bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rotary motion of a micro-solid particle under a stationary difference of electric potential
Authors: Kurimura Tomo , Mori Seori , Miki Masako , Yoshikawa Kenichi
Published: July 2016

The periodic rotary motion of spherical sub-millimeter-sized plastic objects is generated under a direct-current electric field in an oil phase containing a small amount of anionic or cationic surfactant. Twin-rotary motion is observed between a pair of counter-electrodes; i.e., two vortices are generated simultaneously, where the line between the centers of rotation lies perpendicular to the line between the tips of the electrodes. Interestingly, this twin rotational motion switches to the reverse direction when an anionic surfactant is replaced by a cationic surfactant. We discuss the mechanism of this self-rotary motion in terms of convective motion in the oil phase where nanometer-sized inverted micelles exist. The reversal of the direction of rotation between anionic and cationic surfactants is attributable to the difference in the charge sign of inverted micelles with surfactants. We show that the essential features in the experimental trends can be reproduced through a simple theoretical model, which supports the validity of the above mechanism.
Stable dipole solitons and soliton complexes in the nonlinear Schrödinger equation with periodically modulated nonlinearity
Authors: Lebedev M. E. , Alfimov G. L. , Malomed Boris A.
Published: July 2016

We develop a general classification of the infinite number of families of solitons and soliton complexes in the one-dimensional Gross-Pitaevskii/nonlinear Schrödinger equation with a nonlinear lattice pseudopotential, i.e., periodically modulated coefficient in front of the cubic term, which takes both positive and negative local values. This model finds direct implementations in atomic Bose-Einstein condensates and nonlinear optics. The most essential finding is the existence of two branches of dipole solitons (DSs), which feature an antisymmetric shape, being essentially squeezed into a single cell of the nonlinear lattice. This soliton species was not previously considered in nonlinear lattices. We demonstrate that one branch of the DS family (namely, which obeys the Vakhitov-Kolokolov criterion) is stable, while unstable DSs spontaneously transform into stable fundamental solitons (FSs). The results are obtained in numerical and approximate analytical forms, the latter based on the variational approximation. Some stable bound states of FSs are found too.
Stability and delay sensitivity of neutral fractional-delay systems
Authors: Xu Qi , Shi Min , Wang Zaihua
Published: July 2016

This paper generalizes the stability test method via integral estimation for integer-order neutral time-delay systems to neutral fractional-delay systems. The key step in stability test is the calculation of the number of unstable characteristic roots that is described by a definite integral over an interval from zero to a sufficient large upper limit. Algorithms for correctly estimating the upper limits of the integral are given in two concise ways, parameter dependent or independent. A special feature of the proposed method is that it judges the stability of fractional-delay systems simply by using rough integral estimation. Meanwhile, the paper shows that for some neutral fractional-delay systems, the stability is extremely sensitive to the change of time delays. Examples are given for demonstrating the proposed method as well as the delay sensitivity.
Analysis of generalized negative binomial distributions attached to hyperbolic Landau levels
Authors: Chhaiba Hassan , Demni Nizar , Mouayn Zouhair
Published: July 2016

To each hyperbolic Landau level of the Poincaré disc is attached a generalized negative binomial distribution. In this paper, we compute the moment generating function of this distribution and supply its atomic decomposition as a perturbation of the negative binomial distribution by a finitely supported measure. Using the Mandel parameter, we also discuss the nonclassical nature of the associated coherent states. Next, we derive a Lévy-Khintchine-type representation of its characteristic function when the latter does not vanish and deduce that it is quasi-infinitely divisible except for the lowest hyperbolic Landau level corresponding to the negative binomial distribution. By considering the total variation of the obtained quasi-Lévy measure, we introduce a new infinitely divisible distribution for which we derive the characteristic function.
Multiple superconducting ring ratchets for ultrasensitive detection of non-equilibrium noises
Authors: Gurtovoi V. L. , Exarchos M. , Antonov V. N. , Nikulov A. V. , Tulin V. A.
Published: July 2016

Magnetic quantum periodicity in the dc voltage is observed when asymmetric rings are switched between superconducting and normal state by a noise or ac current. This quantum effect is used for the detection of a non-equilibrium noise using a system of 667 asymmetric aluminum rings of 1 μm diameter connected in series. Any noise down to the equilibrium one can be detected with large number of asymmetric rings. The equilibrium noise can induce the dc voltage close to the superconducting transition. In our sample we observe the dc voltage oscillation only below the superconducting transition.
Transport of helical gyrotactic swimmers in channels
Authors: Alqarni M. S. , Bearon R. N.
Published: July 2016

We develop a mechanistic model that describes the transport of gyrotactic cells with propulsive force and propulsive torque that are not parallel. In sufficiently weak shear this yields helical swimming trajectories, whereas in stronger shear cells can attain a stable equilibrium orientation. We obtain the stable equilibrium solution for cell orientation as a function of the shear strength and determine the feasibility region for equilibrium solutions. We compute numerically the trajectories of cells in two dimensional vertical channel flow where the shear is non-uniform. Depending on the parameter values, we show that helical swimmers may display classical gyrotactic focussing towards the centre of the channel or can display a new phenomenon of focussing away from the centre of the channel. This result can be explained by consideration of the equilibrium solution for cell orientation. In this study we consider only dilute suspensions where there is no feedback from cell swimming on the hydrodynamics, and both cell-wall and cell-cell interactions are neglected.
Indirect monitoring shot-to-shot shock waves strength reproducibility during pump–probe experiments
Authors: Pikuz T. A. , Faenov A. Ya. , Ozaki N. , Hartley N. J. , Albertazzi B. , Matsuoka T. , Takahashi K. , Habara H. , Tange Y. , Matsuyama S. , Yamauchi K. , Ochante R. , Sueda K. , Sakata O. , Sekine T. , Sato T. , Umeda Y. , Inubushi Y. , Yabuuchi T. , Togashi T. , Katayama T. , Yabashi M. , Harmand M. , Morard G. , Koenig M. , Zhakhovsky V. , Inogamov N. , Safronova A. S. , Stafford A. , Skobelev I. Yu. , Pikuz S. A. , Okuchi T. , Seto Y. , Tanaka K. A. , Ishikawa T. , Kodama R.
Published: July 2016

We present an indirect method of estimating the strength of a shock wave, allowing on line monitoring of its reproducibility in each laser shot. This method is based on a shot-to-shot measurement of the X-ray emission from the ablated plasma by a high resolution, spatially resolved focusing spectrometer. An optical pump laser with energy of 1.0 J and pulse duration of ∼660 ps was used to irradiate solid targets or foils with various thicknesses containing Oxygen, Aluminum, Iron, and Tantalum. The high sensitivity and resolving power of the X-ray spectrometer allowed spectra to be obtained on each laser shot and to control fluctuations of the spectral intensity emitted by different plasmas with an accuracy of ∼2%, implying an accuracy in the derived electron plasma temperature of 5%–10% in pump–probe high energy density science experiments. At nano- and sub-nanosecond duration of laser pulse with relatively low laser intensities and ratio Z/A ∼ 0.5, the electron temperature follows Te ∼ Ilas2/3. Thus, measurements of the electron plasma temperature allow indirect estimation of the laser flux on the target and control its shot-to-shot fluctuation. Knowing the laser flux intensity and its fluctuation gives us the possibility of monitoring shot-to-shot reproducibility of shock wave strength generation with high accuracy.
Correlation between the fine structure of spin-coated PEDOT:PSS and the photovoltaic performance of organic/crystalline-silicon heterojunction solar cells
Authors: Funda Shuji , Ohki Tatsuya , Liu Qiming , Hossain Jaker , Ishimaru Yoshihiro , Ueno Keiji , Shirai Hajime
Published: July 2016

We investigated the relationship between the fine structure of spin-coated conductive polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiphene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) films and the photovoltaic performance of PEDOT:PSS crystalline-Si (PEDOT:PSS/c-Si) heterojunction solar cells. Real-time spectroscopic ellipsometry revealed that there were two different time constants for the formation of the PEDOT:PSS network. Upon removal of the polar solvent, the PEDOT:PSS film became optically anisotropic, indicating a conformational change in the PEDOT and PSS chain. Polarized Fourier transform infrared attenuated total reflection absorption spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy measurements also indicated that thermal annealing promoted an in-plane π-conjugated Cα = Cβ configuration attributed to a thiophene ring in PEDOT and an out-of-plane configuration of -SO3 groups in the PSS chain with increasing composition ratio of oxidized (benzoid) to neutral (quinoid) PEDOT, Iqui/Iben. The highest power conversion efficiency for the spin-coated PEDOT:PSS/c-Si heterojunction solar cells was 13.3% for Iqui/Iben = 9–10 without employing any light harvesting methods.
Charge transport properties of graphene: Effects of Cu-based gate electrode
Authors: Tang Qide , Zhang C. X. , He Chaoyu , Tang Chao , Zhong Jianxin
Published: July 2016

Using the first-principles nonequilibrium Green's function method, we study effects of Cu and Ni@Cu used as the Cu-based gate electrode on the charge transport of graphene in the field effect transistors (FET). We find that the transmission of graphene decreases with both Cu and Ni@Cu absorbed in the scatter region. Especially, noticeable transmission gaps are present around the Femi level. The transmission gaps are still effective, and considerable cut-off regions are found under the non-equilibrium environment. The Ni@Cu depresses the transmission of graphene more seriously than the Cu and enlarges the transmission gap in armchair direction. The effects on the charge transport are attributed to the redistribution of electronic states of graphene. Both Cu and Ni@Cu induce the localization of states, so as to block the electronic transport. The Ni@Cu transforms the interaction between graphene and gate electrode from the physisorption to the chemisorption, and then induces more localized states, so that the transmission decreases further. Our results suggest that besides being used to impose gate voltage, the Cu-based gate electrode itself will have a considerable effect on the charge transport of graphene and induces noticeable transmission gap in the FET.
Formation of periodic interfacial misfit dislocation array at the InSb/GaAs interface via surface anion exchange
Authors: Jia Bo Wen , Tan Kian Hua , Loke Wan Khai , Wicaksono Satrio , Yoon Soon Fatt
Published: July 2016

The relationship between growth temperature and the formation of periodic interfacial misfit (IMF) dislocations via the anion exchange process in InSb/GaAs heteroepitaxy was systematically investigated. The microstructural and electrical properties of the epitaxial layer were characterized using atomic force microscope, high-resolution x-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and Hall resistance measurement. The formation of interfacial misfit (IMF) dislocation arrays depended on growth temperature. A uniformly distributed IMF array was found in a sample grown at 310 °C, which also exhibited the lowest threading dislocation density. The analysis suggested that an incomplete As-for-Sb anion exchange process impeded the formation of IMF on sample grown above 310 °C. At growth temperature below 310 °C, island coalescence led to the formation of 60° dislocations and the disruption of periodic IMF array. All samples showed higher electron mobility at 300 K than at 77 K.
Evaporation rate based water cycle algorithm for the environmental economic scheduling of hydrothermal energy systems
Authors: Haroon Shaikh Saaqib , Malik Tahir Nadeem
Published: July 2016

The environmental concerns are gaining importance nowadays for power producing companies in the context of clean energy act. The efforts of reducing the harmful emissions beyond a certain level are being made by most of the power utilities in the developing countries. Consequently, the minimization of harmful emissions has also become an important objective function while solving the hydrothermal scheduling problem. The heuristic approaches are considered as potential solution methodologies for non-convex hydrothermal scheduling. This paper presents an Evaporation Rate based Water Cycle Algorithm (ERWCA) for the solution of non-convex Environmental Economic Scheduling of Hydrothermal Energy Systems (EESHES). This algorithm has been evolved from the water cycle nature of raining, formation of streams, and their movement towards the rivers and finally into the sea. ERWCA has been investigated on the standard test system of EESHES with three case studies: (i) Economic Cost Scheduling, (ii) Environmental Economic Scheduling, (iii) Economic Environmental and Cost Scheduling. The comparison of obtained results with the recent results in the literature shows the superiority of ERWCA in terms of both lower fuel cost and fuel emissions. Hence, ERWCA is a worthwhile addition to the algorithms which have successfully solved this complex and combinatorial bi-objective optimization problem.
Simulation and experimental validation of new MPPT algorithm with direct control method for PV application
Authors: Venkatesan Sundharajan , Saravanan Manimaran
Published: July 2016

This paper presents the performance analysis of a new maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm for solar photovoltaic (SPV) system using LUO converter. For effective utilization of the SPV panel, MPPT is essential. Hence, it is significant to simplify the tracking control algorithm with faster response, reduced ripple, higher efficiency, and cost-effective system. The proposed technique performs MPPT using a simple control technique by fine-tuning the duty cycle of the converter so as to make the input resistance of converter equal to the load resistance of the solar panel. Hence, the need for proportional–integral control loop is eliminated. The performance analysis of the proposed MPPT algorithm is compared with an existing perturb-and-observe algorithm in MATLAB simulation and experiment results of the proposed MPPT is implemented with the field programmable gate array controller using LUO converter with 40 W solar panel. From the results, it is proved that the response of the proposed method is faster than the existing perturb-and-observe method under varying solar irradiation conditions for the same step size. The input and output side ripples are considerably low and also the proposed algorithm has higher efficiency and low cost.
Note: Novel diamond anvil cell for electrical measurements using boron-doped metallic diamond electrodes
Authors: Matsumoto R. , Sasama Y. , Fujioka M. , Irifune T. , Tanaka M. , Yamaguchi T. , Takeya H. , Takano Y.
Published: July 2016

A novel diamond anvil cell suitable for electrical transport measurements under high pressure has been developed. A boron-doped metallic diamond film was deposited as an electrode on a nano-polycrystalline diamond anvil using a microwave plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition technique combined with electron beam lithography. The maximum pressure that can be achieved by this assembly is above 30 GPa. We report electrical transport measurements of Pb up to 8 GPa. The boron-doped metallic diamond electrodes showed no signs of degradation after repeated compression.
Theoretical Studies on Mechanism and Rate Constant of Gas Phase Hydrolysis of Glyoxal Catalyzed by Sulfuric Acid
Authors: Huang Ming-qiang , Cai Shun-you , Liao Ying-min , Zhao Wei-xiong , Hu Chang-jin , Wang Zhen-ya , Zhang Wei-jun
Published: July 2016

The gas phase hydration of glyoxal (HCOCHO) in the presence of sulfuric acid (H2SO4) were studied by the high-level quantum chemical calculations with M06-2X and CCSD(T) theoretical methods and the conventional transition state theory (CTST). The mechanism and rate constant of the five different reaction paths are considered corresponding to HCOCHO+H2O, HCOCHO+H2O⋯H2O, HCOCHO⋯H2O+H2O, HCOCHO+H2O⋯H2SO4 and HCOCHO⋯H2O+H2SO4. Results show that H2SO4 has a strong catalytic ability, which can significantly reduce the energy barrier for the hydration reaction of glyoxal. The energy barrier of hydrolysis of glyoxal in gas phase is lowered to 7.08 kcal/mol from 37.15 kcal/mol relative to pre-reactive complexes at the CCSD(T)/6-311++G(3df, 3pd)//M06-2X/6-311++G(3df, 3pd) level of theory. The rate constant of the H2SO4 catalyzed hydrolysis of glyoxal is 1.34×10−11 cm3/(molecule·s), about 1013 higher than that involving catalysis by an equal number of water molecules, and is greater than the reaction rate of glyoxal reaction with OH radicals of 1.10×10−11 cm3/(molecule·s) at the room temperature, indicating that the gas phase hydrolysis of glyoxal of H2SO4 catalyst is feasible and could compete with the reaction glyoxal+OH under certain atmospheric conditions. This study may provide useful information on understanding the mechanistic features of inorganic acid-catalyzed hydration of glyoxal for the formation of oligomer.
Epitaxial Growth and Thermoelectric Measurement of Bi2Te3/Sb Superlattice Nanowires
Authors: Li Liang , Xu Si-chao , Li Guang-hai
Published: July 2016

Superlattice nanowires are expected to show further enhanced thermoelectric performance compared with conventional nanowires or superlattice thin films. We report the epitaxial growth of high density Bi2Te3/Sb superlattice nanowire arrays with a very small bilayer thickness by pulse electrodeposition. Transmission electron microscopy, selected area electron diffraction and high resolution transmission electron microscopy were used to characterize the superlattice nanowires, and Harman technique was employed to measure the figure of merit (ZT) of the superlattice nanowire array in high vacuum condition. The superlattice nanowire arrays exhibit a ZT of 0.15 at 330 K, and a temperature difference of about 6.6 K can be realized across the nanowire arrays.
Light-Induced Reaction of Benzene with Carbonates
Authors: Ji Ming-song , Dong Chun-hua , Zhang Hua-ye , Yang Xin-zheng
Published: July 2016

We found an ultraviolet (UV)-light induced formation of biphenyl and sodium benzoate from benzene and sodium carbonate. The reaction happens in the interface of benzene and aqueous solution at the room temperature. After 5 h of UV-light exposure, 11.4% of initial amount of 4.4 g (5.0 mL) benzene are converted to biphenyl and sodium benzoate, which are distributed in benzene and aqueous solution, respectively. Using density function theory (DFT) and time dependent DFT, we have investigated the mechanism of this light-induced reaction, and found that the sodium carbonate is not only a reactant for the formation of sodium benzoate, but also a catalyst for the formation of biphenyl.
Spin Polarization at Organic-Ferromagnetic Interface: Effect of Contact Configuration
Authors: Li Ying , Zhang Guang-ping , Xie Zhen , Zhang Zhao , Ren Jun-feng , Wang Chuan-kui , Hu Gui-chao
Published: July 2016

Based on ab initio theory, the interfacial spin polarization of a benzene-dithiolate molecule vertically adsorbed on a nickel surface is investigated by adopting different microscopic contact configurations. The results demonstrate a strong dependence of the interfacial spin polarization on the contact configuration, where the sign of spin polarization may vary from positive to negative with the change of contact configuration. By analyzing the projected density of states, an interfacial orbital hybridization between the 3d orbital of the nickel atom and the sp3 hybridized orbital of the sulfur atom is observed. We also simulated the interfacial adsorption in mechanically controllable break junction experiments. The magnetoresistance obtained from Julliere model is about 27% based on the calculated interfacial spin polarization, which is consistent with experimental measurement.
Crustacean assemblages of coastal wetlands from fragmented and scarcely isolated islands compared with the mainland
Authors: Lucena-Moya Paloma , Gascón Stéphanie , Boix Daniel , Pardo Isabel , Sala Jordi , Quintana Xavier D.
Published: July 2016

The present study compared crustacean assemblages from coastal wetlands between a fragment archipelago and a landmass. The study included four typical crustacean taxonomic groups (i.e. Cladocera, Copepoda, Ostracoda and Malacostraca) from the Balearic Archipelago region as an example of a fragment island (‘Archipelago’) and the Catalonia region as the landmass (‘Mainland’; Spanish Mediterranean coast). We tested null hypotheses based on the expected similarity between Archipelago and Mainland in terms of crustacean assemblages and biodiversity. Similar relationships of those community attributes with environmental variables were also expected in both regions. The results partially met the null hypotheses. We found that crustacean taxonomic composition varied between Archipelago and Mainland, likely due to peculiar biological and biogeographical processes acting in the Archipelago. The relationship between crustacean assemblages and the environmental variables was mostly similar between Archipelago and Mainland, as expected. Both regions also showed similar patterns of species distribution (i.e. Archipelago and Mainland coastal wetlands were characterised by a few dominant species). This result could be masked by the ‘filter’ effect exercised by the harsh conditions of coastal wetlands. Moreover, the total diversity values (gamma biodiversity) in the Archipelago were similar to the values for the Mainland, supporting the hypothesis that fragment islands can be of substantial value for the conservation of global biodiversity.
Cognitive and neurocognitive implications of language control and multilingualism
Authors: Schwieter John W. , Hadland Andrea
Published: July 2016

This section presents introductory remarks and important issues at the forefront of studying the cognitive control of multiple languages. These themes are subsequently elaborated on and tested in the following chapters which present original empirical data and/or explore new directions and implications for future research. Together, they shed light on the complicated nature of multilingual language control and demonstrate important implications for a research area which continues to take hold and establish itself as an effective way to study human cognition.
Chapter 5. Action speaks louder than words, even in speaking
Authors: Philipp Andrea M. , Koch Iring
Published: July 2016

Bilingual language switching incurs performance costs. These costs can be examined in the language-switching paradigm by measuring language-switch costs as performance difference between language-switch trials and language-repeat trials. The aim of the present study was to explore whether articulation-related processes are necessary to produce switch costs in language production tasks. We used a go/no-go signal delay, in which a go signal or a no-go signal was presented either 100 ms or 1500 ms after stimulus onset to distinguish between lexical selection and later processes like articulation. The results demonstrate that the overt articulation of a response (as in go trials) is critical for language-switch costs to occur. Crucially, if a response was only selected and prepared but not executed (as in a delayed no-go trial), no language-switch costs emerged in the subsequent trial. This result demonstrates the critical importance of late articulation-related processes for language-switch costs.
Vocalismo acentuado do Noroeste português
Authors: Brissos Fernando , Rodrigues Celeste
Published: July 2016

The paper’s aim is two-fold: 1, to give an acoustical depiction of the vowel systems of Portuguese northwestern dialects; 2, to establish a correlation between those vowel systems and the ones that can be found in central-southern Portuguese varieties. The data call for a revision of some important aspects of Portuguese dialectology, namely:a) the description of northwestern dialects, as different types of diphthongs are found in different areas than the ones pointed out by dialectal studies; andb) the adequacy of the phonological vowel system traditionally used to describe European Portuguese as a means of representation of the continental dialectal varieties. Seven different systems are needed to represent all dialects comprised in this study.
A Middle English Syntax
Authors: Mustanoja Tauno F. , van Gelderen Elly
Published: July 2016

For a good orientation into the history of English grammar, several books are indispensable. One of those is Mustanoja’s A Middle English Syntax. However, for a long time this work was not readily available; the present edition changes that. This is a fac simile reprint from the 1960 publication which appeared as volume XXIII in ‘Mémoires de la Société Néophilologique de Helsinki’, with a new Introduction by Elly van Gelderen.
Compared to Old English, Middle English has fewer grammars and textbooks devoted to it. This book provides an interesting supplement by going deeper into certain questions and, especially, into exceptions. The book points out differences with Old English and certain peculiarities of the Middle English system. It was originally written for students of Middle English literature but serves a linguist well in detailed descriptions of the parts of speech, the use of the various cases, gender, and number. Word order, complex sentences, and conjunctions were meant to be dealt with in a second volume, which was never published.
Prosocial behaviour, inclusion and exclusion: why and when do we behave prosocially? / Comportamiento prosocial, inclusión y exclusión: ¿cuándo y por qué adoptamos comportamientos prosociales?
Authors: Cuadrado Esther , Tabernero Carmen , Steinel Wolfgang
Published: July 2016

Two experiments analysed the influence of inclusion versus exclusion on prosocial behaviour. In Study 1, evidence for the social reconnection hypothesis was found. In Study 2, a cross-over interactive effect is demonstrated: excluded individuals tended to be more prosocial when their competence was affected than when their popularity was affected. However, included people were more prosocial than excluded people when their popularity was affected, but they were less prosocial when their competence was highlighted. Besides, Study 2 has shown that affiliation motivation mediates the effect of exclusion on prosocial behaviour, and thus: (1) excluded individuals endorse lower levels of affiliation motivation with their rejecters than included individuals do with individuals who have included them; and (2) individuals with higher levels of affiliation motivation engage in higher prosocial behaviour levels when the behaviour is oriented to people with whom the chance to reconnect exists, but not when it is oriented to people with whom there is no possibility for future affiliation.
Quantifying acoustic survey uncertainty using Bayesian hierarchical modeling with an application to assessing Mysis relicta population densities in Lake Ontario
Authors: Sullivan Patrick J. , Rudstam Lars G.
Published: July 2016

A Bayesian hierarchical model was applied to acoustic backscattering data collected on Mysis relicta (opossum shrimp) populations in Lake Ontario in 2005 to estimate the combined uncertainty in mean density estimates as well as the individual contributions to that uncertainty from the various information sources involved in the calculation including calibration, target strength determination, threshold specification and survey sampling design. Traditional estimation approaches often only take into account the variability associated with the survey design, while assuming that all other intermediate parameter estimates used in the calculations are fixed and known. Unfortunately, unaccounted for variation in the steps leading up to the global density estimate may make significant contributions to the uncertainty of density estimates. While other studies have used sensitivity analyses to demonstrate the degree to which uncertainty in the various input parameters can influence estimates, including the uncertainty directly as demonstrated here using a Bayesian hierarchical approach allows for a more transparent representation of the true uncertainty and the mechanisms needed for its reduction. A Bayesian analysis of the mysid data examined here indicates that increasing the sample size of biological collections used in the target strength regression prove to be a more direct and practical way of reducing the overall variation in mean density estimates than similar steps employed to increase the number of transects surveyed. A doubling of target strength net tow samples resulted in a 23% reduction in variance relative to an 11% reduction that resulted from doubling the number of survey transects. This is an important difference as doubling the number of survey transects would add 5 days to the survey whereas doubling the number of net tows would add only one day. Although these results are specific to this particular data set, the method described is general.
Cause or Effect? Turnout in Hispanic Majority-Minority Districts
Authors: Henderson John A. , Sekhon Jasjeet S. , Titiunik Rocío
Published: July 2016

Legislative redistricting alters the political and electoral context for some voters but not others, thus offering a potentially promising research design to study many questions of interest in political science. We apply this design to study the effect that descriptive representation has on co-ethnic political engagement, focusing on Hispanic participation following California's 2000 redistricting cycle. We show that when redistrictors draw legislative boundaries in California's 1990, 2000, and 2010 apportionment cycles, they systematically sorthigher-participating Hispanic voters into majority-Hispanic (MH) jurisdictions represented by co-ethnic candidates, biasing subsequent comparisons of Hispanic participation across districts. Similar sorting occurs during redistricting in Florida and Texas, though here the pattern is reversed, with less-participating Hispanic voters redistricted to MH districts. Our study highlights important heterogeneity in redistricting largely unknown or underappreciated in previous research. Ignoring this selection problem could significantly bias estimates of the effect of Hispanic representation, either positively or negatively. After we correct for these biases using a hierarchical genetic matching algorithm, we find that, in California, being moved to a district with an Hispanic incumbent has little impact on Hispanic participation in our data.
Assessment of single cell RNA-seq normalization methods
Authors: Ding Bo , Zheng Lina , Wang Wei
Published: July 2016

We have assessed the performance of seven normalization methods for single cell RNA-seq using data generated from dilution of RNA samples. Our analyses showed that methods considering spike-in ERCC RNA molecules significantly outperformed those not considering ERCCs. This work provides a guidance of selecting normalization methods to remove technical noise in single cell RNA-seq data.
A preventative approach to promote food safety
Authors: Esfarjani Fatemeh , Khaksar Ramin , Mohammadi Nasrabadi Fatemeh , Roustaee Roshanak , Alikhanian Haleh , Khalaji Niloofar , Mousavi Khaneghah Amin , Hosseini Hedayat
Published: July 2016

Purpose

– Domestic refrigerators could be considered as one of the major potential sources of food-borne diseases, in addition limited data are available regarding the level of contamination of domestic refrigerators in Iran. The purpose of this paper is to detect some of bacterial contamination in domestic refrigerators.

Design/methodology/approach

– In total, 104 households were randomly selected from ten health centers in five areas of Tehran, Iran. Visual inspection and temperature evaluation of the households’ refrigerators were done. In addition, the refrigerators were swabbed and analyzed for contaminants using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. DNA was isolated and purified by the proposed standard protocol.

Findings

– Screening of the domestic refrigerators by PCR method showed that 51.7 percent of the samples were positive for pathogens as follows: L. monocytogenes 41.6 percent, S. aureus 5.5 percent, Salmonella spp 4.6 percent, and E. coli O157:H7 0 percent; consequently, none of mentioned pathogens were detected in 48.3 percent of the refrigerators. Results of the visual inspection indicated that 57 percent of the refrigerators were on desirable, 36.5 percent were acceptable, and 7 percent were weak conditions. Most of the refrigerators about 44 percent had desirable temperatures. There were no significant correlations between the visual inspection scores, temperature and frequency of isolation of specific pathogens in the domestic refrigerators. A significant correlation was observed between contamination and education of parents (p
<
0.05).

Originality/value

– Determination of the bacterial contamination and evaluating the temperature of domestic refrigerators in Iran can be considered as a novel approach of current study. These findings could be employed in designing and implementing appropriate educational interventions to promote food safety and diminish the risk of food-borne illnesses. Also, obtained results might be applied as introduction for further investigations.
Understanding reconfiguration pathways of agri-food value chains for smallholder farmers
Authors: Dicecca Raffaele , Pascucci Stefano , Contò Francesco
Published: July 2016

Purpose

– Smallholder farmers often deal with lack of information and knowledge, weak financial capacity and limited collaboration and network orientation. This is hampering their ability to adopt or co-develop innovation, and to participate in value chain exchanges. This calls for using intermediary organizations. The purpose of this paper is to understand how innovation intermediaries engage with smallholder farmers and provoke value chain reconfigurations.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors systematically review literature to draw cases on intermediaries operating in the agri-food sector in several geographical and socio-economic contexts. The authors then adopt a theory building from cases approach to identify relationships between smallholder farmers and innovation intermediaries, and their effects in the reconfiguration of value chains.

Findings

– Consultants, knowledge transfer organizations (KTOs) and broker organizations (BOs) are the three typologies of intermediaries identified. While consultants facilitate change by modifying the way smallholders engage in transactions with their buyers and input providers, KTOs focus on farmers engagement in the value chain by stimulating the formation of knowledge platform or partnership. BOs operate in a similar way as compared to KTOs but mainly by forming and facilitating access to informal networks.

Practical implications

– The authors build a framework in which relationships between typologies of intermediary organizations and types of innovation processes are connected with changes at value chain level.

Originality/value

– The authors highlight how diverse forms of intermediations may stimulate not only smallholder farmers’ participation in innovation networks but also value chain reconfigurations.
Causal nexus between foreign direct investment and economic growth
Authors: Gupta Priya , Singh Archana
Published: July 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to determine cause and effect relationship between foreign direct investment (FDI) and economic growth (gross domestic product (GDP) taken as proxy) for Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS nations) individually for the period 1992-2013. Also, the study tries to explore the reasons behind the linkage between FDI and GDP by estimating a linear regression model consisting of both macro-economic and institutional variables.

Design/methodology/approach

– Johansen cointegration technique followed by vector error correction model (VECM) and standard Granger causality test are employed to investigate the causal linkage between FDI and GDP. To delve into the reasons behind this linkage, an ordinary least square (OLS) technique is also applied to test the linear regression model consisting of net FDI inflows as dependent variable and nine macro- economic and institutional variables. Residual diagnostics is also conducted using Breusch-Godfrey Lagrange Multiplier test for diagnosing the problem of serial correlation, Breusch-Pagan-Godfrey test for examining heteroskedasticity and Jarque Bera test for verifying the normality of residuals.

Findings

– The Johansen cointegration result establishes a single cointegrating vector (long run relationship) between FDI and GDP for India, China and Brazil. After proving a cointegration, VECM results revealed that there exists unidirectional long run causality running from GDP to FDI in case of Brazil, India and China. Also, it is confirmed that there exists short run causality between FDI and GDP in China, i.e. the past lags of FDI jointly impact the value of GDP. However, for Russia and South Africa, where there is no cointegration in the long run, standard Granger causality test is conducted which reveals that in both the nations, FDI and GDP are independent of one another. The results of OLS technique reveal different country-specific factors causing this linkage between FDI inflows and economic growth.

Originality/value

– Various researchers in the past have examined this issue of linkage between FDI and GDP in the context of various developing or developed nations. This reveals a gap in the existing literature pertaining to this causal linkage in the context of the BRICS. Thus, this study fills this gap by analyzing not just this causal nexus with the help of VECM and Granger causality techniques but also tries to explore further the reasons for such strong/weak/no link with the help of fitting a regression model which comprises of both macro-economic and institutional country-specific variables influencing this causation.
Have financial statements lost their relevance? Empirical evidence from the frontier market of Kuwait
Authors: Alfraih Mishari M.
Published: July 2016

Purpose

– Anecdotal concerns expressed regarding developed capital markets suggest that the information provided in financial statements has lost its value relevance to equity holders over time. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the issue from the perspective of Kuwait, which is a frontier market.

Design/methodology/approach

– Consistent with prior research, the design employs the price regression model. A total of 2,490 observations were collected from all firms listed on the Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE) over a period of 21 years (1994-2014).

Findings

– Although this study documents a notable decline in both the value relevance of earnings and book value for equity holders over this period, the results suggest that the decline in the value relevance of earnings was deeper and more pronounced than that of book value.

Practical implications

– Because a fundamental prerequisite for the value relevance of accounting information is the quality of the financial reporting environment, the results are useful for regulators because they provide an assessment of the effectiveness of the current financial reporting environment. The results highlight the need for improvements because higher-quality information helps equity holders to determine value more precisely. As the timely dissemination of financial statements is an essential ingredient contributing to the relevance of financial statements, a direct implication of the study’s findings for the management of KSE companies is that timely reporting of financial statements may mitigate the observed decline of the value relevance of financial statements produced by KSE companies.

Originality/value

– This study contributes to the capital market research regarding changes in the value relevance of financial statement information through an empirical examination of a frontier capital market.
A TISM modeling of critical success factors of smartphone manufacturing ecosystem in India
Authors: Jena J , Fulzele Vijayta , Gupta Rachita , Sherwani Fahima , Shankar Ravi , Sidharth Sumati
Published: July 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to identify and analyze various critical success factors (CSFs) that can facilitate smartphone manufacturing in India. This paper further aims to understand the mutual interactions among these CSFs through identification of the hierarchical relationships among them.

Design/methodology/approach

– A framework for a smartphone manufacturing system has been developed, wherein the hierarchical inter-relationships between identified CSFs have been presented and interpreted using total interpretive structural modeling (TISM). Cross-impact matrix multiplication applied to classification analysis has been further employed to identify the driving power as well as dependence power of these CSFs.

Findings

– In the present research, 15 CSFs have been identified through literature review and expert opinions. The hierarchical framework developed using TISM has revealed the inter-dependencies among these CSFs. This research further categorizes CSFs into three clusters. The first cluster comprises of CSFs having high dependence power, the second cluster identifies CSFs having high driving power and the third cluster identifies CSFs which act as linkages between the driver CSFs and dependent CSFs.

Research limitations/implications

– This study has implications for both practitioners and academia. It provides a comprehensive list of CSFs that are relevant to develop a smartphone ecosystem in India. In addition, this study will help decision makers to strategically focus on the main drivers of the ecosystem that requires the immediate attention of decision makers. The methodology employed in this study provides a mechanism to conduct an exploratory study by identifying the factors and analyzing their interactions through the development of a hierarchical framework.

Originality/value

– The proposed framework developed through qualitative modeling is an effort to understand relevant factors that can promote the smartphone manufacturing ecosystem. This study makes a significant contribution in the literature of smartphone manufacturing, which captures the perspective of different stakeholders.
Infection Risk From Conducted Electrical Weapon Probes: What Do We Know?
Authors: Kroll Mark W. , Ritter Mollie B. , Guilbault Richard A. , Panescu Dorin
Published: July 2016

Concern has been raised over the infection risk of the TASER electrical weapon since the probes penetrate the skin. The manufacturing process produces unsterilized probes with a 5% rate of Staphylococcus aureus contamination. Voluntary recipients (n = 208) of probe exposures were surveyed and there were no self‐observations of infection. With over 3.3 million probe landings, there have been 10 case reports of penetrations of sensitive tissue with no reported infections. The electrical field was modeled and found that the electrical pulses generate a field of over 1200 V/mm on the dart portion. This is sufficient to sterilize the dart via electroporation. Electrical weapon probes appear to have a very low (possibly zero) rate of infection. The factors leading to this low infection rate appear to be a manufacturing process producing a low rate of bacterial contamination and the pulses sterilizing the dart via electroporation.
Advances in noninvasive methods for diagnosing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Shen Fei Fei , Lu Lun Gen
Published: July 2016

The prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), one of the most common chronic liver diseases worldwide, has been increasing. In terms of pathological changes, NAFLD can be divided into simple steatosis, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and liver cirrhosis. Hepatocyte damage and inflammatory activity are the main characteristics for evaluating the progress of liver disease. Early and effective diagnosis of the disease is quite important. Pathological findings based on liver biopsy or resected specimens are considered the gold standard for diagnosing and staging steatosis, fibrosis and cirrhosis; however, it is invasive and may lead to related complications. Non‐imaging methods such as clinical features and biochemical tests, and imaging methods such as ultrasonography, FibroScan, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are the commonly used noninvasive alternatives, being relatively novel, safe and reliable. In this review, we summarized the benefits and shortcomings of these non‐invasive methods for the evaluation of NAFLD.
A novel polymorphism in protein kinase AMP‐activated catalytic subunit alpha 2 (PRKAA2) is associated with type 2 diabetes in the Han Chinese population
Authors: Shen Ji‐Zhong , Ge Wei‐Hong , Fang Yun , Liu Hang
Published: July 2016

Background

It has been proposed that the energy‐sensing enzyme AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a key agent in the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The gene encoding protein kinase AMP‐activated catalytic subunit alpha 2 (PRKAA2) is located at one of the Asian T2DM loci (1p32). Therefore, the aim of the present study was to test for the association of common variants in PRKAA2 with T2DM in the Han Chinese population.

Methods

We genotyped 221 T2DM patients and 111 controls to assess possible associations of two tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (tSNPs) in the PRKAA2 gene with T2DM.

Results

The clinical characteristics of T2DM cases compared with controls differed significantly. No significant association was observed with the rs2143754 polymorphism whereas the rs2746342 polymorphism exhibited a highly significant association with T2DM. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) of subjects carrying the G/G genotype of the rs2746342 polymorphism was higher than that of subjects carrying the T allele (P = 0.0049). These associations were magnified in the presence of the G/G genotype of the rs2143754 polymorphism.

Conclusions

The rs2746342 polymorphism is significantly associated with susceptibility to T2DM and seems to interact with the rs2143754 polymorphism in the modulation of FPG in the Han Chinese population.