bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biased assimilation, homophily, and the dynamics of polarization
Authors: Dandekar Pranav , Goel Ashish , Lee David T.
Published: March 2013

We study the issue of polarization in society through a model of opinion formation. We say an opinion formation process is polarizing if it results in increased divergence of opinions. Empirical studies have shown that homophily, i.e., greater interaction between like-minded individuals, results in polarization. However, we show that DeGroot’s well-known model of opinion formation based on repeated averaging can never be polarizing, even if individuals are arbitrarily homophilous. We generalize DeGroot’s model to account for a phenomenon well known in social psychology as biased assimilation: When presented with mixed or inconclusive evidence on a complex issue, individuals draw undue support for their initial position, thereby arriving at a more extreme opinion. We show that in a simple model of homophilous networks, our biased opinion formation process results in polarization if individuals are sufficiently biased. In other words, homophily alone, without biased assimilation, is not sufficient to polarize society. Quite interestingly, biased assimilation also provides a framework to analyze the polarizing effect of Internet-based recommender systems that show us personalized content.
Spectroscopic evidence for Fermi liquid-like energy and temperature dependence of the relaxation rate in the pseudogap phase of the cuprates
Authors: Mirzaei Seyed Iman , Stricker Damien , Hancock Jason N. , Berthod Christophe , Georges Antoine , van Heumen Erik , Chan Mun K. , Zhao Xudong , Li Yuan , Greven Martin , Barišić Neven , van der Marel Dirk
Published: March 2013

Cuprate high-
T
c
superconductors exhibit enigmatic behavior in the nonsuperconducting state. For carrier concentrations near “optimal doping” (with respect to the highest
T

c

s) the transport and spectroscopic properties are unlike those of a Landau–Fermi liquid. On the Mott-insulating side of the optimal carrier concentration, which corresponds to underdoping, a pseudogap removes quasi-particle spectral weight from parts of the Fermi surface and causes a breakup of the Fermi surface into disconnected nodal and antinodal sectors. Here, we show that the near-nodal excitations of underdoped cuprates obey Fermi liquid behavior. The lifetime
τ
(
ω
,
T
) of a quasi-particle depends on its energy
ω
as well as on the temperature
T
. For a Fermi liquid, 1/
τ
(
ω
,
T
) is expected to collapse on a universal function proportional to (
ℏω
)
2
+ (

pπk
B
T

)
2
. Magneto-transport experiments, which probe the properties in the limit
ω
= 0, have provided indications for the presence of a
T
2
dependence of the dc (
ω
= 0) resistivity of different cuprate materials. However, Fermi liquid behavior is very much about the energy dependence of the lifetime, and this can only be addressed by spectroscopic techniques. Our optical experiments confirm the aforementioned universal
ω
- and
T
dependence of 1/
τ
(
ω
,
T
), with
p
∼ 1.5. Our data thus provide a piece of evidence in favor of a Fermi liquid-like scenario of the pseudogap phase of the cuprates.
A predictive, size-dependent continuum model for dense granular flows
Authors: Henann David L. , Kamrin Ken
Published: March 2013

Dense granular materials display a complicated set of flow properties, which differentiate them from ordinary fluids. Despite their ubiquity, no model has been developed that captures or predicts the complexities of granular flow, posing an obstacle in industrial and geophysical applications. Here we propose a 3D constitutive model for well-developed, dense granular flows aimed at filling this need. The key ingredient of the theory is a grain-size-dependent nonlocal rheology—inspired by efforts for emulsions—in which flow at a point is affected by the local stress as well as the flow in neighboring material. The microscopic physical basis for this approach borrows from recent principles in soft glassy rheology. The size-dependence is captured using a single material parameter, and the resulting model is able to quantitatively describe dense granular flows in an array of different geometries. Of particular importance, it passes the stringent test of capturing all aspects of the highly nontrivial flows observed in split-bottom cells—a geometry that has resisted modeling efforts for nearly a decade. A key benefit of the model is its simple-to-implement and highly predictive final form, as needed for many real-world applications.
Neuroprediction of future rearrest
Authors: Aharoni Eyal , Vincent Gina M. , Harenski Carla L. , Calhoun Vince D. , Sinnott-Armstrong Walter , Gazzaniga Michael S. , Kiehl Kent A.
Published: March 2013

Identification of factors that predict recurrent antisocial behavior is integral to the social sciences, criminal justice procedures, and the effective treatment of high-risk individuals. Here we show that error-related brain activity elicited during performance of an inhibitory task prospectively predicted subsequent rearrest among adult offenders within 4 y of release (
N
= 96). The odds that an offender with relatively low anterior cingulate activity would be rearrested were approximately double that of an offender with high activity in this region, holding constant other observed risk factors. These results suggest a potential neurocognitive biomarker for persistent antisocial behavior.
Integrated transcriptional and competitive endogenous RNA networks are cross-regulated in permissive molecular environments
Authors: Ala Ugo , Karreth Florian A. , Bosia Carla , Pagnani Andrea , Taulli Riccardo , Léopold Valentine , Tay Yvonne , Provero Paolo , Zecchina Riccardo , Pandolfi Pier Paolo
Published: March 2013

Competitive endogenous (ce)RNAs cross-regulate each other through sequestration of shared microRNAs and form complex regulatory networks based on their microRNA signature. However, the molecular requirements for ceRNA cross-regulation and the extent of ceRNA networks remain unknown. Here, we present a mathematical mass-action model to determine the optimal conditions for ceRNA activity
in silico
. This model was validated using phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) and its ceRNA VAMP (vesicle-associated membrane protein)-associated protein A (VAPA) as paradigmatic examples. A computational assessment of the complexity of ceRNA networks revealed that transcription factor and ceRNA networks are intimately intertwined. Notably, we found that ceRNA networks are responsive to transcription factor up-regulation or their aberrant expression in cancer. Thus, given optimal molecular conditions, alterations of one ceRNA can have striking effects on integrated ceRNA and transcriptional networks.
Ramanujan’s mock theta functions
Authors: Griffin Michael , Ono Ken , Rolen Larry
Published: March 2013

In his famous deathbed letter, Ramanujan introduced the notion of a
mock theta function
, and he offered some alleged examples. Recent work by Zwegers [Zwegers S (2001)
Contemp Math
291:268–277 and Zwegers S (2002) PhD thesis (Univ of Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands)] has elucidated the theory encompassing these examples. They are
holomorphic parts
of special harmonic weak Maass forms. Despite this understanding, little attention has been given to Ramanujan’s original definition. Here, we prove that Ramanujan’s examples do indeed satisfy his original definition.
Sparse dynamics for partial differential equations
Authors: Schaeffer Hayden , Caflisch Russel , Hauck Cory D. , Osher Stanley
Published: March 2013

We investigate the approximate dynamics of several differential equations when the solutions are restricted to a sparse subset of a given basis. The restriction is enforced at every time step by simply applying soft thresholding to the coefficients of the basis approximation. By reducing or compressing the information needed to represent the solution at every step, only the essential dynamics are represented. In many cases, there are natural bases derived from the differential equations, which promote sparsity. We find that our method successfully reduces the dynamics of convection equations, diffusion equations, weak shocks, and vorticity equations with high-frequency source terms.
Responses of Mn2+speciation inDeinococcus radioduransandEscherichia colito γ-radiation by advanced paramagnetic resonance methods
Authors: Sharma Ajay , Gaidamakova Elena K. , Matrosova Vera Y. , Bennett Brian , Daly Michael J. , Hoffman Brian M.
Published: March 2013

The remarkable ability of bacteriumDeinococcus radioduransto survive extreme doses of γ-rays (12,000 Gy), 20 times greater thanEscherichia coli, is undiminished by loss of Mn-dependent superoxide dismutase (SodA).D. radioduransradiation resistance is attributed to the accumulation of low-molecular-weight (LMW) “antioxidant” Mn2+–metabolite complexes that protect essential enzymes from oxidative damage. However, in vivo information about such complexes withinD. radioduranscells is lacking, and the idea that they can supplant reactive-oxygen-species (ROS)–scavenging enzymes remains controversial. In this report, measurements by advanced paramagnetic resonance techniques [electron-spin-echo (ESE)-EPR/electron nuclear double resonance/ESE envelope modulation (ESEEM)] reveal differential details of the in vivo Mn2+speciation inD. radioduransandE. colicells and their responses to 10 kGy γ-irradiation. The Mn2+ofD. radioduransexists predominantly as LMW complexes with nitrogenous metabolites and orthophosphate, with negligible EPR signal from Mn2+of SodA. Thus, the extreme radiation resistance ofD. radioduranscells cannot be attributed to SodA. Correspondingly, 10 kGy irradiation causes no change inD. radioduransMn2+speciation, despite the paucity of holo-SodA. In contrast, the EPR signal ofE. coliis dominated by signals from low-symmetry enzyme sites such as that of SodA, with a minority pool of LMW Mn2+complexes that show negligible coordination by nitrogenous metabolites. Nonetheless, irradiation ofE. colimajorly changes LMW Mn2+speciation, with extensive binding of nitrogenous ligands created by irradiation. We infer thatE. coliis highly susceptible to radiation-induced ROS because it lacks an adequate supply of LMW Mn antioxidants.
The Mussel–Fish Relationship: A Potential New Twist in North America?
Authors: Wisniewski Jason M. , Bockrath Katherine D. , Wares John P. , Fritts Andrea K. , Hill Matthew J.
Published: March 2013

North American freshwater mussels are critically imperiled organisms that generally require fish hosts in order to complete their life cycle. Although numerous studies have focused on the parasitic relationship between mussels and fishes, few have examined the benefits that mussels provide to other organisms. During sampling of Altamaha River, Georgia, we observed foreign eggs occurring within body cavities of native mussels across a 253‐km reach of the river basin. Eggs were recovered from 6% of the 757 mussels examined among seven sites. Foreign eggs were present in 17% and 18% of examined mussels at two sites. Using molecular techniques, eggs were identified as American Shad Alosa sapidissima. This discovery appears to be the first documented occurrence of native fish eggs in live North American mussels. Further research into the nature and mechanism of this symbiosis is warranted to assess whether this relationship is amensalistic, mutualistic, or commensalistic as American Shad and many freshwater mussels are species of conservation concern. A commensalistic or mutualistic relationship between these taxa may result in restoration activities affecting one species facilitating restoration of others.
The Political Legitimacy of National Peace Committees
Authors: Odendaal Andries
Published: March 2013

A national peace committee is a multi-stakeholder body mandated to implement key peacebuilding objectives, and coordinate a multi-level network of peace committees called an infrastructure for peace. Based on 10 case studies, the article explores the importance of political legitimacy for the success of NPCs and analyses, in particular, the contribution of their mandate, role clarity, composition and competence.
Building a Standing National Capacity for Conflict Prevention and Resolution in Kenya
Authors: Chuma Aeneas , Ojielo Ozonnia
Published: March 2013

Most conflicts today arise from intra-state rather than interstate tensions. Many developing countries are unable to manage intra-state conflicts effectively, mainly because of capacity constraints in their governance and oversight institutions, political manipulation and executive interference. The result is that public confidence in the institutions remains weak and there is greater resort to private and group justice. National development is thus deeply affected. In restoring public confidence in the state's ability to manage inter-group and inter-community conflicts, many governments are establishing and institutionalising standing national capacities for conflict prevention and resolution as extensions of their national governance framework. This article is a critical review of the efforts to establish such capacities in Kenya.
Infrastructures for Peace as a Path to Resilient Societies: An Institutional Perspective
Authors: Ryan Jordan
Published: March 2013

To prevent conflict and move away from fragility towards resilient societies, states increasingly adopt systematic efforts and institutionalised mechanisms to build the necessary capacities to manage conflict and promote peace. One such approach, ‘infrastructures for peace’, offers an inclusive and respectful response. This reflective essay describes the central features of infrastructures for peace and examines how they strengthen resilience within societies. It provides examples of such structures that are being supported by the United Nations Development Programme and its national partners, and examines how they have contributed to national governance and transformed conflict situations.
The Development of Japanese Passive Syntax as Indexed by Structural Priming in Comprehension
Authors: Arai Manabu , Mazuka Reiko
Published: March 2013

A number of previous studies reported a phenomenon of syntactic priming with young children as evidence for cognitive representations required for processing syntactic structures. However, it remains unclear how syntactic priming reflects children's grammatical competence. The current study investigated structural priming of the Japanese passive structure with 5- and 6-year-old children in a visual-world setting. Our results showed a priming effect as anticipatory eye movements to an upcoming referent in these children but the effect was significantly stronger in magnitude in 6-year-olds than in 5-year-olds. Consistently, the responses to comprehension questions revealed that 6-year-olds produced a greater number of correct answers and more answers using the passive structure than 5-year-olds. We also tested adult participants who showed even stronger priming than the children. The results together revealed that language users with the greater linguistic competence with the passives exhibited stronger priming, demonstrating a tight relationship between the effect of priming and the development of grammatical competence. Furthermore, we found that the magnitude of the priming effect decreased over time. We interpret these results in the light of an error-based learning account. Our results also provided evidence for prehead as well as head-independent priming.
Rac GEF Dock4 interacts with cortactin to regulate dendritic spine formation
Authors: Ueda Shuhei , Negishi Manabu , Katoh Hironori
Published: March 2013

In neuronal development, dendritic spine formation is important for the establishment of excitatory synaptic connectivity and functional neural circuits. Developmental deficiency in spine formation results in multiple neuropsychiatric disorders. Dock4, a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) for Rac, has been reported as a candidate genetic risk factor for autism, dyslexia, and schizophrenia. We previously showed that Dock4 is expressed in hippocampal neurons. However, the functions of Dock4 in hippocampal neurons and the underlying molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. Here we show that Dock4 is highly concentrated in dendritic spines and implicated in spine formation via interaction with the actin-binding protein cortactin. In cultured neurons, short hairpin RNA (shRNA)–mediated knockdown of Dock4 reduces dendritic spine density, which is rescued by coexpression of shRNA-resistant wild-type Dock4 but not by a GEF-deficient mutant of Dock4 or a truncated mutant lacking the cortactin-binding region. On the other hand, knockdown of cortactin suppresses Dock4-mediated spine formation. Taken together, the results show a novel and functionally important interaction between Dock4 and cortactin for regulating dendritic spine formation via activation of Rac.
Rationale and design of the SERVE‐HF study: treatment of sleep‐disordered breathing with predominant central sleep apnoea with adaptive servo‐ventilation in patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: Cowie Martin R. , Woehrle Holger , Wegscheider Karl , Angermann Christiane , d'Ortho Marie‐Pia , Erdmann Erland , Levy Patrick , Simonds Anita , Somers Virend K. , Zannad Faiez , Teschler Helmut
Published: March 2013

Aims

Central sleep apnoea/Cheyne–Stokes respiration (CSA/CSR) is a risk factor for increased mortality and morbidity in heart failure (HF). Adaptive servo‐ventilation (ASV) is a non‐invasive ventilation modality for the treatment of CSA/CSR in patients with HF.

Methods

SERVE‐HF is a multinational, multicentre, randomized, parallel trial designed to assess the effects of addition of ASV (PaceWave™, AutoSet CS™; ResMed) to optimal medical management compared with medical management alone (control group) in patients with symptomatic chronic HF, LVEF ≤45%, and predominant CSA. The trial is based on an event‐driven group sequential design, and the final analysis will be performed when 651 events have been observed or the study is terminated at one of the two interim analyses. The aim is to randomize ∼1200 patients to be followed for a minimum of 2 years. Patients are to stay in the trial up to study termination. The first patient was randomized in February 2008 and the study is expected to end mid 2015. The primary combined endpoint is the time to first event of all‐cause death, unplanned hospitalization (or unplanned prolongation of a planned hospitalization) for worsening (chronic) HF, cardiac transplantation, resuscitation of sudden cardiac arrest, or appropriate life‐saving shock for ventricular fibrillation or fast ventricular tachycardia in implantable cardioverter defibrillator patients.

Perspectives

The SERVE‐HF study is a randomized study that will provide important data on the effect of treatment with ASV on morbidity and mortality, as well as the cost‐effectiveness of this therapy, in patients with chronic HF and predominantly CSA/CSR.

Trial registration

ISRCTN19572887
FULMINANT CHORIORETINITIS AND PAPILLITIS SECONDARY TO COXSACKIEVIRUS B PRESENTING AS ACUTE POSTERIOR MULTIFOCAL PLACOID PIGMENT EPITHELIOPATHY WITH POSITIVE RESPONSE TO INTRAVENOUS IMMUNOGLOBULIN
Authors: Hollsten Jordan E. , McClintock Michael , Samy Hazem , Peden Marc , Kay Christine N.
Published: March 2013

Purpose:

To describe a case of fulminant bilateral papillitis and chorioretinitis in the setting of positive coxsackievirus B titers, which convalesced months after the patient's presentation. The patient presented with an acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy–like clinical picture and her visual acuity and visual field improved moderately after initiation of treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin.

Methods:

Case report of a white female with bilateral blurred vision is presented in this study.

Results:

A previously healthy 59-year-old white woman presented with a 3-day history of bilateral blurred vision. Initial visual acuity was hand motion in the right eye and count fingers in the left eye. Extensive workup and imaging was done and she was empirically started on intravenous antibiotics followed 24 hours later by intravenous steroids. The patient was found to have high titers of coxsackievirus B and sustained modest visual acuity and perimetry improvement in one eye after intravenous immunoglobulin infusion.

Conclusion:

A case of fulminant bilateral chorioretinitis and papillitis that resulted in bilateral vision loss despite high-dose steroids within 24 hours of initial loss in vision is presented in this study. The patient was found to have high titers of coxsackievirus B3, B4,B5 after presentation and her condition improved after treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin, suggesting a plausible immune component.
Axin expression enhances herpes simplex virus type 1 replication by inhibiting virus-mediated cell death in L929 cells
Authors: Choi Eun-Jin , Kim Sewoon , Jho Eek-hoon , Song Ki-Joon , Kee Sun-Ho
Published: March 2013

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) replicates in various cell types and induces early cell death, which limits viral replication in certain cell types. Axin is a scaffolding protein that regulates Wnt signalling and participates in various cellular events, including cellular proliferation and cell death. The effects of axin expression on HSV-1 infection were investigated based on our initial observation that Wnt3a treatment or axin knockdown reduced HSV-1 replication. L929 cells expressed the axin protein in a doxycycline-inducible manner (L-axin) and enhanced HSV-1 replication in comparison to control cells (L-EV). HSV-1 infection induced cell death as early as 6 h after infection through the necrotic pathway and requiredde novoprotein synthesis in L929 cells. Subsequent analysis of viral protein expression suggested that axin expression led to suppression of HSV-1-induced premature cell death, resulting in increased late gene expression. In analysis of axin deletion mutants, the regulators of the G-protein signalling (RGS) domain were involved in the axin-mediated enhancement of viral replication and reduction in cell death. These results suggest that viral replication enhancement might be mediated by the axin RGS domain.
Collision monitoring and optimal collision avoidance manoeuvre for formation flying satellites
Authors: Zeng Guoqiang , Hu Min , Song Junling
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the safety of formation flying satellites, and propose a method for practical collision monitoring and collision avoidance manoeuvre.

Design/methodology/approach

A general formation description method based on relative orbital elements is proposed, and a collision probability calculation model is established. The formula for the minimum relative distance in the crosstrack plane is derived, and the influence of J2 perturbation on formation safety is analyzed. Subsequently, the optimal collision avoidance manoeuvre problem is solved using the framework of linear programming algorithms.

Findings

The relative orbital elements are illustrative of formation description and are easy to use for perturbation analysis. The relative initial phase angle between the in‐plane and cross‐track plane motions has considerable effect on the formation safety. Simulations confirm the flexibility and effectiveness of the linear programming‐based collision avoidance manoeuvre method.

Practical implications

The proposed collision probability method can be applied in collision monitoring for the proximity operations of spacecraft. The presented minimum distance calculation formula in the cross‐track plane can be used in safe configuration design. Additionally, the linear programming method is suitable for formation control, in which the initial and terminal states are provided.

Originality/value

The relative orbital elements are used to calculate collision probability and analyze formation safety. The linear programming algorithms are extended for collision avoidance, an approach that is simple, effective, and more suitable for on‐board implementation.
Design of an S‐duct intake for UAV applications
Authors: Papadopoulos Fotios , Valakos Ioannis , Nikolos Ioannis K.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to design an S‐duct intake for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) applications with good efficiency in a wide range of operating conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

A fully‐parametric 3‐D CAD model of the intake was constructed in order to produce different intake configurations, within specific geometric constraints, and to study the influence of geometry variation on efficiency. O‐type blocking methodology was adopted in order to construct the block‐structured mesh of hexahedral elements, used in the simulations. The commercial CFD code ANSYS‐CFX was used to compute the flow field inside the flow domain of each case considered. The Reynolds averaged Navier‐Stokes (RANS) equations are discretized using an implicit, vertex‐based finite volume method, combined with the shear stress transport (SST) two‐equation turbulence model and an automatic wall treatment.

Findings

By shortening the axial length the flow separation after the first turning becomes more pronounced and the losses are increasing. For very long ducts the increased internal wall area leads to increased wall friction and, consequently, to increased loss production.

Originality/value

The adoption of Gerlach‐shaped profiles for the design of the S‐duct resulted in a low pressure loss level for the optimal shape, although more uniform distribution of total pressure losses resulted for ducts longer than the optimal one, which should be taken into account in the design process.
Constrained predictive control of helicopters
Authors: Oktay Tugrul , Sultan Cornel
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show the feasibility of constrained model predictive control (MPC) for sophisticated helicopter models which are derived by physical considerations.

Design/methodology/approach

Physics‐based modeling is used to create control‐oriented helicopter models. Advanced constrained controllers are designed and tested for these sophisticated models.

Findings

The helicopter models are valid and constrained MPC shows considerable promise for robust tracking.

Practical implications

MPCs can be implemented for highly constrained helicopter flights.

Originality/value

A complete process of control‐oriented, physics‐based model development for helicopters followed by MPC design is developed. It is also proved that constrained MPC can be used and implemented online to robustly track discontinuous helicopter trajectories with heterogeneous constraints, even when the models are sophisticated and physics based.
Blending optimal algorithm for heliocentric solar sailing
Authors: Shi Xiaoning , Guo Jifeng , Cui Naigang , Huang Rong
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to design a solar sail heliocentric transfer orbit which can meet the requirements of control system and capture orbit, and to provide the change of angles for attitude control system.

Design/methodology/approach

Aiming at the problem of solar sail heliocentric transfer orbits design, this paper addresses the derivation of analytical optimal control law. The control laws can realize the combination of the control of each orbit element, but they can only give local optimal solution to meet the practical needs of mission. In order to solve this problem and meet the capture orbit and the attitude control system requirements, the modified genetic algorithm based on the analytical control law is introduced.

Findings

The algorithm addressed by this paper includes results closer to the global optimization, and also can meet the engineering constraints.

Practical implications

The analytical optimal control law can be applied to the future onboard sail control systems. The blending optimal algorithm is demonstrated to be suitable as a method of preliminary design for solar sail deep space exploration mission.

Originality/value

A blending optimal algorithm combining the analytical control law and genetic algorithm is proposed; the algorithm can search for global optimization based on the local optimal results of analytical control law.
Innovation, entrepreneurship and economic growth
Authors: Galindo Miguel‐Ángel , Méndez‐Picazo María‐Teresa
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The main aim of this paper is to analyze the relationship between innovation and economic growth, following the Schumpeter approach, considering the entrepreneurship activity.

Design/methodology/approach

Several hypotheses are tested considering three equations, for the case of ten developed countries. To estimate the equations, generalized least square (GLS)‐cross‐section weights and panel least squares methodologies for the period 2001‐2009 have been used.

Findings

Innovation plays a central role in the economic growth process and the entrepreneur is the vehicle to introduce the new technologies to improve the firms' activity and to obtain higher profits. It is also necessary to include in this process other variables: social climate and the role of institutions.

Practical implications

Some measures can design from these results to improve innovation and entrepreneurship activity, which would have positive effects on economic growth.

Originality/value

Schumpeterian approach is developed for this analysis, and empirical estimations are carried out to test hypotheses on economic growth and innovation, considering not only the traditional quantitative variables but also qualitative ones, having a wider view about the process. Drucker statement on innovation effects on entrepreneurship activity is also tested.
Open source solutions for libraries: ABCD vs Koha
Authors: Macan Bojan , Vanesa Fernández Gladys , Stojanovski Jadranka
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to present an overview of the two open source (OS) integrated library systems (ILS) – Koha and ABCD (ISIS family), to compare their “next‐generation library catalog” functionalities, and to give comparison of other important features available through ILS modules.

Design/methodology/approach

Two open source ILSs, Koha and ABCD, were compared in‐depth according to their functionalities and characteristics. A checklist was created for each module: acquisition, cataloging, serials, patron management and circulation, reports and statistics, and administration. For an online catalog module, a separate checklist with “new generation catalog” characteristics was created. The authors also defined an additional set of criteria which could influence the decision process and selection of appropriate ILS like funding, metadata schema, preferred ILS functionalities, provided support, and the role of the IT department, and computer and network infrastructure in the library.

Findings

Evaluation of ILSs reveals that Koha has more functionalities than ABCD, especially those connected with the “next generation library catalog”. If a library is using UNIMARC or MARC21 format for bibliographic description and has a good IT support, Koha is an open source ILS with a wide community which has to be considered for implementation. ABCD has great metasearch possibilities and is worth considering by libraries using other or no metadata schemas or without IT support.

Research limitations/implications

The research was limited to two research libraries and their praxis and experiences. Further analysis can include other open source ILSs.

Practical implications

This study can help libraries preparing to migrate to open source ILS to choose an appropriate one.

Originality/value

This is the first comprehensive study conducted on Koha and ABCD comparing all modules in detail.
Construct DTPB model by using DEMATEL: a study of a university library website
Authors: Lee Yu‐Cheng , Hsieh Yi‐Fang , Guo Yau‐Bin
Published: March 2013

Purpose

Traditional studies on a decomposed theory of planned behavior (DTPB) analyze the relationship of variables through a structural equation model. If certain variables do not fully comply with the independent hypothesis, it is not possible to conduct proper analysis, which leads to false conclusions. To solve these problems, the aim of this research is to adopt an expert opinion‐driven decision making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL), and re‐establish the causal relationship and the degree of interrelationship of DTPB variables.

Design/methodology/approach

This research used a university library website as an individual case, and illustrated the benefits of constructing DTPB model by using DEMATEL through the opinions of 23 experts surveyed by questionnaires.

Findings

According to the analysis result of constructing DTPB model by using DEMATEL, when DTPB variables were distributed within quadrants of high centrality and degree of causality, they became the key influential variables; when distributed within quadrants of low centrality and degree of causality, the variables needed urgent management.

Originality/value

When traditional DTPB does not consider the direct and indirect relationships among variables, the original causal relationship of variables will be influenced, and then the original variables cannot fully demonstrate their causal relationship. Therefore the feasibility and effect of constructing DTPB model by using DEMATEL proposed in this research are proved through individual cases.
User acceptance of long‐term evolution (LTE) services
Authors: Park Eunil , Joon Kim Ki
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to propose an integrated path model in order to explore user acceptance of long‐term evolution (LTE) services by examining potential causal relationships between key psychological factors and user intention to use the services.

Design/methodology/approach

Online survey data collected from 1,344 users are analysed with the structural equation modelling (SEM) method.

Findings

Results reveal that satisfaction is the most crucial factor contributing to user intention to use LTE services. Other factors, including perceived usefulness, attitude, and system and service quality, also have notable impacts on user intention. Furthermore, system and service quality is affected by both perceived processing speed and perceived mobility, while perceived usefulness is primarily influenced by perceived adaptivity. In addition, four factors (perceived usefulness, adaptivity, processing speed, and system and service quality) are found to be major determinants of the user attitudes toward the services.

Originality/value

The present study provides valuable insights to understanding key factors that affect user perceptions of and intention to use LTE services.
Champagne purchasing: the influence of kudos and sentimentality
Authors: Morton Anne‐Louise , Rivers Cheryl , Charters Stephen , Spinks Wendy
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the engagement of Australian consumers when buying and drinking Champagne.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper identified seven variables a priori that were expected to influence consumers' decisions and then used exploratory interviews to investigate how Champagne consumers were influenced by these. The authors interviewed Champagne marketers, sellers, educators, connoisseurs and aspirational consumers. The interview protocol allowed respondents to identify other variables.

Findings

The paper identified two new variables that, inter alia, influence Australian consumers in their Champagne selection. These were the kudos that comes from the people they serve or give it to and their sentimentality about previous experiences of Champagne consumption. The two new variables are the focus of this paper.

Research limitations/implications

The exploratory nature of this research means larger studies are needed to confirm the preliminary findings, particularly in other, non Anglo‐Saxon cultures.

Practical implications

Champagne houses could place greater emphasis on kudos and sentimentality in their marketing campaigns; additionally cultural issues could affect how the two factors operate in different markets.

Originality/value

Kudos and sentimentality have not been previously emphasised in the wine consumer behaviour literature.
Safeguarding vulnerable adults: exploring the challenges to best practice across multi‐agency settings
Authors: Stevens Emma
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight contemporary issues in achieving best practice in safeguarding adults across multi‐agency settings.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is an empirical exploration, reviewing a range of relevant literature and recent policy to present evidence suggesting that there continue to be challenges in achieving best practice in multi‐agency approaches to safeguarding. The literature review was undertaken using the following databases: Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Cochrane, PsycINFO and Medline. The inclusion criteria included being peer‐reviewed and published between 2004 and 2012. The key words used were: “safeguarding adults” and “abuse”. Further literature was found through adopting a “snowballing” technique, in which additional sources were found from the reference lists used in the initial articles.

Findings

Although guidance such as No Secrets from the Department of Health, in 2000, emphasises the importance of a multi‐agency approach, this continues to be problematic and presents challenges. In practice, differing professionals may not fully understand each other's roles and responsibilities and both thresholds and scope of adult abuse are still not universally agreed. Legislation could be used positively to mandate the multi‐agency approach to adult safeguarding, supported by local Safeguarding Adults Boards and local policies can be used to provide guidance and clarity for practitioners. Further empirical investigation into supporting the multi‐agency approach is required.

Originality/value

The paper fulfils the need for discussion on the complexities and challenges that continue to present in multi‐agency responses to adult safeguarding practice.
Chewing tobacco use among South‐East Asian men in Auckland
Authors: Lokhande Sunder , Glover Marewa , Selket Kyro
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the use of chewing tobacco by South East Asian men in Auckland and their difficulty in giving up the habit.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi‐structured interviews with ten men were conducted in a grounded theory case study design. Snowball sampling was used to identify and recruit participants from hard‐to‐find populations. Written consents were obtained.

Findings

Each of the men attributed their initiation to chewing tobacco to the influence of friends and the society in which they lived. They all were aware that chewing tobacco could increase their risk for oral cancer and wanted to quit. New Zealand law prohibits the import and sale of oral forms of tobacco. However, the men in this study were still able to get chewing tobacco via friends and family bringing it into the country “for personal use”.

Research limitations/implications

This paper opens up a space for further research within the South East Asian communities, with the view to identifying and developing effective cessation methods.

Originality/value

This paper is significant as there has been minimal research conducted on the pervasiveness of chewing tobacco in the South East Asian communities in New Zealand.
The genus Pseudovibrio contains metabolically versatile bacteria adapted for symbiosis
Authors: Bondarev Vladimir , Richter Michael , Romano Stefano , Piel Jörn , Schwedt Anne , Schulz‐Vogt Heide N.
Published: March 2013

The majority of strains belonging to the genus Pseudovibrio have been isolated from marine invertebrates such as tunicates, corals and particularly sponges, but the physiology of these bacteria is poorly understood. In this study, we analyse for the first time the genomes of two Pseudovibrio strains – FO‐BEG1 and JE062. The strain FO‐BEG1 is a required symbiont of a cultivated Beggiatoa strain, a sulfide‐oxidizing, autotrophic bacterium, which was initially isolated from a coral. Strain JE062 was isolated from a sponge. The presented data show that both strains are generalistic bacteria capable of importing and oxidizing a wide range of organic and inorganic compounds to meet their carbon, nitrogen, phosphorous and energy requirements under both, oxic and anoxic conditions. Several physiological traits encoded in the analysed genomes were verified in laboratory experiments with both isolates. Besides the versatile metabolic abilities of both Pseudovibrio strains, our study reveals a number of open reading frames and gene clusters in the genomes that seem to be involved in symbiont–host interactions. Both Pseudovibrio strains have the genomic potential to attach to host cells, interact with the eukaryotic cell machinery, produce secondary metabolites and supply the host with cofactors.
Mass effects meet species sorting: transformations of microbial assemblages in epiphreatic subsurface karst water pools
Authors: Shabarova Tanja , Widmer Franco , Pernthaler Jakob
Published: March 2013

We investigated the transformations of the microbial communities in epiphreatic karst cave pools with different flooding frequencies. Fingerprinting of 16S rRNA genes was combined with microscopic and sequence analysis to examine if source water would transport comparable microbial inocula into the pools at consecutive flood events, and to assess possible effects of residence time on the microbial assemblages during stagnant periods. Variability in the concentrations of dissolved organic carbon and conductivity indicated differences between floods and changes of pool water over time. High numbers of Betaproteobacteria affiliated with Methylophilaceae and Comamonadaceae were introduced into the pools during floodings. While the former persisted in the pools, the latter exhibited considerable microdiversification. These Betaproteobacteria might thus represent core microbial groups in karst water. A decrease in the estimated total diversity of the remaining bacterial taxa was apparent after a few weeks of residence: Some were favoured by stagnant conditions, whereas the majority was rapidly outcompeted. Thus, the microbial communities consisted of different components governed by complementary assembly mechanisms (dispersal versus environmental filtering) upon introduction into the pools. High overlap of temporary and persistent community members between samplings from two winters, moreover, reflected the seasonal recurrence of the studied microbial assemblages.
Genome‐wide transposon insertion scanning of environmental survival functions in the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon degrading bacterium Sphingomonas wittichii RW1
Authors: Roggo Clémence , Coronado Edith , Moreno‐Forero Silvia K. , Harshman Keith , Weber Johann , van der Meer Jan Roelof
Published: March 2013

Sphingomonas wittichii RW1 is a dibenzofuran and dibenzodioxin‐degrading bacterium with potentially interesting properties for bioaugmentation of contaminated sites. In order to understand the capacity of the microorganism to survive in the environment we used a genome‐wide transposon scanning approach. RW1 transposon libraries were generated with around 22 000 independent insertions. Libraries were grown for an average of 50 generations (five successive passages in batch liquid medium) with salicylate as sole carbon and energy source in presence or absence of salt stress at −1.5 MPa. Alternatively, libraries were grown in sand with salicylate, at 50% water holding capacity, for 4 and 10 days (equivalent to 7 generations). Library DNA was recovered from the different growth conditions and scanned by ultrahigh throughput sequencing for the positions and numbers of inserted transposed kanamycin resistance gene. No transposon reads were recovered in 579 genes (10% of all annotated genes in the RW1 genome) in any of the libraries, suggesting those to be essential for survival under the used conditions. Libraries recovered from sand differed strongly from those incubated in liquid batch medium. In particular, important functions for survival of cells in sand at the short term concerned nutrient scavenging, energy metabolism and motility. In contrast to this, fatty acid metabolism and oxidative stress response were essential for longer term survival of cells in sand. Comparison to transcriptome data suggested important functions in sand for flagellar movement, pili synthesis, trehalose and polysaccharide synthesis and putative cell surface antigen proteins. Interestingly, a variety of genes were also identified, interruption of which cause significant increase in fitness during growth on salicylate. One of these was an Lrp family transcription regulator and mutants in this gene covered more than 90% of the total library after 50 generations of growth on salicylate. Our results demonstrate the power of genome‐wide transposon scanning approaches for analysis of complex traits.
Angiogenic factors combined with clinical risk factors to predict preterm pre‐eclampsia in nulliparous women: a predictive test accuracy study
Authors: Myers JE , Kenny LC , McCowan LME , Chan EHY , Dekker GA , Poston L , Simpson NAB , North RA ,   on behalf of the SCOPE consortium
Published: March 2013

Objectives

To assess the performance of clinical risk factors, uterine artery Doppler and angiogenic markers to predict preterm pre‐eclampsia in nulliparous women.

Design

Predictive test accuracy study.

Setting

Prospective multicentre cohort study Screening for Pregnancy Endpoints (SCOPE).

Methods

Low‐risk nulliparous women with a singleton pregnancy were recruited. Clinical risk factor data were obtained and plasma placental growth factor (PlGF), soluble endoglin and soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1 (sFlt‐1) were measured at 14–16 weeks of gestation. Prediction models were developed using multivariable stepwise logistic regression.

Main outcome measure

Preterm pre‐eclampsia (delivered before 37+0 weeks of gestation).

Results

Of the 3529 women recruited, 187 (5.3%) developed pre‐eclampsia of whom 47 (1.3%) delivered preterm. Controls (n = 188) were randomly selected from women without preterm pre‐eclampsia and included women who developed other pregnancy complications. An area under a receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.76 (95% CI 0.67–0.84) was observed using previously reported clinical risk variables. The AUC improved following the addition of PlGF measured at 14–16 weeks (0.84; 95% CI 0.77–0.91), but no further improvement was observed with the addition of uterine artery Doppler or the other angiogenic markers. A sensitivity of 45% (95% CI 0.31–0.59) (5% false‐positive rate) and post‐test probability of 11% (95% CI 9–13) were observed using clinical risk variables and PlGF measurement.

Conclusions

Addition of plasma PlGF at 14–16 weeks of gestation to clinical risk assessment improved the identification of nulliparous women at increased risk of developing preterm pre‐eclampsia, but the performance is not sufficient to warrant introduction as a clinical screening test. These findings are marker dependent, not assay dependent; additional markers are needed to achieve clinical utility.