of fire resistance of concrete sections. The basic idea is to disregard the thermal strains and to calculate the resistance of a cross-section by reducing the concrete cross-section by a “damaged zone”. It is assumed that all fibers can reach their ultimate, temperature dependent strength. Therefore, it is a plastic concept; the information on the state of strain is lost. The calculation of curvatures and deflections is thus only possible by making further assumptions. Extensions of the zone method toward a general calculation method, suitable for the implementation in commercial design software and using the temperature dependent stress–strain curves of the Advanced Calculation Method, have been developed in Germany. The extension by Cyllok and Achenbach is presented in detail. The necessary assumptions of the Zone Method are reviewed, and an improved proposal for the consideration of the reinforcement in this extended Zone Method is presented.

Findings

The principles and assumptions of the Zone Method proposed by Hertz can be validated.

Originality/value

An extension of the Zone Method suitable for the implementation in design software is proposed.