bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generation and Verification of Rainfall Estimates from 10-Yr Volumetric Weather Radar Measurements
Authors: Goudenhoofdt Edouard , Delobbe Laurent
Published: February 2016

Volumetric measurements from a C-band weather radar in Belgium are reprocessed over the years 2005–14 to improve the quantitative precipitation estimation (QPE). The data quality is controlled using static clutter and beam blockage maps and clutter identification based on vertical gradients, horizontal texture, and satellite observations. A new QPE is obtained using stratiform–convective classification, a 40-min averaged vertical profile of reflectivity (VPR), a brightband identification, and a specific transformation to rain rates for each precipitation regime. The rain rates are interpolated on a 500-m Cartesian grid, linearly accumulated, and combined with hourly rain gauge measurements using mean field bias or kriging with external drift (KED). The algorithms have been fine-tuned on 13 cases with various meteorological situations. A detailed validation against independent daily rain gauge measurements reveals the importance of VPR correction. A 10-yr verification shows a significant improvement of the new QPE, especially at short and long range, with roughly 50% increase in coverage. Adding the KED allows average improvements of 38%, 35%, and 80% for the mean absolute difference, the multiplicative error spread, and the fraction of good estimates, respectively. The benefit is higher in widespread situations and increases when considering higher rainfall amounts. The mitigation of radar artifacts is clearly visible on 10-yr statistics, including mean annual totals, probabilities to exceed 10 mm, and maxima for hourly and daily accumulation. The correlation of mean totals with rain gauges increases from 0.54 to 0.66 with the new QPE and to 0.8 adding KED.
Application of Raman Spectroscopy and Infrared Spectroscopy in the Identification of Breast Cancer
Authors: Depciuch Joanna , Kaznowska Ewa , Zawlik Izabela , Wojnarowska Renata , Cholewa Marian , Heraud Philip , Cebulski Józef
Published: February 2016

Raman spectroscopy and infrared (IR) spectroscopy are both techniques that allow for the investigation of vibrating chemical particles. These techniques provide information not only about chemical particles through the identification of functional groups and spectral analysis of so-called “fingerprints”, these methods allow for the qualitative and quantitative analyses of chemical substances in the sample. Both of these spectral techniques are frequently being used in biology and medicine in diagnosing illnesses and monitoring methods of therapy. The type of breast cancer found in woman is often a malignant tumor, causing 1.38 million new cases of breast cancer and 458 000 deaths in the world in 2013. The most important risk factors for breast cancer development are: sex, age, family history, specific benign breast conditions in the breast, ionizing radiation, and lifestyle. The main purpose of breast cancer screening tests is to establish early diagnostics and to apply proper treatment. Diagnoses of breast cancer are based on: (1) physical techniques (e.g., ultrasonography, mammography, elastography, magnetic resonance, positron emission tomography [PET]); (2) histopathological techniques; (3) biological techniques; and (4) optical techniques (e.g., photo acoustic imaging, fluorescence tomography). However, none of these techniques provides unique or especially revealing answers. The aim of our study is comparative spectroscopic measurements on patients with the following: normal non-cancerous breast tissue; breast cancer tissues before chemotherapy; breast cancer tissues after chemotherapy; and normal breast tissues received around the cancerous breast region. Spectra collected from breast cancer patients shows changes in amounts of carotenoids and fats. We also observed changes in carbohydrate and protein levels (e.g., lack of amino acids, changes in the concentration of amino acids, structural changes) in comparison with normal breast tissues. This fact verifies that Raman spectroscopy and IR spectroscopy are very useful diagnostic tools that will shed new light in understanding the etiology of breast cancer.
Traceable Quantitative Raman Microscopy and X-ray Fluorescence Analysis as Nondestructive Methods for the Characterization of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 Absorber Films
Authors: Zakel Sabine , Pollakowski Beatrix , Streeck Cornelia , Wundrack Stefan , Weber Alfons , Brunken Stefan , Mainz Roland , Beckhoff Burckhardt , Stosch Rainer
Published: February 2016

The traceability of measured quantities is an essential condition when linking process control parameters to guaranteed physical properties of a product. Using Raman spectroscopy as an analytical tool for monitoring the production of Cu(In1–xGax)Se2 thin-film solar cells, proper calibration with regard to chemical composition and lateral dimensions is a key prerequisite. This study shows how the multiple requirements of calibration in Raman microscopy might be addressed. The surface elemental composition as well as the integral elemental composition of the samples is traced back by reference-free X-ray fluorescence analysis. Reference Raman spectra are then generated for the relevant Cu(In1–xGax)Se2 related compounds. The lateral dimensions are calibrated with the help of a novel dimensional standard whose regular structures have been traced back to the International System of Units by metrological scanning force microscopy. On this basis, an approach for the quantitative determination of surface coverage values from lateral Raman mappings is developed together with a complete uncertainty budget. Raman and X-ray spectrometry have here been proven as complementary nondestructive methods combining surface sensitivity and in-depth information on elemental and species distribution for the reliable quality control of Cu(In1-xGax)Se2 absorbers and Cu(In1-xGax)3Se5 surface layer formation.
Random Forest (RF) Wrappers for Waveband Selection and Classification of Hyperspectral Data
Authors: Poona Nitesh Keshavelal , van Niekerk Adriaan , Nadel Ryan Leslie , Ismail Riyad
Published: February 2016

Hyperspectral data collected using a field spectroradiometer was used to model asymptomatic stress in Pinus radiata and Pinus patula seedlings infected with the pathogen Fusarium circinatum. Spectral data were analyzed using the random forest algorithm. To improve the classification accuracy of the model, subsets of wavebands were selected using three feature selection algorithms: (1) Boruta; (2) recursive feature elimination (RFE); and (3) area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the random forest (AUC-RF). Results highlighted the robustness of the above feature selection methods when used in conjunction with the random forest algorithm for analyzing hyperspectral data. Overall, the Boruta feature selection algorithm provided the best results. When discriminating F. circinatum stress in Pinus radiata seedlings, Boruta selected wavebands (n = 69) yielded the best overall classification accuracies (training error of 17.00%, independent test error of 17.00% and an AUC value of 0.91). Classification results were, however, significantly lower for P. patula seedlings, with a training error of 24.00%, independent test error of 38.00%, and an AUC value of 0.65. A hybrid selection method that utilizes combinations of wavebands selected from the three feature selection algorithms was also tested. The hybrid method showed an improvement in classification accuracies for P. patula, and no improvement for P. radiata. The results of this study provide impetus towards implementing a hyperspectral framework for detecting stress within nursery environments.
Realistic Instrumentation Platform for Active and Passive Optical Remote Sensing
Authors: Brydegaard Mikkel , Merdasa Aboma , Gebru Alem , Jayaweera Hiran , Svanberg Sune
Published: February 2016

We describe the development of a novel versatile optical platform for active and passive remote sensing of environmental parameters. Applications include assessment of vegetation status and water quality. The system is also adapted for ecological studies, such as identification of flying insects including agricultural pests. The system is based on two mid-size amateur astronomy telescopes, continuous-wave diode lasers at different wavelengths ranging from violet to the near infrared, and detector facilities including quadrant photodiodes, two-dimensional and line scan charge-coupled device cameras, and a compact digital spectrometer. Application examples include remote Ramanlaser-induced fluorescence monitoring of water quality at 120 m distance, and insect identification at kilometer ranges using the recorded wing beat frequency and its spectrum of overtones. Because of the low cost this developmental platform is very suitable for advanced research projects in developing countries and has, in fact, been multiplied during hands-on workshops and is now being used by a number of groups at African universities.
Incarnation, Panentheism, and Bodily Resurrection: A Systems-Oriented Approach
Authors: Bracken Joseph A.
Published: February 2016

Christian theologians assume that systematic theology should make use of the language and methodology of natural science wherever possible to set forth contemporary understanding of Christian doctrine. To this end Joseph Bracken employs the notion of open-ended systems of entities in dynamic interrelation as the basis for an evolutionary understanding of the cosmic process within the natural sciences to give a new more socially oriented understanding of three key beliefs: the incarnation of the Second Person of the Trinity in the God-Man, Jesus of Nazareth; the overall God–world relationship; and Christian eschatology.
Bernard Lonergan’s “Law of the Cross”: Transforming the Sources and Effects of Violence
Authors: Gerhart Mary
Published: February 2016

In Insight: A Study of Human Understanding (1957) Bernard Lonergan described the dynamic of human history as “a compound of progress and decline [in which] the flight from understanding” results in violence. His philosophical analysis of this dynamic was complemented by a theological analysis, “Understanding the Mystery: The Law of the Cross” (1960), thought by many to be his most important theological work. This article reveals how he drew from reflections on mathematics and science for a comprehensive understanding of violence before, in, and after Insight.
Virtue: Personal Formation and Social Transformation
Authors: Vogt Christopher P.
Published: February 2016

Virtue ethics has an expanded role in contemporary moral theology. While continuing to engage the work of Thomas Aquinas and other historical sources to take up fundamental theological questions such as the relationship between human agency and divine grace, contemporary virtue ethics also provides a helpful framework for examining the interplay among social context, personal formation, and social change. There has been growing interest in virtue in the fields of neuroscience and anthropology. The author surveys examples of how theologians have drawn fruitfully from those fields, arguing that a more expansive interdisciplinary engagement would enhance theological understandings of virtue, formation, and social transformation.
Shoelaces
Authors: Gloviczki Peter Joseph
Published: February 2016

In this article, I use an autoethnographic sketch to explore the relationship between interpersonal bonds and identity construction.
Beyond the “deficit discourse”: Mapping ethical consumption discourses in Chile and Brazil
Authors: Ariztia Tomas , Kleine Dorothea , Bartholo Roberto , Brightwell Graca , Agloni Nurjk , Afonso Rita
Published: February 2016

This article challenges the longstanding trend of much empirical material on ethical consumption originating from the global North, offering instead rich data on ethical consumption and practices in Chile and Brazil. Drawing on data generated from 32 in-depth focus groups (179 participants in total) in both countries, the article identifies similarities and differences between these two countries and with the global North. We identify how ethical consumption in Chile and Brazil is conceptualized mainly at two different scales, namely first, the everyday ethics of consumption at household scale and, second, a more global scale of discourse on environmental problems and the negative effects of globalisation. At the household scale, narrative themes include those of prudence, of avoiding overconsumption, family health, and focus on quality. At a more national and international scale, respondents from all classes in both countries discussed labour conditions associated with Chinese imports. Further, particularly university-educated and well-travelled respondents had adopted international environmentalist discourses. Employing a relational geography to discourses, the article calls for research to both include and transcend cross-country comparisons, and binaries of global North and South.
Bond strength and development length of glass fiber-reinforced polymer bar in unconfined self-consolidating concrete
Authors: Mousavi SS , Dehestani M , Mousavi SM
Published: February 2016

Although there are different models for determining bond strength and development length of glass fiber-reinforced polymer bar in normal concrete, they cannot evaluate the interfacial behavior of glass fiber-reinforced polymer bar in self-consolidating concrete accurately. This study presents more precise and efficient models for bond strength and development length of glass fiber-reinforced polymer bar in self-consolidating concrete than existing equations. The performance of a model depends very much on test data. Previous researches do not have enough data of bond strength and development length of glass fiber-reinforced polymer bar in self-consolidating concrete. So, more extensive data are needed to investigate the efficiency and accuracy of a model. To solve this problem, direct pull-out tests are performed in this study. Unlike existing models for bond strength and development length, proposed models perform very well for predicting bond strength and development length of glass fiber-reinforced polymer bar in self-consolidating concrete. The new models considerably decrease the deviation of existing models.
Corporate Governance Ratings: A Powerful Tool of Corporate Accountability
Authors: Bhasin Madan
Published: February 2016

Under the mounting pressure from the various regulatory bodies and institutional investors, the corporate-sector has been forced to re-evaluate and continuously improve their Corporate Governance (CG) systems. Conscientious boards, nowadays, want to benchmark their companies CG policies against their peers. In fact, CG rating system can provide �useful� indication of the governance environment prevalent in different countries, and across individual companies. Due to the complexity of �specific� CG matters, there is an increasingly felt need for having a �quantitative� evaluation methodology for CG and boards. To that end, some professional rating agencies have recently started offering their services and also providing ranking �scorecards� for a fee.

The ISS, GMI, TCL, S&Ps and Deminor are providing cross-border rating services to companies. Moreover, several countries have developed �CG Scorecards� that fulfills the goals defined by analysts and investors. Even though CG scorecards are not always perfect, but still they are widely accepted by the national and international financial communities. Undoubtedly, such rating systems will provide a useful �benchmark� for the investors, who identify �good� CG with a well-run and wellmanaged company. This article focuses on CG ratings as a powerful tool for evaluating the corporations & board accountability. Let us hope, �systematic� application of these rating systems, across the globe, will prove to be a �safety valve� to control fraud and mismanagement in the long-term.
Understanding Corporate Governance Structural Changes: Case Study of the University of Botswana
Authors: Josiah J. , Motau P. , Othata O.
Published: February 2016

The governance of tertiary academic institutions has remained somewhat a virgin terrain. This paper visits this terrain seeking (using the University of Botswana) to bring to the fore variant traits of governance structures of such institutions. In October 2003, the Council of the University of Botswana appointed a task group to review the University Act, Statutes and governance structures. The task group dully completed the review and submitted a comprehensive report. This paper uses insights from critical theory (Held, 1980) and social construction theory (Berger and Luckman, 1967) to analyse and understand the impetus for changing governance structures and to draw lessons about the impetus for governance structure changes in similar public institutions. The paper uses the report as the primary source of data and adopts grounded theory (Strauss, 1987, Strauss and Corbin, 1994) as methodology for analysing the data and generating understanding. The paper�s conclusions and conjectures are therefore grounded in the data and should be theorized to other situations with caution. The paper concludes that the impetus for change in governance structures can be understood in terms of the perceived changes in the University�s external and internal environments. Developments at societal level led to loss of harmony between the University and its external environment, which further led to internal structures being reviewed and changed. The resulting changes disturbed the Universities internal environment hence the need for further review and changes.
Firm's Attributes and Corporate Governance Disclosure Practices: An Empirical Investigation
Authors: Sareen V.K. , Chander Subhash
Published: February 2016

The foundation of any structure of corporate governance is disclosure. Various committees constituted in different countries, in the wake of major corporate failures, scandals and financial irregularities in different parts of world have resulted in codes of best practices and corporate governance guidelines.

The present paper studies relationship between company attributes and extent of corporate governance disclosures. The study is based on secondary data from 100 selected BSE listed companies. An ‘Index of corporate governance disclosure’ consisting of 85 items was constructed. Linear Regression Equation has been used for each independent Variable separately and Multiple Regression Analysis for all variables done.

Findings exhibit a positive relationship between selected company attributes and extent of corporate governance disclosure. The companies which disclose greater items of corporate governance nature are likely to be(a) Large in size as measured by Share-Holders Funds (b) More profitable as measured by PAT as % of Sales (c) Liberal in distributing profits by issue of bonus shares. (d) Their shares being included in active stocks (A type) listing on Bombay Stock Exchange. The proportion of independent directors in board does not have clear relationship with disclosure practices.
Need For Ethics In Corporate Governance: In Light Of The Scandals And Sarbanes-Oxley Act
Authors: Paul Amrita , Singh Anupam
Published: February 2016

What is Business Ethics? This concept paper is written so as to understand the importance of ethics in corporate governance. In the wake of the many scandals that have taken place worldwide and India, the concern still remains that while we are progressing towards institutionalizing a Code of Ethics for the Corporales, the applicability, the use and the Jar reaching consequences it will have in mitigating any malfeasance in the future is still debatable.

The paper deals with the incentive debate so as to discuss both the Cadbury Committee Report and Sec 406 of the Sarbanes- Oxley. The conclusion that we drmu is the need of having some ground rules when functioning in any jurisdiction. With the firm hands of ethics ill corporate governance, the levels of accountability and transparency will increase. With this ensured, the corporate will follow the path, justice and social responsibility towards their shareholders.
‘Saha Viryam’ – The Excel Way To Balanced Development Through Ethical Governance
Authors: Sivakumar N.
Published: February 2016

Ethical governance is at the foundation of balanced development which focuses on both wealth creation and social responsibility simultaneously. Ethical governance ensures that the vision of the firm is stated in balanced terms and provides the leadership thrust that helps in the successful implementation of the balanced strategy. Corporate governance also helps in building a culture in which every member is motivated to pursue the balanced strategy with zeal.

This paper discusses how the balanced development has been achieved using ethical governance by ‘Excel Industries’ (Excel), a specialty agro-chemicals manufacturer in India. The paper provides an in-depth discussion of how the various governance issues in this company have been integrated to achieve business growth as well as the farmer's life transformation. The paper draws lessons from the case of Excel for understanding the importance of ethical corporate governance in promoting balanced development.
Surveillance of Corporate Governance Compliance through a Prolific Advance
Authors: Prusty Twinkle
Published: February 2016

Globalization has not only significantly heightened business risks, but has also compelled Indian companies to adopt international norms and good governance. Much has been heard, talked and said about the topic of corporate governance, but unfortunately the parameters to judge its practical implementation is still not very clear to many. It is the premise of apprehension for Indian corporates to initiate hard core action so as to evolve and devour corporate governance at a rapid speed for their survival and growth. Corporate governance is an enduring process that requires integrated efforts and in today's exceedingly specialized epoch, it is indispensable to be the specialist to achieve quality. The question arises that whether the compliance of good corporate governance has evolved and espoused with the changing circumstances of the corporate life and customized to meet those circumstances. This whole exercise calls for professional capability, deliberation, commitment of time and focused awareness with unprejudiced approach. Thus, the surfacing of a growing consensus in regard to the compliance of good corporate governance practices imbibed through appropriate reporting in Indian industries, has been studied to explore the vital dimensions of corporate governance standards for getting pledged to the ideology with the underlying effective analysis, that sets to be a way of life and not mere compliance with a set of rules. This paper presents the evaluation of the compliance of corporate governance on the basis of assigning governance scores to the sample companies as per clause 49 of the listing agreement of SEBI Act.
Corporate Governance Disclosure Practices: Do We Proceed Towards Global Convergence
Authors: Mitra Goutam , Saha Siddhartha Sankar
Published: February 2016

Corporate governance is the set of processes, customs, policies, laws and institutions affecting the way a corporation is directed, administered or controlled. It also includes the relationships among many stakeholders involved and the goals for which the corporation is governed. The corporate governance structure specifies the distribution of rights and responsibilities among different participants in the corporation, such as the Board, managers, shareholders and other stakeholders and spells out the rules and procedures for making decisions on corporate affairs. By doing this, it also provides the structure through which the company objectives are set and the means of attaining those objectives and monitoring performance.

In this backdrop, this paper seeks to study global corporate governance disclosure practices with a specific objective to examine as to whether we proceed towards convergence. The paper basically has been divided into six broad sections. While Section I is introductory one, Section II focuses on Origin and Development of Corporate Governance Practices in US, UK and India. Corporate governance disclosure practices at international level are reviewed in Section III & Section IV. Section V makes a study on convergence of corporate governance practices. Finally, the paper makes a conclusion and recommendation of the study in Section VI.
Corporate Governance in Banks: Do Ownership and Board Structure Matter for Banks' Risk Profile and Valuation?
Authors: Carrillo Giovanna , Bathala Chenchuramaiah
Published: February 2016

This study examines the risk profiles and valuation of banks relation in to the differences in corporate governance metrics. It also compares banks with non-banking firms with respect to differences in corporate governance mechanisms and valuation measures. The study finds that institutional ownership and block ownership are much lower for banking relative to non-banking firms, and insider ownership and majority of outside members on boards are slightly higher in non-banking firms. We find that corporate governance mechanisms are not associated with the Z-Score or insolvency risk of banks, while the evidence suggests that institutional ownership is associated with lower risk of insolvency for non-banking firms. The lack of relationship in banks could be explained by the fact that the Z-score is a measure closely monitored by regulators to prevent system instability and to initiate prompt corrective actions before the banks show insolvency signs. The results indicate that regulation is substituting for corporate governance mechanisms in banks.

It is argued that board independence in banks may not be an effective corporate governance mechanism perhaps because outside board members do not fully understand the banking industry characteristics.
Corporate Governance in Banks: A Feeble Wind on their Sail
Authors: Rakshit Debdas , Ghosh Sujit K.
Published: February 2016

The implicit association between firm's success and good corporate governance standards does not find its bold footprint apparently but following corporate collapse the root can easily be traced in the weak corporate governance mechanism. Since April, 2009 the Banks crossed the threshold of Basel II norms wherein corporate governance also receives due acknowledgement in promoting transparency, accountability, and disclosures abiding by the market discipline. A mere report on corporate governance disclosed by the Banks bears no meaning unless its different cells are weighed separately. In this paper the efficacy of Bank's corporate governance practice has been attempted to gauge constructing a disclosure index under different dimensions the Basel II norms carved for banking industry.
Crisis Intervention Strategies When Caring for Families of Children With Cancer
Authors: Hendricks-Ferguson Verna L.
Published: February 2016

A diagnosis of childhood cancer is an unexpected life event that often precipitates a situational crisis for all family members. Required cancer treatments and other ongoing stressors for both child and family will significantly disrupt the family's equilibrium and well-being. An increasingly important role of the pediatric oncology nurse is to facilitate crisis intervention strategies that help families adjust to the psychosocial stresses associated with childhood cancer, yet many nurses have little or no training in crisis theory and/or crisis intervention strategies. This article reviews family crisis theories and outlines crisis intervention strategies that are appropriate for the family of a child with cancer. © 2000 by Association of Pediatric Oncology Nurses
Radiation Somnolence Syndrome
Authors: Ryan Janis
Published: February 2016

Although initially described 7 decades ago, somnolence syndrome remains a poorly understood subacute effect of cranial irradiation. Despite the relatively transient and benign nature of somnolence syndrome, its symptoms can be distressing for children and caregivers. Anticipatory guidance related to radiation-induced somnolence remains a critical nursing intervention. This article reviews what is known about somnolence syndrome, including its causes, symptoms, and management.
Testing the Stress-Response Sequence in Pediatric Oncology Nursing
Authors: Hinds Pamela S.
Published: February 2016

This article summarizes six studies completed at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital on role-related stress experienced by pediatric oncology nurses. Two models, the Environmental Care model and the Stress-Response Sequence (SRS) model, provided the theoretical guidance for these studies. The studies included initial efforts to identify and define role-related stressors, reactions, and consequences; to develop a psychometrically sound instrument to measure role-related stressors; and to test portions of the SRS model. Subsequent studies included a complete testing of the SRS model, an exploratory effort to define role-related meaning, and a testing of the revised SRS model. Findings to date indicate that pediatric oncology nurses experience moderate to high role-related stressors but report notably positive consequences, including high job satisfaction and group cohesion and low intent to leave the setting or the specialty. High levels of role-related meaning seem to sustain the commitment of pediatric oncology nurses in their efforts to deal with role-related stressors. The current study will help to determine if the revised SRS model adequately explains the role-related stress response of pediatric oncology nurses. If it does, the revised model will be used to develop and test interventions designed to increase role-related meaning and effective coping reactions.
Identifying Nursing Research Priorities in a Pediatric Clinical Trials Cooperative Group: The Pediatric Oncology Group Experience
Authors: Fochtman Dianne , Hinds Pamela S.
Published: February 2016

If nurses involved in pediatric oncology clinical trials are to use resources and manpower most effectively, nursing research priorities must be set that meet the nursing care issues of nurses at the bedside. Using a Delphi technique, nurses from the Pediatric Oncology Group (POG) were surveyed in Round 1 to discover patient care concerns or other issues in pediatric oncology nursing related to clinical trials. The 87 research ideas generated were reviewed by a panel of nurse experts, and a total of 57 unique research topics were delineated. These topics were then used for Round 2 of the Delphi study, which identified the top 10 nursing research priorities of the POG nurses participating in the study. © 2000 by Association of Pediatric Oncology Nurses
Pneumocystis carinii Pneumonia: A Problem Revisited
Authors: Kramer Robin Fireman
Published: February 2016

Many children who receive cancer chemotherapy are at increased risk for developing Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP). Despite knowledge of chemoprophylaxis, isolated incidents of PCP still occur. This article reviews the incidence, pathophysiology, clinical course, treatment and prevention of PCP. Case study vignettes exemplify variables contributing to non-compliance with prophylactic measures, as well as suggest areas for nursing intervention.
‘Great markers of culture’: The Australian sport field
Authors: Rowe David
Published: February 2016

In Creative Nation, sport is distinguished by its almost complete absence, except as a competitor for sponsorship with ‘cultural organisations’, and in brief mentions as content for SBS Radio and Aboriginal community radio stations. Sport is not mentioned at all in the 2011 National Cultural Policy Discussion Paper, but in the ensuing policy, Creative Australia, is treated, with art and religion, as one of the ‘great markers of culture’ in which, distinctively, elite professionalism, amateurism and fandom/appreciation happily co-exist. This article reflects on developments in the Australian sport field over the last two decades, highlighting the management of elite-grass roots and public–private funding tensions, and relevant parallels in the arts field. It addresses the pivotal relationship between the sport and broadcast media fields, arguing that sport, as a Bourdieusian ‘field of struggles’, is an under-appreciated domain of national cultural policy in which different forms of capital collide and converge.
The new politics of food: Television and the media/food industries
Authors: Phillipov Michelle
Published: February 2016

The provenance of food and the ethics of food production and consumption are increasingly a focus of media, particularly of television cooking shows. This is the result of complex dynamics of interaction between the media and food industries that are influencing consumer behaviours and business practices. This article offers a preliminary exploration of some of these relationships, focusing on Australian food television. Using two case studies that are arguably at opposite ends of the media/food spectrum – the first focusing on a niche lifestyle programme that advocates for small food producers and the second focusing on the televisual marketing strategies of a major supermarket – the article considers how relationships between media and food industries are not only investing food with new meaning and significance but are also opening up new markets and marketing strategies for food products and experiences.
Novel alginate, chitosan, and psyllium composite fiber for wound-care applications
Authors: Masood Rashid , Hussain Tanveer , Miraftab Mohsen , Ullah Azeem , Ali Raza Zulfiqar , Areeb Tanzeel , Umar Muhammad
Published: February 2016

Alginate/psyllium and alginate/chitosan fibers have great potential for wound-care applications. However, alginate/psyllium fibers have poor tensile strength and alginate/chitosan fibers comparatively have low liquid absorption properties. The main aim was to develop a tri-component fiber with comparatively better tensile strength and liquid absorption properties using three different natural polysaccharides. Alginate, chitosan, and psyllium composite fibers were made by using two different coagulation bath compositions. In method A, psyllium-containing sodium alginate dope solution was extruded into a bath containing CaCl2 and subsequently passed through hydrolyzed chitosan bath, whereas in method B: psyllium-containing sodium alginate dope solution was directly extruded into hydrolyzed chitosan and subsequently passed through CaCl2 bath. The produced fibers were rinsed using 25–100% acetone solutions and dried in air. Tensile, antibacterial, swelling, and absorption properties of these fibers were measured. The study showed that homogeneous fibers can be extruded by using both methods. The fibers produced showed good antibacterial, absorption, and swelling properties. Antibacterial activity of the controlled and composite fibers was more or less the same. However, tensile properties of fibers produced by method A and method B were less than the control alginate–chitosan fibers. The composite fibers produced by method A showed better absorption of saline and solution A than control fiber and composite fibers produced by method B. Therefore, method A is recommended for producing the psyllium-containing alginate chitosan fibers for wound-dressing applications. The fibers produced by this method showed comparable tensile and antibacterial properties, superior absorbency, and swelling properties.
Utilizing Electronic Health Records to Predict Acute Kidney Injury Risk and Outcomes: Workgroup Statements from the 15th ADQI Consensus Conference
Authors: Sutherland Scott M. , Chawla Lakhmir S. , Kane-Gill Sandra L. , Hsu Raymond K. , Kramer Andrew A. , Goldstein Stuart L. , Kellum John A. , Ronco Claudio , Bagshaw Sean M. ,   on behalf of the 15 ADQI Consensus Group
Published: February 2016

The data contained within the electronic health record (EHR) is “big” from the standpoint of volume, velocity, and variety. These circumstances and the pervasive trend towards EHR adoption have sparked interest in applying big data predictive analytic techniques to EHR data. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a condition well suited to prediction and risk forecasting; not only does the consensus definition for AKI allow temporal anchoring of events, but no treatments exist once AKI develops, underscoring the importance of early identification and prevention. The Acute Dialysis Quality Initiative (ADQI) convened a group of key opinion leaders and stakeholders to consider how best to approach AKI research and care in the “Big Data” era. This manuscript addresses the core elements of AKI risk prediction and outlines potential pathways and processes. We describe AKI prediction targets, feature selection, model development, and data display.
Improved estimates of seismic curvature and flexure based on 3D surface rotation in the presence of structure dip
Authors: Di Haibin , Gao Dengliang
Published: February 2016

Fracture characterization is critical to reliable prediction of fractured reservoirs. Fractures formed by folding and/or shearing of reservoir formations, can be detected using seismic curvature and flexure analysis. Previous curvature and flexure analysis methods often have limitations in accuracy and efficiency in the presence of structural dip. We have developed new algorithms for volumetric curvature and flexure analysis based on 3D surface rotation using the local reflector dip to improve the accuracy and efficiency for curvature and flexure analysis in structurally complex settings. Among the various measures of curvature and flexure in 3D space, we have focused on signed maximum curvature and flexure that are considered to be most effective for predicting intensity and orientation of faults and fractures in fractured reservoirs. The application of the algorithms to a 3D seismic survey from Teapot Dome (Wyoming) demonstrated that the new methods help resolve subtle structural details that are otherwise not easily discernible from regular amplitude and conventional attributes, thus enhancing our capability to visualize and understand the structural complexity of fractured reservoirs.
Diurnal Corticosterone Presence and Phase Modulate Clock Gene Expression in the Male Rat Prefrontal Cortex
Authors: Woodruff Elizabeth R. , Chun Lauren E. , Hinds Laura R. , Spencer Robert L.
Published: February 2016

Mood disorders are associated with dysregulation of prefrontal cortex (PFC) function, circadian rhythms, and diurnal glucocorticoid (corticosterone [CORT]) circulation. Entrainment of clock gene expression in some peripheral tissues depends on CORT. In this study, we characterized over the course of the day the mRNA expression pattern of the core clock genes Per1, Per2, and Bmal1 in the male rat PFC and suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) under different diurnal CORT conditions. In experiment 1, rats were left adrenal-intact (sham) or were adrenalectomized (ADX) followed by 10 daily antiphasic (opposite time of day of the endogenous CORT peak) ip injections of either vehicle or 2.5 mg/kg CORT. In experiment 2, all rats received ADX surgery followed by 13 daily injections of vehicle or CORT either antiphasic or in-phase with the endogenous CORT peak. In sham rats clock gene mRNA levels displayed a diurnal pattern of expression in the PFC and the SCN, but the phase differed between the 2 structures. ADX substantially altered clock gene expression patterns in the PFC. This alteration was normalized by in-phase CORT treatment, whereas antiphasic CORT treatment appears to have eliminated a diurnal pattern (Per1 and Bmal1) or dampened/inverted its phase (Per2). There was very little effect of CORT condition on clock gene expression in the SCN. These experiments suggest that an important component of glucocorticoid circadian physiology entails CORT regulation of the molecular clock in the PFC. Consequently, they also point to a possible mechanism that contributes to PFC disrupted function in disorders associated with abnormal CORT circulation.
CHOP Contributes to, But Is Not the Only Mediator of, IAPP Induced β-Cell Apoptosis
Authors: Gurlo T. , Rivera J. F. , Butler A. E. , Cory M. , Hoang J. , Costes S. , Butler Peter C.
Published: February 2016

The islet in type 2 diabetes is characterized by β-cell loss, increased β-cell apoptosis, and islet amyloid derived from islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP). When protein misfolding protective mechanisms are overcome, human IAPP (h-IAPP) forms membrane permeant toxic oligomers that induce β-cell dysfunction and apoptosis. In humans with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and mice transgenic for h-IAPP, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress has been inferred from nuclear translocation of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP), an established mediator of ER stress. To establish whether h-IAPP toxicity is mediated by ER stress, we evaluated diabetes onset and β-cell mass in h-IAPP transgenic (h-TG) mice with and without deletion of CHOP in comparison with wild-type controls. Diabetes was delayed in h-TG CHOP−/− mice, with relatively preserved β-cell mass and decreased β-cell apoptosis. Deletion of CHOP attenuates dysfunction of the autophagy/lysosomal pathway in β-cells of h-TG mice, uncovering a role for CHOP in mediating h-IAPP-induced dysfunction of autophagy. As deletion of CHOP delayed but did not prevent h-IAPP-induced β-cell loss and diabetes, we examined CHOP-independent stress pathways. JNK, a target of the IRE-1pTRAF2 complex, and the Bcl-2 family proapoptotic mediator BIM, a target of ATF4, were comparably activated by h-IAPP expression in the presence and absence of CHOP. Therefore, although these studies affirm that CHOP is a mediator of h-IAPP-induced ER stress, it is not the only one. Therefore, suppression of CHOP alone is unlikely to be a durable therapeutic strategy to protect against h-IAPP toxicity because multiple stress pathways are activated.
Dismantling the Subject: Concepts of the Individual in the Weimar Writings of Siegfried Kracauer and Gottfried Benn
Authors: Craver Harry T.
Published: February 2016

Despite their opposed cultural agendas, the critic and journalist Siegfried Kracauer and the poet Gottfried Benn pursued similar projects of undermining traditional conceptions of the self. Kracauer, a leftist who was never aligned with a party, sought to push aside older notions of individualism that drew on the ideals of personhood and rationality to reformulate the relationship between the individual and the collective. For a brief moment, Benn—the more conservative of the two—appears as a fellow traveler in this project, both in his rejection of the rational self and in his repudiation of doctrinaire visions of the collective. This dimension of Benn's work is what drew Kracauer to engage with him, an engagement attested to by their meeting of early 1932 and by the surprising similarity of their judgments on the work of Sergei Tretjakow and Bertolt Brecht. This sympathy of views demonstrates how the critique of individualism could be mobilized for opposed political agendas. For Kracauer, this meant a redefined subjectivity that would contribute to social critique; for Benn, an acquiescence to National Socialism, which he saw as a form of historical fate.
Quotable Arendt: Toward a Properly Arendtian Account of Forgiveness
Authors: Pagani Karen
Published: February 2016

This article supplements the description of forgiveness in Hannah Arendt's Human Condition with an applied interpretation of love and respect, truth and opinion, and the importance of spectators or moral bystanders, as described in Between Past and Future, On Revolution, Eichmann in Jerusalem: A Report on the Banality of Evil, Men in Dark Times, and The Life of the Mind. Many who discuss her account of forgiveness fail to adequately consider the distinctions and assertions that Arendt makes in her political theory. This article thus challenges a propensity in critical literature on forgiveness to render Arendt's account of the action applicable to ethical systems and outlooks to which it is, in fact, diametrically opposed.
On “Amorbach”
Authors: Gillespie Susan H.
Published: February 2016

In 1966 Theodor W. Adorno devoted an affectionate essay to his recollections of the provincial Frankish village of Amorbach, where he spent summers as a child and to which he returned in later life. Literally and figuratively, the essay centers on the experience and concept of utopia. Adorno's recollection of childhood moments of self-absorbed play preserves the lived experience in a way that forever links present and past and that also holds open a space for the experience of utopia: u-topia, no-place—a realm of imagined borderless freedom. Resonances with Amorbach in Adorno's letters reveal subterranean links to the equally utopic experience of romantic love. The landscape near Amorbach appears again in Negative Dialectics, where its visualization is invoked as the nearest analogue to metaphysical experience. Translated into language, these lived experiences serve as images of memory, happiness, and philosophical need while retaining the ungraspable remainder that, the commentary argues, is a necessary and desirable aspect of every translation. The essay “Amorbach” exemplifies the kind of thinking that Adorno, in the last paragraph of Negative Dialectics, refers to as “in solidarity with metaphysics at the instant of its overthrow.”
Particulate air pollution and impaired lung function
Authors: Paulin Laura , Hansel Nadia
Published: February 2016

Air pollution is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world, particularly in individuals with existing lung disease. Of the most common air pollutants, particulate matter (PM) is associated with an increased risk of exacerbations and respiratory symptoms in individuals with existing lung disease, and to a lesser extent, in those without known respiratory issues. The majority of published research has focused on the effects of PM exposures on symptoms and health care utilization. Fewer studies focus on the impact of PM on objective measurements of pulmonary function. This review will focus on the effects of PM exposure on objective measurements of lung function in both healthy individuals and those with existing lung disease.
Recent Advances in Urinary Tract Reconstruction for Neuropathic Bladder in Children
Authors: Lopes Roberto I. , Lorenzo Armando
Published: February 2016

Neuropathic bladder usually causes several limitations to patients’ quality of life, including urinary incontinence, recurrent urinary tract infections, and upper urinary tract damage. Its management has significantly changed over the last few years. The aim of our paper is to address some salient features of recent literature dealing with reconstructive procedures in pediatric and adolescent patients with lower urinary tract dysfunction.
Developmental gene regulatory networks in sea urchins and what we can learn from them
Authors: Martik Megan L. , Lyons Deirdre C. , McClay David R.
Published: February 2016

Sea urchin embryos begin zygotic transcription shortly after the egg is fertilized.  Throughout the cleavage stages a series of transcription factors are activated and, along with signaling through a number of pathways, at least 15 different cell types are specified by the beginning of gastrulation.  Experimentally, perturbation of contributing transcription factors, signals and receptors and their molecular consequences enabled the assembly of an extensive gene regulatory network model.  That effort, pioneered and led by Eric Davidson and his laboratory, with many additional insights provided by other laboratories, provided the sea urchin community with a valuable resource.  Here we describe the approaches used to enable the assembly of an advanced gene regulatory network model describing molecular diversification during early development.  We then provide examples to show how a relatively advanced authenticated network can be used as a tool for discovery of how diverse developmental mechanisms are controlled and work.